• Animal Bioscience
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• 제36권5호
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• pp.692-703
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• 2023

Objective: The main goals of this investigation were to i) assess the population structure and genetic diversity and ii) determine the efficiency of the ongoing breeding program in a closed flock of Angora rabbits through pedigree analysis. Methods: The pedigree records of 6,145 animals, born between 1996 to 2020 at NTRS, ICAR-CSWRI, Garsa were analyzed using ENDOG version 4.8 software package. The genealogical information, genetic conservation index and parameters based on gene origin probabilities were estimated. Results: Analysis revealed that, 99.09% of the kits had both parents recorded in the whole dataset. The completeness levels for the whole pedigree were 99.12%, 97.12%, 90.66%, 82.49%, and 74.11% for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th generations, respectively, reflecting well-maintained pedigree records. The maximum inbreeding, average inbreeding and relatedness were 36.96%, 8.07%, and 15.82%, respectively. The mean maximum, mean equivalent and mean completed generations were 10.28, 7.91, and 5.51 with 0.85%, 1.19%, and 1.85% increase in inbreeding, respectively. The effective population size estimated from maximum, equivalent and complete generations were 58.50, 27.05, and 42.08, respectively. Only 1.51% of total mating was highly inbred. The effective population size computed via the individual increase in inbreeding was 42.83. The effective numbers of founders (f_e), ancestors (f_a), founder genomes (f_g) and non-founder genomes (f_ng) were 18, 16, 6.22, and 9.50, respectively. The fe/fa ratio was 1.12, indicating occasional bottlenecks had occurred in the population. The six most influential ancestors explained 50% of genes contributed to the gene pool. The average generation interval was 1.51 years and was longer for the sire-offspring pathway. The population lost 8% genetic diversity over time, however, considerable genetic variability still existed in the closed Angora population. Conclusion: This study provides important and practical insights to manage and maintain the genetic variability within the individual flock and the entire population.

• Animal Bioscience
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• 제37권6호
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• pp.1001-1006
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• 2024

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide (CPP) on the motility, mitochondrial integrity, acrosome integrity rate, and antioxidant ability of sheep sperm after preservation at 4℃. Methods: Semen from healthy adult rams were collected and divided into four groups with separate addition of 0, 200, 400, and 1,000 mg/L CPP. Sperm motility was analyzed using the Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis software after preservation at 4℃ for 24, 72, 120, and 168 h. Sperm acrosome integrity rate was analyzed by Giemsa staining at 24, 72, and 120 h, and mitochondrial membrane integrity was analyzed by Mito-Tracker Red CMXRos. The total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content of spermatozoa were measured after 120 h of preservation. Results: The sperm viability and forward-moving sperm under 200 mg/L CPP were significantly higher than that in the control group at 72 h (61.28%±3.89% vs 52.83%±0.70%, 51.53%±4.06% vs 42.84%±1.14%), and 168 h (47.21%±0.85% vs 41.43%±0.37%, 38.68%±0.87% vs 31.68%±0.89%). The percentage of fast-moving sperm (15.03%±1.10% vs 11.39%±1.03%) and slow-moving sperm (23.63%±0.76% vs 20.29%±1.11%) in the 200 mg/L group was significantly higher than control group at 168 h. The mitochondrial membrane integrity of the sperm in the group with 200 mg/L CPP was significantly higher than those in the control group after storage at 4℃ for 120 h (74.76%±2.54% vs 65.67%±4.51%, p<0.05). The acrosome integrity rate in the group with 200 mg/L (87.66%±1.26%) and 400 mg/L (84.00%±2.95%) was significantly higher than those in the control group (80.65%±0.16%) after storage for 24 h (p<0.05). CPP also increased T-AOC and decreased the MDA concentration after preservation at 4℃ (p<0.05). Conclusion: Adding CPP could improve the T-AOC of sperm, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and facilitate semen preservation.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제24권2호
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• pp.295-302
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• 2011

Almost half of New Zealand's greenhouse gas emissions arise from agriculture and enteric methane ($CH_4 $) emissions arising from ruminant animals constitute 30% of total $CO_2$-e emissions. Enteric $CH_4$ emissions have increased by 9% since 1990. Extensive research has been undertaken to develop reliable methods for measuring enteric $CH_4$ emissions. New Zealand studies using the SF6 tracer technique suggest that on average this technique yields similar values to the 'gold' standard of calorimetry, but with a larger variance. National inventory estimates based on results obtained using the $SF_6$ technique will therefore overestimate the uncertainty. Mitigating emissions can be achieved by changing feed type but there are practical and cost barriers to the use of alternative feeds. Forages containing condensed tannins do reduce emissions but are agronomically inferior to the forages currently used. Rumen additives have shown some success in-vitro but results from in-vivo trials with both monensin and fumaric acid have been disappointing. The development of methods for directly manipulating rumen microorganisms are at an early stage and work to develop vaccines that can inhibit methanogenesis has yielded mixed results. The successful identification of sheep with contrasting $CH_4$ yields raises the possibility that, in the long term, a breeding approach to $CH_4$ mitigation is feasible.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제31권6호
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• pp.775-783
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• 2018

