Search

Background The success of different species of ruminants in the colonization of a diverse range of environments is due to their ability to digest and absorb nutrients from cellulose, a complex polysaccharide found in leaves and grass. Ruminants rely on a complex and diverse microbial community, or microbiota, in a unique compartment known as the rumen to break down this polysaccharide. Changes in microbial populations of the rumen can affect the host’s development, health, and productivity. However, accessing the rumen is stressful for the animal. Therefore, the development and use of alternative sampling methods are needed if this technique is to be routinely used in cattle breeding. To this end, we tested if the fecal microbiome could be used as a proxy for the rumen microbiome due to its accessibility. We investigated the taxonomic composition, diversity and inter-relations of two different GIT compartments, rumen and feces, of 26 Nelore (Bos indicus) bulls, using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) metabarcoding of bacteria, archaea and ciliate protozoa. Results We identified 4265 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) from bacteria, 571 from archaea, and 107 from protozoa, of which 143 (96 bacteria and 47 archaea) were found common between both microbiomes. The most prominent bacterial phyla identified were Bacteroidetes (41.48%) and Firmicutes (56.86%) in the ruminal and fecal microbiomes, respectively, with Prevotella and Ruminococcaceae UCG-005 the most relatively abundant genera identified in each microbiome. The most abundant archaeal phylum identified was Euryarchaeota, of which Methanobrevibacter gottschalkii, a methanogen, was the prevalent archaeal species identified in both microbiomes. Protozoa were found exclusively identified in the rumen with Bozasella/Triplumaria being the most frequent genus identified. Co-occurrence among ruminal and fecal ASVs reinforces the relationship of microorganisms within a biological niche. Furthermore, the co-occurrence of shared archaeal ASVs between microbiomes indicates a dependency of the predominant fecal methanogen population on the rumen population. Conclusions Co-occurring microorganisms were identified within the rumen and fecal microbiomes, which revealed a strong association and inter-dependency between bacterial, archaeal and protozoan populations of the same microbiome. The archaeal ASVs identified as co-occurring between GIT compartments corresponded to the methanogenic genera Methanobrevibacter and Methanosphaera and represented 26.34% of the overall archaeal sequencesdiversity in the rumen and 42.73% in feces. Considering that these archaeal ASVs corresponded to a significant part of the overall diversity of both microbiomes, which is much higher if one includes the interactions of these co-occurring with other rumen archaea ASVs, we suggest that fecal methanogens could be used as a proxy of ruminal methanogens.

We conducted a study to identify the fecal metabolite profle and its proximity to the ruminal metabolism of Nelore steers based on an untargeted metabolomic approach. Twenty-six Nelore were feedlot with same diet during 105 d. Feces and rumen fuid were collected before and at slaughter, respectively. The metabolomics analysis indicated 49 common polar metabolites in the rumen and feces. Acetate, propionate, and butyrate were the most abundant polar metabolites in both bio-samples. The rumen presented signifcantly higher concentrations of the polar compounds when compared to feces (P< 0.05); even though, fecal metabolites presented an accentuated representability of the ruminal fuid metabolites. All fatty acids present in the ruminal fuid were also observed in the feces, except for C20:2n6 and C20:4n6. The identifed metabolites ofer information on the main metabolic pathways (higher impact factor and P< 0.05), as synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies; the alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolisms, the glycine, serine; and threonine metabolism and the pyruvate metabolism. The fndings reported herein on the close relationship between the ruminal fuid and feces metabolic profles may ofer new metabolic information, in addition to facilitating the sampling for metabolism investigation in animal production and health routines. Made available in DSpace on 2021-12-13T15:00:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ComparativeUntargetedMetabolome.pdf: 1971534 bytes, checksum: 04cf77d8b820aee368be3ff254d22a28 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2021

Background: The impact of extreme changes in weather patterns in the economy and humanity welfare are some of the biggest challenges that our civilization is facing. From the anthropogenic activities that contribute to climate change, reducing the impact of farming activities is a priority, since its responsible for up to 18% of greenhouse gases linked to such activities. To this end, we tested if the ruminal and fecal microbiomes components of 52 Brazilian Nelore bulls, belonging to two experimental groups based on the feed intervention, conventional (A) and byproducts based diet (B), could be used as biomarkers for methane (CH4) emission.Results: We identified a total of 5,693 Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) in the Nelore bulls microbiomes from the experimental group B. Statistical analysis showed that the microbiome populations were significantly different among treatment groups. Differential abundance (DA) analysis with the ANCOM approach identified 30 bacterial and 15 archaea ASVs as DA among treatment groups. Random forest models, using either bacteria or archaea ASVs as predictors, were able to predict the treatment group with high accuracy (r2>0.85). Association analysis using Mixed Linear Models indicate that bacterial and archaea ASVs are linked to the CH4 emission phenotype, of which the most prominent were the ruminal ASV 40 and fecal ASV 35. These ASVs contributed to a 9.7% increase and 7.3% decrease of the variation in CH4 emission, respectively, which indicated their potential as targets for feed interventions and/or biomarkers.Conclusion: The feed composition induced significant differences in abundance and richness of ruminal and fecal microbial populations. The dietary treatment based on industrial byproducts applied had an impact on the microbiome diversity of bacteria and archaea, but not on protozoa. Microbiome components (ASVs) of bacteria and archaea can be successfully used to predict the treatment group, thus giving support to the hypothesis that the feed intervention modulate microbiome abundance and diversity. Microbiome components were associated with CH4 emission in both microbiomes. Therefore, both ruminal and fecal ASVs can be used as biomarkers for methane production and emission.

Background There has been an increased interest in nutritional strategies to manipulate the fatty acid profile of pigs. Dietary regimens involving the use of oils that are high in monosaturated fatty acid (MUFA), primarily oleic acid (OA), such as canola oil (CO), as well as in omega (n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), which are found in fish oil (FO), have been investigated aiming healthier fatty acid profile cuts, with a higher ratio of n-3 to n-6 fatty acids. Therefore, the effects of including 3% soybean oil (SO), CO, or FO in growing-finishing pig diets vs. feeding a standard commercial diet with 1.5% SO (control) on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, consumer acceptability, and intramuscular fatty acid composition of the longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle were evaluated. Results Dietary treatments had no effect on overall growth performance and pig carcasses. Although loins from pigs fed diets containing either 3% SO or CO showed a reduction (P = 0.05) in Warner-Bratzler shear force, only the addition of 3% SO to pig diets resulted in loin chops that were rated higher (P P P P P P P = 0.02) in the LL intramuscular fat. Conclusions Although adding 3% CO or FO to pig diets provided slight nutritional benefits to consumers in terms of MUFA and long chain n-3 PUFA contents, respectively, formulating growing-finishing diets with 1.5% SO was adequate enough in terms of LL intramuscular fatty acids composition for high quality meat destined to human consumption.

