The implications of various gene variant combinations on breeding values for Awassi ewe milk production.

Background and Aim: Milk production is an important factor to consider in selecting Awassi sheep. This trait is influenced by various genes that can be managed to boost production. The breeding values (BVs) for milk production in Jordan's Awassi sheep flocks have been established. This study determined how combined gene variants of BLG, PRL, CSN3, CSN1S1, and CSN2 affect the estimated BVs (EBVs) for milk production in Awassi sheep. Materials and Methods: Milk and blood samples were collected from 391 Awassi sheep, which was then subjected to molecular analysis through sequencing in order to identify potential alleles and genotypes that could be linked to the EBVs of milk. Results: The predicted BVs for milk were significantly influenced by PRL and CSN3 gene variants. Through performing the act of epistasis, the interactions of BLG with CSN3 and -CSN1S1 greatly impacted EBVs for milk production. Likewise, the three-way interaction among PRL, CSN3, and CSN1S1, as well as the combined effect of CSN3 with CSN1S1 and CNS1 significantly improved BVs for milk production. When the breeding selection program incorporates the polymorphisms of these genes, gains in milk production can be obtained. Conclusion: Alleles within the examined genomic areas are crucial for evaluating BVs and maximizing genetic gain in milk production.

Single and combined effects of CSN1S1 and CSN2-casein genes on Awassi sheep milk quantity and quality.

Background and Aim: Milk produced from Awassi sheep is of high nutritive value; its production is relatively low in Awassi sheep, so the genetic improvement programs targeted milk production and its components are of high importance, especially when using genes that have an important signal to milk traits. This study was aimed at assessing the influence of alpha S1 (CSN1S1) and beta-casein (CSN2) genes genotypes interaction on Awassi ewes milk productivity. Materials and Methods: A total number of 391 milk yield and its composition records (taken through five consecutive years, 2007-2011) of 167 ewes were utilized for this study. DNA samples were extracted from the ewe's blood samples, then the polymerase chain reaction products of alpha S1 (CSN1S1) and beta-casein (CSN2) genes were sequenced. The obtained sequences were analyzed; thereafter, the detected variants were tested for their possible association with milk traits. Results: The CSN1S1 and CSN2 variants allelic frequencies were 0.85 and 0.15, and 0.95 and 0.05, respectively. Lactose and solid not fat (SNF) % were associated with TC CSN1S1 genotypes. No association was found among CSN1S1 polymorphic genotypes with milk production, lactose, and SNF % were associated with TC CSN1S1 genotypes. Ewes of CSN2 AC genotype showed higher milk production traits, while no association was found between milk composition traits and CNS2 genotypes. Nevertheless, CSN1S1*CSN2 interaction showed the highest SNF, fat percentages, and milk production. Conclusion: The substantial interaction effects between CSN1S1×CSN2 genes were significantly affected the amount of milk, fat, and SNF% produced. The detected variants should be included in the breeding programs of Awassi sheep that are designed for improving their milk quantity and quality.

Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Awassi-Jo sheep breed (Ovis aries) in Jordan.

Using high-throughput sequencing technology, the complete mitochondrial genome of Awassi-Jo breed (Ovis aries) was decoded. Mitochondrial genome was 16,617 bp in length. The genome contained 37 genes (13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA, and 2 rRNA) and a control region (D-loop region). The genes were encoded on the H-strand, except for the ND6 gene and 8 tRNA genes, which were encoded on the L-strand. The GC content is 38.9%. Phylogenetic analysis was performed to compare Awassi-Jo with other sheep breeds. The phylogenetic tree showed that Awassi-Jo diverged earlier than related breeds (Turkey, Italy, Germany, and Netherland) with a common ancestor in haplogroup HB. The results revealed the importance of mitochondrial data in studying sheep evolution and domestication.

