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Ilkuk Chang - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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primordial germ cell mediated chimera technology produces viable pure line houbara bustard offspring potential for repopulating an endangered species
PLOS ONE, 2010Co-Authors: Ulrich Wernery, Vijay Baskar, Zhor Guerineche, Shazia Saleem, Darren K Griffin, Kamal Khazanehdari, Jorg Kinne, Renate Wernery, Ilkuk ChangAbstract:Background The Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) is a wild seasonal breeding bird populating arid sandy semi-desert habitats in North Africa and the Middle East. Its population has declined drastically during the last two decades and it is classified as vulnerable. Captive breeding programmes have, hitherto, been unsuccessful in reviving population numbers and thus radical technological solutions are essential for the long term survival of this species. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of primordial germ cell-mediated chimera technology to produce viable Houbara bustard offspring. Methodology/Principal Findings Embryonic gonadal tissue was dissected from Houbara bustard embryos at eight days post-incubation. Subsequently, Houbara tissue containing gonadal primordial germ cells (gPGCs) was injected into White Leghorn chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) embryos, producing 83/138 surviving male chimeric embryos, of which 35 chimeric Roosters reached sexual maturity after 5 months. The incorporation and differentiation of Houbara gPGCs in chimeric chicken testis were assessed by PCR with Houbara-specific primers and 31.3% (5/16) gonads collected from the injected chicken embryos showed the presence of donor Houbara cells. A total of 302 semen samples from 34 chimeric Roosters were analyzed and eight were confirmed as germline chimeras. Semen samples from these eight Roosters were used to artificially inseminate three female Houbara bustards. Subsequently, 45 Houbara eggs were obtained and incubated, two of which were fertile. One egg hatched as a male live born Houbara; the other was female but died before hatching. Genotyping confirmed that the male chick was a pure-line Houbara derived from a chimeric Rooster. Conclusion This study demonstrates for the first time that Houbara gPGCs can migrate, differentiate and eventually give rise to functional sperm in the chimeric chicken testis. This approach may provide a promising tool for propagation and conservation of endangered avian species that cannot breed in captivity.
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primordial germ cell mediated chimera technology produces viable pure line houbara bustard offspring potential for repopulating an endangered species
PLOS ONE, 2010Co-Authors: Ulrich Wernery, Vijay Baskar, Zhor Guerineche, Shazia Saleem, Darren K Griffin, Kamal Khazanehdari, Jorg Kinne, Renate Wernery, Chunhai Liu, Ilkuk ChangAbstract:Background The Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) is a wild seasonal breeding bird populating arid sandy semi-desert habitats in North Afric population has declined drastically during the last two decades and it is classified as vulnerable. Captive breeding programmes have, h reviving population numbers and thus radical technological solutions are essential for the long term survival of this species. The purpo investigate the use of primordial germ cell-mediated chimera technology to produce viable Houbara bustard offspring. Methodology/Principal Findings Embryonic gonadal tissue was dissected from Houbara bustard embryos at eight days post-incubation. Subsequently, Houbara tissue germ cells (gPGCs) was injected into White Leghorn chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) embryos, producing 83/138 surviving male ch chimeric Roosters reached sexual maturity after 5 months. The incorporation and differentiation of Houbara gPGCs in chimeric chicken with Houbara-specific primers and 31.3% (5/16) gonads collected from the injected chicken embryos showed the presence of donor H semen samples from 34 chimeric Roosters were analyzed and eight were confirmed as germline chimeras. Semen samples from these artificially inseminate three female Houbara bustards. Subsequently, 45 Houbara eggs were obtained and incubated, two of which wer male live born Houbara; the other was female but died before hatching. Genotyping confirmed that the male chick was a pure-line Hou Rooster.
