Myostatin (MSTN) is a negative modulator of muscle mass. We characterized the horse (Equus caballus) MSTN gene and identified and analysed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in breeds of different morphological types. Sequencing of coding, untranslated, intronic, and regulatory regions of MSTN gene in 12 horses from 10 breeds revealed seven SNPs: two in the promoter, four in intron 1, and o...

The present work was carried out to analyse the κ-casein variants in five Indian goat breeds by SDS-PAGE, PCRRFLP and SSCP method. A total of 152 unrelated blood samples and 102 milk samples belonging to Barbari, Beetal, Marwari, Surti and Local MP (non-descript) goats were used for analysis. SDS-PAGE exhibited κ-casein allele A in all the breeds. Moreover PCR+RFLP analysis also confirmed the p...

The genetic diversity in 23 dog breeds raised in Belgium was investigated using both genealogical analysis and microsatellite markers. Some of these breeds are native breeds, with only small populations maintained. Pedigree and molecular data, obtained from the Belgian kennel club, were used to calculate the inbreeding coefficients, realised effective population size as well as probabilities of...

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plays well-defined roles in eliciting immune responses and combating infectious diseases. The major histocompatibility complex of cattle is referred to as BoLA (Bovine Lymphocyte Antigen). This genetic system is among the most polymorphic. In the present study, polymorphism of the BoLADRB3.2 locus in three Bos indicus breeds viz., Sahiwal, Rathi and Ha...

Recent research suggests that some human-like social skills evolved in dogs (Canis familiaris) during domestication as an incidental by-product of selection for “tame” forms of behavior. It is still possible, however, that the social skills of certain dog breeds came under direct selection that led to further increases in social problem solving ability. To test this hypothesis, different breeds...

In general, genetic differences across different breeds of pig lead to variation in mature body size and slaughter age. The Commercial breeds Duroc and Large White and the local Brazilian breed Piau are ostensibly distinct in terms of growth and muscularity, commercial breeds are much leaner while local breeds grow much slower and are fat type pigs. However, the genetic factors that underl...

Data on body weight of pure-bred kittens (Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Birman, Persian, Siamese/Oriental Shorthair Cat) from birth (n 245) to 12 weeks of age (n 135) were obtained from breeders. Absolute birth weight (in g) was higher in larger breeds than in smaller breeds, whereas relative birth weight (in % of mature female weight) tended to be higher in smaller breeds (Maine Coon 115 g...

Genetic structure and diversity of 13 Portuguese native and 3 imported cattle breeds were assessed with 39 microsatellites. Allelic richness per locus was high, with an overall average of 8.3 +/- 2.5. The mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.673 +/- 0.043 and 0.691 +/- 0.034, respectively. The mean number of alleles per breed ranged between 5.36 +/- 1.27 and 7.87 +/- 2.66. Brava d...

To further explore Y-STR INRA189 polymorphisms in the yak, and to determine the genetic differences among yak breeds, genotyping analysis of INRA189 in 102 male yak individuals from three yak breeds in Qinghai Province of China was performed. Genotyping revealed the presence of four alleles, with sizes of 149, 155, 157, and 159 bp, respectively. Of these, the 157-bp allele, which was found with...

The genetic diversity found in domestic breeds allows farmers to develop new characteristics in response to changes in the environment, the appearance of diseases, or of modifications in market conditions. Indigenous breeds often possess gene combinations and special adaptations (such as disease resistance, adaptation to harsh conditions or poor-quality feeds) not found in other breeds. Five Ro...