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Climate change and heat stress pose significant challenges to livestock. Local breeds, particularly small ruminants, are gaining importance due to their adaptability to harsh climates. However, the extensive system they are commonly reared in leaves them exposed to the effects of climate change. This study aims to describe the distribution and climate-related challenges faced by registered Italian sheep and goat breeds over the past seven decades. Geolocalized data from all registered small ruminant farms were combined with climatic information retrieved from the “ERA-5-Land hourly data from 1950 to present” dataset. These data were used to calculate average daily temperature, temperature humidity index (THI), and total precipitation during summer. Additionally, THI-based heat waves (HWs) were examined, including the yearly number of HW days and mean THI during HW days. These data were analysed through linear regression models including region or breed, year, and their interaction as fixed factors. The climate data indicate a concerning trend of rising summer temperatures, THI, and HW frequency and intensity, particularly over the past three decades. Central-northern Italy, including the Po Valley and the Alpine Arch, is the most affected region, impacting breeds like Rosset and Brogne sheep, and Lariana and Frisa Valtellinese goats. This is of particular concern because these populations have not been selected for hot climates, and their already small population size exacerbates the problem. Conversely, southern Italy, characterized by hotter and drier temperatures, remained relatively stable. Breeds from this region, such as Girgentana and Nicastrese goats and Nera di Arbus sheep, might represent excellent case studies for climatic adaptation and potential resources for selection for resilience in the face of ongoing climate changes. The findings presented here are essential for the development of monitoring and intervention strategies for breeds facing future vulnerabilities, as well as for designing experiments to explore environmental adaptability in small ruminants.

Nowadays, several countries are developing or adopting genomic selection in the dairy goat sector. The most used method to estimate breeding values is Single-Step Genomic Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (ssGBLUP) which offers several advantages in terms of computational process and accuracy of the estimated breeding values (EBVs). Saanen and Alpine are the predominant dairy goat breeds in Italy, and both have similar breeding programs where EBVs for productive traits are currently calculated using BLUP. This work describes the implementation of genomic selection for these two breeds in Italy, aligning with the selection practices already carried out in the international landscape. The available dataset included 3 611 genotyped animals, 11 470 lactation records, five traits (milk, protein and fat yields, and fat and protein percentages), and three-generation pedigrees. EBVs were estimated using BLUP, GBLUP, and ssGBLUP both with single and multiple trait approaches. The methods were compared in terms of correlation between EBVs and genetic trends. Results were also validated with the linear regression method excluding part of the phenotypic data. In both breeds, EBVs and GEBVs were strongly correlated and the trend of each trait was similar comparing the three methods. The average increase in accuracy across traits and methods amounted to +13 and +10% from BLUP to ssGBLUP for Alpine and Saanen breeds, respectively. Results indicated higher prediction accuracy and correlation for GBLUP and ssGBLUP compared to BLUP, implying that the use of genotypes increases the accuracy of EBVs, particularly in the absence of phenotypic data. Therefore, ssGBLUP is likely to be the most effective method to enhance genetic gain in Italian Saanen and Alpine goats.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of different stages of lactation (0 to > 300 d) and pregnancy (0 to > 180 d) on serum amyloid A (SAA), C-reactive protein (CRP), glucose, total cholesterol (TCho), and triglyceride (TG) concentrations in dairy cows of different breeds. Thus, 40 healthy multiparous cows (10 Holstein, 10 Simmental, 10 Brown, and 10 Modicana) were randomly selected, and blood samples were collected once every 60 d for 1 year. Overall, SAA and CRP serum concentrations progressively increased and became more variable along the lactation, peaking at > 240–300 d, and then decreased in the last period (> 300 d). Along pregnancy, SAA and CRP initially increased, with the highest concentrations at > 60–120 d, and then decreased until the last phase of pregnancy (> 180 d). However, lactation and gestation phases did not significantly affect SAA and CRP when all the cows were analyzed together. A significant and positive correlation was observed between SAA and CRP both along lactation (r=0.89; p<0.0001) and pregnancy (r=0.91; p<0.0001). Breeds only showed differences in CRP levels along gestation (p=0.0102), due to a peak registered at 0–60 d in Holstein cows. In pregnant cows, glucose was positively correlated with SAA (r=0.43; p=0.0017) and CRP (r=0.42; p=0.0019). Hence, these significant and positive relationships reflect the physiological adaptations of the dairy cows along both gestational and lactational dynamics, suggesting that these proteins may also be involved in non-pathological processes. In this perspective, this study established that the obtained response markedly varies among healthy individuals along lactation and gestation and thus that the physiological range of acute-phase proteins (APPs) is wide; this makes it difficult to use these proteins as a marker of different physiological reproductive and productive periods.

Abstract Background Climate and farming systems, several of which are considered as low-input agricultural systems, vary between goat populations from Northern and Southern Italy and have led to different management practices. These processes have impacted genome shaping in terms of inbreeding and regions under selection and resulted in differences between the northern and southern populations. Both inbreeding and signatures of selection can be pinpointed by the analysis of runs of homozygosity (ROH), which provides useful information to assist the management of this species in different rural areas. Results We analyzed the ROH distribution and inbreeding (F ROH) in 902 goats from the Italian Goat Consortium2 dataset. We evaluated the differences in individual ROH number and length between goat breeds from Northern (NRD) and Central-southern (CSD) Italy. Then, we identified the signatures of selection that differentiate these two groups using three methods: ROH, ΔROH, and averaged F ST. ROH analyses showed that some Italian goat breeds have a lower inbreeding coefficient, which is attributable to their management and history. ROH are longer in breeds that are undergoing non-optimal management or with small population size. In several small breeds, the ROH length classes are balanced, reflecting more accurate mating planning. The differences in climate and management between the NRD and CSD groups have resulted in different ROH lengths and numbers: the NRD populations bred in isolated valleys present more and shorter ROH segments, while the CSD populations have fewer and longer ROH, which is likely due to the fact that they have undergone more admixture events during the horizontal transhumance practice followed by a more recent standardization. We identified four genes within signatures of selection on chromosome 11 related to fertility in the NRD group, and 23 genes on chromosomes 5 and 6 related to growth in the CSD group. Finally, we identified 17 genes on chromosome 12 related to environmental adaptation and body size with high homozygosity in both groups. Conclusions These results show how different management practices have impacted the level of genomic inbreeding in two Italian goat groups and could be useful to assist management in a low-input system while safeguarding the diversity of small populations.

