A significant quantitative trait locus on chromosome Z and its impact on egg production traits in seven maternal lines of meat-type chicken

Background:Egg production is economically important in the meat-type chicken industry.To better understand the molecular genetic mechanism of egg production in meat-type chicken,genetic parameter estimation,genome-wide association analyses combined with meta-analyses,Bayesian analyses,and selective sweep analyses were performed to screen single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)and other genetic loci that were significantly associated with egg number traits in 11,279 chickens from seven material lines.Results:Yellow-feathered meat-type chickens laid 115 eggs at 43 weeks of age and white-feathered chickens laid 143 eggs at 60 weeks of age,with heritability ranging from 0.034–0.258.Based on meta-analyses and selective sweep analyses,one region(10.81–13.05 Mb)on chromosome Z was associated with egg number in all lines.Further analyses using the W2 line was also associated with the same region,and 29 SNPs were identified that significantly affected estimation of breeding value of egg numbers.The 29 SNPs were identified as having a significant effect on the egg number EBV in 3194 birds in line W2.There are 36 genes in the region,with glial cell derived neurotrophic factor,DAB adaptor protein 2,protein kinase AMP-activated catalytic subunit alpha 1,NAD kinase 2,mitochondrial,WD repeat domain 70,leukemia inhibitory factor receptor alpha,complement C6,and complement C7 identified as being potentially affecting to egg number.In addition,three SNPs(rs318154184,rs13769886,and rs313325646)associated with egg number were located on or near the prolactin receptor gene.Conclusion:Our study used genomic information from different chicken lines and populations to identify a genomic region(spanning 2.24 Mb)associated with egg number.Nine genes and 29 SNPs were identified as the most likely candidate genes and variations for egg production.These results contribute to the identification of candidate genes and variants for egg traits in poultry.

Correlation between Egg Production Traits and Broodiness Traits in Shiqiza,Langya and Luqin B2 Chickens

[ Objective] To investigate the relationship between the egg production traits and broodiness of Shiqiza, Langya and Luqin B2 chickens. E Method] Three chicken breeds, Shiqiza chickens （a breed preserved by Shandong Academy of Agricultural Sciences）, Langya chickens （a local breed in Shandong Province） and Luqin B2 chickens （a cultivated breed） were selected. Then their broodiness traits were observed and the egg productions were analyzed. Finally, the relationships between the egg production traits and broodiness were analyzed by SAS software. [ Result] The Shiqiza, Langya and Luqin B2. chickens were broody and their broodiness rate was 15.80%, 2.24% and 6.95%, respectively. Compared with the non-broody chickens, the egg productions of Shiqiza, Langya and Luqin B2 chickens were respectively decreased by 17.16%, 1.53% and 10.8% at the age of 43 weeks. The three breeds had significant differences in repeats of broody cycles （ P 〈 0.05）, and extremely significant differences in the broodiness duration, the the first day of broodiness, the age at the first egg, total amount of abnormal eggs and amount of double- yolked eggs （P 〈 0.01 ）. [Conclusion] The broodiness is a main factor affecting egg production traits. The degree of effects of broodiness on egg production traits is decreased successively in Shiqiza chicken, Luqin B2 chicken and Langya chicken.

Identification of SNPs in Bovine SLC27A1 Gene and Its Effects on Milk Production Traits in Chinese Holstein Cattle

