Chest Girth Research Articles

Evaluation of models for estimation of genetic parameters for post-weaning body measurements and their association with yearling weight in Nellore sheep.

The objective of this study was to obtain (co) variance components and genetic parameter estimates for post-weaning body measurements such as body length (BL), height at withers (HW), and chest girth (HG) recorded at six (SBL, SHW, and SHG), nine (NBL, NHW, and NHG) and twelve (YBL, YHW, and YHG) months of age along with yearling weight (YW) in Nellore sheep maintained at livestock research station, Palamaner, Andhra Pradesh, India and also the association among body measurements with YW was studied. Data on 2,076 Nellore sheep (descended from 75 sires and 522 dams) recorded between 2007 and 2016 (10 years) were utilized in the study. Lambing year, sex of lamb, season of lambing and parity of dam were included in the model as fixed effects and ewe weight was kept as a covariate. Analyses were conducted with six animal models with different combinations of direct and maternal genetic effects using restricted maximum likelihood procedure. Best model for each trait was determined based on Akaike's information criterion. Moderate estimates of direct heritability were obtained for the studied traits viz., BL (0.02 to 0.24), HW (0.31 to 0.49), and CG (0.08 to 0.35) and their corresponding maternal heritability estimates were in the range of 0.00 to 0.07 (BL), 0.13 to 0.17 (HW), and 0.07 to 0.13 (CG), respectively. Positive direct genetic and phenotypic correlations among the traits and they ranged from 0.07 (YBL-YW) to 0.99 (SBL-SHG, SHG-YW, and NBL-YBL) and 0.01 (SBL-YBL) to 0.99 (NBL-NHG), respectively. Further, the genetic correlations among all the body measurements and YW were positive and ranged from 0.07 (YW and YBL) to 0.99 (YW and SHG). There was a strong association of chest girth at six months with YW. Further, it is indicated that moderate improvement of post-weaning body measurements in Nellore sheep would be possible through selection.

Long-Term Effects of Pre-Weaning Individual or Pair Housing of Dairy Heifer Calves on Subsequent Growth and Feed Efficiency.

Our objective in this exploratory study was to evaluate the long-term impacts of pre-weaning social isolation vs. contact on subsequent growth and feed efficiency of Holstein heifers. As pre-weaned calves, 41 heifers were housed individually (n = 15 heifers) or in pairs (n = 13 pairs; 26 heifers). At 18 months of age, heifers were blocked by body weight and randomly assigned to one of three pens within a block (six to eight heifers per pen; six pens total), with original pairs maintained. Body weight (BW), hip height and width, and chest girth were measured at the start and end of the study. Each pen was given 3 days of access to a GreenFeed greenhouse gas emissions monitor to assess potential physiological differences between treatments in enteric methane emissions or behavioral differences in propensity to approach a novel object. During the 9-week study, heifers were fed a common diet containing 62.3% male-sterile corn silage, 36.0% haylage, 0.7% urea, and 1.0% mineral (DM basis). To calculate daily feed intake, as-fed weights and refusals were recorded for individual heifers using Calan gates. Feed samples were collected daily, composited by week, and dried to calculate dry matter intake (DMI). Feed refusal and fecal samples were collected on 3 consecutive days at 3 timepoints, composited by heifer, dried, and analyzed to calculate neutral detergent fiber (NDF), organic matter (OM), and DM digestibility. Feed efficiency was calculated as feed conversion efficiency (FCE; DMI/average daily gain [ADG]) and residual feed intake (RFI; observed DMI-predicted DMI). Paired and individually housed heifers did not differ in DMI, ADG, FCE, or RFI. Although no differences were found in initial or final hip height, hip width, or chest girth, heifers which had been pair-housed maintained a greater BW than individually housed heifers during the trial. Methane production, intensity, and yield were similar between treatments. Pre-weaning paired or individual housing did not impact the number of visits or latency to approach the GreenFeed; approximately 50% of heifers in each treatment visited the GreenFeed within 8 h of exposure. Digestibility of OM, DM, and NDF were also similar between housing treatments. In conclusion, pre-weaning pair housing had no adverse effects on growth, feed efficiency, or methane emissions at 18 to 20 months of age.

