Influence of breed and parasite challenge on the immune response to naturally acquired intestinal nematode infection in sheep.

Natural infection by intestinal nematodes was assessed in Santa Ines and Ile de France sheep breeds, over a five-month grazing period, with emphasis on the development of the immune response in lambs under two anthelmintic treatment regimens. Nineteen Santa Ines and 19 Ile de France male lambs were allocated into two treatment groups: animals under suppressive treatment with anthelmintics; and animals under targeted selective treatment (TST). The nematodes Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Strongyloides papillosus showed the highest infection intensity in the TST animals in both breeds. Parasite-specific immunoglobulin G levels were significantly higher and more rapidly induced in Santa Ines lambs. Additionally, these lambs had higher levels of parasite-specific immunoglobulin A in intestinal mucus. Animals under TST had higher means of mast cells and globule leukocytes in the intestinal mucosa due to longer and greater parasite challenge in comparison with the suppressive group. A breed effect (P < 0.05) was recorded for mast cells, with Santa Ines lambs presenting the highest counts. Although Santa Ines lambs had lower intestinal nematode counts than Ile de France lambs, they had shown a large variation in T. colubriformis burden, with most of them presenting a marked worm burden, despite showing an earlier and more intense immune response to intestinal nematode infection.

Unravelling soybean responses to early and late Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) infestation.

Soybean is a crucial source of food, protein, and oil worldwide that is facing challenges from biotic stresses. Infestation of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) stands out as detrimentally affecting plant growth and grain production. Understanding soybean responses to T. urticae infestation is pivotal for unravelling the dynamics of mite-plant interactions. We evaluated the physiological and molecular responses of soybean plants to mite infestation after 5 and 21 days. We employed visual/microscopy observations of leaf damage, H2O2 accumulation, and lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the impact of mite infestation on shoot length/dry weight, chlorophyll concentration, and development stages was analysed. Proteomic analysis identified differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) after early (5 days) and late (21 days) infestation. Furthermore, GO, KEGG, and protein-protein interaction analyses were performed to understand effects on metabolic pathways. Throughout the analysed period, symptoms of leaf damage, H2O2 accumulation, and lipid peroxidation consistently increased. Mite infestation reduced shoot length/dry weight, chlorophyll concentration, and development stage duration. Proteomics revealed 185 and 266 DAPs after early and late mite infestation, respectively, indicating a complex remodelling of metabolic pathways. Photorespiration, chlorophyll synthesis, amino acid metabolism, and Krebs cycle/energy production were impacted after both early and late infestation. Additionally, specific metabolic pathways were modified only after early or late infestation. This study underscores the detrimental effects of mite infestation on soybean physiology and metabolism. DAPs offer potential in breeding programs for enhanced resistance. Overall, this research highlights the complex nature of soybean response to mite infestation, providing insights for intervention and breeding strategies.

Systemic FasL neutralization increases eosinophilic inflammation in a mouse model of asthma.

BACKGROUND: Eosinophils and lymphocytes are pathogenically important in allergic inflammation and sensitive to Fas-mediated apoptosis. Fas ligand (FasL) activity therefore should play a role in regulating the allergic immune response. We aimed to characterize the role of FasL expression in airway eosinophilia in Aspergillus fumigatus (Af)-induced sensitization and to determine whether FasL neutralization alters the inflammatory response. METHODS: Sensitized Balb/c mice were killed before (day 0) and 1, 7 and 10 days after a single intranasal challenge with Af. Animals received either neutralizing antibody to FasL (clone MFL4) or irrelevant hamster IgG via intraperitoneal injection on days -1 and 5. FasL expression, BAL and tissue inflammatory cell and cytokine profile, and apoptosis were assessed. RESULTS: Postchallenge FasL gene expression in BAL cells and TUNEL positivity in the airways coincided with the height of inflammatory cell influx on day 1, while soluble FasL protein was released on day 7, preceding resolution of the inflammatory changes. Although eosinophil numbers showed a negative correlation with soluble FasL levels in the airways, MBP(+) eosinophils remained TUNEL negative in the submucosal tissue, throughout the 10-day period after Af challenge. Systemic FasL neutralization significantly enhanced BAL and tissue eosinophil counts. This effect was associated with increased activation of T cells and release of IL-5, IL-9, and GM-CSF in the BAL fluid of mice, indicating an involvement of pro-eosinophilic survival pathways. CONCLUSIONS: FasL activity may play an active role in resolving eosinophilic inflammation through regulating T cells and pro-eosinophilic cytokine release during the allergic airway response.

