Black Belly Research Articles

Petrology and spatial correlation of Black Belly tuff cone basalts, Tanzania

Abstract Most of the tuff cones in the North Tanzanian region have not been studied in depth. Therefore, the range of known rock types is limited, and the relationships between these cones are unknown. Our study focused on the Black Belly tuff cone located close to Oldoinyo Lengai. Petrographically, the studied Black Belly samples are alkaline basalts with microcrystalline groundmass and phenocrysts. The groundmass consists of plagioclase, clinopyroxene, Ti-magnetite, apatite, and the phenocrysts are predominantly clinopyroxene, altered (to calcite and serpentinite) olivine, and carbonate minerals. While Oldoinyo Lengai and Black Belly rocks are not similar or directly related, the mineralogy and mineral chemistry of the studied Black Belly samples are similar to those representing the Crater Highlands’ volcanoes. Based on their compositions, the Black Belly clinopyroxenes define one end-member, and Oldoinyo Lengai clinopyroxenes represent the other end-member, while the Crater Highlands’ samples are of a transitional composition. The compositions of the other minerals (olivine, feldspar, and magnetite) confirm this theory. According to mineral chemical data, the Black Belly samples crystallised in several steps under high pressures (5.6 to 6.6 kbar) and temperatures (750 to 900°C) from an alkali basaltic melt. Considering the new chemical and thermobarometry mineral data presented here and the structural evolution of the region, Black Belly cannot be petrologically part of Oldoinyo Lengai. Instead, it defines an end-member of a series, with Oldoinyo Lengai representing the other extreme and the Crater Highlands volcanoes in a transitional position.

Circular Economy, Dairy Cow Feed Leftovers, and Withania somnifera Supplementation: Effects on Black Belly Ram's Libido, Sperm Quality, Sexual Behavior, and Hemogram Values.

Considering a circular economy perspective, this study evaluates the possible effect of targeted short-term supplementation with Withania somnifera L. (WS; Ashwagandha) on ram's seminal quality, socio-sexual behaviors, and blood constituents. Black Belly rams (n = 20) received a basal diet comprising feed-leftovers from dairy cows in the north-arid Mexico (i.e., Comarca Lagunera CL). The experimental units, with proven libido and fertility, were homogeneous in terms of age (3.41 ± 0.21 yr.), live weight (LW; 53.8 ± 3.3 kg), body condition (BC; 2.96 ± 0.01 units), initial sperm concentration (2387 ± 804 × 106), and viability (23.9 ± 15.6%). Rams were randomly assigned during the transition reproductive period (i.e., May to Jun; 25° NL) to three treatment groups: non-supplemented control group (CONT; n = 6), low WS-supplemented (LWS; i.e., 100 mg kg LW-1 d-1 × 40 d; n = 7), and high-WS-supplemented (HWS; i.e., 200 mg kg LW-1 d-1 × 40 d; n = 7). The basal leftover diet was offered twice daily (0700 and 1600 h); the experimental period (EP) lasted 47 d. No differences (p > 0.05) among treatments occurred regarding LW and BCS at the onset of the EP. Whereas the greater scrotal circumference (SCRC, cm) arose in the LWS and CONT rams, an increased ejaculated volume (VOLEJA, mL) occurred in the WS-rams. A total of 5/9 (i.e., 55%) appetitive and 3/3 (i.e., 100%) consummatory sexual behaviors favored (p < 0.05) the WS-rams, particularly the HWS rams, towards the final EP. The same was true (p < 0.05) regarding the hemogram variables white blood cell count (×109 cells L-1), hemoglobin concentration (g dL-1), and medium corpuscular volume (fL). This study, based on a rethink-reuse-reduce enquiry approach, enabled connectedness between two noteworthy animal systems in the CL: dairy cows and meat sheep schemes. Certainly, the use of dairy cow feed-leftovers aligned with the short-term supplementation with WS promoted enhanced testicular function, augmented seminal volume, and an increased sexual behavior in Black Belly rams in northern Mexico. Finally, while our research outcomes should enhance not only the resilience and sustainability of sheep production and the well-being of sheep-producers and their families, it may also embrace clinical translational applications.