Determination of Balbas Breed Sheep Standard Performance the Grown in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic

The determination of the standard productivity of Balbas sheep raised in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic has not yet been carried out. For this purpose, the typological characteristics of Balbas breed sheep currently bred in the autonomous republic were studied and divided into three types according to body structure and performance. These are the tough, rough and gentle types. Sheep of a strong type have a height at the withers of 69 cm, an oblique body length of 68 cm, a chest width of 23 cm, a chest depth of 31 cm, a chest girth of 99 cm. Wool yield is 2.0 kg, milk yield is 100 kg per head. For coarse type ewes, these sizes are respectively 70, 68, 24, 33, 102 cm, 1.7 and 90 kg, for gentle type ewes 66, 21, 30, 96 cm, 1.5 kg.

Phaneroptic characterization and zoometric indices of Creole goats in the Ayacucho Region, Peru: First step for breeding programs, selection, and conservation.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the phenotypic characteristics and typification of Creole goats in five localities of the Ayacucho region in south-central Peru. Data from 149 goats (25 males and 124 females) were collected, excluding animals under 2 years of age, pregnant, and sick. Seven qualitative characteristics and 11 zometric measurements were evaluated, and then 9 zometric indices were estimated. In the region, goats with composite colors predominated (76.50%). Additionally, supernumerary (24.20%) and divergent teats (22.60%) were observed in females, while males exhibited a scrotal bifurcation (32.00%). The origin of the flock had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on body measurements, as well as on pelvic index, transverse pelvic index, longitudinal pelvic index, compactness index, and load cannon bone index, except for body index (BOI), proportionality index, dactyl thorax index (DTI), and relative cannon bone thickness index (<p > 0.05). In the Ayacucho region, there is a predominance of light animals (57.72%) with a significant DTI (<p < 0.05) among the populations, including goats with good balance and capable of walking long distances. Furthermore, there are compact animals (47.65%) with a significant BOI (<p < 0.05) among the flock populations, which animals are of the biotype of meat. Conversely, the strongest positive correlation (<r = 0.89) was discovered between chest girth and body weight. In the Ayacucho region, there are various creole goat biotypes range from light to very compact heavy goats, with a predominance of meat biotype animals, as well as a marked size dimorphism between localities of origin.

Discriminant analysis reveals differences in breed structure in river buffaloes of Maharashtra (India).

Buffaloes are a major milch species of India, and owning a true-to-breed buffalo herd is a reverie for livestock keepers, as it substantiates their incomes. Multivariate discriminate analysis is an efficient methodology to classify different farm animal populations based on canonical discriminant function. The present study was conducted on 392 adult buffaloes using 18 body biometric traits. Except for body height and body length, all the body characters revealed significant differences amongst the four buffalo populations. Unlike cattle, distance between horns and rump width were more discriminating factors, compared to body height, leg length, chest girth, and body length. We report the most suitable discriminate function which can discriminate with maximum between-group variation in four studied populations. Mahalanobis distances were calculated between populations and they ranged from 0.786 to 1.227. Purnathadi has revealed a distinct phenotypic structure, and these buffaloes have a distinct native breeding region comprising Akola, Amravati, and Buldhana districts of Maharashtra state. On the other hand, Elachpuri animals failed to depict physical and biometric discriminations from Nagpuri, Marathwadi, and Purnathadi buffalo populations, and Elachpuri can be considered as a strain of Nagpuri buffalo.

Complementary information on the biology of Bactrian camels (Camelus bactrianus) in the Mangistau region of Kazakhstan

The morphometric body parameters of male and female Bactrian camels, Kazakh Bactrian, were studied. Compared to camels of other breeds, the Kazakh Bactrian turned out to be one of the largest camels, having up to 750 kg for males and 690 kg for females, as well as powerful musculature and thick fur. Sexual dimorphism in body size and weight of males and females has been shown. The height at the withers of males was higher than in females by about 3.2 %, oblique length of the trunk by 4.5 %, chest girth by 1.3 %, and tibia girth by 6.6 % higher than in females. The greatest difference was in the live weight of the animals - 23,4 %. A histological study of one of the important internal organs - kidneys - was carried out, which allow camels to adapt to the conditions of waterless deserts. As a result of histological study of the kidneys of Kazakh Bactrians, the following characteristics of camel kidneys were established: the kidney capsule is rather thick (470±12 μm) and is made up of two layers: a layer of collagen fibres (400 μm) and thin (70 μm) inner smooth muscle cells. The relative thickness of the capsule and the presence of the smooth muscle cell layer within it appear to be related to the kidney’s ability to hold high intrarenal pressure while producing highly concentrated urine. The second feature of the Bactrian kidney was that the medullary layer was much thicker than the cortical layer. Their ratio was 1:4. The thick cerebral layer in camels provides relatively long renal tubules and loops of Henle, which are essential for the excretion of concentrated urine.

