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Comparison of femoral inclination angle measurements in dysplastic and nondysplastic dogs of different breeds.

In this study, inclination angle of the femoral head and neck was measured on 484 limbs of 242 dogs belonging to 7 breeds, examined for hip dysplasia. These inclination angles were compared according to age, sex and joint laxity, evaluated with Subluxation Index (SI) and Norberg angle (NA) results. The findings indicate that (a) there was a minimal (nonsignificant) difference in femoral inclination angle between the dysplastic and nondysplastic dogs belonging to 7 breeds; (b) although there was no significant difference in femoral inclination angle between the nondysplastic dogs belonging to 4 breeds (Pointer, Irish Setter, Golden Retriever and German Shepherd), a significant difference was observed between Doberman and Labrador, and between Anatolian Karabash and the other six breeds (p < 0.001). Age and sex did not affect the femoral neck angle.

Animals↗

[Various aspects of the ecology of mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae) from a plains area (Calabria Farms) in Jacarepagua, Rio de Janeiro. V. Breeding grounds].

Results are presented of observations on the breeding places of mosquitoes, carried out in a coastal lowland farm--Granjas Calábria, in Jacarepguá, city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The majority of species preferred breeding places on the ground, chiefly the natural ones, but also developed in those originated from human activities. Cx. saltanensis and the species belonging to the Aedini tribe, such as Ae. scapularis, Ae. taeniorhynchus, Ps. ciliata, Ps. confinnis and Ps. pseudomelanota were more abundant in temporary breeding places, while Ma. titillans, Cx. amazonensis, Cx. chidesteri, Cx. bidens, Cx. declarator, Cx. nigripalpus and Cx. plectoporpe occurred usually in the permanent ones. Some species were collected in natural recipients: Cx. ocellatus, the Cx. (Microculex), Ph. davisi, Ph. deanei and Wy. forcipenis, in bromeliads; Ae. terrens, Cx. imitator and Cx. gairus, in tree-holes; and Wy. leucostigma, in the submerged Typha dominguensis leaf axils. Cx. gairus was found for the first time breeding in artificial containers, which were also preferred by Cx. corniger, Cx. quinquefasciatus and Li. durhami.

Animals↗

[Mass production of Romanomermis iyengari (Nematoda: Mermithidae) applied to anopheline breeding sites in Boa Vista (Roraima), Brazil].

In order to begin mass producing the nematode Romanomermis iyengari Welch, a bioprocessing plant was designed and set up on the grounds of Universidad Federal in the State of Roraima, Brazil, after reaching an agreement with the State's Health Department. The objective of this paper was to establish the basic process for mass breeding the parasite in order to apply it to anopheline breeding sites. Cultures were obtained at a rate of 68 during every seven-day cycle, making for a total of 272 cultures a month. Before treatments were applied in the field, laboratory tests were conducted that showed the great susceptibility of anopheline larvae to infestation by R. iyengari, with parasitism rates ranging from 71 to 98%. In order to assess the parasitizing capacity of R. iyengari in actual field conditions, 12 natural anopheline breeding sites were chosen, each ranging in size between 50 and 450 m2. The species Anopheles albitarsis Lynch-Arribálzaga and Anopheles rondoni Neiva-Pinto were detected there, at densities that ranged from 34 to 66 larvae/m2. The biolarvicide was sprayed in all 12 breeding sites with a domestically manufactured pump set at a pressure of two atmospheres and a dose of 2,000 preparasites/m2. Seven days after treatments were performed, anopheline populations were markedly reduced (85 to 97%). Results obtained point to the feasibility of using R. iyengari to control larval populations of both species of anophelines.

Animals↗

Stereological evaluation of Sertoli cell ontogeny during fetal and neonatal life in two diverse breeds of swine.