Video. One-stage laparoscopic bisegmentectomy 7-8 and bisegmentectomy 2-3 for bilateral colorectal liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: Bisegmentectomy 7-8 is feasible even in the absence of a large inferior right hepatic vein. To our knowledge, this operation has never been performed by laparoscopy. This study was designed to present video of pure laparoscopic bisegmentectomy 7-8 and bisegmentectomy 2-3 in one-stage operation for bilateral liver metastasis. METHODS: A 67-year-old man with metachronous bilobar colorectal liver metastasis was referred for surgical treatment after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. CT scan disclosed two liver metastases: one located between segments 7 and 8 and another one in segment 2. At liver examination, another metastasis was found on segment 3. We decided to perform a bisegmentectomy 7-8 along with bisegmentectomy 2-3 in a single procedure. The operation began with mobilization of the right liver with complete dissection of retrohepatic vena cava. Inferior right hepatic vein was absent. Right hepatic vein was dissected and encircled. Upper part of right liver, containing segment 7 and 8, was marked with cautery. Selective hemi-Pringle maneuver was performed and right hepatic vein was divided with stapler. At this point, liver rotation to the left allowed direct view and access to the superior aspect of the right liver. Liver transection was accomplished with harmonic scalpel and endoscopic stapling device. Bisegmentectomy 2-3 was performed using the intrahepatic Glissonian approach. The specimens were extracted through a suprapubic incision. Liver raw surfaces were reviewed for bleeding and bile leaks. RESULTS: Operative time was 240 minutes with no need for transfusion. Recovery was uneventful. Patient was discharged on the fifth postoperative day. Patient is well with no evidence of disease 14 months after liver resection. Tumor markers are within normal range. CONCLUSIONS: Bisegmentectomy 7-8 may increase resectability rate in patients with bilateral lesions. This operation can be performed safely by laparoscopy. Preservation of segments 5 and 6 permitted simultaneous resection of segments 2 and 3 with adequate liver remnant.

Prevalence of acquired melanocytic naevi in Brazilian schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of acquired melanocytic naevi (AMN) is one of the most important known risk factors for malignant melanoma (MM) in homogeneous white populations. However, there are few studies on AMN in heterogeneous populations. Insight into the causes of AMN in heterogeneous populations in a country with intense ultraviolet radiation should lead to successful strategies in the prevention of MM. AIM: To evaluate the frequency and anatomical distribution of AMN and to observe the influence of environmental and constitutional variables. METHODS: A cross-sectional study on the prevalence of AMN was performed on 1279 Brazilian schoolchildren, aged 2-8 years, according to an international protocol. RESULTS: Both girls and boys had the same number of AMN. The number of AMN was higher on sun-exposed body sites, such as shoulders, thorax/upper abdomen, face/ears and back. A high number of AMN was associated with lighter skin type, greater sun exposure, age, number of sunburns and presence of freckles. CONCLUSIONS: In genetically predisposed people, the body-site distribution of AMN in a heterogeneous population (mixed ethnic backgrounds) is similar to that in a homogeneous population and has the same tendency toward potential proliferation of melanocytes in the presence of ultraviolet radiation. Strategies to reduce the incidence of MM should start at an early age. We believe that these findings will have a direct effect on concepts for preventive strategies. Studies in different populations may serve as a starting point for research into the mechanism underlying increasing rates of AMN.

