Genetic parameters for nematode resistance in dairy sheep

Resistance of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in sheep to anthelmintics is rapidly increasing. The results of several studies indicate that selection for increased nematode resistance in sheep is possible, and the trait of interest is faecal egg count (FEC). Phenotyping of FEC is rather timeconsuming and often costly, auxiliary traits that are more effective and easier would be greatly appreciated. The extent of Haemonchus contortus infestation is often measured by the coloration of the conjunctiva and the so-called FAMACHA© test. In our study, we aimed to test whether FAMACHA© could also be used as auxiliary trait for FEC. Additionally we aimed to provide genetic parameters for FEC, milk yield and packed cell volume (PCV). We phenotyped 1150 naturally infected Lacaune ewes on 15 commercial Swiss farms. Phenotypic correlation between FEC and FAMACHA© as well as FAMACHA© and PCV resulted in 0.25 (SE 0.03) and -0.35 (SE 0.08), respectively. Subsequent genetic analysis was carried out with a multi-trait animal model in order to estimate the genetic parameters of the traits mentioned above. We found moderate heritabilities of FEC, FAMACHA©, PCV and milk yield in the range of 0.30 to 0.36 (SE 0.08 for all traits). The particular focus was on the genetic correlation of FEC and FAMACHA© and was estimated to be 0.03 (SE 0.22). The distribution of the FAMACHA© score indicated a medium to high worm infestation, but FEC was relatively low compared to other studies. Eventually the infection pressure was not high enough to yield a good genetic correlation of FEC and FAMACHA©. In general, it can be concluded that the heritability for FEC is very appealing and that a selection program could be based on them. FAMACHA© as an auxiliary trait could not be confirmed in this study. Either further studies need to be designed differently to better explore the relationship between FAMACHA© and FEC or other possible auxiliary traits need to be sought of and developed

Intra-oral compartment pressures: a biofunctional model and experimental measurements under different conditions of posture

Oral posture is considered to have a major influence on the development and reoccurrence of malocclusion. A biofunctional model was tested with the null hypotheses that (1) there are no significant differences between pressures during different oral functions and (2) between pressure measurements in different oral compartments in order to substantiate various postural conditions at rest by intra-oral pressure dynamics. Atmospheric pressure monitoring was simultaneously carried out with a digital manometer in the vestibular inter-occlusal space (IOS) and at the palatal vault (sub-palatal space, SPS). Twenty subjects with normal occlusion were evaluated during the open-mouth condition (OC), gently closed lips (semi-open compartment condition, SC), with closed compartments after the generation of a negative pressure (CCN) and swallowing (SW). Pressure curve characteristics were compared between the different measurement phases (OC, SC, CCN, SW) as well as between the two compartments (IOS, SPS) using analysis of variance and Wilcoxon matched-pairs tests adopting a significance level of α = 0.05. Both null hypotheses were rejected. Average pressures (IOS, SPS) in the experimental phases were 0.0, −0.08 (OC); −0.16, −1.0 (SC); −48.79, −81.86 (CCN); and −29.25, −62.51 (SW) mbar. CCN plateau and peak characteristics significantly differed between the two compartments SPS and IOS. These results indicate the formation of two different intra-oral functional anatomical compartments which provide a deeper understanding of orofacial biofunctions and explain previous observations of negative intra-oral pressures at rest

Search for top squark pair production in pp collisions at root s=13 TeV using single lepton events

Peer reviewe

Search for narrow resonances in dilepton mass spectra in proton-proton collisions at root s=13 TeV and combination with 8 TeV data

Peer reviewe

Measurement of the triple-differential cross section for photon plus jets production in proton-proton collisions at √s = 7 TeV

Peer reviewe