Genetic structure and diversity of 12 Chinese indigenous chicken breeds were evaluated with 29 microsatellite loci. The number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 23. All populations showed high levels of heterozygosity, with lowest value 0.453 2 value from Gushi chicken and the highest value of 0.627 1 from Dagu chicken. Considerable breed differentiation was observed and 16.7% of the total genetic variation came from breed differences. A neighbour-joining dendrogrm was constructed based on the Reynolds’ genetic distance matrix. Two main clusters were found. Heavy-body type populations grouped to each other first, and then did the light one. Structure program was also used to assess the relationship of these chicken breeds. Heavy-body type birds and light ones separated first, which was consistent with the result from phylogenetic tree.

Incubation experiments in simulated normobaric hypoxia condition and at high altitude with adding oxygen were conducted to explore influences of oxygen on embryonic mortality of chicken. The distributions of dead embryos were analyzed by a multiphasic model. Embryonic mortality during the later phase increased in incubation simulated 2 900 m altitude comparing with normobaric hypoxia, and the hatchability was closed to hypobaric hypoxia control. At 2 900 m altitude, incubation with adding oxygen during incubation reduced embryonic mortalities during early and later phase, and increased hatchability. Adding oxygen during early or middle or later phase would increase the hatchabilitis and change the distributions of dead embryos in different degrees, and the effect of early phase was the best of all. The results indicated the hypoxia was the important factor that influenced hatchability of chicken eggs at 2 900 m altitude.

25 individuals mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA) of 6 Chinese goose breeds and 2 domestic Europe goose breeds were extracted and sequenced. The results of sequencing showed this sequence(1 401 bp) contained the entire cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene (1 143 bp). The transmembrane helices structure of domestic goose Cyt b gene and sequence variation in every zone first were analysed and reported by way of studying mitochondrial genome in the paper . The results indicated as follow: Anser albifrons(AF363031) and Anser anser and Anser cygnoides have completely identical transmembrane helices structure ; The variable sites in intramembrane and intermembrane and outer membrane was 12,9 and 10 respectively；Variation in intramembrane and intermembrane both were synonymious substitution, two various sites in outer membrane were nonsynonymious substitution. The mutation in outer membrane was more severity than in intramembrane and in intermembrane.The research will establish the foundation for further investgating the relationship between structure and function of goose Cyt b ; The Cyt b gene sequences in this study were deposited in GenBank under accession numbers from AY427800～AY427805 and AY427812～AY427814.

Genetic diversity at MspⅠsite within intron 1 of GH gene and its association with growth and reproductive traits were studied using 8 chicken populations with PCR-RFLP method in the present study. The results showed that allele C was predominant in egg-laying populations, while the frequencies of A and C were near in those fast-growing ones. Allele A was predominant in native populations, while allele C was predominat in foreign ones. Association analysis showed that heterozygous individuals had older age at first egg（P<0.05）, but there was no significant difference on egg numbers in Wanzai Kangle Yellow chickens and Taihe silkie. Significant difference was observed on the weight of first egg in Wanzai Kangle Yellow chickens. At the same time, Significant difference of body-weight was also observed only at the age of 30 days (P<0.01) in Ningdu Yellow male chickens. In Wanzai Kangle Yellow chickens, significant different body-weight was observed at the age of 12 weeks and 18 weeks (P<0.01) instead of the age of 8 weeks (P>0.05). The predominant genotypes (AA and BB) for the age the first egg did not have the highest frequency in those breeds which were younger at the first egg, while the predominant genotypes for growth, AB in Wanzai Kangle Yellow chickens and AA in Ningdu chickens , did not have the highest frequencies in those fast-growing breeds.

A group of individuals which included Grassland Red cattle(GLRC) and its improved hybrid by Limousine(LM) was chosen as test population. Its population genetic variation was analysised in the level of molecule by the process of genome DNA extraction,PCR amplification of microsatellite primers,fragment analysis with gel electrophoresis,allele analysis of every locus and calculation of allele frequencies, polymorphism information content (PIC) and heterozygosity.Based on this, the body measurements traits and body weight were used to evaluate their growth and development and the muscularity evaluation traits in the regulation of linear valuation and slaughtering meaty traits were used to evaluate their beef performance traits. The relationship of 21 traits and 8 microsatellite makers was analysised by means of SPSS. 6 microsatellite markers were discovered to have positive or negative correlation with some growth and meaty traits in the population.

