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Grandparent roosters are crucial in poultry breeding programs and significantly influence future bird generations' genetic makeup and performance. However, these roosters face considerable challenges from heat stress, which can adversely affect their reproductive performance, semen quality, and overall health and welfare. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of heat stress on the genetics of semen characteristics, identify the appropriate temperature and humidity indices (THI), and determine the threshold point of heat stress to prevent thermal stress. We analyzed data from 3,895 records of 242 Thai native grandparent roosters in conjunction with the THI using 7 THI functions and the regression method. The threshold point of heat stress, genetic parameters, rate of decline of semen characteristics per level of THI, estimated breeding values and selection index values were analyzed using the multivariate test-day model in the AIREML and BLUPF90 programs. Based on the regression coefficient and statistical criteria of the lowest -2logL and AIC values, the results showed that a THI of 78 was considered the threshold point of heat stress. The estimated heritability values ranged from 0.023 to 0.032, 0.066 to 0.069, 0.047 to 0.057, and 0.022 to 0.024 for mass movement, semen volume, sperm concentration, and the semen index, respectively. The reduction rates of mass movement, semen volume, sperm concentration, and semen index at a THI of 78 were -0.009, -0.003, -0.170, and -0.083 per THI, respectively. The genetic correlations among the semen traits were moderately to strongly positive and ranged from 0.562 to 0.797. The genetic correlations between semen traits and heat stress were negative and ranged from -0.437 to -0.749. The permanent environmental correlations among the semen traits (0.648-0.929) were positive and greater than the genetic correlations. Permanent environmental correlations between semen traits and heat stress were negative and ranged from -0.539 to -0.773. The results of the selection indices showed that the higher the selection intensity was, the greater the degree to which the selection index corresponded to genetic progress. The recommendation for animal genetic selection is that the top 10% is appropriate because it seems most preferred. Therefore, using a multivariate test-day model and selection index for the high genetic potential of semen traits and heat tolerance in Thai native grandparent roosters makes it possible to achieve genetic assessment in a large population.

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The cooling of semen storage at 5 °C from a Thai native rooster (Pradu Hang Dum), supplemented with herbs possessing antioxidant properties, provided limited research. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of Aloe vera (AV) gel supplementation at various levels on the quality of cooled semen and subsequent fertility after artificial insemination. Sixty-four chickens had semen pooled, diluted, and supplemented with different levels of AV gel (0% as control, 0.25%, 0.50%, 1.0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, 10%, and 20%), and then stored for 72 h. In Experiment 1, semen quality, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and pH values were assessed at 0, 24, 48, and 72 h after storage. Experiment 2 assessed fertility potential using the most effective cooled storage semen from Experiment 1. Results showed a decrease in semen quality with prolonged storage time (p < 0.001). The highest semen quality was observed in the group supplemented with 1.0% AV gel (p < 0.001), whereas the lowest was noted in the 20% AV gel group (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the 1.0% AV gel group exhibited the highest semen quality at 24, 48, and 72 h of storage. The evaluation of fertility and hatchability rates revealed a statistically significant improvement in fertility potential (p < 0.05) in the group supplemented with 1.0% AV gel. In summary, this study represents the first investigation of stored Thai native rooster semen using a semen extender supplemented with Aloe vera gel at 5 °C, demonstrating its efficacy for storage up to 72 h. The addition of 1% AV gel was recommended as an antioxidant supplementation during the semen storage process at 5 °C to enhance semen quality and fertility rates.

