1 Antoni Gaudíwas sickly as a boy in Reus,Spain,often riding a donkey due to his weak legs.He loved art and nature and was full of ideas.As he grew older and stronger,Gaudíexplored the remains of many old bu...1 Antoni Gaudíwas sickly as a boy in Reus,Spain,often riding a donkey due to his weak legs.He loved art and nature and was full of ideas.As he grew older and stronger,Gaudíexplored the remains of many old buildings near his city,which made him realize what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.展开更多
[Objective] The paper aimed to study the donkey GH gene features and functions.[Method] A pair of specific PCR primers was designed for cloning the coding sequence of the donkey GH gene from liver tissue.[Result] 706 ...[Objective] The paper aimed to study the donkey GH gene features and functions.[Method] A pair of specific PCR primers was designed for cloning the coding sequence of the donkey GH gene from liver tissue.[Result] 706 bp fragment was got by RT-PCR amplification.The sequence included a complete open reading frame and encoded 216 amino acids.The protein encoded by donkey GH gene had seven hydrophobic region,seven transmembrane regions and a signal peptide;it＇s secondary structure had α-helix and irregular curl and three-dimensional solution structure composed of 27-215 amino acids.[Conclusion] GH gene of donkey was very conservative in evolution.The phylogenetic tree constructed basing on CDS sequence is consistent with the results of comparative morphology and comparative physiology.展开更多
[Objective] The paper aimed to reveal the genetic diversity of large and medium-sized donkey breeds of China.[Method] The genetic polymorphisms of 24 microsatellites in the eight large and medium-sized donkey breeds w...[Objective] The paper aimed to reveal the genetic diversity of large and medium-sized donkey breeds of China.[Method] The genetic polymorphisms of 24 microsatellites in the eight large and medium-sized donkey breeds were studied by means of PCR,polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining.[Result] The microsatellite of NVHEQ18 was medium polymorphic and the other 23 microsatellite loci were highly polymorphic.The average PIC（0.694 0）,H（0.711 9）and E（2.9）of the eight donkey breed populations were all high,indicating that the gene polymorphisms and genetic diversity were relatively high.[Conclusion] The 24 microsatellite loci were effective markers for analysis of genetic relationships among the donkey breeds.The phylogenetic relationships among large and medium-sized donkey breeds were in accordance with their breeding history and distribution.展开更多
Donkey(Equus asinus)is an important livestock animal in China because of its draft and medicinal value.After a long period of natural and artificial selection,the variety and phenotype of donkeys have become abundant....Donkey(Equus asinus)is an important livestock animal in China because of its draft and medicinal value.After a long period of natural and artificial selection,the variety and phenotype of donkeys have become abundant.We clarified the genetic and demographic characteristics of Chinese domestic donkeys and the selection pressures by analyzing 78 whole genomes from 12 breeds.According to population structure,most Chinese domestic donkeys showed a dominant ancestral type.However,the Chinese donkeys still represented a significant geographical distribution trend.In the selective sweep,gene annotation,functional enrichment,and differential expression analyses between large and small donkey groups,we identified selective signals,including NCAPG and LCORL,which are related to rapid growth and large body size.Our findings elucidate the evolutionary history and formation of different donkey breeds and provide theoretical insights into the genetic mechanism underlying breed characteristics and molecular breeding programs of donkey clades.展开更多
Myostatin（MSTN）gene negatively controls skeletal muscle development and growth,variations of which play an important role in the regulation of skeletal muscle growth in mammals.However,study on genetic polymorphism ...Myostatin（MSTN）gene negatively controls skeletal muscle development and growth,variations of which play an important role in the regulation of skeletal muscle growth in mammals.However,study on genetic polymorphism of MSTN gene in donkey is limited.In this study,we screened the single nucleotide polymorphsims（SNPs）of MSTN gene in 13 Chinese donkey breeds.Four novel SNPs（g.229T〉C,g.872A〉G,g.2014G〉A,and g.2395C〉G）were detected and genotyped by sequencing and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism（PCR-RFLP）methods.Six haplotypes（H1–H6）were analyzed,which indicated abundant haplotype diversities in Chinese donkeys.The haplotype H1 was the most dominant and ancient in all breeds.Xinjiang donkey displayed the highest haplotype diversity.The Neighbour-Joining（NJ）tree of MSTN gene among different species was constructed.The clustering result of nine species was consistent with the fact of species differentiation.Our results will provide a reliable theoretical basis for the preservation,exploration and utilization of Chinese donkey genetic resources.展开更多
Numbers of vertebrae is an important economic trait associated with body size and meat productivity in animals.However,the genetic basis of vertebrae number in donkey remains to be well understood.The aim of this stud...Numbers of vertebrae is an important economic trait associated with body size and meat productivity in animals.However,the genetic basis of vertebrae number in donkey remains to be well understood.The aim of this study was to identify candidate genes affecting the number of thoracic(TVn)and the number of lumbar vertebrae(LVn)in Dezhou donkey.A genome-wide association study was conducted using whole genome sequence data imputed from low-coverage genome sequencing.For TVn,we identified 38 genome-wide significant and 64 suggestive SNPs,which relate to 7 genes(NLGN1,DCC,SLC26A7,TOX,WNT7A,LOC123286078,and LOC123280142).For LVn,we identified 9 genome-wide significant and 38 suggestive SNPs,which relate to 8 genes(GABBR2,FBXO4,LOC123277146,LOC123277359,BMP7,B3GAT1,EML2,and LRP5).The genes involve in the Wnt and TGF-βsignaling pathways and may play an important role in embryonic development or bone formation and could be good candidate genes for TVn and LVn.展开更多
