R. Rouvier¹*, Y. S. Cheng², J. P. Poivey¹³, C. T. Wang² , and C. Tai⁴

¹ Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Station d'Amélioration Génétique des Animaux, Centre de Recherches de Toulouse, BP 27, F 31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France

² Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture, Hsin-Hua, Tainan, 71210 Taiwan, Republic of China

³ Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement, Campus de Baillarguet, F 34398 Montpellier Cedex 5, France

⁴ National Science Council, Taipei, 106 Taiwan, Republic of China

* Corresponding author e-mail : rouvier.roger@wanadoo.fr or rouvier@germinal.toulouse.inra.fr

ABSTRACT

The contact between Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) and the Taiwan Livestock Research Institute (TLRI), at present Livestock Research Institute - Council of Agriculture (LRI-COA) was dated in 1983 when common researches in genetics have been undertaken to improve the reproductive efficiency of the common female duck bred for mule duck production. The Memorandum of understanding on cooperation between the Council of Agriculture Republic of China, and the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique French Republic (1991, May 23) defined 6 items of cooperation of initial interest. The Statement of conclusions for scientific cooperation in animal production and products, 1999-2005 (1999 joint symposium) strengthened the cooperative programs in progress and set up researches of common interest in chicken genetics and in transverse themes for several species. Since 2000 the Animal Science Department, National Chung Hsing University joined TLRI and INRA in the cooperative researches. In 2004, April 29, an agreement for cooperation was signed with National Science Council (NSC) jointly by INRA and Centre de Cooperation Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Developpement (CIRAD) which extended the cooperation in animal genomic and biology of development. In total there were about 83 missions from Taiwan (mainly TLRI and also COA, NCHU) to INRA and 60 missions from INRA to Taiwan. The cooperation was extended to genetics and animal physiology in tropical climate in several animal species. Achievements were got in duck genetic and breeding, QTL detection experiment and AFLP markers mapping in ducks, geese improvement, chickens’ genetics, genetic improvement and physiology of reproduction of goats and in pigs. Doctorate thesis programs were conducted and achieved by two researchers from TLRI, one from NCHU, one from National Taiwan University in INRA Research Laboratories, twenty one (20 for the last ten years) co-signed scientific publications have been made in international journals and more than 45 in International congress or national seminars or in symposium including the joint 1999 symposium.

KEY WORDS: Scientific cooperation, Animal production.

INTRODUCTION

The contacts between Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) and Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture (LRI-COA), the former Taiwan Livestock Research Institute (TLRI), was dated back in 1983 when Roger Rouvier a senior researcher of INRA, Département de Génétique Animale, Station d’Amélioration Génétique des Animaux, went to conduct his research on duck breeding and genetics in TLRI, ILan Branch Station , and worked closely with researchers Mr. and Mrs. Chein Tai. A long term scientific cooperation between TLRI and INRA Scientific Direction of Animal Production was developing since then. Common researches had been done by researchers of both Institutes TLRI and INRA since 1983. Support was from National Science Council (NSC), Council of Agriculture (COA), the former Taiwan Provincial Department of Agriculture and Forestry (PDAF), TLRI and INRA as well as French Institute in Taipei (FIT). Dr. Chung Po (COA) in 1990, May 8-11, visited INRA, Station d’Amélioration Génétique des Animaux and topics for a cooperative research in animal production were discussed. The Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation between the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, French Republic and the Council of Agriculture, Republic of China, has been signed by Secretary General Dr. Torng-Chuan Wu and President Douzou, and the representatives of both parts, on 1991, May 23. Six items of cooperation of initial interest mainly in animal genetics were established. Following an INRA visit to Taiwan, Commissioner Dr. Mau-Ying Tjiu of Provincial Department of Agriculture and Forestry (PDAF) and Director General Drs. Chein Tai and Chien-Yih Lin of TLRI and Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) were invited to visit INRA by Director Dr. F. Grosclaude of Direction Scientifique des Productions Animales in 1995, August 31-September 9. Nine items of cooperation in animal production and three items of cooperation in agriculture research were involved in cooperation between INRA and PDAF during the concluding meeting at INRA’s General Directorate September 9, 1995.

From 1992 up to 1999 the cooperative exchanges and researches of common interest developed in duck genetics, extended to other animal species (rex rabbits, dairy goats biotechnology of reproduction and genetic improvement in Taiwan, pigs, project in chickens), to the applications of mixed model methodology and animal model in genetics and breeding, and to animal physiology. A status review and achievements of cooperative research programs between TLRI and INRA (Tai et al, 1999 a) was given at the Symposium Scientific Cooperation in Agriculture between Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (France) and Council of Agriculture (Taiwan, R.O.C) in Toulouse (France) 1999, April 19-20 (joint symposium 1999). The concluding meeting (Chairpersons Mme Su San Chang, COA, and Dr. C. Valin, INRA) established the statement of conclusions for scientific cooperation in animal production and products 1999-2005. The Animal Science Department, National Chung Hsing University (NCHU) joined TLRI and INRA in the cooperative researches. The Chairman of COA, invited the President of INRA and a mission of INRA General Direction in 2001, April 1-6, to visit several research Institutes and discuss the priority areas for cooperation in 2001-2005. The cooperation was extended to genetics and animal physiology in tropical climate.

In 2004, April 29, an agreement for cooperation was signed between National Science Council (NSC) and INRA-CIRAD (Centre de Cooperation Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Developpement). The area of priority research for 2004-2006 are animal genetic and genomic and biology of development especially in pigs, small ruminants, poultry and fishes; environmental control of the pollution in intensive animal husbandry.

The cooperation involves many issues such as cooperative ventures, common experiments in both locations, technology transfer, training of researchers and training for research (doctorate thesis), exchanges of experience, methodology and resources, as well as increase in scientific knowledge (joint scientific publications in international journals, conferences and seminars). The achievements were got thanks to Dr. Chein Tai, former Director General of TLRI, since the beginning in 1983 up to 1998, followed by Dr.Yu-Shin Cheng and Director General of TLRI Dr. Cheng-Taung Wang. Dr. Roger Rouvier was corresponding researcher coordinating the relationship with INRA research teams up to 2001, followed by Dr. Jean Paul Poivey since then.

In the last years the LRI-COA, got new building investment (Headquarter Hsinhua and also in Hengchun Branch Station for the goats and I-Lan Branch Station for the ducks) and facilities for research (climatic rooms to study heat resistance, experimental farm for example). Outstanding results in animal biotechnology of reproduction were get. Complementary of research efforts cooperating with the University has to be taken into account. During the recent two years exchange of missions were done with purpose to study how to finalise some important programs and develop cooperative projects.