Although vaccination is an effective measure in reducing the risk of bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) in cattle, BRDC losses remain significant. Increasing the efficacy of vaccination depends on elucidating the protective immune response to different antigens included in vaccines, determining the best timing for vaccination, and understanding the impact of the age of the calf on vaccination. This study measured the serum antibodies present in calves following vaccination against 4 viruses commonly associated with BRDC: bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 and 2 (BVDV1 and BVDV2), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), and bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV1). Serum antibody titers were measured in more than 1,600 calves at 3-wk intervals starting at the time of the first vaccination. This first vaccination occurred at weaning for approximately half of the individuals and 3 wk before weaning for the other half. Dam age (years), time of weaning (initial vaccination or booster vaccination), and age of calf within year-season (days within year-season) classification all were found to have a significant effect on measured traits such as the initial titer and overall response. An increased initial titer was negatively correlated with each response trait (initial, booster, and overall response). Calves that were weaned at initial vaccination had greater overall antibody response to BVDV1 and BVDV2 compared with calves weaned 3 wk before initial vaccination. In contrast, calves given their initial vaccination 3 wk before weaning had greater overall antibody response to BRSV and BHV1 compared with calves that were vaccinated at weaning. Furthermore, the circulating antibody titer at which each virus needed to be below for an individual calf to positively respond to vaccination was determined (log titer of 0.38 for BVDV1, 1.5 for BVDV2, 3.88 for BRSV, and 1.5 for BHV1). This information can be used to improve vaccination protocols to allow for a greater response rate of individuals to vaccination and, hopefully, improved protection.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing worldwide health threat. Increases in AMR are preventing the success of therapeutic treatment(s), which leads to diminished animal well-being. Innovative research is needed to explore alternatives (i.e. feed supplementation) to reduce the dependencies of antibiotics in livestock production. Diet composition has previously been shown to play a large role in altering microbial communities. The objective of this project was to evaluate the effect a novel Saccharomyces cerevisiae feed additive on the abundance and prevalence of AMR genes present in beef cattle microbiomes (nasal, deep nasopharyngeal cavities, and fecal matter). Samples were collected from weaned steers (n = 32). Steers were fed four different dietary treatments (Control, 12 g/hd/day, 18 g/hd/day, post-transportation 18/g/hd/day). Analyses performed evaluated if AMR gene abundance or prevalence was reduced due to treatment. DNA samples were extracted and whole genome shotgun sequencing was conducted by Illumina Technologies. Sequences were mapped to the UMD 3.1 Bovine reference genome and the National Database of Antibiotic Resistant Organisms (NDARO) (n2= 4,187) to annotate and quantify microbial AMR genes. Hundreds of AMR genes were detected across fecal (371), nasal (363), and deep nasopharyngeal (121) samples. Nasal and deep nasopharyngeal samples primarily aligned to the bovine genome and were not analyzed further. DNA from fecal samples aligned predominantly with microbial genes and were the primary focus of the research. Linear models and treatment contrast analyses were implemented to test for nominally significant treatment differences (P < 0.05). Dietary treatment significantly impacted AMR genes, predominantly Mef(EN2) and Lnu(AN2). On average, Lnu(AN2) and Mef(EN2) AMR gene read abundances were reduced due to dietary treatments by 57% and 55%. In conclusion, feeding this novel Saccharomyces cerevisiae feed additive did significantly reduce AMR gene read abundances. However, further research will increase our understanding of dietary treatment impacts within the fecal microbiome.

This study was planned to estimate the live-weight in Beetal goat at various ages of the animal using regression coefficients parameters of different linear body measurements. Beetal goat growth performance and linear body measurements data were recorded from six private herds as well as from two government farms of Punjab, Pakistan. Data contained 4557 observations of live-weight and different body measurements i.e. wither height (WH), body length (BL), chest girth (CG), chest width (CW) and pin bone width (PW)} were determined by hanging balance and tailor’s tape, respectively from January 2016 to May 2017. Three classes of 4 months interval for first year of age and four classes of 6 months interval were made for second and third or above years of age (Table 1). Data were analyzed using PROC MEANS, REG, GLM, CORR of SAS (University Edition). The overall mean±S.D of live-weight, WH, BL, CG, CW and PW were 38.3 ± 15.52 kg 77.4 ± 9.97 cm, 67.3 ± 9.41cm, 75.5 ± 11.25cm, 21.6 ± 3.95cm, and 12.6 ± 2.67cm for respectively. All body measurements has highly significant effect over live-weight of animals in 5(th) age class (19–24 months) and overall age group. WH has high significant effect over live-weight of animals in age groups 2, 3, 4, 5 and overall age group. BL has high significant effect in all age groups except age group 7 (31–36 months). CG was highly significantly related to body weight effect in all age groups. CG has maximum parameters values in most of the age groups as compared to other body measurements. Correlation coefficient between live-weight and CG was highest (0.93) and minimum with PW (0.74). Therefore, CG has been found the most significant and important measure to estimate the live-weight of Beetal at any age of the animal. [Image: see text]

The study was carried out in Sindh province of Pakistan to investigate productive and reproductive performance of ten local goat breeds. The ten goat breeds included in the study were Kamori, Tapri, Bugi-Turi, Pateri, Kachan, Jattan, Lohri, Chappar, Barri, and Thari. The data were collected using a detailed survey on various productive (birth weight, weaning weight, weaning age, average daily gain, milk yield and lactation length) and reproductive (age at first heat, age at first kidding, kidding interval, service period, number of services per conception and twinning percentage) traits of goats. Up sixteen local farmers of each breed were visited by the investigators and information was recorded/collected on prescribed performas. The highest birth weight was observed in Pateri goat (2.90 ± 0.11kg). In case of weaning weight maximum was observed in Kachan (16.0 ± 0.50kg) and lowest in Thari (11.19 ± 0.40 kg). Moreover weaning age was lowest in Thari (3.0 ± 0.11months) and highest was in Bugi-Turi (8.0 ± 0.14months). The highest milk yield was observed in Tapri and Kamori (~ 3.50 kg) followed by Pateri (~2.90 kg), Bugi Tori, Kacchan, Jattan (~ 2.00 kg) and Lohri, Chapper, Barri and Theri (~1 kg). As far as reproductive traits are concerned; age at first heat was lowest in Pateri (around 7 months) while all other breeds ranged from 11 to 15 months). The maximum twining percentage at first kidding was observed in Chappar (25%). Jattan had lowest kidding interval (5.0 ± 0.16 months). On the basis of overall average pre-weaning growth rate of kids, Tapri and Thari appear to have higher growth potential followed by Kamori and Kachhan. It could be concluded that Tapri, Thari and Kamori may be utilized for meat production under existing circumstances in the order of priority. Similarly, Tapri, Kamori and Pateri may be better utilized as dairy goats as well. [Image: see text]

The objective of this study was to evaluate sire breed effect on mineral concentration in beef longissimus thoracis (LT) and investigate the correlations between beef mineral concentrations and carcass and palatability traits. Steer progeny (N=246) from the Germplasm Evaluation project-Cycle VIII were used in this study. In addition to carcass traits, LT was evaluated for mineral concentrations, Warner-Bratzler shear force, and palatability traits. A mixed linear model estimated breed effects on mineral concentrations. No significant sire breed (P≥0.43) or dam breed (P≥0.20) effects were identified for mineral concentrations. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated among mineral concentrations, carcass, and sensory traits. Zinc concentration was positively correlated (P≤0.05) with total iron (r=0.14), heme iron (r=0.13), and magnesium (r=0.19). Significant (P0.05) correlations were identified between non-heme or heme iron and most traits in this study. Magnesium concentration was correlated with all carcass and palatability traits.

