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Open Access
Marker assisted selection for milk production traits in vechur cattle
(Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Mannuthy, 2005) Shymaja, Uthaman; Raghunandanan, K V
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
Evaluation of porcine immune responses among different genetic groups
(Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Jeeeba K George; KAU; Rajan, M R
Porcine immune responses were evaluated using PHA skin test and microhaemolytic assay in this study. Investigation was undertaken in three genetic groups namely Desi, Large White Yorkshire and Duroc x Large White Yorkshire. The economic traits studied were birth weight, litter size at birth, weaning litter size and weaning body weight. The cell-mediated immune response was assessed by noting cutaneous response to intradermal injection of phytohaemagglutinin. Humoral immune response was assessed by noting antibody response to sheep red blood cells. Correlation of immune response with growth, disease occurrence and mortality among the littermates were also evaluated. The highest birth weight, body weight at weaning, litter size at birth and weaning were recorded in Duroc x Large White Yorkshire, medium in Large White Yorkshire and least in Desi. The increase in skin thickness at 24, 48 and 72 hour post- injection of PHA-M was highest in Desi, medium in Duroc x Large White Yorkshire and least in Large White Yorkshire. The correlations of cutaneous response to phytohaemagglutinin with pre- weaning mortality among littermates and enteritis were found to be non-significant in Desi, Large White Yorkshire and Duroc x Large White Yorkshire piglets. Among three genetic groups, serum samples from Desi piglets had a higher mean antibody titre on 7th, 14th, 21st day than the other two. Medium titre was noted in Duroc x Large White Yorkshire and least in Large White Yorkshire. Sire effect was highly significant with antibody response on seventh, fourteenth and 21st day post inoculation. The correlations of antibody response to sheep RBC with pre- weaning mortality among littermates and enteritis were also found to be non-significant in Desi, Large White Yorkshire and Duroc x Large White Yorkshire piglets. The effects of sires within Desi, Large White Yorkshire and Duroc x Large White Yorkshire were found to be highly significant (P<0.01) on antibody response to sheep RBC on 7th, 14th and 21st day. Different litter traits had no significant effect on cutaneous response to PHA-M and antibody response to sheep RBC. High heritabilities were estimated for pre-injection skin thickness, cutaneous response to PHA-M at 24, 48, 72 hour post-injection and antibody response to sheep red blood cells on 7th, 14th, 21st day post- inoculation. Correlations of antibody response to sheep RBC on 14th day with cutaneous response to phytohaemagglutinin at 24 hour and 48 hour were found to be non-significant. Antibody response to sheep RBC on 21st day correlated non-significantly with cutaneous response to PHA-M at 24 hour and 48 hour. Antibody response to sheep RBC on 7th, 14th and 21st day associated non-significantly with weaning body weight and pre-weaning mortality. Even though correlations were non-significant, they revealed a negative trend. The association between cutaneous response to PHA-M at 24 hour and birth weight was non-significant.
Open Access
Genetic diversity analysis of goat breeds using microsatellite markers
(Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2005) Amrita Susan, Jacob; KAU; Aravindakshan, T V
The study was undertaken to assess the genetic variability among four goat breeds of South India using microsatellite markers. Three breeds studied were native to Kerala. These were Malabari, Attappadi Black and non-descript goats of Thrissur. The fourth breed, Salem Black, originated in the Salem district of Tamil Nadu. Microsatellite analysis was carried out using four highly polymorphic bovine markers. Blood samples from 30 genetically unrelated animals of each breed were collected and used as a source of DNA. The phenol-chloroform extraction procedure was used and the mean yield of DNA obtained was 361.43±10.73 µg/five ml blood. The four markers selected for the study were, INRA63, ILSTS030, HUJII77 and BM6121. PCR conditions were standardised for all the primers. The forward primer of each primer pair used in the PCR assay was end labeled with γ32P-ATP prior to setting up of the PCR. M13 DNA was sequenced and used as the size standard. The PCR products were separated by denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Detection of the products was done by autoradiography. Gels after electrophoresis were dried and was set for autoradiography with X-ray film in a cassette fitted with intensifying screen. Allele sizes were obtained by comparing with the sequence of M13 single stranded DNA size standard. A total of eleven alleles were detected at the INRA63 locus. The mean heterozygosity and PIC values obtained were 0.774 and 0.743, respectively. Seventeen alleles were detected at the ILSTS30 locus. The mean values of heterozygosity and PIC were 0.878 and 0.866, respectively. Thirteen alleles were detected at the BM6121 locus with mean heterozygosity and PIC values of 0.851 and 0.833, respectively. The HUJII77 locus was the most polymorphic of all the four loci detecting 21 alleles. The mean heterozygosity and PIC values were 0.899 and 0.88, respectively. The allele frequency measures were used to estimate the Nei’s standard genetic distance among the populations using the PHYLIP package. The distance measures ranged from 0.388 to 0.224, with the highest value noticed between Salem Black and non-descript goats of Thrissur and the lowest between Malabari and non-descript animals. A dendrogram was constructed using the POPGENE program which grouped the Salem Black and Attappadi Black goats in one cluster and Malabari and the non-descript goats of Thrissur in another.