Molecular studies on donkey mitochondrial sequences have clearly defined two distinct maternal lineages involved in domestication.However,domestication histories of these two lineages remain enigmatic.We therefore com...Molecular studies on donkey mitochondrial sequences have clearly defined two distinct maternal lineages involved in domestication.However,domestication histories of these two lineages remain enigmatic.We therefore compared several population characteristics between these two lineages based on global sampling,which included 171 sequences obtained in this study(including Middle Asian,East Asian,and African samples)plus 536 published sequences(including European,Asian,and African samples).The two lineages were clearly separated from each other based on whole mitochondrial genomes and partial non-coding displacement loop(D-loop)sequences,respectively.The Clade I lineage experienced an increase in population size more than 8000 years ago and shows a complex haplotype network.In contrast,the population size of the Clade II lineage has remained relatively constant,with a simpler haplotype network.Although the distribution of the two lineages was almost equal across the Eurasian mainland,they still presented discernible but complex geographic bias in most parts of Africa,which are known as their domestication sites.Donkeys from sub-Saharan Africa tended to descend from the Clade I lineage,whereas the Clade II lineage was dominant along the East and North coasts of Africa.Furthermore,the migration routes inferred from diversity decay suggested different expansion across China between the two lineages.Altogether,these differences indicated non-simultaneous domestication of the two lineages,which was possibly influenced by the response of pastoralists to the desertification of the Sahara and by the social expansion and trade of ancient humans in Northeast Africa,respectively.展开更多
A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2010 to June 2011 in and around Gondar town to identify the species and determine prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys and horses. Gross examination, d...A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2010 to June 2011 in and around Gondar town to identify the species and determine prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys and horses. Gross examination, direct fecal smear, sedimentation and floatation techniques were utilized to identify the eggs and larvae of parasites in feces. A total of 384 horses and donkeys were examined for gastrointestinal parasites. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 92.71% (356 from 384) with 80.95% (85 from 105) and 97.13% (271 from 279) in horses and donkeys, respectively. Prevalence of Strongyle, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi, Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus and Gastrophilus intestinalis was 66.67%, 43.8%, 0.95%, 2.86%, and 0.95%, respectively in horses. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 87.81%, 42.29%, 4.30%, 5.73%, 1.43%, 3.58% and 0.72% for Strongyles, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi, Fasciola, Tricuris, Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus and Gastrophilus intestinalis in donkeys, respectively. There was a statisticcally significant difference between species, housing and among feed types in prevalence of equine gastrointestinal parasites展开更多
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of age on chemical composition and tenderness of donkey meat. These characteristics were determined on Longissimus thoracis samples taken from 40 entire donkey males ...The aim of this study was to determine the effects of age on chemical composition and tenderness of donkey meat. These characteristics were determined on Longissimus thoracis samples taken from 40 entire donkey males of Martina Franca breed slaughtered at 12 (Group 1, n = 20) and at 18 months (Group 2, n = 20) of age. Tenderness was evalu-ated at two and seven days post slaughter using a Warner-Bratzler shear force device. The chemical composition showed a significant increase in protein content (P < 0.05) in the meat of donkeys slaughtered at 18 months of age (22.3 g/100 g) compared to the meat of younger animals (21.4 g/100 g). Intramuscular fat content was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in Group 1 (2.41 g/100 g) compared to Group 2 (3.71 g/100 g). Shear force values at seven days post slaughter were significantly (P < 0.01) lower (5.15 ± 0.31 kg/cm2) in Group 1 compared with the results obtained at two days post slaughter (6.25 ± 0.53 kg/cm2). In Group 2 shear force values obtained seven days post mortem were higher (5.88 ± 0.23 kg/cm2) compared with Group 1 after the same ageing period but significantly (P < 0.05) lower if compared with those (6.53 ± 0.23 kg/cm2) determined in the same animals two days post slaugher.展开更多
Donkey （Equus asinus） domesticated animal, is neglected as an object of scientific study. In countries where donkeys are used for work, they are slaughtered at the end of their useful working life and meat is destin...Donkey （Equus asinus） domesticated animal, is neglected as an object of scientific study. In countries where donkeys are used for work, they are slaughtered at the end of their useful working life and meat is destined for human consumption. This study was carried out to evaluate the mineral composition of donkey carcass meat. Meat was obtained in Donkey Fair 2016 at Mexico State, minerals were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectxophotometry, Ca, Na, K, Fe, Zn and Cu, and P content by colorimetry. Data obtained in mg/100g were： Ca, 7.95; Na, 48.75; K, 353; Fe, 3,95; Zn, 3.17; Cu, 0.19 and P, 227. Analysis revealed that donkey meat has a low content of Ca, but it is good in P as well as K. In conclusion donkey meat is a good source of minerals requested for human health.展开更多
COVID’19 has caused the entire universe to be in existential healthcrisis by spreading globally in the year 2020. The lungs infection is detected inComputed Tomography (CT) images which provide the best way to increa...COVID’19 has caused the entire universe to be in existential healthcrisis by spreading globally in the year 2020. The lungs infection is detected inComputed Tomography (CT) images which provide the best way to increasethe existing healthcare schemes in preventing the deadly virus. Nevertheless,separating the infected areas in CT images faces various issues such as lowintensity difference among normal and infectious tissue and high changes inthe characteristics of the infection. To resolve these issues, a new inf-Net (LungInfection Segmentation Deep Network) is designed for detecting the affectedareas from the CT images automatically. For the worst segmentation results,the Edge-Attention Representation (EAR) is optimized using AdaptiveDonkey and Smuggler Optimization (ADSO). The edges which are identifiedby the ADSO approach is utilized for calculating dissimilarities. An IFCM(Intuitionistic Fuzzy C-Means) clustering approach is applied for computingthe similarity of the EA component among the generated edge maps andGround-Truth (GT) edge maps. Also, a Semi-Supervised Segmentation(SSS) structure is designed using the Randomly Selected Propagation (RP)technique and Inf-Net, which needs only less number of images and unlabelleddata. Semi-Supervised Multi-Class Segmentation (SSMCS) is designed usinga Bi-LSTM (Bi-Directional Long-Short-Term-memory), acquires all theadvantages of the disease segmentation done using Semi Inf-Net and enhancesthe execution of multi-class disease labelling. The newly designed SSMCSapproach is compared with existing U-Net++, MCS, and Semi-Inf-Net.factors such as MAE (Mean Absolute Error), Structure measure, Specificity(Spec), Dice Similarity coefficient, Sensitivity (Sen), and Enhance-AlignmentMeasure are considered for evaluation purpose.展开更多
