Genetic gain and inbreeding from simulation of different genomic mating schemes for pig improvement

Background Genomic selection involves choosing as parents those elite individuals with the higher genomic estimated breeding values(GEBV)to accelerate the speed of genetic improvement in domestic animals.But after multi-generation selection,the rate of inbreeding and the occurrence of homozygous harmful alleles might increase,which would reduce performance and genetic diversity.To mitigate the above problems,we can utilize genomic mating(GM)based upon optimal mate allocation to construct the best genotypic combinations in the next generation.In this study,we used stochastic simulation to investigate the impact of various factors on the efficiencies of GM to optimize pairing combinations after genomic selection of candidates in a pig population.These factors included:the algorithm used to derive inbreeding coefficients;the trait heritability(0.1,0.3 or 0.5);the kind of GM scheme(focused average GEBV or inbreeding);the approach for computing the genomic relationship matrix(by SNP or runs of homozygosity(ROH)).The outcomes were compared to three traditional mating schemes(random,positive assortative or negative assortative matings).In addition,the performance of the GM approach was tested on real datasets obtained from a Large White pig breeding population.Results Genomic mating outperforms other approaches in limiting the inbreeding accumulation for the same expected genetic gain.The use of ROH-based genealogical relatedness in GM achieved faster genetic gains than using relatedness based on individual SNPs.The GROH-based GM schemes with the maximum genetic gain resulted in 0.9%-2.6%higher rates of genetic gainΔG,and 13%-83.3%lowerΔF than positive assortative mating regardless of heritability.The rates of inbreeding were always the fastest with positive assortative mating.Results from a purebred Large White pig population,confirmed that GM with ROH-based GRM was more efficient than traditional mating schemes.Conclusion Compared with traditional mating schemes,genomic mating can not only achieve sustainable genetic progress but also effectively control the rates of inbreeding accumulation in the population.Our findings demonstrated that breeders should consider using genomic mating for genetic improvement of pigs.

Protective Effect of Silent Mating Type Information Regulation 2 Homolog 1 on TGF-β1 Pathway via mTOR in Diabetic Nephropathy

Objective: To demonstrate whether the expression of silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 (SIRT1) affects the level of TGF-β1 and Smad3 in HEK293 cells through regulating mTOR. Methods: First, recombinant plasmids DNA (rSIRT1) and siRNA targeting SIRT1 were constructed which were transfected into Human Embryonic Kidney 293 cell (HEK293) cells, respectively. Then, the generation of intracellular ROS in cells was examined by flow cytometry using the oxidation-sensitive probe. Last, the expressions of TGF-β1, smad3, P53, mTOR, p-mTOR, LC3-I and LC3-II in cells were detected to observe the effect of SIRT1 on TGF-β1 Pathway by western blot analysis. Results: We demonstrated that overexpressing of SIRT1 may decrease TGF-β1 and Smad3 expression in HEK293 cells through regulating mTOR. In addition, the result is the opposite when SIRT1 was silent in HEK293 cells. Conclusions: SIRT1 is closely related to TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway that correlates with the regulation of mTOR and ROS generation and causes diabetic nephropathy. The available evidence implies that SIRT1 has great potential as a clinical target for the prevention and treatment of renal fibrosis in the development of DN.

Mating Calls of Six Forms of Pelobatid in Wawu Mountain National Forest Park,Sichuan,China (Anura:Pelobatidae)

