Hair Coat Research Articles

Pathogenicity of a novel bovine adenovirus type 3 with a natural deletion partial fiber gene in BALB/c mice.

A novel Bovine adenovirus type 3 (BAdV-3) with a natural deletion partial fiber gene was isolated in 2020 and named BO/YB24/17/CH. The objective of this study was to understand the pathogenicity of this virus. Thiry-two 3-week-old BALB/c mice were divided into three experimental groups and a control group. Mice in the experimental groups were intranasally inoculated with virus, and mice in the control group were inoculated with MDBK cell supernatant. Mice were weighed and clinically examined daily for appearance of any clinical signs. Three infected mice and one control mouse were euthanized at 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 days after inoculation. Tissue samples were collected for histopathological examination, immunohistochemical staining, and detection of the replication dynamics of virus. All infected mice developed mild clinical signs such as lethargy, weight loss, loss of appetite, and a rough hair coat, and gross lesions were observed as pulmonary punctate hemorrhage, lobular atrophy and splenomegaly. Histopathological examination revealed thickening of alveolar septa and mildly dilated splenic nodules and blurred red-white medullary demarcation in the spleen. Immunohistochemical results further confirmed that the production of the above lesions was due to viral infection. Importantly, unlike previously reported BAdV-3 detection only in the lungs and trachea, this isolate could be detected in multiple organs such as the heart, liver, spleen, kidney, and even blood by virus isolation and titration and real-time PCR methods. This study provides further insight into the pathogenicity of the fiber region deletion strain BO/YB24/17/CH in BALB/c mice, which provides a reference for the prevention and control of BAdV-3 as well as the development of vaccines.

Changes of the skin and wool coat of sheep of fi ne-wool breeds related with age

Sheep breeding is a unique branch of animal husbandry, characterized by a variety of products: wool, meat, milk, sheep pelts. The successful development of the industry is largely determined by the development of modern technologies, the creation of new genotypes that make it possible to produce competitive, high-quality products that meet market demands as much as possible at the lowest cost. In sheep breeding in the North Caucasus and Southern Federal Districts for many decades and up to the present, the fine-wool direction has a signifi cant share. The purpose of the research was to identify the effectiveness of the use of objective indicators of the basic properties of the skin and wool coat of sheep in the breeding process. In a comparative aspect, the indicators of wool productivity and histostructure of the skin of sheep of fi ne-wooled breeds such as Stavropol, Manych merino and Dzhalginsky merino at the age of 4,5 months (when weaning) and 1,5 years. The results of studies of the skin and hair coat, which revealed that in the period from 4,5 months to 1,5 years, the total thickness of the skin of experimental animals increased in the breeds Stavropol, Manych merino and Dzhalginsky merino by 14,2; 13,0; 12,2 %, respectively. The increase in the depth of both primordial and secondary follicles occurred by 12,3, 13,4 and 12,9 %, respectively, in the breeds Stavropol, Manych merino and Dzhalginsky merino. In the studied breeds, the density of hair follicles per mm2 decreased by 17,3 %, 9,4 and 8,2 %, respectively, but the ratio of secondary follicle/primordial follicle remained unchanged. The results of a comprehensive assessment of the fl eece revealed that both quantitative and qualitative indicators on the score scale had an excellent rating. The use of rams with established characteristics in the breeding campaign on the ewes of the breeding core will contribute to the production of young animals with the specified most productive indicators.

Thyroid evaluation in suspicious hypothyroid adult dogs before and after treatment.

The purpose of this study was to measure circulating TSH, T4 and fT4 concentrations in dogs submitted to a clinical visit for general symptoms (weight gain, polyuria and polydipsia, changes in hair coat). Twenty-eight dogs, 14 cross-breed and 14 purebreds (Golden Retriever, Labrador, Doberman), of both sexes (14 males and 14 females), aged 8 to 14 years, were assessed. No significant differences of circulating TSH, T4 , fT4 concentrations between the baseline and after therapeutic treatment nor between intact and neutered females were observed. Compared to baseline values, intact males showed higher TSH concentrations (p⟨0.01), and castrated males lower TSH concentrations (p⟨0.01) after therapeutic treatment. Compared to intact males, castrated males showed baseline TSH concentrations higher (p⟨0.01), but lower (p⟨0.01) after therapeutic treatment. No significant differences of T4 and fT4 concentrations between baseline conditions and after therapeutic treatment, nor between intact and castrated males, were observed. The experimental sample considered in this study falls within that casuistry involving elevated TSH concentrations but low serum T4 and fT4 concentrations or close to the minimum physiological cut-off, in which the common clinical signs suggestive of hypothyroidism was, essentially, overweight and neglected appearance of the hair.

