Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience are small farmers and ranchers, FFA and 4-H participants and undergraduate research assistants. Changes/Problems:Delays in renovating the Nutrition Barn have hindered the growth and body composition studies outlined in Specific Goal 3. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Opportunities for training and professional development include student presentations at the PVAMU iRISE symposium, Interdisciplinary Faculty for Reproduction retreat and RO Berry Lecture, the TAMU System Pathways symposium, the Texas Forum for Reproductive Sciences and the Association of Research Directors, Inc., 18th Biennial Research Symposium and the annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction. Three undergraduate students won awards for poster (n=2) or platform (n=1) presentations. We trained 2 high school and 13 new or returning undergraduate students in animal care, ultrasound, molecular biology techniques, histology, microscopy and hormone analysis during the last reporting cycle. Three undergraduate students also received training in the use of bioinformatics databases for candidate gene sequence retrieval and multiple species sequence alignment to design oligonucleotide primers, and PCR to amplification of caprine genes. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results from our studies have been disseminated to communities of interested through student presentations at the PVAMU iRISE symposium, and Interdisciplinary Faculty for Reproduction retreat and RO Berry Lecture, the TAMU System Pathways symposium, the Texas Forum for Reproductive Sciences and the Association of Research Directors, Inc., 18th Biennial Research Symposium. An undergraduate student poster was also presented at Annual Meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction. We continue to provide regional educational programs for 4-H youth and adults, building upon our successes with the East Texas Goat Raisers Association, the Red River Dairy Goat Association and the South Central Texas Goat Club. Rotation of workshops in nutrition, genetic selection and herd improvement, estrus synchronization and artificial insemination, and parasite management are provided jointly by extension and research staff. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?(a) We will test the efficacy of harvested SL in the form of bagged silage to control the levels of HC infections in goats to assess levels of protection. If preliminary animal trials indicate that SL silage will positively impact the control of HC infections, we will then proceed to determine levels of animal intake using the Grow Safe feeding system that is able to monitor individual animal intake of SL. We will partner with Chaffhaye, a company that markets alfalfa silage in a bag, to develop a similar product using SL. This will allow access to SL by all producers and can be fed at strategic times of the year when parasite infections are most dangerous. (b.1) Future miRNA experiments will focus on quantitative RT-PCR validation of the candidate miRNA expressed in caprine juvenile testes. We have identified gene networks important during pre-meiotic and meiotic phases of spermatogenesis in the goat testes. These networks are known to be important for the maintenance of spermatogenesis in post- pubertal adult testes. (b.2) We will continue our analysis of commercial semen extenders with CASA, conducting sperm cryopreservation trials with both animal protein and non-animal protein based semen extenders. These results will be compared to the fresh extended and 24 hour refrigerated extended goat semen studies already performed. (b.3) We will be further validate the endometrial RNAseq data by evaluating temporal expression of additional key glycosylation enzymes using quantitative real-time PCR and in situ hybridization.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
(a) Pasture based production strategies for the Texas Gulf Coast: The objectives for 2017 were to produce enough Serecea lespedeza (SL) in the form of bagged silage to identify shelf life and quality changes over time and establish estimate of cost of production of bagged silage. Stands of SL on two x one acre plots were developed and provide enough SL forage in silage form to run future animal trials. Samples from various stages of the SL harvest for silage production were collected and sent off for quality analysis and bioactive tannin analysis. Preliminary SL silage analysis indicates that bioactive SL tannins could not be detected by normal tannin assays, which raised the question of whether or not the ensiling process changed the bioactivity of the tannins to the point where they were no longer as effective in Hemonchus contortus control. These samples are currently being reanalyzed to answer this question. The cost of bagged silage is still in the developmental stage. The primary