Typology of sheep farmers benefited by the Program for the Improvement of indigenous Production and Productivity

Objective: To identify the typology and describe the sheep farmers benefited by the Programa para el Mejoramiento de la Producción y Productividad Indígena (PROIN: Program for the Improvement of Indigenous Production and Productivity) of the Instituto Nacional de Pueblos Indígenas (INPI: National Institute for Indigenous Peoples), in Campeche. Design/Methodology/Approach: One-hundred ninety-nine sheep farmers registered as beneficiaries in the Program were interviewed. They belonged to 27 sheep farms (SF), located in seven municipalities. A questionnaire including socioeconomic and technical questions and 15 quantitative and qualitative variables was conducted. Variables were correlated and a principal components analysis was carried out to define types of farms. The variables that explained the highest variability in the data set were number of sheep, number of sheep sold per year, annual income from sheep sales, productive purpose of the sheep farming, and feeding system. These variables were then used to perform a cluster analysis in order to identify and cluster the sheep farms. Results: Three groups of farmers were identified: Conventional (C, 74%) with 70 sheep and annual sales for $10,109.00; Transitional (T, 15%) with 169 sheep and annual sales for $36,680.00; and those in business (B, 11%) with 142 sheep and annual sales for $48,443.00. All the producers (100%) carry out extensive grazing. The breeds used by C and T are Pelibuey × Black Belly (78%), while B uses Pelibuey × Kathadin (21.7%). Study Limitations/Implications: Implemented support strategies must differentiate according to the type of farm. Findings/Conclusions: Three types of sheep farmers were identified: Conventional, Transitional, and Enterprise. Farmer types were differentiated by the number of sheep, sales, income, sheep production system, and feeding system they use.

EQUATIONS FOR BODY WEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS IN BLACK BELLY EWE LAMBS

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background. &lt;/strong&gt;As body weight (BW) is rarely determined on fasted animals in most production systems, the need to develop accurate mathematical models for adjusting BW has been identified. &lt;strong&gt;Objective.&lt;/strong&gt; To evaluate models for estimating shrunk body weight (SBW) and empty body weight (EBW) in Black Belly growing ewe lambs raised in tropical conditions. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology.&lt;/strong&gt; Data of sixty Black Belly ewe lambs, between four to eight months of age with a mean BW of 26.55± 3.92 kg (± SD) were used. The SBW was estimated based on the BW without fasting (fed) and the EBW based on SBW through three models: 1. Linear; 2.-Linear without intercept and 3.- Exponential. The predictive capacity of the models was evaluated by cross-validation. &lt;strong&gt;Results. &lt;/strong&gt;The correlation coefficients between BW and SBW and SB and EBW were high (r = 0.94; &amp;lt;0.0001). The coefficients of determination (r&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;) for the equations between BW and SBW were 0.89 (P&amp;lt;0.001); and 0.86 (P&amp;lt;0.001) for the relationship between SBW and EBW. Based on the AIC (26.81) Eq. 2 described the relationship between BW and SBW better than Eq. 1, (AIC = 28.44) and Eq. 3 (AIC =28.35). The final model to estimate SBW as a function of BW was: SBW (kg): 0.96 (±0.001***) × BW. With respect to the SBW and EBW ratio, Equation 5, was better than the linear Eq. 4, (AIC = 33.01) and Eq. 6 (AIC = 33.35). The following model was: EBW (kg): 0.81 (± 0.06***) × SBW. The cross-validation of the equation of the relationship between BW and SBW showed that Eq. 1 had a higher r2 (0.87), and lower RMSEP and MAE than Eq. 2 and Eq. 3. Also, the equation of the relationship between SBW and EBW the cross-validation revealed that Eqs. 4 and 6 had the higher &lt;sup&gt;r2&lt;/sup&gt; (0.82), and lower RMSEP and MAE and tended to be more accurate than Eq. 5. &lt;strong&gt;Implications. &lt;/strong&gt;The results obtained in present study contributes to the development of mathematical models for more accurate body weight adjustments in tropical sheep. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion. &lt;/strong&gt;The equations developed and evaluated in the present study revealed that the linear relationship between BW and SBW, and the linear and exponential relationship between SBW and EBW can be used to body weight adjustments in growing Black Belly ewe lambs. It's worth noting that this confirms that the SBW can be calculated using an adjustment factor of 0.96 FBW.&lt;/p&gt;

Comparative evaluation of estrus synchronization protocols on reproductive performance and estrus behavior in Barbados Black Belly sheep.