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The aim of this study was to analyze suitable genetic models and selection indices to estimate the genetic parameters and breeding values of native Thai roosters. A total of 3475 records of seven semen traits (mass movement, semen pH, semen color, volume, sperm viability, sperm abnormalities, and sperm concentration) from 242 Thai native grandparent roosters were analyzed. Multiple-trait random regression test-day models with five covariance functions were used to analyze the variance components, genetic parameters, and breeding values. The selection index (SI) was calculated to determine the optimal genetic value for different selection percentages. The results showed that a multiple-trait random regression test-day model with a second-order Legendre polynomial function was the most appropriate genetic model for this population. The estimated heritability values were low to moderate, ranging from 0.110 to 0.112 (mass movement), 0.040 to 0.051 (semen pH), 0.092 to 0.097 (semen color), 0.220 to 0.225 (semen volume), 0.067 to 0.083 (sperm viability), 0.086 to 0.099 (sperm abnormalities), and 0.134 to 0.138 (sperm concentration). The repeatability values exceeded the heritability values and were within the range of 0.133 to 0.688. The genetic correlations among semen traits ranged from -0.332 to 0.677, and phenotypic correlations ranged from -0.260 to 0.460. When considering heritability and genetic correlation values, semen volume, sperm concentration, and mass movement were the top three priority semen traits calculated as selection indices. Finally, the top 10% of the selection index was recommended for creating the next generation. Our findings provide useful information on genetic parameters and an appropriate selection index of semen traits for selecting the genetics of individual Thai native grandparent roosters. The heritability estimates for semen traits reported here suggest an adequate response to selection through a genetic evaluation approach. Our results indicate that it is possible to select grandparent roosters with better reproductive performance.

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The decrease in fertility in aging roosters is related to the reduced quality of ejaculated sperm. This study aimed to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with ginseng extract at various concentrations (0-150 mg/kg) on testicular function, semen preservation, and fertility at different stages of sexual maturity (mature and aging roosters) in Thai native roosters. Pradu Hang Dum roosters at 32 (mature; n = 24) and 75 (aging; n = 24) weeks of age were fed diets with non-supplemented or supplemented ginseng extracts (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg) until the end of the experiment. In experiment 1, fresh semen samples were examined for the quality parameters of semen volume, sperm concentration, sperm motility, sperm viability, lipid peroxidation, and enzymatic activities. In experiment 2, semen was preserved at 5 °C for up to 48 h, and the semen quality and fertility potential were determined. In experiment 3, testicular function and testosterone concentrations were evaluated. The results showed that ginseng extract supplementation in the diets of both mature and aging roosters at 50 and 100 mg/kg improved fresh semen quality (P < 0.05). A decrease in malondialdehyde levels in fresh semen was observed with increasing enzyme activities. In mature roosters, the progressive motility of cold-stored semen and fertility rates were higher in the G50 and G100 groups compared to the control and G150 groups after 24 h of storage (P < 0.05). In aging roosters, the highest significant differences in progressive motility, viability, and fertility rates were observed in the G50 and G100 groups at all storage times (P < 0.01). These improvements might be attributed to good testicular function in spermatogenesis, as revealed by the results of histological examination and testosterone concentrations. However, higher doses of ginseng extract supplementation negatively affected sperm quality. In summary, the recommended dose of ginseng extract supplementation in diets is 50 mg/kg. Fertility results indicated that insemination with semen preserved for 24 h was satisfactory in both mature and aging roosters.

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OBJECTIVE: Semen cryopreservation is an effective method of preserving genetic material, particularly in native chicken breeds facing a substantial decline. In this study, we evaluated the quality of frozen/thawed rooster semen treated with different concentrations of oral administrations of black ginger (Kaempferia parviflora: KP) extract and determined its fertility. METHODS: Thirty-two Thai native roosters (Pradu Hang Dum, 42 weeks old) were used in this study. The treatments were classified into four groups according to the concentration of KP extract administered to the roosters: 0, 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg body weight. The quality of fresh semen was analyzed before cryopreservation. Post-thaw sperm quality and fertility potential were determined. Also, lipid peroxidation was determined. RESULTS: The results showed that sperm concentration and movement increased in roosters treated with 200 mg/kg of KP extract (p<0.05). The malondialdehyde (MDA) in the roosters receiving 200 mg/kg KP extract was lower than that in the other but had an insignificant difference within the KP treatment groups (p>0.05). The highest MDA levels were observed in the control group (p<0.05). The percentage of motile sperm (total motility and progressive motility) after semen thawing was higher in roosters that received 150 and 200 mg/kg KP extract than in those that received 100 mg/kg KP extract and the control (p<0.05). MDA levels decreased significantly in roosters that received 150 and 200 mg/kg KP extract than in those that received 100 mg/kg KP extract and the control (p<0.05). Fertility and hatchability were greater in the KP150 and KP200 groups than in the KP100 and control groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The optimal amount of KP extract influencing initial sperm quality was determined to be 200 mg/kg. However, 150 mg/kg was the optimal low dosage of KP extract administration that maintained sperm quality and fertility following semen cryopreservation.

