Serum samples obtained from 40,927 swine at various locations in North Carolina between Aug 1, 1987 and July 31, 1988, were tested for antibodies to Trichinella spiralis, using an ELISA based on a larval T spiralis excretory-secretory antigen. In the ELISA, samples were considered to have positive results if the optical density (OD) reading was equal to or 5 times greater than the mean OD value of 4 negative-control sera from trichina-free swine. Of the 40,927 serum samples tested, 154 (0.38%) were positive by ELISA; the rate for breeding swine was 0.35% (105/30,162), and the rate for cull swine was 0.45% (49/10,765). Of the 49 seropositive samples from cull swine, 11 were from out of the state, 22 had no identification, and 16 were known to originate from North Carolina. Seropositivity had a bimodally seasonal distribution, with peaks in March and September. There was no difference between the mean age of seropositive and seronegative swine, but males were at greater risk for seropositivity than were females. Pigs from lots with < 100 sera tested were at increased risk for seropositivity, as were pigs from the central coastal region of North Carolina.

A total of thirty-eight Mafriwal cattle were selected from a localcattle herd of a government cattle farm; of which 36 animals were sub-fertile Mafriwal female dams and two bulls which were considered as control animals (one male Mafriwal and one male Jersey). Two markers were used in the detection of Y chromosome in the sub-fertile female animal which are testis specific proteins Y-encoded (TSPY) and amelogenin (AMLX/AMLY) genes. The genes were amplified using PCR. The DNA bands from a normal male for TSPY gene size was approximately 260 bp while AMLX/ AMLY gene were approximately 341 and 467 bp. The examination of all samples showed that the sub-fertile cow revealedonly 467 bp while three fragments were detected in the control group; 260 bp (testis specific protein, Y-encoded gene), 341 and 467 bp (Amelogenin gene). The results showed that the sex chromosomeanomalies associated with Y chromosome did not occur in this group. These two sex markers can be used for the diagnosis of Y chromosome abnormality in a sub-fertile cow through polymerase chain reactionwhich is a rapid and reliable method for use in breeding herds.

Objective—To determine whether selection for the homozygous A136R171 genotype that confers resistance to classic scrapie infection negatively affects production traits in sheep. Animals—996 commercial lambs obtained from 2 flocks at separate locations across 3 consecutive years. Procedures—Genotyping at codon 136 and 171 was performed by use of commercially available testing or a single-nucleotide polymorphism assay. Carcass data were collected without knowledge of genotype approximately 24 hours after slaughter by an experienced grader. The model to analyze associations between prion protein (PRNP) genotype and production traits was based on genotype, breed, or both as fixed effects and days on feed as a covariate. Results—Average daily gain was significantly associated with only combined codons 136 and 171. In flock 1, weaning average daily gain was significantly greater in AA136 sheep than heterozygotes; the difference between QR171 and RR171 sheep, compared with QQ171 sheep, were not significant although QR171 and RR171 sheep had higher values. However, in flock 2, average daily gain was significantly greater in AV136 sheep than AA136 sheep and in QR171 sheep than QQ171 sheep. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Findings suggest there is an advantage for average daily gain in lambs with an arginine allele at codon 171, but there were no other genotype effects on production traits. Thus, selection for the resistant arginine allele at codon 171 to comply with USDA scrapie eradication guidelines should not be detrimental to lamb production in commercial flocks. Effects of codon 136 on average daily gain were ambiguous.

Malin sheep is the indigenous sheep breed of Malaysia and mainlykept for meat production. A total of 48 individuals from the National Institute of Veterinary Biodiversity (NIVB) in Jerantut,Pahang were used. The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity in the Malin using microsatellite markers.Eleven microsatellite loci were successfully amplified in 48 Malin sheep. All loci were polymorphic. A total of 66 alleles were detected. The number of observed alleles per locus varied from 12 to 21, with mean observed number alleles per locus of15.18±4.58. The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity were 0.0189±0.01 and 0.8989±0.01, respectively. The mean polymorphic information content (PIC) value was 0.8970±0.01, indicating that the used markers were highly informative and could be used in parentage identification. Tests of genotype frequencies for deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), at each locus revealed depature from HWE due to loss in heterozygotes by high levels of inbreeding. The average inbreeding value for the 11 markers investigated was0.9797±0.01 indicating a more homozygous nature of the population. This is the first report of microsatelitte based variations in Malin sheep breed and can be useful for development of a rational breeding strategy for genetic improvement of sheepin Malaysia which may benefit future conservation programmes.