Ulrich Wernery - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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primordial germ cell mediated chimera technology produces viable pure line houbara bustard offspring potential for repopulating an endangered species
PLOS ONE, 2010Co-Authors: Ulrich Wernery, Vijay Baskar, Zhor Guerineche, Shazia Saleem, Darren K Griffin, Kamal Khazanehdari, Jorg Kinne, Renate Wernery, Ilkuk ChangAbstract:Background The Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) is a wild seasonal breeding bird populating arid sandy semi-desert habitats in North Africa and the Middle East. Its population has declined drastically during the last two decades and it is classified as vulnerable. Captive breeding programmes have, hitherto, been unsuccessful in reviving population numbers and thus radical technological solutions are essential for the long term survival of this species. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of primordial germ cell-mediated chimera technology to produce viable Houbara bustard offspring. Methodology/Principal Findings Embryonic gonadal tissue was dissected from Houbara bustard embryos at eight days post-incubation. Subsequently, Houbara tissue containing gonadal primordial germ cells (gPGCs) was injected into White Leghorn chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) embryos, producing 83/138 surviving male chimeric embryos, of which 35 chimeric Roosters reached sexual maturity after 5 months. The incorporation and differentiation of Houbara gPGCs in chimeric chicken testis were assessed by PCR with Houbara-specific primers and 31.3% (5/16) gonads collected from the injected chicken embryos showed the presence of donor Houbara cells. A total of 302 semen samples from 34 chimeric Roosters were analyzed and eight were confirmed as germline chimeras. Semen samples from these eight Roosters were used to artificially inseminate three female Houbara bustards. Subsequently, 45 Houbara eggs were obtained and incubated, two of which were fertile. One egg hatched as a male live born Houbara; the other was female but died before hatching. Genotyping confirmed that the male chick was a pure-line Houbara derived from a chimeric Rooster. Conclusion This study demonstrates for the first time that Houbara gPGCs can migrate, differentiate and eventually give rise to functional sperm in the chimeric chicken testis. This approach may provide a promising tool for propagation and conservation of endangered avian species that cannot breed in captivity.
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primordial germ cell mediated chimera technology produces viable pure line houbara bustard offspring potential for repopulating an endangered species
PLOS ONE, 2010Co-Authors: Ulrich Wernery, Vijay Baskar, Zhor Guerineche, Shazia Saleem, Darren K Griffin, Kamal Khazanehdari, Jorg Kinne, Renate Wernery, Chunhai Liu, Ilkuk ChangAbstract:Background The Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) is a wild seasonal breeding bird populating arid sandy semi-desert habitats in North Afric population has declined drastically during the last two decades and it is classified as vulnerable. Captive breeding programmes have, h reviving population numbers and thus radical technological solutions are essential for the long term survival of this species. The purpo investigate the use of primordial germ cell-mediated chimera technology to produce viable Houbara bustard offspring. Methodology/Principal Findings Embryonic gonadal tissue was dissected from Houbara bustard embryos at eight days post-incubation. Subsequently, Houbara tissue germ cells (gPGCs) was injected into White Leghorn chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) embryos, producing 83/138 surviving male ch chimeric Roosters reached sexual maturity after 5 months. The incorporation and differentiation of Houbara gPGCs in chimeric chicken with Houbara-specific primers and 31.3% (5/16) gonads collected from the injected chicken embryos showed the presence of donor H semen samples from 34 chimeric Roosters were analyzed and eight were confirmed as germline chimeras. Semen samples from these artificially inseminate three female Houbara bustards. Subsequently, 45 Houbara eggs were obtained and incubated, two of which wer male live born Houbara; the other was female but died before hatching. Genotyping confirmed that the male chick was a pure-line Hou Rooster.
