Embryologic changes in rabbit lines selected for litter size variability

[EN] A divergent selection experiment on litter size variability was carried out. Correlated response in early embryo survival, embryonic development, size of embryos, and size of embryonic coats after four generations of selection was estimated. A total of 429 embryos from 51 high-line females and 648 embryos from 80 low-line females were used in the experiment. The traits studied were percentage of normal embryos, embryo diameter, zona pellucida thickness, and mucin coat thickness. Traits were measured at 24, 48, and 72 hours postcoitum (hpc); mucin coat thickness was only measured at 48 and 72 hpc. The embryos were classified as zygotes or two-cell embryos at 24 hpc; 16-cell embryos or early morulae at 48 hpc; and early morulae, compacted morulae, or blastocyst at 72 hpc. At 24 hpc, the percentage of normal embryos in the high line was lower than in the low line (-2.5%), and embryos in the high line showed 10% higher zona pellucida thickness than those of the low line. No differences in percentage of zygotes or two-cell embryos were found. At 48 hpc, the high-line embryos were less developed, with a higher percentage of 16-cell embryos (23.4%) and a lower percentage of early morulae (-23.4%). At 72 hpc, high-line embryos continued to be less developed, showing higher percentages of early morulae and compact morulae and lower percentages of blastocyst (-1.8%). No differences in embryo diameter or mucin coat thickness were found at any time. In conclusion, selection for litter size variability has consequences on early embryonic survival and development, with embryos presenting a lower state of development and a lower percentage of normal embryos in the line selected for higher variability. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.This experiment was supported by projects of National Research Plan AGL2011-29831-C03-02 and GVPRE/2008/145.Garcia, M.; Blasco Mateu, A.; Argente, M. (2016). Embryologic changes in rabbit lines selected for litter size variability. Theriogenology. 86(5):1247-1250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.065S1247125086

Correlated response in body condition and energy mobilisation in rabbits selected for litter size variability

