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African livestock breeds are numerous and diverse, and typically well adapted to the harsh environment conditions under which they perform. They have been used over centuries to provide livelihoods as well as food and nutritional security. However, African livestock systems are dynamic, with many small- and medium-scale systems transforming, to varying degrees, to become more profitable. In these systems the women and men livestock keepers are often seeking new livestock breeds or genotypes - typically those that increase household income through having enhanced productivity in comparison to traditional breeds while maintaining adaptedness. In recent years genomic approaches have started to be utilized in the identification and development of such breeds, and in this article we describe a number of examples to this end from sub-Saharan Africa. These comprise case studies on: (a) dairy cattle in Kenya and Senegal, as well as sheep in Ethiopia, where genomic approaches aided the identification of the most appropriate breed-type for the local productions systems; (b) a cross-breeding program for dairy cattle in East Africa incorporating genomic selection as well as other applications of genomics; (c) ongoing work toward creating a new cattle breed for East Africa that is both productive and resistant to trypanosomiasis; and (d) the use of African cattle as resource populations to identify genomic variants of economic or ecological significance, including a specific case where the discovery data was from a community based breeding program for small ruminants in Ethiopia. Lessons learnt from the various case studies are highlighted, and the concluding section of the paper gives recommendations for African livestock systems to increasingly capitalize on genomic technologies.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a re-emerging zoonotic disease responsible for major losses in livestock production, with negative impact on the livelihoods of both commercial and resource-poor farmers in sub-Sahara African countries. The disease remains a threat in countries where its mosquito vector thrives. Outbreaks of RVF usually follow weather conditions which favour increase in mosquito populations. Such outbreaks are usually cyclical, occurring every 10–15 years. Recent outbreaks of the disease in South Africa have occurred unpredictably and with increased frequency. In 2008, outbreaks were reported in Mpumalanga, Limpopo and Gauteng provinces, followed by 2009 outbreaks in KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape provinces and in 2010 in the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, Western Cape, North West, Free State and Mpumalanga provinces. By August 2010, 232 confirmed infections had been reported in humans, with 26 confirmed deaths.To investigate the evolutionary dynamics of RVF viruses (RVFVs) circulating in South Africa, we undertook complete genome sequence analysis of isolates from animals at discrete foci of the 2008–2010 outbreaks. The genome sequences of these viruses were compared with those of the viruses from earlier outbreaks in South Africa and in other countries. The data indicate that one 2009 and all the 2008 isolates from South Africa and Madagascar (M49/08) cluster in Lineage C or Kenya-1. The remaining of the 2009 and 2010 isolates cluster within Lineage H, except isolate M259_RSA_09, which is a probable segment M reassortant. This information will be useful to agencies involved in the control and management of Rift Valley fever in South Africa and the neighbouring countries., Author summary A single RVF virus serotype exists, yet differences in virulence and pathogenicity of the virus have been observed. This necessitates the need for detailed genetic characterization of various isolates of the virus. Some of the RVF virus isolates that caused the 2008–2010 disease outbreaks in South Africa were most probably reassortants resulting from exchange of portions of the genome, particularly those of segment M. Although clear association between RVFV genotype and phenotype has not been established, various amino acid substitutions have been implicated in the phenotype. Viruses with amino acid substitutions from glycine to glutamic acid at position 277 of segment M have been shown to be more virulent in mice in comparison to viruses with glycine at the same position. Phylogenetic analysis carried out in this study indicated that the viruses responsible for the 2008–2010 RVF outbreaks in South Africa were not introduced from outside the country, but mutated over time and caused the outbreaks when environmental conditions became favourable.

Protective immunity induced by the infective sporozoite stage of Theileria parva indicates a potential role for antibodies directed against conserved serologically reactive regions of the major sporozoite surface antigen p67 in vaccination to control the parasite. We have examined the allelic variation and determined the extent of B cell epitope polymorphism of the gene encoding p67 among field isolates originating from cattle exposed to infected ticks in the Marula area of the rift valley in central Kenya where the African cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer) and cattle co-graze. In the first of two closely juxtaposed epitope sequences in the central region of the p67 protein, an in-frame deletion of a seven-amino acid segment results in a truncation that was observed in parasites derived from cattle that co-grazed with buffalo. In contrast, the variation in the second epitope was primarily due to nonsynonymous substitutions, resulting in relatively low overall amino acid conservation in this segment of the protein. We also observed polymorphism in the region of the protein adjacent to the two defined epitopes, but this was not sufficient to provide statistically significant evidence for positive selection. The data indicates that B cell epitopes previously identified within the p67 gene are polymorphic within the Marula field isolates. Given the complete sequence identity of the p67 gene in all previously characterized T. parva isolates that are transmissible between cattle by ticks, the diversity observed in p67 from the Marula isolates in combination with the clinical reaction of the infected cattle is consistent with them originating from ticks that had acquired T. parva from buffalo.

It is now over 10 years since the first avian genome [International Chicken Genome Sequencing Consortium, 2004] and the first complete avian karyotype [Masabanda et al., 2004] were both published; however, until 2014, avian cytogenetics has focused heavily on descriptive studies [e.g. Griffin et al., 2007, 2008; Skinner et al., 2009; Volker et al., 2010] with less attention to its functional relevance. Last year, however, saw 2 landmark efforts in the chromosomal studies of birds: a special issue of Chromosome Research in April and the announcement of recently completed sequences of multiple new avian genomes in Science and the BMC journals (taking the total number sequenced to over 50) in December. Studying the chromosomes of birds is, perhaps for the first time, telling us more about avian biology, function and evolution than it ever has... Conclusions. The most recent advances in avian cytogenetics have culminated in great promise not only for the study of bird karyotypes, but also for providing insight into the mechanisms of chromosome evolution in general. New avenues for investigation include gene regulation; for instance, it will become necessary to map accurately the physical location of polyadenylation and transcription start sites, important reference points that define promoters and post-transcriptional regulation. It will also become possible to sequence full-length transcripts, to allow accurate identification of alternate splicing events and their controlling elements. The ENCODE (Encyclopedia of DNA Elements) project has helped to define functional elements of the human genome, including those aforementioned as well as other chromatin signals, e.g. active chromatin, enhancers, insulators, methylation domains, etc. An effort of agENCODE is underway to include agriculturally important birds such as chicken, turkey, duck, quail, and perhaps ostrich. The study of cytogenetics will be essential here in helping to define higher-order structures in nuclear organization that show regulatory interactions within and between chromosomes. Finally, reconstruction of evolutionary events allows us to study genome organization and function not only in extant but, by extrapolation, in extinct species also. Reconstruction of avian-reptilian ancestral karyotypes will allow us to define chromosomal rearrangements in long-dead species that have captured the public imagination. Here be dragons!

