A5017665986- Genetic diversity and population structure
- Genetic and phenotypic traits in livestock
- Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
- Identification and Quantification in Food
- Animal Disease Management and Epidemiology
- Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
- Genetic Mapping and Diversity in Plants and Animals
- Molecular Biology Techniques and Applications
- Viral Infections and Vectors
- Veterinary Oncology Research
- Forensic and Genetic Research
- Sperm and Testicular Function
- Vector-Borne Animal Diseases
- Helminth infection and control
- Livestock and Poultry Management
- Biochemical Analysis and Sensing Techniques
- Coccidia and coccidiosis research
- melanin and skin pigmentation
- Genetic and Clinical Aspects of Sex Determination and Chromosomal Abnormalities
- Environmental DNA in Biodiversity Studies
- Veterinary Medicine and Surgery
- Human-Animal Interaction Studies
- Veterinary Equine Medical Research
- Hormonal and reproductive studies
- Blood disorders and treatments
University of Pretoria
2014-2025
Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital
2010-2023
St Petersburg University
2018
Tshwane University of Technology
2014
South African National Parks
2014
Panthera Corporation
2014
Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute
2013
Tigers and their close relatives (Panthera) are some of the world's most endangered species. Here we report de novo assembly an Amur tiger whole-genome sequence as well genomic sequences a white Bengal tiger, African lion, lion snow leopard. Through comparative genetic analyses these genomes, find signatures that may reflect molecular adaptations consistent with big cats' hypercarnivorous diet muscle strength. We leopard-specific determinant in EGLN1 (Met39>Lys39), which is likely to be...
Color markings among felid species display both a remarkable diversity and common underlying periodicity. A similar range of patterns in domestic cats suggests conserved mechanism whose appearance can be altered by selection. We identified the gene responsible for tabby pattern variation as Transmembrane aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep), which encodes membrane-bound metalloprotease. Analyzing 31 other species, we Taqpep cause rare king cheetah phenotype, spots coalesce into blotches stripes....
ABSTRACT The reduced cost of next‐generation sequencing (NGS) has allowed researchers to generate nuclear and mitochondrial genome data gain deeper insights into the phylogeography, evolutionary history biology non‐model species. While Cape buffalo ( Syncerus caffer ) been well‐studied across its range with traditional genetic markers over last 25 years, are building on this knowledge by generating whole genome, population‐level sets improve understanding composition Using publicly available...
Population fragmentation is threatening biodiversity worldwide. Species that once roamed vast areas are increasingly being conserved in small, isolated areas. Modern management approaches must adapt to ensure the continued survival and conservation value of these populations. In South Africa, a managed metapopulation approach has been adopted for several large carnivore species, all protected isolated, relatively reserves fenced. As far as possible based on natural structures. this network,...
Summary Seventeen commercial and research laboratories participated in two comparison tests under the auspices of International Society for Animal Genetics to develop an internationally tested, microsatellite‐based parentage identification panel domestic cat ( Felis catus ). Genetic marker selection was based on polymorphism information content allele ranges from seven random‐bred populations n = 261) USA, Europe Brazil eight breeds 200) USA. Nineteen microsatellite markers were included...
Abstract Genomes retain records of demographic changes and evolutionary forces that shape species populations. Remnant populations African buffalo ( Syncerus caffer ) in South Africa, with varied histories, provide an opportunity to investigate signatures left their genomes by past events, both recent ancient. Here, we produce 40 low coverage (7.14×) genome sequences Cape S. c. from four protected areas Africa. Genome-wide heterozygosity was the highest for any mammal which these data are...
West Nile virus (WNV) infection is endemic in southern Africa. With the recent emergence of WNV horses Europe and USA present study was performed to estimate risk seroconversion a cohort 488 young Thoroughbred (TB) horses.To among South African TB yearlings sold at 2001 National Yearling Sales (NYS) determine whether varied geographically. Two were also infected with isolate evaluate its virulence horses.Serum samples collected from NYS. Serum that same time they identified sourced our serum...
The South African lion (Panthera leo) population is highly fragmented. One-third of its wild lions occur in small (<1000 km2) reserves. These were reintroduced from other areas the species’ historical range. Management practices on these reserves have not prioritized genetic provenance or heterozygosity. trends potentially constrain conservation value lions. To ensure best management and long-term survival subpopulations as a viable collective population, current diversity must be described....
The carrier prevalence of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), lavender foal syndrome (LFS) and cerebellar abiotrophy (CA) in Arabian foals South Africa was determined order to quantify the potential impact these conditions locally. Furthermore, SCID prior following introduction a genetic test compared evaluate effect testing population.To estimate SCID, LFS CA registered purebred Arabians born 2004/5 2009/10 foaling seasons compare changes disorders between 2 groups...
Summary Lavender Foal Syndrome (LFS) is a rare autosomal recessive lethal disorder affecting Arabian foals which also characterized by dilute coat colour and severe neurological signs. Dilute mouse rat mutants, Griscelli syndrome type 1 in humans, are similar clinical signs, caused mutations the MYO5A gene. was, therefore, identified as possible candidate gene for LFS. Sequencing of coding region single‐base deletion conserved tail domain. The produces truncated protein product through...
Abstract The identification of related and unrelated individuals from molecular marker data is often difficult, particularly when no pedigree information available the set large. High levels relatedness or inbreeding can influence genotype frequencies thus genetic evaluation, as well accurate inference hidden structure. Identification also important in breeding programmes, to inform decisions about pairs translocations. We present Friends Family, a Windows executable program with graphical...
Disorders of sex development (DSD) have long been documented in domestic animal species including horses. However, there is only a single report an androgen receptor (AR) mutation causative such DSD syndrome horse pedigree. Here, we present new familial AR A missense (c.2042G>C) at exon 4 explains the segregation Thoroughbred The mutation, expected to affect ligand-binding domain protein, led complete insensitivity 64,XY SRY+, testicular individuals. Additionally, design PCR-RFLP technique...
Abstract South Africa has a large captive lion ( Panthera leo ) sector, but detailed knowledge on the origin of individuals and any potential genetic value to conservation targets is lacking. In 2021, African government committed closing sector have since appointed Ministerial Lion Task Team (2022) initiate this process. Some suggested that lions could be integrated into wild populations as part process information origins diversity critical if explored further. Both Biodiversity Management...
In recent years, South African conservation officials have noted the appearance of sarcoid tumour-like growths in Cape mountain zebra (Equus zebra) populations. domestic horses ferus caballus), a genetic predisposition for this bovine papillomavirusinduced tumour is reported. This investigation compared population parameters within tumour-affected populations Bontebok National Park and Gariep Dam Nature Reserve against having few or no tumours Karoo Africa Hartmann's from Namibia....
Wildlife ranching, although not considered a conventional conservation system, provides sustainable model for wildlife utilization and could be source of valuable genetic material. However, increased fragmentation intensive management may threaten the evolutionary potential value species. Disease-free Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer caffer) in southern Africa exist populations with variety histories practices. We compared diversity national parks to private ranches found that, except Addo...
This is a report of the complete genome sequences plaque-selected isolates each three virus strains included in South African commercial trivalent horse sickness attenuated live vaccine.