Body condition and hair coat length impact weight estimation in dogs and cats presented to an emergency department.

To examine weight estimations by veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and veterinary students to determine the accuracy of weight estimation in a veterinary emergency department. Secondary objectives included an initial evaluation of how body condition score (BCS), hair coat length, and hospital position of the estimator impacted accuracy of weight estimation. 101 dogs and 28 cats that presented to the emergency department from October 17, 2017, to September 3, 2019. A written form was prospectively distributed to veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and veterinary students asking them to estimate a patient weight. Additional information about the patient, including estimated hair length and BCS, was recorded. As dogs' weights increased, all estimators underestimated the patients' weight. As BCS increased, dogs' weights were underestimated by veterinary students. Longer hair coat statistically significantly impacted accurate weight estimation in dogs. In cats, as BCS increased, veterinarians and veterinary nurses overestimated patient weight. Only 32% (32/101) and 20% (6/28) of weight estimations in dogs and cats, respectively, were within 10% of the patient's actual weight. Veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and veterinary students may not be reliable estimators of patient weight in the emergency department, especially with overweight animals. Prompt measurement of weight, if possible, is important for appropriate patient care.

Changes in Hair Coat Length and Diameter in Blanketed and Non-Blanketed Adult Horses in the Winter.

Horses are often blanketed during cold weather for numerous reasons including assisting thermoregulation, cleanliness, and anecdotally to decrease hair coat length. However, the impact of blanketing on the hair coat has yet to be evaluated. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in hair coat length and diameter over time in blanketed and non-blanketed horses during winter. In October 2019, 16 mature adult horses were blocked by breed and BCS and randomly assigned to a blanketed (n=8) or non-blanketed (n=8) treatment; blankets were placed. Data was collected between October 2019 and March 2020 in River Falls, WI. During this time BW, BCS, and hair coat samples were taken monthly. Twenty hair coat samples were taken from the non-mane side of the neck and the hindquarters using a tweezers and measured for the length and diameter using a digital micrometer and caliper, respectively. The average measurement was used to analyze the data. Horse neck and hindquarter hair were the longest and had the greatest diameter in January and February and they were the shortest with the smallest diameter in October and March regardless of treatment (P ≤ 0 .05). Blanketed horses had shorter neck hair length when compared to non-blanketed horses in January at 43 and 58 mm, respectively, and February at 35 and 47 mm, respectively (P ≤ 0 .05). These results suggest blanketing a horse can alter hair coat length, however, hair coat growth over time follows a similar pattern regardless of blanketing practices.

Possible relationships between the physical conditions of cattle and the occurrence of structural modifications of their coat hair

Context Concerning the epithelial tissue in the skin, including hair, vitamin A is required for the integrity of epithelial cells, strengthened by compounding keratin fibres. Further, the complex hormonal changes seen in pregnancy may contribute to the hair growth. Thus, the structure of the cattle coat hair may change depending on the conditions of vitamin A deficiency or pregnancy. Aims The effects of several diseases, i.e. vitamin A deficiency, pneumonia, chronic pneumonia, and chronic renal failure, or pregnancy, on the structure of the coat hair were investigated. Methods Physical properties of the coat hair, collected from Japanese black cattle (Bos Taurus) and Holstein cows (Bos taurus Taurus), were investigated to study the effects of vitamin A deficiency, other diseases, or pregnancy on the formation of hair. Key results When vitamin A concentration was lowered to about half of the minimum concentration for vitamin A adequacy of 20 μg/dL in plasma (i.e. deficiency level was high), we could perceive the interference in the self-assembly of the keratin fibrils. However, we also confirmed structural modifications of the keratin fibres obtained from the cattle suffering chronic renal failure. The coat hair collected from the pregnant cows tended to show superior tensile strengths to those of the hair from the non-pregnant ones when compared at the same diameter level, although pregnancy might have increased cortisol affecting the hair follicle function. Further, from the X-ray diffraction measurements, the non-pregnant cow coat hairs, having exhibited the inferior tensile properties, were found to be structurally modified. Conclusions The structure of the coat hair could be modified when the vitamin A concentration was severely reduced (vitamin A deficiency). The physiological conditions during pregnancy may be advantageous to serve the regular formation of the hair. Implications Hair has a function serving as a proxy of health status for a certain period of animal life.