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We aimed to evaluate the effects of sperm concentration (150-250 × 106 spz/dose) and insemination frequency (once, twice, and thrice weekly) on fertility and sperm storage tubule (SST) characteristics. The SSTs were classified into five categories: namely, SSTs having an unscorable (SST1), empty (SST2), low (SST3), medium (SST4), and high (SST5) sperm count after insemination. The results showed that only insemination frequency affected the fertility rate (p < 0.05). The highest fertility was found in the thrice-weekly insemination group; however, this rate was not significantly different from that for the twice-weekly insemination group, except on day 7, while the once-weekly insemination group showed the lowest fertility rate (p < 0.05) from day four onward. On day 1, the SST characteristics showed no differences among the various insemination frequencies. On day 4, the SST2 and SST3 categories increased in the once-weekly insemination group (p < 0.05), while the SST4 and SST5 categories decreased compared to the twice- and thrice-weekly insemination groups (p < 0.05). On day 7, only the thrice-weekly insemination group maintained a level of SST5 category tubules like that measured on day 1 (p > 0.05). In summary, the insemination dose of 150 × 106 sperm was enough for fertilization, and thrice-weekly insemination was the appropriate frequency in old Thai native hens for maintaining a high sperm density in the SSTs throughout the week.

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OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the efficacy of different concentrations of gelatin supplementation in long-term semen extender on boar semen quality during storage for 10 days at 17°C. Additionally, oxytocin was added to stored semen to enhance fertility. METHODS: In Experiment 1, boar semen was collected, diluted with gelatin at concentrations between 0% and 2.5% (w/v) and mixed with a semen extender. Then, it was kept in a refrigerator at 17°C and stored for 10 days. In Experiment 2, the sperm quality was examined after adding 0, 5, and 10 IU oxytocin per artificial insemination dose to the most effective semen extender from Experiment 1 and placing it in a refrigerator at 17°C for 10 days. In Experiment 3, the fertility potential in terms of non-return rate and litter size was determined using the most effective solid-stored semen supplemented with oxytocin. RESULTS: The results indicated that sperm quality decreased with increasing storage time (p<0.05). The sperm quality in terms of total motility, progressive motility, and viable sperm with intact acrosomes and high mitochondrial potential was the highest with 1.5% gelatin supplementation (p<0.001) on all days of storage. Treatment with oxytocin did not affect sperm quality (p>0.05). The non-return rate and litter size after insemination with semen supplemented with 1.5% gelatin and 10 IU of oxytocin after 8 to 10 days of storage were comparable to those of the control group (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: A semen extender as a solid medium supplemented with 1.5% gelatin successfully preserved boar semen for a long storage duration. Treatment with oxytocin did not affect sperm quality. In addition, the fertility capacity using 1.5% gelatin with 10 IU oxytocin and stored for 8 to 10 days was acceptable and comparable to that of short-term storage.

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OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of heat stress on the growth traits and genetic parameters of Thai native chickens. METHODS: A total of 16,487 records for growth traits of Thai native chickens between 2017 and 2022 were used in this study. Data included the body weight at birth, body weight at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of age (BW0, BW4, BW8, BW12), average daily gain during 0 to 4, 4 to 8, and 8 to 12 weeks of age (ADG0-4, ADG4-8, ADG8-12), absolute growth rate at birth, at 4, 8, and 12 weeks of age (AGR0, AGR4, AGR8, AGR12). The repeatability test day model used the reaction-norm procedure to analyze the threshold point of heat stress, rate of decline of growth traits, and genetic parameters. RESULTS: At temperature and humidity index (THI) of 76, Thai native chickens began to lose their growth traits, which was the onset of heat stress in this study. The estimated heritability, genetic correlation between animal and heat stress effect, and correlations between the intercept and slope of the permanent environmental effects were 0.27, -0.85, and -0.83 for BW, 0.17, -0.81, and -0.95 for ADG, 0.25, -0.61, and -0.83 for AGR, respectively. Male chickens are more affected by heat stress than female chickens with a greater reduction of BW, ADG, and AGR, values equal to -9.30, -0.23, -15.21 (in males) and -6.04, -0.21, -10.10 (in females) gram per 1 level increase of THI from the THI of 76. CONCLUSION: The influence of thermal stress had a strong effect on the decline in growth traits and genetic parameters in Thai native chickens. This study indicated that genetic models used in conjunction with THI data are an effective method for the analysis and assessment of the effects of heat stress on the growth traits and genetics of native chickens.

