Lacaune Research Articles

Inner morphological and metric characterization of the molar remains from the Montmaurin-La Niche mandible: The Neanderthal signal

Here, we present a metric and morphological study of the molar remains from the Montmaurin-La Niche mandible by means of microcomputed tomography. According to the last analysis, based on the combination of geomorphological and paleontological data, the level bearing this human mandible probably corresponds to the marine isotope stages (MIS) 7. These data place the Montmaurin-La Niche in a chronologically intermediate position between the Neanderthals and the Middle Pleistocene fossils (e.g., Sima de los Huesos, la Caune de l’Arago). A recent study has revealed that while the mandible is more closely related to the Early and Middle Pleistocene African and Eurasian populations, the morphology of the outer enamel surfaces of its molars is typical of the Neanderthal linage. The data presented here are in line with this finding because the morphology of the enamel-dentine junction of the molars is similar to that of Neanderthals, whereas the absolute and relative enamel thickness values (2D and 3D) are closer to those exhibited by some Early Pleistocene hominins. Moreover, the pulp cavity morphology and proportions are in concordance with the Neanderthal populations. Our results strengthen the hypothesis that the settlement of Europe could be the result of several migrations, at different times, originated from a common source population. Thus, the variability in the European Middle Pleistocene populations (e.g., Montmaurin, Sima de los Huesos, Arago, Mala Balanica) could indicate different migrations at different times and/or population fragmentation, without excluding the possible hybridization between residents and new settlers.

Relationships between morphological udder characteristics in Improved Valachian, Tsigai and Lacaune dairy sheep breeds

Udder morphology traits were measured and subjectively assessed by the use of linear scores and cistern cross-section areas were scanned by ultrasound machine, and were examined in 266 dairy ewes of Tsigai (TS), Improved Valachian (IV) and Lacaune (LC) dairy ewes. Measurements were recorded repeatedly within and between lactations, therefore 772 sets of measurements were collected in total. Analysis of variance was conducted with the mixed procedure of SAS statistical package. The model included effects of experimental day, parity, day in milk, random effect of animal and residual error. Subsequently correlations between random animal effects for udder measurements and linear scores were computed. Subjectively assessed linear scores for udder depth, cistern depth, teat angle and teat size showed high correlations with actual measurements of appropriate traits on udder in all examined breeds (rp=0.65–0.80).

Machine milkability of East Friesian and Lacaune dairy sheep

Udder morphology and milking characteristics are one of the factors determining milkability in dairy ewes. Udder morphology traits were measured and subjectively assessed by the use of linear scores in 150 ewes of Lacaune (LC) and East Friesian (EF) dairy breeds. Linear scores were assessed for udder depth, cistern depth, teat placement, teat length, udder attachment, udder cleft, and udder shape. Nine traits characterized by milk production and milkability were analyzed in machine milking conditions (150 measurements). Analysis of variance was done by the GLM procedure of SAS statistical package. Extraordinary great variability in all traits of linear udder evaluation was detected, as well as in traits connected with milk production and milkability. The obtained results suggest that LC breed has better milkability parameters than EF breed. The differences in milk production and analysed parameters of milkability were too large between the individual flocks.

Ewes giving birth to female lambs produce more milk than ewes giving birth to male lambs

A total number of 23,271 parturitions were studied from two sheep farms of the Churra (CH) and Lacaune (LA) breeds. CH lambs were kept with their mothers during the first 30 days of age; from that moment onwards, ewes were machine-milked. LA lambs were not allowed to suckle their mothers, and ewes were machine-milked from parturition. Milking length (ML), total milk yield (TMY) and daily milk yield (DMY) (TMY/ML) were calculated. For the CH breed, there was an effect (p < .001) of prolificacy on ML, TMY and DMY and of offspring gender on TMY and DMY. For the LA breed, prolificacy and offspring gender had an effect (p < .001) on ML, TMY and DMY. Ewes giving birth to twin lambs produced more milk (CH: +0.15 l/d and +27.5 l/ewe; LA: +0.15 l/d and +11 l/ewe), than ewes giving birth to single lambs. For single parturitions in the CH breed, ewes giving birth to females produced more milk (+0.04 l/d and +5.2 l/ewe) (p < .0001) than ewes giving birth to males. In this breed, this effect of female offspring on milk production was similar for those ewes giving birth to twin lambs. In conclusion, ewes presenting twin parturitions produced more milk than single parturitions and the presence of female lambs had a positive effect on milk yield. These results open new possibilities to increase profitability of dairy sheep farms through a selection of the offspring gender.

