Dwarf Breeds Research Articles

Comparison of exterior traits in selected giant and medium rabbit breeds

<p>Generally, in recent times across the breeding spectrum, rabbits of giant, medium, small and dwarf breeds have been reared. The largest representation among breeders at most breeding exhibitions held in central European countries is amongst giant and medium breeds. The aim of this work was to evaluate the qualities and exterior faults in selected giant and medium rabbit breeds in different colour varieties according to a current book of rabbit standards. Of 1779 rabbits from 11 exhibitions held in the territory of the Czech and Slovak Republics, 646 giant rabbits weighing 5.5 kg and over and 1133 medium rabbits between 3.25 to 5.5 kg of different breeds and colour varieties were selected. Giant (large) breeds population included 210 of Giant, 187 of Giant Papillon and 249 of Lop. In the medium weight category, 308 of Big Light Silver, 184 of Chinchilla Giganta and 641 of Vienna group breeds were selected. The qualities and exterior faults of typical breed traits were evaluated in six positions: weight, shape, type, coat, top colour or markings and undercolour. The results of the work show that the most common exterior faults in these categories were in the shape, type and coat positions. In the shape position, significant exterior faults were found, such as slightly protruding hips with slanting rump, worse legs position with bowed or splayed limbs and loose skin on the body. Especially observed in the type position in all selected breeds were narrow chest, body too lean or too long and a more delicate head with finer structure of ears. The coat was usually thick and less elastic with the lighter undercolour at the base of the skin and non-sharply defined intermediate colour. The data obtained are ground-breaking, representing a new approach to assist in the characterisation of giant and medium rabbit breeds included in a study and to select individuals with the best exterior properties with a view to improving the breed quality.</p>

Sheep and goat farming in Imo state Southeast Nigeria: A traditional vocation at the verge of extinction?

Since prehistoric times, sheep and goat farming has been an integral part of the farming system of the people of South east Nigeria. This study investigated the current state of sheep and goat farming amongst households in Imo State south eastern Nigeria. A total of one hundred and fifty (150) structured questionnaires were distributed to farmers randomly selected from three Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Imo state namely, Oru West, Ahiazu Mbaise and Ezinihitte Mbaise to determine the socio-economic characteristics, production systems, breeding and reproduction, constraints and strategies for economic improvement in a focus group interview. Only 89 farmers were available for interview. The results revealed significant decline in sheep and goat farming amongst the households across four generations within the households interviewed. Lack of interest due to poor policy framework, low productivity of existing breeds, difficulty in feed supply and high cost of breeding stock was identified as constraints of sheep and goat production in thiese areas. It was also observed that older people were more directly involved in sheep and goat farming than youths. 59.6% of the farmers were females, and 31-50% of the farmers were between the ages of 31 and 50 years. Farming was the most common occupation amongst the households while trading was the next. Results also showed that 76.4% of the communities had history of sheep and goat keeping whereas 73% of the total families interviewed had a history of sheep and goat keeping. It was also observed that 33.7% of households were involved in poultry enterprise and 25.3% involved in fish farming. Only 4.8% engaged in sheep and goat farming. Results obtained also revealed that 48.3% of the identified sheep and goat farmers kept breeds of sheep and goat from northern Nigeria while 40.4% maintained the west African dwarf breed. 34% of respondents believed that access to grants and credit facilities, 25 % believed provision of land in urban areas, while 21% believed improvement in small ruminant feed technology, would improve production. Lambing and kidding was mostly twice a year (48.3%). Breeding was mostly observed to be uncontrolled (51.7%). Also, the results showed that, 59.6% of the farmers were willing to pay for veterinary services. The most important diseases within these areas were worms, ecto-parasites and peste des petits ruminants (PPR). It can be inferred from the study that farmers within the region appear to pay greater emphasis on poultry production and fish farming to the detriment of smallholder sheep and goat farming which could be attributed to poor knowledge of sheep and goat farming technologies resulting to low productivity.