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for intramuscular fatty acids from triacylglycerol (TAG) and phospholipid (PL) fractions in beef LM tissue. Longissimus muscle samples were obtained from 1,833 Angus cattle to determine the intramuscular fatty acid composition for 31 lipids and lipid classes from TAG and PL fractions and were classified by structure into saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), polyunsaturated (PUFA), omega-3 (n-3), and omega-6 (n-6) fatty acids. An atherogenic index (AI) was also determined as a measure of the unsaturated fatty acid to SFA ratio. Restricted maximum likelihood methods combined with pedigree data were used to estimate variance components with the WOMBAT software package. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.00 to 0.63 for the major classes of fatty acids. Heritability estimates differed between the TAG and PL fractions, with higher estimates for TAG up to 0.64 and lower estimates for PL that ranged from 0.00 to 0.14. Phenotypic and genetic correlations among individual fatty acids were determined for the TAG fraction as well as among carcass traits, including rib eye area, numerical marbling score, yield grade, ether fat, and Warner-Bratzler shear force value. Strong negative or positive genetic correlations were observed among individual fatty acids in the TAG fraction, which ranged from -0.99 to 0.97 ( < 0.05). Moderate correlations between carcass traits and fatty acids from the TAG fraction ranged from -0.43 to 0.32 ( < 0.05). These results indicate that fatty acids prominent in beef tissues show significant genetic variation as well as genetic relationships with carcass traits.

The objective of this study was to estimate heritabilities for sensory traits and genetic correlations among sensory traits and with marbling score (MS), Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), and intramuscular fat content (IMFC). Samples of LM from 2,285 Angus cattle were obtained and fabricated into steaks for laboratory analysis and 1,720 steaks were analyzed by a trained sensory panel. Restricted maximum likelihood procedures were used to obtain estimates of variance and covariance components under a multitrait animal model. Estimates of heritability for MS, IMFC, WBSF, tenderness, juiciness, and connective tissue traits were 0.67, 0.38, 0.19, 0.18, 0.06, and 0.25, respectively. The genetic correlations of MS with tenderness, juiciness, and connective tissue were estimated to be 0.57 ± 0.14, 1.00 ± 0.17, and 0.49 ± 0.13, all positive and strong. Estimated genetic correlations of IMFC with tenderness, juiciness, and connective tissue were 0.56 ± 0.16, 1.00 ± 0.21, and 0.50 ± 0.15, respectively. The genetic correlations of WBSF with tenderness, juiciness, and connective tissue were all favorable and estimated to be -0.99 ± 0.08, -0.33 ± 0.30 and -0.99 ± 0.07, respectively. Strong and positive genetic correlations were estimated between tenderness and juiciness (0.54 ± 0.28) and between connective tissue and juiciness (0.58 ± 0.26). In general, genetic correlations were large and favorable, which indicated that strong relationships exist and similar gene and gene networks may control MS, IMFC, and juiciness or WBSF, panel tenderness, and connective tissue. The results from this study confirm that MS currently used in selection breeding programs has positive genetic correlations with tenderness and juiciness and, therefore, is an effective indicator trait for the improvement of tenderness and juiciness in beef. This study also indicated that a more objective measure, particularly WBSF, a trait not easy to improve through phenotypic selection, is an excellent candidate trait for genomic selection aimed at improving eating satisfaction.

There are concerns about antagonisms between immunity and animal productivity in livestock production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of antibody levels through a response to vaccination protocol, weaning timing, and their interaction on performance and carcass quality traits in Angus beef cattle. Final antibody level and response to vaccination were based on neutralizing serum antibodies against bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2 (BVDV2). Calves were followed through development and the feedlot phase, with collection of yearling ultrasound (n=957), preharvest (n=762), and carcass (n=673) data. In this study, 48% of the animals were observed to have positively responded to the vaccine, as evidenced by higher final antibody levels compared to prevaccination antibody levels. Increased final antibody levels were significantly (P 0.05). Therefore, producers should not be concerned about decreased production or quality attributes as a result of developing a robust antibody response to vaccination for BVDV2 in beef cattle.

A survey study was carried out in various districts of Punjab. The objective was to report productive and reproductive performances of seven local goat breeds of the province. Eighty farmers were surveyed and most of the farmers had more than one breed in their herds. The data on productive and reproductive traits performances were collected for seven goat breeds included Dera Din Panan (DDP), Nachi, Barbari, Teddi, Beetal, Pahari and Potohari. Data were analyzed using Mixed Procedure in SAS version 9.2. Results showed highest birth weight in DDP (4.50 ± 0.32 Kg) followed by Beetal (3.94 ± 0.25 Kg) and similar trend was observed for weaning weight however; lowest weaning weight was in Teddi breed (7.50 ± 0.97 Kg). Moreover weaning age was almost same in all breeds (4 months). The highest daily milk yield was observed in Nachi (2.40 ± 0.18 liters) followed by Beetal (2.19 ± 0.14 liters) while highest lactation length was observed in DDP (7.0 ± 0.33 months). Age at first heat in DDP, Nachi, Barbari, Teddi, Beetal, Pahari and Pothohari breeds were 13.10 ± 0.72, 12.40 ± 0.72, 9.69 ± 0.65, 7.30 ± 0.72, 11.25 ± 0.57, and 11.30 ± 0.72 and 13.73 ± 0.69 months respectively. The highest twining percentage at first kidding was noticed in Teddi (54.0 ± 5.49%) and highest twining percentage in second or latter kidding was observed in Beetal (74.10 ± 4.73 %). The highest and lowest age at first kidding was in Potohari (8.73 ± 0.80 months) and DDP (18.40 ± 0.84 months) respectively. Our results showed diversified productive and reproductive performances for seven goat breeds of Punjab. This could be pretty useful information for ranking the breeds in term of their productive and reproductive performances to launch a selection program for developing a meat type goat breed in the province. [Image: see text] Key Words

A survey was carried out to gather information for documenting the goat farming system in the province Punjab (included districts of Fateh Jhang, Bakhar, Liayyah, D.G. Khan, Rajanpur, Faislabad and Jhang). The objective of survey was to highlight the constraints of farmers. Survey was carried out for seven goat breed of Province Punjab viz. D.D.P., Nachi, Barbari, Teddi, Beetal, Pahari and Potohari. Seventy farmers were visited and 51.61% did vaccine the animals on regular basis. Farmers used vaccinations against HS (7.41%), anthrax (59.26%), FMD (92.59 %), Enterotoxaemia (14.81%), PPR & CCPP (74.07%). For parasitic control 29.03% farmers dewormed their herds on regular basis. For ectoparasites 33.33% used medicine regularly while for endoparasites 50% farmers did deworming regularly. About 19.35% farmers believed in traditional treatment while 70.97% farmers got treatment from veterinary doctors on regular basis. Disease outbreak in these herds was mainly FMD (70.97%), CCPP (93.55%) and Enterotoxaemia (74.19%). As far as production system is concerned, in the irrigated areas it was backyard system (22.58%), Agro-pastoralist (16.13%), and crop livestock (48.39%), while in rain-fed areas rangeland base system (48.39%) and agro forestry (6.45%) prevailed. Most of the farmers confined animals at night (90.32%) whereas 64.52 % farmers had sheds for their herds whereas. Other then crop residues and range feed resources, 41.94% farmers used concentrates and 25.81% farmers used mineral mixture. Cross breeding was practiced by 54.84% of the farmers. Breeding season was extended from March to June however; some animals were also bred from August to December. Most of the farmers maneuvered the mating strategies whereas season selection was also practiced for breeding (45.16%) due to weather and doe health maintenance. Most of the farmers marketed live animals to local market (Mandi) through middleman (61.29%). This is useful information for devising strategies for goat improvement.