КОНЦЕНТРАЦИЯ ЦИНКА, МАРГАНЦА, МЕДИ В ПОКРОВНОМ ВОЛОСЕ КРУПНОГО РОГАТОГО СКОТА В ЗАВИСИМОСТИ ОТ УСЛОВИЙ СОДЕРЖАНИЯ, СЕЗОННОСТИ И ТОПОГРАФИЧЕСКОГО УЧАСТКА ТЕЛА

The article presents studies on the concentration of trace elements in the coat hair of cattle. They reflect the amount of copper, manganese and zinc in the hair coat of cattle under the influence of seasonality, type of maintenance, topographical area of the animal's body. Based on the results, it can be concluded that, in contrast to the factor of the topographic site, the seasonality and type of maintenance possess a pronounced impact on the concentrations of the studied trace elements in the hair coat. And the variability within the studied groups emphasizes the individuality of the accumulation of trace elements by every individual animal. This reflects the multifunctionality of the hair coat, which consists not only in performing the thermoregulatory function, but also in reflecting the mineral status of the animal's body.

Early detection of disease onset through changes in appearance of pre-weaning calves.

The onset of diseases in pre-weaning calves can lead to changes in their appearance, which can aid early disease detection. This study measured the changes in appearance that led to disease onset in 66 pre-weaning Holstein calves. The appearance scores of the calves were recorded for 7 days before the onset of digestive or respiratory diseases. Appearance features (ear position, head position, topline curve, hair coat length, hair coat gloss, eye opening, and sunken eyes) were recorded using video camera images and scored from 0 (healthy) to 2 (poor). Among the calves with respiratory diseases, the proportion of calves with a score of 0 for ear position decreased linearly over time (p = 0.0437). Among the calves with digestive diseases, the proportion of calves with a score of 2 for hair coat length increased linearly over time (p = 0.0197). Among the calves with both respiratory and digestive diseases, the proportion of calves with scores of 1 for the topline curve and 2 for eye opening increased linearly over time (p = 0.0191). Therefore, early signs of disease manifest as different appearance features depending on the type of disease before its onset.

Stocker Steer Gains and Fly Numbers as Impacted by Burn Date and Type of Mineral on Tallgrass Native Range – Year 4

This study aims to evaluate effectiveness of two operational management systems for steer gains and fly control. The first strategy evaluated was pasture burn date of March (MAR) or April (APR). The second management strategy was free-choice mineral with spices (SPICE) or without spices (CON). Eight pastures (n = 281 steers; initial weight 566 lb) were used in a 2 × 2 factorial treatment structure. Steers were weighed individually, randomly assigned to treatment, and grazed for 89 days. Weekly, 33% of steers were photographed to count flies and evaluated for hair coat score. Steers that grazed pastures that were burned in March had a greater average daily gain than those grazing pastures that were burned in April and resulted in nearly 30 pounds more gain per calf during the grazing season. Steers that consumed the mineral that contained the spices/essential oils had a 0.10 pound per day advantage as compared to steers on control mineral. There was an interaction between pasture burn date and mineral type where steers gained the most on March burned pastures (with no difference in mineral type), had the second greatest gains on the April burned pastures with Spice mineral, and had the lowest gains on the April burned pastures with Control mineral. Weather plays a very important role in cattle performance following a complete pasture burn, and in a year with excessive spring moisture and extreme drought beginning in June, a March burn was the better management practice.

Husbandry practice, health, productive and reproductive status of lulu cattle in Mustang, Nepal