[Objective] This study discussed the SNPs of SLC27A1 gene and its relationship with milk production traits in Chinese Holstein Cattle in order to find the SNP site which had significant effect on milk production traits in Chinese Holstein Cattle.[Method] DNA was extracted from the bleed of 48 Chinese Holstein Cattle selected according to phenotypic character and mixed into DNA pool for SNPs detection by polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism（PCR-SSCP）and cloning sequencing.Then different genotypes were detected in other 231 Chinese Holstein Cattle by PCR-RFLP.The association between genotype and production traits was assessed by GLM procedure,SAS version 8.02.[Result] There were T112C in exon3 and G64A loci in 3＇UTR,among them the T112C in exon3 was synonymous mutation.There were 3 genotypes TT,TC and CC in T112C locus and 3 genotypes GG,GA and AA in G64A locus.The population was at Hardy-Weinberg equilibration.Cows with genotype CC had significantly highest milk yield than those with genotype TC（P0.01）,and there were no significant differences among the 3 genotypes on milk protein percent and milk fat percent（P0.05）,but the tendency of CC TC TT on milk protein percent and the tendency of TT TC CC on milk fat percent were showed.There was no significant difference among the 3 genotypes of G64A loci on milk yield,milk protein percent and milk fat percent（P0.05）,but the tendency of GA GG AA on milk yield and the tendency of AA GG GA both on milk protein percent and milk fat percent were showed.[Conclusion] There was certain relation between the T112C locus and milk yield traits;It may improve milk yield to raise the frequency of genotype CC;SLC27A1 gene could be a useful candidate gene in selection program on milk yield traits in Chinese Holstein Cattle,which provided a theoretical basis for the marker-assisted breeding and further study of SLC27A1 gene.

An Updated Review on Chicken Eggs: Production, Consumption, Management Aspects and Nutritional Benefits to Human Health

Ancestors of the modern chicken were domesticated from members of the Gallus genus probably 7 to 8 thousand years ago in southeastern Asia. Subsequently, they spread globally for meat and egg production. In the chicken egg, there is a balance of numerous, high-quality nutrients, many of which are highly bioavailable. The egg confers a multitude of health benefits to consumers emphasizing its classification as a functional food. Current global per capita egg consumption estimates approach 9 kg annually but vary greatly on a regional basis. This review deals with global production, consumption, and management aspects such as hygiene, feeding, and housing. Management aspects play key roles in the composition, quality, food safety, and visual (consumer) appeal of the egg. Also the manipulation of egg nutrients and value for human health is discussed.

Fine Mapping QTLs Affecting Milk Production Traits on BTA6 in Chinese Holstein with SNP Markers

Our previous studies demonstrated that the region around markers BMS470 and BMS1242 on BTA6 showed a linkage to 305-d milk yield and composition traits in the Chinese Holstein population. We herein focused on such narrow region to fine map milk production QTLs with 15 SNPs across 25 Mb with each SNP in 1 Mb within most regions in a Chinese Holstein population with daughter design. 1 449 Holstein cows and 11 sires were genotyped for such SNPs by using TaqMan probe and RFLP assays. Multipoint linkage analysis across family revealed a QTL affecting milk yield between PPARGC1A C4075T and SLC34A2 T1713C. Meanwhile, within family analysis found three milk yield QTLs （two in CR T60984131G-CEP135 C501T and one in PDLIM5 A106C-OPN T3907, a fat yield QTLin UGDH T1670C-CR T60984131G region, and two protein yield QTLs in TBC1D1 G501C-UGDH T1670C and PPARGC1A C4075T-SLC34A2 T1713C, respectively. Associations between aforementioned significant SNP markers and milk production traits were further implemented. We found significant associations of PPARGC1A C4075T, SLC34A2 T1713C with milk yield （P0.05, P0.01, P0.01）, UGDH T1670C, and CR T60984131G with fat yield （P0.01, P0.01）, and PPARGC1A C4075T, SLC34A2 T1713C, UGDH T1670C and OPN T3907 with protein yield （P0.01, P0.01, P0.01, P0.01）. Our findings implied that QTLs affecting milk production traits on BTA6 were pleictropism or multigenic effect and PPARGC1A and OPN may be the causal mutations behind milk production QTLs on BTA6 in the Chinese Holstein population.

