Pathological abnormalities in genital tract of cows slaughtered at Yaounde (Cameroon)

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 500 cows randomly selected at the SODEPA slaughterhouse in Yaounde from March to October 2022. After slaughter, visual inspection, palpation and dissection of the entire genital tract of each cow made it possible to search for macroscopic pathological conditions. The average age, Body Condition Score (BCS) and weight of the animals were respectively 6.5 years; 3.1 and 261 kg. The M’Bororos breed was in the majority (66.6%). A percentage of 31.4% of cows were pregnant. The overall prevalence of pathologies of the genital organs was 51.4%, and the most represented were anestrus (19.6%), mucometra (10.8%), metritis (7.2%) and ovarian cysts (2.8%). Significant associations were observed between thin body condition (1-2) and anestrus, age range of 4-8 years and metritis and ovarian cysts. Anestrus, mucometra, metritis and ovarian cysts were the major pathologies responsible for infertility in cows and thin females, aged 4 to 8 years, were more sensitive. Keywords: Cow, Genital pathologies, Slaughterhouse, Yaounde, Cameroo

Ethnozoological knowledge of reptile species involved in international trade: implications for sustainable conservation in Benin

The objective of this work is to assess the evolution of international trade in reptile species in relation to their state of conservation at the national level. The study was carried out in southern Benin precisely in the municipalities with release sites. The sampling method used is the technique of stratified random sampling. The ethnozoological knowledge was therefore evaluated by a survey of healers, hunters, farmers. Various ethnozoological parameters were determined for each target reptile species. The target species are those regularly and legally exported over two decades. These species are locally known and there is a diversity of local names reinforced by a high ethnic coverage rate (TCE). The informants have a very good homogeneity of knowledge (IE >= 0.5) and a diversity of uses of reptiles in the study area is noticed. A total of thirty-two (32) uses were obtained, of which meat consumption (95%) is the most important. This confirms the fact that the endogenous values relating to reptile species are increasingly abandoned in favor of food uses. Note also that of all the types of specimens cited, only the whole animal is used much more. This confirms the drastic regression of reptile populations. Keywords: Reptile species, CITES-Benin, Endogenous knowledge, Conservatio

Productivity of Chia crop in the sandy soils of East Delta, Egypt

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) crop is a newly introduced herbaceous plant to the Egyptian cropping system. No information is available on water requirements of chia crop under Egyptian conditions. A field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of irrigation treatments (IFarmer, IGrowth-stage, I120%ETo, I100%ETo, I80%ETo, and I60%ETo) on chia seed yield, plant height, total carbohydrates, total protein, total oil content,  seed's nutrients, applied irrigation water (AIW), water productivity (WP), and yield response factor (Ky). Results showed significant effect of the irrigation treatments on all tested parameters. Average AIW values for the respective treatments were 8036 m3/ha, 7492 m3/ha, 6081 m3/ha, 5228 m3/ha, 4376 m3/ha and 3523 m3/ha. The highest average seed yield of 3.15 t/ha was recorded for I120%ETo treatment, while the lowest value of 2.00 t/ha was recorded for the I60%ETo treatment. The highest WP of 0.598 kg/m3 was recorded for I80%ETo. The Ky value of 0.78 was obtained. Therefore, applying appropriate agronomic management (e.g. proper amounts of irrigation water, and fertilizers through drip-fertigation technique) can achieve high chia seed yields. In case of water shortage, applying appropriate agricultural practices and I80%ETo can save 46% (3660 m3/ha) of AIW without significant reduction in seed yield. Keywords: Chia, Applied irrigation water, water productivity, yield response factor, carbohydrates, protein, oil content, Egyp

Genetic diversity and production systems of horses in Tunisia

The Arabian horse holds significant historical and cultural value in Tunisia. This study examines the technical and administrative frameworks governing horse breeding, focusing on the National Foundation for the Improvement of the Equine Breed (FNARC). It highlights FNARC’s efforts to align with the World Arabian Horse Organization (WAHO) standards. Through an analysis of historical records, breeding programs, and distribution data, the study explores FNARC’s structured initiatives, including the maintenance of the Tunisian Arabian Stud Book, essential for preserving lineage purity. The research also maps the distribution of Barb and Arabian horses, showing a concentration of Barb horses in western Tunisia and Arabian horses in the greater Tunis area. The findings underscore FNARC’s role in maintaining genetic integrity and enhancing Arabian horse quality, reinforcing Tunisia’s position in the global equine industry and its commitment to equine heritage. Keywords: Genetic diversity, Horse breeds, Equine production systems, Tunisi