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Thai indigenous roosters are exposed to unsuitable temperatures and humidity, resulting in a lower reproductive potential. Kaempferia parviflora (KP) extract containing methoxyflavones was fed to roosters to improve their reproductive performance. Thirty-two Thai native roosters were orally administered KP extract at 300, 450, and 600 mg, calculated according to their average body weight, for at least 14 d before semen collection and continued supplementation until the end of the experiment. The nonsupplemented group served as the control. Fresh semen in terms of semen volume, sperm concentration, mass movement score, and sperm viability were evaluated. Semen preservation at 5°C and fertility test were examined for total motility (MOT), progressive motility (PMOT), sperm viability, and lipid peroxidation up to 48 h of storage. Testosterone concentrations and testicular function were also determined. The results showed that the highest sperm concentration and sperm motility of fresh semen were observed in KP extract at 600 mg (P < 0.001). KP extract at 600 mg resulted in higher sperm viability than the control and KP extract at 300 mg (P < 0.05), but was not different from KP at 450 mg (P > 0.05). The highest MOT, PMOT, and viability were found in the roosters that received 600 mg oral KP extract (P < 0.05), while those of the roosters that received oral KP extract 300 mg and the control were the lowest (P < 0.05) at all storage times. Lipid peroxidation was significantly lower in the KP extract up to 24 h (P < 0.05). The fertility and hatchability of the KP extract at 600 mg at T48 showed a minor decrease compared to the control at T0. These results might be inferred as a result of good spermatogenesis, as revealed by the results of histological examination and testosterone activity. In summary, oral administration of 600 mg KP extract improved sperm production and successfully preserved rooster semen for a long duration of up to 48 h of storage.

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Reproductive traits are important traits that directly affect a farmer's income and are difficult to improve upon using traditional genetic methods. Therefore, there is a need to consider new options for increasing the accuracy of the genetic selection of dairy cows. The objective of this study was to compare the genetic methods of the traditional BLUP and ssGBLUP techniques in terms of the estimated genetic parameters and accuracy of the estimated breeding values. The data comprised 101,331 services per conception (NSPC) records from 54,027 Thai-Holstein crossbred cows, 109,233 pedigree data, and 770 genotyped animals. A Bayesian analysis via threshold Gibbs sampling was used to analyze the estimated variance components and genetic parameters. The results showed that the means of the NSPC data were 2.21, 2.31, and 2.42 for less than 87.5% for Holstein genetics (breed group; BG1), 87.5 to 93.6% for Holstein genetics (BG2), and greater than 93.7% for Holstein genetics (BG3), respectively. The estimated heritability values were 0.038 and 0.051, and the repeatability values were 0.149 and 0.157 for the traditional BLUP and ssGBLUP methods, respectively. The accuracy of the estimated breeding values from the ssGBLUP method was higher than that from the traditional BLUP method, ranging from 6.05 to 17.69%, depending on the dataset, especially in the top 20% of the bull dataset had the highest values. In conclusion, the ssGBLUP method could improve the heritability value and accuracy of the breeding values compared with the traditional BLUP method. Therefore, switching from traditional methods to the ssGBLUP method for the Thai dairy cattle breeding program is a viable option.

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Heat stress is a major environmental threat to poultry production systems, especially in tropical areas. The effects of heat stress have been discovered in several areas, including reduced growth rate, reduced egg production, low feed efficiency, impaired immunological responses, changes in intestinal microflora, metabolic changes, and deterioration of meat quality. Although several methods have been used to address the heat stress problem, it persists. The answer to this problem can be remedied sustainably if genetic improvement approaches are available. Therefore, the purpose of this review article was to present the application of different approaches to genetic improvement in poultry in the hope that users will find suitable solutions for their poultry population and be able to plan future poultry breeding programs.

