Cloning of Thymidine Kinase Gene of Duck Plague Virus Using Degenerate PCR

The DNA of duck plague virus （DPV） thymidine kinase （TK） gene was cloned and sequenced from a vaccine virus in the study. Degenerate oligonucleotide primers for the consensus site of herpesvirus UL24, TK, and glycoprotein H（gH） gene were used in the polymerase chain reaction （PCR） to amplify DNA product with 3 741-base-pairs （bp） in size. DNA sequence analysis revealed a 1 077-base-pairs （bp） open reading frame （ORF） encoding a 358 amino acid polypeptide homologous to herpesvirus TK proteins. The predicted TK protein shared 31.2, 41.3, 35.7, 37.4, and 28.4% identity with herpes simplex virus typel, equine herpesvirus type 4, Marek＇s disease virus 2, herpesvirus turkey, and infectious laryngotracheitis virus, respectively. Comparison of the amino acid sequences of other herpesvirus TK proteins showed that these proteins were not conserved on the whole, otherwise the portion of the TK proteins corresponding to the nucleotide binding domain and the nucleoside binding site were highly conserved among herpesvirus. Comparison with the amino acid sequences of the conserved nucleotide and nucleoside binding domains of other eleven herpesvirus TK proteins to the predicted DPV peptide confirmed its identity as the DPV TK protein.

Mastitis Pathogens Isolated from Samples of Milk in Dairy Cows and Their Resistance against Antimicrobial Agents

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different antibiotics against mastitis causing microorganisms during first phase of lactation in herd of 320 Holstein cows in east of Slovakia. Milk samples from quarters were cultured and identified bacteria were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility test by disc diffusion method to a large number of antibiotics. The results revealed higher sensitivity against tetradelta (100% of Strep. Agalactiae and Strep. uberis, Coagulase Negative Staphylococci), (94.4% of Stap. aureus) with highest number of bacterial isolates, followed by cefalexin + kanamycin amoxicillin plus clavulanat acid and ceftiotur (100% of Strep. agalactiae and Strep. uberis). Resistance was observed against penicillin (22.2% of Stap. aureus) amoxicillin (22.2% of Stap. aureus and 10.5% of Strep. uberis) and streptomycin (22.2% of Stap. aureus and 52.7% of Strep. uberis).

Effects of Yeast Chromium Combined with Probiotics on Laying Performance,Intestinal Microflora and Digestive Enzyme Activities of Laying Hens in Summer

[ Objective] To study the effects of yeast chromium combined with probiotics on laying performance, intestinal microflora and digestive enzyme activities of laying hens. [ Method] A total of 432 healthy 40-week-old Roman brown laying hens were randomly divided into nine groups. Laying hens in control group were fed with basal diet, laying hens in test groups were fed with basal diet combining with different levels of yeast chromium （0,400,600 μg/kg） or probiotics （0,400,800 mg/kg）. [ Result] Yeast chromium, probiotics or yeast chromium combined with probiotics adding into feeds could significantly increased the laying rate （ P 〈 0.05 ） and significantly reduced feed-egg rate （ P 〈 0.05 ）. Joint use of yeast chromium and probiotics had significant interaction effects on laying rate and feed conversion rate（P 〈 0. 05）. Adding of yeast chromium combined with probiotics in diets could significantly increased the amount of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium （P 〈0.05 ） in ileum and cecum of laying hens, and significantly reduced the amount of Escherichia coli and Salmonella （P 〈0.05 ） , in addition, the activity of total protease, lipase and amylase in duodenal contents were significantly increased （ P 〈 0.05 ）. Joint use of yeast chromium and probioties had sig- nificant interaction effects on the activity of total protease, lipase and amylase in laying hens duodenal contents （ P 〈 0.05 ）. [ Conclusion ] Joint adding of 600μg/kg yeast chromium and 800 mg/kg probiotics in diets in summer had best effects on laying performance, intestinal microflora and digestive enzyme activities of laying hens.

