Use of a candidate gene array to delineate gene expression patterns in cattle selected for resistance or susceptibility to intestinal nematodes

In the present study, we use microarray technology to investigate the expression patterns of 381 genes with known association to host immune responses. Hybridization targets were derived from previously characterized bovine cDNAs. A total of 576 reporters (473 sequence-validated cDNAs and 77 controls) were spotted onto glass slides in two sets of four replicates. Two color, comparative hybridizations across both mesenteric lymph node (MLN) and small intestine mucosa (SIM) RNA samples were done between animals with previously demonstrated phenotypic differences based on natural exposure to gastro- intestinal (GI) nematodes over a 6-month exposure period. A total of 138 significant hybridization differences were detected by mixed model analysis of variance. A subset of these significant differences was validated by quantitative, real-time RT-PCR to assay transcript levels for 18 genes. These results confirmed that in the SIM, susceptible animals showed significantly higher levels in the genes encoding IGHG1, CD3E, ACTB, IRF1, CCL5 and C3, while in the MLN of resistant animals, higher levels of expression were confirmed for PTPRC, CD1D and ITGA4. Combined, the results indicate that immune responses against GI nematode infections involve multiple response pathways. Higher levels of expression for IgE receptor, integrins, complement, monocyte/macrophage and tissue factors are related to resistance. In contrast, higher levels of expression for immunoglobulin chains and TCRs are related to susceptibility. Identification of these genes provides a framework to better understand the genetic variation underlying parasite resistance

Evaluation framework of community-based livestock breeding programs

The objective of this paper is to present an evaluation framework to provide guidance for an assessment of the performance, outputs and associated impacts of community-based livestock breeding programs (CBBPs), responding to the need of formalizing the evaluation procedures as it was stressed by FAO. The purpose of such evaluation is to monitor and evaluate on-going activities in CBBPs, to identify challenges and mistakes in the execution of the program, so that appropriate actions can be taken. This evaluation also serves as a guide for funding bodies to measure socio-economic impact on the livelihoods of livestock farmers in order to decide if the program’s goals have been met. The evaluation framework is divided into three domains: evaluation of CBBP implementation based on organizational and technical criteria; monitoring of implementation outputs to evaluate genetic improvement at herd/flock level and the consequential changes at the household level and the community at large; and evaluation of impacts to assess improvement in livelihoods of livestock farmers and eventual effects on the environment. For each evaluation criteria, several indicators are provided.EEA BarilocheFil: Lamuno, Doreen. National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Databank; UgandaFil: Sölkner, Johann. National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Databank; UgandaFil: Mészáros, Gabor. National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Databank; UgandaFil: Nakimbugwe, Helen. National Animal Genetic Resources Centre and Databank; UgandaFil: Mulindwa, Henry. National Agricultural Research Organization, UgandaFil: Nandolo, Wilson. Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, MalawiFil: Gondwe, Timothy. United States Department of Agriculture; Estados UnidosFil: van Tassel, Curt. United States Department of Agriculture; Estados UnidosFil: Mueller, Joaquín Pablo. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA). Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Bariloche; ArgentinaFil: Wursinger, Maria. University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences; AustriaFil: Gutierrez, Gustavo. Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina; Per