Movement is an important life history trait that can have an impact on local adaptation, and other evolutionary phenomena. We used a combination of nestbox survey data and genetic techniques (genotyping at 10 microsatellite loci) to quantify patterns of movement in common dormice Muscardinus avellanarius at two distinct sites in the UK: 1) Bontuchel (a natural population) and 2) Wych (captive-bred individuals that were reintroduced to this site), over three consecutive years (2006-2008). Both methods revealed a consistent pattern of sex-biased movement (movements by adult males and females) in both populations that allowed isolation-by-distance genetic structure to develop within 1 km. The similarity of data from captive-bred and natural individuals indicated that ex situ programing has not significantly altered the natural movement behavior of common dormice; consequently, the two populations could be managed with the same conservation strategies. We also found that the reintroduced dormice in Wych maintained relatively high levels of genetic diversity. This first report of movement patterns in reintroduced and natural populations of M. avellanarius combining genetic and field-survey data highlights the role of genetic studies in the investigation of ecological behaviour and for conservation management.

We evaluated the efficiency of selection for body weight in a cooperative village breeding program for Menz sheep of Ethiopia under smallholder farming system. The design of the program involved organizing villagers in a cooperative breeding group to implement selective breeding of their sheep. The program was jump-started through a one-time provision of elite rams from a central nucleus flock, but subsequent replacement rams were selected from within the village flocks. We also evaluated body weight trends in a village where cooperative breeding was not implemented and individual farmers managed their flocks under traditional breeding practices. Under traditional breeding practices, genetic progress over 8 years either stagnated or declined in all the weights recorded. In the cooperative villages, selection differentials of 2.44 and 2.45 kg were achieved in 2010 and 2011 selection seasons, respectively. Birth weight, 3-month weight and 6-month weight increased, respectively, by 0.49, 2.29 and 2.46 kg in the third-generation lambs over the base generation. Improved rams supplied from the central nucleus flock gave an initial genetic lift of 14.4% in the 6-month weight. This was higher than the gain achieved from selection in the village flocks, which was 5.2%. Our results showed that village-based genetic improvement in body weights under smallholder conditions could be feasible if appropriate designs are adopted and that commencing with elite central nucleus rams help jump-start village-based programs.

A central premise of conservation biology is that small populations suffer reduced viability through loss of genetic diversity and inbreeding. However, there is little evidence that variation in inbreeding impacts individual reproductive success within remnant populations of threatened taxa, largely due to problems associated with obtaining comprehensive pedigree information to estimate inbreeding. In the critically en- dangered black rhinoceros, a species that experienced severe demographic reductions, we used model selection to identify factors associated with variation in reproductive success (number of offspring). Factors examined as predictors of reproductive success were age, home range size, number of nearby mates, reserve location, and multilocus heterozygosity (a proxy for inbreeding). Multilocus heterozygosity predicted male reproductive success (p 58%) and correlated with male home range size (p 44%). Such effects were not apparent in females, where reproductive success was determined by age (p < 0.01, explained deviance 34%) as females raise calves alone and choose between, rather than compete for, mates. This first report of a 3-way association between an individual male's heterozygosity, reproductive output, and territory size in a large vertebrate is consistent with an asymmetry in the level of intrasexual competition and highlights the relevance of sex-biased inbreeding for the management of many conservation- priority species. Our results contrast with the idea that wild populations of threatened taxa may possess some inherent difference from most nonthreatened populations that necessitates the use of detailed pedigrees to study inbreeding effects. Despite substantial variance in male reproductive success, the increased fitness of more heterozygous males limits the loss of heterozygosity. Understanding how individual differences in genetic diversity mediate the outcome of intrasexual competition will be essential for effective management, particularly in enclosed populations, where individuals have restricted choice about home range location and where the reproductive impact of translocated animals will depend upon the background distribution in individual heterozygosity.

The establishment and maintenance of biobanks is only as worthwhile as the security and logging of the biobank contents. We have designed a monitoring system that continuously measures temperature and gas content, records the movement of samples in and out of the biobank, and also records the opening and closing of the freezers-storing the results and images in a database. We have also incorporated an early warning feature that sends out alerts, via SMS and email, to responsible persons if any measurement is recorded outside the acceptable limits, guaranteeing the integrity of biobanked samples, as well as reagents used in sample analysis. A surveillance system like this increases the value for any biobank as the initial investment is small and the value of having trustworthy samples for future research is high.

African bovine trypanosomiasis caused by Trypanosoma sp., is a major constraint on cattle productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. Some African Bos taurus breeds are highly tolerant of infection, but the potentially more productive Bos indicus zebu breeds are much more susceptible. Zebu cattle are well adapted for plowing and haulage, and increasing their tolerance of trypanosomiasis could have a major impact on crop cultivation as well as dairy and beef production. We used three strategies to obtain short lists of candidate genes within QTL that were previously shown to regulate response to infection. We analyzed the transcriptomes of trypanotolerant N'Dama and susceptible Boran cattle after infection with Trypanosoma congolense. We sequenced EST libraries from these two breeds to identify polymorphisms that might underlie previously identified quantitative trait loci (QTL), and we assessed QTL regions and candidate loci for evidence of selective sweeps. The scan of the EST sequences identified a previously undescribed polymorphism in ARHGAP15 in the Bta2 trypanotolerance QTL. The polymorphism affects gene function in vitro and could contribute to the observed differences in expression of the MAPK pathway in vivo. The expression data showed that TLR and MAPK pathways responded to infection, and the former contained TICAM1, which is within a QTL on Bta7. Genetic analyses showed that selective sweeps had occurred at TICAM1 and ARHGAP15 loci in African taurine cattle, making them strong candidates for the genes underlying the QTL. Candidate QTL genes were identified in other QTL by their expression profile and the pathways in which they participate.

