Animal Science Research Articles

Effect of Different Organic Manures on Growth, Yield, and Quality of Late Season Radish (Raphanus Sativus) in Paklihawa, Rupandehi, Nepal

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is a major root vegetable crop in Nepal. Organic manures are an indispensable substitute for the highly toxic inorganic fertilizers. A research experiment was conducted at the horticulture farm of Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science (IAAS), Paklihawa campus, Rupandehi, Nepal to investigate the effect of different organic manures on the growth, yield, and quality of Tokinashi variety of late-season radish. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The seven different treatments were farm yard manure (FYM) (30 t ha-1), poultry manure (20 t ha-1), FYM (15 t ha-1) + poultry manure (10 t ha-1), FYM (15 t ha-1) + vermicompost (2.5 t ha-1), vermicompost (5 t ha-1), FYM (15 t ha-1) + Bone meal (5 t ha-1), and control (without use of organic manures). Poultry manure was observed significant effect on the growth and yield attributes of radish. The effect of poultry manure over other treatments, viz. plant height (31.17 cm), number of leaves (20.53), shoot length (29.68 cm), crown spread (51.4 cm), root length (28.6 cm), root diameter (10.81 cm), average root weight (130.2 gm), average shoot weight (71 gm), root dry weight (125.33 gm), harvest index (64.85%), shoot yield per hectare (16.22 t ha-1), biological yield per hectare (50.3 t ha-1), root yield per hectare (23.87 t ha-1), and total soluble solid (1.13 0 Brix) were recorded maximum at harvest (77 days after sowing). The ascorbic acid was recorded maximum (0.181 mg ml-1) in vermicompost. It can be concluded that poultry manure can be used for higher yield for late-season radish cultivation under Rupandehi, Terai condition of Nepal.

Performances of upgraded Dwarf-Fayoumi chicken genotype in different feeding systems under smallholder farm management

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of upgraded Dwarf-Fayoumi genotype (IDC♂ × Fay♀) with three different feeding regimes from onset of lay to 72 weeks of age. A total of 90 IDC♂ × Fay♀ birds of third generation (F3) at 16 weeks of age were distributed to 15 selected farmers nearby three villages of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The villages were Kewatkhali, Boyra and Sutiakhali that selected for intensive, semi-scavenging and scavenging feeding systems, respectively. Each farmer was also given 5 pullets and 1 cockerel. The birds of full feeding and semi-scavenging system were given 76 g and 38 g mash feed per day, respectively. Pullets of semi-scavenging condition were allowed to scavenge in the farmer homesteads. The birds under scavenging condition reared without supplementation and were allowed to scavenge all day long. Result showed a significant difference (p<0.05) among the feeding systems (intensive, semi-scavenging and scavenging) in production and reproduction traits, where intensive full feeding system exerted better performances. However, performance efficiency index (52.24), egg-feed price ratio (2.81) and return over feed cost (4.48) were found to be significantly higher (p<0.001) in semi-scavenging feeding system. The egg weight (p<0.01), breaking strength (p<0.01) and dry yolk weights (p<0.05) were significantly lower in the birds reared under scavenging feeding system, however, these traits were found statistically similar in the birds of intensive and semi-scavenging feeding system. Feeding systems had no impact on survivability of the experimental birds. Taking altogether, it could be concluded that IDC♂ × Fay♀ upgraded chicken under semi-scavenging system performed better than intensive and scavenging system under smallholder farm management. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 53 (1): 13-22, 2024