The present technique is designed to transect the medial patellar ligament indicated for treatment of upward fixation of patella in cattle and donkeys. A medial patellar desmotomy was performed first on cadavers and t...The present technique is designed to transect the medial patellar ligament indicated for treatment of upward fixation of patella in cattle and donkeys. A medial patellar desmotomy was performed first on cadavers and then on 21 live cattle or donkeys. In live animals under local anesthesia, a sterile silk strand (USP 1) mounted on a curved needle is inserted through skin at the medial aspect of the medial patellar ligament to the subcutaneous fascia and directed beneath the ligament to emerge at opposite side. The silk is then sawed to cut the ligament. In contrast to other procedures, the desmotomy is less invasive as skin at the surgical site is not incised, pericapsular fat and joint capsules not invaded, and the ligament is fully transected in a one-step procedure. Minimal tissue invasiveness limited infection of surgical site, minimized bleeding, and decreased related postoperative consequences.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the occurrence of Bartonella sp. infection in asymptomatic horses and donkeys living in Tuscany, Central Italy.Methods: Blood samples were collected from 77 horses and 15 donkeys and tested b...Objective: To investigate the occurrence of Bartonella sp. infection in asymptomatic horses and donkeys living in Tuscany, Central Italy.Methods: Blood samples were collected from 77 horses and 15 donkeys and tested by indirect immunofluorescent test to detect antibodies against Bartonella sp. and by PCR to detect the pathogen.Results: Fifty-four(58.69%; 95% CI: 47.95%–68.87%) animals, 9 donkeys and 45 horses, were seropositive with antibody titers ranging from 1:64 to 1:512. PCR assays detected 9 horses positive for Bartonella sp. and 3 donkeys for Bartonella henselae genotype I.Conclusions: The detected sero-prevalence suggests a common and frequent exposure of equids living in Central Italy to bartonellae and PCR results show that Bartonella sp.infection is possible both in horses and donkeys. At the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Bartonella henselae infection in donkeys.展开更多
Over the last several hundred years,donkeys have adapted to high-altitude conditions on the Tibetan Plateau.Interestingly,the kiang,a closely related equid species,also inhabits this region.Previous reports have demon...Over the last several hundred years,donkeys have adapted to high-altitude conditions on the Tibetan Plateau.Interestingly,the kiang,a closely related equid species,also inhabits this region.Previous reports have demonstrated the importance of specific genes and adaptive introgression in divergent lineages for adaptation to hypoxic conditions on the Tibetan Plateau.Here,we assessed whether donkeys and kiangs adapted to the Tibetan Plateau via the same or different biological pathways and whether adaptive introgression has occurred.We assembled a de novo genome from a kiang individual and analyzed the genomes of five kiangs and 93 donkeys(including 24 from the Tibetan Plateau).Our analyses suggested the existence of a strong hard selective sweep at the EPAS1 locus in kiangs.In Tibetan donkeys,however,another gene,i.e.,EGLN1,was likely involved in their adaptation to high altitude.In addition,admixture analysis found no evidence for interspecific gene flow between kiangs and Tibetan donkeys.Our findings indicate that despite the short evolutionary time scale since the arrival of donkeys on the Tibetan Plateau,as well as the existence of a closely related species already adapted to hypoxia,Tibetan donkeys did not acquire adaptation via admixture but instead evolved adaptations via a different biological pathway.展开更多
This study aimed to analyze and compare the differentially expressed whey proteins(DEWPs)of donkey and bovine colostrum using high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomics.A tot...This study aimed to analyze and compare the differentially expressed whey proteins(DEWPs)of donkey and bovine colostrum using high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomics.A total of 620 and 696 whey proteins were characterized in the donkey and bovine colostrum,respectively,including 383 common whey proteins.Among these common proteins,80 were identified as DEWPs,including 21 upregulated and 59 downregulated DEWPs in donkey colostrum compared to bovine colostrum.Gene Ontology analysis revealed that these DEWPs were mainly related to cellular components,such as extracellular exosome,plasma membrane,and mitochondrion;biological processes,such as oxidation-reduction process,cell-cell adhesion,and small guanosine triphosphate(GTP)ase-mediated signal transduction;and molecular functions,such as GTP binding,GTPase activity,and soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor(NSF)attachment protein receptor activity.Metabolic pathway analysis suggested that the majority of the DEWPs were associated with soluble NSF factor attachment protein receptor interactions in vesicular transport,fatty acid biosynthesis,and estrogen signaling pathways.Our results provide a vital insight into the differences between donkey and bovine colostrum,along with important information on the significant components as nutritional and functional factors to be included in infant formula based on multiple milk sources.展开更多