Investigating structural impact of a valine to isoleucine substitution on anti-Müllerian hormone in silico and genetic association of the variant and AMH expression with egg production in chickens

Anti-Mullerian hormone(AMH)acts in maintaining orderly cyclic recruitment of early follicles,suggesting that it is a promising can didate for in flue ncing an imal reproductive efficiency.This study aimed to elucidate the effect of a missense mutati on of Val566lle on the structure of AMH protein and the genetic association of Val566lle and AMH expression with egg production in chickens.Structural perturbations of Val566lle were predicted by homology modeling.The association of the variant with the number of eggs was tested using a quantitative trait transmission disequilibrium test model.AMH expression in granulosa cells in Lueyang black-boned chickens was compared with that in Nick chickens.The Vai566 of AMH is a non?conservative amino acid among mammals and birds,but its hydrophobicity is completely conservative.The substitution of Vai566 for lie566 pote ntially disrupted hydroge n bonds and solve nt accessibility of 22 residues and created a short a-helix in the C terminus of AMH.Despite having striking structure-disrupting potential,the variant was not statistically associated with the number of eggs(P>0.05)in the Lueyang black-boned chickens.We did not detect differential expression of AMH betwee n Lueya ng black-b oned chicke ns and Nick chickens(P>0.05).These results con firmed the structural impact of Val566lle,but suggested that Val566lle and AMH expression might not be the major genetic determinants for egg production in Lueyang black-boned chickens.

Integrative analysis of hypothalamic transcriptome and genetic association study reveals key genes involved in the regulation of egg production in indigenous chickens

Indigenous chicken products are increasingly favored by consumers due to their unique meat and egg quality.However,the relatively poor egg-laying performance largely impacts the economic benefits and hinders sustainable development of the local chicken industry.Thus,excavating key genes and effective molecular markers associated with egg-laying performance is necessary to improve egg production via genetic selection in indigenous breeds.In the present study,comparative hypothalamic transcriptome between pre-laying(15 weeks old)and peak-laying(30 weeks old)Lushi blueshelled-egg(LBS)chicken was performed.A total of 518 differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were identified.Among the DEGs,64 genes were enriched in 10 Gene Ontology(GO)terms associated with reproductive regulation via GO analysis and considered as potential candidate genes regulating egg-laying performance.Of the 64 genes,16 showed high connectivity(degree≥12)by protein–protein interaction(PPI)network analysis and were considered as potential core candidate genes(PCCGs).To further look for key candidate genes from the PCCGs,firstly,the expression patterns of the 16 genes were examined in the hypothalamus of two indigenous breeds(LBS and Gushi(GS)chickens)between the pre-laying and peak-laying stages using quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR).Eleven out of the 16 genes showed significantly differential expression(P<0.05)with the same changing trends in the two breeds.Then,correlations between the expression levels of the above 11 genes and egg numbers and reproductive hormone concentrations in serum were investigated in high-yielding and low-yielding GS chickens.Of the 11 genes,eight showed significant correlations(P<0.05)between their expression levels and egg numbers,and between expression levels and reproductive hormone concentration in serum.Furthermore,an association study on single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)identified in these eight genes and egg production traits was carried out in 640 GS hens,and a significant association(P<0.05)between the SNPs and egg numbers was confirmed.In conclusion,the eight genes,including CNR1,AP2M1,NRXN1,ANXA5,PENK,SLC1A2,SNAP25 and TRH,were demonstrated as key genes regulating egg production in indigenous chickens,and the SNPs sites within the genes might be served as markers to provide a guide for indigenous chicken breeding.These findings provide a novel insight for further understanding the regulatory mechanisms of egglaying performance and developing molecular markers to improve egg production of indigenous breeds.

Assessing Morphological Traits Variation and Fruit Production of <i>Lophira lanceolata</i>(Ochnaceae) in Benin

