Phenotypic characteristics and Gene Frequency of the Banyo Gudali zebu (Bos indicus) variety in the high Guinean Savannah zone of Cameroon

This study is aimed at evaluating the phenptypic and genetic diversity of local cattle breeds in Cameroon. To this end, biometric data were collected randomly in six (6) localities of the Mayo-Banyo Division, on a sample of 321 adult Banyo Gudali zebu cattle (234 cows and 87 bulls) aged between 6 and 16 years and having a body condition score varying from 2 to 4. Results reveal a variability of the coat color i.e., 19,00% white coat and its derivatives (speckled, stoat, grey, truiture); 9.99% black coat and its derivatives (black list and black piebald); 18.06% piebald (4.67% black piebald and 13.39 red piebald); 52.94% red and its derivatives (red piebald and red list). The single-colored coats are less represented (38.94%)compared to double-colored coats (61.06%). The frequency of alleles S+, D, ED, Aa, E+, s, A+, e and P are respectively 0.315; 0.201; 0.140; 0.267; 0.859; 0.685; 0.733; 0.386 and 1.000. There is a predominance of white-black horns (50.2%) over grey horns (42.4%). This population is characterized by long hairs, straight-edged ears oriented laterally and with humps occupying a cervico-thoracic position. The facial and back profiles are straight. The neck has a horizontal curved profile, the rump with a low set tail. Crescent shaped horns predominate (73,5%) followed by the horns in low lyre (15,9%) with the other shapes (stump, lateral pointed tip, crown and asymmetrical deformed right or left) being the least represented. The raised horns (92.5%) are predominant. Erect and moderate humps (86.6%) are dominant over drooping ones (13.4%).

Indigenous Goat Selection and Breeding Practices in Pastoral areas of West Guji zone, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

Placing relevant breeding objectives and identification of indigenous breeding practices is crucial to integrating modern development in animal breeding into purposeful industry programs. Hence, the objective of this study was to identify selection criteria and indigenous breeding practices of the goat in Abaya and Galan district southern Oromia, part of Ethiopia. Data were collected from 180 households through interview schedules and focus group discussions. The effective population size and inbreeding rate of the community were calculated using ΔF = 1/2Ne. Conformation, growth rate, coat color for buck and conformation, twining ability, age at sexual maturity, kidding interval, and color for females are selection criteria for replacement of stock in the study area. In both districts, farmers have relatively similar production and breeding objectives. Conformation is hub selection criteria for replacement of breeding flock. The study area has liable by inbreeding 0.22 in Abaya and 0.29 in Galan. Goat in the study area is prolific twinning birth (72.22%). Trait preferences of farmers in goats were conformation, growth rate, twinning, and kidding interval. Hence adopting a community-based goat breeding program that is suited to study areas which aimed at improving preferred traits is relevant.

The Relationship Between Coat Color and Reproductive Performance of Dairy Cows in Algeria

The objective of the current study was to analyze the reproduction parameters of 48 dairy cows (29 Montbeliardes and 19 Normandes) and their relationship to coat color. Cows were imported from European countries and raised in the semi-arid region of Sétif in Algeria. The findings showed that the cows of the Montbéliarde breed were more fertile and of greater reproduction efficiency, compared to Normandes. Regarding the Montbéliarde breed, the intervals between calving and calving to conception were respectively 378.34 and 98.65 days, which were shorter than those of the Normandes breed (67 and 22 days, respectively). Normandes cows registered a higher number of services per conception (1.54 ± 0.9), compared to Montbeliarde cows (1.34 ± 0.55). Calving to the first service interval of the Normandes (76 days) was longer by 5 days than that of the Montbéliarde breed. The coats of Montbéliarde cows (51%) were whiter than those of Normandes (48%). A darker hair coat probably assured protectivity against thermal stress and greater efficiency of reproduction. The interval between calving in Montbéliarde cows was significantly affected by coat color; the interval between calving of cows with a colored coat was shorter (358 days) than whiter cows (400 days). For Normandes, cows with a colorful coat required fewer services per conception number (1.44). Hair works as a temperature regulator and may affect reproduction performances. The results of the current study suggest the possibility of integrating coat color into animal selection. It can be assumed that colored coats for Montbéliarde and Normande breeds appear to be related to their reproductive efficiency (interval between calving and number of services per conception, respectively).

