Morphometrics characterization in White Fulani, Muturu and Pasundan cows

<p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Objective: </strong>This study was aimed to characterize three different cattle breeds based on the morphometrics.</p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Methods: </strong>Five (5) morphometrics which include body length (BL), chest girth (CG), withers height (WH), rump length (RL) and chest depth (CD) were measured in each animal. A total of 119 cows belonging to White Fulani (40 heads), Muturu (40 heads) and Pasundan (39 heads) were used in this study. The age of animal study was 20.93±1.62 months (White Fulani), 21.63±1.75 months (Muturu) and 20.46±2.99 months (Pasundan). Hence, two statistical methods of canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) methods were computed in this study to characterize of animals based on their morphometrics using SPSS 16.0 package.<strong></strong></p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Results: </strong>Mostly<strong> </strong>the morphometrics of White Fulani and Pasundan cows are similar while those of Muturu are significantly lower than the two other breeds. Four morphometric measurements of CG, RL, BL and WH were identified as a discriminator variables in animal study based on the CDA method. The CDA of morphometrics able to classify 85% (White Fulani), 100% (Muturu) and 74.4% (Pasundan) of the animal into their original breed group.<strong></strong></p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The closeness between observations from White Fulani and Pasundan might be due to them being both Zebu (<em>Bos indicus</em>) unlike the Muturu with a type breed of <em>Bos bracycheros</em>.<strong></strong></p>

Breed group differences in the unsolvable problem task: herding dogs prefer their owner, while solitary hunting dogs seek stranger proximity

The communicating skills of dogs are well documented and especially their contact-seeking behaviours towards humans. The aim of this study was to use the unsolvable problem paradigm to investigate differences between breed groups in their contact-seeking behaviours towards their owner and a stranger. Twenty-four dogs of ancient breeds, 58 herding dogs, and 17 solitary hunting dogs were included in the study, and their behaviour when presented with an unsolvable problem task (UPT) was recorded for 3 min. All breed groups interacted with the test apparatus the same amount of time, but the herding dogs showed a longer gaze duration towards their owner compared to the other groups and they also preferred to interact with their owner instead of a stranger. Interestingly, the solitary hunting dogs were more in stranger proximity than the other groups, and they also showed a preference to make contact with a stranger instead of their owner. Hence, we found differences in contact-seeking behaviours, reflecting the dog–human relationship, between breed groups that might not only be related to their genetic similarity to wolves, but also due to the specific breeding history of the dogs.

Analysis of the Non-genetic Factors Influencing the Performance of High-grade and Inter se Mated Crossbred Dairy Cows at Holetta Dairy Research Farm, Ethiopia

Background: The effect of non-genetic factors including feeding, management, climate, calving year, season and others on animal production improvement has attracted considerable attention in recent years. In addition to improving animal genetics, the importance of optimum environmental conditions in enhancing animal production is recognized. Methods: Data collected from 2008 to 2018 on 2036 records from crossbreeding dairy cattle herd at Holeta Agricultural Research Center were analyzed to evaluate the genetic and non-genetic environmental effect on lactation milk yield (LMY), lactation length (LL) and calving interval (CI). The fixed effect used in the data analysis were breed group, parity, years group of calving and seasons of calving. GLM procedure of SAS was used to analyze the data. Result: Results of data analysis indicated that breed group and year group of calving had a significant (P less than 0.05) effect on LMY, LL and CI. Parity significantly (P less than 0.05) affected LMY and CI but had no significant effects on LL. While, season of calving had no significant influence on all traits. Least square mean LMY was significantly (p less than 0.05) highest (3191 kg) for 75% first generation breed group and significantly (P less than 0.05) lowest for pure Ethiopian Borena breed (124 kg LMY). Mean LL was significantly (p less than 0.05) highest (354 days) for 75% first generation breed group and significantly (P less than 0.05) lowest for pure Ethiopian Borena breed (178 days). Least square mean CI was significantly (p less than 0.05) longest (477 days) for 75% first generation breed group and significantly (P less than 0.05) shortest (422 days) for 75% inter se mated breed group. Among 75% crosses, the 75% inter se mated breed group had lower LMY (2553 kg) and shorter CI (422 days) compared to 75% first generation breed group. The decline in LMY and CI for 75% inter se mated breed group by 637 kg (25%) and 54 days (13%), respectively compared to 75% first generation, which can be attributed to recombination effect.

