Identification and Validation of Genus/Species-Specific Short InDels in Dairy Ruminants.

Background: Over the past thirty years, the identification of species-specific molecular markers has significantly advanced our understanding of genetic diversity in both plants and animals. Among these, short InDels have emerged as vital genomic features, contributing more to sequence divergence than single nucleotide polymorphisms do in closely related species. This study aimed to identify specific InDels for Bos taurus, Bubalus bubalis, Capra hircus, and Ovis aries via an in silico approach and validated them in 400 individuals (100 for each species).

A fast molecular tool for sexing Gibber Italicus, song thrush, and redwing birds.

Gibber Italicus, song thrush (), and redwing () are 3 bird species in which sexual dimorphism is not readily apparent. Therefore, molecular sexing is a valuable tool for breeding, selection, and conservation purposes. We compared DNA extraction by commercial kit and an alkaline method from feathers, then developed a molecular method for sexing these species using the P2/P8 and CHD1F/CHD1R primer pairs.

Circulation of small ruminant lentivirus in endangered goat and sheep breeds of Southern Italy.

According to the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DAD-IS) of the FAO, Italy has one of the largest numbers of local small ruminant breeds among European countries. In Southern Italy, namely the Campania Region, Bagnolese and Laticauda sheep breeds and Cilentana goat breeds are considered endangered according to the DAD-IS. Conservation of endangered animal breeds is a goal of the European Union (EU).

Demonstration of Parthenogenetic Reproduction in a Pet Ball Python () through Analysis of Early-Stage Embryos.

Parthenogenesis is an asexual form of reproduction, normally present in various animal and plant species, in which an embryo is generated from a single gamete. Currently, there are some species for which parthenogenesis is supposed but not confirmed, and the mechanisms that activate it are not well understood. A 10-year-old, wild-caught female ball python () laid four eggs without any prior contact with a male.

An Unusual Case of Collision Testicular Tumor in a Female DSD Dog.

Collision tumors (CT) consist of two independent neoplasms with distinct neoplastic populations. Disorders of sexual development (DSDs) are characterized by atypical sexual development leading to various abnormalities of the genital tract. Sex reversal (SR) syndromes are a type of DSD characterized by a discrepancy between chromosomal sex and gonadal development (testes/ovaries) and the presence or the absence of the gene.

A New AS-PCR Method to Detect Allele, Genotyping at Ca-Sensitive Caseins and Milk Traits Association Studies in Autochthonous Lazio Goats.

Calcium-sensitive caseins are the main protein component of milk. In the goat, they are encoded by three genes (CSN1S1, CSN2, and CSN1S2) located on chromosome 6. A high number of alleles has been discovered for these genes in the goat species, responsible for changes in the milk’s qualitative and quantitative characteristics.

Characterization of telomere length in Agerolese cattle breed, correlating blood and milk samples.

Studies into telomere length in cattle are relatively recent and have focused mainly on the Holstein Friesian cattle breed, making it arduous to evaluate the correlation with ageing due to the early age of culling in this breed. Telomere length provides information about the productive lifespan and the quality of farm management, complying with the 'One Health' approach. This study evaluated telomere length in Agerolese cattle, an autochthonous dairy breed characterized by a long productive lifespan (13 years).

Sperm Global DNA Methylation (SGDM) in Semen of Healthy Dogs.

Male infertility is an emerging problem in both humans and animals, and the knowledge of its causes is the first step to identifying new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In humans, alteration of sperm DNA methylation have been related to poor quality semen, impaired seminal parameters, azoospermia and reduced fertility. Although semen analysis is routinely used to evaluate the male reproductive potential in the canine species, no authors have attempted to relate semen characteristics to the sperm global DNA methylation (SGDM).

DNA fragmentation and morphometric studies in sperm of stallions supplemented with maca ().

The reproductive performances of livestock play an essential role in the economic management of the farm. The improvement of semen quantity and quality through the use of food supplements that lack substances which are forbidden in animal feeding, or that may have detrimental effects, is an important goal. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a plant that has been used for centuries in the Andes for nutrition and fertility enhancement in humans and animals.

An Unusual Case of Testicular Disorder in Sex Development of Arabian Mare (64,XX -Negative).

A 3-year-old Arabian mare underwent medical examinations due to the presence of abnormalities of the reproductive apparatus and stallion behavior (nervous temperament, aggressiveness, masculine attitude). During the clinical visit, an anovulvar distance shorter than normal was observed; moreover, vulvar lips were dorsally fused except for the lower neckline, showing a blind ending from which a penis-like structure protruded. The ultrasound examination revealed the presence of a cervix and corpus of a uterus, hypoplastic uterine horns, and small gonads with an echogenicity similar to a testis.

