187,812 research outputs found
MC1R gene: comparison between different farm animal species
No full textIl gene MC1R: confronto fra diverse specie animali di interesse zootecnico. Negli animali di interesse zootecnico, il polimorfismo del gene MC1R coinvolto nella pigmentazione è stato studiato a livello molecolare soltanto nell’ultimo decennio. Si sono confrontate descrizioni fenotipiche e polimorfismi del gene MC1R in alcune razze bovine (Rendena, Bruna, Cabannina, Ottonese-Varzese e Pezzata Rossa) e nel cavallo (62 animali). Tutti gli animali feomelanici sono portatori delle mutazioni recessive allo stato omozigote indipendentemente dalla tonalità del mantello. I cavalli neri sono portatori dell’allele selvatico del gene MC1R e della mutazione recessiva del gene ASIP allo stato omozigote. Nei cavalli bai e nelle altre razze bovine studiate è presente, almeno allo stato eterozigote, l’allele selvatico. Nella Bruna e nella Cabannina è presente anche l’allele E1. Nel gene MC1R, sequenziato in capre di razza Bionda dell’Adamello e Nera di Verzasca, si è evidenziata l’unica mutazione descritta in letteratura. I risultati sono stati confrontati con le informazioni disponibili nella specie murina e umana.Coat colour genes in farm animals have only been studied at molecular level over the last ten years, starting with Klungland et al. in 1995. Among the genes involved in pigmentation, MC1R, previously known as Extension locus, revealed polymorphisms related to red and black coat colour in different farm animal species. More exactly, the MelanoCortin-1 Receptor (MC1R) gene, specifically expressed in melanocytes, encodes for the homonymous G-protein coupled receptor involved in the regulation of the type of melanin synthesized. Melanocytes produce in fact two different types of melanins: the black or brown eumelanin and the yellow or red pheomelanin. The hair distribution of eu- and pheomelanins depends on the activity of MC1R, which is normally modulated by response to the melanocortin hormone, antagonized by the action of Agouti protein encoded by the ASIP gene. We previously studied the MC1R polymorphisms in some cattle reared in Italy (Crepaldi et al., 2003) and we now present the data on MC1R in other Italian cattle breeds, horses and goats. The aim of this work is to compare the pigmentary phenotypes and causative MC1R mutations in different farm animals and model species, such as mouse and human, in order to highlight differences and similarities between phenotypes and MC1R polymorphisms. The relationship between phenotypes and Agouti locus is also discussed
SNPs in coat colour genes in goats
No full textCoat colour genes are useful candidates for breeds traceability of farm animals. To identify SNPs in genes involved in pigmentation in goat, we carried out in silico studies in human, mouse and cattle. We analysed 41 genes and we found: 88 SNPs in mouse, 29 synonymous and 59 non synonymous; 279 SNPs in humans, 121 synonymous and 158 non synonymous, 78 of which validated; 147 putative SNPs in cattle, 62 synonymous and 75 non synonymous, 10 of which validated. To identify the more interesting coding regions, we collected in these species information on pigmentation traits or on pathologies associated to different mutation. In goat, molecular information were available only on 7 genes and no SNP is reported, moreover poor information exists on association between mutations and different coat colour. Starting from the information collected in mouse, human and cattle, we obtained PCR products in goat for 61 exons in 36 genes. The PCR products were sequenced and checked for homology with the target sequences. Sequences on 8 animals from 4 breeds (Alpine, Saanen, Blonde of Adamello, Orobica) characterised by different coat colour phenotypes have been compared, revealing 25 SNPs (11 synonymous, 14 non synonymous) in 21 genes
DALLA DOMESTICAZIONE ALLA GENOMICA, COME L’UOMO MODIFICA LE SPECIE ANIMALI CHE ALLEVA
No full textThe paper briefly reviews the main steps of animal breeding starting from livestock domestication. The
major cultural changes in biology comprehension during XIX and XX centuries are reported with some
emphasis on the meaning of the infinitesimal model interpreting quantitative phenotypes. Genomic analysis,
dominant on the scenes since the beginning of this century, is explored in a wider way. Genomic selection,
production traceability and association between economic traits and specific regions of genome are briefly
discussed
AI Meets Tradition: Enhancing Italian Small Ruminant Biodiversity through Breed Identification
No full textThe conservation and sustainable management of Italian small ruminant breeds are crucial for preserving livestock
biodiversity. Italy counts over 100 sheep and goat breeds, often raised in extensive farming systems and
mountainous and marginal areas, many of which hold high cultural and environmental value. Their presence supports
rural economies and contributes to the identity and landscape of regions with strong tourist appeal. However,
many local breeds are at risk due to limited distribution and declining populations. One key challenge in their