Характеристика лошадей орловской рысистой породы с разными гаплотипами миостатина MSTN

Myostatin is one of the key genes controlling skeletal muscle growth in various mammalian species, including horse. The consequence of structural mutations in this gene is the effect of rapid muscle building. In horses, genetic variants of myostatin are associated with distance and racing performance. The task of our research was to study the polymorphism of the myostatin gene in Orlov Trotters and the association of its genotypes with body harmony and trotting performance. As a result of genotyping of 50 Oryol trotters according to the MSTN gene g.66493737 T&gt;C, a low frequency of occurrence of the mutant MSTNS allele was established (0,05). A comparative assessment of measurements, indices of physique and performance of three-year-old Orlov Trotters with different genotypes showed the advantage of carriers of the heterozygous MSTN C/T genotype in caliber and indices of chest girth and compactness, as well as better racing performance (P&gt;0,05). The results obtained indicate the need for further study of the associations of myostatin haplotypes with selected traits of trotting horses.

EFFECT OF GENOTYPE, SEX AND AGE AND ITS ASSOCIATION BETWEEN BODY WEIGHTS AND BODY MEASUREMENTS IN INDIGENOUS CHICKEN POPULATION

A study was carried out to determine the effect of genotype, sex and age and its association between body weights and body measurements in indigenous chicken population. The parent stocks were sourced from the local markets within Dutsin-Ma and its environs. Each parental genetic group was separated into breeding groups of 1:10 cock to hen, respectively on a deep litter. Performance data of body weight (BW), chest girth (CG), body length (BL), shank length (SL), shank circumference (SL), wing length (WL) and keel length (KL), respectively of 120 progenies generated at 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 weeks of age were analyzed using Statistical Analysis System (SAS, Version, 9.1). Generally, body increased with age. The overall mean obtained were 659.64 g, 20.93 cm, 22.12 cm, 8.00 cm, 11.93 cm, and 8.24 cm for body weight, chest girth, body length, shank length, wing length and keel length, respectively. The effect of genotype on body weight and body measurements were significant (P&lt;0.05). The naked neck chickens had higher values for all the morphological traits, followed by normal and frizzle feathered birds, respectively. Males had significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher body weights and body measurements than females. The phenotypic correlations among growth traits were positive moderate, high and significant (P&lt;0.05). The estimates ranged from 0.49 to 0.73 between body weight and body measurements. Highest estimates were observed between body weight and chest girth (rp=0.73) in naked neck chicken. Correlations between sexes were generally high and positive and ranged from 0.61 to 0.77 and 0.56 to 0.70 in males and females, respectively. The highest (rp=0.77) positive coefficient was recorded between body weight and wing length in males and between body weight and body length (rp=0.71) in the females. This implies that selection for improvement in the linear body traits could lead to improvement in body weight of these chickens.

Morphological and biochemical parameters of blood and quality of meat obtained from pigs with different stress resistance