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the genetic effects of six keratin (KRT) genes on the wool traits of 418 Chinese Merino (Xinjiang type) (CMXT) individuals. Methods: To explore the effects and association of six KRT genes on sheep wool traits, The polymerase chain reaction-based single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP), DNA sequencing, and the gene pyramiding effect methods were used. Results: We report 20 mutation sites (single-nucleotide polymorphisms) within the six KRT genes, in which twelve induced silent mutations; five induced missense mutations and resulted in $Ile{\rightarrow}Thr$, $Glu{\rightarrow}Asp$, $Gly{\rightarrow}Ala$, $Ala{\rightarrow}Ser$, $Se{\rightarrow}His$; two were nonsense mutations and one was a same-sense mutation. Association analysis showed that two genotypes of the KRT31 gene were significantly associated with fiber diameter (p<0.05); three genotypes of the KRT36 gene were significantly associated with wool fineness score and fiber diameter (p<0.05), three genotypes of the KRT38 gene were significantly associated with the number of crimps (p<0.05); and three genotypes of the KRT85 gene were significantly associated with wool crimps score, body size, and fiber diameter (p<0.05). Analysis of the gene pyramiding effect between the different genotypes of the gene loci KRT36, KRT38, and KRT85, each genotype in a gene locus was combined with all the genotypes of another two gene loci and formed the different three loci combinations, indicated a total of 26 types of possible combined genotypes in the analyzed population. Compared with the other combined genotypes, the combinations CC-GG-II, CC-HH-IJ, CC-HH-JJ, DD-HH-JJ, CC-GH-IJ, and CC-GH-JJ at gene loci KRT36, KRT38, and KRT85, respectively, had a greater effect on wool traits (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicate that the mutation loci of KRT31, KRT36, KRT38, and KRT85 genes, as well as the combinations at gene loci KRT36, KRT38, and KRT85 in CMXT have significant effects on wool traits, suggesting that these genes are important candidate genes for wool traits, which will contribute to sheep breeding and provide a molecular basis for improved wool quality in sheep.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제13권4호
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• pp.561-573
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• 2000

Knowledge concerning the nutritional requirements and nutritional problems of fanned deer is limited. Nutritional recommendations must be based on data from domestic ruminants and fanned deer. An understanding of the biology and adaptative characteristics of wild deer is essential for sensible application of sheep and cattle nutritional principles. Nutritional requirements of deer are generally separated into five categories: energy, protein, minerals, vitamins and water. Research on deer nutrition has primarily focused on energy, protein and minerals (phosphorus and calcium). Changes in the nutritional requirements that occur with gestation, lactation, breeding and antler growth should be coordinated with seasonal changes in nutrient availability from forage plants. This paper describes aspects of current knowledge of energy, protein, minerals, vitamins and water requirements. Nutritional problems of. fanned deer are described with recommendations for prevention or control. A comparison of production efficiency of deer, lamb, beef cattle and dairy cattle is included.

• 한국수정란이식학회지
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.271-274
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• 2009

To establish a protocol of estrus induction and synchronization in European mouflon, we performed artificial insemination using frozen-thawed semen and exogenous hormones. CIDR was inserted into vaginas of four mouflons for 16 days. A day before removal of CIDR, PG 600 was injected intramuscularly. $PGF_2{\alpha}$ was injected when removing CIDR. Artificial insemination was cervically conducted with injecting LHRH 48 hours after CIDR withdrawal. Even though no pregnancy was confirmed, estrous signs were notified like open cervix, congestion of vaginal wall and discharge of cervical mucus. Further research in the wild sheep would be needed for development of artificial breeding methods and advancing sustainability of domestic zoos.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제23권8호
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• pp.981-986
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• 2010

Genetic parameters of growth traits were estimated in the German Angora rabbit reared in the sub-temperate region of India. Estimates of (co)variance components were obtained for body weights at weaning (42 days) and post-weaning at 84, 126 and 168 days. A total of 8,324 animal records were used for the analysis of these traits. The data were analyzed by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) fitting six animal models with various combinations of direct and maternal effects. A log likelihood ratio test was used to select the most appropriate univariate model for each trait. Direct heritability estimates were observed to be moderate for the traits under study. Heritability estimates for weaning (42 d), 84, 126 and 168 d weights obtained from the best models were $0.25{\pm}0.05$, $0.17{\pm}0.05$, $0.21{\pm}0.06$ and $0.12{\pm}0.05$. Maternal effects had higher importance at weaning, and declined with the advancement of age. Significant maternal permanent environmental effect on weaning and post-weaning weights was a carryover effect of maternal influences during pre-weaning age. The estimated repeatabilities of doe effects on body weights were 0.37, 0.22, 0.18 and 0.28 at weaning, 84, 126 and 168 d body weight, respectively. Results indicated that modest rate of genetic progress is possible for body weight traits of Angora rabbit through selection. Similarly, these growth traits could be included in selection criteria along with wool traits for early selection of the animals.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제19권11호
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• pp.1536-1540
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• 2006