Effects of seeding rate on growth parameters and yield components of soft wheat in a no-till system in the Saïs area of Morocco

Cereals are the main basic food commodity in Morocco. Yields are affected by various farming factors, among them tillage and seeding rates. Because of the changes in rainfall amounts and trends, many farmers are starting to switch to no-till systems as a conservation measure, but are still adopting high seeding rates, often exceeding 200 kg.ha-1, in an attempt to maximize yields. The present study aims to evaluates the effect of seeding rate on growth, yield and economic return of soft wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under a no-till system in the Saïs area (Meknès, Morocco). The trial was conducted during the 2023/24 cropping season at the Experimental Farm of the National Agriculture School of Meknès. Four seeding rates: 80 (T1), 120 (T2), 160 (T3), and 200(T4) kg.ha-1, were arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications. The 2023-24 season was considered a drought season with only 409 mm rainfall. At emergence, the higher seeding rates T4 achieved a plant density of 499 plants/m², followed by T3 (387 plants/m²), T2 (387 plants/m²) and T1 (222 plants/m²). At tillering stage, the highest stem density (734 stems/m²) was recorded for (T4), but this density decreased to 364 stems/m² at heading, with a stem mortality rate of 27%. In contrast, the lowest seeding rate (T1) maintained an average of 0.5 tillers/plant. Plant height varied significantly across growth stages, with the T1 treatment exhibiting the tallest plant height of 71.7 cm by the end of the growing season, while the T4 treatment was the shortest with 33.5 cm, highlighting the strong impact of competition on growth. Total dry matter per plant was highest for T1, reaching 5.0 g compared to 2.0 g for T4. Spike density was significantly influenced by seeding rate, with T4 yielding an average of 364 spikes per square meter, whereas T1 produced 269 spikes/m². Chlorophyll content varied among treatments, with the 120 kg/ha seeding rate showing the highest value (39.1 µg/cm²) while the 200 kg/ha treatment had the lowest (33.5 µg/cm²). Grain yields were 30.5 quintal/ha for T1, 31.4 quintal/ha for T2, 28.4 quintal/ha for T3 and 31.0 quintal/ha for T4. Biological yields were 50.5 quintal/ha for T1, 51.2 quintal/ha for T2, 50.4 quintal/ha for T3, and 54.7 quintal/ha for T4. The economic analysis showed that despite the strong competition at higher seeding rates, the 200 kg/ha seeding rate offered the highest net returns, primarily due to the high price of straw during the drought season, which compensated for the lower grain yield per plant. Keywords: seeding rate, no-till, soft wheat, growth parameters, grain yield, Morocc

Indigenous ecological knowledge, conservation status, and spatial distribution of Sterculia setigera in Togo

Indigenous knowledge of plant resources is very useful for their sustainable management. The present study aimed at understanding the indigenous knowledge for sustainable management of Sterculia setigera in Togo. In particular, it collected information on the ethno-ecological knowledge of S. setigera, its habitat, population dynamics, traditional management and spatial distribution in Togo. Data were collected through semi-structured individual and focus group interviews with 376 informants (almost all Togolese ethnic groups: 29), coupled with direct field observations. A total of 553 occurrences were recorded during the field observations. The results showed that knowledge of the species' habitat and population dynamics varied by geographical area, while management was sometimes influenced by socio-cultural considerations and use values. Human activities were identified as a major threat affecting the population dynamics of the species. The projection of these on the Togolese eco-floristic map showed that eco-floristic zones I and III were identified as areas with a high occurrence of S. setigera, while the species is almost absent in the semi-deciduous forest zone (eco-floristic zone IV). Further research on how climate change affects the species' habitat, propagation and planting should be encouraged. Keywords: Sterculia setigera, ethno-ecology, distribution, Tog

Growth, yield and fibre quality of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) varieties as influenced by biochar