Donkey milk has a variety of physiological functions, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Donkey whey proteins(DWPs), as the main functional component in donkey milk, its inhibitory effect on colitis is sti...Donkey milk has a variety of physiological functions, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Donkey whey proteins(DWPs), as the main functional component in donkey milk, its inhibitory effect on colitis is still unclear. In this study, the inhibitory effect and potential mechanism of DWPs on dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis were investigated. Firstly, the DWPs and bovine milk whey proteins(BWPs)were characterized using proteomics. Then, we administered DWPs and BWPs to mice with colitis via oral gavage. The results of immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry indicated that DWPs increased T regulatory cell accumulation and increased the abundance of the cluster of differentiation 205+(CD205+)macrophages compared to those with BWPs and in model groups. In addition, DWPs exhibited a more remarkable ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory proteins(S100A8, TRAF6, and NF-κB)expression and inflammatory secretion than BWPs. In addition, DWPs significantly decreased NF-κB and CD86 levels more than BWPs or the negative control in both LPS-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells or cell lines. These findings indicate that DWPs comprise a promising anti-colitis functional food, and this work has established a foundation for future research on these compounds.展开更多
[ Objective] The study was to explore whether the body size, sexual behavior of male donkey had certain correlation with reproductive traits. [ Method] The data of body weight, body size and sexual behavior of male do...[ Objective] The study was to explore whether the body size, sexual behavior of male donkey had certain correlation with reproductive traits. [ Method] The data of body weight, body size and sexual behavior of male donkey during production were collected, combining with the semen quality data of ejaculation volume, density, motility and frozen-thawed semen motility were conducted the statistical analysis. [ Results] （ 1 ） Single ejaculation volume had a positive correlation with body height （r = 0. 423, P = 0. 044） and penis circumference （r = 0. 495, P = 0. 043 ） , and total number of sperm per ejaculate had a positiw： correlation with body weight （r = 0. 444, P = 0. 036） and scrotal circumference （r = 0. 520, P = 0. 039） ; （2） Ejaculation volume was negatively correlated with mount times （r = -0. 159, P = 0. 035） and erection time （r = -0. 181, P = 0. 023）, semen density was negatively correlated with mating time （r = - 0.211, P = 0.004）, and total sperm count was negatively correlated with erection time （r = - 0. 159 , P = 0. 047）. [Condusion ] The quality of semen had a certain correlation with body size, body weight and sexual behavior.展开更多
Donkey hides are used in a form of Traditional Chinese medicine called ejiao, the demand for ejiao is currently so high the global donkey population is currently in decline. Africa’s donkey population is considered a...Donkey hides are used in a form of Traditional Chinese medicine called ejiao, the demand for ejiao is currently so high the global donkey population is currently in decline. Africa’s donkey population is considered a key source for the trade, with Kenya being highlighted as being particularly affected. In Kenya donkeys play a vital contribution to people’s livelihoods;this study aimed to explore the potential impact of the donkey hide trade on small holder farmer’s livelihoods. The study was conducted in five counties in Kenya;data was collected using household survey questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. When household survey participants (n = 421) were asked if the number of donkeys in their herd had decreased within the last two years 34.2% (n = 144) reported a decrease, of those 43.8% (n = 63) reported the selling of donkeys as the primary cause of reduction in herd size. Increased money spent on the transportation of farm produce, water and firewood was the most frequently reported effect of the loss of donkeys (62.5%, n = 263). Some focus group discussion participants said that they had previously sold their donkeys to raise money for school fees, likewise 43% (n = 97) of focus group discussion participants said that they would sell their donkeys to pay medical bills. Results from the study suggest that small holder farmers are choosing to sell their donkeys for an instant boost in income, but long-term this is unlikely to be a sustainable livelihood option.展开更多
In Africa, donkeys have significant contribution in traction operation, but there is little research related to workload and their welfare. The objective of this work was to examine the effect of various loads on donk...In Africa, donkeys have significant contribution in traction operation, but there is little research related to workload and their welfare. The objective of this work was to examine the effect of various loads on donkeys＇ physiological and behavioural responses to evaluate welfare. Donkeys weighing of 132-172 kg （159 ± 11 kg） and totally 20 were used for the experiment. The experimental design included two wheeled cart × seven load class （an increment of 100 kg） with five repetitions each, and the travelled distance was 2 km. Travelled time, behavioural occurrences and physiological responses were recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using SAS （version 9.4） software programme. When loads were 500-700 kg, heavy and rapid panting and falling down occurred frequently. When loads increased successively and reached 500, 600 and 700 kg, speed started declining from 3.68 km/hto 3.5, 2.94 and 2.54 krn/h, respectively, indicating that speed and applied loads are inversely correlated （P 〈 0.001）. Heart rate was 129 ± 11 bpm at 700 kg, and in respect to resting state, donkeys＇ heart rate elevated by a factor of up to 3. As the load exceeded 400 kg, the speed declined significantly, and behavioural occurrences like heavy panting and falling down confirmed this. This leads to the conclusion that donkeys could pull about 2.7 times of their live weight. But if they have continuous and long working hours （about 6 h）, it is recommended to keep load of two wheeled cart about double of donkeys live weight so as to safe guard donkeys＇ welfare.展开更多
