Search

Records of 195 crossbred pigs (75% Landrace + 25% Desi), raised over a period of 2 years from 2014 to 2015, maintained at the Livestock Production Research (Pigs), Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh were used in this study to determine the effect of various environmental factors on growth and litter traits. Growth was recorded in terms of body weight at birth and thereafter at weekly interval up to 8 wks and then at 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks of age. Generation interval had a significant effect on body weights at all ages. Piglets born in first generation had higher growth at most of the study period. Effect of sex was significant on body weight at most of the ages, except at 7, 8, 16 and 24 week. Male piglets had a higher growth at most of the weeks except at birth, 8 and 16 weeks. Piglets born in season II (March, April, May and June) had higher growth at most of the weeks, except at 4 and 5 weeks. Season of birth had a significant effect on body weight at birth, 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks of age. Effect of year of birth was significant on body weight at birth, 1, 2, 6, 16 and 20 weeks of age only. Piglets born in 2014 had higher growth at most of the weeks, except at 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 weeks of age. Generation I & II had a significant effect on litter traits, except average weight at birth. Piglets born in second generation had higher litter traits compared to the first generation. Effect of parity of dam was also significant on all litter traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mature spermatozoa contain thousands of mRNA transcripts. These untranslated mRNA may perhaps serve as a "footprint" of spermatogenesis since many of them might directly or indirectly be involved in fertilization, early embryo cleavage, poor semen quality and fertility. In this study, we tried to isolate high-quality RNA from mature spermatozoa and to monitor the expression profile of protamine 1 (PRM1) and protamine 2 (PRM2) gene in ejaculated spermatozoa of normal (good, % initial progressive motility: 57.61 ± 1.41, n = 9) and motility impaired (poor, % initial progressive motility: 18.45 ± 1.61, n = 8) crossbred Frieswal (HF x Sahiwal) bulls semen using real time quantitative PCR. Semen samples were subjected to discontinuous (45:90) Percoll gradient centrifugation, specifically to eliminate damaged spermatozoa and contaminating somatic cells. Total RNA was extracted from sperm pellets and cDNA was synthesized. Furthermore, the absence of contamination of germ cells, epithelial cells and leucocytes in all the RNA extractions was tested by RT-PCR targeting specific molecular markers like KIT, CDH1 and CD4, respectively. The presence of transcripts like PRM1, PRM2, DAZL, and PPIA were demonstrated in ejaculated spermatozoa using appropriate PCR primers without RNA amplification. Expression of PRM1 and PRM2 genes were evaluated by real time quantitative PCR using TaqMan chemistry, where PPIA was used as internal control. The cDNA synthesized from normal buffalo testicular tissue was served as positive control. The good quality semen producing group showed significantly higher level of PRM1 mRNAs expression as compared to the poor quality semen producers (P < 0.05) indicating putative role of the gene and semen quality parameters especially initial progressive motility. However, PRM2 transcript levels were not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed at the identification of population stratifying markers from the commercial porcine SNP 60K array and elucidate the genome-wide selective sweeps in the crossbred Landlly pig population. Original genotyping data, generated on Landlly pigs, was merged in various combinations with global suid breeds that were grouped as exotic (global pig breeds excluding Indian and Chinese), Chinese (Chinese pig breeds only), and outgroup pig populations. Post quality control, the genome-wide SNPs were ranked for their stratifying power within each dataset in TRES (using three different criteria) and FIFS programs and top-ranked SNPs (0.5K, 1K, 2K, 3K, and 4K densities) were selected. PCA plots were used to assess the stratification power of low-density panels. Selective sweeps were elucidated in the Landlly population using intra- and inter-population haplotype statistics. Additionally, Tajima's D-statistics were calculated to determine the status of balancing selection in the Landlly population. PCA plots showed 0.5K marker density to effectively stratify Landlly from other pig populations. The A-score in DAPC