Lulu is the only indigenous cattle of taurine (Bos taurus) breed that is reared in northern part of central to western Nepal. There have been no recent studies on husbandry practice, health status, productive and reproductive performance of Lulu cattle in Nepal. Therefore, this study was conducted to know the husbandry practice, health, productive and reproductive status of Lulu cattle in Mustang district. Household survey was conducted in Lulu cattle rearing households (n=183) in Mustang; fecal sample of Lulu cow was collected from each household and examined for endoparasitic infection. Body condition score (BCS), hair coat, anemic and milk production status were recorded only from lactating cows (n=242). All of the respondents kept their cows in loose housing system. Among them, 90.2% grazed their cattle, 21.3% provided some cultivated pastures, 3.3% supplemented commercial feed and none of the farmers fed mineral supplementation to their cattle. All the milk produced was used only for home consumption. Only 22% of respondents dewormed their cattle regularly and 29% never dewormed; only 12% vaccinated against foot and mouth disease (FMD) every year and 25% never vaccinated. Cattle of 79.8% households had endoparasitic infection. Among 242 lactating cows, 13.2% cows had poor BCS (<2.75), 95.5% had rough hair coat and 20.4% had anemic (pale) eye mucous membrane. Total 8.3% cows had the history of abortion. Mean (±SD) peak milk yield and lactation length were 2.01±0.30 liter/day and 9.84±0.86 months, respectively. Most of the cows calved in summer (72%) followed by autumn (12%), spring (11%) and winter (5%). Mean (±SD) age of first calving, calving to conception interval, inter-calving interval, dry period and the number of services per conception were 36.0±0.48 months, 3.99±0.68 months, 12.97±1.34 months, 2.71±0.45 months, and 1.47±0.77, respectively. In conclusion, Lulu cattle has the potentiality to increase its productive and reproductive performance through improved health and husbandry practices.

A Clinical Scoring Systems for the Evaluation of Corynebacterium bovis -associated Disease in NSG Mice.

Clinical signs of Corynebacterium bovis infections are well-known in athymic nude mice. However, C. bovis can also infect and cause clinical signs in many hirsute, immunocompromised mouse strains such as NSG (NOD. Cg-Prkdcscid Il2rgtm1Wgl/SzJ). Typically, the clinical assessment of C. bovis-infected mice begins when overt clinical signs are initially observed and thus the early course of infection has not been thoroughly described. The goal of this study was to characterize the clinical progression of C. bovis infection in NSG mice under experimental conditions and develop a quantifiable clinical scoring system. For the development and application of this clinical scoring system, 54 naïve NSG mice were exposed to soiled bedding from clinically ill C. bovis-infected NSG mice and the emergence of clinical signs was monitored and scored weekly for 8 wk. Overall, we identified 6 benchmark changes associated with C. bovis clinical infection. Four changes were the appearance of the eyes, ears, hair coat, and posture. Two behavioral changes were increased grooming activity and rapid head shaking. All clinical signs appeared consistently and progressed temporally with increasing clinical severity. Characterization of clinical signs and scoring of clinical disease will aid veterinarians in the assessment of C. bovis-infected NSG mice and may help in the evaluation of current and future clinical interventions used to prevent or treat C. bovis-infected immunodeficient mice.

Color dilution alopecia in a Yorkshire

A 1-year-old female Yorkshire terrier was presented to the clinic for a second opinion regarding its poor hair coat condition. According to the owner, the dog has been showing that appearance since the moment it was adopted, at 8 months of age. The owner also mentioned that the dog’s father had a similar fur appearance. External deworming was regularly administered to this dog, and oral fluralaner (Bravecto™) was given at the time of its presentation. No other clinical signs were reported. A complete physical examination was performed, with emphasis on skin and fur assessment. The main findings were the presence of extensive areas of hypotrichosis and alopecia, affecting only dark-haired regions, mainly in the dorsal region, neck and on the outer surface of both pinnae (Figures 1 and 2). The presence of seborrhea and small papules compatible with superficial folliculitis were also identified. No other abnormalities were detected during the remaining examination. The complete blood count and serum biochemistry, including total circulating thyroxine (tT4) were unremarkable. Deep skin scraping and dermatophyte culture were also performed, but both tests were negative for the presence of ectoparasites and fungi, respectively. Finally, the hair follicles from the lesion areas were pulled out and evaluated under a microscope using the trichogram technique. Baths with an anti-seborrheic and anti-microbial shampoo were prescribed, but although seborrhea and folliculitis were quickly controlled with this topical treatment, the alopecic areas remained and no signs of hair regrowth was observed in the following dermatological reassessments.

548 Deletion of Myelin Protein Zero-like 3 increases sebaceous gland size and sebocyte proliferation but reduces skin adipose depots: Can MPZL3 inhibition promote excessive loss of lipids via sebum hypersecretion?