Chinese Meishan (MS) boars have smaller testes due to fewer Sertoli cells compared with White Composite (WC) boars. The objective was to describe Sertoli cell development relative to circulating FSH concentrations in fetal and neonatal MS and WC boars. Testes and blood samples were collected on days 60, 75, 90 and 105 postcoitum (dpc) and 1, 7, 14 and 25 postpartum (dpp). One testis was immunostained for GATA4 or Ki67 antigen to evaluate total and proliferating Sertoli cell numbers respectively. Testicular size was greater (P<0.01) in WC than MS boars at all ages, associated with a greater mass of interstitial tIssue. Tubular mass (P<0.01) was greater in prenatal WC boars, but postnatally increased more rapidly (P<0.001) in MS boars, exceeding WC boars by 25 dpp. Sertoli cell numbers increased with age, was greater (P<0.001) in WC than MS boars during prenatal development but increased rapidly (P<0.01) by 1 dpp in MS and thereafter was similar in both breeds. The proportion of Ki67-positive Sertoli cells was maximal at 90 dpc, declining thereafter, did not differ between breeds through 7 dpp, but was greater (P<0.05) in WC than MS boars at 14 and 25 dpp. Plasma FSH concentrations were greater (P<0.05) in WC than MS boars at 75 dpc. FSH concentrations were elevated at 105 dpc (MS) and 1 dpp (WC) but declined thereafter with advancing postnatal age in both breeds. This study illustrates that late gestation represents the period of maximal Sertoli cell proliferation. Despite asynchronous Sertoli cell population growth between breeds during early postnatal life, differential mature Sertoli cell numbers and testicular size are probably due to differences in duration of the proliferative period after 25 dpp, potentially regulated by Sertoli cell maturation and blood-testis barrier formation. These events were not associated with fetal or early postnatal changes in FSH secretion.

Animals↗

Quantification of measurement of femoral head coverage and Norberg angle within and among four breeds of dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To report values for percentage coverage of the femoral head (PC) and Norberg angle (NA) in 4 common breeds of dogs and to determine values for each that distinguish between normal and dysplastic hip status on the basis of Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) hip evaluation. ANIMALS: 1,841 dogs 24 to 48 months of age that were Labrador Retrievers (455), Golden Retrievers (423), Rottweilers (545), or German Shepherd Dogs (418). PROCEDURE: Retrospective analysis of NA and PC measured from standard OFA ventrodorsal pelvic radiographs from 4 breeds of dog. RESULTS: Norberg angle ranged from 67.4 to 124.4 degrees for Labrador Retrievers, 59.7 to 128.6 degrees for Rottweilers, 70.2 to 119.4 degrees for Golden Retrievers, and 55.3 to 121.3 degrees for German Shepherd Dogs. The PC ranged from 6.5 to 79.9% for Labrador Retrievers, 5.7 to 79.5% for Rottweilers, 8.3 to 79.3% for Golden Retrievers, and 5.4 to 83.7% for German Shepherd Dogs. On the basis of logistic regression modeling for determining normal versus abnormal hip status for all 4 breeds, cutoff points for NA were <105 degrees and PC were <50%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results of our study indicate that cutoff points of NA of 105 degrees and PC of 50% do not differentiate normal versus dysplastic hip status. Each of the 4 breeds had different values for NA and PC that distinguished normal from dysplastic hip status.

Animals↗

Comparison of ultrasonographic characteristics of the thyroid gland in healthy small-, medium-, and large-breed dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine ultrasonographic characteristics of the thyroid gland in healthy small-, medium-, and large-breed dogs and evaluate the relationships of thyroid gland size and volume with body weight and body surface area (BSA). ANIMALS: 72 dogs of small (6 Toy and 6 Miniature Poodles), medium (12 Beagles), and large breeds (12 Akitas and 36 Golden Retrievers). PROCEDURE: Each dog's thyroid gland was examined ultrasonographically with a 10- to 5-MHz multifrequency linear-array transducer. Size, shape, echogenicity, and homogeneity of thyroid lobes were evaluated on longitudinal and transverse images. Thyroid lobe volume was estimated by use of the equation for an ellipsoid (pi/6 [length x height x width]). RESULTS: Thyroid lobes appeared fusiform or elliptical on longitudinal images and triangular or round to oval on transverse images. In most dogs, thyroid lobes were hyperechoic or isoechoic, compared with surrounding musculature, and had a homogeneous echogenic pattern. Mean length, width, height, and volume of thyroid lobes were significantly greater in Akitas and Golden Retrievers, compared with findings in Beagles or Poodles; mean length, width, and height were significantly greater in Beagles, compared with findings in Poodles. Total thyroid gland volume correlated with body weight (r = 0.73) and BSA (r = 0.74). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Among the dog breeds examined ultrasonographically, thyroid lobe size and volume were more variable than shape, echogenicity, and homogeneity. The correlation of thyroid gland volume with BSA suggests that size of the dog, rather than breed, should be considered when assessing thyroid glands ultrasonographically.

