Coat Color Research Articles

In-situ synthesis and performance evaluation of novel color coatings for galvanized steel

Traditional hot-dip galvanized coatings, typically single-silver in color, present increasing aesthetic challenges in diverse applications, while prevailing organic coating methods involve complex processes with high energy consumption and pollution emissions. In this study, a novel hot-dip process for in-situ synthesis of color coating on steel was proposed, capable of producing various uniform color coating. The microstructure of color coatings on steel was systematically examined, and an assessment of their corrosion and weather resistance was conducted. The results demonstrate the sequence of typical color variation is gold, purple, blue, cyan, red, green, and grey. By controlling the immersion temperature range, and regulating the final stable color of the oxide film. The coloration mechanism mainly is attributed to the light interference on the Mn oxide film. The cyan and brown coatings mainly consist of the dense rod-like ζ-FeZn13 phases which provide a structural foundation for corrosion resistance. Furthermore, the brown coating exhibited excellent weather resistance.

A Mid-Density Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Panel for Molecular Applications in Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp).

Molecular markers are increasingly being deployed to accelerate genetic gain in crop plants. The objective of this study was to assess the potential of a mid-density genotyping panel for molecular applications in cowpea breeding. A core set of 2,602 targeted diversity array technology (DArTag) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was designed from an existing 51,128 Cowpea iSelect Consortium Array. The panel's usefulness was assessed using 376 genotypes from different populations of known genetic backgrounds. The panel was informative, with over 78% of SNPs exceeding a minor allele frequency of 0.20. The panel decoded three stratifications in the constituted population, as was expected. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay was correctly depicted as slower in a biparental subset than in other populations. A known flower and seed coat color gene region was located on chromosome Vu07, suggesting that the mid-density panel may be used to hypothesize genomic regions underlying target traits in cowpea. Unexpected heterozygosity was detected in some lines and highly among F1 progenies, divulging the panel's potential application in germplasm purity and hybridity verification. The study unveils the potential of an excellent genomic resource that can be tapped to enhance the development of improved cowpea cultivars.

Integrating computer vision algorithms and RFID system for identification and tracking of group-housed animals: an example with pigs.

Precision livestock farming aims to individually and automatically monitor animal activity to ensure their health, well-being, and productivity. Computer vision has emerged as a promising tool for this purpose. However, accurately tracking individuals using imaging remains challenging, especially in group housing where animals may have similar appearances. Close interaction or crowding among animals can lead to the loss or swapping of animal IDs, compromising tracking accuracy. To address this challenge, we implemented a framework combining a tracking-by-detection method with a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. We tested this approach using twelve pigs in a single pen as an illustrative example. Three of the pigs had distinctive natural coat markings, enabling their visual identification within the group. The remaining pigs either shared similar coat color patterns or were entirely white, making them visually indistinguishable from each other. We employed the latest version of the You Only Look Once (YOLOv8) and BoT-SORT algorithms for detection and tracking, respectively. YOLOv8 was fine-tuned with a dataset of 3,600 images to detect and classify different pig classes, achieving a mean average precision of all the classes of 99%. The fine-tuned YOLOv8 model and the tracker BoT-SORT were then applied to a 166.7-min video comprising 100,018 frames. Results showed that pigs with distinguishable coat color markings could be tracked 91% of the time on average. For pigs with similar coat color, the RFID system was used to identify individual animals when they entered the feeding station, and this RFID identification was linked to the image trajectory of each pig, both backward and forward. The two pigs with similar markings could be tracked for an average of 48.6min, while the seven white pigs could be tracked for an average of 59.1min. In all cases, the tracking time assigned to each pig matched the ground truth 90% of the time or more. Thus, our proposed framework enabled reliable tracking of group-housed pigs for extended periods, offering a promising alternative to the independent use of image or RFID approaches alone. This approach represents a significant step forward in combining multiple devices for animal identification, tracking, and traceability, particularly when homogeneous animals are kept in groups.

Effects of dietary iron supplementation on reproductive performance of sows and growth performance of piglets.

