Cattle Breeds Research Articles

Linkage Disequilibrium Decay in Selected Cattle Breeds

Linkage disequilibrium (LD) maps are fundamental tools for exploring the genetic basis of traits of interest in any species. Quantifying LD patterns in cattle breeds has been made possible due to the availability of huge quantities of SNPs through modern sequencing technology. The present research aims to determine and compare linkage disequilibrium levels at different distances on the genome of Sistani domestic cattle and subspecies of Bos taurus and Bos indicus based on genome SNP data. A total of 60 Bos indicus Sahiwal (dairy) and Nellore (beef), Bos taurus Hereford (beef) and Holstein (dairy), and Sistani cattle were sampled and genotyped using Illumina Bovine HD 770 k chip. To ensure the caliber of the sequencing, 10 samples (genetically sequenced cattle) were randomly chosen among all breeds represented. LD was evaluated at distances of 1–50 Kb, 50–100 Kb, 100–500 Kb, and 0.5–1 Mb, and average r2 values for all autosomes were calculated within distance classes. For all breeds, the average r2 was over 0.2 at distances less than 100 Kb, while for Sistani, Nellore, and Sahiwal, the average r2 was above 0.2 between 100 and 500 Kb. Furthermore, for all breeds, the average r2 exceeding 0.3 was noted at distances smaller than 50 Kb, while this amount for Holstein and Hereford was observed at distances between 50 and 100 Kb. In various breeds, greater changes in LD levels were observed (at <10 Kb distance). In this study, the Sistani breed showed LD decay patterns similar to indicine cattle (Nellore and Sahiwal), which may be due to the geographic proximity of the Sistan and Baluchestan province to Pakistan, the origin of indicine breeds (they may have had genetic or kinship relationships over a long historical period), or due to ascertainment bias in the SNP chips used.

Whole-genome sequencing of copy number variation analysis in Ethiopian cattle reveals adaptations to diverse environments.

Genomic structural variations (GSVs), notably copy number variations (CNVs), significantly shape genetic diversity and facilitate adaptation in cattle populations. Despite their importance, the genome-wide characterization of CNVs in indigenous Ethiopian cattle breeds-Abigar, Fellata, and Gojjam-Highland remains largely unexplored. In this study, we applied a read-depth approach to whole genome sequencing (WGS) data to conduct the first comprehensive analysis of CNVs in these populations. We identified 3,893 CNV regions (CNVRs) covering 19.15Mb (0.71% of the cattle genome). These CNVRs ranged from 1.60kb to 488.0kb, with an average size of 4.92kb. These CNVRs included deletions (1713), duplications (1929), and mixed events (251) showing notable differences in distribution among the breeds. Four out of five randomly selected CNVRs were successfully validated using real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Further analyses identified candidate genes associated with high-altitude adaptation (GBE1 and SOD1), heat stress adaptation (HSPA13, DNAJC18, and DNAJC8) and resistance to tick infestations (BoLA and KRT33A). In addition, variance stabilizing transformation (VST) statistics highlighted population-specific CNVRs, emphasizing the unique genetic signatures of high-altitude adaptation in the Gojjam-Highland cattle breed. Among the detected CNVRs, 4.93% (192 out of 3,893) overlapped with 520 quantitative traits loci (QTLs) associated with six economically important trait categories suggesting that these CNVRs may significantly contribute to the genetic variation underlying these traits. Our comprehensive analysis reveals significant CNVRs associated with key adaptive traits in Ethiopian cattle breeds highlighting their genetic diversity and resilience. These findings offer valuable insights into the genetic basis of adaptability and can inform sustainable breeding practices and conservation efforts. Future research should prioritize the functional validation of these CNVRs and their integration into breeding programs to enhance traits such as disease resistance and environmental adaptability.

