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Twenty-eight clonal trials of radiata pine planted across Australia and New Zealand were used to investigate genetic variation and genotype by environment (G×E) interaction for diameter-at-breast-height (DBH), height and Dothistroma resistance (DO_R). The average narrow-sense heritabilities were 0.11, 0.21 and 0.30 while the average broad-sense heritabilities were 0.27, 0.34 and 0.40 for DBH, height and Dothistroma resistance, respectively. Dothistroma resistance was assessed as the percentage of needles that were not affected by Dothistroma needle blight. G×E interactions were analysed using an approximate reduced factor analytic model. Apparent G×E interactions were estimated for DBH, height and Dothistroma resistance. Estimates of G×E interactions and their standard errors were strongly influenced by the level of connectivity between trials, in terms of common clones and common parents. When there was sufficient connectivity between trials (more than 30% common clones between trials), a high level of G×E interaction was found for DBH and height but not for Dothistroma resistance. In two simulated clonal trials planted in two environments, low connectivity between environments resulted in a lower estimated genetic correlation between environments with an increased standard error. These results suggest that the number of clones in common between clonal trials is a key factor for inclusion in future experimental designs for estimating G×E interaction. When designing clonal trials for use in multiple environments for accurately estimating the level of G×E, if the resource for creating connectivity between environments is limited, at least 30% of the clones need to be in common between environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To detect the presence of bovine herpesvirus (BoHV) type 4 in New Zealand dairy cows with clinical metritis. METHODS: Serum samples taken from 92 dairy cows with clinical metritis, each from a different farm, were tested for the presence of antibodies against BoHV-4 using a commercially available, indirect ELISA. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from 10 BoHV-4 seropositive cows, and PBMC were examined by a pan-herpesvirus nested PCR to detect herpesvirus. PCR products were sequenced directly and a proportion of the PCR products were cloned and sequenced to identify the virus present. RESULTS: Antibodies to BoHV-4 were detected in 23/92 (25%) serum samples. The pan-herpesvirus PCR was positive in 8/10 PBMC samples. Cloning and sequencing identified that all of the eight PCR-positive PBMC contained bovine lymphotropic herpesvirus (BLHV); no BoHV-4 DNA was detected. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the finding of the presence of apparent antibodies to BoHV-4, and BLHV DNA in New Zealand dairy cows affected by metritis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bovine herpesvirus type 4 and BLHV are reported to have the potential to cause reproduction failure in cows. This is the first report of apparent BoHV-4 antibodies, and BLHV in New Zealand. The importance and epidemiology of these viruses in cattle in New Zealand requires further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

We provide the first description and confirmation of expression for three Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) genes (DQA, DQB, and class I) in the New Zealand endemic Hector's dolphin ( Cephalorhynchus hectori). Sequences were derived from cDNA generated from peripheral blood leukocyte mRNA collected during a temporary live capture of two Hector's dolphins. The complete exons 2 and 3 of DQA, DQB, and class I were amplified from cDNA to confirm their expression. The same primers proved reliable for amplification from genomic DNA. Locus identity was supported by phylogenetic relationships to MHC molecules from other closely related species. No evidence was found for duplication of DQ loci, but cloning of amplified exon 2 of the class I gene indicated duplication or triplication of this locus. However, the expression of multiple class I loci was uncertain as only one allele could be detected from clones of cDNA. Balancing selection was indicated by a significantly greater ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitutions at all three loci and by the apparent transspecific sharing of alleles for DQA and DQB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Development of monoclonal antibody based sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (5ELISA) for rapid detection of Salmonella enterica serovar typhi (S. typhi) from food and water samples and optimization of enrichment procedures for use with the developed sELISA to increase the detection sensitivity of the assay. Methods Spleen cells from BALB/c mice immunized with flagellin (H=d) antigen of S. typhi were fused with Sp2/0 myeloma cells. The hybridoma cell line specific to H=d antigen was established, characterized and ascites raised against one of these clones. The hyperimmune serum to flagellin antigen was raised in New Zealand White rabbits. An sELISA was developed using polyclonal antibody as capture and monoclonal antibody as detection antibody. To design the efficient culture strategies for use with the sELISA, different pre-enrichment and enrichment broths were evaluated. The media included buffered peptone water (BPW) and brain heart infusion broth for pre-enrichment and selenite F broth and Rappaport-Vassiliadis broth as enrichment broths. The developed sELISA with preceding enrichment step in BPW (Enrichment-ELISA) was evaluated in various food samples artificially inoculated with S. typhi bacteria. Various food (30) and water (35) samples collected from field were also tested by Enrichment-ELISA and culture method. Results Out of four specific clones to H=d antigen, one clone (# 2/56, lgG2a isotype) was used in sELISA. The sELISA had the detection limit of 104-105 cfu of S. typhi. Of the various broths used with sELISA, BPW was found to yield maximum ELISA values. Enrichment-ELISA, when tested in artificially inoculated food samples, generally, could detect 102 S. typhi cfu/mL within 10 h from various food rinses (meat, vegetable) and milk samples. After overnight enrichment in BPW, as less as 2 bacteria per 10 mL of milk, meat rinse, and chicken rinse could be detected. Only one of the field samples (water) gave false positive result by Ennchment-ELISA. Conclusion In comparison to culture, the Enrichment-ELISA is a rapid, sensitive, and specific method for detection of S. typhi from food or water samples. This method may be used as rapid screening procedure for environmental monitoring during outbreak situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the role of mass media in the representations of assisted reproductive and biogenetic technologies. Local media provides a forum in which scientists and specialists are able to advocate effectively in support of their work and services, with little interrogation of their claims, and in several cases with active support from journalists and consumer lobby groups. Meanwhile, New Zealand mass media serves as a crucial nexus in the articulation of scientific, medical, and consumer discourses.