Abstract Background Since their domestication 10,500 years ago, goat populations with distinctive genetic backgrounds have adapted to a broad variety of environments and breeding conditions. The VarGoats project is an international 1000-genome resequencing program designed to understand the consequences of domestication and breeding on the genetic diversity of domestic goats and to elucidate how speciation and hybridization have modeled the genomes of a set of species representative of the genus Capra. Findings A dataset comprising 652 sequenced goats and 507 public goat sequences, including 35 animals representing eight wild species, has been collected worldwide. We identified 74,274,427 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 13,607,850 insertion-deletions (InDels) by aligning these sequences to the latest version of the goat reference genome (ARS1). A Neighbor-joining tree based on Reynolds genetic distances showed that goats from Africa, Asia and Europe tend to group into independent clusters. Because goat breeds from Oceania and Caribbean (Creole) all derive from imported animals, they are distributed along the tree according to their ancestral geographic origin. Conclusions We report on an unprecedented international effort to characterize the genome-wide diversity of domestic goats. This large range of sequenced individuals represents a unique opportunity to ascertain how the demographic and selection processes associated with post-domestication history have shaped the diversity of this species. Data generated for the project will also be extremely useful to identify deleterious mutations and polymorphisms with causal effects on complex traits, and thus will contribute to new knowledge that could be used in genomic prediction and genome-wide association studies.

Cirneco dell’Etna is an old Italian breed of scent hunting dogs. Commonly used genomic measures such as heterozygosity, fixation indexes, and runs of homozygosity can help to improve knowledge about its genetic diversity. This study aimed to: (i) investigate Cirneco’s genomic background, (ii) quantify its genomic inbreeding, and (iii) detect genomic regions differentiating the Cirneco’s two allowed coat colours, self-coloured fawn and tan and white. Canine 230 K SNP BeadChips was used to investigate 24 Cirneco (19 self-coloured fawn, and 5 tan and white) and other 106 dogs from eight phylogenetically and historically related breeds. The genetic distance, ancestry, and relationship among breeds were explored by multidimensional scaling, Reynolds distances, phylogenetic tree, and admixture analysis. The genomic inbreeding (FROH) was calculated for each breed. Averaged Wright’s fixation index ST was used to identify the genes that most differentiated the two groups of Cirneco. All analyses highlighted that Segugio Italiano and Kelb tal Fenek are the closest breeds to Cirneco. Within the breed, tan and white subjects showed a more heterogeneous genetic background and a lower inbreeding in comparison with self-coloured fawn ones, even though more than half of the latter presented a superimposable admixture. The gene that most differentiated these two groups is Microphthalmia-Associated Transcription Factor (MITF), previously associated with white spotting in other breeds. Given the small size of the Cirneco population and its open registry, its management should carefully combine morphological and genealogical evaluations with genetic tools to identify the best breeders while maintaining an acceptable genetic pool.Highlights The genomic analysis demonstrated that Segugio Italiano and Kelb tal Fenek are genetically related to the Cirneco. The MITF gene is responsible for white blazing in Cirneco as in many other dog breeds. Genomic tools should be integrated with phenotypic and genealogic evaluations in the management of Italian autochthonous dog breeds to safeguard their welfare and biodiversity.

Mannara dogs have long been bred in Sicily (Italy) to work alongside shepherds as flock guardians. This study provides a morphologic, genealogic, and genomic characterisation of the Mannara dog, useful in light of its recognition process and to improve the breed standard. Morphologic measurements of body, head, and chest were taken on 111 adult Mannara dogs. The whole population pedigree was used to calculate the inbreeding coefficient (F) and five effective population size (Ne) parameters. Twelve Mannara dogs were genotyped using the Canine 230 K SNP BeadChips and compared with Maremma sheepdog, Caucasian shepherd dog, Cane Corso Italiano, and Neapolitan mastiff for population structure, heterozygosity, and runs of homozygosity. The morphometric evaluation showed that Mannara dogs generally accords with the provisional standard and can be classified as a large/giant, meso-dolicomorphic, and mesocephalic breed. The population consists of 375 individuals, one third of which are founders and the remaining belong to 58 litters; presenting low inbreeding (F = 0.7%) and balanced sires and dams. The Ne estimates range widely: two (NeN=159 and NeFi=50) exceed the FCI limit for breed recognition and one (NeCi=25) did not. Genetically, all the included populations are well distinct, with the Maremma sheepdog being the nearest to the Mannara dog. Five Mannara have a single ancestral component, while the others show higher admixed proportions. The genomic inbreeding and heterozygosity confirm the good management of the breed. Our analyses suggest that the Mannara breed should continue the recognition process, pivotal to preserving an invaluable canine resource for the Sicilian agriculture.Highlights The morphometric measurements of Mannara dogs generally accords with the provisional standard. The pedigree analysis reveals that the population is well managed and meets the criteria for FCI recognition. The Mannara dog presents a unique genomic background.