Investigation of Genetic Variation of B-G Gene with PCR-SSCP and RFLP in Chinese Indigenous Chickens

To reveal genetic variation of MHC B-G gene at Chinese native chickens, two PCR primer pairs were designed to hybridize specifically with conserved sequences surrounding hypervariable regions within the B-G gene and used to amplify two DNA fragments in ten Chinese indigenous chicken breeds and one introduced breed. The fragments were cloned and sequenced to assure that the expected sequences of chicken B-G gene were isolated. Of which the 189 bp fragment encompassing the most variable region within exon 2 of B-G gene was employed for PCR-SSCP assay, this method provided evidence for the presence of at least 56 B-G genotypes in the Chinese chickens sampled. It revealed a high degree of diversity in B-G genes of Chinese local breeds; particularly, high variation of B-G gene was confirmed with the presence of 48 B-G genotypes within Tibetan chicken population. Not only can the B-G genotypes be used to preliminarily screen new B-G alleles, but also they would be utilized to investigate MHC haplotypes and matched unrelated donors for bone marrow transplantation in immune researches. Another fragment of 401 bp size spanning over partial intron 1 and exon 2 of B-G gene was employed for PCR-RFLP analysis with two restriction enzymes of Msp Ⅰ and Tas Ⅰ in the breeds sampled. In this part of the gene, three novel SNPs were detected at the two restriction sites. It was more generally found the transition of two nucleotides of A294G and T295C occurred at Tas Ⅰ restriction site, and consequently led to a non-synonymous substitution of asparagine into serine at position 54 within the deduced amino acid sequence of immunoglobulin variable-region-like domain encoded by the exon 2 of B-G gene. It was observed at rare frequency that an alone mutation of A294G occurring at the site, which also caused the substitution of amino acid, asparagine 54-to-serine; and we haven＇t found only single mutation occurred at position 295 of the restriction site. At the Msp Ⅰ site, the transversion of G318C led to a non-synonymous substitution, glutamine 62-to-histidine. The variations at expression level caused by the genetic variability of B-G gene may bring about the changes in immune specificity of B-G antigen finally. Furthermore, two alleles, A and B, were identified at Msp Ⅰ and Tas Ⅰ loci of B-G gene, respectively. The allele frequencies were estimated, which gave a nonsymmetrical distribution either in the eight Chinese local breeds or in the introduced breed. By comparison, allele A at Msp Ⅰ locus was tended to be dominative, while, the allele B at Tas Ⅰ locus was tended to be prevalent in the breeds analyzed. It is concluded that the genetic variability of B-G gene revealed by the PCR-SSCP and RFLP assays in Chinese native chickens provide molecular data for further investigating the varied immune functions of B-G antigen; and the PCR-RFLPs at Msp Ⅰ and Tas Ⅰ loci of B-G gene might be used as genetic markers in selecting for the traits of disease resistance in chicken breeding.

Effects of pituitary-specific overexpression of FSHα/β on reproductive traits in transgenic boars

Background： Follicle-stimulating hormone（FSH） is a gonadotropin synthesized and secreted by the pituitary gland.FSH stimulates follicle development and maturation in females. It also plays an important role in spermatogenesis in males, including humans and mice. However, the effects of FSH on male pigs are largely unknown. In this study,we generated transgenic pigs to investigate the effects of FSHα/β overexpression on reproductive traits in boars.Results： After five transgenic F0 founders were crossed with wide-type pigs, 193 F_1 animals were obtained. Of these,96 were confirmed as transgenic. FSHα and FSHβ m RNAs were detected only in pituitary tissue. Transgenic boars exhibited significantly higher levels of FSHα and FSHβ m RNA, serum FSH, and serum testosterone, compared to ful-sib non-transgenic boars. Significant increases in testis weight, vas deferens diameter, seminiferous tubule diameter,and the number of Leydig cel s were observed, suggesting that the exogenous FSHα/β affects reproductive traits. Final y,transgenic and non-transgenic boars had similar growth performance and biochemical profiles.Conclusions： Pituitary-specific overexpression of FSHα/β genes is likely to impact reproductive traits positively, as indicated by enhancements in serum testosterone level, testis weight, the development of vas deferens, seminiferous tubules, and Leydig cells in transgenic boars. A high level of serum FSH induces secretion of serum testosterone,possibly by boosting the number of Leydig cells, which presumably increases the libido and the frequency of sexual activity in transgenic boars. Our study provides a preliminary foundation for the genetic improvement of reproductive traits in male pigs.

Effects of 5% Biological Compound Premix on Milk Perform ance and Quality in Dairy Cow

This study was to investigate the effect of biological compound premix on the performance and milk quality in dairy cows. Twenty Holstein cows, with the similar age, parity, lactating month, gestation period, milk quantity and body weight, were randomly divided into two groups. The cows in two groups were fed with either common compound premix as control or 5% biological compound premix as treatment group. Two treatments contained same basal diet but different composi- tions of premix. The feeding experiment lasting 74 days displayed that daily milk quantity in treatment group was significantly higher than control group （P 〈 0.05 ）. The milk fat percentage was increased significantly in treatment group with the extended lactation time than control group （P 〈 0.05 ）. The milk protein and solids percentage were raised, but no significant difference was found between the two treatments （P 〉0.05 ）. The results indicated that 5% biological compound premix supplied in basal diet could facilitate to increase the milk performance and to ameliorate the milk quality of dairy cows.

