Genetics and Genomics Commons^™

New Alleles In Calpastatin Gene Are Associated With Meat Quality Traits In Pigs, Daniel C. Ciobanu, John W. M. Vleck, S. M. Lonergan, H. Thomsen, J. C. M. Dekkers, G. S. Plastows, M. F. Rothschild

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Suggestive QTL affecting raw firmness scores and average Instron force, tenderness, juiciness, and chewiness on cooked meat were mapped to pig chromosome 2 using a three-generation intercross between Berkshire and Yorkshire pigs. Based on its function and location, the calpastatin (CAST) gene was considered to be a good candidate for the observed effects. Several missense and silent mutations were identified in CAST and haplotypes covering most of the coding region were constructed and used for association analyses with meat quality traits. Results demonstrated that one CAST haplotype was significantly associated with lower Instron force and cooking loss and …

Effects Of Index Selection On The Performance And Carcass Composition Of Sheep Given Foods Of Different Protein Concentrations Ad Libitum., R. M. Lewis, G. C. Emmans, G. Simm

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Sheep of a line selected on an index to increase carcass lean content at 150 days of age (selected (S); no. = 90), and an unselected control line (control (C); no. = 90), were given ad libitum foods of three different protein concentrations (192, 141 and 120 g/kg dry matter). Growth was measured from about 21 to 114 kg live weight. The carcasses of each line were analysed for lean, fat and bone at three widely varying weights in both males and females. Level of protein did not affect the extent to tohidi S was superior to C in the …

Effects Of Two Dried Forages, And A Choice Between Them, On Intake, Growth And Carcass Composition In Lambs Of Two Breeds And Their Cross, R. M. Lewis, J. M. Macfarlane, G. C. Emmans

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The effects of for age type, breed type and sex on lamb growth and carcass composition, and their changes throughout growth, were measured. The three breed types were Scottish Blackface (no. =31), Suffolk (no. =28) and their reciprocal cross (no. =30). The lambs were given ad libitum a pelleted rye grass alone, pelleted lucerne alone or a choice of both. Each lamb was scanned using X-ray computed tomography to measure the weights of fat, lean and bone in the carcass at three proportions of mature body weight (0-30, 0·45 and 0·65). Live weights and food intake data were recorded weekly. …

Predicting Population Gene Frequency From Sample Data, R. M. Lewis, B. Grundy, L. A. Kuehn

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

With an increase in the number of candidate genes for important traits in livestock, effective strategies for incorporating such genes into selection programmes are increasingly important. Those strategies in part depend on the frequency of a favoured allele in a population. Since comprehensive genotyping of a population is seldom possible, we investigate the consequences of sampling strategies on the reliability of the gene frequency estimate for a bi-allelic locus. Even within a subpopulation or line, often only a proportion of individuals will be genotype tested. However, through segregation analysis, probable genotypes can be assigned to individuals that themselves were not …

Soil Characterization Using Textural Features Extracted From Gpr Data, Lameck O. Odhiambo, Robert S. Wright, Ronald E. Yoder

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Soils can be non-intrusively mapped by observing similar patterns within ground-penetrating radar (GPR) profiles. We observed that the intricate and often indiscernible textural variability found within a complex GPR image possesses important parameters that help delineate regions of similar soil characteristics. Therefore, in this study, we examined the feasibility of using textural features extracted from GPR data to automate soil characterizations. The textural features were matched to a "fingerprint" database of previous soil classifications of GPR textural features and the corresponding ground truths of soil conditions. Four textural features (energy, contrast, entropy, and homogeneity) were selected for inputs into a …

Evaluation Of Procedures To Predict Fat-Free Lean In Swine Carcasses, Rodger K. Johnson, E. P. Johnson, R. Goodwin, J. W. Mabry, R. K. Miller, O. W. Robison, H. Sellers, M. D. Tokach

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The objectives were to develop equations for predicting fat-free lean in swine carcasses and to estimate the prediction bias that was due to genetic group, sex, and dietary lysine level. Barrows and gilts (n = 1,024) from four projects conducted by the National Pork Board were evaluated by six procedures, and their carcass fat-free lean was determined. Pigs of 16 genetic groups were fed within weight groups one of four dietary regimens that differed by 0.45% in lysine content and slaughtered at weights between 89 and 163 kg. Variables in equations included carcass weight and measures of backfat depth and …

Effects Of Food Quality On Growth And Carcass Composition In Lambs Of Two Breeds And Their Cross, R. M. Lewis, J. M. Macfarlane, G. Simm, G. C. Emmans