The sebaceous gland (SG) produces lipid-rich sebum and undergoes continuous self-renewal to replenish differentiated sebocytes lost during holocrine secretion. In mice, SGs can excrete large amounts of lipids mobilized from extracutaneous adipose depots. The nuclear-encoded, mitochondrially localized immunoglobulin-like v-type protein, Myelin Protein Zero-like 3 (MPZL3), has been shown to play an essential role in skin epithelial differentiation and may also regulate adipocyte functions. Mpzl3 knockout (-/-) mice display a greasy hair coat, increased Oil Red O staining of lipids, SG hypertrophy and sebocyte hyperplasia in skin histology, with increased Ki-67 staining in the peripheral zone of the SG.

Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Genes Contributed to Min Pig Villi Hair Follicle in Different Seasons.

The Min pig, a local pig breed in China, has a special trait which has intermittent villus and coat hair regeneration. However, the regulation and mechanism of villus in Min pigs have not yet been described. We observed and described the phenotype of Min pig dermal villi in detail and sequenced the mRNA transcriptome of Min pig hair follicles. A total of 1520 differentially expressed genes (DEG) were obtained.K-means hierarchical clustering showed that there was a significant expression pattern difference in winter compared with summer. Gene enrichment and network analysis results showed that the hair growth in Min pigs was closely related to the composition of desmosomes and regulated by an interaction network composed of eight core genes, namely DSP, DSC3, DSG4, PKP1, TGM1, KRT4, KRT15, and KRT84. Methylation analysis of promoters of target genes showed that the PKP1 gene was demethylated. Our study will help to supplement current knowledge of the growth mechanism of different types of hair.

Plasticity of Epithelial Cells during Skin Wound Healing.

Epithelial tissues line the outer surfaces of the mammalian body and protect from external harm. In skin, the epithelium is maintained by distinct stem cell populations residing in the interfollicular epidermis and various niches of the hair follicle. These stem cells give rise to the stratified epidermal layers and the protective hair coat, while being confined to their respective niches. Upon injury, however, all stem cell progenies can leave their niche and collectively contribute to a central wound healing process, called reepithelialization, for restoring the skin's barrier function. This review explores how epithelial cells from distinct niches respond and adapt during acute wound repair. We discuss when and where cells sense and react to damage, how cellular identity is regulated at the molecular and behavioral level, and how cells memorize past experiences and their origin. This collective knowledge highlights cellular plasticity as a brilliant feature of epithelial tissues to heal.

Effect of in utero exposure to hyperthermia on postnatal hair length, skin morphology, and thermoregulatory responses.

Skin and hair coat play important functions in maintaining homeostasis and thermoregulation for cattle, which can affect all modes of heat loss. Our objective was to investigate the effect of hyperthermia experienced in utero during late gestation on postnatal hair length, skin properties, and thermoregulation. Pregnant dams were heat stressed (n = 41) or actively cooled (n = 41) for the last ∼56 d of gestation and gave birth to heifers that were in utero heat stressed (IUHT) or in utero cooled (IUCL), respectively. Hair samples and skin tissue biopsies were collected from neck and rump locations at birth (d 0), 1 wk after weaning (d 63), and at 12 mo. Hair samples were also obtained at 4 and 8 mo. Skin tissue was stained with hematoxylin and eosin to visualize morphology. Hair length (short and long hairs, undercoat and topcoat, respectively), stratum corneum (SC) area, SC thickness, epidermis thickness, sweat gland (SWT) number, SWT cross-sectional area, SWT average size, sebaceous gland (SEB) number, SEB cross-sectional area, SEB average size, and sweat gland depth were assessed. Respiration rate, skin temperature, sweating rate, and rectal temperature was measured weekly from d 7 to 63. Additionally, thermoregulatory patterns were measured every 4 h over a 36-h interval beginning 4 d after weaning. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS with a main effect of in utero treatment with location and time points analyzed separately. No difference in hair parameters were detected at d 0 or 12 mo. At d 63, IUHT heifers had longer average hair length (14.8 vs. 13.8 ± 0.2 mm, standard error), shorter undercoats (9.3 vs. 10.4 ± 0.3 mm), longer topcoats (19.6 vs. 17.1 ± 0.3 mm), and a greater difference between topcoat and undercoat (10.1 vs. 7.0 ± 0.4 mm). At 4 mo, IUHT heifers had longer average hair lengths (26.1 vs. 22.2 ± 1.0 mm) and longer topcoats (36.9 vs. 33.9 ± 1.1 mm), and at 8 mo, IUHT had longer average hair lengths (17.9 vs. 16.2 ± 0.6 mm), relative to IUCL. At d 0, IUHT heifers had more (13 vs. 9 ± 2 glands) but smaller average sized SEB (neck: 1,636 vs. 2,238 ± 243 µm2; rump: 2,100 vs. 3,352 ± 379 µm2) and reduced SC area (79,243 vs. 169,419 ± 13,071 µm2). At d 63, IUHT had fewer SEB (11 vs. 15 ± 2 glands), smaller SWT (0.16 vs. 0.23 ± 0.02 mm2), fewer SWT (16 vs. 23 ± 4 glands), and deeper SWT (0.5 vs. 0.4 ± 0.03 mm). At 12 mo, IUHT had greater distance from the skin surface to the most superficial SWT (0.016 vs. 0.015 ± 0.0004 mm), shorter distance to the deepest SWT (0.031 vs. 0.033 ± 0.001 mm), and smaller SWT (81.1 vs. 108.9 ± 10.8 µm2), relative to IUCL. When measured both weekly and hourly, IUHT heifers had higher rectal temperature and sweating rate. Overall, in utero hyperthermia triggers long-lasting hair and skin adaptations, possibly leading to differences in postnatal thermoregulation.