Physiological role of silent receptors of atrial natriuretic factor.

A ring-deleted analog of atrial natriuretic factor--des[Gln18, Ser19, Gly20, Leu21, Gly22] ANF4-23-NH2 (C-ANF4-23)--binds with high affinity to approximately 99% of ANF receptors in the isolated perfused rat kidney. In this preparation, C-ANF4-23 is devoid of detectable renal effects and does not antagonize any of the known renal hemodynamic and natriuretic actions of biologically active ANF1-28. In contrast, both C-ANF4-23 and ANF1-28 increase sodium excretion and decrease blood pressure in intact anesthetized rats. This apparent contradiction is resolved by the finding that the ring-deleted analog markedly increases plasma levels of endogenous immunoreactive ANF in the rat. The results show that the majority of the renal receptors of ANF are biologically silent. This new class of receptors may serve as specific peripheral storage-clearance binding sites, acting as a hormonal buffer system to modulate plasma levels of ANF.

The haemodynamic, renal excretory and hormonal changes induced by resting in the left lateral position in normal pregnant women during late gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To characterise the haemodynamic, renal-electrolyte and hormonal parameters in normal near-term pregnancy. DESIGN: Observational prospective case-series study. SETTING AND POPULATION: Eleven women with normal pregnancies at 35-39 weeks gestation. METHODS: Following baseline laboratory assessments and placement of a right-atrial catheter, serial measurements were obtained for 2 hours in the supine position (SP) followed by a change to the (LLP) and subsequent observations for 2 hours. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Blood pressure (BP), central venous pressure (CVP), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), plasma renin activity (PRA), plasma aldosterone (ALDO), diuresis, creatinine clearance, sodium and potassium excretion. RESULTS: In the SP, the subjects' BP remained stable while their CVP decreased. In the LLP, the subjects' systolic and diastolic BP consistently decreased by about 15 mmHg and their CVP increased within the first 60 minutes. ANP levels doubled in the subjects while they rested in the LLP, whereas the subjects' PRA and ALDO levels decreased by half compared with when they rested in the SP. In the LLP, the subjects' creatinine clearance significantly increased by 12% and their sodium excretion and diuresis increased by 38% and 59% respectively. CONCLUSION: Rest in the LLP induces systemic and intra-renal haemodynamic and hormonal changes that may play a central physiological role in the renal excretory response to restore excessive sodium/water retention in late pregnancy.

Effect of Quercetin Rich Onion Extracts on Bacterial Quorum Sensing.

Quorum sensing (QS) regulates bacterial gene expression and studies suggest quercetin, a flavonol found in onion, as a QS inhibitor. There are no studies showing the anti-QS activity of plants containing quercetin in its native glycosylated forms. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-QS potential of organic extracts of onion varieties and its representative phenolic compounds quercetin aglycone and quercetin 3-ß-D-glucoside in the QS model bacteria Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472, Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, and Serratia marcescens MG1. Three phenolic extracts were obtained: red onion extract in methanol acidified with 2.5% acetic acid (RO-1), white onion extract in methanol (WO-1) and white onion extract in methanol ammonium (WO-2). Quercetin 4-O-glucoside and quercetin 3,4-O-diglucoside were identified as the predominant compounds in both onion varieties using HPLC-DAD and LC-ESI-MS/MS. However, quercetin aglycone, cyanidin 3-O-glucoside and quercetin glycoside were identified only in RO-1. The three extracts showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values equal to or above 125 µg/ml of dried extract. Violacein production was significantly reduced by RO-1 and quercetin aglycone, but not by quercetin 3-ß-D-glucoside. Motility in P. aeruginosa PAO1 was inhibited by RO-1, while WO-2 inhibited S. marcescens MG1 motility only in high concentration. Quercetin aglycone and quercetin 3-ß-D-glucoside were effective at inhibiting motility in P. aeruginosa PAO1 and S. marcescens MG1. Surprisingly, biofilm formation was not affected by any extracts or the quercetins tested at sub-MIC concentrations. In silico studies suggested a better interaction and placement of quercetin aglycone in the structures of the CviR protein of C. violaceum ATCC 12472 than the glycosylated compound which corroborates the better inhibitory effect of the former over violacein production. On the other hand, the two quercetins were well placed in the AHLs binding pockets of the LasR protein of P. aeruginosa PAO1. Overall onion extracts and quercetin presented antimicrobial activity, and interference on QS regulated production of violacein and swarming motility.