Condition of tiny dogs’ homeostasis diagnosed having “spuria polyodontia”

Nowadays special attention must be paid to pathology associated with the violation of the change of milk teeth to permanent of dogs of dwarf breeds. This fact is confirmed by the results of a statistical analysis of appeals from dog owners to specialized dental care at the “Veterinary Hospital”: 33 % of the animals were diagnosed with “false polyodontics” a general increase in the number of teeth due to non-temporal loss. In the literature, it is noted that the hormones of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, sex hormones regulate the exchange of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, thereby affecting the speed of tooth changes and the degree of bone mineralization. As a result of the research, the authors determined the features of hormonal and mineral homeostasis of the body during the period of teeth change in dogs of dwarf breeds at the age of 6 months in the blood serum, characterized by the thyroid gland profile, sex hormones – at the lower reference values, increased phosphorus and calcium levels.

Comparative evaluation of different treatment schemes for aseptic meningoencephalitis in dogs of dwarf breeds

The article presents the results of treatment of aseptic meningoencephalitis in dogs of dwarf breeds. Diagnostics included a thorough neurological examination: assessment of mental status, ability to perform diagnostic tests, proprioceptive and postural reaction, the consistency and symmetry of cranial reflexes, including of pupil response to light and response to the threat, the presence of involuntary movements and forced poses, the intensity of the muscle tone and tendon reflexes. If an animal is suspected of having a brain lesion, other possible causes of encephalopathy were excluded. For this purpose, a General blood test was performed (to detect signs of inflammation, anemia); a detailed biochemical blood test (excluding renal and hepatic encephalopathy, indirect signs of the presence of a portosystemic shunt); if a portosystemic shunt was suspected, a blood test for bile acids was performed; when excluding all other causes of damage to the central nervous system. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was performed with contrast with the use of the drug OmniScan. During the magnetic resonance imaging, multiple foci were detected in all parts of the brain, including in the thalamus and trunk; including in some animals, foci that have a tendency to decay and form a necrotic cavity. It was established that before the start of treatment, animals had a wobbly gait, convulsive signs, a comatose state in some dogs, and weak visual reflexes. As a result of studies of morphological and biochemical parameters of blood in dogs, it was found that all the data obtained were within the reference values and did not have significant significance in the diagnosis of aseptic meningoencephalitis. Against the background of etiotropic and symptomatic therapy, positive dynamics was observed in patients with aseptic meningoencephalitis.

Experimental trypanosomosis in two breeds of Nigeria goats: Changes in haematology, total proteins and serum glucose after treatment with a brand of trypanocide

An investigation on the effects of experimental Trypanosoma congolense infection on the changes in some haematological parameters, total serum proteins and serum glucose levels in Red Sokoto (RS) and West African Dwarf (WAD) breeds of goats after treatment with a brand of trypanocide is reported. Thirty goats comprising 20 does and 10 bucks of West African Dwarf and Red Sokoto breeds were used in the experiment. Each doe (10 in each group) was infected with ImLx 10 of Trypanosoma congolense (Karu strain) over a period of eight weeks. Randox kir (Randax lab, USA) was used to determine serum glucose levels the local serum proteins were determined using the Bure method while Wood cell indices were determined using pocH-100iV Diff (Sysmex Animal health, Germany). Data obtained from the study were statistically analyzed using Chi-square test and Student's l-lest. On day nine post-infection, the serum glucose levels of the infected goals were significantly (p0.05) lower than those of the non-infected ones (97.8±6.5 and 28.3±17.6 mg/dl SEM for RS and WAD gouts, respectively). Also, the serum proteins of the infected goals were significantly (p<0.05) lower than those of the non-infected ones (3.4±0.5 and 3.8±0.3 mg/dl SEM for RS and WAD goats respectively) and there was severe anaemia in the two breeds of goats. The return of serum glucose levels and the serum protein values to normal was faster in the WAD goats and the anaemia in the two breeds of goats was reversed following treatment with Dimnazene aceturate (Samoreni Alfasan Holland). Therefore, trypanosome infection in Red Sokoto goats can be more severe. In conclusion, hypoglycemic and hypoproteinemic effects of trypanosomosis with severe anaemia in goats can be reversed with an intervention with trypanocides

Study on prevalence, clinical presentation, and associated bacterial pathogens of goat mastitis in Bauchi, Plateau, and Edo states, Nigeria.