Lophira lanceolata is an oleaginous tree species whose fruit is used for vegetable oil production in Benin. The present study highlighted the fruit production and characterization of the morphological traits of the fruits and seeds of this species. A total of 196 mature trees in production were randomly sampled in Borgou-Nord, Borgou-Sud and Atacora Chain phytodistricts. Descriptors were characterized globally at the level of phytodistricts surveyed. Pearson correlation test stands out the relationships between the different descriptors. The effect of phytodistricts on fruit production was analyzed using a Generalized Linear Model (GLM) and the variation of morphological traits between phytodistricts was examined through Kruskal-Wallis test. Finally, SMA regression was used to test the influence of the phytodistrict on the relationship between L. lanceolata seed and fruit weight. This study revealed that there is a positive and significant correlation between the morphological traits of fruits and those of seeds. Trees descriptors (e.g. total height, diameter at breast height, and leaf petiole length) predict fruit production of L. lanceolata, but are not significantly correlated with fruit and seed traits. In the Atacora Chain phytodistrict, breeding trees are entering production with small diameter, low height and produce little number of fruits per tree with higher weight, unlike the Borgou-Nord and Borgou-Sud phytodistricts. These results can be useful in the selection of early breeding tree in Atacora Chain phytodistrict and high-yielding trees from individuals in the Borgou-Nord and Borgou-Sud phytodistricts.

Developmental stages and quality traits of giant African land snails [<i>Archachatina marginata</i>(swainson)] eggs

Sixty sexually mature purebred black-skinned Archachatina marginata snails with weight ranging from 120.50 g to 135.70 g were used to generate eggs in this study. The eggs collected were incubated in a chamber filled with loamy soil for appropriate observation and assessment (cracking at four days intervals to check snailet’s development). Results obtained from the study showed that at laying snail egg weights ranged from 1.54 - 2.45 g (mean of 2.00 g). The egg lengths and widths ranged from 13.50 - 16.90 mm (mean of 15.20 mm) and 10.00 - 12.70 mm (mean of 11.40 mm) respectively. The results also revealed that at laying (day one) the egg content was translucent or clear (blank) when observed with light from a powered microscope. Observation of eggs on day four showed the formation of embryo with a semi-transparent cup attached to a long string body. On day 12, some specific organs of the snailet had developed, and there was a reduction in the liquid content. On day 28, the snailet was fully formed, but the shell still contained very small volume of liquid. The snailet hatched on day 29.

Effects of salinity on egg and fecal pellet production, development and survival, adult sex ratio and total life span in the calanoid copepod, A cartia tonsa:a laboratory study

The ef fects of salinity on the copepod, A cartia tonsa in terms of daily egg production rate(EPR), hatching success, fecal pellet production rate(FPR), naupliar development time and survival, sex ratio, and total life span were determined in laboratory conditions through three experiments. In experiment 1, EPR, hatching success, and FPR of individual females were monitored at salinities of 13, 20, 35 and 45 during short-periods(seven consecutive days). Results show EPR was aff ected by salinity with the highest outputs recorded at 20 and 35, respectively, which were considerably higher than those at 13 and 45. Mean FPR was also higher in 35 and 20. In experiment 2, the same parameters were evaluated over total life span of females(long-term study). The best EPR and FPR were observed in 35, which was statistically higher than at 13 and 20. In experiment 3, survival rates of early nauplii until adult stage were lowest at a salinity of 13. The development time increased with increasing of salinity. Female percentage clearly decreased with increasing salinity. Higher female percentages(56.7% and 52.2%, respectively) were signifi cantly observed at two salinities of 13 and 20 compared to that at 35(25%). Total longevity of females was not af fected by salinity increment. Based on our results, for mass culture we recommend that a salinity of 35 be adopted due to higher reproductive performances, better feeding, and faster development of A. tonsa.

Associations of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor (GnRHR) and Neuropeptide Y(NPY) Genes’Polymorphisms with Egg-Laying Traits in Wenchang Chicken

Single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNP） of chicken gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor （GnRHR） and neuropeptide Y （NPY） were selected to identify the genotypes of Wenchang （Chinese indigenous breed） chicken with restricton fragment length polymorphisms. The associations of the SNPs with the total egg production （NE）, average days of continual laying （ADCL）, and number of double-yolked eggs （DYE） traits were analyzed. The frequency of restriction enzyme A/a alleles in the population was for GnRHR 0.69 （Bpu1102 Ⅰ A） and 0.31 （Bpu1102 Ⅰ a） and for NPY 0.46 （Dra Ⅰ B） and 0.54 （Dra Ⅰ b）. Trait data from a total of 120 hens, which were purebred introduced from Hainan Province, China from one generation were recorded. Two significant effects of genes＇ marker were found： for GnRHR and number of eggs （dominant; t= 2.67, df= 116） and NPY and number of eggs （additive; t= 1.97, df= 116）. The current research supports the effects of GnRHR and NPY genes on egg-laying traits of chickens.

