CRISPR/Cas genome editing revealed non-angiogenic role of VEGFA gene in porcine luteal cells: a preliminary report.

Background: The angiogenic cytokine vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) also exerts non-angiogenic effects on endocrine functionality of porcine luteal cells critical for progesterone (P) production.

Method And Results: The expression dynamics of VEGFA-FLT/KDR system were investigated using RT-qPCR during luteal stages and VEGFA gene knock out (KO) porcine luteal cells were generated using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The downstream effects of VEGFA ablation were studied using RT-qPCR, Annexin V, MTT, ELISA for P estimation and scratch wound assay.

Whole genome resequencing revealed genomic variants and functional pathways related to adaptation in Indian yak populations.

The present study aims to identify genomic variants through a whole genome sequencing (WGS) approach and uncover biological pathways associated with adaptation and fitness in Indian yak populations. A total of 30 samples (10 from each population) were included from Arunachali, Himachali and Ladakhi yak populations. WGS analysis revealed a total of 32171644, 27260825, and 32632460 SNPs and 4865254, 4429941, and 4847513 Indels in the Arunachali, Himachali, and Ladakhi yaks, respectively.

Characterization of a unique Sikkimese yak population of India: a multivariate approach.

Native Sikkimese yak in Sikkim state of India is a pastoral treasure being raised through centuries-old transhumance practices and has evolved in response to natural and man-made selection. Currently, the population of Sikkimese yak is at risk with about five thousand total headcounts. Characterization is essential for taking appropriate decisions for conservation of any endangered population.

Androgen receptor gene deficiency results in the reduction of steroidogenic potential in porcine luteal cells.

Luteal steroidogenesis is critical to implantation and pregnancy maintenance in mammals. The role of androgen receptors (AR) in the progesterone (P) producing luteal cells of porcine corpus luteum (CL) remains unexplored. The aim of the present study was to establish gene knock out (KO) porcine luteal cell culture system model by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology and to study the downstream effects of gene deficiency on steroidogenic potential and viability of luteal cells.

Genomic Diversity Profiling and Breed-Specific Evolutionary Signatures of Selection in Arunachali Yak.

Arunachali yak, the only registered yak breed of India, is crucial for the economic sustainability of pastoralist Monpa community. This study intended to determine the genomic diversity and to identify signatures of selection in the breed. Previously available double digest restriction-site associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing data of Arunachali yak animals was processed and 99,919 SNPs were considered for further analysis.

Performance and parasitological parameters of steers sequentially grazed with lambs.

In the majority of mixed or sequential gazing studies with sheep, cattle performance remained unaffected. However, the treatment regime of the sheep in these studies was often intense and this may have limited cross-transmission of nematodes from sheep to cattle. We conducted a sequential grazing trial with cattle and sheep with moderate anthelmintic intervention.

Body status and blood metabolites profiles during resumption of postpartum ovarian activity in yak (Poephagus grunniens).

We examined the changes in body weight (BW), back-fat thickness (BFT) and blood metabolites in relation to postpartum (PP) ovarian activity status in twenty female yaks raised under semi-intensive system. BFT and ovarian activities, like follicle development, ovulation (OV) and corpus luteum (CL) development, were monitored from 4 to 15 weeks (wk) PP using ultrasonography. Resumption of ovarian activity was confirmed with ovulation of dominant follicle (DF) and subsequent CL development, and >1 ng/ml progesterone concentration in blood plasma sample after 1week of ovulation.

Adaptation strategies of yak to seasonally driven environmental temperatures in its natural habitat.

The gradual increase of ambient temperature (TA) at high altitude can cause heat stress as an effect of climate change and may shift the traditional habitat of yak to further higher altitude. Therefore, an attempt has been made in this study to evaluate the thermo-adaptability of yaks to different seasons at high altitude. The adaptive capabilities of yaks were assessed based on different heat tolerance tests in relation to changes in rectal temperature (RT; °F), respiration rate (RR; breaths/min), pulse rate (PR; beats/min), and plasma heat shock protein (HSP) profile.

Genetic assessment of leech species from yak (Bos grunniens) in the tract of Northeast India.

Yak is an iconic symbol of Tibet and high altitudes of Northeast India. It is highly cherished for milk, meat, and skin. However, yaks suffer drastic change in milk production, weight loss, etc, when infested by parasites.

Effect of thawing methods on frozen semen quality of yak (Poephagus grunniens L.) bulls.

Aim: To evaluate different thawing temperatures and duration on the post-thaw semen quality of Indian yaks bulls.

Materials And Methods: Semen ejaculates from four different yak bulls were collected using artificial vagina method and extended with tris extender containing 6.4% glycerol at 35°C, cooled gradually from 35°C to 5°C at 1°C/3 min and equilibrated at 4-5°C for 4 h and frozen in French mini straws using a programmable bio-freezer and finally stored in liquid nitrogen.