Aim:This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and clinical presentations of different forms of mastitis and mastitis-causing pathogens in lactating goats in Bauchi, Plateau, and Edo states, Nigeria.Materials and Methods:A total of 500 quarters from 250 lactating goats of Red Sokoto and West African Dwarf breeds during the lactation period were clinically examined. Clinical mastitis was detected by gross signs of udder infection during physical examination and abnormal milk, whereas subclinical mastitis (SCM) was recognized using California mastitis test. The bacterial pathogens were identified by morphology, hemolysis, gram staining, and biochemical tests such as catalase, oxidase, coagulase, reaction on sulfite, indole, and motile medium, and fermentation of sugars.Results:The overall prevalence of mastitis in goats was found to be 101 (40.4%), of which 8% (20/250) were clinical, and 32.4% (81/250) were SCM cases. The quarter level prevalence was 29.4% (145/493), comprising 5.9% (29/493) clinical and 23.2% (116/493) subclinical forms of mastitis. In addition, 1.4% (7/500) of teats were found to be blind on the clinical examination of the udder and teat. Several regional inflammatory reactions and abnormalities in milk were found in 69% and 100% of the cases, respectively. Moreover, some indications of generalized signs such as fever, reduction in appetite, increase in respiration, and pulse rate per minute were recorded in 100%, 75%, 85% and 80% of the cases, respectively. The predominant bacterial isolates recovered were Staphylococcus aureus (20.0%), followed by Escherichia coli (15.5%) and Streptococcus agalactiae (11.0%), and the least isolated microorganisms (≤6%) were bacteria of different species including Staphylococcus auricularis, Staphylococcus caprae, Staphylococcus chromogenes, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus hyicus, Staphylococcus xylosus, Staphylococcus lentus, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, Streptococcus pluranimalium, Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus ruminatorum, Streptococcus suis, Micrococcus luteus, Enterobacter cloacae, Proteus vulgaris, Klebsiella oxytoca, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Morganella morganii, Salmonella Typhimurium, Citrobacter freundii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter rudis, Acinetobacter haemolyticus, and Bacillus cereus.Conclusion:Mastitis continues to be recognized as one of the important health issues and leads to major economic losses to the dairy goats caused by many bacterial pathogens, and the effective measures need to be taken to control the disease.

Multi-locus genotyping and phylogenetic analyses of Giardia intestinalis isolates from indigenous goats in Ogun State, Nigeria

Giardiasis is a common gastrointestinal disease of humans and various animal species worldwide. In this study, 302 stool samples were collected from West African Dwarf and Sokoto Red breeds of goats in Ogun State, Nigeria, and screened for Giardia intestinalis coproantigens using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The genotypes of G. intestinalis in faecal samples collected from 152 goats raised on selected farms were identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and sequence analyses of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (ssu rRNA), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), triosephosphate isomerase (tpi) and β-giardin (bg) genes. Based on ELISA, an overall prevalence of 45.7% was recorded with the infection rates in pre-weaned (60.2%) and post-weaned goat kids (51.5%) being significantly (p < 0.05) higher than in adults (28.2%). Giardia intestinalis DNA was amplified in 31.6% and 29.6% of goat faeces at the ssu rRNA and gdh loci respectively. These were genotyped at the ssu rRNA locus as assemblages B (n = 13) and E (n = 36). Similar results were observed at the gdh locus except that eight isolates contained assemblage E mixed with either assemblage A or B. Additionally, sub-assemblages BI (n = 7) and BIII (n = 2) were identified with up to four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) occurring in these isolates. Multilocus genotypes (MLG) of all assemblage E isolates were identified using the ssu rRNA and gdh loci while MLG of all isolates containing assemblage B and mixed assemblages were determined after further typing at the tpi and bg loci. Forty-two MLG isolates were identified and these comprised 32, 8 and 2 (sub)-assemblage E, BI and BIII respectively. All isolates with mixed assemblages at the gdh locus were consequently designated as assemblage E by MLG. The assemblage E isolates from goats were genetically related to isolates from cattle, sheep and goats while the assemblage B isolates were related to isolates of human, pig and lemur origin. This suggests that G. intestinalis isolated from goats bred in Ogun State, Nigeria may be capable of cross-species transmission and may be of zoonotic importance.

