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AMH, KISS1R and GDF9 genes play a vital role in human and animal reproduction and might be used as the genetic markers for the reproduction traits selection. The aim of this study was to screen the...

The aim of this study was to detect SNPs in myostatin (MSTN) gene of four goat breeds, and analyze the correlation of these markers on body measurement traits in the Dazu black goat breed. In total...

This study aims to identify the relative Copy number variation (CNV) associated with the litter size of Dazu black goats based on the unpublished CNV analytical results of our previously published sequencing data, in which the litter-size groups were classified into extreme low- and high-yield groups. Firstly, to compare the existence of valuable CNV in Dazu black goats with different fertility levels with mixed pools. We obtained 4992 and 4888 CNVs from the HY and LY, which overlapping 1461 genes, and classified on the original CNV type. Three genes [LOC108633278, PPP1R12A, and YIPF4] were observed in the intersection between the HY deletion and the LY duplication groups. Secondly, on individuals level, we identified a novel candidate CNV (Chr1_50215501, FST = 0.148, VST = 0.347) from 214 autosomal credible CNVs to be significant with litter size in the Dazu black goat, which located in the CBLB gene. This finding indicates the CBLB gene may affect the litter size of the Dazu black goats through structural variations, and Chr1_50215501 can be an effective genetic marker for marker-assisted selection breeding, and this study was also helps understand the molecular mechanism related to the goat litter size.

This study aimed to explore the genetic basis of muscle development in goats. The transcriptome dataset for differentially expressed lncRNAs (DELs) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of goat muscle at different developmental stages were obtained using RNA-Seq. A total of 447,806,481 and 587,559,465 clean reads in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Dazu black goats between 75d embryonic stage and 1d after birth were generated through Illumina paired-end sequencing, and their mapping rates were 89.82 and 90.99%, respectively. Moreover, 4517 DEGs and 648 DELs were identified, and 4784 lncRNA-mRNA targeting relationships were predicted. Gene function annotation results showed that 4101 DEGs were significantly enriched to 1098 GO terms, and 2014 DEGs were significantly enriched to 40 KEGG pathways, including many GO terms and pathways related to muscle development, such as cell differentiation and Wnt signaling pathway. Then, 10 DELs and 20 DEGs were randomly selected for RT-qPCR verification, and the agreement rate between the verification and RNA-Seq results was 90%, indicating the high reliability of the RNA-Seq data analysis. In conclusion, this study obtained several mRNAs and lncRNAs related to the muscle development of Dazu black goats and identified several targeted regulatory pairs of lncRNA-mRNA. This study may serve as a reference to understand the genetic basis and molecular mechanism of muscle development in goats.

This study aimed to analyze the effect and mechanism of immunization of oral KISS1 DNA vaccine on the proliferation of goat testicular Leydig cells. Ten 8-week-old male goats were randomly divided ...

This study compared and analyzed the genetic diversity and population structure of exon 2 of the DQB1 gene and 13 autosomal neutral microsatellite markers from 14 Chinese goat breeds to explore the potential evolutionary mechanism of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). A total of 287 haplotypes were constructed from MHC-DQB1 exon 2 from 14 populations, and 82 nucleotide polymorphic sites (SNPs, 31.78%) and 172 heterozygous individuals (79.12%) were identified. The FST values of the microsatellites and MHC-DQB ranged between 0.01831–0.26907 and 0.00892–0.38871, respectively. Furthermore, 14 goat populations showed rich genetic diversity in the microsatellite loci and MHC-DQB1 exon 2. However, the population structure and phylogenetic relationship represented by the two markers were different. Positive selection and Tajima’s D test results showed the occurrence of a diversified selection mechanism, which was primarily based on a positive and balancing selection in goat DQB. This study also found that the DQB sequences of bovines exhibited trans-species polymorphism (TSP) among species and families. In brief, this study indicated that positive and balancing selection played a major role in maintaining the genetic diversity of DQB, and TSP of MHC in bovines was common, which enhanced the understanding of the MHC evolution.