This experiment aimed to investigate the effects of dietary iron supplementation from different sources on the reproductive performance of sows and the growth performance of piglets. A total of 87 sows with similar farrowing time were blocked by body weight at day 85 of gestation, and assigned to one of three dietary treatments (n = 29 per treatment): basal diet, basal diet supplemented with 0.2% ferrous sulfate (FeSO4), and basal diet supplemented with 0.2% iron sucrose, respectively, with 30% iron in both FeSO4 and iron sucrose. Compared with the control (CON) group, iron sucrose supplementation reduced the rate of stillbirth and invalid of neonatal piglets (P < 0.05), and the number of mummified fetuses was 0. Moreover, it also improved the coat color of newborn piglets (P < 0.05). At the same time, the iron sucrose could also achieve 100% estrus rate of sows. Compared with the CON group, FeSO4 and iron sucrose supplementation increased the serum iron content of weaned piglets (P < 0.05). In addition, iron sucrose increased serum transferrin level of weaned piglets (P < 0.05) and the survival rate of piglets (P < 0.05). In general, both iron sucrose and FeSO4 could affect the blood iron status of weaned piglets, while iron sucrose also had a positive effect on the healthy development of newborn and weaned piglets, and was more effective than FeSO4 in improving the performance of sows and piglets.

Genome-wide detection of selection signatures in Jianli pigs reveals novel cis-regulatory haplotype in EDNRB associated with two-end black coat color

BackgroundJianli pig, a renowned indigenous breed in China, has the characteristics of a two-end black (TEB) coat color, excellent meat quality, strong adaptability and increased prolificacy. However, there is limited information available regarding the genetic diversity, population structure and genomic regions under selection of Jianli pig. On the other hand, the genetic mechanism of TEB coat color has remained largely unknown.ResultsIn this study, the whole genome resequencing of 30 Jianli pigs within a context of 153 individuals representing 13 diverse breeds was performed. The population structure analysis revealed that Jianli pigs have close genetic relationships with the Tongcheng pig breed, their geographical neighbors. Three methods (observed heterozygosity, expected heterozygosity, and runs of homozygosity) implied a relatively high level of genetic diversity and, a low inbreeding coefficient in Jianli compared with other pigs. We used Fst and XP-EHH to detect the selection signatures in Jianli pigs compared with Asian wild boar. A total of 451 candidate genes influencing meat quality (CREBBP, ADCY9, EEPD1 and HDAC9), reproduction (ESR1 and FANCA), and coat color (EDNRB, MITF and MC1R), were detected by gene annotation analysis. Finally, to fine-map the genomic region for the two-end black (TEB) coat color phenotype in Jianli pigs, we performed three signature selection methods between the TEB coat color and no-TEB coat color pig breeds. The current study, further confirmed that the EDNRB gene is a candidate gene for TEB color phenotype found in Chinese pigs, including Jinhua pigs, and the haplotype harboring 25 SNPs in the EDNRB gene may promote the formation of TEB coat color. Further ATAC-seq and luciferase reporter assays of these regions suggest that the 25-SNPs region was a strong candidate causative mutation that regulates the TEB coat color phenotype by altering enhancer function.ConclusionOur results advanced the understanding of the genetic mechanism behind artificial selection, and provided further resources for the protection and breeding improvement of Jianli pigs.

Variability in body weight and morphology of Uganda's indigenous goat breeds across agroecological zones.

Indigenous goat breeds in Uganda are classified based on average body size parameters and coat color. However, variations in the body size of animals may be influenced by several factors, including management and the environment. To understand the effect of the agroecological zone on the physical characteristics and live weight of Uganda's indigenous goats, this study evaluated the body size characteristics of the three indigenous goat breeds of Uganda across ten agroecological zones. The cross-sectional survey was conducted in 323 households from the ten zones, where 1020 goats composed of three breeds (Mubende, Kigezi, and Small East African) were sampled and measured for body weight, linear body size, and age. We confirmed that Mubende and Kigezi goats from the original homeland had a higher mean body weight than reported in FAO reports. In addition, Mubende appeared to perform better in pastoral rangelands, with a higher mean body weight (38.1 kg) and body size being significantly higher (P < 0.0001) compared to other zones. The mean body weight for the Kigezi breed in the original homeland (34 kg) was comparable to those from Western Savannah grasslands and pastoral rangelands and less than that initially reported by FAO (30 kg). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the linear body size characteristics of Kigezi goats in the home zone of highland ranges relative to those found in other agroecological zones (P > 0.05). Although the Small East African goats were originally found in Northwestern Savannah grassland and Northeastern dryland zones, they performed poorly regarding mean body weight and body size characteristics in the former zone. In the Northwestern Savannah grasslands, the mean body weight (23.8 kg) was even less than that reported by FAO, which ranged between 25 and 30 kg. Finally, we confirmed that Mubende and Kigezi goats are significantly heavier than small East African goats (p ≤ 0.0001). The results of this study can be useful in designing precise management strategies to improve indigenous goat productivity in different environments in Uganda.