The results of the experiments were used to evaluate the morphological and protein composition of blood, as well as the quality of meat from pigs of different stress resistance. The studies were carried out under the conditions of PJSC ‘Stepovyi’ in Zaporizhzhia Region on Large White (LW) pigs and Large White/Charcoal Landrace (LWCL) crossbreeds. During the study period, the hygienic conditions of keeping, feeding and watering of the animals, their growth and development, clinical condition and morbidity were evaluated. After reaching a live weight of 100 kg, the pork meat quality (pH, moisture content, oxyproline, tryptophan) of slaughtered animals was studied. It was found that the LW genotypes were superior to the local LWCL by the number of leukocytes in passively resistant (PR) animals — by 2.7%, in stress resistant (SR) animals — by 3.15%, and in stress sensitive (SS) animals they were inferior by this indicator by 7.7%. There was no significant difference in erythrocyte content between SR and SS, but erythrocyte content was 8.53% lower in PR. The concentration of hemoglobin was higher in PR animals of the Large White cross. The latter were superior to LW in terms of total protein: PR — by 2.26%, SR — by 1.9%, in terms of albumin — PR had an advantage of 16.6%, SR — by 7.69% (p &lt; 0.05). Gamma globulin content was 6.44% lower in SS animals. They were superior to LW in terms of live weight: PR — by 14% at one month of age; by 4.2% at four months of age, SR — by 6.2%, but the difference between SR and SS was not significant. PR animals of the Large White breed were superior in terms of hemoglobin content. The level of total protein in blood serum was higher in crossbred genotypes: in PR — by 2.26%, in SR — by 1.9%. The concentration of albumin was higher in the crossbred animals than in the LW: PR — by 16.6%, SR — by 7.69%, and the level of gamma globulins was 6.51% lower in the SS. In terms of live weight, crossbred genotypes outperformed LW: passive resistant genotypes — by 14% at one month of age, stress resistant genotypes — by 6.2% and 4.2% at four months of age. The crossbred genotypes reached 100 kg live weight: PR — at 180 days, SR — at 183 days, SS — at 191 days, which is 4, 5, and 12 days earlier than LW, respectively. In crossbred pigs, the positive correlation for thoracic girth was 0.6942 and 0.8310, and for withers height — 0.6643 and 0.6811. In terms of body length, animals of the crossbred genotype were superior to LW: PR by 4.2%, SR by 1.46%, while the difference in chest girth and body length in SS individuals was not significant. Lung weight was 0.84% higher in PR and 3.7% higher in SR, and kidney weight was 9.8% higher in PR, 6.56% higher in SR, and 1.37% lower in SS. LW animals were superior in heart weight. Behavioral responses (fighting, skirmishing) were more pronounced in the crossed genotypes, especially in SR and SS animals. A higher level of tryptophan was found in the meat of SR crossbred animals, oxyproline — in PR and SR, pH of meat — in Large White PR and SR ranged from 5.61 to 5.72 units, in crossbred animals this indicator did not exceed the values of 5.03–5.21 units. Defects in meat with PSE (pale, soft, exudative) signs of LW were found: in PR — 0.4%, SR — 0.63%, SS — 3.7%, and in LWCL respectively — 2.3%, SR — 2.1%, SS — 4.21%, in local — defects in meat with DFD (dark, firm, dry) signs were manifested in 3.1%, 2.15%, and 5.1%

Does micro-granulated yeast probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation in milk replacer affect health, growth, feed efficiency and economic gain of calves?

The goal of calf feeding systems is to provide calves with optimum nutrition to promote growth, health, and future milk production and to reduce antibiotic use which leads to a need for alternatives that reduce illness and promote growth in dairy calves. We hypothesized that feeding live yeast would improve gastrointestinal health and growth performance of calves. The aim of this study was then to evaluate the effects of supplementing a yeast probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae (CNCM I-4407, 1010 CFU/g, Actisaf® Sc47 powder; Phileo by Lesaffre, France) in milk replacers (MR), on health and growth of pre-weaned calves. Forty Holstein female calves were used during this trial. Each calf was weighed at 3 days of age and then introduced in the trial. Calves were randomly assigned to 2 groups (n = 20/group) and were fed MR without (control; CON) or with yeast probiotic at 1 g/calf/d (experimental; EXP). Milk replacer (12.5 % solids) was offered twice a day until 66 days of age (DOA). Body Weight (BW), wither height, hip width, body length and chest girth were collected in day 3 and day 66. Compared to CON, calves supplemented with yeast probiotic had better average daily gain (ADG, 0.456 ± 0.1 vs. 0.556 ± 0.09 kg/d, p < 0.05). There was no difference (p > 0.05) in both starter and MR intake between the two groups. Feed efficiency was better (p < 0.05) in the EXP group (2.18 ± 0.53) compared to CON (2.63 ± 0.78). No statistical differences were found between groups even if the lower total morbidity (40.91 % in the CON vs. 19.05 % in EXP) and incidence of gastrointestinal disorders (36.36 % in the CON vs. 14.29 % in EXP) were observed in calves supplemented with yeast probiotic. The severity of diarrhea was numerically lower in calves supplemented with yeast probiotic. No severe cases of respiratory disorders were highlighted in the present trial. The cost/kg of gain was higher (p < 0.05) in CON compared to EXP group. Total expenses linked to feeds and veterinary treatments were higher in CON compared to EXP group. During the study, the use 1 g/d of yeast probiotic allows to save 32.86 €/calf.It could be concluded that supplementing Actisaf® powder (Actisaf® SC 47 PWD) in MR improved health, growth performance, feed efficiency, and reduced the expenses linked to feeds and veterinary treatments.

