Indications of associations of the porcine FOS proto-oncogene with skeletal muscle fibre traits.

Skeletal muscle fibre characteristics are key determinants of meat quality. High fibre diameters and shifting towards higher white fibre proportions lead to increasing R-values (degree of desamination of adenosine) and lactate-production, resulting in high incidences of pale, soft, exudative (PSE) meat and stress susceptibility in European and American pig breeds. Development of muscle fibres including their enzymes, is regulated by the MyoD-gene family together with transcription factors like FOS. We report on the associations between the chromosomal region of FOS with skeletal muscle fibre and metabolism traits. The BB genotype representing the European Pietrain breed had 10.9% more white fibres with fibre diameters decreased by 6.1%, with 3.9% higher R-values and 8.5% higher lactate levels than the AA genotype of the Chinese Meishan. Lactate levels and R-values per microm of fibre diameter were increased to 18.4 and 11.6% in the BB genotype. The contrast between the two quantitative trait loci (QTL) alleles associated with a polymorphism in the FOS gene explained up to 5.13% of the total variance. A new TaiI-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) connected to a Asn258/Ser mutation, located in a transcription activator region, was used to map FOS between markers S0115 and Sw581 on SSC7. The QTLs for skeletal muscle fibre and metabolism traits have been mapped to the marker interval around FOS. The present data suggest that variability in FOS gene may underlie phenotypic variation in skeletal muscle fibre and metabolism traits in the pig.

[Immunisation of fancy chickens against Newcastle disease]. / Zur Immunisierung von Rassehühnern gegen die Newcastle-Krankheit.

The German Regulation on Fowl plague which is in force since 1994 laid down that any chicken of all races and all hybrids must be vaccinated against Newcastle disease (ND) in a mode that an adequate immunity is achieved. Onset, duration, and resistance to challenge of immunity induced by vaccination is well documented in the scientific literature for hybrid chicken of the layer and meat types. These data prove also innocuity and efficacy of the registered vaccines. In contrast, only a few and incomplete data exist on the development of ND directed immunity in fancy chickens. The present study describes vaccinations of chickens of 14 different hobby breeds with live LaSota vaccine (conjunctival application of 10(6) embryo-infective dose50 per bird) and with an inactivated oil-emulsion vaccine (intramuscular application of 0.5 ml per bird) and subsequent intramuscular challenge infections using the highly virulent NDV strain Herts 33/66. Chickens of all 14 breeds tolerated the application of both vaccines. All fancy chickens reacted with the production of serum antibodies which were measured in the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) and virus neutralisation (VN) tests. According to the scientific literature, maximal antibody levels are reached in hybrid chickens between day 10 and 20 post vaccination. In contrast, in fancy chickens the antibody maxima are delayed to the seventh to eighth week post vaccination. All fancy chickens vaccinated either once with live LaSota virus or with live and inactivated vaccines resisted challenge with the highly virulent Herts 33/66 strain of NDV and did not develop any signs of disease. There are indications for gradual differences in susceptibility of different breeds of fancy chickens. The levels of non-specific neutralisation as measured in the virus neutralisation test differ between breed. Also, the viral content in tissues obtained from non-vaccinated but challenged birds differ markedly. It is concluded from the results of this study that fancy chickens can also successfully protected against Newcastle disease by using live and inactivated vaccines which are licensed for hybrid chickens. However, the optimal time for the detection of maximal antibody levels in fancy chickens is reached seven to eight weeks post vaccination.

Cloning, structural organization, and chromosomal assignment of the porcine c-fos proto-oncogene, FOS.

The complete porcine c-fos proto-oncogene (FOS) with flanking regions was cloned and sequenced. FOS consists of four exons at amino acids 1-47, 48-131, 132-167, and 168-380 and includes all the typical motifs of the fos proto-oncogene. The promoter contains consensus sequences for CRE, SRE, CaRE, and the E-Box, as well as an AP-1 site. Homologies between human and swine were between 89.7% and 96.3% in the exons. Based on somatic cell hybrid panel screening and known homologies between swine chromosome 7 and human chromosome 14, the porcine c-fos gene was assigned to chromosome 7q23.

Isolation and characterization of the porcine c-myc proto-oncogene and chromosomal assignment to SSC 4p13.

The proto-oncogene c-myc codes for a nuclear phosphoprotein, a transcription factor composed of the typical basic/helix-loop-helix/leucine zipper domains. Its expression is coupled to a multitude of physiological processes and regulated by a variety of hormones, growth factors, cytokines, lymphokines and the nutritional status, development and differentiation. Its key roles have been characterized, e.g. in adipogenesis, myogenesis and folliculogenesis. We have isolated and sequenced a 6.4-kb genomic fragment encoding the porcine c-myc proto-oncogene. The gene shows the typical c-myc structure with three exons, three putative promoters and a deduced protein of 439 amino acids. The porcine c-myc was mapped to chromosome 4p13 by screening of a porcine-rodent hybrid cell panel.

Skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic calcium regulation and sudden death syndrome in chickens.

1. Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is a disease of well-developed, predominantly male broiler chickens where death appears to occur because of cardiovascular failure. The role of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic calcium regulation as a potential cause of SDS has been investigated. 2. Calcium regulation of skeletal muscle sarcoplasmic reticulum was compared between broiler and Leghorn chickens. Calcium regulation matured from the 2nd to the 11th week and, at any age, broiler chickens showed significantly lower calcium transport rates and transport efficiencies. The mechanism of calcium transport in broiler chickens was more energy-consuming than that of the Leghorn chickens. 3. Sarcoplasmic calcium regulation is pivotal for muscle metabolism. As in porcine malignant hyperthermia, weaker calcium regulation might lead to hyperactivation of skeletal muscle, followed by elevated lactic acid concentrations and cardiovascular failure.

[The oxygen consumption of ostrich embryos during incubation]. / Der Sauerstoffverbrauch von Straussenembryonen während der Brut.

This work deals with the oxygen consumption of ostrich chicks during incubation. Brood eggs were incubated in a hermetic isolated acrylic-glass cylinder. Reduction of oxygen content in the air surrounding the egg was measured using an oxygen-sensitive electrode. A sigmoid curve could be drawn during incubation, with the steepest phase being around day 26. Maximum oxygen consumption was reached on day 36. It was slightly decreased until day 39, when the embryo switches to lung circulation, followed again by an increase until hatching. Average oxygen consumptions for the whole brood interval were calculated to 63.6 liters. Oxygen volumes consumed on day 36 result in a demand about to 240 liters of fresh air per egg and day. Oxygen consumption of the embryos on day 36 was significantly positive correlated with their vitality. Numb or less vital embryos could be clearly differentiated from others. The higher a chick's oxygen consumption, the earlier and shorter its hatching. Possible applications of the method in regard to the evaluation of incubation parameters or chicken constitution are discussed.

Additive genetic and maternal effects on postweaning growth and carcass traits in rabbits.

SUMMARY: Additive genetic and maternal effects were estimated for postweaning growth traits and carcass traits using a derivate-free REML procedure under animal model. The traits studied were weight at 84 days of age, age at slaughter, postweaning ADG, dressing percentage, weight of kidney and pelvic fat, and muscle pH value and electrical conductivity in the semimembranosus muscle. Heritability estimates from a total of 728 rabbits in a reciprocal crossbreeding experiment ranged from 0.15 to 0.26 for postweaning growth traits, 0.21 for dressing percentage, 0.38 for weight of kidney and pelvic fat, 0.02 for pH value, and 0.51 for electrical conductivity. Considerable maternal effects were present in postweaning growth traits and in weight of kidney and pelvic fat. Genetic correlation estimates indicated that genetic selection for postweaning daily gain would lead to lower dressing percentages (- 0.51) and leaner carcasses (- 0.34). The genetic relationships between ADG after weaning and pH value (- 0.90), and between ADG and electrical conductivity (0.58) illustrated a shifting towards a glycolytic energy metabolism of the muscle due to increased growth. Litter size at birth was found to be a significant source of variation for all postweaning growth traits (p < 0.001) and for electrical conductivity (p < 0.05). Genetic selection for litter size at birth would result in decreased growth rates, lower dressing percentage and enhanced adiposis. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Die Schätzung additiv-genetischer und maternaler Effekte auf Mastleistungs- und Schlachtkörpermerkmale beim Kaninchen Additiv-genetische und maternale Effekte wurden für Mastleistungsmerkmale nach dem Absetzen und für Schlachtkörpermerkmale anhand eines Tiermodells (DFREML-Methode) geschätzt. Bei den untersuchten Merkmalen handelt es sich um das 84-Tage-Gewicht, das Schlachtalter, Zunahmen nach dem Absetzen, Ausschlachtungsprozente, Nieren- und Beckenfettgewicht und um den pH-Wert und die elektrische Leitfähigkeit im M. semimembranosus. Die Heritabilitätsschätzungen an insgesamt 728 Tieren, die aus einem reziproken Kreuzungsversuch stammten, lagen bei den Wachstumsmerkmalen zwischen h(2) = 0,15 und h(2) = 0,26. Sie betrugen h(2) = 0,21 für die Ausschlachtungsprozente, h(2) = 0,38 für das Nieren- und Beckenfettgewicht, h(2) = 0,02 für den pH-Wert und h(2) = 0,51 für die Leitfähigkeitsmessung. Die Schätzung genetischer Korrelationen deutet an, daß eine genetische Selektion auf tägliche Zunahmen nach dem Absetzen zu einer verringerten Ausschlachtung (- 0,51) und zu magereren Schlachtkörpern führen würde. Die genetischen Beziehungen zwischen den Zunahmen und dem pH-Wert (- 0,90) und zwischen den Zunahmen und der elektrischen Leitfähigkeit (0,58) lassen eine Verschiebung in Richtung eines glykolytischen Muskelenergiestoffwechsels bei verstärktem Wachstum erwarten. Die Wurfgröße bei der Geburt stellt eine signifikante Variationsursache für die Mastleistungsmerkmale nach dem Absetzen (p < 0,001) una für die elektrische Leitfähigkeit (p < 0,05) dar. Bei einer Erhöhung der Wurfgröße durch Selektion sind verminderte Wachstumsraten, geringere Ausschlachtungsprozente und verstärkte Verfettung zu befürchten.

