Genetic Variability of mtDNA Sequences in Chinese Native Chicken Breeds

Liu, Z.G.,Lei, C.Z.,Luo, J.,Ding, C.,Chen, G.H.,Chang, H.,Wang, K.H.,Liu, X.X.,Zhang, X.Y.,Xiao, X.J.,Wu, S.L. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2004 Animal Bioscience Vol.17 No.7

The variability of mtDNA hypervariable segment I (HVS I) sequences was investigated in a total of 48 birds belonging to 12 Chinese native chicken breeds. Sixteen haplotypes were identified from 35 polymorphic nucleotide sites which accounted for 6.4% of a sequenced 544 bp fragment. Diversity analysis of the haplotypes showed that Tibetan, Langshan and Henan cockfight chicken had only one haplotype, while ancient haplotypes existed in Taihe silky and Chahua chicken. Phylogenetic analysis of the haplotypes suggested that Chinese native chicken breeds shared 5 maternal lineages and some breeds would share the same maternal lineage, regardless of their external features and ecological types. Both divergent and phylogenetic analysis of the haplotypes indicated the close genetic relationships between the Chinese native chicken breeds and G. g. gallus and G. g. spadiceus from different areas, which implied that G. g. gallus and G. g. spadiceus were the original ancestors of the Chinese native chicken breeds.

New Evidence of Alleles (V199I and G52S) at the PRKAG3 (RN) Locus Affecting Pork Meat Quality

Chen, J.F.,Dai, L.H.,Peng, J.,Li, J.L.,Zheng, R.,Zuo, B.,Li, F.E.,Liu, M.,Yue, K.,Lei, M.G.,Xiong, Y.Z.,Deng, C.Y.,Jiang, S.W. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2008 Animal Bioscience Vol.21 No.4

The porcine PRKAG3 (RN) gene encodes the regulatory gamma subunit of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which is a good candidate gene affecting meat quality. In this study, the effects of two missense mutations A595G (Ile199Val) and G154A (Gly52Ser) in porcine PRKAG3 gene on meat quality traits were studied in M. Longissimus dorsi (LD), M. Semispinalis capitis (SC) and M. Biceps femoris (BF) from different populations of 326 pigs. The PRKAG3 alleles 199I, 199IV, 52S and 52G were identified with PCR-RFLPs and all genotypes - 199I/199I, 199I/199V, 199V/199V, 52S/52S, 52S/52G and 52G/52G - were found. The frequency of V allele was larger than that of I allele in all populations. I allele frequency was zero in Chinese Meishan pigs (population D) especially. G allele frequency was larger than that of S allele in all populations except Large White (population A). Both variations at the PRKAG3 locus significantly affected these meat quality traits. The pork meat quality has not previously been established in Meishan or crosses thereof. The results suggested that generally pH of LD, SC and BF was higher in Meishan pigs than that in other populations. Moreover, Meishan pigs showed higher water-holding capacity and intramuscular fat (IMF), lower water content and water loss percentage compared to other populations in terms of the two variations. The results present here supply new evidence that alleles V199I and G52S at the PRKAG3 locus affect pork meat quality and provide useful information on pork production.

Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of LiNi_0.4Mn_1.5Cr_0.1O_4 and Li_4Ti_5O_12

G. Q. Liu,L.Wen,G. Y. Liu,H. Z. Luo,B. Y. Ma,Q. Y. Wu,Y. W. Tian 대한금속·재료학회 2011 METALS AND MATERIALS International Vol.17 No.4

Spinel compound LiNi_0.4Mn_1.5Cr_0.1O_4 (LNMCO) and Li_4Ti_5O_12 (LTO) were synthesized by the sol-gel method and the solid-state method, respectively. The particle sizes of the products LiNi_0.4Mn_1.5Cr_0.1O_4 and Li_4Ti_5O_12 were 0.5 to 2 um and 0.5 to 0.8 um, respectively. All samples exhibited excellent electrochemical properties. A LiNi_0.4Mn_1.5Cr_0.1O_4/Li_4Ti_5O_12 (LNMCO/LTO) cell was fabricated and was demonstrated to exhibit good electrochemical properties at the high current rate of 1 C. When the specific capacity was determined based on the mass of the LNMCO cathode, the LNMCO/LTO cell delivered 125 mAh g^(−1) at 1 C and 77 mAh g^(−1) at 5 C. The capacity retentions after 30 cycles were 94.4 % and 83.1 %, respectively.