Milk Value Chain Analysis: The Case of Urban and Peri-Urban Areas of Ambo and Dendi Districts, West Shewa Zone, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia

This study was aimed at analyzing value chain of milk in Urban and Peri – Urban areas of Ambo and Dendi districts of West Shewa Zone. The study made use of both primary and secondary data collected from 146 smallholder farmers, 30 consumers, 10 Hotels and Cafeterias and 2 primary milk cooperatives through application of individual interview schedules, focus group discussions and key informant interview. The analysis was made using descriptive statistics and value chain analysis. The value chain analysis revealed that the major actors in the districts milk value chains are input suppliers, milk producers, collectors, processors and consumers. Accordingly, the value chain activities in the chain were input supply, production, processing, marketing and consumption. Four milk marketing channels were identified and relative to all other fresh milk marketing channels, producers get a higher proportion of total gross marketing margin when they sell milk to cooperatives. Profitability analysis result for dairy production indicated that, a dairy producer obtains average gross margin of 83.65per improved cow per day, in the study areas which shows that dairy production was a profitable venture for smallholder dairy producers. Milk value chain in the study areas was hindered by shortage of feeds, continuous increasing price of feeds, poor AI service provision, poor supply of genetically improved cattle breeds, limited availability of credit services, limited extension service provision, poor feeding and animal husbandry practices, low level of market linkage among the value chain actors, absence of milk processing plant and non-market oriented milk production. Therefore, policy aiming at increasing farmers’ access to modern inputs, feed conservation practices, adequate training provision to AI technicians, developing and improving infrastructure, cooperative development and improving extension services are recommended to accelerate the milk value chain’s development in the study areas.

Proteomic identification of potential biomarkers for heat tolerance in Caracu beef cattle using high and low thermotolerant groups.

Heat stress has deleterious effects on physiological and performance traits in livestock. Within this context, using tropically adapted cattle breeds in pure herds or terminal crossbreeding schemes to explore heterosis is attractive for increasing animal production in warmer climate regions. This study aimed to identify biological processes, pathways, and potential biomarkers related to thermotolerance in Caracu, a tropically adapted beef cattle breed, by proteomic analysis of blood plasma. To achieve this goal, 61 bulls had their thermotolerance evaluated through a heat tolerance index. A subset of 14 extreme animals, including the seven most thermotolerant (HIGH group) and the seven least thermotolerant (LOW group), had their blood plasma samples used for proteomic analysis by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The differentially regulated proteins detected between HIGH and LOW groups were used to perform functional enrichment analysis and a protein-protein interaction network analysis. A total of 217 proteins were detected only in the HIGH thermotolerant group and 51 only in the LOW thermotolerant group. In addition, 81 and 87 proteins had significantly higher and lower abundancies in the HIGH group, respectively. Regarding proteins with the highest absolute log-fold change values, we highlighted those encoded by DUSP5, IGFALS, ROCK2, RTN4, IRAG1, and NNT genes based on their functions. The functional enrichment analysis detected several biological processes, molecular functions, and pathways related to cellular responses to stress, immune system, complement system, and hemostasis in both HIGH and LOW groups, in addition to terms and pathways related to lipids and calcium only in the HIGH group. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network revealed as important nodes many proteins with roles in response to stress, hemostasis, immune system, inflammation, and homeostasis. Additionally, proteins with high absolute log-fold change values and proteins detected as essential nodes by PPI analysis highlighted herein are potential biomarkers for thermotolerance, such as ADRA1A, APOA1, APOB, APOC3, C4BPA, CAT, CFB, CFH, CLU, CXADR, DNAJB1, DNAJC13, DUSP5, FGA, FGB, FGG, HBA, HBB, HP, HSPD1, IGFALS, IRAG1, KNG1, NNT, OSGIN1, PROC, PROS1, ROCK2, RTN4, RYR1, TGFB2, VLDLR, VTN, and VWF. Identifying potential biomarkers, molecular mechanisms and pathways that act in response to heat stress in tropically adapted beef cattle contributes to developing strategies to improve performance and welfare traits in livestock under tropical climates.

