Animal breeding and genetics

Domesticated animals spread from their ancestral heartland in northern Africa and southwestern Asia into eastern and southern Africa after 4000 BP. Three theories account for the relatively slow spread of domesticated animals into the southern latitudes between 4000 and 3000 BP. The first theory posits that arid climates hindered the dispersal of domesticated animals beyond the Lake Turkana basin until pluvial conditions set in after 3000 BP. The second theory argues that epizootic diseases were the inhibiting factors. Finally, indigenous cultural reticence to alter their primary modes of subsistence in favor of animal husbandry accords with the archaeological data from sites that date to this period. A single normative paradigm explaining the shift from a primarily foraging subsistence economy to one that relied heavily on domesticates is unlikely. This review of the current archaeological and paleoenvironmental state of knowledge finds the “static frontier” likely resulted from a combination of all of these factors.

There is incredible morphological and behavioral
diversity among the hundreds of breeds of the domestic dog,
Canis familiaris. Many of these breeds have come into existence
within the last few hundred years. While there are
obvious phenotypic differences among breeds, there is marked
interbreed genetic homogeneity. Thus, study of canine genetics
and genomics is of importance to comparative genomics, evolutionary
biology and study of human hereditary diseases. The
most recent version of the map of the canine genome is comprised
of 3,270 markers mapped to 3,021 unique positions with
an average intermarker distance of F1 Mb. The markers
include approximately 1,600 microsatellite markers, about
1,000 gene-based markers, and almost 700 bacterial artificial
chromosome-end markers. Importantly, integration of radiation
hybrid and linkage maps has greatly enhanced the utility of
the map. Additionally, mapping the genome has led directly to
characterization of microsatellite markers ideal for whole genome
linkage scans. Thus, workers are now able to exploit the
canine genome for a wide variety of genetic studies. Finally, the
decision to sequence the canine genome highlights the dog’s
evolutionary and physiologic position between the mouse and
human and its importance as a model for study of mammalian
genetics and human hereditary diseases.

Genomic selection estimates genetic merit based on dense SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) genotypes and phenotypes. This requires that SNPs explain a large fraction of the genetic variance. The objectives of this work were: (1) to estimate the fraction of genetic variance explained by dense genome-wide markers using 54 K SNP chip genotyping, and (2) to evaluate the effect of alternative marker-based relationship matrices and corrections for the base population on the fraction of the genetic variance explained by markers. Two alternative marker-based relationship matrices were estimated using 35 706 SNPs on 1086 dairy bulls. Both pedigree- and marker-based relationship matrices were fitted simultaneously or separately in an animal model to estimate the fraction of variance not explained by the markers, i.e. the fraction explained by the pedigree. The phenotypes considered in the analysis were the deregressed estimated breeding values (dEBV) for milk, fat and protein yield and for...

A joint evaluation of all animals, uses all additive genetic relationships uses all data on all animal jointly It works as a linear model (correcting different effects for each other), jointly estimates animal effects and fixed effects (herds) but has Selection Index properties (Regression with " heritability ")  1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

In this study, genetic analyses of diversity and differentiation were performed on five horse breeds raised in Algeria (Barb, Arab-Barb, Arabian, Thoroughbred and French Trotter). All microsatellite markers were highly polymorphic in all the breeds. A total of 123 alleles from 14 microsatellite loci were detected in 201 horses. The average number of alleles per locus was the highest in the Arab-Barb horses (7.86) and lowest in the thoroughbred breed (5.71), whereas the observed and expected heterozygosities per breed ranged from 0.71 (Thoroughbred) to 0.752 (Barb) and 0.71 (Thoroughbred) to 0.77 (Arab-Barb), respectively. The genetic differentiation between the breeds was significant (p < 0.01) based on the infinitesimal model (FST ). Three different approaches for evaluating the genetic relationships were applied. Genetic distances, the factorial correspondence analysis and structure analysis showed that a significant amount of genetic variation is maintained in the native horse...