Four hundreds 14-d-old AA male broilers were randomly assigned to one of four treatments to investigate the effect of LPS challenged on endocrine hormone and immune function.On day 16,18 and 20,chicks were given intraperitoneal injection of sterile saline containing LPS respectively.Blood samples were taken at 2,4,8,and 24 h after the third injection,serum levels of cortisone,PGE₂,T₃ and T₄ were determined.Lymphocyte blastogenesis and T lymphocyte population were analysized 1 d after the LPS administration,gene expression of IL-2 and IFN-γ was quantified by RT-PCR technology.Antibody titers to NDV was measured on the 23 and 27-d-old.In chicks receving LPS,the level of cortisone and PGE2,and the ratio of T₄/T₃ were increased,but the level of T₃ decreased,at 8 h after injection,there were no significant difference except cortisone among treatments.Chicks with LPS administration had higher lymphocyte proliferative response to mitogens than those with only receving saline,and the ratio of CD3⁺T,CD4⁺T was higher, LPS also promoted the mRNA expression of IL-2 and IFN-γ in spleen.Antibody titers to NDV was not affected by LPS administration.These results suggested that LPS challenge induced immunological stress in broilers,which was mainly cell-mediated immune response；the levels of cortisone and T3,the ratio of T₄/T₃ and gene expression of CKs were all sensitive parameters for evaluating immunological stress；and immunological stress was relative,we can not define the degree of it.

An experiment was conducted using a total of 420 1-d-old Arbor Acres commercial male chicks to compare Cu sulfate and tribasic Cu chloride (TBCC) as sources of supplemental Cu for broilers. Chicks were randomly allotted to 1 of 7 treatments for 6 replicates of 10 birds each, and were fed the basal cornsoybean meal diet (11.45 mg/kg Cu) supplemented with either 0, 150, 300, or 450 mg/kg Cu from Cu sulfate or TBCC for 21 d. Chicks fed 450 mg/kg Cu as Cu sulfate had lower (P＜0.01) average daily feed intake and average daily gain than those consuming other diets. Feeding supplemental Cu increased linearly (P＜0.000 1) liver Cu concentrations regardless of Cu source. The slopes of regressions of log10 liver Cu on different independent variables used in regressions differ (P＜0.05) between the two Cu sources. Linear regression over nonzero dietary levels of log10 transformed liver Cu concentration on added Cu intake resulted in a slope ratio estimate of 109.0±3.4 (with a 95% confidence interval from 102.2 to 115.8）for bioavailability of Cu from TBCC compared to 100 for that in Cu sulfate. When the feeds were stored at room temperature for 10 days or 21 days, the vitamin E content in the feed fortified with 300 mg/kg Cu as TBCC was higher (P＜0.01) than that in the feed added with 300 mg/kg Cu as CuSO4. The vitamin E contents in liver and plasma of broilers given TBCC were also higher (P＜0.01) than those of birds fed Cu sulfate. The results from this study indicate that TBCC is a safer product and more available to broilers than Cu sulfate, and it is chemically less active than Cu sulfate in promoting the oxidation of vitamin E in feed.

Four steers fitted with fistula in the rumen,the proximal duodenum and dismal ileum were used to study the effects of methionine into the rumen on apparent digestibility of amino acid in the small intestine of steers.The treatments in a 4×4 Ladin square in the experiment were basal diet plus 0(Ⅰ),DL-Met(Ⅱ),G-Met(Ⅲ) and A-MHA(Ⅳ).The results showed that the average apparent digestibility of TAA was 69.88%±0.83%,EAA was 74.61%±1.23%,NEAA was 64.25%±0.51%. The apparent digestibility of Lys and His were the highest,were 80.14%±1.11%,80.15%±1.23% respectively. The apparent digestibility of Gly and Pro were the lowest,were 53.52%±0.30%,55.53%±2.03% respectively. The apparent digestibility of Thr,Ile,Tyr,Phe,Pro,Cys in group Ⅲ were significantly higher than that of group Ⅰ(P<0.05),but the Ala was vice versa. The apparent digestibility of Thr,Ile,Phe,Cys in group Ⅳ were significantly higher than that of group Ⅰ(P<0.05).Only digestibility of Phe in group Ⅱ was significantly higher than that of group Ⅰ(P<0.05).