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium species oocysts among small ruminants in Potiskum livestock market, Yobe State, Nigeria

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium species oocysts in small ruminants in Potiskum livestock market, Yobe State, Nigeria. Faecal samples from 203 animals; 100 sheep and 103 goats were tested using modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. An overall prevalence of 20.7% (42/203) was recorded in the study with a higher prevalence of 21.4% (22/103) in goats than in sheep 20% (20/100); although the difference was not significant (p&gt;0.05). In goats, the rate of Cryptosporidium species oocyst was higher in male (27.8%) than in female (22.4%), in young (30.6%) than in adults (22.4%), in those with loose/watery faeces (45.5%) than those with well-formed faeces (22.8%) but the differences were not significant (p&gt;0.05). In sheep, the rate of infection was higher in female (16.9%) than in male (13.0%), in young ((19.2%) than in adults (14.9%) but the differences were not significant (p&gt;0.05). The prevalence was significantly (p = 0.010) higher in sheep with loose/watery faeces (45.5%) than in those with well-formed faeces (12.4%). Breed of sheep did not significantly (p &gt; 0.05) influence the prevalence rates, although the Uda breed had higher prevalence (25%) than the Balami (14.3%) and Yankasa (12.7%) breeds. A similar trend was observed for the sahelian breed of goats (35.7%) compared to the Red sokoto (23.7%), West African dwarf (16.7%) and mixed breeds (10.0%) (p = 0.367). Animals brought to the livestock market from Ngalda town showed highest prevalence of 36.4% than those from the other areas with prevalence rates of (0 to 33.3%). The finding of Cryptosporidium species oocysts in 20.7% of small ruminants in this study underscores the role of this zoonotic parasite diseases in animals and man and loose/watery faeces is a significant factor in the spread among small ruminants.

ANALYSIS OF SHEEP CHARACTERISTICS INFLUENCING SELLING PRICE IN DAMBAM LIVESTOCK MARKET OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

The study evaluated the influence of sheep characteristics on selling price in Dambam livestock market of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 810 sheep traders. Data were collected using structured questionnaire for 37 weeks and analyzed using descriptive statistics, Gini coefficient and general linear model. The result reveals that all sheep traders were males (100%). The findings also revealed a Gini coefficient of 0.20, exhibiting oligopolistic market structures. The result of general linear model reveals coefficient of multiple determination (R2) value of 0.78, implying that 78% variations in selling price of sheep were explained by the independent variables included in the model. The findings also reveals that size and body condition of sheep significantly influence (p &lt; 0.001) selling price in the study area. The selling price of large size animal (N36,985.82) was significantly higher than that of medium size animal (N25, 297.04) and small sized animal (N17,773.84). The study concludes that the selling price of very fat animal (N27,043.06) attracts highest price among all categories in the study area. The selling price of Yankasa breed commanded higher price (N 30, 311.33) among the different breeds. While Uda, Balami and West African Dwarf breeds attracted N26,614.54 , N26, 531.10 and N26,475.12, respectively. The study recommends the need to introduce standardized unit of measurement and educate farmers on how to improve those attributes in the study area to enable them to obtain better price for their livestock and empower them to adopt modern management practices.

Frequency of the beginning and features of the course of chronic catarrhal gingivitis in dogs

