Selective Sweeps in the Austrian Turopolje and Other Commercial Pig Populations.

The goal of our study was to identify signatures of selection in the Turopolje pigs and other commercial pig breeds. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of five datasets, including one local pig breed (Turopolje) and four commercial pig breeds (Large White, Landrace, Pietrain, and Duroc), using strict quality control measures. Our final dataset consisted of 485 individuals and 54,075 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

Genomic regions underlying positive selection in local, Alpine cattle breeds.

We used genome-wide SNP data from 18 local cattle breeds from six countries of the Alpine region to characterize population structure and identify genomic regions underlying positive selection. The geographically close breeds Evolèner, Eringer, Valdostana Pezzata Nera, and Valdostana Castana were found to differ from all other Alpine breeds. In addition, three breeds, Simmental, and Original Braunvieh from Switzerland and Pinzgauer from Austria built three separate clusters.

Geographical contrasts of Y-chromosomal haplogroups from wild and domestic goats reveal ancient migrations and recent introgressions.

By their paternal transmission, Y-chromosomal haplotypes are sensitive markers of population history and male-mediated introgression. Previous studies identified biallelic single-nucleotide variants in the SRY, ZFY and DDX3Y genes, which in domestic goats identified four major Y-chromosomal haplotypes, Y1A, Y1B, Y2A and Y2B, with a marked geographical partitioning. Here, we extracted goat Y-chromosomal variants from whole-genome sequences of 386 domestic goats (75 breeds) and seven wild goat species, which were generated by the VarGoats goat genome project.

Large-scale mitogenome sequencing reveals consecutive expansions of domestic taurine cattle and supports sporadic aurochs introgression.

The contribution of domestic cattle in human societies is enormous, making cattle, along with other essential benefits, the economically most important domestic animal in the world today. To expand existing knowledge on cattle domestication and mitogenome diversity, we performed a comprehensive complete mitogenome analysis of the species (802 sequences, 114 breeds). A large sample was collected in South-east Europe, an important agricultural gateway to Europe during Neolithization and a region rich in cattle biodiversity.

Comparison of mtDNA control region among descendant breeds of the extinct Zaupel sheep revealed haplogroup C and D in Central Europe.

The consideration of the descendance is indispensable in the preservation of endangered animal breeds. The authors compared mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequence in three descendant breeds of the extinct Zaupel sheep, firstly. Their investigation was carried out in order to prove the common origin of Waldschaf (Austria), Bovec sheep (Slovenia) and Cikta (Hungary).

Post-genotyping optimization of dataset formation could affect genetic diversity parameters: an example of analyses with alpine goat breeds.

Background: Local breeds retained unique genetic variability important for adaptive potential especially in light of challenges related to climate change. Our first objective was to perform, for the first time, a genome-wide diversity characterization using Illumina GoatSNP50 BeadChip of autochthonous Drežnica goat breed from Slovenia, and five and one local breeds from neighboring Austria and Italy, respectively. For optimal conservation and breeding programs of endangered local breeds, it is important to detect past admixture events and strive for preservation of purebred representatives of each breed with low or without admixture.

Effect of bisphenol A on maturation and quality of semen and eggs in the brown trout, Salmo trutta f. fario.

In the present study male and female brown trout (Salmo trutta f. fario) were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of bisphenol A (1.75, 2.

The effect of 4-nonylphenol on semen quality, viability of gametes, fertilization success, and embryo and larvae survival in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss).

The present study investigated in vivo and in vitro effects of environmental relevant concentrations of 4-nonylphenol (100-750 ng l(-1)) on the reproduction of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). To determine the effect of 4-nonylphenol on semen quality rainbow trout were exposed to three concentrations of 4-nonylphenol in a flow-through system during the spawning period (60 days). At an estimated 4-nonylphenol concentration of 750 ng l(-1) semen production was completely inhibited, at 280 and 130 ng l(-1) the semen production was significantly reduced in comparison to the control.

Seminal plasma proteins prolong the viability of rainbow trout (Oncorynchus mykiss) spermatozoa.

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) spermatozoa were incubated in artificial sperm motility inhibiting saline solution (SMIS), in SMIS containing seminal plasma proteins or in pure seminal plasma. In SMIS containing the total seminal plasma protein fraction or the <50 kDa protein fraction or in pure seminal plasma, significantly higher motility rates and swimming velocities could be activated than in SMIS without seminal plasma proteins and in SMIS containing the >50 kDa protein fraction. These preliminary results indicated that seminal plasma proteins have physiological functions in prolongation and stabilization of sperm viability when using sperm motility as viability index.

Metabolism of intratesticular spermatozoa of a tropical teleost fish (Clarias gariepinus).

Sperm metabolism of a tropical fish species, the African catfish, Clarias gariepinus, was studied by measurements of sperm enzyme activity and metabolite levels. We also analysed the effect of metabolites, co-enzymes and enzymatic blockers on sperm motility behaviour and viability. Similar to other teleostean species, African catfish spermatozoa have the capacity for glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, lipid catabolism, beta-oxidation and osmoregulation.