Background:Polled intersex syndrome (PIS) leads to reproductive disorders in goats and exerts a heavy influence on goat breeding. Since 2001, the core variant of an 11.7 kb deletion at ~129 Mb on chromosome 1 (CHI1) has been widely used as a genetic diagnostic criterion. In 2020, a ~0.48 Mb insertion within the PIS deletion was identified by sequencing in XX intersex goats. However, the suitability of this variation for the diagnosis of intersex goats worldwide and its further molecular genetic mechanism need to be clarified.Results:The whole-genome selective sweep of intersex goats from China was performed with whole-genome next-generation sequencing technology for large sample populations and a case–control study on interbreeds. A series of candidate genes related to the goat intersexuality phenotype were found. We further confirmed that a ~0.48 Mb duplicated fragment (includingERGandKCNJ15) downstream of the ~20 Mb PIS region was reversely inserted into the PIS locus in intersex Chinese goats and was consistent with that in European Saanen and Valais black-necked goats. High-throughput chromosome conformation capture (Hi-C) technology was then used to compare the 3D structures of the PIS variant neighborhood in CHI1 between intersex and non-intersex goats. A newly found structure was validated as an intrachromosomal rearrangement. This inserted duplication changed the original spatial structure of goat CHI1 and caused the appearance of several specific loop structures in the adjacent ~20 kb downstream region ofFOXL2.Conclusions:Results suggested that the novel complex PIS variant genome was sufficient as a broad-spectrum clinical diagnostic marker of XX intersexuality in goats from Europe and China. A series of private dense loop structures caused by segment insertion into the PIS deletion might affect the expression ofFOXL2or other neighboring novel candidate genes. However, these structures require further in-depth molecular biological experimental verification. In general, this study provided new insights for future research on the molecular genetic mechanism underlying female-to-male sex reversal in goats.

Background: Heat stress in domestic animals has become a major limit factor for livestock production in tropical and subtropical regions. These traits that adapt to torrid environment are important in livestock breeding.Methods: In this study, we identified and genotyped six Single nucleotide polymorphism for the CDC37, AHSA1 and STIP1 gene in the Droughtmaster, Angus and Simmental cattle breeds using the SNaPshot Multiplex system. Result: Result of pair-wise differences (FST) revealed three SNP locus (CDC37-6 (A16154247/G), CDC37-7 (C16157867/G), AHSA1-10 (G89722567/A) were significantly different in the Droughtmaster population than Angus and Simmental cattle breeds. Moreover, it was found that CDC37-7 (C16157867/G) locus deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, suggesting that the CDC37-7 (C16157867/G) genes have been influenced by the selective breeding of the Droughtmaster breed. Therefore, CDC37-7 (C16157867/G) locus could be used as a marker-assisted candidate gene locus of heat tolerance. This study provides valuable information, concerning marker-assisted selection in the breeding of heat stress resistant cattle.

Background: Myostatin (MSTN) is a highly conserved protein that acts as a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. MSTN gene is closely associated with multiple biological functions and its mutations are directly linked to muscle development in different species. Loss of MSTN functionality causes the phenotype to appear in the form of ‘double musculature’, among others in cattle, sheep and house mice.Methods: The mixed DNA pool of Boer and Dazu black goats to sequence MSTN coding and noncoding regions. Snapshot typing technology was used to analyse three goat production types, namely, Boer (meat goats), Nubian (breast and meat dual-use goat), Dazu black (local breeds) and Youzhou black goats (local breeds). Polymorphic loci in MSTN were used from four goat populations to construct haplotypes and calculate haplotype frequency distribution through NETWORK and MEGA to construct a phylogenetic tree and visualize phylogenetic relationship.Result: From these populations, 18 haplotypes were constructed using 20 polymorphic loci. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a significant difference in the haplotype distribution of MSTN in different goat production types. The 18 haplotypes were divided into two clusters. The haplotypes carried by the Boer goat belonged to Cluster I and those carried by the Nubian goat and two local goat breeds belonged to both clusters. Chinese local goats and complex production goats carried more haplotypes of MSTN and had a richer genetic diversity than other production types did. Moreover, local and complex production goats had high-frequency haplotypes of the MSTN of meat goats and had high potential for breeding.