Analysis of XX -Negative Sex Reversal Dogs.

Impaired fertility associated with disorders of sex development (DSDs) due to genetic causes in dogs are more and more frequently reported. Affected dogs are usually of specific breeds thus representing a cause of economic losses for breeders. The aim of this research is to report the clinical, cytogenetic and molecular genetic findings of four XX -negative DSD dog cases.

Influence of the Casein Composite Genotype on Milk Quality and Coagulation Properties in the Endangered Agerolese Cattle Breed.

The aim of this study was the characterization of CSN1S1, CSN2 and CSN3 genetic variability in Agerolese cattle, and the investigation of the effect of casein composite genotypes (CSN1S1, CSN2 and CSN3) on quality and coagulation traits of the corresponding milk. To these purposes, blood and milk from 84 cows were sampled and analysed. Allele frequencies at and revealed no Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the population with a prevalence of allele A for and allele B for .

Determination of a possible relationship between a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter region of the gene and production and reproduction traits in the Agerolese cattle breed.

Sirtuins (sir2-like proteins) belong to the family of class III NAD -dependent histone deacetylases. Among them, SIRT1 is the most studied sirtuin. It plays a key role in many biological processes in the liver, adipose tissue, muscle, pancreas, testis, ovary and mammary gland.

Cytogenetic Analyses in Ewes with Congenital Abnormalities of the Genital Apparatus.

The Disorders of Sex Development (DSDs) are congenital conditions characterized by inconsistency among chromosomal, gonadal, and anatomical sex development. The aim of this research is to report the clinical and cytogenetic findings of four DSD cases and 13 couples of heterosexual twins in sheep. To this purpose, C- and R-banding techniques were used, and the analyses of the (Sex Determining Region Y) and (Amelogenin) genes were carried out.

Chemical Analysis of (Maca) and Its Effects on Redox Status and on Reproductive Biology in Stallions .

The present study was conducted to assess the chemical composition of Yellow Maca () and its biological activity on stallions following oral administration of hypocotyl powder. Maca was subjected to methanolic extraction and the chemical analysis was carried out by LC-MS-QTOF (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry). Our results showed that Maca contains some effective antioxidants, a high percentage of glucosinolates, and other important components with a high antioxidant capacity.

Congenital Malformations in River Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

The world buffalo population is about 168 million, and it is still growing, in India, China, Brazil, and Italy. In these countries, buffalo genetic breeding programs have been performed for many decades. The occurrence of congenital malformations has caused a slowing of the genetic progress and economic loss for the breeders, due to the death of animals, or damage to their reproductive ability or failing of milk production.

Elucidating the genetic basis of an oligogenic birth defect using whole genome sequence data in a non-model organism, Bubalus bubalis.

Recent strong selection for dairy traits in water buffalo has been associated with higher levels of inbreeding, leading to an increase in the prevalence of genetic diseases such as transverse hemimelia (TH), a congenital developmental abnormality characterized by absence of a variable distal portion of the hindlimbs. Limited genomic resources available for water buffalo required an original approach to identify genetic variants associated with the disease. The genomes of 4 bilateral and 7 unilateral affected cases and 14 controls were sequenced.

Association of STAT5A Gene Variants with Milk Production Traits in Agerolese Cattle.

Two polymorphisms at STAT5A gene were investigated in a sample of Agerolese cows. The aims of the present study were to estimate the allele and genotype frequencies and to investigate the relationship among genotypes and milk production traits. Milk production traits were analyzed for each animal in the first, second, third, and fourth lactation.

Crossbreeding effect on genome stability in pig (Sus scrofa scrofa).

Aneuploid cell percentages and frequencies of CAs and SCEs were investigated in 10 Calabrian pigs, 10 LW pigs and 19 Calabrian x LW crossbred pigs, in order to compare genome stability between an autochthonous pig breed and a highly selected one and to verify if genome stability of their progeny, as other phenotypic traits, are influenced by heterosis. The mean number of cells per animal with structural aberrations, excluding gaps, was 6.20 +/- 2.

Sister chromatid exchange (SCE) for the first time in Casertana pig breed.

Lymphocyte cell cultures from 30 Casertana pigs (13 males and 17 females), reared in southern Italy, underwent the sister chromatid exchange (SCE) test. The Casertana pig is an endangered native breed from the region of Campania, raised chiefly half-wild. In the 1500 cells we studied, the mean SCE was 6.