Abstract Background Assessment of genetic diversity and population structure provides important control metrics to avoid genetic erosion, inbreeding depression and crossbreeding between exotic and locally-adapted cattle breeds since these events can have deleterious consequences and eventually lead to extinction. Historically, the Alpine Arc represents an important pocket of cattle biodiversity with a large number of autochthonous breeds that provide a fundamental source of income for the entire regional economy. By using genotype data from medium-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays, we performed a genome-wide comparative study of 23 cattle populations from the Alpine Arc and three cosmopolitan breeds. Results After filtering, we obtained a final genotyping dataset consisting of 30,176 SNPs for 711 individuals. The local breeds showed high or intermediate values of genetic diversity compared to the highly selected cosmopolitan breeds. Patterns of genetic differentiation, multidimensional scaling, admixture analysis and the constructed phylogenetic tree showed convergence, which indicates the presence of gene flow among the breeds according to both geographic origin and historical background. Among the most differentiated breeds, we identified the modern Brown cattle. In spite of admixture events, several local breeds have preserved distinctive characteristics, which is probably due to differences in genetic origin and geographic location. Conclusions This study represents one of the most comprehensive genome-wide analysis of the Alpine cattle breeds to date. Using such a large dataset that includes the majority of the local breeds found in this region, allowed us to expand knowledge on the evaluation and status of Alpine cattle biodiversity. Our results indicate that although many of the analyzed local breeds are listed as endangered, they still harbor a large amount of genetic diversity, even when compared to some cosmopolitan breeds. This finding, together with the reconstruction of the phylogeny and the relationships between these Alpine Arc cattle breeds, provide crucial insights not only into the improvement of genetic stocks but also into the implementation of future conservation strategies.

Abstract Background Since goat was domesticated 10,000 years ago, many factors have contributed to the differentiation of goat breeds and these are classified mainly into two types: (i) adaptation to different breeding systems and/or purposes and (ii) adaptation to different environments. As a result, approximately 600 goat breeds have developed worldwide; they differ considerably from one another in terms of phenotypic characteristics and are adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions. In this work, we analyzed the AdaptMap goat dataset, which is composed of data from more than 3000 animals collected worldwide and genotyped with the CaprineSNP50 BeadChip. These animals were partitioned into groups based on geographical area, production uses, available records on solid coat color and environmental variables including the sampling geographical coordinates, to investigate the role of natural and/or artificial selection in shaping the genome of goat breeds. Results Several signatures of selection on different chromosomal regions were detected across the different breeds, sub-geographical clusters, phenotypic and climatic groups. These regions contain genes that are involved in important biological processes, such as milk-, meat- or fiber-related production, coat color, glucose pathway, oxidative stress response, size, and circadian clock differences. Our results confirm previous findings in other species on adaptation to extreme environments and human purposes and provide new genes that could explain some of the differences between goat breeds according to their geographical distribution and adaptation to different environments. Conclusions These analyses of signatures of selection provide a comprehensive first picture of the global domestication process and adaptation of goat breeds and highlight possible genes that may have contributed to the differentiation of this species worldwide.

Abstract Background International standard panels of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have replaced microsatellites in several species for parentage assessment and assignment (PA) purposes. However, such a resource is still lacking in goats. The application of a cheap tool for PA would help the management of goat populations by improving the reliability of pedigree registration and, consequently, allow a better implementation of breeding schemes or conservation programs. Results Using data from the current GoatSNP50 chip, starting from a worldwide dataset of more than 4000 animals belonging to more than 140 breeds and populations from the AdaptMap initiative, we selected a panel of 195 SNPs. The assignment rate of this panel was up to 100% on an additional dataset that included 2000 Alpine and Saanen animals and highly related candidate sires. Conclusions In this study, we defined a highly informative SNP panel, which will be publicly available to worldwide breeders and laboratories. Its development on such a large number of breeds and populations, together with validation on a second set of cosmopolitan breeds, makes it a promising and important genomic tool for the goat species.

Abstract Background Goat populations that are characterized within the AdaptMap project cover a large part of the worldwide distribution of this species and provide the opportunity to assess their diversity at a global scale. We analysed genome-wide 50 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data from 144 populations to describe the global patterns of molecular variation, compare them to those observed in other livestock species, and identify the drivers that led to the current distribution of goats. Results A high degree of genetic variability exists among the goat populations studied. Our results highlight a strong partitioning of molecular diversity between and within continents. Three major gene pools correspond to goats from Europe, Africa and West Asia. Dissection of sub-structures disclosed regional gene pools, which reflect the main post-domestication migration routes. We also identified several exchanges, mainly in African populations, and which often involve admixed and cosmopolitan breeds. Extensive gene flow has taken place within specific areas (e.g., south Europe, Morocco and Mali-Burkina Faso-Nigeria), whereas elsewhere isolation due to geographical barriers (e.g., seas or mountains) or human management has decreased local gene flows. Conclusions After domestication in the Fertile Crescent in the early Neolithic era (ca. 12,000 YBP), domestic goats that already carried differentiated gene pools spread to Europe, Africa and Asia. The spread of these populations determined the major genomic background of the continental populations, which currently have a more marked subdivision than that observed in other ruminant livestock species. Subsequently, further diversification occurred at the regional level due to geographical and reproductive isolation, which was accompanied by additional migrations and/or importations, the traces of which are still detectable today. The effects of breed formation were clearly detected, particularly in Central and North Europe. Overall, our results highlight a remarkable diversity that occurs at the global scale and is locally partitioned and often affected by introgression from cosmopolitan breeds. These findings support the importance of long-term preservation of goat diversity, and provide a useful framework for investigating adaptive introgression, directing genetic improvement and choosing breeding targets.