Effects of Fermentation Bed Padding on Intestinal Flora,Serum Biochemical Indexes and Immune Function of Growing-finishing Pigs

[Objective]The paper was to study the effects of fermentation bed padding on intestinal flora,serum biochemical indexes and immune function of growing-finishing pigs.[Method]A total of 90 growing-finishing pigs(Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire)with the body weight of(30.5±0.8)kg were randomly divided into five groups,three replicates each group,six pigs each replicate.The padding of five groups were:50%rice husk+50%sawdust(control group),100%spent mushroom substrate of Pleurotus eryngii(100%spent mushroom substrate group),15%rice husk+15%sawdust+70%spent mushroom substrate(70%spent mushroom substrate group),25%rice husk+25%sawdust+50%spent mushroom substrate(50%spent mushroom substrate group),35%rice husk+35%sawdust+30%spent mushroom substrate(30%spent mushroom substrate group).The pre-trial lasted 7 d,and the formal trial lasted 90 d.[Result]Compared with the control group,the number of Escherichia col in 100%,70%and 50%spent mushroom substrate groups decreased by 35.4%,24.0%and 20.8%,respectively(P<0.05);the number of salmonella successively decreased by 29.4%,19.3%and 15.2%,respectively(P<0.05);the number of lactobacillus successively increased by 21.7%,15.9%and 12.2%,respectively(P<0.05);and the number of bifidobacteria successively increased by 20.2%,16.7%and 11.8%,respectively(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the total serum protein content in 100%,70%,50%and 30%spent mushroom substrate groups increased by 30.6%,33.0%,28.0%and 18.4%,respectively(P<0.05);and the serum urea nitrogen content decreased by 32.4%,34.5%,33.9%and 22.0%,respectively(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in serum albumin,aspartate aminotransferase(AST)and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)between treatment groups and control group.The IgA,IgG,IgM and IL-6 levels in serum of each treatment group were significantly different from those of the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in IgA,IgG,IgM and IL-6 levels among 100%,70%and 50%spent mushroom substrate groups.[Conclusion]It improves the balance of intestinal microecological flora of growing-finishing pigs and enhances the immune performance of pigs by using spent mushroom substrate of P.eryngii as the fermentation bed padding.15%rice husk+15%sawdust+70%spent mushroom substrate is the optimal proportion of spent mushroom substrate for growing-finishing pigs.

Effects of Creatine Monohydrate Diet on Muscle Metabolism,Quality,Sensory and Oxidative Stability of Pork in Female,Entire and Castrated Male Pigs

Forty-two (42) finishing pigs (entire males—EM, surgical castrates—SC and gilts—G, each of 14)—progeny of Landracesows and Hampshire × Pietrain boars, were included in the trial. They were randomly divided into control and experimental groups(each of seven). Control groups were fed the standard diet without any supplement. Experimental groups received standard diet withthe same composition as control but with supplement of creatine monohydrate (CMH, 2.0 g/kg of feed) for 30 d prior to slaughter.Sex of pigs had significant effect (p < 0.05) on drip loss and tenderness of pork when EM showed higher drip loss than SC and lowertenderness compared to other two groups (4.71% vs. 3.80%, resp. 3.23 vs. 3.91 and 4.12). Creatine level in plasma was increased byCMH supplementation in 46% in EM, 43% in SC and 41% in G. Similarly, concentration of phosphocreatine (PCr) in muscleincreased in 84% in EM, 88% in SC and 83% in G, respectively. CMH also improved meat colour L* (50.03 vs. 48.88) and reduceddrip loss in both EM (5.24% vs. 4.18%) and G (4.48% vs. 3.60%). Higher tenderness and better oxidative stability of pork after CMHsupplementation was found in all three sexes.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in dogs and cats in Zhenjiang City,Eastern China