Additive genetic and maternal effects on litter traits in rabbits*.

SUMMARY: Additive genetic and maternal effects were estimated for several litter traits in rabbits. A total of 457 litters of 3267 animals from a reciprocal crossbreeding experiment were analysed by an animal model using a derivate-free REML procedure. Heritability estimates for litter size at birth, weaning and slaughter ranged from 0.09 to 0.25, for litter-weight traits from 0.00 to 0.13 and for preweaning and postweaning mortality rates from 0.00 to 0.19. Additive genetic contribution to the variation in a litter trait was found to be higher at birth and during the postweaning period than during the suckling period. Maternal effects accounted for approximately 10 % of the variation in most of the preweaning litter traits. Live litter size at birth was found to be the main source of variation in preweaning traits, explaining between 2.3 % and 43.2 % of the total variation. Heritability estimates and genetic correlations indicated live litter size at birth to be a useful selection criterion for the improvement of litter traits in rabbits. Our results indicated that a litter size of approximately 11 would be optimal before litter size at weaning and litter weight at weaning began to decline. Genetic selection for live litter size at birth would result in significant improvement in litter size and litter weight at later ages. ZUSAMMENFASSUNG: Schätzung additiv-genetischer und maternaler Effekte auf Wurfmerkmale beim Kaninchen An insgesamt 457 Würfen mit 3267 Einzeltieren, die aus einem reziproken Kreuzungsversuch stammten, wurden additiv-genetische und maternale Effekte für zahlreiche Wurfmerkmale anhand eines Tiermodells (DFREML-Methode) geschätzt. Heritabilitätsschätzungen wurden für Wurfgröße und Wurfgewicht zu unterschiedlichen Zeitpunkten (Geburt, Absetzen und Erreichen des Schlachtgewichts) aurchgeführt. Der additiv-genetische Variationsanteil an der Gesamtvariation war dabei bei der Geburt und nach dem Absetzen höher als während der Säugezeit. Die Schätzungen schwankten bei der Wurfgröße zwischen h(2) = 0,09 und h(2) = 0,19 und beim Wurfgewicht zwischen h(2) = 0,00 und h(2) = 0,13. Für die Verlustrate bis zum Absetzen betrug die Heritabilität h(2) = 0,00 und für die Verlustrate vom Absetzen bis zum Erreichen des Schlachtgewichts h(2) = 0,19. Durch maternale Effekte wurde bis zum Absetzen ungefähr 10% der Variation in den untersuchten Merkmalen erklärt. Bei Einbeziehung des Merkmals Lebendwurfgröße bei der Geburt in das Tiermodell ließen sich 2,3-42,3 % der Gesamtvariation in den Wurfmerkmalen in der Säugezeit beschreiben. Die Heritabilitätsschätzungen und die Schätzung genetischer Korrelationen deuten daraufhin, daß die Lebendwurfgröße bei der Geburt ein erfolgsversprechendes Selektionskriterium für die Verbesserung von Wurfmerkmalen beim Kaninchen darstellt. Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse zeigen an, daß eine Lebendwurfgröße von 11 Jungtieren anzustreben ist. Bei größeren Würfen nimmt die Wurfgröße und das Wurfgewicht beim Absetzen wieder ab. Genetische Selektion auf Lebendwurfgröße bei der Geburt verspricht eine signifikante Verbesserung der Wurfgröße und des Wurfgewichts in späteren Lebensabschnitten.

[The reproductive performance of sows with different malignant hyperthermia syndrome status]. / Die Reproduktionsleistung von Sauen mit unterschiedlichem MHS-Status.