Effects of Glutamine or Glucose Deprivation on Inflammation and Tight Junction Disruption in Yak Rumen Epithelial Cells

Yak is a special free-ranging cattle breed in the plateau areas of Qinghai and Tibet. Pasture withering in cold-season pastures results in energy deficiency in yaks, which undermines the rumen epithelial barrier. However, the leading factor causing rumen epithelial injury remains unknown. Glutamine (Gln), a conditionally essential amino acid, is insufficient under pathological conditions. Glucose (GLU) is an important energy source. Thus, we explored the effects of Gln or GLU deprivation on the barrier function of yak rumen epithelial cells and investigated the underlying mechanisms, as well as the differences in rumen epithelial barrier function between Gln deprivation (Gln-D) and GLU deprivation (GLU-D). In previous work, we constructed the yak rumen epithelial cells (YRECs) line by transferring the human telomerase reverse transcriptase gene (hTERT) and simian virus 40 large T antigen (SV40T) into primary YRECs. The YRECs were exposed to normal, Gln-D, GLU-D, and serum replacement (SR) media for 6, 12, and 24 h. Our data displayed that cell viability and tight junction protein expression in the SR group were not significantly changed compared to the normal group. Whereas, compared with the SR group, Gln-D treated for more than 12 h reduced cell viability and proliferation, and GLU-D treated for more than 12 h damaged the cell morphology and reduced cell viability and proliferation. The cell proliferation and cell viability were decreased more in GLU-D than in Gln-D. In addition, Gln-D treated for more than 12 h disrupted YREC cellular partially tight junctions by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and GLU-D treated for more than 12 h disrupted YREC cellular tight junctions by inducing apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Compared with Gln-D, GLU-D more significantly induced cell injury and reduced tight junction protein levels. Our results provided evidence that GLU-D induced damage through the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK)/c-junN-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway, which was more serious than Gln-D treated for more than 12 h.

Genome-wide scan for selection signatures in Mexican Sardo Negro Zebu cattle.

The Sardo Negro cattle (SN) is the only zebu cattle breed developed in Mexico. Since its development, the selection could have led to an increase in the homozygosity level in some regions of the genome and made differentiation with other cattle populations. We aimed to identify and characterize selection signatures in SN using medium-density SNP data using four approaches: 1) Runs of homozygosity (ROH) 2) Nucleotide Diversity 3) Tajima's D and 4) the Wright's fixation index (FST). A sample of 555 SN animals genotyped for 65k SNPs was used to obtain ROH segments considered regions under selection. The FST values were estimated by comparing the sample of genotyped SN animals with samples of genotyped animals from the Gir, Brahman, and Ongole breeds. Only one region mapped to 35.78-42.51 Mb on BTA6 was considered a selection signature by the ROH method. This selection signature overlapped with the lowest diversity, negative values of Tajima's D and a diversification region between SN and the other Zebu breeds by FST. We found several candidate genes (LCORL, NCAPG, and SLIT2) related to growth and other economically important productive traits in this common region. Using the FST method, different regions, such as regions on BTA8 (8:93.4-93.9 Mb), BTA11 (11:99.2-99.7), and BTA14 (14: 26.1-26.8) related to growth and milk traits also were defined as candidate selection signatures. The selective signals identified in this study reflected the direction of the selection pressure that primarily involves the increase of live weight traits in the Sardo Negro cattle breeding program.

Особливості харчування українців в умовах геноциду 1932–1933 рр. (на основі спогадів очевидців Голодомору)

Based on 155 accounts of the Holodomor witnesses (covering the whole USSR territory), the author comprehensively studied the peculiarities of the diet of Ukrainians in the conditions of the crime of genocide committed by the communist totalitarian regime in 1932 and 1933. The traditional diet of Ukrainians was before the 1930s was described. It is known that that since ancient times, Ukrainians were primarily involved in agriculture, as well as cattle breeding and gathering, which determined the traditional diet of the nation, whose daily ration consisted of food of plant and animal origin. From the products of plant origin, they cooked cereal and vegetable dishes (bread, halushky, zatirka, noodles, porridge, kulish, chur, solomakha, mamalyha, lemishka, borsch, yushka, soup, cabbage soup, potatoes, pancakes, hashbrowns, dumplings), and from the products of animal origin, they cooked meat, dairy and fish dishes (sausages, blood sausages, roast, saltyson, kholodets, dushenyna, kruchenyky, sichenyky, khliaka, riazhanka, butter, sour cream, cheese, etc.). The most important dish on the table of Ukrainians was and still is bread. It has been analyzed and proved that during the Holodomor genocide years, the destruction of traditional Ukrainian nutrition, along with customs and traditions related to it took place. The communist totalitarian regime, by taking away all edible supplies, doomed Ukrainians to hungry death. To survive, Ukrainians ate surrogates, plants (leaves, weeds, grass); small animals, insects, birds (hedgehogs, cats, dogs, gophers, sparrows, crows, pigeons, storks, frogs, mollusks, snails, dragonflies); cow’s milk (families that had a cow called it a feeder and a savior); vegetables, fruits, berries; rotten potatoes, beets (dug up in early spring); offal; human flesh (cases of corpse-eating and cannibalism were recorded). Consumption of such products caused the most severe stomach diseases and even fatal poisonings. People suffered from vomiting, diarrhea, swelling, weakness, inflammation, and unbearable pain. Epidemics and various diseases, often fatal ones (smallpox, dysentery, louse-borne typhus and typhoid fever, malaria, pellagra, glanders, dropsy) spread in Ukraine Due to hunger, Ukrainians developed mental disorders, their consciousness was clouded, their thinking, will, and memory were disturbed, and their behavior changed. Keywords: Holodomor, 1932–1933, genocide, non-traditional food, surrogates, moral and psychological effects.

