Fleece Characteristics Research Articles

The Environmental Impact on Economically Significant Traits in Central Anatolian Merino Sheep

This research delves into the pre-weaning growth and fleece characteristics of the Central Anatolian Merino sheep breed, focusing on Türkiye's National Community-Based Small Ruminant Breeding Program. The study encompasses Central Anatolian Merino lambs born between 2016 and 2021 across 22 farms in Ankara province, amassing a dataset of around 35,344 observations. Economically important traits such as birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), average daily weight gain (ADWG), Kleiber ratio at weaning (KR), fibre diameter, and fibre length (measured in approximately 4,809 observations) were scrutinized. Rigorous statistical analyses, including outlier identification, normality assessment, and the development of linear mixed models, were employed to unravel the impact of environmental factors on these traits. Significant findings emerged, indicating that birth weight, weaning weight, and the Kleiber ratio were substantially influenced by variables such as sex, birth type, birth season, birth year, and flock size. Moreover, average daily weight gain exhibited noteworthy variations attributed to gender, birth type, birth season, birth year, flock size, and other environmental factors, underscoring their collective impact on growth. Fleece traits displayed considerable diversity influenced by gender, birth type, birth season, birth year, and flock size. This study sheds light on the intricate interplay between environmental factors and pre-weaning growth traits within the Central Anatolian Merino sheep breed. Beyond its scientific contributions, this research provides valuable insights aimed at bolstering productivity. The adaptability of the Central Anatolian Merino breed to arid climates and challenging pasture conditions positions it as a key player in Türkiye's broader agricultural development.

Creating a high‐quality wool‐oriented Turkish merino herd and investigation of mechanical and dyeability properties of fabrics produced from Turkish merino in comparison with Australian merino

AbstractToday, the need for quality wool suitable for worsted fabric production in the world is mainly met by Australian merino wool. In Turkey, which has a significant sheep population, in addition to domestic breeds, approximately 10% of the total sheep population (around four million head) is composed of merino cross breeds. However, the fleece quality is far from meeting Australian merino wool standards. Therefore, the aim of this study is to ensure a merino herd with high‐quality wool in Turkey. For this aim, by carrying out field studies in the Thrace region of Turkey where Turkish Merino sheep are widely bred, sheep with fleece that can meet the demands of the worsted industry were determined. As a result of field studies in which thousands of sheep were examined, it was determined that 43 female and 10 male sheep had fleece that would meet these standards. Then the breeders of the sheep, which had quality fleece, were persuaded and these sheep were purchased, and “Turkey's wool‐oriented Turkish (Karacabey) Merino Herd” consisting of 30 sheep and three rams was formed in the farm of Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University. In the second part of this study, a 100% wool fabric produced by using Australian merino was taken as a reference and it was aimed to produce the same fabric from Turkish merino wool. For this aim, the wool‐oriented Turkish Merino herd, which was bred at the university farm for 1 year, was shorn in May 2022. Then, Turkish and Australian merino wools were first converted into worsted yarn and then into woven fabric. The results of mechanical (tensile strength, pilling, abrasion resistance, felting shrinkage, Hofmann dimensional change, bending stiffness) and dyeability (dye‐uptake, CIE L*a*b* and colour yield (K/S) values; washing, rubbing and light fastness values) properties of fabrics produced from Turkish and Australian merino wool is presented.

Effects of Age, Body Region and Mineral Contents on the Fleece Characteristics of Central Anatolian Merino Sheep

The fibre characteristics of fleece determine its fate through the textile industry. Parameters such as diameter, length, elasticity and strength define the functional quality of fleece. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate effects of different environmental factors as well as wool mineral contents on fleece fibre quality traits in Central Anatolian Merino sheep. Additionally, the mineral contents of Central Anatolian Merino fleece were investigated. For this purpose, 300 samples were equally collected from 3 different body regions (shoulder, rib and rump) of 100 animals from five different age groups. Samples were analysed for fibre quality (diameter, length, elasticity and strength) traits and mineral contents (calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, copper, manganese and zinc). A wide range of statistical relationships were found among the focused traits and those factors. The findings of this study highlight the importance of minerals as well as environmental factors on fleece quality parameters.

Comparison of reproductive performance, live weight, survivability, and fleece characteristics of indoor-raised Central Anatolian Merino and Malya sheep

This study was conducted to compare Central Anatolian Merino (CAM) and Malya sheep under intensive conditions in terms of reproductive traits, birth and weaning weights, fattening performance, and some fleece characteristics. In this study, 840 CAM and 194 Malya ewes were used for the comparison of reproductive performance, whereas 740 and 211 lambs were used to compare growth traits between the two breeds. Additionally, the fattening performance of 61 CAM and 68 Malya lambs were compared. Finally, for the [...]