Factors affecting iodine content of cow milk-A review

This review discusses the importance of iodine as an essential nutrient for human health and the factors that can influence the concentration of iodine in cow milk. For an adult, the daily recommended requirement of iodine is 150 µg/day and the maximum tolerable limit ranges from 600 to 1100 µg/day. Cow milk is a significant source of iodine in many countries, particularly in areas where iodine-rich foods are not readily available. Therefore, evaluating the variables that affect the iodine content of cow milk is important. The iodine concentration of cow milk can vary depending on several factors such as genetics, diet, environment, management practices, season, and processing. Particularly, dietary supplementation and feed composition have been identified as the most impactful on milk's iodine levels, offering a practical approach to mitigating iodine deficiency. Furthermore, environmental factors like soil and water iodine content and management practices, including the type of farming, play substantial roles. Seasonal changes also significantly affect iodine levels, with higher concentrations typically observed in winter due to different feeding practices. The iodine content of cow milk falls between 147 to 605 µg/kg and the highest value of 11100 µg/L was recorded in camel milk. Milk could supply up to 60% of the daily dietary requirement of iodine for an adult person. To fight iodine deficiency through the appropriate approach to such concerns, one must have an in-depth understanding of these issues. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of these factors and their implications for human and public health strategies. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 53 (1): 1-12, 2024

Scoping study of research trends on Nili Ravi buffalo applying scientometric analysis and network visualization

The study elucidates scientometric analysis of published scientific communications on Nili Ravi buffalo in journal(s) for having an appraisal of status-quo of the research and scientific activities. Metadata of 383 articles retrieved from Scopus were analysed to identify the most productive author(s), institution(s) vis-a-vis countries and to ascertain their collaboration trends. Keyword based analysis was performed to provide an overview of the strength areas of research on Nili Ravi for better comprehension. The results revealed that the research efforts on Nili Ravi were discernible after the year 2005. All except 1.30% articles have been an outcome of the collaborative authorship. There were only few productive authors with ≥10 records, but others contributed on the subject occasionally. Nearly 90% of the articles have been contributed by Pakistan and its' authors have worked in close collaboration with scientists from United Kingdom, United States of America, China, Canada, and South Korea. They also have conjoint symbiosis on academic/research endavours on Nili Ravi with experts from Austria, Netherlands, India, Germany, Italy, and Australia. Twelve leading institutions contributed to ≥10 articles. Publication outcome of the Animal Sciences Institute, National Agricultural Research Centre, Islamabad, Pakistan; Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan; University of Gujrat, Gujrat, Pakistan and Semen Production Unit, Qadirabad, Sahiwal, Pakistan has higher Relative Citation Impact (RCI), making it obvious that their publication(s) have wider acceptance amongst scientific populace. Most productive vis-à-vis impactful journals publishing articles on Nili Ravi have also been identified.

Casein, whey protein and non-protein nitrogen content of milk to identify water, sugar and flour adulterated milk

This study was aimed to assess the potential of using milk's nitrogen distribution pattern, specifically casein, whey protein, and non-protein nitrogen content, as a method for detecting milk adulteration with water, sugar, and flour. Whole milk samples were collected from the Bangladesh Agricultural University Dairy Farm, BAU, Mymensingh, and subjected to adulterations, including 15%, 20%, and 25% water additions and subsequent sugar or flour adjustments to match the fresh milk's specific gravity. The samples were analyzed for specific gravity, fat content, and nitrogen distribution. Results indicated that while specific gravity remained consistent across samples adulterated with sugar or flour, it varied significantly (P<0.05) in those diluted with water. Fat content was significantly (P<0.05) reduced in samples adulterated with water and sugar, particularly at the 25% water addition level. Though total protein, true protein, and casein contents were significantly lower (P<0.05) in the 25% water-added milk compared to fresh milk, they were not significantly different (P>0.05) across the other adulterated samples when compared to fresh milk. Whey protein and non-protein nitrogen levels were statistically consistent (P>0.05) across all the samples. The results indicate that the nitrogen distribution pattern, in its current state, cannot be used to detect milk adulteration effectively. Further research with a larger dataset considering various factors affecting nitrogen distribution in milk is recommended for conclusive results. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 53 (1): 23-30, 2024