The mating calls of six forms belonging to four genera Megophrys,Oreloalax,Scutiger and Leptolalax were recorded in Wawu Mountain National Forest Park,Sichuan Province of China,using cassette tape recorder (Aiwa) and Sony tape with an external microphone.All recordings were analyzed with an IBM PC based 'SIGNAL' software analysis system (Engineering Design,USA).The range of analyzed frequency was set as 0-10 kHz.Acoustic analysis shows that the dominant frequency of L.oshanensis,M.minor,M.sp.,S.(S.)chintingensis,O.omeimontis,and O.schmidti is 4521.9,3456.4,2293.8,1076.5,1071.0 and 1849.4 Hz on average respectively;the note duration is 46.2,90.8,99.6,72.2,78.8 and 110.3 millisecond on average respectively;the note interval is 140.4,253.0,681.4,1517.7,461.3 and 619.5 millisecond on average respectively.One-Way ANOVA analysis indicates that there are significant differences among the analyzed six forms on the dominant frequency,the note duration,and the note interval (P<0.01).Multiple comparisons using Least-Significant Difference (LSD) show that the difference of the dominant frequency between S.(S.) chintingensis and O.omeimontis is not significant (P=0.917>0.05);on the note duration,only L.oshanensis is significantly different from M.minor,M.sp.,O.omeimontis and O.schmidti (P<0.01);on the note interval,L.oshanensis is not significantly different from M.minor,the same with M.sp.versus O.schmidti and O.omeimontis versus O.schmidti (P>0.05).Correlation analysis indicates that there are no significant correlation among the three acoustic characters of dominant frequency,note duration and note interval,and two environmental factors of the elevation and air temperature (P>0.05) except that the note interval is significantly linear correlated with the elevation (r=0.943,P=0.005<0.01).In the light of above,it is suggested that acoustic characteristics of calls are useful in distinguishing forms;the change of the note interval with the elevation may be a kind of strategy of reproduction.

Changes of Estrogen in Serum and Estrogen Receptor β in the Relevant Brain Regions Following Mating Behavior of the Male Mandarin Vole Microtus mandarinus

In order to investigate the estrogen and estrogen receptor β changes after mating behavior of male mandarin vole （Microtus mandarinus）, the radioimmunoassay （RIA） and immunohistochemistry methods were used to investigate changes of the serum estrogen （E） concentrations, estrogen immunoreactive neurons （E-IRs） and estrogen receptor β immunoreactive neurons （ERβ-IRs） in the relevant brain regions following mating behavior. Fifteen sexually matured male voles were randomly divided into three groups and treated differently： （1） control group： voles were exposed to clean hard-wood shavings （n=5）, （2） exposure group： voles were exposed to the soiled bedding for more than 24h on which estrous females had been placed （n=5）, and （3） mating group： voles were placed with an estrous female for more than 24h （n=5）. The results showed circulating serum E concentrations were significantly higher in the mating group than in the exposure group and the control group, and there were no significant difference between the exposure group and the control group. E-IRs and ERβ-IRs were detected in the following brain regions related to mating behavior： the arcuate nucleus （ARC）, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis （BST）, lateral septal nucleus （LS）, medial amygdaloid nucleus （ME）, medial preoptic area （MPO） and ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus （VMH）. The results showed that there were significantly more E-IRs in the six brain regions in the mating group than in the control group and the exposure group, and there were no significant difference between the exposure group and the control group except for LS. There was no significant difference in ERβ-IRs in the six brain regions among the three groups, and there were some lighter -stained ERβ-IRs in these brain regions. The results suggested that estrogen affect mating activity of male mandarin voles, but ERβ might not play an important role in mating behavior of male mandarin voles. Instead, it might be through other receptors.

Mating Genotype Analysis of Ganoderma lucidum Populations

[Objective] The mating genotype was studied and compared with esterase isozyme of Ganoderma lucidum populations between groups in order to clarify their differences in genetic relationship analysis. [Method] OWE-SOJ technique was applied to identify standard mating types and determinate mating genotype between groups of monokaryons isolates from 24 G. lucidum stains. Genetic relationships were analyzed by combined group mating genotype determination with esterase isozyme assay. [Result] All strains of G. lucidum could be divided into 7 large groups of the mating genotype. Four alleles of A factor, four alleles of B factor and one mixed alleles of A factor were found in this study. Distorted segregation ratio among monokaryon mycelia of G. lucidum had been observed in four kinds of mat- ing types to some extent. Twenty-eight different types of enzyme bands were determined in esterase isozyme test, Twenty-four strains of G. lucidum could be divided into 9 large groups through the cluster analysis when the genetic similarity coefficient was 0.73214. Comparing the results of mating genotype analysis and esterase isozyme analysis, it showed great similarity. [Conclusion] Mating genotype analysis could be used as an important supplementary method for strain identification and genetic diversity research.

Analysis of the Evolutionary Significance of Heterosis——taking the contribution of fitness to the genetic diversity in random mating population as an example

Upon the analogy of definition of heterosis and inbreeding depresstion in terms of population genetics, the heterosis is thought to be evaluated overall with fitness. By establishing a mathematical model, the equilibrium status of three genotypes of random mating population （i. e. RR, Rr and rr） under different fitness, which exposes that heterosis is the precondition for multiallele to exist in the population. The heterosis protects the genetic diversity and makes the population owning a stronger self-control and evolution potential by improving the hetemzygote＇s fithess so as not to wash out different types of genes. It deepens Darwin＇s thoughts of individual section by making the individual fitness consonant with population fitness.