Out of all diseases of organs and systems of teeth disease in dogs is a group of diseases, the symptoms of which are most often observed only when the process involves not only teeth, but also the tissues surrounding them. Paronodopathies deserve special attention, among which chronic catarrhal gingivitis is a polietiological disease in which pathogenesis has a major role in the microorganisms of the oral cavity of dogs, odontogenic deposits in the form of plaque and dental stone. The disease can be complicated by loss of teeth, deformation, reduced functionality of the tooth-jaw system, the formation of chronic diseases in the body, sensitization and development of various forms of somavtic pathology. It has been established that among surgical diseases of dogs gingivitis is most often detected, which is 31.7%. Among the various forms of gingivitis, the largest percentage is the chronic catarrhal gingivitis, which is registered in 47.5% of dogs, mostly dwarf breed. Somewhat less, namely 20.3%, is acute catarrhal gingivitis, 11.9% is chronic hypertrophic and 8.5% is chronic ulcerative gingivitis. The disease is appeared by galitis, disturbance in the intake of food, edema, bleeding of the gums, lesions of the clear papillae, dental plaque with anthrax, formation of pseudocysts. For the objectivity of disease information, clinical manifestations are presented in the form of numerical expressions and dental indexes. It has been established that chronic catarrhal gingivitis in dogs is characterized by an increase in the number of microorganisms in the biotope of the oral cavity, which contribute to the development of inflammation in the gums.

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis and Associated Risk Factors among Indigenous Breeds of Goats in Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria.

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Wukari, Taraba state, Nigeria, to determine the prevalence of Brucella antibodies and the risk factors associated with brucellosis in indigenous breeds of goats. A total of 386 goats were sampled from three political wards: Puje, Avyi, and Hospital: harvested sera samples were subjected to Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT). GraphPad Prism version 7.03 for Windows (GraphPad Software, La Jolla California, USA) was used to analyse the association between seroprevalence of brucellosis and age, sex, breed, location, and management system by using Chi square and Fisher's exact test as appropriate. Brucellosis was detected in all three wards: Puje; 15%, Avyi; 6.6%, and Hospital; 7.6%. A prevalence rate of 2.8%, 8%, 18.7%, and 1% was recorded for <20-month, 22-35-month, 36-45-month, and ≥46-55-month age categories, respectively (P < 0.05). Only 9.5% was observed for male animals while 9.8% was observed for female animals with no statistical difference between the males and females. Breed-specific seroprevalence yielded 7.4%, 5.4% 12%, 12.8%, and 11.6%, for Cross, West Africa Dwarf, Red Sokoto, Kano Brown, and Sahel breeds of goat, respectively. There is an evidence of brucellosis (9.6%) in Wukari L.G.A, Taraba State, and age is a risk factor for the disease in the study area. There is a need to enlighten the public on the zoonotic potentials and economic impacts of brucellosis.

English

Data on characterization of animal genetic resources are valuable in the development of breeding and conservation schemes to ensure their sustainable use. A survey was conducted to collect baseline data on the phenotypic characteristics, production system, traits of economic importance and challenges faced by goat farmers in Liberia. The survey was carried out in the 15 counties of Liberia and covered 1314 animals in their production environments. 1267 respondents participated in this study. A pre-tested structured questionnaire, group discussions and in-depth interviews were used in the data collection. Phenotypic descriptors were directly measured using a measuring tape and weighing scale. Results indicated that Liberia goats are predominantly West Africa dwarf (WAD) breed (99%) and either docile or moderate in temperament. Majority of WAD goats have solid/uniform/plain coat colour pattern (68%) and black or white coat colour (63%). Most goats are horned (70%) and have curved horns (50%). The main motivation for keeping local goats is their relative adaptation to the environment, fast growth and efficient meat production. Average body weight, body length, chest girth and height at withers were 39 kg, 65, 79 and 51 cm, respectively. Government should address the issue of feed, access to veterinary care and medicines, disease control and also assist goat farmers to put up housing and fencing for their animals. There is a need for the government to improve policies on AnGR management in Liberia. In particular, the recently adopted NSAP on AnGR which provides a clear framework for the development of the livestock sector should be validated and implemented by the MOA/CARI and other stakeholders. In situ and ex situ conservation strategies including establishment of national breeding and conservation centres and community-based breeding programs for goat farmers are viable options which should be pursued. Key words: Liberia, phenotypic characterization, West African dwarf goat, production system, AnGR.