Crossbreeding effects for wool quality traits viz. greasy fleece weight (kg), staple length (cm), average fibre diameter (${\mu}$) and medulation percentage were estimated using the Dickerson's and Kinghorn's models. The data analyzed involved 15 genetic groups including Nali purebred, $F_1$'s of two and three breeds, $F_2$'s and reciprocal crossbred obtained from the crossing of Nali (N), Merino (M) and Corriedale (C) breeds during 1980-96. Nali and Corriedale breeds had non-significant negative additive genetic effects (Dickerson's model) on greasy fleece weight, while effects of Corriedale were negative for staple length only from both models. In general additive genetic effects of all three breeds were non-significant for all the wool traits except medulation percentage. Non significant heterotic and recombination effects (epistatic loss) were estimated from both models. However, the estimates of crossbreeding effects varied between the models both in magnitude as well as in direction barring few exceptions. Undesirable positive heterosis was found on medulation percentage for all types of combinations involving three breeds. Comparison of least squares means of various genetic groups revealed that both two breed and three breed crosses were superior to the Nali breed for all wool quality traits. Fibre diameter of MN crossbreds was significantly less than CN crossbreds. Results also indicated that as the inheritance of Nali breed in a cross is decreased, the medulation percentage decreases which is desirable. Inter se mating of crossbreds (two breed, three breed) has not resulted in a decline in the wool quality traits. These results indicate that the synthetic population derived from three breeds can be stabilized easily for wool traits as there may not be epistatic loss on subsequent inter se mating of crossbreds.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• 제17권4호
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• pp.560-563
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• 2004

The study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of naked neck gene on mortality, cell mediated and humoral immune response in white plumage broiler population. The mortality of homozygous naked neck (Na/Na) broilers (11.71%) was comparatively lower than that of heterozygous naked neck (Na/na) (12.28%) and normally feathered (na/na) (13.59%) broilers. The humoral immune response was measured against (1% v/v) sheep red blood cells (SRBC) for total haemagglutinin (HA) antibody, 2-mercaptoethanol resistance (MER) or (IgG) antibody and 2-mercaptoethanol sensitive (MES) or (IgM) antibody titre on 7 days post-immunization. The titre was expressed as log2 of the highest dilution which shows complete haemagglutination. Total HA titers of Na/Na and Na/na (11.05$\pm$0.53 and 11.09$\pm$0.38) were comparatively higher than that of na/na (10.26$\pm$0.42). The MES antibody titre of Na/Na (8.50$\pm$0.53) and Na/na (7.63$\pm$0.45) broilers were significantly higher as compared to na/na (6.11$\pm$0.32) broilers. The MER titre of na/na genetic group (4.15$\pm$0.42) was significantly higher than Na/Na (2.55$\pm$0.37) and comparatively higher than Na/na (3.45$\pm$0.38) broilers. In vivo cell response to phytohaemagglutinin-P (PHA-P), measured as Foot Index (FI) in mm expressed significantly higher response in Na/na (0.473$\pm$0.05) and Na/Na (0.413$\pm$0.04) broilers as compared to na/na (0.304$\pm$0.03) broilers. The result of present study suggested that white plumage naked neck broilers had better immune response as compared to normally feathered broilers.

• 한국수정란이식학회지
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.289-292
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• 2009

Mongolia has 80% livestock of total agriculture industry, 170,000 farms are engaged, 2,500,000 of cows that were beef and dairy cows are raised. Despite of Mongolian has great application with milk, there are not clear differences between cow and dairy cattle, and the production of milk is also low. But the milk suppliers are varied (horse, sheep, goat, etc), so that the total milk production is 500 thousand ton per year. It's really considerable to improve the breed of owing to many problems with big differences among milk qualities. For carrying out for first year project, artificial insemination project was operated with 3rd grade Holstein semen that were imported from S. Korea, and initiation and field training were also carried out through appropriate AI technique we developed for Mongolia environment. Local information research and MOU conclusion were done with professor D. Altangerel in May $10^{th}{\sim}13^{th}$, 2009, and development for AI technique and AI equipments were supplied for Mongolia breeding and natural environment in July $10^{th}{\sim}17^{th}$ in 2009. All cows were treated by synchronization for AI. To do this, $PGF_{2\alpha}$ injection were treated for luteal phase cow, if it wouldn't work, try again after 11 days. After confirmation of estrus, AI and AI training were carried out with sperm injection in the uterus or cervix by rectum-vagina method which is common worldwide, the most effective artificial insemination technique. If cows were return to next estrus cycle, second AI was carried out about approximately 21 days after artificial insemination. After 2 months, all cows not showing return estrus should be taken pregnancy test. Every pregnant cow will be cared thoroughly. Total 48 cows administrated by $PGF_{2\alpha}$ for synchronization and after 48 hours 45 cows (93.8%) showing estrus were detected and then artificial inseminate them within who 8 cows (27.8%) showed return estrus. Therefore, Using $PGF_2{\alpha}$ for synchronization is effective to use for Mongolia breeding conditions. There are possibility of base for food production after all, including increase of livestock production in Mongolia by improvement of breeding cow with AI and embryo transfer project.