Some Fleece Quality Traits of Kangal Akkaraman Breed

Bu araştırmanın amacı, Kangal Akkaraman ırkında yapağı inceliği (μm) ile konfor faktörü (KF) özelliklerini ve bu özelliklere ait ıslah potansiyelini belirlemektir. Bu araştırma, Tarım İşletmeleri Genel Müdürlüğü’ne (TİGEM) bağlı Ulaş Tarım İşletmesinde yetiştirilen; 29 dişi toklu, 28 erkek toklu, 59 koyun ve 27 koç olmak üzere toplam 143 baş hayvan-dan alınan yapağılar incelenerek yürütülmüştür. Yapağı numuneleri hayvanların son kaburga üzerindeki bölgeden alın-mıştır. Alınan numunelerde, yapağı inceliği ve KF özellikleri OFDA 2000 yapağı analiz cihazı ile belirlenmiştir. Yapağı-da incelik (μm) ve KF (%) değeri ortalamaları sırası ile dişi toklularda 23.53 μm- %87.22; erkek toklularda 23.63 μm- %87.23; koyunlarda 26.58 μm- %75.59; koçlarda ise 26.85 μm- %75.95 olarak belirlenmiştir. İncelenen özellikler açısın-dan toklular ile yetişkin hayvanlar arasındaki fark istatistiki olarak önemli bulunmuştur (P<0.001). Yapağı inceliği 26 μm’den ince olan bireylerin oranı dişi toklularda %86.2; erkek toklularda %89.3; koyunlarda %45.7; koçlarda %37 ola-rak hesaplanmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda Kangal Akkaraman ırkında yapağı inceliği ve KF özelliklerinin diğer yerli ırklar-dan daha iyi olduğu, fakat sürülerde varyasyonun olduğu ve seleksiyon ile bu özelliklerin geliştirilme potansiyelinin yüksek olduğu sonucuna varılmıştır.

Analysis of selection signatures reveals important insights into the adaptability of high-altitude Indian sheep breed Changthangi.

Changthangi is a high-altitude sheep breed of India that is adapted to cold and hypoxic climate of Himalayas. In the present study, we analysed population structure of Changthangi and contrasted it with selected Indian and European commercial sheep breeds to detect genomic regions under positive selection. The Illumina OvineSNP50v1 genotype data on 292 animals from seven different sheep breeds i.e., Changthangi (n=29), Garole (n=26), Deccani (n=24), Tibetan (n=37), Rambouillet (n=102) and Australian Merino (n=50) was used. European Mouflon (n=24) was used as an out-group for studying the stratification and phylogenetic lineage. While the principal component analysis (PCA) revealed Changthangi to cluster with Tibetan sheep; TREEMIX and ADMIXTURE results also detected the introgression of lowland Indian sheep inheritance in Changthangi. Changthangi sheep were compared with other breed groups as reference i.e., commercial (Australian Merino and Rambouillet), Indian (Deccani, Garole and Tibetan) and breeds inhabiting plains (Australian Merino, Rambouillet, Deccani and Garole). Genomic comparisons of Changthangi using cross population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH) showed multiple functional regions present on Ovis aries (Oar) chromosomes 2, 3, 6 and 18 to be under selection in Changthangi sheep. These regions were related with adaptation to climatic and hypoxic stressors, fleece characteristics and functioning of immune and reproductive systems. UCP genes, associated with adaptation to cold and hypoxic conditions, were the main loci under positive selection in Changthangi sheep population. The selection signals in Indian and European commercial sheep breeds were mainly associated with body weight and carcass traits. Furthermore, selection signals found in different comparisons were found to be part of different quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with important traits in different breed classes. The genes present in these regions are suitable candidates for future studies on the genetic mechanisms underlying high-altitude adaptation.

On farm welfare assessment of European fattening lambs

In order to evaluate the welfare of lambs reared up to 4 months of age in different management systems in Europe, nine lamb meat farms (3 in Spain, 2 in Portugal, 1 in Germany, 1 in Slovenia and 2 in Italy) belonging to different production systems (intensive, semi-intensive, semi-extensive, extensive, shepherded) throughout Europe were visited. The first level welfare assessment according to the AWIN protocol for sheep was used, the data collection flow being as follows: (1) qualitative behaviour assessment (QBA), social withdrawal, stereotypy, excessive itching, panting; (2) fleece cleanliness, fleece quality, tail length, faecal soiling, lameness; (3) familiar human approach; (4) stocking density, access to shade/shelter, water availability; (4) lamb mortality. A great heterogeneity was observed because the breeds and the productive systems in which the animals have been raised are very different; only one of the purely extensive farms had no sheds for the animals, whereas the stocking density in confined animals was always appropriate. The results showed a high degree of compliance with the needs of the animals, which also corresponded to good productive results, but the objectification of the emotional state through the QBA yielded highly variable results, those animals reared under intensive and semi-intensive farms grouped around positive descriptors, which may indicate that lambs reared in intensive conditions show a different and apparently calmer mental state than those reared in very extensive conditions.