Twenty three years later and seven years later the first symposium in Toulouse, it is now time to give the status review and achievements of cooperative research programs in animal production from 1983 up to 2006. The brief of cooperation between TLRI and INRA, 1983-1998 was given by Tai et al. (1999 a). This status review will give the briefs of cooperation 1999-2006, while the achievement part will combine the results since 1983. The list of joint scientific publications, most of them will be quoted in this synthesis paper will be given in Reference.

BRIEFS OF COOPERATION 1999-2006

1. Mr.Yi-Hao Hu, associate researcher of Ilan Branch Station, had gone to Station d’Amélioration Génétique des Animaux, INRA research Center of Toulouse from august 20, 1995 to September 12, 1997 to study breeding technique of Muscovy duck and doctoral thesis and then went back to Taiwan for data collection and analysis. He went to France in September, 1998, to finish the thesis and he got the academic degree in july 1999.

2. Dr. J. P. Poivey, researcher of Station d’Amélioration Génétique des Animaux, INRA, who was sponsored by National Science Council, have come to Taiwan on March 1, 1998, to conduct the project of dairy goat breeding for two years.

3. The Symposium Scientific Cooperation in Agriculture between Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (France) and Council of Agriculture (Taiwan, R.O.C) was held in Toulouse (France), April 1999, 19-20. Chairpersons were Dr. Su San Chang (COA) and Dr. Yu-Shin Cheng (LRI-COA), Drs. P. Ferlin, G. Riba, C. Valin and B. Bibé (INRA). The Taiwan delegation conducted by Dr. Su San Chang (COA) was of 18 persons including Professor Ming Tsao Chen, Dean College of Agriculture, National Chung Hsing University and Dr. Chein Tai, former Director General of TLRI, Professor and Director Institute of Biotechnology, National Cheng Kung University in Tainan. These universities were invited to join the cooperative research programs. In total 71 persons attended the Symposium, there were 25 oral communications in Animal Production and Products and 10 oral communications in Plant Productions and Biotechnology. The symposium was followed by two days (April 21-22) visits of: label chicken production system in the Landes “department”; experimental research station of Le Magneraud (QTL researches in pigs, Rex rabbits, poultry) in charentes maritime “department” and Capri IA, cooperative dairy goats breeding company working with Caprigene for dairy goats genetics.

4. Professor Yen Pai Lee (NCHU) and Mr. C.Y. Huang (TLRI) came to INRA in 1999 May 20-30 to study the label production system and selection in chickens. They visited several INRA laboratories and experimental units in poultry research, private breeders, slaughter house and farmers.

5. Dr. Roger Rouvier had gone in Taichung to give an invited main lecture and attend the 1^st World Waterfowl Conference, 1999 December 1-4, Taichung, Taiwan. The scientific program of the Conference was organised by TLRI (Director General Cheng-Taung Wang, Chairman of scientific committee). Nine French researchers communicated and attended the Conference. Dr. Roger Rouvier and Dr. C. Larzul (1999 November 23-december 10) studied the current cooperative programs specially in ducks, a meeting was held with Director General Cheng -Taung Wang and Dr. Yu-Shin Cheng. A meeting was held (Dr. J. P. Poivey was invited) in COA conducted by Dr. Su San Chang, Division of International Cooperation Department Head to discuss the 1999 joint Symposium following up.

6. Dr. Michèle Tixier-Boichard, Head of Laboratory of Génétique Factorielle from INRA and Mr. Gerard Coquerelle, researcher in this laboratory, were invited in 2000 May 11-19, to visit country chickens production farms, to discuss country chickens improvement with researchers of NCHU and TLRI where they afforded several lectures:genetic aspects of heat resistance;genetic resources in chickens, and discussed the current research programs, the thesis of Mr. Chen Chih-Feng and the prospects for cooperation.

7. Dr. Roger Rouvier, INRA senior researcher was invited by Professor Mu Chiou Huang, Department of Animal Science, National Chung-Hsing University to come with his wife to participate in a research program of his laboratory to carry out a project relative to the genetic analysis in the Tsaiya duck, and by Professor Ming-Tsao Chen, dean of the College of Agriculture to come to his University. In the meantime Dr. Roger Rouvier was invited as a visiting professor in the National Chung Hsing University, in 2000 September 1^st-December 31 and 2001 January 1^st-December 31. Meanwhile Dr. Roger Rouvier was assigned by INRA to continue to coordinate cooperative research programs between research teams of INRA and research teams in Taiwan preparing the taking in charge of that coordination by Dr. Jean Paul Poivey. Invitations of NCHU were prolonged, in 2002, March 1^st-December 31. During that stay, several visits were invited by Director General Cheng-Taung Wang and TLRI Secretary Dr. Yu-Shin Cheng to TLRI Hsinhua and Branch stations for the cooperative research studies.

8. Mr. Pascal Boué, Director of CAPRI-IA came to Heng-Chun Station in 2000, October 30- November 3 to demonstrate the artificial insemination technique in goats.

9. Mr. Chih-Feng Chen, lecturer at National Chung Shing University had gone to Laboratoire de Génétique Factorielle, INRA, Centre de Recherche de Jouy en Josas to study in 2000-2002 doctoral thesis about estimating selection response of clutch length and laying traits in selected dwarf chicken lines and the heat tolerance of these lines. He passed the Academic examination and came back to NCHU, Department of Animal Science, on January 2003 where he continues cooperative researches on chicken genetics.

10. Professor Mu Chiou Huang, head of genetics and molecular biology laboratory, Animal Science Department Head, National Chung Hsing University, accompanied by Chang Wen, Student, was invited by French Institute in Taipei and National Science Council to visit INRA in February 2001 in order to discuss cooperative researches in duck genome analysis; Meetings were hold with INRA Animal Genetics Department head Dr. B. Bibé, at Station d’Amélioration Génétique des Animaux (Director J. M. Elsen and waterfowl team researchers) and Laboratoire de Génétique Céllulaire (Dr. Claude Chevalet, Head, Dr. A.Vignal and colleagues of the poultry genetic map team) at INRA research Center of Toulouse, and with Dr. Michèle Tixier- Boichard and colleagues in Jouy en Josas.

11. General Directors of INRA (Mr. Michel Dodet, Drs. G. Riba, C. Valin) were invited by the Chairman of COA, Dr. Hsi-Huang Chen, in 2001 April 1-7, and Dr. R. Rouvier was invited by COA to visit: Council of Agriculture (COA) and French Institute in Taipei; Taiwan Forestry Institute; Academia Sinica; Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute (TARI-COA); Animal Science Department and Plant Pathology Department, National Chung Hsing University; Heng Chung Branch station of TLRI(goat and beef cattle), Asian Vegetable Research and Development Center. In the concluding meeting (30 attending persons) held in COA on April 6, 2001 (chairman Jen-Chyuan Lee, PhD, vice chairman of COA), priority areas for cooperation in 2001-2005 were discussed and there was a review and approval of cooperative projects. It was suggested by the INRA delegation that for the themes genetics and reproduction in goats, genome analysis with QTL detection in ducks, post doc and predoc should be welcome at INRA. Three new areas for cooperative researches were identified and requested by the participants: Forestry management and Product processing; fisheries (studies of milk fish, transgenic fish, and cold tolerance); Animal health with 6 themes which were proposed.

