Source Of Animal Feed Research Articles

Combined analysis of the metabolome and transcriptome provides insight into seed oil accumulation in soybean

BackgroundSoybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr) is an important source of human food, animal feed, and bio-energy. Although the genetic network of lipid metabolism is clear in Arabidopsis, the understanding of lipid metabolism in soybean is limited.ResultsIn this study, 30 soybean varieties were subjected to transcriptome and metabolome analysis. In total, 98 lipid-related metabolites were identified, including glycerophospholipid, alpha-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, glycolysis, pyruvate, and the sphingolipid pathway. Of these, glycerophospholipid pathway metabolites accounted for the majority of total lipids. Combining the transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, we found that 33 lipid-related metabolites and 83 lipid-related genes, 14 lipid-related metabolites and 17 lipid-related genes, and 12 lipid-related metabolites and 25 lipid-related genes were significantly correlated in FHO (five high-oil varieties) vs. FLO (five low-oil varieties), THO (10 high-oil varieties) vs. TLO (10 low-oil varieties), and HO (15 high-oil varieties) vs. LO (15 low-oil varieties), respectively.ConclusionsThe GmGAPDH and GmGPAT genes were significantly correlated with lipid metabolism genes, and the result revealed the regulatory relationship between glycolysis and oil synthesis. These results improve our understanding of the regulatory mechanism of soybean seed oil improvement.

Plant Diversity in Teak Forest Areas as a Source of Animal Feed in Muna District, Indonesia

Plants in teak forest areas are often used by breeders in Muna Regency as a source of animal feed. However, until now these plant species have not been known in detail, especially forage for livestock. This study will specifically examine the diversity of plants found in the teak forest area in Watopute District, Muna Regency starting from August to December 2022 using the Summed Dominance Ratio which aims to compare which plant species dominate the teak forest area in Muna Regency. The findings showed that the most abundant plant species was Pennisetum purpureum, both those controlling the growing facilities and as a potential feed source.

Novel QTL for chilling tolerance at germination and early seedling stages in sorghum.

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) a drought tolerant staple crop for half a billion people in Africa and Asia, an important source of animal feed throughout the world and a biofuel feedstock of growing importanceorghum's originated from tropical regions rendering the crop to be cold sensitive. Low temperature stresses such as chilling and frost greatly affect the agronomic performance of sorghum and limit its geographical distribution, posing a major problem in temperate environments when sorghum is planted early. Understanding the genetic basis of wide adaptability and of sorghum would facilitate molecular breeding programs and studies of other C4 crops. The objective of this study is to conduct quantitative trait loci analysis using genotying by sequencing for early seed germination and seedling cold tolerance in two sorghum recombinant inbred lines populations. To accomplish that, we used two populations of recombinant inbred lines (RIL) developed from crosses between cold-tolerant (CT19, ICSV700) and cold-sensitive (TX430, M81E) parents. The derived RIL populations were evaluated for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) using genotype-by-sequencing (GBS) in the field and under controlled environments for their response to chilling stress. Linkage maps were constructed with 464 and 875 SNPs for the CT19 X TX430 (C1) and ICSV700 X M81 E (C2) populations respectively. Using quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping, we identified QTL conferring tolerance to chilling tolerance at the seedling stage. A total of 16 and 39 total QTL were identified in the C1 and C2 populations, respectively. Two major QTL were identified in the C1 population, and three major QTL were mapped in the C2 population. Comparisons between the two populations and with previously identified QTL show a high degree of similarity in QTL locations. Given the amount of co-localization of QTL across traits and the direction of allelic effect supports that these regions have a pleiotropic effect. These QTL regions were also identified to be highly enriched for genes encoding chilling stress and hormonal response genes. This identified QTL can be useful in developing tools for molecular breeding of sorghums with improved low-temperature germinability.

