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Open Access
Evaluation of boer halfbreds for development of meat goat strains suited for Kerala
(Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Jeeva, L; KAU; Nandakumar, P
The tremendous potential of goat production in Kerala State is constrained due to the non-availability of meat type of goats suited to our climatic conditions. Malabari goats native to Kerala and improved Alpine Malabari (AM) grows to around only 8.5 and 11 kg respectively, imposing severe restrictions on commercial exploitation of these breeds. Introgression of Boer inheritance into Australian feral goats has led to the development of Australian goat meat industry and utilization of Boer goats to improve local goats in Maharashtra has paid rich dividend. With this background, the present investigation undertaken in Alpine Malabari crosses (AM) by infusing Boer inheritance was undertaken at University Goat and Sheep Farm was to evaluate the suitability of Alpine Malabari x Boer (AMB) crosses as a meat strain suited to Kerala State. Data on one hundred goat kids, 50 each belonging to 2 genetic groups, AM and AMB were subjected to least squares analysis to resolve the effect of genetic group, sire, month of birth and sex on type of birth, litter weight at birth, birth weight, body weight at first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth month, pre- weaning mortality, incidence of neonatal diseases, litter size at weaning, average daily gain in body weight, phenotypic correlation, viability and adaptability. Average litter size at birth (LSB) among Alpine Malabari (AM) and , Alpine Malabari x Boer (AMB) kids was 1.79±0.48. Alpine Malabari kid had a significantly (P:S0.05) higher litter size ~t birth of 2. I 2±0. I 6. Month of birth had a highly significant (P~O.OI) effect on litter size at birth with highest litter in July (2.2±0.17). Sire influences were highly significant on litter size at birth while sex had no significant influence on litter size at birth. Mean litter weight at birth was 3.77 kg and it was not found to be significantly affected by genetic group and sex. Month of birth and sire had highly significant associations with litter weight at birth. Alpine Malabari x Boer kids had a highly significant (P::::O.Ol) and higher body weight from birth to sixth month of age. Body weight in AMB kids was 2.38,6.01, 8.92 and 11.65 kg while AM kids had only 1.8,2.87,3.05 and 4.30 kg respectively at birth, one, two and three months respectively. Buck had a highly significant influence on birth weight of kid and body weight at first, second and third month. Month of birth had a significant influence on birth weight and body weights at first, second and third month. Incidence of enteritis was 0.31, respiratory infection 0.08 and pre- weaning mortality was 0.07. Effects of genetic group and sire were significant on respiratory infections and not on incidence of enteritis and pre-weaning mortality. Month of birth did not exert significant influence on respiratory infections, enteritis or pre-weaning mortality. The mean body weights at fourth, fifth and sixth month in AM and AMB crosses were 10.34 kg, 11.96 kg and 13.68 kg respectively. The effect of genetic group on body weights at fourth, fifth and sixth month was highly significant and superior in AMB crosses with 13.62 kg, 15.73 kg and 17.79 kg respectively while it was only 5.76 kg, 5.84 kg and 6.81 kg respectively in AM crosses. Sire effects were highly significant on the body weights at fourth, fifth and sixth month. Month of birth contribute to the body weights to a highly significant level and kids born in April and December were found to have higher body weights from fourth to fifth month. Sex of the kids was not found to influence the body weights from fourth to sixth month. The mean average daily gain in body weight (ADG) from birth to third month was 7r.36 g, from third to sixth month was 65.7 g and birth to sixth month was 66.7 g. AMB crosses had a highly significant ADG of 104.89 and 86.58 compared to 35.19 and 39.1 g during 0-3 and 0-6 month respectively. Sire influences were highly significant on ADG from 0-3 and 0-6 month. Month of birth had a highly significant effect on ADG and highest ADG was for kids born during April. Birth weight had a highly significant positive correlation with average daily gain in body weight from birth to third month and average daily gain in body weight from birth to sixth month and body weights from first to sixth month. Correlation between respiratory infections and pre-weaning mortality were highly significant. Average daily gain in body weight from birth to third month had a highly significant negative correlation with respiratory infection and pre-weaning mortality. Significantly higher litter size at birth in AM crosses over AMB crosses direct to the feasibility of AM genotype of enhancing litter size at birth which might partially be also contributed by use of oestrus synchronization on frozen semen technology in production of AMB crosses. Modulation of litter size at birth by month of birth reflect on the environmental factors influencing the ovulation rate, conception rate and embryonic survival. Monthly body weights from birth to six months was found to be highly superior in AMB crosses indicating the Boer superiority in enhancing body weights of AMB crosses. Significant effect of sire on these trait suggest of the additive genetic effect which might improve body weight in Boer crossbred goats. Contribution of month of birth on bodyweight probably influenced by ambient temperature, availability of biomass, offers potential for improvement of these traits by appropriate managemental strategies. Increased incidence of diseases in AM genetic group with higher pre-weaning mortality is worth for further investigation. ADG 0-3, ADG 0-6 were significantly higher in AMB crosses highlighting the importance of Boer development in improvement of growth rate of goats. The role of month of birth in variations in ADG partially reflect on the environmental conditions can adversely affect the growth rate. Phenotypic correlations, which were positive and highly significant between birth weight, ADG and body weight are suggestive benefits of early selection on birth weights for enhanced, slaughter weights. The negative correlation of ADG and incidence of pneumonia, pre- weaning mortality and enteritis could be used for the development of goats adapted to local climatic conditions.