The study was conducted in Godey town of Shebelle zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to assess management practices, utilization, and challenges of donkey. A total of 200 households ...The study was conducted in Godey town of Shebelle zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to assess management practices, utilization, and challenges of donkey. A total of 200 households who own working donkeys were selected purposely for this study. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, key informants interviews, focus group discussions with communities who own donkeys and personal observations. The study revealed that the majority of the respondents were illiterate which might be associated with poor education access in the area. The study further revealed that 92% of working donkeys were involved in drought work, whereas 18% were used for pack work. The common feed resources for donkeys were feeds obtained from natural pasture, green maize leaves, hay, household wastes and grain supplements. Pipe water, river water, and pond water were the main water sources for working donkeys in the study area. About 91% of households kept their donkeys in an open backyard, while 9% of them kept them in a separate shed built adjacent to or a short distance away from the family home. Donkeys provide cart services in the study area, transporting various items weighing more than 300 kg in order to obtain a high benefit in a short period of time and are more than six days per week. Working donkeys in the current study area had a life span of fewer than 6 years, 7 - 10 years, and more than 10 years, with 18.5%, 75.5%, and 6%, respectively. The most important constraints that affect donkey production and utilization in the study area were a lack of feed, health problems (sickness, wounds, etc.), overloading and overworking, poor road and harnessing problems, and poor attitude/lack of awareness. As a result, in order to enhance working donkey management concerns, area-based development interventions that can overcome current constraints should be employed.展开更多
文摘1 Antoni Gaudíwas sickly as a boy in Reus,Spain,often riding a donkey due to his weak legs.He loved art and nature and was full of ideas.As he grew older and stronger,Gaudíexplored the remains of many old buildings near his city,which made him realize what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province(C2007000739)Doctoral Start Fund of Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology(2006D006)~~
文摘[Objective] The paper aimed to study the donkey GH gene features and functions.[Method] A pair of specific PCR primers was designed for cloning the coding sequence of the donkey GH gene from liver tissue.[Result] 706 bp fragment was got by RT-PCR amplification.The sequence included a complete open reading frame and encoded 216 amino acids.The protein encoded by donkey GH gene had seven hydrophobic region,seven transmembrane regions and a signal peptide;it＇s secondary structure had α-helix and irregular curl and three-dimensional solution structure composed of 27-215 amino acids.[Conclusion] GH gene of donkey was very conservative in evolution.The phylogenetic tree constructed basing on CDS sequence is consistent with the results of comparative morphology and comparative physiology.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province(C2007000739)Doctoral Start Fund of Hebei Normal University of Science and Technology(2006D006)~~
文摘[Objective] The paper aimed to reveal the genetic diversity of large and medium-sized donkey breeds of China.[Method] The genetic polymorphisms of 24 microsatellites in the eight large and medium-sized donkey breeds were studied by means of PCR,polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver staining.[Result] The microsatellite of NVHEQ18 was medium polymorphic and the other 23 microsatellite loci were highly polymorphic.The average PIC（0.694 0）,H（0.711 9）and E（2.9）of the eight donkey breed populations were all high,indicating that the gene polymorphisms and genetic diversity were relatively high.[Conclusion] The 24 microsatellite loci were effective markers for analysis of genetic relationships among the donkey breeds.The phylogenetic relationships among large and medium-sized donkey breeds were in accordance with their breeding history and distribution.
基金supported by the Key Research&Development Plan of Shaanxi Province of China(2020NY-002)Dong-E-E-Jiao Co.Ltd(20191001)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81770514)。
文摘Donkey(Equus asinus)is an important livestock animal in China because of its draft and medicinal value.After a long period of natural and artificial selection,the variety and phenotype of donkeys have become abundant.We clarified the genetic and demographic characteristics of Chinese domestic donkeys and the selection pressures by analyzing 78 whole genomes from 12 breeds.According to population structure,most Chinese domestic donkeys showed a dominant ancestral type.However,the Chinese donkeys still represented a significant geographical distribution trend.In the selective sweep,gene annotation,functional enrichment,and differential expression analyses between large and small donkey groups,we identified selective signals,including NCAPG and LCORL,which are related to rapid growth and large body size.Our findings elucidate the evolutionary history and formation of different donkey breeds and provide theoretical insights into the genetic mechanism underlying breed characteristics and molecular breeding programs of donkey clades.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31072001, 31272399, 81270439)
文摘Myostatin（MSTN）gene negatively controls skeletal muscle development and growth,variations of which play an important role in the regulation of skeletal muscle growth in mammals.However,study on genetic polymorphism of MSTN gene in donkey is limited.In this study,we screened the single nucleotide polymorphsims（SNPs）of MSTN gene in 13 Chinese donkey breeds.Four novel SNPs（g.229T〉C,g.872A〉G,g.2014G〉A,and g.2395C〉G）were detected and genotyped by sequencing and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism（PCR-RFLP）methods.Six haplotypes（H1–H6）were analyzed,which indicated abundant haplotype diversities in Chinese donkeys.The haplotype H1 was the most dominant and ancient in all breeds.Xinjiang donkey displayed the highest haplotype diversity.The Neighbour-Joining（NJ）tree of MSTN gene among different species was constructed.The clustering result of nine species was consistent with the fact of species differentiation.Our results will provide a reliable theoretical basis for the preservation,exploration and utilization of Chinese donkey genetic resources.
基金the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province,China(ZR2020MC168)。
文摘Numbers of vertebrae is an important economic trait associated with body size and meat productivity in animals.However,the genetic basis of vertebrae number in donkey remains to be well understood.The aim of this study was to identify candidate genes affecting the number of thoracic(TVn)and the number of lumbar vertebrae(LVn)in Dezhou donkey.A genome-wide association study was conducted using whole genome sequence data imputed from low-coverage genome sequencing.For TVn,we identified 38 genome-wide significant and 64 suggestive SNPs,which relate to 7 genes(NLGN1,DCC,SLC26A7,TOX,WNT7A,LOC123286078,and LOC123280142).For LVn,we identified 9 genome-wide significant and 38 suggestive SNPs,which relate to 8 genes(GABBR2,FBXO4,LOC123277146,LOC123277359,BMP7,B3GAT1,EML2,and LRP5).The genes involve in the Wnt and TGF-βsignaling pathways and may play an important role in embryonic development or bone formation and could be good candidate genes for TVn and LVn.