Enhancing Digestibility of Chlorella vulgaris Biomass in Monogastric Diets: Strategies and Insights

Microalgae, such as Chlorella vulgaris (CV), have been identified as promising animal feed sources due to their high content of essential nutrients, including proteins, total lipids, n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and pigments. This study aimed to review the digestibility, bioaccessibility, and bioavailability of nutrients from CV biomass, and to analyse strategies to enhance their digestibility in monogastric animal diets. The study conducted a systematic review of the literature from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, up until the end of January 2023. The results of adding CV to poultry and swine diets were diverse and depended on a number of variables. However, pre-treatments applied to CV biomass improved nutrient digestibility and accessibility. CV biomass, produced in a cost-effective manner, has the potential to serve as a supplement or substitute for expensive feed ingredients and improve animal health, physiology, and immune status. Variations in results may be due to differences in microalgal strain, cultivation conditions, and dietary inclusion levels, among other factors. This study provides new insights and perspectives into the utilization of CV biomass in animal diets, highlighting its potential as a valuable ingredient to improve nutrient utilization.

Overview of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) Crop, Its Economic Importance, Ecological Requirements and Production Constraints in Kenya

Green gram (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek), also known as mung bean, is an important grain legume containing a high amount of digestible protein, amino acids, sugar, minerals, soluble dietary fibers, and vitamins. In Kenya, green gram production is done mainly by smallholder farmers for food and sale. The crop is mainly grown in arid and semi-arid regions and plays important role towards achieving improved human nutrition and health conditions, reducing poverty through food security and enhancing ecosystem resilience as a source of human food, animal feed, soil nitrogen and soil health. Statistics show that though average area under production has been growing since 1978, average production has been fluctuating and consumption increasing steadily upholding constant deficit which is catered for through imports. The country’s average green gram yield ranges between 0.5-0.6 ton/ha compared to crop potential of 1.5 ton/ha and global average yield of 0.73 tons/ha. The production is mainly constrained by myriad of factors such as climate change effects, pest and disease prevalence, poor agronomic practices, land degradation and soil health decline. Other challenges included: lack of structured marketing systems and poor research- extension- farmer linkages, Possession of limiting climate smart agriculture knowledge and skills. Access to credit facilities and agro processing technologies as well as narrow post-harvest loss management knowledge and skills was also identified as other key green gram production constraints more so for small scale farmers. It was however noted that the country has potential to achieve optimal greengram production and optimal production require adoption of climate smart technologies, improved flow of information, streamlined government policies, credit facilities as well as structured market system. The current work reviews green gram crop, with emphasis on its biology, economic importance, ecological requirements, current production status in Kenya, production constraints and their management.

The genetic architecture of soybean photothermal adaptation to high latitudes.

Soybean is a major plant protein source for both human food and animal feed, but to meet global demands as well as a trend towards regional production, soybean cultivation needs to be expanded to higher latitudes. In this study, we developed a large diversity panel consisting of 1503 early-maturing soybean lines and used genome-wide association mapping to dissect the genetic architecture underlying two crucial adaptation traits, flowering time and maturity. This revealed several known maturity loci, E1, E2, E3, and E4, and the growth habit locus Dt2 as causal candidate loci, and also a novel putative causal locus, GmFRL1, encoding a homolog of the vernalization pathway gene FRIGIDA-like 1. In addition, the scan for quantitative trait locus (QTL)-by-environment interactions identified GmAPETALA1d as a candidate gene for a QTL with environment-dependent reversed allelic effects. The polymorphisms of these candidate genes were identified using whole-genome resequencing data of 338 soybeans, which also revealed a novel E4 variant, e4-par, carried by 11 lines, with nine of them originating from Central Europe. Collectively, our results illustrate how combinations of QTL and their interactions with the environment facilitate the photothermal adaptation of soybean to regions far beyond its center of origin.

Evaluation of subchronic oral dose toxicity and allergen of freeze-dried powder of Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera: Acrididae) as a novel food source.

The migratory locust, Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera: Acrididae), is a well-known edible insect which may serve as new source of human food and animal feed. However, potential toxicity and food safety of L. migratoria had not been investigated extensively until now. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate toxicity of freeze-dried powder of L. migratoria (fdLM) and identify allergic components in ELISA and PCR techniques. In this subchronic study, fdLM was administered once daily by oral gavage at the doses of 750, 1500, and 3000mg/kg/day. No toxicological changes were observed in both sexes of rats for 13weeks in accordance with the OECD guidelines and GLP conditions. In addition, fdLM did not induced increases of serum immunoglobulin E and 21 homologous proteins were not detected under our present conditions. In conclusion, the NOAEL (no-observed-adverse-effect level) was 3000mg/kg/day and no target organ was identified in both sexes. In conclusion, we found that fdLM is safe with no adverse effects and offers the potential of its use as an edible ingredient or other biological uses.

