Livestock Farming Systems and Cattle Production Orientation in Eastern High Plains of Algeria, Cattle Farming System in Algerian Semi Arid Region

T his study was an attempt to devise productive orientations of cattle herds in eastern high plains of Algeria. In this regard, 165 farms randomly identified were investigated. The selection of breeders was based to existence of cattle on the farm, and the farmer proposed to investigation must have at least two cows. The approach taken was to identify all systems adopted by farmers in a region through the analysis of the relationship between the maintenance of different types of cattle and preferred marketing policies. The model has been emerged as a result of functional typology established using the procedure categorical principal components analysis (CATPCA) of optimal coding in SPSS [19. 2010]. Following this approach, five types of cattle productive orientation have been identified, the balanced mixed system (dairy-beef), beef mixed system, dairy mixed system, dairy system and beef system. These results showed that the breeders were oriented towards specialization (dairy or beef) in less than 20% of situations. Farmers in our context prefer mixed systems when beef mixed system was the model type frequently encountered in the region (over than 50% of farms). Abstract International Journal of Agricultural Management and Development (IJAMAD

A Hybrid Spline Metamodel for Photovoltaic/Wind/Battery Energy Systems

This paper proposes a metamodel design for a Photovoltaic/Wind/Battery Energy System. The modeling of a hybrid PV/wind generator coupled with two kinds of storage i.e. electric (battery) and hydraulic (tanks) devices is investigated. A metamodel is carried out by hybrid spline interpolation to solve the relationships between several design variables i.e. the design parameters of different subsystems and their associate response variables i.e. system indicators performance. The developed model has been successfully validated under real test condition

Desempenho do crescimento de cabritos Arbia sob sistema intensivo em Setif, Argélia

The growth of 81 indigenous Arbia goat kids reared in an intensive system in Setif in northeastern Algeria was observed between birth and 70 days of age. The kids were dam-raised during the first month and then provided with 150 g/head/day of a total mixed ration and oat hay. The kids’ live weights were assessed at fasting and at different ages: 0, 10, 21, 30, 42, 60, and 70 days. The average daily gains (ADG) were also calculated. Growth results were presented for all kids by sex and litter size. The average birth weight was W0 = 2.53±0.19 kg, while the average weight at 70 days was W70 = 10.1±1.54 kg, which correspond to an overall daily weight gain of ADG0-70 = 108±21 g/day. The study showed that birth weight was affected by litter size, while growth after birth was mainly affected by sex. Birth weights were similar between males and females, but males grew faster (p<0.001) after birth. Single kids were heavier (p<0.05) than twins at 70 days of age, which is the consequence of a heavier birth weight and a faster growth rate in the first 10 days after birth (ADG0-10). After 10 days, litter size did not affect ADG. Compared to other indigenous populations, Arbia goat kids demonstrated valuable growth potential for meat production.O crescimento de cabritos indígenas da Arbia criados sob um sistema de alto insumo foi investigado em 81 cabritos desde o nascimento até os 70 dias de idade na região de Setif, no nordeste da Argélia. A alimentação foi baseada no leite da mãe durante o primeiro mês de idade; em seguida, foram fornecidos 150 g/cabeça/dia de uma ração mista total e feno de aveia. O peso vivo dos cabritos foi medido em jejum em diferentes idades: 0, 10 21, 30, 42, 60 e 70 dias, respectivamente. Também foram calculados os ganhos médios diários (GMD). Os resultados de desempenho de crescimento foram expressos para todos os cabritos, por sexo e tamanho da ninhada. O peso médio ao nascer foi P0 = 2,53 ± 0,19 kg, enquanto o peso médio aos 70 dias foi P70 = 10,1 ± 1,54 kg, o que corresponde a um ganho de peso diário global GMD0-70 = 108 ± 21 g/dia. O estudo mostrou que o peso ao nascer foi afetado pelo tamanho da ninhada, enquanto o crescimento após o nascimento foi afetado principalmente pelo sexo. De fato, o peso ao nascer foi semelhante entre machos e fêmeas, mas após o nascimento os machos crescem mais rapidamente (p<0,001). Os animais nascidos de partos simples eram mais pesados ​​(p<0,05) do que de partos gemelares aos 70 dias de idade, consequência do peso maior ao nascer e de uma taxa de crescimento mais rápida até os 10 dias de idade (GMD0-10). A partir de 10 dias, o tamanho da ninhada não afetou o GMD. O desempenho dos cabritos da Arbia mostrou um potencial de crescimento valioso para a produção de carne quando comparado a outras populações de cabras indígenas

Genetic variability in the A microsatellite at SLC11A1 gene and possible implications with innate resistance against brucellosis in Algerian native goats

