Estrous synchronization in ewes: The use of progestogens and prostaglandins
ACTA AGRICULTURAE SCANDINAVICA SECTION A-ANIMAL SCIENCE
Authors: Yu, X. J.; Wang, J.; Bai, Y. Y.
Abstract
This review summarizes the first principles, hormone types, and applied research related to the synchronization of estrus in ewes. The hormones used to induce synchronization include progestogens, such as medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP), fluorogestone acetate (FGA), a controlled internal drug-releasing (CIDR) device, progesterone (P-4), norgestomet, and prostaglandins. These are usually combined with gonadotropins. Research on these hormones indicates that CIDR, MAP, and FGA can be regarded as equally effective for induction of estrus in ewes. Prostaglandins are a suitable alternative for estrous synchronization especially considering that progestogens may have negative effects on the functionality of ovulatory follicles. Artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and the acceleration of herd genetic trait improvement are among the potential practical applications of synchronous estrus in ewes.
Genetic and chromosomal variation-caused inconsistencies in two parental tests
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL GENETICS SUPPLEMENT SERIES
Authors: Li, Chen; Li, Yifan; Jia, Li; Chen, Chong; Yan, Shi; Chen, Chuguang; Liu, Yacheng; Ren, He
Abstract
Two special cases were reported where inconsistency between children and the fathers were observed at FGA locus. Regular additional STR tests were performed and no more inconsistency was observed in the first case. Through the following TA cloning and sequencing, the first case turned to be a two-step mutation between child and father. In the second case, however, one more inconsistency was found in the additional WA at D4S2366, which was on Chr. 4 as well. Then, seven randomly selected STR-loci on Chromosome 4 were analyzed, indicating a possible maternal uniparental disomy (UPD) in the child with normal phenotype. This study emphasizes gene or chromosomal variations may mislead parentage test, especially variations like UPD that are relatively unfamiliar to investigators. If all the inconsistent loci are on the same chromosome, investigators should take UPD into consideration, and further tests, like chromosomal-specific STR-typing, should be applied to prevent pseudo-exclusions.