Mutations in Caprine DGAT1 and STAT5A Genes were Associated with Milk Production Traits

In this study, polymorphisms of the DGAT1 andSTAT5A genes were detected in 528 individuals from Xinong Saanen and Guanzhong goat breeds by PCR-RFLP, PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing methods. Three allelic variants were identified: DQ380250: g.407_408insC, AJ237937: g.6798C>T and g.6852C>T in both breeds. At g.407_408insC locus, the frequencies of C1 allele were 0.79–0.85, and frequencies of C2 allele were 0.21–0.15. At g.6852C>T locus, frequencies of C3 allele were 0.70–0.72, and frequencies of T3 allele were 0.30–0.28. Compared with goats with C1C1 and C3C3, those with C1C2 and C3T3 genotypes had significant effects on milk yield and fat percentage (P<0.05), respectively. The result showed that does with C1C1C3T3 and C1C2C3T3 had higher milk yield than those with C1C2C3C3 (P < 0.05). In addition, the combined effect of C1C2C3C3 on milk fat percentage was the highest in comparison with other combination genotypes (P<0.05).

Effects of Xylooligosaccharide(XOS)and Probiotics(PRO)on Production Performance,Egg Quality and Intestinal Short-chain Fatty Acids of Laying Hens in Late Laying Period

[Objective]The paper was to study the effects of xylooligosaccharide(XOS)and probiotics(PRO)and their interaction on the production performance,egg quality and intestinal short-chain fatty acids of laying hens in late laying period.[Method]A total of 36074-week-old Romain brown laying hens were randomly divided into four groups,six replicates each group and 15 chickens each replicate.The trial lasted 63 d.The laying hens in control group(CON)were fed with basal diet,and those in experimental groups were fed with the basal diets adding with 150 mg/kg XOS(XOS group),100 mg/kg probiotics(PRO group),150 mg/kg XOS+100 mg/kg probiotics(XOS-PRO group).[Result]Compared with the control group,the laying rate,daily egg production,yolk ratio,colonic acetic acid and caecal propionic acid in XOS group increased significantly(P<0.05),and the feed gain ratio decreased remarkably(P<0.05).PRO had no significant effect on the production performance and egg quality of laying hens in late laying period(P>0.05),but significantly increased colonic acetic acid(P<0.05).XOS and PRO had no interaction effect on the production performance,egg quality and intestinal short-chain fatty acids of laying hens in late laying period(P<0.05).[Conclusion]Adding XOS to the diet of laying hens in late laying period could increase the content of short-chain fatty acids in the hindgut of laying hens,and effectively improve the production performance and egg quality of laying hens in late laying period.Adding PRO to the diet did not significantly improve the production performance and egg quality of laying hens,and there was no interaction effect between XOS and PRO.

Effects of Cottonseed Meal on Production Performance and Egg Quality of Hisex Laying Hens

[Objective]In order to research on effect of different content of cottonseed meals on production performance and egg quality of Hisex laying hens. [Methods]120 Hisex laying hens of 37 weeks old are chosen,randomly divided into four groups and three repetitions are set in each group,there are 10 hens in each repetition. Group I is the control group,II,III and IV are experimental groups. Cottonseed meal contents are respectively 5%,10% and 15%,with test cycle of 10 weeks,effects of different cottonseed meal dosages on Hisex laying hens production performance and egg quality are observed. [Results]When the diet is added with 5% to 15% of cottonseed meal,the average laying rate,average egg weight and feed-gain ratio all show downward trends when compared with that of the control group,but with no significant difference（ P 〉 0. 05）; eggshell strength,eggshell thickness,Haugh unit,egg shape index all show no significant difference（ P 〉0. 05）,with the increasement of cottonseed meal,the color of egg yolk got brighter,egg yolk color of 15% added group increased by 12%,show a significant difference with that of control group（ P 〈0. 05）. [Conclusion]When the feed was added with 15% cottonseed meals,it has an unconspicuous effect on laying performance and egg quality of Hisex laying hens,but whether it had an effect on animal health and food safety or not,a further systematic research is needed.