To explore current infection statuses of chicken anemia virus (CAV), avian reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) and avian reovirus (REOV) in white meattype chicken flocks in China, antibodies to the 3 viruses were tested based on serum samples that collected from meattype chickens at different ages of 8 companies in 5 provinces during 2003-2004. Among the 75 flocks, 64(85.3%), 36(48%) and 74(96%) flocks were positive in antibody tests to CAV, REV and REOV respectively. Of total tested 1 764 serum samples, the positive rates to CAV, REV and REOV were 51.4%, 9.8% and 75.1%. Of serum samples from 1-day-old chicks, the maternal antibody positive rates to CAV and REOV were as high as 100% and 81.1%, but only 7.5% to REV. Analysis of the kinetics in antibody positive rates with the ages indicated that maternal antibodies to REV and REOV disappeared in 2-3 weeks, but maternal antibody to CAV could last for 3-4 weeks. Then antibodies to CAV and REOV started to be positive again from 5 weeks old, all tested flocks became positive with average positive rates exceed 90% at the age of 20 weeks . There were only half flocks were positive with antibodies to REV, and high percentages of birds were still negative to REV antibody in the positive flocks even after sexually maturity. The results indicated that co-infection of the 3 viruses existed commonly in chicken flocks in China, but some epidemiological characteristics such as extensity and kinetics of the infections were quite different for 3 viruses. Different preventive measurements should be carried out based on the antibody positive rates for the 3 different viruses.

The recombinant fowl-pox virus vUTAL3CP1 co-expressing FMDV P1-2A gene and 3C^pro gene and another rDNA vaccine plasmid pVIRIL18P1 co-expressing P1-2A gene and poIL-18 gene were constructed in our previous studies. In this study, cattle were inoculated intramuscularly using these 2 recombinant vaccines alone or in combination. And results of C-ELISA, VNT and lymphoproliferation assay indicated all of these recombinant vaccines could induce specific humoral and cellular immune responses against FMD. Compared with conventional inactivated vaccine, vaccination strategies of vUTAL3CP1, vUTAL3CP1 /pVIRIL18P1 and pVIRIL18P1/vUTAL3CP1, could induce not only approximately the same FMDV antibody level (titre of neutralizing antibody were 1∶64, 1∶64, 1∶54 respectively, while inactivated vaccine was 1∶90), but also higher cellular immune responses (P<0.01).

Gender-specific gene expression in Ascaris suum was investigated by cDNA microarray analysis. A total of 2 163 clones (1 044 female and 1 119 male) were selected from the male and female A.suum cDNA libraries constructed using the technique of suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH). Insert fragments of them were amplified by PCR, the PCR products were then purified and robotically printed onto aminosilane-coated glass slides, and each clone was spotted twice in the same slide. The cDNA arrays were hybridized with Cy3-dUTP and Cy5-dUTP fluorescent-labeled probes from female and male cDNA, respectively. A “dye-swap” experiment was performed simultaneously. The hybridization signal of each spot was measured, normalized, and expressed as a Ratio. In total, 1 559 clones were identified which showed differential expression for each of the four signal values (for the two repeats and the two dye swaps) according to their Ratios (Ratio=Cy5/Cy3^＊,less 0.5 or more 2). Expression profiling revealed that 831 of these clones were considered to be significantly differentially expressed, and then were sequenced. A total of 720 valid ESTs were obtained and 31 of which were considered to represent new genes. ESTs representing genes encoding male-specific major sperm proteins (MSPs) and female-specific ovarian message proteins were abundant and showed significant homology to those of Caenorhabditis. Identification of gender-specific genes provides foundation for further studies on the potential functions of key gender-specific genes.