English

The study used 100 indigenous sheep comprising 25 Balami, 25 Uda, 25 Yankassa and 25 West African Dwarf breeds reared extensively. The blood samples were taken from Vena Jugularis, processed according to standard procedure and transferrin and haemoglobin examined using cellulose acetate electrophoresis. The observed allele frequencies and genotypes (%) were tested with Hardy-Weinberg’s Equilibrium (χ2). Seven alleles TfA, TfB, TfC, TfD, TfE, TfG and TfP controlling 23 genotypes were observed at the transferrin locus while two haemoglobin alleles (HbA and HbB) controlling three phenotypes- HbAA, HbAB and HbBB were detected. Except for the West African Dwarf sheep, all the samples indicated genetic equilibrium revealed by significant difference between observed and expected genotypes at both loci. The observed significant difference between the frequencies of alleles and genotypes at the two studied loci in the West African Dwarf sheep can be used as a source of genetic diversity during selection for improvement. The phylogenetic analysis as viewed by the tree topology suggests that the Balami and Uda may have had the same migration route or may have been the same breed which had only just recently branched off through adaptive. Also, the West African Dwarf sheep may have been the first to branch off the path of migration and thus had more clearly defined migration route or origin. Key words: Transferrin, haemoglobin, genetic structure, genetic diversity, Balami.

Contagious ecthyma in three flocks of goats in Jos-south LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria

Contagious ecthyma (CE) is a debilitating disease of sheep, goats and other ruminants caused by Orf virus (ORFV). Suspected outbreaks of CE were reported in three flocks of goats in Jos-South, Plateau State, Nigeria with proliferative lesions on the muzzle, oral commissures, perineal area and legs. Scab samples were collected from all the flocks and the affected animals placed on antibiotics. The samples collected were homogenized and the DNA extracted using QIAamp ® DNA Mini kit (QIAGEN, Hilden Germany). The extracted DNA was subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifying two gene fragments: A32L and B2L of the ORFV. Two flocks were West African Dwarf (WAD) breed of goats with 100% morbidity and 100% mortality recorded, while the third flock was Kano Brown breed with 6.7% morbidity and no mortality. A32L and B2L fragments of the ORFV genome was amplified by PCR from samples collected from the flocks. Contagious ecthyma was therefore confirmed based on classical clinical presentations and laboratory confirmation by PCR. Amplification of A32L and B2L gene fragments of the ORFV and 100% mortality in WAD breed of goats is the first report in Nigeria associated with CE. Further studies should be carried out to understand the role of breed, the epidemiology and economic impact of CE in Nigeria for the utilization of an appropriate control strategy. Keywords: A32L gene, B2L gene, Contagious ecthyma, Goat, Orf virus, polymerase chain reaction, Nigeria

Genetic diversity at four Nigerian sheep breeds assessed by variation of albumin and carbonic anhydrase in cellulose acetate electrophoretic systems

Abstract. The aim of the study was to evaluate the occurrence and distribution of variations in blood protein markers in sheep breeds in Nigeria and to evaluate the relationships that exist among them. A total of 100 sheep comprising of twenty-five each of Balami, Uda, Yankassa and West African Dwarf (WAD) breeds were sampled for biochemical studies. Blood was collected to determine variations at the Albumin and Carbonic Anhydrase structural protein loci using cellulose acetate electrophoresis. All tested loci were polymorphic yielding four allelic variants (CAF, CAS, AlbA, and AlbB) at the two protein loci. Genetic variability in the studied population was accessed using heterozygosity (observed – Ho and expected – He), effective number of alleles (Ne), fixation index (F) and gene flow (Nm). Genotypic frequencies ranged from 0.01 to 0.62 for Ca and 0.25 to 0.49 for Alb loci. Estimated heterozygosity values ranged from 0.32±0.28 at Balami sheep to 0.70±0.22 in WAD with a global average estimated at 0.43±0.09 for all the breeds studied. The gene flow values for each of the loci studied were 0.82 and 1.24 for Alb and Ca, respectively, with an average value of 1.03. The results showed that Yankassa and Balami sheep populations are more genetically (Nei's genetic identify value – 0.99) alike compared to Yankassa and WAD (0.73). Based on the values of heterozygosity (mean He =0.70 and Ho =0.45) assessed by variation of albumin and carbonic anhydrase the most genetic diverse is WAD sheep breed among the studied populations.