Association of economicly useful features of herd horses (Equus caballus) of the transbaikal breed

The studies were carried out to study the exterior- constitutional characteristics, phenotypic correlation of live weight with body measurements and body composition indices in herd horses of the Transbaikal breed, to increase the efficiency of selection. The work was carried out in the conditions of the Trans- Baikal Territory. The material for the research was stud stallions (n=7), mares (n=20) and foals at birth and at the age of 6, 18 and 30 months (n=48). Stallions exceeded the breed standard in live weight by 27.2 %, mares - by 19.3 %. The height at the withers of stallions was higher than that of the breed standard by 3.2 %, in mares by 2.5 %; oblique body length - 2.2 and 2.4, respectively; chest girth - by 8.7 and 4.6, pastern girth - by 7.9 % and 8.9 %. The animals are characterized by pronounced meat shapes, while males are distinguished by a more knitted, wide-bodied and elongated physique of a strong constitution. The average body weight of stallions up to 30 months of age increased by 8.0 times, height at the withers - by 47.1 %, oblique body length - by 2.1 times, chest girth - by 1.9 times, pastern girth - by 55 .6 %. According to body indexes, stallions and mares of the Transbaikal breed are characterized as animals with pronounced meat forms and are closer to heavy breeds. In stud stallions, there was a positive relationship between live weight and pastern girth (r=0.922) and chest girth (r=0.716). In mares, only low correlations between the studied traits were observed. In young animals, a positive correlation of varying degrees between live weight and all the main body measurements at birth was revealed. At the same time, the closest relationship was noted with chest circumference (r=0.719).

Study of the beef cattle genetic potential realization indicators for digitalization of the animals breeding qualities assessment

In the course of the study, the indicators of the realization of the genetic potential of economically useful traits of beef cattle were considered, allowing to expand the completeness of the assessment of the breeding qualities of animals: exterior criteria (height at the withers, chest depth, trunk width, chest girth, etc.) related to productivity (average daily weight gain, removable live weight, etc.). Factors of selection were studied - genetic and phenotypic features. Particular attention was paid to the phenotypic indicators of the realization of the genetic potential of beef cattle, reflecting the important contribution of genotype and environmental factors. The high level of their variability contributes to the efficiency of selection. At the same time, a significant proportion of variability is due to the action of non-genetic factors, primarily the influence of changeable and unchangeable environmental factors. The accuracy of the assessment of breeding qualities of animals directly depends on the methods of their identification, registration and control of their productivity. The purpose of the study is to study a number of indicators of the best expression of signs of the realization of the genetic potential of animals for the digitalization of the evaluation of breeding qualities of beef cattle. An assessment of breeding animals is proposed, which will allow obtaining an instrument of expanded boundaries of genetic variability in the formation of the desired type of beef cattle. The development of the direction of digitalization of signs of qualitative genetics, in particular, signs of the exterior of an animal related to productivity and their inclusion in programs and plans to increase the genetic potential of animals, will be one of the effective methods of increasing it in cattle herds. Digitalization of the assessment of breeding qualities of beef cattle allows you to realize hidden reserves to increase the genetic potential of signs of meat productivity and covers the use of indicators that were previously not used due to the use of significant resources and the complexity of existing methods of collecting a large amount of data on animals. The proposed assessment of breeding animals will allow us to obtain an instrument of expanded boundaries of genetic variability in the formation of the desired type of beef cattle and will serve as an addition to the zootechnical rules and in the development of an automated system for managing breeding work in beef cattle breeding.

A Korean Cattle Weight Prediction Approach Using 3D Segmentation-Based Feature Extraction and Regression Machine Learning from Incomplete 3D Shapes Acquired from Real Farm Environments

Accurate weight measurement is critical for monitoring the growth and well-being of cattle. However, the traditional weighing process, which involves physically placing cattle on scales, is labor-intensive and stressful for the animals. Therefore, the development of automated cattle weight prediction techniques assumes critical significance. This study proposes a weight prediction approach for Korean cattle using 3D segmentation-based feature extraction and regression machine learning techniques from incomplete 3D shapes acquired from real farm environments. Firstly, we generated mesh data of 3D Korean cattle shapes using a multiple-camera system. Subsequently, deep learning-based 3D segmentation with the PointNet network model was employed to segment 3D mesh data into two dominant parts: torso and center body. From these segmented parts, the body length, chest girth, and chest width of Korean cattle were extracted. Finally, we implemented five regression machine learning models (CatBoost regression, LightGBM, polynomial regression, random forest regression, and XGBoost regression) for weight prediction. To validate our approach, we captured 270 Korean cattle in various poses, totaling 1190 poses of 270 cattle. The best result was achieved with mean absolute error (MAE) of 25.2 kg and mean absolute percent error (MAPE) of 5.85% using the random forest regression model.