Analysis of the Production and Operation Status of Silkworm Eggs Producing Farms in China——Based on Questionnaire Survey to 136 Silkworm Eggs Producing Farms Nationwide

Through statistical analysis on questionnaire survey data from 136 silkworm eggs producing farms in China,it was concluded that most silkworm eggs producing farms had such problems as follows: old production facilities and poor production condition,heavy staff burden,weak scientific and technological support,small operation scale and heavy surplus production capacity; narrow silkworm eggs sale channels and stubborn regional segmentation,insufficient innovation and lack of technological support for diversified expansion. All these problems led to low labor productivity,low asset utilization rate and poor economic benefit in silkworm eggs producing farms in China. Except the provinces( regions) of Guangxi,Guangdong and Yunnan,the silkworm eggs producing farms in other provinces were generally at deficit condition. In the light of ownership,although silkworm eggs producing farms of different ownership systems were in the red,those of the private sector had the minimum deficit. Based on these findings,it is proposed to deepen system reformation of silkworm eggs producing farms,loosen control to price and circulation of silkworm eggs,implement large-scaled production and operation,speed up scientific and technological innovation,expand diversified development channels,and reinforce government support so as to increase production and operation benefits of silkworm eggs producing farms in China.

Effects of Lactobacillus Microecologics on Production Performance, Immune Function and Intestinal Microflora of Egg Chicks

[Objective]The paper was to study the effects of lactobacillus microecologics on production performance,immune function and intestinal microflora of egg chicks.[Method]Totally 18001-day-old chicks of Hyline brown were randomly divided into three groups,four repeats each group and 150 chicks each repeat.The chicks in control group were supplied with basic diet,and those in experimental groups I and II were supplied with the basic diet added with 100 and 150 g/t microecologics,respectively.[Result]Compared with the control group,the daily gain of egg chicks in experimental group II after 7 weeks was increased by 3.67%(P<0.05),and the feed conversion ratio was significantly reduced by 0.05(P<0.05);the thymus indexes in experimental groups I and II were significantly improved by 4.95%and 5.94%(P<0.05),and the spleen indexes were significantly improved by 3.32% and 4.36% compared with the control group(P<0.05).The index of bursa of fabricius in experimental group II was extremely improved by 9.66%compared with the control group(P<0.01).Meantime,experimental group II extremely improved the number of living lactobacillus in caecum of egg chicks(P<0.01),and extremely reduced the number of Escherichia coli in caecum(P<0.01).[Conclusion]Lactobacillus microecologics are beneficial to the improvement of production performance,immune function and intestinal flora of egg chicks.The optimal addition amount in the feed of chicks is 150 g/t.

Effects of Green Forage on Production Performance and Egg Quality of Suyou No.1 Laying Duck

[ Objective ] The paper was to study the effects of green forage on production performance and egg quality of laying ducks. [ Method] According to one- factor randomized complete experimental design, 200 healthy Suyou No. 1 laying ducks aged 200 days were randomly divided into five groups, four repeats each group, and each repeat contained 10 laying ducks. Parts of formulated feed in groups I - IV were replaced with different types and quantities of green forage, and group V was set as control. The trim lasted for 42 d. [ Result] Replacing parts of formulated feed with green forage could improve the production performance of laying ducks （P 〉 0.05 ）, and the economic benefits also increased. For egg quality, Haugh unit was improved （ P 〉 0.05 ） ; yolk color increased significantly ; compared to control group, yolk color was significantly increased in groups with 100 g chicory and 70 g clover （P 〈0.05 ）, and was extremely increased in the group with 100 g clover （P 〈0.01 ）. [ Conclusion] The group with 100 g chicory had the best effect on production performance of laying ducks, and the group with 100 g clover had the best coloring effect on yolk.