A survey was carried out to gather information and documenting the goat farming system in districts of Northern Areas of Pakistan. The objective of survey was to observe the constraints of farmer and document their problems. Survey was for seven goat breed of Northern Areas of Pakistan (Kel, Baltistani, Koh-e-Khizer, Kaghani, and Gaddi). Seventy farmers were visited out of them 57% farmers did never vaccine against any disease and 29% did vaccine on regular basis. Farmer those were doing vaccine on regular or occasionally basis did for FMD (67%), Enterotoxaemia (100 %) and CCPP 67%). For parasitic control 57% farmer did nothing while 29% farmer gave medicine to their herds occasionally and 14% farmers on regular basis. For ectoparasites and endoparasites farmers never used medication. About 14% farmers were using on traditional treatment while 29% farmers got treatment for their goats from veterinary doctors on regular basis. Diseases outbreak in those farmers herds were FMD (14.0%) while no disease outbreak for CCPP, goat pox and Enterotoxaemia. Main production systems for goats were agro forestry (14%) and agro-pastoralist (43%). About 57% of the farmers continuously unconfined animals. Only 29 % farmers had sheds for their herds while 29% adopted open housing system. Only 28.6% farmers had grown pasture for feeding while 43% farmer offered concentrates to their animals and 29% farmers offered mineral mixture to their herds. About 57% of the famers adopted cross breeding while main mattings were carried during month of September. Moreover ram selection was adopted by 14% of the subjects. Approximately 42.9% of the farmers marketed their goat in the local market while 28.6% sold their goat directly without the involvement of middleman. The current study highlights potential areas of improvement in goat production for better welfare of animals as well as goat breeders.

Objectives of the study were to investigate the effect of breed for productive and reproductive traits of five local goat breeds under field conditions in various districts of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK). Data on productive & reproductive performances were collected in a survey for five goat breeds viz. Jattal, Buchi, Kooti, Lambri and Bairli. Fifty farmers (ten for each breed) were surveyed representing all five breeds. The data obtained were analysed using SAS with Mixed Procedure. Birth weights were higher in Buchi (3.60 ± 0.16) than other breeds. However, Lambri had highest adult weight (41.44 ± 2.06) among all five breeds. Maximum weaning weight was observed in Bairli (13.60 ± 0.6 kg) and lowest in Buchi (7.5 ± 0.6 kg). The highest milk yield was observed in Jattal (2.70 ± 0.18 kg) while highest lactation length observed in Lambri and Kooti (5.90 ± 0.39 months). Pre weaning growth rate was highest in Kooti (170.49 ± 8.05 grams/day) and lowest in Buchi (29.29 ± 8.05g/day). As far as reproductive traits are concerned; age at first heat in Jattal, Buchi, Lambri, Bairli and Kooti breeds were 13 ± 0.63, 11.30 ± 0.63, 10.60 ± 0.63, 18.50 ± 0.63 and 12.20 ± 0.63 months respectively. The maximum twining percentage at first kidding was in Lambri and Kooti (50.00 ± 2.59%). Kooti had lowest kidding interval (5.90 ± 0.38 months), service period (2.75 ± 0.21 months) and number of services per conception (1.00 ± 0.17). Age at first kidding of Jattal, Buchi, Bairli, Lambri and Kooti were 8 ± 0.78, 16 ± 0.78, 14.90 ± 0.78, 17.20 ± 0.78, and 23.50 ± 0.78 months respectively. The data showed diversified productive and reproductive performances for five AJK breeds. This could be pretty useful information for ranking the breeds in term of their productive and reproductive performances for preparing selection program for goat meat improvement in hilly areas of AJK. [Image: see text]

Vaccination against viruses has been shown to help prevent bovine respiratory disease in cattle. However, both passively acquired maternal antibody concentration and calf age have been shown to impact the ability of the immune system of a calf to respond to vaccination. The objectives of this study were to identify and evaluate environmental and management factors that affect 1) passively acquired bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) type 2 antibody level, 2) decay rate of passively acquired BVDV type 2 antibody level, and 3) responses to BVDV type 2 vaccinations. A 2-shot modified live vaccine was administered to 1,004 Angus calves that were weaned at either the initial vaccination (n = 508) or the booster vaccination (n = 496). Calves weaned at the initial vaccination averaged 139 d whereas calves weaned at booster vaccination averaged 128 d of age. Bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2 antibodies were measured in 3 approximately 21-d intervals, serially collected serum samples to quantify antibody levels at initiation and end of vaccination protocol in addition to responses to initial, booster, and overall vaccination protocol. Amount of passively transferred antibody in the calf increased as dam age increased from 2 to 6 yr (P 0.05). Calf age nested within birth year-season and dam age affected both initial and final antibody level, initial response, booster response, and overall antibody response to vaccination. The level of circulating, passively acquired maternal antibodies present at the time of vaccination had a significant (P < 0.05) negative effect on antibody responses to vaccination (initial response, booster response, and overall response). Calves that were weaned at the time of initial vaccination had significantly (P < 0.05) greater final antibody level, initial response, and overall response to vaccination than animals weaned at booster vaccination. In order for a calf to mount an overall antibody response to vaccination, maternal antibodies in circulation need to be less than 3.12 titers. However, the age at which a calf reached this antibody threshold was dependent on dam age. This information will help cattle managers and consultants design vaccination protocols to successfully mount an antibody response to vaccination.

The objective of this study was to characterize variation and identify SNP and chromosomal regions associated with mineral concentrations in LM of Angus beef cattle. Samples of LM from 2,285 Angus cattle were obtained, and concentrations of 7 minerals, including iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc, were quantified. Genomic DNA extracted from the ground beef sample used for mineral composition was genotyped with the Bovine SNP50 Infinium II BeadChip, and effects of SNP on each trait were estimated using the Bayes-Cπ module of GenSel software. Pedigree-based estimates of heritabilities and corresponding genetic variances indicate iron was the only mineral concentration that could be considered a good candidate for manipulation by genomic selection. The amount of variation that could be accounted for by SNP genotypes was concordant with pedigree-based heritabilities and varied from very low for potassium and sodium (

Milk is known to contain high concentrations of saturated fatty acids-such as palmitic (16:0), myristic (14:0), and lauric (12:0) acids-that can raise plasma cholesterol in humans, making their presence in milk undesirable. The main objective of our candidate gene study was to develop genetic markers that can be used to improve the healthfulness of bovine milk. The sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (SREBF1) known to regulate the transcription of lipogenic genes together with SREBF chaperone and insulin induced gene 1 were the candidate genes. The results showed significant association of the overall SREBF1 haplotypes with milk production and variations in lauric (12:0) and myristic (14:0) acid concentrations in milk. Haplotype H1 of SREBF1 was the most desirable to improve milk healthfulness because it was significantly associated with lower lauric (12:0) and myristic (14:0) acid concentrations compared with haplotype H3 of SREBF1, and lower lauric acid (12:0) concentration compared with haplotype H2 of SREBF1. Haplotype H1 of SREBF1, however, was significantly associated with lower milk production compared with haplotype H3 of SREBF1. We did not detect any significant associations between genetic polymorphisms in insulin induced gene 1 (INSIG1) and SREBF chaperone and milk fatty acid composition. In conclusion, genetic polymorphisms in SREBF1 can be used to develop genetic tools for the selection of animals producing milk with healthier fatty acid composition.