Satisfaction Level of Cattle Breeders Through The Artificial Insemination Officers Services In Gorontalo District, Indonesia

This study aimed to identify the characteristics of cattle breeders who receive Artificial Insemination (AI) services and analyze the level of satisfaction of acceptor breeders with the services of inseminator officers in Gorontalo Regency. The research method used is a survey method. The research sample was determined intentionally with the consideration that active breeders who adopt AI. Data were collected through direct observation in the field, interviews, and questionnaires using the Likert Scale. The research variables include five dimensions, such as: tangible, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and attention. The data collected were processed using the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI). The results showed that the majority of cattle breeders who became acceptors or 79.54% were in the age range of 31-60 years, 76.14% had secondary education and below, 82.96% had implemented AI between 3-9 years or an average of 6 years. The Weighted Total (WT) value of all attributes was 3.55 with a Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) value of 71.03%. The CSI value is in the range of 66% - 80.99% which shows that the level of breeder satisfaction with AI services is in the satisfied category.

Head tilt in 6 Ankole-Watusi cattle (Bos taurus ankole) with chronic exudative cornual sinusitis.

Ankole-Watusi cattle, Bos taurus ankole, have a unique wide-based horn structure with a large communication to the frontal sinus compared to other cattle breeds. A total of 6 cases of cornual sinusitis presented at the Toronto Zoo and Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge® and Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park with a head tilt. Clinically, 4 of the 6 cases had concurrent otitis at the time of initial clinical observation. Medical management was the standard across all cases with limited surgical success in 2 cases. Due to intractable and progressive clinical signs despite treatment attempts, euthanasia and postmortem examinations were performed. All animals had gross and histologic evidence of cornual sinusitis with massive mucoid exudate in either 1 or both horns. Fluid accumulation and sinusitis within the cornual sinus should be considered a differential diagnosis in Ankole-Watusi cattle with a head tilt.

Increasing competitiveness of Holstein cattle breed in Moscow region

The Holstein breed of cattle was registered in the Russian’s "State Register of Breeding Achievements Approved for Use" in 1993 (application № 9352682). By that time, its relative abundance was 0,7 %. Over the past 28 years, despite the continuing decline in the number of dairy cattle in the Russian Federation the share of the Holstein breed has grown to 34,7 %, while for the vast majority of other breeds and almost all domestic breeds This indicator has significantly decreased: for the Red Steppe breed to 2,7 % (3 times), Kholmogor breed to 4,4 % (almost 2 times), Simmental breed — to 4,5 % (4,8 times). The relative number of Black-and-White cattle from 1993 to 2010 increased from 45,8 to 57,9 %, over the next 11 years it decreased to 42,4 %.During the study period (from 1993—2021), in our country there was not only a reduction in the number of dairy cattle but also the replacement of domestic breeds for Holstein cattle (Red Steppe, Kholmogor, Simmental and Black-and-White).The results of studies convincingly testify: milk production of Holstein breed increased annually by 29,4—150,0 % higher than that observed in animals of domestic breeds; consumer demand for pedigree Holstein heifers and primiparous is constantly growing while for animals of domestic breeds is declining and in the last 11 years, the annual demand for breeding Holstein breed has increased by an average of 3,7 %; the overall assessment of the body type of Holstein first-calf cows increased by an average of 0,3 points annually and at the same time productivity increased by 206,7 kg per year; if the identified rates of improvement of Holstein cattle are maintained in the near future, by 2026, the milk productivity of pedigree cows of this breed can reach an average of at least 11,0 thousand kg in milk yield, the fat content in milk is 4,20 % and protein is 3,40 %.