Morphological characterization of the Polatli sheep in terms of live weight using data mining algorithms.

The aim of this research is both to estimate the live weight (LW) of Polatli sheep (Ile de France × Akkaraman (G1)) by considering some body measurements (withers height (WH), rump height (RH), body length (BL), chest depth (CD), chest width (CD), chest girth (CG), cannon bone circumference (CBC)), age, and sex variables as independent variables using C&RT (Classification and Regression Tree), CHAID (Chi-square Automatic Interaction Detector), and MARS (Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines) algorithms and to determine the significant independent variables in the estimation of live weight. For this purpose, a total of 210 sheep were used, including 180 females and 30 males of different ages, for the estimation of LW. The calculated Pearson correlation coefficients between LW and WH, RH, BL, CD, CW, CG, and CBC characteristics are 0.897, 0.896, 0.853, 0.948, 0.550, 0.914, and 0.798, respectively (p < 0.05). In the application of data mining algorithms as prediction models, a cross-validation of 10 was used, while for tree-based algorithms, the parent node was set to 10 and the child node to 5. While CHAID and C&RT algorithms each used 8 independent variables to explain the variation observed in LW, the MARS algorithm used 9 independent variables. In Polatli sheep, the sheep with the highest live weight was found in the node with age > 3 and CD > 36 cm cutting point in the CHAID algorithm (93.571 kg). In the C&RT algorithm, it was predicted to be (91.316 kg) when age > 0, CD > 36.5 cm, and CBC > 9.5 cm. When evaluated considering commonly used criteria, the prediction performances of CHAID, C&RT, and MARS algorithms were calculated as follows: RMSE (root mean square error) values are "5.788, 5.103, 4.005"; SDR (standard deviation ratio) values are "0.254, 0.224, 0.176"; MAPE (mean absolute percentage error) values are "7.555, 6.675, 5.682"; Adj-Rsq (adjusted R-squared) values are "0.935, 0.950, 0.969"; and AIC (Akaike information criterion) values are "741.436, 688.489, 582.792," respectively. In terms of prediction performance, among the tree algorithms (CHAID and C&RT), C&RT was found to be the best, while considering all performance measures, it was observed that the MARS algorithm exhibited the best performance. Consequently, it has been determined that C&RT and MARS algorithms can be safely employed in morphological characterization studies for the identification of indirect criteria and the formation of elite herds in terms of LW. This decision allows for the reliable use of these algorithms to facilitate the selection of indirect variables and the establishment of elite populations in breeding programs focusing on live weight.

Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Novel Loci Associated with Body Conformation Traits in Qinchuan Cattle

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) is an effective tool for identifying the dominant genes of complex economic traits in livestock by statistical analysis of genotype data and measured phenotype data. In this study, we rigorously measured 14 body conformation traits in 254 Qinchuan cattle, comprising body weight (BW), body height (BOH), back height (BAH), buttock height (BUH), chest depth (CD), chest width (CW), hip cross height (HCH), body length (BL), hip width (HW), rump length (RL), pin bone width (PBW), chest girth (CG), abdomen circumference (AG), and calf circumference (CC). After quality control, 281,889 SNPs were generated for GWAS with different traits. A total of 250 suggestive SNPs (p &lt; 3.54 × 10−6) were screened and 37 candidate genes were annotated. Furthermore, we performed a linkage disequilibrium analysis of SNP loci and considered published studies, identifying the eight genes (ADAMTS17, ALDH1A3, CHSY1, MAGEL2, MEF2A, SYNM, CNTNAP5, and CTNNA3) most likely to be involved in growth traits. This study provides new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of bovine body size development, which can be very useful in the development of management and breeding strategies.