Estrus synchronization of ewes has been accomplished using several protocols with various degrees of success in improving reproductive efficiency and obtaining the most effective protocol used in sheep farming. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of three treatment protocols and to record the intensity and duration of estrus signs and pregnancy rate in Barbados Black Belly (BBB) sheep. Thirty-two primipara BBB ewes aged 18-24 months were equally divided into three treatment groups. T1: the ewes were injected intramuscularly with 2 mL Lutalyse (PGF2α) (10 mg) on days 0 and 10. T2: 1 mL Fertiline (50 μg; Gonadorelin acetate) on day 0 and 2 mL lutalyse (10 mg) on day 7. T3: 1 mL fertiline (50 μg) on day 0, 2 mL lutalyse (10 mg) on day 7, and 1 mL Fertiline (50 μg) on day 9. Estrus response was assessed using naturally mating rams and ewes. Pregnancy was determined using ultrasonography between 55 and 80 days after the last hormonal injection. The following estrus signs were noted: Swollen vulva, mucus discharge, sniffing, excitement, loss of appetite, mounting, and rapid tail movement. Of the expressed signs, swollen vulva was most frequent, whereas loss of appetite and mucus discharge were the least overt signs recorded. The estrus response (%), onset (%), and duration (h) in ewe synchronization of the three treatment protocols were 100%, 58.3 ± 23.4%, and 48.0 ± 18.2 h (T1), 100%, 61.7 ± 41.2%, and 45.0 ± 27.0 h (T2), and 37.5%, 32.1 ± 1.7%, and 29.2 ± 1.25 h (T3), respectively. The pregnancy rates were 87.5%, 87.5%, 37.5%, and 50.0% in T1, T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Prostaglandin F2α+PGF2α and GnRH+PGF2α synchronization protocols were more effective in the fertilization of BBB ewes with better expression of estrus signs compared with the GnRH+PGF2α+GnRH (OVS) protocol.

Using fat thickness and longissimus thoracis traits real-time ultrasound measurements in Black Belly ewe lambs to predict carcass tissue composition through multiresponse multivariate adaptive regression splines algorithm

The main idea of the current study was to estimate carcass tissue composition using fat thickness and longissimus thoracis (LT) traits real-time ultrasound measurements (USM) in Black Belly ewe lambs through multiresponse multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) algorithms. Twenty-four hours before slaughter, subcutaneous (SFT) and kidney-fat thickness (KFT), LT depth (LTD), width (LTA, cm) and area (LTMA) were measured in 60 lambs (BW of 26.40 ± 7.01 kg). Information on carcass and non-carcass components was recorded after slaughter. The total carcass muscle (TCM), total carcass bone (TCB), and total carcass fat (TCF) had a low to high correlation (P < 0.01) with BW, cold carcass weight (CCW), and LTD, SFT, KFT, and LDMA. The CCW (%65.58) and SFT (%16.70) were the most effective variables, whilst LTD (%9.57) and LTMA (%8.15) were the lowest variables for determining TCB, TCM, and TCF. The multiresponse MARS algorithm provides an accurate and efficient means of estimating TCF, TCB, and TCM.

Differentiation of three sheep breeds which have a genetic relationship by body sizes

Sumatera Composite (SC) sheep and Barbados Black Belly cross (BC) sheep are two sheep that have half the genetics of Sumatera local (SL) sheep. Populations with partially the same genetic composition are sometimes difficult to distinguish. Based on female body size sheep, an analysis was carried out to distinguish the three breed sheep that have genetic relationship. The research was conducted using SC, BC and SL ewe measured in body weight and 8 body sizes. Analysis of variance and canonical discriminant analysis, Mahalanobis distance, plotting canonical and dendogram were performed by SAS software ver. 9.0. Body weight and all body sizes of SC and BC sheep were significantly different from SL sheep. Canonical discriminant analysis successfully could differentiate among the three sheep breeds that have genetic relationship. The results of genetic distance estimation showed that SC sheep had genetic closeness to BC sheep compared to SL sheep. The size of the skull length, body weight and chest girth were the breed differentiation variable in this study.

New Insight into the Genome-Wide Diversity and Admixture of Six Colombian Sheep Populations