Droughtmaster is a tropical breed of beef cattle that can survive in hot climates and easily adapt to torrid environments. These traits are important in livestock breeding. In this study, we genotyped five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the

Droughtmaster is a tropical breed of beef cattle that can survive in hot climates and easily adapt to torrid environments. These traits are important in livestock breeding. In this study, we genotyped five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the AHSA2 gene from 190 cattle belonging to three different breeds (Droughtmaster, Angus and Simmental) by using snapshot technology. This work aimed to identify the valuable molecular marker of heat resistance in cattle. Results showed that Droughtmaster exhibited higher expected heterozygosity and polymorphic information content compared with the two other breeds. The AHSA2-1 locus deviated from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the Droughtmaster breed (P < 0.05). Two SNPs in Droughtmaster diverged significantly from Angus and Simmental. The SNPs were identified as AHSA2-3 and AHSA2-4, which were closely linked to the three breeds based on pair-wise FST. AHSA2-4 involved a missense mutation. In summary, the GG genotypes in AHSA2-3 and AHSA2-4 may be candidate genotypes associated with heat resistance traits and may serve as valuable genetic markers for breeding of heat-tolerant beef cattle in the future.

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are critical for disease resistance or susceptibility responsible for host-pathogen interactions determined mainly by extensive polymorphisms in the MHC genes. Here, we examined the diversity and phylogenetic pattern of MHC haplotypes reconstructed using three MHC-linked microsatellite markers in 55 populations of five Bovidae species and compared them with those based on neutral autosomal microsatellite markers (NAMs). Three-hundred-and-forty MHC haplotypes were identified in 1453 Bovidae individuals, suggesting significantly higher polymorphism and heterozygosity compared with those based on NAMs. The ambitious boundaries in population differentiation (phylogenetic network, pairwise FST and STRUCTURE analyses) within and between species assessed using the MHC haplotypes were different from those revealed by NAMs associated closely with speciation, geographical distribution, domestication and management histories. In addition, the mean FST was significantly correlated negatively with the number of observed alleles (NA), observed (HO) and expected (HE) heterozygosity and polymorphism information content (PIC) (P 0.05) between the MHC haplotype and NAMs datasets. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed a lower percentage of total variance (PTV) between species/groups based on the MHC-linked microsatellites than NAMs. Therefore, it was inferred that individuals within populations accumulated as many MHC variants as possible to increase their heterozygosity and thus the survival rate of their affiliated populations and species, which eventually reduced population differentiation and thereby complicated their classification and phylogenetic relationship inference. In summary, host-pathogen coevolution and heterozygote advantage, rather than demographic history, act as key driving forces shaping the MHC diversity within the populations and determining the interspecific MHC diversity.

Objective In order to investigate the effect of secretagogin (SCGN) on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells apoptosis, invasion and migration in vitro. Methods Expression of SCGN in CRC tissues and the paired adjacent non-tumorous tissues (n = 36) and four human CRC cell lines (HT29, HCT116, SW480 and SW620) were detected. SW480 cells were transfected with the SCGN overexpression plasmid (eGFP-SCGN), si-SCGN-773, and the corresponding negative controls (NCs). Then, cell-cycle distribution, cell apoptosis, migration, invasion and expression of apoptosis- and metastasis-related proteins were detected. Results SCGN was significantly downregulated in CRC tissues as compared with the adjacent non-tumorous tissues. The expression of SCGN in HT29 and SW480 cells were lower than those in HT116 and SW620 cells. We transfected SW480 cells with SCGN overexpression plasmid eGFP-SCGN and found the increased cell apoptosis, with cell arresting at G0/G1 phase. SW480 cells with SCGN overexpression showed wider wound width and fewer invaded cells than control and blank cells, with upregulated Bax, cleaved Caspase 3 and E-cadherin, and downregulated Bcl-2 and Vimentin. We also transfected SW480 cells with si-SCGN-773 and found si-SCGN increased cell migration and invasion, but did not affect cell apoptosis and expression of related proteins. Conclusion We concluded that the overexpression of SCGN in SW480 cells promoted cell apoptosis and inhibited cell migration and invasion.

