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Genetic mapping of quantitative traits requires genotypic data for large numbers of markers in many individuals. For such studies, the use of large single nucleotide polymorphism ( SNP) genotyping arrays still offers the most cost-effective solution. Herein we report on the design and performance of a SNP genotyping array for Populus trichocarpa (black cottonwood). This genotyping array was designed with SNPs pre-ascertained in 34 wild accessions covering most of the species latitudinal range. We adopted a candidate gene approach to the array design that resulted in the selection of 34 131 SNPs, the majority of which are located in, or within 2 kb of, 3543 candidate genes. A subset of the SNPs on the array (539) was selected based on patterns of variation among the SNP discovery accessions. We show that more than 95% of the loci produce high quality genotypes and that the genotyping error rate for these is likely below 2%. We demonstrate that even among small numbers of samples ( n = 10) from local populations over 84% of loci are polymorphic. We also tested the applicability of the array to other species in the genus and found that the number of polymorphic loci decreases rapidly with genetic distance, with the largest numbers detected in other species in section Tacamahaca. Finally, we provide evidence for the utility of the array to address evolutionary questions such as intraspecific studies of genetic differentiation, species assignment and the detection of natural hybrids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the variation of serum biochemical metabolites during transition period in dairy cows. Blood samples were obtained on days 22 and 8 prepartum and days 7 and 21 postpartum (pp), to determine total protein, albumin, blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, magnesium, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, glucose, triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA). NEFA concentrations during the pre-fresh period had a positive correlation with triglyceride, BHBA, and AST during post-calving days. This finding indicates that NEFA testing during the last days of a dry period is a reliable predictor of fat mobilization and energy status during this transition period. Serum glucose showed no strong correlations with other energy-related metabolites. AST was significantly correlated to triglyceride, BHBA, NEFA, cholesterol, and glucose at day 8 pp. AST also showed significant correlation with triglyceride concentrations at days −8 and +8 relating to parturition. In addition, AST was significantly correlated to BHBA and NEFA at day 21 pp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of retained fetal membranes (RFM) on serum minerals and energy- and protein-related metabolites in dairy cows at a herd with a recent history of fatty liver syndrome. Forty-seven multiparous Holstein cows were selected during transition period. Nine cows had RFM longer than 24 h after calving. Blood samples were obtained on prepartum days 21 and 7 and postpartum days 7 and 21. We used repeated measure procedure ofanova to evaluate the effect of RFM on serum metabolites. Cows with RFM had significantly higher concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids and triglycerides after calving, but had lower concentrations of cholesterol during transition period. The concentrations of serum albumin and blood urea nitrogen were also significantly lower in RFM-affected cows than non-affected ones after parturition. Our results suggested that negative energy balance (NEB) postpartum was associated with RFM in dairy cattle. However, our findings did not reveal a cause and effect relationship with respect to the role of NEB as a possible risk factor for RFM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the value of some haematological and serum biochemical constituents for predicting the survival of diarrhoeic calves. Twenty-four Holstein-breed calves, up to 14 days old, that showed signs of naturally occurring diarrhoea were included in the study. A complete clinical evaluation was performed before treatment. Haematological parameters (haematocrit, fibrinogen and complete blood count) and serum biochemistry including serum albumin, glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, sodium (Na), potassium (K) and chloride (Cl) were measured. The diarrhoeic calves had significantly higher serum concentrations of total protein, BUN, creatinine and K and significantly lower levels of serum glucose and Cl than the control calves. The haematological profile of diarrhoeic calves was significantly different from that of the normal ones. The concentration of K was also significantly higher in diarrhoeic calves that died than in diarrhoeic calves that survived. We assessed the values of haematocrit, BUN, creatinine and K as risk factors for calf diarrhoea survival. The mean of maximum values of these parameters in diarrhoeic calves that survived and the minimum values of dead calves were considered as cutoff points. The results of the present study showed that diarrhoeic calves with BUN levels above 