Genome Assemblies of the Warthog and Kenyan Domestic Pig Provide Insights into Suidae Evolution and Candidate Genes for African Swine Fever Tolerance

As warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) has innate immunity against African swine fever (ASF), it is critical to understanding the evolutionary novelty of warthog to explain its specific ASF resistance. Here, we present two completed new genomes of one warthog and one Kenyan domestic pig, as the fundamental genomic references to decode the genetic mechanism on ASF tolerance. Our results indicated, multiple genomic variations, including gene losses, independent contraction and expansion of specific gene families, likely moulded warthog's genome to adapt the environment. Importantly, the analysis of presence and absence of genomic sequences revealed that, the warthog genome had a DNA sequence absence of the lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) gene on chromosome 2 compared to the reference genome. The overexpression and siRNA of LDHB indicated that its inhibition on the replication of ASFV. The Combining with large scale sequencing data of 123 pigs from all over world, contraction and expansion of TRIM genes families revealed that TRIM family genes in the warthog genome were potentially responsible for its tolerance to ASF. Our results will help further improve the understanding of genetic resistance ASF in pigs.

Tsetse Bloodmeal Analyses Incriminate the Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus as an Important Cryptic Host of Animal Trypanosomes in Smallholder Cattle Farming Communities in Shimba Hills, Kenya

Trypanosomes are endemic and retard cattle health in Shimba Hills, Kenya. Wildlife in the area act as reservoirs of the parasites. However, wild animal species that harbor and expose cattle to tsetse-borne trypanosomes are not well known in Shimba Hills. Using xeno-monitoring surveillance to investigate wild animal reservoirs and sources of trypanosomes in Shimba Hills, we screened 696 trypanosome-infected and uninfected tsetse flies for vertebrate DNA using multiple-gene PCR-High Resolution Melting analysis and amplicon sequencing. Results revealed that tsetse flies fed on 13 mammalian species, preferentially Phacochoerus africanus (warthogs) (17.39%, 95% CI: 14.56–20.21) and Bos taurus (cattle) (11.35%, 95% CI: 8.99–13.71). Some tsetse flies showed positive cases of bloodmeals from multiple hosts (3.45%, 95% CI: 2.09–4.81), including warthog and cattle (0.57%, 95% CI: 0.01–1.14). Importantly, tsetse flies that took bloodmeals from warthog had significant risk of infections with Trypanosoma vivax (5.79%, 95% CI: 1.57–10.00), T. congolense (7.44%, 95% CI: 2.70–12.18), and T. brucei sl (2.48%, 95% CI: −0.33–5.29). These findings implicate warthogs as important reservoirs of tsetse-borne trypanosomes affecting cattle in Shimba Hills and provide valuable epidemiological insights to underpin the parasites targeted management in Nagana vector control programs in the area.

Folk Medicinal Use of Some Animals and Their Products in Wolaita, Southern Ethiopia

Background Ethiopia is endowed with a diverse set of floral and faunal resources that are useful to human beings in one or another ways. A faunal resource has played a significant role in human life from the earliest days of recorded history for medicinal purposes to treat different ailments and is still common in many parts of the world. Methods A field survey was carried out in Diguna Fango district from March 2021 to June 2021 by personal interviews through semi-structured questionnaires and open group discussions. Results Altogether 200 (125 male and 75 female) informants provided information regarding the therapeutic uses of different animal parts/products. A total of 39 animal parts/products used for the treatment of 159 different ailments were identified. Mammals occupied the highest use report 26(66.67%), followed by arthropods 5(12.81%) and avian species 4(10.26%). Further, some most popular zootherapeutic animals i.e. Phacochoerus africanus, Hystrix cristata, Bos taurus, Equus africanus asinus, Homo sapiens, etc. were used to treat more than three different ailments. Anemia, asthma, bone fractures, cold, evil eye, fever, pleurisy, rheumatism, skin disease, and stomach pain were some of the frequently occurring ailments. The most frequently used route was dermal (72%), followed by oral and nasal routes each with 14%. Drinking 32(33%), eating 25(26%), and tying 11(11.30%) were the major modes of application. Fidelity level showed the leg of Bos taurus and fur of Lepus fagani with the highest (FL = 100%) to treat slipped disc and wound, respectively. The highest value of the RFC index was scored by Bos taurus (RFC = 1). Conclusion The results show that there’s a wealth of ethnozoological knowledge to be documented which could be of use in developing new drugs. Hence, it’s hoped that the knowledge contained during the paper is going be useful in future ethnozoological, ethnopharmacological, and conservation-related research of the region.

Short duration overnight cattle kraaling in natural rangelands: does time after kraal use affect their utilization by wildlife and above ground grass parameters?