Biological activity of Melatonin and Some Unexpected Effects of Dynamization

Melatonin was found in animals, plants and bacteria. In animals, it is a
 hormone that anticipates the daily onset of darkness. In animals, melatonin is the hormone of regulation of the circadian rhythms and physiological functions such as sleep timing, blood pressure regulation, seasonal reproduction and many others. Melatonin is known to aid in reducing the effects of jet lag Melatonin appears also to have some use against the sleep problems of people who work rotating or night shifts. Melatonin has many protective properties, such as converting cholesterol to bile, preventing oxidative stress, may help reduce some types of headaches and protect against radiation-induces cellular damage. Melatonin in comparison to placebo is effective for reducing preoperative anxiety in adults when given as premedication. Melatonin may also reduce postoperative anxiety. It appears to cause few side-effects as tested in the short term, up to three months, at low doses. Two systematic reviews in 2005 and 2006 showed that there were no adverse effects of exogenous melatonin in several clinical trials and those comparative trials found that the adverse effects headaches, dizziness, nausea and drowsiness were reported about equally for both melatonin and placebo. Prolonged-release melatonin is safe with long-term use of up to 12 months. However, «natural» melatonin does not mean the best. Melatonin is made of the animal tissue can be contaminated with viruses or proteins that may be dangerous. Mad cow disease may cause changes in supplements made from animal brain tissue. One of the ways of adverse reaction elimination is applying a dynamicizing form of melatonin.
 Materials and methods. Melatonin (Mel 3ch) was prepared and presented to us
 with pleasure by Pralnilov A. I. The main aim of the study is to examine the influence of dynamicizing form of melatonin on hair structure in white
 laboratory mice and rats, Chinese hamsters, 2 years old.
 During the experiment the following tasks were solved:
 1) To examine normal hair structure in white laboratory mice and rats, Chinese hamsters and to study the influence of dynamicizing form of melatonin on animal hair structure.
 2) To examine animal behaviour and appearance
 3)To estimate mice strength before and after taking
 melatonin 
 White laboratory mice which belong to the vivarium of Kirov State Medical Academy and rats which belong to the vivarium of Kirov State Agricultural Academy are taking dynamicizing form of melatonin (mel-3CH) in the dose of 5 drops per 20 ml of water during 14 days. After two groups of the animals are organized: control group (7 animals) and the experimental group (7 animals). The experimental animals were injected subcutaneously in the interscapular region by melatonin-retard in the dose of 1 mg per 1 animal. In the control group, this drug is not injected. Hair is held on the subject glass in the 15 % solution NaOH during 5 min.
 The first swimming of animals was conducted with the aim to randomize resistance to physical exercises of animals. Every male, one by one, is taken to cylinder with water d = 18 cm, h = 40 cm for free swimming. Temperature of water maintains is in the range 29-30 C.
 Results. The investigation has shown that the hair structure,
 fleece and activity of the rodents taking mel 3ch from the 5th to the 14th
 days are being improved. The animal hair becomes bright, healthy and
 thick. The microscopic examination showed perfect adhering of the cuticle to the cortical layer and that the bottom and the cortical layer had become
 dense. In the control groups the hair remained faint and tousled. The
 microscopic examination showed delamination of the cortical layer from the bottom and the cuticle; the bottom had broken structure. The study showed that white laboratory mice taking dynamicizing form of melatonin in the dose of 5 drops per 20 ml of water during 14 days had improved their hair structure and fleece quality. Compulsory swimming method confirmed that dynamicizing form of melatonin increased adaptability of the animals. The time of swimming was 2,5 times more in comparison with the control group.

Genome-wide association study of fleece traits in Inner Mongolia Cashmere goats.

SummaryInner Mongolia Cashmere goat is a well‐known local cashmere goat breed in China. It is famous for excellent fleece quality and a significant advantage in cashmere yield compared to other cashmere goat breeds. In this study, a genome‐wide association study was used to investigate fiber length, fiber diameter, and cashmere yield of 192 Inner Mongolia Cashmere goats using the Illumina GoatSNP52K Beadchip panel. We discovered that four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) reached genome‐wide significance levels. These SNPs were located in some genes, e.g. FGF12, SEMA3D, EVPL, and SOX5, possibly related to fleece traits in Inner Mongolia Cashmere goat. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that these genes were enriched in several biological pathways that were involved in hair follicle development in cashmere goats. In summary, the identified significant SNPs and genes provide useful information to explore genetic mechanisms underlying the variation in fleece traits and genomic selection of Chinese cashmere goat.