Trials with the Haemonchus vaccine, Barbervax®, in ewes and lambs in a tropical environment: Nutrient supplementation improves protection in periparturient ewes.

Haemonchus contortus is an economic problem in sheep farms worldwide, mainly in the tropics and subtropics. A vaccine against haemonchosis, called Barbervax®, was evaluated in ewes under two nutritional status, naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. Ewes were divided into four groups: Supplemented Diet - Vaccine; Supplemented Diet - No vaccine; Basal Diet - Vaccine and Basal Diet - No vaccine. Their lambs were divided in Vaccinated and No vaccine. Ewes were immunised six times starting about 1 month of pregnancy with the first three doses at 3 week intervals and the last three shots at 4 week intervals. Supplemented ewes had higher body weight, body score and packed cell volume compared with those fed a basal diet. Both groups of vaccinated ewes showed a similar response in circulating anti-vaccine antibodies but the vaccine had no discernible effect on either body weight, body score and packed cell volume. There was a marked group difference in the number of ewes that received precautionary treatments with anthelmintic. All 14 Basal Diet - No vaccine ewes required treatment. In contrast only 7 ewes, in the Supplemented Diet - Vaccine group required anthelmintic treatment. In the Basal Diet - Vaccine and in the Supplemented Diet - No Vaccine groups, 12 and 13 ewes needed anthelmintic treatment, respectively. Vaccinated lambs showed much higher antibody titres resulting in 80% less Haemonchus spp. egg counts comparing with no vaccine lambs. Taken together these results clearly suggest that in pregnant and lactating ewes a combined protective effect between vaccination and improved nutrition resulted in fewer precautionary anthelmintic treatments. Thus, it was possible to achieve a more sustainable level of control of the haemonchosis, less dependent on anthelmintic drugs.

Association of SNPs in dopamine and serotonin pathway genes and their interacting genes with temperament traits in Charolais cows.

Cattle temperament is a complex trait, and molecular studies aimed at defining this trait are scarce. We used an interaction networks approach to identify new genes (interacting genes) and to estimate their effects and those of 19 dopamine- and serotonin-related genes on the temperament traits of Charolais cattle. The genes proopiomelanocortin (POMC), neuropeptide Y (NPY), solute carrier family 18, member 2 (SLC18A2) and FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homologue (FOSFBJ) were identified as new candidates. Their potential to be associated with temperament was estimated according to their reported biological activities, which included interactions with neural activity, receptor function, targeting or synthesis of neurotransmitters and association with behaviour. Pen score (PS) and exit velocity (EV) measures were determined from 412 Charolais cows to calculate their temperament score (TS). Based on the TS, calm (n = 55; TS, 1.09 ± 0.33) and temperamental (n = 58; TS, 2.27 ± 0.639) cows were selected and genotyped using a 248 single-nucleotide variation (SNV) panel. Of the 248 variations in the panel, only 151 were confirmed to be polymorphic (single-nucleotide polymorphisms; SNPs) in the tested population. Single-marker association analyses between genotypes and temperament measures (EV, PS and/or TS) indicated significant associations of six SNPs from four candidate genes. The markers rs109576799 and rs43696138, located in the DRD3 and HTR2A genes, respectively, were significantly associated with both EV and TS traits. Four markers, rs110365063 and rs137756569 from the POMC gene and rs110365063 and rs135155082 located in SLC18A2 and DRD2, respectively, were associated with PS. The variant rs110365063 located in bovine SLC18A2 causes a change in the amino acid sequence from Ala to Thr. Further studies are needed to confirm the association of genetic profile with cattle temperament; however, our study represents important progress in understanding the regulation of cattle temperament by different genes with divergent functions.