Summary A genome-wide scan for quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting gastrointestinal nematode resistance in sheep was completed using a double backcross population derived from Red Maasai and Dorper ewes bred to F1 rams. This design provided an opportunity to map potentially unique genetic variation associated with a parasite-tolerant breed like Red Maasai, a breed developed to survive East African grazing conditions. Parasite indicator phenotypes (blood packed cell volume – PCV and faecal egg count – FEC) were collected on a weekly basis from 1064 lambs during a single 3-month post-weaning grazing challenge on infected pastures. The averages of last measurements for FEC (AVFEC) and PCV (AVPCV), along with decline in PCV from challenge start to end (PCVD), were used to select lambs (N = 371) for genotyping that represented the tails (10% threshold) of the phenotypic distributions. Marker genotypes for 172 microsatellite loci covering 25 of 26 autosomes (1560.7 cm) were scored and corrected by Genoprob prior to qxpak analysis that included Box–Cox transformed AVFEC and arcsine transformed PCV statistics. Significant QTL for AVFEC and AVPCV were detected on four chromosomes, and this included a novel AVFEC QTL on chromosome 6 that would have remained undetected without Box–Cox transformation methods. The most significant P-values for AVFEC, AVPCV and PCVD overlapped the same marker interval on chromosome 22, suggesting the potential for a single causative mutation, which remains unknown. In all cases, the favourable QTL allele was always contributed from Red Maasai, providing support for the idea that future marker-assisted selection for genetic improvement of production in East Africa will rely on markers in linkage disequilibrium with these QTL.

Mating behaviour is an important component of species’ life histories. Knowledge of natural patterns of mating can lead also to more effective management strategies for populations of conservation concern. Despite a high conservation profile many aspects of the biology of the common dormouse (Muscardinus avellanarius) remain unknown, potentially limiting present conservation efforts. We determine the mating behaviour of M. avellanarius at two woodland sites in the UK: (1) Bontuchel (a natural population in Wales) and (2) Wych (a population in England that was established by reintroducing captive-bred animals) by genotyping mothers and litters at a panel of 10 microsatellite loci. Adult female body weight positively correlates with litter size and no apparent reproductive skew was evident. We found that multiple mating by female dormice is prevalent at both sites, with litters containing three or more offspring sired by multiple fathers; moreover, multiple mating is adopted by released animals even after a period of captive breeding where females are mated singly or as a breeding pair. We also present evidence for low proportion of fathers identified in our samples that probably related to unsampled individuals and/or larger than anticipated population sizes. This first report of mating behaviour in M. avellanarius highlights the role of genetic studies to uncover species’ reproductive behaviours and include these data for conservation management.

Summary High levels of inbreeding in East African dairy cattle are a potential concern because of use of a limited range of imported germplasm coupled with strong selection, especially by disease, and sparse performance recording. To address this, genetic relationships and breed composition in an admixed population of Kenyan dairy cattle were estimated by means of a 50K SNP scan. Genomic DNA from 3 worldwide Holstein and 20 Kenyan bulls, 71 putative cow-calf pairs, 25 cows from a large ranch and 5 other Kenyan animals were genotyped for 37 238 informative SNPs. Sires were predicted and 89% of putative dam-calf relationships were supported by genotype data. Animals were clustered with the HapMap population using Structure software to assess breed composition. Cows from a large ranch primarily clustered with Holsteins, while animals from smaller farms were generally crosses between Holstein and Guernsey. Coefficients of relatedness were estimated and showed evidence of heavy use of one AI bull. We conclude that little native germplasm exists within the genotyped populations and mostly European ancestry remains.

A study of polymorphisms of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of West African N'Dama (Bos taurus) and East African Zebu (B. indicus) cattle was carried out to obtain information on maternal phylogenetic relationships between these breeds. A relatively large sample size was made possible by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of DNA prepared from small blood samples to generate fragments of two known polymorphic mtDNA regions, one within the gene encoding subunit 5 of NADH dehydrogenase and one encompassing the entire D-loop. This approach allowed us to achieve a higher resolution restriction analysis on mtDNA from more animals than would have been possible by conventional methods. PCR-amplified mtDNA of 58 animals from five populations was examined at 26 restriction sites by 16 enzymes. In this way 154 nucleotides of mtDNA were scanned for polymorphism. Six polymorphic sites were located by this means, five of which were within the D-loop and one of which was within the NADH dehydrogenase 5 gene. None of the polymorphisms observed could be considered typical of breed or type.

Summary. It has hitherto proved difficult to phenotype cattle for class II histocompatibility antigens using standard serological techniques because of problems of reagent specificity and antigen expression on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMs). We recently described the production of class II-specific alloreactive bovine T cell clones characterized by the BoT4+ phenotype. In this report we describe studies of the application of four such clones, derived from a single mixed leucocyte culture (MLC), for class II phenotyping in proliferation and cytotoxicity assay systems. Proliferation assays used irradiated PBM as stimulator cells and cytotoxicity assays used Theileria parva-infected lymphoblastoid cells as targets. Proliferation assays revealed three distinct specificities among the four clones indicating that they detected three different class II determinants. Furthermore, in a family study, the genes encoding the determinants recognized by the clones were found to be linked to the gene encoding the w10 class I A locus product on one of the w10-bearing haplotypes in our study population. Two of the clones were studied in cytolysis assays. Lack of cytolysis of one of the targets, which was derived from the PBM of an animal carrying a class II determinant detected in proliferation assay, was explained by the total lack of expression of class II antigens on the target cell line in question, as determined with 4 class II-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAb). We conclude that BoT4+ alloreactive clones provide a potentially useful and particularly discriminating way of detecting polymorphic class II antigens of cattle, especially when applied in assays of proliferative response to PBM.

Summary By amplification of pools of DNA representative of different bovine populations with single short oligonucleotide primers of random sequence, we were able rapidly to identify markers which distinguish the two major subspecies of domestic cattle, Bos taurus and B. indicus. One of the marker polymorphisms was found to be in a novel, dispersed DNA sequence which occurs in several ruminant species. The marker will assist in the detection of crossbreeding between Zebu and B. taurus types where this threatens a potentially valuable trypanosomiasis-resistant B. taurus genetic resource in West Africa. In addition, the marker will be useful for exploration of the evolutionary relationships of the major subspecies of domestic cattle. The general approach used to identify population-specific DNA polymorphisms has potentially broad application in definition of species, breeds and populations and will be of generic value in studies of genome evolution.

A total of 141 short primers, of arbitrary nucleotide sequence, were used singly in polymerase chain reactions to amplify DNA fingerprints in pools of DNA representing three Zebu cattle breeds. Two primers, which discriminated between the breed-specific DNA pools were used further to amplify individual pool components in order to establish band frequencies of the amplified fingerprints. One of the primers (ILO 1127) amplified a RAPD fingerprint in 61% of TSZ animals but less than 6% in the other breeds, while another primer (ILO 1065) revealed a DNA sequence common to 89% of the Boran animals and less than 30% in the other two breeds. Bandsharing and mean average percentage difference calculated within and between the three breeds using RAPD fingerprint data showed a higher degree of homogeneity within than across the breeds and indicated measurable divergence between the three breeds. It is concluded that RAPD polymorphisms are useful as genetic markers for cattle breed differentiation.