The Effect of Spray Dried Plasma, Lactose and Soybean Protein Sources on the Performance of Weaned Pigs

Liu, H.,Kim, I.B.,Touchette, K.J.,Newcomb, M.D.,Allee, G.L. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2001 Animal Bioscience Vol.14 No.9

A total of 371 weaned pigs were used in three experiments to evaluate the effects of spray dried plasma (SDP), soybean protein sources, and lactose on growth performance. In Exp. 1, 128 pigs (5.99 kg, $18{\pm}2d$) were used to evaluate the effect of SDP (0 vs 7%), lactose (0 vs 30%), and two soybean protein sources [soybean meal (SBM) and extruded soybean protein concentrate (ESPC)] in phase I (d 0 to 14) diets on pig performance in a $2{\times}2{\times}2$ factorial arrangement. Spray-dried plasma increased phase I ADG (p<0.01) and ADFI (p<0.05) in the SBM diets, but not in the ESPC diets. Lactose improved ADG and gain/feed ratio (G/F) in phase I (p<0.01). In Exp. 2, 144 pigs (5.50 kg, $17{\pm}3d$) were used to evaluate the effect of SDP (0 vs. 3.5%) and three soybean protein sources [SBM, ESPC, and soybean protein concentrate (SPC)] in phase I diets, and the effects of two different phase II (d 14 to 28) diets (simple vs complex) in a $2{\times}3{\times}2$ factorial arrangement of treatments. In phase I, SDP increased ADG (p<0.01) and improved G/F (p<0.05). Pigs fed SBM had the highest ADG and ADFI, with a G/F similar to the pigs fed ESPC. In phase II, pigs fed the complex diet had improved ADG (p<0.01), ADFI (p<0.05), and G/F (p<0.05) compared to the simple diet. In Exp. 3, 99 weaned pigs (5.77 kg, $17{\pm}3$d) were used to evaluate the effect of SBM, ESPC, and ESPC with SDP in the phase I diets. Pigs fed SBM with no blood product in the diet had the lowest ADG (p<0.01), ADFI (p<0.01), and G/F (p<0.05) in the first week of phase I. There were no differences in soybean protein sources fed in phase I diets on overall pig performance. These experiments are indicated that SDP and lactose improve the phase I performance. Soybean meal can be used as the major protein source in phase I diets with SDP.

MINERAL NUTRITION OF GRAZING SHEEP IN NORTHERN CHINA I. MACRO-MINERALS IN PASTURE, FEED SUPPLEMENTS AND SHEEP

Masters, D.G.,Purser, D.B.,Yu, S.X.,Wang, Z.S.,Yang, R.Z.,Liu, N.,Lu, D.X.,Wu, L.H.,Ren, J.K.,Li, G.H. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 1993 Animal Bioscience Vol.6 No.1

This study determined the macro-mineral levels in plants and sheep, at different times during the year, at three farms in northern China. Samples of plants, animal tissues and faeces were collected at 5 to 8 times during the year from each site. They were analysed for calcium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium and potassium. Sodium concentrations in plants were below those recommended for optimum animal production at all sites for all or part of the year (0.01-1.66 g/kg DM). Low concentrations of sodium in faeces were measured and signs of sodium deficiency (soil ingestion) were observed on one farm. There were seasonal trends in other mineral levels in plants and animals. Plants were lowest in potassium (2.3-13.4 g/kg DM), magnesium (1.28-4.82 g/kg DM) and phosphorus (0.24-1.62 g/kg DM) in winter and spring. However, high levels of these elements were supplied in the feed supplements used at this time of the year. During the periods of rapid pasture growth, in summer and autumn, supplements of feed and salt are often not provide even though pasture concentrations of phosphorus and sodium are low. It may be at these times that sheep will be most susceptible to deficiencies of these elements.