[EN] A divergent selection experiment on litter size variability (high and low lines) was performed in rabbits over seven generations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlated responses to selection in body condition and fat reserves mobilisation. Litter size variability was estimated as phenotypic variance of litter size within female after correcting for the year-season and the parity-lactation status effects. A total of 226 females were used in this study, of which 158 females were used to measure body condition and energy mobilisation. Body condition was measured as BW and perirenal fat thickness. Females were stimulated with the adrenergic isoproterenol. Mobilisation capacity of fat reserves was measured by the lipolytic potential, defined as the increment in non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) levels from basal concentration until adrenergic stimulation at mating, delivery and 10 days after delivery of the second reproductive cycle. Females were classified as survivor or non-survivor when they were culled for sanitary reasons or died before the third kindling. Data were analysed using Bayesian methodology. Survivor females presented higher BW than the non-survivor females at delivery (238 g, P=1.00) and 10 days after delivery (276 g, P=1.00). They also showed higher perirenal fat thickness at 10 days after delivery (0.62 mm, P=1.00). At delivery, basal NEFA levels was lower in survivor than non-survivor females (-0.18 mmol/l, P=1.00), but their lipolytic potential ( increment NEFA) was higher (0.08 mmol/l, P=0.94). Body weight was similar between lines in survivor females. Perirenal fat thickness was lower in the high line than in the low line at delivery (-0.23 mm, P=0.90) and 10 days after delivery (-0.28 mm, P=0.92). The high line exhibited higher NEFA (0.10 mmol/l, P=0.93) and lower increment NEFA (-0.08 mmol/l, P=0.92) than the low line at delivery. The low line showed a favourable correlated response to selection on body condition and fat reserves mobilisation. In conclusion, the low line selected for litter size variability seems to adapt better to adverse conditions, as it has a greater capacity to mobilise energy reserves at delivery than the high line. Females that adequately manage their body reserves and perform energy mobilisation correctly have a lower risk of dying or being culled.This study is supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO), projects AGL2014-55921-C2, P1 and P2.Garcia, M.; Blasco Mateu, A.; Garcia, M.; Argente, M. (2019). Correlated response in body condition and energy mobilisation in rabbits selected for litter size variability. Animal. 13(4):784-789. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731118002203S784789134Webster Marketon, J. I., & Glaser, R. (2008). Stress hormones and immune function. Cellular Immunology, 252(1-2), 16-26. doi:10.1016/j.cellimm.2007.09.006Theilgaard, P., Sánchez, J. P., Pascual, J. J., Friggens, N. C., & Baselga, M. (2006). Effect of body fatness and selection for prolificacy on survival of rabbit does assessed using a cryopreserved control population. Livestock Science, 103(1-2), 65-73. doi:10.1016/j.livsci.2006.01.007Theilgaard, P., Baselga, M., Blas, E., Friggens, N. C., Cervera, C., & Pascual, J. J. (2009). Differences in productive robustness in rabbits selected for reproductive longevity or litter size. animal, 3(5), 637-646. doi:10.1017/s1751731109003838Roche, J. R., Friggens, N. C., Kay, J. K., Fisher, M. W., Stafford, K. J., & Berry, D. P. (2009). Invited review: Body condition score and its association with dairy cow productivity, health, and welfare. Journal of Dairy Science, 92(12), 5769-5801. doi:10.3168/jds.2009-2431PILORZ, V., JACKEL, M., KNUDSEN, K., & TRILLMICH, F. (2005). The cost of a specific immune response in young guinea pigs. Physiology & Behavior, 85(2), 205-211. doi:10.1016/j.physbeh.2005.04.008Pascual, J. J., Castella, F., Cervera, C., Blas, E., & Fernández-Carmona, J. (2000). The use of ultrasound measurement of perirenal fat thickness to estimate changes in body condition of young female rabbits. Animal Science, 70(3), 435-442. doi:10.1017/s135772980005178xMartínez-Paredes, E., Ródenas, L., Martínez-Vallespín, B., Cervera, C., Blas, E., Brecchia, G., … Pascual, J. J. (2012). Effects of feeding programme on the performance and energy balance of nulliparous rabbit does. animal, 6(7), 1086-1095. doi:10.1017/s1751731111002643Gellrich, K., Sigl, T., Meyer, H. H. D., & Wiedemann, S. (2015). Cortisol levels in skimmed milk during the first 22 weeks of lactation and response to short-term metabolic stress and lameness in dairy cows. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology, 6(1). doi:10.1186/s40104-015-0035-yFortun-Lamothe, L. (2006). Energy balance and reproductive performance in rabbit does. Animal Reproduction Science, 93(1-2), 1-15. doi:10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.06.009Feugier, A., & Fortun-Lamothe, L. (2006). Extensive reproductive rhythm and early weaning improve body condition and fertility of rabbit does. Animal Research, 55(5), 459-470. doi:10.1051/animres:2006025Blasco, A., Martínez-Álvaro, M., García, M.-L., Ibáñez-Escriche, N., & Argente, M.-J. (2017). Selection for environmental variance of litter size in rabbits. Genetics Selection Evolution, 49(1). doi:10.1186/s12711-017-0323-4Friggens, N. C. (2003). Body lipid reserves and the reproductive cycle: towards a better understanding. Livestock Production Science, 83(2-3), 219-236. doi:10.1016/s0301-6226(03)00111-8Johnson, R. . (1998). Immune and endocrine regulation of food intake in sick animals. Domestic Animal Endocrinology, 15(5), 309-319. doi:10.1016/s0739-7240(98)00031-9Bareille, N., Beaudeau, F., Billon, S., Robert, A., & Faverdin, P. (2003). Effects of health disorders on feed intake and milk production in dairy cows. Livestock Production Science, 83(1), 53-62. doi:10.1016/s0301-6226(03)00040-xBlasco A , Martínez-Álvaro M , Garcia ML , Capcarova M , Zbynovska K , Petruska P , Ibáñez-Escriche N and Argente MJ 2018. Selection for genetic environmental sensitivity of litter size changes resilience in rabbits. In 11th World Congress on Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, 11–16 February 2018, Auckland, New Zealand.Fortun, L., Prunier, A., Étienne, M., & Lebas, F. (1994). Influence of the nutritional deficit of foetal survival and growth and plasma metabolites in rabbit does. Reproduction Nutrition Development, 34(3), 201-211. doi:10.1051/rnd:19940303Rosell, J. M., & de la Fuente, L. F. (2016). Causes of mortality in breeding rabbits. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 127, 56-63. doi:10.1016/j.prevetmed.2016.03.014Savietto, D., Cervera, C., Blas, E., Baselga, M., Larsen, T., Friggens, N. C., & Pascual, J. J. (2013). Environmental sensitivity differs between rabbit lines selected for reproductive intensity and longevity. animal, 7(12), 1969-1977. doi:10.1017/s175173111300178xGarcía ML , Argente MJ , Muelas R , Birlanga V and Blasco A 2012. Effect of divergent selection for residual variance of litter size on health status and welfare. In Proceedings of the 10th World Rabbit Congress, 3–6 September 2012, Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, pp. 103–106.Chilliard, Y. (1993). Dietary Fat and Adipose Tissue Metabolism in Ruminants, Pigs, and Rodents: A Review. Journal of Dairy Science, 76(12), 3897-3931. doi:10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(93)77730-9Blasco, A. (2017). Bayesian Data Analysis for Animal Scientists. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-54274-4Sorensen, D., & Gianola, D. (2002). Likelihood, Bayesian, and MCMC Methods in Quantitative Genetics. Statistics for Biology and Health. doi:10.1007/b98952Rosell, J. M., & de la Fuente, L. F. (2009). Culling and mortality in breeding rabbits. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 88(2), 120-127. doi:10.1016/j.prevetmed.2008.08.003Blache, D., Terlouw, C., & Maloney, S. K. (s. f.). Physiology. Animal welfare, 155-182. doi:10.1079/9781845936594.0155Amat, J. A., Aguilera, E., & Visser, G. H. (2006). Energetic and developmental costs of mounting an immune response in greenfinches (Carduelis chloris). Ecological Research, 22(2), 282-287. doi:10.1007/s11284-006-0022-