Objective:To determine the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii(T.gondii) infection in dogs and cats in Zhenjiang City,Jiangsu Province.Eastern China,and to evaluate the main associated risk factors relating to exposure to 71 gondii in this region.Methods:Sera from 160 clogs and 116 cats from Zhenjiang City were tested for anti-T.gondii antibodies using EUSA.The seropositivity by area of activity,sex and age was analyzed.Results:Overall.21 dogs(13.l%) and 24 cats(20.7%) had antibodies to T.gondii.The infection rate in stray dogs(38.7%) and cats(28.6%! was significantly higher(P<0.05) than in household dogs(6.9%) and cats(18.2%).The seroprevalence in male clogs(14.8%) and cats(21.05%) were slighlly higher than their female counterparts(11.4%in dogs and 20.0%in cats),but were not significantly differenent(P>0.05).A high proportion of dogs at 3 to 6 years of age were positive to T.gondii(20.0%)while cats with relatively high seropositivity rates were at 0 to 1 year of age(33.3%).Conclusions:The prevalence of T.gondii infection in dogs and cats in Zhenjiang City was high,which is probably the main source of T.gondii infection in this area.

Exosomal miR-218 regulates the development of endometritis in dairy cows by targeting TGIF2/TGF-βpathway

Endometritis affects the reproductive capacity of dairy cows and leads to serious economic losses in dairy farming.Clarification of the pathogenesis of endometritis is necessary to improve the reproductive efficiency of dairy cows.Exosomes and their miRNAs have been proven to play an important role in inflammatory regulation.Exosomal miR-218 is a differentially expressed miRNA found in endometrial epithelial cells(EECs)under endometrial inflammation.Therefore,we investigated the expression of miR-218 in the uterine tissue of dairy cows,lipopolysaccharide(LPS)treated EECs,exosomal vesicles,and regulation of exosomal miR-218 by targeting TGIF-2 inducible factor homology frame 2(TGIF2)/transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β).The expression of miR-218 was suppressed in inflammatory uterine tissues and LPS treated EECs.The expression of TGIF2 and TGF-βin inflammatory uterine tissues and LPS treated EECs was significantly higher than those in healthy uterine tissues and EECs(p<0.01).Interestingly,miR-218 derived from donor cells was found to regulate the expression of the target gene TGIF2 in recipient cells through the fusion of exosomes.Concurrently,the expression of its target gene TGIF2 was also suppressed by miR-218 in donor cells resulting in fewer TGIF2 being transported into recipient cells with exosomal fusion.This may be a novel mechanism of miRNAs-mediated regulation and provides a new reference for analyzing the pathogenesis of endometritis in dairy cows.

Fattening Effects of Two Kinds of Three-way Crossbreeding Commercial Pigs

To understand the fattening performance of Duroc x Landrace×Yorkshire and Duroc×Yorkshire x landrace, 48 individuals of two kinds of three-way crossbreeding lean type commercial pigs were selected to determine average daily feed intake, average daily gain and feed gain ratio. The backtat thickness and eye muscle area of pigs were measured at the end of trial. The results showed that Duroc × Landraee × Yorkshire and Dttroc × Yorkshire x Landrace had similar fattening performance, and could be applied under scientific management conditions. The study is of great significance for development of pig industry.

Improvement of Native Pasture Productivity through Introduction of Various Types of Palatable Species on Dry Lands in Timor

This research was aimed to evaluate the productivity of native pasture in Timor Island by introducing various palatable species.The study was carried out on native pasture in Tuatuka,Timor Island for seven months.The study was performed by using randomized block design(RBD)with eight treatments(S0:no introduction,S1:Cynodon dactilon,S2:Dicanthium aristatum,S3:C.plectotachyus,S4:Brachiaria decumbens,S5:Desmanthus virgatus,S6:Macroptilium atropurpureum,S7:Clitoria ternatea)with four replications.Procedures on this study include trial plots preparation,tillers preparation for each species,introduction of species in trial plots,maintenance and observation of the productivity.Variables observed were forage production(fresh and dry matter(DM)in ton/ha),nutrient content(%)and stock capacity(animal unit(AU)/ha).Data were analyzed for variance based on RBD and followed by Duncan’s test.Analysis of variance showed that introduction of species had a very significant effect(p<0.01)on all observed variables.The introduction of M.atropurpureum produced the highest fresh forage(2.1 t/ha)and DM production(0.69 t/ha).M.atropurpureum also had the highest DM content(43.61%),nitrogen free extract(52.52%)and stock capacity(1.06 AU/ha).The highest crude protein and crude fiber content were found in D.virgatus(4.31%and 36.62%).The highest extract ether was observed in D.aristatum(1.48%).No introduction had the lowest productivity,but demonstrated the highest ash content.The introduction of palatable species increased the productivity of native pasture in Timor and M.atropupureum was the best introduced species.

