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The aim of this research was to estimate the effects of grading up of Gentile di Puglia with Ile de France on carcass traits and the composition of cuts in lambs slaughtered at 35 and 54 days of age. Data was collected on 223 lambs of both sexes, single birth, belonging to the genetic types Ile de France (IF), Gentile di Puglia (GP) and the result of grading up of the latter with Ile de France rams (F1 and F2). About half of the subjects were fed with maternal milk (natural feeding) while the others were fed on a milk replacer (artificial feeding). The lambs of both groups were randomly allocated in two slaughter age subgroups: 35 and 56 days. The results of statistical analysis showed that the considered factors of variation significantly influences the weight of the carcass, the percentage of cuts and their composition. Most of the variation was due to the age and to the feeding system. The F2 lambs on average had the heaviest carcass and sides, the GP had the highest percentage of fore quarter while the IF had the highest percentage of back quarter. Furthermore F1 lambs did not show any heterotic effect compared with both parental breeds, while F2 breeds showed better performance. The carcass of the males resulted heavier than the females, with a lower percentage of dissectible fat at the neck, brisket, shoulder and leg and a higher percentage of meat in the shoulder cut. The lambs slaughtered at 35 days of age showed a higher incidence of kidney, shoulder and leg weight, while at 56 days furnished a higher percentage of kidney fat, brisket and loin weight. The artificially fed lambs furnished a lighter carcass and neck and shoulder cuts than naturally fed lambs, less kidney fat and a higher percentage of kidney, rib and loin weight. The employment of artificial feeding permitted a higher percentage of lean and less dissectible fat as well as a higher lean/bone ratio. These results show that Ile de France rams crossbreed with Gentile di Puglia determine good productive performance if the lambs derive from the F2 crossbreed and are artificially fed and slaughtered at 56 days of age.

One indigenous water buffalo population to Anatolia was characterised with 11 cattle autosomal microsatellite loci. A set of 4 cattle microsatellite loci was found to be polymorphic in the Anatolian buffalo genome. Genotyping of these polymorphic microsatellite loci revealed alleles ranging from 3 to 9. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.550 to 0.775 and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.494 to 0.815. The FIS value within each locus, changed from –0.101 to 0.205. Total FIS was 0.043 indicating that Anatolian water buffalo population samples seemed to be in Hardy- Weinberg expectation.

This study was performed on 21,622 lactation of Mediterranean Italian dairy buffalo recorded by AIA with ICAR standard from 1992 to 1996 in Caserta province. The extending of lactation was performed using integrative methods (Pilla et al., 1979), taking into account the effect of lactation number per day, calving order and month of calving. The results showed that the obtained coefficient was able to extending the lactation at 270 days with good approximation also beginning from a part –lactation of 90 days. In this case, the correlation coefficient between real and estimate milk yield varied from 0.91 to 0.93 in the considered groups. Moreover, the percentage of difference between real and estimated average milk yield is not over 5%.

The study was carried out on 86 ‘Cilentana’ goats, distributed in four herds. Milk samples were collected during morning and evening milking, and pH, dry matter, fat, protein and lactose percentage as well as the lactodynamometric profile were detected to determine enzymatic phase duration, coagulation speed and curd consistency. Polymorphism of the s1-casein protein was detected. Four alleles (designated A, B, E and F) and nine genotypes were detected. The association of these nine genotypes with chemical composition and lactodynamometric characteristics was investigated. The BF genotype was the most frequent (35.5 %), followed by EE (15.1 %) and AF and BB (10.4%). The F allele showed the highest frequency and it negatively influenced cheesemaking as it was associated with a low s1-casein content. Goats with the AB genotype produced milk with higher dry matter, protein and fat content compared with the FF genotype. Moreover, milk from the AB genotype has a lower enzymatic phase duration and a higher coagulation speed than the BB genotype. Curd consistency is higher for milk from the AA genotype, when compared with the EF genotype. All the chemical and lactodynamometric characteristics varied with herd and months of control; furthermore, the milk obtained from morning milking showed better coagulation properties.