ARCH/GARCH Analysis: Estimating Beef Price Volatility in Indonesia

This study analyses the volatility of beef prices in Indonesia, a strategic commodity that significantly impacts the welfare of producers and consumers. The sustained and erratic price fluctuations pose an economic risk to producers and threaten farmers' economic stability. ARCH / GARCH models were used to analyze daily beef price data from 10 July 2017 to 31 December 2023, obtained from the National Strategic Food Price Information Centre of Bank Indonesia. The GARCH (2,2) model is the most suitable for estimating the volatility of beef prices in Indonesia, with low and sustainable volatility in the long run. Factors that affect this volatility include feeder cattle and beef imports, exchange rates, livestock diseases, the COVID-19 pandemic, and government policies such as PPKM and PSBB during the new normal era. Important events such as Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Christmas, and New Year also influence price volatility of beef. This research aims to assist the government to design more effective market stabilization policies in the short, medium, and long term period. Keywords: beef, ARCH/GARCH, price volatility, fluctuation

Phenotypic and Genotypic Characterization of Sheep Breeds in Diverse Habitats of Baluchistan Province through the Analysis of the vertnin Gene

This study was conducted to identify the vertnin gene in four different sheep breeds of Balochistan by studying their genetic characteristics and analyzing molecular markers. For this purpose, four different sheep breeds, Balochi, Rakhshani, Harnai, and Bibrik, were selected. A total of 10 animals from each breed were chosen to study the impact of breed and the vertnin gene on carcass features. The selection of animals was based on their phenotypic characteristics such as age and teeth. Blood samples of 10 ml were collected and transported to the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics at the Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, LUAWMS Uthal, Balochistan. Genomic DNA (gDNA) extraction was carried out using a modified inorganic method. The results showed that Balochi had a change in amino acid cytosine (C) > into thymine (T) mutation, Rakhshani had a change in guanine (G) > into adenine (A) mutation, Bibrik had a change in adenine (A) > into cytosine (C) mutation, and Harnai had a change in thymine (T) > into cytosine (C) mutation. The maximum divergence was 0.15715 bp in relation to the comparison in all studied sheep breeds. The phylogenetic results showed that the Balochi breed has 95–97% similarities with the other breeds when sequences were compared. The results revealed that the gel-electrophoresis bands of the Balochi breed were slightly higher, respectively. It was concluded that the vertnin gene exists in different breeds of sheep and might show a broad range of differences, even with similar DNA sequences. However, the purity based on the vertnin gene is at high risk, as a notable difference was found between the Balochi and Harnai sheep.

Introductory notes to the Thematic issue on Measurements and Applications in Veterinary and Animal Sciences

Introductory notes to the Thematic issue on Measurements and Applications in Veterinary and Animal Sciences

Assessment of Antitick and Repellent Activity of Azadirachta indica Oil against Adults and Larvae Stages of Rhipicephalus microplus

Ticks are blood-sucking parasites and occur all over the world, especially in humid and subhumid nations such as India. They are very important vectors of many economically important livestock diseases, such as Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., and Theileria spp. Ticks were collected from organized and unorganized cattle farms situated in and around Mhow. The initially collected samples of ticks (≤200) were washed in tap water and identified as Rhipicephalus microplus. The study was carried out from June 2021 to May 2022. Ticks were treated with 0.625, 1.25, 2.50, 5, and 10% oil of Azadirachta indica in both the adult immersion test and larval immersion test. All the concentrations were prepared with absolute ethanol. In the present study, fipronil was used as a positive control using various concentrations (x/8, x/4, x/2, x, and 2x) and was prepared in distilled water. The LC50 values against fipronil were observed as 1.03 and 1.12 ppm for adults and larvae, respectively. Results of the study showed that the oil of Azadirachta indica was responsible for the mortality of adults (LC50 = 2.70%) and larval stages (LC50 = 1.27%) at all the concentrations used. Furthermore, it was observed that this oil was also responsible for the inhibition of oviposition and had excellent repellent activity at 10% concentration. Based on the study, we can conclude that the oil of A. indica can be used in an integrated tick management system to reduce the tick burden on animals.

