Comparative Analysis of Milking and Behavior Characteristics of Multiparous and Primiparous Cows in Robotic Systems.

Robotic milking systems are successful innovations in the development of dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to analyse the milking characteristics and behavior of dairy cows of different calving orders in "milk first" robotic milking systems. The data were collected from a commercial herd located in the Midwest region of Minas Gerais (Brazil), which uses an automatic milking system (AMS TM, DeLaval). Were analysed 26,574 observations of 235 Holstein cows were available. Data were evaluated by multivariate analysis of variance and the Tukey test. - Tthe characteristics milk flow and milking efficiency were more favourable for multiparous cows (p <0.01), while the time in the stall was more favourable for primiparous females (p <0.01). The values of handling time were better in the primiparous cows (p <0.01). Primiparous cows had higher amounts of kick-off (p <0.001), and multiparous cows had higher incomplete milkings (p <0.001). The number of incomplete milkings showed a higher ratio in terms of reduction in milk production in 26.6% in primiparous cows and 26.7% in multiparous cows (p <0.01). Regarding the behavioral characteristics, primiparous cows had higher amounts of kickbacks, while multiparous cows had greater quantities of incomplete milkings.

Assessment of runs of homozygosity islands and estimates of genomic inbreeding in Gyr (Bos indicus) dairy cattle.

BACKGROUND: Runs of homozygosity (ROH) are continuous homozygous segments of the DNA sequence. They have been applied to quantify individual autozygosity and used as a potential inbreeding measure in livestock species. The aim of the present study was (i) to investigate genome-wide autozygosity to identify and characterize ROH patterns in Gyr dairy cattle genome; (ii) identify ROH islands for gene content and enrichment in segments shared by more than 50% of the samples, and (iii) compare estimates of molecular inbreeding calculated from ROH (FROH), genomic relationship matrix approach (FGRM) and based on the observed versus expected number of homozygous genotypes (FHOM), and from pedigree-based coefficient (FPED). RESULTS: ROH were identified in all animals, with an average number of 55.12 ± 10.37 segments and a mean length of 3.17 Mb. Short segments (ROH1-2 Mb) were abundant through the genomes, which accounted for 60% of all segments identified, even though the proportion of the genome covered by them was relatively small. The findings obtained in this study suggest that on average 7.01% (175.28 Mb) of the genome of this population is autozygous. Overlapping ROH were evident across the genomes and 14 regions were identified with ROH frequencies exceeding 50% of the whole population. Genes associated with lactation (TRAPPC9), milk yield and composition (IRS2 and ANG), and heat adaptation (HSF1, HSPB1, and HSPE1), were identified. Inbreeding coefficients were estimated through the application of FROH, FGRM, FHOM, and FPED approaches. FPED estimates ranged from 0.00 to 0.327 and FROH from 0.001 to 0.201. Low to moderate correlations were observed between FPED-FROH and FGRM-FROH, with values ranging from -0.11 to 0.51. Low to high correlations were observed between FROH-FHOM and moderate between FPED-FHOM and FGRM-FHOM. Correlations between FROH from different lengths and FPED gradually increased with ROH length. CONCLUSIONS: Genes inside ROH islands suggest a strong selection for dairy traits and enrichment for Gyr cattle environmental adaptation. Furthermore, low FPED-FROH correlations for small segments indicate that FPED estimates are not the most suitable method to capture ancient inbreeding. The existence of a moderate correlation between larger ROH indicates that FROH can be used as an alternative to inbreeding estimates in the absence of pedigree records.

Exaggerating, mislabeling or simulating obsessive-compulsive symptoms: case reports of patients claiming to have obsessive-compulsive disorder.