cost is anticipated to be associated with initial establishment of SL in quantities sufficient for commercial use. The per- acre yields and years of SL production, once established, are currently under investigation. (b) Increasing the efficiency of artificial insemination and embryo transfer: (b.1) Our main research objective this past year was to identify differentially expressed small non-coding RNAs (miRNAs) in the testis parenchyma during juvenile development. The whole-miRNAome data generated is intended to complement the whole-transcriptome analyses we completed with the last reporting by identifying similar gene networks. Understanding gene networks necessary to establish and maintain spermatogenesis will provide insight into the development of molecular markers for potential fertility of individual animals. Little information is known about the gene networks important for in vivo or in vitro spermatogonia development in the goat. Previously, we showed an age-specific enrichment for genes involved in apoptosis, lysosome, and PI3K-AKT pathways in 2-month testes compared to 4-month testes. Using quantitative RT-PCR, we validated the decreased expression of apoptosis gene between 2-month and 4-month testes. We performed high-throughput sequencing to identify miRNAs expressed in the testis parenchyma of 2-month and 4-month juvenile goats. Subsequently we performed miRNA sequencing of 0-month, 6-month, and 8-month testes parenchyma (anticipated September 2017; n=3 animals/time-point). The miRNA sequencing generated 66,919,498 raw reads and 55,041,420 mappable reads with a length distribution of mappable reads between 15-32 bp. The majority of the reads were 30 bp (16%) while 11% of the reads were 22 bp or 29 bp. MicroRNA target gene prediction and subsequent pathway analysis revealed an enrichment of miRNA regulating genes similarly in apoptosis and lysosome pathways. These data are in agreement with the whole-transcriptome data during 2-month and 4-month goat testes. Future miRNA experiments will focus on quantitative RT-PCR validation of the candidate miRNA expressed in caprine juvenile testes. We have identified gene networks important during pre-meiotic and meiotic phases of spermatogenesis in the goat testes. These networks are known to be important for the maintenance of spermatogenesis in post- pubertal adult testes. (b.2a) Abnormal regression of the goat corpus luteum plays an important role in reducing the efficiency of artificial insemination and embryo transfer. To better understand the disorganized appearance of the D5 and abnormal D5 CL, samples were collected and submitted to transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The resulting images show the large luteal cells from normal D5 CL appear to have large, normal intact nuclei and the appearance of abundant protein production. While, the abnormal D5 CL cells appear to have collapsed cell walls, abnormal nuclei and no appearance of normal protein production. Immunohistochemistry has been used to study the changes in the location, distribution and relative amounts of progesterone and estrogen receptors in the goat endometrium. The immunohistochemistry procedures have been conducted and analysis of the resulting images is underway. (b.2.b) In an effort to develop semen processing, cryopreservation and post-thaw analysis techniques to optimize methods for preservation of high fertility caprine semen, a study is under way to evaluate the use of commercial bovine and sheep semen extenders for processing fresh and cryopreserved goat semen. Our initial study to look at the effect of animal protein (egg yolk) and non-animal protein based semen extenders on fresh processed goat semen has demonstrated several differences in semen motility factors. Using computer aided semen analysis (CASA), we have shown that egg yolk based semen extender hyper activates the goat sperm at both initial extension and following 24 hours storage at 4OC and leads to higher rates of sperm moving in circles. The non-animal based protein extenders, demonstrate a lower initial motility following. (b.3) Quantitative rt-PCR assays were designed for genes that were up-regulated (alpha-2,6-sialyltransferase 2; P<.01), down-regulated (MUC-1; P<.01) or unchanged (FUT1; P>.1) on Day 17 of pregnancy with the intent of further validating the RNAseq data. A new undergraduate student was trained in the procedure and temporal changes in expression of these genes in tissues obtained on Days 5, 11 and 17 of the estrous cycle and Day 17 of pregnancy is in progress. (c) Decision support systems for goat enterprises: Nothing new to report.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Newton, G.R., Foxworth, W.B., Ribeiro, F.R.B., Nuti L.C. and Lewis S.K. 2017. Characterization of the Uterine Microbiome in Capra Hircus. Proceedings of the Association of Research Directors, Inc. 18th Biennial Research Symposium. Abstract 602.