G1 point mutation in growth differentiation factor 9 gene affects litter size in Sudanese desert sheep.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Sudanese desert sheep encompass different sheep breeds named according to the different Sudanese tribes that rear them such as the Dubasi, Shugor, and Watish sheep. The objectives of this study were to screen for G1 point mutation in the polymorphic growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) gene, investigate its association with litter size, and construct the phylogeny of the different tribal breeds that belong to the Sudanese Desert sheep tribal types. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood of three tribal Desert sheep breeds (Dubasi, Watish, and Shugor) using the guanidine chloride method. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism with HhaI restriction enzyme and sequencing techniques was used for genotyping the GDF9 locus for possible mutations associated with litter size in the three desert sheep tribal types. RESULTS: G1 mutation in GDF9 caused the replacement of Arginine by Histidine at residue 87. The wild type allele (A) had the highest frequency, whereas the mutant type allele (a) had the lowest in all the sequenced subtypes. The genotype frequencies of the wild type ewes (AA) were higher than the heterozygous (Aa) and the mutant type (aa) frequencies in the three studied desert sheep types. No significant differences were found in the allele frequency between the three tribal types. Litter size was significantly influenced by the genotypes of GDF9 gene, parities, and subtypes (p≤0.01, 0.01, and 0.05, respectively). In the Watish sheep type, heterozygous sheep in their second parity recorded the highest litter size. Sequence alignment of GDF9 gene samples with the database entry indicated that all three tribal types were similar and identical to the reference sequence. The phylogenetic tree revealed that Shugor is the common ancestor of the studied types and Watish is more closely related to Shugor than Dubasi. This result mi ght partly explain the lower reproductive performance of Dubasi compared to Watish and Shugor. CONCLUSION: The presence of one copy of GDF9 gene increased litter size in the studied Sudanese Desert sheep. This locus may be used as a biomarker for litter size improvement through genotypic selection and allele or gene introgression.

Duplication in ECR Near HMX1 and a SNP in GATA6 Genes Regulate Microtia in Awassi Sheep.

Microtia and anotia are hereditary traits characterized by an underdevelopment or complete absence of the outer ear. These congenital malformations observed in many species can exist as part of various syndromes or as an isolated trait as seen in the fat-tailed Awassi sheep breed. Our study aims to identify the genetic mutations causing microtia in Awassi sheep by DNA sequencing. DNA was extracted from blood samples randomly collected from 84 Awassi sheep (16 earless, 41 short ear and 27 normal ear) across different farms. GATA6 exons 1, 2, 4, 6 and 7, CLRN1 intron 3, DCC intron 2, ECR near HMX1 and the intergenic region between GATA6 and MIB1 genes were screened, amplified and sequenced. Allele and genotype frequencies were calculated by direct counting. Association was performed using chi-squared test for goodness-of-fit. Results showed mutations in only two genes significantly associated with microtia in Awassi: duplication in part of ECR near HMX1 (6:114293121-6:114293196) and a SNP at GATA6 exon 7 (23:34498242). Association results revealed that the ECR locus accounts for the microtia phenotype, while GATA6 exon 7 acts as a modifier gene. Genetic screening for these loci can be used to improve selection against microtia in Awassi sheep.

Relationships between Hha1 Calpastatin Gene Polymorphism, Growth Performance, and Meat Characteristics of Awassi Sheep.

Advances in molecular genetics have allowed the identification of genes that can enhance livestock production. The aim of this study was to investigate possible relationships between the calpastatin (CAST) Hha1 gene polymorphisms and growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in Awassi sheep. A total of 87 blood samples were collected from two-week-old Awassi ram lambs. The amplification of the CAST Hha1 gene yielded a fragment of 622 bp. Three CAST genotypes were found in Awassi sheep: MM for two fragments (385 bp and 281 bp), MN for three fragments (622 bp, 385 bp, and 281 bp), and NN for only one fragment (622 bp). The M and N allele frequencies of the CAST Hha1 genotypes were 0.765 and 0.235, respectively, while the genotypic frequencies of MM, MN, and NN were 0.586, 0.356, and 0.057, respectively. Based on CAST Hha1 gene polymorphisms, three groups of lambs (MM: n = 8; MN: n = 6; and NN: n = 3 genotypes) were subjected to a fattening period of 70 days to investigate growth performance and meat characteristics. Only the final body weight and longissimus muscle width were significantly different between the three genotypes, while no significant differences were detected in any other carcass characteristics and meat quality parameters. In this study, new variants were observed in CAST using the Hha1 restriction site, potentially assisting in Awassi sheep breeding and selection programs to improve final body weight and longissimus muscle width.