Based on 200 litters descending from 50 sows relations between MHS-genotype and reproductivity were investigated. Breeds used were "Deutsches Edelschwein", German Landrace and a crossbred line. Evaluation of MHS-status was done by Polymerase Chain Reaction. Reproductivity traits were piglet numbers at different ages and litter growth. The sows were not preselected in regard to the halothane gene. MHS-negative sows showed increased reproductivity towards MHS-positives and within the negatives, the homozygote sows were superior to the heterozygotes.

Ovine mitochondrial DNA: restriction enzyme analysis, mapping and sequencing data.

Restriction endonuclease fragment patterns of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in sheep were analysed with 11 enzymes. Four breeds (Merinolandschaf, Rhoenschaf, Schwarzkoepfiges Fleischschaf and Skudde) of domestic sheep and European Mouflon were examined. A restriction map with 28 cleavage sites of seven enzymes was established. KpnI and PstI do not cut ovine mtDNA. Two EcoRI fragments of Merinolandschaf, Rhoenschaf and Mouflon each were cloned and partially sequenced. Intraspecific nucleotide sequence differences within 1.101 kb ranged from 0.09 to 0.27%. Hybridization analysis with a fragment of porcine mtDNA along with sequencing data from cloned fragments was used for orientation of the restriction map along the bovine sequence. Ovine mtDNA sequences encompassing parts of the Cyt.b-, ND5-, CoIII- and ATPase6 genes were compared with the corresponding sequences of the bovine mtDNA.

[The nutritive effect of avilamycin in swine breeding and fattening]. / Zur nutritiven Wirkung von Avilamycin in der Schweine-Aufzucht und Schweinemast.

During a total period of treatment of 141 days, divided into starter grower and fattening period, the efficacy of avilamycin in a dosage of 80 mg/kg (starter grower) and 20 mg/kg (fattening) rsp. 40 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg was investigated in comparison with a negative control group and the additive tylosin. Growth was partially significantly increased by avilamycin at a dosage of 40 mg/kg/20 mg/kg compared to the control. Average daily weight gains of the starter grower period were improved for about 12%, feed conversion ratio for about 14%. In spite of a clear decrease in the efficacy of the additive during fattening period, a superiority of the avilamycin-group over the control- and the tylosin-group could be saved when avilamycin was added till the end of the fattening period. So addition of avilamycin in a dosage of 40 mg/kg during starter grower and 20 mg/kg during fattening period can be recommended.

[The status of lysosomal beta-glucuronidase in liver tissue of swine of different constitution]. / Der Status der lysosomalen beta-Glucuronidase im Lebergewebe von Schweinen unterschiedlicher Konstitution.

This paper deals with cellular-physiological changes in regard to adaptative problems in the pig. As an example for lysosomal catabolism, beta-glucuronidase activity in liver tissue of pigs with different constitution is presented. Male slaughter pigs (n = 120), equally distributed on the breeds Piétrain, German Large White and German Landrace, are used for the investigation. The results show significant variances between, as well as within the breeds. Partly high significant, positive correlations exist between beta-glucuronidase activity and survival rates. The importance of beta-glucuronidase activity and the lysosomes for adaptative constitution and development in the pig is discussed.

[Wedge-shaped vertebral formation as the cause of leg weakness syndrome in swine--a case report]. / Keilwirbelbildung als Ursache für Beinschwächesyndrom beim Schwein--ein Fallbericht.

We report about two cases of hemivertebrae in pigs. The malformations appeared in the T2/3, respectively in the T10. One case showed clinical apparent signs, namely ataxia and leg weakness. The productivity of the affected pig was reduced. Both cases are of unclear genesis. A hereditary predisposition could not be proved.

Erythrocyte osmotic fragility in porcine malignant hyperthermia and effects of halothane.

Malignant Hyperthermia (MH) has been shown to be due to an inherited disorder in cellular membrane systems, which also seem to be affected by halothane. With the erythrocyte osmotic fragility test we tried to find out if the erythrocyte membrane can serve as a diagnostic tool in malignant hyperthermia and as a model for halothane effects on membranes. We obtained MH susceptible and MH resistant pigs and their crossbreeds. The MH susceptible pigs showed the greatest degree of haemolysis in the erythrocyte osmotic fragility test. Furthermore, halothane increased haemolysis more in the erythrocytes of MH susceptible pigs. The MH resistant pigs were only slightly affected in both and the crossbreeds showed intermediate results. The variance occurring within one halothane group could be used to add a further distinguishing characteristic apart from the discrete halothane challenge test and so enable selection within a pure halothane group.