Kisspeptin, encoded by the Kiss1 gene, and its receptor GPR54 have a central regulatory role in the male reproduction. However, their functions in peripheral tissues, such as testes, remain unclear. This study investigated the local expressions and function of Kiss1/GPR54 in goats' testes. The mRNA expression of Kiss1/GPR54 in pubertal goat Leydig cells was detected through reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR), and its protein expression in Leydig cells or the testis was examined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis. Isolated and cultured Leydig cells were treated with different concentration of kisspeptin (0, 1, 10 and 100 μM) and kisspeptin antagonist for 4, 24 or 72 h. The direct effect of kisspeptin on testosterone secretion and Kiss1/GPR54 mRNA expression was evaluated by ELISA and RT-PCR. Kiss1/GPR54 mRNA and protein were expressed in Leydig cells and spermatids, and GPR54 were expressed in Sertoli cells. Kisspeptin treatment significantly stimulated testosterone secretion in Leydig cells, with the highest levels found under 24 h of treatment with 10 μM kisspeptin. Treatment with kisspeptin + kisspeptin antagonist significantly reduced the kisspeptin-stimulated testosterone secretion in Leydig cells. Kisspeptin treatment significantly enhanced the expression of Kiss1/GPR54 mRNA in Leydig cells. These data suggest the local expressions of Kiss1/GPR54 in goats' testes and its autocrine role in Leydig cells, which is helpful in understanding the regulation role of kisspeptin/GPR54 system in other peripheral tissues.

Reliability design is to evaluate the reliability of an optimization design method. This paper aims at the reliability design of the problem of easy blockage of the round baler. First, this paper analyzes and studies the cause of clogged round baler. Secondly, the design of feeder mechanism is optimized and it's 3D modeling is carried out by SOLIDWORKS. Finally, it is imported into the finite element analysis software ANSYS Workbench, modal calculation and statics analysis of the model are built, and the first 6 natural frequencies are extracted. The results show that the maximum working speed of the feed roller is far lower than the critical speed of the first order. The stress is mainly concentrated on the position of the shaft head, the feed roller and the connection position between the feed roller and the screw conveyor, far less than the material yield strength. This shows that the feeder mechanism meets the reliability requirements. The design and results provide theoretical guidance for the lean design of key components such as round baler feeder mechanisms. statics analysis.

Aiming at the knotter frame's feature of complicated structure, poor rigidity, high precision, inconvenience of fixture, easy to deform, difficult to ensure the machining quality. This paper makes preliminary research from three aspects of the frame machining process scheme, cutting parameters selection and the machining surface quality. Doing orthogonal test and processing related data, which about the cutting force, temperature field and stress field, coming from cutting simulation software AdvantEdg about cutting machining simulation by using the range analysis method, and then getting the basic rules of cutting machining affected by the cutting parameters, finally getting the optimal combination of cutting parameters of each process. This provides reference for the selection of the frame machining process scheme and the selection of cutting parameters of each process.

Kisspeptin, encoded by the KISS1 gene, and its receptor GPR54 are essential in puberty onset and male fertility due to their central regulatory roles. However, the roles of KISS1/GPR54 in peripheral tissues remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the temporal expression patterns of KISS1/GPR54 in goat testes and epididymides and its spatial expression patterns in pubertal goats. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that kisspeptin/GPR54 were localized in Leydig, Sertoli, and germ cells of pubertal goats' testis, as well as in principal and basal cells of the epididymis. RT-PCR revealed a marked variation in the KISS1/GPR54 expressions in the testes and epididymides from the age of first week to adulthood. KISS1 and GPR54 mRNA levels in testes decreased from the age of first week to two months and then increased from two months to puberty and adulthood. The KISS1 and GPR54 mRNA levels in Leydig cells decreased from the age of one week to two months and increased from two months to puberty, and then decreased from puberty to adulthood. Only GPR54 mRNA levels in the epididymides increased from the age of one week to two months and puberty, and then decreased from puberty to adulthood. RT-PCR analysis showed the different spatial expression patterns of KISS1/GPR54 in pubertal goat tissues. The KISS1 mRNA level was high in the hypothalamus, moderate in pancreas, liver, epididymis and testis; and low in the other tissues. The GPR54 expression was high in the pancreas and testis; moderate in pituitary, hypothalamus and mesenteric lymph node; and low in the other tissues. In conclusion, the KISS1/GPR54 system possessed distinct temporal expression profiles in goats' testes and epididymides, as well as different spatial expression patterns in pubertal goat tissues, which implied the possible local role of this system in goats' testes, epididymides, and other peripheral tissues.