Genome-wide detection of RNA editing events during the hair follicles cycle of Tianzhu white yak

BackgroundThe hair coat is available for the yak to live in the harsh environment of the plateau. Besides, improving the hair production of yak is necessary for its textile industry development. Hair grows from hair follicles (HFs). The HFs undergo periodic growth after birth and are regulated by the complex gene regulatory network. However, the molecular mechanism of HFs regeneration in the Tianzhu white yak remains unclear. RNA editing is a post-transcriptional mechanism that regulates gene expression and produces new transcripts. Hence, we investigated the influence of the A-to-I RNA editing events on the HFs cycle of the Tianzhu white yak.ResultsWe finally identified 54,707 adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) RNA editing sites (RESs) from RNA sequencing data of the HFs cycle in the Tianzhu white yak. Annotation results showed RESs caused missense amino acid changes in 7 known genes. And 202 A-to-I editing sites altered 23 target genes of 140 microRNAs. A total of 1,722 differential RESs were identified during the HFs cycle of Tianzhu white yak. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis revealed several signaling pathways and GO terms involved skin development, hair growth, and HFs cycle. Such as genes with differential RNA editing levels were significantly enriched in the peroxisome, metabolic pathways, Notch signaling pathway, and PPAR signaling pathway. Besides, the editing sites in HFs development-related genes FAS, APCDD1, WWOX, MPZL3, RUNX1, KANK2, DCN, DSC2, LEPR, HEPHL1, and PTK2B were suggested as the potential RESs involving HFs development.ConclusionThis study investigated the global A-to-I RNA editing events during the HFs cycle of yak skin tissue and expanded the knowledge of A-to-I RNA editing on the HFs cycle. Furthermore, this study revealed that RNA editing-influenced genes may regulate the HFs cycle by participating in the HFs development-related pathways. The findings might provide new insight into the regulation of RNA editing in hair growth.

Louse flies holding on mammals' hair: Comparative functional morphology of specialized attachment devices of ectoparasites (Diptera: Hippoboscoidea).

Hippoboscidae and Nycteribiidae of the dipteran superfamily Hippoboscoidea are obligate ectoparasites, which feed on the blood of different mammals. Due to their limited flight capability, the attachment system on all tarsi is of great importance for a secure grasp onto their host and thus for their survival. In this study, the functional morphology of the attachment system of two hippoboscid species and two nycteribiid species was compared in their specificity to the host substrate. Based on data from scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy, it was shown that the attachment systems of both Hippoboscidae and Nycteribiidae (Hippoboscoidea) differ greatly from that of other calyptrate flies and are uniform within the respective families. All studied species have an attachment system with two monodentate claws and two pulvilli. The claws and pulvilli of the Hippoboscidae are asymmetric, which is an adaptation to the fur of even-toed ungulates (Artiodactyla). The fur of these mammals possesses both, thinner woolen and thicker coat hair; thus, the asymmetry of the attachment system of the hippoboscid species enables a secure attachment to all surfaces of their hosts. The claws and pulvilli of the nyceribiid species do not show an asymmetry, since the fur of their bat (Chiroptera) hosts consists of hairs with the same thickness. The claws are important for the attachment to mammals' fur, because they enable a secure grip by mechanical interlocking of the hairs through the claws. Additionally, well-developed pulvilli are able to attach on thicker hairs of Artiodactyla or on smooth substrates such as the skin.

