BACKGROUND: In the Neolithic, domestic sheep migrated into Europe and subsequently spread in westerly and northwesterly directions. Reconstruction of these migrations and subsequent genetic events requires a more detailed characterization of the current phylogeographic differentiation. RESULTS: We collected 50 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) profiles of Balkan sheep that are currently found near the major Neolithic point of entry into Europe, and combined these data with published genotypes from southwest-Asian, Mediterranean, central-European and north-European sheep and from Asian and European mouflons. We detected clines, ancestral components and admixture by using variants of common analysis tools: geography-informative supervised principal component analysis (PCA), breed-specific admixture analysis, across-breed [Formula: see text] profiles and phylogenetic analysis of regional pools of breeds. The regional Balkan sheep populations exhibit considerable genetic overlap, but are clearly distinct from the breeds in surrounding regions. The Asian mouflon did not influence the differentiation of the European domestic sheep and is only distantly related to present-day sheep, including those from Iran where the mouflons were sampled. We demonstrate the occurrence, from southeast to northwest Europe, of a continuously increasing ancestral component of up to 20% contributed by the European mouflon, which is assumed to descend from the original Neolithic domesticates. The overall patterns indicate that the Balkan region and Italy served as post-domestication migration hubs, from which wool sheep reached Spain and north Italy with subsequent migrations northwards. The documented dispersal of Tarentine wool sheep during the Roman period may have been part of this process. Our results also reproduce the documented 18th century admixture of Spanish Merino sheep into several central-European breeds. CONCLUSIONS: Our results contribute to a better understanding of the events that have created the present diversity pattern, which is relevant for the management of the genetic resources represented by the European sheep population.
- MeSH
- chov metody MeSH
- domestikace MeSH
- fylogeneze MeSH
- fylogeografie metody MeSH
- genetická variace genetika MeSH
- genetické testování metody MeSH
- genotyp MeSH
- jednonukleotidový polymorfismus genetika MeSH
- ovce genetika MeSH
- populační genetika metody MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Geografické názvy
- Balkánský poloostrov MeSH
We report for the first time, a comparison of two approaches for artificially induced triploidy in zebrafish (Danio rerio) using cold shock and heat shock treatments. Of the two methods, heat shock treatment proved more effective with a triploid production rate of 100% in particular females. Subsequently, triploid zebrafish larvae were used as recipients for intraperitoneal transplantation of ovarian and testicular cells originating from vas:EGFP strain in order to verify their suitability for surrogate reproduction. Production of donor-derived sperm was achieved in 23% of testicular cell recipients and 16% of ovarian cell recipients, indicating the suitability of triploids as surrogate hosts for germ cell transplantation. Success of the transplantation was confirmed by positive GFP signal detected in gonads of dissected fish and stripped sperm. Germline transmission was confirmed by fertilization tests followed by PCR analysis of embryos with GFP specific primers. Reproductive success of germline chimera triploids evaluated as fertilization rate and progeny development was comparable to control groups.
- MeSH
- chov metody MeSH
- dánio pruhované genetika MeSH
- genetické inženýrství metody veterinární MeSH
- průtoková cytometrie MeSH
- teplota MeSH
- triploidie * MeSH
- zárodečné buňky transplantace MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- srovnávací studie MeSH
Successful derivation and cultivation of primordial germ cells (PGCs) opened the way to efficient transgenesis and genome editing in the chicken. Furthermore, implantation of male PGCs from non-chicken galliform species into the chicken embryos resulted in cross-species germline chimeras and viable offspring. We have recently improved the PGC technology by demonstrating that chicken male PGCs transplanted into the testes of adult cockerel recipients mature into functional sperms. However, the availability of this orthotopic transplantation for cross-species transfer remains to be explored. Here we tested the capacity of genetically distant male PGCs to mature in the microenvironment of adult testes. We derived PGCs from the Chinese black-bone Silkie and transplanted them into infertile White Leghorn cockerels. Within 15-18 weeks after transplantation, we observed restoration of spermatogenesis in recipient cockerels and production of healthy progeny derived from the transplanted PGCs. Our findings also indicate the possibility of cross-species orthotopic transplantation of PGCs. Thus, our results might contribute to the preservation of endangered avian species and maintaining the genetic variability of the domestic chicken.