Investigation between Different Amount of Crude Fiber and Fermentation in the Rumen by Beef Suckler Cows

Body condition of suckler cows at the time of calving has an important effect on calving ease and mortality of calves.In the last eight weeks before calving the body condition should be reduced or at least not increased.Rations with a higher amount of crude fibre can be used(rations with straw or late mowed grass silage(GS))to control the body condition score.Eight suckler cows(Charolais)were feeding a total mixed ration(TMR)in the last eight weeks before calving and GS after calving.By the addition of straw(30%in TMR1 vs 60%in TMR2 of dry matter)was varied the amount of crude fibre in the TMR(GS,straw,mineral)before calving.In the period after calving were GS feeding.Last measurement took place on the pasture(PS).Rumen fluid,plasma,body weight and back fat thickness were collected.Rumen fluid pH was assessed immediately after collection using an electronic pH meter.Volatile fatty acids(VFA),sedimentation,methylene-blue and amount of infusorians were measured.From four key figures an“index of rumen fermentation”(IRF)in the rumen was formed.Statistical analysis took place with analysis of variance(ANOVA)with fixed effects of treatment(TMR1,TMR2,GS and PS)and number of lactations(3-7 lactations)using SPSS Version 25.0 for Windows.Rumen fluid pH had significant differences between variants(TMR1 by 6.6,TMR2 by 6.9,GS by 6.6 and PS by 6.9),but was not affected by other effects.The IRF showed a disturbed fermentation in the rumen by feeding the TMR 1+2 with high amount of crude fibre(score:>10.0 points)and a very good situation for fermentation during grazing the PS(score:6.9 points).The long-term use of crude fibre-rich rations in the period before calving may cause deviations from undisturbed fermentation in the rumen and adversely affect the utilization of the feed in the rumen.

Heterogeneity of Glycoconjugates within Secretory Granules of Rhesus Monkey Tracheal Mucous Goblet Cells

Tracheas fromthree rhesus monkeys(Macaca mulatta)were used.After the animalswere killed by pentobarbital anesthesia fo1lowedby exsanguination,the trachea and lungs wereremoved by thoracotomy and fixed by airwayinfusion at 30 cm of water pressure with gluta-ra1dehyde(0.9%)/paraformaldehyde(0.7%)fixative in sodium cacodylate buffer(400 mOsmand pH7.4).

Effect of Fermentation Bed with Spent Mushroom Substrate of Pleurotus eryngii on Weaning Piglets

[Objective] The paper was to investigate effects on fermentation bed temperature,growth performance,diarrhea rate and digestive en-zyme activity of weaning piglets by using spent mushroom substrate of Pleurotus eryngii as padding.[Method] A total of 120 weaning piglets（Duroc × Landrace ×Yorkshire） with average initial body weight of（8.0 ±0.5）kg were allocated to five dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design for 42 d,each of which was replicated three times with eight piglets per replicate（half male,half female）.The padding for control group was（50% sawdust ＋50% rice husk）;experimental group Ⅰ 100% spent mushroom substrate;experimental group Ⅱ（15% sawdust ＋15% rice husk ＋70% spent mushroom substrate）;experimental group Ⅲ（25% sawdust ＋25% rice husk ＋50% spent mushroom substrate）;experimental group Ⅳ（35% sawdust ＋35% rice husk ＋30% spent substrate）.[Result] There was no significant difference in surface temperature of fermentation bed between experimental groups and control group（P〉0.05）.Compared with the control group,the temperature under 20 cm of fermentation bed in ex-perimental groups I,Ⅱ and Ⅲ increased significantly（P〈0.05）.Except for experimental group Ⅳ,other three experimental groups had higher aver-age daily gain（P〈0.05） and experimental group Ⅰ had higher average daily feed intake（P〈0.05） compared to the control group.The diarrhea rate and mortality of weaning piglets in experimental groups Ⅱ,Ⅲ and Ⅳ were significantly decreased compared with the control group（P〈0.05）.Compared with the control group,other three experimental groups had higher digestive enzyme activity in duodenal contents except for experimental group Ⅳ（P〈0.05）.[Conclusion] Spent mushroom substrate of P.eryngii can be used as fermentation bed padding,and the optimal proportion was experimental group Ⅲ.