Square Logistic Model for the Appearance of Lethal Recessive Homozygous Genotype in Random Mating Population

From the random mating population of maize, the relationship between heterosis and albino seedling was analyzed by means of mathematical theory, further the square logistic model for the appearance of lethal recessive homozygous genotype was deduced. The model shows that heterosis can determine the genetic structure and proportion of population. It approves, that the proportion of aa in each generation of maize seedlings shows a similar Logistic curve in growth process till equilibrium, so long as Aa containins lethal gene a from mutation presents heterosis. The ratio of equilibrium state of aa is determined by the ratio of AA-Aa fitness. Heterosis is helpful for the keeping of genetic diversity of population.

Cryptochromes mRNA Expression Under Mating and Black light Treatment on Helicoverpa armigera

[ Objective ] The paper was to confirm the effect of mating and black light treatment on cryptochromes mRNA expression of Hclicoverpa armigera. [ Method ] Quantitative real-time PCR （ SYBR Green） technique was applied to detect the expression of cryptochromes gene （ cryl and cry2 ） of H. armigera under different conditions. Total RNA was extracted from the head of H. armigera, and carried out reverse transcription to synthesize cDNA after digested by DNase I. Specific primers were used to carry out quantitative real-time PCR on cryl, cry2 and EF-Ict gene, respectively. [ Result] The expression of cryl mRNA of H. ar- migera significantly decreased after exposure to black light for 2 h, the mRNA expression of cry2 was smaller than control, they had no significant difference with each other. Mating had significant effect on mRNA expression of cryl and cry2 of H. armigera, and the mRNA expression of cryl and cry2 of male and female adults showed decreasing trend with the prolongation of time after mating. [ Conclusion] The result had important significance for further studying on function of cry gene and the control of cotton bollwonn.

The Effect of Attendance Patterns on the Lek Mating System in the Omei Treefrog(Rhacophorus omeimontis)

Attendance patterns are a key factor affecting sexual selection and mating systems in lekbreeding species.However,there are few systematic studies on attendance patterns in lek-breeding anurans.In this study,we monitored a population of Omei treefrogs(Rhacophorus omeimontis) for four consecutive years to reveal in detail the effects of attendance patterns on mating systems.We found that(1) female nightly attendance was affected by male nightly attendance,and operational sex ratios(determined by male and female nightly attendance) ultimately determined the extent of female polyandry;(2) males surviving more than one breeding season maintained high chorus attendance and mating success,suggesting that male chorus attendance is a good predictor of male genetic quality;(3) the distributions of male mating success were not significantly different from a Poisson distribution,indicating a random mating pattern;and male mating success was not related to body size(size-assortative mating was not evident) but was significantly correlated with chorus attendance.Since the chorus attendance is a predictor of male genetic quality,females performing random mating were more likely to mate with more frequently present males and could therefore gain indirect benefits from mating with higher-than-average quality males,thereby producing good offspring without incurring the significant costs involved in prolonged searching for,and assessing males.Our systematic survey on the relationship between attendance patterns and the lek mating system in R.omeimontis could help us better understand in-depth anuran lek mating systems.

A de novo originated gene depresses budding yeast mating pathway and is repressed by the protein encoded by its antisense strand

Recent transcription profiling studies have revealed an unexpectedly large proportion of antisense transcripts in eukaryotic genomes. These antisense genes seem to regulate gene expression by interacting with sense genes. Previ- ous studies have focused on the non-coding antisense genes, but the possible regulatory role of the antisense protein is poorly understood. In this study, we found that a protein encoded by the antisense gene ADF1 acts as a transcription suppressor, regulating the expression of sense gene MDF1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Based on the evolutionary, ge- netic, cytological and biochemical evidence, we show that the protein-coding sense gene MDF1 most likely originated de novo from a previously non-coding sequence and can significantly suppress the mating efficiency of baker＇s yeast in rich medium by binding MATa2 and thus promote vegetative growth. These results shed new light on several im- portant issues, including a new sense-antisense interaction mechanism, the de novo origination of a functional gene, and the regulation of yeast mating pathway.