C M Parsons - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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amino acid digestibility and digestible indispensable amino acid score like values of black soldier fly larvae fed different forms and concentrations of calcium using the precision fed cecectomized Rooster assay
Journal of Animal Science, 2021Co-Authors: Elizabeth Koutsos, P L Utterback, C M Parsons, Maria R C De Godoy, Kelly S SwansonAbstract:Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are an alternative protein source for animals, including dogs and cats. Dietary calcium source is an essential nutrient for BSFL development in the pupal stage. Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) are common calcium sources but differ in solubility, acid-binding capacity, and calcium concentration. A high calcium concentration in BSFL may affect how well nitrogen and amino acids (AA) are digested by animals consuming them, thereby affecting feed conversion efficiency. Our objective was to determine the effects of dietary calcium form and concentration on nutrient composition, AA digestibility, and digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS)-like values of BSFL intended for use in animal feeds using the precision-fed cecectomized Rooster assay. All BSFL tested in this study were harvested at 18 d after hatch. Industry standard rearing conditions were maintained and a commercial layer ration was fed to all BSFL until 11 d post-hatch. From day 11 to 18, BSFL were fed a combination of distiller's dried grains with solubles from a distillery, bakery byproduct meal, and varied calcium sources. All BSFL diets contained 0.2% calcium in the basal diet plus additional calcium in the following amounts and forms: BSFLA: 1.2% CaCl2, BSFLB: 1.2% CaCO3, BSFLC: 0.75% CaCO3, and BSFLD: 0.6% CaCO3 + 0.6% CaCl2. On day 18, BSFL were washed and frozen. Prior to the Rooster assay, BSFL were lyophilized and ground. In total, 16 cecectomized Roosters (4 Roosters per substrate) were randomly assigned to test substrates. After 24 h of feed withdrawal, Roosters were tube-fed 20 g of test substrates. Following crop intubation, excreta were collected for 48 h. Endogenous corrections for AA were made using five additional cecectomized Roosters. All data were analyzed using a completely randomized design and the GLM procedure of SAS 9.4. Nutrient and AA digestibilities were not different among substrates. DIAAS-like values were calculated to determine protein quality according to the Association of American Feed Control Officials nutrient profiles and National Research Council recommended allowances for dogs and cats. Although AA digestibilities did not differ, those containing CaCO3 generally had higher DIAAS-like reference values than the diet containing CaCl2 alone (BSFLA). Aromatic AA (Phe + Tyr) and sulfur AA (Met + Cys) were often first-limiting AA. Our results suggest that calcium sources fed to BSFL did not affect AA digestibility and protein quality.
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true metabolizable energy and amino acid digestibility in black soldier fly larvae meals cricket meal and mealworms using a precision fed Rooster assay
Poultry Science, 2021Co-Authors: N Matin, P L Utterback, C M ParsonsAbstract:ABSTRACT Six precision-fed Rooster assays were conducted to determine nutrient composition, nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy (TMEn) and standardized amino acid digestibility for three black soldier fly larvae meals (BSFL), one partially-defatted BSFL, one cricket meal and two mealworm meals. The TMEn values were determined in three 48-h Rooster assays using conventional Roosters and the standardized amino acid digestibility values were determined in three 48-h Rooster assays using cecectomized Roosters. Nutrient analysis (DM basis) of the meals indicated that the CP varied from 45 to 58% among the four BSFL, was 67% for the cricket meal and varied from 51 to 56% for the two mealworms. Crude fat (12-30%), total P (0.7-1.1%), Ca (0.04-3.6%), and neutral detergent fiber (10-36%) also varied among the insect meals. The TMEn values for the three BSFL were generally consistent and averaged 4079 kcal/kg DM. As expected, partially-defatted BSFL contained a lower level of TMEn. The TMEn of the cricket meal was 4223 kcal/kg DM. Due to their low fiber content and high fat content, the TMEn values for the two mealworms were high and in excess of 5000 kcal/kg DM. Amino acid concentrations of the various insect meals ranged from 0.69 to 1.1% for methionine, 0.57 to 0.73% for cystine, 3.3 to 4.5% for lysine, and 1.9 to 2.6% for threonine. Standardized amino acid digestibility values were generally high (most were 85–95%) for the four BSFL and two mealworms. Digestibility values for most amino acids were slightly lower for the cricket meal. Digestibility of cystine and valine were generally lower and more variable than other amino acids in the seven insect meals. The results of this study indicated that nutrient composition varies substantially among different insect meals, but all insect meals contained high levels of TMEn and digestible amino acids compared with feed ingredients commonly used in poultry diets.