Abstract Background In the last 50 years, the diversity of cattle breeds has experienced a severe contraction. However, in spite of the growing diffusion of cosmopolite specialized breeds, several local cattle breeds are still farmed in Italy. Genetic characterization of breeds represents an essential step to guide decisions in the management of farm animal genetic resources. The aim of this work was to provide a high-resolution representation of the genome-wide diversity and population structure of Italian local cattle breeds using a medium-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. Results After quality control filtering, the dataset included 31,013 SNPs for 800 samples from 32 breeds. Our results on the genetic diversity of these breeds agree largely with their recorded history. We observed a low level of genetic diversity, which together with the small size of the effective populations, confirmed that several breeds are threatened with extinction. According to the analysis of runs of homozygosity, evidence of recent inbreeding was strong in some local breeds, such as Garfagnina, Mucca Pisana and Pontremolese. Patterns of genetic differentiation, shared ancestry, admixture events, and the phylogenetic tree, all suggest the presence of gene flow, in particular among breeds that originate from the same geographical area, such as the Sicilian breeds. In spite of the complex admixture events that most Italian cattle breeds have experienced, they have preserved distinctive characteristics and can be clearly discriminated, which is probably due to differences in genetic origin, environment, genetic isolation and inbreeding. Conclusions This study is the first exhaustive genome-wide analysis of the diversity of Italian cattle breeds. The results are of significant importance because they will help design and implement conservation strategies. Indeed, efforts to maintain genetic diversity in these breeds are needed. Improvement of systems to record and monitor inbreeding in these breeds may contribute to their in situ conservation and, in view of this, the availability of genomic data is a fundamental resource.

Livestock guarding dogs are a valuable adjunct to the pastoral community. Having been traditionally selected for their working ability, they fulfil their function with minimal interaction or command from their human owners. In this study, the population structure and the genetic differentiation of three Italian livestock guardian breeds (Sila’s Dog, Maremma and Abruzzese Sheepdog and Mannara’s Dog) and three functionally and physically similar breeds (Cane Corso, Central Asian Shepherd Dog and Caucasian Shepherd Dog), totalling 179 dogs unrelated at the second generation, were investigated with 18 autosomal microsatellite markers. Values for the number of alleles per locus, observed and expected heterozygosity, Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium, F stats, Nei’s and Reynold’s genetic distances, clustering and sub-population formation abilities and individual genetic structures were calculated. Our results show clear breed differentiation, whereby all the considered breeds show reasonable genetic variability despite small population sizes and variable selection schemes. These results provide meaningful data to stakeholders in specific breed and environmental conservation programmes.

The water buffalo is a fundamental resource, especially in developing countries, however, differently from other species, its genetic potential is still poorly investigated. In this work, we performed a candidate gene association study for milk composition in 491 female buffaloes. Animals were from four farms located in Southern Italy, where the Out-of-Breeding-Season-Mating technique is usually performed. We analysed three genes: (1) the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5A (STAT5A), (2) the tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and (3) the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A). We confirmed the mutation at the MTNR1A gene and we found five novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs): one in the TNFα and four in the STAT5A. No associations were found for the SNPs in the MTNR1A and TNFα genes, while we identified a marked association with milk protein % for a C > T substitution at the STAT5A gene. At this locus, the TT buffaloes showed significantly higher protein percentage in milk. Conversely, this genotype class was the less frequent in the population. Moreover, an A > G substitution at the STAT5A showed an influence on reproductive seasonality, with the advantageous allele most frequent in the population, suggesting a possible effect of selection for this trait. The C > T substitution on STAT5A detected in present study could be used in marker assisted selection of Mediterranean Italian buffalo, and should be monitored to understand the reasons behind the low frequency of the favourable genotype at this locus and to stop this unfavourable trend in the population.

Abscesses are a common problem in goat farms worldwide. In most cases, the disease is caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis that is the aetiological agent of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA). CLA causes considerable economic losses, due to reduced milk production, and to carcase damage. At present, no effective therapy for CLA is available and vaccine use is limited. The current study presents evidence for loci associated to CLA susceptibility identified using the 50K Goat SNP panel in a case-control genome wide association study. The analysis of the genotype data identified four chromosomal regions associated with disease status: on chromosomes 5, 7, 8 and 11. These results provide the first evidence for genetic loci involved in the immunological response to CLA in goat. Knowledge of genetic variations related to susceptibility will facilitate the incorporation of this information for the improvement of health status in the goat species.

Italy is home to several populations of native dogs that reside only in certain demographic regions. Such dog populations have not been under tight selection by humans and, as such, have never been officially recognised as breeds. One such population is the ‘Cane Fonnese’ or Fonni’s Dog, which features uniform morphologic and behavioural traits that reproduce across generations, thus qualifying Fonni’s Dog as a true breed eligible for recognition by national or international breed registries. The Fonni’s Dog population examined in the present work is native to Sardinia, where they are used as property or livestock guardian dogs. As such, they are greatly appreciated by the local populace. We have carried out morphological evaluations on 200 Fonni’s Dogs with the aim of developing a standard breed definition upon which the foundation of the Fonni’s Dog breed can be based. We have also reported genetic data of the Fonni’s Dog compared to four other established breeds sampled from the same geographic area.

Functional agro biodiversity defines the exploitation of biodiversity to provide ecosystem services, support sustainable agricultural production and benefit the regional and global environment and the public at large (ELN-FAB, 2009; www.eln_fab.eu). Tracking of animal products back to the breed of origin based on their genetic make-up undoubtedly falls in this category. The aim of this paper was to identify and validate a set of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in goat coat colour genes, most of which have not been investigated before, to trace five goat populations of the Italian Alps and their product. Several regions of 28 genes influencing coat colour pathways were amplified in eight animals (two per breed). Sequence comparison revealed 48 SNPs and three INDEL (INsertion DELetion). No breed-specific alleles were detected; however, several SNPs showed an uneven frequency distribution between breeds. In BIO, the genotype frequency distribution of a non-synonymous SNP suggested a possible role of TYRP1 in brown eumelanic goat coat colour. A total of 29 independent SNPs in 20 genes were selected and used to allocate 159 minimally related goat samples using STRUCTURE 2.2 and GeneClass 2 software. STRUCTURE 2.2 assigns 99% of individuals to the correct breed considering the prior information on putative breed of origin for each sample and 81% using only the genotypic data. The three algorithms available in GeneClass 2 performed with nearly equal efficiency, with 86% and 87% correct allocations. All the methods yielded an average probability of assignment >0.92 and a specificity index >0.86. Despite their coat colour variability, individuals belonging to ORO were fully assigned, showing that, in the absence of a breed-specific allele tied to coat colour, the best assignment resulted for the most genetically distinct breed. The lowest rate of correct assignment was observed in Verzaschese (73%), not ascertained in the breed panel used in the SNP discovery phase.