A study on growth, yield and fibre quality of kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) varieties as influenced by biochar was conducted to determine optimum rate of biochar for better quality of kenaf fibres. The experiment was conducted during the 2023 cropping season at two locations; Faculty of Agriculture Research Farm, Federal University Dutse and Bauchi State University, Gadau. The experiments were laid in randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Biochar was applied at 5 and 10 tons/ha and incorporated into ridges at sowing. The results showed that biochar applied at the rate of 10 tons/ha had higher plant height (147.5 cm and 137.5 cm), number of leaves (119.6 and 118.5), fibre yield per plant (923 g and 839 g), fibre yield per hectare (5.50 t/ha and 4.68 t/ha) and dry weight of leaves (158.4 g and 161.9 g) respectively in Dutse and Gadau. Kenaf white variety (yar fara) had higher plant height (166.6 g and 137.6 g), number of leaves (116.9 g and 114.8 g) and attained 50 % flowering earlier than black variety (yar baka). Higher leaves fresh weight (360 and 357 g), dry weight of leaves (155 and 157 g), fibre yield per plant (911 g and 825 g) and fibre yield per hectare (5.29 t/ha and 4.79 t/ha) were obtained from the black kenaf variety (yar baka) respectively in Dutse and Gadau. Biochar rates did not show any significant effect on moisture content and dry matter content. Application of 10 tons/ha biochar is recommended for production of maximum kenaf quality in the study area. Keywords: Biochar, kenaf, optimum rate, variety, fibr

Camel milk: Composition, properties and processing potential

Camel milk serves a crucial role in arid regions, providing exceptional nutritional and health benefits. It is characterized by a lower cholesterol and sugar content compared to the milk of other ruminants, along with a high concentration of minerals such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and manganese, and elevated levels of vitamins C and B3. Furthermore, camel milk contains higher levels of protective proteins such as lactoferrin, lactoperoxidase, immunoglobulins, and lysozyme. This specific composition underpins the use of camel milk in the treatment of various diseases. Numerous studies have confirmed its diverse functional properties and health benefits, including antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic effects. However, despite these significant advantages, its industrial transformation into dairy products remains a major technical challenge. This is due to its low κ-casein content, the large size of its casein micelles, and the absence of β-lactoglobulin, characteristics that complicate the production of cheeses, yogurts, and other dairy products. Finally, specialized technologies and future research are required to optimize transformation processes and fully harness the potential of this milk with exceptional properties. Keywords : Camel milk, chemical composition, technological properties, processing potentia

Impact of heat stress on milk production performance of cattle in the suburban area of Ngaoundere, Cameroon

This study aims to assess the impact of heat stress on milk production of cattle under sudano-guinean climate in the suburban area of the city of Ngaoundere (Cameroon). It was carried out on 98 cattle of different breeds and sexes in order to determine their stress situation by measuring the level of cortisol in their blood plasma and by calculating the temperature-humidity index (THI). It was seen that, about half of the cattle (49.0%) are under stress according to their cortisol level (higher than 11.7 ng/ml). Gudali (75.9%) and Holstein (41. 7%) were more stressed than Montbeliard (38.2%) and cross breeds (34.8%). Females (54.3%) were more stressed than males (23.5%). Gudali and Montbeliard cattle were more susceptible to heat stress with a higher THI mean (70.4) than Holstein (69.5) and crossbreeds (68.9). There was a significant difference in THI among breeds whereas no difference in THI between sexes was observed. Stressed cows have lower daily milk production (7.81 L) than unstressed cows (19.9 L). Meanwhile, milk production decreases as THI increased. Keywords: Dairy cows, heat stress, cortisol, temperature-humidity index, Cameroo

Combining ability and heterosis for flax straw and seed yield components

Fifteen crosses generated from six diverse parents in half diallel mating design were evaluated in 2020/2021 season to estimate combining ability and heterosis in flax for improving yield and its various components. The analysis of data showed that variance due to genotypes, parents and crosses were highly significant, indicating sufficient variability existed in populations. Variance of parents vs. crosses as an indication to average heterosis was significant for all the studied traits except technical length and fibre percentage traits. The analysis for combining ability illustrated significant variance due to both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for all the studied traits, indicating presence of both additive and non-additive gene actions in the expression for these traits. GCA/SCA ratio was more than unity for all studied traits except number of basal branches and number of capsules/plant traits, indicating that additive gene effects were more important than non-additive gene effects for control the inheritance of these traits. S.620/1/3 (P1) was good combiner for all studied traits and Sakha 3 (P2) and Belinka (P3) were good combiners for most of the studied traits. Six crosses were the good combination for the most of the studied traits and particularly three crosses (S. 620/1/3 x Sakha 3, S. 620/1/3 x Belinka and S. 620/1/3 x Sozana) exhibited positive significant heterosis for most of the studied traits. Therefore, good combiners and best crosses combinations can be used for improvement of yield and their components in the programs of flax breeding. Key words: Flax, combining ability, heterosis, gene actio