Effects of back fat,growth rate,and age at first mating on Yorkshire and Landrace sow longevity in China

In the present study, genetic parameters for longevity and genetic correlations with back fat （BF）, average daily gain （ADG）, and first mating age （FMA） were estimated from 19 300 Yorkshire and 18 378 Landrace sows from 12 farms derived from one breeding system. General linear models （GLM） were employed to estimate genetic correlations with heritability （h2）. Longevity was defined by six different parameters （i.e., traits） and heritability ranged from h2=0.13 to 0.16 （P〈0.05） in both swine breeds. Genetic correlations between different longevity definitions were positive and high （r=0.79 to 0.99; P〈0.05）. BF exhibited low positive genetic correlations （r=0.12 to 0.15; P〈0.05） with longevity traits identified in both pig breeds which were dependent on trait definition, whereas ADG and FMA showed weak negative genetic correlations with longevity traits. The influence of BF, ADG, and FMA on longevity traits was examined by dividing the production and reproductive traits into several numerical groups; the influence of each longevity trait was subsequently analyzed among the different groups. The results indicated BF was the best trait to improve longevity among BF, ADG, and FMA, which showed positive effects for almost all longevity traits. For Yorkshire sows, gilts with over 18 mm BF were most desirable; Landrace with 10.6-13 mm BF were suitable for longevity. ADG was not favorable for gilt selection, because the correlation between growth rate and longevity very low. For FMA, our results indicated gilts mating before 230 days exhibited a longer life span. Therefore, we suggest farmers should select for thicker back fat and mate at an earlier age to improve sow longevity.

Emergence,Mating and Oviposition Behavior of the Chinese Population in Pink Bollworm,Pectinophora gossypiella (Lepidoptera:Gelechiidae)

The pink bollworm, Pectinophora gossypiella （Lepidoptera： Gelechiidae） is one of the most serious lepidopteran pests of cotton in the world. This pest invaded China at the onset of the 20th century, possibly through repeated introductions from several different locations worldwide. In this paper, we describe different behavioral parameters of this Hubei P. gossypiella strain under laboratory and field conditions. Using an infra-red video recorder, we observed （nocturnal） emergence, flight and mating activities, and oviposition patterns. Moth emergence started from 13：00 and continued up till 23：00. Under laboratory and field conditions, 2-7-d-old moths initiated flight around sunset, peaked 50 rain later and gradually declined until 04：00. Although mating started immediately after darkness （i.e., 20：00）, mating behavior was most intense from 23：00 to 03：40. Oviposition also showed distinct time-related patterns, with approx. 70% eggs laid between 20：00 and 22：00. In the studies of the relationship between flight and oviposition, the duration of flight had an effect on oviposition. The 1-d-old moths flown for 6 and 12 h began oviposition earlier than the unflown ones, and the 6-h flight had no effect on the egg production. However, the longevity of the flown moths was shortened after flight. In addition, the peaks of oviposition for the flown moths were advanced 2-3 d. The age when the moths flied affected the oviposition of adult moths. The earlier the moths started to fly after emergence, the greater the fecundity they had. The average egg production of moths flown for 24 h was less than that of non-flown moths which were of the same age. Both flight and delay in mating could advance the oviposition peak. Our study provides detailed insights in nocturnal activities and the reproductive biology of local P. gossypiella populations, which could be employed to fine-tune current pest management programs in China.

Effects of Various Degrees of Antennal Ablation on Mating and Oviposition Preferences of the Diamondback Moth,Plutella xylostella L.

Using scanning electron microscopy, we investigated the distribution of the trichoid, basiconic, and coeloconic sensilla on the antennae of the diamondback moth （DBM;Plutella xylostella）. The trichoid sensilla were the most abundant sensory organ, and the male moth antennae host signiifcantly more trichoid sensilla than female moth antennae. Conversely, basiconic and coeloconic sensilla were found more frequently on female than on male antennae. We performed experiments with various degrees of antennal ablation and demonstrated that DBM antennae played a key role in the control of mating and oviposition. We found that neither oviposition preference nor mating behaviors changed signiifcantly when less than 1/4 of both antennae were removed. However, there was a signiifcant behavioral change when the antennae were ablated by more than half. As the length of the antenna was shortened, the successful mating rate decreased and mating peak was delayed. An otherwise consistent host preference for oviposition was eliminated when both antennae were completely removed. Furthermore, we found that the number of trichoid sensilla was positively correlated with mating rate and oviposition preference. However, the numbers of basiconic and coeloconic sensilla were not correlated with mating rate and mating peak, but highly correlated with oviposition preference. Taken together, our results indicate that antennal sensory information plays a critical role in the mating and oviposition behaviors of this economically important pest.