Effects of Spent Mushroom Substrate of Pleurotus eryngii as Fermentation Bed Padding on Growth Performance, Intestinal Microflora and Immunity of Weaning Piglets

[Objective] The paper was to examine the effects of spent mushroom substrate of Pleurotus eryngii as fermentation bed padding on growth performance, intestinal microflora and immunity of weaning pigs. [Method] A total of 120 weaning piglets （DurocxLandracexYorkshire） with the average initial body weight of （8.0±0.5） kg were allocated to five dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design for 42 d, each of which was replicated three times with eight piglets per replicate （ half male and half female）. The padding for control group was 50% sawdust ＋50% rice husk; experimental group I, 100% spent mushroom substrate; experimental group II, 15% sawdust ＋15% rice husk ＋70% spent mushroom sub- strate; experimental group III, 25% sawdust ＋25% rice husk ＋50% spent mushroom substrate; and experimental group IV, 35% sawdust ＋35% rice husk ＋30% spent substrate. [Result] Except for experimental group IV, the other three experimental groups had higher average daily gain compared to the control group （P〈0.05）. The average daily feed intake in experimental group I increased obviously compared to the control group（P〈0.05）. Except for experimental group I, the diarrhea rate of weaning piglets in experimental groups II, III and IV significantly decreased compared to the control group（P〈0.05）. The number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in colon and cecum in experimental groups I, II and III increased distinctly （P〈 0.05）, while the number of Escherichia coli and Salmonella decreased remarkably compared to the control group （P〈0.05）. The positive rates of T and B lymphocytes in peripheral blood of weaning piglets in four experimental groups were significantly higher than that in control group at 21 and 42 d post weaning （P〈0.05）. The IgA content of intestinal mucous in piglets was significantly improved in experimental groups II and III （P〈0.05）. [Conclusion] It enhances the production performance when improving immunity and reducing diarrhea rate of piglets by using spent mushroom substrate of P. eryngii as the fermentation bed padding. Experimental group III （25% sawdust ＋25% rice husk ＋50% spent mushroom substrate） is the optimal proportion of spent mushroom substrate.

Humoral Immune Response of Inactivated Bivalent <i>Leptospira</i>Vaccine among Dogs in Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu, India

Leptospirosis has been recognized as the disease of the dogs. The prevention of canine leptospirosis can block the transmission of the etiological agent to humans. Commercial vaccines prevent not only clinical leptospirosis but also the renal carrier state in dogs. Thus in this present investigation, the humoral immune response of the vaccinated dogs with the multivalent vaccine (Megavac-6) was analyzed. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with preparations of 2 whole cell lysate, 2 leptospiral LPS, 4 purified recombinant proteins were used to test sera from 30 dogs vaccinated with MEGAVAC-6, a commercial vaccine practiced by the animal husbandary Departments in Tamilnadu. All 30 sera were positive by ELISA with whole cell lysate of Canicola and Icterohaemorrhagiae, and ELISA with Canicola LPS, Icterohaemorrhagiae LPS;antibody titres ranged from 20 to ≥10,240. Although there was less frequent reactivity of sera with recombinant antigens, antibodies to LipL32 and LigA were detected in 25 (83.3%) serum samples. Less frequent reactivity was noted when recombinant GroEl, LK73.5 antigens were included separately in ELISAs. The highest MAT titre was observed against the serovar Canicola and Icterohaemorrhagiae. The more reactivity against LPS may be due to the dominance of serovar specific leptospiral LPS, which may be the dominant immunogenic antigen in inactivated bivalent leptospiral vaccines. Eventhough LPS is the dominant antigen. It is serovars specific and hence recommends the incorporation of the locally circulating serovars in vaccine for its efficient use. The efficiency at this point can be increased by the use of subunit vaccines rather than recombinant proteins as such. The present study has proposed certain epitopes with increased antigenic potency.

Characteristics of Genetic Resources of Kazakh Horse

In order to understand the characteristics of genetic resources of Kazakh horses in Xinjiang,their body size,phenotypes and coat colors were investigated and analyzed using the methods of resources survey and body size measurement. The results showed that the coat color of Kazakh horses in Xinjiang is very rich,covering more than 90% of the world＇s horse coat colors. The influencing factors of Kazakh horse body size data might include the environment and geographical distribution of Kazakh horses. The gap between Xinjiang Kazakh horse and Kazakhstan Kazakh horse was relatively large,which was related to the degree of breeding.There were some differences in the appearance of Kazakh horses between Altay and Ili regions with different ecological environment. The Kazakh horses in Altay were relatively strong in size,well developed in coat and long hair,long and dense in fuzz in winter,and rich in coat color. But the Kazakh horses in Ili were compact in size,less in coat than those in Altay,and have a single coat color.