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for concentrations of minerals in LM and to evaluate their associations with beef palatability traits. Samples of LM from 2,285 Angus cattle were obtained and fabricated into steaks for analysis of mineral concentrations and for trained sensory panel assessments. Nine minerals, including calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc, were quantified. Restricted maximum likelihood procedures were used to obtain estimates of variance and covariance components under a multiple-trait animal model. Estimates of heritability for mineral concentrations in LM varied from 0.01 to 0.54. Iron and sodium were highly and moderately heritable, respectively, whereas the other minerals were lowly heritable except for calcium, copper, and manganese, which exhibited no genetic variation. Strong positive genetic correlations existed between iron and zinc (0.49, P 0.05). Beefy flavor was positively associated with calcium, iron, and zinc and negatively associated with sodium concentration, whereas a painty or fishy flavor was positively associated with sodium and negatively associated with calcium and potassium concentrations (P < 0.05). Beef is a major contributor of iron and zinc in the human diet, and these results demonstrate sufficient genetic variation for these traits to be improved through marker-assisted selection programs without compromising beef palatability.

Brangus [3/8 Brahman (Bos indicus) × 5/8 Angus (Bos taurus); n ≈ 800] heifers from 67 sires were used to estimate heritability and conduct a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for 2 binary fertility traits: first service conception (FSC) and heifer pregnancy (HPG). Genotypes were from 53,692 loci on the BovineSNP50 (Infinium Bead Chips, Illumina, San Diego, CA). Yearling heifers were estrous synchronized, bred by AI, and then exposed to natural service breeding. Reproductive ultrasound and DNA-based parentage testing were used to determine if the heifer conceived by AI or natural service, and code for FSC and HPG traits. Success rates for FSC and HPG were 53.3% and 78.0% ± 0.01%, and corresponding heritability estimates were 0.18 ± 0.07 and 0.10 ± 0.06, respectively. The models used in obtaining these heritability estimates and GWAS included fixed effects of year (i.e., 2005 to 2007), birth location, calving season, age of dam, and contemporary group. In GWAS, simultaneous associations of 1 Mb SNP windows with phenotype were undertaken with Bayes C analyses using GenSel software. The 1 Mb windows contained 21.3 ± 1.1 SNP. Analyses fitted a mixture model that treated SNP effects as random, with an assumed fraction pi = 0.9995 having no effect on phenotype. The windows that accounted for 1.0% of genetic variance were considered as QTL associated with FSC or HPG. Eighteen QTL existed on 15 chromosomes for the 2 traits. On average, each QTL accounted for 2.43% ± 0.2% of the genetic variance. Chromosome 8 harbored 2 QTL for FSC and 1 for HPG; however, these regions did not overlap. Chromosomes 3, 15, 16, 19, 24, 26, 27, 29, and X included QTL only for FSC, whereas chromosomes 2, 4, 10, 13, and 20 contained QTL only for HPG. The multitude of QTL detected for FSC and HPG in this GWAS involving Brangus heifers exemplifies the complex regulation of variation in heifer fertility traits of low heritability.

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for carnitine, creatine, creatinine, carnosine, and anserine concentration in LM and to evaluate their associations with Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and beef palatability traits. Longissimus muscle samples from 2,285 Angus cattle were obtained and fabricated into steaks for analysis of carnitine, creatine, creatinine, carnosine, anserine, and other nutrients, and for trained sensory panel and WBSF assessments. Restricted maximum likelihood procedures were used to obtain estimates of variance and covariance components under a multiple-trait animal model. Estimates of heritability for carnitine, creatine, creatinine, carnosine, and anserine concentrations in LM from Angus cattle were 0.015, 0.434, 0.070, 0.383, and 0.531, respectively. Creatine, carnosine, and anserine were found to be moderately heritable, whereas almost no genetic variation was observed in carnitine and creatinine. Moderate positive genetic (0.25, P 0.10), and carnitine concentrations were not associated (P > 0.10) with any of the meat palatability traits analyzed. Carnosine was negatively associated with overall tenderness as assessed by trained sensory panelists. Similar negative associations with overall tenderness were identified for creatinine and anserine. Painty/fishy was the only flavor significantly and negatively associated with creatinine and carnosine. These results provide information regarding the concentration of these compounds, the amount of genetic variation, and evidence for negligible associations with beef palatability traits in LM of beef cattle.

Data from developing Brangus heifers (3/8 Brahman-Bos indicus × 5/8 Angus-Bos taurus; n ≈ 802 from 67 sires) registered with International Brangus Breeders Association were analyzed to detect QTL associated with growth traits and ultrasound measures of carcass traits. Genotypes were from BovineSNP50 (Infinium BeadChip, Illumina, San Diego, CA; 53,692 SNP). Phenotypes included BW collected at birth and ∼205 and 365 d of age, and yearling ultrasound assessment of LM area, percent intramuscular fat, and depth of rib fat. Simultaneous association of SNP windows with phenotype were undertaken with Bayes C analyses, using GenSel software. The SNP windows were ≈ 5 SNP in length. Analyses fitted a mixture model that treated SNP effects as random, with an assumed fraction pi = 0.999 having no effect on phenotype. Bootstrap analyses were used to obtain significance values for the SNP windows with the greatest contribution to observed variation. The SNP windows with P < 0.01 were considered as QTL associated with a trait in which case their location was queried from dbSNP and the presence of a previously reported QTL in that location was checked in CattleQTLdb. For 9 traits, QTL were mapped to 139 regions on 25 chromosomes. Forty-one of these QTL were already described in CattleQTLdb, so 98 are new additions. The SNP windows on chromosomes 1, 3, and 6 were associated with multiple traits (i.e., 205- and 365- d BW, and ADG from birth to 205 and 365 d of age). Several chromosomes harbored regions associated with multiple traits; however, the SNP that comprised the window often varied among traits (i.e., chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 24, 28, and 29). Results from whole genome association of SNP with growth and ultrasound carcass traits in developing Brangus heifers confirmed several published QTL and detected several new QTL.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) causes decreased reproductive performance in breeding animals and increased respiratory problems in growing animals, which result in significant economic losses in the swine industry. Vaccination has generally not been effective in the prevention of PRRS, partially because of the rapid mutation rate and evolution of the virus. The objective of the current study was to discover the genetic basis of host resistance or susceptibility to the PRRS virus through a genome-wide association study using data from the PRRS Host Genetics Consortium PRRS-CAP project. Three groups of approximately 190 commercial crossbred pigs from 1 breeding company were infected with PRRS virus between 18 and 28 d of age. Blood samples and BW were collected up to 42 d post infection (DPI). Pigs were genotyped with the Illumina Porcine 60k Beadchip. Whole-genome analysis focused on viremia at each day blood was collected and BW gains from 0 to 21 DPI (WG21) or 42 DPI (WG42). Viral load (VL) was quantified as area under the curve from 0 to 21 DPI. Heritabilities for WG42 and VL were moderate at 0.30 and litter accounted for an additional 14% of phenotypic variation. Genomic regions associated with VL were found on chromosomes 4 and X and on 1, 4, 7, and 17 for WG42. The 1-Mb region identified on chromosome 4 influenced both WG and VL, exhibited strong linkage disequilibrium, and explained 15.7% of the genetic variance for VL and 11.2% for WG42. Despite a genetic correlation of -0.46 between VL and WG42, genomic EBV for this region were favorably and nearly perfectly correlated. The favorable allele for the most significant SNP in this region had a frequency of 0.16 and estimated allele substitution effects were significant (P < 0.01) for each group when the SNP was fitted as a fixed covariate in a model that included random polygenic effects with overall estimates of -4.1 units for VL (phenotypic SD = 6.9) and 2.0 kg (phenotypic SD = 3 kg) for WG42. Candidate genes in this region on SSC4 include the interferon induced guanylate-binding protein gene family. In conclusion, host response to experimental PRRS virus challenge has a strong genetic component, and a QTL on chromosome 4 explains a substantial proportion of the genetic variance in the studied population. These results could have a major impact in the swine industry by enabling marker-assisted selection to reduce the impact of PRRS but need to be validated in additional populations.