12. Dr. Lih-Ren Chen, researcher in TLRI, in 2001, September 28- October 11, visited INRA Research Center of Jouy en Josas (Dr. Jean-Paul Renard and colleagues), INRA Research Center of Tours Nouzilly (Dr. P. Chemineau, Head of Animal Physiology Department and colleagues), for studies on animal cloning and physiology. He visited also the experimental A.I. center in Rouille (Dr. B. Leboeuf) and the experimental waterfowl unit in Artiguères (Dr. Gérard Guy, Mr Jean-Michel Brun) to discuss A.I. in goats and geese breeding.

13. Taiwan delegation of 10 persons (Professors and researchers, responsible of chicken associations and of colour chicken production) conducted by Mr. Hsin-Chern Lin, Chief of Poultry Division, National Animal Industry Foundation and Professor Dr. Yen-Pai Lee, visited France invited by INRA (Dr. P. Ferlin, Mrs. Isabelle Bordier, INRA International Cooperation) in 2001, October 18-27 to study label and quality chicken organisation of production in France. They had a presentation by Institut Technique de l’Aviculture about the economical aspects of label and quality chicken production in France (Mrs. Pascale Magdelaine), and the quality aspects (Mrs. Nathalie Jehl); They visited the Sélection Avicole de la Sarthe et du Sud Ouest (SASSO) company (guide Dr. Jean Paul Poivey), the INRA Station of Le Magneraud (label chicken quality and sensory analysis by Mr. Herve Juin), and they followed a visiting program organised by Hubbard-ISA breeding company.

14. Drs. R. Rouvier and J. P. Poivey were invited by French Institute in Taipei (FIT) to participate to a biotechnology mission in Taiwan organised by Dr. Jeanne Leung Tack, in 2001, December 3-8. They were invited, accompanied with Mrs. Lee Ching Ching, to meet at National Science Council (NSC), Dr. Joseph C. H. Yang, Director General Department of International programs, M. Taur-Yuh Hung, Division of Life Science and Chun-Ling Tai. The NSC is giving support and evaluate the basic research programs, whereas the COA is involved in applied research. Dr. Yang suggested to transmit to INRA the idea of an agreement of cooperation between NSC and INRA for basic researches which should be complementary of the already existing agreement between INRA and COA.

15. Dr. Yu-Shin Cheng was invited to give an oral presentation and Dr. Yi-Hao Hu gave a poster presentation at the 7^th World Congress of Genetics Applied to Livestock Production, Montpellier August 19-23, 2002. Results on duck genetic and breeding including cooperative programs were given.

16. Dr. Catherine Larzul was invited under the topic “The study of quantitative traits loci to improve reproduction traits in chickens” in 2003, November 30-December 7. She visited and discussed the current research programs in several places: Ilan Branch Station TLRI for the duck programs, NCHU Department of Animal Science (chicken and duck QTL, cDNA), Changhua Animal Propagation Station (geese improvement programs), TLRI Hsinhua where a seminar was given with the topic: “The introduction of QTL(s) research in INRA”. It was concluded that the cooperative researches about QTL analysis are worthwhile developing, because both part are interested, have the genome analysis facilities, they got complementary data and they can benefit of the experience of INRA in statistical analysis.

17. Mr. Chang Chung-Ming, National Taiwan University (NTU) had gone to Laboratoire de génétique factorielle, INRA, Centre de Recherche de Jouy en Josas where he stayed in 2003-2006 to study doctoral thesis about molecular genetics of the plumage colour in chickens: study of tyrosinase gene and molecular basis of recessive white. He passed the Academic examination on February 2006 and came back to National Taiwan University.

18. Dr. Jan-Chi Huang, Director of TLRI Hengchun Branch Station visited, for one month in 2004, INRA, Unité de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements in Research Center of Tours Nouzilly where he worked with Dr. Pascal Mermillod on in vitro production of goat embryos.

19. A joint mission INRA-CIRAD funded jointly by COA, NSC and INRA, conducted by Dr. J. M. Elsen (INRA Animal and Animal Products Scientific Director), including Drs. E. Le Bihan-Duval (Station de Recherches Avicoles, INRA Nouzilly), J. P. Poivey (INRA-CIRAD), Michèle.Tixier-Boichard (UMR Animal Genetics and Biodiversity, INRA/INA P-G), aimed to evaluate the possibilities of development of cooperative researches with the partner research Institutions in Taiwan in 2004, October 18-23. They visited the Department of Animal Science, NCHU, LRI: Heng-Chun branch station and LRI Hsinhua and they discussed also with. Dr. Yi-Hao Hu, Director of I-Lan Branch Station.

20. Dr. J. P. Bidanel (Director Station de Génétique Quantitative et Appliqué, INRA research Center of Jouy en Josas) and Dr. D. Renaudeau, Unité de Recherches Zootechniques, Centre de Recherches des Antilles et Guyane, Guadeloupe, West Indies visited in 2004, November 30- December 6, National Taiwan University, Animal Technology Institute of Taiwan, and Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, to study the possibilities to developing cooperation between France and Taiwan on the pigs and to establish first contacts with the researchers.

21. Professor Ding Shih Torng of National Taiwan University, Professor Hsu Jenn Chung of National Chung Hsing University, Dr. Lee Chia Hui of National Science Council (NSC), Dr. Cheng Yu-Shin of Livestock Research Institute and Dr. Lee Shuen Rong of Changhua Animal Propagation Station of Livestock Research Institute had gone to INRA in 2005, September 8-September17 with purpose to discuss physiology of reproduction, feeding and genetics in ducks and geese. They visited the researches done in waterfowl experimental unit in Artiguères, the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Agronomie Toulouse (ENSAT, Professor Xavier Fernandez), Station d’Amélioration Génétique des Animaux (Dr. E. Manfredi, Mr. Jean Michel Brun and researchers of the waterfowl team) and Dr. Alain Vignal (duck microsatellite development) in INRA Research Center Toulouse, the station de recherche avicole INRA Research Center of Nouzilly where several topics were discussed, including the biotechnology of reproduction (Dr. E. Blesbois) and animal welfare (Dr. D. Guéméné). The Taiwan delegation offered four lectures.