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Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience are small farmers and ranchers, FFA and 4H participants and undergraduate research assistants. Changes/Problems:a) One of the major focus areas in the study of SL for the control of Hemonchus contortus (HC) is the preparation of SL in the form of bagged silage. Preliminary preparation of ensiled SL showed promising results from the standpoint of feed quality analysis and stability. One perplexing finding is the discovery that the ensiled SL, when assayed tannin activity contains very little biologically active tannins. The reason for this was not clear, but may be related to the ensiling process, which produces an acidic environment that may affect the poly-phenolic structure and biologic activity of the tanning. b.1.) Equipment failures delayed development of semen processing, cryopreservation and post-thaw analysis techniques. The equipment has been replaced and these studies will commence in the next reporting period. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Opportunities for training and professional development include giving an invited talk at the Frontiers in Reproduction annual Symposium, student presentations at the PVAMU iRISE symposium, Interdisciplinary Faculty for Reproduction retreat and RO Berry Lecture, and an upcoming TAMU System Pathways symposium. We trained 2 high school and 10 new or returning undergraduate students in animal care, ultrasound, molecular biology techniques, histology, microscopy and hormone analysis. Three undergraduate students also received training in the use of bioinformatics databases for candidate gene sequence retrieval and multiple species sequence alignment to design oligonucleotide primers, and PCR to amplification of caprine gene homologs important for testis development and function. One-hundred percent of the graduating seniors (n=1) enrolled in graduate school. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results from our studies have been disseminated to communities of interested by giving an invited talk at the Frontiers in Reproduction Annual Symposium, student presentations at the PVAMU iRISE symposium, and Interdisciplinary Faculty for Reproduction retreat and RO Berry Lecture. Scientific presentations were given at the Annual Meeting of the American Society of Animal Science and the 35th International Society for Animal Genetics Conference. We conduct regional educational programs for 4-H youth and adults, building upon our successes with the East Texas Goat Raisers Association, the Red River Dairy Goat Association and the South Central Texas Goat Club. Rotation of workshops in nutrition, genetic selection and herd improvement, the AI short-course, and parasite management are provided by extension and research staff. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?a) We will test the efficacy of harvested SL in the form of bagged silage to control the levels of HC infections in goats to assess levels of protection. If preliminary animal trials indicate that SL silage will positively impact the control of HC infections, we will then proceed to determine levels of animal intake using the Grow Safe feeding system that is able to monitor individual animal intake of SL. We will partner with Chaffhaye, a company that markets alfalfa silage in a bag, to develop a similar product using SL. This will allow access to SL by all producers and can be fed at strategic times of the year when parasite infections are most dangerous. b.1) We will develop semen processing, cryopreservation and post-thaw analysis techniques to optimize methods for preservation of high fertility caprine semen. We identified gene networks important during pre-meiotic and meiotic phases of spermatogenesis. We will implement additional bioinformatics approaches to carefully compare completeness of current de novo transcriptome assembly by analysis of additional de novo transcriptome assemblies generated from each individual sample studied in the project (e.g., tissue, age, individual). In addition, research efforts will focus on validating the expression of apoptosis genes and other candidate genes by qPCR and in situ hybridization and characterizing the biological significance of the expression of these pathways during caprine testes development. We will also continue to establish an animal model of heat-stress model to delineate differentially secreted microRNAs (miRNAs) in seminal plasma (and blood serum/plasma) associated with high or low semen quality. b.2) We will be further validating the endometrial RNAseq data by evaluating temporal expression of key glycosylation enzymes using quantitative real-time PCR and in situ hybridization.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