Summary The genetic identification of the population of origin of individuals, including animals, has several practical applications in forensics, evolution, conservation genetics, breeding and authentication of animal products. Commercial high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping tools that have been recently developed in many species provide information from a large number of polymorphic sites that can be used to identify population-/breed-informative markers. In this study, starting from Illumina BovineSNP50 v1 BeadChip array genotyping data available from 3711 cattle of four breeds (2091 Italian Holstein, 738 Italian Brown, 475 Italian Simmental and 407 Marchigiana), principal component analysis (PCA) and random forests (RFs) were combined to identify informative SNP panels useful for cattle breed identification. From a PCA preselected list of 580 SNPs, RFs were computed using ranking methods (Mean Decrease in the Gini Index and Mean Accuracy Decrease) to identify the most informative 48 and 96 SNPs for breed assignment. The out-of-bag (OOB) error rate for both ranking methods and SNP densities ranged from 0.0 to 0.1% in the reference population. Application of this approach in a test population (10% of individuals pre-extracted from the whole data set) achieved 100% of correct assignment with both classifiers. Linkage disequilibrium between selected SNPs was relevant (r2 > 0.6) only in few pairs of markers indicating that most of the selected SNPs captured different fractions of variance. Several informative SNPs were in genes/QTL regions that affect or are associated with phenotypes or production traits that might differentiate the investigated breeds. The combination of PCA and RF to perform SNP selection and breed assignment can be easily implemented and is able to identify subsets of informative SNPs useful for population assignment starting from a large number of markers derived by high-throughput genotyping platforms.

Summary Constitutive heterochromatin (HC = C-banding) distribution was studied in pig (Sus 5crofa) chromosomes from 20 animals belonging to Cinta Senese and Calabrese breeds raised in southern Italy. The use of CBG-banding, sequential GBG/CBA-banding and sequential GBGA/g- NOR/CBA-banding techniques allowed more detailed characterization of C-banding patterns in pig chromosomes (SSC). The following features were noticed: (a) all autosomes and the X-chromosome showed centromeric C-positive bands; (b) the entire q-arm and proximal part of the p-arm y chromosome were C-positive: (c) clear interstitial C-positive bands were noticed in SSC1q17, SSC3p14 and SSC16q21; (d) the nucleolus organizer (NO) chromosome 10 showed two distinct HC-blocks very far apart in both arms with large, polymorphic (different size) NORs between the chromosome pair, while NO-chromosome 8 showed only one C-positive band (the smallest) in the q-arms; (e) C-band polymorphism was observed between and within chromosome pairs also in relat...

SUMMARYBiological diversity is the main measure of genetic evolution; it links to the state of genetic polymorphism as influenced by envirornmental changes and modulates the speed of transferring genetic information. The authors concentrate in this note on the importance of the contribution of indigenous animal genetic resources when addressing the complex and economically most important problem of the intrinsic quality of products of animal origin, with special reference to regional/local specificity.

SUMMARYAfter a rapid review of the sociocultural aspects justifying that rare breeds be protected, of the aim of a conservation programme. and of the possible strategies, this paper describes in details the activities implemented at the National Centre for the preservation of germplasm of animals at risk of extinction, at Circello, in the south of Italy. In this centre, established on 310 ha, are presently raised 281 animals of more than 30 different breeds, among which 11 cattle breeds, 7 sheep breeds and 10 goat breeds. Activities of the centre include preservation, description, multiplication, improvement and use of the breeds at risk. Collaboration with other insttitutions within the Mediterranean region are listed.

Convegno CNR - Progetto finalizzato Biotecnologie Genova

The present study was carried out in order to set up a standardized quantitative assay for spontaneous micronuclei in bovine lymphocytes. For this purpose the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (MN) method, originally proposed by Fenech and Morley (1985) for human lymphocytes, was applied to peripheral blood lymphocytes of 20 healthy cows of Italian Friesian breed. The results demonstrate that the optimal concentration of cytochalasin B to obtain the highest frequency of binucleated cells (mean = 400.26 +/- 23.76/1000 cells scored) was 6 micrograms/ml. The baseline frequency of spontaneous MN formation in 500 binucleated cells was 12.3 +/- 4.1, i.e., 3 times higher than that reported in human lymphocytes (Fenech and Morley, 1985; Scarfi et al., 1991). The possible reason(s) for this difference (sensitivity to cytochalasin B, chromosome number, environmental genotoxic pollutants) is discussed.

The aim of this study was to evidence possible differences among 7 AGTs [Agerolese (AG), Burlina (BU), Bianca Val Padana (BVP), Garfagnina (GAR), Modicana (MOD), Reggiana (RE) and Varzese-Ottonese-Tortonese (VOT)] in the value of kinetic parameters of the sperm cell estimated after a variable period of cryoconservation in liquid nitro-gen; totally, the research was carried on 46 bulls distributed according to genetic type as follows: 14 AG, BU, BVP, GAR, 2 MOD, 8 RE and 2 VOT. A total of 235 analyses were performed with a mean of 5 for bull. The meaning of the parameters were explained in the note 1. The values of the parameters furnished by the IVOS were corrected for the age of the bull at collection and for the cryoconservation period. The significance of the differences among the estimated means was tested by Student’s t test. The results, valid within the limits of the observation field, evidenced the significance (P > 0.05÷P > 0.001) among genetic types for the following parameters: (a) VAP ...