237 Evaluation of fleece and fiber characteristics of ultrafine Paco-Vicunas farmed in Missouri

Abstract Data recordings of animal breeding, fleece production, and fiber characteristics in an ultrafine Paco-Vicuna herd farmed at Victory Farm, Missouri were analyzed. A selective mating strategy was applied while establishing an ultrafine fleece growing Paco-Vicuna herd on the ranch over 12 years. The herd size was expanded from five males and one dozen breeding females in 2009 to more than 200 heads in 2016. All animals were recorded for sires, dams, and registered pedigree, birth weight, weaning weight, shearing weight, and fleece weight. Mid-side flank fleece samples were measured for Optical Fiber Diameter Analyser (OFDA) fiber characteristics, including mean fiber diameter, length, and fiber curvature. Live weight, fleece weight, and fiber characteristics were analyzed using SAS® GLM procedures. Mean birth weight, weaning weight, mixed age shearing weight, fleece weight, fiber diameter, coefficient of fiber diameter variation, fiber length, and fiber curvature were 6.82 kg, 25.27 kg, 48.84 kg, 0.85 kg, 16.6 µm, 25.2%, 64.6 mm and 56.9 degree /mm, respectively. The average fiber diameter of herd was 18.3 µm at 2009 clip, which was gradually but significantly (P < 0.05) reduced yearly to 16.4 µm at 2019 clip. In addition, the finest 25 percent of the herd’s fleeces were tested and found to have an average fiber diameter of 14 micron, which was within vicuna fleece fiber diameter ranges. These measures did not significantly increase with ages. Heritability estimates for the fleece weight and fiber diameter, length, and curvature were 0.40, 0.65, 0.29, and 0.50, respectively. The average fiber diameter measurements of Paco-Vicuna herd at Victory Farm were significantly (P < 0.01) finer than the comparable camelid herds in the country. This study found that strict selective breeding is effective for genetic gains in ultrafine fiber diameter and fleece quality in Paco-Vicunas.

Prediction of dressing percentage, carcass characteristics and meat yield of goats, and implications for live assessment and carcass-grading systems

Abstract Context Dressing percentage (DP) and meat yield (MY) predictions using live assessments and carcass measurements enable objective valuation of animals and their carcasses. We hypothesised that distribution of goat carcass tissues affects predictive value of live body condition scoring (CS) methods and carcass measurements for these traits. Aims The present paper aimed to assess the value of CS methods for prediction of DP and MY and of carcass measurements for prediction of MY. Methods Correlation and regression analyses from a dataset (n = 1014 goats) highly heterogeneous for factors influencing DP and MY were used to assess (1) the value of live-goat assessments and classifications, including five CS methods, age (dentition), liveweight (LW), sex, fleece characteristics and breed or genotype to predict DP and MY, and (2) the value of hot standard carcass weight (HSCW) and carcass GR (soft tissue over the 12th rib) tissue depth, eye-muscle depth and eye-muscle area to predict MY. Key results Among kids, LW accounted for 1% (residual standard deviation of 2.6%) of variation in DP, 22% (2.3%) in MY (% LW) and 34% (2.5%) in MY (% HSCW). LW plus the best CS method accounted for 24% (2.3%) of variation in DP, 58% (1.7%) in MY (% LW) and 61% (2.0%) in MY (% HSCW). Among all goats, LW plus CS accounted for up to 21% (3.2%), 39% (2.1%) and 45% (2.2%) of variation in these traits. Regression models that included age, sex, fleece type, breed or genotype, LW and CS accounted for 67% (2.5%), 72% (1.9%) and 72% (2.1%) of variation in DP, MY (% LW) and MY (% HSCW). Among carcass measurements, HSCW plus eye-muscle depth had best predictive value, accounting for 61% (2.3%) of variation in MY (% HSCW) for kids and 40% (2.9%) for all goats. Conclusions The body condition-score methods that best relate to DP and MY (% LW or % HSCW) assessed the shape of M. longissimus lumborum (eye muscle) in the lumbar region, which relates to muscularity of goats, rather than subcutaneous fat depth such as assessed at the GR-site. Implications The results guide potential targets for future developments in live-goat assessment, carcass classification and grading, and trading languages underpinned by value-based marketing.