Creole sheep represent a strategic genetic resource for populations living in marginal areas under financial restrictions on the American continent. Six Colombian sheep breeds (two wool (BCL-Boyacá and NCL-Nariño, 12 and 14 samples) and four hair (OPCE-Ethiopian, 54 samples; OPCS-Sudan, 74 samples; OPCP-Pelibeuy, 59 samples; OPCW-Wayúu, 24 samples) were genotyped using the Illumina Ovine SNP50 BeadChip. Data was also included from international 44 breeds from International Sheep Genomics Consortium (ISGC) and from data published in previous a previous work on the Caribbean and African breeds. Although geographically separated, wool (NCL, BCL) and hair types (OPCE, OPCS, OPCW) presented little genetic differentiation (FST 0.05) at a global level but several groups of animals separated suggesting local clustering due to geographical isolation. The OPCP underwent a recent crossing with Mexican Pelibuey, explaining its differentiation. Findings in this work such as the proximity to West African Djallonké (WAD) and Barbados Black Belly (BBB), suggest different introductions of African type animals from the Caribbean region on a pre-existing genetic basis formed by animals deriving from the first importations coming from Europe in colonial times. As expected, Colombian wool breeds showed, in particular in Admixture software results, a greater genomic component in common with European breeds and in particular with Iberian ones (Churra). This study provides a basis for future research into the genetic diversity within and between the Colombian sheep breeds analysed, and scientific data for policy decisions on Farm Animal Genetic Resources (FAnGR).

EVALUATION OF MODELS TO ESTIMATE EMPTY BODY WEIGHT IN HAIR SHEEP RAISED IN A FEEDLOT SYSTEM

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background.&lt;/strong&gt; The empty body weight (EBW) represents exactly the animal mass and is used as a base to calculate most of the nutrient requirements in most feeding systems. &lt;strong&gt;Objective.&lt;/strong&gt; To evaluate models for estimating EBW in growing hair sheep in a feedlot system under tropical conditions. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology. &lt;/strong&gt;One hundred fifteen male growing hair sheep lambs (Pelibuey, Black Belly, and Katahdin) between four to ten months of age with a mean shrunk body weight (SBW) of 34.50 ± 7.40 kg (± SD) were used. The relationship between SBW and EBW was assessed by means of three models: Eq. 1. Linear with intercept; Eq. 2.- Linear without intercept and Eq. 3.- Allometric. The predictive ability of models was evaluated by cross-validation. &lt;strong&gt;Results. &lt;/strong&gt;The correlation coefficient among SBW and EBW was high (r = 0.98). The regression equations had high determination coefficients (r&lt;sup&gt;2&lt;/sup&gt;) of 0.97. Based on the evaluations Eq.1 had the performance compared with other models. The following final model was fitted to estimate the EBW as a function of SBW of growing castrated male hair sheep: EBW (kg): -2.39 (± 0.53***) + 0.95(± 0.02***) × SBW (kg). &lt;strong&gt;Implications. &lt;/strong&gt;These results contribute to the development of mathematical models for more accurate weight adjustments in growing hair sheep in a feedlot system under tropical conditions&lt;strong&gt;. &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion.&lt;/strong&gt; The equation developed and evaluated in the present study revealed that the linear relationship between SBW and EBW can be used to predict EBW in hair sheep, for that the use of this model can be safely applied to male hair sheep. In addition, it was found that the relation BW/EBW was on average 1.18 for males. &lt;/p&gt;

RESPUESTA REPRODUCTIVA EN OVEJAS DE PELO SINCRONIZADAS CON ACETATO DE MEDROXIPROGESTERONA IMPREGNADO EN ESPONJAS INTRAVAGINALES NO COMERCIALES