Factors affecting ewe performance in a crossbred dairy sheep research flock in the United States.

The Spooner Agricultural Research Station operated the only dairy sheep research flock in North America through 2016. The original nondairy ewe flock was "bred up" to a crossbred dairy flock through the use of rams and semen of the East Friesian (EF) and Lacaune (LA) dairy breeds. The objective of this study was to determine the environmental and nonadditive genetic effects that influence performance of dairy ewes. The traits analyzed were 180 d adjusted milk (180d MY), fat (180d FY), and protein (180d PY) yields, percentage fat (%F) and protein (%P) in milk, lactation average somatic cell score (LSCS), and number of lambs born per ewe lambing (NLB). The univariate repeatability models included the fixed effects of year of lambing, age, weaning system (except for the trait of NLB), individual breed composition, and individual retained heterosis along with the random additive genetic, permanent environmental, and residual effects. Estimates of heritability were moderate for 180d MY (0.32 ± 0.04), 180d FY (0.26 ± 0.04), and 180d PY (0.29 ± 0.04), high for %F (0.54 ± 0.04) and %P (0.61 ± 0.04), and low for LSCS (0.12 ± 0.03) and NLB (0.08 ± 0.02). Ewes that reared their lambs had lower ( < 0.01) 180d MY, 180d FY, 180d PY, %F, and %P and higher ( < 0.001) LSCS than ewes that had their lambs removed shortly after parturition. Relative to nondairy breeding, EF and LA breeding had positive ( < 0.001) effects on 180d MY, 180d FY, and 180d PY, but a negative ( < 0.03) effect on %P. Purebred EF ewes were predicted to have lower ( < 0.001) %F than purebred LA or nondairy ewes. Purebred LA ewes were predicted to have a higher ( < 0.001) LSCS than purebred EF or nondairy ewes. Purebred EF ewes were expected to be more ( < 0.001) prolific than purebred LA or nondairy ewes. Individual retained heterosis had a favorable ( < 0.01) effect on 180d MY, 180d FY, 180d PY, and NLB. Knowledge of the factors affecting dairy ewe performance are important for dairy sheep producers to make more informed husbandry and breeding decisions.

Estimation of Genetic and Phenotypic Parameters for Udder Morphology Traits in Different Dairy Sheep Genotypes

Knowledge of genetic parameters is the basis of sound livestock improvement programmes. Genetic parameters have been estimated for linear udder traits: Udder depth (UD), Cistern depth (CD), Teat position (TP), Teat size (TS) and external udder measurements: Rear udder depth (RUD), Cistern depth (CDe), Teat length (TL) and Teat angle (TA) – 1275 linear assessments (381 ewes) and 1185 external udder measurements (355 ewes) were included in the analysis for each character of 9 genotypes. Nine breeds and genotypes were included in these experiments: purebred Improved Valachian (IV), Tsigai (T), Lacaune (LC) ewes, and IV and T crosses with genetic portion of Lacaune and East Friesian (EF) – 25 %, 50 % and 75 %. Primary data were processed using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) methodology and the multiple‑trait animal model, using programs REMLF90 and VCE 4.0. High genetic correlations were found between UD and RUD (0.86), CD and CD(e) (0.93), TP and TA (0.90), TS and TL (0.94). The highest heritabilities were estimated for exact measurements of TL and CD (0.35–0.39) and subjectively assessed TA and TS (0.32 – 0.33).