Polymorphism of prolactin, growth differentiation factor 9, and calpastatin genes and their effects on weight traits in Awassi lambs.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to determine the correlation among prolactin gene (PRG), growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF-9), and calpastatin (CAG) genes polymorphism with growth traits in Awassi lambs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of 779 Awassi lambs from 264 dams and 15 sires were used. The sex, type of birth (single versus twins), weight at birth, average daily gain (ADG), and the adjusted weight at 60 days of age were determined for each animal. Blood samples were collected from all lambs to determine PRG, GDF-9, and CAG polymorphism using polymerase chain reaction-Restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: Three PRG genotypes (AA, AB, and BB) were determined with a frequency of 0.88, 0.05, and 0.07, respectively. The frequency of each allele was 0.84 and 0.16 for A and B alleles, respectively. For GDF-9, there were only two genotypes detected (AB and BB) with a frequency of 0.96 and 0.04, respectively. The frequency of each allele was 0.92 and 0.08 for A and B alleles, respectively. For CAG, two genotypes were also detected (AB and BB) with a frequency of 0.92 and 0.08, respectively. The frequency of each allele was 0.96 and 0.04 for A and B alleles, respectively. A significant (p ≤ 0.04) effect of PRG genotype on birth weight was detected but this effect was not significant on ADG and weight at weaning. There were no associations between any of the pre-weaning growth traits and GDF-9 and CAG variants. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that PRG could be used to select dams with a high frequency of dystocia to reduce birth weight of newborn lambs and therefore conserve the dam's reproductive functions and improve lamb survivability.

Effects of calpastatin gene polymorphism on hematology and selected serum biochemical parameters in Awassi lambs.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of MspI polymorphism in the calpastatin (CAST) gene on hematology and selected serum biochemical parameters in Awassi lambs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CAST genotypes of 31 Awassi lambs were determined using polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphism method. Hematology, serum biochemical analyses, serum levels of triiodothyronine, thyroxine, and cortisol were determined using routine laboratory procedures. RESULTS: Two CAST genotypes were detected with frequencies of 0.65 and 0.35 for MN (three major bands of 622, 336, and 268 bp) and NN (two major bands of 336 and 268 bp), respectively. Allele frequencies were 0.49 and 0.51 for M and N alleles, respectively. Animals with MN MspI CAST genotype had significantly (p < 0.05) higher neutrophil percentage and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio but, significantly (p < 0.05) lower lymphocyte percentage and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio than NN MspI CAST genotype. Serum T3 and cortisol concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in MN MspI CAST genotype than the NN MspI CAST genotype. CONCLUSION: Results of this study indicate that CAST gene heterozygous individuals are healthier than homozygous individual, which may explain the superiority of the CAST gene heterozygous animals in growth performance.

Growth performance and meat characteristics of the first filial Awassi-Rambouillet callipyge ram lambs.

AIM: This study was designed to introduce the callipyge (CLPG) and 50% of Rambouillet sheep genes to improve meat quality and quantity of Awassi (AW) sheep. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The CLPG mutation was introduced into the AW sheep through frozen semen of homozygous Rambouillet rams for the CLPG mutation. Four ram lambs from the first-generation Rambouillet callipyge Awassi (F1-RCA) and five from pure AW were recruited for a fattening trial conducted in individual pens using standard ration, following which ram lambs were slaughtered for carcass and meat evaluation. RESULTS: Final body weight, dry matter intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio were significantly higher in F1-RCA than AW. Hot and cold carcass weights and the other carcass cuts' weights, except for the fat tail, were heavier in F1-RCA than AW. There was no difference in dressing percentage between the two genetic groups (p>0.05). All non-carcass components' weights, except spleen, kidney, and testis, were higher in F1-RCA. Total lean, total bone, and intermuscular fat weight were greater in F1-RCA, but bone-to-lean ratio was lower in F1-RCA when compared with AW (p<0.01). No differences (p>0.05) were observed in all meat quality parameters for muscle longissimus with the exception of pH, redness color, and tenderness that were lower (p<0.05) in F1-RCA than AW. F1-RCA lambs had larger longissimus muscle area (30.9 vs. 16.9 cm2) and less leg fat depth (11.1 vs. 17.4 mm). CONCLUSION: The implications of this research show the potential of 50% of Rambouillet genes and the CLPG mutation to improve growth and meat characteristics in AW-Rambouillet crosses and can be used further to develop a meat-type AW with improved productivity and muscle mass.

Growth Performance and Meat Characteristics of the First Awassi-Rambouillet Callipyge Backcross.