Insights into Adaption and Growth Evolution: Genome–Wide Copy Number Variation Analysis in Chinese Hainan Yellow Cattle Using Whole–Genome Re–Sequencing Data

Copy number variation (CNV) serves as a crucial source of genomic variation and significantly aids in the mining of genomic information in cattle. This study aims to analyze re–sequencing data from Chinese Hainan yellow cattle, to uncover breed CNV information, and to elucidate the resources of population genetic variation. We conducted whole–genome sequencing on 30 Chinese Hainan yellow cattle, thus generating 814.50 Gb of raw data. CNVs were called using CNVnator software, and subsequent filtering with Plink and HandyCNV yielded 197,434 high–quality CNVs and 5852 CNV regions (CNVRs). Notably, the proportion of deleted sequences (81.98%) exceeded that of duplicated sequences (18.02%), with the lengths of CNVs predominantly ranging between 20 and 500 Kb This distribution demonstrated a decrease in CNVR count with increasing fragment length. Furthermore, an analysis of the population genetic structure using CNVR databases from Chinese, Indian, and European commercial cattle breeds revealed differences between Chinese Bos indicus and Indian Bos indicus. Significant differences were also observed between Hainan yellow cattle and European commercial breeds. We conducted gene annotation for both Hainan yellow cattle and European commercial cattle, as well as for Chinese Bos indicus and Indian Bos indicus, identifying 206 genes that are expressed in both Chinese and Indian Bos indicus. These findings may provide valuable references for future research on Bos indicus. Additionally, selection signatures analysis based on Hainan yellow cattle and three European commercial cattle breeds identified putative pathways related to heat tolerance, disease resistance, fat metabolism, environmental adaptation, candidate genes associated with reproduction and the development of sperm and oocytes (CABS1, DLD, FSHR, HSD17B2, KDM2A), environmental adaptation (CNGB3, FAM161A, DIAPH3, EYA4, AAK1, ERBB4, ERC2), oxidative stress anti–inflammatory response (COMMD1, OXR1), disease resistance (CNTN5, HRH4, NAALADL2), and meat quality (EHHADH, RHOD, GFPT1, SULT1B1). This study provides a comprehensive exploration of CNVs at the molecular level in Chinese Hainan yellow cattle, offering theoretical support for future breeding and selection programs aimed at enhancing qualities of this breed.

Influence of average daily gain of heifers on the age of first insemination

The purpose of this study is to establish the influence of average daily gain (ADG) of heifers at different periods of their development on the age of 1st insemination (A1ins) at 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 months and older and milk yield of first-calving cows for 305 days of lactation according to a sample (n=1289) formed from the Seleсs database of one of the breeding plants in the Leningrad region for breeding the Ayrshire breed of dairy cattle. On average for the sample, the correlation coefficient of milk yield with A1ins indicates a negative relationship between these two characteristics (-0.218), a positive correlation of milk yield with live weight of 1st insemination LW1ins (+0.101) with a negative connection with ADG (-0.110). It was revealed that in all age groups of heifers there is a decrease in ADG at the age of 2 months, and the intensity of further development of heifers depends on ADG at the age of 3, 4, 5 months, at a level of over 800 g, contributes to the achievement of A1ins from 12 to 14 months. At the same time ADG at the age of 9—12 months should be at least 800 g. However, even with ADG 800—900 g at the age of 3—5 months, but when these indicators decrease at 9—12 months below 800 g, A1ins increases to 15—16 months. Low ADG at the age of 3—5 months and at the level of 600 - 700 g at the age of 9—12 months increases A1ins to 17 months and older. Thus, for an earlier A1ins and a high level of productivity in the 1st lactation, one should pay attention to the development of heifers at the age of 3—5 months, maintaining the ADG at a high level (more than 800 g) and avoid low weight gain at 9—12 months (less than 800 g).

