Biotechnological advances for climate change adaptation and mitigation in the case of goat production – A review

Climate change influences goat production directly and indirectly thru its effect on reducing the quality and quantity of feed resources, and increasing spatial and temporal distribution of infectious diseases. The advances of biotechnology now a day’s opened an avenue to improve the nutritive value and digestibility of fibrous feeds by using biological methods (e.g., white rot fungi) and through recombinant DNA engineering techniques. Moreover, supplementation of probiotics, enzymes, antibiotics and organic acids modulate the activities and composition of the rumen microbial ecosystem thereby reduce lactic acid content, improve nutrient digestibility, reduce methanogenesis, optimize voluntary fatty acid profiles, and decrease ruminal ammonia production and protein degradation. All these effects increase productive performances and reduce methane emission from goat production. Genetic engineering and introgression of genes between adapted and non-adapted populations have been used to improve the diseases resistance of goat. Vaccines are used to control infectious diseases, increase productivity by modulating hormones or the immune system functions. Immuno-castration and ectoparasite control are also important biotechnological tools. Immunological and molecular techniques diagnostic technologies (PCR, RT-PCR, microarray, proteomic technique, biosensors, fluorescent-in-situ-hybridisation (FISH) and nanotechnologies) are used to detect and identify diseases and their causal agents. However, the aforementioned biotechnological tools are not yet well developed in developing countries like Ethiopia. Therefore, review, evaluation, and implementation of biotechnological tools in goat production in developing countries is paramount to increase production and productivity, and realize the potential use of biotechnology for climate change adaptation and mitigation

The role of phenotypic and genetic basis of livestock selection for climate change adaptation and mitigation: A review

Livestock are not only suffering from climate change, but also contribute to climate change through the direct and indirect release of greenhouse gases (CH4, N2O and CO2). Characterization, identification and conservation of heat tolerant livestock breeds are basics for future challenging climate. Properties of the skin, hair, coat color, coat type, sweating, respiration capacity, tissue insulation, surface area relative to body weight, endocrinological profiles and metabolic heat production are important factors involved for heat tolerance. Selection based on these phenotypic characteristics is play indispensible for climate change adaptation and mitigation.  Molecular information is used to know the candidate gene for heat tolerance, their action, specific function and location on chromosomes thereby important for modification of gene and selection of heat tolerant breed and feed efficient animals. Genomic information also used to identify genes that regulated during a stressful event can lead to the identification of animals that are genetically superior for coping with stress. Marker assisted selection and proteomics may also be valuable in selection for secondary traits linked to adaptation, such as the genes for high levels of blood urea and ruminal ammonia in certain genotypes, associated with adaptation to low-quality C4 grasses. Scientific research results demonstrated that heat tolerance is heritable trait and variable between/within livestock breeds, thereby variation and heritability of the trait opens the window for selection of heat tolerant animals. Therefore, the combined genomic selection using genome wide DNA markers that predict tolerance to heat stress and phenotypic selection could be accelerated breeding of highly productive and heat tolerant livestock breeds. Further research should be conducted on characterization, identification of indigenous breeds at molecular level and on identification of responsible genes/genomic regions associated with thermoregulation, feed and production efficiency in order to develop suitable adaptive and mitigation strategies to counter environmental stresses

Monitoring of body weight, body condition and observation of wound on working equines in HuletEjuEnese district, East Gojjam, Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia

A study was conducted in urban and rural areas of HuletEjuEnese district to describe body weight, body condition, causes and location of wounds on different body parts of donkeys and mules. A total of 150 donkey and mule owners were selected and interviewed on equine wound management, injury occurrence and the fate of wounded equines. Visual observation and measurement was made on body condition and location of injury on 300 equines. Data was analyzed using the descriptive statistics and general linear model. The major causes of external injury of equines were improper harness (63.4%), over working and over loading (58.9%) and multi factorial causes (32.2%). Observed causes of external injuries were not significantly different (p>0.05) between mules and donkeys. The mean body weight of donkeys in age group 5-15 years (107.2 ± 32.6) was significantly higher (p<0.05) than those below 5 (92.7 ± 19.3kg) and above 15 years (93.7 ± 23.5 kg. Donkeys providing cart pulling had lower mean body weight (98.2 ± 27.9 kg) compared to those involved in pack services (107.3 ± 33.5 kg). The body condition of equines did not vary significantly (p>0.05) with age and sex but significant differences (p<0.05) were observed with work type, working hour and feeding condition. In general, in the study district the body condition of donkeys and mules were poor. Therefore, proper management like optimizing working hours and load, proper harness, and health management are crucial for increasing the performance of working equines. Awareness creation on equine welfare and management is required to alleviate discomfort, pain, occurrence of injuries and other related welfare problems of working equines.Keywords: Body condition; Body weight; External injury; Equine; HuletEjuEnes

Breeding objectives and selection criteria of farmers keeping indigenous cattle populations in north-west Ethiopia

This study was conducted to identify farmers’ breeding objectives and trait preferences for indigenous cattle in north-west Ethiopia. Multistage purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select study districts, and smallholder farmers. The required data were collected through structured questionnaires from 320 households, personal observations, and focus group discussions. The chi-square (χ2) test, least squares mean, and ranking index were statistical methods used for data analysis. The least squares mean analysis showed a difference (p &lt; 0.001) and the mean herd size was 10.9 heads. Based on ranking index results, milk production (0.35) and draught power (0.25) were the main cattle production purpose/objectives of farmers. The chi-square (χ2) test results of mating practices showed a significant difference (p &lt; 0.001) and 63.8% of farmers used controlled mating. According to the ranking index result, large body size (0.35), colour (0.26), and good traction (0.18) were considered the most important traits in selecting a breeding bull. High milk yield (0.4), colour (0.19), large body size (0.16), and calf growth (0.13) were the preferred traits/criterias for cow selection. Prioritizing farmer trait preference and breeding objectives in this study was critical for the design and implementation of breeding programmes.</p

Quantifying morphometric and adaptive characteristics of indigenous cattle genetic resources in northwest Ethiopia

Ethiopia is the gateway of livestock genetic resources to Africa and has a wide range of altitude. It is endowed with huge diverse cattle genetic resources. The aim of this research was to determine the morphometric and potentioally adaptive characteristics of cattle populations. Multi-stage purposive and random sampling methods were employed to select the study areas, households and animals. A total of 1200 adult cattle were sampled and characterized for 14 qualitative and eight morphometric variables. The comparison of marginal means, chi-square tests, canonical discriminant analysis, and clustering analysis were employed using SAS and SPSS statistical software. The sex of the animal, location and agro-ecology were fitted as fixed effects in the model and had highly significant (p 0.45) values. White with red, light red, black and dark red were the most predominant coat colour types of cattle. The maximum hit rates were recorded in Enebsie and Sinan cattle. From five extracted canonical variate, (can1 and can2) accounted 75.4% and 78.8% in the female and male cattle populations, respectively. The canonical class has separated cattle populations of Sinan from Banja at can1 and Mecha from Sinan populations at can2. The square Mahalanobis distances between sites were significant (p<0.001) and the largest distance was found between Banja and Sinan locations. Cluster analysis result classified the study populations into four major cattle groups. The cumulative analysis results showed that the cattle populations of the study area can be categorized into four breed types as Jawi Sanga, Gojjam Zenga, Banja cattle, and Sinan cattle. However, this morphology based grouping need to be confirmed by molecular data

Management practices, reproductive performances, and production constraints of indigenous cattle in north-western parts of Ethiopia