Pure and reciprocal crossing of Nigerian goats: Effects and correlation of the leather properties of resultant progenies

Exploration of value-added possibilities is important to ensuring sustainable livestock industry. The present study compares the properties of vegetable-tanned leathers of four goat genotypes using a total of ninety-six skins obtained from yearling bucks produced by pure and reciprocal crossing of Red Sokoto (RS) and West African Dwarf (WAD) breeds, and labelled as WADxWAD, RSxRS, WADxRS and RSxWAD. Leather properties considered are percentage elongation (PE), thickness (TN), load at crack (LC), load at tear (LT), distention at crack (DC) and distention at tear (DT). Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and Pearson’s correlation using MINITAB statistical package. The result revealed significant (P < 0.05) difference among the genotypes in all the examined parameters. Leather of RSxRS was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in PE(87.9%) than that of WADxWAD (61.8%) and WADxRS cross (60.4%). RSxWAD genotype was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in TN(1.16 mm), DC(7.52 mm) and DT(7.46 mm) than other genotypes. LC exhibited by the leather of WADxWAD and the reciprocal crosses were significantly (P < 0.05) heavier than that of RSxRS. Negative correlations were mostly observed between some of the leather properties of WADxWAD and RSxRS. Highly significant (P < 0.01) and positive correlations were observed between LT and all other grain properties for WADxRS (LC: ρ = 0.670; DC: ρ = 0.755; DT: ρ = 0.765) and for RSxWAD (DC: ρ = 0.605; DT: ρ = 0.608). The results therefore suggest that RSxWAD and WADxRS crosses had relatively better leather properties than RSxRS and WADxWAD genotypes. It is therefore concluded that crossbreeding yielded improvement in the grain properties of WAD and RS leathers.

Lymphoma Classification in Goats.

Lymphoma has been described in individual cases for goats but not systematically characterized in a larger cohort. This study aimed to subtype caprine lymphoma based on topographic and subgross distribution, immunophenotype, and cellular morphology following the World Health Organization classification system for hematopoietic tumors in domestic animals. Fifteen caprine lymphoma cases were assessed with 6 submitted as biopsy and 9 for postmortem examination. Goats were predominantly young adult (median 3 years) and dwarf breeds (Pygmy and Pygora). The sexes were similarly represented. Nuclear size was measured relative to red blood cells (RBCs) and then adjusted for species-specific differences and designated small (<3× RBCs), intermediate (3-4× RBCs), or large (>4× RBCs). Using immunohistochemistry, 11 of 15 (73%) goats had T-cell lymphoma (TCL; CD3 positive, CD79α negative) and 4 of 15 (27%) had B-cell lymphoma (BCL; CD79α positive, CD3 negative). A multicentric distribution was most common. TCL generally involved the thoracic cavity and/or neck, suggestive of thymic origin or homing. TCLs were further classified as lymphoblastic lymphomas (3/11; 27%), large granular lymphocyte lymphoma (1/11; 9%), diffuse small lymphocytic lymphomas (3/11; 27%), or peripheral/mature T-cell lymphoma (PTCL) not otherwise specified (4/11 [36%], of which 3 were high grade and 1 intermediate grade). In 1 goat with PTCL, lymph nodes had either paracortical expansion or diffuse infiltrates suggesting transition from nodular to diffuse PTLC. BCLs were classified as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (2/4; 50%) or B-cell lymphocytic lymphoma intermediate type (2/4; 50%). In contrast to dogs and horses, lymphomas in goats are predominantly TCL and frequently involve the mediastinum.

Dwarfism and Altered Craniofacial Development in Rabbits Is Caused by a 12.1 kb Deletion at the HMGA2 Locus.

