La EEA INTA Balcarce y sus 75 años

La EEA Balcarce ha tenido una trayectoria muy particular, en donde innovación, vinculación tecnológica, captación de recursos, presencia territorial y socios estratégicos han sido aspectos cruciales.EEA BalcarceFil: Mezzadra, Carlos. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce; Argentina

Genetic characterisation of PPARG, CEBPA and RXRA, and their influence on meat quality traits in cattle

Background: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (CEBPA) and retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRA) are nuclear transcription factors that play important roles in regulation of adipogenesis and fat deposition. The objectives of this study were to characterise the variability of these three candidate genes in a mixed sample panel composed of several cattle breeds with different meat quality, validate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a local crossbred population (Angus - Hereford - Limousin) and evaluate their effects on meat quality traits (backfat thickness, intramuscular fat content and fatty acid composition), supporting the association tests with bioinformatic predictive studies. Results: Globally, nine SNPs were detected in the PPARG and CEBPA genes within our mixed panel, including a novel SNP in the latter. Three of these nine, along with seven other SNPs selected from the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism database (SNPdb), including SNPs in the RXRA gene, were validated in the crossbred population (N = 260). After validation, five of these SNPs were evaluated for genotype effects on fatty acid content and composition. Significant effects were observed on backfat thickness and different fatty acid contents (P < 0.05). Some of these SNPs caused slight differences in mRNA structure stability and/or putative binding sites for proteins. Conclusions: PPARG and CEBPA showed low to moderate variability in our sample panel. Variations in these genes, along with RXRA, may explain part of the genetic variation in fat content and composition. Our results may contribute to knowledge about genetic variation in meat quality traits in cattle and should be evaluated in larger independent populations.Instituto de Genética Veterinari

Einfluss von drei Einzelnucleotidpolymorphismen im CAPN1 Gen auf die Zartheit von Rindfleisch

Meat tenderness is an important trait in beef cattle production, as consumers consider tenderness the most important attribute of beef palatability. There is ample evidence that post mortem proteolysis of myofibrillar proteins is responsible for the decline in shear force uring storage. The bovine micromolar calcium-activated neutral protease CAPN1) gene encodes the large subunit of μ-calpain, which is thought to be one of the most important enzymes involved in post mortem tenderization (KOOHMARAIE 1996). Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the CAPN1 gene (316, 530 and 4 751 markers)have been associated with tenderness in different cattle breeds (PAGE et al. 2002, PAGE et al. 2004, WHITE et al. 2005). A more recent study confirmed that markers 316 and 4 751 had an effect on beef tenderness (VAN EENENNAAM et al. 2007). The objective of this research was to determine the existence of polymorphisms and to assess the effect of the reported SNP in the bovine CAPN1 gene on tenderness from a sample of Angus and Brangus steers fattened on pasture.Fil: Soria, Liliana A.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Corva, Pablo Marcelo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Sica, Andrea Branda. Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria; UruguayFil: Schor, Alejandro. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomia. Departamento de Producción Animal. Cátedra de Bovinos de Carne; ArgentinaFil: Melucci, Lilia Magdalena. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias; ArgentinaFil: Villarreal, Edgardo L.. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires Sur. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce. Área de Investigación en Producción y Sanidad Animal; ArgentinaFil: Mezzadra, Carlos Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Buenos Aires Sur. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce. Área de Investigación en Producción y Sanidad Animal; ArgentinaFil: Cantet, Rodolfo Juan Carlos. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario; ArgentinaFil: Miquel, Maria Cristina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentin

Characterization of the bovine gene LIPE and possible influence on fatty acid composition of meat

LIPE is an intracellular neutral lipase, which is capable of hydrolyzing a variety of esters and plays a key role in the mobilization of fatty acids from diacylglycerols. The objectives of this study were to characterize the genetic polymorphism of bovine LIPE gene and to evaluate the possible association between three SNPs in the coding regions of this gene with the fatty acid composition of meat in a cattle population. Forty-three unrelated animals from different cattle breeds were re-sequenced and 21 SNPs were detected over approximately 2600. bp, five of these SNPs were novel. Three SNPs were selected, on the basis of evolutionary conservation, to perform validation and association studies in a crossbred cattle population. Our results may suggest a possible association of SNP1 with contents of oleic acid and total monounsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.01), and SNP2 and SNP3 with Heneicosylic acid content (p < 0.01), may be helpful to improve the quality of meat and improve health.Instituto de Genética Veterinari