Identification of polymorphisms in melanocortin 1 receptor gene and their association with coat color variants in Black Bengal goat

The aim of this study was to identify polymorphisms in the entire coding regions of the Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R) gene and their possible associations with coat color variants of the Black Bengal goat (BBG) of Bangladesh. Forty blood samples representing five distinct color variants of BBG (Solid Black, Toggenburg, Dutch Belt, White and Brown) were collected from Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute, Savar, Dhaka. Two PCR amplicons that harbored entire coding region were sequenced both forward and reverse directions. Multiple sequence alignment identified four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) based on Capra hircus reference sequence (MT186778.1). Among them, only one was identified as synonymous type (c.183C&gt;T; p.61A) and the remaining three were non-synonymous in nature (c.676A&gt;G, c.748G&gt;T, and c.801C&gt;G), causing amino acid substitutions as p.K226E, p.V250F, and p.C267W, respectively. Twelve haplotypes were defined by four substitutions where four haplotypes (Hap6, Hap7, Hap8, and Hap9) were found white-color goat-specific involving c.801C&gt;G mutation that might be associated with white coat color phenotype of BBG. Furthermore, white goats had the highest haplotype (0.879±0.08) and nucleotide diversity (0.0017±0.0002). The UPGMA phylogenetic tree revealed two separate clusters, one of which included all color variants of BBG and major domestic goat populations (Capra hircus) from various countries. The haplotype sharing features suggest that the coat color phenotypes of BBG were not solely attributable to the MC1R gene. However, more detailed investigation with large samples from diverse populations across the country was required to draw a precise conclusion.

Participatory investigation of goat farmers' breeding practices, trait preference, and selection criteria in Burkina Faso.

The community-based breeding program (CBBP) is an innovative approach recommended for genetic improvement and sustainable use of animal genetic resources in extensive farming systems. Successful implementation of this approach requires an understanding of the characteristics of production systems, breeding objectives, and farmers' trait preference. This study aimed to identify the selection criteria of goat farmers in rural areas of Burkina Faso and their potential implications in establishing CBBP. Following focus group discussions, a well-structured questionnaire was designed and administered to 372 randomly selected goat farmers in two different agro-ecological zones. A list of traits obtained during focus group discussions was provided to farmers individually, and they were asked to rank the ones they preferentially use to select breeding animals. Statistical tests were conducted to compare data between the two agro-ecological zones. The results showed that the average goat flock per household was higher (P < 0.05) in the Sudanian (15.68 ± 13.76), compared to the Sudano-Sahelian area (12.93 ± 13.3). Adult females were the dominant age-sex group in both areas. Reasons for culling, keeping breeding bucks, and castration practice were significantly different (P < 0.05) among agro-ecological zones. The most important common criterion for selection in the two zones was body size, coat color, and growth rate for the bucks and does, while fertility (0.06) parameters including twining ability (0.18), kidding frequency (0.11), and mothering ability (0.15) were furthermore considered for breeding does selection. These findings provide valuable insights for developing CBBPs tailored to goat production in the study areas.