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true nutrient and amino acid digestibility of dog foods made with human grade ingredients using the precision fed cecectomized Rooster assay
Translational animal science, 2020Co-Authors: Patricia Massae Oba, P L Utterback, C M Parsons, Kelly S SwansonAbstract:For a pet diet to be labeled as human-grade, every ingredient and the finished food must be stored, handled, processed, and transported according to the current good manufacturing practices for human edible foods. Human-grade dog foods are now available and increasing in popularity, but little research has been conducted to test the digestibility of these foods. For this reason, the objective of this experiment was to determine the true nutrient and amino acid (AA) digestibilities of dog foods formulated with human-grade ingredients using the precision-fed cecectomized Rooster assay. Six commercial dog foods were tested, including the Beef & Russet Potato (BRP), Chicken & White Rice (CWR), Fish & Sweet Potato (FSP), Lamb & Brown Rice (LBR), Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni (TWM), and Venison & Squash (VSR) formulas provided by Just Food For Dogs LLC (Irvine, CA). Before analysis, all foods were lyophilized and ground. A precision-fed Rooster assay using cecectomized Roosters was conducted to determine the true nutrient digestibility and standardized AA digestibilities of the foods tested. Conventional Roosters were used to determine the nitrogen-corrected true metabolizable energy (TMEn) of the foods. All animal procedures were approved by the University of Illinois Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee prior to experimentation. The substrates and Rooster excreta were analyzed for macronutrient and AA composition. All data were analyzed using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS (version 9.4; SAS Institute, Cary, NC). In general, all foods tested were highly digestible. Dry matter digestibility was similar among CWR, LBR, and TWR foods, and greater (P < 0.0001) than that of FSP and VSR foods. Organic matter digestibility was highest (P = 0.0002) for CWR and lowest (P = 0.0002) for VSR. For the majority of indispensable AA, digestibilities were greater than 85%, with some being greater than 90%. TMEn was higher (P < 0.0001) for BRP than the other foods, which were similar to one another. Also, TMEn values were much higher than what would be estimated by using modified Atwater factors and often above the predictive equations for metabolizable energy (ME) recommended by the National Research Council or by using Atwater factors. Although statistical differences were observed among foods, they all performed well and the foods tested had very high AA digestibilities. Additionally, the TMEn data suggest that existing methods and equations for ME prediction underestimate the energy content of the foods tested.
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nutrient and aa digestibility of black soldier fly larvae differing in age using the precision fed cecectomized Rooster assay1
Journal of Animal Science, 2020Co-Authors: Liz Koutsos, P L Utterback, C M Parsons, Maria R C De Godoy, Kelly S SwansonAbstract:Edible insects such as black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) are alternative protein sources for animal feeds due to their high-protein content and potential low environmental footprint. However, protein quality and AA content may vary across insect species and age. Our objective was to determine the effects of age on nutrient and AA digestibility of BSFL intended for use in pet foods using the precision-fed cecectomized Rooster assay. All animal procedures were approved by the University of Illinois Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee prior to experimentation. Twenty-four cecectomized Roosters (four Roosters per substrate) were randomly assigned to test substrates [BSFL0 = day 0 (day of hatch); BSFL11 = day 11; BSFL14 = day 14; BSFL18 = day 18; BSFL23 = day 23; BSFL29 = day 29]. After 24 h of feed withdrawal, Roosters were tube-fed 20 g of test substrates. Following crop intubation, excreta were collected for 48 h. Endogenous corrections for AA were made using five additional cecectomized Roosters. All data were analyzed using a completely randomized design and the GLM procedure of SAS 9.4. DM and OM digestibilities were not different among substrates, but acid-hydrolyzed fat digestibility tended to be greater (P < 0.10) for BSFL23 and BSFL29 than BSFL14 and BSFL18. Although all substrates had a high digestibility, BSFL0 and BSFL11 had the lowest (P < 0.05) digestibilities for most indispensable and dispensable AA. Digestible indispensable AA score (DIAAS)-like values were calculated to determine protein quality according to AAFCO nutrient profiles and NRC recommended allowances for dogs and cats. In general, BSFL18 had the highest, and BSFL11 had the lowest DIAAS-like values for most indispensable AA. Threonine, methionine, and tryptophan were often the first-limiting AA. Our results suggest that BSFL are a high-quality protein and AA source, but that age can affect the AA digestibility and protein quality of this alternative protein source.