Adaptation of the White Fulani cattle to the tropical environment

This review summarizes the available information on the adaptation and the performance of White Fulani cattle in tropical environments. White Fulani cattle is an indigenous breed of cattle widely distributed in the humid tropical regions of Africa and plays significant roles in meat and milk production, as well as draught purposes. Poor management and the harsh environmental conditions in the tropics encumber the optimal productive and reproductive performance of the breed, having about 4.75 years age at first calving, 57% calving rate, 18 months calving interval and 3 to 4 calves are born in a reproductive lifetime. The cattle breed adapts to these climatic patterns via physiological, morphological, behavioral, genetic, and metabolic responses. Different physiological mechanisms and morphological features such as their white coat color, hair coat thickness, and lengthy rump appear to play an important adaptive role. The distinct genetic traits (including the possession of seven genetic variants of HSP 90 gene) of the breed afford them some levels of thermotolerance and high resistivity to some endemic diseases (such as trypanosomiasis, liver fluke, brucellosis and foot and mouth disease) in the tropics constitute inherent characteristics that should be explored in detail using molecular assisted approaches. The productive performance of the breed under different systems is discussed. A better understanding of the adaptive characteristics of White Fulani cattle could provide crucial information on the best management approach/techniques that should be adopted to improve the performance, productivity, and sustainability of this cattle breed. Therefore, this review aims to compile the various production, reproduction and adaptation traits of the breed and presents vital information underlying their thriving and survivability in tropical environments.

Traditional, breeding objectives and selection criteria of Arsi-bale goats reared at different Agro ecologies of bale zone, Ethiopia

Background and objectives: This study was carried out to access the indigenous knowledge pertaining to the selection criteria and breeding objectives of Arsi-Bale goats reared under different agro ecologies of Bale zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Thus, the study indicated that long-haired goats are reared only at highlands with a few being reared at the midlands. Most of the goats in the midlands were short coated. In the high lands the does were selected based on their coat type (long hair and glossy) coat color(black),.While at the midlands the does were selected based on their reproduction rate, kidding interval for does and reproduction rate followed by body conformation were preferred trait of buck for the mid land. While in the low land they preferred does and buck for their body conformation, hair coat type(White).Bucks were reared at Highland for cash income, skin (saddle) and wealth. At mid-lands they were kept for meat, cash and manure while in the case of Low land Bucks are for cash and meat. The selection criteria of buck and does in High land included their adaptability to high altitude conditions besides black coat color and high body weight and does in Highland include long hair, large body and coat color (black).respectively. However, in Mid-Land does and bucks were selected based on higher body weight and with large body size followed by good mothering ability. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in three Woredas of Bale zone Oromiya (Highland, Mid-Land, Low land) National Regional State. Bale zone has a latitude and longitude of 7°7′N 40°0′E with an elevation of 2,492 meters (8,176 ft) above sea level. Sampling methodology: The weredas in the zone was selected based on purposive sampling method. The woredas i,e highlands (Dinsho),midlands (Agarfa) and lowlands (Ginnir)were selected based on the agro ecologies, goat population within the agro ecology. 135 respondents were identified purposively based on their experience in rearing goats, besides their willingness to participate in the project. Statistical analysis: The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences SPSS (V24) of Windows. The data was divided into both quantitative and qualitative parameters. The quantitative traits were analyzed using descriptive statistics the means(inferential eta ANOVA) were compared across the three agro ecologies using Duncan’s multiple Range test, while the qualitative traits were assessed using non parametric tests ( viz. chi square test). Results: The preferred traits of does reared at different agro ecology of Bale Zone in the highlands indicate selection based on coat color of the goats were preferred the most over the other traits. The findings indicate that bucks are primordially reared for cash income. At midlands and lowlands the bucks are also reared for wealth and manure. Conclusion: It can be concluded that goat selection criteria and breeding objective at different agro ecology are different. Most goat selection criteria was coat color and the main objective was for cash income, wealth and manure.