Genetic characterization of the Latvian local goat breed and genetic traits associated with somatic cell count.

The Latvian local goat (LVK) breed represents the only native domestic goat breed in Latvia, but its limited population places it within the endangered category. However, the LVK breed has not yet undergone a comprehensive genetic characterization. Therefore, we completed whole genome sequencing to reveal the genetic foundation of the LVK breed while identifying genetic traits linked to the somatic cell count (SCC) levels. The study included 40 genomes of LVK goats sequenced to acquire at least 35x or 10x coverage. A Principal component analysis, a genetic distance tree, and an admixture analysis showed LVK's similarity to some European breeds, such as Finnish Landrace, Alpine, and Saanen, which aligns with the breed's history. An analysis of genome-wide heterozygosity, nucleotide diversity, and LD analysis indicated that the LVK population exhibits substantial levels of genetic diversity. LVK genome was dominated by short runs of homozygosity (ROHs, ≤ 500 kb) with a median length of 25 kb. With FROH 2.49%, average inbreeding levels were low; however, FROH ranged broadly from 0.13 to 12.2%. With the exception of one pure-blood breeding buck exhibiting FROH of 9.3% and FSNP of 8.5%, animals with at least 66% LVK ancestry showed moderate or no inbreeding. Overall, this study demonstrated that the LVK goats can be differentiated from imported breeds, although the population has a complex genetic structure. We were able to identify potential genetic traits associated with SCC levels, although the kinship of the animals and the heterogenic substructure of the population might have largely influenced the association analysis. We identified 26 genetic variants associated with SCC levels, which included the potentially relevant SNP rs662053371 in the OSBPL8 gene, indicating a potential signal linked to lipid metabolism in goats. To conclude, these findings present valuable insight into the genetic structure of the LVK breed for the conservation of local genetic resources.

Impact of echinococcosis on quality of sheep meat in the South eastern Kazakhstan.

A survey of 2,123 slaughtered adult sheep in markets of the south-east Kazakhstan established that the average contamination of animals by Echinococcus granulosus is 9.1% with primary localization of cysts in livers and lungs. The histologic structure of the muscle tissue of infected sheep displayed destructive changes with a prevalence of granular dystrophy. The amount of protein, fat, calcium and energetical value of such meat considerably decreased. Besides in the muscle tissue of the animals infected with echinococcosis there was a substantial increase of humidity and amount of ash as well as qualitative and quantitative changes of the amino acids profile. Along with damage to the synthesis of proteins and sharp insufficiency of vitamins A, E, B1, and B2 there was a shift in a lipidic exchange that was expressed as a noticeable reduction in the level of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The data support the conclusion that the meat from the sheep infected with echinococcosis is of inferior quality and quantity compared to that of healthy animals.

Alternative for improving gut microbiota: use of Jerusalem artichoke and probiotics in diet of weaned piglets.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of Jerusalem artichoke and probiotics on defence activity of intestinal cells of weaning pigs. One hundred eighty piglets (7 weeks old) were fed with basal feed supplemented with Jerusalem artichoke, Lactobacillus reuteri and Pediococcus pentosaceus. After 5 weeks, the piglets were slaughtered and the gastrointestinal contents and intestine samples were taken for analysis. Results demonstrated that in pigs fed basal diet with both probiotics and Jerusalem artichoke (5% of basal diet) (T3 group) had less (P<0.05) faecal Enterobacteriaceae microorganisms and coliforms and had more (P<0,05) faecal Lactobacillus than in pigs from other groups. Increase by 2% of Enterobacteriaceae and E. coli levels were seen only in control piglets (T1 group). E. coli O157 was found at the closing stage in the piglets fed basal diet with only Jerusalem artichoke powder (T2 group), but Salmonella enteritidis - only in T1 group. In jejunum of T2 group piglets, large deterioration of crypts, a moderate inflammation process and plasmocytes were seen, but in jejunum of T3 group piglets - branching of apical surface of villi, moderate degeneration and mitosis of enterocytes were observed. A moderate number of apoptotic cells in T2 group was found mainly in colon inflammation cells and plasmocytes, but for T3 group piglets--both in jejunum enterocytes and migrating cells. Our study indicated that beta-defensin 2 and 3 expression in jejunum and colon segments were incresed in T1 and T2 groups. Findings suggest that feeding with probiotics and Jerusalem artichoke significantly improves the microbial contents, defence and regeneration processes in the intestine of pigs.

Histopathologic and immunohistochemical lesions in liver of mink infected with Aleutian disease virus.

Parvovirus of Aleutian disease causes mainly damage to kidneys, but immune complexes deposition and damage may occur also in other organs. In mink farms of Latvia the liver dystrophy or hepatic lipidosis of mink is widely distributed. The goal of this study was to examine probability of liver damage and regeneration of mink infected with Aleutian disease virus. Liver injury was assessed histologically. The mink liver demonstrated inflammation of liver parenchyma and foci of fatty liver. In immunohistochemistry, during liver regeneration the matrix metalloproteinases MMP-9, vascular endothelial growth factor and beta-defensin 2 expressions were lower, but MMP-2 and nerve growth factor receptor p75 expression was increased.