Comparative analysis of buffalo, local and continental cattle carcasses with the European Union classification system in Greece.

The carcasses produced in Greece from Greek Buffalo, indigenous and local crossbred cattle were evaluated using the European Union (EU) bovine classification system and compared with carcasses of continental breeds reared in the country. The main carcass production (67.8%) came from animals born in Greece with a relatively low percentage from local breeds (17%). The lightest carcass weight was found in Greek Brachyceros [145.2 ± 2.3 kg (males); 146.0 ± 3.1 kg (females)], while among locals the Greek Blonde rendered the heaviest carcass weights [303.2 ± 2.9 kg (males); 265.3 ± 3.5 kg (females)]. Muscle conformation scoring was the lowest in Buffalo [4.1 ± 0.1 (males); 4.9 ± 0.0 (females)] and the highest for males of Charolais and Blonde d'Aquitaine (11.2 ± 0.0 and 10.7 ± 0.0, respectively). The meat-purposed breeds produced carcasses of higher quality than dual-purposed, local breeds and dairy Holstein-Friesian. With the discriminant analysis, the correct classification of carcasses varied from 53.4% (males) to 47.8% (females) with high assignment percentage of Greek Buffalo males (81.6%), Simmental males (80.7%) and Holstein-Friesian females (98.5%).

Association of BF, RBP4, and ESR2 Genotypes with Litter Size in an Autochthonous Pig Population.

The aim of the present study was to determine any potential association of the BF, RBP4, and ESR2 genes with reproduction traits in an autochthonous Greek pig population. The PCR-RFLP methodology was implemented for genotyping purposes of the examined genes. No deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed for the examined loci, while the B allele noted to be the more frequent in all analyzed genes. In addition, sows with the AA genotype of BF gene found to produce significantly lower numbers of the total born piglets (TNB) and number of piglets born alive (TNA), while the respective BB genotype significantly exceeded in TNB and NBA traits compared to the other two genotypes (P < 0.001). In the case of RBP4 gene, sows with the AB genotype noted to have significant higher values of TNB and NBA in regard to the respective homozygous genotypes (AA or BB), while the BB genotype showed intermediate results (P < 0.001). There were no statistical differences between the BB genotype and the AB genotype of ESR2 locus in regard to the examined traits. However, a noticeable superiority (P < 0.01) of the BB genotype compared to the homozygous AA genotype, adding almost 2 piglets/litter in TNB and NBA trait, was found. ABBREVIATIONS: TNB: Total number of born piglets; NBA: Number of piglets born alive.

Association of RBP4 Genotype with Phenotypic Reproductive Traits of Sows.

PCR-RFLP was applied to a commercial crossbred pig population in order to investigate the association between polymorphism (SNP) of Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) gene and reproductive performance. 400 sows were genotyped and 2000 records of reproductive traits were used in order to retrieve information about the allele frequencies and the association of the RBP4 gene with main reproductive characteristics of the population. A deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed as a result of the AB genotype excess. In addition, the AA genotype saw statistically significant higher values of (i) the total number of born piglets (p < 0.05), (ii) the number of piglets born alive (p < 0.01), and (iii) the number of weaned piglets (p < 0.01). The number of the mummified piglets and the number of the piglets born dead did not differ between the various RBP4 genotypes. Interestingly, the AA genotype had a negative impact (p < 0.05) on the number of piglets born dead, resulting indirectly in a larger litter size. In conclusion, the AA genotype and in extension the A allele of RBP4 gene are in favor of producing larger litter size, suggesting that the RBP4 gene may be used in Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS) programs for a rapid improvement of the reproductive characteristics in pigs.

Expression of plasminogen activator-related genes in the adipose tissue of lactating dairy sheep in the early post-weaning period.

There is growing evidence that plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) is expressed in adipose tissue and its expression is implicated in inflammation that accompanies obesity-associated diseases. The physiological role of other genes implicated in the plasminogen-activating cascade such as urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA), u-PA receptor (u-PAR) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 2 (PAI-2) in ovine adipose tissue remains unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the changes in the expression of four plasminogen activator (PA)-related genes during the early post-weaning period in dairy ewes. A total of 21 subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were obtained from seven lactating dairy ewes of the Chios breed at weeks 1, 2 and 4 after weaning. Results indicated that expression of all PA-related genes was detected in most of the samples examined. Greatest expression of u-PAR corresponded to highest (week 1), while greatest expression of PAI-2 corresponded to lowest (week 4) rate of lipolysis, as indicated by the expression of hormone-sensitive lipase, in the ovine adipose tissue. There were no significant differences in the expression of the other two PA-related genes (u-PA, PAI-1) throughout the experimental period. Plasminogen activator-related genes are not expressed in a coordinated manner in the adipose tissue of lactating dairy sheep in the early post-weaning period. In conclusion, adipose tissue mobilization is correlated with highest expression of u-PAR and lowest expression of PAI-2.

Comparative Approach of the de novo Fatty Acid Synthesis (Lipogenesis) between Ruminant and Non Ruminant Mammalian Species: From Biochemical Level to the Main Regulatory Lipogenic Genes.

Over the second half of 20(th) century much research on lipogenesis has been conducted, especially focused on increasing the production efficiency and improving the quality of animal derived products. However, many diferences are observed in the physiology of lipogenesis between species. Recently, many studies have also elucidated the involvement of numerous genes in this procedure, highlighting diferences not only at physiology but also at the molecular level. The main scope of this review is to point out the major differences between ruminant and non ruminant species, that are observed in key regulatory genes involved in lipogenesis. Human is used as a central reference and according to the findinggs, main differences are analysed. These findings could serve not only as basis for understanding the main physiology of lipogenesis and further basic research, but also as a basis for any animal scientist to develop new concepts and methods for use in improving animal production and modern genetic improvement.