Summary. An account is given of the serologically defined class I specificities encoded by the bovine MHC (expressed as the BoLA system) in two populations of African cattle and in European breeds. The BoLA typing was performed using alloantisera raised against tissue antigens of both European and African breeds of cattle. All of the specificities agreed in the first two international BoLA workshops were found in the African cattle, although there were significant differences in the frequency of some specificities between the African and European animals. Many of the European antisera, which are operationally monospecific in Bos taurus cattle, were multispecific in the African animals. Subgroups of two specificities (w8 and w10) were demonstrated. Five new BoLA-A locus alleles were detected by means of antisera raised against alloantigens of African cattle. Two of these occurred at an extremely high frequency in the African populations; one being unique to these cattle. Monoclonal antibodies proved to be useful typing reagents, particularly in the elucidation of subgroups.

The phylogeography of the lacertid lizard Gallotia atlantica from the small volcanic island of Lanzarote (Canary Islands) was analysed based on 1075 bp of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequence (partial cytochrome b and ND2) for 157 individuals from 27 sites (including three sites from neighbouring islets). Levels of sequence divergence were generally low, with the most distant haplotypes separated by only 14 mutational steps. MtDNA divergence appears to coincide with formation of the middle Pleistocene lowland that united formerly separate ancient islands to form the current island of Lanzarote, allowing rejection of a two-island model of phylogeographical structure. There was evidence of large-scale population expansion after island unification, consistent with the colonization of new areas. A nested clade phylogeographical analysis (NCPA) revealed significant phylogeographical structuring. Two-step and higher-level clades each had disjunct distributions, being found to the east and west of a common area with a north-south orientation that extends between coasts in the centre-east of the island (El Jable). Other clades were almost entirely restricted to the El Jable region alone. Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo analyses were used to separate ongoing gene flow from historical associations. These supported the NCPA by indicating recent (75,000-150,000 years ago) east-west vicariance across the El Jable region. Lava flows covered El Jable and other parts of the central lowland at this time and likely led to population extinctions and temporary dispersal barriers, although present-day evidence suggests some populations would have survived in small refugia. Expansion of the latter appears to explain the presence of a clade located between the eastern and western components of the disjunct clades. Direct relationships between mtDNA lineages and morphology were not found, although one of two morphological forms on the island has a disjunct distribution that is broadly concordant with east-west components of the phylogeographical pattern. This work demonstrates how recent volcanic activity can cause population fragmentation and thus shape genetic diversity on microgeographical scales.

It is increasingly common to combine Microarray and Quantitative Trait Loci data to aid the search for candidate genes responsible for phenotypic variation. Workflows provide a means of systematically processing these large datasets and also represent a framework for the re-use and the explicit declaration of experimental methods. In this article, we highlight the issues facing the manual analysis of microarray and QTL data for the discovery of candidate genes underlying complex phenotypes. We show how automated approaches provide a systematic means to investigate genotype–phenotype correlations. This methodology was applied to a use case of resistance to African trypanosomiasis in the mouse. Pathways represented in the results identified Daxx as one of the candidate genes within the Tir1 QTL region. Subsequent re-sequencing in Daxx identified a deletion of an amino acid, identified in susceptible mouse strains, in the Daxx–p53 protein-binding region. This supports recent experimental evidence that apoptosis could be playing a role in the trypanosomiasis resistance phenotype. Workflows developed in this investigation, including a guide to loading and executing them with example data, are available at http://workflows. mygrid.org.uk/repository/myGrid/PaulFisher/.

In this article I respond to the defences of the Strong Programme put forward by David Bloor and Marta Feher in this issue. I dispute the claim that it is attention to only limited parts of the Strong Programme framework that allows me to argue that this approach: (i) leads to weak idealism, (ii) undermines the idea that theories have varying levels of instrumental success, and (iii) challenges the theoretical claims of scientific actors. Rather, I argue that these problematic positions are entailed by the constructionist tenets at the core of the Strong Programme.

Background Culicoides imicola Kieffer, 1913 is the main vector of bluetongue virus (BTV) and African horse sickness virus (AHSV) in Sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the population genetic structure of this midge and the nature of barriers to gene flow will lead to a deeper understanding of bluetongue epidemiology and more effective vector control in this region. Methods A panel of 12 DNA microsatellite markers isolated de novo and mitochondrial DNA were utilized in a study of C. imicola populations from Africa and an outlier population from the Balearic Islands. The DNA microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA were also used to examine a population of closely related C. bolitinos Meiswinkel midges. Results The microsatellite data suggest gene flow between Kenya and south-west Indian Ocean Islands exist while a restricted gene flow between Kenya and South Africa C. imicola populations occurs. Genetic distance correlated with geographic distance by Mantel test. The mitochondrial DNA analysis results imply that the C. imicola populations from Kenya and south-west Indian Ocean Islands (Madagascar and Mauritius) shared haplotypes while C. imicola population from South Africa possessed private haplotypes and the highest nucleotide diversity among the African populations. The Bayesian skyline plot suggested a population growth. Conclusions The gene flow demonstrated by this study indicates a potential risk of introduction of new BTV serotypes by wind-borne infected Culicoides into the Islands. Genetic similarity between Mauritius and South Africa may be due to translocation as a result of human-induced activities; this could impact negatively on the livestock industry. The microsatellite markers isolated in this study may be utilised to study C. bolitinos, an important vector of BTV and AHSV in Africa and identify sources of future incursions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-015-1277-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitic infection is the main health constraint for small ruminant production, causing loss of weight and/or death. Red Maasai sheep have adapted to a tropical environment where extreme parasite exposure is a constant, especially with highly pathogenic Haemonchus contortus. This breed has been reported to be resistant to gastrointestinal parasite infection, hence it is considered an invaluable resource to study associations between host genetics and resistance. The aim of this study was to identify polymorphisms strongly associated with host resistance in a double backcross population derived from Red Maasai and Dorper sheep using a SNP-based GWAS analysis. The animals that were genotyped represented the most resistant and susceptible individuals based on the tails of phenotypic distribution (10% each) for average faecal egg counts (AVFEC). AVFEC, packed cell volume (AVPCV), and live weight (AVLWT) were adjusted for fixed effects and co-variables, and an association analysis was run using EMMAX. Revised significance levels were calculated using 100,000 permutation tests. The top five significant SNP markers with - log10 p-values >3.794 were observed on five different chromosomes for AVFEC, and BLUPPf90/PostGSf90 results confirmed EMMAX significant regions for this trait. One of these regions included a cluster of significant SNP on chromosome (Chr) 6 not in linkage disequilibrium to each other. This genomic location contains annotated genes involved in cytokine signalling, haemostasis and mucus biosynthesis. Only one association detected on Chr 7 was significant for both AVPCV and AVLWT. The results generated here reveal candidate immune variants for genes involved in differential response to infection and provide additional SNP marker information that has potential to aid selection of resistance to gastrointestinal parasites in sheep of a similar genetic background to the double backcross population.

