CORPUS LUTEUM SIZE AND PLASMA PROGESTERONE CONCENTRATION DURING THE ESTROUS CYCLE IN CHEURFA COW OF ALGERIA

The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between the evolution of the corpus luteum size determined by ultrasonography and plasma progesterone concentration in Cheurfa cows during the estrous cycle. Luteal activity was evaluated daily by plasma progesterone concentrations determined by radioimmunassay at each ultrasound examination. The interovulatory interval was 20.5±0.6 days. The corpus luteum clearly delimited 2 days after ovulation reached its maximal size on day 10. The plasma progesterone concentration reached its maximum on days 14. There was a day effect of estrous cycle on corpus luteum size (P<0.0001) and plasma progesterone concentration (P<0.0001). During the growing and regression phases of corpus luteum, a significant correlation was found between plasma progesterone concentration and corpus luteum size. In conclusion, the relationships between the corpus luteum size and plasma progesterone concentrations throughout the estrous cycle in Cheurfa cow were similar to other cattle breeds

Neutralizing based seroprevalence study of Toscana virus in livestock from Algeria

International audienceToscana virus is a sandfly-borne human pathogen belonging to Phlebovirus genus into Phenuiviridae family. It is emerging in north Africa posing a complex threat to public health. TOSV is heavily affecting sandfly-exposed people in northern Algeria. A larger distribution has recently been stated in Algeria by using dog sera. Dog exposure to TOSV was repeatedly identified in north Algeria, with 4.56% lately detected to possess respective neutralizing antibodies. However, evidence for TOSV has only been observed in dogs among various species of domestic animals. Therefore, we attempted to assess sera from 221 livestock comprising cattle, sheep, goats, rabbits and horses, to identify the presence of TOSV neutralizing antibodies. The study was conducted during 2017, in 11 areas from the governorates of Blida, Medea, Algiers, Tipaza, Ain Defla, Tissemsilt in the north center, and Setif, Mila, Tizi Ouzou, Jijel in the northeast of Algeria. Positive results were obtained in 14.6% (12/ 82) cattle, 17.18% (11/64) sheep, 15% (3/20) horses and 3.33% (1/30) goats, whereas rabbits remained negative. Positive samples originated mainly from the north centre, with new areas being first-ever detected. The seroprevalence was noticed to be very strongly related to sample origin (p < 0.01). Females (OR=4.09) were observed to be more likely infected. Our findings represent a further proof of TOSV circulation in Algeria. Moreover, they revealed a potential role of livestock (p = 0.00731) in its natural cycle. This fact emphasize how important is to elucidate the exact contribution of livestock to the epidemiology of sandfly-borne phleboviruses, and their impact on public health

Multivariate characterization of phenotypic traits of arabia, the main algerian goat breed

In Algeria, goats, in spite of their economic importance, are largely neglected. Goat management is traditional and indiscriminate cross-breeding is current. The phenotypic variability of the main breed, the Arabia (commonly called Arbia by breeders), was investigated for the first time, using multivariate discriminant analysis. The sampling was designed in order to take into account the three ecotypes encountered in the breeding area of the Arabia. A total of 558 females and 133 males were phenotyped in a large area including the cradle of the breed, with 23 quantitative measures and 10 qualitative traits. This study defined finely the breed phenotypically. The informations reported in this study are the first step of the conservation and selection programs for this breed showing an untapped potential with a live weight of 36.6 ± 0.3 kg (fem.) and 47.0 ± 0.9 kg (males) and a withers height of 70.3 ± 0.2 cm (fem.) and 75.1 ± 0.5 cm (males) for example. The Compact Index indicated that Arabia was more suited for meat production and the Foreleg Length index indicated animals with relatively long legs, and hence more adapted to plains and long treks. Our results suggest a large intra breed phenotypic homogeneity in spite of the diversity of the production environments, probably induced by economical exchanges. They are in favor of poor intra-genetic variations for this breed, and indicate that measures have to be taken for the breed preservation

First serological evidence of West Nile virus infection in wild birds in Northern Algeria

While the epidemiology of Flaviviruses has been extensively studied in most of the Mediterranean basin, little is known about the current situation in Algeria. In order to detect the circulation of West Nile (WNV) and Usutu viruses (USUV) in Kabylia, 165 sera were collected from two wild birds species, namely the long distance migrant Turdus philomelos (song thrush) (n = 92) and the resident Passer domesticus (house sparrow) (n = 73). A total of 154 sera were first analyzed by commercial competition ELISA. WNV and USUV micro-neutralization tests were performed on all c-ELISA positive sera and all samples with poor volume. Overall, 7.8 % (CI95 %: 3.5-11.9) were positive by c-ELISA. Positive results were detected in 12.5 % (CI95 %:5.6-19.4) of song thrushes and 1.5 % (CI95 %: 0.0-4.5) for sparrow. Micro-neutralization tests revealed an overall seroprevalence of 6.7 % for WNV (CI95 %: 2.9-10.3), Neutralizing antibodies were found in 8.7 % (CI95 %: 3.0-14.4) for song thrushes and in 4.1 % (CI95 %: 0.0-8.7) of sparrows. The current study demonstrates significant seroprevalence of WNV antibodies in wild birds in Algeria

Assessing admixture by multivariate analyses of phenotypic differentiation in the Algerian goat livestock

International audienceIn Algeria, goat research has been largely neglected, in spite of the economic importance of this domestic species for rural livelihoods. Goat farming is traditional and cross-breeding practices are current. The phenotypic variability of the four main native breeds (Arabia, Makatia, M'zabite and Kabyle), and of two exotic breeds (Alpine and Saanen), was investigated for the first time, using multivariate discriminant analysis. A total of 892 females were sampled in a large area, including the cradle of the native breeds, and phenotyped with 23 quantitative measures and 10 qualitative traits. Our results suggested that cross-breeding practices have ever led to critical consequences, particularly for Makatia and M'zabite. The information reported in this study has to be carefully considered in order to establish governmental plan able to prevent the genetic dilution of the Algerian goat livestoc

Detection of relapsing fever Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp. and Anaplasmataceae bacteria in argasid ticks in Algeria.