22. Mr. Chang Chi-Sheng, student working with Dr. Chen Chih-Feng came to the UMR INRA/INA P-G Génétique et Diversité Animales (former laboratoire de génétique factorielle), INRA Research Center of Jouy en Josas, to study the methods of analysis of genetic diversity in November 2005.

23. Professor Wang Ching-Ho, National Taiwan University, came at UMR INRA/INA P-G Génétique et Diversité Animales, to study endogenous retroviral insertions in chickens for 3 months in 2006 from April to June.

24. Dr. Yih-Fwu Lin associate researcher of Technical Service Department, LRI, conducted a mission in 2006 June 18-26 with Dr. Chen Tian-Fwu, associate researcher of LRI, Dr. Huang Jeng-Fang Associate researcher and Chairperson of Ilan Branch Station, LRI and Mr. Hsien-Pin Chu, Taitung Animal Propagation Station, LRI to discuss cooperation topics with Dr. Michèle Tixier Boichard, Dr. Yves Nys and Dr. Jean Michel Elsen.

As a conclusion, between 1999 and 2006-08-18, there were two missions from Taiwan to France of groups of 18 and 10 persons, there were 20 missions from Taiwan (TLRI, NCHU, NTU) to INRA including one mission of 3 months and two pre doctorate stays of 3 years, and 17 missions from INRA to Taiwan including two long stays. In comparison, between 1983 and 1998, there were 34 missions from INRA to TLRI and Taiwan, including 3 missions of more than one month., there were 35 missions mainly from TLRI, and also from COA, DPAF, to INRA, including 2 pre-doctorate stays and 5 stays for more than one month.

INTRODUCTION TO ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE COOPERATIVE RESEARCH PROGRAMS IN ANIMAL PRODUCTION

Tai et al, (1999a) gave achievements related to the items of cooperation which were identified in the Memorandum on Understanding on cooperation (Table 1) and in the agreement of 1995.

Table 1. Memorandum of understanding on cooperation between The Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, French Republic and The Council of Agriculture, Republic of China, 1991 May 23.

ANNEX 2. ITEMS OF COOPERATION OF INITIAL INTEREST.

(1) duck breeding and genetics

(2) application of mixed model methodology in breeding and genetics

(3) rabbit genetic improvement and rex gene studies

(4) evaluation of the performance of naked neck chicken in Taiwan

(5) sheep and goats genetics and physiology

(6) monoclonal antibodies, chromosomal studies, gene mapping, genetic polymorphism in casein and cell genetics

Subjects 1, 2, 3 and 4 will be carried out in five years, and 5 and 6 are to be discussed. Detailed research plans for the subject above are contained in the attached Appendix.

ANNEX 3. ITEMS OF COOPERATION TO BE STUDIED

WASTE WATER TREATMENT

Animal waste treatment technique including removal nitrogen and phosphorus from the effluent, high temperature anaerobic fermentation, growth of spiral blue green algae (Spirulina plalensis) and training of personnel.

The achievements concerning exchanges of animal genetic resources, exchanges in artificial insemination (AI) technique and the AI with frozen semen, application of mixed model methodology in animal breeding and genetics were going on. The cooperative research programs in rabbit genetic improvement and Rex gene studies were achieved.

The concluding meeting of the joint symposium, Toulouse, 1999, April 19-20, established the Statement of conclusions for scientific cooperation.

Table 2. Symposium Scientific Cooperation in Agriculture between Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (France) and Council of Agriculture (Taiwan, R.O.C). Toulouse, 1999, April 19-20

Concluding Meeting: Discussions about continuation, prospects

Chairpersons: C. Valin (INRA), Su San Chang (COA)

Statement of conclusions for scientific cooperation in animal production and products, 1999-2005.

1. To continue and strengthen the cooperative programs in progress

- Duck breeding and genetics: Muscovy, Tsaiya, intergeneric crossbreeding to produce the hybrid mule duck: selection for the duration of fertile period, estimation of the genetic effects from both parents of the hybrid mule duck;

- Dairy goat breeding system establishment in Taiwan; Reproductive physiology studies;

- Pig genetics and nutrition x environment interaction in hot climate for lactating sows, growing piglets;

-Data management

2. To set up researches of common interest

- chicken genetics: evaluation of native breeds for country chickens; using major genes; heat tolerance genetics; immune response and general resistance to disease; genetic diversity (INRA-NCHU-TLRI);

- transverse themes for several species: heat tolerance, genome analysis, meat and milk qualities and processing, consumers preferences demand (duck and pork);

The involved research teams on both side were identified;

Research themes were identified under 4 main subjects.

a. Animal breeding and genetics

It includes data management systems and physiology of reproduction

Species: goats and ducks; goose; chicken; pig (order of species was given by TLRI)

b. Heat tolerance

Pigs and chickens and ducks

c. genome analysis (new topics of common interest)

Identification of molecular genetic markers in ducks

Quantitative traits locus (QTL) detection, genetic diversity studies, other species and ducks.

d. Meat and milk qualities and processing (new topics of common interest)

Meat: analysis of the product specificities and consumers preference demand (ducks, pork, chickens), processing if particular problems

Milk: heat stability of goat milk

Statement was included in priority areas for cooperation in 2001-2005 in Animal Production and Products, in discussion meeting on the cooperation in agricultural sciences between the Council of Agriculture Republic of China and the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, French Republic, in April 6, 2001.

Like in Tai et al. (1999a), the achievements in the different cooperative programs and research themes of the quoted statement will be shown in duck genetics and breeding, quantitative trait locus detection and identification of molecular genetic marker in ducks, geese studies, chicken genetics, genetic improvement and physiology of reproduction in goats, studies in pigs. The related joint scientific publications in international journals, conferences, and the dissertations (thesis) will be given in reference.

DUCKS GENETICS AND BREEDING

Historically the cooperative researches were set up due to a common interest in improving the fertility and fecundity in the common duck female bred for producing mule duck by A.I. Mule duck production is economically important in France for fatty liver production and in Taiwan for roasted duck production. It is a sterile progeny of the intergeneric crossbreeding between Muscovy drake and common duck female. Brown Tsaiya is a small sized laying breed of Taiwan with high fecundity.

Joint researches and results concern the analysis of quantitative genetic variability of economical interesting traits and optimization of selection methods, the analysis of the genetic variability of the duration of fertility and hatchability in the intergeneric crossbreeding and of the genetic influences of both parent species of mule duck. The review “Breeding and genetics of waterfowl” (Cheng et al. 2003) includes results of cooperative works.