Phenotypic characteristics of Sakub sheep as local livestock genetic resources

Abstract. Nurasih AD, Sumaryadi MY, Hidayah CN, Nugroho AP, Setyaningrum A, Haryoko I, Yuwono P, Sodiq A. 2023. Phenotypic characteristics of Sakub sheep as local livestock genetic resources. Biodiversitas 24: 5671-5675. Sakub sheep is an indigenous sheep with a giant body in the Brebes Regency. Phenotypic characterization is important to increase the population and productivity of Sakub sheep. By combining quantitative and qualitative data, this study will provide a comprehensive insight into the phenotypic profile of Sakub sheep. This study determined the quantitative and qualitative phenotypic characteristics of Sakub sheep. The Sakub sheep used were owned by smallholder farmers using the survey method with interview techniques, observation, and direct measurement of livestock. Samples were taken using purposive sampling in Pandansari and Wanareja villages, which have the largest sheep populations and are easily accessible. The sheep used were rams and ewes sheep in the age group of 1-1.5 years (P0), 1.5-2 years (P1), 2-2.5 years (P2), 2.5-3 years (P3). Phenotypic characteristics observed included quantitative characteristics of body size and qualitative characteristics of body morphology. Body size was measured using measuring tape and hanging scales, including Body Weight (BW), Body Length (BL), Whither Height (WH), Chest Girth (CG), Ear Length (EL), And Tail Length (TL). Body morphology includes head color, body color, face profile, and tail shape. Quantitative characters were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative characters were analyzed descriptively using relative frequency. The results showed quantitative phenotypic characteristics of Sakub sheep at the age of 1-1.5 years; 1.5-2 years; 2-2.5 years, and 2.5-3 years, such as body weight, body length, chest circumference, whither height, ear length, and tail length increased with age. The qualitative phenotypic characteristics of Sakub sheep are having a head and body with a combination of colors but dominant white, a convex head profile, no horns, and a thin and fat tail.

PREDICTION OF BODY WEIGHT OF NIGERIAN NON-DESCRIPT GOATS FROM MORPHOMETRIC TRAITS USING CLASSIFICATION AND REGRESSION TREE MODEL

This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between body weight and eleven (11) morphometric traits (body weight, body length, height at withers, rump height, chest girth, hind leg, fore leg, head length, ear length, neck length, and tail length) of non-descript goats using classification and regression tree technique. The data were generated from 120 non-descript goats randomly selected from different herds in three LGA areas of Kaduna State, North West Nigeria. Pearson’s moment correlation (r) between body weight and morphometric traits ranged from low to high values (r = 0.21-0.97; P≤0.05, P≤0.01). Based on the importance of the independent variables in predicting the body weight of goats, six body measurements namely; chest girth, body length, rump height, height at withers, head length and neck length were found to be more efficient. Thus, they were the variables entered to obtain the optimal regression tree. Among these six variables, chest circumference was found to be the primary splitting variable; and together with neck length accounted for about 84.20% of the variation in body weight. The regression tree analysis indicated that animals with chest circumference &gt; 60.00cm and neck length &gt;15cm could be expected to have higher body weights. This information could be exploited by livestock producers and researchers for determining the feed amount, drug dose, and market price of an animal, management, selection and genetic improvement of Nigerian non-descript goats.

Effect of &lt;i&gt;Abhaya Ghana Vati&lt;/i&gt; along with &lt;i&gt;Pathya Aaahara Vihara&lt;/i&gt; (Diet and Lifestyle Regime) on Patients of Diabesity – A Single Arm Clinical Trial

