43 Single and Multiple-breed Genomic Predictions for Conformation Traits of Canadian Dairy Goats

The use of multiple-breed models can increase the accuracy of estimated breeding values (EBV) when few phenotypes are available for a trait. However, pooling breeds is not always beneficial for genomic evaluations due to the low consistency of gametic phase between individual breeds. The objective of this study was to compare the expected gain in accuracy of single-step genomic breeding values (GEBV) for conformation traits of Canadian Alpine and Saanen goats predicted using single and multiple-breed models. The traits considered were body capacity, dairy character, feet and legs, fore udder, general appearance, rear udder, suspensory ligament, and teats, all recorded by trained classifiers, using a 1 to 9 scale. The full datasets included a total of 7,500 phenotypes for each trait (5,158 Alpine and 2,342 Saanen) and 1,707 50K genotypes (833 Alpine, 874 Saanen). Standard errors of prediction (SEP) were obtained for EBV and GEBV predicted using single-trait animal models on full or validation datasets. Breed difference was accounted for as a fixed effect in the multiple-breed models. Average theoretical accuracies were calculated from the SEP. For Saanen, with fewer records, expected accuracies of EBV and GEBV for the validation animals (selection candidates) were consistently higher for the multiple-breed models. Trait specific gains in theoretical accuracy of GEBV relative to EBV for the selection candidates ranged from 30 to 48% for Alpine and 41 to 61% for Saanen. Averaged across all traits, GEBV predicted from the full dataset were 32 to 38% more accurate than EBV for genotyped animals and the largest gains were found for does without conformation records (49 to 55%) and bucks without daughter records (56 to 82%). Overall, the implementation of genomic selection would substantially increase selection accuracy for young breeding candidates and, consequently, the rate of genetic improvement for conformation traits in Canadian dairy goats.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings of the Proximal Metacarpal Region in Warmblood Horses: 36 Lame and 26 Control Limbs (2015–2021)

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the distribution and severity of bone and soft tissue lesions in the proximal metacarpal region of warmblood horses in lame and control groups. Correlation between lesions and ability to return to work was evaluated in the lame group.Methods: This restrospective analysis evaluated 62 horses with MRI examination of the proximal metacarpal region between Sept 2015 and Feb 2021. There were 36 lame limbs and 26 control limbs. The control group included seven contralateral limbs.Results: Proximal suspensory ligament (PSL) size was not different between the lame and control groups. Hyperintensity seen on T1W/T2*W GRE images within the dorsal collagenous part of the PSL and hyperintense Short-TI Inversion Recovery (STIR) signal within the dorsal collagenous part of the PSL or within the McIII were only present within the lame group. Palmar cortical McIII resorption and dorsal margin irregularity of the PSL and McIII sclerosis were more severe within the lame limbs, but mild gradations were also seen in control limbs. Intermediate gradings for a subset of lesions were commonly seen in the non-lame contralateral to lame limbs. Return to work in the lame group is not statistically different for any measured observation(s), and 19/33 of the lame horses returned to work at similar or higher levels.Conclusion and clinical importance: Fifty-eight percent in this group of warmblood horses returned to work within a variable time frame. The majority (81%) of lame limbs showed bone and soft tissue abnormalities, but no enlargement of the PSL was noted in lame horses, and no correlation was seen between the severity or type of lesions and the ability to return to work. The presence of STIR hyperintensity within the proximal McIII or dorsal collagenous part of the PSL and hyperintensity within the dorsal collagenous part of the PSL on T1W GRE and T2*W GRE images, as well as significant palmar cortical McIII resorption are considered clinically relevant lesions. Contralateral limbs may not truly represent the normal condition, showing nonclinical variations and adaptive remodeling.

The World of Browsers

This chapter discusses the metabolism of giraffes. Giraffes obtain their energy and all the other nutrients needed to support their metabolism by browsing on leaves, fruits, and flowers of trees and shrubs. Wherever they live in Africa giraffes select browse from very few species but principally they browse plants of the Acacia clade. Typically their diet will contain ~15% protein, ~5% fat, ~30% fiber, and minerals, especially calcium and phosphorus, and will provide ~8500 kJ of energy per kilogram of dry matter eaten. Acquisition of browse is facilitated by the elongated shape of their heads, the anatomy of their atlanto-occipital joint, a long neck supported by a unique suspensory ligament, a long and flexible tongue, and high visual and olfactory acuity. The preferred height at which giraffes browse (~3 m) is higher than the height achievable by other browsers, is an advantage conferred by their shape, and is usual explanation for the evolution of their shape. Browse preferred by giraffes is protected from over-browsing by thorns, ants, and unpalatable plant secondary metabolites, especially tannins. Giraffes tolerate tannins partly by secretion of saliva rich in proline that binds tannins. Tannins are metabolized by a combination of a gene-based ability and a liver larger than it is in grazer-ruminants. Thorns are avoided but thick layers of keratin in the mouth and tongue provide protection. Browse containing ants also is avoided, but giraffes have well-developed anatomical protection for their faces especially their eyes and nostrils.

Orbital Support Device Via Intranasal Approach – An Unconventional Design

Maxilla can be considered a hexahedrium with close relationship to surrounding critical anatomic structures, and thereby invariably involved in the resection process of tumours that arise from maxillary sinus, palate, nasal cavity, orbital contents, or intro-oral mucosa.1 Maxillary defects created after tumour ablation can cause severe functional and aesthetic deficits. Orbital floor defects with displacement of the eyeball results in deformities with possible consequences of enophthalmos, diplopia and impaired visual acuity. The eyeball can become displaced either due to alteration in the position of the orbital walls caused by trauma, or due to loss of support of the orbital floor during resection of a lesion. The role of the suspensory ligament of Lockwood in maintaining the superio - inferior position of the visual apparatus is recognized. The preservation of this ligament, which acts like a hammock holding the eyeball in position, prevents any drastic downward displacement except for the small limit which the slack of the ligament allows. Surgical reconstruction of orbital floor defects is the primary treatment modality, but remains nonetheless a challenge for surgeons. Currently various types of materials such as titanium meshes, hydroxyapatite, silica gel, Teflon, Medpor and autogenous bones are used for orbital reconstruction.2,3 Prosthetic rehabilitation of maxillary surgical defects is so predictable and effective that reconstructive surgery is not indicated in most instances.4,5 Prosthetic management of defects with orbital floor resection is usually obturators with extensions to support the visual apparatus.6 In clinical situations involving the resection of the orbital floor and maxillary sinus, without the sacrifice of the floor of maxilla, no oro-antral communication is created. This eliminates the need for an obturator prosthesis. In this scenario the support for the visual apparatus will be solely dependent on surgical reconstruction. However, when dealing with invasive and progressive diseases of fungal and bacterial origin, immediate surgical reconstruction is not generally recommended till complete resolution of the disease is achieved. The potential for recurrence of tumours varies from 10 - 30 % with benign tumours and over 50 % with malignant tumours. This creates a need for long term follow up, to assess the resection margins for signs of recurrence.4