a) Pasture based production strategies for the Texas Gulf Coast: Sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneate; SL) contains tannins that may provide beneficial effects in gastrointestinal nematode suppression in small ruminants. The objective of the present work was to investigate the effect of cutting frequency and water application on forage yield, total tannin content and active protein bound to tannins. SL was grown in 30 raised boxes (1.5 m2 x 0.3 m) containing a commercial potting soil mixture. Established (year three) SL was randomly assigned to a cutting interval of 30, 45 or 60 days over a 120-day trial period. Within each cutting frequency, boxes were randomly assigned to a watering treatment of ambient rainfall or 2.5 or 5.0 cm of applied water per week (AWW). At the designated harvest intervals, SL was cut to a height of 12.5 cm and weighed (wet weight). The effect of cutting frequency and water treatments were analyzed using SAS 9.3 - General Linear Model procedure for repeated measure design. A 45 day cutting interval produced more SL forage (P < 0.07; 8.43 ± 0.39 kg) when compared to a 30 day cutting interval (7.15 ± 0.39 kg), but was similar to yields obtained on day 60 (7.56 ± 0.39 kg). Plants supplemented with 5 cm AWW produced more SL forage (8.61 ± 0.4) than plants grown under ambient conditions (7.12 ± 0.4 kg; P < 0.03) or supplemented with 2.5 cm AWW (7.42 ± 0.34 kg; P < 0.9). SL was then sun-dried and condensed tannin (CT) and protein-bound (PB) CT were determined using 50 ug dry matter (DM) and the protein precipitable phenolics method of Hagerman and Butler (1978). Total CT was not influenced by water application rates (P > 0.1). A cutting interval of 45 days increased the amount of plant CT (153.18 ± 12.95 ug; P < 0.01) when compared to the 30 (100.75 ± 11.51 ug) or 60 (107.73 ± 15.86 ug) day cutting intervals. Concentrations of PBCT were not influenced by cutting interval or water application rates. Growth of SL under ambient conditions in TX is good but can be improved with irrigation. A 45 day cutting interval maximizes plant yield and total tannin concentrations. b) Increasing the efficiency of artificial insemination and embryo transfer: b.1) The objective of work during the last reporting period was to identify candidate genes and gene networks important for the establishment and maintenance of spermatogenesis in the goat testes using Alpine goats as a model system and to annotate the candidate gene to resolve basic gene structure. We performed a high-throughput RNA sequencing on goat testes during juvenile development and data analysis using a traditional analysis pipeline with the cow genome as a reference. Additionally we used the Trinity de novo analysis pipeline to analyze all raw reads of caprine testis, endometrium, and ovary creating individual de novo assemblies for each cDNA library. For RNA sequencing, sampling included pre-meiotic and meiotic testis parenchyma from 2-month and 4-month-old Alpine bucks (n=3 animals/time-point). Mapping information provided insights into the top 1,000 highly differentially expressed genes. Results showed an age-specific enrichment for the apoptosis pathway (19 genes; KEGG). Apoptosis is an important process for spermatogenesis as it supports the initiation of meiosis and completion of spermiogenesis. Through pathway analysis (Ingenuity Pathway Analysis and DAVID) the apoptosis pathway was one of a few significantly different between 2-month and 4-month testes. The expression of 19 apoptosis genes decreased between 2-month and 4-month testes. To determine the presence of the apoptosis gene network in the de novo testes transcriptome, we generated a custom BLAST database and searched 19 genes and 25 variants involved in the apoptosis pathway. BLAST searches and alignment examinations showed evidence for 17 proteins and 20 variants members of the apoptosis pathway. The protein kinase, cAMP-dependent catalytic beta protein (PRKACB) showed the highest number of variants. Interestingly, this protein signals cell survival and integrity and is not involved in the execution of cell apoptosis. We have identified gene networks important during pre-meiotic and meiotic phases of spermatogenesis. b.2) Changes in fucosyltransferase gene expression may play a role in initiation of placentation and subsequent growth of the conceptus. Therefore, specific objectives of this study were to evaluate a(1-2)-fucosyltransferase gene expression in reproductive tract tissues obtained during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy using RNA-seq. Deep sequencing of endometrial RNA was performed on Day 17 of the estrous cycle (n=4) and on Day 17 of pregnancy (n=2/day) using Illumina RNA-Seq (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). Raw sequence reads from FASTQ files from the six samples were mapped against the bovine and Capra hircus genome. Functional category and pathways analysis indicated that 18 different biological processes were increased during pregnancy. Differential expression of endometrial genes involved in glycosylation was not detected during the pathways analysis. Therefore, we manually searched and summarized genes involved in the glycosylation processes. Seven fucosyltransferase genes that catalyse the addition of fucose to the Histo- and