Extenders for alpaca epididymal spermatozoa: Comparison of INRA96 and andromed

Artificial insemination would be a useful technique for alpaca breeders to use as an aid to breeding to increase fleece quality. The technique, however, is not well developed in alpacas, partly because of the viscous nature of their seminal plasma. Castration conducted for husbandry purposes can provide a source of epididymal spermatozoa to test semen extenders or handling regimens, thus circumventing the problem of the viscous ejaculate. In this experiment, two semen extenders (Andromed and INRA96) developed for other species (bovine and equine, respectively) were tested with alpaca spermatozoa derived from the cauda epididymis. Sperm total motility (mean ± SEM A: 29.1 ± 4.8 % compared with I: 35.4 ± 4.8 %; NS), membrane integrity (A: 58 ± 9% compared with I: 56 ± 9%; NS) and acrosome integrity (A: 65 ± 7% compared with I: 54 ± 7%; NS) were not different between the two extenders. Progressive motility with use of INRA96 was greater after incubating for 30 min than after incubating for 10 min (35 ± 4% vs. 12 ± 4%, respectively; P = 0.03). In conclusion, viable epididymal spermatozoa could be extracted from the castrated organs after overnight transport. There were no differences in sperm quality between the two extenders; therefore, it appears that either extender could be used for alpaca spermatozoa. These results could help in the development of a technique for artificial insemination in alpacas.

Genomic analysis of the domestication and post-Spanish conquest evolution of the llama and alpaca

BackgroundDespite their regional economic importance and being increasingly reared globally, the origins and evolution of the llama and alpaca remain poorly understood. Here we report reference genomes for the llama, and for the guanaco and vicuña (their putative wild progenitors), compare these with the published alpaca genome, and resequence seven individuals of all four species to better understand domestication and introgression between the llama and alpaca.ResultsPhylogenomic analysis confirms that the llama was domesticated from the guanaco and the alpaca from the vicuña. Introgression was much higher in the alpaca genome (36%) than the llama (5%) and could be dated close to the time of the Spanish conquest, approximately 500 years ago. Introgression patterns are at their most variable on the X-chromosome of the alpaca, featuring 53 genes known to have deleterious X-linked phenotypes in humans. Strong genome-wide introgression signatures include olfactory receptor complexes into both species, hypertension resistance into alpaca, and fleece/fiber traits into llama. Genomic signatures of domestication in the llama include male reproductive traits, while in alpaca feature fleece characteristics, olfaction-related and hypoxia adaptation traits. Expression analysis of the introgressed region that is syntenic to human HSA4q21, a gene cluster previously associated with hypertension in humans under hypoxic conditions, shows a previously undocumented role for PRDM8 downregulation as a potential transcriptional regulation mechanism, analogous to that previously reported at high altitude for hypoxia-inducible factor 1α.ConclusionsThe unprecedented introgression signatures within both domestic camelid genomes may reflect post-conquest changes in agriculture and the breakdown of traditional management practices.

Changes in fleece characteristics of yearling Chinese Alashan Left Banner White Cashmere goat

Abstract The Chinese Alashan Left Banner White Cashmere goat is a subpopulation of the Inner Mongolian Cashmere goat which produced a very fine cashmere. In the last years, textile industry addressed particular attention in the cashmere produced by the youngest cashmere goats especially on changes in fleece characteristics during the first year of life. This study described the coat development in Chinese Alashan Left Banner White Cashmere goat kids in the first year of life, from three months of age until the first combing season. Twelve does born on January 2009 were selected at random from the herd located in the Station for Livestock Improvement of Alashan. Fleece sampling started at April 2009 and was repeated monthly till February 2010. The analysis of variance showed that the length of down hair and guard hair, the cashmere diameter and coefficient of variation of diameter were significantly influenced by the age. Furthermore, the study revealed that the kids bear the down hair from birth. The length of the down hair increased for the first five months of life until the first moult in June-July at around 5–6 months of age. On the contrary, no shedding of the guard hair was observed. In fact, the guard hair of the kids continued to increase in length until the goats were 13 months old. These results suggest an asynchronous pattern of moulting of the birth double-coat. Moreover, the baby down hair shedded during the first moult was finest (on average

Evaluation of Rambouillet, Polypay, and Romanov-White Dorper × Rambouillet ewes mated to terminal sires in an extensive rangeland production system: body weight and wool characteristics1,2.