13.07 mmol/l and K concentrations above 5.63 mEq/l were 5.6 and four times more likely to die, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retained placenta (RP) is one of the most important complications in cattle because it affects milk production and reproductive performance. To determine any changes between healthy cows and cows that retained their afterbirth, serum metabolites, haematological parameters and hormonal concentrations were measured 96–48 h prepartum and 24–48 h postpartum in 15 healthy and 15 RP dairy cows. Serum metabolites were not different between the two groups, pre- and postpartum; only Na was marginally lower in RP cows prepartum and albumin was marginally lower in RP cows postpartum. There were also no differences between the two groups prepartum according to blood parameters. Only fibrinogen was significantly higher in RP cows postpartum. Progesterone and cortisol did not differ significantly between the two groups pre- and postpartum but estrogen concentration was significantly lower in the RP group, pre- and postpartum. Progesterone/estrogen ratio was also significantly higher in the RP group prepartum and postpartum. In conclusion, lower estrogen concentrations and higher progesterone/estrogen ratio seem to be the main hormonal changes in RP cows and one time sampling 4 to 2 days before calving can reveal these changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the serum biochemistry of Iranian Turkmen horses, we conducted sampling from 48 clinically normal horses aged between 1.5 and 12 years, and the following results were obtained: albumin (Alb) 43.95±4.48 g/l; total protein (Tp) 73.58±6.1 g/l; globulin (Glo) 2.81±0.65 g/l; A:G 1.66±0.46; glucose (Glu) 4.92±0.63 mmol/l; triglyceride (Tri) 0.26±0.1 mmol/l; cholesterol (Cho) 2.44±0.43 mmol/l; urea (Ure) 6.2±0.98 mmol/l; creatinine (Cre) 119.34±19.45 µmol/l; bilirubin (Bili) 16.07±7.01 µmol/l; aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 269.81±74.40 IU/l; alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 9.92±2.9 IU/l; alkaline phosphatase (AP) 422.7±110.37 IU/l; sodium (Na) 143.75±7.26 mmol/l; potassium (K) 3.84±0.46 mmol/l; chloride (Cl) 89.55±4.17 mmol/l; calcium (Ca) 2.85±0.15 mmol/l; phosphorus (P) 1.16±0.16 mmol/l; magnesium (Mg) 0.81±0.11 mmol/l; iron (Fe) 23.97±7.48 µmol/l. Between age groups, ALT, bilirubin, phosphorus and iron levels showed significant differences, with higher levels in horses aged 3-5 years,>5 years,<3 years and>5 years, respectively (P<0.05). Creatinine was the only parameter that showed significant difference between the genders, with male horses having higher values than female (P<0.05). Marginal difference was also seen between genders for bilirubin levels (P=0.052). Correlations between measured parameters were also determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the iron requirements of ruminants are not well established and most recommendations are estimates, this study was performed to determine whether 150mg/day iron supplementation in neonatal dairy calves (heifer replacement system) fed roughage and concentrates could promote a healthy haematology and iron profile. A total of 40 calves was used in the present study. The animals were divided into two groups (test 20 and control 20). In the test group, oral iron, as ferrous sulphate, was given as a supplement to each calf at a rate of 150 mg/daily for 28 days starting at birth. Sampling was conducted from the jugular vein immediately after birth and 7, 14, 21 and 28 days after birth. The test group had significantly higher levels of haemoglobin (Hb) and haematocrit (PCV) at 14, 21 and 28 days than the control group (P<0.05). Red blood cell (RBC) count was significantly higher in the test group at the 28th day (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in RBC indices between groups. The serum iron (Fe) and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) saturation was significantly higher at the 14th, 21st and 28th days in the test group than in controls (P<0.05). At day 28, the TIBC was significantly less in the test group than in controls (P<0.05). In the test group, the levels of iron and RBC parameters were significantly higher at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days than at first sampling, and at day 28, compared to first sampling, for TIBC saturation (P<0.05). In the control group, the pairedt-test revealed higher levels of Hb at day 28 than at first sampling, and there were lower values for PCV at day 14 and higher values of RBCs at days 21 and 28 (P<0.05). At days 14, 21 and 28, TIBC levels were significantly higher than at first sampling, and TIBC saturation was significantly lower at 14 and 21 days than at first sampling (P<0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An abstract of the article "Evaluation of Levamisole Administration at Dry Food for Controlling Postpartum Bovine Mastitis," by N. Farzaneh, M. Rad, M. Mohri and J. Saadati is presented.

An abstract of the article "Metabolic Profile Test in Iran: Variations of Metabolites Around Parturition at Dairy Cattle," by H.A. Seifi, P. Mirshokraie and N. Farzaneh is presented.