ANALYSIS OF MORPHOLOGICAL TRAITS IN BALOCHI SHEEP BREED OF BALOCHISTAN

Balochi sheep is a popular breed of Balochistan used for meat and fleece production. This breed faces an elevated susceptibility to the annihilation of its distinctive traits due to uncontrolled and indiscriminate breeding practices. The process of phenotypic classification plays a crucial role in facilitating the sustainable utilization, conservation, and enhancement of a particular breed. The current study was conducted to evaluate the morphological attributes for conservation, rearing and breed improvement of the Balochi sheep in Balochistan. Five districts were selected for data collection included Quetta, Sibi, Mastung, Kalat, and Khuzdar. Five flocks were selected from each district, consisting of more than 250 animals. Most of the sheep population had a semi-pendulous ear direction (89.5%). In terms of ear colour, 73.5% of the sheep displayed a white tendency, while 26.5% had black. In male Balochi sheep, several typical morphological characteristics were observed, included wool fiber diameter averaging 37.47±0.06µm, body weight at 39.76±0.87 kg, height 35.20±0.13 inches, chest size of 50.16±0.74 cm, belly circumference of 55.48±0.62 cm, neck length at 7.84±0.46 cm, neck girth of 17.89±0.07 cm, testicle length 8.94±0.43 cm, and testicle diameter of 4.014±0.14 cm. Similarly, in female average values for wool fiber diameter were 37.47±0.06 µm, body weight was 34.02±0.27 kg, height 34.03±0.11 inches, chest size was 47.27±0.49 cm, belly circumference was 51.36±0.49 cm, neck length was 7.84±0.22 cm, neck girth was 17.89±0.03 cm, udder height was 7.86±0.20 cm, udder circumference was 11.83±0.3 cm, teat length was 2.99±0.00 cm, and teat diameter was 1.03±0.01 cm. The coat colour patterns of the overall phenotypes exhibited a mainly uneven distribution, with white coat colour patterns being most prevalent (95%), followed by black and brown patches. The facial head colour exhibited a predominant white pigmentation (85%) with the remaining 15% displaying a partly black shade. The distribution of nose shape among the sheep was 62% minor roman and 38% medium roman. Whereas 89.5% of sheep had an almond-shaped eye structure accompanied by black eyelashes, the remaining 10.5% displayed a brown eye colour. Our study found that 89.5% of Balochi sheep had semi-pendulous ears, 7% had pendulous ears, and 3.5% had ears that were erected upward. Moreover, coat color commonly observed predominantly white, often displaying a combination of white with black and brown patches, which was observed in around 90% of the sheep. Notably, male had horns with curved 56% and 44% straight, while females were hornless. Additionally, 86% of the sheep had legs that were predominantly white with black spots, and the neck color was mostly white, recorded in 90.5%, although some animals showed black spots on their necks. Finally, the belly color was mainly white in 90% animals, with 10% displaying black or brown spots on their bellies. The findings of the present study can be used to improve the management practices for the production and conservation of Balochi sheep breed.

PMEL p.L18del associates with beef quality of Kumamoto sub-breed of Japanese Brown cattle.

Japanese Brown cattle is the second most popular breed among Wagyu breeds and raised mainly in Kumamoto and Kochi Prefectures. Typical coat color of the Kumamoto sub-breed is solid brown, but individuals with diluted coat color are sometimes born. We previously detected four SNPs in PMEL gene and identified p.L18del as the causative polymorphism of this diluted phenotype. The current study examined the association between the SNPs in PMEL gene and carcass traits of the Kumamoto sub-breed. Our association analysis revealed that p.L18del had significant effects on BMS (p = 0.0263), meat brightness (p = 0.0179), meat firmness (p = 0.0102), and meat texture (p = 0.0252) and that del allele of this SNP might be useful to improve these carcass traits.

Strategies to alleviate heat stress on performance and physiological parameters in feedlot-finished cattle under heat stress conditions. A systematic review-meta-analysis

Strategies to alleviate heat stress on live performance - dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) – and on physiological parameters - respiratory rate (RR) and panting score (PS) - of feedlot-finished cattle were evaluated by systematic review-meta-analysis. Using the PICO framework were identified 3813 records, with 31 publications and 6729 cattle being considered in the meta-analysis (MA). The comparison most reported was sun vs. shade (n = 24 publications), followed by shade vs. shade (area per animal and effectivity in reduce solar load) (n = 7 publications) and sun vs. sprinkling (n = 4 publications). Cattle with access to shade with total reduction in solar load improved ADG (p = 0.008) and FCE (p = 0.024), and reduced RR (p < 0.001) compared to unshaded animals. Cattle with access to shade with a height between 3 and 4 m increased ADG (p < 0.001), tended to improve FCE (p = 0.054), and reduced RR (p < 0.001) compared to unshaded animals. An area of shade from 2 to 4 m2/animal increased ADG (p = 0.002), and higher than 4 m2/animal reduced RR (p < 0.001) compared to unshaded animals. Animals that received sprinkling volume below 1 L/animal/min improved ADG (p = 0.008) compared to unshaded animals. Cattle with access to shade with a high area per animal improved DMI (p = 0.023) and ADG (p < 0.001) compared to animals with a low area. In univariate meta-regression, it was observed that the variables significantly (P < 0.05) influencing DMI were THI category; influencing ADG were cattle gender, THI category, and coat color; influencing FCE were cattle age and hemisphere; and influencing RR were country, THI category and climate. Performance and physiological parameters of feedlot-finished cattle under heat stress depend on animal and environmental characteristics.