Open Access
Molecular genetic diversity in dwarf cattle of Kerala
(Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Suprabha, P; KAU; Anilkumar, K
This study was undertaken for finding the molecular genetic diversity among dwarf cattle groups of Kerala namely Vechur, Highrange dwarf, Vatakara and Kasargode using RAPD-PCR technique. Genomic DNA was isolated from 101 animals belonging to the four cattle groups using phenol: chloroform method. The mean yields of DNA isolated from five ml of whole blood was 110.07 ± 9.4 ug and the average ratio between optical densities at 260 and 280 nm was 1.6. The PCR conditions were standardized with respect to annealing temperature (382c), magnesium chloride concentration (1.5 mM) and the amount of Taq DNA polymerase (0.5 units/20 Ill). RAPD-PCR analysis was performed in pooled DNA samples using 26 random oligonucleotides. Individual sample analysis was done by selecting ten primers. The degree of polymorphism obtained for the primers varied from 0 to 100 per cent in different populations. The polymorphism of primers ILO 876, ILO 1127, OPA 20, OPA 12, OPA 09 were higher for all groups tested. ILO 526, OPA 10, OPA 01 and OPA 18 gave moderate levels of polymorphism whereas the polymorphism given by OPA 06 was very low. The primer [LO 1127 produced a distinct band which was present in half of Vechur animals and in one Kasargode cattle. ILO 526 gave a low degree of polymorphism in Kasargode cattle and moderate levels in other groups tested. A predominant population specific band of 2.5 kb was identified in Highrange dwarf cattle with primer OPA 06. When amplified with OPA 20, a band (OPA 20 c) was noticed in Vechur animals with a frequency 0.07 and it was absent in other animals. The primer OPA 18 produced two common bands and the primer OPA 06 produced eight common bands. OPA 014, OPA 09 g and OPA 12 g were the common bands present in all the animals tested when respective primers were used. The band sharing values obtained were higher for Vechur and Vatakara animals (0.83 ± 0.00) and lower for Highrange dwarf and Kasargode animals (0.81 ± 0.00), when within group band sharing was considered. The between group band sharing value varied from 0.80 ± 0.00 (between Highrange dwarf and Kasargode) to 0.83 ± 0.00 (between Vechur and Vatakara). This indicates that Vechur and Vatakara populations are more similar than Highrange dwarf and Kasargode cattle. The least squares analysis of variance of band sharing value showed significant effects (Pprimer on band sharing. The percentage difference values calculated as a measure of genetic divergence between groups were not significantly different between Vechur and Vatakara and between Highrange dwarf and Vatakara. They differed significantly between comparisons of Vechur-Highrange dwarf, Vatakara-Kasargode, Vechur-Kasargode and Highrange dwarf-Kasargode combinations. The mean average percentage difference calculated as a measure of genetic dissimilarities between groups, ranged from 17.93 (between Vechur and Vatakara) to 20.92 (between Highrange dwarf and Kasargode). The genetic distance calculated was lowest between Vechur and Vatakara (0.006) and highest between Highrange dwarf and Kasargode (0.046). The dendrogram prepared showed mixing of animals of different genetic groups. In the present study the molecular genetic diversity among four genetic groups of dwarf cattle in Kerala was estimated using the RAPD-PCR technique. It was observed that the Vechur and the Vatakara animals are genetically more similar than the Highrange dwarf and Kasargode animals.