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The effects offood quality, breed type and sex (ram and ewe) on Iamb growth and carcass composition, and their changes throughout growth, were measured. The three breed typeswereScottish Blackface (B; no. = 24), Suffolk (S; no. = 28) and their reciprocal crosses (X; no. 33). The lambs had free access to a nutritionally non-limiting food, H, or a bulky food, L. Each lamb was scanned using X-ray computed tomography to measure the weights offat, lean and bone in the carcass at three degrees of maturity (0·30, 0·45 and 0·65) in live weight. Live weight and food intake data were recorded …

Exogenous Estrogen Boosts Circulating Estradiol Concentrations And Calcium Uptake By Duodenal Tissue In Heat-Stressed Hens, K.K. Hansen, M.M. Beck, S.E. Scheideler, Erin E. Blankenship

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

In the hen, heat stress (HS) disrupts shell calcification and reproductive processes, including hormone synthesis and egg production. Two studies were conducted to investigate palliative effects of exogenous estrogen or dietary vitamin D3 on Ca homeostasis and reproductive physiology during HS. Study 1: Hy-Line W36 hens were randomly assigned to thermoneutral (TN) or HS treatments and to 1 of 7 estrogen treatments: zero (control) or one Compudose 200 implant given 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, or 10 d before onset of HS. With no implant, HS reduced plasma estradiol (E2) and total Ca absorbed (CaT) by duodenal cells (P < 0.05). In TN hens with implants, plasma E2 tripled within 24 h (P < 0.05) and remained elevated (P < 0.05) through d 9. In HS hens with implants, plasma E2 rose 6-fold (P < 0.05) to equal TN+E2 concentrations and remained elevated through d 10. In TN and HS hens with implants, the rate of Ca absorption (CaTR) and CaT increased dramatically; the responses were quadratic and essentially identical. Study 2: Hy-Line W36 hens were provided diets formulated either according to NRC requirements (NRC, 1994), or with the addition of 22,000 IU/kg vitamin D3 (+VD hens). A 24-h HS episode was imposed 2 wk after initiation of the dietary regimen. Duodenal samples were collected for Ca absorption assays after the 24-h HS episode. Both CaTR and CaT in +VD hens were approximately 3-fold higher than in hens in the NVD group (P = 0.102). The results lead to the conclusion that exogenous estrogen, high levels of dietary vitamin D, or both, before a HS episode, are efficacious in alleviating at least some of the effects of HS and should be further investigated.

National Pork Producers Council Maternal Line Genetic Evaluation: A Comparison Of Growth And Carcass Traits In Terminal Progeny, J. D. Cassady, O. W. Berg, Rodger K. Johnson, J. W. Mabry, L. L. Christian, M. D. Tokach, R. K. Miller, R. N. Goodwin

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The objective of this study was to compare growth and carcass traits of 1,252 progeny of six commercially available dam lines included in the National Pork Producers Council Maternal Line Evaluation Project. Lines compared included one maternal line supplied by each of American Diamond Swine Genetics (ADSG), Danbred NA (DB), two lines supplied by Monsanto Choice Genetics (DK and GPK347), Newsham Hybrids (NH), and Landrace × Large White females supplied by the National Swine Registry (NSR). All females were mated to DB, Duroc-Hampshire terminal sires. Traits analyzed were ADG from 56 to 115 kg live weight, days to 115 kg, …

Growth And Carcass Characteristics In Wether Lambs Of A Crossbred Dam Line, A. M. Van Heelsum, R. M. Lewis, M. H. Davies, W. Haresign

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

While crossing of specialized sire and dam breeds can be biologically efficient overall, a by-product is produced in the form of (crossbred) males of the dam line that are unwanted for breeding. In the UK sheep indusiru, most commercial females are first crosses between males of 'longwool' crossing sire breeds, predominantly the Biuefaced Leicester, and females of hill breeds. Genetic improvement of carcass quality in longwool breeds would benefit the surplus F₁males as well asfilter through to tile terminal sire cross lambs produced by the F₁ewes. As afirst step, this paper aims to describe thegrowth and …

The Ability Of The N-Alkane Technique To Estimate Intake And Diet Choice Of Sheep, R. M. Lewis, A. M. Magadlela, N. S. Jessop, G. C. Emmans

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

This study assessed the efficacy of the n-alkane technique to estimate intake and diet composition in animals given single foods or a choice of two. In thefirst experiment intakes of pelleted ryegrassand lucerne, given eitheralone or as a choice, were measured in lambshoused indoors in individual pens. Each of the three feeding treatments was given to 12 lambs at two degrees of maturity (0.30 and 0·45 of estimated mature sizes). The 12 lambs were constituted as three replicates of the two sexes of each of two breeds. The measured intakes werecompared with those estimated using the n-alkanes C31 andC33, found …

