Characterization of Bonga and Horro indigenous sheep breeds of smallholders for designing community based breeding strategies in Ethiopia

In the framework of designing community-based breeding strategies for indigenous sheep breeds of smallholders in Ethiopia, a survey of production system and on-farm characterization of Horro and Bonga sheep breeds, was undertaken in the Horro and Adiyo Kaka districts, respectively. Purposive and random sampling was employed as sampling technique. Detailed structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, field observations of animals, body measurements, and secondary data collection were employed to produce the data. Body weight, linear body measurements, and qualitative records were taken and observed from 762 Bonga sheep and 816 Horro sheep. For the analyses of quantitative data, the main effects of breed and dentition were fitted to the model within each sex groups. Results revealed that the mean flock sizes for Adiyo Kaka and Horro districts were 11.28 ± 1.27and 8.20 ± 2.05, respectively. Sheep have multi-purpose roles in both production systems. Among the reasons for keeping sheep, source of income was ranked highest. Age at first lambing for Bonga and Horro sheep was 14.9 ± 3.1 and 13.3 ± 1.7 months, respectively. Average lambing intervals were 8.9 ± 2.1 and 9.2 ± 2.4 months, for Bonga and Horro, respectively. Disease, feed shortage, and predators were the most pertinent constraints for sheep production in that order for farmers in Horro. In Adiyo Kaka, disease, labor shortage, predators were ranked as first, second and third based upon their significant influence on sheep productivity. The mean body weight, body length, chest girth, wither height, tail circumference and tail length for Bonga females were 31.87 ± 0.19kg, 69.16 ± 0.15 cm, 72.92 ± 0.17cm, 68.12 ± 0.14cm, 15.92 ± 0.30 cm and 32.07 ± 0.37 cm, respectively. The corresponding values for males of the same breed were 29.70 ± 1.17kg, 68.27 ± 0.89cm, 70.0 ± 1.026cm, 66.53 ± 0.85cm, 20.85 ± 0.97cm and 35.40 ± 0.96cm, respectively. For Horro females, the values in the same order were 27.65 ± 0.21, 67.40 ± 0.164cm, 73.81 ± 0.19cm, 69.43 ± 0.16cm, 16.08 ± 0.15cm and 37.52 ± 0.95, respectively. The values of the measurements for males, on the other hand, were 31.66 ±1.23kg, 69.30 ± 0.94cm, 76.12 ±1.08cm,71.66± 0.90cm,23.46±0.97cm and 37.52 ± 0.95cm,respectively.Within each sex, it was found that breed had significant effect on live body weight and most of the body measurements. Accordingly, Horro females had significantly (P<0.01) greater values for chest girth, wither height and tail length than Bonga females. On the contrary, Bonga ewe’s had significantly (P<0.01) higher values than Horro with respect to body weight, body length, chest width, pelvic width and ear length. Horro male had higher values (P< 0.01) for chest girth; wither height and scrotal circumference than Bonga males. With the exceptions of ear length, tail circumference, tail length and body condition score, within the range of age studied, age was found to have a significant influence (P< 0.01) on most body measurements in females. The mean body weight and body measurements of animals at dentition 1 and 2 were significantly lower than those of the dentition class 3 to 4-years-old sheep. The correlations between body weights and body measurements at different ages were positive and significant (P<0.01). The highest correlation coefficient was found between body weight and chest girth in both of the breeds, sexes, and age groups. The regression analysis to predict body weight from linear measurements indicated that body weight, in most of the cases, could be predicted with a higher level of accuracy from more than one independent trait. However, for practical point of view, the use of chest girth as estimator variable for body weight was suggested due to ease of measurement under farmers’ conditions. To realize full benefits of the forthcoming breeding strategies, concurrent improvement in the nongenetic factors (disease and feed) is central. ==

Genetic Structure of and Evidence for Admixture between Western and Korean Native Pig Breeds Revealed by Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms

Comprehensive information on genetic diversity and introgression is desirable for the design of rational breed improvement and conservation programs. Despite the concerns regarding the genetic introgression of Western pig breeds into the gene pool of the Korean native pig (KNP), the level of this admixture has not yet been quantified. In the present study, we genotyped 93 animals, representing four Western pig breeds and KNP, using the porcine SNP 60K BeadChip to assess their genetic diversity and to estimate the level of admixture among the breeds. Expected heterozygosity was the lowest in Berkshire (0.31) and highest in Landrace (0.42). Population differentiation (FST) estimates were significantly different (p<0.000), accounting for 27% of the variability among the breeds. The evidence of inbreeding observed in KNP (0.029) and Yorkshire (0.031) may result in deficient heterozygosity. Principal components one (PC1) and two (PC2) explained approximately 35.06% and 25.20% of the variation, respectively, and placed KNP somewhat proximal to the Western pig breeds (Berkshire and Landrace). When K = 2, KNP shared a substantial proportion of ancestry with Western breeds. Similarly, when K = 3, over 86% of the KNP individuals were in the same cluster with Berkshire and Landrace. The linkage disquilbrium (LD) values at r2 0.3, the physical distance at which LD decays below a threshold of 0.3, ranged from 72.40 kb in Landrace to 85.86 kb in Yorkshire. Based on our structure analysis, a substantial level of admixture between Western and Korean native pig breeds was observed

Whole-Genome Resequencing Reveals Selection Signatures of Abigar Cattle for Local Adaptation