Though lamb sales account for the majority of annual receipts on U.S. sheep operations, wool is an important income source for many Western flocks. Crossing fine-wool sheep with prolific or composite hair sheep breeds can increase lamb production, but fleece quality and marketability may be reduced by a greater content of nonwool fibers (e.g., med and kemp). The objectives of this study were to compare BW and wool characteristics of Rambouillet, Polypay, and Romanov-White Dorper × Rambouillet (RW-RA) ewes under extensive rangeland management conditions. Ewe BW was collected before mating (fall) and 30 d postlambing (spring) each year from 1 yr up to 4 yr of age. In spring and fall, Rambouillet and Polypay ewes were similar in BW (P ≥ 0.94). Spring BW did not differ (P = 0.13) between RW-RA and Polypay, but Rambouillet ewes were heavier than RW-RA in the spring (P = 0.02). Both Rambouillet and Polypay ewes were heavier (P < 0.07) than RW-RA in the fall. Greasy fleece weight and mid-side wool samples were collected from ewes at 1 and 4 yr of age. Clean fleece weights (CFW) were estimated from average laboratory scoured yield of mid-side wool samples composited within-breed. Average fiber diameter (AFD), SD of fiber diameter (SD-FD), and percentage med (%M), kemp (%K), and total medullated fibers (%T) were quantified on individual mid-side wool samples. There was no difference in 1-yr-old CFW among breed types (P ≥ 0.96). Four-yr-old Rambouillet ewes had heavier CFW (2.29 kg; P < 0.001) than 4-yr-old Polypay (1.83 kg) and RW-RA ewes (1.86 kg), which were not different (P > 0.99). Within 1- and 4-yr-olds, AFD differed among breed type (P < 0.001) and was the finest for Rambouillet (20.1 and 21.9 µm, respectively), intermediate for RW-RA (22.8 and 24.8 µm), and coarsest for Polypay (24.2 and 26.7 µm). Also within 1- and 4-yr olds, SD-FD was lowest in Rambouillet, intermediate in Polypay, and greatest in RW-RA (P < 0.01). Wool from RW-RA ewes had greater %M, %K, and %T (P < 0.001) than wool from Rambouillet and Polypay ewes, which were not different (P > 0.99). Results indicated superior wool production for Rambouillet compared with the coarser, more variable wool produced by Polypay and RW-RA. Still, past research reported greater lamb production in Polypay and RW-RA ewes which, under recent market conditions, would be associated with greater annual gross revenue for these breed types than for Rambouillet.

Three years in: How is the 5‐year plan doing?

In my first Editorial of 2016 (Leather, 2016), I lamented the lack of papers on forestry- and vertebrate-related research that had appeared in the Annals over the previous decade. In the early days of the Annals of Applied Biology, forestry research, albeit mainly in relation to insects, formed a significant proportion of the published papers, for example, Theobald (1914) and Deakin (1914), both of which appeared in the first volume. Tree physiology made its first appearance in 1923 (Hiley & Cunliffe, 1923) and to my surprise, I found that in the early days of the journal we were publishing papers on marine biology (e.g., Williamson, 1918; Wright, 1917 on mussels and herring, respectively). Our first mammal paper, on tapeworms in rats, appeared in 1919 (Turner, 1919), although the first paper on large mammals, on fleece quality in sheep, did not appear until 2 years later (Crewe, 1921). Surprisingly, despite their importance in agriculture, birds did not make their first appearance until the 1940s with the appearance of an important review on house sparrows (Southern, 1945). The bird papers that followed were almost entirely concerned with their attributes as agricultural pests and how to control them (e.g., Duncan, 1960; Murton, Isaacson, & Westwood, 1963). It was not until the 1970s that more ecological perspectives on the place of birds in the agroecosystem emerged (Clements & Bale, 1988; Murton, 1974). Sadly, similar papers have, since then, appeared only rarely (Firbank, 2005; Holland, Hutchison, Smith, & Aebischer, 2006; Holland, Smith, Birkett, & Southway, 2012). Papers on other topics within agroecology have appeared more recently (e.g., Marrs et al., 2018), albeit in lower numbers than I had hoped for when I outlined my 5-year vision in 2016. Since the appearance of my 2016 Editorial, papers on plant diseases have dominated the journal, with virology and plant pathology accounting for 37% of our published papers (Figure 1). Crop production and plant physiology, again two very closely related subject areas make up another 26% of the total, with crop protection including biological control coming in at 15%. Entomology as a topic does very well on its own (10%) although this is perhaps a bit of an artificial distinction, as many of the papers could easily fit within the crop protection remit. It is obvious, however, that forestry and agroecology are lagging behind the other subject areas in terms of submission rates and the number of papers published. To address this we have appointed a new Senior Editor, Dr Joanna Staley from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology at Wallingford, UK, with special responsibility for this area which is covered by the general heading of Ecology and Biodiversity. The new heading will cover agri-environment schemes and research on hedgerows and other habitats providing supplementary feeding for farmland birds, insects and small mammals. In addition, we hope to attract papers dealing with birds, small mammals and insects associated with the general landscape surrounding cultivated land. I hope that the second Editorial of 2019 will be from Joanna Staley and will stimulate our readers to use our Forum section to join the debate. While we are keen to encourage submissions in the areas of agroecology and biodiversity, we do of course want to see our more established research areas continue to grow and flourish. Crop production and crop protection are the mainstays of agriculture but for the World to be able to maximise crop production sustainably we must have a thorough understanding and appreciation of the part that ecology plays in this process (Altieri, 2018). With this in mind, I look forward to receiving a plethora of high-quality papers addressing all the areas within the remit of the Annals of Applied Biology and hope to be able to report in my first Editorial of 2021 that my 5-year vision has indeed been fulfilled.

