Morphological and Genomic Differences Between Cutting and Racing Lines of Quarter Horses

To investigate morphological and genomic differences between cutting and racing lines of Quarter Horses, 120 racing and 68 cutting animals of both sexes, registered at the Brazilian Association of Quarter Horse Breeders, were used. Blood samples were collected, and the following physical traits were measured: weight; height at withers; body length; length of the shank, pastern, rump, head, and neck; and chest, shank, and hoof circumference. For analysis of genomic differences, 54,602 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped using the Equine SNP50 BeadChip, and the quality of individual and SNP genotype data were evaluated. The fixation index, FST, was used to identify genome regions that were altered in the lines by selection. The results showed significant differences between the lines in all physical traits. Quality control led to the exclusion of four cutting animals with a call rate of <0.95. After filtering, 12,544, 13,815, and 13,370 SNPs were excluded for the whole population (n = 184), the 120 racing animals, and the 64 cutting animals, respectively. The number of informative polymorphisms detected in each line and in the whole population indicated that the Equine SNP50 BeadChip can be used in genetic studies of Quarter Horses. The fixation index, FST, identified 2,558 genome regions that may have been modified by divergent selection. © 2013 Elsevier Inc

Degradability of dry matter and crude protein of dry grains and wet grain silages from different processing corn hybrids (Zea mays)

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of processing two corn hybrids conserved, dry and humid grains, the dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) degradability in situ. The particle size was determined and difference was verified in MGD (Medium Geometric Diameter) of processed ingredients. Three sheep were used with rumen canulated, in a completely randomized design, using a factorial outline 2 x 2 x 3, being two corn hybrid, two conservation methods and three processing forms (whole, coarsely and finely ground), with five times of incubation (3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours). The fraction A in SDC (silage of dent corn) of DM was superior to GDC (grain of dent corn) in all of the particles size. The ensiling process increased the DM solubility, reducing the fraction B in comparison to dry grain. The values regarding the fractions DP and DE the 5% per hour of the protein, were larger for SDC and GDC, it presents a decreasing when the incubation time advances. The fermentation rate was superior for SDC and GDC. The ensiling process has positive effect in the decreasing of DM and CP in comparison to GDC.Este trabalho avaliou o efeito do processamento em dois híbridos de milho secos e ensilados úmidos, sobre a degradabilidade in situ da matéria seca (MS) e da proteína bruta (PB). A granulometria apresentou diferença no DGM (Diâmetro Geométrico Médio) dos ingredientes submetidos à moagem. Foram utilizados três ovinos fistulados no rúmen, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 x 2 x 3, sendo dois híbridos de milho (textura dura e mole), dois métodos de conservação e três processamentos (moído grosso, médio e fino), com cinco tempos de incubação (3, 6, 12, 24 e 48 horas). Os valores da fração A na SMM (silagem de milho mole) da MS foram superiores ao GMM (grão de milho mole) em todas as granulometrias. A ensilagem aumentou a solubilidade da MS dos ingredientes, diminuindo a fração B comparada ao grão seco. Os valores das frações DP e DE a 5%/h da proteína foram maiores para SMM e GMM, apresentando maior desaparecimento com avanço do tempo de incubação. Para a MS a ensilagem aumentou a degradabilidade do milho textura mole. A taxa de fermentação foi superior para SMM e GMM. A ensilagem influencia positivamente no desaparecimento da MS e PB comparada com o GMM