Based on the donated Brown Tsaiya duck eggs by TLRI, the Station d’Amélioration Génétique des Animaux, INRA Toulouse, investigated by a crossbreeding experiment in its experimental unit how to use a dam line genotype with high fecundity in order to improve the mule duck production. It was concluded that a crossbreeding system between a heavy Pekin duck and Tsaiya would be worth considering for improving the efficiency of mule duck production for force feeding (Rouvier, 1999).

Genetic parameters and multitrait selection of the Brown Tsaiya laying duck in the TLRI Ilan Branch Station

After first work (Tai et al.1989), a research for the doctorate thesis (Cheng, 1995) consisted in estimating the genetic parameters of body weight, egg production and shell quality traits in the selected Brown Tsaiya L105 in I-Lan Branch Station of TLRI by the REML animal model methodology (Cheng et al. 1995). These estimates were used to evaluate the expected and predicted genetic response for egg weight and body weight at 40 weeks of age, number of eggs laid up to 52 weeks of age, eggshell strength at 30 or 40 weeks of age in Brown Tsaiya selected for five generations by independent culling levels (Cheng et al. 1996).

Both parts were interested to study how to select for several traits with restricted traits which could be genetically antagonistic and using the BLUP animal model methodology. A new genetic restricted selection index, with MT-BLUP animal model was built with objectives to maintain at their current genetic values the body and egg weights and to get a maximum genetic gain on the egg number up to 52 weeks of age, without impairing egg shell strength. After 4 generations of selection the results on genetic trends indicated that this genetic restricted selection index could be an efficient tool for improving the efficiency of egg production, increasing egg shell strength and egg number while holding egg weight and body weight constants (Chen et al. 2003).

The genetic improvement by selection of the maximum duration of fertile period in the common female duck bred by AI for mule

The artificial insemination (A.I.) technique developed by TLRI at the beginning of the 1980’s to improve the fertility of the common female duck bred for mule, and the experience got by Taiwan farmers were shared with INRA since 1983 (Rouvier et al. 1984). Both parts were interested to investigate the possibilities of genetic improvement of the duration of fertility trait in the common female duck bred for mule and to reach the goal of one A.I. per week while increasing the fertility rate. Chein Tai and Roger Rouvier during the exchange of researchers in 1986 conducted the first experiment on Brown Tsaiya ducks in order to get the data to estimate the heritabilities of duration of fertility traits. Tai et al. (1994) found that the number of fertile eggs laid in day 2-15 after a single AI with pooled Muscovy semen was a selection criterion to increase the duration of fertility. These results were used by Yu-Shin Cheng to plan and set up a selection experiment within the research of his doctorate thesis (Cheng, 1995). In order to measure the selection response there was a selected line and an unselected line coming from the same base population of Brown Tsaiya ducks. In order to increase the accuracy of the selection index, the selection criterion of males and females was the BLUP animal model of breeding value of the number of fertile eggs laid from day 2 to day 15 after a single AI with pooled Muscovy semen in three repeats at 26, 29 and 32 weeks of age. The selection experiment has been conducted since 1992 at Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, Hsinhua, Tainan, and up to 2005, that is for 11 generations of selection (Cheng et al. 2006 joint Symposium). The genetic parameters of duration of fertility traits in the selected and control line were estimated with the data of the first 4 generations of selection (Poivey et al. 2001). After 7 generations of selection, the selection responses for number of fertile eggs and the correlated selection responses for number of egg set, maximum duration of fertility, number of ducklings born alive, total number of dead embryos were analyzed (Cheng et al. 2002). The selection was continued in order to study when a selection limit could be reached. The selection responses in duration of fertility and its consequences on hatchability in the intergeneric crossbreeding of ducks after 10 generations of selection were shown (Cheng et al. 2005). Rapid and tremendous selection response on duration of fertility (without impairing the hatchability) was got. After eleven generations of selection the average selection responses per generation were 0.40 and 0.32 genetic standard deviation units for number of fertile eggs and number of born alive ducklings respectively. The fertility rate in day 2-8 after AI with pooled Muscovy semen was increased being 89% in the selected line versus 61% in the control line. The duration of fertility was evaluated by testing the selected line in farms in Taiwan and in the LRI I-Lan Branch station. The results showed an increase of duration of fertility both in crossbreeding and in pure breeding (unpublished data). The selected line was named “Brown Tsaiya TLRI 2 which was approved and registered as a new line by the COA on July 14, 2004.

These achievements are important for both parts LRI-COA and INRA. Research could now focus on the continuation of this selection experiment because there was no “plateau” after 11 generations of selection, on the detection of quantitative trait locus of the duration of fertility and on how to improve the viability of the hybrid mule duck embryo (Cheng et al, present 2006 symposium). In addition the physiological effects of that selection including the effects on mule embryo development had to be investigated (Tai et al., 1999b). The waterfowl team, INRA Station d’Amélioration Génétique des Animaux is investigating the duration of fertility in ducks and did a 5 generations selection experiment on a different criterion of duration of fertility (Brun et al. present 2006 symposium). Further cooperation on these items is needed as well.

Muscovy genetics and breeding in Taiwan

For forty years the Muscovy has been used as terminal sires in three way crossbreeding by artificial insemination of the common duck Kaiya (crossbred between Pekin drake and White Tsaiya female duck) to produce mule ducks for roasted duck as well as in pure breeding for Muscovy duck cooked with medicinal herbs according to traditional recipes (Hu personal communication). A Muscovy experimental line L302 was established in 1984 at Ilan Branch Station (former Duck Research Center), TLRI, and selected for body weight at 10 weeks of age, with individual selection and low selection pressure (Tai et al., 1999a). INRA and TLRI were interested to cooperate in order to better know the genetics of Muscovy in the different climatic conditions France and Taiwan and to investigate the genetic effects of Muscovy on early embryo viability and duration of fertility.

For his thesis work, Hu Yi-Hao got the first estimates of genetic parameters of body weight and feather length in growing Muscovy selected in Taiwan by analysing the data from 8 generations of selection of the Line L302. Genetic trends were calculated showing that body weight had been increased (Hu et al. 1999). In order to be able to separate the influences of the environment and of the selection, and to get more accurate selection index, a selection experiment was built using the BLUP animal model for predicting the breeding values instead of phenotypic values as selection criterion, and by creating a control line since the G8 in 1998 (Hu et al, 2002). The results up to the 5^th generation of selection will be shown (Hu, present 2006 joint symposium). Furthermore from this line L302, heritabilities and genetic correlations of laying performance in Muscovy ducks selected in Taiwan were estimated (Hu et al, 2004). The knowledge of estimates of genetic correlations between growth and egg production allowed investigating constructing a selection index on both traits with MT-BLUP animal model. In order to break the genetic antagonism it is an index with objective of optimum ratio of expected genetic progress on number of eggs laid up to 40 weeks of age and on body weight at ten weeks of age (Hu et al. 2005).