Serum samples obtained from 40,927 swine at various locations in North Carolina between Aug 1, 1987 and July 31, 1988, were tested for antibodies to Trichinella spiralis, using an ELISA based on a larval T spiralis excretory-secretory antigen. In the ELISA, samples were considered to have positive results if the optical density (OD) reading was equal to or 5 times greater than the mean OD value of 4 negative-control sera from trichina-free swine. Of the 40,927 serum samples tested, 154 (0.38%) were positive by ELISA; the rate for breeding swine was 0.35% (105/30,162), and the rate for cull swine was 0.45% (49/10,765). Of the 49 seropositive samples from cull swine, 11 were from out of the state, 22 had no identification, and 16 were known to originate from North Carolina. Seropositivity had a bimodally seasonal distribution, with peaks in March and September. There was no difference between the mean age of seropositive and seronegative swine, but males were at greater risk for seropositivity than were females. Pigs from lots with < 100 sera tested were at increased risk for seropositivity, as were pigs from the central coastal region of North Carolina.

The purposes of this study were to describe the clinical signs observed in PRRS positive herds during a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) outbreak in Ontario and to determine associations between these clinical signs and herd demographics and PRRS control strategies. All PRRS polymerase chain reaction-(PCR)-positive submissions to a diagnostic laboratory between September 1, 2004 and August 31, 2007 were identified (n = 1864). After meeting eligibility requirements and agreeing to voluntary study participation, producers from 455 of these submissions were surveyed for information on clinical signs observed in their herds, herd demographics, and PRRS control strategies used in their herds at the time that the PCR-positive samples were taken. Larger herd size was associated with an increased risk of reporting abortion, weakborn piglets, off-feed sows, and sow mortality in sow herds, and with an increased risk of reporting mortality in finishing herds. When disease control strategies were examined, use of a commercial PRRS vaccine in sows and gilts was associated with a decreased risk of reporting weakborn pigs and high pre-weaning mortality, while the use of serum inoculation in breeding animals was associated with an increased risk of reporting off-feed sows and sow mortality. Providing biofeedback of stillborn/mummified piglets, placenta or feces to gilts was associated with an increased risk of reporting respiratory disease and mortality in finishing pigs while all-in/all-out flow in farrowing rooms was associated with an increased risk of reporting sow mortality and weakborn piglets.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the use of Breeding Soundness Examination (BSE) and sperm quality for bull fertility screening by using Brahman bulls. A total of 17 Brahman bulls were sampled from the Department of Veterinary Services’ farm at Pusat Ternakan Haiwan (PTH) Ulu Lepar, Kuantan, Pahang, with age ranging between 2 to 7 years old. All candidates had undergone BSE and sperm quality test. All the data collected were analysed using SPSS software. The average age of the Brahman in this study was 55.06±14.37 months with 36.53±3.21 cm of scrotal diameter. The average libido score recorded for Brahman bulls in this study was 5.35±1.90. The minimum libido score was two (2) while the maximum score was seven (7). For sperm quality traits, the average parameter recorded for Brahman bulls were as follows: 54.41±20.15 % (sperm motility), 62.94±26.94 % (live sperm) and 49.40±8.53 % (normal sperm). The minimum and maximum score for sperm motility was 10 % and 80 %, respectively. For live sperm, the minimum score was 10 % and maximum score was 80 %. Meanwhile, normal sperm had a minimum score of 30 % and a maximum score of 65 %. The bull that fulfilled the requirements of the screening can be assigned as a superior bull for breeding program, thus making fertility screening a useful tool in monitoring potential breeder of the farm.