Avidin-biotin complex (ABC) methed was used to study the dynamic changes of T lymphocyte subpopulations in immune organs of chicks after primary and secondary infection with E.necatrix. The results were as follows: The numbers of CD⁺₄ and CD⁺₈ T cells in thymus and spleen of chicks after primary infection with E.necatrix were increased comparing with controls 4-21 days post infection (PI) to some extent. The number increased significantly to a peak around 14-16 days PI. Compared with CD⁺₈ T cells, CD^+₄ T cells increased rapidly and continued long period. The numbers of CD⁺₄ and CD⁺₈ T cells in immune organs of chicks after secondary infection with E.necatrix were decreased 2-7 days PI to some extent. Thereafter they begin to increase. The number increased significantly comparing with controls and primary infection chicks at 10-14 days PI. The CD⁺₈ T cell decreased slightly and increased rapidly than CD⁺₄ T cells. The results indicated that CD⁺₄ and CD⁺₈ T cells play variously role in different period when chicks resisted E.necatrix infection.

The gene segment in ribosome RNA ITS Ⅱ section of six Trichinella isolates were cloned and sequenced. The sequence analysis indicated that the isolates of swine and cat belong to Trichinella spiralis; the isolate of dog belongs to Trichinella nativa. The result was consistent in some extent with traditional classfication and offered a base for the traditional taxonomy.

Landrace×Large-White geld piglets were randomly allotted to one of six groups. Pigs in group 1 and 4 were given the basal diet without any medicine，pigs in group 3 and 6 being fed the basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg cyadox, and pigs in group 2 and 5 being fed basal diet supplemented with 100 mg/kg olaquindox. Pigs in group 4, 5 and 6 were orally given 10¹⁰ CFU of Escherichia coli (E coli, O₁₃₉:K₈₈) while pigs in the other three groups were given an equal volume of broth as a placebo. There were no differences (P>0.05) in the fecal shedding of total E.coli or the inoculated E.coli between the olaquindox-supplemented pigs and the cyadox-supplemented pigs. However, the fecal shedding of the inoculated E.coli in the olaquindox-or cyadox-supplemented pigs were lower (P<0.05) than that in the control. The intraepithalial lymphocytes (IELs) and IgA secreting cells (ASCs) in the jejunum and ileum decreased (P<0.05) when the diets were supplemented cyadox or olaquindox. The ASCs in the jejunum in the cyadox-supplemented group were lower (P<0.05) than those in the olaquindox-supplemented group. E.coli inoculation reduced (P<0.05) average daily gain (ADG) while the supplementations improved ADG (P<0.05). ADG in the cyadox-supplemented group was higher (P<0.05) than that in the olaquindox-supplemented group. The data suggested that cyadox reduced the number of Escherichia coli in the intestine and suppressed Escherichiacoli-induced immune activation, which may be involved in the enhanced growth.

Effect of Chinese herb Platycodon grandiflorum on pharmacokinetic variance of levofloxacin was studied in chickens.72 healthy chickens were allocated into two groups of 36 chickens each. The chickens in groupⅠwere orally given single dose of levofloxacin at 10 mg/kg, the chickens in group Ⅱ were orally given single dose of levofloxacin at 10 mg/kg and Platycodon grandiflorum at 2 g/kg simultaneously. The concentrations of levofloxacin in plasma were determined by high performance liquid chromatography with a limit of detection of 0.001 mg /L.The pharmacokinetic data were calculated by 3P97 PK program and fitted a two-compartment model with 1st order absorption(weight=1).The main pharmacokinetics parameters in chickens were as follows, respectively， groupⅠ：T_1/2Ka=（0.815±0.043）h,T_1/2α=（1.267±0.029）h，T_1/2β=（3.492±0.352）h，T_max=（1.624±0.073）h，C_max=（1.715±0.106）mg/L，AUC=（9.470±0.690）mg/(L· h)，Ka=（0.852±0.046）h-1，MRT0-36=(4.759±0.017)h；groupⅡ:T_1/2Ka=（1.027±0.137）h,T_1/2α=（1.696±0.383）h，T_1/2β=（9.238±1.170）h，T_max=(2.034±0.020)h，C_max=(1.631±0.022)mg/L，AUC=(13.025±0.301)mg/(L·h)，Ka=(0.684±0.099)h-1，MRT_0-36=(7.154±0.084)h.The results showed that Platycodon grandiflorum could influence the pharmacokinetic parameters of levofloxacin in healthy chickens significantly, the influence include decreasing the speed of absorption, enhancing the degree of absorption, accelerating the distribution from blood to tissue, retarding the speed of elimination and lengthening the time of drug action.