Community Perception on Trypanosomosis, Parasitological, and Entomological Studies in Two Selected Districts of South Omo Zone, Ethiopia

Participatory investigation and trypanosomosis prevalence studied during April 2019 and March 2020 in two selected districts of South Omo, Ethiopia. The study site is located in the gridline of 04.90 to 5.60oN and 35.80 to 36.900 E. Twelve community groups are employed. A cross-sectional study design and 288 animals bled and examined a wet film prepared from the buffy coat. Sixty NGU traps baited with acetone and cow urine were deployed for 48 hrs to estimate the apparent density. Data generated from focus group discussion and trypanosomosis prevalence analyzed using an appropriate statistical package. Proportional piling showed that cattle, goats, and sheep were proportionally dominant with a high median score of 32(14–40), 26(12–33), and 21(5–23), respectively; trypanosomosis ranked first with a proportional median score of 24(13–26) followed by contagious bovine/caprine pleuropneumonia with a proportional median score of 23(19–26) among others. Community unanimously agreed that (W = 0.9) trypanosomosis affects their socioeconomic status and was able to describe clinical signs with significant (p < 0.05) agreement. Tsetse fly (Echut and Kusubo) is the main vector with the agreement of W = 0.9(p < 0.05). Perception on human trypanosomosis varies between Benna Tsemay and Gnagatom districts. Therefore, further study supported by laboratory like molecular test is very important to conclude the presence of human trypanosomosis in the suggested area. The overall prevalence of cattle trypanosomosis was 10.1%. The prevalence of trypanosomosis was significantly higher in poor body condition (OR = 2.1, P < 0.05) and in black coat color (OR = 13.5, P < 0.05) animals. T. congolense and T. vivax were circulating in the area. A total of 455 Glossina (385 G. pallidipes, 17 G. tachinoides, and 53 G. fuscipes) were trapped. The overall apparent density of Glossina was 3.79 Flies/Trap/Day. Three species of Glossina, namely G. pallidipes, G. tachinoides, and G. fuscipes, were distributed in the study areas. Therefore, the finding suggests that the problem is significant and the human trypanosomosis is doubtful. Hence regular control measures and molecular diagnosis need to be conducted.

Relationship between the Characteristics of Bread Wheat Grains, Storage Time and Germination

Seed storage is important to farmers, breeders and for germplasm preservation. During storage, seeds accumulate damage at the structural and metabolic level, which disrupt their function and reduce resistance to adverse external conditions. In this regard, issues related to seed aging prove to be relevant for maintaining the viability of genetic collections. We analyzed morphological characteristics of grains and their coat color for 44 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of bread wheat grown in four different seasons, 2003, 2004, 2009 and 2014. Our investigations were performed in 2020. For 19 RILs from the same seasons germination was evaluated. Our results demonstrate that genotype significantly affects the variability of all seed traits, and the year of harvesting affects about 80% of them (including all the traits of shape and size). To identify the trend between changes in grain characteristics and harvesting year, we estimated correlation coefficients between them. No significant trend was detected for the grain shape/size traits, while 90% of the color traits demonstrated such a trend. The most significant negative correlations were found between the harvesting year and the traits of grain redness: the greater the storage time, the more intensive is red color component for the grains. At the same time, it was shown that grains of longer storage time (earlier harvesting year) have lighter coat. Analysis of linear correlations between germination of wheat seeds of different genotypes and harvesting years and their seed traits revealed a negative linear relationship between the red component of coat color and germination: the redder the grains, the lower their germination rate. The results obtained demonstrate manifestations of metabolic changes in the coat of grains associated with storage time and their relationship with a decrease of seed viability.

Identification of W13 in the American Miniature Horse and Shetland Pony Populations

Coat color is a trait of economic significance in horses. Variants in seven genes have been documented to cause white patterning in horses. Of the 34 variants that have been identified in KIT proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT), 27 have only been reported in a single individual or family and thus not all are routinely offered for genetic testing. Therefore, to enable proper use of marker-assisted selection, determining breed specificity for these alleles is warranted. Screening 19 unregistered all-white Shetland ponies for 16 white patterning markers identified 14 individuals whose phenotype could not be explained by testing results. In evaluating other known dominant white variants, 14 horses were heterozygous for W13. W13 was previously only reported in two quarter horses and a family of Australian miniature horses. Genotyping known white spotting variants in 30 owner-reported white animals (25 Miniature Horses and five Shetland ponies) identified two additional W13/N American Miniature Horses. The estimated allele frequency of W13 in the American Miniature Horse was 0.0063 (79 N/N, 1 W13/N) and the allele was not detected in a random sample (n = 59) of Shetland ponies. No homozygous W13 individuals were identified and W13/N ponies had a similar all-white coat with pink skin phenotype, regardless of the other white spotting variants present, demonstrating that W13 results in a Mendelian inherited dominant white phenotype and homozygosity is likely lethal. These findings document the presence of W13 in the American Miniature Horse and Shetland pony populations at a low frequency and illustrate the importance of testing for this variant in additional breeds.