Retrospective study in US commercial sorghum breeding: I. Genetic gain in relation to relative maturity

AbstractSorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an important staple food for human consumption and a source of animal feed in the semiarid regions of the world. Sustained positive rates of crop improvement are necessary to supply food and feed to a growing population. However, land allocated to sorghum and its inclusion in production systems has been in constant decline. Here we report the rate of sorghum genetic gain in a commercial breeding program in the United States and provide evidence that a modest yield improvement is an important factor limiting land allocation to this crop. A 6‐year study that evaluated 50 sorghum genotypes commercialized between the decades of 1960 and 2010 was conducted in 19 environments within the US Sorghum Belt region. Yield varied between 500 and 850 g m−2. Here we show a positive rate of genetic gain of 2.63 g m−2 y−1 on average across three different maturity groups grown in the United States. Rates ranged from 2.1 to 4.3 g m−2 y−1 across maturity groups. This result contrasts with a stagnant rate of crop improvement for many regions of the world, yet the rates are insufficient to reverse the negative trend in planted area. Breeding technologies are proposed to hasten genetic gain in sorghum to reverse the loss of on‐farm agricultural biodiversity.

Cafeteria Food Leftover as Potential Livestock Feed Resource in Ethiopia: A Review

There is a growing massive generation of cafeteria food leftover from Ethiopian public higher education institutions, hospitals, hotels, restaurants and other catering providers that could be diverted into economic opportunities. Converting cafeteria food leftover in to livestock feed is an alternative and feasible option to reduce feed cost, enhance livestock productivity and reduce environmental and health impacts. This review aimed to synthesize, discuss and document the available scientific information on cafeteria leftovers with respect to its value as source of animal feed in Ethiopia. The paper attempted to use previous studies, literatures from journals, on the nutrient composition of cafeteria food leftover and its utilization as livestock feed resource. It has been observed from earlier research works that cafeteria food leftover has high caloric value, low crude fiber and moderate crude protein content signifying its potential to be incorporated in the diets of both non-ruminant and ruminant animals. However, most of the research works focused on non-ruminant animals (poultry and pigs); suggesting the need to evaluate the potential supplementary value of cafeteria food leftover for ruminant animals. Strict regulations mechanisms should be introduced by the Ethiopian government for proper utilization of cafeteria food leftover as animal feed and reduce the risks associated with its utilization.

Feasibility and constraints of edible fungi bio-flocculating microalgae

Microalgae are a promising source of carbon-neutral food and animal feed, but their own properties make isolation from the medium challenging. Fungi assisted microalgae harvesting is an emerging strategy for microalgae harvesting. However, most of the fungi reported are inedible or even poisonous, making harvested microalgae unsuitable for human or animal consumption. In this work, the performance of edible fungus Ganoderma lucidum on bio-flocculating microalgae Chlorella sp. was systematically investigated. By optimizing the fungi growth condition and fungi-microalgae flocculation condition, the highest harvesting efficiency of 39.7 % was achieved when the agitation rate of fungal culture was 50 rpm and 40 mg/ml of fungi pellet (wet weight) was used at pH 9, mixing speed 100 rpm and 23 °C. For Ganoderma lucidum, found that the mycelial morphology, rather than the surface charge neutralization, plays a key role in fungi-microalgae aggregation. The lipid content of the copolymer decreased after flocculation, while fungal-microalgal interactions led to an increase in polysaccharide content. Furthermore, the cost of using Ganoderma lucidum as the bio-flocculant was analyzed and its economic feasibility was discussed. These results provided an evidence-based boundary of the efficiency of edible fungi bio-flocculating microalgae, which had pointed to the cultivation cost of fungi and added value of biomass as the targets for future optimization.