BACKGROUND: There are no reported cases of factitious or simulated obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, over the last years, our clinic has come across a number of individuals that seem to exaggerate, mislabel or even intentionally "produce" obsessive and/or compulsive symptoms in order to be diagnosed with OCD. METHODS: In this study, experienced clinicians working on a university-based OCD clinic were requested to provide clinical vignettes of patients who, despite having a formal diagnosis of OCD, were felt to display non-genuine forms of this condition. RESULTS: Ten non-consecutive patients with a self-proclaimed diagnosis of OCD were identified and described. Although patients were diagnosed with OCD according to various structured interviews, they exhibited diverse combinations of the following features: (i) overly technical and/or doctrinaire description of their symptoms, (ii) mounting irritability, as the interviewer attempts to unveil the underlying nature of these descriptions; (iii) marked shifts in symptom patterns and disease course; (iv) an affirmative "yes" pattern of response to interview questions; (v) multiple Axis I psychiatric disorders; (vi) cluster B features; (vii) an erratic pattern of treatment response; and (viii) excessive or contradictory drug-related side effects. CONCLUSIONS: In sum, reliance on overly structured assessments conducted by insufficiently trained or naïve personnel may result in invalid OCD diagnoses, particularly those that leave no room for clinical judgment.

Aortic branches and rete mirabile of the limbs of two-toed sloth (Choloepus didactylus).

Choloepus didactylus has reduced metabolism and difficulty in thermoregulation owing to its low body mass, and there are few studies related to the vascularization of abdominal and thoracic organs in this species. Therefore, we macroscopically described the arteries that comprise the aortic arch, thoracic aorta, and abdominal aorta. Six specimens were used, and their arterial systems filled with red latex before fixation in 10% formaldehyde, and fragments of the rete mirabile were processed for histological analysis using light and scanning electron microscopy. In these species, the aortic arch had two branches: the brachiocephalic trunk and left subclavian artery. The initial portion of the abdominal aorta presented four different ramifications, besides to the peculiarities of the adrenal, renal, and iliac arteries. Microscopy of the rete mirabile revealed a muscular artery surrounded by smaller muscular arteries, veins, nerves, and lymphatic tissue joined by connective tissue. Thus, the data obtained have clinical and surgical importance, with applicability in procedures involving vascularization of the thoracic and abdominal organs. We suggest that the rete mirabile is an efficient thermoregulatory structure because it allows the accumulation of blood and the countercurrent heat exchange, as there is no blood mixing.

Intestinal health of broilers challenged with Eimeria spp. using functional oil blends in two physical forms with or without anticoccidials.

This study aimed to assess the impact of a commercial blend of functional oils, specifically cashew nutshell liquid and castor oil (FO), in two physical forms (solid: P; liquid: S), in comparison to a combination of virginiamycin and anticoccidials on the gut health of broilers challenged with coccidiosis. A total of 1760 1-day-old male chicks were randomly distributed in a study design with eight treatments. The treatments included: a control group (without additive), OFS_0.75_kg/t (FO spray), OFP_1.0_kg/t (FO powder), OFP_1.5_kg/t (FO liquid spray), Sal (anticoccidials), Sal_Vir (virginiamycin and anticoccidials), Sal_OFS_0.5_ kg/t (anticoccidials plus FO spray), and Sal_OFP_1.0_kg/t (anticoccidials plus FO powder). All birds were challenged with Eimeria spp. at 14 days. The physical form of FO did not affect performance and intestinal health parameters. At 42 days, broilers from the control and OFS_0.75 treatments were the lightest, while those from the Sal_Vir and Sal_OFP_1.0 treatments were the heaviest (P < 0.05). FO reduced the presence of Clostridium perfringens. The individual phytogenic additives did not prevent weight loss in birds challenged with Eimeria, but they mitigated the effects of the infection by modulating the intestinal microbiota. A synergistic effect was observed between the FO and anticoccidials, yielding satisfactory results in substituting virginiamycin.

Challenges of Rabies Surveillance in the Eastern Amazon: The Need of a One Health Approach to Predict Rabies Spillover.

Brazil has been promoting essential improvements in health indicators by implementing free-access health programs, which successfully reduced the prevalence of neglected zoonosis in urban areas, such as rabies. Despite constant efforts from the authorities to monitor and control the disease, sylvatic rabies is a current issue in Amazon's communities. The inequalities among Amazon areas challenge the expansion of high-tech services and limit the implementation of active laboratory surveillance to effectively avoid outbreaks in human and non-human hosts, which also reproduces a panorama of vulnerability in risk communities. Because rabies is a preventable disease, the prevalence in the particular context of the Amazon area highlights the failure of surveillance strategies to predict spillovers and indicates the need to adapt the public policies to a "One Health" approach. Therefore, this work assesses the distribution of free care resources and facilities among Pará's regions in the oriental Amazon; and discusses the challenges of implanting One Health in the particular context of the territory. We indicate a much-needed strengthening of the sylvatic and urban surveillance networks to achieve the "Zero by 30" goal, which is inextricable from multilateral efforts to combat the progressive biome's degradation.