This study assessed the relationships between sperm morphology, semen characteristics, testicular measurements and body conformation in 31 Red Sokoto bucks. The body condition was scored on a scale of 1 to 5. The linear traits: {heart girth (HG), stature (ST), chest width (CW), withers height (WH), body depth (BD), body length (BL) and rump width (RW)} and testicular measurements:{testicular length (TL), testicular circumference (TC), were measured in centimeters using flexible tape while testicular width (TW) and testicular weight (TWT) were estimated using the appropriate formulae}. The semen characteristics: {semen volume, sperm motility, semen pH, sperm concentration and live and dead ratio}as well as sperm morphological traits {detached mid-piece and tail (DMT), detached head (DH), mid-piece droplet (MPD), coiled and bent tail (CBT), and acrosomal abnormality (ACR)} were accordingly determined. The results showed that, the correlations between semen and sperm morphological characteristics were generally negative and non-significant, except the correlation between CBT and some semen traits (P<0.05; r= -0.29 to -0.39) as well as the correlation between semen volume and some sperm morphological traits (P<0.05; r= -0.26 to -0.29), which were significant). Among the testicular measurements, TL recorded the only negative and significant correlation with MPD (P<0.05; r= -0.33). DMT was positively and significantly correlated with BD (P<0.05; r= 0.39) but negatively and significantly correlated with WH (P<0.05; r= -0.25). However, DH was positively and significantly correlated with WH and BD (P<0.05; r = 0.25 – 0.39) MPD also recorded positive and significant correlation with BW, HG and CW (P<0.05; r= 0.25 – 0.28), while CBT was observed to be negatively and significantly correlated with BW, BCS, HG and Stature (P<0.05; r= -0.25 to -0.39). The study revealed that bucks with good body size and higher semen volume and quality exhibited less sperm morphological defects, therefore semen traits such as semen volume, sperm concentration, Live /dead ratio; and body measurement such as BW, BCS, HG and HW could be used to estimate semen quality in bucks.

Aim: Native rabbits in smallholder system are considered as important genetic resources, and the present study was aimed to study the genetic and phenotypic characterization and detection of the maternal origin of the native rabbit populations located at the Middle of Egypt. Materials and Methods: A survey of native rabbit populations was conducted in three governorates (Fayum [FY], Beni Suef [BN], and El Menia [MN]). The phenotypic characterization of rabbits included the profile body of the head, ears, eyes, neck, and legs and the coat colors. The blood samples were collected for genetic characterization based on mitochondrial (cytochrome b) and the microsatellite markers. Results: The phenotypic characterization of the body parts in the three populations was almost similar. The body weight of the mature rabbits in MN government was significantly heaviest, and the measurements for the main body parts (body length, chest circumference, and abdominal girth) were the highest compared to the two populations. The results of mitochondrial (cytochrome b) analysis revealed that the rabbits from the three governments belonged to lineage A except one animal was recorded as lineage G from MN's rabbit population. The results of the microsatellite markers revealed that the genetic diversity between the three populations showed genetic interferences; however, a closer genetic relationship was observed between BN and MN than FY. The majority of the genetic diversity was the individual variability. Conclusion: The mitochondrial lineage A is the major lineage in rabbit populations in the area of the Middle Egypt understudy. The genetic populations' structure is the interferences among the three populations. A large-scale survey should be done on native rabbit populations for the sustainable management and conservation of the local breeds' genetic resources.

A total 62 milk samples from Ongole herd were collected with the objective of assessing milk compositions of Ongole cattle and to investigate the effect of parity and stage of lactation on test-day milk yield and milk constituent traits. Milk compositions were determined by Lactoscan apparatus. The test-day milk yield was 2.78 ± 0.21 kg. Overall least-squares mean for fat, SNF, protein and lactose were 3.31 ± 0.18, 9.34 ± 0.12, 3.51 ± 0.08 and 5.12 ± 0.07 respectively. The analysis revealed that the parity and stage of lactation did not influence the fat, protein, SNF and lactose content and yields.