The Awassi breed is desirable due to its resilient traits, but shows poor lean meat content on the carcass; the callipyge mutation may enhance growth and meat characteristics. The first backcross of callipyge Awassi-Rambouillet (CRAW) lambs was generated by mating Awassi ewes with heterozygous F1 (50 % Awassi and 50 % Rambouillet) rams for the callipyge mutation. A fattening trial with carriers of CLPG (CRAW), non-carriers (RAW), and Awassi (AW) ram lambs was conducted for 94 days and growth and meat characteristic parameters were recorded. Final body weight, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio, and dry matter intake, but not initial body weight, were greater in CRAW and RAW lambs as compared to AW lambs; hot and cold carcass, dressing percentage, and shoulder, rack, and loin weights were greater in CRAW vs. AW but not RAW lambs. Leg cuts were heavier in CRAW vs. both RAW and AW lambs; intermuscular and subcutaneous fat percentages were greater in CRAW as compared to AW but not RAW lambs. Non-carcass components showed kidney fat, kidney, liver and testes weights higher in CRAW lambs as compared to AW lambs, but these parameters were similar to those of RAW lambs. There were no differences in fat tail weight. Further, CRAW lambs had higher shear force and water holding capacity than RAW and AW lambs, while cooking loss was the lowest in CRAW lambs. In conclusion, the callipyge mutation with 25% Rambouillet genes can provide efficient improvements in growth and meat characteristics, with the exception of tenderness in Awassi sheep.

Effect and Interaction of ß-Lactoglobulin, Kappa Casein, and Prolactin Genes on Milk Production and Composition of Awassi Sheep.

A participatory animal-breeding program was applied to 9 commercial Awassi sheep flocks in Jordan. This study aimed to assess the influence of Beta-lactoglobulin (ß-LG), Prolactin (PRL), and Kappa casein (CSN3) genes, genotypes and their interaction on milk production and composition traits of 167 genotyped Awassi ewes via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing. Allele frequencies for the two variants were 0.42 and 0.58 for ß-LG, 0.82 and 0.18 for PRL, and 0.92 and 0.08 for CSN3. No association was found among ß-LG and CSN3 polymorphic genotypes with milk production traits. However, ewes with PRL AA genotype showed higher milk production, ß-LG AB was associated with lowest fat%, high solid not fat (SNF)%, protein%, and lactose%. ß-LG BB was associated with highest milk density. PRL, ß-LG, and CSN3 polymorphic genotypes were differentially associated with milk production and component traits. Furthermore, ß-LG × PRL interaction showed the highest milk production and fat%; ß-LG × PRL recorded the highest SNF%, protein%, lactose%, and milk density, while the PRL × CSN3 had the highest fat% and SNF%. The enhancing effects of these gene interactions can be incorporated in Awassi breeding programs to improve milk production and composition.

Genetic polymorphisms of fecundity genes in Watish Sudanese desert sheep.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The Watish sheep is a strain of desert sheep of smaller size compared to other desert sheep ecotypes, and there is anecdotal evidence that it is endowed with high litter size. The present study was designed for screening for polymorphisms in the known fecundity genes (bone morphogenetic protein receptor type 1B A

The effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation on intake, nutrient digestibility, and rumen fluid pH in Awassi female lambs.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding low (LO)- or high (HI)-fiber diets supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) on nutrient intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, rumen fluid pH, and serum concentrations of glucose and urea nitrogen in Awassi female lambs in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Experimental diets were as follows: (1) LO-fiber diet with no SC supplementation (-LO), (2) LO-fiber diet supplemented with SC (+LO), (3) HI-fiber diet with no SC supplementation (-HI), or (4) HI-fiber diet supplemented with SC (+HI). Eight female lambs were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design with 15-day experimental periods (10-day adaptation period and 5-day collection period). RESULTS: A fiber×SC interaction (p≤0.05) was detected for dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) intake among diets showing greater DM and CP intake for +LO diet compared to +HI group supplemented with SC, whereas -LO and -HI were intermediate. A fiber×SC interaction (p=0.05) was also detected for the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake among diets. Intake of NDF was greater for the -HI diet compared with +LO and -LO diets. Similarly, NDF intake was greater for +HI diet than -LO diet. A tendency (p=0.07) for a fiber×SC interaction was detected for acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake among diets as well. ADF intake tended to be greater for HI-fiber diets. No difference was observed in the rumen fluid pH for lambs fed with the different diets. No fiber×SC interactions were detected for the digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, and ADF among dietary treatments. Digestibility of DM was greater (72.9 g/100 g vs. 67.1 g/100 g; p=0.0002) for LO versus HI fiber. However, NDF and ADF digestibilities were greater (60.8 and 61.9 g/100 g vs. 55.8 and 52.7 g/100 g for NDF and ADF digestibility, respectively; p≤0.01) for the HI-fiber than the LO-fiber diets. CONCLUSION: Results obtained in the current study indicate that SC supplementation has a minimal effect on the performance of Awassi female lambs fed with varying fiber levels.