Immunological impact of tetrahydrobiopterin on the central nervous system in a murine model of rabies virus infection.

Currently, the Milwaukee protocol presents healing results in human beings affected by the rabies virus. However, there are many points to clarify on the action of drugs and the immune mechanism involved in the evolution of the disease. One of the drugs used is biopterin, which is an important cofactor for nitric oxide, important for preventing vasospasm. Thus, we describe the effect of biopterin on some inflammatory factors in a rabies virus infection developed in an animal model. The immunological mediators studied in animals infected with rabies virus submitted to doses of sapropterin were Anti-RABV, IL-6, IL-2, IL-17a, INF-gamma and Anti-iNOS. It is suggested that the medication in the context of a RABV infection already installed, had the effect of modulating the inflammatory mechanisms mainly linked to the permeability of the blood-brain barrier and the migration of cytotoxic cells.

Effect of functional oils or probiotics on performance and microbiota profile of newly weaned piglets.

The study aimed to evaluate a commercial blend of functional oils based on liquid from the cashew nutshell and castor oil as a growth promoter in newly weaned piglets. A total of 225 piglets, castrated males and females with 28 days of age were randomly distributed in pens with 15 animals composing three treatments and five repetitions. The treatments were: control (without the inclusion of additives), probiotics, or functional oils. The performance was evaluated. At 50 days of age, a pool of fresh feces from 3 animals/repetition was collected to perform the sequencing of microbiota using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Supplementation with functional oils improved the piglets' daily weight gain and feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05) in the first weeks of the experiment, which resulted in higher final live weight (P < 0.05) in the phase when compared to the control treatment (24.34 kg and 21.55 kg, respectively). The animals that received probiotics showed an intermediate performance (23.66 kg final live weight) at the end of the 38 experimental days. Both additives were effective in increasing groups essential for intestinal health, such as Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae. The functional oils were more effective in reducing pathogenic bacteria, such as Campylobacter and Escherichia coli. In conclusion, the use of functional oils optimized performance and effectively modulated the microbiota of newly weaned piglets.

High prevalence of Anaplasma marginale in the Crioula Lageana cattle.

INTRODUCTION: Bovine anaplasmosis is caused by the bacterium Anaplasma marginale; its transmission occurs through vectors such as ticks. Crioula Lageana is a native cattle breed from the South of Brazil used for beef production, with excellent meat quality. There are no studies of the epidemiology of this disease in Crioula Lageana even though tick damage is known to be frequent. METHODOLOGY: Blood samples were collected from 311 Crioula Lageana cattle and subjected to DNA extraction and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers for the Major Surface Protein 5 (msp5) gene for the detection of the bovine anaplasmosis agent. The animals were classified according to the gender, the category and the presence or absence of ticks at the time of collection. The animal owners completed an epidemiological questionnaire to determine factors that might be associated with anaplasma infection. RESULTS: The prevalence of A. marginale was 79.9%. The following factors were found to be protective against infection: I) the breeding objectives (whether animals were destined for beef production and trade or solely for beef production), II) tick control rate; and III) pregnant and lactating cows and calves as the categories least affected by the hemoparasite. The main risk factor for hemoparasite acquisition was the use of organophosphates and avermectins as acaricides. CONCLUSIONS: Crioula Lageana cattle are in a situation of enzootic stability, with a high prevalence of A. marginale infection. The factors associated with the infection were: I) breeding objectives, II) tick control rate, III) the acaricides used, and IV) the most tick-parasitized categories of cattle.