Short duration overnight cattle kraaling in natural rangelands creates nutrients hotspots attractive to a diverse suite of large mammalian herbivores. However, few studies have determined the use of these sites by large mammalian herbivores. We determined the number of animal sightings per day from camera traps and used them as proxies for use of these newly created nutrient hotspots of varying ages (1, 2, 3 and 4 years) and surrounding vegetation. Six mammalian herbivores of different sizes belonging to three feeding guilds viz. grazers (Burchell’s zebra Equus quagga burchelli and warthog Phacochoerus africanus), mixed feeders (impala Aepyceros melampus and African savanna elephant Loxodonta africana africana) and browsers (northern giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis giraffa and greater kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros) frequently used these nutrient hotspots. The number of sightings per day of mammalian herbivores was determined during three periods of the year (January – wet season; June – early dry season; October – late dry season) to ascertain their use of these nutrient hotspots. In addition, above ground grass biomass and height was measured and related to grazer sightings. Furthermore, we tested if repeated grazing in the newly created nutrient hotspots stimulated grass compensatory growth. All the mammalian herbivores used the newly created nutrient hotspots similarly throughout the year, with impala the most active users. Grazer and browser use of nutrient hotspots was not influenced by their age, while mixed feeders mostly used the one year old sites. Grazer use of nutrient hotspots was not influenced by aboveground grass biomass and height. Repeated clipping (proxy for grazing) resulted in compensatory aboveground grass biomass growth in nutrient hotspots. Impala benefited the most and zebra the least from the creation of nutrient hotspots in natural rangelands. We conclude that creation of nutrients hotspots through short duration overnight kraaling results in rangeland heterogeneity that improves availability of herbivore foraging sites.

Conservation Facing the Uses Knowledge of Phacochoerus Africanus (Gmelin 1788), Common Warthog And Potamochoerus Porcus (Linnaeus 1758), Red River Hog In South Of Benin

BackgroundDespite the number of wild animals that are useful to the local population and have served as a basis for ethnozoological research in Benin, others such as Phacochoerus africanus and Potamochoerus porcus remain poorly documented according to their uses. They are already facing threats to their proper conservation in ecosystems where they are found in metapopulations as a result of the fragmentation effects. In this study, the ethnozoological knowledge of these suids in southern Benin was inventoried. MethodsTo achieve this objective, structured interviews were conducted with 138 people randomly selected in nine districts. The use values of these suids parts and the fidelity level were assessed through global ethnozoological value. Non-parametric tests were carried out to analyse the uses differences according to gender, age and ethnic group. Two Correspondence Analyses (PCA) were carried out to describe use categories within districts and ethnic groups. A Generalized Linear Model (GLMs) of binomial families was used to relate the suids practice hunting to districts and distance from the village. ResultsMore than two use categories (food, medicinal and magical) were identified for both species. With regard to the most commonly used parts, we have the mane, teeth, horns for the common warthog and the skull, teeth, nose and testicles for the red river hog. Ten illnesses were cited to be treated by their parts. Significant differences were observed between ethnic groups regarding the suids medicinal uses but not for gender. The ethnozoological use value of suids was almost similar for adults and the elderly. ConclusionStrong pressure continues to be exerted on these two suids and their habitats despite their high zootechnical potential compared to exotic pigs. After the creation of income-generating activities, future research needs to be carried out to evaluate their budgets activities, genetic study and diet through metabarcoding approaches to promote their domestication. This could help to capitalise data that can be used in breeding programmes in order to limit threats on the few species individuals found in the natural environment, as well as to participate in reintroductions if necessary.

Genome Sequences of Three African Swine Fever Viruses of Genotypes IV and XX from Zaire and South Africa, Isolated from a Domestic Pig (Sus scrofa domesticus), a Warthog (Phacochoerus africanus), and a European Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)

ABSTRACT We report here the genome sequences of three African swine fever virus isolates obtained from a domestic pig (Zaire [Zaire]), a warthog (RSA/W1/1999 [South Africa]), and a European wild boar (RSA/2/2004 [South Africa]) belonging to genotypes IV, XX, and XX, respectively. This report increases the number of genotype XX, wild boar, and warthog reference sequences available.

Profile of Back Bacon Produced From the Common Warthog

The common warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) has historically been hunted and consumed by rural communities throughout its distribution range in Africa. This study aims to develop a processed product from warthog meat in the form of back bacon (Longissimus thoracis et lumborum) as a healthy alternative meat product and to determine its chemical and sensory characteristics derived from adult and juvenile boars and sows. The highest scored attributes included typical bacon and smoky aroma and flavor, and salty flavor, as well as tenderness and juiciness. Neither sex nor age influenced the bacon’s chemical composition; the bacon was high in protein (~29%) and low in total fat (<2%). Palmitic (C16:0), stearic (C18:0), linoleic (C18:2ω6), oleic (C18:1ω9c), and arachidonic (C20:4ω6) were the dominant fatty acids. There was an interaction between sex and age for the PUFA:SFA ratio (p = 0.01). The differences between sex and age class are considered negligible regarding the overall profile and healthiness of the bacon.