Estrogen Receptor-Α Populations Change With Age In Commercial Laying Hens, K.K. Hansen, R.J. Kittok, G. Sarath, C.F. Toombs, N. Caceres, M.M. Beck

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Older hens in production lay larger but fewer eggs than younger birds, and the incidence of soft and broken shells is greater in older hens than younger. These changes are attributable at least in part to changing hormone profiles and diminished ability of the hen to transport calcium at the duodenum. In further exploration of this relationship, a study was conducted with three ages of Hy-Line W-36 birds: prelay pullets (PL; 19 wk, 0% production), peak-production hens (PP; 29 wk, ∼93% production), and late-stage hens (LS; 71 wk, ∼80% production). Hens from the PP and LS groups were palpated for …

Methods And Compositions To Enhance Tenderness And Value Of Meat, Chris R. Calkins, Jesus Pablo Velazco De La Garcia, Nancy Coromoto Jerez-Timaure

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

A method of enhancing the tenderness of meat for animal or human consumption by treatment of pre-rigor muscle with the compositions of the invention. It has been found that other quality meat traits can also be enhanced with the method of the invention.

Rapid Communication: Mapping Of The Beta Tropomyosin (Tpm2) Gene To Pig Chromosome 1, J. Sherwood, Daniel C. Gill, M. F. Rothschild

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Locus. Pig Tropomyosin beta (TPM2) gene.

Genus and Species. Sus Scrofa.

Source and Description of Primers. Primers were derived by using well-conserved regions of published human and mouse sequence (GenBank accession nos. AF209746 and NM_009416). The primers were used to amplify a 1.4-kp fragment of the porcine TPM2 gene covering exons 3 through 8. The porcine cDNA sequence (GenBank accession no. AF420022) showed 95% exonic identity (325 bp) at the nucleotide level to the human skeletal muscle beta tropomyosin (GenBank accession no. X06825). Additionally, pig specific primers were designed to amplify a 246-bp piece that spans exons 3 to …

Rapid Communication: Mapping Of The Ca2+ Atpase Of Fast Twitch 1 Skeletal Muscle Sarcoplasmic Reticulum (Atp2a1) Gene To Porcine Chromosome 3, Daniel C. Ciobanu, Y. Ciobanu, M. F. Rothschild

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Locus Name. Ca²⁺ ATPase of fast twitch 1 skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum.

Species. Sus scrofa.

Locus Symbol. ATP2A1.

Source of Primers. Two sets of PCR primers were designed based on human ATP2A1 sequences (Gen- Bank accession numbers U96773 and U96777) available in the GenBank database. Using pig genomic DNA as a template we used set A primers to amplify approximately 1,100 bp spanning exon 1 to exon 2 and set B primers to amplify 1,200 bp gene segment covering some of exon 8 through part of exon 9. These sequences were deposited in GenBank, accession number AY027797-AY027799.

Application Of Fuzzy-Neural Network In Classification Of Soils Using Ground-Penetrating Radar Imagery, Lameck O. Odhiambo, Robert S. Freeland, Ronald E. Yoder, J. Wesley Hines

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Errors associated with visual inspection and interpretation of radargrams often inhibits the intensive surveying of widespread areas using ground-penetrating radar (GPR). To automate the interpretive process, this paper presents an application of a fuzzy-neural network (F-NN) classifier for unsupervised clustering and classification of soil profile using GPR imagery. The classifier clusters and classifies soil profiles strips along a traverse based on common pattern similarities that can relate to physical features of the soil (e.g., number of horizons; depth, texture and structure of the horizons; and relative arrangement of the horizons, etc). This paper illustrates this classification procedure by its application …

Rapid Communication: Physical And Linkage Mapping Of The Porcine Calcitonin (Calc) Gene, J. E. Neil, S. E. Zhang, J. M. Helm, Daniel C. Ciobanu, M. F. Rothschild

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Genus and Species. Sus scrofa.

Locus. Porcine calcitonin (CALC) gene.

Source and Description of Primers. Primers, CCA1F and CCA1R, were designed from canine calcitonin sequence (GenBank Accession no. AJ271090) to amplify genomic porcine DNA. Using sequence obtained from the amplified PCR product, additional pig-specific primers (CIPBF, CIPBR, CIPCF, CIPCR) were designed.