Functions and Metabolism of Amino Acids in the Hair and Skin of Dogs and Cats.

The hair and skin of domesticcats or dogs account for 2% and 12-24% of their body weight, respectively, depending on breed and age. These connective tissues contain protein as the major constituent and provide the first line of defense against external pathogens and toxins. Maintenance of the skin and hair in smooth and elastic states requires special nutritional support, particularlyanadequate provision of amino acids (AAs). Keratin (rich in cysteine, serine and glycine) is the major protein bothin the epidermis of the skin andin the hair. Filaggrin [rich in some AAs (e.g., serine, glutamate, glutamine, glycine, arginine, and histidine)] is another physiologically important protein in the epidermisof the skin. Collagen and elastin (rich in glycine and proline plus 4-hydroxyproline) are the predominant proteins in the dermis and hypodermisof the skin. Taurine and 4-hydroxyproline are abundant free AAs in the skin of dogs and cats, and 4-hydroxyproline is also an abundant free AA in their hair. The epidermis of the skin synthesizes melanin (the pigment in the skin and hair) from tyrosine and produces trans-urocanate from histidine. Qualitative requirements for proteinogenic AAs are similar between cats and dogs but not identical. Both animal species require the same AAs to nourishthe hair and skin but the amounts differ. Other factors (e.g., breeds, coat color, and age) may affect the requirements of cats or dogs for nutrients. The development of a healthy coat, especially a black coat, as well as healthy skin critically depends on AAs [particularly arginine, glycine, histidine, proline, 4-hydroxyproline, and serine, sulfur AAs (methionine, cysteine, and taurine), phenylalanine, and tyrosine] and creatine. Although there are a myriad of studies on AA nutrition in cats and dogs, there is still much to learn about how each AA affects the growth, development and maintenance of the hair and skin. Animal-sourced foodstuffs (e.g., feather meal and poultry by-product meal) are excellent sources of the AAs that are crucial to maintain the normal structure and health of the skin and hair in dogs and cats.

Assessing the Impact of Boer Goat x Indigenous Goat Crossbreeding on Reproductive Performance and Farmer Perceptions in Southern Ethiopia.

Crossbreeding aims to increase the productivity of local or indigenous animals by introducing exotic breeds. This study aims to assess the effects of crossbreeding using 50% Boer bucks crossed with Ethiopian indigenous Woyto-Guji goats and to evaluate farmers' perceptions towards crossbred kids. Data were collected from five purposively selected districts in southern Ethiopia. Personal interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), and field observations were employed to gather information on the goat production systems and farmers' perceptions. The mean ± SD of goat flock size in the study area were 7.31 ± 5.89 heads per household (HH) with larger flock sizes observed in the Alaba zone (10.32 ± 6.56). Goats in the studied areas were primarily kept for income generation. The average age at first kidding was 11.3 ± 1.3 months. Relatively better management practices were observed for crossbred goats in the Alaba, Loko Abaya, and Gurage zones. Respondent farmers highly appreciated Boer crossbred goats due to their superior perception of attractive coat color (4.39 times greater, P < 0.001), docile behavior (3.59 times greater, P < 0.001), fast growth rate (1.64 times greater, P < 0.05), and market preference (5.81 times greater, P < 0.001). However, susceptibility to disease and drought was considered as drawbacks of crossbred kids in the studied areas. It was also reported that crossbreed goats fetched better prices than indigenous goats of a similar age group and under the same management system. All visited farmers expressed a strong interest in crossbreeding. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that Boer crossbred goats perform well in southern Ethiopia. Therefore, the continued production of crossbred kids can be disseminated to these areas. Additionally, it is suggested to consider the interests of goat producers in the remaining areas. Integrated improved management systems need to be implemented to enhance the survival of crossbred kids. Sustainable training programs should be organized for goat keepers, focusing on aspects such as crossbreeding, minimizing inbreeding, buck rotation, and improved feeding and management practices.