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The objective was to compare and analyze the relationship between growth, purine content, uric acid, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in purebred and crossbred Thai native chickens. A total of 300 Thai native chickens were divided into 3 groups. Group 1 was purebred Thai native chickens (100%TN), Group 2 was 50% Thai native chickens (50%TN), and Group 3 was 25% Thai native chickens (25%TN). Data included the body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and breast circumference (BrC). At 6, 8, and 10 weeks of age, 10 chickens from each group were randomly euthanized to collect breast meat, liver, and blood samples to analyze the purine content consisting of total purine, adenine, guanine, xanthine, and hypoxanthine, and uric acid, in breast meat and liver and SOD in blood. A general linear model, Pearson correlation and principal component analysis were used to analyze the significant differences and relationship between variables. The results showed the 25%TN group had the highest growth traits at every age, while the 100%TN group had the lowest (p < 0.05). Consistent with the analysis results of purine values, purine content and uric acid in breast meat and liver and SOD in blood decreased with age (p < 0.05). The correlations between purine content (total purine, adenine, guanine, xanthine, and hypoxanthine) and growth traits (BW, ADG, and BrC) ranged from moderate negative to moderate positive (-0.542 to 0.253)(p < 0.05). The correlations between uric acid and growth traits (0.348-0.760) and SOD and growth traits (0.132-0.516) were low to moderate positive with significant differences (p < 0.05). The principal component plot, which highlighted three principal components (PC 1, PC 2, and PC 3), explained 86.44 and 86.53% of the total information in breast meat and liver for selecting animals for optimal balance of the variation in the growth traits, purine content, uric acid, and SOD. Although purebred Thai native chickens showed the lowest growth traits, purine content, uric acid, and SOD were also lowest compared to crossbred Thai native chickens. Therefore, the development of genetics in Thai native chickens to produce healthy food could be possible.

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To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to determine the effect of ginseng as an antioxidant supplement in freezing extenders on the quality of cryopreserved rooster semen. Semen samples were collected from 40 Thai native roosters (Pradu Hang Dum) using the dorso-abdominal massage method and then pooled and divided into five groups according to the concentrations of ginseng supplementation (0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1 mg/mL) in a freezing extender. The semen suspensions were loaded into a medium straw and cryopreserved using the liquid nitrogen vapor method. The post-thaw semen was evaluated for sperm quality (sperm motility and membrane integrity), seminal plasma characteristics (lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase [SOD], catalase [CAT], and glutathione peroxidase [GPx]), and fertility. The results showed that ginseng extract supplementation at 0.25 mg/mL yielded the highest total motility, progressive motility, and membrane integrity (59.47%, 30.82%, and 48.30%, respectively; p < 0.05) in cryopreserved rooster semen. Higher malondialdehyde concentrations were observed in the control group than in the other groups (p < 0.05). SOD, CAT, and GPx increased compared with those in the control group (p < 0.05). The results showed that the fertility rate with 0.25 mg/mL of ginseng was higher than that of the control group (62.80% vs. 46.28%: p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation with 0.25 mg/mL of ginseng is recommended as an alternative component to the freezing extender to improve rooster semen cryopreservation.

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The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the effects of different drying methods on the physical and chemical properties of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) to determine their potential as an alternative protein source in animal feed. The experimental design was a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design (BSFL type × drying method), with five replications. The influence of post-harvest procedures was studied, including the different BSFL types (non-defatted and defatted) and drying methods (parabola dome, hot air oven, and microwave). The results showed that the types of BSFL, drying methods, and their interaction significantly (p < 0.001) influenced the feed's physical properties; these included the brightness of color (L* 29.74-54.07; a* 0.40-5.95; b* 9.04-25.57), medium bulk density (381.54-494.58 g/L), free flow with an angle of repose (41.30-45.40°), and small particle size. They significantly (p < 0.001) influenced the nutritive value of BSFL, which contained 42-59% crude protein, 7-14% crude fiber, 9-30% ether extract, and 5035-5861 kcal/kg of energy. Overall, both BSFL types and all the drying methods resulted in a slight variation in the proximate composition. However, a microwave and a hot-air oven were considered the most suitable methods for producing BSFL powder because of the high levels of nutrients retained and the improved physical parameters when compared to a parabola dome. This characterization of the physical and chemical composition of BSFL represents a preliminary methodology that could be used to initially preprocess larvae for use as an alternative protein source in animal feed and for other applications.