Abstract. Sahraoui H, Madani T, Fantazi K, Chaouch Khouane A, Ameur Ameur A, Paschino P, Vacca GM, Gaouar SBS, Dettori ML. 2020. Genetic variability in the A microsatellite at SLC11A1 gene and possible implications with innate resistance against brucellosis in Algerian native goats. Biodiversitas 21: 5630-5636. Goat rearing is among the major agricultural activities practiced in Algeria. However, brucellosis represents an important threat to the goat sector and to public health. The aim of our work was to characterize the genetic variability of the A microsatellite at the 3' untranslated region (3' UTR) of SLC11A1 gene in Algerian native goat breeds as it was associated with Brucellosis genetic resistance in goat. Genomic DNA samples of 90 goats belonging to the four Algerian native breeds; Mekatia (n = 32), Arbia (n = 30), Dwarf of Kabylia (n = 14) and Mozabit (n = 14) have been analyzed. Polymorphism of region A microsatellite was determined by capillary electrophoresis identifying 8 alleles and 20 genotypes. Genetic parameters were also estimated. Polymorphic information content was PIC = 0.60, the observed and the expected heterozygosity were Ho = 0.569 and He = 0.595, respectively, and the values of FIS, FIT and FST were 0.044, 0.064, and 0.021, respectively. The A microsatellite was highly polymorphic and alleles associated genetic resistance against brucellosis in other breeds or species have been identified. These results open a promising opportunity to implement a genetic improvement program to reduce goat brucellosis spread in Algeria

Effect of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin receptor blocker initiation on organ support-free days in patients hospitalized with COVID-19

IMPORTANCE Overactivation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may contribute to poor clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Objective To determine whether angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) initiation improves outcomes in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In an ongoing, adaptive platform randomized clinical trial, 721 critically ill and 58 non–critically ill hospitalized adults were randomized to receive an RAS inhibitor or control between March 16, 2021, and February 25, 2022, at 69 sites in 7 countries (final follow-up on June 1, 2022). INTERVENTIONS Patients were randomized to receive open-label initiation of an ACE inhibitor (n = 257), ARB (n = 248), ARB in combination with DMX-200 (a chemokine receptor-2 inhibitor; n = 10), or no RAS inhibitor (control; n = 264) for up to 10 days. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was organ support–free days, a composite of hospital survival and days alive without cardiovascular or respiratory organ support through 21 days. The primary analysis was a bayesian cumulative logistic model. Odds ratios (ORs) greater than 1 represent improved outcomes. RESULTS On February 25, 2022, enrollment was discontinued due to safety concerns. Among 679 critically ill patients with available primary outcome data, the median age was 56 years and 239 participants (35.2%) were women. Median (IQR) organ support–free days among critically ill patients was 10 (–1 to 16) in the ACE inhibitor group (n = 231), 8 (–1 to 17) in the ARB group (n = 217), and 12 (0 to 17) in the control group (n = 231) (median adjusted odds ratios of 0.77 [95% bayesian credible interval, 0.58-1.06] for improvement for ACE inhibitor and 0.76 [95% credible interval, 0.56-1.05] for ARB compared with control). The posterior probabilities that ACE inhibitors and ARBs worsened organ support–free days compared with control were 94.9% and 95.4%, respectively. Hospital survival occurred in 166 of 231 critically ill participants (71.9%) in the ACE inhibitor group, 152 of 217 (70.0%) in the ARB group, and 182 of 231 (78.8%) in the control group (posterior probabilities that ACE inhibitor and ARB worsened hospital survival compared with control were 95.3% and 98.1%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this trial, among critically ill adults with COVID-19, initiation of an ACE inhibitor or ARB did not improve, and likely worsened, clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT0273570

La gestion de la qualité sanitaire : un levier pour la résilience de la filière lait en Algérie

National audienceAvec un héritage historique marqué par une dépendance alimentaire structurelle, la filière lait en Algérie doit aujourd’hui renforcer sa capacité de résilience face à de multiples aléas socioéconomiques et climatiques. La faible qualité sanitaire du lait local, comparé aux produits laitiers importés, génère une sous-valorisation chronique du lait local et de l’industrie laitière avec des conséquences socioéconomiques importantes. Les opérateurs locaux de la filière (éleveurs, collecteurs et transformateurs), dont l’activité économique concerne 84000 emplois, paient les conséquences des carences en qualité du lait. L'amélioration de l’organisation de la collecte et de la gestion sanitaire impactent les caractéristiques physico chimique et microbiologique, qui sont des éléments clés pour la résilience de la filière. La mise en place et l’adoption de standards publics de qualité sanitaire, en diminuant les risques sanitaires pour le consommateur (contamination par la Brucellose et la Tuberculose), se sont accompagnés d’une une restructuration de la filière et d’une amélioration de ses performances économiques et qui ont permis aux éleveurs d’obtenir un revenu durable plus élevé. Compte tenu de l'importance du secteur laitier en Algérie, la promotion d’une stratégie d’amélioration de la qualité du produit représente une opportunité importante pour la construction des moyens de résilience pour de nombreux acteurs en améliorant la sécurité alimentaire et en générant plus de revenus. Pour réaliser ces progrès, ce secteur a besoin de renforcement ses capacités productives et organisationnelles, ceci afin : (i) d'accroître la compétitivité et l'efficacité de ses opérateurs et : (ii) d'attirer des investissements pour moderniser les équipements existants et créer de l’emploi. A partir des trajectoires passées de cette filière, cette communication propose une approche prospective qui analyse tout d’abord les moyens techniques mis en œuvre pour faire face aux enjeux de la gestion de la qualité dans la filière laitière en Algérie. Nous analysons ensuite les différents mécanismes d’incitations pour l’adoption des normes de gestion de la qualité sanitaire et organisationnelle. Enfin, nous étudions leurs impacts socioéconomiques de long terme sur l’amélioration de la gestion sanitaire dans le secteur laitier