Genetic diversity and population structure of local and exotic sheep breeds in Jordan using microsatellites markers.

AIM: This study was conducted to study the genetic and population structure of local (Awassi) and exotic (Romanov, Charollais, Assaf, Awassi, and Suffolk) sheep breeds in Jordan using eight microsatellite markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 125 sheep were used (25 from each breed) in the study. The number of alleles (A), the mean values of observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity, polymorphism information content (PIC), fixation index as a measure of heterozygote deficiency or excess, and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) were analyzed using PopGen and CERVUS softwares. Nei's standard genetic distances among breeds and dendrogram of unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) were calculated and constructed using PopGen software. RESULTS: A total of 40 alleles were detected with an average number of alleles of 5. The mean Ho value was higher than the mean He value for all breeds. Awassi breed showed the highest average PIC value while Romanov had the lowest. There was a significant (p<0.05) deviation from HWE at each locus within and between breeds. Deviations from HWE were found to be highly significant for all markers except OARFCP304 locus. The genetic distance estimates revealed a close relationship between Romanov and Charollais and between Awassi and Charollais. In the UPGMA dendrogram, Charollais, Romanov, and Awassi breeds were placed together in one main cluster while Assaf was in a different subcluster. Awassi was placed alone in a second main cluster. CONCLUSION: Results of this study offer insight toward the genetic conservation of the studied breeds and a base on which breeding plans can be made.

Genetic parameter estimation for pre-weaning growth traits in Jordan Awassi sheep.

AIM: The aim of this study was to estimate the heritability, genetic and phenotypic correlations, and the genetic trends for pre-weaning growth traits including the birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WWT), pre-weaning daily gain (PWDG), and weaning age (WA) in Awassi lambs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 5131 Awassi lambs from two Jordanian sheep breeding stations were used. A multitrait animal model and restricted maximum likelihood methods were used to estimate the covariances between the studied traits. RESULTS: The mean±standard deviation of BWT, WWT, PWDG, and WA was 4.48±0.8 kg, 17.13±0.7 kg, 0.2±0.07 g, and 65.5±0.7 days, respectively. Heritability estimates were 0.30±0.04 for BWT, 0.19±0.04 for WWT and PWDG, and 0.2±0.04 for WA. Positive genetic correlations were obtained between BWT and other traits, while negative correlations were obtained between WWT, PWDG, and WA (-0.50±0.12) and between WWT and WA (-0.67±0.14). The positive phenotypic correlation was obtained between WA and PWDG (0.63±0.01). The highest additive genetic variance was obtained for WA (34.58), while the lowest was estimated for PWDG (6.22E-04). The highest phenotypic variance was obtained for WA (175.5), while the lowest value obtained was for BWT (0.54). Maternal additive variance ranged between 0.13 and 0.03. The genetic trends were around zero for all studied traits. CONCLUSION: Selection should be conducted using animals with high estimated breeding values through controlled breeding.

Hsp90, Hsp60 and HSF-1 genes expression in muscle, heart and brain of thermally manipulated broiler chicken.

The effect of thermal manipulation (TM) during embryogenesis (ED 12-18) on mRNA expressions of heat shock proteins (Hsp90, Hsp60 and HSF-1) in muscle, heart and brain tissues during thermal challenge (TC) at post-hatching days 10 and 28 was investigated. Fertile chicken eggs were randomly divided into four groups: Control group (37.8 °C), TM1 (39 °C for 9 h), TM2 (39 °C for 12 h) and TM3 (39 °C for 18 h). At days 10 and 28 of age, chicks in TC groups were subjected to thermal challenge (TC) at 43.0 °C for 6 h while naïve chicks were kept under regular conditions. When compared with the control, TM resulted in a significant increase in mRNA levels of Hsp90, Hsp60 and HSF-1in muscle, heart and brain tissues during embryogenesis and during TC at days 10 and 28 post-hatching. These results indicate a long-term enhancement of Hsp90, Hsp60 and HSF-1 gene expressions associated with improved thermotolerance acquisition in thermally manipulated chicks.