The dwarf phenotype characterizes the smallest of rabbit breeds and is governed largely by the effects of a single dwarfing allele with an incompletely dominant effect on growth. Dwarf rabbits typically weigh under 1 kg and have altered craniofacial morphology. The dwarf allele is recessive lethal and dwarf homozygotes die within a few days of birth. The dwarf phenotype is expressed in heterozygous individuals and rabbits from dwarf breeds homozygous for the wild-type allele are normal, although smaller when compared to other breeds. Here, we show that the dwarf allele constitutes a ∼12.1 kb deletion overlapping the promoter region and first three exons of the HMGA2 gene leading to inactivation of this gene. HMGA2 has been frequently associated with variation in body size across species. Homozygotes for null alleles are viable in mice but not in rabbits and probably not in humans. RNA-sequencing analysis of rabbit embryos showed that very few genes (4-29 genes) were differentially expressed among the three HMGA2/dwarf genotypes, suggesting that dwarfism and inviability in rabbits are caused by modest changes in gene expression. Our results show that HMGA2 is critical for normal expression of IGF2BP2, which encodes an RNA-binding protein. Finally, we report a catalog of regions of elevated genetic differentiation between dwarf and normal-size rabbits, including LCORL-NCAPG, STC2, HOXD cluster, and IGF2BP2 Levels and patterns of genetic diversity at the LCORL-NCAPG locus further suggest that small size in dwarf breeds was enhanced by crosses with wild rabbits. Overall, our results imply that small size in dwarf rabbits results from a large effect, loss-of-function (LOF) mutation in HMGA2 combined with polygenic selection.

SUPPLEMENTAL EFFECTS OF GRADED LEVELS OF CASSAVA FOLIAGE ON THE UTILIZATION OF GROUNDNUT HAULMS BY SHEEP

&lt;p&gt;The use of cassava foliage in Nigeria as a low cost supplemental nitrogen to crop residues generally characterized by low nutrient levels has assisted microbial protein synthesis in the rumen of ruminant animals. The effects of the supplementation of groundnut haulms (GH) with graded levels of cassava foliage (CFL) at 0, 10, 20 and 30% on the performance of the West African dwarf (WAD) breed of sheep with average body weight of 13.20 ± 0.34kg were evaluated in a complete randomized design in a 90 day experiment. Data were obtained on feed intake, weight gain, digestibility and haematological parameters.&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;Results showed that CFL supplementation of GH had a positive effect (P&amp;lt;0.05) on dry matter (DM) intake and weight gain of sheep. Sheep supplemented with 20% CFL showed better DM intake (455.74g/day), weight gain (45.24g/day) and feed conversion ratio (9.96). Digestibility values for dry matter and crude protein increased (P&amp;lt;0.05) with an increase with the inclusion levels of CFL in the diets but similar values observed in 20 and 30% CFL supplemental diets. Higher (P&amp;lt;0.05) values were observed in packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and red blood cell counts of sheep supplemented with graded levels of CFL. It was however concluded that the supplementation of groundnut haulms with cassava foliage offered sheep a better plane of nutrition, thereby supporting higher growth rates with sheep supplemented with 20% CFL inclusion levels having the best feed intake, digestibility and weight gain.&lt;/p&gt;

Assessment of genetic diversity among Malnad Gidda, Punganur and Vechur-dwarf cattle breeds of India using microsatellite markers

The genetic diversity among 3 dwarf breeds of cattle in India, viz. Malnad Gidda, Punganur and Vechur were analysed using 12 sets of microsatellite markers. All 11 amplified microsatellite loci were polymorphic with a mean number of alleles of 7.818±1.66 across breeds and in different breeds it ranged from 7.273 in Malnad Gidda to 3.546 in Vechur. The mean polymorphic information content (PIC) value observed and expected heterozygosity values across the population were 0.642, 0.610 and 0.683, respectively. A moderate level of inbreeding was observed with the inbreeding estimates ranging from -0.027 (ILSTS6) to 0.271 (HAUT24). Among the 3 breeds the highest mean number of alleles (7.273), mean PIC value (0.639), observed heterozygosity (0.630) and lower inbreeding estimates at majority of loci were observed in Malnad Gidda cattle indicating high degree of heterozygosity compared to Punganur and Vechur breeds. Even though departure from Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) was found in Vechur and Punganur cattle population at majority of the loci, the population combining the 3 breeds was maintained at HWE with respect to most of loci under study. The genetic distance analysis revealed highest genetic distance between Vechur and Punganur (0.331) and lowest between Malnad Gidda and Punganur (0.125).