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Endangered cattle breeds with a small population size are increasingly legging behind in competitiveness compared to intensively used cattle breeds with a large population size, especially concerning the use of genomic data and advances in genomic selection. Enhanced usage of genomic marker data can substantially contribute to the preservation of genetic diversity, to improved inbreeding management and breed competitiveness. The present article presents -- with the Black Pied cattle (DSN) as an example -- possibilities and benefits of genotype and sequence data for genetic improvement and improved competitiveness in breeds with a small populations size. Analyses of whole-genome sequence data in DSN showed a high genetic diversity in genomic regions playing a crucial role in immune recognition and disease resistance. So far, breed comparisons on a phenotypic scale have not shown any superiority of DSN for health traits, but reflected good adaption of DSN to grazing (e.g., improved heat tolerance). Although DSN is considered to be one founder breed of high-yielding Holstein Friesian cattle, both breeds differ significantly from each other in analyses of genomic data. Breed specific genomic characteristics in DSN were identified in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and gene analyses for production and functional traits. Hence, we developed a novel SNP chip with breed-specific variants for DSN. This article presents results from GWAS and genomic breeding value estimations when implementing the DSN specific chip. Moreover, we present further approaches for genetic improvement, inbreeding management and maintaining genetic diversity in breeds with a small population size, e.g., including genotypes from other countries or specific cluster analyses to build herd types across national borders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the reintroduction of the turtle species Testudo hermanni hermanni in Tuscany near Grosseto. A scientific study from 2013 examined the demographic structure and genetic variability of a population in southern Tuscany. The study shows that the population consists of native and reintroduced specimens and exhibits high genetic variation. It is emphasized that the genetic composition of the population should be monitored in the long term to ensure its stability and vitality. It is also recommended to avoid uncontrolled relocations in order to preserve the genetic identity of the native population. [Extracted from the article]

Goats were raised in different regions of the world for various purposes including milk and meat production as well as skin and fiber. The number of goats evaluated to be about 2.5 million heads, which represent about 30% of total meat income of Saudi Arabia. Saudi local goat breeds did not receive the required attention about their genetic information, despite their important adaptive characteristics. This study aims to access genetic diversity of some Saudi goat breeds depending on sequence analysis of specific mitochondrial D-loop region. Results showed that the Saudi goats resemble two main groups (1 and 2). Group one, is classified into two subgroups. Subgroup 1a (Saudi goats with accession numbers MG725669, MG725670 and MG725673 of Habsi breed) and Subgroup 1b (Saudi goats with accession numbers MG725674, MG725676 and MG725677 of Harri breed). Lineage A (group one), showed characteristic difference compared to all other studied goat members around the world. The nearest goat to this Lineage is goat accession number (KJ940969). On the other hand, Saudi goats outside this group (group 2) showed high similarity with other sequences of goats obtained from GenBank database, which included in this study. The results of Lineage 2 (group 2) showed no noticed sharp difference with the published GenBank database sequences. Finally, Lineage 1(group one) showed novel results including specific SNPs and one deletion, which is characteristic only to this group. This will give more insights about correlation between sequence, classification and function of these breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In present endeavors, the genetic diversity and Bayesian structure of 88 genotypes of Indian mustard procured from four different centers viz., ICAR-DRMR Bharatpur, ICAR-IARI New Delhi, CCS HAU Hisar and PAU Ludhiana were studied using 59 genomic SSR markers, and their genetic liaison was explored. A total of 209 repeatable alleles were detected by 59 SSR markers in a size range of 50-1000 bp with maximum (7) fragments intensified by BG6, BG32, BG46 and BG71 markers. The average value of PIC and the mean expected heterozygosity (He) value from all the polymorphic primers were 0.49 and 0.56, respectively, which is an indicative of the presence of ample amount of genetic diversity among Indian mustard genotypes. All the 88 genotypes were grouped into four distinct clusters based on Jaccard's dissimilarity coefficients and UNJ (Unweighted Neighbour Joining) methods, however, three subpopulations were predicted by bayesian structure analysis at delK = 3. The PCoA (Principal Coordinate Analysis) revealed 20.95% and 10.85% of variation, respectively, with 31.80% of cumulative variation. The present work indicates the presence of considerable genetic diversity among the Indian mustard genotypes, which could be used in future breeding programmes for developing mustard cultivars and germplasm management purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseuderanthemum palatiferum is a commonly used ornamental plant in Vietnam. It is getting more attention due to its medicinal values. In this study, the genetic composition of 16 P. palatiferum accessions and relatives collected from Vietnam were analyzed using 16 RAPD and ISSR molecular markers. The obtained results show that both RAPD and ISSR produced a high number of polymorphic bands. The similarity coefficient varies among RAPD and ISSR, from 0.53 - 0.95 and 0.32 - 0.91, respectively. Mantel test also shows poor correlation between RAPD and ISSR markers. Both data from RAPD markers or combination of RAPD and ISSR markers could differentiate P. palatiferum from its relatives. The obtained results reveal the large variation in genetic composition of P. palatiferum population in Vietnam. The findings could be beneficial in classification, identification, and conservation efforts of P. palatiferum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pax7 is important for the activation of satellite cells during myogenesis as well as the development of muscle, which can relate to meat quality traits. However, no evidence for this has been reported. In this study, an investigation into the relation between the 31 bp-indel polymorphism of the Pax7 and meat traits was conducted on 355 native Noi broilers. Thus, firstly, three genotypes (EE, EF and FF with frequencies of 0.12, 0.70 and 0.18, respectively) of Noi chickens at this locus were detected based on distinct PCR fragments of agarose gel. Secondly, some traits of meat quality and chemical composition were evaluated on the chicken population. Finally, a correlation analysis among genotypes and the observed traits showed that the 31bp-indel site was significantly associated with (i) the yellowness (b*) at 3h and 48h post-mortem of beast meat, (ii) the redness (a*) at 3h and the yellowness (b*) at 48h post-mortem of thigh meat, and (iii) cooking loss at 48h post-mortem of thigh meat (p=0.05). Furthermore, statistically significant differences in the interaction among genotypes and sex for colour traits and pH of breast or thigh meat at different time points as well as the crude protein of breast meat were found (p=0.05). In conclusion, the 31 bp-indel of PAX7 gene could be considered as a theoretical basis for further research on the application of the PAX7 gene in Noi chicken breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades considerable changes in agricultural practices (especially increased fertilisation, early and increased cutting) have led to the decline of many characteristic grassland species. Formerly widespread species have become rare, and many grassland species are considered to be nowadays threatened and are on Red Lists. The continuous loss of species-rich grassland habitats remains unabated and affects even species that are still relatively widespread and abundant. The associated fragmentation and reduced gene flow will therefore impact the genetic diversity of local populations also of these species. The present study concerns a formerly common grassland species that has experienced a sharp decline in large parts of the study area (Saar-Lor-Lux) within the last decades. Alopecurus rendlei, is an annual grass occurring in fragmented and sometimes very small populations on periodically humid to wet grassland sites with moderate nutrient supply. The aims of the study were to analyse genetic diversity and population genetic structure to study the potential consequences of habitat fragmentation and to determine if there is a relationship between genetic differentiation and geographical distance (IBD pattern). Leaf samples were collected along 25 meter transects and genotyped after DNA extraction using 13 newly designed microsatellite markers. Genetic variation within populations was assessed as NP (private alleles), NAP (alleles per population), NE (effective alleles), HO (observed heterozygosity), uHE (unbiased expected heterozygosity) and FIS (fixation index). Population structure was analysed by principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), AMOVA and STRUCTURE and a Mantel test was performed to analyse the relationship between geographic distance and genetic differentiation. The studied populations showed a high genetic diversity (mean NP = 0.026, NAP = 5.16, NE = 3.17, HO = 0.52, uHE = 0.65) and a weak genetic structure (STRUCTURE analysis). The assumption that at least some effects of genetic drift were already detectable in the studied populations could be confirmed, particularly in the highly isolated and very small population D11 in Germany (uHe = 0.56). Weak genetic differentiation among regions (1%) and a low differentiation of populations within regions (5%) strongly suggest that the populations were only recently fragmented, and that genetic drift remains largely unnoticeable mostly due to very large population sizes. Another non-exclusive explanation for the high genetic diversity and the weak genetic structure could be that there is ongoing gene flow between the extant populations, as shown by the significant isolation by distance pattern. Conservation measures will be necessary to counteract a further decline of A. rendlei and the generally strong species loss in grassland. Ensuring extensive agricultural practices adapted to the species' habitat requirements plays an important role. Likewise, measures to counteract further fragmentation and decline of current population sizes to prevent a reduction of gene flow are needed to assure the long-term conservation