Selection indexes in terms of functional features in modern dairy cattle breeding in Europe

Abstract The increase in demand for dairy products requires continued progress in dairy farming for a sustainable supply. Europe, known as the world's leading milk producer, plays a key role in meeting this growing demand. Modern dairy farming has moved beyond its historical focus on milk yield and now focuses on functional traits such as udder health, fertility and calf survival. As a result, selection indicators have become essential tools, combining multiple attributes to support selective decisions. However, these rates show considerable variability across countries, reflecting their distinct breeding goals. Poland's production and functionality (PF) Index emphasizes production and functional traits to enhance dairy cattle. Portugal uses the total economic merit (M€T) and total performance index (IPT) for a broader assessment covering a wider range of traits. Ukraine is transitioning towards a more comprehensive breeding system incorporating stress tolerance and longevity. Factors such as climate change and the need for sustainable practices drive this evolution, underscoring the economic importance of traits beyond mere production. Future trends may include features such as feed efficiency, methane emissions reduction and stress resistance. Diverse breeding objectives across countries lead to different selection index constructions, essential for effective selection, ranking and breeding of superior individuals. This comprehensive review offers insight into constantly evolving dairy farming strategies in Europe, with a focus on Poland, Portugal and Ukraine, while highlighting the key role of functional traits in shaping the future of dairy farming.

Assessment and preservation of the gene pool of the domestic <i>Kholmogorsk</i> cattle breed in the Arkhangelsk region

The article presents the results of monitoring immunogenetic studies on the origin of Kholmogory cattle to establish their breed genetic passport for the EAB locus of blood groups. The importance of determining of the breeding animals statute taking into account the forms of the identified state of erythrocyte antigens for the purpose of registration in the federal state information and analytical system of breeding resources of the Russian Federation is noted. In breeding farms of the Arkhangelsk region over the past 29 years, the total number of animals tested for the reliability of origin was 57,311. The percentage of reliability in the monitored livestock numbers varied from 86.95% (1995-2000) to 97.28% (2016-2020). To establish the genetic passport of breeding female tribal species of the breed with up to 75% Holstein bloodline approved for breeding purposes when working with Kholmogory cattle, we conducted immunogenetic testing, which revealed 46 alleles of the EAB locus. The total frequency of the EAB locus alleles in animals of groups 1-2 with specific (typical) for the Kholmogory breed and with unique alleles was 69.38%. In group 3 of animals with alleles of the approved Holstein breed, the total frequency was set at 30.6%, in group 4 with alleles of unapproved breeds – 0.02%. It was established that the concentration of alleles G2O2, B2O2, B2G2KA’B’G’O’G’’, B2E’2G’, B2O2Y2D’, Q is very low, they are found only in some individuals. The degree of homozygosity (theoretical) is 5.6%, the number of effective alleles is 17.9.

Genetic improvement of indigenous cattle breeds in Ethiopia: A systematic review of the Fogera cattle open nucleus breeding scheme

Fogera cattle are one of the valuable indigenous milk-type local breeds of Ethiopia, widely adapted to the area around Lake Tana in the Amhara region. The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the performance of the Fogera cattle breed under an open nucleus breeding scheme. The review was done systematically by collecting published and unpublished data sources on the breed. The overall milk yield of the nucleus Fogera cattle herd was 2.26±0.794L/day. From the total herd, the top 10% and 25% of them produced daily milk yields of 3.31 and 2.87L, respectively, and some elite cows gave an average of 5.45±0.73L/day with a maximum yield of 8L/day. The predicted 305-day milk yield for the top 10% and 25% of the total herd was 883.64 and 772.83L, respectively. The average lactation milk yield and lactation length were reported to be 489±184L and 243±72.79 days, respectively. The respective heritability estimates for the aforementioned traits were 0.20±0.23 and 0.27±0.001. The birth and weaning weights (at 8 months of age) of village Fogera cattle born from community-based breeding programmes (CBBP) were 23.77±.21 and 85.89±1.07kg, respectively. The average weaning age for the CBBP herds was reduced to 8 months. The overall calf mortality in the nucleus herd was 3%. The CBBP demonstrated that it could act as a significant entry point for ensuring the conservation and restocking efforts of this breed as a country asset.

