A note on divergent selection for total fleece weight in adult Angora rabbits: direct response to selection on total fleece weight at first and second harvest

[EN] In order to explore the genetic variability of wool production and other quantitative traits, an 8-cohort divergent selection experiment for total fleece weight (TFW) was carried out in French Angora rabbits. Studies were made on the wool production of a total of 669 female rabbits born between 1994 and 2001 and having produced wool from first to 12th harvests. The aim of the selection experiment was to obtain two divergent lines (low and high) on TFW. From preliminary analysis, the dataset was separated into three subsets according to the harvest number: one for each of the first two harvests and one for the third to the 12th harvests. In this paper, wool production data of the first and second harvests was analysed separately. Response to selection for total fleece weight at 3-12 harvest (TFW3-12) on this trait at first and second harvest was the aim of this paper. The second objective was to study the possibility of utilising values of the first or second harvest to estimate breeding values and as selection criteria for total fleece weight in the French Angora rabbit. Preliminary analysis of the data for non-genetic factors was done by the GLM procedure of SAS. Genetic parameters and breeding value estimates were carried out using a BLUP animal model using ASReml. A linear mixed model for a bivariate analysis of total fleece weight at first or second harvest and TFW3-12 was used. Heritability estimates of total fleece weight at first and second harvests were 0.36 and 0.38, respectively, and were similar to that observed at later harvests (0.35). The genetic correlation between TFW3-12 and fleece weight at first harvest was close to zero indicating that wool production at first harvest is a different trait from that of subsequent harvests. Genetic correlation estimates observed at second harvest were high (0.76) and response to selection at second harvest was similar to that observed for TFW3-12. These observations confirm that total fleece weight at first harvest is a different trait from TFW3-12. In French Angora rabbits, the high genetic correlation between TFW3-12 and total fleece weight at second harvest suggests the possibility of selection at this time for TFW3-12.The authors thank Gérard Auvinet, Jean Claude Musseau and Patricia Bayle of the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA), Génétique Expérimentale en Productions Animales, Le Magneraud Poitou-Charentes Research Centre for the collection of data and the supply and care of Angora rabbits.Rafat, S.; Thébault, R.; Bonnet, M.; Deretz, S.; Pena-Arnaud, B.; De Rochambeau, H.; Allain, D. (2009). A note on divergent selection for total fleece weight in adult Angora rabbits: direct response to selection on total fleece weight at first and second harvest. World Rabbit Science. 17(1):39-44. doi:10.4995/wrs.2009.669394417

Uptake of long-acting reversible contraceptives in north central Nigeria: a five-year review

Background: Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) are methods used in the prevention of pregnancy that are long lasting. They are effective and efficacious methods of contraception and return to fertility after removal is prompt. Objectives was to determine the uptake of long-acting reversible contraception and assess the characteristics of acceptors of these methods in the area.Methods: This was a retrospective study of clients’ who visited the family planning unit of the University of Abuja teaching hospital over a 5-year period, from 01 January 2015 to 31 December 2019. Information on socio-demographic characteristics and specific methods selected were extracted from their records and represented on simple tables, graphs, and charts.Results: A total of one thousand eight hundred and ninety-one (1,891) clients accepted available methods of contraceptives during the five-year study period. One thousand seven hundred and twenty-four (1,724) accepted LARC (91.1%) while only one hundred and sixty-seven (167) accepted non-LARC (8.9%). Majority 946 (54.9%) of the clients that accepted LARC were aged between 30-39 years and clients less than 20 years were 22 (1.3%). Clients with parity 3 and above were 1162 (67.7%), and majority of LARC acceptors wanted more children 1145 (66.4%). Amongst the LARC acceptors, most of the clients opted for subdermal implant either Jadelle or Implanon 940(49.7%). Three hundred and ninety-eight (23.1%) discontinued a form of LARC during the study period while 1127 (65.4%) continued with one form of LARC or another.Conclusions: The uptake of LARC in this region is very high. Teenagers and low parity rarely attended the family planning clinic

Trends in female sterilization in north central Nigeria

Background: Contraception is key to the reduction of maternal mortality. Tubal ligation is a good option for women seeking out a safe, effective, permanent and convenient form of contraceptive. However, due to variety of reasons, there is aversion to it especially in developing world. The objective of this study was to determine the trends, uptake, socio-demographic characteristics of acceptors, indications and complications of bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) in our environment.Methods: A retrospective study of BTL at UATH was conducted over a five year period, from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2019. The records of women who had BTL were retrieved from the medical records department, family planning clinic, and the theatre. The data was analyzed using SPSS 21.Results: The mean age and parity were 36.0±4.0 and 5.0±2.0 respectively. The incidence of BTL was 1.3%. Majority of those that had BTL had at least secondary level of education 100 (83.4%) and 58 (48.3%) were grand multiparous. Majority of cases 87 (72.5%) were done during caesarean section/laparotomy. Postpartum BTL accounted for 15.0%, while interval BTL accounted for 12.5%. Completed family size was the commonest indication 48.3%. No client came back with regrets. There was one case of failed BTL.Conclusions: BTL is a safe and effective method of sterilization. There is an increasing trend in utilization of BTL however the rate is still low