The research was carried out with the aim to underline possible differences among 5 AGTs [Agerolese (AG), Burlina (BU), Bianca Val Padana (BVP), Garfagnina (GAR) and Reggiana (RE] in the comparison among the values of some kinetic parameters of the sperm liquid analyzed at collection and after a variable cryoconservation period in liquid nitrogen; totally, 18 bulls were examined distributed for genetic type as follows: 6 AG, 3 BU, 3 BVP, 2 GAR and 4 RE. The meaning of the parameters were explained in the note 1.The values of the parameters furnished by the IVOS were corrected for the age of the bull at collection and for cryoconservation period and then compared within the bull. The results were analyzed according to the following model:Yij = µ + TGAi + Tj + TGA*Tij + eij where: µ = constant common to all the observations (general average); TGAi = fixed effect common to all the observations related to the ith autochtonous genetic type (n = 1,2,3,4,5); Tj = fixed effect common to all the observatio...

R-banded prometaphase karyotypes of the goat are presented using both fluorescent and light staining techniques. A model for the standardization of the R-banded prometaphase goat karyotype is suggested.

The study was carried out on 13 muscles (Table 1) of water buffalo (Italian) and bovine (Italian Fviesian) calves raised under the same micro- environmental conditions and slaughtered at 20, 28 and 36 weeks of age (Table 2). The rheological (hardness, chewiness and water holding capacity, (WHO), chemical, (dry matter, protein, fat and ash) and colour variables (brightness and spectrophotometric curves) have been evaluated on raw meat. The more significant results were: 1) The muscle confirms its marked individuality by determining independently from age and species all the studied variables. 2) Age is determinant in varying the organoleptic characteristics — at 36 weeks the meat is harder, darker, fatter (positive variation in relation to palatability), requires more chewing energy and has more WHC (positive variation) than at 20 and 28 weeks. 3) The organoleptic characteristics of the meat of the two species vary in a similar way according to the slaughter age. 4) Within the age and considering the qualitative variables all together, the buffalo calves seem superior to the bovine and provide more uniform carcasses. 5) At this stage it seems opportune to integrate these results with breeding, slaughtering and cutting data, and to complete the slaughtering ages at 44 and 52 weeks. 6) The results confirm the usefulness of techniques employed for evaluation of organoleptic characteristics of meat in view of its technology, marketing and genetic improvement.

The eating quality of seasoned hams from eight pig genetic types was evaluated using a sensory panel. The results showed that the factors examined (genetic type, sex, ham weight category and panellist) had significant effects on the organoleptic characteristics of the ham. The effects of sex and ham weight on meat quality varied between genetic types. It was concluded that the production standards for ‘Modena’ and ‘Parma’ hams should be re-examined in light of these results to ensure a quality seasoned ham from the genetic types of pig that are in use.

G,Q and R-banding pattern comparisons between the Murrah type of Bubalus bubalis L. (2n = 50) and the Holstein Friesian breed of Bos taurus L. (2n = 60) chromosomes revealed that the autosomes are similar in both species; in the former, the five pairs of submetacentrics correspond to centric fusions of chromosomes 1-29, 2-22, 8-19, 5-28 and 16-25 in the latter. Silver staining on somatic cells of buffalo revealed telomeric Ag-NORs located on six pairs of autosomes, identified as 3p, 4p, 8, 21, 23 and 24. Only one pair of nucleolus organizer chromosomes is common to both species, namely the 4p of buffalo which corresponds to the 28 of cattle. The remaining NORs are located on different pairs. Out of 18 individuals, the number of Ag-NORs per cell varied between 3 and 10, with a mean value of 6.3 ± 1.7; the mean number of nucleolar associations per cell was between 0.1 and 1.8. In the total population of 317 cells the two variables followed the binomial and the Poisson distributions, respectively, and their correlation coefficient was not statistically significant (r = +0.36). In addition to the mean number of Ag-NORs, the mean number of nucleolar associations per cell should be used for a better understanding of the differences among individuals.

High rates of structural chromosome aberrations were associated with increased yields of sister chromatid exchanges (SCE) in metaphase chromosomes of a new born female calf affected by a congenital malformation. The frequency of abnormal cells was 25 per cent in the abnormal calf, 8 per cent in its dam and 3 per cent in a group of four healthy cows. Chromatid and chromosome breaks were the most frequent types of chromosome aberration found in the malformed calf; centric fusions, chromosome fragments and deletions were much less common. The mean rate of SCE/cell in the malformed calf was nearly twice that of the control and the difference was statistically significant. Possible factors involved in the occurrence of such a malformation are discussed.

In relazione alle frazioni dell'intervallo interparto e stata studiata l'efficienza riproduttiva nelle vacche (445 soggetti) di razza Frisona italiana, allevate in una grande azienda del Salernitano (Italia), come numero di inseminazioni per concepimento, come percentuale degli aborti sul totale di essi e sui concepimenti, e come lunghezza del periodo dal concepimento all'aborto.