Correlation between DRD2 Gene Polymorphism and Early Egg Production Performance of Libo Yaoshan Chicken

To improve egg production performance of local chicken breed in Guizhou Province, Libo Yaoshan chicken, with dopamine receptor 2 （ DRD2 ） as one of the candidate genes, we detected its genetic variation in 196 Libe Yaoshan hens using PCR-SSCP （single-strand conformation polymorphism） and sequencing method, and analyzed the correlation between genetic variation and egg production traits. The results showed that TT and TG genotypes in mRNA SNlX）62 （C→T） loci of the DRD2 gene had extremely significant difference in egg production at 38 weeks age （P 〈0.01 ）, and significant difference in egg weight at 300 days age （P 〈0.05 ）. The single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） mutation induced synonymous mutation of the 312th amino acids （leucine） in DRD2 protein, from L （CTG） to L （TI＇G）. The mRNA SNP962 （C→T） loci had a larger genetic effect on egg production at 38 weeks age, and could be used as a molecular marker in early breeding of Libo Yaoshan chicken.

Improving Linear Type Traits to Improve Production Sustainability and Longevity in Purebred Sahiwal Cattle

In order to determine various traits which need to be improved for improving the productive life span and longevity, purebred Sahiwal cows available at bull mother experimental farm and cattle breeding farm located at Veterinary College, Durg, Chhattisgarh, India were used. For present investigation, 17 linear type traits were measured, scaled and scored as per the guidelines of International Committee for Animal Recording （2001）. The average score point （ASP） under 1-9 point scale score system along with respective observed group for different linear type traits were stature （6.88; taller）, chest width （5.30; intermediate）, body depth （4.11; intermediate）, rump angle （4.27; intermediate）, rump width （5.09; intermediate）, rear leg set-side view （4.55; intermediate）, rear leg set-rear view （5.95; intermediate）, foot angle （5.66; intermediate）, udder depth （5.71; intermediate）, rear udder height （4.90; intermediate）, udder balance （5.27; intermediate）, udder cleft （3.75; intermediate）, fore udder attachment （5.55; intermediate）, teat length （3.54; intermediate）, fore teat placement （5.33; intermediate）, rear teat placement （6.37; intermediate） and teat thickness （2.76; narrow）. For most of the traits, ASP which lies near midpoint （i.e. near five） is known to be ideal for dairy type cattle. Moreover, some traits also showed the presence of undesirable ASP. Hence, the traits such as body depth, rump angle, foot angle, udder depth, rear udder height, udder cleft, fore udder attachment, teat length, and teat thickness needs to be improved for improving the production sustainability and herd life of Sahiwal cattle. Thus, present investigation gives explicit clue to incorporate these conformation traits in selection program of this valuable germplasm commonly found in Southern part of Asia （India, Pakistan, Srilanka, etc.）.

Recognition of Production and Morphological Traits in Macoei Sheep Breed

In this study, the data of Macoei sheep from 1994 to 2008 were collected in Affair Animal Breeding Unit, Agriculture Organization of West Azerbijan province of Iran for recognition of reproductive and morphological characteristics. The trait in this research include birth weight （BW）, 3 （W3）, 6 （W6）, 9 （W9）, 12 （W12） months weight, fleece weight （WF） （as production traits）, body length（BL）, size of femur（F）, thorax（TX）, testis（TS）, height of lumber（L） and shoulder（SH） （as morphological traits）. Variance components, least square means and standard error of production and morphological traits were estimated and environmental factors （including effects of year of birth, season, sex, type of birth and age of dam） were studied with GLM procedure of SAS 9.1 software. The results showed that the all environmental factors have significant effect, male lambs weight more than females, and twins were more performance than single. Production and apparent performance characteristics of phenotypic traits was different in year of birth, maternal age, season. This study shows that Macoie sheep breed at the various management environment have suitable performance and genetic potential.