Integration of genomic data with gene network analysis can be a relevant strategy for unraveling genetic mechanisms. It can be used to explore shared biological processes between genes, as well as highlighting transcription factors (TFs) related to phenotypes of interest. Unlike other species, gene–TF network analyses have not yet been well applied to horse traits. We aimed to (1) identify candidate genes associated with horse performance via systematic review, and (2) build biological processes and gene–TF networks from the identified genes aiming to highlight the most candidate genes for horse performance. Our systematic review considered peer-reviewed articles using 20 combinations of keywords. Nine articles were selected and placed into groups for functional analysis via gene networks. A total of 669 candidate genes were identified. From that, gene networks of biological processes from each group were constructed, highlighting processes associated with horse performance (e.g., regulation of systemic arterial blood pressure by vasopressin and regulation of actin polymerization and depolymerization). Transcription factors associated with candidate genes were also identified. Based on their biological processes and evidence from the literature, we identified the main TFs related to horse performance traits, which allowed us to construct a gene–TF network highlighting TFs and the most candidate genes for horse performance.

The objective was to estimate (co)variance functions using random regression models (RRM) with Legendre polynomials, B-spline function and multi-trait models aimed at evaluating genetic parameters of growth traits in meat-type quail. A database containing the complete pedigree information of 7000 meat-type quail was utilized. The models included the fixed effects of contemporary group and generation. Direct additive genetic and permanent environmental effects, considered as random, were modeled using B-spline functions considering quadratic and cubic polynomials for each individual segment, and Legendre polynomials for age. Residual variances were grouped in four age classes. Direct additive genetic and permanent environmental effects were modeled using 2 to 4 segments and were modeled by Legendre polynomial with orders of fit ranging from 2 to 4. The model with quadratic B-spline adjustment, using four segments for direct additive genetic and permanent environmental effects, was the most appropriate and parsimonious to describe the covariance structure of the data. The RRM using Legendre polynomials presented an underestimation of the residual variance. Lesser heritability estimates were observed for multi-trait models in comparison with RRM for the evaluated ages. In general, the genetic correlations between measures of BW from hatching to 35 days of age decreased as the range between the evaluated ages increased. Genetic trend for BW was positive and significant along the selection generations. The genetic response to selection for BW in the evaluated ages presented greater values for RRM compared with multi-trait models. In summary, RRM using B-spline functions with four residual variance classes and segments were the best fit for genetic evaluation of growth traits in meat-type quail. In conclusion, RRM should be considered in genetic evaluation of breeding programs.

Inclusão de nutracêuticos na dieta de vacas em lactação e seus efeitos no desempenho animal / Inclusion of nutraceutics in the diet of lactation cows and their effects on animal performance

Objetivo. Evaluar el leucograma de codornices de engorde inoculadas in ovo del ácido linoleico conjugado (CLA) y ácido laurico (AL) mientras están expuestas a un desafío sanitario. Material y métodos. El agua de bebida fue ofrecida siente días antes de la llegada de las codornices y solo fue reabastecida, no se realizó lavado de bebederos, durante toda la fase del experimento. Los tratamientos fueron distribuidos en 480 huevos fértiles, en el 7° día de incubación: Control negativo: sin perforación, control positivo: inyectado con diluyente (aceite de maíz; AM; CLA 120: 120 mg CLA/AM; CLA240: 240 mg CLA /AM; AL 60: 60 mg AL /AM y AL90: 90 mg AL /AM. Fue utilizado delineamiento completamente al azar con cuatro repeticiones. Los leucocitos totales y el conteo diferencia de leucocitos fueron evaluados a los 21 y 36 días de edad. Resultados. Las inoculaciones, no presentaron efecto significativo (p>0.05) en los parámetros evaluados. Se observó una media de 10927.1 ± 2933.6 células/μl, 61.6 ± 7.31%, 32.0 ± 7.13% e 0.57 ± 0.21 para conteo total de leucocitos, linfocitos, heterofilos y la relación heterófilos/linfocitos, respectivamente, a los 21 días. A los 36 días, observamos una media general de 13291.7 ± 3559.0 células/μl, 65.0 ± 9.29%, 29.3±9.93% y 0.50 ± 0.24, para esas mismas variables, respectivamente. Conclusiones. Los niveles de inoculación in ovo de CLA e AL no afectaron el leucograma de codornices de engorde criadas en desafío sanitario.