Evaluation of production and reproduction of three South African Angora goat &lt;i&gt;CYP17&lt;/i&gt; genotypes

Two CYP17 genes, located on different loci and expressing enzymes with significantly different activities, have been identified in the South African Angora goat population. Three unique genotypes (named H e , H u , and H o ), which differed not only in the genes encoding CYP17 , but also in copy number were subsequently identified in the Angora goat. The aim of this study was to evaluate the production and reproduction performance of these three genotypes. Bodyweight, fleece and reproduction data, and blood samples from 466 Angora ewes from three flocks were obtained from the GADI-Biobank. Data had been collected on Flock 1 from 2000 to 2015, Flock 2 from 2000 to 2014 and Flock 3 from 2000 to 2010. Bodyweight data included birth weight, weaning weight, 8-, 12-, and 16-month bodyweight, as well as bodyweight recorded annually for the ewe flock before mating. Fleece data included fleece weight and fibre diameter recorded at the second and third shearings at 12 and 18 months old, respectively. Fleece weight, fibre diameter, style and character were also recorded annually for the ewe flocks during the winter shearing. Individual reproduction records included information on whether the ewe had kidded, whether the ewe had aborted, number of kids born, stillborn kids, kids that died soon after birth, kids reared by a foster mother, kids reared as orphans, number of kids weaned and total weight of kids weaned. Total lifetime reproductive performance of genotyped ewes was calculated for number of kids born, number of kids weaned, and total weight of kids weaned. Blood samples were also collected from 100 sexually active Angora rams from four sources. CYP17 genotyping was carried out using an ARMS-qPCR (amplification refractory mutation system qPCR) assay. Serum testosterone was quantified using high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. The distribution of the ewes across the three CYP17 genotypes was 36.7% H e , 51.5% H u , and 11.8% H o , and was in accordance with the distribution of the Angora veld rams (38.0% H e , 46.4% H u , and 15.6% H o ). In this study, animals of the H u genotype were heavier from weaning age onwards, although this difference in bodyweight was significant only at 8 months old and in the adult ewes. No differences were observed between the H e and H o animals. Adult ewes of the H e genotype (1.35 kg) produced heavier ( P 0.05). No significant differences were recorded in reproductive performance among the genotypes, although the H o ewes had the lowest (1.03 and 0.89) and the H e ewes the highest (1.07 and 0.93) number of kids born and weaned per year respectively. Results on the rams indicated that the CYP17 genotype had no effect on testosterone production by Angora rams. From the results of this study no evidence could be found that selection for any of the three genotypes would adversely affect any growth, mohair production or reproduction function of Angora ewes. A breeding strategy incorporating selection for productive traits and the CYP17 genotype, aimed at increasing the frequency of the ACS+ gene and thus the He genotype in the population, could be followed without having a negative effect on the genetic progress of productive traits. Keywords: Bodyweight, fleece weight, number of kids weaned, testosterone, weight of kids weaned

Sources of variation in fibre production and quality traits source of variation in down-bearing Patagonian goats and implications for developing a cashmere industry

Even though mohair production in Argentina is well known, data about fibre production from double-coated regional native goats—generically referred to as Patagonian Cashmere-remains scarce. The aim of this paper was to determine the production of down fibres and to assess the quality and variability of the fleece characteristics of the Northern Patagonian Creole goats. From late winter to early spring of 2005–2008, 2397 fibre samples were collected from five areas of NW Neuquén in Northern Patagonia. The average of down fibre diameter (DFD), down fibre length (DFL), down weights (DW) yields to dehairing (Y%), ratio of coarse fibre length (CFL) on down fibre length (DFL) (R:CFL/DFL), crimp/cm and the degree of curvature (C°) of the fibre were measured. For DFD an average of 20.4±3.6μm, DFL of 7.9±3.2cm and C° of 38.1±5.8°/mm, a Y% of 32.5±13.9% and a DW of 255.7±66.0g were obtained. In an attempt to reduce the variability of the fibre variables studied, locality, herds, age, fleece types and fineness were included as external effects in ANOVA. All the variables measured were greatly affected by style: long cashmere (LC) was the most frequent style (41.5%) followed by cashgora (CG) (22.2%). The most common grade of fineness (57.5%) was >19.0μm, indicating that 42.5% of the fibre was below 19μm in DFD. The other variables were significantly different within LC, short cashmere (SC) and intermediate cashmere (IC) styles when the grade of fineness was compared. The styles with lustre effect (CG and L) showed very low crimp as compared to the other styles. Taking styles as numerical, a Spearman's rank correlation coefficient (rs) was calculated with numerical grade of fineness (rs=0.45), DFD (rs=0.58), DFL (rs=0.56) Y% (rs=0.61), R: CFL/DFL (rs=−0.60); DW (rs=0.56); C°/mm (rs=−0.27). It was concluded that the classification by styles and fineness could determine more than 42% of fleece complies with the cashmere textile industry requirements.