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nutritional evaluation of 3 types of novel ethanol coproducts
Poultry Science, 2019Co-Authors: S P Corray, P L Utterback, Divya Ramchandran, Vijay Singh, Stephen P Moose, C M ParsonsAbstract:ABSTRACT Five 48-h precision-fed Rooster assays were conducted with the objective to determine true metabolizable energy (TMEn) using conventional Roosters and/or standardized amino acid digestibility using cecectomized Roosters for distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) produced from human food waste at high solids content (FWDDGS), DDGS produced from 4 corn hybrids with increases in grain protein concentration or the concentrations of several dietary indispensable amino acids, and a coproduct that is produced by a process which separates a high protein and yeast fraction from ethanol stillage (Still Pro, Fluid Quip Process Technologies, Cedar Rapids, IA). These results from the first cecectomized Rooster assay indicated that the standardized digestibility values for Lys, Met, Cys, Thr, and Val were 61, 75, 70, 70, and 72%, respectively. Using conventional Roosters, the TMEn for the FWDDGS was 3,890 kcal/kg DM. The DDGS produced from the high protein mutant corn hybrid had a higher protein content of 34% compared with 28% protein for DDGS from the control corn hybrid. Using Lys as an example, there was a large difference between the 2 samples; the high protein mutant DDGS contained 1.60% Lys vs 1.05% for the control DDGS. Standardized digestibility of amino acids was generally not different for the mutant DDGS and the control DDGS. Similar results were observed for Lys, Arg, and Trp for the DDGS produced from the second mutant corn hybrid. The Still Pro sample was analyzed to contain 53% protein (DM basis) with 2.22% Lys, 1.05% Met, 0.90% Cys, 2.06% Thr, and 3.08% Val. The standardized digestibility values for these amino acids were 84, 92, 87, 86, and 87%, respectively. The TMEn of the Still Pro sample was determined to be 3,372 kcal/kg DM. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that the nutritional value of the 3 types of novel ethanol coproducts is equal to or superior to the nutritional values generally reported for conventional DDGS.
Renate Wernery - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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primordial germ cell mediated chimera technology produces viable pure line houbara bustard offspring potential for repopulating an endangered species
PLOS ONE, 2010Co-Authors: Ulrich Wernery, Vijay Baskar, Zhor Guerineche, Shazia Saleem, Darren K Griffin, Kamal Khazanehdari, Jorg Kinne, Renate Wernery, Ilkuk ChangAbstract:Background The Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) is a wild seasonal breeding bird populating arid sandy semi-desert habitats in North Africa and the Middle East. Its population has declined drastically during the last two decades and it is classified as vulnerable. Captive breeding programmes have, hitherto, been unsuccessful in reviving population numbers and thus radical technological solutions are essential for the long term survival of this species. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of primordial germ cell-mediated chimera technology to produce viable Houbara bustard offspring. Methodology/Principal Findings Embryonic gonadal tissue was dissected from Houbara bustard embryos at eight days post-incubation. Subsequently, Houbara tissue containing gonadal primordial germ cells (gPGCs) was injected into White Leghorn chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) embryos, producing 83/138 surviving male chimeric embryos, of which 35 chimeric Roosters reached sexual maturity after 5 months. The incorporation and differentiation of Houbara gPGCs in chimeric chicken testis were assessed by PCR with Houbara-specific primers and 31.3% (5/16) gonads collected from the injected chicken embryos showed the presence of donor Houbara cells. A total of 302 semen samples from 34 chimeric Roosters were analyzed and eight were confirmed as germline chimeras. Semen samples from these eight Roosters were used to artificially inseminate three female Houbara bustards. Subsequently, 45 Houbara eggs were obtained and incubated, two of which were fertile. One egg hatched as a male live born Houbara; the other was female but died before hatching. Genotyping confirmed that the male chick was a pure-line Houbara derived from a chimeric Rooster. Conclusion This study demonstrates for the first time that Houbara gPGCs can migrate, differentiate and eventually give rise to functional sperm in the chimeric chicken testis. This approach may provide a promising tool for propagation and conservation of endangered avian species that cannot breed in captivity.
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primordial germ cell mediated chimera technology produces viable pure line houbara bustard offspring potential for repopulating an endangered species
PLOS ONE, 2010Co-Authors: Ulrich Wernery, Vijay Baskar, Zhor Guerineche, Shazia Saleem, Darren K Griffin, Kamal Khazanehdari, Jorg Kinne, Renate Wernery, Chunhai Liu, Ilkuk ChangAbstract:Background The Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) is a wild seasonal breeding bird populating arid sandy semi-desert habitats in North Afric population has declined drastically during the last two decades and it is classified as vulnerable. Captive breeding programmes have, h reviving population numbers and thus radical technological solutions are essential for the long term survival of this species. The purpo investigate the use of primordial germ cell-mediated chimera technology to produce viable Houbara bustard offspring. Methodology/Principal Findings Embryonic gonadal tissue was dissected from Houbara bustard embryos at eight days post-incubation. Subsequently, Houbara tissue germ cells (gPGCs) was injected into White Leghorn chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) embryos, producing 83/138 surviving male ch chimeric Roosters reached sexual maturity after 5 months. The incorporation and differentiation of Houbara gPGCs in chimeric chicken with Houbara-specific primers and 31.3% (5/16) gonads collected from the injected chicken embryos showed the presence of donor H semen samples from 34 chimeric Roosters were analyzed and eight were confirmed as germline chimeras. Semen samples from these artificially inseminate three female Houbara bustards. Subsequently, 45 Houbara eggs were obtained and incubated, two of which wer male live born Houbara; the other was female but died before hatching. Genotyping confirmed that the male chick was a pure-line Hou Rooster.