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OBJECTIVE: Aging roosters typically exhibit subfertility with decreasing semen quality, furthermore Thai native roosters reared in rural areas are raised for a longer duration than their usual lifespan. The present study therefore aimed to assess the effect of selenium supplementation as an antioxidative substance in diets to improve the semen cryopreservation of aged roosters. METHODS: Semen samples were collected from young (n = 20) and aged (n = 20) Thai native roosters (Pradu Hang Dum) at 36 and 105 weeks of age when starting the experiment, respectively. They were fed diets either non-supplemented or supplemented with selenium (0.75 ppm). Fresh semen quality and lipid peroxidation of fresh semen was evaluated before cryopreservation using the traditional liquid nitrogen vapor method. Post-thaw sperm quality and fertility potential were determined. RESULTS: Advancing age is unrelated to decreasing fresh semen quality (p>0.05). However, lipid peroxidation in rooster semen depended on age, and the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration increased in aged roosters (p<0.05). Selenium supplementation in diets significantly decreased the MDA concentration and increased the sperm concentration (p<0.05). In contrast, cryopreserved semen was affected by advancing rooster age, and selenium influenced sperm quality (p<0.05). Younger roosters had higher post-thaw sperm quality and fertility potential than aged roosters (p<0.05). Likewise, diet selenium supplements improved post-thaw sperm quality and fertility compared with the non-supplement group. CONCLUSION: Rooster's age does not influence the rooster sperm quality of fresh semen, while sperm cryotolerance and fertility were greater in young roosters than in aged roosters. However, sperm of aged roosters could be improved by dietary selenium supplementation.

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Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are transmembrane proteins important for directing immune responses. Their primary role is to recognize pathogens based on single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) characteristics. TLR2 is categorized as a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) that is important for the recognition of pathogens. Nucleotide variation in the coding region determines the conformation of the TLR protein, affecting its protein domain efficiency. This study aimed to identify SNPs in the coding region of TLR2 to enhance available genetic tools for improving health and production in swamp buffalo. A total of 50 buffaloes were randomly sampled from the northeastern part of Thailand for genomic DNA extraction and sequencing. Nucleotide sequences were aligned and compared with cattle and river buffalo based on the database. The results showed, there were 29 SNP locations in swamp buffalo and 14 different locations in both cattle and buffaloes. Haplotype analysis revealed that 27 haplotypes occurred. Swamp buffalo were identified from 13 SNPs based on biallelic analysis, which found eight synonymous and five nonsynonymous SNPs. Nucleotide diversity (π) was 0.16, indicating genetic diversity. Genetic diversity (haplotype diversity; HD) was high at 0.99 ± 0.04. This indicates a high probability that the two sample haplotypes are different. The π and HD values are important indicators of the genetic diversity of the swamp buffalo population. In summary, the Thai swamp buffalo population detected a polymorphism of the coding region of the TRL2 gene. Therefore, further, in-depth study of the relationship between these genes in the immune system and disease resistance should be recommended.

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OBJECTIVE: Semen cryopreservation result in decreased sperm parameters and fertilization ability. Sericin exhibits antioxidant activity by reducing lipid peroxidation resulting from free radicals, which can potentially improve cryopreservation outcomes. The present study aimed to examine the efficacy of various sericin concentrations supplemented with a rooster semen-freezing extender on post-thaw semen quality and fertilizing ability of sperm after cryopreservation. METHODS: Semen samples were collected from 40 roosters (5 reps), then were pooled, and divided into four groups by the levels of sericin supplementation (0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, and 0.75%) in a freezing extender. Semen suspensions were loaded in medium straw (0.5 mL) and cryopreserved with the traditional liquid nitrogen vapor method. Post-thawed semen was evaluated for sperm motility, sperm viability, and lipid peroxidation. Also, the fertility test was determined. RESULTS: The results showed that supplementation of the freezing extender with 0.50% to 0.75% sericin resulted in greater total motility and progressive motility and lower malondialdehyde levels than the other groups after cryopreservation (p<0.05). However, the viability of 0.75% decreased compared with the value of 0.50% sericin supplementation (p<0.05). Moreover, the fertility and hatchability of total eggs were significantly higher in the 0.50% sericin group than in the other groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, 0.50% sericin is recommended as an alternative component of the freezing extender to improve cryopreserved rooster semen.