Endemic pemphigus foliaceus (Fogo Selvagem): II. Current and historic epidemiologic studies.

This paper details current and historic epidemiologic features of Fogo Selvagem (Endemic pemphigus foliaceus) in Brazil. The following features are described. a) The disease occurs in endemic fashion in regions of Brazil within the states of Goias, Mato Grosso do Sul, Parana, Sao Paulo, and Minas Gerais. It appears that the disease is spreading toward the northwest and west, involving the states of Mato Grosso, Para, Maranhao, Rondonia, Acre, and Amazonas. b) People at risk are young peasants or children of either sex or any race exposed to the local ecology in rural areas of endemic states. Although the disease has been described in urban centers, these occurrences are rare. c) Fogo Selvagem commonly appears in wild areas being colonized and disappears as these areas become urbanized. d) The majority of patients live in close proximity to rivers and within the 10-15 Km flying range of mosquitos or black flies (such as Simulium). It is hypothesized that a black fly, Simulium pruinosum may be the vector that precipitates the disease. f) There is a significant number of Fogo Selvagem in family units where multiple, genetically related individuals are affected. g) Finally, autoantibodies against lupus-associated antigens are not present in the sera of patients with Fogo Selvagem. Clinical examination of the skin, and serologic screening for pemphigus autoantibodies are specific parameters that can be used in the search for the etiologic agents that lead to autoimmune disease of the skin. To identify and prove an etiologic agent for this well-characterized autoimmune disease would be of tremendous importance to the understanding of autoimmune skin diseases, and potentially other organ-specific autoimmune disorders.

Malignant hypertension: a syndrome associated with low plasma kininogen and kinin potentiating factor.

Plasma levels of kininogen, kallikrein, and prekallikrein were determined in patients with malignant hypertension (MH) and compared to normotensive controls (NC) and patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension (EH). Also, a recently described kinin potentiating factor (KPF) was estimated by dividing the value of kininogen determined by trypsin (Kgn-Try) by that of kininogen determined by human urinary kallikrein (Kgn-HuUk). No significant alterations were detected among plasma values of pre-kallikrein and kallikrein of MH as compared to NC. However, Kgn-HuUK values were significantly lower in MH (1.9 +/- 0.3 micron gLBK/ml) as compared to EH and NC (2.7 +/- 0.1 micron gLBK/ml and 3.0 +/- 0.2 micron gLBK/ml respectively, p less than 0.05). Furthermore, KPF values were also low (p less than 0.05) in MH (1.6 +/- 0.3) when compared with similar values obtained in EH and NC (3.0 +/- 0.2 and 2.8 +/- 0.1, respectively). Adequate control of blood pressure levels for 90 days in MH group caused no significant alterations in plasma levels of kininogen and KPF. It is suggested that diminished kininogen levels as well as a decrease in a kinin potentiation KPF that is generated in plasma by trypsin may be involved in the pathogenesis of human malignant hypertension.

Malignant hypertension: a syndrome accompanied by plasmatic diminution of low and high molecular weight kininogens.