Neste trabalho, determinou-se o valor nutritivo de quatro alimentos energéticos (fubá de milho, sorgo, farelo de arroz integral e quirera de arroz) para juvenis de surubim. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB) e energia bruta (EB) foram avaliados pela metodologia de substituição do alimento numa ração-referência usando-se 0,1% de óxido crômico como indicador externo. Utilizaram-se 240 alevinos com 30 g de peso médio distribuídos em tanques apropriados para coleta de fezes. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado com quatro dietas, cada uma com quatro repetições. O coeficiente de digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca do fubá de milho foi de 62,3%; do farelo de arroz, 59,7%; da quirera de arroz, 40,4%; e do sorgo, 38%. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade da proteína bruta, nesta ordem, foram 87,4; 83,8; 85,3; e 81,1%; e os da energia bruta, 62,4; 66,4; 46,9 e 47,8%. Entre os alimentos avaliados, o que possui maior digestibilidade da matéria seca, proteína bruta e energia bruta é o farelo de arroz e o de menor digestibilidade, o sorgo.It was determined, in this work, the nutritional value of four energetic feeds (corn meal, sorghum, whole rice bran, and ground rice) for surubim juveniles. Apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and gross energy (GE) were evaluated by food replacement methodology in a reference-feeding using 0.1% of chromic oxide as an external marker. It was used 240 fingerlings with an average weight of 30 g distributed in tanks fitted for faeces collection. A complete random design with four diets, each one with four replicates, was used. Apparent digestibility coefficient of dry matter for corn meal was 62.3%; for rice bran, 59.7%; for ground rice, 40.4%, and for sorghum, 38%. Digestibility coefficients for crude protein were, in this order, the following: 87.4, 83.8, 85.3 and 81.1% and digestibility coefficient for gross energy were: 62.4, 66.4, 46.9 and 47.8%. Among the evaluated feeds, the one with the highest digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy is the rice bran and the one with the lowest digestibility is the sorghum.

Artificial insemination (AI) in buffalo has limited use worldwide due the difficulties in the estrus detection and in finding an adequate moment for this procedure. Therefore, an alternative to increase the number of buffalo that are inseminated is the use of protocols that allow the AI without the need of estrus detection, usually called fixed-time AI (FTAI). Our expanding knowledge of the control of follicular wave dynamics during the buffalo estrous cycle has resulted in renewed enthusiasm for the prospects of precisely control of the follicular and luteal dynamics and finely controlling the time of ovulation. Follicular wave development can be controlled by treatments with GnRH or estradiol and progestogen/progesterone in combination. Treatment of buffalo with GnRH in combination with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) 7 d later and a second GnRH 48 h after PGF2α (known as Ovsynch) has resulted in acceptable pregnancy rates after FTAI in cycling buffalo during the breeding season. FTAI protocols using progestin devices, estradiol and eCG have resulted in synchronous onset of a new follicular wave, synchronous ovulation and consistent pregnancy rates in anestrous buffalo during the off breeding season. The combination of these protocols permits the use of AI throughout the year, obtaining conception and calving even in anestrus buffalo during the off breeding season.

The SLC24A5 (Solute Carrier family 24, member 5) gene is implicated in skin pigmentation in zebrafish and humans as it regulates the morphogenesis of melanosomes, specialized lysosomes involved in melanin deposit. In humans, the ancestral allele predominates in African and East Asian populations, while the allelic variant is nearly fixed in European populations and correlates with lighter pigmentation. Considering the role of melanin in the protecting of DNA from ultraviolet radiation, the lack of information in cattle and the importance of polymorphisms associated with pigmentation phenotypes, we investigated the SLC24A5 gene in cattle with light and dark skin pigmentation. To identify SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) in this gene and their association to dark skin pigmentation in cattle, each of the nine SLC24A5 exons, three introns (1, 3 and 8) and a portion of intron 5, were sequenced in a set of sixteen animals belonging to four Italian cattle breeds, two African zebu breeds and two African sanga breeds. The region spanning exons 3 and 4 was sequenced in fifteen animals belonging to seven additional breeds. A total of sixteen SNPs were identified: eleven positioned in introns (six in intron 1, one in intron 5 and four in intron 8) and five in exons (one in exon 1, two in exon 6 and two in exon 7). Three SNPs (located in exons 1, 6 and 7) were non synonymous, determining Pro19Leu, Ala238Val, and Met341Ile amino acid changes, respectively. All the SNPs identified were polymorphic between Bos taurus, Bos indicus and Sanga, while none of them resulted associated with the studied phenotype and discriminated the three breeds (Chianina, Mucubal and Goudali) characterized by dark pigmented skin from the others.