Genetic and demographic estimates of dispersal are often thought to be inconsistent. In this study, we use the damselfly Coenagrion mercuriale (Odonata: Zygoptera) as a model to evaluate directly the relationship between estimates of dispersal rate measured during capture-mark-recapture fieldwork with those made from the spatial pattern of genetic markers in linear and two-dimensional habitats. We estimate the 'neighbourhood size' (Nb) - the product of the mean axial dispersal rate between parent and offspring and the population density - by a previously described technique, here called the regression method. Because C. mercuriale is less philopatric than species investigated previously by the regression method we evaluate a refined estimator that may be more applicable for relatively mobile species. Results from simulations and empirical data sets reveal that the new estimator performs better under most situations, except when dispersal is very localized relative to population density. Analysis of the C. mercuriale data extends previous results which demonstrated that demographic and genetic estimates of Nb by the regression method are equivalent to within a factor of two at local scales where genetic estimates are less affected by habitat heterogeneity, stochastic processes and/or differential selective regimes. The corollary is that with a little insight into a species' ecology the pattern of spatial genetic structure provides quantitative information on dispersal rates and/or population densities that has real value for conservation management.

To examine differences in cytokine profiles that may confer tolerance/susceptibility to bovine African trypanosomiasis, N'Dama (trypanotolerant, n = 8) and Boran (trypanosusceptible, n = 8) cattle were experimentally challenged with Trypanosoma congolense. Blood samples were collected over a 34-day period, and RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The expression levels of a panel of 14 cytokines were profiled over the time course of infection and between breeds. Messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript levels for the IL2, IL8, and IL1RN genes were significantly downregulated across the time course of infection in both breeds. There was an early increase in transcripts for genes encoding proinflammatory mediators ( IFNG, IL1A, TNF, and IL12) in N'Dama by 14 days postinfection (dpi) compared with preinfection levels that was not detected in the susceptible Boran breed. By the time of peak parasitemia, a type 2 helper T cells (TH2)-like cytokine environment was prevalent that was particularly evident in the Boran. Increases in transcripts for the IL6 (29 and 34 dpi) and IL10 (21, 25, and 29 dpi) genes were detected that were higher in the Boran compared with N'Dama. These findings highlight the implications for using murine models to study the bovine immune response to trypanosomiasis, where in some cases cytokine expression patterns differ. Overall, these data suggest that the trypanotolerant N'Dama are more capable of responding very early in infection with proinflammatory and TH1 type cytokines than the trypanosusceptible Boran and may explain why N'Dama control parasitemia more efficiently than Boran during the early stages of infection.

This study aimed to provide the foundation for an integrative approach to the identification of the mechanisms underlying the response to infection with Trypanosoma congolense, and to identify pathways that have previously been overlooked. We undertook a large-scale gene expression analysis study comparing susceptible A/J and more tolerant C57BL/6 mice. In an initial time course experiment, we monitored the development of parasitaemia and anaemia in every individual. Based on the kinetics of disease progression, we extracted total RNA from liver at days 0, 4, 7, 10 and 17 post infection and performed a microarray analysis. We identified 64 genes that were differentially expressed in the two strains in non-infected animals, of which nine genes remained largely unaffected by the disease. Gene expression profiling at stages of low, peak, clearance and recurrence of parasitaemia suggest that susceptibility is associated with high expression of genes coding for chemokines (e.g. Ccl24, Ccl27 and Cxcl13), complement components (C1q and C3) and interferon receptor alpha (Ifnar1). Additionally, susceptible A/J mice expressed higher levels of some potassium channel genes. In contrast, messenger RNA levels of a few immune response, metabolism and protease genes (e.g. Prss7 and Mmp13) were higher in the tolerant C57BL/6 strain as compared to A/J.

Environmental salinity is important in defining Brachionus plicatilis sibling species distributions. However, while salinity influences distributions, sibling species often co-exist. Three different mechanisms potentially account for the partial co-occurrence of sibling species: (1) siblings have differing salinity tolerances that partially overlap; (2) siblings physiological tolerances may be commonly broad, but relatively small differences in tolerances differentiate distributions via interactions e.g. competition; or (3) siblings distributions may be influenced by physical factors other than salinity. Here, we assess the extent of salinity tolerance in three B. plicatilis sibling species (B. plicatilis 6TUR, B. plicatilis IOM and B. rotundiformis 6TOS) by measuring population growth rate (μ, day−1) and egg development time in response to salinity (5–60‰) and salinity fluctuations (≤ Δ40‰). Sibling species were identified by analysis of the mitochondrial COI gene, and salinity responses were compared by regression analysis. Responses differed significantly between siblings, although the broad trends were similar. Positive growth occurred at all salinities, and highest growth rates ranged between 0.93 and 1.08 day−1 at 16–18‰. Rapid changes in salinity reduced growth rates, but net mortality occurred only in one treatment (100% mortality on transfer from 10 to 40‰). Egg development time was largely invariant with salinity except for B. plicatilis IOM and where rotifers were transferred from 30 to 60‰. We indicate that several siblings are similarly euryhaline and tolerate salinity fluctuations. Undoubtedly, wide tolerances in B. plicatilis are adaptations to ephemeral and seasonally variable habitats. Given common broad salinity tolerances, it is unlikely that the differential distributions of sibling species are a direct result of physiological constraints. Instead, we illustrate using a simple model that subtle differences in physiological tolerances may have important impacts on interactions between sibling species, which may in turn influence distributions.