Lewis blood group antigens were detected, including FUT1, FUT3, FUT8, FUT10, FUT11, POFUT1 and POFUT2. c) Decision support systems for goat dairy enterprises: The objective was to determine the relationships between body condition score (BCS) and body weight (BW), hip height (HH), wither height (WH) girth circumference (GC) and real-time ultrasound (RTU) measurements of body composition in Alpine does prior to breeding (n = 66) and prior to kidding (n = 34). Thirty-two animals were not included in the prior to kidding measurements due to culling or failure to give birth. The body composition traits measured by RTU were 12-13th rib fat thickness (uBF), and rump fat thickness (uRUMP). Ultrasound measurements were taken using an Aloka 500 with a 12 cm 3.5 MHz transducer. Hair was clipped and vegetable oil was used as a coupling agent in order to enhance image quality. Data were analyzed using the Proc CORR and Proc REG procedures of SAS. Body condition score was highly correlated (P < 0.01) with uBF and uRUMP prior to breeding (r = 0.45 and 0.39, respectively) and prior to kidding (r = 0.84 and 0.74, respectively). Body weight and HH were highly correlated prior to breeding (r = 0.63; P < 0.0001), but not prior to kidding (r = 0.27; P = 0.12). Girth circumference was highly correlated to BW (r = 0.78; P < 0.0001) and correlated to HH (R = 0.38; P = 0.037) prior to kidding. Wither height and HH were highly correlated only when measured prior to kidding time (r = 0.63; P < 0.001). Prediction equations were developed in order to predict BCS using a stepwise procedure. Body condition score prior to breeding can be predicted from uBF with an R2 of 0.21. Prediction of BCS prior to kidding using uBF had an R2 of 0.63, which was the first variable included in the model. Inclusion of three additional variables (uRUMP, HH and WH) in the full model improved the R2 to 0.76. Results indicate that RTU body composition traits are highly correlated with BCS in Alpine goats and that the accuracy of prediction was improved when does were close to parturition. More research is needed in order to refine the models and improve accuracy of prediction.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Nuti, L.C., Muir, J.P., Duffus, E.A., Jung, Y., James, A.A., Cherry, N.M. and Newton G.R. 2016. Cutting interval and water application influence Sericea lespedeza yields and condensed tannin content. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 94, E-Suppl. 5/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 99, E-Suppl. 1, page 302.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Barcelos, B., Ribeiro, F.R.B, Lewis, S.K., Foxworth, W. B., Nuti, L.C., Newton, G.R., Rispoli, V.F.P., Correa, L.B. and Netto A.S. 2016. Effect of supplementation with antioxidants in goats and their newborns evaluated during the transition period. J. Anim. Sci Vol. 94, E-Suppl. 5/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 99, E-Suppl. 1, page 811.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Barcelos, B., Fuentes-Soriano, S., Watts, J., Williams, F., Ribiero, F.R.B., Foxworth, W., Nuti, L., Newton, G.R., and Lewis S.K. 2016. Gene Expression In Developing Goat Testes: Sequencing, Assembly And Identification Of Caprine Spermatogenesis Transcriptome. Proceedings of the 35th International Society for Animal Genetics Conference, pp. 75-76.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Brent, J., Barcelos, B., Nuti, L., Foxworth, W., Lewis, S., Horner, S., Newton, G. and Ribeiro, F. 2016. The use of real-time ultrasound to measure body composition in livestock animals. Prairie View A&M University Undergraduate Research Symposium. pp. 7.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Jackson, B., Nuti, L., Foxworth, W., Lewis, S., Horner, S., Newton, G. and Ribeiro, F. 2016. The relationship of real-time ultrasound body composition measurements and body condition score in small ruminants. Prairie View A&M University Undergraduate Research Symposium. pp.12.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Watts, J., Phillips, A., Williams, F., Barcelos, B., Fuentes, S., Ribeiro, F., Foxworth, W., Nuti, L., Newton, G. and S. Lewis. 2016. Molecular characterization of postnatal testis development in the goat. Prairie View A&M University Undergraduate Research Symposium. pp.14.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Ribeiro, F.R.B., Barcelos, B., Nuti, L. C., Foxworth, W.B., Lewis, S.K., Jung, Y., Horner, S., Jackson, B.L., and Newton G.R. 2016. The relationship between body condition score and body weight, body linear measurements and real-time ultrasound body composition measurement in Alpine does before breeding and kidding. J. Anim. Sci Vol. 94, E-Suppl. 5/J. Dairy Sci. Vol. 99, E-Suppl. 1, page 803.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Avendano, J., Phillips, A., Lewis, S., Foxworth, W., Ribeiro, F., Nuti, L. and Newton, G.R. 2016. Fucosyltransferase Expression and Relevance in Caprine Endometrium. Prairie View A&M University Undergraduate Research Symposium. pp.54.
