Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yunus Arzik, Mehmet Kizilaslan, Stephen N. White, Lindsay M. W. Piel, Mehmet Ulas Cinar
Summary: This study estimated the genomic heritability and genetic background impact on blood parameters in Akkaraman sheep using genome-wide association studies. Several candidate genes were identified, and the findings have important implications for animal breeding programs.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Ibrahim Abousoliman, Henry Reyer, Michael Oster, Eduard Murani, Ismail Mohamed, Klaus Wimmers
Summary: Sheep play a critical role in Egypt's agricultural and livestock sectors. The Barki sheep breed, known for its adaptation to harsh environmental conditions, contributes significantly to meat production in semi-arid regions. A study using a genome-wide SNP panel identified genetic regions diversified between Egyptian Barki sheep with high and low growth performance traits, highlighting potential for improving growth traits in this breed.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ibrahim H. Alwan, Thamer R. S. Aljubouri, Mohammed Baqur S. Al-Shuhaib
Summary: This study assessed the association between the FABP4 gene and growth traits in Karakul and Awassi sheep. A novel SNP in the FABP4 gene was found to be significantly associated with all growth traits measured at different age intervals. Lambs with the TT genotype exhibited higher growth traits compared to those with the GT and GG genotypes.
BIOCHEMICAL GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
S. Werne, K. Schwarz, S. Thuer, B. Bapst
Summary: In order to control gastrointestinal nematodes, which have developed resistance to anthelmintic drugs, supportive measures are needed. The use of faecal egg count (FEC) as a trait for selection in sheep has been proven feasible, but it comes with certain costs. FAMACHA(c), a colour classification of the eyelid, could serve as a cheaper resistance trait.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Masoud Alipanah, Zahra Roudbari, Mehdi Momen, Ali Esmailizadeh
Summary: This study aimed to assess the impact of non-additive effects on the estimation of genetic parameters for body weight traits in sheep. The results showed that non-additive genetic effects play an important role in controlling body weight variation at the age of 16-24 weeks in Scottish Blackface lambs. Therefore, joint modeling of additive and non-additive effects can lead to better estimation and prediction of genetic parameters.
ANIMAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hui Jiang, Zhi-Xin Chai, Han-Wen Cao, Cheng-Fu Zhang, Yong Zhu, Qiang Zhang, Jin-Wei Xin
Summary: This study analyzed SNPs in 480 yaks from different breeds and identified potential SNPs associated with body weight, some of which may affect hormone functioning by influencing gene expression, ultimately impacting yak body weight. Further investigation is needed to validate the potential use of SNP AX-174555047 as a biomarker for molecular breeding of yak.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Olatz Mompeo, Maxim B. Freidin, Rachel Gibson, Pirro G. Hysi, Paraskevi Christofidou, Eran Segal, Ana M. Valdes, Tim D. Spector, Cristina Menni, Massimo Mangino
Summary: Diet is a modifiable risk factor for chronic diseases and mental health disorders, and its effects are partially controlled by genetics. In this study, a genome-wide association study (GWA) was conducted to identify genetic variants associated with the DASH diet. The study found significant genetic correlations between DASH and educational traits, as well as enrichment of genes involved in appetite regulation.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Yilong Zhao, Sangang He, Jinfeng Huang, Mingjun Liu
Summary: pH is one of the main factors affecting meat storage/shelf life and overall quality. Through a genome-wide association analysis, candidate genes related to pH were identified, providing new opportunities for genetic improvement and extending the shelf life of meat.
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Yunna Li, Hua Yang, Jing Guo, Yonglin Yang, Qian Yu, Yuanyuan Guo, Chaoxin Zhang, Zhipeng Wang, Peng Zuo
Summary: This study conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using a high-density SNP chip to map loci related to weaning weight and yearling weight in sheep. The results identified significant associations of various SNPs with these weight traits and revealed potential candidate genes involved in regulating body weight. The findings highlight the value of multi-omic analysis in identifying genetic factors influencing body weight.
FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Liming Zhao, Deyin Zhang, Xiaolong Li, Yukun Zhang, Yuan Zhao, Dan Xu, Jiangbo Cheng, Jianghui Wang, Wenxin Li, Changchun Lin, Xiaobin Yang, Zongwu Ma, Panpan Cui, Xiaoxue Zhang, Weimin Wang
Summary: This study investigated the genetic mechanisms of sheep body weight (BW) using a label-free proteomics approach. Various proteins related to fat synthesis, muscle development, immune responses, and muscle development were identified, providing new insights into understanding the molecular mechanisms behind growth traits in sheep.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOMICS
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ayao Missohou, Basse Kabore, Laurence Flori, Simplice Bosco Ayssiwede, Jean-Luc Hornick, Marianne Raes, Jean-Francois Cabaraux
Summary: This study reported the genetic parameters of four Senegalese sheep breeds and their relationship with global sheep breeds. The results provided insights into genetic conservation and adaptability of these breeds in the Senegalese context. The study also revealed the contribution of Senegalese sheep breeds to global genetic diversity and the development of Caribbean sheep breeds.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Tianqi Wang, Xiaoyuan Shi, Ziwen Liu, Wei Ren, Xinrui Wang, Bingjian Huang, Xiyan Kou, Huili Liang, Changfa Wang, Wenqiong Chai
Summary: This study investigated the genetic polymorphisms of the LCORL gene in Dezhou donkeys and identified a locus associated with body size and hide weight. This provides the foundation for breeding high-quality donkeys with high hide yield.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Sheikh Firdous Ahmad, Nusrat Nabi Khan, Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Syed Shanaz, Mubashir Ali Rather, Safeer Alam
Summary: The study aimed to elucidate genetic parameters for body weight traits of lambs from Corriedale sheep population at different ages. Analysis of data collected from 6874 lambs born over a span of 49 years showed moderate heritability for some traits, high genetic correlations between most traits, and varying phenotypic correlations among trait combinations. Selection based on early weight traits may lead to a moderate genetic response in Corriedale sheep.
TROPICAL ANIMAL HEALTH AND PRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Mugagga Kalyesubula, Ramgopal Mopuri, Alexander Rosov, Guy Van Bommel, Hay Dvir
Summary: High-dose thiamine therapy was found to have a significant effect on liver fat content in sheep, but no noticeable effects on body weight or blood glucose. Thiamine increased plasma concentration of non-esterified fatty acids during NEB, promoting the utilization of fatty acids as an energy source.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Christina Holzapfel, Sabine Sag, Johanna Graf-Schindler, Marcus Fischer, Theresa Drabsch, Thomas Illig, Harald Grallert, Lynne Stecher, Christina Strack, Ian D. Caterson, Susan A. Jebb, Hans Hauner, Andrea Baessler
Summary: This study analyzed the association between certain obesity-related genetic variants and anthropometric changes during weight loss interventions. While specific SNPs in the MC4R gene were found to be significantly associated with weight and BMI reduction, SNPs in other genes showed no significant correlation with anthropometric parameters. Overall, the study concluded that these investigated SNPs do not play a consistent role in anthropometric changes during behavioral weight loss interventions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maja Machcinska, Magdalena Kierasinska, Martyna Michniowska, Marta Maruszewska-Cheruiyot, Ludmila Szewczak, Rafal Rola, Anna Karlinska, Michael Stear, Katarzyna Donskow-Lysoniewska
Summary: Altered regulatory T cell function is associated with multiple sclerosis. In this study, we investigated T cell phenotypes in patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) at an early stage of the disease. We found that the expression of PD-1 and GITR on CD4+ and CD8+ regulatory T cells was decreased in RRMS patients, while the levels of proinflammatory cytokines were increased. These findings suggest that a deficiency in PD-1 and GITR immune checkpoints on Tregs may contribute to impaired T cell control in RRMS.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Ntanganedzeni O. Mapholi, C. Banga, K. Dzama, O. Matika, V. Riggio, N. Nyangiwe, A. Maiwashe
Summary: This study compared tick infestation and estimated the prevalence of different tick species among Nguni cattle under different environmental conditions in South Africa. The results showed that tick infestation was influenced by location, season, year, month, and age of the animal. Amblyomma hebraeum was the dominant tick species, and the perianal region, perineum, and belly were the preferred attachment sites.
Article
Parasitology
Katarzyna Donskow-Lysoniewska, Marta Maruszewska-Cheruiyot, Katarzyna Krawczak-Wojcik, Jorge F. Gonzalez, Julia N. Hernandez, Michael J. Stear
Summary: The nematode's galectin competes with host galectin and inhibits mast cell degranulation, which is an important mechanism for the establishment and survival of gastrointestinal nematodes.