management is the correct registration of an animal to a breed, traditionally based on expert morphological evaluation
and assessment of standard adherence. Artificial intelligence (AI), particularly deep learning techniques, offers
innovative solutions to support this sector. A promising application, explored in few studies with encouraging
results, is the development of AI-powered image-based classification tools for breed identification. Extending this
approach to a broader scale could have significant practical implications. With photographic data collected under
diverse conditions and image augmentation techniques, it becomes possible to build a robust and efficient system
adaptable to the morphological variability of local breeds. Also, georeferencing images might be especially valuable,
as many populations are strongly localized in specific regions; spatial data could thus enhance breed recognition,
even in cases of high phenotypic variability or morphological similarity between breeds. A possible outcome
of this approach could be a user-friendly mobile application to assist breeders, technicians, and associations in
breed identification and registration, streamlining procedures and minimizing animal handling. Additionally, such
a tool could serve an educational purpose, providing users—including tourists and local communities—with information
about each breed’s history, risk status, and typical products. By raising public awareness and fostering
a connection between people and livestock biodiversity, this AI-based solution may contribute to the conservation
and valorization of Italy’s small ruminant heritage, while supporting the resilience of rural areas
Factors affecting milk production and prolificacy of Alpine goats in Lombardy (Italy)
No full textIn order to evaluate the adaptation of a newly introduced breed and of a production system, the effects of herd-year, season of kidding, parity, and, where appropriate, prolificacy on milk yield, lactation length and prolificacy of Alpine goats in the Italian region of Lombardy were investigated. Analysis of two consecutive years, 1298 lactation records, from 34 herds, gave mean values (±SE) of 567±6 kg for milk yield, 231±1 days for lactation length and 1.6±0.01 kids per kidding. Milk yield and lactation length were primarily influenced by the herd-year factor (p<0.001, partial R 2 0.68 and 0.55, respectively) which mainly reflects differences in herd management. Milk yield was also affected by season of kidding (p<0.001, partial R 2 0.4), parity (p<0.001, partial R 2 0.03) and litter size (p<0.001, partial R 2 0.01). Lactation length was also affected by parity (p<0.001 R 2 0.16) and season of kidding (p<0.001 R 2 0.06) Prolificacy was affected by parity and by herd-year factor (p<0.001, partial R 2 0.09). Kidding early in the year gave higher milk yields, longer lactations and higher prolificacy, but in the choice of the kidding season also the higher prices of kid meat just before Easter have to be considered. Maximum milk yield and prolificacy were attained late (in 4th and 5th lactation), probably due to early age at first kidding. The relevant effect of the herd-year factor indicates that performances of Alpine goats in Lombardy can be successfully improved with an adequate management. Our findings confirm that litter size should not be ignored when establishing correction factors in order to compare milk yields
Analisi di geni candidati nelle variazioni quanti-qualitative della frazione lipidica del latte caprino
No full textSurdez e alteridade: expressões religiosas das crianças surdas
No full textResumo da dissertação de mestradoSOUZA, Jacqueline Crepaldi. Surdez e alteridade: expressões religiosas das crianças surdas. 2016. Dissertação (Mestrado), Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências da Religião, Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte.</p
Biologia molecolare e miglioramento genetico delle caratteristiche quali-quantitative del latte ovi-caprino.
No full textIn questi ultimi anni le richieste sia dei consumatori che dell’industria di trasformazione dei prodotti di origine animale si sono orientate sempre più a favore della qualità. La crescente consapevolezza del legame esistente tra dieta e salute ha determinato una sempre maggiore richiesta di cibi con migliori caratteristiche nutrizionali soprattutto per quanto riguarda la frazione lipidica e quella proteica. Il miglioramento genetico degli animali in produzione
zootecnica si è dovuto, quindi, necessariamente adeguarsi a queste esigenze, includendo fra gli obiettivi di selezione, oltre al miglioramento quantitativo, anche quello delle caratteristiche qualitative dei prodotti. Le recenti acquisizioni nel campo della genetica molecolare
hanno reso possibile l’individuazione sia di singoli geni che di regioni cromosomiche, la cui variabilità è associata o responsabile di una quota rilevante della variabilità di caratteri di interesse economico. Ciò ha aperto nuove prospettive anche nel settore del miglioramento
genetico dei caratteri connessi sia al contenuto di proteine
che al tenore in grasso del latte, finora in larga misura basato sui classici metodi della genetica quantitativ
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