Litter Survival Differences between Divergently Selected Lines for Environmental Sensitivity in Rabbits

[EN] Simple Summary Two rabbit lines are divergently selected for increasing or decreasing the variability of litter size at birth. Decreasing the litter size variability produces more resilient females with less sensitivity to diseases, being an indirect selection way to improve environmental sensitivity. The kits' survival rate at weaning was higher in the homogeneous line. Moreover, this line led to a greater uniformity of the kits' weight at weaning, although the weight variability at birth was higher, which could be due to a higher lactation capacity of the homogeneous line. A divergent selection experiment on environmental sensitivity was performed in rabbits. The aim was to estimate the correlated response in kit weight and survival, litter weight, and weight distance from birth to weaning. The weight distance was calculated as the absolute value of the differences between the individual value and the mean value of its litter. The relationship between the probability of survival at 4 d of age, and the weight at birth, was studied. Environmental sensitivity was measured as litter size variability. A total of 2484 kits from 127 does from the low line, and 1916 kits of 114 does from the high line of the 12th generation were weighed. Both of the lines showed similar individual and litter weights at birth and weaning, and a similar survival rate at birth, and at 4 d of age. The survival rate at weaning was higher in the low line (0.67 and 0.62; P = 0.93). The weight distance was higher at birth, but lower at weaning in the low line (47.8 g and 54.1 g; P = 0.98). When the weight at birth was high, the kits had a higher survival rate. In conclusion, selection for environmental sensitivity showed a correlated response in the kits' survival, and in the homogeneity of litter weight at weaning.This study is supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) with the Projects AGL2017-86083, C2-1-P and C2-2-P.Agea, I.; Garcia, M.; Blasco Mateu, A.; Argente, M. (2019). Litter Survival Differences between Divergently Selected Lines for Environmental Sensitivity in Rabbits. Animals. 9(9):1-9. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9090603S1999Garcı́a, M. L., & Baselga, M. (2002). Estimation of genetic response to selection in litter size of rabbits using a cryopreserved control population. Livestock Production Science, 74(1), 45-53. doi:10.1016/s0301-6226(01)00280-9Sánchez, J. P., Theilgaard, P., Mínguez, C., & Baselga, M. (2008). Constitution and evaluation of a long-lived productive rabbit line1. Journal of Animal Science, 86(3), 515-525. doi:10.2527/jas.2007-0217Larzul, C., Ducrocq, V., Tudela, F., Juin, H., & Garreau, H. (2014). The length of productive life can be modified through selection: An experimental demonstration in the rabbit1. Journal of Animal Science, 92(6), 2395-2401. doi:10.2527/jas.2013-7216Rauw, W. ., Kanis, E., Noordhuizen-Stassen, E. ., & Grommers, F. . (1998). Undesirable side effects of selection for high production efficiency in farm animals: a review. Livestock Production Science, 56(1), 15-33. doi:10.1016/s0301-6226(98)00147-xBlasco, A., Martínez-Álvaro, M., García, M.-L., Ibáñez-Escriche, N., & Argente, M.-J. (2017). Selection for environmental variance of litter size in rabbits. Genetics Selection Evolution, 49(1). doi:10.1186/s12711-017-0323-4Argente, M. J., García, M. L., Zbyňovská, K., Petruška, P., Capcarová, M., & Blasco, A. (2019). Correlated response to selection for litter size environmental variability in rabbits’ resilience. animal, 13(10), 2348-2355. doi:10.1017/s1751731119000302Bolet, G., Esparbié, J., & Falières, J. (1996). Relations entre le nombre de fœtus par corne utérine, la taille de portée à la naissance et la croissance pondérale des lapereaux. Annales de Zootechnie, 45(2), 185-200. doi:10.1051/animres:19960207Poigner J., Szendrõ Zs., Lévai A., Radnai I., & Biró-Németh E. (2010). EFFECT OF BIRTH WEIGHT AND LITTER SIZE ON GROWTH AND MORTALITY IN RABBITS. World Rabbit Science, 8(1). doi:10.4995/wrs.2000.413TM Threshold Modelhttp://snp.toulouse.inra.fr/~alegarra/manualtm.pdfPeiró, R., Badawy, A. Y., Blasco, A., & Santacreu, M. A. (2019). Correlated responses on growth traits after two-stage selection for ovulation rate and litter size in rabbits. animal, 13(11), 2457-2462. doi:10.1017/s1751731119001423Pascual, J. J., Savietto, D., Cervera, C., & Baselga, M. (2013). Resources allocation in reproductive rabbit does: a review of feeding and genetic strategies for suitable performance. World Rabbit Science, 21(3). doi:10.4995/wrs.2013.1236Bolet, G., Garreau, H., Joly, T., Theau-Clement, M., Falieres, J., Hurtaud, J., & Bodin, L. (2007). Genetic homogenisation of birth weight in rabbits: Indirect selection response for uterine horn characteristics. Livestock Science, 111(1-2), 28-32. doi:10.1016/j.livsci.2006.11.012Garreau, H., Bolet, G., Larzul, C., Robert-Granié, C., Saleil, G., SanCristobal, M., & Bodin, L. (2008). Results of four generations of a canalising selection for rabbit birth weight. Livestock Science, 119(1-3), 55-62. doi:10.1016/j.livsci.2008.02.009Hamilton, H. H., Lukefahr, S. D., & McNitt, J. I. (1997). Maternal nest quality and its influence on litter survival and weaning performance in commercial rabbits. Journal of Animal Science, 75(4), 926. doi:10.2527/1997.754926xVicente, J., García-Ximénez, F., & Viudes-de-Castro, M. (1995). Neonatal performances in 3 lines of rabbit (litter sizes, litter and individual weights). Annales de Zootechnie, 44(3), 255-261. doi:10.1051/animres:19950305Hull, D., & Segall, M. M. (1965). The contribution of brown adipose tissue to heat production in the new-born rabbit. The Journal of Physiology, 181(3), 449-457. doi:10.1113/jphysiol.1965.sp007773Spencer, S. A., & Hull, D. (1984). The effect of over-feeding newborn rabbits on somatic and visceral growth, body composition and long-term growth potential. British Journal of Nutrition, 51(3), 389-402. doi:10.1079/bjn19840045Venge, O. (1963). The influence of nursing behaviour and milk production on early growth in rabbits. Animal Behaviour, 11(4), 500-506. doi:10.1016/0003-3472(63)90269-0Coureaud, G., Schaal, B., Coudert, P., Rideaud, P., Fortun-Lamothe, L., Hudson, R., & Orgeur, P. (2000). Immediate postnatal sucking in the rabbit: Its influence on pup survival and growth. Reproduction Nutrition Development, 40(1), 19-32. doi:10.1051/rnd:2000117Argente, M. J., Santacreu, M. A., Climent, A., & Blasco, A. (1999). Phenotypic and genetic parameters of birth weight and weaning weight of rabbits born from unilaterally ovariectomized and intact does. Livestock Production Science, 57(2), 159-167. doi:10.1016/s0301-6226(98)00166-3Xiccato, G., Trocino, A., Sartori, A., & Queaque, P. I. (2004). Effect of parity order and litter weaning age on the performance and body energy balance of rabbit does. Livestock Production Science, 85(2-3), 239-251. doi:10.1016/s0301-6226(03)00125-8Rebollar, P. G., Pérez-Cabal, M. A., Pereda, N., Lorenzo, P. L., Arias-Álvarez, M., & García-Rebollar, P. (2009). Effects of parity order and reproductive management on the efficiency of rabbit productive systems. Livestock Science, 121(2-3), 227-233. doi:10.1016/j.livsci.2008.06.01