Studies on different species, including rats, monkeys and humans, have shown the presence of leukocyte differentiationantigens in the spermatozoa. In some case the expression of these molecules is related to a specific functional state ofthe sperm cell, as was found for the CD 46 antigen, that in humans can be used as a marker of the acrosome reaction.The aim of the present study was to assess wether promoted lipid peroxidation of the spermatozoa induces any variationsin their immunoreactivity with ILA 147 antibody that, in bull spermatozoa, recognizes bovine leukocyte antigens.Freshly ejaculated bovine spermatozoa and cryopreserved semen were tested for ILA 147 reactivity by standardimmunoperoxidase staining, before and after promoted lipid peroxidation. Staining intensity was assessed in the individualcells using the microdensitometric method to measure integrated optical density (IOD), overcoming the disadvantageof an operator’s subjective interpretation of the results. After the lipid peroxidation there was significantlydecreased staining intensity in the fresh spermatozoa, but not in the cryopreserved cells. Furthermore, in the preincubationconditions, the cryopreserved spermatozoa had a lower mean I.O.D. value than the fresh sperm, showing that thefreezing and thawing processes induced an alteration in the antigen exposure. However the mean immunoreactivity ofthe cryopreserved cells was not significantly influenced by lipid peroxidation. The absorbance value maps, made followingimmunoperoxidase staining by the examined antibody, showed that the reaction sites in the fresh and cryopreservedspermatozoa fell mainly within the periacrosomal region. Moreover, after induced lipid peroxidation there were fewerreaction sites in this domain. The present research has confirmed the presence of the examined leukocyte antigenicdeterminant in the bull spermatozoa, and suggests that promoted lipid peroxidation and the freezing and thawing of spermatozoacan produce membrane damage, leading to reduced ILA 147 antigenic site exposure.

Foram caracterizados geneticamente, utilizando-se cinco locos de microssatélites, 235 indivíduos de seis plantéis de tilápia (Ceará, Chitralada, Israel, Nilótica, Taiwan e Vermelha) da região Sudeste do Brasil. Verificou-se diferença genética entre os seis plantéis, obtida pelo cálculo do índice de fixação de alelos (Fst=0,3263). De modo geral, está ocorrendo perda de heterozigose nos plantéis, segundo mostrou a estimativa do coeficiente de endogamia intrapopulacional (Fis=0,0486). Os plantéis Israel e Nilótica foram os mais semelhantes geneticamente (Ig=0,6663). Os plantéis Chitralada e Taiwan foram os que menos apresentaram genes em comum (Ig=0,2463). O plantel denominado Vermelha foi o mais distinto entre todos.Two hundred and thirty five individuals from six commercial stocks of tilapias (Ceará, Chitralada, Israel, Nilótica, Taiwan and Red) from the Southeastern region of the country were genetically characterized using five microsatellite loci. The results suggest large genetic difference among the stocks, estimated through the fixation allele index (Fst = 0.3263), and a considerable loss of heterozigosity accurs in most of the stocks, according to the population inbreeding coefficient (Fis=0.0486). The Israel and Nilótica stocks were genetically similar (Ig=0.6663), while Chitralada and Taiwan showed less genes in common (Ig=0.2463). The Red stock was the most distinct stock.

Most of the Western European cattle breeds consist of standardised breeds with a definite coat colour (Renieri et al., 1984). Thus coat colour could be useful to detect genetic markers for cattle breed identification. In cattle the pigmentation is determined by the distribution of two pigments: eu- and pheomelanin, producing brown or black and red to yellow pigmentation respectively. Tyrosinase, the rate-limiting enzyme involved in the synthesis of both melanins, is regulated by the melanocyte stimulating hormone (αMSH). This hormone and several other melanotropic peptides stimulate melanin formation in melanocytes by binding to the melanocortin-1-receptor (MC1R), a G-protein-coupled receptor encoded by the Extension gene (Robbins et al., 1993). In addition, the amounts of eu- and pheomelanin in the melanocyte are controlled by the agouti gene encoding the Agouti Signal Protein (ASP), that acts as an antagonist of MSH signalling through the MC1R, even if its mechanism of action is controversial (Furumura et al., 1998)..........

In cattle, sheep and goats (Hayes et al., 1993) the casein genes form a cluster, on the chromosome 6, of four tightly linked genes, whose sequence is: αS1-β-αS2-k (Threadgill and Womack, 1990; Ferretti et al., 1990; Gallagher et al., 1994; Rijnkles et al., 1997). For this reason the alleles at these loci are generally inherited all together (Di Stasio and Mariani, 2000), with low recombination frequency. Thus it is worth noting the importance of describing the casein haplotypes namely the inherited combination of closely linked alleles (King and Stansfield, 1985; Meuwissen and Goddard, 2001). The knowledge of the casein allele associations could be important for the selection. In goat milk the casein alleles are related to important differences in the level of synthesis of the respective gene products and in milk chemical-physical properties........

Coat colour genes are useful candidates for breeds traceability of farm animals. To identify SNPs in genes involved in pigmentation in goat, we carried out in silico studies in human, mouse and cattle.We analysed 41 genes and we found: 88 SNPs in mouse, 29 synonymous and 59 non synonymous; 279 SNPs in humans, 121 synonymous and 158 non synonymous, 78 of which validated; 147 putative SNPs in cattle, 62 synonymous and 75 non synonymous, 10 of which validated. To identify the more interesting coding regions, we collected in these species information on pigmentation traits or on pathologies associated to different mutation. In goat, molecular information were available only on 7 genes and no SNP is reported, moreover poor information exists on association between mutations and different coat colour. Starting from the information collected in mouse, human and cattle, we obtained PCR products in goat for 61 exons in 36 genes. The PCR products were sequenced and checked for homology with the target sequences. Sequences on 8 animals from 4 breeds (Alpine, Saanen, Blonde of Adamello, Orobica) characterised by different coat colour phenotypes have been compared, revealing 25 SNPs (11 synonymous, 14 non synonymous) in 21 genes.

Aim of this research was to identify a panel of SNPs in coat colour genes useful for breed traceability in Rendena, an autochthonous cattle breed raised in the province of Trento, and other 4 Italian cattle breeds. First, we sequenced some regions of several coat colour genes in 10 animals belonging to 5 breeds characterised by different coat colour phenotypes (Rendena, Italian Brown, Grey Alpine, Italian Friesian, and Italian Red Pied), and we detected 21 SNPs in 13 genes. These markers and 6 additional SNPs were used to genotype 180 animals of the same 5 breeds obtaining useful genotyping data for a total of 22 SNPs in 13 genes. Five out of the 22 SNP markers in the MC1R, KIT, MLPH, and SILV genes had the highest discriminating power. The panel of 22 SNPs is useful to trace Rendena particularly from Red Italian Pied and Italian Friesian.