Stk2,a Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase from Setosphaeria turcica,Specifically Complements the Functions of the Fus3 and Kss1 of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Filamentation,Invasive Growth,and Mating Behavior

Setosphaeria turcica,an essential phytopathogenic fungus,is the primary cause of serious yield losses in corn; however,its pathogenic mechanism is poorly understood.We cloned STK2,a newly discovered mitogen-activated protein kinase gene with a deduced amino acid sequence that is 96% identical to MAK2 from Phaeosphaeria nodorum,56% identical to KSS1 and 57% identical to FUS3 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.To deduce Stk2 function in S.turcica and to identify the genetic relationship between STK2 and KSS1/FUS3 from S.cerevisiae,a restructured vector containing the open reading frame of STK2 was transformed into a fus3/kss1 double deletion mutant of S.cerevisiae.The results show that the STK2 complementary strain clearly formed pseudohyphae and ascospores,and the strain grew on the surface of the medium after rinsing with sterile water and the characteristics of the complementary strain was the same as the wild-type strain.Moreover,STK2 complemented the function of KSS1 in filamentation and invasive growth,as well as the mating behavior of FUS3 in S.cerevisiae,however,its exact functions in S.turcica will be studied in the future research.

Application of honey-bee mating optimization on state estimation of a power distribution system including distributed generators

We present a new approach based on honey-bee mating optimization to estimate the state variables in distribution networks including distributed generators. The proposed method considers practical models of electrical equipments such as static var compensators, voltage regulators, and under-load tap changer transformers, which have usually nonlinear and discrete characteristics. The feasibility of the proposed approach is demonstrated by comparison with the methods based on neural networks, ant colony optimization, and genetic algorithms for two test systems, a network with 34-bus radial test feeders and a realistic 80-bus 20 kV network.

The genetic diversity, individual relatedness and possible mating system of an isolated population of the Cyprinid species Megalobrama pellgrini in upper reaches of the Changjiang (Yangtze) River, China

Megalobrama pellegrini is a cyprinid fish endemic to upper reaches of the Changjiang(Yangtze)River,China,which is also an important economic species in the local area.In recent years,resources of this species have decreased sharply and its conservation has drawn great attention.In the present study,we collected 120 individuals from the Longxi River,a tributary isolated from the main channel of the Changjiang River,where M.pellegrini is still relatively abundant.Using two different molecular markers,mitochondrial cytochrome b(cyt b)gene,and nuclear microsatellite(simple sequence repeat,SSR),we analyzed the genetic diversity of this isolated population.The results show that sequence genetic diversity was low(Hd:0.290 and P i:0.000 77 for cyt b gene),while the SSR genetic diversity was high(Ho:0.824 4±0.147 2,He:0.823 5±0.145 1).Analysis indicated that this population had experienced a bottleneck,with inbreeding and small effective population size(around 50).Based on SSR data,relatedness analyzing revealed that the 120 samples were grouped into 10 completely independent clusters.It was inferred that the mating system of M.pellegrini was polygamy.We suggested that the low genetic diversity could be induced by the overfishing and inbreeding depression.Therefore,we suggested that the urgent conservation measures should be taken to control the overfi shing and give better conditions for the fish to grow and spawn,then to restore population size.

Mating behavior induces changes of expression of Fos protein,plasma testosterone and androgen receptors in the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) of the male mandarin vole Microtus mandarinus