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background.&lt;/strong&gt; Intravaginal sponges impregnated with medroxyprogesterone acetate or fluorogestone acetate are routinely used in oestrus synchronization protocols in sheep, non-commercial sponges are a viable option in the reproductive control of female sheep.&lt;strong&gt; Objective.&lt;/strong&gt; To evaluate the reproductive response in hair sheep synchronized with medroxyprogesterone acetate impregnated in non-commercial intravaginal sponges. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology.&lt;/strong&gt; 31 adult hair sheep 5/8 Pelibuey x 2/8 Black Belly x 1/8 Dorper, average weight of 40 ± 3.2 kg and a body condition of 3-3.5 were used. They were randomly assigned to one of four treatments: T1 (n = 8 ewes), 5 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate impregnated in non-commercial intravaginal sponges + 1 mg of estradiol cypionate + 200 IU of eCG; T2 (n = 8 ewes), synchronization similar to T1, but 500 IU of eCG were applied; T3 (n = 8 ewes), 20 mg of fluorogestone acetate impregnated in intravaginal sponges + 200 IU of eCG; T4 (n = 7 ewes), synchronization similar to T3, but 500 IU of eCG were applied. In all treatments the sponges were placed for 10 days. Blood samples were collected by jugular puncture and the concentrations of progesterone and LH were determined. &lt;strong&gt;Results.&lt;/strong&gt; The sponge removal interval to estrus was different (P &amp;lt;0.05) between T1 and T3 (14.5 ± 5.5 and 38.8 ± 2.5 h, respectively). Estrus duration was similar (P&amp;gt; 0.05) between T1, T2 and T3 (54.5 ± 5.5, 46.5 ± 5.8 and 38.3 ± 2.6 h, respectively), T4 (59.3 ± 4.1 h) was similar (P&amp;gt; 0.05) to T1 and T2 (54.5 ± 5.5 h and 46.5 ± 5.8 h, respectively) but different (P &amp;lt;0.05) from T3 (38.3 ± 2.6 h). The progesterone concentration was higher than 1 ng ml&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt;, on days 0 to 4 (T2), 0 to 5 (T4) and 0 to 7 (T1 and T3), then it decreased to &amp;lt;1 ng ml&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; in all the treatments. The sponge removal and oestrus onset intervals at the LH preovulatory peak were similar (P&amp;gt; 0.05) between treatments, however, the LH profile at T1 and T2 shows scattered elevations. 5 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate + 1 mg of estradiol cypionate, impregnated in non-commercial sponges advance oestrus and do not adjust for the occurrence of LH preovulatory peak.&lt;strong&gt; Implications. &lt;/strong&gt;The study demonstrates that it is feasible to use reduced doses of medroxyprogesterone acetate impregnated in non-commercial intravaginal sponges in estrous synchronization protocols in hair sheep, the progesterone profile confirms the inhibitory effect of the drug on GnRH / LH secretion.&lt;strong&gt; Conclusion. &lt;/strong&gt;The application of 200 or 500 IU of eCG does not modify the occurrence or duration of estrus and the LH preovulatory peak. It is suggested that it is feasible to synchronize hair sheep under tropical conditions with reduced doses of medroxyprogesterone acetate impregnated in non-commercial sponges, however, dispersion of ovulation may occur, which would reduce fertility. The use of eCG and estradiol cypionate does not affect the effectiveness of synchronization.&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Productive Performance of Sheep in an Agropastoral System on the Coast of Oaxaca, Mexico

Objective: To determine the prolificacy and weight of lambs at birth (BW) in twogenotypes of hair sheep within an agropastoral system on the coast of Oaxaca, Mexico,and to evaluate the effect of two sources of selenium on the performance of lambs fromsaid system during the fattening phase.Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was carried out in an agropastoral system(coconut palm and Cynodon dactylon grass) in Río Grande, Oaxaca. Two experimentswere conducted; the first studied 58 ewes distributed in a completely randomized design(CRD) with factorial arrangement of 2x2x3, and focused on the following fixed effects:genotype, number of births, and body condition (BC). The measured variables wereprolificacy and BW. The second experiment studied 23 lambs of 4 months in age thatwere offspring of the females in experiment 1. They were distributed in a CRD withthree treatments: T1, without selenium provided; T2, with barium selenate provided; T3,with selenomethionine provided. The dependent variables were daily weight gain(DWG), dry material consumption (DMC), and feed conversion (FC). Results: The Pelibuey ewes with one and two births and the Black Belly ewes with onebirth demonstrated the highest averages in prolificacy (P?0.05). The lowest averages(P?0.05) were detected in ewes with BC 4 irrespective of number of births. The BW wasaffected (P?0.05) by genotype; Black Belly lambs weighed 680 g (P?0.05) more thatPelibuey lambs. The DWG, DMC and FC behaved similarly (P?0.05) betweentreatments and their general averages were 0.114 kg day -1 , 0.679 kg day -1 , and 6.18,respectively.Study Limitations/Implications: In the agropastoral system, the BC of ewes limitstheir reproductive performance. The weight of the lambs at the start of fatteningdetermines their performance during fattening.Findings/Conclusions: In the agropastoral system, Pelibuey and Black Belly femalespresent adequate prolificacy averages and BW; however, it is very important that theyremain within BC 3. Neither of the two sources of selenium improves DWG, DMC, andFC of lambs fattened in pens in the agropastoral system.