Analysis of Variance↗

Correlation between severity of clinical signs and motor evoked potentials after transcranial magnetic stimulation in large-breed dogs with cervical spinal cord disease.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate use of transcranial magnetic motor evoked potentials for assessment of the functional integrity of the cervical spinal cord in large-breed dogs with cervical spinal cord disease. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, masked study. ANIMALS: 10 healthy large-breed control dogs and 25 large-breed dogs with cervical spinal cord diseases. PROCEDURE: Affected dogs were allocated to 3 groups on the basis of neurologic status: signs of neck pain alone, ambulatory with ataxia in all limbs, or nonambulatory. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was performed on each dog with the same standard technique. Motor evoked potentials (MEP) were recorded from electrodes inserted in the tibialis cranialis muscle. Following the procedure, each dog was anesthetized and cervical radiography, CSF analysis, and cervical myelography were performed. The MEP latencies and amplitudes were correlated with neurologic status of the dogs after correction for neuronal path length. RESULTS: Mean MEP latencies and amplitudes were significantly different between control dogs and dogs in each of the 3 neurologic categories, but were not significantly different among dogs in the 3 neurologic categories. A linear association was evident between MEP latencies and amplitudes and severity of neurologic deficits; the more severe the neurologic deficits, the more prolonged the latencies and the more decreased the amplitudes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Transcranial magnetic MEP are useful to assess severity of cervical spinal cord disease in large-breed dogs. Impairment of the functional integrity of the cervical spinal cord was found even in dogs with neck pain alone.

Animals↗

Effect of phenotypic expression of Brahman breeding on marbling and tenderness traits.

Steers with known proportions of Brahman and Hereford breeding (80 quarter-bloods, 25% Brahman x 75% Hereford and 79 half-bloods, 50% Brahman x 50% Hereford) were used to determine the effect of phenotype on marbling and beef tenderness characteristics. Three experienced evaluators independently classified each live steer according to estimated proportion of Brahman breeding based on phenotypic evidence of Brahman breed characteristics. The steers were slaughtered, their carcasses were graded, and a carcass. Samples of longissimus muscle were obtained for measurement of 24-h calpastatin activity, sensory panel evaluation, and Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS) force measurements. Paired steaks were aged (6 and 18 d postmortem) and palatability determinations were completed. Estimates of live animal phenotype ranged from 0/16 to 9/16 for quarter-blood Brahman steers and from 1/14 to 13/16 for half-blood Brahman steers. Neither live animal phenotype nor carcass hump height was correlated with marbling score. Live animal phenotype was correlated (P < .01) with taste panel tenderness ratings (rd6 = -.36; rd18 = .36) and shear force values (rd6 = .36; rd18 = .30). Moreover, carcass hump height exhibited low, negative correlations (P < .05) with panel tenderness scores (rd6 = -.16; rd18 = -.28) and low, positive correlations (P < .10) with shear force (rd6 = .13; rd18 = .16). Steaks from steers classified as more than 3/8 Brahman were tougher (P < .05) than steaks from steers classified as 3/8 or less Brahman. Steaks from carcasses with hump height measurements of 7.60 cm or greater had lower panel tenderness ratings and higher WBS values (P < .05) than steaks from carcasses with hump heights less than 6.35 cm. Quarter-blood and half-blood Brahman steers that were similar in phenotype produced steaks that were similar in tenderness. Results of this study suggest that as phenotypic evidence of Brahman breeding increases the tenderness of cooked steaks from Brahman crossbred steers decreases.

Animals↗

Effects of stair-step nutrition and trace mineral supplementation on attainment of puberty in beef heifers of three sire breeds.