Kamal Khazanehdari - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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primordial germ cell mediated chimera technology produces viable pure line houbara bustard offspring potential for repopulating an endangered species
PLOS ONE, 2010Co-Authors: Ulrich Wernery, Vijay Baskar, Zhor Guerineche, Shazia Saleem, Darren K Griffin, Kamal Khazanehdari, Jorg Kinne, Renate Wernery, Ilkuk ChangAbstract:Background The Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) is a wild seasonal breeding bird populating arid sandy semi-desert habitats in North Africa and the Middle East. Its population has declined drastically during the last two decades and it is classified as vulnerable. Captive breeding programmes have, hitherto, been unsuccessful in reviving population numbers and thus radical technological solutions are essential for the long term survival of this species. The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of primordial germ cell-mediated chimera technology to produce viable Houbara bustard offspring. Methodology/Principal Findings Embryonic gonadal tissue was dissected from Houbara bustard embryos at eight days post-incubation. Subsequently, Houbara tissue containing gonadal primordial germ cells (gPGCs) was injected into White Leghorn chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) embryos, producing 83/138 surviving male chimeric embryos, of which 35 chimeric Roosters reached sexual maturity after 5 months. The incorporation and differentiation of Houbara gPGCs in chimeric chicken testis were assessed by PCR with Houbara-specific primers and 31.3% (5/16) gonads collected from the injected chicken embryos showed the presence of donor Houbara cells. A total of 302 semen samples from 34 chimeric Roosters were analyzed and eight were confirmed as germline chimeras. Semen samples from these eight Roosters were used to artificially inseminate three female Houbara bustards. Subsequently, 45 Houbara eggs were obtained and incubated, two of which were fertile. One egg hatched as a male live born Houbara; the other was female but died before hatching. Genotyping confirmed that the male chick was a pure-line Houbara derived from a chimeric Rooster. Conclusion This study demonstrates for the first time that Houbara gPGCs can migrate, differentiate and eventually give rise to functional sperm in the chimeric chicken testis. This approach may provide a promising tool for propagation and conservation of endangered avian species that cannot breed in captivity.
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primordial germ cell mediated chimera technology produces viable pure line houbara bustard offspring potential for repopulating an endangered species
PLOS ONE, 2010Co-Authors: Ulrich Wernery, Vijay Baskar, Zhor Guerineche, Shazia Saleem, Darren K Griffin, Kamal Khazanehdari, Jorg Kinne, Renate Wernery, Chunhai Liu, Ilkuk ChangAbstract:Background The Houbara bustard (Chlamydotis undulata) is a wild seasonal breeding bird populating arid sandy semi-desert habitats in North Afric population has declined drastically during the last two decades and it is classified as vulnerable. Captive breeding programmes have, h reviving population numbers and thus radical technological solutions are essential for the long term survival of this species. The purpo investigate the use of primordial germ cell-mediated chimera technology to produce viable Houbara bustard offspring. Methodology/Principal Findings Embryonic gonadal tissue was dissected from Houbara bustard embryos at eight days post-incubation. Subsequently, Houbara tissue germ cells (gPGCs) was injected into White Leghorn chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) embryos, producing 83/138 surviving male ch chimeric Roosters reached sexual maturity after 5 months. The incorporation and differentiation of Houbara gPGCs in chimeric chicken with Houbara-specific primers and 31.3% (5/16) gonads collected from the injected chicken embryos showed the presence of donor H semen samples from 34 chimeric Roosters were analyzed and eight were confirmed as germline chimeras. Semen samples from these artificially inseminate three female Houbara bustards. Subsequently, 45 Houbara eggs were obtained and incubated, two of which wer male live born Houbara; the other was female but died before hatching. Genotyping confirmed that the male chick was a pure-line Hou Rooster.