program revealed the Delta statistic of marker selection to outperform other methods (informativeness and FST methods) and that 3000-marker density was suitable for stratification of Landlly animals from exotic pig populations. The results from selective sweep analysis revealed the Landlly population to be under selection for mammary (NAV2), reproductive efficiency (JMY, SERGEF, and MAP3K20), body conformation (FHIT, WNT2, ASRB, DMGDH, and BHMT), feed efficiency (CSRNP1 and ADRA1A), and immunity (U6, MYO3B, RBMS3, and FAM78B) traits. More than two methods suggested sweeps for immunity and feed efficiency traits, thus giving a strong indication for selection in this direction. The study is the first of its kind in Indian pig breeds with a comparison against global breeds. In conclusion, 500 markers were able to effectively stratify the breeds. Different traits under selective sweeps (natural or artificial selection) can be exploited for further improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification of candidate genes related to pigmentation and under selective sweep provides insights into the genetic basis of pigmentation and the evolutionary forces that have shaped this variation. The selective sweep events in the genes responsible for normal coat color in Indian cattle groups are still unknown. To find coat color genes displaying signs of selective sweeps in the indigenous cattle, we compiled a list of candidate genes previously investigated for their association with coat color and pigmentation. After that, we performed a genome-wide scan of positive selection signatures using the BovineSNP50K Bead Chip in 187 individuals of seven indigenous breeds. We applied a wide range of methods to find evidence of selection, such as Tajima's D, CLR, iHS, varLD, ROH, and FST. We found a total of sixteen genes under selective sweep, that were involved in coat color and pigmentation physiology. These genes are CRIM1 in Gir, MC1R in Sahiwal, MYO5A, PMEL and POMC in Tharparkar, TYRP1, ERBB2, and ASIP in Red Sindhi, MITF, LOC789175, PAX3 and TYR in Ongole, and IRF2, SDR165 and, KIT in Nelore, ADAMTS19 in Hariana. These genes are related to melanin synthesis, the biology of melanocytes and melanosomes, and the migration and survival of melanocytes during development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reference gene with stable copy number is essential for normalization in qPCR based copy number assay. Present study aims to identify a suitable reference gene in pigs for qPCR based relative copy number profiling of chromosomal genes. A total of 30 crossbred pigs of both sexes were cyto-screened and gDNA was extracted from the pigs having numerically normal karyotypes. The copy number stability was studied for 7 genes (FSHB, IL4, IGF1R, TCF24, BRMS1L, ARMC1 and SRSF4) selected on the basis of the chromosomal location, reports of single copy and lack of involvement in structural chromosomal abnormalities. The copy number was estimated from Ct values in 3 technical replicates using 6 animals from either sex for each gene. The stability was evaluated from the variations in Ct values using different (Delta Ct, geNorm, BestKeeper and normFinder) algorithms. While the moderate variation was observed among relative copy number stabilities among the genes, comprehensive ranking revealed the most stable gene for normalization (IGF1R > FSHB > TCF24 > IL4 > ARMC1> SRSF4 > BRMS1L) across the samples. The selected reference gene was validated using DNA of cyto-screened pigs to find out ratio of X and Y chromosome fragments using qPCR based copy number analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of floor enrichment with rubber mattress of calving pen on prepartum calving behaviour of Tharparkar cow during the winter season. Methods: A total 28 Tharparkar cows were taken in study during winter season (November to March) and divided into two groups each contain 14 animals. One group placed in floor enriched with rubber mattress and other group kept on bare concrete floor calving pen. Preparturient behaviours like lying time, standing time, lying bout duration, number of lying bouts, rumination time, rumination bouts, self grooming and frequency of self grooming were evaluated on -12 hr, -7th day, -14th day and -21st day prepartum for period of 12 hr in a day. Repeated Meausures ANOVA was used for the analysis of the data. Result: It was found that lying time, lying bout duration was significantly more in rubber mattress group as compare to concrete floor. However, 12 hr before parturition standing time was significantly high compare to any other observational