Over time, indigenous cattle breeds have developed disease resistance, heat tolerance, and adaptability to harsh environments. Deciphering the genetic mechanisms underlying adaptive traits is crucial for their improvement and sustainable utilization. For the first time, we performed whole-genome sequencing to unveil the genomic diversity, population structure, and selection signatures of Abigar cattle living in a tropical environment. The population structure analysis revealed that Abigar cattle exhibit high nucleotide diversity and heterozygosity, with low runs of homozygosity and linkage disequilibrium, suggesting a genetic landscape less constrained by inbreeding and enriched by diversity. Using nucleotide diversity (Pi) and population differentiation (FST) selection scan methods, we identified 83 shared genes that are likely associated with tropical adaption. The functional annotation analysis revealed that some of these genes are potentially linked to heat tolerance (HOXC13, DNAJC18, and RXFP2), immune response (IRAK3, MZB1, and STING1), and oxidative stress response (SLC23A1). Given the wider spreading impacts of climate change on cattle production, understanding the genetic mechanisms of adaptation of local breeds becomes crucial to better respond to climate and environmental changes. In this context, our finding establishes a foundation for further research into the mechanisms underpinning cattle adaptation to tropical environments.</p

“ANALISIS PENGARUH THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR, NILAI YANG DIRASAKAN, DAN KESEDIAAN UNTUK MEMBAYAR TERHADAP PERILAKU PEMBELIAN KONSUMEN MELALUI MINAT BELI KONSUMEN SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING” (STUDI PADA KONSUMEN THE BODY SHOP di CITRALAND SEMARANG)

Green consumption by the community can be an effective way to minimize negative impacts on the environment. Research related to consumer behavior in consuming environmentally friendly products in developing countries such as Indonesia is very little and rarely. Considering this, researchers in this study have tried to understand consumer behavior to buy environmentally friendly products in the context of developing countries such as Indonesia. Based on the gaps phenomenon above, this study aims to analyze what factors influence consumer purchasing behavior on environmentally friendly products. And in this study using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) variable and then expanding the Theory of Planned Behavior using additional variables, namely perceived value and willingness to pay and consumer buying intention as intervening variables. The population used in this study were female consumers of The Body Shop who are domiciled in Semarang aged 20-60 years and purchased The Body Shop products at the Citraland Semarang for more than 3 months. The number of samples used in this study were 150 respondents. The method of data collection is done through a questionnaire. This research uses Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis technique using AMOS 24.0 analysis tool. The test results using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis techniques indicate that the model is not in accordance with population data. While the hypothesis testing shows that four hypotheses from six hypotheses can be accepted and proven in this study, namely attitudes, subjective norms, and willingness to pay affect consumer buying intention and consumer buying intention influence consumer buying behavior. And the two hypotheses rejected in this study are subjective norms and values that are assessed do not have an influence on consumer buying interest

Genomic-wide scan Reveals Divergent Selection Among Taurine and Zebu Cattle Populations from Different Regions.

Supplementary data for publication: Z.Edea; H.Dadi; T.Dessie, Md.R.Uzzaman, M.F.Rothschild, E-S Kim, T.S Sonstegard and K-S. Kim. (2018). Genomic-wide scan Reveals Divergent Selection Among Taurine and Zebu Cattle Populations from Different Regions. Anim Genet. 2018 Dec;49(6):550-563

Can Pastoral Linkages to Livestock Markets Be Sustained in Southern Ethiopia?

The PARIMA project has facilitated collective action, empowerment of women, and increased involvement in livestock marketing among pastoralists on the Borana Plateau since 2001. Fifty-nine collective-action groups formed by PARIMA and her partners have been recently merged into market-oriented cooperatives, consistent with government policy. We used focus groups and participatory appraisals to assess the extent that market linkages have been sustained since previously reported in 2006. The markets have been growing, but are volatile. Members report they need access to early warning and livestock market-information systems, as well as more capital, to promote trade. Export firms have imposed added conditions on animal delivery that puts cooperatives at a disadvantage versus wealthy traders. This suggests that pastoral cooperatives may be increasingly sidelined from effective market participation. Connecting pastoral producers to markets is a dynamic process, and gains achieved can be quickly eroded. To promote sustainability of market linkages we recommend that third parties monitor the cooperatives and marketing chains to identify problems and build capacity. Early-warning and livestock market information systems need to be implemented. Local researchers can identify animal production constraints that limit market supply and use action research to test interventions in partnership with communities

Comparison of SNP Variation and Distribution in Indigenous Ethiopian and Korean Cattle (Hanwoo) Populations

Although a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified from the bovine genome-sequencing project, few of these have been validated at large in Bos indicus breeds. We have genotyped 192 animals, representing 5 cattle populations of Ethiopia, with the Illumina Bovine 8K SNP BeadChip. These include 1 Sanga (Danakil), 3 zebu (Borana, Arsi and Ambo), and 1 zebu × Sanga intermediate (Horro) breeds. The Hanwoo (Bos taurus) was included for comparison purposes. Analysis of 7,045 SNP markers revealed that the mean minor allele frequency (MAF) was 0.23, 0.22, 0.21, 0.21, 0.23, and 0.29 for Ambo, Arsi, Borana, Danakil, Horro, and Hanwoo, respectively. Significant differences of MAF were observed between the indigenous Ethiopian cattle populations and Hanwoo breed (p < 0.001). Across the Ethiopian cattle populations, a common variant MAF (≥0.10 and ≤0.5) accounted for an overall estimated 73.79% of the 7,045 SNPs. The Hanwoo displayed a higher proportion of common variant SNPs (90%). Investigation within Ethiopian cattle populations showed that on average, 16.64% of the markers were monomorphic, but in the Hanwoo breed, only 6% of the markers were monomorphic. Across the sampled Ethiopian cattle populations, the mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.314 and 0.313, respectively. The level of SNP variation identified in this particular study highlights that these markers can be potentially used for genetic studies in African cattle breeds