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Progress 09/19/14 to 09/30/14
Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience are small farmers and ranchers, FFA and 4H participants and undergraduate research assistants. Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?A Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Next Generation Sequencing in Undergraduate Education proposal was accepted that allows the PI (S.K. Lewis) to conduct a RNA-sequencing experiment (goat testes at 2- and 8-month of age) and receive two weeks of training in data analysis at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Long Island NY. Undergraduate students (n=10) received training in animal care, ultrasound, molecular biology techniques, histology, microscopy and hormone analysis. Eighty percent of graduating seniors subsequently enrolled in veterinary (n=2) or graduate schools (n=2). A Visiting Scholar from Brazil is receiving cultural, language and technical training while working on her Ph.D. at Universidade de Sao Paulo, Pirassununga. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results were presented at the annual meetings of the American Association of Animal Science and the Society for the Study of Reproduction and Texas Genetics Society. Outreach activities and reproduction/management workshops were conducted with community groups, including the East Texas Goat Raisers Association, the Red River Dairy Goat Association and the South Central Texas Goat Club. Topics chosen for these educational programs were driven by needs that clientele have expressed through surveys, information that the sponsoring agents and clubs have recognized as needed in the area, and the delivery of specialty information and techniques developed through staff research. In addition to our home Field Day in the spring of each year, the staff currently has three sites where educational workshops have been conducted, Gainesville, Rusk and Weslaco, TX. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?a) Development of SL pastures, and other high tannin legume plant varieties, under Texas gulf coast conditions will continue. Once pastures are well established we will test the ability to controlling parasite infections in grazed goats and evaluate the effectiveness of this approach as a management tool through economic cost-benefits analysis. b.1) Develop semen processing, cryopreservation and post-thaw analysis techniques to optimize methods for preservation of high fertility caprine semen. Evaluate genetic differences that influence sperm quality and freezability. Validation of heat-stress model to delineate differentially secreted microRNAs (miRNAs) in seminal plasma (and blood serum/plasma) associated with high or low semen quality. b.2) Determine, using RNAseq, significant differentially changed biological processes and gene networks affected during: 1) the dynamic range of postnatal testis development important for establishment and maintenance of testis-differentiated function (spermatogenesis), 2) abnormal luteal development on Day 5 of the estrous cycle, and 3) during pregnancy recognition on Day 17 in goat endometrium. We will also develop methods for de novo RNA-sequencing data analysis in the goat and quantitative PCR validation of candidate genes. d) Evaluation of ultrasound as a method for measuring body composition and BCS in mature does is scheduled to start this fall using Alpine, Spanish and Boer does. A GrowSafe feed intake and behavior monitoring system should be operational by February 2016. Techniques to measure residual feed intake will be established and validated. Residual feed intake will be measured in lactating Alpine dairy goats and correlated with milk production to aid in genetic selection.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