Impact of management factors on days to conception in dairy heifers

Increasing the number of pregnant heifers per time unit improves reproductive efficiency in dairy herds. The objective of this work was to analyze the effect of management factors on conception. Reproductive events of 2532 heifers throughout 37 years were analyzed adjusting proportional risk models. The interval from the first service to conception (IPSC) was defined as the days passed from the start of the service period (IPS) to conception. The observation period per animal was 90 days. Models adjusted for IPSC include effects of age at the start of the service period (IPS), year, number and season of services, conception rate of bulls, and year-to-season interaction with services. The Weibull model adjusts the IPSC variation pattern. Conception was lower in heifers under 18 months, in the 2nd and 3rd service, and when bulls with less conception rate were used. Conception was higher in fall services by 1.17 times compared to spring services. Identifying management factors affecting days to conception in heifers allows developing strategies to improve reproductive efficiency in dairy herds.Fil: Vera, Milba Marina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria; ArgentinaFil: Piccardi, Mónica Belén. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias. Departamento de Desarrollo Rural. Area de Estadística y Biometría; ArgentinaFil: Maciel, Martin. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria; ArgentinaFil: Franco, Liliana. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria; ArgentinaFil: Mezzadra, Carlos Alberto. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria; ArgentinaFil: Balzarini, Monica Graciela. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias. Departamento de Desarrollo Rural. Area de Estadística y Biometría; Argentin

Impacto de factores de manejo sobre la concepción en vaquillonas lecheras

El incremento del número de vaquillonas preñadas por unidad de tiempo mejora la eficiencia reproductiva en rodeos lecheros. El objetivo de este trabajo fue analizar el efecto de factores de manejo sobre la concepción. Se analizaron eventos reproductivos en 2532 vaquillonas, ocurridos en 37 años, ajustando modelos de riesgos proporcionales. Los días a la concepción (DC) se midieron como el intervalo en días entre el inicio del período de los servicios (IPS) y la concepción. El período total de observación, por animal, fue de 90 días. Los modelos ajustados para DC incluyeron efectos de edad al IPS, año, número y estación de los servicios, tasa de concepción de los toros y la interacción año con estación de los servicios. El modelo Weibull ajustó el patrón de variación de DC. La concepción fue menor en vaquillonas de hasta 18 meses, en el 2° y 3er servicio, y cuando se usaron toros con baja tasa de concepción. La concepción aumentó en los servicios de otoño en 1,17 veces respecto a las de primavera. La identificación de factores de manejo que afectan los días a la concepción en vaquillonas permite corregir estrategias para mejorar la eficiencia reproductiva en el rodeo.Increasing the number of pregnant heifers per time unit improves reproductive efficiency in dairy herds. The objective of this work was to analyze the effect of management factors on conception. Reproductive events of 2532 heifers throughout 37 years were analyzed adjusting proportional risk models. The interval from the first service to conception (IPSC) was defined as the days passed from the start of the service period (IPS) to conception. The observation period per animal was 90 days. Models adjusted for IPSC include effects of age at the start of the service period (IPS), year, number and season of services, conception rate of bulls, and year-to-season interaction with services. The Weibull model adjusts the IPSC variation pattern. Conception was lower in heifers under 18 months, in the 2nd and 3rd service, and when bulls with less conception rate were used. Conception was higher in fall services by 1.17 times compared to spring services. Identifying management factors affecting days to conception in heifers allows developing strategies to improve reproductive efficiency in dairy herds.EEA RafaelaFil: Vera, Milba Marina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela; ArgentinaFil: Piccardi, Mónica. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Maciel, Martin Guillermo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela; ArgentinaFil: Franco, Liliana Guadalupe. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Rafaela; ArgentinaFil: Mezzadra, Carlos Alberto. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce; ArgentinaFil: Balzarini, Mónica Graciela. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Effects of cytoplasmic inheritance on preweaning traits of Hereford cattle

The influence of cytoplasmic inheritance on birth and weaning weight was evaluated in an experimental Hereford herd. Data on 1,720 records for birth and weaning weights from calves born between 1963 and 2002 were studied. Variance components were estimated using MTDFREML procedures and an animal model was fitted for each trait. Direct and maternal additive effects and permanent environment and maternal lineage effects were treated as random, while year and month of birth, age of dam and sex of the calf were treated as fixed. Identification of maternal lineages was based on pedigree information. The contribution to phenotypic variance of cytoplasmic lineages defined by pedigree information was negligible for both traits. Mitochondrial genotypes of cows present in the herd in 2002 were analyzed by single strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. Only five different genotypes were identified among 23 maternal lineages. All the animals with records were assigned to maternal genotypes based on pedigree information. The statistical analysis was repeated, removing maternal lineage from the model and including mitochondrial genotype as a fixed effect. No evidence of genotype effects was detected. These results suggest a negligible effect of the mitochondrial genome on the preweaning traits of this Hereford herd.Facultad de Ciencias Veterinaria

Characterization of the bovine gene LIPE and possible influence on fatty acid composition of meat