Primer Sequences. CCA1F: 5′-CAC TTT GGA TTG GCC GCG C-3′; CCA1R: 5′-ACC AGG GCA GCC AGC AGG A-3′; CIPBF: 5′-AAC TTC CCA CTC TGC ACA CT-3′; CIPBR: 5′-AGA CCA AAC TTC AGC AGG AT- 3′; CIPCF: 5′-TTC TCC TTC CTC TGC TTC TG-3′; CIPCR: 5′-GCA AAC CCA ATA …

Genetic Variation In Two Conserved Local Romanian Pig Breeds Using Type 1 Dna Markers, Daniel C. Ciobanu, Andrew E. Lu, Alexandru Nagy, Richard Wales, Max F. Rothschild, Graham S. Plastow

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Analysis of the genetic variation of an endangered population is an important component for the success of conservation. Animals from two local Romanian pig breeds, the Mangalitsa and Bazna, were analyzed for variation at a number of genetic loci using PCR-based DNA tests. Polymorphism was assessed at loci which 1) are known to cause phenotypic variation, 2) are potentially involved in trait differences or 3) are putative candidate genes. The traits considered are disease resistance, growth, coat color, meat quality and prolificacy. Even though the populations are small and the markers are limited to specific genes, we found significant differences …

Rapid Communication: Porcine Vitamin D-25-Hydroxylase Maps To Chromosome 5, Daniel C. Ciobanu, R. K. Raven, M. F. Rothschild, N. H. Bell

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Locus Name. Vitamin D-25-hydroxylase.

Species. Sus scrofa.

Locus Symbol. CYP25.

Source of Primers. PCR primers were designed from the published sequence for porcine vitamin D-25-hydroxylase (CYP25) cDNA (GenBank accession no. Y16417). The position of the forward and reverse primers corresponds to 506 to 530 bp and 830 to 854 bp, respectively, of the cDNA. The primer pair amplified a 348-bp fragment of the cDNA and an 862-bp fragment from the pig genomic DNA. The 862-bp fragment (Gen- Bank accession no. AF284378) was subcloned into a pNoTA vector and identity was confirmed by sequencing. Genomic sequences from 1 to 74, …

Comparison Of Plasma Fsh Concentration In Boars And Gilts From Lines Selected For Ovulation Rate And Embryonal Survival, And Litter Size And Estimation Of (Co)Variance Components For Fsh And Ovulation Rate, J. D. Cassady, Rodger K. Dennison, J. J. Ford

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The objective of this research was to determine whether plasma concentration of FSH was genetically correlated with ovulation rate and thus was a useful trait for indirect selection. Blood samples were collected from 619 animals from five lines of pigs. Line I was selected for increased index of ovulation rate and embryonal survival, and Line C was its randomly selected control. Pigs sampled from Lines I and C were from generations 12 and 13. Pigs from three additional lines that were derived from eighth-generation pigs of Lines I and C also were used. These lines were Line C2, a randomly …

Genetic Relationships Between Visual And Objective Measures Of Carcass Composition In Crossbred Lambs, H. E. Jones, G. Simm, W. S. Dingwall, R. M. Lewis

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The aim of this study was to estimate genetic and phenotypic (coroariances between objective measures and carcass visual scores, as a test of the potential value afvisual scores in selection programmes to improve carcass composition in crossbred lambs. In each of 1986, 1987 and 1988, 22 Suffolk rams were chosen with either high or low scores on an index designed to increase lean growth rate. These rams were joined with 18 to20 crossbred ewes each and theirlambs were grov.J11 on grass to one of three target live weights (35·5, 41·5 and 47·0 kg) for slaughter. The carcasses of 1881 lambs …

Consequences Of Differing Wool Growth Rates On Staple Strength Of Merino Wethers With Divergent Staple Strengths, A. C. Schlink, G. Mata, R. M. Lewis

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of dietary protein intake after a period of weight loss on the wool components of staple strength for sheep with a history of low or high staple strength (18.0 vs 34 Nlktex). After being fed to lose 15% of their liveweight over 10 weeks, sheep within each staple strength group were assigned in equal numbers to either a low or high protein diet designed to re-gain initialliveweight in 8 weeks. Liveweight, feed intakes and the growth, fibre diameter and fibre length characteristics of wool were measured at regular intervals. After the weight …

Relationships Between In Situ Protein Degradability And Grass Developmental Morphology, R. B. Mitchell, D. D. Redfearn, Lowell E. Moser, R. J. Grant, K. J. Moore, B. H. Kirch

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

The objective of this research was to determine the relationships between the morphological development and in situ ruminally degradable protein (RDP), ruminally undegradable protein (RUP), and microbial protein of two cool season grasses (intermediate wheatgrass and smooth bromegrass) and two warm season grasses (switchgrass and big bluestem). The initial growth of grass tillers grown near Mead, Nebraska was clipped at ground level six times during the 1992 growing season and morphologically classified. Mean stage was calculated. Forage was ground to pass a 2-mm screen and was incubated in ruminally fistulated steers for 16 h. The RUP was adjusted for microbial …

Breeding For Improved Feed Conversion Efficiency, Alan Lymbery

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Alan Lymbery reports on a trial that has started at Vasse Research Atation to investigate the impact of genetic improvement on feed conversion efficiency on costs of production.