Genetic effects of Muscovy sire on duration of fertility

One prospect of cooperative research was to investigate the genetic effect of the Muscovy sire (Tai et al. 1999 b joint symposium and statement of conclusions, Table 2). One hundred and four drakes were chosen randomly from the Muscovy ducks of three generations of line L302 in the TLRI I-Lan Branch Station. They were tested for duration of fertility by A.I. of female ducks of the Brown Tsaiya selected line in Hsinhua where each female duck was artificially inseminated with individual semen of each Muscovy drake at 36, 39, and 42 weeks of age. Purpose was to estimate the heritabilities of duration of fertility traits in the Muscovy parent strain of mule. Researches are in progress to find the adequate model of analysis (Hu et al. 2004). Further cooperation on this topic is needed as well.

Crossbreeding genetic effects of both parents of mule duck

It is useful to know the genetic effects of parental breeds of the mule in order to choose the Muscovy and Common duck breeds to use in the terminal crossbreeding to produce mule according to the production objectives. Very few were known about the genetic effects of Muscovy and Pekin duck breeds in the intergeneric crossbreeding. With the purpose to study the genetics of body weight sexual dimorphism in ducks, a factorial crossbreeding experiment between two Muscovy and Pekin duck strains was done at the Ilan Branch station of TLRI. The results were evidence of a contribution of the Muscovy female duck to increase the body weight sexual dimorphism in duck by depressing the body weight growth in female progeny and not in the male progeny either in pure or crossbreeding. Within a Mendelian inheritance pattern it was suggested that, besides the usual sex linked gene effects, coding genes of the non-pseudo-autosomal region (NPAR) of the Muscovy W chromosome depress growth when compared to the Pekin W chromosome (Tai and Rouvier, 1998). With the development of molecular genetics applied to the ducks it is hoped that this hypothesis could be tested.

Further, Tai and Rouvier, 1998 estimated the direct, maternal genetic effects and heterosis for growth traits in the crossbreeding between Muscovy and Pekin ducks. That opened the way to investigate the crossbreeding genetic effects of Muscovy and common duck breeds. Several experiments were done at INRA in France recently using that methodology to better understand the effects of both parents on force fed or not force fed mule duck traits. That was an achievement of the scientific cooperation.

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection for the duration of fertility in common duck

The selection experiment of Brown Tsaiya duck for increasing the duration of fertility showed that this selection was possible. Consequently, it appeared useful to investigate genes with important effects on this trait in the selected Brown Tsaiya line. The project was built and initiated with the coordination of Dr. Roger Rouvier while he stayed in Professor Huang Mu-Chiou Laboratory in NCHU. An experimental program was established between TLRI Hsinhua (Dr. Yu-Shin Cheng), National Chung Hsing University (Professor Huang Mu-Chiou Laboratory) in cooperation with ILan Branch Station (Dr. Hu Yi-Hao) and INRA, with purpose of QTL detection for the duration of fertility in the Common duck bred for mule duck. Professor Huang Mu-Chiou and his student Huang Chang-Wen visited INRA, Department of Animal Genetics, in February 2001 to discuss the project. It was suggested to develop the AFLP DNA markers technology (Vignal, 1999 joint symposium) in NCHU.

An F2 design was followed, with 6 families, crossing in the F0 two genetically different lines, in order to get F1 sires which are expected to be heterozygote for the QTL and for the markers.

The Brown Tsaiya selected line of the 10^th generation (G10) of the selection experiment on the duration of fertility and the ILan Pekin L 201 which is one parent of Kaiya duck were chosen to give the F0 breeding animals. In total 456 F2 female duck progeny of the F1xF1 mating, were tested for duration of fertility. Measurements were body weights during growth (on male and female), number of egg laid up to 40 and 52 weeks of age, egg weights and egg shell strength; the duration of fertility traits were measured as in the selected Brown Tsaiya line: Preliminary statistical analysis of the data showed favourable Pekin grand maternal effect for the duration of fertility traits. The general averages of duration of fertility traits were superior to the averages of the Brown Tsaiya selected and control lines in the 10^th generation of the selection experiment.

Blood samples were taken on F0, F1 and F2 animals, the genomic DNA was extracted (Huang Chang-Wen). Within his PhD thesis research work Huang Chang-Wen developed the AFLP markers using a multicolour fluorescent labelling technique (Huang C.W. et al. 2003); An application was made for AFLP fingerprinting for paternity testing in ducks (Huang C. W. et al. 2006, submitted). Currently a first linkage map of AFLP markers in the ducks is under construction (Huang C. W. personal communication). The linkage map was built through genotyping six F2 families with 18 AFLP primer combinations. A total of 260 AFLP markers were dispersed in 32 linkage groups. The linkage group cover 1,766 cM, with an average interval distance 6.79 cM. It should provide efficient tool for QTL detection and mapping for duration of fertility traits.

An inter disciplinary program is currently being implemented by INRA, coordinated by C. Marie Etancelin Christel, Animal Genetic Department, Station d’Amélioration Génétique des Animaux. It aims at detecting QTL in Common duck strains for a number of economical traits including reproduction (Brun et al., present 2006 symposium). Two Common duck strains of different origin were utilised for a backcross design, microsatellite markers were developed (Cristel et al., present 2006 symposium).

The two programs TLRI-NCHU in Taiwan and at INRA (France) are complementary. Both parts are interested by continuing scientific cooperation for QTL analysis in ducks. Cooperation for QTL detection in the Taiwan experiment should be finalised.

GEESE IMPROVEMENT

Both TLRI and INRA were interested investigating to get rid of seasonal laying of goose, to control and improve the gosling production by the use of lighting programs, the biotechnology of reproduction and the genetic selection. Exchange of researchers in 1997 (Mrs. Nadine Sellier from INRA had gone to TLRI and Dr. Jiu Jane Liu Tai had gone to INRA) allowed to study the effects of lighting programs and of reproduction by artificial insemination on laying duration and gosling production in geese. The A.I. with frozen thawed semen was mastered by TLRI (Tai, Liu et al. 2001. British Poultry Science 42: 384-388) and demonstrated. The technology to produce frozen semen in geese is interesting for A.I. at the end of laying period, for breeding purposes and for gene preservation. The investigations on effects of lighting programs and of A.I. to prolong the laying period and improve gosling production at the INRA experimental unit of waterfowl in Artiguères were synthesised (Sellier et al. 1999). A selection experiment was realised at the INRA experimental unit of waterfowl in Artiguères in order to study if the selection to increase the number of goslings produced per goose bred by A.I. under a lighting program was possible (Brun personal communication).

