Patrícia Tholon

Calcium and potassium content in beef: Influences on tenderness and associations with molecular markers in Nellore cattle

Calcium (Ca) and potassium (K) are essential nutrients in animal nutrition. Furthermore, the Ca content can influence meat tenderness because it is needed by the proteolytic system of calpains and calpastatins, major factors in postmortem tenderization of skeletal muscles. K content, which is needed for muscle contraction, can also affect meat tenderness. This study showed that K positively affects the Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), measured at 14days of meat aging, which means that higher levels of K are related to lower meat tenderness. Additionally, a significant effect (P≤0.015) of a SNP in the calcium-activated neutral protease 1 (CAPN1) gene on Ca content was observed. Metal content in beef can affect not only nutritional values but also meat quality traits. Part of this effect may be related to variation in specific genes.

Modelos matemáticos utilizados para descrever curvas de crescimento em aves aplicados ao melhoramento genético animal

The use of mathematical models to describe animal growth is not recent. They are able to summarize information on strategic dots of animal growth development and to describe the evolution of weight according to the animal age. It is also possible to compare different individuals in similar physiologic stages. The growth models most commonly used in poultry breeding are derived from Richards function, and they present parameters that provide biological interpretation and knowledge to select a specific shape of growth curve in poultry. However, it is also possible to use segmented polynomials to describe trend changes during the animal growth. One needs to consider important variables affecting the growth curve parameters estimates, such as, production system, specie, sex and their interactions. Model Goodness-of-fit can be based on many criteria such as coefficient of determination (R2), residual mean squared error, (LSe), estimated predicted mean error (PME), the easiness the analysis to reach convergence and the possibility of biological interpretation of parameters. Studies involving modeling and description of growth curve and their components are described in literature, but, there is no selection programs applied to the growth curve shape. The importance of determinating the parameters of growth curve models is more relevant when considering that most of the genetic gains for growth traits are related to selection, on weights near to the inflexion point. Often, selection to fast growth is important in all breeding programs, and could be based on genetic parameters of the growth curve parameters. These parameters are related to important productive and reproductive traits, and present different values, according to specie, sex and models used in evaluation. Alternatively, other methodology used is random regression models, allowing graduation changes in (co) variances between ages during the time and predicting (co)variances during the studied trajectory. The use of random regression models has the advantage to allow the partition of phenotypic growth curve (co)variance in its different genetic additive and the permanent environment effects, using random regression coefficients for each different effect. This review aimed at summarizing the main frequentists mathematical models used in the studies of growth curves in birds, emphasizing those applied to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters.

Detection of quantitative trait loci for mineral content of Nelore longissimus dorsi muscle

BackgroundBeef cattle require dietary minerals for optimal health, production and reproduction. Concentrations of minerals in tissues are at least partly genetically determined. Mapping genomic regions that affect the mineral content of bovine longissimus dorsi muscle can contribute to the identification of genes that control mineral balance, transportation, absorption and excretion and that could be associated to metabolic disorders.MethodsWe applied a genome-wide association strategy and genotyped 373 Nelore steers from 34 half-sib families with the Illumina BovineHD BeadChip. Genome-wide association analysis was performed for mineral content of longissimus dorsi muscle using a Bayesian approach implemented in the GenSel software.ResultsMuscle mineral content in Bos indicus cattle was moderately heritable, with estimates ranging from 0.29 to 0.36. Our results suggest that variation in mineral content is influenced by numerous small-effect QTL (quantitative trait loci) but a large-effect QTL that explained 6.5% of the additive genetic variance in iron content was detected at 72 Mb on bovine chromosome 12. Most of the candidate genes present in the QTL regions for mineral content were involved in signal transduction, signaling pathways via integral (also called intrinsic) membrane proteins, transcription regulation or metal ion binding.ConclusionsThis study identified QTL and candidate genes that affect the mineral content of skeletal muscle. Our findings provide the first step towards understanding the molecular basis of mineral balance in bovine muscle and can also serve as a basis for the study of mineral balance in other organisms.