LIPE is an intracellular neutral lipase, which is capable of hydrolyzing a variety of esters and plays a key role in the mobilization of fatty acids from diacylglycerols. The objectives of this study were to characterize the genetic polymorphism of bovine LIPE gene and to evaluate the possible association between three SNPs in the coding regions of this gene with the fatty acid composition of meat in a cattle population. Forty-three unrelated animals from different cattle breeds were re-sequenced and 21 SNPs were detected over approximately 2600. bp, five of these SNPs were novel. Three SNPs were selected, on the basis of evolutionary conservation, to perform validation and association studies in a crossbred cattle population. Our results may suggest a possible association of SNP1 with contents of oleic acid and total monounsaturated fatty acids (p < 0.01), and SNP2 and SNP3 with Heneicosylic acid content (p < 0.01), may be helpful to improve the quality of meat and improve health.Instituto de Genética Veterinari

Diversidad de razas caprinas criollas en Argentina

Se estima que el 90% de los casi cinco millones de caprinos en Argentina se pueden asignar a poblaciones locales tradicionalmente llamadas Criollos. Se denomina así a un colectivo indefinido, menospreciado en sus atributos fenotípicos y productivos característicos, originados a partir de selección por diferentes etnias y en general adaptados a ambientes disímiles y hostiles de crianza. Con el objetivo de determinar las características diferenciales de razas locales o biotipos dentro de las Criollas contribuyendo a su valoración como recurso genético, se recuperaron trabajos de caracterización fenotípica realizados desde el año 2000 hasta el 2013. Se construyó una base datos a partir de las originales, con 19 variables cualitativas y cuantitativas de 2170 hembras de 6 poblaciones locales: Criollas de Formosa (FOR), Córdoba (CBA), La Rioja (LRI), San Luis (SLU), Neuquén (NQN) y Colorada Pampeana (LPA). Se analizó en forma descriptiva y multivariada para detectar diferencias y similitudes entre ellas. Los resultados mostraron rasgos compartidos (perfil recto; orejas horizontales) y divergentes (tipo de pelaje, perímetro de la caña). Los conglomerados formados en base al análisis factorial de datos mixtos muestran una clara diferenciación para FOR, LPA y NQN. CBA muestra rasgos de cruzamientos con Anglo Nubian, LRI y SLU se muestran dispersas. Se formaron 4 clústeres con buena definición para FOR, LPA, CBA y NQN. Se concluye que las razas Criolla Formoseña, Neuquina y Colorada Pampeana alcanzan un grado de diferenciación fenotípico significativo. LRI y SLU no muestran clara diferenciación y la CBA evidencia signos de cruzamientos con razas comerciales y riesgo de erosión genética.It is estimated that 90% of the almost five million goats in Argentina are local populations traditionally called Criollo. This designation refers to goats whose phenotypic and productive attributes are neglected. These populations have different origins and were selected by diverse rural communities; however, they share some common characteristics, such as being adapted to harsh environmental conditions and being bred in arid areas. In order to determine the differential traits of local breeds within Criollo and contribute to their assessment as a local genetic resource, phenotypic characterization research carried out in the last decades were recovered. A database was built, with 19 qualitative and quantitative variables of 2170 females from 6 local populations: Criolla de Formosa (FOR), Córdoba (CBA), La Rioja (LRI), San Luis (SLU), Neuquén (NQN) and Colorada Pampeana (LPA). They were analysed descriptively and by multivariate analysis in order to define differences and similarities among them. The results showed shared (straight profile, horizontal ears) and divergent (type of coat, shin circumference) features. The conglomerates formed on the basis of the mixed data factor analysis showed a clear differentiation for FOR, LPA and NQN. CBA showed evidence of crossing with Anglo Nubian, while LRI and SLU were scattered. Four Clusters with good definition were formed for FOR, LPA, CBA and NQN. It is concluded that FOR, NQN and LPA populations have achieved a significant degree of phenotypic differentiation. The LRI and SLU did not show a clear differentiation and the CBA showed signs of crossing with commercial breeds and risk of genetic erosion.Estación Experimental Agropecuaria BarilocheFil: Lanari, María Rosa. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Bariloche; ArgentinaFil: Giovannini, Nicolas. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Bariloche; ArgentinaFil: Maizon, Daniel Omar. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Anguil; ArgentinaFil: Deza, Maria C.V. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias; ArgentinaFil: Bedotti, Daniel Osvaldo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Anguil; ArgentinaFil: de la Rosa-Carbajal, Sebastian Arnoldo. Centro de Validacion Laguna Yema; ArgentinaFil: Vera, Tomas Anibal. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Instituto de Investigación y Desarrollo Tecnológico para la Agricultura Familiar. Región NOA; ArgentinaFil: Ricarte, Ramon Armando. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria La Rioja; ArgentinaFil: Mezzadra, Carlos Alberto. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Balcarce; Argentin