Background and Aim: A canine multi-drug resistance 1 (MDR1) nt230(del4) is a well-known inherited disorder that primarily affects collies and various herding breeds. The most recognized clinical implication for affected dogs is associated with an increased risk of multiple drug toxicity. To date, MDR1 gene mutations have been identified globally, especially in dogs from the USA and European countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MDR1 nt230(del4) in herding dog breeds and Thai Ridgebacks in Thailand.

Materials and Methods: We clarified the prevalence of MDR1 nt230(del4) in 263 dogs of eight purebred dog breeds in Thailand using an allele-specific multiplex polymerase chain reaction method and direct DNA sequencing.

Results: Rough Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Old English Sheepdogs were affected by the mutation with mutant allelic frequencies of 57.14%, 12.82%, 11.28%, and 8.33%, respectively. Among these populations, the prevalence of the MDR1 (+/–) genotype was 57.14% (12/21) for Rough Collies, 25.64% (10/39) for Australian Shepherds, 16.13% (15/93) for Shetland Sheepdogs, and 16.67% (2/12) for Old English Sheepdogs, whereas the MDR1 (–/–) mutation was only identified in Rough Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs, with prevalences of 28.57% (6/21) and 3.22% (3/93), respectively. However, the MDR1 nt230(del4) was not identified in Border Collies, German Shepherds, White Swiss Shepherds, or Thai Ridgebacks.

Conclusion: This study provides the current situation regarding MDR1 nt230(del4) in herding dog breeds in Thailand. In this survey, we investigated for the first time the status of MDR1 genotype in Thai Ridgebacks. These results are helpful for veterinarians managing effective therapeutic plans for commonly affected dog breeds, and these results will encourage all breeders to improve their selective breeding programs based on the MDR1 nt230(del4) status.

abbit has been reared and domesticated for long as a game animal followed by its rearing for meat and fur. Rabbit domestication dates back to late middle ages, which were discovered by Phoenicians on the shore of Spain. It were Romans who spread rabbits as game animal throughout. It all started with keeping rabbits in stone walled pens or parks called as leporaria. By sixteenth century several breeds of rabbits were developed through controlled breeding. It is during the same period that rabbit rearing and breeding spread to Italy, France and England. With beginning of nineteenth century rabbit rearing in hutches sprang up all over rural Western Europe and also reached Australia and New Zealand with European colonial expansion. During its initial stage of expansion rabbits were fed on green forage, hay, beetroots and grains. They were reared in backyard along with poultry for meat and fur.

Aim: This study aimed to determine the genetic and non-genetic factors affecting pre-weaning body weight (BW) and morphometry in Assam Hill goat along with the genetic parameters.

Materials and Methods: The detailed information in respect of BW and body measurements of 960 animals at birth and 3 months of age belonging to three different populations of Assam Hill goat maintained at field units, namely, Batabari, Nahira, and Tetelia under "All India Coordinated Research Project on Goat Improvement" were utilized in the present study. The data were analyzed using least squares technique.

Results: The least squares means for BW, height at withers (HW), heart girth (HG), and body length (BL) were 1.166±0.008 kg, 26.198±0.070 cm, 26.695±0.096 cm, and 29.482±0.119 cm at birth and 4.590±0.083 kg, 36.850±0.105 cm, 40.741±0.115 cm, and 39.703±0.108 cm at 3 months of age, respectively. Location had a significant effect on BW, HW, and BL at both birth and 3 months and on HG at 3 months of age. Season of birth exerted significant effect only on BL at birth, whereas the significant effect of sex was observed on HG and BL at 3 months of age. The heritability estimates for BW and body measurements were moderate indicating the scope of selection. The phenotypic and genetic correlations among BWs and body measurements at birth and 3 months of age were positive in direction and high in magnitude.

Conclusion: On the basis of the present findings, it could be concluded that the weaning weight of kids can be considered for the selection of parent stock to increase productivity and eventually the economic efficiency. Further, animals with higher body measurements at initial phases of growth will perform better with respect to even BW at later stages of growth.