The objective of this study was to de- termine the influence of beef LM nutrient components on beef palatability traits and evaluate the impact of USDA quality grade on beef palatability. Longissimus muscle samples from related Angus cattle (n = 1,737) were obtained and fabricated into steaks for trained sensory panel, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), lipid oxidation measured by thiobarbituric acid reac- tive substances (TBARS), fatty acid, and mineral com- position analysis. Pearson phenotypic correlations were obtained by the correlation procedure of SAS. Beef pal- atability data were analyzed by the GLM procedure of SAS with USDA quality grade as the main effect. Specific mineral concentrations did not demonstrate strong correlations with WBSF or sensory traits (r = −0.14 to 0.16). However, minerals appeared to have a stronger relationship with flavor; all minerals evaluated except Ca and Mn were positively correlated (P < 0.05) with beef flavor. Stearic acid (C18:0), C18:2, C20:4, and PUFA were negatively correlated (P < 0.05) with all 3 panelist tenderness traits (r = −0.09 to −0.22) and were positively correlated (P < 0.05) with WBSF (r = 0.09 to 0.15). The MUFA were positively corre- lated (P < 0.05) with panelist tenderness ratings (r = 0.07 to 0.10) and negatively associated (P < 0.05) with WBSF (r = −0.11). The strongest correlations with juiciness were negative relationships (P < 0.05) with C18:2, C18:3, C20:4, and PUFA (r = −0.08 to −0.20). Correlations with beef flavor were weak, but the stron- gest was a positive relationship with MUFA (r = 0.13). Quality grade affected (P < 0.05) WBSF, TBARS, and all trained sensory panel traits, except livery/metallic flavor. As quality grade increased, steaks were more tender (P < 0.05), as evidenced by both WBSF and sensory panel tenderness ratings. Prime steaks were rated juiciest (P < 0.05) by panelists, whereas Select and Low Choice were similarly rated below Top Choice for sustained juiciness. Quality grade influenced (P < 0.05) beef flavor, but not in a linear fashion. Although there were significant correlations, these results indi- cate tenderness, juiciness, and flavor are not strongly influenced by individual nutrient components in beef LM. Furthermore, the positive linear relationships be- tween USDA quality grade and beef palatability traits suggest quality grade is still one of the most valuable tools available to predict beef tenderness.

The primary objective of this study was to estimate variance components and heritability of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) incidence in beef calves before weaning and during the finishing phase. The second objective was to investigate the impact of BRD incidence and treatment frequency on performance and carcass traits. Bovine respiratory disease is the biggest and most costly health challenge facing the cattle industry. The 2 populations used consisted of 1,519 preweaned calves and 3,277 head of feedlot cattle. The incidence rate of BRD in preweaned calves was 11.39%, and among treated cattle, 82.1% were treated once, 13.9% were treated twice, and 4.0% were treated 3 times or more. The incidence of BRD (P = 0.35) and the number of treatments (P = 0.77) had no significant effect on weaning BW. Heritability estimates of the entire preweaned population for BRD resistance and number of treatments were 0.11 ± 0.06 and 0.08 ± 0.05, respectively. The genetic correlation estimates for BRD incidence with weaning BW and birth BW were low (−0.02 ± 0.32 and 0.07 ± 0.27, respectively). The same estimate for the number of BRD treatments with weaning BW and birth BW was 0.25 ± 0.35 and 0.30 ± 0.27, respectively. The observed BRD incidence rate for feedlot cattle was observed at 9.43%. Incidence of BRD significantly (P < 0.01) decreased overall and acclimation ADG by 0.06 ± 0.01 kg/d and 0.28 ± 0.03 kg/d, respectively. Carcass traits were also significantly (P < 0.05) affected by BRD incidence; untreated cattle had a 9.1 ± 1.7-kg heavier HCW. Results were similar in the analysis of treatment frequency. The heritability estimate of BRD incidence and the number of treatments were 0.07 ± 0.04 and 0.02 ± 0.03, respectively. Estimates of genetic correlations of BRD incidence with production traits were −0.63 ± 0.22 for acclimation ADG, −0.04 ± 0.23 for on-test ADG, −0.31 ± 0.21 for overall ADG, −0.39 ± 0.21 for final BW, −0.22 ± 0.22 for HCW, −0.03 ± 0.22 for LM area, 0.24 ± 0.25 for fat, and −0.43 ± 0.20 for marbling score. Similar results for the number of treatments and production traits were −1.00 ± 0.68 for acclimation ADG, −0.04 ± 0.39 for on-test ADG, −0.47 ± 0.41 for overall ADG, −0.66 ± 0.40 for final BW, −0.58 ± 0.45 for HCW, −0.12 ± 0.38 for LM area, 0.42 ± 0.50 for fat, and −0.32 ± 0.37 for marbling score. Because of the high economic cost associated with BRD incidence, even these modest estimates for heritability of BRD resistance should be considered for incorporation into beef cattle breeding programs.

A microsatellite-based genome scan of a Wagyu × Limousin F2 cross population previously demonstrated QTL affecting LM area and fatty acid composition were present in regions near the centrom- ere of BTA2. In this study, we used 70 SNP markers to examine the centromeric 24 megabases (Mb) of BTA2, including the Limousin-specific F94L myostatin allele (AB076403.1; 415C > A) located at approximately 6 Mb on the draft genome sequence of BTA2. A signifi- cant effect of the F94L marker was observed (F = 60.17) for LM area, which indicated that myostatin is most likely responsible for the effect. This is consistent with previous reports that the substitution of Leu for Phe at AA 94 of myostatin (caused by the 415C > A transver- sion) is associated with increased muscle growth. Sur- prisingly, several fatty acid trait QTL, which affected the amount of unsaturated fats, also mapped to or very near the myostatin marker, including the ratio of C16:1 MUFA to C16:0 saturated fat (F = 16.72), C18:1 to C18:0 (F = 18.88), and total content of MUFA (F = 17.12). In addition, QTL for extent of marbling (F = 14.73) approached significance (P = 0.05), and CLA concentration (F = 9.22) was marginally significant (P = 0.18). We also observed associations of SNP located at 16.3 Mb with KPH (F = 15.00) and for the amount of SFA (F = 12.01). These results provide insight into genetic differences between the Wagyu and Limousin breeds and may lead to a better tasting and healthier product for consumers through improved selection for lipid content of beef.