Correlated response in early embryonic development in rabbits selected for litter size variability

[EN] A divergent selection experiment for litter size variability was carried out in rabbits. The litter size variability was estimated as the phenotypic variance of litter size within female. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of selecting for litter size variability on early embryonic development and survival after 7 generations of divergent selection (high and low variability lines). A total of 30 non-lactating multiparous does per line were used. The ovulation rate and early embryonic development were analysed using Bayesian methodology. Ovulation rate was not affected by the selection process. At 28 h of gestation, embryonic development and survival were similar in both lines. At 48 h of gestation, the majority of embryos in the high line were in the early morulae stage. The high line had a higher proportion of early morulae (79.54 vs. 53.43%; P=0.94) and a lower proportion of compacted morulae (20.46 vs. 46.57%; P=0.93%) than the low line. At 72 h of gestation, the high line had 1.59 fewer embryos than the more homogeneous line (P=0.85), due to reduced embryonic survival (0.60 vs. 0.74; P=0.93). The high line continued to show a higher proportion of early morulae (21.01 vs. 3.69%; P=0.93) and a lower proportion of compacted morulae and blastocysts (78.99 vs. 96.31%; P=0.94) than the low line at 72 h of gestation, indicative of reduced embryonic development. In conclusion, selection for homogeneity in litter size had a positive impact on embryonic traits.This study was financed by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) (Grant no. AGL2011-29831-C03-02 and AGL2014-55921-C2-2-P). Eddy W. Calle was supported by a research grant within the Babel project from the Erasmus Mundus programme.Calle, EW.; García, ML.; Blasco, A.; Argente, M. (2017). Correlated response in early embryonic development in rabbits selected for litter size variability. World Rabbit Science. 25(4):323-327. https://doi.org/10.4995/wrs.2017.6340SWORD32332725