As achievements of these exchanges and prospects for cooperative researches given in Tai et al. 1999 b, as well as in Statement of conclusions of the 1999 joint symposium (Table 2), a selection program was set up at the TLRI Changhua Animal Propagation Station, the selection criterion being the number of goslings produced by goose in the first laying season (Cheng, personal communication). Furthermore important results were got in “reproductive period regulation in breeding geese in Taiwan (lecture which was given by Professor Hsu Jenn Chung when visiting INRA on September 2005).

Continuation of cooperation on geese improvement would be worthwhile, prospects could be given in the present symposium. The cooperative investigations on frozen semen in geese could be extended to frozen semen in ducks where INRA got recently some practice in the common duck (Dr. G. Guy, personal communication).

CHICKENS GENETICS

In Taiwan, 40% of total meat consumption is from native chickens called also local or Country chickens which represent up to 80% of family chicken meat consumption at home. Native chicken breeds were conserved and selected, both in TLRI and NCHU. TLRI is selecting 4 lines of local (native) chickens and is conserving several lines of native chickens. Local breeds represent genetic resources that need to be tested. The use of some major genes contributes to improve adaptation to hot climate. The Laboratoire de Génétique Factorielle of Animal Genetic Department of INRA, had experience of research on major gene effects, bird adaptation to heat, selection experiment, and genetic biodiversity studies. On the other hand France is also interested by native or local breeds. The label chicken and free range chicken productions were developing.

Cooperation themes which were developed since 1998 and strengthening since 2000 were related to the study of immune response and general resistance to disease (MR. Yih-Fwu Lin 5 months work with Dr. M. H. Pinard-van der Laan in 1998, Pinard-van der Laan et al, 1999 joint symposium); genetic variability of Asian native breeds, the effects of major genes on heat resistance and adaptation to sub tropical climate, the methods of studying genetic diversity, in the continuation of a doctorate thesis (Chen, C. F. 2002); molecular genetics of plumage color (recessive white) within a doctorate thesis research work (Chang, C. M. 2006).

Scientific cooperation on chicken can be dated back on 1997-1999 when Dr. F. Minvielle of INRA has been invited to TLRI from March 22 to April 4, 1997, and established proposals for cooperative researches of Laboratoire de Génétique Factorielle with TLRI on chickens. In 1998 April 1 to August 29, Mr. Yih-Fwu Lin, assistant researcher of TLRI, had gone to INRA, Laboratoire de Génétique Factorielle, to study application of immune analysis technique on chicken selection and studied three immune responses in the chicken. During the Symposium Scientific cooperation in Agriculture between Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (France) and Council of Agriculture (Taiwan, R.O.C), Toulouse (France), 1999, April 19-20, a lecture was given about “Evaluating local breeds and using major genes for farm chicken production in Taiwan” (A. Bordas, G. Coquerelle, M. Tixier-Boichard). During that joint Symposium a contact was taken by Dr. Yu-Shin Cheng for TLRI and Professor Ming Tsao Cheng, Dean College of Agriculture, NCHU, with Dr. Michèle Tixier-Boichard and colleagues in order to discuss the possibility to send a researcher from NCHU to her laboratory to work for a doctorate thesis. The exchanges of short missions in 1999 and 2000 (see Briefs of Cooperation) allowed studying with Professor Yen-Pai Lee the thesis research program of Chen Chih Feng and of prospects for cooperative research program. Dr. Michèle Tixier-Boichard and Mr. Gerard Coquerelle afforded lectures both in TLRI and NCHU about “genetic aspects of heat resistance” and “genetic resources in chickens”.

Achievements, current cooperative research programs which are going on and prospects should be discussed during the 2006 symposium (Michèle Tixier-Boichard, present 2006 Symposium)

GENETIC IMPROVEMENT AND PHSIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION OF GOATS

Dairy goats

Dairy goat industry in Taiwan expanded rapidly during the two recent decades due to the increasing demand for goat milk and the foundation of several cooperatives. Currently, a population of more than 110,000 dairy goats exists. In order to rear dairy breeds (Alpine, Saanen, and Toggenburg) in an intensive production system, the goat milk production in Taiwan is based on large-scale importation of foreign semen. However, important problems arose with the use of semen: low fertility of A.I. and seasonality of results. Taiwanese breeders import the semen and some animals mainly from USA, but also from Australia, New Zealand and Japan. By this way, caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) was also imported and now affects more than 50% of the dairy population.

Livestock Research Institute, Council of Agriculture (LRI-COA) is setting up new programs for dairy goats industry and a foundation herd of Saanen and Alpine, eighty in each, was firstly introduced to Heng-Chun Station, from USA from 1993 to 1994. For this program, LRI-COA asked also some help to INRA for genetics on goats. Both Research Institutes have established cooperation in order to set up a selection scheme of dairy goats in Taiwan. At first, this program needed the development of a Dairy Herd Information system on the farms and an organization of breeders able to manage this selection scheme. We are working together in such a way for a long-term objective. Nevertheless, at present time, the only efficient way to get a real and immediate efficiency on genetics of dairy goats in Taiwan is a rational use of imported genetics. Dr. B. Bibé, the former chief of Animal Genetics Department, visiting Taiwan in May 1996, proposed to verify the genetic level of currently used semen, in comparison with French available semen. In this way, Dr. J. P. Poivey spent two-years (1998-1999) as invited researcher at Heng-Chun station. During this period, he designed and constructed important tools for the Goat management data on the Heng-Chun Station (Poivey, 2000). In the frame of this program, Dr. E. Manfredi visited Heng-Chun Station in 1999. But LRI-COA benefited also of the experience of his French partner in the field of computer science with the mission of Mr. F. Laperruque in 1998, and in data automation with the mission of Mr. E. Ricard in 1999 (Poivey et al., 1999).

Some results of the first inseminations were promising, showing a better quality of the French semen, mainly in 2000. Unfortunately, as a consequence of the general low performances of A.I. on the other years and particularly of the poor quality of the American semen, the planed number of animals for the genetic comparison was never obtained. This fact underlines the difficulties in the practice of A.I. in Taiwan. In order to study the ways of improvement of these results, some contacts were established with the physiologists of Nouzilly: Mr. Bernard Leboeuf came at first in Taiwan in 1998. The personal research project of Dr. Jan-Chi Huang is the setting up of embryo transfer methodology in order to multiply dairy females to face the lack of does and to limit the massive importation of animals (Huang et al., 1999). In this aim, he spent one month in 2004 in Tours with Dr. Pascal Mermillod.