The Effect of Different Inclusion Levels of a Commercial Concentrate On the Growth Performance of Weaned Lambs

The Effect of Different Inclusion Levels of a Commercial Concentrate On the Growth Performance of Weaned Lambs Andell Edwards, Amellia Taylor, Tunika Brewster Abstract This experiment was undertaken to investigate the effect of different inclusion levels of a commercial concentrate on average daily gain, feed conversion efficiency, feed intake, final weight gained, feed cost/lb gain and the dressing percentage of weaned lambs. Twenty one, clinically healthy Barbados black belly weaned ewe (average weight 15 - 19± 0.4 kg.) were used. They were randomly allocated to three treatments during a period of 70 days. Treatment (1): inclusion at 2% body weight, Treatment (2): Inclusion at 2.5% body weight and Treatment (3): Inclusion at 3% body weight. Water was provided ad libitum. Feed intake was highest (p<0.05) among lambs supplemented with concentrates at 3 % (5.85 kg) of their body weight. Average daily gain (ADG) was highest (p<0.05) among ewes supplemented at 3 % (0.70 kg) of their body weight. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly lower among animals supplemented at 2 % (7.52 kg) when compared to animals supplemented at 2.5 % (8.50 kg) and 3 % (8.28 kg) of their body weight respectively. Weight gain was significantly higher (p<0.05) among ewes supplemented at 3 % body weight in comparison to ewes supplemented at 2 % (14.4 kg) and 2.5 % (16.3 kg) respectively. Ewes supplemented at 3 % of their body had a lower (p<0.05) feed cost per pound of gain ($7.71) when compared to those supplemented at 2.5 % ($ 9.52). Dressing percentage was also lowest (p<0.05) among ewes supplemented at 3 % of their body weight (42.9 %) when compared to ewes supplemented at 2 % (46 %) and 2.5 % (45.7 %) respectively. It was concluded that a higher concentrate inclusion level could positively influence the performance parameters and cost/pound of gain in weaned lambs fed poor quality forages. Full Text: PDF DOI: 10.15640/jaes.v10n1a7

A Macroanatomic and Morphometric Study on the Hasak Sheep Mandible

The study was carried out to reveal some macroanatomical and morphometric values on the Hasak sheep mandible. In the study, eight reformed dead Hasak sheep mandibles from Konya Bahri Dagdas International Agricultural Research Institute were used. The length between 19 different points in the mandible of Hasak sheep was measured and the values obtained were compared with other sheep breeds. As a result of this comparison, it has been determined that the mandible length and mandible height values of Hasak sheep are higher than Hemsin, Morkaraman, Tuj, Mehraban, Iranian domestic sheep breeds and lower than that of Konya merino, Hasmer, Yankasa, Barbados Black Belly sheep. In addition, in other comparisons, it has been determined that the mandible measurement values of Hasak sheep are higher than some sheep breeds, while it is lower than some sheep breeds. These results are of clinical importance to assist in regional anesthesia of the mandibular and mental nerves, especially during surgical operation, tooth extraction and treatment in the mandible.

Species limits in the Elegant Pitta (Pitta elegans) complex from Wallacea based on bioacoustic and morphometric analysis

BackgroundThe Elegant Pitta (Pitta elegans) complex displays a remarkable diversity of morphological and bioacoustic traits across five taxa currently recognized as subspecies. They differ in plumage characteristics (such as red versus black belly patches; supercilium color and extent; and white versus black throats), in lifestyle (resident versus migratory) and in vocalizations. We investigated the morphological, bioacoustic and ecological differences across all taxa after recent studies demostrated the importance of these traits in recognizing biological species limits across pittas.MethodsMorphometric analysis was carried out by measuring tarsus, wing, tail and bill lengths of 15 specimens at the Natural History Museum, UK, and plumages were inspected across 106 unique individuals from four different repositories. Bioacoustic analysis was based on 134 range-wide sound recordings. Two types of calls, territorial calls and alarm calls, were analyzed using different sets of parameters. Principal component analysis and the Isler Criterion were applied to the measurements. Playback trials were conducted to explore the levels of response of each taxon to the call types of the other taxa.ResultsThe territorial call of concinna exhibits a distinct two-element motif, while elegans, maria and virginalis utter a three-element motif in which the first two elements are given in quick succession. On the other hand, vigorsii, produces both two-element and three-element motifs with longer breaks in between elements. As further corroborated by the playback trials, the three taxa elegans, virginalis and maria form a tight vocal cluster, whereas each concinna and vigorsii are distinct. The alarm call turned out to be less diagnostic even though most taxa did roughly separate into different vocal clusters. Morphometric analysis failed to produce strong differences, but plumage distinctions among multiple taxa are pronounced.ConclusionsWe suggest splitting the Elegant Pitta into three biological species based on bioacoustic and—less so—plumage evidence: (1) Temminck’s Elegant Pitta P. elegans (including subspecies elegans, virginalis and maria), (2) Wallace’s Elegant Pitta P. concinna (monotypic), and (3) Banda Elegant Pitta P. vigorsii (monotypic).