Indices for the identification of biologically productive cashmere goats within farms

Objectively comparing cashmere goats with different cashmere production, mean fibre diameter (MFD) and staple length (SL) is difficult for farmers. We aimed to develop indices to enable cashmere producers to identify productive goats within their own farms once adjustments had been made for the primary determinants of cashmere production. That is we aimed to develop indices that identify goats and herds that biologically have a high fleece weight in relation to MFD and SL. We used a sample of 1244 commercial cashmere fleeces from goats originating from many Australian farms based in different environmental zones and a previously developed general linear model that related the logarithm of clean cashmere production (CCMwt) and any other potential determinant. In the present study, sub-models were investigated in order to develop new indices for comparing goats in the same farm, based on fleece characteristics and biological efficiency. New Index (MFD), equal to 6.02×CCMwt/1.1531MFD, was developed to identify animals of biologically high CCMwt in relation to their MFD. Unlike previously reported results that MFD is not a useful measurement for comparing the biological efficiency of cashmere goats across farms, the New Index (MFD) allows comparison of the biological efficiency of cashmere goats within farms. New Index (SL), equal to 2.70×CCMwt/1.1414SL, was developed to identify animals of biologically high CCMwt in relation to their SL. New Index (SL) is very similar to the Clean Cashmere Staple Length Index (CCSLI) that had been previously reported for comparison of cashmere goats across farms, and thus the CCSLI can be usefully used for comparing the biological efficiency of cashmere goats both across and within farms. New Index MFD, SL=8.90×CCMwt/1.243MFD+SL/2 was developed to identify animals of biologically high CCMwt in relation to both their MFD and SL within farms, and provides useful information above using either New Index (MFD) or CCSLI. The indices can be presented in the same measurement units as fleece weight, which is a biological concept easily understood by cashmere producers, and enable comparisons to be made between animals using just one attribute, clean cashmere weight.

Lifetime and fleece quality traits associated with the occurrence of entangled mohair staples

Staple entanglement in mohair fleeces occurs when adhesions form between longer and faster growing fibres and shorter and slower growing fibres. This results in accentuated crimp of the longer fibres and an “apparently” reduced staple length. The appearance in the fleece of Angora goats of staple entanglements can lead to the downgrading of the mohair to poorer style and shorter length grades, resulting in up to 60% price reductions. This study examined how staple entanglement score (SES) is related to lifetime factors of Angora goats, and how this relationship can be explained by variations in animal size and fleece attributes. SES was scored using a five-point scale: 5, long free fibres easily separated as no adhesions; 4, some adhesions between fibres; 3, some effort to separate fibres as many adhesions; 2, many adhesions, staple fibres entangled, shortening of staple; 1, very entangled and shortened staple. Measurements were made over 9 shearing periods on a population of Angora castrated males (wethers) goats representing the current range and diversity of genetic origins in Australia, including South African, Texan and interbred admixtures of these and Australian sources. Data on genetic origin, sire, dam, date of birth, dam age, birth weight, birth parity, weaning weight, live weight, fleece growth and fleece attributes were recorded. Two restricted maximum likelihood (REML) models were developed to relate SES with age, animal lifetime factors, fleece quality attributes and live weight. One model allowed fleece quality and live weight traits in the model and the other excluded these traits. Staple entanglement was almost eliminated in mohair harvested from goats shorn every 3months but was common in mohair from goats shorn twice or once per year. SES was less in goats of Texan genetic background, and was generally less in winter grown mohair. SES was higher for mohair with low fibre curvature (FC, 10°/mm) and a high clean washing yield (CWY, 90%) compared with mohair with low FC and lower CWY (80%), and compared with all mohair with high FC (18°/mm). The response of SES to shearing regime, genetic background, shearing season, age of goat and a response to dam age were almost identical whether or not an adjustment was made for CWY and FC. There was a moderate amount of variability due to sires and individuals. We can conclude that a large part of these effects observed, namely breed, dam age, sire, and a component of the FC and CWY effects, are genetic. Mohair producers can manage the genetic effects by careful selection of sires, especially avoiding those with low CWY or high FC, and avoiding sires with higher levels of staple entanglement or that have produced progeny with higher levels of staple entanglement. Also, unidentified environmental effects are affecting staple entanglement, although a lack of a live weight change effect on entanglement indicates that this effect might not be due to nutrition.