Litter size is considered to be the most important index for estimating domestic animal productivity. The number of indigenous goats in China with higher litter sizes than those of commercial breeds in other countries may be helpful for accelerating genetic improvements in goat breeding. We performed a genome-wide selective sweep analysis of 31 Dazu black goats with extreme standard deviation in litter size within the third fetus to identify significant genomic regions and candidate genes through different analyses. The analysis identified a total of 33,917,703 variants, including 32,262,179 SNPs and 1,655,524 indels. In addition, two novel candidate genes (LRP1B and GLRB), which are related to litter size, were obtained with π, Tajima’s D, πA/πB, and F(ST) at the individual level with a 95% threshold for each parameter. These two genes were annotated in five GO terms (localization, binding, macromolecular complex, membrane part, and membrane) and two pathways (long-term depression and neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction pathway). Regarding the result of linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis, in LRP1B and GRID2, the high-yield Dazu black goats exhibit significantly different LD patterns from low-yield goats. Litter size variability has low heritability and is related to multiple complex factors found in domestic animals. Obtaining a clear explanation and significant signal by genome-wide selective sweep analysis with a small sample size is difficult. However, we investigated some candidate genes, particularly LRP1B and GLRB, which may provide useful information for further research. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s13205-019-1869-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Intersex traits are serious reproductive disorders in goats, and the intersexual goat can influence development of goat husbandry. In goats, the PIS (polled intersex syndrome) mutation is responsible for both the absence of horns and sex reversal, exclusively affecting XX individuals. PIS is caused by a large deletion of goat chromosome 1q43 that affects the transcription of the genes PISRT1 and FOXL2. Here, we aim to contribute to the discussion on the pathology and molecular genetics of goats’ intersex based on the characteristics of morphology.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a novel oral somatostatin-14 (SS-14) DNA vaccine fused to tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) signal peptide and CpG adjuvant on goat lactation and milk composition. Ten female goats with two newborn kids each were randomly divided into the immunized group and negative control group; The novel oral somatostatin (SS) DNA vaccine (fused to tPA signal peptide and CpG adjuvant) and empty vector bacteria were orally administered to these groups, respectively, at weeks 0, 3, and 6 of the study period. Blood samples were collected before primary immunization and at weeks 6 and 9 after primary immunization. The specific anti-SS antibody titers in the immunized group were significantly higher than that in the negative control group (P

The primarily metabolic abnormality in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is the defect in gluconeogenesis and glucose uptake. Itraconazole (ITCZ) is a traditional azole drug with anti-fungal and anticancer properties. However, limited attention has been directed towards the contribution of ITCZ to hepatic gluconeogenesis and glucose uptake in T2DM. The present study aimed to investigate the potential effects of ITCZ on hepatic gluconeogenesis and glucose uptake as well as the underlying mechanisms. No obvious change in cell viability was detected by MTT assay in HepG2 cells with ITCZ treatment at gradually increasing concentrations. Western blot analysis demonstrated that the phosphorylation level of 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was significantly elevated by ITCZ treatment at ≥5 µg/ml (P

With the increasing process of Chinese urbanization and the rapid development of county economy, the demand to energy becomes more and more. In this case, the resources and energy in the country must be made the best use for a long time in the future, so as to realize the overall targets of the development of China. The energy resources have played a very significant role in urbanization of China. Thus, it is an important task to increase the efficiency of energy consumption in counties. So we provide a non-parametric method for analyzing the energy efficiency of county based on DEA theory. Then we analyze the energy efficiency of nine counties in Chifeng City from 2008 to 2012 by using above method.

Goats (Capra hircus) are one of the oldest livestock domesticated species, and have been used for their milk, meat, hair and skins over much of the world. Detection of selection footprints in genomic regions can provide potential insights for understanding the genetic mechanism of specific phenotypic traits and better guide in animal breeding. The study presented here has generated 192.747G raw data and identified more than 5.03 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 334,151 Indels (insertions and deletions). In addition, we identified 155 and 294 candidate regions harboring 86 and 97 genes based on allele frequency differences in Dazu black goats (DBG) and Inner Mongolia cashmere goats (IMCG), respectively. Populations differentiation reflected by Fst values detected 368 putative selective sweep regions including 164 genes. The top 1% regions of both low heterozygosity and high genetic differentiation contained 239 (135 genes) and 176 (106 genes) candidate regions in DBG and IMCG, respectively. These genes were related to reproductive and productive traits, such as “neurohypophyseal hormone activity” and “adipocytokine signaling pathway”. These findings may be conducive to molecular breeding and the long-term preservation of the valuable genetic resources for this species.

