The present disclosure provides methods of determining the susceptibility of a dog to liver copper accumulation, comprising detecting in a biological sample obtained from the dog the presence or absence in the genome of the dog of one or more polymorphisms, and methods of treating or breeding the dog based on such determination.

The present disclosure provides methods of determining the susceptibility of a dog to liver copper accumulation, comprising detecting in a biological sample obtained from the dog the presence or absence in the genome of the dog of one or more polymorphisms, and methods of treating or breeding the dog based on such determination.

Non-human animals and offspring thereof comprising at least one modified chromosomal sequence in a gene encoding a CD163 protein are provided. Animal cells that contain such modified chromosomal sequences are also provided. The animals and cells have increased resistance to pathogens, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The animals and offspring have chromosomal modifications of a CD163 gene. The invention further relates to methods of breeding to create pathogen-resistant animals and populations of animals made using such methods.

Non-human animals and offspring thereof comprising at least one modified chromosomal sequence in a gene encoding a CD163 protein are provided. Animal cells that contain such modified chromosomal sequences are also provided. The animals and cells have increased resistance to pathogens, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). The animals and offspring have chromosomal modifications of a CD163 gene. The invention further relates to methods of breeding to create pathogen-resistant animals and populations of animals made using such methods.

The present invention discloses a breeding method for obtaining heterosis in lined seahorses, which comprises the following steps: S1, selecting parents of lined seahorse from populations with great differences in genetic background; S2, intensified rearing the parents before pregnancy; S3, matching and breeding the parents of lined seahorse from different geographical populations according to complete diallel cross method; S4, finely nursing pregnant seahorses; S5, respectively collecting all postlarvae (filial generations) hatched by each breeding group in one week; S6, rearing the filial generations; and S7, comparing survival rate and growth performance of filial generations. The present invention, via hybridization of different geographical populations to obtain lined seahorse, makes effective use of heterosis. Survival rate and growth rate of filial generations are apparently enhanced compared to that of those filial generations without hybridization. Such method enhances genetic diversity of lined seahorses and accelerates breeding of fine strain of lined seahorses.

Novel methods of testing the immunogenicity of variant antigens are provided. In particular, methods based on the use of transgenic animals are provided, wherein the transgenic animal is tolerized to a particular antigen and is then exposed to variants of the antigen and immune responses are determined. In one embodiment the transgenic animal is a mouse which is transgenic for human MHC class II molecules and the immunogenicity of libraries of variant antibodies are tested.

Disclosed herein is an aeration hose capable of diffusing bubbles of air within a body of water, comprising a) a hose portion derived from a composition, comprising a polyvinyl chloride resin; a first rubber component; a second rubber component; at least one copolymer; at least one low temperature plasticizer; at least one filler comprising copper dioxide; at least one heat stabilizer; at least one internal lubricant; at least one antioxidant; and at least one biofouling agent, wherein the hose portion comprises an outer hose portion, an inner hose portion and a plurality of hose apertures capable of receiving and diffusing pressurized air, wherein the hose is flexible and has no memory, and wherein the hose apertures are provided therethrough the inner hose portion and the outer hose portion and proportionally spaced about the outer hose portion along a length of the hose portion.

Disclosed herein is an aeration hose capable of diffusing bubbles of air within a body of water, comprising a) a hose portion derived from a composition, comprising a polyvinyl chloride resin; a first rubber component; a second rubber component; at least one copolymer; at least one low temperature plasticizer; at least one filler comprising copper dioxide; at least one heat stabilizer; at least one internal lubricant; at least one antioxidant; and at least one biofouling agent, wherein the hose portion comprises an outer hose portion, an inner hose portion and a plurality of hose apertures capable of receiving and diffusing pressurized air, wherein the hose is flexible and has no memory, and wherein the hose apertures are provided therethrough the inner hose portion and the outer hose portion and proportionally spaced about the outer hose portion along a length of the hose portion.

An method for selective breeding of a fast-growing strain of lined seahorse, including: (1) selecting high-quality lined seahorse parents as a base population for selective breeding; (2) performing prenatal intensified breeding; (3) performing pairing and mating, and rearing the juveniles thereof; (4) performing selective breeding in three junctures with different selection proportions; (5) pairing the saved adult lined seahorses, wherein those with low vitality, having injuries on the body surface, or having a dysplastic brood pouch or gonad are culled, and a selection proportion of 10% for every generation is maintained thereafter; (6) repeating steps (2) through (5) for at least four times to obtain a high-quality strain of lined seahorse with improved weight and body length and stable growth. The method can be used for selective breeding of a new strain with high quality and high yield.

An method for selective breeding of a fast-growing strain of lined seahorse, including: (1) selecting high-quality lined seahorse parents as a base population for selective breeding; (2) performing prenatal intensified breeding; (3) performing pairing and mating, and rearing the juveniles thereof; (4) performing selective breeding in three junctures with different selection proportions; (5) pairing the saved adult lined seahorses, wherein those with low vitality, having injuries on the body surface, or having a dysplastic brood pouch or gonad are culled, and a selection proportion of 10% for every generation is maintained thereafter; (6) repeating steps (2) through (5) for at least four times to obtain a high-quality strain of lined seahorse with improved weight and body length and stable growth. The method can be used for selective breeding of a new strain with high quality and high yield.