Summary 1. Coenagrion mercuriale is one of Europe's most threatened damselflies. There is concern for the long-term persistence of many of its U.K. colonies because adult lifetime movement is limited, making isolated populations susceptible to extinction. 2. Using 14 microsatellite loci we characterised levels of genetic diversity, evidence for a recent decline and the spatial genetic structure for C. mercuriale population in Wales, U.K. 3. Spatial isolation is not an absolute predictor of low genetic diversity at either local or regional scales. 4. One population inhabiting a remote, edge of range site is genetically impoverished with levels of variability (at microsatellite loci) among the lowest reported for any insect species. 5. Agricultural land and high ground are physical barriers to dispersal by adults. 6. Consistent with work from elsewhere, movement by mature C. mercuriale in Pembrokeshire is sufficient to prevent significant genetic differentiation throughout a habitat matrix of some 3–4 km if the suitable habitat sites are

This article critically appraises David Bloor’s recent attempts to refute criticisms levelled at the Strong Programme’s social constructionist approach to scientific knowledge. Bloor has tried to argue, contrary to some critics, that the Strong Programme is not idealist in character, and it does not involve a challenge to the credibility of scientific knowledge. I argue that Bloor’s attempt to deflect the charge of idealism, which calls on the self-referential theory of social institutions, is partially successful. However, I suggest that although the Strong Programme should not be accused of ‘strong idealism’, it is still vulnerable to the criticism that it entails a form of ‘weak idealism’. The article moves on to argue that, contrary to Bloor, constructionist approaches do challenge the credibility of the scientific knowledge that they analyse. I conclude the article by arguing that sociological analyses of scientific knowledge can be conducted without the weak idealism and the credibility-challenging assumptions of the Strong Programme approach.

Lutzomyia longipalpis, a sibling complex, is the main vector of Leishmania chagasi/infantum. Discriminating between siblings is important as they may differ in vectorial capacity. Lutzomyia longipalpis populations display distinct male sex pheromone chemotypes. We investigated the phylogeographic pattern of variation at microsatellite loci from 11 populations from Brazil and Venezuela related to their male pheromone. Temporal genetic differentiation was mostly not significant at the same site. Spatial genetic differentiation was, however, strong, although there was only a weak relationship between genetic differentiation and the geographic distance separating the samples (r2 < 0.10); geographic separation explained a much greater (54-97%) percentage of the genetic differences among populations when samples with the same pheromone type were analyzed separately. A cluster analysis showed five groups: Lu. cruzi (Brazil) and Lu. pseudolongipalpis (Venezuela) as separate species, two (mostly 9-methyl-germacrene-B) Venezuelan and Brazilian groups, and a very distinct cluster of Brazilian cembrene populations.

Good conservation management is underpinned by a thorough understanding of species' historical and contemporary dispersal capabilities along with the possible adaptive or neutral processes behind any spatio-temporal genetic structuring. These issues are investigated with respect to the rare damselfly Coenagrion mercuriale (Charpentier) - the only odonate species currently listed in the U.K.'s Biodiversity Action Plan - in east Devon where its distribution has become fragmented. 2. The two east Devon C. mercuriale populations, only 3.5 km apart, have accumulated strong differences in frequencies of alleles at 14 microsatellite loci as a consequence of poor adult dispersal and drift. There is no contemporary migration between sites. 3. A genetic signature of population decline at both sites corresponds with known demographic reductions. Coenagrion mercuriale in east Devon are now significantly genetically less diverse than those from a population stronghold in the Itchen Valley. 4. Colonies would benefit from improved connectivity between areas and possibly by a transfer of individuals from other ecologically similar areas. 5. Because C. mercuriale has a semivoltine life cycle throughout the U.K., the possibility that alternate-year cohorts are reproductively isolated is explored. Genetic differentiation among cohorts is an order of magnitude less than between sites, suggesting that some larvae delay their development into adults for a year and recruit to a different cohort. 6. To our knowledge, this is the first study to document migration and gene flow between alternate-year cohorts in a species of odonate. From a conservation standpoint, the cohorts do not require separate management.

Oxyrrhis marina, a widely distributed marine protist, is used to model heterotrophic flagellate responses in microbial food webs. Although clonal variability occurs in protists, assessments of intraspecific diversity are rare; such assessments are critical, particularly where species are used as models in ecological studies. To address the extent of intraspecific variation within O. marina, we assessed diversity among 11 strains using 5.8S rDNA and ITS sequences. The 5.8S rDNA and ITS regions revealed high divergence between strains: 63.1% between the most diverse. To compare O. marina diversity relative to other alveolates, 18S rDNA sequences for five strains were analysed with sequences from representatives of the major alveolate groups. 18S rDNA also revealed high divergence in O. marina. Additionally, consistent with phylogenies based on protein coding genes, maximum likelihood analysis indicated that O. marina was monophyletic and ancestral to the dinoflagellates. To assess ecophysiological differences, growth rates of seven O. marina strains were measured at 10 salinities (10-55 per thousand). Two salinity responses occurred: one group achieved highest growth rates at high salinities; the other grew best at low salinities. There was no clear correlation between molecular, ecophysiological, or geographical differences. However, salinity tolerance was associated with habitat type: intertidal strains grew best at high salinities; open-water strains grew best at low salinities. These data indicate the need to examine many strains of a species in both phylogenetic and ecological studies, especially where key-species are used to model ecological processes.

This article critiques the idea that, by establishing a general framework within which research must be conducted, philosophical argument can ‘take the lead’ in relation to research. It develops Holmwood’s work in this area by examining the ontological arguments put forward by critical realists, which attempt to establish the fundamental characteristics of the social realm prior to the production of empirically successful research in that realm. The article draws on a contrast with ontological argument in the natural sciences to demonstrate the illegitimacy of this manoeuvre, showing that ontological claims can be given some justification, but only when they are derived from research that is widely held to be empirically successful. Realist ontological claims in the social sciences do not have this basis, and it is argued that Bhaskar’s alternative mode of justification for these claims is unconvincing. Archer’s view is also criticized that critical realist arguments should be given a strong regulatory role in relation to research, illustrating the problems with this by critiquing Cruickshank’s ontologically driven analysis of unemployment and the underclass. The article concludes that social scientific research should be conducted without philosophical legislation.