基金supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA2004010302)Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research(STEP)Program(2019QZKK0501)+3 种基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(31860305)Sino-Africa Joint Research Center,Chinese Academy of Sciences(SAJC201611)Research Center for Ecology and Environment of Central Asia,Chinese Academy of Sciences.Y.L.was supported by the Young Academic and Technical Leader Raising Foundation of Yunnan ProvinceSamples used in this study were provided by the Animal Branch of the Germplasm Bank of Wild Species,Chinese Academy of Sciences(Large Research Infrastructure Funding)
文摘Molecular studies on donkey mitochondrial sequences have clearly defined two distinct maternal lineages involved in domestication.However,domestication histories of these two lineages remain enigmatic.We therefore compared several population characteristics between these two lineages based on global sampling,which included 171 sequences obtained in this study(including Middle Asian,East Asian,and African samples)plus 536 published sequences(including European,Asian,and African samples).The two lineages were clearly separated from each other based on whole mitochondrial genomes and partial non-coding displacement loop(D-loop)sequences,respectively.The Clade I lineage experienced an increase in population size more than 8000 years ago and shows a complex haplotype network.In contrast,the population size of the Clade II lineage has remained relatively constant,with a simpler haplotype network.Although the distribution of the two lineages was almost equal across the Eurasian mainland,they still presented discernible but complex geographic bias in most parts of Africa,which are known as their domestication sites.Donkeys from sub-Saharan Africa tended to descend from the Clade I lineage,whereas the Clade II lineage was dominant along the East and North coasts of Africa.Furthermore,the migration routes inferred from diversity decay suggested different expansion across China between the two lineages.Altogether,these differences indicated non-simultaneous domestication of the two lineages,which was possibly influenced by the response of pastoralists to the desertification of the Sahara and by the social expansion and trade of ancient humans in Northeast Africa,respectively.
文摘A cross sectional study was conducted from October 2010 to June 2011 in and around Gondar town to identify the species and determine prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in donkeys and horses. Gross examination, direct fecal smear, sedimentation and floatation techniques were utilized to identify the eggs and larvae of parasites in feces. A total of 384 horses and donkeys were examined for gastrointestinal parasites. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 92.71% (356 from 384) with 80.95% (85 from 105) and 97.13% (271 from 279) in horses and donkeys, respectively. Prevalence of Strongyle, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi, Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus and Gastrophilus intestinalis was 66.67%, 43.8%, 0.95%, 2.86%, and 0.95%, respectively in horses. Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 87.81%, 42.29%, 4.30%, 5.73%, 1.43%, 3.58% and 0.72% for Strongyles, Parascaris equorum, Oxyuris equi, Fasciola, Tricuris, Gastrodiscus aegyptiacus and Gastrophilus intestinalis in donkeys, respectively. There was a statisticcally significant difference between species, housing and among feed types in prevalence of equine gastrointestinal parasites
文摘The aim of this study was to determine the effects of age on chemical composition and tenderness of donkey meat. These characteristics were determined on Longissimus thoracis samples taken from 40 entire donkey males of Martina Franca breed slaughtered at 12 (Group 1, n = 20) and at 18 months (Group 2, n = 20) of age. Tenderness was evalu-ated at two and seven days post slaughter using a Warner-Bratzler shear force device. The chemical composition showed a significant increase in protein content (P < 0.05) in the meat of donkeys slaughtered at 18 months of age (22.3 g/100 g) compared to the meat of younger animals (21.4 g/100 g). Intramuscular fat content was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in Group 1 (2.41 g/100 g) compared to Group 2 (3.71 g/100 g). Shear force values at seven days post slaughter were significantly (P < 0.01) lower (5.15 ± 0.31 kg/cm2) in Group 1 compared with the results obtained at two days post slaughter (6.25 ± 0.53 kg/cm2). In Group 2 shear force values obtained seven days post mortem were higher (5.88 ± 0.23 kg/cm2) compared with Group 1 after the same ageing period but significantly (P < 0.05) lower if compared with those (6.53 ± 0.23 kg/cm2) determined in the same animals two days post slaugher.
文摘Donkey （Equus asinus） domesticated animal, is neglected as an object of scientific study. In countries where donkeys are used for work, they are slaughtered at the end of their useful working life and meat is destined for human consumption. This study was carried out to evaluate the mineral composition of donkey carcass meat. Meat was obtained in Donkey Fair 2016 at Mexico State, minerals were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectxophotometry, Ca, Na, K, Fe, Zn and Cu, and P content by colorimetry. Data obtained in mg/100g were： Ca, 7.95; Na, 48.75; K, 353; Fe, 3,95; Zn, 3.17; Cu, 0.19 and P, 227. Analysis revealed that donkey meat has a low content of Ca, but it is good in P as well as K. In conclusion donkey meat is a good source of minerals requested for human health.
文摘COVID’19 has caused the entire universe to be in existential healthcrisis by spreading globally in the year 2020. The lungs infection is detected inComputed Tomography (CT) images which provide the best way to increasethe existing healthcare schemes in preventing the deadly virus. Nevertheless,separating the infected areas in CT images faces various issues such as lowintensity difference among normal and infectious tissue and high changes inthe characteristics of the infection. To resolve these issues, a new inf-Net (LungInfection Segmentation Deep Network) is designed for detecting the affectedareas from the CT images automatically. For the worst segmentation results,the Edge-Attention Representation (EAR) is optimized using AdaptiveDonkey and Smuggler Optimization (ADSO). The edges which are identifiedby the ADSO approach is utilized for calculating dissimilarities. An IFCM(Intuitionistic Fuzzy C-Means) clustering approach is applied for computingthe similarity of the EA component among the generated edge maps andGround-Truth (GT) edge maps. Also, a Semi-Supervised Segmentation(SSS) structure is designed using the Randomly Selected Propagation (RP)technique and Inf-Net, which needs only less number of images and unlabelleddata. Semi-Supervised Multi-Class Segmentation (SSMCS) is designed usinga Bi-LSTM (Bi-Directional Long-Short-Term-memory), acquires all theadvantages of the disease segmentation done using Semi Inf-Net and enhancesthe execution of multi-class disease labelling. The newly designed SSMCSapproach is compared with existing U-Net++, MCS, and Semi-Inf-Net.factors such as MAE (Mean Absolute Error), Structure measure, Specificity(Spec), Dice Similarity coefficient, Sensitivity (Sen), and Enhance-AlignmentMeasure are considered for evaluation purpose.