In silico identification of novel pre-microRNA genes in Rift valley fever virus suggest new pathomechanisms for embryo-fetal dysgenesis

ABSTRACT MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate the post-transcriptional expression of target genes. Virus-encoded miRNAs play an important role in the replication of viruses, modulate gene expression in both the virus and host, and affect their persistence and immune evasion in hosts. This renders viral miRNAs as potential targets for therapeutic applications, especially against pathogenic viruses that infect humans and animals. Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a mosquito-borne zoonotic RNA virus that causes severe disease in both humans and livestock. High mortality among newborn lambs and abortion storms are key characteristics of an RVF outbreak. To date, limited information is available on RVFV-derived miRNAs. In this study, computational methods were used to analyse the RVFV genome for putative pre-miRNA genes, which were then analysed for the presence of mature miRNAs. We detected 19 RVFV-encoded miRNAs and identified their potential mRNAs targets in sheep (Ovis aries), the most susceptible host. The identification of significantly enriched O. aries genes in association with RVFV miRNAs will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying RVFV pathogenesis and potentially uncover novel drug targets for RVFV.

Blood parameters and parasite burden in cattle with chronic fascioliasis

Fascioliasis is a trematodiasis that affects domestic and wild animals as well as humans worldwide. It is a well-recognized disease in livestock, were it produces serious economic losses. Yet in cattle, there is limited information about the burden of liver flukes and its relation to the eggs per gram shed to the environment. There is also lack of knowledge on the effect of parasite load in blood parameters of infected animals, which is important to evaluate the severity and progression of the disease. The objective of this work was to gain insight in these aspects. Cattle from Mendoza province, Argentina, were inspected at a farm and at the abattoir determining the presence or absence of Fasciola hepatica. Each animal was sampled for blood and feces and in the slaughterhouse the livers were inspected. Hematology and blood chemistry parameters were determined, feces were examined for F. hepatica eggs by a quantitative sedimentation technique and livers were thoroughly inspected to determine the number of flukes. Infected cattle presented a mild burden of liver flukes per animal, strongly correlated (r = 0.72) to the number of eggs per gram of feces. The total number of eggs (X̄=35,100) shed per animal to the environment and the type of livestock management techniques in the region exacerbate the role of cattle as efficient reservoirs of this disease. Statistically significant lower red blood cell, lymphocyte and neutrophil counts were observed in infected compared to uninfected animals. All hepatic parameters tested showed highly statistically significant differences (p < 0.001) as well as proteins by cause of rise of globulins in infected cattle. The correlation between the amount of flukes in the liver and the number of eggs per gram of faces indicates coprology as a reliable and cost-effective method to infer parasite burden. The impact of fascioliasis on blood parameters can be of aid for the veterinary practitioner on the assessment of this disease on cattle.

Injury of Macrophages Induced by Clostridium perfringens Type C Exotoxins.

Clostridium perfringens is a kind of anaerobic Gram-positive bacterium that widely exists in the intestinal tissue of humans and animals. And the main virulence factor in Clostridium perfringens is its exotoxins. Clostridium perfringens type C is the main strain of livestock disease, its exotoxins can induce necrotizing enteritis and enterotoxemia, which lead to the reduction in feed conversion, and a serious impact on breeding production performance. Our study found that treatment with exotoxins reduced cell viability and triggered intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human mononuclear leukemia cells (THP-1) cells. Through transcriptome sequencing analysis, we found that the levels of related proteins such as heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and ferroptosis signaling pathway increased significantly after treatment with exotoxins. To investigate whether ferroptosis occurred after exotoxin treatment in macrophages, we confirmed that the protein expression levels of antioxidant factors glutathione peroxidase 4/ferroptosis-suppressor-protein 1/the cystine/glutamate antiporter solute carrier family 7 member 11 (GPX4/FSP1/xCT), ferroptosis-related protein nuclear receptor coactivator 4/transferrin/transferrin receptor (NCOA4/TF/TFR)/ferritin and the level of lipid peroxidation were significantly changed. Based on the above results, our study suggested that Clostridium perfringens type C exotoxins can induce macrophage injury through oxidative stress and ferroptosis.