Three Chinese herbal formulations were selected and each fomulation was used at levels of 1%, 1.5% and 2% respectively. Weights of immune organs, B-and T-lymphocytes numbers at 45 days of ages, antibody titers of ND and IBD, phagocytotic function of neutral granular cells and conversion rates of T-lymphocytes were measured. The results showed that weights of spleen and bursal, relative numbers of B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes in experimental groups were higher than those in control (P<0.05), particularly in prescription B group. Antibody titer of ND and IBD, phagocytosis rates and indices, conversion rates of T-lymphocytes in experimental groups were higher than those in control (P<0.05). The differences of antibody titer in different groups were not significant before 20d, and tented to be significant after 34 days of age (P<0.01). The differences of phagocytosis rates and indices at 54 and 126 days of age between groups were significant (P<0.05 or P<0.01). High significant differences of conversion rate of T-lymphocytes between groups at 54 and 126 days of ages were also found. Prescription A was better than B and C, among which group 1 showed more obvious effect. The results of repeated experiment were similar to that of the above.

Haemoglobin(Hb), transferring(Tf), post transferring(PTf), albumin(Alb), post albumin(Pa) polymorphism in the blood of 148 individuals in Qinchuan Yellow Cattle were investigated by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in this study. Data on their genotype and gene frequencies of the five polymorphic loci were tabulated. Relationships between genetic markers and reproductive performance were analyzed by least square. The results revealed that AFS and AFC of Hb AA were remarkable earlier than Hb AB’s(P<0.01). AFS and AFC of Tf AA were remarkable earlier than Tf DD’s(P<0.05). AFS of PTf SS was remarkable earlier than PTf FS’s and PTf FF’S(P<0.05). AFS of Alb AA was remarkable earlier than Alb AC’s(P<0.05). CI of Pa AA was remarkable shorter than PaBB’s. The gene replacement average effect of Tf A substitute TfD was AFS 1.68 days and AFC 19.89 days. The gene replacement average effect of Alb A substitute Alb B was AFS 806 days.

Indirect-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Indirect-ELISA) and nitrocellulose blotting membrane (dot blot ELISA) were developed for the detection of antibodies against GPV in goose by recombinant GPV VP3 gene prokaryotic expression product. The amount of incubating antigen were 12.5 μg and 0.625 μg respectively. And working concentration of rabbit anti-goose IgGHRP antibody was 1∶200, the suitable concentration of detected sera was 1∶400. The standards to estimate positive were OD₄₉₂≥0.2, P/N≥2.0 for the Indirect-ELISA method. ELISA antibody titers of detected sera immunized with attenuated vaccine were in 1∶400-1∶51 200. The results of Dot-ELISA were consistent with the results of Indirect-ELISA.

Metallothionein(MT) extracted from swine liver was linked to bovine serum albumin(BSA) and then immunized to Kunming mice for acquiring the antibody toward MT. An indirect competitive ELISA was established based on acquired antibody and standard MT. The results showed that the antibody was special to MT. The sensitivity of the constructed ELISA was 4.1 ng/mL.Intra-and inter-assay coefficient of variation were 9.976% and 14.385 8% respectively. It proved that the indirect competitive ELISA is sensitive, specific, stable, repetitive, and can be used in detecting or quantitating swine MT.