The objective of this study was to in- vestigate the effects of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) complex on economically important production traits with the use of health records in combination with lung lesion scores obtained at slaughter. Records from 5,976 animals were used in this study from cattle that were managed in Midwestern feedlots. Average daily gain for 3 different feeding periods (acclimation, on-test, and overall test) along with final BW were evaluated as per- formance measures. Hot carcass weight, LM area, sub- cutaneous fat cover, and marbling score were collected at slaughter. All calves were monitored by experienced feedlot personnel and treated according to the specific health protocol of each feedlot. Incidence of BRD was observed at a rate of 8.17%, and lung lesions at slaugh- ter were present in 61.9% of cattle from a subpopula- tion (n = 1,665). From this group of cattle, the overall incidence of BRD, which was defined as cattle that had lung lesions, that were treated for BRD in the feedlot, or both, was 64.4%. Incidence of BRD in the feedlot de- creased ADG during both the acclimation period (0.37 ± 0.03 kg) and the overall test period (0.07 ± 0.01 kg). Incidence of BRD also had significant effects on HCW and marbling score with reduction of 8.16 ± 1.38 kg and 0.13 ± 0.04, respectively, in treated cattle. The ad- verse effects on production traits tended to increase as the number of treatments increased. Potential decrease in performance and carcass merit observed in this study were associated with a decline of $23.23, $30.15, and $54.01 in carcass value when comparing cattle never treated with cattle treated once, twice, or 3 or more times, respectively. The presence of lung lesions did not have a significant effect on any of the traits; however, there was an association between the presence of active bronchial lymph nodes and less productivity of feedlot cattle.

The triacylglyceride (TAG) fatty acid content in meat from Angus-sired cattle was analyzed for non-additive genetic effects. A total of 11,482 significant DNA marker interactions (false discovery rate [FDR] < 0.05) were detected across thirty-seven different TAG fatty acids. Interactions were not evenly distributed amongst all fatty acids analyzed, and types of interactions (additive-by-additive, additive-by-dominance, and dominance-by-dominance) varied within each individual fatty acid. These results indicate that it may be possible to account for additional genetic variance amongst TAG fatty acids over and above individual markers.

Microarray technology is now available for many livestock species, and animal scientists are beginning to utilize the technology to address issues of importance to animal agriculture. This review discusses how microarray technology has been applied to study global gene expression changes in skeletal muscle. For example, microarrays have been used to elucidate gene function in knockout mice, evaluate breed differences, evaluate the effects of hormone administration, and evaluate the effects of diet. Data generated from these global gene expression studies are providing new insights to stimulate future hypothesis-driven research.

The main goal of this study was to develop tools for genetic selection of animals producing milk with a lower concentration of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and a higher concentration of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA). The reasons for changing milk fatty acid (FA) composition were to improve milk technological properties, such as for production of more spreadable butter, and milk nutritional value with respect to the potentially adverse effects of SFA on human health. We hypothesized that genetic polymorphisms in solute carrier family 27, isoform A6 (SLC27A6) fatty acid transport protein gene and fatty acid binding protein (FABP)-3 and FABP-4 (FABP3 and FABP4) would affect the selectivity of FA uptake into, and FA redistribution inside, mammary epithelial cells, resulting in altered FA composition of bovine milk. The objectives of our study were to discover genetic polymorphisms in SLC27A6, FABP3, and FABP4, and to test those polymorphisms for associations with milk FA composition. The results showed that after pairwise comparisons between SLC27A6 haplotypes for significantly associated traits, haplotype H3 was significantly associated with 1.37 weight percentage (wt%) lower SFA concentration, 0.091 lower SFA:UFA ratio, and 0.17 wt% lower lauric acid (12:0) concentration, but 1.37 wt% higher UFA and 1.24 wt% higher monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) concentrations compared with haplotype H1 during the first 3 mo of lactation. Pairwise comparisons between FABP4 haplotypes for significantly associated traits showed that haplotype H3 was significantly associated with 1.04 wt% lower SFA concentration, 0.079 lower SFA:UFA ratio, 0.15 wt% lower lauric acid (12:0), and 0.27 wt% lower myristic acid (14:0) concentrations, but 1.04 wt% higher UFA and 0.91 wt% higher MUFA concentrations compared with haplotype H1 during the first 3 mo of lactation. Percentages of genetic variance explained by H3 versus H1 haplotype substitutions for SLC27A6 and FABP4 ranged from 2.50 to 4.86% and from 4.91 to 7.22%, respectively. Tag single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified to distinguish haplotypes H3 of SLC27A6 and FABP4 from others encompassing each gene. We found no significant associations between FABP3 haplotypes and milk FA composition. In conclusion, polymorphisms in FABP4 and SLC27A6 can be used to select for cattle producing milk with lower concentrations of SFA and higher concentrations of UFA.

Biochemical and biophysical research tools are used to define the developmental dynamics of numerous cell lineages from a variety of tissues relevant to meat quality. With respect to the adipose cell lineage, much of our present understanding of adipogenesis and lipid metabolism was initially determined through the use of these methods, even though the in vitro or molecular environments are far removed from the tissues of meat animals. This concise review focuses on recent cellular and molecular biology-related research with adipocytes, and how the research might be extended to the endpoint of altering red meat quality. Moreover, economic and policy impacts of such in animal production regimens is discussed. These issues are important, not only with respect to palatability, but also to offer enhanced health benefits to the consumer by altering content of bioactive components in adipocytes.

Ontologies help to identify and formally define the entities and relationships in specific domains of interest. Bio-ontologies, in particular, play a central role in the annotation, integration, analysis, and interpretation of biological data. Missing from the number of bio-ontologies is one that includes phenotypic trait information found in livestock species. As a result, the Animal Trait Ontology (ATO) project being carried out under the auspices of the USDA-National Animal Genome Research Program is aimed at the development of a standardized trait ontology for farm animals and software tools to assist the research community in collaborative creation, editing, maintenance, and use of such an ontology. The ATO is currently inclusive of cattle, pig, and chicken species, and will include other livestock species in the future. The ATO will eventually be linked to other species (e.g., human, rat, mouse) so that comparative analysis can be efficiently performed between species.