Growth Performance, Carcass Composition and Meat Quality of Jiulong-yak (Bos grunniens)

Zi, X.D.,Zhong, G.H.,Wen, Y.L.,Zhong, J.C.,Liu, C.L.,Ni, Y.A.,Yezi, Y.H.,Ashi, M.G. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2004 Animal Bioscience Vol.17 No.3

Estimated liveweights, carcass characteristics, the proximate composition and amino-acid composition of the whole rib cut of the 10th/12th thoracic vertebrae have been determined for Jiulong-yak. The animal grows rapidly up to puberty at 2-3 years of age. At those ages, females reached 143.0$\pm$34.7 kg and 184.0$\pm$30.8 kg (SD) respectively, which was 60 to 80% of their mature weight at 6 to 7 yr old, then the rate of growth significantly slowed down. Males continued to rapidly increase body weight until an older age possibly due to the selection procedures. Animals included 20 males aged from 2.5 to 6.5 yr, seven females aged of 4.5 yr and 11 steers aged of 4.5-5.5 yr were slaughtered for carcass determination and chemical analysis of meat samples. Dressing-out percentage and ribeye area ranged from 48.53-55.04% and 48.02-68.56 $cm^2$ respectively, both of which differed by age and sex. Yak meat is scarlet in color and intramuscular marbling is poor. The 10th/12th rib-cut contained 24.99-31.93% dry matter; 19.98-22.58% protein; 2.52-10.86% fat and 0.93-1.00% ash. Meat from females and steers contained a higher percentage of fat than those from bulls. The pH of M. Longissimus dorsi measured at 24 h post-mortem ranged from 5.84-6.11. Amino acid composition was similar to that for other red meat, except for a lower content of methionine (1.26 g/100 g meat). The results indicated that yak meat can make a valuable contribution to the diets for the highlanders.

Investigation of PCR-RFLPs within Major Histocompatibility Complex B-G Genes Using Two Restriction Enzymes in Eight Breeds of Chinese Indigenous Chickens

R. F. Xu,K. Li,G. H. Chen,B. Y. Z. Qiang,D. L. Mo,B. Fan,C. C. Li,M. Yu,M. J. Zhu,T. A. Xiong,B. Liu 아세아·태평양축산학회 2005 Animal Bioscience Vol.18 No.7

New polymorphism of major histocompatibility complex B-G genes was investigated by amplification and digestion of a 401bp fragment including intron 1 and exon 2 using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCRRFLP) technique with two restriction enzymes of Msp I and Tas I in eight breeds of Chinese indigenous chickens and one exotic breed. In the fragment region of the gene, three novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected at the two restriction sites. We found the transition of two nucleotides of A294G and T295C occurred at Tas I restriction site, and consequently led to a nonsynonymous substitution of asparagine into serine at position 54 within the deduced amino acid sequence of immunoglobulin variableregion- like domain encoded by the exon 2 of B-G gene. It was observed at rare frequency that a single mutation of A294G occurring at the site, also caused an identical substitution of amino acid, asparagine 54-to-serine, to that we described previously. And the transversion of G319C at Msp I site led to a non-synonymous substitution, glutamine 62-to-histidine. The new alleles and allele frequencies identified by the PCR-RFLP method with the two enzymes were characterized, of which the allele A and B frequencies at Msp I and Tas I loci were given disequilibrium distribution either in the eight Chinese local breeds or in the exotic breed. By comparison, allele A at Msp I locus tended to be dominant, while, the allele B at Tas I locus tended to be dominant in all of the breeds analyzed. In Tibetan chickens, the preliminary association analysis revealed that no significant difference was observed between the different genotypes identified at the Msp I and Tas I loci and the laying performance traits, respectively.

The Metabolizable Energy Value, Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids in Soybean Meal, Soy Protein Concentrate and Fermented Soybean Meal, and the Application of These Products in Early-weaned Piglets

Zhang, H.Y.,Yi, J.Q.,Piao, X.S.,Li, P.F.,Zeng, Z.K.,Wang, D.,Liu, L.,Wang, G.Q.,Han, X. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2013 Animal Bioscience Vol.26 No.5