Total kininogen (Kgn), kallikrein, and prekallikrein were measured in patients with malignant hypertension (MH), essential hypertension (EH), normotensive control (NC), and hypertension and chronic renal failure (HRF). These components of the kallikrein-kinin system were related to the levels of creatinine and fibrinogen. High molecular weight Kgn and low molecular weight Kgn were also measured in blood samples from a peripheral vein, arterial blood, and suprahepatic vein in NC, EH, and MH. Results showed that total Kgn levels were diminished in MH and this diminution could not be ascribed to decreases in renal function, hematocrit, or fibrinogen levels. Appropriate antihypertensive treatment for over 1 year did not normalize Kgn levels in 10 of 11 patients. High molecular weight Kgn and low molecular weight Kgn were both diminished in MH (0.26 +/- 0.04 nmol bradykinin/ml and 0.93 +/- 0.12 nmol lysyl-bradykinin/ml, respectively) as compared to NC (0.39 +/- 0.07 and 1.92 +/- 0.16) and EH (0.51 +/- 0.07 and 1.65 +/- 0.13). Higher concentrations of high molecular weight Kgn were demonstrated in the suprahepatic vein as compared to arterial blood, demonstrating its synthesis by the liver. However, patients with MH had a diminished capacity to synthetize high molecular weight Kgn. A decrease in synthesis of high molecular weight Kgn may be a partial explanation for low levels of total Kgn. It is suggested that a lack of Kgn may play a role in the pathogenesis of MH.

Atrial natriuretic factor increases hematocrit and decreases plasma volume in nephrectomized rats.

To test the hypothesis that ANF increases the efflux of fluid from capillaries we determined the effect of synthetic (1-28) ANF on hematocrit (Hct) and plasma volume (PV) in 24 hr bilaterally nephrectomized rats. Results were compared with those obtained in bilaterally nephrectomized rats receiving saline alone (S) or an infusion of sodium nitroprusside (NP) to produce a similar blood pressure lowering effect as ANF. PV was determined by the volume of distribution of RISA 10 minutes after its i.v. administration. After control periods (C) rats were infused for 40 minutes with saline alone (group A, n = 8), (1-28)ANF, 0.3 micrograms X min-1/kg body wt (group B, n = 9), 1.0 microgram X min-1/kg body wt (group C, n = 8) and NP, 1.0 to 2.0 micrograms X min-1/kg body wt (group D, n = 8). Recovery periods (R) were performed 45 minutes after the experimental periods (E). During E periods, mean arterial blood pressure did not change in group A and fell significantly (p less than 0.01) in the other groups. Group B: C = 89 +/- 4; E = 82 +/- 4 mmHg. Group C: C = 106 +/- 7; E = 92 +/- 7 mmHg. Group D: C = 104 +/- 5; E = 90 +/- 5 mmHg. Neither saline or NP changed Hct, whereas, ANF significantly (p less than 0.01) increased this parameter (Group B: C = 43.4 +/- 0.7; E = 46.3 +/- 0.6% and Group C: C = 44.5 +/- 1.2; E = 47.4 +/- 1.2%). ANF significantly decreased PV (3.86 +/- 0.14 ml/100 gm body wt) as compared to S (4.51 +/- 0.22 ml/100 gm body wt; p less than 0.05) or NP (4.69 +/- 0.11 ml/100 gm body wt; p less than 0.01). The average decrease in PV of 14% corresponded to the average increase in Hct of 7%. Results demonstrate that ANF increases the efflux of fluid from capillaries. This effect explains, at least in part, the ANF-induced decrease in cardiac output and blood pressure in normotensive animals and may play an important role in the homeostatic regulation of plasma volume.

High salt intake increases the vasorelaxant effect of ANF on the isolated perfused rat kidney.