- MeSH
- chiméra genetika MeSH
- chov metody MeSH
- křížení genetické MeSH
- kultivované buňky MeSH
- kur domácí * klasifikace genetika MeSH
- kuřecí embryo MeSH
- ohrožené druhy MeSH
- spermatogeneze fyziologie MeSH
- spermie cytologie transplantace MeSH
- testis cytologie MeSH
- transplantace heterologní veterinární MeSH
- zachování plodnosti metody veterinární MeSH
- zachování přírodních zdrojů * metody MeSH
- zárodečné buňky transplantace MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- kuřecí embryo MeSH
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
Instrumental insemination of Apis mellifera L. queens is a widely employed technique used in honeybee breeding that enables the effective control of mating. However, drone semen represents a potential source of honeybee viruses. In this study, 43 semen doses collected from apparently healthy drones, and consequently used in instrumental insemination, were analysed using PCR or RT-PCR to detect the presence of viral genome of 11 honeybee viruses. In 91% of samples, viral infection was detected. The survey revealed genomes of five viruses, namely Deformed wing virus (DWV), Acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), Black queen cell virus (BQCV), Sacbrood virus (SBV), and A. mellifera filamentous virus (AmFV) in 84%, 19%, 14%, 2%, and 67% of samples, respectively. Single infection (30% of samples) as well as multiple infection (61% of samples) of two, three or four pathogens were also evaluated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study describing the presence of the BQCV and SBV genome sequence in drone ejaculate. Phylogenetic analysis of BQCV partial helicase gene sequence revealed the high similarity of nucleotide sequence of described Czech strains, which varied from 91.4% to 99.6%. The findings of our study indicate the possibility of venereal transmission of BQCV and SBV.
- MeSH
- biodiverzita * MeSH
- chov metody MeSH
- polymerázová řetězová reakce s reverzní transkripcí MeSH
- polymerázová řetězová reakce MeSH
- sperma virologie MeSH
- včely virologie MeSH
- viry klasifikace genetika izolace a purifikace MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
The efficacy of ploidy analysis for separating progeny of Siberian sturgeon Acipenser baerii after induced gynogenesis was demonstrated using sperm of a paternal species differing in ploidy level from the maternal species. Gynogenesis was induced in tetraploid A. baerii with UV-C irradiated sperm from the diploid sterlet Acipenser ruthenus and vice-versa. The success of sperm UV irradiation and diploidy restoration by heat-shock was estimated based on the ploidy level of progeny, confirmed by microsatellite parentage assignment. Hatching rates of interspecific gynogenotes were comparable with rates reported for gynogenesis induction using sperm and eggs of the same species. Juvenile mortality was similar to that observed in the control hybrids. The efficiency and reliability of this method may foster its use for production of gynogenotes in aquaculture, potentially allowing interspecific gynogenesis to replace intraspecific.
- MeSH
- chov metody MeSH
- diploidie MeSH
- mikrosatelitní repetice MeSH
- ploidie * MeSH
- průtoková cytometrie * MeSH
- reprodukovatelnost výsledků MeSH
- ryby * MeSH
- spermie MeSH
- studie proveditelnosti MeSH
- vodní hospodářství MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- hodnotící studie MeSH
Litter size is one of the most reliable state-dependent life-history traits that indicate parental investment in polytocous (litter-bearing) mammals. The tendency to optimize litter size typically increases with decreasing availability of resources during the period of parental investment. To determine whether this tactic is also influenced by resource limitations prior to reproduction, we examined the effect of experimental, pre-breeding food restriction on the optimization of parental investment in lactating mice. First, we investigated the optimization of litter size in 65 experimental and 72 control families (mothers and their dependent offspring). Further, we evaluated pre-weaning offspring mortality, and the relationships between maternal and offspring condition (body weight), as well as offspring mortality, in 24 experimental and 19 control families with litter reduction (the death of one or more offspring). Assuming that pre-breeding food restriction would signal unpredictable food availability, we hypothesized that the optimization of parental investment would be more effective in the experimental rather than in the control mice. In comparison to the controls, the experimental mice produced larger litters and had a more selective (size-dependent) offspring mortality and thus lower litter reduction (the proportion of offspring deaths). Selective litter reduction helped the experimental mothers to maintain their own optimum condition, thereby improving the condition and, indirectly, the survival of their remaining offspring. Hence, pre-breeding resource limitations may have facilitated the mice to optimize their inclusive fitness. On the other hand, in the control females, the absence of environmental cues indicating a risky environment led to "maternal optimism" (overemphasizing good conditions at the time of breeding), which resulted in the production of litters of super-optimal size and consequently higher reproductive costs during lactation, including higher offspring mortality. Our study therefore provides the first evidence that pre-breeding food restriction promotes the optimization of parental investment, including offspring number and developmental success.