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Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR) ensures food security and maintains genetic diversity. The efforts to conserve FAnGR are minimal in Bhutan. In the pursuit of increasing livestock productivity, farmers are rearing livestock that narrows the range of genetic diversity. This review attempts to summarize the status of FAnGR and the efforts to conserve them. Some unique livestock breeds in Bhutan are Nublang (cattle breed), Yak, Saphak (pig breed), Yuta (horse breed), Merak-Saktenpa (horse breed), and Belochem (chicken breed). There was a drop in the yak, buffalo, equine, pig, sheep, and goat populations. Both in situ and ex situ conservation measures are in place for some of the breeds and strains (e.g., Nublang and traditional chicken). Conservation efforts are limited to the government, but other individuals, stakeholders and non-government organizations must play an increasing role in preserving genetic diversity. It is pertinent that Bhutan comes up with a policy framework to conserve its indigenous cattle.

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Information on prolonging the storage duration of cold semen with acceptable fertility in roosters is limited. This study aimed to determine the efficiency of solid storage with the addition of various concentrations of serine to the Thai native rooster (Pradu Hang Dum) semen extender on semen quality and fertility potential during storage at 5°C for up to 120 h. Pooled semen was diluted with a base extender and a gelatin extender containing 0, 2, 4, and 6 mM serine, then stored at 5°C for 120 h. In Experiment 1, the semen quality and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were assessed at 0, 24, 72, and 120 h after storage. In Experiment 2, fertility potential in terms of fertility and hatchability rates was determined using the most effective solid-storage semen from Experiment 1. Sperm quality decreased with increasing storage time (P < 0.05). The lowest semen quality was observed in the control group since T24 of storage compared with the other groups (P < 0.05). Progressive motility, viability, and mitochondrial function were higher (P < 0.05) in the extender supplemented with gelatin and serine groups than those in the gelatin alone group at T72 and T120. In the extender supplemented with gelatin and serine groups, the highest semen quality was observed in the gelatin with 4 mM serine groups. The differences among extenders supplemented with serine were insignificant (P > 0.05), and the lowest MDA was observed in the gelatin with 4 mM serine groups. The fertility and hatchability rates in gelatin with 4 mM serine at T24 were comparable to those in fresh semen (83.87 and 86.12% vs. 86.66 and 88.3%; P > 0.05). Those of T72 were significantly better than those of the control at the same hour of storage (64.08 and 71.61% vs. 52.38 and 64.48%), while those of T120 were not different among groups. In summary, a semen extender as a solid medium supplemented with 4 mM serine successfully preserved the rooster semen for a long duration up to 72 h of storage time.

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This study aimed to determine the effects of the frequency of semen collection (once, twice, and thrice weekly) and seasonal variations on the fresh and frozen semen quality of Thai native roosters throughout the year. Data on temperature and humidity were collected and used to calculate the temperature-humidity index (THI). The average temperature and THI were lower in the winter than in the rainy season and the summer (p < 0.05). In contrast, the average relative humidity was not different among the seasons but was higher in the rainy season (p > 0.05). None of the fresh or frozen semen quality parameters were influenced by the frequency of semen collection, but the season did have an effect. The highest sperm concentration was obtained in the winter (p < 0.05). In contrast, the lowest sperm concentration was found during the rainy season, which presented the highest humidity. Regarding the frozen semen quality, the highest malondialdehyde concentration and the lowest motility were found in the summer (p < 0.05). In conclusion, semen collection can be conducted thrice per week for a consecutive year without affecting semen quality while maximizing sperm production. However, the highest sperm production was obtained in the winter, which is also a suitable season for producing semen for cryopreservation.