Caracterización fenotípica de la raza caprina indígena de pelo nativa de Chipre mediante análisis de rasgos cuantitativos y cualitativos en condición de pastoreo

The loss of genetic diversity in farm animal genetic resources is a growing concern, with many local breeds facing possible extinction. This study on Goat production in Cyprus was carried out to establish the morpho–biometric profile of indigenous Cyprus Native Hair Goats, for which there is no scientific information necessary for their proper classification and identification, for that purpose 60 animals were measured on 17 morphobiometric traits. A two–way analysis of variance with the interaction of the effects of age and gender was performed. White, chamoise, light buckskin, brown–white, white–grey, grey, pinto, and bay colors were the common coat colors recorded with proportions of 28.6; 14.29; 14.29; 14.29; 7.14; 7.14; 7.14 and 7.14%, respectively. All the Cyprus Hair Goats had horns with an arc shape. Wattles, beard, topknot, and feathered feet traits were seen in proportions of 14.3, 57.14, 50 and 21.43%, respectively. Gender factor showed a significant (P&lt;0.05) effect on ear length, head length, wither height, heart girth, chest width, body length, hip height, cannon circumference, and body weight, as well as on morphological indices such as foreleg length, compact index, and area index. However, female Cyprus Hair Goats recorded greater proportionality index values than males. This revealed that females had a brevilinear profile with dairy–type breed characteristics and males were mesolinear with a meat–type profile. Further studies are needed to highlight and expose the potential genetic material of Cyprus Native Hair Goats.

Morphological and biochemical characterization during seed development of Notopterygium incisum

This study aimed to examine the morphological, physiological, and biochemical alterations occurring in Notopterygium incisum seeds throughout their developmental stages, with the objective of establishing a theoretical foundation for the cultivation of superior quality seeds. The experimental materials utilized in this study were the seeds of N. incisum at various stages of development following anthesis. Through the employment of morphological observation and plant physiology techniques, the external morphology, nutrients, enzyme activity, and endogenous hormones of the seeds were assessed. The results revealed a transition in seed coat color from light green to brown during the growth and development of N. incisum seeds. Additionally, as the seeds matured, a decrease in water content was observed. Conversely, starch content exhibited a progressive increase, while sucrose content displayed fluctuations. At 7 days after anthesis, the soluble sugar content attained its highest level of 4.52 mg·g~(-1), whereas the soluble protein content reached its maximum of 6.00 mg·g~(-1) at 14 days after anthesis and its minimum of 4.94 mg·g~(-1) at 42 days after anthesis. The activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD) exhibited an initial increase, followed by a decrease, and eventually reached a stable state. Conversely, the activities of catalase(CAT) and peroxidase(POD) demonstrated a decrease initially, followed by an increase, and then another decrease. The levels of the four endogenous hormones, namely gibberellin(GA_3), zeatin riboside(ZR), auxin(IAA), and abscisic acid(ABA), in the seeds displayed significant variations, with IAA and ABA exhibiting considerably higher levels compared to the other hormones. The levels of plant growth-promoting hormones, represented by IAA, generally displayed a pattern of initial increase followed by a subsequent decrease during seed development, while the plant growth-inhibiting hormone ABA showed the opposite trend. The findings indicate that the alterations in nutrient composition, antioxidant enzyme activity, and endogenous hormone levels vary throughout the maturation process of N. incisum seeds. These observations hold relevance for the cultivation of N. incisum seeds.

Detection of 15-bp Indel of HIAT1 Gene and Its Association with Morphometric Traits in Different Goat Populations of Bangladesh

Morphometrics are vital quantitative features for production performance and can affect body size. Hippocampus abundant transcript 1 (HIAT1) gene belongs to the major facilitator superfamily that has specific association with growth related traits in mammals including goat. This study was conducted to investigate possible association between 15-bp insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphism of HIAT1 gene and morphometric traits in different goat populations of Bangladesh. A total of 288 blood samples were collected from Black Bengal goat (BBG), Jamunapari (JP) and Black Bengal cross (BBC) populations. One pair of primer was used to amplify HIAT1 gene fragment that harbored 15-bp indel polymorphism. PCR amplification detected insertion (II), deletion (DD) and heterozygous (ID) genotypes. The II, ID, and DD genotype frequencies were 0.16, 0.44, and 0.40 respectively in BBG populations where the corresponding genotype frequencies were 0.00, 0.47, and 0.53 in JP and 0.11, 0.40, and 0.49 in BBC goat populations. Overall, both the DD and ID genotypes were predominant than II individuals in the studied goat populations. The studied morphometric traits differed significantly among the three goat populations (P&lt;0.01) as well as in different coat color variants of BBG (P&lt;0.05). However, rump width (P&lt;0.001) and rump length (P&lt;0.01) were significantly associated with 15-bp indel genotypes in BBG population and wither height and rump height were significantly (P&lt;0.01) associated in BBC. In conclusion, this study revealed the exitance of 15-bp indel polymorphism in the studied goat populations and its influence on some morphometric traits was found.