Relationship between body condition and energy mobilization in rabbit does

[EN] The present work was performed to examine the relationships between measures of body condition and energy mobilization in rabbit does. The variables studied were body weight (BW), perirenal fat thickness (PFT), basal non-esterified fatty acid concentration (NEFAb) and non-esterified fatty acids after lipolysis stimulation by isoproterenol (NEFAr). The effect of time of measuring (at mating, delivery and 10 d after delivery) was estimated in 157 primiparous does. Correlations between body condition components were estimated and a principal component analysis performed. The does decreased BW (6%) and PFT (3%), and increased NEFAb (25%) and NEFAr (16%) from mating to delivery. Later, NEFAb and NEFAr decreased around 20% from delivery to 10 d after delivery without changing perirenal fat thickness. All BW and PFT lay in the first principal component, and all NEFA traits lay in the second component, showing low correlations with body condition measurements. Both NEFA traits showed high positive correlations when measured at the same time (0.65, 0.72 and 0.69), but low correlations when measured at different times (0.09, to 0.20). We conclude that although body weight and perirenal fat thickness are good predictors of body condition, NEFA should be used when an accurate measurement of energetic mobilization is needed, due to their low correlation.This experiment was supported by projects AGL2011-29831-C03-02 and AGL2014-55921-C2-2-P of the National Research Plan. Eddy W. Calle was supported by a research grant from Erasmus Mundi (Programme Babel). We are especially grateful to reviewer A for her detailed comments and useful suggestions.Calle, E.; García, M.; Blasco Mateu, A.; Argente, M. (2017). Relationship between body condition and energy mobilization in rabbit does. World Rabbit Science. 25(1):37-41. https://doi.org/10.4995/wrs.2017.5674SWORD374125

Ovulation rate and early embryonic survival rate in female rabbits of a synthetic line and a local Algerian population

[EN] A higher litter size at birth has been reported in female rabbits from a Synthetic line than in those of the Local Algerian population. The aim of this work was to analyse whether this difference in litter size was due to a higher ovulation rate and/or embryonic survival rate in Synthetic line than in Local Algerian population. In total, 24 multiparous female rabbits from Synthetic line and 23 from Local population were used in this experiment. Litter size at birth was recorded up to the first 3 parities. Litter size was 20% higher in Synthetic line than Local population. At their 4th gestation, the females were euthanized at 72 h post coitum. Synthetic line females had 50% more ova and embryos than those of Local population (+4.42 ova and +3.92 embryos, respectively). Synthetic line displayed a lower percentage of normal embryos and a larger number of unfertilized oocytes than Local population (–2.81% and +0.64 oocytes, respectively), but differences were not relevant. Synthetic line showed a lesser embryonic stage of development at 72 h post coitum, showing a higher percentage of early morulae (31.50 vs. 8.50%) and a lower percentage of compact morulae (51.45 vs. 78.65%) than Local population. No relevant difference was found for early embryonic survival rate between Synthetic line and Local population. In conclusion, the difference in litter size was mainly due to a higher ovulation rate in the Synthetic line, allowing more embryos to develop in this line.Belabbas, R.; García, M.; Ainbaziz, H.; Berbar, A.; Zitouni, G.; Lafri, M.; Bouzouan, M.... (2016). Ovulation rate and early embryonic survival rate in female rabbits of a synthetic line and a local Algerian population. World Rabbit Science. 24(4):275-282. doi:10.4995/wrs.2016.5301.SWORD275282244Argente, M. J., Santacreu, M. A., Climent, A., & Blasco, A. (2003). Relationships between uterine and fetal traits in rabbits selected on uterine capacity1. Journal of Animal Science, 81(5), 1265-1273. doi:10.2527/2003.8151265xBelabbas R., AinBaziz H., Ilès I., Zenia S., Boumahdi Z., Boulbina I., Temim S. 2011. Study of prolificacy and its main biological components in rabbits of local Algerian population (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Livest. Res. Rur. Dev., 23: 61.Brun J.M., Baselga M. 2004. Analysis of reproductive performances during the formation of a rabbit synthetic strain. In Proc.: 8th World Rabbit Congress, September 7-10, 2004, Puebla, Mexico, 32-37.Bolet, G., & Theau-Clément, M. (1994). Fertilisation rate and preimplantation embryonic development in two rabbit strains of different fecundity, in purebreeding and crossbreeding. Animal Reproduction Science, 36(1-2), 153-162. doi:10.1016/0378-4320(94)90062-0Buhi, W. C., & Alvarez, I. M. (2003). Identification, characterization and localization of three proteins expressed by the porcine oviduct. Theriogenology, 60(2), 225-238. doi:10.1016/s0093-691x(03)00027-xGacem M., Lebas F. 2000. Rabbit husbandry in Algeria. Technical structure and evaluation of performances. World Rabbit Sci., 8(Suppl. 1): B75-80.Gacem M., Zerrouki N., Lebas F., Bolet G., 2008. Strategy of developing rabbit meat in Algeria: creation and selection of a synthetic strain. In Proc.: 9th World Rabbit Congress, June 10-13, 2008, Verona, Italy, 85-89.Nancarrow C.D., Hill J.L. 1995. Oviduct proteins in fertilization and early embryo development. J. Reprod. Fertil., (Suppl) 49: 3-13.Salvetti P., Guérin P., Theau-Clément M., Hurtaud J., Beckers J.F., Joly T. 2007. Essais d'amélioration de la production d'embryons chez la lapine. In Proc.: 12èmes Journées de la Recherche Cunicole, 27-28 Novembre 2007, Le Mans, France, 41-44.Xie, S., Broermann, D. M., Nephew, K. P., Bishop, M. D., & Pope, W. F. (1990). Relationship between oocyte maturation and fertilization on zygotic diversity in swine. Journal of Animal Science, 68(7), 2027. doi:10.2527/1990.6872027xYoussef Y.K., Iraqi M.M., El-Raffa A.M., Afifi E.A., Khalil M.H., García M.L., Baselga M. 2008. A joint project to synthesize new lines of rabbits in Egypt and Saudi Arabia: emphasis for results and prospects. In Proc.: 9th World Rabbit Congress, June 10-13, 2008, Verona, Italy, 1637-1642