Argasid ticks (soft ticks) are blood-feeding arthropods that can parasitize rodents, birds, humans, livestock and companion animals. Ticks of the Ornithodoros genus are known to be vectors of relapsing fever borreliosis in humans. In Algeria, little is known about relapsing fever borreliosis and other bacterial pathogens transmitted by argasid ticks.Between May 2013 and October 2015, we investigated the presence of soft ticks in 20 rodent burrows, 10 yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis) nests and animal shelters in six locations in two different bioclimatic zones in Algeria. Six species of argasid ticks were identified morphologically and through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The presence and prevalence of Borrelia spp., Bartonella spp., Rickettsia spp. and Anaplasmataceae was assessed by qPCR template assays in each specimen. All qPCR-positive samples were confirmed by standard PCR, followed by sequencing the amplified fragments. Two Borrelia species were identified: Borrelia hispanica in Ornithodoros occidentalis in Mostaganem, and Borrelia cf. turicatae in Carios capensis in Algiers. One new Bartonella genotype and one new Anaplasmataceae genotype were also identified in Argas persicus.The present study highlights the presence of relapsing fever borreliosis agents, although this disease is rarely diagnosed in Algeria. Other bacteria of unknown pathogenicity detected in argasid ticks which may bite humans deserve further investigation

Assessing patterns of genetic admixture between sheep breeds: Case study in Algeria

International audienceIn developing countries, cross-breeding between local breeds and indigene or exotic breeds represents one of the main threats to the livestock diversity, leading to genetic dilution and loss of unique allelic combination underlying essential local adaptive traits. In this study, two Algerian sheep breeds, known to be highly admixed, were considered as a case study, to demonstrate how combination of different methodologies coupled with the use of specific softwares can be efficient to assess the spatial structuration of a hybrid zone, even in a case of extreme admixture. A fine sampling covering distribution areas of both breeds was implemented in order to study the admixture area and adjacent zones from a phenotypic (i.e., 19 quantitative traits were considered) and a genetic point of view (i.e., 21 microsatellites markers were used). Both approaches gave concordant patterns, highlighting areas with sheep most differentiated (or less admixed) for each breed. In detail, the region of Biskra appeared as the most preserved for the Ouled-Djellal breed and the northwest of Laghouat was identified as the most preserved area for the Rembi breed. The approach proposed in the study offers a low-cost solution to identify the most representative flocks of a breed, allowing the implementation of efficient conservation plans

Phenotypic characterization of the major sheep breed in Algeria

International audienceNorth Africa represents a livestock biodiversity hotspot with breeds that have evolved in conditions as harsh as varied. In Algeria, among the eight major sheep breeds, the Ouled-Djellal receives the preference of most farmers thanks to its reputation of best meaty breed. In this study, the phenotypic variability of the Ouled-Djellal was investigated taking into account the multiplicity of management practices and environments, using multivariate discriminant analysis, as recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). A total of 1104 females and 84 males were sampled in a large area including the cradle of the breed, with 18 quantitative measures (20 for males) and 14 qualitative traits. This study provides the first fine phenotypic characterization of an Algerian breed. Moreover, two patterns of phenotypic structuration were highlighted (i) the four regions sampled were clearly discriminated; hence the use of main markets in each region induced gene flows mostly restricted within the boundaries of the region (ii) sheep reared in altitude showed lower conformation than sheep reared in plains; hence our results postulated that high plateaus are not optimum production environment for Ouled-Djellal. Some local breeds are highly adapted to specific harsh environments encountered in the Algeria; the spread of the Ouled-Djellal in the country, without regard of production environment characteristics, represents a danger for most of the other breeds progressively abandoned or genetically diluted with the Ouled-Djellal because of crossbreeding practices

Sheep diversity of five Egyptian breeds: Genetic proximity revealed between desert breeds

This study investigated genetic diversity within and among five Egyptian breeds, the three major ones (Barki, Ossimi and Rahmani) and two minor (Sohagi and Saidi), by use of 22 microsatellite markers. The sampling design allowed paying particular attention to desert breeds (Barki, Sohagi and Saidi). Moreover two Algerian breeds (Ouled-Djellal and Rembi) were genotyped with the same set of microsatellites in order to expand the results at a larger scale. Our results showed substantial genetic diversity (average gene diversity ranging 0.64 to 0.79) and very low values of F-IS were recorded. A clear genetic structuration was observed, with genetic proximity between the desert breeds. In particular, Sohagi appeared as a mixture between Barki and Saidi, even if the level of admixture was not critical. Hence, this picture of the Egyptian sheep diversity suggests that the situation of the Sohagi have to be carefully monitored; moreover at least six other breeds have to be studied to gain a comprehensive view of the genetic diversity of Egyptian sheep