Description of the production condition and level of performance is the first step in improving production performance. The study described the indigenous cattle reproductive performances, management practices and production limitations in north-western Ethiopia. Multistage purposive and random sampling methods were used to select the study sites/districts and households. A semi-structured questionnaire (320 interviewees), focus group discussions (12) and personal observations were used for data collection. Chi-square (χ2) test, the least squares mean and the ranking indexes were the statistical methods employed for data analysis. Livestock composition, reproductive performance and production constraints of cattle showed significant differences (p &lt; 0.001) between agro-ecological zones. Cattle were the dominant livestock species, with mean numbers of 18.3 ± 9.9, 8.1 ± 3.2 and 5.4 ± 2.5 heads in the lowland, midland and highland agro-ecological zones, respectively. The mean ages at first mating of bulls, first service of heifers, first calving and calving interval of cows were best in the highlands, while the midland agro-ecology had the worst performance. Feed shortage (Index = 0.4) and disease prevalence (Index = 0.25) were the main cattle production problems. Natural pasture was the main feed source for cattle in the study areas. The study revealed a significant effect agro-ecology on landholding, cattle management practices, species composition; cattle herd structure, reproductive performances and cattle production constraints. This implies that the socioeconomic characteristics, management-level constraints for production and performance level of the livestock stock are important for developing improvement strategies for smallholder livestock production in different agro-ecological zones.</p

The efficiency of estrus synchronization protocols and artificial insemination in the Abergelle goat on-station and on-farm conditions of Northern Ethiopia

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of different estrus synchronization protocols followed by artificial insemination on estrus response and the conception rate of Abergelle goats. Three estrus synchronization protocols: (i) the standard protocol associating progestogens, gonadotropins andprostaglandins (P4+ eCG + PGF2α), (ii) single injection of prostaglandin (PGFS), (iii) double injection ofprostaglandin (PGFD) were evaluated and compared to a control group that did not receive ahormonal treatment. Estrus behaviour was monitored in all does and those in estrus were inseminated. The estrous response was significantly higher in P4+ eCG + PGF2αdoes than in counter parts in PGFS and PGFD groups (p< 0.001). Results also revealed an earlier onset of estrus inthe PGFD-treated group, a longer duration of estrus for second- and third- parity -does and an earlier on set of estrus in animals having a 3.5 body condition score. Even if the conception rate (CR) washighest when using the PGFD protocol, the lowest kidding rate (KR) was obtained when using thissame treatment. The P4+ eCG + PGF protocol yielded the highest litter size. Farmers’ perception surveys revealed that a higher proportion of goat keepers used a controlled mating system and had culling practices and farmers selected PGFDas a preferred protocol

Pengaruh Kualitas Produk, Harga, Dan Saluran Distribusi Terhadap Loyalitas Pelanggan Majalah Swa Melalui Variabel Kepuasan Pelanggan (Studi Kasus Pada Pelanggan Majalah Swa Di DKI Jakarta)

Customer loyalty is a goal that has to be achieved by a company. To be able to get loyal customers, SWA magazine needs to pay attention on the factors that influence customers\u27 loyalty. Moreover, business and economy themed magazines are mushrooming, leading to the opportunity for the readers to move from one magazine to another.This research aimed to ascertain the effect of product quality, price, and distribution channel on customer loyalty of SWA magazine in Jakarta through customer satisfaction variable both simultaneously and partially. The hypothesis was there was an effect of product quality, price, and distribution channel on customer loyalty of SWA magazine in Jakarta through customer satisfaction variable both simultaneously and partially. The type of this research was explanatory research with 97 respondents with multi stage sampling technique through questionnaire and interview. The data was analyzed using linear regression method with the assistance of SPSS 16.0.The result of this research showed that product quality, price and distribution channel variables had significant and positive effect partially on customer satisfaction. Product quality variable did not have partially significant effect on customer loyalty. Price and distribution channel variables had partially significant and positive effect on customer loyalty. Product quality and price variables had simultaneously positive and significant effect on customer satisfaction while distribution channel had simultaneously negative effect on customer satisfaction. Simultaneously, product quality, price, and distribution channel variables had positive effect and not significant effect on customer loyalty. Partially, customer satisfaction had positive and significant effect on customer loyalty.Based on the result of this research, a conclusion was drawn that customers\u27 perception on product quality, price, and distribution channel was good. Customers\u27 satisfaction and loyalty of SWA magazine were also good. The company was suggested to improving the product quality, adjusting the price and boosting the distribution channel of SWA magazine in accordance with customers\u27 needs and expectation, so that, customers can feel the satisfaction and decided to be loyal customers