Open Access
Genetic evaluation of litter traits and viability of desi pigs
(Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Kowsigaraj, P; KAU; Rajan, M R
In a six month study ninety six Desi piglets born in the same period and year were observed for evaluation of certain litter traits, association of gammaglobulin with incidence of disease symptoms and morphological differences based on body measurements. The average birth weight, weaning weight, litter size at birth and weaning, litter weight at birth and weaning were 0.827 ± 0.020 kg, 6.36 ± 0.156 kg, 8 ± 0.520, 6 ± 0.325, 6.621 ± 0.477 kg and 38.160 ± 2.48 kg, respectively. Influence of different factors on birth and weaning weight were worked out by Least squares analysis of variance. The pre-weaning mortality was 25.865 ± 3.107 per cent. The mortality percentage was worked out with respect to birth weight and the causes for the mortality were recorded based on post mortem findings. Maximum mortality occurred in piglets with 0.5 kg weight and below at birth. Gastro-enteritis and pneumonia were found to be the common causes ofpre-weaning mortality. The body weights and body measurements up to 180 days were recorded at monthly intervals. The average body weight at sixth month of age was 25.670 ± 0.250 kg. Maximum growth rate was found from the fourth to sixth month. Body weights and body measurements were positively correlated at all ages. The post- weaning body weight was most influenced by body length. The total body surface area of Desi and Large White Yorkshire pigs were computed by dividing the body into different geometrical figures. Desi pigs excelled the Large White Yorkshire in surface area per kg body weight and the difference was significant (Pgarnmaglobulin was estimated by Zinc Sulphate Turbidity Test and the factors influencing its level were determined by Least squares analysis of variance. Sire, litter size and incidence of diarrhoea had significant (P<0.05) association with serum gammaglobulin level. Serum gammaglobulin level was positively correlated with post-weaning body weights.
Open Access
Utilization of half-sibs information to increase the accuracy of young bull selection
(Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Sajeev Kumar, T; KAU; Stephen Mathew
The present study was conducted to compare the breeding values of bulls in different sire evaluation methods and to explore the possibility of information on dam's yield and half-sibs in sire evaluation methods utilizing the data from Progeny Testing Scheme of KLD Board. Total 25 bulls, which had minimum of fifteen progeny and ten half-sibs were used. Out of 1212 records, progeny and half-sibs had 847 and 365 respectively distributed in 43 centres. The overall mean of first Lactation milk yield (FLMY) of progenies, half-sibs and both together were 2389.0 ± 23.46, 2131.0 ± 36.34 and 2311.3 ± 20.00, kg, respectively. Different centres and years of calving exerted significant effect on FLMY but season and age at first calving did not influence FLMY. Heritability estimate of FLMY was found to be 0.221 ± 0.077. Estimated sire merit (ESM) of bulls were estimated using ten indices viz. based on performance of dam (M), based on performance of paternal half-sibs (HS), based on performance of dam and paternal half-sibs (M+HS), based performance of dam, paternal half-sibs and progeny (M+HS+P), simple daughter average (SDA), contemporary comparison (CC), least squares (LS), KLD Board method, BLUP without considering relationship of sires (BLUP-l) liand BLUP considering relationship of sires (BLUP-2). The range ofESM were '+62.8745 to +396.8055, -157.169 to +287.358, -24.591 to +316.516, -193.877 to + 307.601, kg for M, HS, M+HS and M+HS+P respectively. The SDA and ESM of CC ranges were 2153.8 to 2663.2 and -1628.80 to 1876.58, kg respectively whereas CC index ranged from -258.79 to +406.74, kg. The ESM of LS, KLD Board, BLUP-I and BLUP-2 ranges were -450.92 to +567.69, _ 111.83 to +513.78, -329.8 to +370 and -332.8 to +362.6, kg, respectively. Rankings of sires by different methods were not the same but ranking by SDA, LS and KLD Board method was almost similar with rank and product-moment correlations around one. Ranking by CC, BLUP-l and BLUP-2 were similar with very high rank and product-moment correlations. The average standard error (SE) of SDA, LS, KLD Board, BLUP-l and BLUP- 2 were estimated. BLUP-J followed by BLUP-2 had lowest SE and SDA had the highest. The results are suggestive of opting for BLUP procedures for sire evaluation in Kerala. Additional information on dam and half-sibs did not have much advantage if more progeny records are available for sire evaluation.
