Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: K. Kaplanová Author-Workplace-Name: Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: A. Dufek Author-Workplace-Name: Agriresearch Rapotín Ltd., Vikýřovice, Czech Republic Author-Name: E. Dračková Author-Workplace-Name: Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: J. Simeonovová Author-Workplace-Name: Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: J. Šubrt Author-Workplace-Name: Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: I. Vrtková Author-Workplace-Name: Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: J. Dvořák Author-Workplace-Name: Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic Title: The association of CAPN1, CAST, SCD, and FASN polymorphisms with beef quality traits in commercial crossbred cattle in the Czech Republic Abstract: Genetic variability of four polymorphisms (CAPN1, CAST, SCD, and FASN) was evaluated and the relationships between them and the beef quality traits (tenderness and fatty acid composition) in Czech crossbred cattle population were assessed. Totally 331 animals were genotyped using multiplex PCR-RFLP. For the CAST NM174003.2:c.155C>T the CC genotype was associated with higher Warner-Bratzler shear force (CC > CT, P < 0.001; CC > TT, P < 0.05) and our results (CC > TT > CT) suggest a possible effect of overdominance. The CAPN1 AF252504.2:c.947G>C did not significantly influence the beef tenderness (strongly influenced by misbalance between the genotype frequencies) suggesting the breed specific effect of this marker. Our association study of the SCD AB075020:c.878T>C polymorphism revealed a positive effect of allele C on myristoleic acid content (CC > CT > TT, P < 0.01). The significant influence of FASN AF285607:g.17924A>G on fatty acid profile was confirmed in the content of myristoleic acid (AG > GG, P < 0.05), palmitoleic acid (AA > AG > GG, P < 0.05, P < 0.001), stearic acid (AA > GG, P < 0.05), myristic acid (AG > GG, P < 0.05), and palmitic acid (AG > GG, P < 0.05). Thus in our population the SNPs of FASN and SCD appeared to be useful markers for selection of animals according to the fatty acid profile as well as SNP of CAST for beef tenderness. Keywords: candidate genes, tenderness, fatty acids composition Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 489-496 Volume: 58 Issue: 11 Year: 2013 DOI: 10.17221/7044-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/7044-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-201311-0001.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:58:y:2013:i:11:id:7044-CJAS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: D. Lisiak Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Meat and Fat Technology, Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology, Poznań, Poland Author-Name: E. Grześkowiak Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Meat and Fat Technology, Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology, Poznań, Poland Author-Name: K. Borzuta Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Meat and Fat Technology, Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology, Poznań, Poland Author-Name: S. Raj Author-Workplace-Name: The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jabłonna, Poland Author-Name: P. Janiszewski Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Meat and Fat Technology, Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology, Poznań, Poland Author-Name: G. Skiba Author-Workplace-Name: The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jabłonna, Poland Title: Effects of supplementary vegetable and animal fats on the slaughter values of fatteners, meat quality, and fatty acid profile in pigs Abstract: The study was conducted on 32 hybrids of (Polish Large White × Danish Landrace) × Duroc breeds fed similar energy content feed, however differing in fat diet supplements. The animals were divided into four groups in which the following fat supplements were added to the feed: A - rapeseed and linseed oils, B - rapeseed and fish oils + swine fat, C - linseed and fish oils, D - rapeseed and linseed oils + lard. The carcass slaughter value was estimated and physicochemical and sensory traits of longissimus lumborum (LL) and triceps brachii (TB) muscles were determined. The content of fatty acids in the subcutaneous fat of the loin as well as in the raw LL and TB muscles was estimated as well. It was shown that there were no significant differences in the range of slaughter value traits and meat quality between the groups. However, it was found that different kinds of supplemented fat had a different effect on the content of the polyunsaturated fatty acids in the backfat and in the raw LL muscle. The lowest level of fatty acids characterized the group of pigs fed with supplements consisting of rapeseed and fish oils + lard. The highest values were detected among fatteners supplemented with linseed. The kind of supplemented fat affected the changes in the level of PUFA n-3 fatty acids, especially the linolenic acid C18:3 in backfat. The n-6/n-3 ratio in pigs fed with a greater share of linseed (C and D groups) was better (about 3) than in pigs which obtained a greater portion of rapeseed and fish oils (about 5.5). In both the muscles and fat of fatteners from groups B and C the DHA content was 2-3 times higher than in A and D groups. Higher EPA content was found in the TB muscle. Keywords: pigs' feeding, oils, backfat, triceps brachii, longissimus lumborum Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 497-511 Volume: 58 Issue: 11 Year: 2013 DOI: 10.17221/7045-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/7045-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-201311-0002.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:58:y:2013:i:11:id:7045-CJAS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: J. Šichtař Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: R. Rajmon Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: K. Hošková Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: D. Řehák Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Animal Science, Prague-Uhříněves, Czech Republic Author-Name: L. Vostrý Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: H. Härtlová Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Veterinary Sciences, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Title: The luteal blood flow, area and pixel intensity of corpus luteum, levels of progesterone in pregnant and nonpregnant mares in the period of 16 days after ovulation Abstract: The objective of the present study was to examine if luteal blood flow (LBF) monitoring could be used as an additional prognostic tool for early pregnancy diagnosis, and we particularly focused on the differences in LBF between pregnant and nonpregnant mares. Furthermore, other possible developmental differences of corpus luteum (CL) between pregnant and nonpregnant mares were evaluated. The CL (n = 119) of 27 mares were monitored