Cinétique d’infestation par &lt;em&gt; Haemonchus contortus &lt;/em&gt; et réponse d’ovins de races résistante (Martinik Black Belly) et sensible (Lacaune)

L’extension de la résistance des nématodes gastro-intestinaux aux anthelminthiques, récemment observée pour Haemonchus contortus, représente un réel problème et rend urgente la recherche de solutions alternatives comme la sélection d’animaux résistants aux helminthes. Tous les cas d’infestations expérimentales mettent en évidence une variabilité individuelle importante dans les excrétions d’oeufs, discriminant bien les individus résistants et les individus sensibles, ce qui permet d’envisager la sélection d’individus résistants dans les races étudiées. Toutefois, la méconnaissance des mécanismes de la réponse immunitaire des ovins vis-à-vis de ces strongles reste un obstacle au développement de cette sélection. Il est acquis que le niveau d’excrétion d’oeufs de parasites dans les matières fécales représente un indicateur pertinent pour évaluer la résistance d’un animal aux strongles. Ce critère a été examiné lors de la présente étude, réalisée avec deux races ovines françaises, la Martinik Black Belly (résistante) et la Lacaune (sensible). Les animaux ont été infestés par voie orale avec une seule dose de 10 000 larves L3 d’H. contortus. La réponse des ovins a fait l’objet d’un suivi lors d’examens ante mortem et post mortem. Les résultats ont montré clairement qu’au cours d’une primo-infestation par H. contortus il y avait une différence significative entre les populations parasitaires (intensité parasitaire et production d’oeufs) et entre certains paramètres physiopathologiques (éosinophilie sanguine et tissulaire) observés chez ces deux races ovines.

Exploring effects of betaine-homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT) gene polymorphisms on fatty acid traits and cholesterol in sheep

This study was aimed to explore the effects of Betaine-Homocysteine Methyltransferase (BHMT) gene polymorphisms on fatty acid traits and cholesterol in lambs. This study used a total of 147 blood samples for genotyping including 19 Javanese Fat-Tailed (JFT), 16 Javanese Thin-Tailed (JTT), 41 Composite Garut (CG), 35 Compass Agrinak (CA) and 36 Barbados Black Belly Cross (BC). A total of 61 rams as representative from five breed of sheep were selected for association study. Identification of BHMT single nucleotide polymorphisms was analyzed by PCR-RFLP method. Association of BHMT genotypes with fatty acid traits and cholesterol was performed by T-TEST. BHMT genotyping resulted into three genotypes (CC, CT and TT). Gene frequency of BHMT (g. 9947372 C&gt;T) was in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium, excluding Javanese Fat-Tailed sheep. Association of BHMT genotypes with fatty acid traits resulted into a significant association (P&lt;0.05) with C14:1, C17:1 and C18:0 fatty acids but not with cholesterol in sheep. SNP g. 9947372 (C&gt;T) of BHMT gene might be a useful marker for selecting and producing sheep meat with desirable fatty acids.

Dichanthium hay combined with green cassava foliage or pelleted cassava foliage as fed for Black Belly rams

Intake, digestion and nitrogen retention were measured in fifteen 1-year-old Black Belly rams that had an average weight of 35.3 (± 1.59)kg and that consumed mixed diets. Diets consisted of old Dichanthium spp. hay distributed ad libitum, combined with 500g (dry matter basis) of green or pelleted cassava foliage. Alfalfa pellets were used as a control for foliage supplement. The experiment was run in a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Total dry matter intake was lower (P < 0.05) with the green foliage cassava diet compared with the alfalfa pellet diet. Differences were not significant (P < 0.12) with the green cassava foliage diet compared with the cassava foliage pellet diet. Total tract digestion of organic matter, crude protein and cell wall components in cassava green foliage and cassava foliage pellet diets were significantly lower than in the alfalfa diet. Crude protein total tract digestion was similar for cassava green foliage and cassava foliage pellet diets, while fibre digestion was lower with cassava green foliage diets. Retained nitrogen was significantly higher with the alfalfa diet compared with cassava diets-between which there were no differences. Urinary nitrogen excretion was similar between all diets. In conclusion, pelleting does not decrease the feed value of cassava foliage, but this value is nevertheless lower than the feed value of alfalfa.

Identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and Association Analysis of Alpha 2-Heremans Schmid Glycoprotein (AHSG) Gene Related to Fatty Acid Traits in Sheep

Fatty acid (FA) composition of meat is regulated by many genes. The aim of this study was to identify Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) of Alpha 2-Heremans Schmid Glycoprotein (AHSG) gene and analyze its association with fatty acid (FA) traits in lambs. The study used a total of 67 rams of 12 months with average body size of 25-30 kg, consisted of 20 heads of Javanese Fat-Tailed (JFT) sheep, 17 heads of Javanese Thin-Tailed (JTT) sheep, 10 heads of Composite Garut (CG) sheep, 10 heads of Compass Agrinak (CA) sheep and 10 heads of Barbados Black Belly Cross (BC) sheep. Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) were used to identify the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of AHSG gene. Association of AHSG genotypes with fatty acid traits was performed using General Linear Model by SAS 9.4 program. The SNP of AHSG gene was polymorphic with three genotypes (GG, GA and AA). In combined population, the genotype frequency of GG, GA and AA were 0.25, 0.13 and 0.62, respectively. The Chi-square test revealed that the locus of AHSG (g. 198655287 (G&gt;A) was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, except in Composite Garut (CG), Compass Agrinak (CA) and Barbados Black Belly Cross (BC) sheep breeds. The g.198655287 (G&gt;A) SNP of AHSG gene was significantly associated (P&lt;0.05) with saturated fatty acid, including &lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capric_acid"&gt;capric acid (C10:0)&lt;/a&gt;, palmitic acid (C16:0), heptadecanoic acid (17:0), &lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arachidic_acid"&gt;arachidic acid (C20:0)&lt;/a&gt;, heneicosylic acid (C21:0), &lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behenic_acid"&gt;behenic acid (C22:0)&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricosylic_acid"&gt;tricosylic acid (C23:0)&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lignoceric_acid"&gt;lignoceric acid (C24:0)&lt;/a&gt;; with monounsaturated fatty acids, including &lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmitoleic_acid"&gt;palmitoleic acid (C16:1)&lt;/a&gt;; oleic acid (C18:1n9c); eicosenoic acid (C20:1); nervonic acid (C24:1) and with polyunsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid (C18:2n6c); γ-Linolenic acid; α-Linolenic acid; &lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eicosadienoic_acid&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1"&gt;eicosadienoic acid (C20:2)&lt;/a&gt;; dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid; arachidonic acid; &lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Docosadienoic_acid&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1"&gt;docosadienoic acid(C22:2)&lt;/a&gt;; eicosapentanoic and docosahexaenoic acid. The SNP g. 198655287 (G&gt;A) of AHSG gene may be a useful marker for selecting and producing sheep meat having desirable fatty acids.

Improper Bodies: A Nihilistic Meditation on Sexuality, the Black Belly, and Sexual Difference

Improper Bodies: A Nihilistic Meditation on Sexuality, the Black Belly, and Sexual Difference

Cases frequency and molecular identification of Cryptosporidium spp. in lactating lambs kept grazing in the State of Veracruz, Mexico

El objetivo fue determinar la frecuencia de la infección por Cryptosporidium spp., y realizar la identificación de especie o genotipo de los ooquistes en corderos lactantes Pelibuey, Black Belly y Katahdin mantenidos en pastoreo en la región de la Huasteca Alta del estado de Veracruz, México. Las muestras de excremento se recolectaron de 210 corderos de 7 a 21 días de edad, procedentes de 21 granjas; se procesaron mediante frotis fecal teñido con Kinyoun y por PCR anidada para amplificar la región del gen 18S rARN del parásito (830 pb); las muestras positivas fueron secuenciadas. La frecuencia de corderos positivos a Cryptosporidium spp., por microscopía fue 19.5 % (41/210), con una escala entre rebaños de 10 a 50 %; en tanto que por técnicas moleculares fue de 26.8 % (11/41) con un intervalo de 14 a 50 %; las demás muestras fueron negativas a ambas pruebas. Las 11 muestras secuenciadas tuvieron una homología del 100 % con la región 18S rARN de C. parvum. Estos resultados confirman la importancia de C. parvum como principal agente de la criptosporidiosis en corderos lactantes y su amplia distribución en esta región de México. Esta identificación destaca que las ovejas pueden considerarse como una fuente potencial notable de criptosporidiosis humana, porque se considera una enfermedad zoonótica, principalmente para las personas que manipulan los rebaños.