Open Access
Genetic and environmental factors influencing growth rate and body weights up to six months in Malabari goat
(Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2003) Jithendrakumar, K B; KAU; Rajan, M R
Goats contribute a major share of the meat produced in India so it is worthwhile to evolve and propagate meat type goats suited for the humid tropics of India particularly to Kerala state. Malabari goat has got high adaptability, crude fibre conversion efficiency and prolificacy. So breeding programs can be developed on that breed to evolve meat type. The effects of sex, type of birth, month of birth, sire and dam's body weight at kidding on birth, weight, weaning weight, weight at 180 days and body weights at fortnightly interval in 113 Malabari kids were assessed. Heritability estimates were made for body weight at different ages. Correlations were worked out on body weights, milk yield and dam's body weight at kidding. This research approach was aimed at ascertaining the feasibility of evolving a selection criteria for the development of a meat type goat. Overall means for birth weight, weaning weight and weight at 180 days were 1.79 ± 0.046, 6.48 ± 0.211 and 11.04 ± 0.322 kg respectively. Sex had a significant effect on birth weight, weaning weight, weight at 180 days, pre- weaning and post-weaning body weights. Means of birth weight, weaning weight and weight at 180 days for male kids were 1.87 ± 0.059,6.77 ± 0.267 and 11.79 ± 0.407 kg and that of females were 1.73 ± 0.046,6.19 ± 0.252 and 10.29 ± 0.384 kg respectively. Males were found to be heavier than females at all stages of growth. Birth type of kids had significant effect on birth weight and pre-weaning body weights and no significant effect was found on weaning weight, post- weaning body weights and weight at 180 days. Means body weights for single, twins, triplets were 2.03 ± 0.070, 1.83 ± 0.049 and 1.54 ± 0.096 kg at birth, 6.96 ± 0.319, 6.46 ± 0.226 and 6.01 ± 0.435 kg at weaning and 11.27 ± 0.487 kg, 10.80 ± 0.344 kg and 11.06 ± 0.664 kg at 180 days of age. Single born kids were found to be the heaviest followed by twins and triplets at birth and weaning. At 180 days of age singles were found to have higher weight, followed by triplets and twins. Singles had higher weights in pre-weaning growth followed by twins and triplets where as twins and triplets showed a compensatory growth in the post-weaning period. Month of birth had a significant effect on pre-weaning weights where as the effect was not significant on birth weight, weaning weight, post-weaning weight and weight at 180 days. Kids born in May, June, July and August had higher weights in pre-weaning growth than those born in September, October, November and January. Sire effect was found to be non significant on body weights at all ages. Heritability estimates of birth weight, weaning weight and weight at 180 days were 0.30 ± 0167, 0.35 ± 01n and 0.35 ± 0.276 respectively. Dam's body weight at kidding was found significant on body weights from 168 days only. Birth weight had significant correlation (0.534) with weaning weight. A significant correlation (O.2()5) was found between weight u\ Wl'llnillg uud IHO d:lY~. Correlations between Birth weight and weight at 180 days was not significant. A significant correlation also noticed between milk yield and the pre-weaning body weights of kids. Correlation of dam's body weight with milk yield (0.379), litter size (0.477) and litter weight (0.558) was found to be significant. Singles had higher body weight from birth to weaning followed by twins and triplets. But it was observed that there was no significant difference among kids of different type of birth in the post-weaning period. The triplets had a compensatory growth during the post-weaning period. Dam's weight at kidding influenced body weight of kids from 168 days. The present study reveals body weight of the mother is the major factor, which decides the type of birth. Higher the weight at kidding larger will be the litter size and level of production of milk. So based on the above result it is suggested that the selection to evolve the meat type of breed should be directed towards type of birth. Body weight of dam is a prime trait to be considered in selection by which the litter size, milk production of dam and body weight of kids at the age of slaughter could be improved.