Economic impact of peste des petits ruminants on small ruminant production in Senegal: Gender considerations within a system dynamics modelling approach

CONTEXTPeste des petits ruminants (PPR) remains a persistent challenge for small ruminant production in Senegal, leading to economic losses for livestock keepers. Gender dynamics and socio-cultural factors influence production decisions at the household level. Despite its relevance, economic impact models of PPR have not incorporated gender dynamics. OBJECTIVEThis paper seeks to redress this gap by disaggregating the farm-level impacts of PPR based on the gender of the household head and implementers of routine and management activities in small ruminant production at the household level. METHODSTo quantify the gendered economic impacts of PPR, a system dynamics model was developed with four modules: integrated production-epidemiology, economics and profitability, disease control, and marketing. The model was parameterised based on survey data from 747 households in 49 agro-pastoral and pastoral villages in Senegal and augmented by secondary data. The model was validated (structurally and behaviourally) and simulated for 30 years with a weekly timestep. A set of disease scenarios were run for ten different farm household typologies based on the gender of the household head and household members who perform production management activities (like purchasing, selling, gifting, and vaccinating animals) and routine activities (like feeding, cleaning pens, and caring for sick animals). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSModel results estimated annual reductions in farm profitability of 51% to 61% with a hypothetical 25% incidence rate of PPR, corresponding to an average of $1051 to $1246 USD lost per household per year. In the two most impacted household typologies, management activities were performed by either men only or women only, and in the three least impacted household typologies, management activities were shared by men and women. The least impacted household typology with the highest gross margins without PPR ($2429 USD per year) and the lowest percentage of loss (51%) was female-headed households with men and women doing management tasks and primarily women or girls doing routine activities. SIGNIFICANCESHouseholds with both women and men engaged in management activities were less impacted by PPR, highlighting the crucial role of women's agency in management decisions taken in small ruminant production at the farm level. The findings further provide the empirical grounding for considering gender dynamics in interventions to control PPR and other livestock diseases in small ruminant production systems.

Comparative analysis of publication activity of the journal “Agrarian Science” for 2022–2023

To increase the rating, publication activity and quality of published research of the journal «Agrarian Science», some indicators of the journal’s publication activity for 2022 are presented and an assessment of its change for the period 2022-2023 is given in this article. During this period, the composition of the editorial board has significantly expanded, which has a positive effect on the capabilities of the board and will expand the coverage of scientific fields published in the journal. In 2022 and 2023, 248 scientific articles were published in the journal “Agricultural Science” in four sections presented in the journal (“Agronomy”, “Animal Science and Veterinary”, “Agroengineering and Food Technologies”, “Economics”). The average number of authors in 2023 decreased by 0.5 — from 3.7 to 3.2. A decrease in this indicator positively indicates an increase in the “weigh” of each author in the article. Publication activity of foreign authors decreased from 12 to 6%. To return and increase the level of publication activity in foreign languages, measures will be taken to attract foreign scientists to publications. Over the period 2022–2022, the average number of citations in bibliographic lists of scientific articles increased from 17.0 to 17.2. We will increase this indicator to increase the scientific credibility of published studies.

