Phylogenetic relationships and genetic variation in Iranian Afshari sheep breed were analyzed using 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA gene sequences. The genomic DNA was isolated by salting out method and amplified 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes using PCR method. PCR amplification of 12S and 16S rRNA generated PCR amplicons at 859 and 1053 bp lengths, respectively. Sequence analysis was performed using BioEdit software. Phylogenetic tree was constructed using MEGA software. Phylogenetic analysis of haplotype in the combination with the sheep from GenBank showed that Iranian Afshari sheep made a close to the Australian sheep cluster. This study was found informative for establishing relationships between breeds from different parts of the world. This study may facilitate the future researchers and breeders for better understanding the genetic interactions and breed differentiation for devising future breeding and conservation strategies to preserve the rich animal genetic reservoir of the country.
Background
The second half of the first pregnancy is a critical period in the growth and development of the mammary gland. The use of functional compounds during this period may positively impact livestock performance.
Objectives
In this study, changes in lipogenic enzyme gene expression in the mammary gland of Saanen goats in response to different dietary fat sources were analysed.
Methods
Goats from four groups (10 each) received these diets from the last two months of pregnancy through four months of lactation: C−, no added fat (negative control group), C+, with saturated palm oil (positive control group), SB, with roasted soybeans (omega‐6 group) and FS, with extruded flaxseed (omega‐3 group). The fat content was about 4% of dry matter. Milk yield, milk fatty acid profile, milk health index (HI) and gene expression of four lipogenic enzymes in mammary tissue were measured.
Results
The FS group had significantly higher milk production with lower omega‐6 to omega‐3, monounsaturated to polyunsaturated, and total saturated fatty acids compared to other groups. The shorter and longer than16‐carbon chain of total milk fatty acid indicates significantly higher values for the C− and C+ groups, respectively. The milk HI for the SB group was significantly higher. The gene expression profile for acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase was higher in the C− group than other experimental groups.
Conclusions
The results show that manipulation of the diet with unsaturated fat supplements improved milk production, synthesis of milk fat and molecular expression of lipogenic enzymes in mammary tissue in primiparous Saanen goats.
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