A study was conducted to evaluate the influence of nutrition and sire breed on age at puberty and first lactation milk yield in crossbred beef heifers. After weaning, 208 heifers sired by Hereford, Limousin, or Piedmontese bulls were assigned to either a control (CG) or stair-step gain (SSG) dietary regimen plus a mineral supplement with or without Cu, Zn, and Mn top-dressed onto the feed. Heifers on the SSG regimen were fed a diet intended to supply energy to support gains at a rate of 120% of the CG diet for 55 d and then were switched to a diet formulated to produce an ADG at 70% of the rate of the CG diet for 84 d. They then switched back to the 120% diet for the last 30 d before breeding. Total weight gain and overall rate of gain did not differ among dietary treatments. Hereford- and Limousin-sired heifers gained at similar rates, and Piedmontese-sired heifers gained an average of .10 kg/d slower than the other two sire breed groups. During one period, Piedmontese-sired heifers on the CG diet gained .19 kg/d faster ( P < . 01) when supplemented with mineral than when not. During that same period, there was no influence of mineral supplementation on weight gains for Hereford- or Piedmontese-sired heifers on the high SSG diet, but Limousin-sired heifers tended (P = .07) to gain faster (1.00 vs .85 kg/d) when supplemented with Cu, Zn, and Mn than when not. Piedmontese-sired heifers reached puberty at the earliest age (P = .03), followed by Hereford- and then Limousin-sired heifers. There were no treatment effects on milk yield at an average of 70 d of lactation. However, at approximately 120 d of lactation, Piedmontese-sired heifers were producing less milk (P < .05) than Limousin- but not Hereford-sired heifers. Hereford-sired heifers had lower (P < .05) plasma Cu concentrations than Piedmontese-sired heifers. There were no treatment effects on plasma Zn concentrations. Heifers sired by bulls of breeds that differ in potential muscularity differed in growth, reproduction, milk yield, and plasma mineral concentrations, but dietary treatments resulted in little to no differences in these variables.

Animal Feed↗

Hormonal regulation of calcium homeostasis in two breeds of dogs during growth at different rates.

Growing giant-breed dogs are more susceptible to developing skeletal disorders than small-breed dogs when raised on diets with deficient or excessive Ca content. Differential hormonal regulation of Ca homeostasis in dogs with different growth rates was investigated in Great Danes (GD, n = 9) and Miniature Poodles (MP, n = 8). All animals were raised on the same balanced diet and under identical conditions. Calciotropic and growth-regulating hormones were measured. Production and clearance of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25[OH]2D3) were investigated with the aid of [3H]-1,25(OH)2D3 and renal messenger RNA abundance of 1 alpha-hydroxylase and 24-hydroxylase. Intestinal, renal, and skeletal Ca handling were evaluated with the aid of 45Ca balance studies. Skeletal development was evaluated by radiology and histomorphometry. Great Danes had greater (P < 0.001) growth rates than MP, as indicated by the 17-fold greater body weight gain, by increased longitudinal growth reflected in the increased (P < 0.05) gain in length of the radius and ulna, and by increased (P < 0.001) growth plate thickness. These findings were accompanied in GD by greater (P < 0.05) plasma GH and IGF-I concentrations. Effects were observed for vitamin D3 metabolism, such as greater (P < 0.01) plasma 1,25(OH)2D3 concentrations due to decreased (P < 0.01) clearance rather than increased production of 1,25(OH)2D3, and decreased (P < 0.01) plasma 24,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (24,25[OH]2D3) concentrations likely due to competitive inhibition of the production of 24,25(OH)2D3. These findings were accompanied in both breeds by a limited hormonal regulation of Ca and P absorption at the intestinal level, and in GD by increased (P < 0.05) renal reabsorption of inorganic P (Pi) compared with MP, resulting in greater (P < 0.01) Pi retention and greater (P < 0.01) plasma Pi concentrations. Bone turnover, resorption, and formation were greater (P < 0.01) in GD than in MP. In addition, GD had more irregular (P < 0.01) growth plates than MP, accompanied by disorders of endochondral ossification. It is suggested that in GD, increased calcitonin levels and/or a relative deficiency in 24,25(OH)2D3 at the growth-plate level may both be responsible for the retarded maturation of chondrocytes, resulting in retained cartilage cones and osteochondrosis, and this may be a pathophysiological factor for the increased susceptibility of large breed dogs to developing skeletal disorders.