Evaluation of elite spring wheat genotypes for grain yield and other agronomic attributes in hills of Sudurpaschim Province, Nepal

Selection and release of high yielding and disease resistant varieties is the cost effective and ecologically sound approach for increasing the production and productivity of agricultural crop in Nepal. Twenty-two advanced bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes including commercial check variety "Sorgadwari", newly released check variety "Khumal Shakti" and Local Check variety " Jhadde" were evaluated under irrigated conditions at Gokuleshwor Agriculture and Animal Science College (GAASC), Baitadi, Nepal during 2022/2023. This study was carried out for the identification of high yielding genotypes under irrigated condition in western hills. The experiment was conducted in Alpha lattice design with two replications. The highly significant difference (p&lt;0.01) among the genotypes was found for most of the traits viz., days to heading, days to anthesis, days to maturity, plant height, spikes per square meter, number of grains per spike, grain weight per spike, flag leaf area, thousand kernel weight, biomass yield and grain yield and non-significant difference for spike length. The mean grain yield ranged from 1908 to 4146 kg/ha with grand mean of 2766 kg/ha. The highest grain yield was produced by genotype NL 1474 (4146 kg/ha) which was followed by NL 1475 (3994 kg/ha), NL1597 (3536 kg/ha) and NL 1590 (3070 kg/ha). The check variety Sorgadwari and Khumal Shakti produced 3480 and 3070 kg/ha respectively while the local check variety Jhadde produced 2655 kg/ha. Similarly, highest TKW was produced by NL 1487 (68.5 g) followed by BL 5148 (67.2 g) and WK 3730 (66.3 g). The correlation analysis revealed that grain yield showed highly significant positive correlation with biomass yield (0.90**) and number of grains per spike (0.6**), spikes per square meter (0.7**), plant height (0.5**) and non-significant positive correlation with spike length (0.21) and grain weight per spike (0.1) and non-significant negative correlation with days to heading (-0.2) and days to maturity (-0.2). Cluster analysis revealed that Cluster III consists of 4 genotypes namely NL 1474, NL 1475, NL 1597 and Sorgadwari. This cluster represent with highest grain yield, number of spikes per meter square, number of grains per spike and grain weight per spike. Among the tested genotypes, NL 1474, NL 1475, NL 1597 and NL 1590 were found superior for grain yield and yield-related traits in comparison to three checks and could be recommended for hills of Sudurpaschim province after further testing in multi-environment and in farmer's field.

Can conservation-based incentives promote willingness of local communities to coexist with wildlife? A case of Burunge Wildlife Management Area, Northern Tanzania

ABSTRACT Globally, conservation-based incentives (CBIs) are perceived as effective tools for enhancing human–wildlife coexistence. This study investigated whether CBIs could improve willingness of local communities around Burunge Wildlife Management Area (BWMA) to coexist with wildlife. We conducted a questionnaire survey which was orally administered to 150 households from three villages participating in the BWMA. Providing social services like education, healthcare, and livestock disease control increased the community’s willingness to coexist with wildlife by 60%. Gender, occupation and time of residence were significant predictors explaining the observed 27.4% variation in the willingness to coexist with wildlife. Women involved in small businesses were more receptive to CBIs if they received training on protecting their property from wildlife. People who lived in the area for a longer time showed higher tolerance for wildlife-related challenges. We recommend implementing effective CBIs to enhance coexistence and developing measures to minimize crop losses caused by wildlife.

Effect of Vitamin D3 Enrichment by Ultra Violet Blue (UVB) Radiation and Dietary Zinc Supplementation on Egg Production and Feed Consumption in Layer Birds