Characteristics of kappa-casein gene polymorphism in cows of Swiss breed and their productive qualities at a large dairy

Kappa-casein is a fraction of the main milk protein, which determines the technological properties of milk and the quality of dairy products, especially cheese and fermented milk products. The study tested the distribution of kappa-casein gene genotype polymorphism (CSN3) in mothers and daughters of the Swiss breed cows, taking into account their milk productivity qualities. The study was performed on 111 cows of the Swiss breed on a large dairy. The observation group I included 51 cow-mothers of the Swiss breed; group II – 60 cow-daughters of the Swiss breed. In a study of the polymorphism of the kappa-casein gene in cow-mothers and cow-daughters of the Swiss breed, the dominance of allele B (0.73 and 0.70) was found, which was registered more than two times more often than allele A. The incidence of genotypes AA – AB – BB in cow-mothers of the Swiss breed was as follows: 5.9% – 43.1% – 51.0% with indicators of observed heterozygosity 0.43 and expected heterozygosity 0.40. In cow-daughters of the Swiss breed the frequency of the BB genotype was the same, but, genotype АА was registered almost twice as often, with lower indicators of observed heterozygosity and smaller increases of indicators of expected heterozygosity than in cow-mothers. Cow-mothers of the Swiss breed with the AA genotype, in comparison with the AB genotypes, had higher milk yields during lactation (by 43%), fat production (by 86.9%), ratio of fat to protein (by 40.5%). Also note, the cow-mothers of the Swiss breed with the AA genotype, in comparison with the BB genotypes, had reliably high rates of fat to protein (by 35.8%) and only a trend to higher fat production; fat and protein. The production of fat in dairy cows-daughters with the BB genotype was higher than with the AA genotype, but only at the level of tendency. The correlation analysis showed that the AA genotype of the kappa-casein gene in cow-mothers of the Swiss breed was associated with the duration of lactation, indicators of milk yield during lactation, fat production, fat content and protein in milk with registration of reliable and positive coefficients of correlation. The genotypes in cow-daughters did not have a reliable correlation with the duration of lactation and fat or protein content in milk. The results of the kappa-casein gene polymorphism study indicated that the AA genotype of cow-mothers of the Swiss breed was associated with higher productive milk qualities which should be taken into account when forming a highly productive herd of cattle of the Swiss breed under intensiveoperative technology at a large-scale dairy unit.

Hunt Trials as a Measure to Assess Level of Training in Boarhounds

Boarhounds are hunting dogs bred for hunting wild boar, including terriers, dachshunds, and hounds. Hunt trials evaluate the individual hunting potential and trainability of the boarhounds in ten different competitions. The aim of this study was to determine the factors influencing the hunt trials for boarhounds in a large cohort of hunting dogs. The analysis was conducted based on the results of hunt trials for boarhounds conducted in 2005–2015. The database contained 1867 individuals belonging to 39 breeds. Effects of sex, age, breed group, and breed were estimated by non-parametric analysis of variance. Sex influenced (p < 0.01) the total score, and in almost all competitions dogs performed better than bitches. Age affected (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) all competitions, indicating that the dogs perform better with age. The results analyzed by the breed group showed that the dachshunds performed better in courage (p < 0.01) and searching (p < 0.05). Breed influenced (p < 0.01) almost all scores except obedience and tracking on the lead. The best performing breed was Alpine Dachsbracke. In conclusion, all analyzed factors influenced the results of the hunt trials. The factors with the largest impact were breed and age, which reflect both the hunting potential and the level of training of the boarhounds.

Comparison of the favorable gain values of genetic improvement among Indonesian grade cow breeds selected for agrotechnopark intensification

This research was aimed to compare the small and big truncation point proportions intended to evaluate gain values of genetic improvement for Indonesian Local cow breed groups selected for Agrotechnopark (integrated bio-cycle farming system) intensification. Animal live weights were collected from 674 Indonesian grade breed cows kept by local household farmers in North Sulawesi province. Data of cows were corrected by adjusting to six years old ages. All cows were divided into three breed groups with different genetic compositions of Bali breed cow generation (BG) of 207 cows, Ongole grade cow generation (OG) of 189 cows, and Local grade cow generation (LG) of 178 cows. The genetic improvements of BG, OG and LG were analyzed involving selection intensity (i), accuracy of selection (r), and standard deviation (SD) of breed group traits under selection. Results of this study showed that the critical components was genetic development of local grade breeds by choosing small proportion of 10% truncation point for Agrotechnopark intensification of selected elite cows groups among BG, OG and LG populations with the positive live weight gains of 58.6 kg, 23.15 kg, and 28.62 kg per generation, respectively compared with larger percentages of 20% and 30% proportions of truncation points.