Three experiments were conducted to evaluate the metabolizable energy (ME) value, standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) of soybean meal (SBM), soy protein concentrate (SPC) and fermented soybean meal (FSBM), and the application of these products in early-weaned piglets. In Exp. 1, four barrows with initial body weight (BW) of $14.2{\pm}1.4$ kg were used in a $4{\times}4$ Latin square design. The diet 1 contained corn as the only energy source. The other three diets replaced 25% of corn in diet 1 with one of the three soybean products, and the digestable energy (DE) and ME contents were determined by difference. In Exp. 2, four barrows (initial BW of $18.2{\pm}1.5$ kg) were fitted with ileal T-cannulas and allotted to a $4{\times}4$ Latin square design. Three cornstarch-based diets were formulated using each of the soybean products as the sole source of AA. A nitrogen-free diet was also formulated to measure endogenous losses of AA. In Exp. 3, ninety six piglets (initial BW of $5.6{\pm}0.9$ kg) weaned at $21{\pm}2$ d were blocked by weight and assigned to one of three treatments for a 21-d growth performance study. The control diet was based on corn and SBM, the two treatments' diets contained either 10% SPC or FSBM and were formulated to same SID lysine to ME ratio of 3.6 g/Mcal. The results showed that the ME content of SPC was greater than SBM (p<0.05). The SID of most AA in SPC was greater than the SID of AA in SBM (p<0.05). For the essential AA, the SID of histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine and threonine in FSBM were greater than in SBM (p<0.05). Even though they were fed same SID lysine to ME ratio of 3.6 g/Mcal diets, pigs fed SPC and FSBM diets had greater weight gain, G:F (p<0.05) and better fecal score (p<0.05) than pigs fed SBM diet. In conclusion, SPC showed a higher ME content and SID of AA than the SBM. SID of some essential AA in FSBM was higher than SBM and was similar with SPC. But the lower antigenic proteins and anti-nutritional factors content in SPC and FSBM may be the main factors affecting the performance of early-weaned piglets rather than the increased ME content and SID of AA.

Hypothalamic Norepinephrine Mediates Acupunctural Effects on Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis During Ethanol Withdrawal

Zhao, Z.L.,Kim, S.C.,Zhang, J.,Liu, H.F.,Lee, B.H.,Jang, E.Y.,Lee, C.W.,Cho, I.J.,An, W.G.,Yang, C.H.,Kim, Y.W.,Zhao, R.J.,Wu, Y.Y. Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam 2016 JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE AND MERIDIAN STUDIES Vol.9 No.1

A previous study demonstrated that acupuncture at ST36 (Zu-San-Li) attenuates ethanol withdrawal (EW)-induced hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in rats. The current study investigated the involvement of hypothalamic norepinephrine (NE) in that process. Rats were intraperitoneally treated with 3 g/kg/d of ethanol or saline for 28 days. After 24 hours of EW, acupuncture was applied to rats at bilateral ST36 points or at nonacupoints (tail) for 1 minute. A high-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that EW significantly increased both the NE and the 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-phenylglycol (MHPG) levels in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Western blot analysis also revealed that EW markedly elevated the phosphorylation rates of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), but spared TH protein expression in the PVN. However, acupuncture at ST36, but not at nonacupoints, greatly inhibited the increase in the hypothalamic NE, MHPG, and phosphorylation rates of TH. Additionally, postacupuncture infusion of NE into the PVN significantly attenuated the inhibitory effects of acupuncture at ST36 on the oversecretion of plasma corticosterone during EW. These results suggest that acupuncture at ST36 inhibits EW-induced hyperactivation of the hypothalamic NEergic system to produce therapeutic effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Correlations among Shearing Force, Morphological Characteristic, Chemical Composition, and In situ Digestibility of Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) Stem

Liu, L.,Yang, Z.B.,Yang, W.R.,Jiang, S.Z.,Zhang, G.G. Asian Australasian Association of Animal Productio 2009 Animal Bioscience Vol.22 No.4

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) is a high-quality forage for ruminants and the main stem is the dominant morphological component contributing to the forage nutritive value in mature alfalfa forage. Shearing force, a fracturing property of plant stem, is an important indictor of forage value. The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of morphological characteristic on shearing force, the relationship between shearing force and chemical composition, and the relationship between shearing force and in situ digestibility of alfalfa stem. The results showed that linear density (weight per unit length of stem) was more important than chemical composition in affecting shearing force. There was a positive relationship between lignin content and shearing force (r = 0.78). Correlations were not found between shearing force and other chemical components such as neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cellulose and hemicelluloses. In situ digestibility (of dry matter and NDF) was related to shearing force. A negative correlation was found between shearing force and dry matter (DM) digestibility (r = -0.70), and there was also a negative correlation between shearing force and NDF digestibility (r = -0.87). When shearing force was standardized for stem diameter or stem linear density, the relationship between shearing force and digestibility was consistent regardless of stem diameter and stem linear density. Shearing force was significantly correlated with lignin content and in situ digestibility (of DM and NDF), and was a more direct indicator for estimating forage nutritive value related to animal performance, so it can be used to predict the forage value of alfalfa.