VETERINARY PARASITOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Maruszewska-Cheruiyot, Michael James Stear, Maja Machcinska, Katarzyna Donskow-Lysoniewska
Summary: There has been little interaction between parasitologists and oncologists historically, although some helminth infections may predispose to tumor development. Recent research suggests that both tumors and parasites suppress the immune response to increase their chances of survival. They both exploit the TGF beta signaling pathway to modulate the immune response for their own benefit.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michael Stear, Sarah Preston, David Piedrafita, Katarzyna Donskow-Lysoniewska
Summary: Nematode infection is a significant threat to human, domestic animal, and wildlife health. Resistance to infection varies among individuals, largely due to genetic variation in the immune response. Both host and nematode-derived factors play a role in regulating the immune response. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these interactions and the variation in immunomodulation among nematode species remain unclear.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Marta Maruszewska-Cheruiyot, Katarzyna Krawczak-Wojcik, Martyna Michniowska, Michael James Stear, Maja Machcinska, Maria Doligalska, Katarzyna Donskow-Lysoniewska
Summary: Parasitic nematode infection has a significant influence on growth factors related to angiogenesis in autoimmune disorders. This study evaluated the impact of infection with the nematode Heligmosomoides polygyrus on the production of growth factors in murine autoimmune models. The findings suggest that parasitic infection can modify the levels of angiogenic factors and induce remodeling of vessels in the brain.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Maruszewska-Cheruiyot, Ludmila Szewczak, Katarzyna Krawczak-Wojcik, Magdalena Kierasinska, Michael Stear, Katarzyna Donskow-Lysoniewska
Summary: The study evaluated the excretory-secretory proteins produced by H. polygyrus L4 stage nematodes that developed in a colitic milieu. Unique proteins were identified in the secretome of H. polygyrus L4 females and males that developed during colitis, which may be responsible for the therapeutic effects of nematodes in colitis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Oswald Matika, Sarah Foster, Naftaly Githaka, Gad Owido, Collins Ngetich, Charles Mwendia, Helen Brown, John Caulfield, Kellie Watson, Appolinaire Djikeng, Michael Birkett
Summary: Ticks and tick-borne diseases pose a significant threat to livestock production, with a large number of cattle at risk. Chemical control is expensive and tick resistance to acaricides is increasing. This study investigates the use of host volatile semiochemicals as a potential phenotype for tick resistance, which could be used in selective breeding programs.
TICKS AND TICK-BORNE DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Fazel Almasi, Michael J. Stear, Majid Khansefid, Hien Nguyen, Aniruddha Desai, Jennie E. Pryce
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the repeatability and heritability of traits related to grazing and rumination activities and their correlations with other traits. The results showed that the repeatability of grazing traits was high, indicating that wearable sensors and SVM methods are reliable for recording sheep activities on pasture and have potential applications in selective breeding.
FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Valentina Riggio, Abdulfatai Tijjani, Rebecca Callaby, Andrea Talenti, David Wragg, Emmanuel T. Obishakin, Chukwunonso Ezeasor, Frans Jongejan, Ndudim Ogo, Fred Aboagye-Antwi, Alassane Toure, Jahashi Nzalawahej, Boubacar Diallo, Ayao Missohou, Adrien M. G. Belem, Appolinaire Djikeng, Nick Juleff, Josephus Fourie, Michel Labuschagne, Maxime Madder, Karen Marshall, James G. D. Prendergast, Liam J. Morrison
Summary: Commercial bovine genotyping arrays are not effective in capturing variants among African indicine animals, but imputation from available high-density arrays can successfully capture most variants.
GENETICS SELECTION EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
F. Almasi, H. Nguyen, D. Heydarian, R. Sohi, S. Nikbin, C. J. Jenvey, E. Halliwell, E. N. Ponnampalam, A. Desai, M. Jois, M. J. Stear
Summary: This study investigates the distributions and variation of grazing behavior in 147 Merino lambs. The results show that different behaviors can be best described by different statistical distributions. The findings enhance our understanding of grazing behavior and provide a more appropriate approach to analyze the causes of variation in grazing behavior.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Rajneet Sohi, Fazel Almasi, Hien Nguyen, Alexandra Carroll, Jason Trompf, Maneka Weerasinghe, Aidin Bervan, Boris Godoy, Awais Ahmed, Michael J. Stear, Aniruddha Desai, Markandeya Jois
Summary: The time of parturition in pregnant ewes can be predicted using wearable sensors and machine learning algorithms, providing necessary time for farm managers to take care of high-risk ewes during lambing. This knowledge could significantly improve sheep productivity and reduce lamb mortality rates.
ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Milagros Sanchez-Mayor, Valentina Riggio, Pau Navarro, Beatriz Gutierrez-Gil, Chris S. Haley, Luis Fernando De la Fuente, Juan-Jose Arranz, Ricardo Pong-Wong
Summary: This study assessed the effect of genotyping strategies, proportion of genotyped candidates, and genotyping criteria on genetic selection using ssGBLUP. The results showed that prioritizing the genotyping of candidates with higher chances of selection can maximize genetic gain, but the strategy with the highest reliability does not necessarily achieve the largest gain.
GENETICS SELECTION EVOLUTION
(2022)