Modulation of the intestinal microbiota of broilers supplemented with monensin or functional oils in response to challenge by Eimeria spp.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplementation with 100ppm sodium monensin or 0.15% of a blend of functional oils (cashew nut oil + castor oil) on the intestinal microbiota of broilers challenged with three different Eimeria spp. The challenge was accomplished by inoculating broiler chicks with sporulated oocysts of Eimeria tenella, Eimeria acervulina, and Eimeria maxima via oral gavage. A total of 864, day-old male broiler chicks (Cobb) were randomly assigned to six treatments (eight pens/treatment; 18 broilers/pen) in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, composed of three additives (control, monensin or blend), with or without Eimeria challenge. Intestinal contents was collected at 28 days of age for microbiota analysis by sequencing 16s rRNA in V3 and V4 regions using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Taxonomy was assigned through the SILVA database version 132, using the QIIME 2 software version 2019.1. No treatment effects (p > 0.05) were observed in the microbial richness at the family level estimated by Chao1 and the biodiversity assessed by Simpson's index, except for Shannon's index (p < 0.05). The intestinal microbiota was dominated by members of the order Clostridiales and Lactobacillales, followed by the families Ruminococcaceae, Bacteroidaceae, and Lactobacillaceae, regardless of treatment. When the controls were compared, in the challenged control group there was an increase in Erysipelotrichaceae, Lactobacillaceae, Bacteroidaceae, Streptococcaceae, and Peptostreptococcaceae, and a decrease in Ruminococcaceae. Similar results were found for a challenged group that received monensin, while the blend partially mitigated this variation. Therefore, the blend alleviated the impact of coccidiosis challenge on the microbiome of broilers compared to monensin.

A transcultural study of hoarding disorder: Insights from the United Kingdom, Spain, Japan, and Brazil.

Though problematic hoarding is believed to be a universal human behavior, investigations of clinically-defined hoarding disorder (HD) have been confined almost exclusively to Western countries. The current investigation sought to describe and directly compare the features of individuals meeting diagnostic criteria for HD across four distinct cultural settings. Participants were 82 individuals meeting DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for HD, recruited and assessed by trained clinicians at one of four project sites: London, Barcelona, Fukuoka, and Rio de Janeiro. A series of semi-structured interviews and self-report scales were administered, including assessments of socio-demographic characteristics, psychiatric comorbidity, and severity of hoarding and related features. Results indicate that the severity and core features of HD, as well as the cognitions and behaviors commonly associated with this condition, are largely stable across cultures. However, some differences in patient demographics-in particular age, marital status, and clinical expression-as well as comorbid psychiatric features also emerged. These findings confirm that HD, as defined in DSM-5, exists and presents with similar phenomenology across the studied cultures. Future, more fine-grained, research will be needed to study the features of the disorder in additional cultures (e.g., non-industrialized nations) and to evaluate the impact of these cultural aspects on the design of interventions for the disorder.

Reference genes for accessing differential expression among developmental stages and analysis of differential expression of OBP genes in Anastrepha obliqua.

The West Indian fruit fly, Anastrepha obliqua, is an important agricultural pest in the New World. The use of pesticide-free methods to control invasive species such as this reinforces the search for genes potentially useful in their genetic control. Therefore, the study of chemosensory proteins involved with a range of responses to the chemical environment will help not only on the understanding of the species biology but may also help the development of environmentally friendly pest control strategies. Here we analyzed the expression patterns of three OBP genes, Obp19d_2, Obp56a and Obp99c, across different phases of A. obliqua development by qPCR. In order to do so, we tested eight and identified three reference genes for data normalization, rpl17, rpl18 and ef1a, which displayed stability for the conditions here tested. All OBPs showed differential expression on adults and some differential expression among adult stages. Obp99c had an almost exclusive expression in males and Obp56a showed high expression in virgin females. Thereby, our results provide relevant data not only for other gene expression studies in this species, as well as for the search of candidate genes that may help in the development of new pest control strategies.

Head Transcriptomes of Two Closely Related Species of Fruit Flies of the Anastrepha fraterculus Group Reveals Divergent Genes in Species with Extensive Gene Flow.