1. The objective of the present study was to determine whether chronic salt load or depletion leads to adaptive changes in kinetics of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF) binding and/or responsiveness to ANF. We measured the equilibrium binding to and the steady-state dose-response effects of ANF1-28 on isolated kidneys from rats kept on a high (H) or low (L) salt diet for 15 days. 2. Twenty-four hour sodium excretion was 5.90 +/- 0.46 mEq for H vs 0.06 +/- 0.01 mEq for L (P less than 0.01). Plasma levels of immunoreactive ANF of H (42.2 +/- 3.9 pg/ml) were not significantly different from those for L (35.2 +/- 5.3 pg/ml). 3. There was no significant differences in distribution, apparent density or affinity of ANF specific binding sites determined in non-filtering isolated kidneys from rats kept on the H or L salt diet. 4. Dose-response curves for the hemodynamic and excretory effects of ANF1-28 in filtering isolated kidneys from rats kept on the H salt diet were not different from those of rats kept on the L salt diet. In contrast, the vasorelaxant response to ANF1-28 in isolated kidneys preconstricted by adding serum from 24-h nephrectomized rats to the perfusate (generation of angiotensin II) was significantly more pronounced in kidneys front rats chronically adapted to the high-salt diet. 5. This effect of ANF may contribute to the increased renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate occurring under conditions of chronic salt loading in intact animals.

Estimation of direct and maternal breed effects for prediction of expected progeny differences for birth and weaning weights in three multibreed populations.

Direct and maternal breed effects on birth and 200-d weights were estimated for nine parental breeds (Hereford [H], Angus [A], Braunvieh [B], Limousin [L], Charolais [C], Simmental [S], Gelbvieh [G], Red Poll [R], and Pinzgauer [P]) that contributed to three composite populations (MARC I = 1/4B, 1/4C, 1/4L, 1/8H, 1/8A; MARC II = 1/4G, 1/4S, 1/4H, 1/4A; and MARC III = 1/4R, 1/4P, 1/4H, 1/4A). Records from each population, the composite plus pure breeds and crosses used to create each composite, were analyzed separately. The animal model included fixed effects of contemporary group (birth year-sex-dam age), proportions of individual and maternal heterosis and breed inheritance as covariates, and random effects of additive direct genetic (a) and additive maternal genetic (m) with covariance (a,m), permanent environment, and residual. Sampling correlations among estimates of genetic fixed effects were large, especially between direct and maternal heterosis and between direct and maternal breed genetic effects for the same breed, which were close to -1. This resulted in some large estimates with opposite sign and large standard errors for direct and maternal breed genetic effects. Data from a diallel experiment with H, A, B, and R breeds, from grading up and from a top cross experiment were required to separate breed effects satisfactorily into direct and maternal genetic effects. Results indicate that estimation of direct and maternal breed effects needed to predict hybrid EPD for multibreed populations from field data may not be possible. Information from designed crossbreeding experiments will need to be incorporated in some way.

Effect of accounting for different phenotypic variances by sire breed and sex on selection of sires based on expected progeny differences for 200- and 365-day weights.

The effects of accounting for different phenotypic variances according to sire breed and sex subclasses on estimation of sire breed effects and prediction of expected progeny differences of sires mated to Hereford and Angus cows were investigated. Data consisted of 6,977 and 6,530 records of 200-d (weaning) and 365-d (yearling) weights, respectively, of F1 calves sired by bulls (662 and 661, respectively) of 23 breeds that have been evaluated in the Germ Plasm Evaluation Program at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE. Models compared included fixed effects of genetic group of sire (samples of sires evaluated at different times), dam breed, sex, birth year of calf and age of dam, plus sire within genetic group and dam within dam breed as random effects. Variance structures were different: Model I assumed homogeneous variances across sire breed-sex subclasses; Model II accounted for differences in phenotypic variance by sire breed and sex subclasses. Differences between estimates of sire group effects obtained with the two models were not significant for either trait. Product-moment and rank correlations between expected progeny differences obtained with Model I and Model II were greater than .93 when computed within each group and .99 or larger when computed across breeds. There were slight changes in the numbers of sires contributed by different breeds to the proportions selected across breeds under different selection intensities when sires were ranked with the two models. However, differences between means predicted under Model II were small when sires were ranked and selected based on the two models. Changes in standard errors of prediction for expected progeny differences and standard errors for estimates of breed effects obtained when adjusting for differences of phenotypic variances, compared to not adjusting, were proportional to the ratios of the phenotypic standard deviations of the sire breeds to the common phenotypic standard deviation.