Genetic analyses on bodyweight, reproductive, and carcass traits in composite beef cattle

In beef cattle, growth, reproductive, and carcass traits have been studied for improving productivity and quality of meat products. The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for birth (BW), weaning (WW) and yearling (YW) weights, scrotal circumferences at weaning (SCW) and yearling (SCY), age at first calving (AFC), ribeye area (REA) and back fat thickness (BFT) in order to provide support for the evaluation program of the composite Canchim breed. Data on 12 967 (BW), 7481 (WW), 5131 (YW), 1447 (SCW), 1224 (SCY), 1400 (AFC), and 2082 (REA and BFT) animals were analysed using the Average Information Restricted Maximum Likelihood method under an animal model (single and multi-trait analyses). A substantial proportion of the variation in the bodyweights, scrotal circumferences and carcass traits was associated with the additive genetic term indicating that these traits may respond to the selection process. For AFC, a low heritability estimate was observed. Genetic correlations among bodyweights varied from 0.41 to 0.93. The genetic correlation among scrotal circumferences was 0.91. Important genetic correlations among YW, SCW, and SCY with AFC were observed (–0.48, –0.61, and –0.71, respectively), indicating that indirect responses to selection for these traits would be expected in the age of which the heifers calve. Furthermore, BFT presented an interesting result with calving performance due to the genetic correlation (–0.69) with AFC. Post-weaning weights showed moderate genetic correlations with REA. Many of the traits considered in the genetic evaluation of this breed are genetically correlated in a favourable manner. Genetic improvement through selection is expected for production, reproduction, and carcass traits in Canchim beef cattle.

Identification of KCNJ11 as a functional candidate gene for bovine meat tenderness

The potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily J, member 11 (KCNJ11) gene was investigated as a candidate for meat tenderness based on the effects reported on muscle for KCNJ11 gene knockout in rat models and its position in a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for meat tenderness in the bovine genome. Sequence variations in the KCNJ11 gene were described by sequencing six amplified fragments, covering almost the entire gene. We identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and validated them by different approaches, taking advantage of simultaneous projects that are being developed with the same Nelore population. By sequencing the KCNJ11 in Nelore steers representing extreme phenotypes for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), it was possible to identify 22 SNPs. We validated two of the identified markers by genotyping the whole population (n = 460). Analysis of association between genotypes and WBSF values revealed a significant additive effect of a SNP at different meat aging times (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, an association between the expression levels of KCNJ11 and WBSF was found, with lower expression levels of KCNJ11 associated with more tender meat (P ≤ 0.05). The results showed that the KCNJ11 gene is a candidate mapped to a QTL for meat tenderness previously identified on BTA15 and may be useful to identify animals with genetic potential to produce tender meat. The effect of KCNJ11 observed on muscle is potentially due to changes in activity of KATP channels, which in turn influence the flow of potassium in the intracellular space, allowing establishment of the membrane potential necessary for muscle contraction.

Modelos de regressão aleatória com diferentes estruturas de variância residual para descrever o tamanho da leitegada

Objetivou-se comparar modelos de regressao aleatoria com diferentes estruturas de variância residual, a fim de se buscar a melhor modelagem para a caracteristica tamanho da leitegada ao nascer (TLN). Utilizaram-se 1.701 registros de TLN, que foram analisados por meio de modelo animal, unicaracteristica, de regressao aleatoria. As regressoes fixa e aleatorias foram representadas por funcoes continuas sobre a ordem de parto, ajustadas por polinomios ortogonais de Legendre de ordem 3. Para averiguar a melhor modelagem para a variância residual, considerou-se a heterogeneidade de variância por meio de 1 a 7 classes de variância residual. O modelo geral de analise incluiu grupo de contemporâneo como efeito fixo; os coeficientes de regressao fixa para modelar a trajetoria media da populacao; os coeficientes de regressao aleatoria do efeito genetico aditivo-direto, do comum-de-leitegada e do de ambiente permanente de animal; e o efeito aleatorio residual. O teste da razao de verossimilhanca, o criterio de informacao de Akaike e o criterio de informacao bayesiano de Schwarz apontaram o modelo que considerou homogeneidade de variância como o que proporcionou melhor ajuste aos dados utilizados. As herdabilidades obtidas foram proximas a zero (0,002 a 0,006). O efeito de ambiente permanente foi crescente da 1a (0,06) a 5a (0,28) ordem, mas decrescente desse ponto ate a 7a ordem (0,18). O comum-de-leitegada apresentou valores baixos (0,01 a 0,02). A utilizacao de homogeneidade de variância residual foi mais adequada para modelar as variâncias associadas a caracteristica tamanho da leitegada ao nascer nesse conjunto de dado.