Biosensor guided effective degradation of anti-nutritional factors via selected soybean fermentation process

Soybean meal (SM) is an important protein source for animal feed, and the β-conglycinin included is a significant allergen that can cause severe allergic reactions such as diarrhea in piglets and other animals. Fermentation can remove anti-nutritional factors and allergenic proteins, however, it is very difficult to find the fermentation endpoint, because the current protein detection methods are difficult to be applied for the rapid detection. In this study, AuNPs-aptamer sensor was used to evaluate the degradation of β-conglycinin during SM fermentation, and found a synergistic effect between alkaline protease and Lactobacillus plantarum DY6 with the optimum process parameters below: solid–liquid ratio 2, L. plantarum DY6 5%, alkaline protease 500 U/g, molasses 3%, 37 °C for 72 h. The fermented SM reached the 80.75% degradation and the final products possessed with a 1.87-fold increase in total free amino acids. This research validates the feasibility of using aptamer sensor to assess the anti-nutritional factors, and provides data for further large-scale production.

Yellow mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) as an alternative animal feed source: A comprehensive characterization of nutritional values and the larval gut microbiome

The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of yellow mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) reared using local agricultural by-products as an alternative feed for monogastric and ruminant animals. The mealworms were raised on oat-based (OB) and wheat-based (WB) by-products, and their nutritional properties and in vitro digestibility were evaluated, simulating the digestive system of both monogastric and ruminant animals. Furthermore, the gut microbiome of mealworm larvae was studied. Crude fat and most minerals were higher in larvae fed WB than those fed OB (P < 0.05), reflecting the nutritional profiles of the substrates. Larvae and pupae generally shared a common nutritional profile: lower contents of crude fiber, crude protein, and total amino acids, and higher crude fat, total fatty acids, and gross energy levels compared to adults (P < 0.05). Total essential and non-essential amino acid contents in larvae and pupae were similar to those of a commercial soybean meal (SBM). The in vitro dry matter and protein digestibility of larvae and pupae were similar to SBM and significantly higher (30%) than the values for adults for both monogastrics and ruminants. Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the most abundant gut microbial phyla in larvae, and the gut microbiome revealed remarkable plasticity in response to altered nutritional status, such as starvation. A new insight into the nutrition of mealworm's metamorphic stages fed on agricultural by-products and how feeding modulates the larval gut microbiome provides an innovative approach to exploit mealworms as a sustainable and alternative animal feed source in the future.

Corn distiller’s dried grains with solubles as a target for fermentation to improve bioactive functionality for animal feed and as a source for a novel microorganism with antibacterial activity

Plant-based bioenergy by-products such as corn distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS) are widely utilized as animal feed sources and feed ingredients due to their balanced nutritional profile and animal health protective functional qualities. Bioprocessing of this bioenergy by-product using beneficial lactic acid bacteria (LAB)-based fermentation strategy to improve animal-health targeted functional qualities has wider relevance for animal feed applications. In this study, liquid extracts of corn DDGS were fermented with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus helveticus. The unfermented and fermented extracts were then analyzed (at 0, 24, 48 and 72-h) for their total soluble phenolic content (TSP), phenolic profile, antioxidant activity via ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging activity, and antimicrobial activity against the gut pathogen Helicobacter pylori using in vitro assay models. Statistical differences in antioxidant activity and phenolic content were observed among the unfermented and fermented extracts. The major phenolic compounds detected in corn DDGS were gallic, dihydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric, caffeic and ferulic acid, and catechin. Antimicrobial activity against H. pylori was observed for the unfermented extracts and the antimicrobial activity was attributed to the growth of a corn DDGS-endemic culture. The culture was isolated, sequenced, and identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens. Results of this study indicated that processing strategies of by-products such as LAB- based fermentation of corn DDGS could affect its bioactive-linked functional qualities due to microbial interaction with the phytochemicals. Furthermore, plant by-products can serve as novel sources of beneficial microflora that have relevance in wider agriculture, food safety, and therapeutic applications.

Spodoptera frugiperda MANAGEMENT IN Zea mays L. USING VINASSE AND CORN-MULBERRY MULCHING