Genetic variation analysis of the MC1R gene in sheep of Kazakh origin: A study on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)

This work focuses on the MC1R gene as a key genetic element influencing the variation in wool color in Kazakh sheep. Our research aims to pinpoint the specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) g.361G&gt;A and g.218T&gt;A inside this gene and examine their impact on pigmentation. This acknowledges the gene’s significant contribution in several sheep breeds worldwide. We detected the presence of these SNPs by partial genome sequencing and focused SNP analysis. We also examined their connection to coat color diversity, a trait that has important implications for breed aesthetics, consumer preferences, and adaptability to various settings. Our research significantly enhances the understanding of genetic diversity and evolutionary adaptation in sheep. Furthermore, it provides unique insights for breeding techniques that attempt to optimize the properties of wool color. This study’s findings emphasize the intricate interplay between genetics and environmental adaptation in Kazakh sheep. The global sheep genetic variety database is enhanced, contributing to sustainable agriculture and textile production methods.

Relationship between black soybean polyphenols and seed coat color during boiling process

Relationship between black soybean polyphenols and seed coat color during boiling process

Sebaran rumpun, pola warna bulu, dan jenis tanduk domba lokal betina di Kabupaten Bandung

The variety of environmental and cultural conditions in each region in Indonesia causes differences in sheep rearing patterns, resulting in a variety of breeds, coat color patterns and types of horns of sheep being cultivated. The Bandung Regency area has a climate and environment that is suitable for raising livestock, so raising sheep has become a part of the culture in the area. Choosing flocks, coat color patterns and types of sheep horns that suit consumer needs can increase the selling value of sheep. The aim of this research was to determine the distribution of clump types, coat color patterns and horn types of local ewes in several animal markets in Bandung Regency. The research was conducted in June 2023 in three animal markets, namely Majalaya, Pacet, and Banjaran Animal Markets. The research method used is descriptive analytic and data collection uses the census method. Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the distribution of local ewes includes Garut sheep 86.78% and Priangan sheep 13.22%, while the distribution of local ewes's coat color patterns is dominated by white 63.64%, a combination of 25.62%, and black 10.74%, as well as muser horn types 54.55%, hornless 33.88%, and horned 11.57%. The total number of research objects was 121 animals, dominated by Garut sheep, the dominant white coat color pattern, and muser horn type

GENETIC EVALUATION OF MILK PRODUCTION TRAITS IN LOCAL GOAT

This study was conducted on 67 local doe goat, aged from 2-5 years old. The overall mean of TMY, DMY and lactation length of 1st and 2nd flocks were (130.541 ± 7.403 kg, 0.716 ± 0.033kg, and 182.432 ± 4.112 day) and (164.043 ± 8.788 kg, 0.832 ± 0.043 kg, 197.027 ± 2.650 day), respectively. The flock, age of doe, doe coat color, month of kidding and type of birth have significant effect on TMY and DMY, doe in 2nd flock production 33.502 and 0.116 kg milk/doe, respectively more than doe in 1st flock. Doe of five years old yielded (181.878 ± 10.171 kg /doe) and (0.892 ± 0.044 kg /doe/day) more milk than young doe. Doe kidding in Januarys were consistently produced high significantly (p≤0.001) more TMY (158.354 ± 7.076 kg /doe) and DMY (0.828 ± 0.033 kg /doe/day) in comparison with other groups. Doe with brown coat color produced significantly (p≤0.05) more TMY (165.205 ± 20.558 kg /doe) and DMY (0.835 ± 0.095 kg /doe/day) in comparison with other coat colors. Doe kidding twin’s kids were significantly (p≤0.05) yielded more TMY and DMY than single kids. The flock and age of doe significantly affected the lactation length, 2nd flock have higher length with 197.027 ± 2.650 day and higher lactation length recorded of doe with 5 years old with 200 ± 3.779 day. BLUP values for TMY of doe ranged from -130.65 to 224.77 kg/doe. The repeatability of DMY, fat%, protein% and lactose% in present study arrived 0.286, 0.319, 0.067 and 0.015 respectively. The MPPA value of TMY in this study ranged from 80.988 to 329.749. These results indicated the good genetic make-up of local goat for milk traits and the selection programs can play major role to increase production ability of local goat.