- MeSH
- chov metody MeSH
- laktace fyziologie MeSH
- myši inbrední ICR MeSH
- myši MeSH
- odstavení MeSH
- potraviny MeSH
- rodiče MeSH
- rozmnožování fyziologie MeSH
- těhotenství MeSH
- tělesná hmotnost fyziologie MeSH
- velikost vrhu fyziologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- myši MeSH
- těhotenství MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
BACKGROUND: Haynaldia villosa (L.) Schur (syn. Dasypyrum villosum L. Candargy, 2n = 14, genome VV) is the tertiary gene pool of wheat, and thus a potential resource of genes for wheat improvement. Among other, wheat yellow mosaic (WYM) resistance gene Wss1 and a take-all resistance gene were identified on the short arm of chromosome 4 V (4VS) of H. villosa. We had obtained introgressions on 4VS chromosome arm, with the objective of utilizing the target genes. However, monitoring these introgressions has been a daunting task because of inadequate knowledge as to H.villosa genome, as reflected by the lack of specific markers. RESULTS: This study aims to develop 4VS-specific markers by combination of chromosome sorting and next-generation sequencing. The short arm of chromosome 4VS of H.villosa was flow-sorted using a FACSVantage SE flow cytometer and sorter, and then sequenced by Illumina sequencing. The sequence of H. villosa 4VS was assembled by the software Hecate, and then was compared with the sequence assemblies of wheat chromosome arms 4AL, 4BS and 4DS and Ae. tauschii 4DS, with the objectives of identifying exon-exon junctions and localizing introns on chromosome 4VS of H. villosa. The intron length polymorphisms suitable for designing H. villosa primers were evaluated with criteria. Consequently, we designed a total of 359 intron targeting (IT) markers, among which 232 (64.62%) markers were specific for tracing the 4VS chromatin in the wheat background. CONCLUSION: The combination of chromosome sorting and next-generation sequencing to develop specific IT markers for 4VS of H. villosa has high success rate and specificity, thus being applicable for the development of chromosome-specific markers for alien chromatin in wheat breeding.
Turquoise killifish, Nothobranchius furzeri, have an intrinsically short life span, with a median life span of <6 months and a maximum (90%) life span of 9 months. This short life span, which is unique among vertebrates, evolved naturally and has resulted in N. furzeri becoming a widely used laboratory model species in aging research and other disciplines. Here, we describe a protocol for the maintenance and breeding of the species under laboratory conditions. We provide details for egg incubation, hatching, everyday care of juvenile and adult fish, breeding and treatment of most common diseases. Emphasis is given to the fact that the requirements of N. furzeri substantially differ from those of other fish model taxa; N. furzeri live brief lives and in nature undergo nonaquatic embryo development, with consequences for their laboratory culture.
- MeSH
- chov metody MeSH
- Cyprinodontiformes genetika fyziologie MeSH
- dlouhověkost MeSH
- laboratoře * MeSH
- nemoci ryb terapie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Ansell's mole-rats (Fukomys anselli) are subterranean rodents living in families composed of about 20 members with a single breeding pair and their non-breeding offspring. Most of them remain with their parents for their lifetime and help to maintain and defend the natal burrow system, forage, and care for younger siblings. Since incest avoidance is based on individual recognition (and not on social suppression) we expect that non-breeders produce viable sperm spontaneously. We compared the sperm of breeding and non-breeding males, obtained by electroejaculation and found no significant differences in sperm parameters between both groups. Here, we used electroejaculation to obtain semen for the first time in a subterranean mammal. Spermiogram analysis revealed no significant differences in sperm parameters between breeders and non-breeders. We found significantly larger testes (measured on autopsies and on living animals per ultrasonography) of breeders compared to non-breeders (with body mass having a significant effect). There were no marked histological differences between breeding and non-breeding males, and the relative area occupied by Leydig cells and seminiferous tubules on histological sections, respectively, was not significantly different between both groups. The seminiferous epithelium and to a lesser degree the interstitial testicular tissue are characterized by lesions (vacuolar degenerations), however, this feature does not hinder fertilization even in advanced stages of life. The continuous production of viable sperm also in sexually abstinent non-breeders might be best understood in light of the mating and social system of Fukomys anselli, and the potential to found a new family following an unpredictable and rare encounter with an unfamiliar female ("provoked or induced dispersal"). Apparently, the non-breeders do not reproduce because they do not copulate but not because they would be physiologically infertile. The significantly increased testes volume of breeding males (compared to non-breeders) is in agreement with previously found higher testosterone levels of breeders.
- MeSH
- chov metody MeSH
- mikroftalmičtí podzemní hlodavci fyziologie MeSH
- rozmnožování fyziologie MeSH
- spermie fyziologie MeSH
- testis fyziologie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Among domestic dog breeders it is common practice to transfer a domestic dog bitch out of her home environment for mating, bringing her back after the mating. If the home environment contains a male, who is not the father of the foetuses, there is a potential risk of future infanticide. We collected 621 records on mating of 249 healthy bitches of 11 breed-types. The highest proportion of successful pregnancies following mating occurred in bitches mated within their home pack and remaining there. Bitches mated elsewhere and then returned to a home containing at least one male had substantially lower incidence of maintained pregnancy in comparison with bitches mated by a home male. After returning home, housing affected strongly the frequency of pregnancy success. Bitches mated elsewhere but released into a home pack containing a home male were four times more likely to maintain pregnancy than bitches which were housed individually after returning home. Suppression of pregnancy in situations where a bitch is unable to confuse a home male about parentage may be seen as an adaptation to avoid any seemingly unavoidable future loss of her progeny to infanticide after birth and thus to save energy.
- MeSH
- chov metody MeSH
- potrat u zvířat * MeSH
- průzkumy a dotazníky MeSH
- psi MeSH
- samovolný potrat * MeSH
- sexuální chování zvířat fyziologie MeSH
- těhotenství MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- mužské pohlaví MeSH
- psi MeSH
- těhotenství MeSH
- ženské pohlaví MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