&lt;p class="Newparagraph"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Soil cover with crop residues is an ancient tradition that is gaining momentum in conservation agriculture´s current trends. &lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; The objective of this research is to evaluate the effect of soil mulching with corn-mulberry on &lt;em&gt;Spodoptera frugiperda&lt;/em&gt; management in corn &lt;em&gt;Zea mays &lt;/em&gt;variety Tuson after imbibition in vinasse. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology:&lt;/strong&gt; The first part of the experiment evaluates the effect on germination with seed previously soaked in vinasse in 1:15 ratio under controlled conditions for 30 min. The second part was developed in the Unidad Empresarial de Base “Antonio Maceo” Yara, Granma, Cuba under field conditions, which consisted of two treatments: (T1) corn-mulberry soil mulching 2 t ha&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; before planting and (T2) control group without cover. The percentage of maize plants were evaluated from 1 to 3 and from 4 to 5 degrees in damage at 30 days, in addition to agricultural yield at 150 days. Both experimental stages were performed in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). &lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; The results showed that germination percentages increased by using 1:15 vinasse, whereas the corn-mulberry soil cover decreased &lt;em&gt;S. frugiperda&lt;/em&gt; incidence at the same time and increased agricultural yields. &lt;strong&gt;Implications:&lt;/strong&gt; Future studies should find an equilibrium point that guarantees the use of crop residuals as agroecological practices in soil protection and conservation, as well as in animal feed sources in places and season where natural forage is affected. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/strong&gt; Soil cover with corn-mulberry mulching from leaf waste before sowing decreases &lt;em&gt;S. frugiperda&lt;/em&gt; incidence and corn yield increases. &lt;/p&gt;

Combination of Mechanical/Physical Pretreatments with Trypsin or Pancreatin on Arthrospira platensis Protein Degradation

Arthrospira platensis contains high protein content and quality, which makes it a promising feed source for livestock animals. However, this microalga presents a recalcitrant peptidoglycan cell wall, and its main proteins form protein-pigment complexes attached to the algal thylakoid membrane. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of mechanical/physical pretreatments (bead milling, extrusion, freeze-drying, heating, microwave and sonication) combined with commercial enzymes (trypsin or pancreatin) on the degradation of A. platensis proteins. Protein degradation was assessed through the quantification of total protein and protein fractions (18–26 kDa, 40–48 kDa and others) on SDS-PAGE gels and the evaluation of the coefficient of protein degradation (CPD). The results showed that no significant differences were found among treatments for CPD values, except for an increase related to 18–26 kDa protein (phycocyanin subunits) with extrusion combined with pancreatin. In addition, extrusion and microwave caused a decrease of total protein in algal supernatant probably due to a denaturation/aggregation and reduction of solubility. Overall, extrusion is a promising pretreatment for A. platensis cell wall disruption and protein bioaccessibility. Further studies could elucidate how the effect of extrusion on protein solubility affects the activity of peptidases on protein degradation.

Occurrence and implications of per and polyfluoroalkyl substances in animal feeds used in laboratory toxicity testing

The exceptional thermal and chemical stability and the amphiphilicity of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have resulted in widespread use and subsequent contamination in environmental media and biota. Concerns surrounding toxicity have led to numerous animal-based toxicity studies. Due to the ubiquity of PFAS and the low parts per trillion (ppt) health advisory levels for drinking water, several contamination elimination protocols have been implemented. In addition, it is urgently necessary to perform low-dose experiments, but due to unknown pathways for entry of unwanted PFAS, low-dose studies are extremely challenging to conduct. However, animal feed sources are a likely route that could introduce unwanted PFAS into experiments, yet investigations of PFAS in common animal feeds are lacking. Here, we report the examination of PFAS levels in eighteen different animal feeds, representing a range of diets fed to diverse taxa. We evaluated whether PFAS levels in feeds were correlated with ingredient composition (plant versus animal-based) or dietary habits of lab animals (amphibian, fish, invertebrate, mammal). PFOS, PFHxS, PFOA, and short-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids had the highest detection levels and frequencies across all samples. Different food ingredients led to different PFAS profiles. No meaningful levels of PFAS precursors were detected. We demonstrate that PFAS contamination in animal feed is pervasive. Reducing food-sourced PFAS is a critical, albeit challenging task to improve interpretability of in vivo exposures.

Fungi as a Source of Edible Proteins and Animal Feed.

It is expected that the world population will reach 9 billion by 2050. Thus, meat, dairy or plant-based protein sources will fail to meet global demand. New solutions must be offered to find innovative and alternative protein sources. As a natural gift, edible wild mushrooms growing in the wet and shadow places and can be picked by hand have been used as a food. From searching mushrooms in the forests and producing single cell proteins (SCP) in small scales to mega production, academia, United Nations Organizations, industries, political makers and others, play significant roles. Fermented traditional foods have also been reinvestigated. For example, kefir, miso, and tempeh, are an excellent source for fungal isolates for protein production. Fungi have unique criteria of consuming various inexpensive wastes as sources of carbon and energy for producing biomass, protein concentrate or amino acids with a minimal requirement of other environmental resources (e.g., light and water). Fungal fermented foods and SCP are consumed either intentionally or unintentionally in our daily meals and have many applications in food and feed industries. This review addresses fungi as an alternative source of edible proteins and animal feed, focusing mainly on SCP, edible mushrooms, fungal fermented foods, and the safety of their consumption.