Several fruit flies species of the Anastrepha fraterculus group are of great economic importance for the damage they cause to a variety of fleshy fruits. Some species in this group have diverged recently, with evidence of introgression, showing similar morphological attributes that render their identification difficult, reinforcing the relevance of identifying new molecular markers that may differentiate species. We investigated genes expressed in head tissues from two closely related species: A. obliqua and A. fraterculus, aiming to identify fixed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and highly differentiated transcripts, which, considering that these species still experience some level of gene flow, could indicate potential candidate genes involved in their differentiation process. We generated multiple libraries from head tissues of these two species, at different reproductive stages, for both sexes. Our analyses indicate that the de novo transcriptome assemblies are fairly complete. We also produced a hybrid assembly to map each species' reads, and identified 67,470 SNPs in A. fraterculus, 39,252 in A. obliqua, and 6386 that were common to both species. We identified 164 highly differentiated unigenes that had a mean interspecific index ([Formula: see text]) of at least 0.94. We selected unigenes that had Ka/Ks higher than 0.5, or had at least three or more highly differentiated SNPs as potential candidate genes for species differentiation. Among these candidates, we identified proteases, regulators of redox homeostasis, and an odorant-binding protein (Obp99c), among other genes. The head transcriptomes described here enabled the identification of thousands of genes hitherto unavailable for these species, and generated a set of candidate genes that are potentially important to genetically identify species and understand the speciation process in the presence of gene flow of A. obliqua and A. fraterculus.

Rentabilidad económica de la actividad lechera de unidades demostrativas del programa Balde Lleno, en Río de Janeiro, Brasil / Economic Profitability of the Dairy Activity of Demonstration Units of the Balde Lleno Program, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil / Rentabilidade económica da atividade leiteira de unidades demonstrativas do programa Balde Cheio no Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Resumen El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la rentabilidad de 20 unidades demostrativas (UD) participantes del programa Balde Lleno ("Balde Cheio"), en Río de Janeiro, entre enero y diciembre de 2011. También se pretendió identificar los componentes que ejercen mayor influencia sobre el costo total y operacional efectivo, además del impacto de cada uno de ellos en los ingresos. Los datos fueron analizados con el software PASW 18.0. Se utilizó el modelo de regresión lineal múltiple con el método stepwise para identificar los componentes del costo de producción que más influenció en la margen líquida, la lucratividad y la rentabilidad. En el análisis económico, cuando se consideraron los indicadores de margen bruta, líquida y el resultado de la actividad lechera, se observaron condiciones para producir en el corto y mediano plazo, pero no a largo plazo, debido al resultado negativo, el cual llevaría a la descapitalización del productor. Los ítems componentes del costo operacional efectivo, que ejercieron mayores representatividades sobre el costo de la actividad lechera, en orden decreciente, fueron la alimentación, la mano de obra y los diversos gastos; en cuanto al costo total, en orden decreciente, los ítems fueron la alimentación, la mano de obra y la remuneración del capital invertido.

Abstract This research aimed to analyze the profitability of 20 demonstration units (DUs) participating in the Balde Lleno program ("Balde Cheio"), in Rio de Janeiro, between January and December 2011. It also sought to identify components with the greatest influence on total and effective operational costs, in addition to their impact on revenues. Data were analyzed with the PASW 18.0 software. The multiple linear regression model was used with the stepwise method to identify production cost components that had the greatest influence on the liquid margin, lucrativeness, and profitability. Regarding the indicators of gross and liquid margin, as well as the result of dairy activity, the economic analysis examined conditions to produce in the short and medium term, but not in the long run, due to a negative result, which would lead to the decapitalization of the producer. The component items of effective operational cost that had greater representativeness on the cost of dairy activity were, in decreasing order, food, labor, and various expenses; in terms of total cost, in decreasing order, the components were food, labor, and the remuneration of the capital invested.

Resumo O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar a rentabilidade de vinte unidades demonstrativas (UD) participantes do programa Balde Cheio, no Rio de Janeiro, entre janeiro e dezembro de 2011. Pretendeu-se também identificar os componentes que mais exercem influência sobre o custo total e operacional efetivo, além do impacto de cada um deles nas rendas. Os dados foram analisados com o software PASW 18.0. Utilizou-se o modelo de regressão linear múltipla com o método stepwise para identificar os componentes do custo de produção mais influenciadores na margem líquida, lucratividade e rentabilidade. Na análise económica, quando considerados os indicadores de margem bruta, líquida e o resultado da atividade leiteira, observaram-se condições para produzir no curto e médio prazo, mas não no longo prazo, devido ao resultado negativo, que levaria à descapitalização do produtor. Os itens componentes do custo operacional efetivo que exerceram maiores representatividades sobre o custo da atividade leiteira, em ordem decrescente, foram refeições, mão de obra e despesas diversas. No que diz respeito do custo total, em ordem decrescente, os itens foram refeições, mão de obra e remuneração do capital investido.