day within the group. Similarly, rubber mattress had positive effect on rumination time, lying duration and self grooming frequency as compare to bare concrete floor. It was concluded that rubber mattress had beneficial effect in calving pen of Tharparkar cow during winter season due to its softness and insulating property. It provided comfort and warmth to the parturient cows. which was evident by increase in rumination time, more lying duration and reduced self grooming frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The positional candidate gene DGAT1, within QTL of BTA14, harboring a lysine to alanine substitution (K232A) is significantly associated with milk production traits. The present investigation was undertaken to estimate the frequency of the DGAT1 K232A polymorphism in Indian zebu breed, Sahiwal (B. indicus; N= 51) and crossbred, Frieswal (HF X Sahiwal; N= 126) cattle using PCR-RFLP technique. Detection of allelic variation at nucleotide positions 10433-10434 of the DGAT1 gene was performed by restriction digestion of a 413 bp PCR product with CfrI. The frequency of A allele in Frieswal and Sahiwal cattle was 0.36 and 0.04, respectively. Although all the three genotypes were observed in Frieswal cattle, however, no animal of AA genotype was found in Sahiwal cattle and only four animals were of heterozygous genotype (AK). The sequences, specific to K and A allele, were submitted to GenBank (JF345253 and JF345254). Because of very high frequency to almost fixed nature of K allele in Sahiwal and other well defined Indian cattle breeds, DGAT1 K232A polymorphism may not be a suitable candidate for selection purpose. Nonetheless, the results could be used to guide association studies between this locus and milk production traits especially in Frieswal [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, to analyze the genomic ROH fragments, haplotypes, inbreeding coefficient and effective population size (Ne), SNP50K data of 72 Vrindavani crossbred cattle strain were obtained. After a quality check, 24,449 biallelic SNPs were retained, which were in HWE, MAF > 0.01 and genotyping rate >95%. A total of 385 ROH were found, and chromosome 25 was mostly covered with 50.86%, while chromosome one was least with 12.42%. We classified ROH into <10Mb, 10-15Mb, 15-20Mb, >20Mb categories and observed a 3% inbreeding coefficient for the population in >20Mb category. Inbreeding from an excess of homozygosity was found to be 6% in the population. Ne was also estimated through Ne Estimator and SNeP and in the recent generation, it was found to be 40 for a census size of 464 cattle. The Ne/Nc ratio was found to be 0.086 and a decreasing trend of Ne was observed for over five generations. 45.95% of the autosomal genome was covered with haplotypic structure with highest total block length in chromosome one and lowest in 28. From all the observations made in this study, it can be concluded that Vrindavani is an admixed cattle strain but have an unstable population structure in the current period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have now replaced microsatellite markers in several species for various genetic investigations like parentage assignment, genetic breed composition, assessment for individuality and, most popularly, as a useful tool in genomic selection. However, such a resource, which can offer to assist breed identification in a cost-effective manner is still not explored in cattle breeding programs. In our study, we have tried to describe methods for reducing the number of SNPs to develop a breed-specific panel. We have used SNP data from Dryad open public access repository. Starting from a global dataset of 178 animals belonging to 10 different breeds, we selected five panels each comprising of similar number of SNPs using different methods i.e., Delta, Pairwise Wright's FST, informativeness for assignment, frequent item feature selection (FIFS) and minor allele frequency–linkage disequilibrium (MAF-LD) based method. MAF-LD based method has been recently developed by us for construction of breed-specific SNP panels. The STRUCTURE software analysis of MAF-LD based method showed appropriate clustering in comparison to other panels. Later, the panel of 591 breed-specific SNPs was called to their respective breeds using Venny 2.1.0 and UGent web tools software. Breed-specific SNPs were later annotated by using various Bioinformatics softwares. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was planned to acclimatize the pre-weaned piglet for stress tolerance through restricted suckling with or without mother's visibility for improved piglet and through stress tolerance. For this, 244 piglets from 36 pregnant crossbred sows (Landrace x Desi), with 18 sows each, during summer season having 147 piglets and during winter season having 97 piglets were used. Eighteen sows along with their piglets were randomly distributed in 3 treatment groups viz. T0 (No restriction), T1 (restricted suckling with mother's visibility) and T2 (restricted suckling without mother's visibility) for the above said study for 3 months. A total of 15 minutes time was allotted for suckling of piglets in T1 and T2 group. Different records pertaining to body weight, feed intake, behaviour and growth parameter of piglets were recorded up to 3 months of age. At the end of the study period, body weight of piglets showed non-significant difference between the treatment groups. Grower feed intake during post-weaning (after 42 days) period showed significant difference (P<0.01) during winter season with highest value observed in T2 group. In rest of the period, non-significant difference was observed for all the treatment groups both during summer and winter season. Higher values for suckling behaviour was recorded for T1 and T2 groups than T0. From the present study, restricted suckling without mother's visibility may be recommended at farm level for quick adaptation of piglets after weaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the copy number profile of sex chromosome specific genes in crossbred pigs with numerically normal karyotype. A total of 30 (15M + 15F) Landlly (Landrace crossbred) pigs from a research farm were cyto-screened by karyotyping to determine the number of chromosomes per diploid cell using short-term peripheral lymphocyte culture technique. All pigs had numerically normal karyotype with 38, XX (female) and 38, XY (male). Genomic DNA was extracted from cyto-screened pigs of both sexes. A set of sex chromosome (X and Y) specific single copy gene fragments along with an autosomal gene fragment were selected out of 12 pairs of primers on the basis of male specific PCR amplification, PCR and qPCR specificity. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to study the relative copy number change of selected Phosphate repressible alkaline phosphatase X linked (PHOX) gene, using the Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 1A Y-Linked (EIF1AY) gene as control and Breast Cancer Metastasis-Suppressor 1-Like (BRMS1 L- autosomal gene) as the reference gene. The relative copy number of the PHOX gene in females was found to be 1.873 times higher compared with the EIF1AY gene in males. The present study indicates that the real-time quantitative real-time PCR based copy number analysis can be helpful for the detection of sex chromosome ratio in pigs to aid as a preliminary screening for numerical sex chromosomal aneuploidies, adding to the rate of throughput of traditional cyto-screening. The ratio of sex chromosome copies in animals with sex chromosomal aneuploidies differ from normal individuals. The present investigation reveals an attempt for quantitative real-time PCR based relative copy number profiling of sex chromosome specific gene fragments with respect to an autosomal reference gene. This study indicated that copy number analysis can be useful for preliminary screening of sex chromosome aneuploidies in pigs adding throughput to traditional cyto-screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted on crossbred (Vrindavani) cattle calves to evaluate the effect of modified housing using different roofing materials on growth and physiological performance of calves during the rainy season. A total of twenty four calves (9-11 months old) were randomly selected and allocated in 4 groups viz. control (C): corrugated cemented sheet (CCS) as roofing material, T1: the CCS roof was painted black inside and white outside, T2: polycarbonate plastic sheet as roof and T3: polycarbonate roof with adjustable height. The overall average temperature was significantly (P<0.05) lower in T1 (26.89±0.04), followed by T3 (28.18±0.11), T2 (29.74±0.19) and C (30.55±0.06). Similarly temperature of the inner surface of roof was significantly (P<0.05) lower in T1 followed by T3 and higher in C during every fortnight. Overall average relative humidity (per cent) was significantly (P<0.05) lower in T3 (77.08±0.31) as compared to T1 (80.50±0.26), T2 (82.10±0.76) and C (82.92±0.12). Overall average THI was significantly (P<0.05) lower in T3 (76.56 ±0.23) followed by T1 (76.96 ± 0.07), T2 (78.35 ± 0.23) and C (79.30 ± 0.18). Total body weight gain (kg) was higher in T1 (32.67±0.76), followed by T3 (31.67±0.84), T2 (31.00±1.24) and C (30.83±0.48), however the difference was non-significant. The overall FCR was significantly lower (P<0.05) in T1 (9.94±0.24), T3 (10.01±0.14) followed by T2 (10.89±0.16) as compared control (11.76±0.18). The overall average rectal temperature and average respiration rate was significantly higher (p<0.05) in C (39.32±0.05 ºC, 26.07±0.29/min), followed by T2 (39.18±0.04 ºC, 24.17±0.37/min) and lower in T1 (38.98±0.03 ºC, 22.56±0.26/min) and T3 (39.06±0.03 ºC, 22.43±0.25/min). It may be inferred that the micro-environment was more conducive in T1 and T3 than control; hence the reflective paints on roof and adjusted higher height of polycarbonate roof may be the desirable choice for animal housing in view of mitigating heat stress during the hot-humid climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of productive and reproductive performances of pig breeds have been done in different countries of the world. However, the same study for indigenous or so called desi pigs in different parts of India is limited. It is now believed that the study of some productive and reproductive traits is most essential to evaluate the potentiality of these indigenous pigs. In India, only limited studies on productive and reproductive traits have been carried out on indigenous pigs that too detailed studies have been done only in three recognised pig breeds namely Ghungroo, Niang-Megha and Agonda Goan. The desi pigs are having very sound reproductive efficiency and medium production potential. These characteristics of desi pigs are very much suitable to the small pig farmers with low input production system for livelihood and sustainable pig farming. These productive and reproductive analyses will be useful in the selection of breeding stock for future parent generation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study the pattern of mortality as affected by age, season and various diseases in local goats of Rohilkhand region maintained at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly. Materials and Methods: Post-mortem records of 12 years (2000-01 to 2011-12) were used, and total 243 mortality data were collected and analyzed. The causes of mortality were classified into seven major classes viz. digestive disorders, respiratory disorders, cardiovascular disorders, musculoskeletal disorder, parasitic disorders, mixed disorders (combination of digestive, respiratory, parasitic, and cardiovascular disorders) and miscellaneous disorders (cold, hypoglycemia, emaciation, endometritis, traumatic injury, etc.). Results: The average mortality was 10.93%. The overall mortality was more during rainy season followed by winter and summer season. The mortality in 4-6 months of age was high (2.52%) followed by 0-1 month (2.34%) and 2-3 months (1.35%). The average mortality among adult age groups (>12 months) was 3.42%. The mortality showed declining trend with the advancement of age up to 3 months and then again increased in 4-6 months age group. The digestive diseases (3.51%) followed by respiratory diseases (1.89%) and parasitic diseases (1.48%) contributed major share to the total mortality occurred and the remaining disorders were of lesser significance in causing death in goats. There is significant (p<0.01; χ2=55.62) association between year with season and age with the season (p<0.05, χ2=16.083) found in the present study. Conclusion: This study confirms that overall mortality rate averaged 10.93% (ranged between 1.10% and 25.56%) over 12 years under semi-intensive farm condition. It was generally higher in rainy season. The mortality remains higher in kids particularly under 1 month of age. The digestive diseases contributed major share to overall mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The objective of study was to investigate the effects of drinking water on certain physiological parameters such as heart rate (HR), respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT) and, ruminal motility (RM). Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out on 18 farm bred lactating crossbred cows. The animals selected for the study were divided into three groups of six animals each on the basis of milk yield and parity and were allotted to three treatment group of six each such as ambient drinking water temperature at 10.25±0.28°C (ambient water, T1), drinking water temperature at 15-20°C (T2) and drinking water temperature at 35-40°C (T3). All the managemental practices were kept similar during experiment except drinking water temperatures physiological variables such as HR, RR, RT, and RM of the individual cow was measured and recorded twice in a day at 800 h and again at 1400 h two consecutive days in a week 15 min after providing drinking water. Result: HR and RR at morning and at evening recorded were within the normal physiological level for all the treatment groups. However, RT at morning was comparable in all the treatments whereas at evening it was significantly (p<0.01) higher for cows consuming in T2 and in T3 than cows consumed (T1). The RM during morning among the treatments were non-significant as compared to the rumen motility at evening was significantly higher for (T1) and (T2) than for cows in (T3). Conclusion: It can be concluded that offering warm drinking water at 35-40°C to crossbred lactating dairy cow is beneficial during winter at high altitude temperate region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present study was undertaken to identify whether single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs109231409 located on mannose-binding lectins 1 (MBL1) gene was associated with mastitis tolerance/susceptibility. Materials and Methods: After grouping 100 Vrindavani crossbred cattle as mastitis positive and negative animals, they were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphisms method. Gene and genotype frequencies of different patterns were estimated by standard procedure (POPGENE version 1.32, (University of Alberta, Canada) and statistical analysis was carried out by logistic regression methods using STATA 12 software (StataCorp LP, USA). Results: The 588 bp fragment of MBL1 gene was amplified using PCR. PCR product was digested with ApaI restriction enzyme showed two distinct genotypes viz., GG (311 bp and 272 bp fragments) and GA (588 bp, 311 bp and 277 bp fragments). The gene, genotype frequencies, average heterozygosity, polymorphic information content and X2values for the locus rs109231409 was ascertained. Conclusions: No significant association between SNP "rs109231409" with mastitis tolerance was found. Although there is a lack of association, further studies have to be undertaken in a large population in order to validate the impact of rs109231409 (g.855G >A) on mastitis tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptin gene has its role in appetite, metabolism, growth and milk production in cattle. PCR-RFLP method was carried out to detect the polymorphism in leptin gene among Frieswal, Ongole and Sahiwal cattle. Frieswal population under study revealed that 11%, 51% and 38% are TT, CT, and CC respectively genotypes with respect to exon 2. But the same population had 22% TT, 51% CT and 27% CC genotype for first SNP in exon 3; 4% TT, 38% C Tand 58% CC genotype for second SNP in exon 3. Ongole population revealed only CT genotype with respect to exon 2, but it showed TT genotype for first SNP and CC genotype for second SNP in exon3. Sahiwal population had 4% TT, 88% CT and 8% CC genotype (exon 2), respectively. Whereas the same population revealed 4% TT, 55% CT and 41% CC genotype for first SNP in exon 3 and 4% CT and 96% CC genotype for second SNP in exon 3. Sahiwal population had no TT genotype for second SNP in exon 3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vector borne diseases (VBD) are on the rise because of failure of the existing methods of control of vector and vector borne diseases and the climate change. Asteep rise of VBDs are due to several factors like selection of insecticide resistant vector population, drug resistant parasite population and lack of effective vaccines against the VBDs. Environmental pollution, public health hazard and insecticide resistant vector population indicate that the insecticides are no longer a sustainable control method of vector and vector-borne diseases. Amongst the various alternative control strategies, symbiont based approach utilizing endosymbionts of arthropod vectors could be explored to control the vector and vector borne diseases. The endosymbiont population of arthropod vectors could be exploited in different ways viz., as a chemotherapeutic target, vaccine target for the control of vectors. Expression of molecules with antiparasitic activity by genetically transformed symbiotic bacteria of disease-transmitting arthropods may serve as a powerful approach to control certain arthropod-borne diseases. Genetic transformation of symbiotic bacteria of the arthropod vector to alter the vector's ability to transmit pathogen is an alternative means of blocking the transmission of VBDs. In Indian scenario, where dengue, chikungunya, malaria and filariosis are prevalent, paratransgenic based approach can be used effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]