Free-living microbes are arguably ubiquitously dispersed. Molecular phylogeographies have been used to assess microbial distributions but can be difficult to interpret. Combinations of molecular and ecophysiological data have, however, proven useful in assessing the influence of dis- persal, local adaptation and historical contingency on distributions. A logical extension of this approach is to develop molecular markers for ecophysiological traits, which would allow the assess- ment of adaptations in large numbers of environmental isolates without requiring extensive cultur- ing. To assess this approach, we compared enzyme activity and gene expression of Na + /K + ATPase in response to salinity, and compared Na + /K + ATPase mRNA sequences, in 3 Brachionus plicatilis (Rotifera) sibling species. B. plicatilis siblings display different salinity tolerances, which in turn influence their distributions. Na + /K + ATPase is an important component of salinity tolerance and a potentially useful marker for ecophysiological variation. In all cases, Na + /K + ATPase enzyme activity and gene expression increased in response to salinity (5 to 50‰) and paralleled growth rate differ- ences: highest enzyme activity/gene expression occurred in the sibling species that displayed high- est growth. However, sequence variation in Na + /K + ATPase mRNAs was minor (~4%) and did not match gene expression patterns; thus, differences between siblings in Na + /K + ATPase occurred as a result of differential expression of highly similar gene transcripts. While we were not able to develop functional molecular markers for salinity tolerance in B. plicatilis, we highlight that the application of phylogenetic and functional markers will be a powerful tool for assessing the distributions of free- living microorganisms.

Malaria and trypanosomiasis are vector-borne protozoal diseases which disproportionately affect the poor. Both give rise to immense human suffering; malaria exerts its effect directly on human health, while trypanosomiasis causes damage largely though its effect on the health and productivity of the livestock on which so many poor people depend. These diseases both have multifaceted and poorly understood mechanisms of pathogenesis, combined with relatively complex life cycles characterised by multiple stages in both insect vector and mammalian host. In both cases, there is a dramatic effect of host genotype on disease progression. This effect is apparent in both the human and cattle hosts and among inbred mouse strains. This provides an opportunity to use the mouse to probe the mechanisms underlying resistance or susceptibility to pathology. The availability of high-density linkage maps, the genome sequence and transcriptomics tools has transformed the power of the mouse to illuminate such fundamental aspects of the host--parasite interaction.

The rotifer Brachionus plicatilis is euryhaline (growing between 2 and 97 ppt) and has previously been considered an osmoconformer. We suggest that B. plicatilis is an osmoregulator, exhibiting a pattern of Na+/K+ ATPase activity in response to salinity consistent with that of other osmoregulating euryhaline invertebrates. To examine salinity tolerance, growth rates between 5 and 60 ppt were determined. The activity of Na+/K+ ATPase was examined, over the same range of salinities, by measuring ATPase activity in rotifer homogenates in the presence and absence of a Na+/K+ ATPase inhibitor. Maximum specific growth rate (0.95 day−1) occurred at 16 ppt, highest mean amictic eggs per female (1.41) occurred at 20 ppt, and both parameters decreased rapidly as salinity increased. Egg development time was constant with salinity at 0.92 days. The activity of Na+/K+ ATPase per milligram protein increased from 3.9 µmol h−1 at 5 ppt to 6.8 µmol h−1 at 50 ppt and accounted for 15 and 30% of total ATPase activity, respectively. We suggest that these observations are consistent with increasing stress at high salinities and the occurrence of a hypo-osmoregulatory response. Given the high ATP consumption of Na+/K+ ATPase at high salinities, it is possible that a proportion of the corresponding decreases in growth rate and egg production are a direct cost of regulation.

Coenagrion mercuriale (Charpentier) (Odonata: Zygoptera) is one of Europe’s most threatened damselflies and is listed in the European Habitats directive. We combined an intensive mark-release-recapture (MRR) study with a microsatellite-based genetic analysis for C. mercuriale from the Itchen Valley, UK, as part of an effort to understand the dispersal characteristics of this protected species. MRR data indicate that adult damselflies are highly sedentary, with only a low frequency of interpatch movement that is predominantly to neighbouring sites. This restricted dispersal leads to significant genetic differentiation throughout most of the Itchen Valley, except between areas of continuous habitat, and isolation by distance (IBD), even though the core populations are separated by less than 10 km. An urban area separating some sites had a strong effect on the spatial genetic structure. Average pairwise relatedness between individual damselflies is positive at short distances, reflecting fine-scale genetic clustering and IBD both within- and between-habitat patches. Damselflies from a fragmented habitat have higher average kinship than those from a large continuous population, probably because of poorer dispersal and localized breeding in the former. Although indirect estimates of gene flow must be interpreted with caution, it is encouraging that our results indicate that the spatial pattern of genetic variation matches closely with that expected from direct observations of movement. These data are further discussed with respect to possible barriers to dispersal within the study site and the ecology and conservation of C. mercuriale . To our knowledge, this is the first report of fine-scale genetic structuring in any zygopteran species.

As a preliminary investigation into the genetic structure of Irish Sea plaice we genotyped samples of juvenile plaice from six inshore areas within the Irish Sea across eight microsatellite loci and compared them with fish from two sites from the Dutch Wadden Sea (North Sea stocks). Genetic variability in all samples was generally low for that typically observed at microsatellite loci. The number of alleles per locus varied between two and nine (average 5.5) and the observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.080 up to a maximum of 0.909 (average 0.382). Few significant heterozygote deficits were observed, even when the data set was pooled. The majority (98%) of genetic variation present was within, rather than between, populations. None of the pairwise comparisons of population differentiation ( F ST ) were significant ( P >0.05) and a Bayesian analysis of population structure provided no evidence for a partitioning of the samples. Since juveniles arriving at nursery grounds in the Irish Sea are not distinct, it is likely that adult plaice form a single stock (perhaps with some weak differentiation). However, if plaice eggs and larvae do not disperse as predicted by a particle tracking model, then it is possible that the juveniles represent a mixture of several distinct stocks. Further work is therefore required to determine whether the phenotypic variation observed between female plaice from the eastern and western Irish Sea is the product of reproductive isolation or of the environment.

Microsatellites have been infrequently used for genetic analysis of odonate species. Here, we report four microsatellite loci that are polymorphic in Coenagrion mercuriale. Furthermore, we examine the success of cross-species amplification of a panel of 19 microsatellite loci that were developed from C. mercuriale in seven other European odonate species. PCR with microsatellite primers is more likely to be achieved in species that are closely related to the species used for marker isolation. Overall, 10 microsatellite loci amplified interpretable PCR products (seven loci were variable) in both C. puella and C. pulchellum, whilst two loci were variable in Ischnura elegans. These markers should facilitate genetic research into these zygopteran species.