Long-term stress in dogs is related to the human–dog relationship and personality traits

Previously, we found that dogs belonging to the herding breed group, selected for human cooperation, synchronise their long-term stress levels with their owners. The aim of the current study was to investigate features that could influence long-term stress levels in ancient dog breeds, genetically closer to wolves, and dogs specifically selected to work independently of their owner. Twenty-four ancient breed dogs and 18 solitary hunting dogs were recruited and hair samples were obtained from both dogs and owners from which hair cortisol concentration (HCC) was analysed. Additionally, the owners completed lifestyle surveys, the Monash Dog Owner Relationship Scale (MDORS) on human–dog relationship, and both dog and owner personality questionnaires (Dog Personality questionnaire and Big Five Inventory survey). The results from the MDORS indicate that the subscale Perceived cost correlated to the dog HCC of tested breed groups: solitary hunting breeds (χ2 = 4.95, P = 0.026, β = 0.055), ancient breeds (χ2 = 2.74, P = 0.098, β = 0.027), and herding dogs included from a previous study (χ2 = 6.82, P = 0.009, β = − 0.061). The HCC of the solitary hunting dogs was also related to the owner personality traits Agreeableness (χ2 = 12.30, P < 0.001, β = − 0.060) and Openness (χ2 = 9.56, P = 0.002, β = 0.048) suggesting a more substantial influence of the owner on the solitary hunting dog’s HCC compared to the ancient breeds. No effect of owner HCC on dog HCC was found in either ancient or in solitary hunting breeds. Hence, the long-term stress synchronisation is likely to be a trait in breeds selected for human cooperation. In conclusion, dog HCC is often related to the owners’ personality, but is primarily influenced by the owner-dog relationship.

Characterizing unsuccessful animal adoptions: age and breed predict the likelihood of return, reasons for return and post-return outcomes

A considerable number of adopted animals are returned to animal shelters post-adoption which can be stressful for both the animal and the owner. In this retrospective analysis of 23,932 animal records from a US shelter, we identified animal characteristics associated with the likelihood of return, key return reasons, and outcomes post-return for dogs and cats. Binary logistic regression models were used to describe the likelihood of return, return reason and outcome based on intake age, intake type, sex, breed and return frequency. Behavioral issues and incompatibility with existing pets were the most common return reasons. Age and breed group (dogs only) predicted the likelihood of return, return reason and post-adoption return outcome. Adult dogs had the greatest odds of post-adoption return (OR 3.40, 95% CI 2.88–4.01) and post-return euthanasia (OR 3.94, 95% CI 2.04–7.59). Toy and terrier breeds were 65% and 35% less likely to be returned compared with herding breeds. Pit bull-type breeds were more likely to be returned multiple times (X2 = 18.11, p = 0.01) and euthanized post-return (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.47–4.61). Our findings highlight the importance of animal behavior in the retention of newly adopted animals and provide useful direction for allocation of resources and future adoption counselling and post-adoption support services.

FATTENING AND MEAT QUALITIES OF GEESE OF OBROSHIN SELECTION WITH GRAY AND WHITE PLUMAGE

The research work provided a solution to the problem of preserving the gene pool of Obroshyn gray (OS) and Obroshyn white (OB) geese, which will improve and enhance the valuable qualities of the original flock of geese, gain the desired economic characteristics and thus ensure the competitiveness of the industry in modern conditions. The research was conducted in the laboratory of small livestock ISGKR NAAS and on the basis of SE DG "Miklashiv". The main method of breeding is the selection and selection of individuals with high productive qualities in order to obtain the same type of bird that would meet the planned performance parameters. Selection work was carried out by individual mass selection, aimed at consolidating the standard for each breed group of traits. Before the beginning of the breeding period, males and females of both groups were individually assessed by the exterior, typical plumage, live weight. It was found that both Obroshyn gray and Obroshyn white geese were well selected for productive characteristics and showed high fattening and meat qualities. All birds are well adapted to the natural conditions of the western region. Body sex measurements (chest circumference, torso length, keel, and metatarsus) were higher in males of the Obroshyn gray breed group of geese. Males at different ages had higher rates than females. Obroshyn gray geese (group I) outperformed their peers from group II in terms of meat qualities, the weight of uncorked and gutted carcass, and yield of edible parts. The pre-slaughter live weight of carcasses of males of group I (OS) was 4722 g and prevailed over peers of group II (OB) by 2.94%, and the live weight of females was 4149 g and was higher by 4.19%. It was found that the difference in the number of erythrocytes in males and females was insignificant and almost does not change with age, and hemoglobin on the contrary - increases with age. Males in all study periods had higher serum total protein compared to females. The lowest rate was in males and females аt 4 weeks of age, however, there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in the number of erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and total protein content.