Resultados econômicos de sistemas de produção de leite com diferentes níveis tecnológicos na região de Lavras MG nos anos 2004 e 2005 / Economical results of milk production systems with different technological levels in the area of Lavras, Minas Gerais, Brazil in the years 2004 and 2005

Estudou-se a rentabilidade da atividade leiteira na região de Lavras/MG, analisando a influência do nível tecnológico sobre o custo de produção do leite. Foram identificados os componentes com maior influência sobre os custos finais da atividade e calculado o ponto de equilíbrio. Os dados, provenientes de 17 sistemas de produção, representando os níveis tecnológicos baixo, médio e alto, foram coletados mensalmente, entre janeiro de 2004 e dezembro de 2005. Considerou-se a margem bruta, a margem líquida e o resultado (lucro ou prejuízo) como indicadores de eficiência econômica. O nível tecnológico influenciou os itens componentes do custo operacional efetivo da atividade leiteira, bem como o custo total de produção do leite - a lucratividade e rentabilidade. Os sistemas de produção com nível tecnológico médio apresentaram o menor custo total unitário. A margem líquida positiva nos três níveis tecnológicos indica que os pecuaristas conseguem produzir a médio prazo; e por apresentar resultado negativo, os pecuaristas que adotaram médio nível tecnológico, a longo prazo, estão se descapitalizando.

The profitability of dairy farming was studied in the region of Lavras, MG by analyzing the influence of technological level on the milk production cost. The components with major influence on the final activity cost were identified, and the break-even was calculated. Monthly data from 17 production systems representing the low, medium and high technological levels were taken from January 2004 to December 2005. Gross margin and net margin (profit or loss) were considered as indicators of economical efficiency. The technological level had impact on the effective operational cost of dairy farming as well as on the total costs of milk production - rentability and profitability. Production systems with medium technological level had the lowest total unitary cost. Positive net margin in the three technological levels shows that the farmers can produce at medium term. Due to the negative results, the farmers who used the medium technological level are losing money at long term.

Test-day milk yield as a selection criterion for dairy buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis Artiodactyla, Bovidae)

Due to the great demand for buffalo milk by-products the interest in technical-scientific information about this species is increasing. Our objective was to propose selection criteria for milk yield in buffaloes based on total milk yield, 305-day milk yield (M305), and test-day milk yield. A total of 3,888 lactations from 1,630 Murrah (Bubalus bubalis) cows recorded between 1987 and 2001, from 10 herds in the State of São Paulo, Brazil, were analyzed. Covariance components were obtained using the restricted maximum likelihood method applied to a bivariate animal model. Additive genetic and permanent environmental effects were considered as random, and contemporary group and lactation order as fixed effects. The heritability estimates were 0.22 for total milk yield and 0.19 for M305. For test-day yields, the heritability estimates ranged from 0.12 to 0.30, with the highest values being observed up to the third test month, followed by a decline until the end of lactation. The present results show that test-day milk yield, mainly during the first six months of lactation, could be adopted as a selection criterion to increase total milk yield.

â-casein gene polymorphism permits identification of bovine milk mixed with bubaline milk in mozzarella cheese

Mozzarella cheese is traditionally prepared from bubaline (Bubalus bubalis) milk, but product adulteration occurs mainly by addition of or full substitution by bovine milk. The aim of this study was to show the usefulnes of molecular markers to identify the admixture of bovine milk to bubaline milk during the manufacturing process of mozzarella cheese. Samples of mozzarella cheese were produced by adding seven different concentrations of bovine milk: 0%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 8%, 12% and 100%. DNA extracted from somatic cells found in cheese were submitted to PCR-RFLP analysis of casein genes: alfa-s1-CN - CSN1S1 that encompasses 954 bp from exon VII to intron IX (Alu I and Hinf I), beta-CN - CSN2 including 495 bp of exon VII (Hae III and Hinf I), and k-CN - CSN3, encompassing 373 bp of exon IV (Alu I and Hind III). Our results indicate that Hae III-RFLP of CSN2 exon VII can be used as a molecular marker to detect the presence of bovine milk in "mozzarella" cheese.