Whole genome scan reveals the genetic signature of African Ankole cattle breed and potential for higher quality beef

BACKGROUND: Africa is home to numerous cattle breeds whose diversity has been shaped by subtle combinations of human and natural selection. African Sanga cattle are an intermediate type of cattle resulting from interbreeding between Bos taurus and Bos indicus subspecies. Recently, research has asserted the potential of Sanga breeds for commercial beef production with better meat quality as compared to Bos indicus breeds. Here, we identified meat quality related gene regions that are positively selected in Ankole (Sanga) cattle breeds as compared to indicus (Boran, Ogaden, and Kenana) breeds using cross-population (XP-EHH and XP-CLR) statistical methods. RESULTS: We identified 238 (XP-EHH) and 213 (XP-CLR) positively selected genes, of which 97 were detected from both statistics. Among the genes obtained, we primarily reported those involved in different biological process and pathways associated with meat quality traits. Genes (CAPZB, COL9A2, PDGFRA, MAP3K5, ZNF410, and PKM2) involved in muscle structure and metabolism affect meat tenderness. Genes (PLA2G2A, PARK2, ZNF410, MAP2K3, PLCD3, PLCD1, and ROCK1) related to intramuscular fat (IMF) are involved in adipose metabolism and adipogenesis. MB and SLC48A1 affect meat color. In addition, we identified genes (TIMP2, PKM2, PRKG1, MAP3K5, and ATP8A1) related to feeding efficiency. Among the enriched Gene Ontology Biological Process (GO BP) terms, actin cytoskeleton organization, actin filament-based process, and protein ubiquitination are associated with meat tenderness whereas cellular component organization, negative regulation of actin filament depolymerization and negative regulation of protein complex disassembly are involved in adipocyte regulation. The MAPK pathway is responsible for cell proliferation and plays an important role in hyperplastic growth, which has a positive effect on meat tenderness. CONCLUSION: Results revealed several candidate genes positively selected in Ankole cattle in relation to meat quality characteristics. The genes identified are involved in muscle structure and metabolism, and adipose metabolism and adipogenesis. These genes help in the understanding of the biological mechanisms controlling beef quality characteristics in African Ankole cattle. These results provide a basis for further research on the genomic characteristics of Ankole and other Sanga cattle breeds for quality beef. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12863-016-0467-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users

The genome landscape of indigenous African cattle

Background: The history of African indigenous cattle and their adaptation to environmental and human selection pressure is at the root of their remarkable diversity. Characterization of this diversity is an essential step towards understanding the genomic basis of productivity and adaptation to survival under African farming systems. Results: We analyze patterns of African cattle genetic variation by sequencing 48 genomes from five indigenous populations and comparing them to the genomes of 53 commercial taurine breeds. We find the highest genetic diversity among African zebu and sanga cattle. Our search for genomic regions under selection reveals signatures of selection for environmental adaptive traits. In particular, we identify signatures of selection including genes and/ or pathways controlling anemia and feeding behavior in the trypanotolerant N’Dama, coat color and horn development in Ankole, and heat tolerance and tick resistance across African cattle especially in zebu breeds. Conclusions: Our findings unravel at the genome-wide level, the unique adaptive diversity of African cattle while emphasizing the opportunities for sustainable improvement of livestock productivity on the continent