The objective was to determine the natural variability in beef fatty acid composition and to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) gene to test the association of SNPs with fatty acid composition. We have used common gas chromatographic techniques to determine the fatty acid composition of phospholipids and triacylglycerols (TAGs) extracted from beef muscle (longissimus dorsi) from 800 sire-identified cattle originating from Iowa State University beef cattle breeding selection projects. Heritability of individual fatty acids and indexes of fatty acid desaturase and elongase systems were calculated by evaluating specific ratios of fatty acids (product/precursor). In general, we found that TAG composition is heritable, but phospholipid composition is not. The atherogenic index of TAGs as proposed by Ulbright and Southgate had a heritability estimate of 0.55 and 0.45 for the TAG and total lipids, respectively. Individual fatty acids of TAGs also had high heritability estimates. For example, the heritability estimates of 14:0 and 16:0 in TAG were 0.49 and 0.40, respectively. Monounsaturates 16:1 and 18:1 in TAGs both had heritability estimates greater than 0.5. Future research will focus on DNA sequencing of candidate genes from sires that are phenotypically divergent for a trait of interest. Ultimately, we plan to develop DNA markers for use in selecting breeding stock to improve healthfulness of fatty acids in beef. Three SNP candidates in the SCD gene were tested by using Iowa State University beef cattle. Two of the potential SNPs were homozygous in this population (n=123). We have classified 172 cattle into two genotypes, VA and VV, based on the third SNP. The ratio of palmitoleic acid (C16:1) concentration vs palmitic acid (C16:0) concentration of TAG is significantly associated with the SNP (P=0.02). There is no significant association of the SNP with the fatty acid composition of phospholipids.

An experiment was conducted to characterize the effects of postruminal administration of casein, glutamine, cornstarch, and water on protein turnover and in vitro muscle cell proliferation. Four MARC III steers (205 kg) were fed a protein- restricted bromegrass hay-based diet (2.86 Mcal of DE/kg and 13.6 g of N/kg). Using a 4 × 5 Latin square arrangement balanced for residual effects, casein and glutamine, equal to 50% of basal dietary nitrogen intake, cornstarch, isocaloric with casein infusion, or an equal volume of water was continuously infused into the abomasum of steers. Blood samples, collected every 2 h for 24 h after 7 d of infusion, were tested for the effect on cell cycle kinetics and myotube protein turnover. Urine and feces were also collected for 4 d after blood sampling for nitrogen balance and frac- tional skeletal muscle degradation. The mitogenic activity and ability of serum to influence rate of myoblast proliferation in a dose-dependent manner was influenced ( P cornstarch > glutamine = water. Abomasal infusion of casein and cornstarch increased ( P < .05) in vitro muscle protein synthesis and decreased ( P < .05) in vitro muscle protein degradation, whereas abomasal glutamine infusion only increased ( P < .05) in vitro muscle protein synthesis. Abomasal glutamine infu- sion decreased ( P < .05) fractional skeletal muscle protein degradation and synthesis; however, fractional muscle protein accretion tended to increase due to a greater decline in fractional muscle protein degrada- tion. In contrast, abomasal casein infusion increased ( P < .05) fractional skeletal muscle protein synthesis, breakdown, and accretion. These results suggest that muscle hypertrophy may be regulated by serum constituents whose activity is affected by postruminal amino acid flow.

Current study was carried out to gather information and recording the goat farming system in districts of Sindh province (Haiderabad, Matiyari, Hala, Methi, Umerkot, Tharparkar, Thatha, Badin, Dadu, Mirpur Khas). A survey was carried for ten goat breeds of Sindh province viz. Kamori, Tapri, Bugi Turi, Pateri, Kachan, Jattan, Lohri, Chappar, Barri and Thari. We visited farmers raising one or more of the ten breeds (about 100 farmers). Major diseases vaccinated against were Enterotoxaemia (100%), Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) (93.75%), goat pox (18.75%), and FMD (6.25 %). For parasitic control 24% farmer did nothing for control while 52% farmers on regular basis. About 71% farmers were using traditional treatment regularly, out of which 24% farmers got treatment for their goats from veterinary doctors on regular basis. Diseases outbreak in the studied herds were maximum for Enterotoxaemia (71%), followed by CCPP (59%). Most common production systems of raising goats in the sampled area were backyard, agro-pastoralist and rangeland based (20% each) followed by mixed production system (13%) and agro-forestry, ranching, landless and industrial (approximately 7% each). About 12 % farmers had sheds for housing while 53% had open housing system. Most farmers provided unrestricted supply of water to their goat (76%) with unknown quality. Mostly (82%) farmers were depending on natural pasture for feeding goats. Crossbreeding among goat herds was uncontrolled and widespread (76%). Maximum mattings were arranged between June and September. Ram selection on phenotype was common (71%). Framers used to sell goat in local market (41%). The study highlights potential areas of improvement in goat production for better welfare of animals and more profit for goat breeders.

There is a change in morphological as well production traits of breeds over the time. Moreover, some breeds are yet not properly documented in Punjab province. Therefore, we need to update our understanding and knowledge. Therefore, the objective of study was to investigate the breeds for differences in term of morphology and body weight. The study area was a home tract district of breeds. Data were collected for seven goat breeds of Punjab viz. Dera Din Panah (DDP), Nachi, Barbari, Teddi, Beetal, Pahari and Potohari. Height, heart girth, chest length, pubic bone, length and live body weight were taken to observe the effect of age, sex and breed. Data were arranged according to age, sex and breed. SAS Mixed Proc. method was used to investigate the effect of age, sex and breed on different body measurements and weight for all goat breeds. Age and sex had significant effect on body measurements (P < 0.05) except sex had non-significant effect on pubic bone length. Maximum adult weight was observed in Beetal 37.04 ± 0.63 kg followed by Nachi 36.18 ± 1.07 kg, DDP 35.36 ± 1.62kg, Barbari 34.33 ± 1.46 kg, Pothohari 32.94 ± 1.31 kg, Teddi 22.69 ± 0.76 kg and Pahari 20.63 ± 1.74kg. Beetal had maximum body measurements among all breeds. Pubic bone length was highest in Pothohari (10.09 ± 0.22 cm). Maximum ear length was observed in DDP (37.17 ± 3.22 cm). There was significant effect of age class on body weight and body measurements. All body parameters were positively correlated with age and sex. The data indicated the variations in body measurements across age, sex and breeds groups of Punjab goat breeds. This is useful information for ranking breeds in term of size and weight to devise breeding program for goat meat production. [Image: see text]

A field study was carried out in breeding tracts of five goat breeds of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) viz. Jattal, Buchi, Kooti, Lambri and Bairli to study the effect of breed, age and sex on body weight and body measurements. Project staff under field conditions in Kotly, Muzafrabad, Neelum Valley and Mirpur districts of AJK recorded data of body measurements and weight. Body measurements i.e. heart girth, height, length, chest length, pubic bone length and live body weight were taken. Data were arranged according to age, sex and breed and analyzed using Mixed Procedure by REML methodology in SAS version 9.2. There was significant difference (P < 0.05) of height between Buchi and Kooti (69.28 ± 1.46 VS 75.67 ± 1.22) and Kooti and Bairli (75.67 ± 1.22 VS 70.12 ± 1.25). There was a significant effect of age on all the body measurement and body weight (P < 0.0001). Overall male goats showed higher values for all body measurements and weight than female except for pubic bone. Lambri goat showed highest body weight followed by Jattal, Bairli, Kooti and Buchi. The current study, for the first time, has documented variations in body measurements and weight influenced by age, sex and breed among AJK goat breeds. The results from the present study have useful implications for launching any selection program in region to improve meat production in future. [Image: see text] Key Words