Open Access
Evaluation of microsatellite markers for paternity testing in cattle
(Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Preethy, M S; KAU; Usha, A P
A study was undertaken to evaluate the efficiency of microsatellite markers for paternity testing in cattle of Kerala. Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood, fresh and frozen semen samples using phenol: chloroform method. DNA samples from 100 genetically unrelated animals were used to determine the polymorphisity of the markers and samples of known pedigree was used to test the inheritance of markers. The mean yield of DNA obtained from 5 ml of whole blood was 388.2 ± 14.3 µg, from fresh semen was 181.15 ± 6.2 µg/400 million sperms and from frozen semen was 116.95 ± 25.2 µg/150 million sperm cells. The optical density ratios (260/280) ranged from 1.64 to 1.81, 1.42 to 1.73, 1.54 to 1.76 and for DNA obtained from blood, fresh and frozen semen respectively. Three microsatellite markers viz., DRB3, ETH131 and FSH out of a panel of tested markers were chosen for the study based on their polymorphicity and ease of typing. The forward primer of each primer pair was end-labelled with  32P-ATP. PCR parameters varied between the primers with respect to annealing temperature (60°C for DRB3 and FSH; 55°C for ETH131) and MgCl2 concentration (1.25 mM for DRB3 and FSH; 1.5 mM for ETH131). The amplified products fractionated by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electropheresis were visualized by autoradiography. The number of alleles was counted and allele sizes assigned by comparison with sequences of M13 DNA run along with PCR products. The frequency of each allele was worked out. Seventeen alleles with sizes ranging from 138-192 bp were identified for DRB3, 11 alleles of size ranges 134-168 bp for ETH131 and nine alleles of size ranges of 184-214 bp were observed for FSH. The heterozygosity values obtained for each locus were 0.8938, 0.8385 and 0.8519 for DRB3, ETH131 and FSH respectively. DRB3 was highly informative with PIC value of 0.8864 followed by FSH (0.8392) and ETH131 (0.8151). The probability of exclusion of incorrect sire was calculated independently for the three markers and the values were 0.7913, 0.6787 and 0.7035 for DRB3, ETH131 and FSH respectively. The combined probability of exclusion obtained with DRB3 and ETH131 was 0.9329 and DRB3 and FSH was 0.9381 and that with ETH131 and FSH was 0.9047. The three markers together yielded a cumulative exclusion probability of 0.9801. Thus the exclusion probability was found to increase with the number of markers. The inheritance pattern of these markers was tested on known sire families. All the three markers agreed with each other in identifying the correct sire and excluding the incorrect one. Though the efficacy of the three markers for paternity testing was found satisfactory, it was concluded that one or two similarly polymorphic markers have to be used along with the markers studied to obtain maximum probability of exclusion of 0.99.
Open Access
Growth and survivability of GH/Msp I genotypes in malabari goats
(Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2004) Bindu Mathew; KAU; Raghavan, K C
etc. Growth hormone gene, due to its essential role in lactation and growth processes, is a perfect candidate marker associated with somatotropic axis. Selection of animals based on the growth hormone genotypes can be introduced in the animal husbandry sector for better production. The present investigation was undertaken to study the growth and survivability of GH/MspI genotypes in Malabari goats at different centers of Badagara, Thalassery, Thanur as well as Malabari conservation unit, Regional Agricultural Research Station, Pilicode. DNA was isolated from 32 bucks, 241 does mated to those bucks and 297 of their progeny using phenol - chloroform extraction method. A 768-bp fragment from third exon to fifth exon containing the polymorphic Msp1 site was amplified well using bovine primers, indicating species homology. The amplified product on digestion with the Msp1 enzyme revealed the GH/Msp1 (+) and (-) alleles. The percentage of incidence of (+/-) genotype was 61.76 and that of (+/+) genotype was 38.24. None of the animals typed were of the GH/Msp1 (-/-) genotype. The genotype frequencies of bucks and does were consistent with the general population. In the specific heterozygous mating (+/- x +/-), 28 per cent of the progenies were (+/+) homozygotes and the rest 72 per cent were heterozygotes (+/-). Early embryonic mortality was not found to be a cause for the absence of the GH/Msp1 -/- genotype as the kidding percentage in heterozygous mating were not different from other types of matings. There was no relationship between growth upto six months of age and GH/Msp1 genotypes. The study confirms a strong heterozygotic advantage for the GH/Msp1 +/- genotype and also the absence of GH/Msp1 -/- genotype in Malabari goats. Presence of duplicate copies of the growth hormone gene in goats may be a possible reason for the above results.

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