Based on the standard particle swarm optimization an improved PSO algorithm was introduced in this paper. The particle swarm optimization algorithm with prior low precision, divergent character and slow late convergence is improved by joining the negative gradient. By adding negative term on standard PSO formula, combining with coefficient of negative gradient term and inertia weight , lead to effectively balance between the local and global search ability. It will accelerate convergence and avoid local optimum. Moreover, from the bionic point of view, this improved PSO algorithm is closer to the reality of the actual situation of the bird flocking. From the simulation results of four typical test functions, it can be seen that an improved particle swarm optimization with negative gradient can significantly improve the solving speed and solution quality.

Based on the standard particle swarm optimization, introduce the information about negative gradient to influence the update of velocities of the particles, proposed the particles swarm optimization with negative gradient , and make the movement of particles more pertinent. The result of computer simulation about several test functions indicates that the particle swarm optimization with negative gradient can improve optimization efficiency and get better results.

The Hechuan white goat (Capra hircus), an indigenous of China. Here, we describe the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Hechuan white goat. The mitogenome is 16,640 nt in length, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and a control region. As in other mammals, most mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand, except for ND6 and eight tRNA genes, which are encoded on the light strand. Its overall base composition is A: 33.5%, T: 27.3%, C: 26.1% and G: 13.1%. The complete mitogenome of the local subspecies of Hechuan white goat could provide an important data to further explore the breed improvement in Chinese goat.

The polledness intersexual goat (PIS- -) (Capra hircus), deformed individuals, could have malformed reproductive organs and loss of reproductive function. Here, we first determined the complete mitochondrial genome of Chinese native polledness intersexual goat (PIS- -) is 16,640 nt in length, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and a non-coding control region. As in other mammals and intrastrains, most mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand, except for ND6 and eight tRNA genes, which are encoded on the light strand. Its overall base composition is A: 33.5%, T: 27.3%, C: 26.1% and G: 13.1%. The complete mitogenome of the Chinese indigenous breed of goat could provide a basic data for further understanding the contribution of mitochondria in the sex-developmental mechanism, tissue and organ cell deformity of polledness intersexual goat via genomic compare.

In this study, the genetic variability of Chinese indigenous goat breeds (Capra hircus) was analyzed using the MHC-associated microsatellite markers BF1, BM1818, BM1258, and DYMS1. To examine genetic variability, the levels of heterozigosity, degrees of inbreeding, and genetic differences among the breeds were analyzed. The mean number of alleles ranged from 5.50±3.70 in Enshi black goats (EB) to 11.50±3.70 in the Jianyang big ear (JE) breed. The mean observed heterozygosity and mean expected heterozygosity varied from 0.25±0.04 in Jining Qing goats (JQ) to 0.54±0.05 in Chuannan black goats (CN) and from 0.49±0.18 in Hechuan white goats (HW) to 0.78±0.05 in JE, respectively. The mean FIS values ranged from 0.23 in HW to 0.51 in JQ. In addition, the genetic variation among populations and geographic location did indicate a correlation of genetic differences with geographic distance, which was revealed by the phylogenetic network. In conclusion, the high variability and population structure among Chinese native goats in the Major Histocompatibility Complex would be caused by co-evolution between MHC alleles and the epidemic history or pathogens in different agro-ecological zones.

The Youzhou black-skin goat (Capra hircus), an indigenous breed of Chinese southwest. Here, we describe the complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Hechuan white goat. The mitogenome is 16,640 nt in length, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and a control region. As in other mammals, most mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand, except for ND6 and eight tRNA genes, which are encoded on the light strand. Its overall base composition is A: 33.5%, T: 27.3%, C: 26.1% and G: 13.1%. The complete mitogenome of the local subspecies of Hechuan white goat could provide an important data to further breed improvement and animal genetics resource conservation in China.