Dynamics of the number and productivity of <i>Hereford</i> breeding cattle in the Novosibirsk region

The article presents an analysis of the state of the breeding stock of Hereford cattle in the Novosibirsk region in dynamics for 2021–2023. The Hereford breed is one of the most common breeds of beef cattle in Russia and in the world, and its productive qualities and the ability to adapt to different climatic conditions and pasture content allows it to be successfully used to produce high-quality and environmentally friendly meat. The results of zootechnical reports on bonification from breeding farms of the Novosibirsk region were analyzed, a comparison of indicators of productivity and use of herd animals, including own productivity, growth and development of young animals, reproductive qualities and longevity of cows of breeding herds, was carried out. It was found that despite the reduction in the number of breeding farms and breeding stock of Hereford cattle in the Novosibirsk region, is an improvement in both individual signs of productivity of cows and young animals, as well as in the overall class composition of the herd. Nevertheless, the available livestock seems to be insufficient in terms of meeting the needs of farms for breeding animals adapted to the climate conditions of Western Siberia and year-round outdoor maintenance. Currently, the animals produced at Sibirskaya Niva LLC most adequately meet the requirements of the market, but their number is extremely insufficient both for the formation of breeding herds of commodity farms in volumes corresponding to those necessary to fill the beef market, and for the formation of daughter breeding herds in the region.

Genetic Evaluation of Monthly Test-Day Milk Yields of Jersey Crossbred Cattle Under Farmers' Production System in Tamil Nadu, India.

Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India, is bereft of any native dairy or dual-purpose cattle breeds, and the state depends chiefly on crossbred cattle for milk production. Jersey crossbred cattle account for 90% of the state's milk production. This genetic evaluation study aimed to assess milk production traits, including test-day milk yields (TDMYs), total lactation milk yield (TMY), and 305-day milk yield (305MY), in these cattle reared under farmers' conditions. Data on monthly TDMYs (TDMY1 to TDMY10) of Jersey crossbred cows (n = 75,627) reared by the farmers over 11 years (2012-2022) were collected for evaluation. The influence of non-genetic factors viz., location (agroclimatic zones), period and season of calving, and parity on TDMYs, TMY and 305MY were assessed, and the variance and covariance components for genetic parameters (heritability and genetic correlation) of the traits were estimated by the method of restricted maximum likelihood (REML) under a multivariate animal model and by a random regression model (RRM). The overall means of various TDMYs ranged from 4.98 (TDMY10) to 9.95 kg (TDMY2), and for TMY and 305MY, the means were 2480.33 and 2393.71 kg, respectively. The heritabilities estimated by the multivariate animal model for TDMYs were moderate and ranged from 0.26 ± 0.02 to 0.37 ± 0.02 and the estimates were less variable throughout lactation, while the estimates obtained by RRM were medium to high and ranged between 0.29 ± 0.01 and 0.67 ± 0.02 for milk yield on day 5 to 305 (DIM 5-DIM 305). The heritabilities estimated for TMY and 305MY were 0.43 ± 0.02 and 0.43 ± 0.02, respectively. The estimates of heritability for mid-lactation yields were comparatively less than those at the beginning and the end of lactation. The moderate to high estimates of heritabilities for TDMYs, TMY, and 305MY obtained in the present study offer ample scope for improving milk production through selective breeding. Genetic correlations between TDMYs estimated by the multivariate animal model were positive and high, with a range between 0.75 ± 0.03 and 0.99 ± 0.00. Considerably higher estimates (0.98-0.99) were observed between adjacent TDMYs showing strong genetic associations. By RRM, genetic correlations estimated between DIMs were positive (except for DIM 5 with DIM 125 to DIM 185 and DIM 125 with DIM 305), and the magnitude of genetic correlation decreased with an increase in the interval between the DIMs. The high genetic correlation observed between the TDMYs (in the early stage of lactation) and total lactation milk yield suggested that these test-day yields could be used favorably for the early selection of cows for milk production, which facilitates reduction in the generation interval and consequently increases the annual genetic gain for the milk production traits.