We presented the preliminary results of the analysis of semen phenotypic and quality data provided by ANARB along with the result of SNPs discovery on seven candidate genes for male fertility and the ongoing study on mtDNA. The phenotypic data recorded by Computer Assisted Sperm Analyzer of fresh semen for 1,014 bulls were evaluated. The least squared means of volumes were lower than data in literature generally referred to mature bulls, whereas the spermatozoa concentrations, total and progressive motility were satisfactory. As expected in young bulls, the percentage of spermatozoa morphological abnormalities was high. The SNPs discovery in seven candidate genes revealed 30 new SNPs and confirmed the polymorphism in STAT5A gene. The complete sequencing of mtDNA of 48 extreme bulls for semen phenotypic traits revealed 274 mutations. Association between SNPs and semen phenotypes is on going. Our results represent a preliminary step towards the sounding of genetic mechanisms of bull fertility and highlight the paramount importance of reliable phenotypes for association studies.

Domestic goat (Capra hircus) is a very adaptable and geographically spread livestock species. Recent studies on mitochondrial DNA diversity suggest that goats have been the most widely transported and traded livestock species. For this reason it is thought to have played a central role in the demic spread of agriculture during the Neolithic agricultural revolution (Luikart et al. 2001).

Coat colour genes in farm animals have only been studied at molecular level over the last ten years, starting with Klungland et al. in 1995. Among the genes involved in pigmentation, MC1R, previously known as Extension locus, revealed polymorphisms related to red and black coat colour in different farm animal species.

O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar o efeito da redução da primeira dose de GnRH (10 vs 20 µg) e do tipo de protocolo de sincronização para a IATF (Ovsynch e Heatsynch) na taxa de prenhez de vacas holandesas de alta produção sincronizadas para IATF (n = 581). Os animais foram distribuídos entre os tratamentos e alocados em arranjo fatorial 2x2, sendo: Trat 1- Ovsynch (20 µg GnRH no D0; PGF no D7; 10 µg GnRH no D9 e IATF no D10; n = 141), Trat 2- ½ Ovsynch (10 µg GnRH no D0; PGF no D7; 10 µg GnRH no D9 e IATF no D10; n = 159), Trat 3- Heatsynch (20 µg GnRH no D0; PGF no D7; 1 mg BE no D8 e IATF no D10; n = 147) e Trat 4- ½ Heatsynch (10 µg GnRH no D0; PGF no D7; 1 mg BE no D8 e IATF no D10; n = 134). O Grupo Ovsynch (Trat 1 e 2) apresentou maior taxa de prenhez que o grupo Heatsynch (Trat 3 e 4) aos 28 dias (45,7% (137/300) e 39,9% (112/281), respectivamente; P = 0,07) e aos 56 dias de gestação (41,0% (123/300) e 34,2% (96/281), respectivamente; P = 0,06). A dose de GnRH, não influenciou (P >; 0.10)a taxa de prenhez aos 28 dias (44,4% (128/288) vs 41,3% (121/293); P = 0,50) e aos 56 dias (38,2% (110/288) vs 37,2% (109/293); P = 0,68) entre os grupos tratados com 10 µg ou 20 µg de acetato de buserelina. As perdas gestacionais (ente 28 e 56 dias) nγo diferiram entre os protocolos para IATF e dose de GnRH (P >; 0,10). Conclui-se que, protocolo Ovsynch apresentou maior taxa de prenhez à IATF que o Heatsynch e a administração de 10 µg de Acetato de Buserelina no início dos tratamentos de sincronização não comprometeu a eficiência do protocolo de sincronização para IATF em vacas holandesas de alta produção.

This work aimed to determine the effect of stocking density on the biomass production, final weight, feed conversion and survival rate of Pseudoplatystoma spp. surubim reared in floating net cages under three initial stocking densities. Twelve floating net cages located in a 47-ha reservoir were stocked with 35, 70 and 105 fish/m3 averaging 50 g from April to August 1999. At the end of the experimental period (105 days), the final average weights of the treatments were 197.4, 171.15, and 161.45 g, respectively. The highest final mean weight was reached at the lowest initial density. No significant effects of initial stocking density were observed on survival (95.97, 97.80 and 96.73%, respectively) and feed conversion rates (1.49; 1.60 e 1.56; respectively). The final biomass of 87.93, 157.67, and 220.46 kg were affected by the initial stocking density. At higher storage densities, the individual weight gain decreased, but the final biomass increased significantly.Objetivou-se com este trabalho determinar o efeito da densidade de estocagem na produção, no ganho de peso, na conversão alimentar e na sobrevivência do surubim Pseudoplatystoma spp. cultivado em tanques-rede, sob três diferentes densidades de estocagem iniciais. Doze tanques-rede foram instalados em uma represa de 47 ha e estocados com 35, 70 e 105 alevinos de surubim/m3, com peso médio de 50g, no período de abril a agosto de 1999. Ao final de 105 dias de experimento, os pesos finais médios para os tratamentos foram 197,4; 171,15 e 161,45 g, respectivamente. O maior peso médio foi alcançado no tratamento de menor densidade. As sobrevivências (95,97; 97,80 e 96,73%, respectivamente) e a conversão alimentar (1,49; 1,60 e 1,56:1, respectivamente) não foram afetadas pela densidade de estocagem inicial. As biomassas finais foram 87,93; 157,67 e 220,46 kg, respectivamente, com efeito significativo da densidade de estocagem inicial. Com o aumento da densidade de estocagem, houve redução do ganho de peso individual, porém a biomassa final aumentou consideravelmente.