In order to investigate the neuroendocrine mechanism of the mating behavior in the adult male mandarin voles Microtus mandarinus,the radioimmunoassay(RIA)and immunohistochemistry methods were used to investigate the differences in plasma testosterone(T)concentrations and distribution of T immunoreactive neurons(T-IRs),androgen receptor immunoreactive neurons(AR-IRs)and Fos protein immunoreactive neurons(Fos-IRs)in the accessory olfactory bulb(AOB)and the main olfactory bulb(MOB)following exposure to clean hard-wood shavings(control group),soiled bedding(exposure group)or contact with an estrous female(mating group).Results showed that plasma T concentration was significantly higher in the mating group than that in the exposure group,and both the mating group and the exposure group displayed significantly higher plasma T concentration than the control group.T-IRs,AR-IRs and Fos-IRs were investigated with the immunohistochemistry method in granule cell(GC)and mitral cell(MC)of the MOB and the AOB in the three groups.There were significantly more T-IRs,AR-IRs and Fos-IRs in MC and GC of the AOB in the mating group than that in the exposure group or the control group.T-IRs,AR-IRs and Fos-IRs did not show significant differences between the exposure group and the control group.Furthermore,obvious differences in MC and GC of the MOB were not found among the three groups.The results confirm that both changes of T and AR in the AOB might be underlying mating behavior in the adult male mandarin voles.

Mating Type Alleles, Female Fertility and Genetic Diversity of Magnaporthe grisea Populations Pathogenic to Rice fromSome Asian Countries

Five hundred and twenty-two isolates of Magnaporthe grisea isolated from rice in 5 Asian countries were characterized for their mating type by crossing them with 4 hermaphroditic isolates(KA3 and TH12: MAT1.1; Guy11 and TH16: MAT1. 2). Among them, 41% were MAT1.1 and 25% were MAT1. 2. The remaining 34% did not produce perithecia with any of the 4 hermaphroditic testers. In Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Vietnam and in most provinces of China, both mating types were present. Only one mating type was found in 3 provinces and 1 city of China. Almost all the isolates had very low fertility, as they were in general female sterile and sometimes also male sterile. Hermaphroditic isolates were recovered from the 5 countries. In these countries, they represented between 13% and 75% of the isolates. In Zhejiang, Guizhou, Guangdong, Hunan, Yunnan and Hubei provinces of China, hermaphroditic isolates represented between 6% and 67%. The genetic diversity of 143 isolates from these countries and provinces, where hermaphroditic isolates had been collected, was analyzed using SCAR markers. Genetic diversity was high and population structure did not resemble classical clonal structure described in most rice growing regions. The existence of sexual reproduction in the field, localization of a center of diversity in China, and migration between countries were discussed in this paper.

Sexual dichromatism and assortative mating by multiple plumage color traits in wild Chestnut Thrush

Sex differences in plumage color are common in bird species.Some bird species are regarded as sexually monochromatic in human visual systems,and in recent years,some species are found to be of cryptic(to human)sexual dichromatism by spectrophotometric techniques.However,the functions of plumage color are still less understood in these species.Here,we focused on plumage color traits in the Chestnut Thrush(Turdus rubrocanus),which is considered as a sexually monochromatic bird by human observers.We used spectrometer analyses and avian visual modeling to investigate the color traits of males and females,and whether these color traits are involved in assortative mating.We found that Chestnut Thrush showed sexual dichromatism in bill,throat and wing,and pairs mated assortatively with colorations of throat,chest,crown and wing.We also found that color of tarsus was different between two consecutive years.These results revealed that Chestnut Thrush is sexually dichromatic in the avian visual system,and plumage color traits play important roles in mate choice.

Mating Ethogram of a Video-aided Study of Mating and Parturition in Captive Chinese Crocodile Lizards (Shinisaurus crocodilurus)

Mating behavior and parturition are important components in the life history of any species. The endangered Chinese crocodile lizard(Shinisaurus crocodilurus) is suffering dramatic population decreases in the wild. Successful captive breeding can provide individuals to be reintroduced into their natural habitat and help to restore the wild populations. Studying the mating behavior and parturition of these lizards in captivity will enable us understand how is this ancient species reproduction and optimize artificial reproduction protocol. We studied the mating behavior and parturition of Chinese crocodile lizards in captivity using video recordings at the Daguishan National Nature Reserve, China, from 2015 to 2017. We analyzed pre-copulation and copulation, which occurred in mid-March to late May from all studied years. Pre-copulation and copulation lasted on average 7.51(n=11) and 27.45(n=11) minutes, respectively. We found that large-bodied male lizards have longer copulation periods, a pattern seen in other lizard species. In the mating event, males always initiated sex, while the females were passive. The duration of parturition lasted 153.8 ± 26.8(n=46) minutes, and larger females had heavier clutches. In addition, even though Chinese crocodile lizards represent an ancient lizard clade with primitive characteristics, they still abide by the reproduction patterns seen in most other lizard species.