Keywords: Assam Hill goat, genetic parameters, morphometric traits, non-genetic factors, pre-weaning growth.

This study was planned to clarify the recent milk and reproductive performances of high yielding dairy crossbreds based on various genotype, parity and location beside the Baghabari Milk Vita areas of Bangladesh. Performance records were collected from total 81 crossbred cows from both 15 households in Sirajgonj and Pabna districts, and six bathan areas at Sirajgonj. Genetic admixture of various breeds identified in the studied areas showed diverse performance. Milk production not varied statistically (16.27 to 19.33 liters per day as peak) either for genotype, parity or region but differed in number of AI services for last pregnancy in L×HF×SL (1) and L×HF×JE (2.18) genotypes at household level. Average 70 days observed between the day of calving and next fertile AI service in dairy farming. The study on bathan revealed about 23 months for age at first fertile AI in high yielding dairy cows with average 1.92 AI services per cow for last conceive. Peak milk production identified in HF crossed with local than HF×SL and JE genotypes. Screening, record keeping and controlled AI or mating with specific targeted breed could increase breed uniformity and productivity of high yielding crossbreds not only in Milk Vita region but also other milk pocket areas of this country. In addition, breed composition study is required for ensuring specific breed effects on production performance to design a planned breeding for sustainable dairy breed development in Bangladesh.

The Ostrich in the Land of Confit. Exotic Bird and Terroir Mentality in the Great Southwest of France
This paper is a study of contemporary ostrich sector in France, especially focused on the Great Southwest: Nouvelle Aquitaine and a large part of Occitanie. It is an historical analysis of the construction and the evolution of this branch of French agriculture that was born in the mid-1980s when Domestic Ostrich hatching eggs were imported from South Africa to obtain a first generation of breeding birds. Pioneers’ intention was to produce ostrich meat as soon as possible. But central administration waited to November 1992 to allow the sale of ostrich meat and to April 1993 to authorize the slaughter of ostriches on the national territory. Following this late decision, ostrich breeding grew significantly within a few years. Domestic ostrich seemed to be a bird with a promising future. Everything changed in the 2000s: French ostrich sector clearly ran out of steam. Representations of the domestic ostrich and its products play key roles in this dynamic. Therefore, this paper is also an anthropological reading of exemplary topics include the legal status of Struthio camelus var. domesticus in France, the consumer attitudes towards ostrich meat, liver and eggs, the evolution of ostrich cooking or the importance placed on origins in the ostrich products market. Beyond the specific case of domestic ostrich in France, this paper tries to remind the usefulness of basic research in the resolution of producers/consumers practical problems.

L’autruche au pays du confit. Oiseau exotique et esprit de terroir dans le Grand Sud-Ouest de la France
Cet article est une étude de la filière autruche contemporaine en France, il concerne plus particulièrement dans le Grand Sud-Ouest : Nouvelle Aquitaine et une grande partie de l’Occitanie. Il s’agit d’une analyse historique de la constitution et de l’évolution de cette activité agricole qui est née au milieu des années 1980, lorsque des œufs fécondés d’autruche domestique ont été importés d’Afrique du Sud pour obtenir une première génération d’oiseaux reproducteurs. L’intention des pionniers était de produire aussi vite que possible de la viande d’autruche. Mais l’administration centrale a attendu jusqu’en novembre 1992 pour permettre la vente de viande d’autruche et jusqu’en avril 1993 pour autoriser l’abattage d’autruches sur le territoire national. A la suite de cette décision tardive, l’élevage d’autruches a connu une croissance remarquable durant quelques années. L’autruche domestique paraissait même promise à un très bel avenir. Tout a changé dans les années 2000 : la filière autruche française s’est considérablement essoufflée. Des représentations de l’autruche domestique et de ses produits ont joué un rôle fondamental dans cette dynamique. Par conséquent, cet article est aussi une lecture anthropologique de phénomènes exemplaires, tels que le statut légal de Struthio camelus var. domesticus en France, les attitudes des consommateurs vis-à-vis de la viande, du foie et des œufs d’autruche, l’évolution de la cuisine de l’autruche ou l’importance accordée à la question de l’origine sur le marché des produits de l’autruche. Au-delà du cas particulier de l’autruche domestique en France, cet article essaye de rappeler l’utilité de la recherche fondamentale dans la résolution de problèmes concrets rencontrés par des producteurs ou des consommateurs.

