Genotyping of cattle based on kappa-casein and alpha-lactalbumin genes

211-218Milk yield, protein and fat content are regulated by milk protein genes. However, genetic makeup of different milk protein genes of cattle available in Bangladesh is not known. This study determined the genetic variants of kappa-casein (κ-CN) and α-lactalbumin (α-LA) gene in cattle. DNA was extracted from 50 blood samples collected from indigenous and crossbred cattle. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed with gene specific primers. For genotyping PCR products of κ-casein gene was digested with HindIII and HaeIII restriction enzymes while the PCR products of α-LA gene was digested with Bsp1286I. Overall from all the tested samples we could amplify specific DNA viz. 935 and 429 bp for κ-CN and α-LA genes, respectively. In case of κ-CN gene 30 samples were analyzed for genotyping and of these 66.67, 30.00 and 3.33% samples were genotyped as AA, AB and BB, respectively. AA genotype was found dominant for κ-CN gene. Allele frequency for A was 82%. AA genotype was found higher in indigenous (0.366) than crossbred (0.30) animals. Homozygous BB genotype was not found in crossbred animals. For α-LA gene 50 samples were genotyped and all the samples (100%) were belonging to AA genotype. Three genetic variants of κ-CN gene viz. AA, AB & BB and one genotype (AA) of α-LA gene were detected in tested samples. Alleles of both the genes are reported to be associated with higher milk, protein, and fat yields

Exploring the Genetic Resistance to Gastrointestinal Nematodes Infection in Goat Using RNA-Sequencing

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are one of the most economically important parasites of small ruminants and a major animal health concern in many regions of the world. However, the molecular mechanisms of the host response to GIN infections in goat are still little known. In this study, two genetically distinct goat populations, one relatively resistant and the other susceptible to GIN infections, were identified in Yichang goat and then four individuals in each group were chosen to compare mRNA expression profiles using RNA-seq. Field experiment showed lower worm burden, delayed and reduced egg production in the relatively resistant group than the susceptible group. The analysis of RNA-seq showed that 2369 genes, 1407 of which were up-regulated and 962 down-regulated, were significantly (p < 0.001) differentially expressed between these two groups. Functional annotation of the 298 genes more highly expressed in the resistant group yielded a total of 46 significant (p < 0.05) functional annotation clusters including 31 genes (9 in innate immunity, 13 in immunity, and 9 in innate immune response) related to immune biosynthetic process as well as transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) pathways. Our findings provide insights that are immediately relevant for the improvement of host resistance to GIN infections and which will make it possible to know the mechanisms underlying the resistance of goats to GIN infections

<i>Myxovirus resistance</i> (<i>Mx</i>) Gene Diversity in Avian Influenza Virus Infections

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) pose threats to animal and human health. Outbreaks from the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) in indigenous chickens in Bangladesh are infrequent. This could be attributed to the Myxovirus resistance (Mx) gene. To determine the impact of Mx gene diversity on AIV infections in chicken, we assessed the Mx genes, AIVs, and anti-AIV antibodies. DNA from blood cells, serum, and cloacal swab samples was isolated from non-vaccinated indigenous chickens and vaccinated commercial chickens. Possible relationships were assessed using the general linear model (GLM) procedure. Three genotypes of the Mx gene were detected (the resistant AA type, the sensitive GG type, and the heterozygous AG type). The AA genotype (0.48) was more prevalent than the GG (0.19) and the AG (0.33) genotypes. The AA genotype was more prevalent in indigenous than in commercial chickens. A total of 17 hemagglutinating viruses were isolated from the 512 swab samples. AIVs were detected in two samples (2/512; 0.39%) and subtyped as H1N1, whereas Newcastle disease virus (NDV) was detected in the remaining samples. The viral infections did not lead to apparent symptoms. Anti-AIV antibodies were detected in 44.92% of the samples with levels ranging from 27.37% to 67.65% in indigenous chickens and from 26% to 87.5% in commercial chickens. The anti-AIV antibody was detected in 40.16%, 65.98%, and 39.77% of chickens with resistant, sensitive, and heterozygous genotypes, respectively. The genotypes showed significant association (p Mx gene might not offer anti-AIV protection for chickens