Estimation of non-additive genetic variances in three synthetic lines of beef cattle using an animal model.

Dominance and additive x additive genetic variances were estimated for birth and weaning traits of calves from three synthetic lines of beef cattle differing in mature size. Data consisted of 3,992 and 2,877 records from lines of small-, medium-, and large-framed calves in each of two research herds located at Rhodes and McNay, IA, respectively. Variance components were estimated separately by herd and line for birth weight (BWT), birth hip height (BH), 205-d weight (WW), and 205-d hip height (WH) by derivative-free REML with an animal model. Model 1 included fixed effects of year, sex, and age of dam. Random effects were additive direct (a) and additive maternal (m) genetic with covariance (a,m), maternal permanent environmental, and residual. Model 2 also included dominance (d) and model 3 included dominance plus additive x additive (a:a) effects. In general, only slight changes occurred in other variance components estimates when day was included in Model 2. However, large estimates of additive x additive genetic variances obtained with Model 3 for 4 out of 24 analyses were associated with reductions in estimates of direct additive variances. Direct (maternal) heritability estimates averaged across herd-line combinations with Model 2 were .53(.11), .42(.04), .27(.12), and .35(.04) for BWT, BH, WW, and WH, respectively. Corresponding covariance (a,m) estimates as fractions of phenotypic variance (sigma p2) were .00, .01, .01, and .06, respectively. For maternal permanent environmental effects in Model 2, average estimates of variances as fractions of sigma p2 across herd-line combinations were .03, .00, .05, and .02, for BW, BH, WW, and WH, respectively. Dominance effects explained, on average, 18, 26, 28, and 11% of total variance for BWT, BH, WW, and WH, respectively. Most of the estimates for additive x additive variances were negligible, except for one data set for BWT, two for BH, and one for WH, where the relative estimates of this component were high (.21 to .45). These results suggest that most of the non-additive genetic variance in the traits studied is accounted for by dominance genetic effects.

Heterogeneity of variance by sire breed, sex, and dam breed in 200- and 365-day weights of beef cattle from a top cross experiment.

The nature of the heterogeneity of variance for 200- and 365-d weights by sex, sire breed, and dam breed subclasses was studied. Data consisted of records for weaning (n = 7,829) and yearling (n = 7,367) weights of progeny from 673 and 672 sires, respectively, from 22 breeds that have been evaluated in the Germ Plasm Evaluation Program at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, NE. Sires were mated to Hereford and Angus cows. Each trait was analyzed separately. Three studies were undertaken separately to investigate heterogeneity due to the different factors (i.e., sire breed, sex, or dam breed). Only data from seven sire breeds were used to study the factor sire breed, but all data (22 sire breeds) were used to study the factors sex and dam breed. In each study, three sire and dam models with records of animals of the four sex x dam breed combinations considered different traits and with the same model equation, but covariance structures for random effects (sires, dams, and residuals) of increasing generality were fitted. First, (co)variances across subclasses were assumed equal. Second, correlations and fractions of phenotypic variance were assumed equal but phenotypic variance differed by sire breed, sex, or dam breed as appropriate. Third, variances and covariances were different for each subclass of the factor under study. Variance components were estimated by derivative-free REML. Models for each trait and each factor were compared through likelihood ratio tests. For both traits, variances differed (P < .02) in scale, but not as fractions of phenotypic variance (P > .10), by sire breed and sex subclasses. Variances were not different (P > .10) by dam breed subclasses, either in scale or as fractions of phenotypic variance. Estimates of correlations among genetic effects on weights of calves from different sex-dam breed subclasses were at least .85. Across all sex, sire breed, and dam breed subclasses, pooled estimates of sire and dam variances as fractions of phenotypic variance were, respectively, .06 and .39 for weaning weight and .11 and .24 for yearling weight. The conclusion is that the assumption of equal phenotypic variances among sire breeds and between sexes may not be appropriate in genetic evaluations.