Aging↗

Performance of hair sheep composite breeds: resistance of lambs to Haemonchus contortus.

This study was designed to evaluate breed differences in resistance to Haemonchus contortus in lambs. A total of 181 ewe lambs representing crossbred Dorsets (DO) and Dorpers (DP; out of 1/2-Dorset, 1/4-Rambouillet, 1/4-Finnsheep ewes) and straight-bred Katahdins (KT) were evaluated over 3 yr. An additional 144 DO, DP, KT, and Barbados Blackbelly x St. Croix (HH) wethers were evaluated over 2 yr. Lambs were weaned at 60 to 90 d of age. After deworming at about 4 mo of age, ewe lambs received approximately 10,000 infective larvae and were evaluated for parasite resistance in drylot, whereas wethers were evaluated on pasture under conditions of natural infection. Each sex was analyzed separately. Egg counts per gram of feces (FEC), log-transformed FEC (LFEC), packed cell volumes (%), and body weights (kg) measured at 3, 4, 5, and 6 wk after deworming and reinfection were analyzed. Breed influenced all traits (P < 0.05) except BW in ewe lambs and PCV in wethers. Year and week influenced (P < 0.05) all traits. At most times, DP had the highest FEC, DO had the lowest PCV, and KT and HH had lower FEC and higher PCV than either DO or DP. Clearly, Dorper sheep were not more resistant to parasites than DO, but they were able to cope with infection better by maintaining similar or higher (P < 0.05) PCV and similar BW. Katahdin and HH were more resistant, with lower FEC (P < 0.05) than DO or DP. Breed differences were more apparent when infection levels were higher; DO and DP were less affected when infection levels were low and when animals were on a better plane of nutrition. Caribbean hair sheep originated in hot, humid regions of West Africa. They and the derivative Katahdin breed seem relatively resistant to parasitism. The Dorper, in contrast, was developed in more arid regions and exhibited little parasite resistance.

Animals↗

Maintenance of body temperature in the neonatal lamb: effects of breed, birth weight, and litter size.

To survive, the newborn lamb must be able to maintain body temperature and to stand and move to the udder to suck colostrum to fuel heat production. The objective of this study was to investigate whether neonatal lambs showing slow behavioral progress to standing and sucking also have an impaired ability to maintain body temperature. The time taken to stand and suck after birth, rectal temperatures, and blood samples were collected from 115 newborn single, twin, and triplet lambs of 2 breeds, Scottish Blackface and Suffolk, which are known to show variations in their neonatal behavioral progress. Blood samples were assayed for thyroid hormones, known to be involved in heat production, and cortisol, which plays a role in tissue maturation before birth. In addition, colostrum samples were collected from the 56 ewes that gave birth to the lambs, and assayed for protein, fat, and vitamin contents. Heavy lambs (more than 1 SD above the breed mean), Blackface lambs, and singleton or twin lambs were quicker to stand and suck from their mothers than lightweight (more than 1 SD below the breed mean), Suffolk, or triplet lambs. Low birth weight lambs also had lower rectal temperatures than heavier lambs (P < 0.01), as did Suffolk compared with Blackface lambs (P < 0.001). Lambs that were slow to suck after birth had lower rectal temperatures than quick lambs, and this difference persisted for at least 3 d after birth. Within breed, heavy lambs had greater plasma triiodothyronine and thyroxine immediately after birth than light lambs. Blackface lambs had greater plasma triiodothyronine and thyroxine than Suffolk lambs but tended to have less cortisol. Colostrum produced by Blackface ewes had a greater fat content than that of Suffolk ewes (P < 0.001). Thus, lambs that are behaviorally slow at birth are also less able to maintain their body temperature after birth. Although part of their lower body temperature might be attributable to behavioral influences on thermoregulation, the data also suggest that physiological differences exist between these animals. These differences may be related to different degrees of maturity at birth.

Animals↗

Breed-associated variations in the sequence of the pig 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase gene.