文摘The present technique is designed to transect the medial patellar ligament indicated for treatment of upward fixation of patella in cattle and donkeys. A medial patellar desmotomy was performed first on cadavers and then on 21 live cattle or donkeys. In live animals under local anesthesia, a sterile silk strand (USP 1) mounted on a curved needle is inserted through skin at the medial aspect of the medial patellar ligament to the subcutaneous fascia and directed beneath the ligament to emerge at opposite side. The silk is then sawed to cut the ligament. In contrast to other procedures, the desmotomy is less invasive as skin at the surgical site is not incised, pericapsular fat and joint capsules not invaded, and the ligament is fully transected in a one-step procedure. Minimal tissue invasiveness limited infection of surgical site, minimized bleeding, and decreased related postoperative consequences.
文摘Objective: To investigate the occurrence of Bartonella sp. infection in asymptomatic horses and donkeys living in Tuscany, Central Italy.Methods: Blood samples were collected from 77 horses and 15 donkeys and tested by indirect immunofluorescent test to detect antibodies against Bartonella sp. and by PCR to detect the pathogen.Results: Fifty-four(58.69%; 95% CI: 47.95%–68.87%) animals, 9 donkeys and 45 horses, were seropositive with antibody titers ranging from 1:64 to 1:512. PCR assays detected 9 horses positive for Bartonella sp. and 3 donkeys for Bartonella henselae genotype I.Conclusions: The detected sero-prevalence suggests a common and frequent exposure of equids living in Central Italy to bartonellae and PCR results show that Bartonella sp.infection is possible both in horses and donkeys. At the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Bartonella henselae infection in donkeys.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31621062)Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDA2004010302)+4 种基金Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research (STEP)Program (2019QZKK05010703)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (91731304, 31822048)Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDB13020600)Qinghai Department of Science and Technology Major ProjectState Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan,Yunnan University(2018KF001)supported by the Animal Branch of the Germplasm Bank of Wild Species,Chinese Academy of Sciences (Large Research Infrastructure Funding)
文摘Over the last several hundred years,donkeys have adapted to high-altitude conditions on the Tibetan Plateau.Interestingly,the kiang,a closely related equid species,also inhabits this region.Previous reports have demonstrated the importance of specific genes and adaptive introgression in divergent lineages for adaptation to hypoxic conditions on the Tibetan Plateau.Here,we assessed whether donkeys and kiangs adapted to the Tibetan Plateau via the same or different biological pathways and whether adaptive introgression has occurred.We assembled a de novo genome from a kiang individual and analyzed the genomes of five kiangs and 93 donkeys(including 24 from the Tibetan Plateau).Our analyses suggested the existence of a strong hard selective sweep at the EPAS1 locus in kiangs.In Tibetan donkeys,however,another gene,i.e.,EGLN1,was likely involved in their adaptation to high altitude.In addition,admixture analysis found no evidence for interspecific gene flow between kiangs and Tibetan donkeys.Our findings indicate that despite the short evolutionary time scale since the arrival of donkeys on the Tibetan Plateau,as well as the existence of a closely related species already adapted to hypoxia,Tibetan donkeys did not acquire adaptation via admixture but instead evolved adaptations via a different biological pathway.
基金supported by the by National Key R&D Program of China(2018YFC1604302)“Twelfth Five Year”National Science and Technology Plan Project(2013BAD18B03)+2 种基金Chinese Scholarship Council(202008210391)Shenyang Technological Innovation Project(Y17-0-028)LiaoNing Revitalization Talents Project(XLYC1902083).
文摘This study aimed to analyze and compare the differentially expressed whey proteins(DEWPs)of donkey and bovine colostrum using high-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomics.A total of 620 and 696 whey proteins were characterized in the donkey and bovine colostrum,respectively,including 383 common whey proteins.Among these common proteins,80 were identified as DEWPs,including 21 upregulated and 59 downregulated DEWPs in donkey colostrum compared to bovine colostrum.Gene Ontology analysis revealed that these DEWPs were mainly related to cellular components,such as extracellular exosome,plasma membrane,and mitochondrion;biological processes,such as oxidation-reduction process,cell-cell adhesion,and small guanosine triphosphate(GTP)ase-mediated signal transduction;and molecular functions,such as GTP binding,GTPase activity,and soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor(NSF)attachment protein receptor activity.Metabolic pathway analysis suggested that the majority of the DEWPs were associated with soluble NSF factor attachment protein receptor interactions in vesicular transport,fatty acid biosynthesis,and estrogen signaling pathways.Our results provide a vital insight into the differences between donkey and bovine colostrum,along with important information on the significant components as nutritional and functional factors to be included in infant formula based on multiple milk sources.
基金supported by The National Key R & D Program of China (2018YFC1604302)The 12th Five-Year National Science and Technology Plan Project of China (2013BAD18B03)+3 种基金Chinese Scholarship Council (202008210391)Shenyang Technological Innovation Project (Y17-0-028)Liao Ning Revitalization Talents Project (XLYC1902083)Postgraduate Innovation and Cultivation Project of Shenyang Agricultural University (2021YCXB04)。
文摘Donkey milk has a variety of physiological functions, including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. Donkey whey proteins(DWPs), as the main functional component in donkey milk, its inhibitory effect on colitis is still unclear. In this study, the inhibitory effect and potential mechanism of DWPs on dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced colitis were investigated. Firstly, the DWPs and bovine milk whey proteins(BWPs)were characterized using proteomics. Then, we administered DWPs and BWPs to mice with colitis via oral gavage. The results of immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry indicated that DWPs increased T regulatory cell accumulation and increased the abundance of the cluster of differentiation 205+(CD205+)macrophages compared to those with BWPs and in model groups. In addition, DWPs exhibited a more remarkable ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory proteins(S100A8, TRAF6, and NF-κB)expression and inflammatory secretion than BWPs. In addition, DWPs significantly decreased NF-κB and CD86 levels more than BWPs or the negative control in both LPS-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells or cell lines. These findings indicate that DWPs comprise a promising anti-colitis functional food, and this work has established a foundation for future research on these compounds.