REDUCING COMPETITION IN AGROFORESTRY BY PRUNING NATIVE TREES

The degree to which pruning helps reestablish balance in agroforestry was assessed in a system established in Sao Carlos, Sao Paulo, Brazil, in 2008. Seven native tree species were planted at a density of 600 trees/ha in five strips of three rows each, and annual crops were cultivated in the 17-m crop strips between the tree strips. Competition was established after 35 months, decreasing the aboveground biomass production of corn planted close to the trees. An assessment of black oats in the dry season following tree pruning showed that the proximity of trees caused reductions in plant and panicle density, aboveground biomass production, number of grains per panicle and grain weight. Because pruning was not sufficient to maintain crop yields, tree thinning is recommended in order to minimize competition and restore conditions for adequate crop production.

Meat and carcass traits of the red-winged tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens)

Tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens) is a native bird of the Brazilian fauna and has great potential to become a domesticated species. From this perspective, the objective of this study was to evaluate the carcass and main parts yield and to assess meat quality of that bird. Two trials, one studying stocking density and the other litter materials, lasting 60 days each, were conducted. The studied traits were evaluated in two birds/ replicate/treatment. Performance was evaluated by the least square method. The results showed that bird age at slaughter significantly influenced carcass and breast yields (p<0.05). Mean carcass, breast, thighs+drumstick and wing yields were 86.50±2.78%, 32.84±1.50%, 27.71±1.44%, and 13.21±0.94%, respectively. Shear force, pH, water holding capacity, lightness, redness and yellowness means and standard deviations were 1.92±0.98 kgf.cm -2 , 6.07±0.12; 70±0.53%, 48.30±0.96, 1.96±1.01, and 1.61±1.0, respectively. Moisture, ash, crude protein, fat, and cholesterol contents were 72.35±0.16%, 1.12±0.06%, 25.53±0.50%, 0.17±0.01%, and 18.87±2.76 mg/10g, respectively. Results showed carcass and parts yields and the physicalchemical traits of tinamou meat are similar to chicken meat; however, tinamou meat is less acidic and has higher protein level combined with less calories and lower cholesterol levels.

Estimation of (co)variance components and genetic parameters for weights of red-winged tinamou using random regression models

The objective of this work was to determine genetic parameters for body weight of tinamou in captivity. It was used random regression models in analyses of data by considering the direct additive genetic (DA) and permanent environmental effects of the animal (PE) as random effects. Residual variances were modeled by using a fifth-order variance function. The mean population growth curve was fitted by sixth-order Legendre orthogonal polynomials. Direct additive genetic effects and animal environmental permanent effect were modeled by using Legendre polynomials of order two to nine. The best results were obtained by models with orders of fit of 6 for direct additive genetic effect and of order 3 for permanent effect by Akaike information criterion and of order 3 for both additive genetic effect and permanent effect by Schwarz Bayesian information criterion and likelihood ratio test. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.02 to 0.57. The first eigenvalue explained 94% and 90% of the variation from additive direct and permant environmental effects, respectively. Selection of tinamou for body weight is more effective after 112 days of age.

Frequências de cortes em nove leguminosas forrageiras tropicais herbáceas cultivadas ao sol e sob plantação florestal

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a producao e o valor nutritivo de nove especies de leguminosas forrageiras herbaceas tropicais, cultivadas sob dois niveis de irradiacao luminosa e seis frequencias de corte na estacao chuvosa, em Anhembi (SP), Brasil. Parcelas puras foram estabelecidas ao sol e sob plantacao de Eucalyptus grandis, com 8 anos de idade, com 1.000 arvores/ha, que interceptou mais de 80% da radiacao luminosa incidente. Avaliou-se a taxa de acumulo de materia seca, a proteina bruta e a digestibilidade in vitro da materia seca em amostras de plantas colhidas em intervalos de 30, 60, 90 e 180 dias, com cortes adicionais aos 120 e 150 dias. Sob pleno sol, as leguminosas testadas toleraram cortes mais frequentes (intervalos de 30 - 90 dias), exceto o Lablab. Na sombra, o grau de tolerância variou conforme a especie; em termos de producao de MS e de persistencia, a Centrosema e a Pueraria se destacaram dentre as demais leguminosas comparadas, quando os cortes foram realizados em intervalos de 60 dias, enquanto o Arachis e o Estilosantes foram os mais produtivos quando os cortes ocorreram em intervalos de 120 dias, mantendo o valor nutricional. O Alysicarpus e a Aeschynomene nao persistiram sob o nivel de sombreamento que prevaleceu nesse experimento.