Ewe Fertility In The Star Accelerated Lambing System, R. M. Lewis, D. R. Notter, D. E. Hogue, B. H. Magee

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Effects of environmental factors such as ewe age, season of exposure, and time from lambing to exposure on fertility were evaluated using records on 1,084 Dorset ewes in the STAR accelerated lambing system. The STAR program consisted of five 30-d concurrent breeding and lambing periods per year beginning on January 1, March 15, May 27, August 8, and October 20. Fertility in the flock changed in a cyclic and predictable fashion during the year. Changes in prolificacy were less consistent but also tended to show cyclic variation. Matings that occurred within the typical breeding season (August, October, and January) were …

The Wokalup Beef Cattle Selection Experiment, Alan Lymbery, Mick Carrick, Patrick Donnelly

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The aim of the Department of Agriculture's long-term beef cattle selection experiment at Wokalup is to examine the effects of selection for faster-growing cattle on biological traits that may influence the productivity of a commercial beef herd. Selection lines were established from Hereford and multibreed cattle in 1977. Twelve years of selection have produced an increase in growth rate to weaning of about 120 g per day in both lines. About 40 per cent of this increase is the result of permanent genetic improvement.

We plan to compare these characteristics in cattle from the selection lines with cattle that have …

Adjustment Factors For 120-Day Weaning Weight In Rambouullet Range Lambs, R. M. Lewis, M. Shelton, J. O. Sanders, D. R. Notter, W. R. Pirie, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Additive and multiplicative environmental adjustments for effects of dam age, lamb sex and birth-rearing type on 120-d weight were derived using data from 819 Rambouillet range lambs. The relationship between mean and variance within environmental effect classes was one criterion for evaluating suitability of adjustment methods. Among lamb sexes and birth-rearing types, larger means were associated with greater variability (P < .01). Variances became homogeneous (P > .10) when data were expressed on a logarithmic scale, suggesting that multiplicative adjustments for these effects are needed. Because variances were homogeneous with respect to dam age (P > .50), additive adjustment factors are suggested for this effect. Validation of a …

Relationship Between Herd Management Practices In The Midwest On Milk And Fat Yield, Jeffrey F. Keown

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

A dairy management survey was conducted in fall 1985 and spring 1986 in the nine-state area served by the Midstates Dairy Records Processing Center in Ames, IA. The questionnaire, consisting of 57 questions with 254 possible choices, was used to survey dairy producers on DHI testing in Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota. The questions covered housing pactices, milking equipment and practices, feeding regimens, calf rearing and feeding, feed additives, various management categories, and artificial insemination usage. The survey responses were merged with the 1985 year end rolling herd production averages from the processing …

Heterosis And Breed Effects In Swine, R. K. Johnson

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

An objective of the NC-103 regional swine breeding project is to evaluate inter-population and intra-population performance of domestic and exotic strains of swine. Several cooperating stations have conducted experiments relative to this objective. Projects were not exact replicates, but sufficient overlap allowed combining the information to yield more precise estimates of heterosis and breed effects than was possible from the analyses of data from any single experiment. This publication summarizes data available from NC-103 cooperating stations on breed and heterosis effects in swine. An extensive crossbreeding experiment has been conducted and results published by Canadian researchers Fahmy and Bernard, 1971 …

Effect Of Graded Levels Of Bambermycins On Turkey Growth Performance, R.J. Grant, P.E. Waibel, T.W. Sullivan, C.L. Quarles

Department of Animal Science: Faculty Publications

Three experiments were conducted in Minnesota, Nebraska, and Colorado to determine the effect on turkey performance of feeding graded levels of bambermycins (Flavomycin ®1) from one day of age to market weight. The body weight and feed efficiency values are averages for 22-week-old males and 18-week-old females. Bambermycins produced significant (P<.001; P<.05) improvements in body weight or feed efficiency in all three experiments. Composite average body weights at 0, 1.1, 2.2, and 4.4 mg bambermycins/kg diet were 10.40, 10.54, 10.59, and 10.64 kg, respectively. Overall, average feed efficiencies from bambermycins at 0, 1.1, 2.2, and 4.4 mg/kg of diet were 2.76, 2.73, 2.72, and 2.71, respectively.