The Chinese Yakow, Bos primigenius taurus × Bos grunniens, is a large and commercially important hybrid in family Bovidae. We first determined and annotated its complete mitochondrial genome. The mitogenome is 16,322 bp in length, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and a control region. As in other mammals, most mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand, except for ND6 and eight tRNA genes, which are encoded on the light strand. Its overall base composition is A: 33.7%, T: 27.3%, C: 25.8% and G: 13.2%. The complete mitogenome of Yakow (B. p. taurus × B. grunniens) could provide an important data to further explore the taxonomic status of Yakow (B. p. taurus × B. grunniens) in B. grunniens and enrich the genetic information or evolutionary history of the Bovidae.

The population of domestic yak, Tianzhu white yak, from Tibetan area in China is considered as a rare Bos grunniens species. We first determined and annotated its complete mitochondrial genome. The mitogenome is 16,319 bp in length, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and a control region. As in other mammals, most mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand, except for ND6 and eight tRNA genes, which are encoded on the light strand. Its overall base composition is A: 33.7%, T: 27.2%, C: 25.8% and G: 13.2%. The complete mitogenome of the new subspecies of Bos grunniens could provide an important data to further explore the taxonomic status of the subspecies.

The Chuanzhong black goat (Capra hircus) is a breed native to southwest of China. Its complete mitochondrial genome is 16,641 nt in length, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes, and a non-coding control region. As in other mammals, most mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand, except for ND6 and eight tRNA genes, which are encoded on the light strand. Its overall base composition is A: 33.5%, T: 27.3%, C: 26.1%, and G: 13.1%. The complete mitogenome of the Chinese indigenous breed of goat could provide a basic data for further phylogenetics analysis.

Here, we describe the complete mitochondrial genome sequences of Jining Gray goat, Fushun black goat, Youzhou black-skin goat, and Hechuan white goat. The mitogenome of those four goats consisted of 16,640 nt, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes, 2 ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes and a control region. As in other mammals, most mitochondrial genes are encoded on the heavy strand, except for ND6 and eight tRNA genes, which are encoded on the light strand. The complete mitogenome of these four local breeds of Chinese native goats could provide an important data to further breed improvement and animal genetics resource conservation in China.

Traditional culture-dependent method and PCR-DGGE were adopted to investigate the amount of microorganism and bacterial diversity in rhizospheric soil of transgenic Bt cotton in four provinces of Yellow River basin at four growth stages, i.e., 30, 60, 90, and 120 days after sowing. In the same province and at the same growth stage, no significant difference was observed in the amount of microorganism in rhizospheric soils of transgenic and non-transgenic Bt cottons. Within the same province the amount of microorganism was mainly affected by growth stage; while in different provinces, it was greatly affected by regional conditions. In the four provinces, the bacterial diversity in rhizospheric soil of transgenic Bt cotton was abundant; and in the same province and at the same growth stage, there were no significant differences in the Shannon index, evenness, and richness of bacteria in rhizospheric soils of transgenic and non-transgenic Bt cottons. In different provinces, the bacterial diversity in rhizospheric soils was dependent on regional conditions, but the difference was rather small.

The present study aimed to predict the dry matter digestibility (DMD) of animals fed complex diet using the spectra difference between diets and feces by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). Four indoor experiments were carried out with artificial mixed complex diets in the state field observatory stations located at Hebei province. The sheep were used as tested animals. One hundred and four parts of "diet-feces" were obtained and divided into a calibration sample set (70 samples) and a validation sample set (34 samples). The spectra difference between diets and feces, and the partial least square (PLS) were used to calibrate the models of DMD of sheep. The results indicated that the optimum range of spectrum was 8 656-4 310 cm(-1). The optimum proceeding method was multivariate scattering correction + first derivative + Norris smoothing. The optimum number of factors was 7. The root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) was 2.46%, and the RPD value of validation was above 2.5. The coefficient of correlation between the actual and predicted DMD using the NIRS was 0.8339, indicating that the NIRS could be used to evaluate dry matter digestibility of sheep fed complex diets.