a) Pasture based production strategies for the Texas Gulf Coast: We are testing the feasibility of using Serecea lespedeza (SL), and other high tannin legume plant varieties with anti-parasitic properties, as a management tool to control internal parasites. Test plots, used to determine the feasibility of growing Serecea under controlled local conditions, indicate good growth potential. Elevated boxes were planted to establish yields under varying conditions of cutting frequencies and water application. Results indicate annual wet weight yields of SL, extrapolated from 4 x 4 raised bed production, were between 11 and 15 tons/per acre. In addition, increasing the cutting from once per summer (11.04 tons) to twice per summer (22.89 tons) greatly improved annual yields. Growth trials also addressed the effects of level of water application (ambient, 1 or 2 inch per week) and cutting frequency (30, 45 or 60 day intervals) on plant growth. Preliminary results indicate a positive effect of a cutting frequency of 45 days with 2 inches of water per week. Test plots were harvested, dried, bagged as silage and later analyzed for moisture and nutrient content. Moisture content of the silage after 30 days of storage was 54.4% with a pH of 4.5 and crude protein content of 16.45%. Two one-acre fields were prepared and planted with Serecia for grazing trials. However, growth of Serecea lespedeza under ambient conditions has been sporatic. b) Increasing the efficiency of artificial insemination and embryo transfer: b.1) Testis development and function are controlled by genes that are important both for development and maintenance of differentiated testis functions. Correct differentiation of fetal testes depends on expression of gene networks involving factors such as SRY, SOX9, and DMRT1. These same genes and networks are likely vital during postnatal acquisition and adult maintenance of testis differentiated function. We hypothesized that similar gene networks are also expressed in the postnatal caprine testes and are critical to the acquisition and maintenance of fertility in the adult. Goats were castrated at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 months of age to categorize postnatal testis differential gene expression. For a targeted approach we utilized published reports of genomic loci and genes associated with male infertility phenotypes based on human or cow studies and mouse transgenic or knockout models. Persistent postnatal expression of genes important for fetal testis differentiation including SRY, SOX9, DMRT1, and AMHR were observed. In fact expression of these genes in the testis persist during postnatal development from 2 month to 4 months of age. For a whole transcriptome approach, we have done RNA-sequencing on 2 month and 8-month-old testes. In a separate sequencing experiment, we are sequencing 2 month and 4-month-old testes. We have generated a gene list of differentially expressed genes during 2- and 8-month-old testes using the Tuxedo RNA-sequencing data analysis pipeline with the bovine genome as a reference genome. We are developing methods for de novo RNA-sequencing data analysis of the postnatal caprine testis. These data suggest conservation of testis determination and differentiation gene networks in the goat. These gene networks likely maintain testis postnatal function and potentially play a role in acquisition of adult fertility. Delineation of postnatal testis function will allow further understanding of testis development of functions necessary for superior semen quality in the goat. b.2) Cyclic female goats undergoing estrus synchronization for AI or embryo transfer are susceptible to reduced luteal function 5 days after estrus and ovulation. The goal of this study was to compare the endocrine, morphological and histological characteristics of abnormal and normal corpora lutea (CL), collected on Day (D) 5 after a synchronized estrus, with CL undergoing normal functional and structural luteolysis. Our hypothesis is mechanisms responsible for sub-normal luteal function early in diestrus are distinct from those governing luteolysis in late diestrus. Alpine does were synchronized (n=21) using CIDR inserts. After 9 days CIDRs were removed and 500 mg of PGF2a and 50 mg of GnRH were administered at 0 and 48 h, respectively. Does were checked for estrus daily (D0) and mated with a vasectomized buck. Blood samples were collected daily from D0 to D5 (synchronized) and from D0 to D17 (n=3) or D18 (n=2) of a normal cycle. Serum concentrations of P4 were used as an indicator of abnormal luteal function. Mean CL weights were similar (p=0.2) when