Correlated response to selection for litter size environmental variability in rabbits' resilience

[EN] Resilience is the ability of an animal to return soon to its initial productivity after facing diverse environmental challenges. This trait is directly related to animal welfare and it plays a key role in fluctuations of livestock productivity. A divergent selection experiment for environmental variance of litter size has been performed successfully in rabbits over ten generations. The objective of this study was to analyse resilience indicators of stress and disease in the divergent lines of this experiment. The high line showed a lower survival rate at birth than the low line (-4.1%). After correcting by litter size, the difference was -3.2%. Involuntary culling rate was higher in the high than in the low line (+12.4%). Before vaccination against viral haemorrhagic disease or myxomatosis, concentration of lymphocytes, C-reactive protein (CRP), complement C3, serum bilirubin, triglycerides and cholesterol were higher in the high line than in the low line (difference between lines +4.5%, +5.6 mu g/ml, +4.6 mg/ml, +7.9 mmol/l, +0.3 mmol/l and +0.4 mmol/l). Immunological and biochemical responses to the two vaccines were similar. After vaccination, the percentage of lymphocytes and CRP concentration were higher in the low line than in the high one (difference between lines +4.0% and +13.1 mu g/ml). The low line also showed a higher increment in bilirubin and triglycerides than the high line (+14.2 v. +8.7 mmol/l for bilirubin and +0.11 v. +0.01 mmol/l for triglycerides); these results would agree with the protective role of bilirubin and triglycerides against the larger inflammatory response found in this line. In relation to stress, the high line had higher basal concentration of cortisol than the low line (+0.2ng/ml); the difference between lines increased more than threefold after the injection of ACTH 1 to 24, the increase being greater in the high line (+0.9 ng/ml) than in the low line (+0.4 ng/ml). Selection for divergent environmental variability of litter size leads to dams with different culling rate for reproductive causes and different kits' neonatal survival. These associations suggest that the observed fitness differences are related to differences in the inflammatory response and the corticotrope response to stress, which are two important components of physiological adaptation to environmental aggressions.This study is supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness (MINECO) with the Projects AGL2014-55921, C2-1-P and C2-2-P, and AGL2017-86083, C2-1-P and C2-2-P.Argente, M.; Garcia, M.; Zbynovska, K.; Petruska, P.; Capcarova, M.; Blasco Mateu, A. (2019). Correlated response to selection for litter size environmental variability in rabbits' resilience. Animal. 13(10):2348-2355. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731119000302S234823551310Glaser, R., & Kiecolt-Glaser, J. K. (2005). Stress-induced immune dysfunction: implications for health. Nature Reviews Immunology, 5(3), 243-251. doi:10.1038/nri1571Markanday, A. (2015). Acute Phase Reactants in Infections: Evidence-Based Review and a Guide for Clinicians. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2(3). doi:10.1093/ofid/ofv098Rauw, W. ., Kanis, E., Noordhuizen-Stassen, E. ., & Grommers, F. . (1998). Undesirable side effects of selection for high production efficiency in farm animals: a review. Livestock Production Science, 56(1), 15-33. doi:10.1016/s0301-6226(98)00147-xPiles, M., García, M. L., Rafel, O., Ramon, J., & Baselga, M. (2006). Genetics of litter size in three maternal lines of rabbits: Repeatability versus multiple-trait models. Journal of Animal Science, 84(9), 2309-2315. doi:10.2527/jas.2005-622Guelfi, G., Zerani, M., Brecchia, G., Parillo, F., Dall’Aglio, C., Maranesi, M., & Boiti, C. (2011). Direct actions of ACTH on ovarian function of pseudopregnant rabbits. Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology, 339(1-2), 63-71. doi:10.1016/j.mce.2011.03.017García ML , Blasco A , García ME and Argente MJ 2018. Body condition and energy mobilisation in rabbits selected for litter size variability. Animal, 1–6, https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731118002203, Published online by Cambridge University Press 28 August 2018.Furze, R. C., & Rankin, S. M. (2008). Neutrophil mobilization and clearance in the bone marrow. Immunology, 125(3), 281-288. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2567.2008.02950.xMcDade, T. W., Borja, J. B., Kuzawa, C. W., Perez, T. L. L., & Adair, L. S. (2015). C-reactive protein response to influenza vaccination as a model of mild inflammatory stimulation in the Philippines. Vaccine, 33(17), 2004-2008. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2015.03.019Blasco, A. (2017). Bayesian Data Analysis for Animal Scientists. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-54274-4Castellini, C., Dal Bosco, A., Arias-Álvarez, M., Lorenzo, P. L., Cardinali, R., & Rebollar, P. G. (2010). The main factors affecting the reproductive performance of rabbit does: A review. Animal Reproduction Science, 122(3-4), 174-182. doi:10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.10.003Rosa Neto, N. S., & Carvalho, J. F. de. (2009). O uso de provas de atividade inflamatória em reumatologia. Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia, 49(4), 413-430. doi:10.1590/s0482-50042009000400008Argente, M. J., Calle, E. W., García, M. L., & Blasco, A. (2017). Correlated response in litter size components in rabbits selected for litter size variability. Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics, 134(6), 505-511. doi:10.1111/jbg.12283Mirkena, T., Duguma, G., Haile, A., Tibbo, M., Okeyo, A. M., Wurzinger, M., & Sölkner, J. (2010). Genetics of adaptation in domestic farm animals: A review. Livestock Science, 132(1-3), 1-12. doi:10.1016/j.livsci.2010.05.003García, M. L., Blasco, A., & Argente, M. J. (2016). Embryologic changes in rabbit lines selected for litter size variability. Theriogenology, 86(5), 1247-1250. doi:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.065Feingold KR and Grunfeld C 2015. The effect of inflammation and infection on lipids and lipoproteins. In: De Groot LJ, Chrousos G, Dungan K, Feingold KR, Grossman A, Hershman JM, Koch C, Korbonits M, McLachlan R, New M, Purnell J, Rebar R, Singer F and Vinik A. Endotext, South Dartmouth, MA, USA. Retrieved on 7 June 2018 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK326741/.Minemura, M. (2014). Liver involvement in systemic infection. World Journal of Hepatology, 6(9), 632. doi:10.4254/wjh.v6.i9.632Knap, P. W. (2005). Breeding robust pigs. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 45(8), 763. doi:10.1071/ea05041Barcia, A. M., & Harris, H. W. (2005). Triglyceride-Rich Lipoproteins as Agents of Innate Immunity. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 41(Supplement_7), S498-S503. doi:10.1086/432005Webster, J. I., Tonelli, L., & Sternberg, E. M. (2002). NEUROENDOCRINEREGULATION OFIMMUNITY. Annual Review of Immunology, 20(1), 125-163. doi:10.1146/annurev.immunol.20.082401.104914Fortun-Lamothe, L. (2006). Energy balance and reproductive performance in rabbit does. Animal Reproduction Science, 93(1-2), 1-15. doi:10.1016/j.anireprosci.2005.06.009Cabezas, S., Blas, J., Marchant, T. A., & Moreno, S. (2007). Physiological stress levels predict survival probabilities in wild rabbits. Hormones and Behavior, 51(3), 313-320. doi:10.1016/j.yhbeh.2006.11.004De Nardo, D., Labzin, L. I., Kono, H., Seki, R., Schmidt, S. V., Beyer, M., … Latz, E. (2013). High-density lipoprotein mediates anti-inflammatory reprogramming of macrophages via the transcriptional regulator ATF3. Nature Immunology, 15(2), 152-160. doi:10.1038/ni.2784BURKUŠ, J., KAČMAROVÁ, M., KUBANDOVÁ, J., KOKOŠOVÁ, N., FABIANOVÁ, K., FABIAN, D., … ČIKOŠ, Š. (2015). Stress exposure during the preimplantation period affects blastocyst lineages and offspring development. Journal of Reproduction and Development, 61(4), 325-331. doi:10.1262/jrd.2015-012Posthouwer, D., Voorbij, H. A. M., Grobbee, D. E., Numans, M. E., & van der Bom, J. G. (2004). Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination as a model to assess C-reactive protein response to mild inflammation. Vaccine, 23(3), 362-365. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2004.05.035Ibáñez-Escriche, N., Sorensen, D., Waagepetersen, R., & Blasco, A. (2008). Selection for Environmental Variation: A Statistical Analysis and Power Calculations to Detect Response. Genetics, 180(4), 2209-2226. doi:10.1534/genetics.108.091678Colditz, I. G., & Hine, B. C. (2016). Resilience in farm animals: biology, management, breeding and implications for animal welfare. Animal Production Science, 56(12), 1961. doi:10.1071/an15297Blasco, A., Martínez-Álvaro, M., García, M.-L., Ibáñez-Escriche, N., & Argente, M.-J. (2017). Selection for environmental variance of litter size in rabbits. Genetics Selection Evolution, 49(1). doi:10.1186/s12711-017-0323-4Argente MJ , Santacreu MA , Climen A and Blasco A 2000. Genetic correlations between litter size and uterine capacity. In Proceeding of the 8th World Rabbit Congress, 4–7 July 2000, Valencia, Spain, pp. 333–338.Janssens, C. J., Helmond, F. A., & Wiegant, V. M. (1995). Chronic stress and pituitary–adrenocortical responses to corticotropin-releasing hormone and vasopressin in female pigs. European Journal of Endocrinology, 132(4), 479-486. doi:10.1530/eje.0.132047

