D-loop haplotype diversity in Brazilian horse breeds

Abstract The first horses were brought to Brazil by the colonizers after 1534. Over the centuries, these animals evolved and adapted to local environmental conditions usually unsuitable for exotic breeds, thereby originating locally adapted Brazilian breeds. The present work represents the first description of maternal genetic diversity in these horse breeds based on D-loop sequences. A D-Loop HSV-I fragment of 252 bp, from 141 horses belonging to ten Brazilian breeds / genetic groups (locally adapted and specialized breeds) were analysed. Thirty-five different haplotypes belonging to 18 haplogroups were identified with 33 polymorphic sites. Haplotype diversity (varying from 0.20 to 0.96) and nucleotide diversity (varying from 0.0039 to 0.0239) was lower for locally adapted than for specialized breeds, with the same pattern observed for FST values. Haplogroups identified in Brazilian breeds are in agreement with previous findings in South American samples. The low variability observed mainly in locally adapted breeds, indicates that, to ensure conservation of these breeds, careful reproductive management is needed. Additional genetic characterization studies are required to support accurate decision-making.

Transfer of passive immunity and serum proteinogram in the first six months of life of Criollo Lageano and black and white holstein calves / Transferência de imunidade passiva e proteinograma sérico de bezerros das raças Crioula lageana e Holandesa preta e branca nos primeiros seis meses de vida

The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the transfer of passive immunity and the proteinogram in Criollo Lageano (CL) and Black and White Holstein (BWH) calves. Two groups were utilized with 13 Criollo Lageano and 10 BWH calves. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of total serum protein, electrophoresis of serum proteins, activity of the gamma glutamyl transferase, and concentration of IgG by the method of the zinc sulfate turbidity in periods between 24 and 36 hours of life, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 days. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA and Tukey test at 5% significance level, and correlations between variables were calculated. Variations of serum proteins followed a pattern of physiological behavior over the first six months of life and production of immunoglobulins was active earlier in BWH calves and slower in the Criollo Lageano, without causing any impact on their health. Gamma globulin in the first days of life (24-36h) was correlated with IgG (r=0.87 for CL and r=0.89 for BWH), PTS (r=0.91 for CL and r=0.92 for BWH), Glob (r=0.99 for CL and r=0.98 for BWH) and GGT (r=0.14 for CL and r=0.83 for BWH). It was concluded that there was no failure in the transfer of passive immunity in Criollo Lageano calves but this failure occurred in the BWH calves. IgG values estimated by the zinc sulfate turbidity and serum proteins were considered good indicators of the transfer of passive immunity in calves between 24 and 36 hours of life.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi verificar e comparar a transferência de imunidade passiva e o proteinograma em bezerros da raça Crioula Lageana (CL) e Holandesa Preta e Branca (HPB). Foram utilizados dois grupos sendo 13 bezerros da raça Crioula Lageana e 10 da raça HPB. Amostras de sangue foram colhidas para a mensuração da proteína sérica total, eletroforese das proteínas séricas, atividade da gama-glutamiltransferase e concentração de IgG pelo método de turvação pelo sulfato de zinco nos períodos entre 24 e 36 horas de vida, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 e 180 dias. A análise estatística foi realizada pelo teste de ANOVA e Tukey ao nível de 5% de significância, e correlações entre as variáveis. As variações das proteínas séricas obedeceram a um padrão de comportamento fisiológico ao longo dos seis primeiros meses de vida e a produção ativa de imunoglobulinas foi mais precoce nos bezerros da raça Holandesa e mais lenta nos da raça Crioula Lageana, sem provocar qualquer impacto sobre a saúde dos mesmos. A gamaglobulina no primeiro dia de vida (24-36h) correlacionou-se com a IgG (r=0,87 CL e r=0,89 HPB), PTS (r=0,91 CL e r=0,92 HPB), Glob (r=0,99 CL e r=0,98) e GGT (r=0,14 CL e r=0,83 HPB). Conclui-se que não houve falha na transferência de imunidade passiva nos bezerros da raça Crioula Lageana e falha na raça Holandesa Preta e Branca. Os valores de IgG estimados pelo método da turvação pelo sulfato de zinco e das proteínas séricas foram bons indicadores da transferência de imunidade passiva nos bezerros entre 24 e 36 horas de vida.

Body indices for the pantaneiro horse / Índices corporais para o cavalo pantaneiro

Body index measurements on 2248 horses registered by the Brazilian Association of Pantaneiro Horse Breeders (ABCCP), in the period from 1972 to 2000 were analyzed. Data was analyzed using SAS and DFREML to calculate genetic parameters. The Dactyl Thoracic Index indicated that these animals are intermediary (not light horses but not suitable for traction), while the BARON and CREVAT index confirmed this result. The Chest Index presented animals that are good for speed as they have long legs but looking at the Body index the indication was that these horses are neither suitable for speed nor traction (intermediary). The analysis of other conformation indices indicated that, in general, these horses are medilines, show good speed and chest development, making them suitable for dealing with cattle and resistance for long treks. The environmental factor analysis verified that these horses have changed in recent years possibly due to selection by the breeder which may affect their adaptive capacity.

Foram estudados índices zootécnicos de 2.248 animais registrados na Associação Brasileira de Criadores do Cavalo Pantaneiro (ABCCP), no período compreendido entre 1972 e 2000. Os dados foram analisados usando o programa SAS e o DFREML para estimação de parâmetros genéticos. Na análise dos índices corporais, o índice dáctilo torácico (IDT) apresentou animais intermediários (nem leves e nem aptos para tração). O índice de BARON e CREVAT também confirmou este resultado. Na determinação do índice peitoral (IP), os animais foram considerados, em geral, favoráveis à velocidade por apresentarem membros longos. Já no índice corporal (IC), a maioria dos animais não foi apta à velocidade e nem à tração (mediolíneos). Através da análise dos índices de conformação verificou-se que, em geral, os Pantaneiros são mediolíneos, aptos para velocidade e possuem bom desenvolvimento torácico, proporcionando velocidade na lida do gado e resistência a longas caminhadas. Na análise dos fatores ambientais, verificou-se que nos últimos anos alguns índices têm sofrido alterações, provavelmente devido à seleção já exercida pelo criador, que pode afetar a capacidade de adaptação dos cavalos.