基金Supported by Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(No.ZR2015PC010)Fiscal Application of Agricultural Technology Innovation Project of Shandong Province+1 种基金Gluse TCM industry upgrate key technology research and developmentNational Standardization Project of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No.ZYBZH-Y-SD-31)
文摘[ Objective] The study was to explore whether the body size, sexual behavior of male donkey had certain correlation with reproductive traits. [ Method] The data of body weight, body size and sexual behavior of male donkey during production were collected, combining with the semen quality data of ejaculation volume, density, motility and frozen-thawed semen motility were conducted the statistical analysis. [ Results] （ 1 ） Single ejaculation volume had a positive correlation with body height （r = 0. 423, P = 0. 044） and penis circumference （r = 0. 495, P = 0. 043 ） , and total number of sperm per ejaculate had a positiw： correlation with body weight （r = 0. 444, P = 0. 036） and scrotal circumference （r = 0. 520, P = 0. 039） ; （2） Ejaculation volume was negatively correlated with mount times （r = -0. 159, P = 0. 035） and erection time （r = -0. 181, P = 0. 023）, semen density was negatively correlated with mating time （r = - 0.211, P = 0.004）, and total sperm count was negatively correlated with erection time （r = - 0. 159 , P = 0. 047）. [Condusion ] The quality of semen had a certain correlation with body size, body weight and sexual behavior.
文摘Donkey hides are used in a form of Traditional Chinese medicine called ejiao, the demand for ejiao is currently so high the global donkey population is currently in decline. Africa’s donkey population is considered a key source for the trade, with Kenya being highlighted as being particularly affected. In Kenya donkeys play a vital contribution to people’s livelihoods;this study aimed to explore the potential impact of the donkey hide trade on small holder farmer’s livelihoods. The study was conducted in five counties in Kenya;data was collected using household survey questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews. When household survey participants (n = 421) were asked if the number of donkeys in their herd had decreased within the last two years 34.2% (n = 144) reported a decrease, of those 43.8% (n = 63) reported the selling of donkeys as the primary cause of reduction in herd size. Increased money spent on the transportation of farm produce, water and firewood was the most frequently reported effect of the loss of donkeys (62.5%, n = 263). Some focus group discussion participants said that they had previously sold their donkeys to raise money for school fees, likewise 43% (n = 97) of focus group discussion participants said that they would sell their donkeys to pay medical bills. Results from the study suggest that small holder farmers are choosing to sell their donkeys for an instant boost in income, but long-term this is unlikely to be a sustainable livelihood option.
文摘In Africa, donkeys have significant contribution in traction operation, but there is little research related to workload and their welfare. The objective of this work was to examine the effect of various loads on donkeys＇ physiological and behavioural responses to evaluate welfare. Donkeys weighing of 132-172 kg （159 ± 11 kg） and totally 20 were used for the experiment. The experimental design included two wheeled cart × seven load class （an increment of 100 kg） with five repetitions each, and the travelled distance was 2 km. Travelled time, behavioural occurrences and physiological responses were recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using SAS （version 9.4） software programme. When loads were 500-700 kg, heavy and rapid panting and falling down occurred frequently. When loads increased successively and reached 500, 600 and 700 kg, speed started declining from 3.68 km/hto 3.5, 2.94 and 2.54 krn/h, respectively, indicating that speed and applied loads are inversely correlated （P 〈 0.001）. Heart rate was 129 ± 11 bpm at 700 kg, and in respect to resting state, donkeys＇ heart rate elevated by a factor of up to 3. As the load exceeded 400 kg, the speed declined significantly, and behavioural occurrences like heavy panting and falling down confirmed this. This leads to the conclusion that donkeys could pull about 2.7 times of their live weight. But if they have continuous and long working hours （about 6 h）, it is recommended to keep load of two wheeled cart about double of donkeys live weight so as to safe guard donkeys＇ welfare.
文摘The study was conducted in Godey town of Shebelle zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to assess management practices, utilization, and challenges of donkey. A total of 200 households who own working donkeys were selected purposely for this study. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, key informants interviews, focus group discussions with communities who own donkeys and personal observations. The study revealed that the majority of the respondents were illiterate which might be associated with poor education access in the area. The study further revealed that 92% of working donkeys were involved in drought work, whereas 18% were used for pack work. The common feed resources for donkeys were feeds obtained from natural pasture, green maize leaves, hay, household wastes and grain supplements. Pipe water, river water, and pond water were the main water sources for working donkeys in the study area. About 91% of households kept their donkeys in an open backyard, while 9% of them kept them in a separate shed built adjacent to or a short distance away from the family home. Donkeys provide cart services in the study area, transporting various items weighing more than 300 kg in order to obtain a high benefit in a short period of time and are more than six days per week. Working donkeys in the current study area had a life span of fewer than 6 years, 7 - 10 years, and more than 10 years, with 18.5%, 75.5%, and 6%, respectively. The most important constraints that affect donkey production and utilization in the study area were a lack of feed, health problems (sickness, wounds, etc.), overloading and overworking, poor road and harnessing problems, and poor attitude/lack of awareness. As a result, in order to enhance working donkey management concerns, area-based development interventions that can overcome current constraints should be employed.