The parameters of carcass trait of alive surubim (Pseudoplatystoma spp.) evaluated by ultrasound were estimated in this trial. A total of 34 fish was divided into two groups according to average body weight: group 1 = 2.7 kg e group 2 = 1.5 kg. The fish were measured for total, head and standard lengths. Ultrasound images of four defined points were obtained: 1 - anterior insertion of dorsal fin; 2 - posterior insertion of dorsal fin; 3 - anterior insertion of fat fin and 4 - insertion of caudal fin. After, weights of carcass, head, shank fillet and belly fillet were obtained. Correlations of measures obtained by the ultrasound images with carcass yield traits were determined. The point 3 showed the best correlations for yield of group 1 with: carcass (0.91), head (0.86), shank fillet (0.87) and belly fillet (0.91). Carcass yield of group 1 was higher (70.9%) than group 2 (66.9%), probably due to the highest head weight of these animals. The best equations for carcass yield and fillet weight were the ones that considered the measures of point 3 and total length, respectively. Ultrasound for evaluation of carcass traits in alive surubim is a reliable technique, once it can maintains reproducers with great performance inside stock.Objetivou-se com este trabalho definir parâmetros de avaliação do rendimento de carcaça em surubins Pseudoplatystoma spp. vivos por intermédio da ultra-sonografia. Foram utilizados 34 peixes divididos em dois grupos conforme peso médio: grupo 1 = 2,7 kg e grupo 2 = 1,5 kg. De cada exemplar obtiveram-se as medidas de comprimento total, comprimento de cabeça e comprimento padrão. Foram realizadas imagens dorso ventrais em quatro pontos: 1 - base anterior da nadadeira dorsal; 2 - base posterior da nadadeira dorsal; 3 - base anterior da nadadeira adiposa e 4 - base do pedúnculo caudal, onde foram mensuradas altura, largura e área da musculatura epi-axial. Posteriormente, foram obtidos pesos da carcaça, da cabeça, do filé de lombo e do filé de barriga. Correlacionaram-se as medidas obtidas pelo ultra-som com aquelas de rendimento de carcaça. O ponto 3 apresentou as melhores correlações para rendimento dos peixes do grupo 1. Pelo ultra-som a área desse corte foi o parâmetro com maiores correlações com: carcaça (0,91), cabeça (0,86), filé de barriga (0,87) e filé de lombo (0,91). O rendimento de carcaça do grupo 1 (70,9%) foi superior ao do grupo 2 (66,9%), possivelmente, em razão da maior porcentagem de cabeça destes animais. As equações com melhor predição para rendimento de carcaça e peso dos filés foram as que consideraram as medidas do ponto 3 e o comprimento total, respectivamente. A ultra-sonografia para avaliação de características de carcaça em surubins vivos é uma técnica confiável, o que possibilita a manutenção de peixes com características zootécnicas superiores dentro do plantel.

The development of diets with high nutritive value, economic viability and correct environmental is dependent of amino acids nutrition requirements and knowledge. This study was conducted with the objective of estimating the amino acids requirements for fish, based on body composition and the ideal amino acid pattern. In order to define body amino acids content, fingerlings with 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days old, after the yolk absorption were used. The experimental design was the entirely randomized, with four repetitions. Body dry matter, crude protein and amino acids content were determined. For ages ranging from 28 to 35 days, crude protein was higher than the others, but not different between them. For the estimative of amino acids requirements, the body composition of fingerlings of 100% of lysine was established, then body composition and ideal amino acid pattern methodology was used. Both estimative were similar for the requirements determined by dose response.O desenvolvimento de rações de alto valor nutricional, economicamente viáveis e ambientalmente corretas depende do conhecimento das exigências nutricionais de aminoácidos para a espécie e fase de vida a ser produzida. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar as exigências de aminoácidos para alevinos de tilápia através da composição corporal e do conceito de proteína ideal. Para a determinação da composição corporal foram coletados alevinos de 7, 14, 21, 28 e 35 dias a partir do final do consumo do saco vitelino num delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições. Foi determinada a composição em matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB) e aminoácidos, sendo os dados submetidos à análise de variância e ao teste de SNK a 5% de erro. O conteúdo de MS não diferiu significativamente entre as idades (17,46%). As PB nas idades de 28 e 35 dias foram significativamente superiores as demais, com média de 74,46%. Os aminoácidos não diferiram significativas entre as idades. Para a estimativa das necessidades aminoacídicas foi estabelecida relação corporal de aminoácidos, atribuindo-se um valor de 100% à lisina e aplicado o conceito de proteína ideal, além da metodologia que utiliza como parâmetro a composição corporal. Ambas estimativas foram semelhantes às exigências determinadas por Santiago e Lovell (1988).

Abstract Trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma evansi can seriously affect both domestic and wild animals. This article reports on an outbreak of canine trypanosomiasis on a farm in the Pantanal region of Brazil. The farm had 38 dogs, 20 of which died before receiving veterinary care. The remaining 18 dogs were underwent anamnesisn, clinical examination, hematological and biochemical evaluations. Blood smears and PCR analysis were performed for the diagnosis. The treatment protocols used according to the clinical recovery or parasitological cure of the dogs, using diminazene diaceturate, isometamidium chloride or quinapyramine sulfate. Post-treatment parasitological evaluation was performed by the microhematocrit technique. 7/18 dogs were PCR positive for T. evansi (confirmed by sequencing). There was clinical findings, which were consistent with both the acute and chronic stages of the disease in dogs. The infected dogs all exhibited at least one clinical sign of the disease. The hematological findings were compatible with trypanosomiasis, highlighting the hypochromic microcytic anemia as the main outcome. No treatment protocol was fully effective and the prolonged use of diminazene diaceturate caused the death of an animal. The trypanosomiasis can cause high rates of morbidity and mortality in dogs and difficulty in establishment an effective and safe therapeutic protocol.