Productivity and Nutrient Quality of Elephant Grass, Pakchong Grass, Red Navier Grass and Odot Grass as a Source of Animal Feed

Feed is the primary need of the livestock business world; in intensive livestock farming, the cost of feed reaches around 70% of the total production cost, so the price of feed ingredients determines the cost of production. The main feed source of ruminants is forage, and, therefore, the productivity of ruminants depends very much on the availability of good fodder ingredients and a guarantee of quality. The goal of this research was to examine the productivity and nutritional quality of elephant grass, pakchong, red napier, and odot as livestock feed that may be grown in Indonesia. The observed data were analyzed descriptively. The results show that pakcong grass has the highest plant height and greater productivity compared to others. Odot grass has better nutritional quality based on crude protein and crude fiber content compared to others. Red napier grass, pakcong grass, elephant grass, and odot grass are forages that have the potential to be used as a source of feed ingredients for livestock in Indonesia.

Assessment of animal health and production constraints: The case of three districts.

Animal production is an important tool for improving the living standard of humans and is the backbone of Ethiopia's agricultural development. The country is known for its high livestock potential, but it is not well exploited due to various hindering factors. The objective of the study is to assess the key issues related to animal health and production. The evaluation was carried out in three purposively selected districts of East Wollega zone, namely Gidda Ayana, Sibu Sire and Jimma Arjo by using well-designed and structured questionnaire surveys. During the study period, 200, 145 and 165 respondents were sampled from the animal owners in the districts of Gidda Ayana, Sibu Sire and Jimma Arjo, respectively. Of these, about 97.89%, 95.68% and 94.9% practice extensive management in Gidda Ayana, Jimma Arjo and Sibu Sire, respectively. The majority of respondents in Gidda Ayana (98.1%), Jimma Arjo (97.21%) and Sibu Sire (98.9%) use natural pastures. For cattle breeding, uncontrolled natural mating is used in Gidda Ayana (90.79%), Jimma Arjo (86.3%) and Sibu Sire (95.69%). The major constraints of animal health and production were also assessed. Accordingly, a lack of access to adequate animal production and health expert in Gidda Ayana (27.33%), Jimma Arjo (29.36%) and Sibu Sire (31.59%) was recorded, whereas the lack of sustainable and structured modern livestock market was observed in Gidda Ayana (25.94%), Jimma Arjo (21.31%) and Sibu Sire (19.80%). Livestock need improved animal health, management systems and breeding methods. The study revealed key issues related to animal health and production, such as poor management systems and breeding methods, limited coverage of veterinary services and a modern livestock market. Thus, it is indispensable to increase the coverage of veterinary services, animal extension services and alternative sources of animal feed.

Analysis of Genetic Diversity of Fescue Populations from the Highlands of Bolivia Using EST-SSR Markers

In the highlands of Bolivia, native Festuca species are an important source of feed for animals due to their high tolerance to low temperatures and drought. Using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers developed from expressed sequence tags (ESTs), the genetic diversity of 43 populations of Festuca species from Oruro, La Paz, Potosi and Cochabamba departments was evaluated for the purpose of providing information for effective conservation and breeding. In total, 64 alleles were detected across the 43 populations. SSR locus NFA 142 (with 12 alleles) had the highest number of detected alleles, while locus FES 13 (with eight alleles) had the highest polymorphism information content (PIC) at 0.55. Based on Nei's genetic distance between populations, the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) cluster analysis revealed two major clusters, each consisting of populations from the four departments. However, the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that only 5% of the total variation separated these two groups, indicating low genetic differentiation between the populations. It was also found that there was a low but significant differentiation (0.08%) between the population groups of the four departments (p = 0.01). The newly developed EST-SSR markers are highly valuable for evaluating the genetic diversity of Bolivian fescues and other related species.