Meat goats

Taiwanese breeders know very well the quality of the French germplasm and want to benefit of it. Dr. J. P. Poivey spent a large amount of his time during his stay in Taiwan to obtain the official authorization of the French semen importation. Mr. Pascal Boué, director of the French insemination cooperative came in Taiwan in 2000 in order to take first contacts with the LRI-COA and the breeder association. He practiced himself some inseminations (results of the Table 3).Then, in 2001, Mr. Antoine Guérin, of SERSIA, the French company for semen exportation, came in Taiwan in order to establish a cooperation program for extension. Heng Chun Branch Station is currently continuing to promote goat A.I. technique through the cooperation with Chinese Goat Farmers’ Association under the project sponsored by COA. Mr. P. Boué will be expected to visit Taiwan to give a lecture and a demonstration of A.I. at the end of 2006.

Satisfied by these first results on dairy goats, the LRI-COA wants now to enlarge the cooperation with INRA to his program on meat goats. Goat meat is imported at commodity prices to Taiwan (35% of the international market), mainly from Australia (feral goats). The Taiwanese market is the highest priced Asian market due to the demand for skin-on product that is widely consumed in a traditional soup dish eaten during the winter months; goats for this market must be lean and young (ca. 14-16 kg). Goat meat in this market must be extremely lean with strong flavour. In the Chinese traditional medicine, the black colour of the skin is linked to healthy properties. The local breed, probably imported during 17^th century from the South of China, is small sized, with black coat and black skin. But these local breed are now in conservation, replaced by Anglo-Nubian breed, imported thereafter and that is well adapted to hot climate. On the local market, black animal are sold at a price about 20-30% higher than others. The current program of the LRI-COA is base on the use of Boer bucks in order to increase the size and the meat production in a synthetic line. If the growth and the conformation traits are the main objective of the genetic improvement, the black colour of the skin and of the coat is also considered an important element for the economic value. The colour is controlled by several genes, in interaction, and the use of a special strain of black Boer, originating from U.S., must be made with the knowledge of this complex genetic determinism. Selection on these traits can be improved by knowledge of markers (MAS, marker assisted selection). But in a first time the basic tools of a breeding scheme have also to be implemented on Heng-Chun station, in association with the breeders. This example of a such selection scheme with control of coloration genes would be very innovative and can used as a model in other situations for the management of genetic resources (White colour of meat goats in the West French Indies).

COOPERATION IN PIGS

First contacts were done when Dr. Chung-Wen Liao, associate researcher of TLRI, had gone to INRA Station de Recherches Porcines, Saint Gilles in Bretagne, from February 3 to May 1, 1997 to realize the researches in pig nutrition and visited pig industry in France. He discussed with Dr. J. Noblet, J. Le Dividich and J. Dourmad in order to draw up cooperative project of studying protein quantity for feeding of lactating sows, expected to decrease excreta output and heat stress of sows in summer time (Liao et al., 1999). He also visited Unité de recherches Zootechniques, Centre de Recherche Antilles Guyane, Guadeloupe West Indies and discussed cooperative projects including physiology and nutrition of pigs under tropical environment. Dr. J. Noblet, head of pig nutrition and energy metabolism laboratory INRA had been invited to TLRI from November 13 to November 20, 1998 to discuss nutritional research of lactating sows and gave a seminar on energy evaluation of pig feeds.

A first achievement of these common works was the joint symposium 1999 where four lectures were delivered under the topics of genetics and physiology, interaction of environment and nutrition in pigs under sub-tropical climate.

In 2004, November 30 to December 6, Dr. J. P. Bidanel, Director of Station de Génétique Quantitative et Appliquée and Dr. David Renaudeau from Unité de Recherches Zootechniques (URZ), Centre de Recherche Centre de Recherche Antilles Guyane, Guadeloupe West Indies visited National Taiwan University (NTU) in Taipei, The Animal Technology Institute Taiwan (ATIT) in Maioli, TLRI and NCHU. Purpose of the mission was to study the possibilities for developing cooperation’s on the pigs between France and Taiwan getting in touch with the researchers working on this specie. Prospects on themes of common interest were established with researchers in NTU, ATIT and TLRI. Cooperation’s to study the interactions between climate and nutrition for the performances and energy utilisation in the pig interested both TLRI and URZ. Mr. Hsien-Pin Chu from Taitung Animal Propagation Station, TLRI who is in charge of researches on Lanyu pig and Dr. Jean Michel Elsen, Station d’Amélioration Génétique des Animaux, are discussing for a project on Lanyu pig.

The establishment of new projects in pigs is in progress. It should be discussed between researchers in the 2006 joint symposium.

PUBLICATIONS

Doctorate thesis programs

Between 1992 and 2006 four doctorate thesis programs were conducted and achieved by researchers from Taiwan (two from TLRI, one from NCHU, one from NTU) in INRA Laboratories. Both parts were thinking about this way for keeping and developing close contact for researches on theme of join scientific interest (Tai et al., 1999 a). In a near future the possibility of thesis in joint guardianship would afford new possibilities for education and training to research on programs of common interest. In addition there were three Master of Science thesis whose topics were connected with cooperative research programs.

Co- published papers between TLRI, NCHU and INRA

Since 1989, twenty one (20 for the last ten years) co-signed scientific publications have been made in international journal and more than 45 in International congress or national seminar or in symposium including the joint 1999 symposium .These achievements are results of jointly planned experiments, of cooperative research programs and thesis works.

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Chang, C. M. 2006. Génétique moléculaire de la coloration chez le poulet : étude du gène de la tyrosinase et identification de la base moléculaire de la mutation « blanc récessif ». Thèse de Doctorat de l’INA P-G, Paris, France.

Chang, C. M., J. L. Coville, G. Coquerelle, D. Gourichon, and M. Tixier-Boichard. 2004. Polymorphism of the tyrosinase gene in chickens carrying the recessive white mutation for plumage colour. 29th International Conference on International Society of Animal Genetics (ISAG), Tokyo, Japan, September 11-16, 2004, Section E (Polymorphism and Biodiversity), E 085, 115, abstr.

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Chen, C. F., and M. Tixier-Boichard. 2003. Correlated response to long-term selection for clutch length in dwarf brown-egg layers carrying or not the naked neck gene. Poultry Sci. 82:709-720.

Chen, C. F., and M. Tixier-Boichard. 2003. Estimation of genetic variability and selection response for clutch length in dwarf brown-egg layers carrying or not naked neck gene. Genet. Sel. Evol. 35:219-23.

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Cheng, Y K., J. C. Huang, R. C. Hsieh, A. K. Su, S. T. Chen, J. P. Poivey, and E. Manfredi. 1999. Productive performance of Sanen and Alpine dairy goats in Heng-Chun Station, Taiwan Livestock Research Institute, Taiwan. Proceedings Scientific Cooperation in Agriculture between Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (France) and Council of Agriculture (Taiwan, R.O.C.), Toulouse, April 19-20, pp.195-202.

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