Livestock Farming Systems and Cattle Production Orientation in Eastern High Plains of Algeria, Cattle Farming System in Algerian Semi Arid Region

This study was an attempt to devise productive orientations of cattle herds in eastern high plains of Algeria. In this regard, 165 farms randomly identified were investigated. The selection of breeders was based to existence of cattle on the farm, and the farmer proposed to investigation must have at least two cows. The approach taken was to identify all systems adopted by farmers in a region through the analysis of the relationship between the maintenance of different types of cattle and preferred marketing policies. The model has been emerged as a result of functional typology established using the procedure categorical principal components analysis (CATPCA) of optimal coding in SPSS [19. 2010]. Following this approach, five types of cattle productive orientation have been identified, the balanced mixed system (dairy-beef), beef mixed system, dairy mixed system, dairy system and beef system. These results showed that the breeders were oriented towards specialization (dairy or beef) in less than 20% of situations. Farmers in our context prefer mixed systems when beef mixed system was the model type frequently encountered in the region (over than 50% of farms)

Filière chèvre en Algérie, propositions de développement durable pour faire face aux changements

International audienceGoat farming in Algeria is undergoing profound changes; it is shifting from pastoral low input to economic livestock farming in order to adapt to a new context, characterized by a high demand of goat’s meat and milk. Our study tries to highlight the evolutionary dynamics of this breeding and the adaptation strategies of the supply chain actors in order to identify dysfunctions and to propose alternatives to ensure sustainable development. Our study shows that the changing socioeconomic context of the country (urbanization, improvement of purchasing power, standardization and emergence of new food habits) has boosted the demand of primary (milk and meat) and processed (cheese) goat products, for their real and supposed dietetic and organoleptic qualities. This high demand has led to an increase in products prices, and chain stakeholders to try to seize this opportunity. Breeding systems are changing toward a more market oriented systems, and new dairy farmers or fatteners are organizing their production systems to own more profit. There is also a starting of a development process of a goat cheese industry in a few regions. However, the sector still suffering from a multitude of natural, technical, organizational and economic constraints affecting one or several chain segments. To accompany these changes, our study propounds innovative propositions ; the use of new approaches to utilize food resources, produce new knowledge on local goat genetics, and reorganizing the sector, with the emphasis on making more organized and coherent the relationship among the stakeholders of the value chain

Réaction des éleveurs bovins des régions semi-arides algériennes face aux contraintes économiques et climatiques

Les évolutions socioéconomiques récentes de l’Algérie et l’accentuation de l’aridité du climat local induisent des transformations dans les pratiques et les stratégies des exploitations agricoles. Cette étude analyse la réaction des petites exploitations familiales d’élevage bovin des régions semi-arides de Sétif face aux contraintes économiques et aux incertitudes du milieu. L’approche retenue est l’identification des trajectoires d’évolution des exploitations agricoles d’élevage bovin sur une période de cinq ans, entre 2012 et 2017. L’analyse montre que les exploitations suivies ont développé six types de trajectoires d’adaptation pour maintenir leur production et répondre aux pressions externes et internes aux exploitations. Généralement, on observe une réduction des effectifs du cheptel bovin et des surfaces consacrées aux fourrages, ainsi qu’une chute de la proportion d’exploitations spécialisées en élevage bovin et en production laitière. Cette étude montre l’importance d’intégrer la dynamique des exploitations d’élevage dans les programmes régionaux de développement agricole

Régulation du secteur laitier en Algérie : un compromis entre sécurité alimentaire et développement d’une production locale

International audienceDans les pays développés, comme dans les pays en développement, l'intervention de l'Etat est un élément déterminant dans le fonctionnement des filières agroalimentaires (Giner, 2010 ; Kroll et Pouch, 2012). En Afrique, notamment, malgré les plans d'ajustement structurel et la libéralisation des économies intervenues depuis les années 1990 et 2000, le rôle régulateur de l'Etat n'a pas disparu, surtout dans le secteur agroalimentaire où l'enjeu de la sécurité alimentaire est crucial. Cette dernière s'exerce désormais dans le cadre contraint des accords commerciaux internationaux (Laroche-Dupraz et Postolle, 2010)