Nutritionists have recently been involved in enriching or altering the nutritional profile of poultry products, such as meat and eggs, in relation to increased consumer interest in the nutritional value of foods. Newer technologies like development of designer eggs were exploited beyond their traditional food value. Designer eggs are those that have modified contents from standard egg according to the consumers’ preference or according to current market demand. The present study to evaluate the influence of vitamin D3 enrichment by UVB radiation and dietary zinc supplementation on egg production and feed consumption in layer birds was conducted at Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy, for a period of 12 weeks from 01 February 2020 to 01 May 2020. A total of sixty-four laying hens, belonging to crossbred (White Leghorn N strain and Desi) housed in animal house attached to the department were used in the experiment. The treatments of this study included a control diet (according to BIS 2007) fed group (group I), a group with zinc supplementation alone (group II), a group with UVB exposure without zinc supplementation (group III) and a group with both UVB exposure and zinc supplementation (group IV). The four treatments were tested in 28-week-old crossbred hens in a completely randomised experimental design. Each of the experimental treatments had four replicates with four birds with all standard managemental conditions. The statistical analysis showed that egg production was not significantly affected by UVB light exposure and dietary zinc supplementation. However, the effect of UVB exposure and zinc supplementation via feed was highly significant (p≤0.01) for feed consumption. The highest overall mean feed intake (113.18±0.14 g/day) was recorded with those birds exposed to UVB and fed with inorganic zinc. While the lowest value (107.17±0.24 g/day) was recorded in group of birds fed with zinc supplementation in diet without UVB exposure. As a future prospective we can study the egg production rate and feed consumption rate in layer chicken that are intended for different types of designer egg production.

Reflections on a chromic oxide paper 44 years later: most cited paper in 99-year history of the Canadian Journal of Animal Science

This article gives the background that led to publication of the paper “An improved procedure for the determination of chromic oxide in feed and feces”, Can. J. Anim. Sci. 59: 631–634 (Sept. 1979) .

Some Aspects of Animal Husbandry in Africa

It is emphasized that animal husbandry, which has existed since ancient times in many regions of Africa and is one of the most important areas of human activity, is an integral part of the socio-cultural code of the African population. To date, pastoralism plays an important role not only in the economic, but also in the social sphere of the inhabitants of vast regions of the continent; the size of herds is the main criterion for assessing the property and social status of its owner. Being the subject of trade and direct exchange, cattle bring a significant and stable income to their sellers, while at the same time performing the function of a bride price at the conclusion of marriages. The challenges of our time require a certain degree of flexibility and adaptability from the population of livestock regions, which is associated with inevitable changes in the centuries-old way of life and the system of socio-cultural ties. Attention is drawn to the fact that the tradition of husbandry is influenced by numerous factors of modern development: climate change and epizootics of recent decades have a negative imprint on livestock activities. High losses of livestock, a reduction in their per capita population over time, combined with demographic growth, have had a negative impact on the well-being of pastoralists, significantly increasing their poverty level. The governments of many African countries, in which husbandry plays a leading role, have an interest not only in maintaining existing positions, but also in improving them. In situations of epizootic danger, national livestock health surveillance systems in African countries are approached by international partners, including FAO, WHO, as well as one of the world’s leading organization whose functions include the formation of links in the field of veterinary medicine, ensuring the interaction of national and regional veterinary authorities – the International Epizootic Office (OIE). Continuous field research in livestock regions in a number of African countries provides significant assistance in the fight against livestock diseases. The use of modern information technologies in epizootiological diagnostics is increasingly becoming the basis of anti-epizootic and preventive measures.

Protein Post-Translational Modifications Based on Proteomics: A Potential Regulatory Role in Animal Science.

Genomic studies in animal breeding have provided a wide range of references; however, it is important to note that genes and mRNA alone do not fully capture the complexity of living organisms. Protein post-translational modification, which involves covalent modifications regulated by genetic and environmental factors, serves as a fundamental epigenetic mechanism that modulates protein structure, activity, and function. In this review, we comprehensively summarize various phosphorylation and acylation modifications on metabolic enzymes relevant to energy metabolism in animals, including acetylation, succinylation, crotonylation, β-hydroxybutylation, acetoacetylation, and lactylation. It is worth noting that research on animal energy metabolism and modification regulation lags behind the demands for growth and development in animal breeding compared to human studies. Therefore, this review provides a novel research perspective by exploring unreported types of modifications in livestock based on relevant findings from human or animal models.