The entire sequence of the pig 3beta-hy-droxysteroid dehydrogenase (3beta-HSD) gene has recently become known. This gene is deemed to be important in androstenone metabolism in pig liver, and its defective expression has been shown to be related to androstenone accumulation in adipose tissue and the development of boar taint. The aim of the present work was to do the following: 1) define the structure of the pig 3beta-HSD gene and 2) compare 3beta-HSD DNA sequences from pigs of different breeds, which vary in adipose tissue androstenone levels, with the purpose of identifying a polymorphism that might be responsible for differential 3beta-HSD expression. The 5'flanking and the coding region of 3beta-HSD were cloned and sequenced by conventional techniques. The 3beta-HSD coding regions were identical in pigs of different breeds and in animals with high and low androstenone levels. Significant sequence variations were found in the 5'flanking region of the 3beta-HSD gene, where differences in the number of TTAT repeats and 3 SNP were observed. The SNP were associated with the number of the TTAT repeats. These variations in the DNA sequence of the 3beta-HSD gene were not associated with the androstenone level in s.c. adipose tissue but were breed-dependent. The results of this work might be used for detection of the presence of Meishan genes in Western pig breeds, especially if the phenotype is not clearly established.

3-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases↗

Effect of level of energy intake and influence of breed and sex on the chemical composition of cattle.

Chemical composition of the empty body was determined in 159 animals slaughtered at weights ranging from 121 to 706 kilograms. Holstein and Angus bulls, steers and heifers were fed at two energy levels: ad libitum and 65 to 70% ad libitum. The allometric equation, Y = aXb, was used to determine the effect of energy intake and the influence of breed and sex on the accretion rates of the chemical components relative to the growth of the empty body or fat-free empty body. Group comparisons for chemical composition were made after adjustment by regression to a common empty body weight. The expression of the sex influence on the accretion rates of water, protein and ash relative to the empty body depended on the breed and the energy intake level considered. The accretion rate of chemical fat was not influenced by sex. Genetic differences in the accretion rate relative to the empty body were detected only among animals in the high energy intake group. Regardless of sex, the accretion rates of protein and ash were more rapid (P < .05) in Holsteins than in Angus. However, a breed influence on the accretion rate of chemical fat was detected only among bulls, where Angus had a more rapid accretion rate. Feeding animals at two energy levels resulted in different accretion rates relative to the empty body. In the Angus breed, regardless of sex, the accretion rates of water, protein and ash were more rapid (P < .05) in the low intake group, whereas the accretion rate of chemical fat was slower (P < .05). Among Holsteins, the low energy intake level had a less definite effect; for bulls, the accretion rates of water and chemical fat were more rapid (P < .05) and slower (P < .05), respectively; for steers, and accretion rate of protein was more rapid (P < .05), and for heifers, none of the accretion rates was altered.

Animals↗

Effect of level of energy intake and influence of breed and sex on muscle growth and distribution in the bovine carcass.

Growth and distribution of muscle in the trunk, and thoracic and pelvic limbs were studied in 141 cattle ranging in slaughter weight from 121 to 706 kilograms. Holstein and Angus bulls, steers and heifers were fed at two levels of energy: ad libitum and 65 to 70% of ad libitum. The allometric equation Y = aXb was used to examine the effects of energy intake and of breed and sex on the rate of muscle growth of the three joints relative to the carcass side or to total muscle in the carcass side. Group comparisons of muscle distribution in the three joints were made after adjustment by regression to a total muscle weight of 53.1 kilograms. In both breeds, and irrespective of the level of energy intake, sex did not influence (P greater than .05) growth rate of muscle in the thoracic and pelvic limbs relative to the carcass side or to total muscle. However, sex was found to affect growth rate of muscle in the trunk relative to the carcass side. Generally, neither level of energy intake nor breed altered (P greater than .05) growth rate of muscle in the three joints relative to the carcass side or total muscle. The distribution of muscle in the three joints adjusted to a total muscle weight of 53.1 kg was generally not influenced (P greater than .05) by sex or altered (P greater than .05) by the level of energy intake. Breed influenced (P less than .05) the distribution of muscle in the trunk and pelvic limb; however, the commercial importance of this difference is questionable.

Abdomen↗

Performance of crosses among Hereford, Angus and Simmental cattle with different levels of Simmental breeding. I. Preweaning growth and survival.