Background and Aim: Madura cattle is local cattle in Indonesia. This cattle hasphenotypic variations in growth traits. This study aimed to identify leptin (LEP) gene polymorphism exon 2 associated with body measurements in Madura cattle. Materials and Methods: We recorded body weight (BW) and body measurements of 51 Madura cattle aged 1-4 years in Waru District, Madura. The LEP gene genotyping was conducted using the polymerase chain reaction-restricted fragment length polymorphism method with AciI restriction enzyme. Results: A 267 bp DNA fragment of the LEP gene was successfully amplified using a pair of primers. This study revealed three genotypes (TT, TC, and CC) and two alleles (T and C). The frequencies of TT, TC, and CC genotypes were 0.275, 0.45, and 0.275, respectively, whereas the frequencies of T and C alleles were 0.500 and 0.500, respectively. The c.73T>C mutation was significantly associated with BW, body length (BL), and chest girth (CG) (p<0.05). Among all genotypes, the TC had the highest BW, BL, and CG. Conclusion: Conclusively, LEP gene polymorphism (c.73T>C) exon 2 was polymorphic and associated with body measurements, especially BW, BL, and CG.

The aim of this article was to present a group of genetically determined disorders in horses. Some of the genes responsible for coat color in animals, show negative pleiotropic effect at the same time. Among others, there are mutations of KIT gene (homozygous lethal white horses), PMEL17 gene (MCOA syndrome in silver horses), EDNRB gene (white foal syndrome in overo horses), TRPM1 gene (associated with congenital stationary night blindness in leopard horses) and STX17 gene (increased incidence of melanoma in grey horses). The relationship between coat color and hareditary abnormalities deserves more attention, as mating individuals of certain genotypes leads to disease risks or lethal effects for the offspring.

L’essai-expérimental effectué dans une ferme traditionnelle sur un échantillon de cent vingt-cinq poussins (125) de souche Arbor Acres a donné les résultats qui ont été l’objet d’une discussion. Trois poussins sont morts sur l’ensemble des sujets mis en expérimentation; soit un taux de mortalité de 2,4%. Avec une consommation  moyenne hebdomadaire (CMH) égale à 324,09 grammes d’aliment et une consommation moyenne quotidienne (CMQ) de 46,29 grammes à la dernière semaine, on a obtenu un gain moyen hebdomadaire (GMH) de 2372,29 grammes (en poids) à la fin de l’élevage, soit 2,372 kg par poulet. Par ailleurs, le gain moyen quotidien (GMQ) au cours de la sixième semaine est égal à 81,35 grammes et celui obtenu à la fin de l’élevage est de 35 grammes. Tous les indices calculés, relatifs à la consommation hebdomadaire sont représentés par un histogramme qui montre l’évolution statistique du rapport des quantités d’aliment consommé au poids des sujets afin de définir l’efficacité de cette conversion en une production donnée par chaque poulet.
The experimental trial carried out on a traditional farm on a sample of one hundred and twenty-five chicks (125) of Arbor Acres strain gave the results that were discussed. Three chicks died on all subjects subjected to experimentation; a mortality rate of 2.4%.With an average weekly intake (MCH) of 324.09 grams of food and a daily average intake (CMQ) of 46.29 grams in the last week, an average weekly gain (GMH) of 2372.29 grams (By weight) at the end of the rearing, or 2,372 kg per chicken. In addition, the average daily gain (GMQ) in the sixth week is equal to 81.35 grams and that obtained at the end of the rearing is 35 grams. All calculated weekly consumption indices are represented by a histogram which shows the statistical change in the ratio of the amounts of feed consumed to the weight of the subjects in order to define the efficiency of this conversion in a production given by each chicken.