Molecular identification of chlamydial cause of abortion in small ruminants in Jordan.

Chlamydophila abortus (Ch. abortus) is the etiological agent of ovine enzootic abortion (OEA) and one of the most common infectious agents of abortion in small ruminants worldwide. RFLP-PCR analysis of the outer membrane protein gene (OMP2 gene) was used for diagnosis and characterization of chlamydial causes of abortion in small ruminants in Jordan. Sixty-six placental tissues and 15 vaginal swabs were collected from aborted ewes and does to identify cause of abortion in Jordan. Thirty-eight placental samples (58 %) and 13 vaginal swabs (87 %) were positive for chlamydial DNA. Shedding of bacteria in vaginal swabs was detected within 7 days after abortion. The results of this study showed that chlamydiosis is one of the important causes of abortion in small ruminants in Jordan. In addition, vaginal swab is an excellent sample for molecular diagnosis of chlamydiosis. DNA sequencing and RFLP analysis of the OMP2 reveal that all chlamydial cause of abortion in small ruminants in Jordan are due to Ch. abortus. While, Ch. pecorum was not detected in any sample. OMP2 gene of the isolated Jordanian strain was identical (100 %) to Ch. abortus FAS strain. In conclusion, Ch. abortus is an important cause of abortion in Jordan; vaginal swab within 7 days of abortion can be used for molecular diagnosis of chlamydiosis in small ruminants.

Thermal manipulation during chicken embryogenesis results in enhanced Hsp70 gene expression and the acquisition of thermotolerance.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of thermal manipulation (TM) during embryogenesis on hatchability, growth performance and thermotolerance acquisition parameters during thermal challenge (TC). Seven-hundred and fifty fertile chicken eggs were divided randomly into three groups (250 eggs each): control group was maintained at 37.8°C and 56% relative humidity (RH), TM1 was subjected to TM at 38.8°C for 6h and 65% RH during embryonic days (ED)10-18 and TM2 was subjected to TM at 38.8°C for 18 h and 65% RH during ED10-18. Hatched chicks from each treatment group were then randomly divided into two sub-treatment groups (Naive and TC). Chicks in TC groups were subjected to TC by adjusting room temperature to 41.0°C for 6h on days 3, 7, and 42 of age while naïve chicks were kept under regular conditions (25 ± 1°C and 50-60% RH). Percentage of hatched eggs was recorded and post-hatch chick performance was evaluated by recording chick body weight (BW). Chick's response to TC was evaluated by determination of body temperature (T(b)), plasma T3 and T4 levels, and muscle mRNA levels of Hsp70. There was a significant increase in muscle mRNA levels of Hsp70 during embryogenesis and during TC in post-hatch chicks. While hatchability was not adversely affected, the body weight in TM2 chicks was significantly higher at the end of the study period (42 days). Results of this study indicated a long-term enhancement of Hsp70 gene expression associated with improved thermotolerance acquisition in treated chicks without adversely affecting performance.

Female reproductive tract anatomy of the endangered Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) in Jordan.

Female reproductive anatomy of the Arabian oryx is unknown. In this study, reproductive tracts of seven female Arabian oryx (aged 2 to 7 years) were examined to characterize their reproductive anatomy. Observations and measurements were obtained in situ from dead animals during necropsy. Animals were allocated into two groups: cycling (n = 3; follicles or corpora lutea present) and not-cycling (n = 4; follicles or corpora lutea absent). Different reproductive tract segments for each animal in both groups were measured using a digital caliper. The mean, SD and range for each reproductive tract segment were generated and compared between groups. Female oryx reproductive anatomy share some anatomical characteristics with that of domestic ruminants except that the oryx uterus has no distinct uterine body and the cervix has two internal openings for each respective uterine horn. In addition, there were more than 8 rows of caruncles within each uterine horn. There were significant differences in the length and width (P < 0.05), but not in height, of both the right and left ovaries between cycling and not-cycling animals (P > 0.05). Posterior and anterior vaginal lengths varied between cycling and not-cycling groups (P < 0.05). Length of right and left oviducts, left and right uterine horns, cervix and vulva did not vary between cycling and not-cycling groups (P > 0.05). Defining this unique morphology of female Arabian oryx reproductive anatomy will help in the development of appropriate reproductive techniques in order to propagate this endangered species and control its reproduction.