An efficient animal cloning technology, using the procedure of nuclear transfer (NT), coupled with the genetic modification of cultured cells, would provide many new opportunities for livestock agriculture. It is still remarkable that NT using differentiated donor cells can produce physiologically normal animals, but the process is inefficient and highly prone to epigenetic errors. Aberrant patterns of gene expression in clones contribute to the cumulative losses and abnormal phenotypes observed throughout development. This raises animal welfare concerns that currently limit the acceptability and applicability of the technology. Importantly, it appears that these clone-associated phenotypes are not transmitted to offspring following sexual reproduction. It is expected that methods which improve the reprogramming of the donor genome following NT will increase cloning efficiencies to realise the full potential of this reproductive technology. Efficient cloning potentially enables rapid dissemination of elite genotypes from nucleus herds to commercial producers. Initial applications will, however, focus on producing small numbers of high value animals for natural breeding, especially clones of progeny-tested sires. The continual advances in animal genomics towards the identification of genes that influence livestock production traits and human health increase the ability to genetically modify animals to enhance efficiency and produce superior quality food and biomedical products for niche markets. The potential opportunities for animal agriculture are more challenging though, because of the greater demands on cost, efficiency, consumer acceptance and relative value of the product in contrast to biomedicine, which has been the main driver for this technology platform. Nevertheless, cloning and transgenesis are being used together to increase the genetic merit of livestock; however, the integration of this technology into practical farming systems remains some distance in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary The wool follicles of New Zealand Wiltshire sheep can be induced to undergo growth cycles by manipulating circulating prolactin levels. Altered patterns of gene expression through this cycle were examined using differential display, and nine sequence tags for differentially expressed genes were isolated. Four of these tags were identified as fragments of known genes, encoding a wool keratin, KRTAP3.2, a desmosome component, desmoglein 1, an epithelial cell marker, stratifin, and a protein kinase, Clk3. All four genes were shown to be downregulated in telogen skin compared with anagen. In situ hybridization showed that all had localization patterns which included cells that are absent in telogen. The stratifin tag was used to clone a cDNA that incorporated a complete open-reading frame for ovine stratifin. Ovine stratifin is similar to the human form, showing only six single residue differences in the predicted amino acid sequence. Stratifin probably acts as a regulator of other proteins involved in trichocyte cell cycling and differentiation. Clk3 is involved in regulating RNA splicing. KRTAP3.2 and Dsg1 both play structural roles in hair follicles. The other five tags, including two representing genes that were upregulated during catagen, could not be identified by homology. Differential display is an effective means of identifying genes involved in follicle function and, potentially, of genes controlling the growth cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Provides information on the third reading of the Human Assisted Reproduction Technology Bill in New Zealand. Bill's outlawing of practices such as cloning for reproductive processes and genetically modifying embryos.

Reports on the possible cloning of an extinct bird Huia that was found in New Zealand. Support of Maori tribe for the cloning; Description of the procedure for the cloning.