normal D5 (0.3 ± 0.08 ug) and abnormal D5 CL (0.43 ± 0.03 ug) were compared, likely due to one large, fluid-filled luteal structure (0.66 ug) within the abnormal group. Paraffin embedded sections revealed a poorly organized cellular architecture in abnormal D5 CL. Additional sections were processed for immunohistochemistry to assess markers for progesterone synthesis (anti-HSD3B7), autophagy (anti-Erk 1/2), and the distribution of M1 and M2 macrophages. Distinct differences were detected when abnormal D5 CL were compared to normal D5, D17 and D18 CL. Staining intensity for HSD3B7 was stronger in normal D5 and D17 CL when compared to normal D18 CL. Stain in abnormal D5 CL was weak and diffuse. Erk 1/2 staining suggests that autophagy was low in normal D5 CL, more intense in D17 and D18 CL and strongest in abnormal CL obtained on D5. Staining for M1 macrophages was strong on D17 and in abnormal D5 CL, while staining for M2 macrophages was most intense in the normal Day 5 CL. Therefore, abnormal Day 5 CL have reduced steroidogenesis and contain macrophages that are associated with luteolysis (M1), rather than a luteotropic environment (M2). Whether these changes are due to improper follicle maturation prior to ovulation or an improper uterine environment conducive to normal CL development is unknown. c) Decision support systems for goat dairy enterprises: The objective is to determine the relationship of body linear measurements such as hip height (HH), girth circumference (GC), point of the shoulder to hip length (HipShL), forearm circumference (FntLC) and body weight (BW) with real-time ultrasound (RTU) measurements of body composition, in Boer x Spanish cross yearling goats (n = 90; n = 48 wethers and n = 42 doelings). The body composition traits measured by RTU were 12-13th rib longissimus lumborum muscle area (uLMA), 12-13th rib fat thickness (uBF), and ultrasound rump fat thickness (uRUMP). Ultrasound measurements were taken using an Aloka 500 with a 12 cm 3.5 MHz transducer. Data were analyzed by gender and also pooled using the Proc CORR and Proc REG procedures of SAS. BW was highly correlated (P<0.0001) to HH, GC, HipShL, FntLC, uLEA, uBF, and uRUMP (0.65, 0.85, 0.62, 0.70, 0.89, 0.75, and 0.70, respectively) with the pooled data. Similar results were observed when data was analyzed by gender. However, a lower correlation was observed between BW and HIpShL and FntLC with the doelings (0.46 and 0.48, respectively) and between BW and HH, uBF and uRUMP for the weathers (0.35, 0.38, and 0.36, respectively). Prediction equations were also developed in order to predict uLEA, and uBF. Predictions of uLEA had an R2 of 0.75, 0.64, and 0.65 for the pooled, wether and doelings data, respectively, with BW and HipShL included in the pooled and doeling model and BW and FntLC in the wether model. Predicitons of uBF had an R2 of 0.59, 0.23, and 0.68 for the pooled, wether and doelings data, respectively, with BW and HipShl included in the pooled and wether models and BW and HH in the doeling model. Results on this study showed that RTU body composition traits are highly correlated to body linear measurements in yearling Boer x Spanish yearling goats and different measurements within gender accounted for more variation within the RTU traits.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Ribeiro. F. R. B., L. C. Nuti, W. B. Foxworth, S. K. Lewis, Y. Jung, B. Garza, B. Owens, R. Somers and G. R. Newton. 2015. The relationship of body linear measurements and body weight with real-time ultrasound body composition measurements in Boer x Spanish yearling goats. J. Anim. Sci. Vol. 93. Sup 3. pp. 614
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
W.B. Foxworth, L.C. Nuti, S.K. Lewis, B.D. Garza, B.L. Owens, R.M. Somers, and G.R. Newton. 2015. Abnormal Luteal Development During Early Diestrus in the Goat. Annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Reproduction. Abstract 601.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
S.K. Lewis. 2015. Molecular genetic and genomic strategies to understand male infertility in the goat. Invited address at the Texas Genetics Society 42nd annual meeting March 26-28.
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