The effect of breed on ivermectin residues in the edible tissues of cattle and the estimated withdrawal period

This study analyzed the residue depletion kinetics of ivermectin (IVM) in Nelore and crossbred (Nelore x Angus) cattle aiming to compare the profiles between the breeds and evaluate the residue levels at the injection site. IVM 1%, at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg, was administered via the subcutaneous route, and tissue samples were collected on different days post administration for analysis by LC–MS/MS. The results revealed that the detection of the marker residue in conventional matrices such as the liver, perirenal fat, and trapezius muscle (injection site) had relatively high residue concentrations. The maximum residue limit (MRL) was exceeded at the injection site at 21- and 35-days post administration in crossbred and Nelore animals, respectively, with significant variations between animals. This study highlighted significant challenges in accurately determining the pharmacokinetic profile and withdrawal periods of IVM in cattle due to high variability in tissue residue data, particularly at injection sites. The comparison of IVM concentrations between cattle breeds was hindered by high standard errors, emphasizing the need for more rigorous sampling protocols. The results suggest that current guidelines may not adequately account for the erratic depletion kinetics of injectable formulations like IVM, especially at injection sites. Therefore, improving sampling techniques and revising guidelines are essential for accurate residue monitoring and withdrawal period determination.

Seroprevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR) and Animal Owners' Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) Towards the Disease in Selected Districts of East Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia.

Infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) is one of the most important diseases affecting production and productivity. Cross-sectional study was aimed at to determine the seroprevalence of IBR and associated risk factors, and animal owners' knowledge, attitude and practice towards the disease from April 2021 to June 2022. Accordingly, a total of 384 serum samples were collected from both crossbreed (70) and local breed (314) cattle from purposively selected districts of East Wollega zone of Western Ethiopia. Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used for testing glycoprotein antibodies (anti-gB) for bovine herpes virus-1 (BoHV-1) virus in collected serum, and the obtained data were analysed by multiple logistic regressions by using R software 3.62 version. However, questionnaire data were analysed for descriptive statistics by SPSS version 20.0 (IBM. Corp, 2011). The total prevalence of IBR in the study area was found to be 70.54% at herd and 80.47% at individual cattle level. The significant association (p ) was found for breed, age, body condition and herd size but not for district and sex as risk factors. The BoHV-1 virus seropositivity in adult animals increased significantly, with an odds ratio of 1.65 (95% CI 0.705-3.85) compared to young. Local breed cattle were 2.055 times more likely to test positive for IBR with an odds ratio of 0.77 (95% CI 0.23-2.22) compared to crossbreed cattle. The chances of cattle in medium herds testing positive for the BoHV-1 virus with an odds ratio of (1.78 95% CI 1.303-7.50) are greater than the chances of cattle in smaller herds testing positive. The survey results showed that 70% of animal owners identified IBR as a major challenge in animal production, whereas 35% mentioned long calving intervals. However, 92% of the participants were not informed about the level of knowledge and attitude regarding particular diseases such as IBR. This study showed that there is a high prevalence of IBR in cattle in the study area, and that owners have low awareness of the disease. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an immediate control system and conduct additional research on molecular detection to evaluate its effects on reproductive performance.

Mitogenome diversity and evolution of Bos indicus cattle in India.

Mitochondrial DNA has been widely utilized as a valuable tool for studying the evolutionary and demographic history both within and between different livestock speciesover the past three decades. Evaluation of the evolutionary history, population structure and genetic diversity is imperative for their productivity, ecosystem services, and breeding and conservation strategies for effective management. The present study included complete mitogenome of 78 cattle, out of which 33 samples belonged to 6 Bos indicus breeds of India. Mitogenome diversity of zebu cattle within population (π- nucleotide, haplotype diversity) was estimated using DnaSP v6 software and between populations (FST ratio, AMOVA analysis) was estimated using Arlequin 3.5.2.2. Ladakhi breed showed maximum (π = 0.00645) while Gir (π = 0.00042) and Tharparkar (π = 0.00053) showed minimum diversity. The diversity between the breeds of Indian cattle was 16.34 %. There were 13 and 14 haplotypes in each of I1 and I2 halogroups respectively suggesting that the divergence of Bos indicus haplotypes likely occurred within the Indian subcontinent. The Bos indicus and Bos taurus cattle lineages separated approximately 0.75 million years ago. The divergence pattern observed in zebu cattle highlighted the probability of a distinct ancestor and supported notion of independent divergence of Bos indicus.