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
Chromosome architecture of desi pigs of Kerala
(Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2001) Jayan, K C; KAU; Raghunandanan, K V
A cytogenetic analysis of the chromosomes of black desi pigs of Kerala was carried out. Fifty four black desi pigs housed at the AICRP on pigs: centre for Pig Production and Research, Mannuthy formed the material for study. Forty five Large White Yorkshire pigs were also studied for comparison of the chromosome architecture. Metaphase spreads were obtained by peripheral blood leukocyte culture in RPMI 1640 medium. A combination of pokeweed nitrogen and phytohemagglutinin was used for initiating mitosis. The metaphase spreads were G-banded by incubating them in 2 x SSC containing trypsin solution for 45 minutes at 60°C. The number, morphology and morphometric measurements of chromosomes were studied. The distinct visible bands observed in G-banding was compared to that of the standard G-banded karyotype of pigs. The karyotype revealed in desi pigs a chromosome diploid number of 38 (2n = 19). This consist of six pairs of submetacentric chromosomes, four pairs of metacentric chromosomes, six pairs of acrocentric chromosomes and a pair of sex chromosomes, either XX or XY. The X-chromosome was submetacentric and Y-chromosome metacentric. In Large White Yorkshire pigs included in the present study also the diploid number of chromosomes is 38, with similar morphological characteristics for the chromosomes as that of the desi pigs. Thus in morphology and number of chromosomes, the desi pigs maintained a similarity to that of large White Yorkshire pigs. The relative length of the largest chromosome which was a submetacentric one in both breeds was 11.69 ± 0.19 in desi pigs and 11.35 ± 0.37 in large White Yorkshire pigs. The Y-chromosome was the smallest chromosome in desi and large White Yorkshire pigs. The Y-chromosome had a relative length of 1.95 ± 0.12 in desi pigs and 1.7 ± 0.07 in large White Yorkshire pigs. The relative length of X-chromosome of desi and large White Yorkshire pigs were 4.63 ± 0.25 and 5.01 ± 0.22 respectively. The arm ratio of the submetacentric chromosomes was highest for chromosome 2 in both the breeds. The arm ratio was lowest for chromosome 8 in desi pigs and chromosome 5 in large White Yorkshire pigs. The ann ratio of the X-chromosome was 1.97 ± 0.08 for desi pigs and 1.81 ± 0.15 for the large White Yorkshire pigs. The centromeric index measurements varied from 23.06 ± 0.84 to 42.68 ± 0.71 for desi pigs and 26.2 ± 0.89 to 39.45 ± 1.51 for large White , Yorkshire pigs. The centromeric index value was highest for chromosome 8 and lowest for chromosome 2 in both breeds. The X-chromosome had a Centromeric Index of 32.09 ± 1.17 in desi pigs and 36.33 ± 1.64 in large White Yorkshire pigs. The bands obtained by G-banding of the chromosomes of desi pigs were comparable to the standard G-banded karyotype of pigs.
Open Access
Body weight and its association with age at first calving and milk production in crossbred cattle of Kerala
(Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, 2000) Siddalingswamy Hiremath; KAU; Stephen Mathew
The present study was undertaken with a VIew of estimating body weights of crossbred calves in the field conditions of Kerala at birth, three, six and twelve months of age and to find association of these body weights with age at first calving and first lactation milk yield. The data for the present study were taken from the records of ICAR Field Progeny Testing Scheme of Centre for Advanced Studies in Animal Genetics and Breeding, Kerala Agricultural University. The data were of the 1993-2000 period. Body weights at birth, 3, 6, 12 months and at calving were predicted from body measurements using Minnesota formula given by J ohnson,( 1940). The data were analyzed using least squares analysis of variance to study the effects of non-genetic factors on different traits under study. The data adjusted for significant non-genetic factors .. were used to study the effect of sire and for estimating heritability and correlation among body weights and between body weights and age at first calving and between body weights and first lactation milk yield. The overall average body weights of crossbred calves at birth, 3,6 and 12 months of age were 26.0 ± 0.38 kg, 48.7 ± 1.26 kg, 74.1 ± 2.81 kg and 151.0 ± 7.74 kg, respectively. Least squares analysis of variance has shown that the effect of season of birth was significant (P~0.05) only on body weight at six months of age. The influence of period of birth was significant for all body weights upto one year age except for body weight at six months of age. Centre was a significant source of variation for all body weights upto one year age, The mean Age at First Insemination, Age at first calving and Weight at first calving of crossbred cattle were 689.3 ± 22.9 days, 1013.6 ± 21.74 days and 284.9 ± 7.71 kg respectively. The season of birth did not affect age at first insemination, age at first calving and weight at first calving. The significant (P~0.05) influence of period of birth and centre were 11 observed on age at first insemination and age at first calving only but not on weight at first calving. The effect of period of calving and centre on first lactation milk yield was significant whereas the effect of season of calving and age at first calving did not affect first lactation milk yield. The average first lactation milk yield of crossbred cows was 1958.5 ± 30.74 litres. The sire wise means of body weight at six months of age, weight at first calving and first lactation milk yield did not differ significantly but sire effect was significant (P~0.05) in all the other traits. Heritability estimates were calculated by paternal half sib method for different traits under study. The low heritability estimate was obtained for birth weight, body weight at six months of age, age at first calving and weight at first calving. But the heritability estimates of body weight at three months of age and body weight at twelve months of age were high. Age at first insemination was moderately heritable. The heritability estimate of first lactation milk yield was -0.069 ± 0.05. iii Association among body weights and that between body weights and age at first calving followed no definite trend. However, the genetic correlation (0.46) between body weight at six months and first lactation milk yield and high, positive (> 1) genetic correlation between body weight at twelve months and first lactation milk yield indicates strong genetic association of body weight at six months and body weight at twelve months with first lactation milk yield and their relationship can be used advantageously for selection of heifers for milk production under field conditions

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