Study on effect of hair coat color on various reproductive attributes of Cholistani service bulls

The objective of the present study was to assess the possible effect of hair coat color on various orchidometric, seminal and andrological attributes of black-coated and brown-coated Cholistani service bulls. Adult Cholistani bulls (n= 8) were grouped as black-spotted (n= 4) and brown-spotted (n=4). Semen collection was performed once weekly (2 ejaculates/collection) using artificial vagina (AV) throughout the study period (October-May). Semen samples were evaluated for various physical attributes. Body weight and orchidometric attributes of the bulls were attained using calipers. Blood sampling was performed twice weekly and serum testosterone level was deduced through automated analyzer. The scrotal circumference, Scrotal Skin Fold Thickness and Paired Testicular Volume were significantly higher (P<0.05) in black-spotted Cholistani bulls as compared to brown-spotted bulls. Similarly, the ejaculatory volume (5.8±0.1 mL) and individual sperm motility (63.3±1.4%) were significantly higher (P<0.05) in black-spotted bulls. Percentage of live spermatozoa, and spermatozoa with normal morphology and acrosome was also higher in black-spotted bulls though statistically non-significant (P>0.05). Amongst post-thaw seminal attributes, percentage of live spermatozoa, and spermatozoa with normal morphology and acrosome were significantly higher (P<0.05) in black-spotted bulls. Similarly, serum testosterone level in black-spotted Cholistani bulls (6.9±0.3 ng/mL) was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared to brown-spotted bulls (5.4±0.3 ng/mL). The black-spotted Cholistani service bulls showed substantially better orchidometric and seminal attributes allied with higher serum level of testosterone.

Water stress intensified the relation of seed color with lignan content and seed yield components in flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)

This study aimed to investigate the effect of yellow and brown seed coat color of flax on lignan content, seed yield, and yield components under two contrasting environments of non-stress and water stress conditions. The water stress environment intensified the discrimination between the two seed color groups as the yellow seeded families had lower values for seed yield components under the water stress. Heritability and the genetic advance for seed yield were significantly higher in brown-seeded families than those of yellow-seeded ones at water stress conditions. Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) as the chief lignan in flaxseed was more abundant in yellow-seeded families under the non-stress environment but under water stress conditions, it increased in brown seeded families and exceeded from yellow ones. Considering that the brown and yellow seed color families were full sibs and shared a similar genetic background but differed in seed color, it is concluded that a considerable interaction exists between the flax seed color and moisture stress concerning its effect on seed yield and yield components and also the seed SDG content. Brown-seeded genotypes are probably preferred for cultivation under water stress conditions for better exploitation of flax agronomic and nutritional potentials.

The effect of inbreeding, body size and morphology on health in dog breeds

Background Dog breeds are known for their distinctive body shape, size, coat color, head type and behaviors, features that are relatively similar across members of a breed. Unfortunately, dog breeds are also characterized by distinct predispositions to disease. We explored the relationships between inbreeding, morphology and health using genotype based inbreeding estimates, body weight and insurance data for morbidity. Results The average inbreeding based on genotype across 227 breeds was Fadj = 0.249 (95% CI 0.235–0.263). There were significant differences in morbidity between breeds with low and high inbreeding (H = 16.49, P = 0.0004). There was also a significant difference in morbidity between brachycephalic breeds and non-brachycephalic breeds (P = 0.0048) and between functionally distinct groups of breeds (H = 14.95 P < 0.0001). Morbidity was modeled using robust regression analysis and both body weight (P < 0.0001) and inbreeding (P = 0.013) were significant (r2 = 0.77). Smaller less inbred breeds were healthier than larger more inbred breeds. Conclusions In this study, body size and inbreeding along with deleterious morphologies contributed to increases in necessary health care in dogs.

Agromorphological Evaluation of 44 lines of Mung Bean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) Introduced in Burkina Faso

Mung bean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) is an important annual legume which is well suited to dry areas, like Burkina Faso where it is still an orphan legume. The present study was conducted to evaluate 44 mung bean genotypes introduced in Burkina Faso and to determine genetic diversity in this collection using both quantitative and qualitative traits. A field experiment was conducted in an augmented bloc design with three blocks and an extraearly maturing cowpea variety as check. Data were recorded on six (06) quantitative traits and seven (07) qualitative traits. For qualitative traits, diversity was revealed in four parameters including hypocotyl’s color, seed coat color, pods and stem pubescence. Significant genetic variability was revealed among genotypes for all the quantitative characters. Phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) was higher than Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) for all characters studied indicating the influence of environmental effect on the characters. The GCV and PCV estimates were high for number of pods per plant followed by plant height and hundred seeds weigh. The high heritability coupled with high genetic advanced as percent of mean observed for these traits suggest an important genetic gain in genetic improvement for these characters. The genetic diversity observed was grouped into five clusters. Mungbean lines were grouped into four clusters and the cowpea variety used as check crop in this trial was clustered apart. This genetic diversity, both qualitatively and quantitatively, will help enrich local biodiversity in terms of legumes in general and mung bean in particular and constitutes an important basis for a future mungbean breeding program.