Performance through weaning of 543 calves raised on 3-yr-old and older Hereford dams was studied. Calf breed groups were straightbred Hereford, 50% Angus-50% Hereford, 25% Simmental-75% Hereford and 50% Simmental-50% Hereford. Breed group was a significant source of variation for gestation length, birth weight, calving difficulty, late survival (from 24 h to weaning), percentage of calves weaned per cow calving, 180-d weight, 180-d withers height and 180-d weight:height ratio. Breed group differences were not significant for early survival or weaning condition score and approached significance (P less than .10) for net kilograms weaned (zero if no calf was weaned and 180-d weight if a calf was weaned). Fifty percent Simmental calves had the heaviest birth weight (41.4 kg), most calving difficulty (1.19 score), heaviest 180-d weight (200.5 kg) and tallest 180-d height (101.3 cm). Fifty percent Simmental calves also had the longest gestation length (287.5 d), lowest late survival rate (95%) and largest weight:height ratio (2.00), although they did not differ significantly in the first two traits from 25% Simmentals and in the latter trait from 50% Angus. Herefords differed (P less than .05) from 50% Simmentals in all traits for which breed group was significant except for percentage of calves weaned. Fifty percent Angus and 25% Simmental calves were similar to Herefords for many traits.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animal Population Groups↗

Breed group differences in testicular growth patterns in spring-born ram lambs.

Three groups of spring-born ram lambs were used to assess breed group differences in testicular growth patterns through 5 mo of age. Group 1 included 20 3/4-Finnish Landrace (Finn), 1/4-Rambouillet rams and 31 1/8-Finn, 7/8-Rambouillet rams. Group 2 included 23 3/4-Finn, 1/4-Dorset rams and 19 1/8-Finn, 7/8-Dorset rams. Group 3 included 21 black-faced (BF) rams (six Hampshire and 15 Suffolk) and 46 whitefaced (WF) rams (nine Dorset, 20 Barbados Blackbelly X Dorset, 10 Finn X Dorset and six Dorset X Finn). Scrotal circumference (C) was measured at 19, 43, 72, 100, 128 and 153 d in Group 1; at 20, 48, 76, 93 and 153 d in Group 2 and at 40, 60, 81, 103, 124 and 158 d in Group 3. Breed group X age interaction was tested to assess breed group differences in testicular growth patterns, and logistic curves were used to describe increases in scrotal circumference with age. In Group 1, 3/4-Finn and 1/8-Finn rams were similar in estimated final scrotal circumference at 150 d of age (260 and 259 mm, respectively), but rapid testicular growth began earlier in 3/4-Finn rams. The estimated age at which the growth rate in scrotal circumference was maximum was 81 d for 3/4-Finn rams and 93 d for 1/8-Finn rams. No differences were observed in testicular growth in Group 2 rams. However, in Group 3, smaller WF rams matured more rapidly than larger BF rams. Growth in scrotal circumference was most rapid at 99 d in BF rams and 88 d in WF rams. Within WF rams, Barbados Blackbelly X Dorset and Finn X Dorset rams matured earlier than Dorsets. In all groups, the primary breed difference was associated with age differences during the period of rapid testicular growth.

Age Factors↗

Breed differences in return to estrus after PGF2 alpha-induced abortions in swine.

Fifty-seven Duroc, 41 Landrace and 38 Yorkshire purebred sows in d 10 to 53 of pregnancy were aborted to synchronize estrus by using prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha). Breed differences in time between injection of two 10-mg doses of PGF2 alpha and return to estrus were observed in these three breeds of pregnant sows during two breeding seasons. Duroc sows returned to estrus .9 d faster (P less than .01) than Yorkshire and 1.3 d faster (P less than .01) than Landrace sows. Seasonal differences were also observed. The mean days from injection to estrus were 1.8 d fewer (P less than .01) for the spring season than in the fall season. All sows expressed estrus 5 to 11 d after injection. Normal gestation, parturition and piglet survival were observed in the sows after the treatment. Genetic differences in response to induced abortion and return to estrus could have implications in planned breeding and farrowing systems.

Abortifacient Agents↗