Calcium Release Channel (CRC) is a “candidate DNA segment encoding protein (gene)” of high interest for pork quality. It maps on the short arm of chromosome 6 and has two allelic forms: N (normal dominant allele) and n [mutated recessive allele, also known as “halothane sensitivity” allele (Haln)]. Haln is due to a point mutation (SNP, single nucleotide polymorphism) which consists in the transition of a thymine nucleotide base for a cytosine at position 1843 in the 134 bp exon, responsible for the synthesis of a protein containing a substitution of an “arginine” for a “cysteine” at position 615; in the muscle fiber this substitution induces anomalies in the calcium flow regulation at sarcoplasmic reticulum level (ionic calcium deregulation). This deregulation in pig species is manifested as PSS (Porcine Stress Syndrome). Meat of PSS animals displays PSE (Pale Soft Exudative) myopathy, which makes meat less acceptable to consumer and poorly suitable to transformation in products of a good quality. The individuation of the point mutation allowed to set up a fast and efficient “genetic prophylaxis” test based on the genotype determination at CRC locus in order to detect heterozygous carriers of mutated allele and their incidence. In fact, the halothane test does not distinguish between the heterozygous (Nn) and homozygous normal (NN) animals, because both of these genotypes are non reactive. Furthermore, some nn subjects are halothane negative due to incomplete penetrance. In order to individuate the possible presence of mutated allele within Casertana (CT) and Calabrese (CA) AAGTs, a genetic screening was performed on 110 subjects of CT AAGT and 40 CA AAGT pigs, reared at ConSDABI experimental farm, using PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction Restriction Fragment Lenght Polymorphisms) method (Russo et al., 1993). The results showed that all Casertana AAGT pigs were NN (100%) while in AAGT Calabrese the frequencies of NN and Nn genotypes were 75% and 25% respectively. No nn genotype was found in the tested animals. It is opportune to specify that familiar relationships exist between Calabrese subjects, due to the reduced consistency of pig population. These results, valid within the observation field, confirm what found in a previous research (Matassino et al., 2000), in which Casertana was different from Calabrese and Nero Siciliano AAGTs for genotypic frequencies values: NN: 100,0% vs 65,5% vs 93,9%

The aim of the present research was to characterize two pig ancient autochthonous genetic types (AAGT) [Casertana (CT) and Calabrese (CA)] at H-FABP (Heart- Fatty Acid Binding Protein) loci as well as to evaluate the associations of qualitative and quantitative meat traits. H-FABP is a candidate DNA segment coding protein (gene) for intramuscular fat depot (IMF). The identification of haplotypes suitable for IMF may represent a valid tool for molecular assisted selection (MAS) to improve meat qualitative traits functional to human well being and welfare. Genotyping was performed on 150 pigs (100 CT and 50 CA) reared at ConSDABI Experimental Farm by PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction – Restriction Fragment Lenght Polymorphism) method. Three diallelic point mutations were investigated: one located in a 700 bp sequence in the 5’upstream region (HinfI restriction site) and two in a 850 bp sequence, about 300 bp apart, located in intron 2 (HaeIII and MspI restriction sites, respectively) of the H-FABP DNA segment; in total, these mutations map in a region of about 7.000 bp and may define a three locus haplotype. Some qualitative characteristics (colour and rheological traits) were detected on Psoas Major, Longissimus dorsi, Caput longum tricipitis brachii and Supraspinatus muscles of 59 CT and 50 CA. Experimental data were analyzed using carcass weight as covariate (SAS package) and the significance of comparisons between the estimated mean values was tested by Student’s t test. 27 possible haplotypes taking into account the diallelic polymorphism of each locus were calculated. The results, in the limits of the observation field, showed some haplotypes ‘AAGT- exclusive’ [3 in Casertana (HHDdAA; HHDDAa; HHddaa) and 2 in Calabrese (hhddAA; hhddaa)] and a different incidence of the common haplotypes: in CT the most frequent was HHddAa (38%) while in CA was HhddAa (22%). The relation between genetic structure of H-FABP loci and quanti-qualitative characteristics of meat evidenced the association between H-FABP loci and fatty traits. CA carriers of HhddAa haplotype evidenced a significant higher backfat weight (19.11 kg) in comparison with carriers of HHddaa haplotype which showed the lower fatness (6.35 kg); furthermore, the former haplotype also affected the fatness in other cuts (jowl and belly). Animals with the hhddAA haplotype evidenced a higher thickness of backfat at shoulder level (79.41 mm), while HhddAa showed the lowest value in the Calabrese AAGT. A different chromatic behavior of meat was observed in relation to both muscle type and haplotype. In Casertana, meat of HHDdAA carriers was lighter as consequence of the highest lightness value (43.44; P