A Ujumqin sheep ear marginal tissue (USEM) fibroblast line, frozen in 147 cryovials with 4 x 10(6) cell each, was successfully established from 33 Ujumqin sheep ear marginal tissues using explant culture and cryopreservation techniques. The cells were morphologically consistent with fibroblasts. The growth curve was typical S-shape and the cell population passed through a lag phase, a logarithmic phase and a plateau phase. The population doubling time (PDT) was approximately 72 h. Tests for bacteria, fungi, viruses and mycoplasma were all negative. Isoenzyme polymorphism indicated that the genetic characteristics of the cell line were stable in vitro. Karyotyping analysis indicated that the chromosome number of a normal cell was of 2n = 54 and 95.4% of the entire population was diploid. The transfection efficiencies of six fluorescent proteins (pEGFP-N3, pEGFP-C1, pDsRed-N1, pEYFP-N1, pECFP-N1 and pECFP-mito) optimal at 48 h were from 18.5% to 30.1%. The cell line met all criteria from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC). Not only has the germline of this important sheep breed been preserved at the cell level, but also valuable material had been provided for genome, postgenome and somatic cloning research. Moreover, the establishment of this technical platform may provide both technical and theoretical support for storing the genetic resources of other animals and poultry at the cell level.

By using wavelet transform and remote sensing techniques, the influence of climate change on the unique mosaic landscape of sand land-wetland in middle-east Inner Mongolia in 1961 -2005 was studied. The results showed that in 1961-2005, the annual air temperature in study area had an increment of 0.32 degrees C x (10 a)(-1), the annual precipitation fluctuated with a cycle of 30 years and of 15 years, and the annual average wind speed decreased by 0.26 m x s(-1) x (10 a)(-1). In the southeast part of study area, which located in the places between Hunshandake sand land and Keerqin Deserts, there was a district, in which, the climatic characteristics did not change evidently. Until 2010, the study area would still have an increasing air temperature, lesser precipitation, and decreasing wind speed. Under the influence of warming and drying, the total area of Hunshandake sand land and the wetland around reduced year after year, and, with the vegetation degradation on sand land, wetland shrunk and lake dried up, moving sand land enlarged ceaselessly, while immovable and semi-moving sand lands reduced obviously.

The fluorescence characteristics of the complex of piperine with cation in micellar system were studied. At the same time, the influence of experimental condition on the fluorescence intensity was also studied. The experiments indicated that piperine had very low fluorescence signal itself. But in pH 8.77 Na2 HPO4-NaH2PO4 buffer solution, both Mn(II) and cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide can enhance the fluorescence intensity and stability of piperine. Based on this, a sensitive method has been developed for the quantitative determination of piperine in Mn(II)-piperine-cetyltrimethylammonium bromide ternary system. Under the optimum conditions, there is a linear relationship between the enhancement of fluorescence intensity and the concentration of Mn(II). The optimal conditions are as follows: the concentration of Mn(II) is 2.5 x 10(-4) mol x L(-1) and the concentration of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide is 5 x 10(-4) mol x L(-1). The fluorescence intensity was determined by a 1 cm quartz cell with the excitation wavelength of 352 nm and the emission wavelength of 452 nm. The linear range of concentration of piperine was 2.02-10.1 microg x mL(-1) with the relative coefficient of 0.9985 and the detection limit of 0.0602 microg x mL(-1). The relative standard deviation (RSD) was 1.10%. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the quantitative determination of piperine in the Mongolian medicine Piper longum L, and the recovery was within the range of 97.6%-102.0%. The results were very satisfactory.

PCR-RFLP was applied to analyze the polymorphism of MSTN gene UTR in 345 sheep that comprised of eleven sheep breeds, namely Texel sheep, Charolais sheep, Small-tailed Han sheep, Monggolian sheep, Ujumqin sheep, Altay Fat-rumped sheep, Hulunbeir sheep, Tashikurgan sheep, Duolang sheep, Hu sheep, and Gangba sheep. A 271 bp and a 1 003 bp long PCR products were digested with Mboand Bsato demonstrate polymorphism in the eleven sheep breeds, which were all at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P0.05). The distribution of 3 genotypes in 11 sheep breeds was significantly different (P0.01). Digestion of the PCR products with HpyCH4 proved that 9 domestic local sheep breeds were different from Texel sheep in the SNP site that was associated with muscularity. The individual mutation base could generate the motifs for miRNA in the 3'UTR, and sequencing analysis demonstrated high frequency of mutation in the 3'UTR region.