The goal of this book is to contribute to familiarization with pets and to get cat fanciers acquainted with cat behaviour and necessary knowledge for keeping their cats healthy and in the good condition. During the centuries taking in the account all companion animals cats always had one of the most important roles in all aspects of human life. By exploring the literature it could be stated that cats were always subject of human interest throughout whole human history, from the religion to art and further. First records about cat domestication could be found in the ancient Egyptian and Indian documents. First records regarding the cats were registered in China 1000 BC, and after that in other parts of Asia. In Europe intensive cat carrying has started at the end of the 19th century. A merchants brought different cat breeds from all over the world to Europe. Domestication of cat is related to start of agriculture era in human history. Cats were from crucial importance for humans in that period because they protected their grain from pests. Today, there are 70 cat breeds with the big number of different varieties. The fact is that the percent of pure breed cats is very low. The cat carrying is very important in the modern science, especially in application of genetic knowledge in biomedicine.
By this book authors want to give a contribution to education of students and cat fanciers from different areas of felinology.

Propuesta acompañando la petición (oficio 24/2017) al Colegio Michoacano de Bioética (Colmibi) de emitir una opinión en tanto cuerpo colegiado del daño que está ocurriendo en los jaripeos y matacaballos, con la nesciencia de autoridades civiles y religiosas, en Michoacán y otros estados de la República Mexicana así como de Estados Unidos de Norteamérica.

Rabbit are small mammals in the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha. They are small mammals with fluffy, short tails, whiskers and distinctive long ears. There are more than 30 species around the world. Also the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) recognizes 49 rabbit breeds.                                                                                                                    Rabbit originally originated from Europe and Africa, rabbits are now found all over the world.                                      Domestic rabbits need a regulated environment to protect against heat exhaustion or hypothermia. Wild rabbits don't have this problem and make their homes in various temperature extremes. Wild rabbits can be found in woods, forest, meadows, grasslands, deserts, tundra and wet lands. Wild rabbits create their own homes by tunneling into the ground. These tunnel systems are called warrens and include rooms for nesting and sleeping. They also have multiple entrances for quick escape. Warrens can be as deep as 9.84 feet (3meters) underground. Rabbit are very social creatures and live in large groups called "Colonies".

Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) is a group of hereditary recessive disorder recognized as a loss of pigmentation. OCA can derive from mutations in different genes that produce melanin. These mutations cause disturbances to get a standard melanin synthesis. There are 7 types of oculocutaneous albinism. These include OCA1, OCA2, OCA3, OCA4, OCA5, OCA6, and OCA7. To help OCA patients, it may include management of such as hats with brims and sunscreens. An effective therapy is unavailable for albinism at present. However, to fight OCA in the future, gene therapy can be used. Gene therapy can include use of such as retrovirus vectors, adenovirus vectors, and CRISPR/Cas9 system. Research results in animal models have shown remarkable advances. It means that the gene therapy will be helpful to treat people with albinism.

This study aspires to alter the way people think about animal shelters and rescue centers. By creating a pattern for an animal shelter spaces, recovery, rehabilitation and needed protection for animals. Socialization and education can be applied by humankind. Through this space, animals in shelter can be reformed. For domesticated animals the process of rehabilitation will develop the chances of their adoption; and for the wild animals' temporary shelter that encompasses their natural surrounding for their fast recovery until they can be released back to the wild. Through architectural design, it can expand the animal habitat and captivity, promoting human-animal connection, encouraging opportunities for socialization with animals, encourage responsible pet ownership. It is a harmonic built environment not separate or dominant from nature but unified as a whole. It has a two-major structure such as Animal Rehabilitation Center, were animals will be healed and rehabilitate for treatment and a research laboratory. Administrative building with Learning Center, it is a building for learning with educational facilities for academic research and practical training, it is also open for public and other private organization to have field trips, research and could learn more about animals