of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South-German draft horse is one of the most important draft horses in Europe and counted 1.823 registered mares and 143 licensed stallions in 2018. However, the number of generation-effective animals relevant to breeding was much lower. Therefore, according to BLE (2019), the population is classified as an observation population with limited genetic variability. The aim of this work was therefore to evaluate the population structure using different key figures. The generation interval of the South-German draft horse averaged around 7.4 years, which is below the level for sport horses and suggests a quite low significance of performance of the offspring for mating decisions. In addition, the results suggest a deviation from the assumption of random mating as well as a certain variance in the family size, which was probably mainly due to the selection by the breeders based on unspecified selection criteria. Due to the increasing coancestry within the next generation population, the effective population size of 55 to 318 ideal animals (depending on the method) was well below the number of breeding animals registered in the LVBP e.V. currently. The effective population size is considered to be rather low, indicating a high degree of genetic drift and a progressive loss of allelic variants. An expansion of the genetic variability by suitable breeding experiments therefore seems to be a good possibility for improved adaptability and positive breeding progress of the South-German draft horse population in the next few years. So far, especially the influence of the Noriker horse was important for the South-German draft horse. This was evident from the still high genetic contributions of this breed to the South-German draft horse population. Thus, the founders of the best known lines were Noriker horses, which highlights the common genetic background of the two breeds. Other foreign breeds like English Thoroughbred, Suffolk Punch and Heavy Warmblood had rather low genetic impact on the current South-German draft horse population. They were used for the refinement in recent years. While the influence of the Suffolk Punch has been rather declining, the Heavy Warmblood has seen an increasing trend. This is probably due to a slow change in the application of the South-German draft horse as riding horse. Further refinement with suitable foreign breeds could therefore contribute to avoiding a genetic depletion of the South-German draft horse population, also by increasing the demand for these horses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study deals with the genetic and phenotypic variability of tail length in newborn piglets. The aim of the study was to assess tail length and other body characteristics such as tail diameter, body length, and birth weight. It was found that the tail length of the piglets is influenced by tail shape anomalies and birth weight. There is a high overall variability for tail length, and a direct heritability of 0.306 ± 0.03 was determined. However, breeding for shorter tails is hindered by the low birth weight. Tail anomalies occur in 7.06% of cases and are associated with reduced tail length and number of tail vertebrae. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Pharmacogenetics deals with hereditary factors which influence the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of drugs leading to individual diverse reactions. Also in anesthesiology differences in the pharmacogenetics of patients can lead to relevant alterations in the pharmacodynamics of drugs. Aim: This article provides a summary of polymorphisms relevant to commonly used anesthetic agents and the clinical relevance in patients treated with these compounds. It describes the possibilities, the problems and limits of pharmacogenetic diagnostics and therapy and explains how this follows the target of individualized medicine. Material and methods: This article describes in detail the alterations in pharmacodynamics and pharmakokinetics relevant for anesthesia and their clinical significance. Based on the results of current studies, an overview of the most important drugs in anesthesiology with significant polymorphisms is given. These include opioids, muscle relaxants, volatile anesthetic agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), benzodiazepines, antiemetics and cardiovascular drugs as well as platelet aggregation inhibitors, anticoagulants and the so-called new oral anticoagulants. Results: Genetic alterations can lead to substantial modifications in the effectiveness of drugs. Genetic alterations of opioid receptors and the enzyme cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 can result in a failure of analgesia after administration of opioids. Alterations in plasma cholinesterase activity are associated with a prolonged effectiveness of muscle relaxants. Polymorphisms in ryanodine receptors can contribute to the development of the feared MH in patients after administration of volatile anesthetics or succinylcholine. Conclusion: The study results presented here emphasize that these days knowledge on pharmacogenetics should not be missing in modern induction of anesthesia. In the future a blood sample could enable physicians to identify pharmacologically relevant markers. And these could guide the decision on the prescription of drugs and their appropriate dose, in order to achieve the lowest risk of side effects and the highest effectiveness of the active substance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]