Trypanosomosis, or sleeping sickness, is a major disease constraint on livestock productivity in sub-Saharan Africa. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling resistance to trypanosomosis in cattle, an experimental cross was made between trypanotolerant African N'Dama ( Bos taurus ) and trypanosusceptible improved Kenya Boran ( Bos indicus ) cattle. Sixteen phenotypic traits were defined describing anemia, body weight, and parasitemia. One hundred seventy-seven F 2 animals and their parents and grandparents were genotyped at 477 molecular marker loci covering all 29 cattle autosomes. Total genome coverage was 82%. Putative QTL were mapped to 18 autosomes at a genomewise false discovery rate of 2 cross between N'Dama and Boran cattle could produce a synthetic breed with higher trypanotolerance levels than currently exist in the parental breeds.

The strongest evidence for host specificity of mammalian trypanosomes comes from parasites of the subgenus Trypanosoma (Herpetosoma). Laboratory studies have shown that T. (Herpetosoma) species will not infect an alternative host. However, this has not been demonstrated in wild populations. We screened 560 bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) and 148 wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) for trypanosomes by PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA gene. In total, 109 (19%) bank voles and 12 (8%) wood mice were infected. A HaeIII restriction site was discovered that could be used to discriminate between T. (H.) evotomys of the bank vole and T. (H.) grosi of the wood mouse. All the parasites in the bank voles were identified as T. (Herpetosoma) evotomys by RFLP-PCR. Out of the 12 wood mouse infections 10 were due to T. grosi. Two of the wood mice were infected with parasites with a novel genotype that was most similar to those of T. evotomys and T. microti of voles. Fifty-six fleas collected from the rodents were also screened for trypanosomes; 9 were infected with T. evotomys and 1 with T. grosi. One of the fleas infected with T. evotomys was collected from a wood mouse.

Rift Valley fever virus causes an important zoonotic disease of humans and small ruminants in Eastern Africa and is spread primarily by a mosquito vector. In this region, it occurs as epizootics that typically occur at 5–15-year intervals associated with unusual rainfall events. It has hitherto been known that the virus is maintained between outbreaks in dormant eggs of the mosquito vector and this has formed the basis of understanding of the epidemiology and control strategies of the disease. We show here that seroconversion and sporadic acute disease do occur during the interepidemic periods (IEPs) in the absence of reported cases in livestock or humans. The finding indicates that previously undetected low-level virus transmission during the IEPs does occur and that epizootics may also be due to periodic expansion of mosquito vectors in the presence of both circulating virus and naïve animals.

To assess the level and spatial pattern of genetic diversity of the common dormouse, Muscardinus avellanarius, we developed polymorphic microsatellite loci from partial genomic libraries enriched for microsatellite motifs. Ten dinucleotide polymorphic microsatellites were isolated and levels of genetic diversity were assessed in 139 individuals from Bontuchel, (Denbighshire, Wales). We observed high levels of heterozygosity (mean H(O) = 0.792 ± 0.077; mean H(E) = 0.730 ± 0.084) and a large number of alleles (N(a) = 6-17). There was no evidence of deviations from Hardy-Weinberg conditions, or genotypic disequilibrium between any pairs of loci. This is the first description of microsatellite primers from a common dormouse and these loci are currently being used to quantify dormouse spatial genetic structure.

We have identified substitutions in the 3' untranslated region of the bovine myoglobin gene, one of which affects an MboII restriction enzyme site resulting in a bi-allelic restriction fragment length polymorphism. Co-dominant inheritance of the alleles in three reference families was observed using a polymerase chain reaction--restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. The distribution of the alleles seems characteristic of cattle type--one of the alleles was not detected in purely taurine breeds. Furthermore, we mapped, using the polymerase chain reaction on a bovine-rodent somatic cell hybrid panel, the myoglobin gene to bovine chromosome five. It is therefore syntenic with gamma-interferon and insulin-like growth factor in which we have not found polymorphism. The myoglobin locus therefore serves as a type one marker on bovine chromosome five.

A polymorphism was detected in the 3' untranslated region of the bovine gamma-S-crystallin gene by direct sequencing of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products from genomic DNA of an N'Dama bull and a Boran cow. A set of three PCR primers was designed to detect this difference and thus give allele-specific amplification. The two allele-specific primers differ in length by 20 nucleotides so that the allelic products may be distinguished by simple agarose gel electrophoresis following a single PCR reaction. This provides a simple and rapid assay for this polymorphism.

We describe 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci for the giant panda, Ailuropoda melanoleuca . Microsatellite sequences were isolated from three partial genomic libraries of giant panda DNA that were enriched for (i) (GT), (ii) (GAA) & (CAA), and (iii) (GATA) repeat sequences. The markers were tested for polymorphism in up to 82 pandas. Number of alleles at each locus varied between four and 11, and the observed and expected heterozygosities varied between 0.267 and 0.732, and between 0.601 and 0.799, respectively.

We isolated and characterized 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci from the azure damselfly Coenagrion puella (Zygoptera; Coenagrionidae) as part of a study assessing reproductive success and genetic structure in an isolated population of this species. Levels of genetic diversity were assessed in 50 individuals collected from Queen Elizabeth Country Park, Hampshire, UK. The number of alleles per microsatellite loci ranged from three to 22 and the observed and expected heterozygosities varied between 0.26 and 0.84 and between 0.23 and 0.91, respectively. Two loci showed significant ( P < 0.05) heterozygote deficits, likely because of null (non-amplifying) alleles; one pair of loci was in linkage disequilibrium.

Under most circumstances, certain breeds of domestic ruminants show a remarkable resistance to the effects of African trypanosomiasis: they can tolerate the presence of parasites while apparently controlling levels of parasitaemia and, crucially, not showing the severe anaemia and production loss that are characteristic of infection in susceptible hosts. As discussed here by Stephen Kemp and Alan Teale, the genetic control of this phenomenon might finally be yielding to gene mapping studies. Genetic regions determining susceptibility to trypanosomiasis in mice have been identified and parallel studies are well advanced in cattle. There is growing evidence that only modest numbers of genes are involved in determining the difference between a susceptible and a resistant animal. These observations raise a new series of important questions concerning the possible exploitation of major trypanotolerance genes and the way that they might function in different genetic and physical environments.

We describe 10 polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite loci from the eastern Canary Island lacertid lizard, Gallotia atlantica . Loci were isolated from a partial genomic library that had been enriched for AAAG repeat sequence. All loci were highly polymorphic (eight alleles or more) with observed heterozygosities from 0.75 to 1.00. At least four loci were successfully amplified and polymorphic in the Gran Canarian lacertid, Gallotia stehlini . These loci will be used to examine correlations between patterns of gene flow and recent volcanism on the island of Lanzarote.