once daily in B- and Power-Doppler Mode on days 1, 2, 9, 12, and 16 after ovulation (day 0 = ovulation). The data were evaluated using the MIXED Linear Model with repeated measures, and parameters were estimated by the REML method. The course of LBF, area of CL, and pixel intensity differed in nonpregnant mares on a day-to-day basis in contrast to more stable values in pregnant mares. Further, the profiles of the courses were identical until day 9, but since day 12 the differences between pregnant and nonpregnant mares started to be prominent. The LBF, pixel intensity, and level of progesterone (P4) were similar in all mares until day 16, when smaller LBF, lower pixel intensity, and lower levels of P4 were found in nonpregnant mares (P = 0.04, P = 0.02, P < 0.05, respectively). In pregnant and nonpregnant mares the LBF was weakly (r = 0.29 in both) and pixel intensity strongly (r = 0.48 and 0.59, respectively) correlated to the levels of P4. LBF was strongly correlated to the area of CL in pregnant as well as nonpregnant mares (r = 0.72 and 0.64, respectively). In accordance with the results presented in our study we can state that LBF monitoring is not a suitable tool for early pregnancy diagnosis or prognosis as the differences between pregnant and nonpregnant mares are notable - similarly to other indicators of CL status - just after the onset of luteolysis (day 16) when embryo itself is detectable. Keywords: horse, pregnancy, ultrasonic imaging, Doppler ultrasonography, image analysis Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 512-519 Volume: 58 Issue: 11 Year: 2013 DOI: 10.17221/7046-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/7046-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-201311-0003.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:58:y:2013:i:11:id:7046-CJAS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: S.O. Ekere Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Veterinary Obstetrics and Reproductive Diseases, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria Author-Name: C.N. Okoye Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Veterinary Obstetrics and Reproductive Diseases, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria Author-Name: A.F. Udoumoh Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria Title: Fertility enhancing effects of methanolic leaf extract of Dracaena arborea in albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) Abstract: The effects of methanolic extract of Dracaena arborea on mean testicular weight, mean cauda epididymal sperm reserve, and testicular morphology were evaluated. A total of sixty mature male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three equal groups. The first group (A) received distilled water while the other two groups (B and C) received orally the methanolic leaf extracts of Dracaena arborea in two doses (100 and 500 mg/kg, respectively) daily for 84 days. Following oral administration of the extract, mean testicular weight, mean cauda epididymal sperm reserve, and testicular morphology were determined on days 28, 42, 56, 70, and 84. The extract produced a significant and dose-dependent increase (P < 0.05) in the sperm number. There was also a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the mean testicular weights on days 70 and 84 of the extract administration. The testicular morphology remained unchanged while further testicular histology examination revealed increased spermatogenesis. It was concluded that the methanolic leaf extract of D. arborea has fertility enhancing properties. Keywords: spermatogenesis, sperm number, testicular weight, morphology Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 520-524 Volume: 58 Issue: 11 Year: 2013 DOI: 10.17221/7047-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/7047-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-201311-0004.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:58:y:2013:i:11:id:7047-CJAS Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: H.T.P. Loan Author-Workplace-Name: Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany Author-Name: E. Murani Author-Workplace-Name: Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany Author-Name: S. Maak Author-Workplace-Name: Institute for Muscle Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany Author-Name: S. Ponsuksili Author-Workplace-Name: Research Group of Functional Genome Analysis, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany Author-Name: K. Wimmers Author-Workplace-Name: Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany Title: Novel SNPs of the porcine TRIP12 are associated with water holding capacity of meat Abstract: Degradation of proteins during maturation of meat, mediated by the calpain/calpastatin system and the ubiquitination system, largely affects the tenderness and the water holding capacity (WHC) of meat. The thyroid hormone receptor interacting protein 12 (TRIP12) is known as a HECT domain-containing E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase that recognizes protein substrates for ubiquitination. This study aims to identify polymorphisms of the TRIP12 gene and to evaluate the relationship between genotype, transcript abundance, and meat quality traits in pigs. Two synonymous SNPs (XM_003484315.1:c.2211T>C, c.4957A>C) were identified that segregated among animals of herds of the breed German Landrace (DL, n = 269) and the commercial crossbreed of Pietrain × (German Large White × German Landrace) (PiF1, n = 300). Statistical analysis revealed associations between TRIP12 polymorphisms and the organismal traits related to water holding capacity, i.e. conductivity 45 min postmortem (CON1, P < 0.1) and pH 24 h postmortem (pH24, P < 0.1). Haplotype analysis revealed consistent effects on muscle CON1 in the two populations (P < 0.1). Carriers of the minor alleles C at the two polymorphic sites tended to have higher transcript abundance as well as higher water holding capacity. The integrated analysis of genotypic and haplotypic variation, transcript abundance, and technological parameters of WHC indicates that the XM_003484315.1:c.2211T>C and c.4957A>C of TRIP12 are in linkage disequilibrium with a causal factor located in a cis-regulatory region, which affects in the first instance gene expression and in the second traits related to water holding capacity. Our results provide statistical-genetical evidence supporting TRIP12 as a functional candidate gene for water holding capacity of porcine M. longissimus dorsi. Keywords: E3 ligase, swine, drip loss, expression, ubiquitination, protein degradation, meat quality Journal: Czech Journal of Animal Science Pages: 525-533 Volume: 58 Issue: 11 Year: 2013 DOI: 10.17221/7048-CJAS File-URL: http://cjas.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/7048-CJAS.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/cjs-201311-0005.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlcjs:v:58:y:2013:i:11:id:7048-CJAS