What to consider when pseudohypoparathyroidism is ruled out: IPPSD and differential diagnosis

Background: Pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP) is a rare disease whose phenotypic features are rather difficult to identify in some cases. Thus, although these patients may present with the Albright''s hereditary osteodystrophy (AHO) phenotype, which is characterized by small stature, obesity with a rounded face, subcutaneous ossifications, mental retardation and brachydactyly, its manifestations are somewhat variable. Indeed, some of them present with a complete phenotype, whereas others show only subtle manifestations. In addition, the features of the AHO phenotype are not specific to it and a similar phenotype is also commonly observed in other syndromes. Brachydactyly type E (BDE) is the most specific and objective feature of the AHO phenotype, and several genes have been associated with syndromic BDE in the past few years. Moreover, these syndromes have a skeletal and endocrinological phenotype that overlaps with AHO/PHP. In light of the above, we have developed an algorithm to aid in genetic testing of patients with clinical features of AHO but with no causative molecular defect at the GNAS locus. Starting with the feature of brachydactyly, this algorithm allows the differential diagnosis to be broadened and, with the addition of other clinical features, can guide genetic testing. Methods: We reviewed our series of patients (n = 23) with a clinical diagnosis of AHO and with brachydactyly type E or similar pattern, who were negative for GNAS anomalies, and classify them according to the diagnosis algorithm to finally propose and analyse the most probable gene(s) in each case. Results: A review of the clinical data for our series of patients, and subsequent analysis of the candidate gene(s), allowed detection of the underlying molecular defect in 12 out of 23 patients: five patients harboured a mutation in PRKAR1A, one in PDE4D, four in TRPS1 and two in PTHLH. Conclusions: This study confirmed that the screening of other genes implicated in syndromes with BDE and AHO or a similar phenotype is very helpful for establishing a correct genetic diagnosis for those patients who have been misdiagnosed with "AHO-like phenotype" with an unknown genetic cause, and also for better describing the characteristic and differential features of these less common syndromes

Embryologic changes in rabbit lines selected for litter size variability

[EN] A divergent selection experiment on litter size variability was carried out. Correlated response in early embryo survival, embryonic development, size of embryos, and size of embryonic coats after four generations of selection was estimated. A total of 429 embryos from 51 high-line females and 648 embryos from 80 low-line females were used in the experiment. The traits studied were percentage of normal embryos, embryo diameter, zona pellucida thickness, and mucin coat thickness. Traits were measured at 24, 48, and 72 hours postcoitum (hpc); mucin coat thickness was only measured at 48 and 72 hpc. The embryos were classified as zygotes or two-cell embryos at 24 hpc; 16-cell embryos or early morulae at 48 hpc; and early morulae, compacted morulae, or blastocyst at 72 hpc. At 24 hpc, the percentage of normal embryos in the high line was lower than in the low line (-2.5%), and embryos in the high line showed 10% higher zona pellucida thickness than those of the low line. No differences in percentage of zygotes or two-cell embryos were found. At 48 hpc, the high-line embryos were less developed, with a higher percentage of 16-cell embryos (23.4%) and a lower percentage of early morulae (-23.4%). At 72 hpc, high-line embryos continued to be less developed, showing higher percentages of early morulae and compact morulae and lower percentages of blastocyst (-1.8%). No differences in embryo diameter or mucin coat thickness were found at any time. In conclusion, selection for litter size variability has consequences on early embryonic survival and development, with embryos presenting a lower state of development and a lower percentage of normal embryos in the line selected for higher variability. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.This experiment was supported by projects of National Research Plan AGL2011-29831-C03-02 and GVPRE/2008/145.Garcia, M.; Blasco Mateu, A.; Argente, M. (2016). Embryologic changes in rabbit lines selected for litter size variability. Theriogenology. 86(5):1247-1250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2016.04.0651247125086

A Bayesian analysis of response to selection for uterine capacity in rabbits.

International audienc