Introduction: Ayurveda beautifully amalgamates herbal drugs and lifestyle modifications in the management of various diseases and lifestyle disorders. Diabesity is one condition representing the two most prevalent chronic non-communicable diseases, i.e., Diabetes and Obesity According to Ayurveda, both conditions are referred to as Prameha and Sthoulya, respectively. Both the conditions are Santarpanottha Vyadhi (diseases arising from excessive and improper nutrition), having the common vitiation of Kapha Dosha, Meda Dhatu and Ama and similar lines of treatment. Haritaki or Abhaya (Terminalia chebula) is a herb that has the potential to manage both diabetes and obesity. The present study focuses on the efficacy of Abhaya Ghana Vati as a single drug regime coupled with Pathya Aahara Vihara (diet and lifestyle regime) in the management of diabesity. Methods: Abhaya Ghana Vati along with Pathya Aahara Vihara (diet and lifestyle regime), was administered in 41 patients for three months, including follow-up. The patients were assessed for the effect of the intervention on the subjective and objective criteria. Results: The intervention showed significant improvement in most of the parameters of outcome measures like BMI (27% improvement, p&lt;0.001), Waist Hip Ratio (p&lt;0.002), Abdominal Girth Circumference (p&lt;0.001), Chest Girth circumference (p&lt;0.001), Waist circumference (p&lt;0.001). The Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) levels declined significantly from the mean (187.4 to 168.9, p&lt;0.048), and PPBS reduced from the mean (260 to 230.4, p&lt;0.011), which was statistically significant. However, HbA1c declined very marginally from the mean of 8.32 to 8.23 (p&lt;0.71). Effect of treatment on subjective parameters like Apatarpana Lakshana, Dhatusamya Lakshana and Quality of Life parameters showed significant change. Conclusions: Administration of Abhaya Ghana Vati and Pathya Aahara Vihara are beneficial in patients of diabesity.

Predicting the Weight of Holstein-Friesian Males at Different Ages by some Body Measurements

This study was conducted in one of the private fields for breeding Holstein-Friesian calves in the village of Al-Hamad in Al-Diwaniyah Governorate, where 107 males were used, including 21 at the age of 1 year, 51 at the age of 2 years, and 35 at the age of 3 years. The animals were weighed with an electronic scale, and body measurements (height body, chest girth and hip girth in centimeters) and the study aims to find the best single or double size to estimate the body weight of Holstein Friesian males, and the results of the current study can be summarized as follows: It was found that age had a highly significant effect (p<0.01) on body weight and its measurements, as it increased with age, as the weights of Holstein Friesian males, aged 1, 2, and 3 years, for all ages reached 271.714, 359.627, 522.914, and 395.785 kg, respectively. Age also had a significant (p<0.01) effect on measurements of body length, chest and hip girths, and the correlation coefficients ranged between body measurements for males and for the sum of ages between 0.887 to 0.988. In this study, it was found that the best measure for estimating body weight is chest and hip girth, as the correlation coefficients between body weight and chest girth ranged between 0.845 to 0.965, and between weight and chest girth from 0.831 to 0.970. And that the best equation for estimating the body weight of bulls at the age of one year is the chest girth as a single measurement if the regression equation Y=-76.791+1.280GC. The coefficient of determination, R2 = 0.930, with a standard error of the estimate 5.59. As for the best equation for estimating the weight of bulls at the age of 2 years, it is based on the girth of the chest, as the determination reached R2 = 0.715, and the regression equation Y=-348.104+4.206CG. With a standard error of the estimate 25.625. And the girth of the hip, as the coefficient of determination was 0.753 = R2 and the regression equation y = - 431.986 + 4.647 CG. And with a standard error of the estimate 23.838. The best equation for estimating the weight of bulls at the age of 3 years is to rely on chest girth as a single measure and the regression equation. Y=-451.388+5.05 CG, And the determination equation is R2 = 0.877, with a standard error of the estimate 20.518. As for the regression equation to estimate the body weight of bulls and for all ages, the equation of dependence on the girth of the chest can be used Y=-610.582+5.813 CG. Where it was R2= 0.931 with a standard error of estimation was 27.936 or depending on the girth of the hip Y = -632.404 + 5.884 CG, where R2 = 0.941 HG and with a standard error of estimation was 25.725.

Extraction of Chest Girth and Body Length Features to Estimate Goat Weight

Measuring goat weight on a farm is carried out by two methods. The first method conventionally measures the chest girth (CG) and body length (BL), while the second is performed using a scale. This study aimed to facilitate the CG and BL measurements to estimate goat weight more efficiently through image processing. The endpoints of CG and BL were determined automatically using binary large object (BLOB) segmentation. The images of 120 goats were taken at three different shooting distances of 50 cm, 70 cm, and 90 cm. The statistical testing of the three scenarios in this study explained that the ideal distance to take pictures is the basis for determining whether or not the size of the circumference and BL is appropriate as a feature for estimating the weight of goats based on image processing. Statistical analysis showed that the features of CG and BL at a distance of 50 cm and 70 cm were not significantly different from the measurements of CG and BL of goats carried out directly (actual data). In comparison, the results of testing the feature prediction data at a distance of 90 cm are significantly different from the actual data.