English

We studied the size of mammary cistern in ewes of 9 genotypes (purebred Improved Valachian (IV), purebred Tsigai (T), purebred Lacaune (LC) and their crosses with genetic proportion of specialized dairy breeds Lacaune and East Friesian (EF) - (25 %, 50 % and 75 %) were evaluated. Data were evaluated using REML methodology and MIXED procedure (SAS/STAT). The effect of genotype showed the highest influence (P<0.001) on the length and area of the left and right udder cisterns measurements. In purebred IV ewes, the average areas of the left and right udder cisterns sizes were obtained by using the side method were (1519.39±77.212 mm 2 ).

L’homme de Tautavel. Un Homo erectus européen évolué. Homo erectus tautavelensis

One hundred and forty-eight human remains have been discovered during excavations carried out between 1964 and 2014 in la Caune de l’Arago, in Tautavel, in the Eastern Pyrenees. They come from a detailed stratigraphic context comprising 15 archaeostratigraphic units with human presence, with ages ranging from 550 ka for unit Q at the base, to 400 ka for unit C at the top (OIS 14 to 10). During this long period of time, Man experienced two cold and dry climatic periods (stratigraphic complexes I and III), separated by a humid-temperate period (stratigraphic complex II). Most of the human remains come from units F and G, in stratigraphic complex III, associated with a cold and windy steppic environment. The human remains were mixed with the archaeological material and waste from hunted and consumed fauna. The inventory of human remains comprises a majority of cranial elements, and in particular, the anterior portion of a skull, Arago XXI, discovered on 22 July 1971, which revealed the physical aspect of the first Europeans for the first time. The remains are made up of 5 mandibles, 123 teeth (isolated or still on the alveolar arch), several post-cranial skeletal fragments: 9 upper limb elements, 19 lower limb elements, representing 30 deceased individuals, comprising 18 adults and 12 children. The study of these fossils relates them to Asian and African forms of Homo erectus, as they display common characteristics. This observation raises questions as to the existence of this group in Europe. The contribution of the collection of human fossils from Arago thus presents a threefold interest; paleontological, population-based and behavioural. The multiple remains allow us to assess the biodiversity and the composition of this small population. These remains present original features in comparison to Mauer, the classical Homo heidelbergensis European ancestor. The Arago fossils display archaic characteristics not observed on the Mauer mandible; in particular, the great anteroposterior extension of the convex arch toward the fore, the large proportions of the premolars and of the M2, the high robusticity index of the mandible body, the sub-horizontal alveolar planum and the slightly inclined prominent mylohyoidian line. The face of the skull is not yet reduced to allow for the expansion of the brain, a process which develops at a later stage. The skull is low, with an extended frontal, very marked facial prognathism and a powerful masticatory apparatus with temporal crests and a prominent torus angularis, conveying a pantagonal coronal cross-section, contrasting with the regular convexity observed on the skulls from La Sima de los Huesos and Neanderthals. A comparative analysis with the well-documented population discovered in La Sima de los Huesos shows that the latter fossils are more evolved and are more similar to the Neanderthal shape, and at the same time, not very different from the Mauer mandible. The currently known European human fossils point to the following scenario: Homo georgicus, a similar form to the habilis-rudolfensis group, bearing pre-Oldowan and Oldowan technology, was present at the gateways of Europe approximately 1.8 Ma ago. From 1.2–0.8 Ma onwards, the somewhat fragmentary records from Atapuerca, Elefante, Gran Dolina-TD6, could be related to this first lineage. The first Homo erectus with biface cultures to leave Africa arrived at the gateways of Europe some 1.2 Ma ago, as shown by the discovery of the Kocabaş skull cap in Anatolia, similar to the fossils from Buia in Eritrea and Daka in Ethiopia, dated to about 1 Ma. From 0.55 Ma, the set of 148 human remains, and in particular the skull Arago XXI, point to the presence of a new, well-documented form (distinct from Mauer). We propose to relate these remains to Homo erectus tautavelensis, thereby giving this subspecies a geographic connotation. The morphofunctional and cultural characteristics of Homo erectus tautavelensis represent the stock of a long European lineage, leading to the emergence of Neanderthals.

THE FREQUENCY OF DISTRIBUTION OF SOMATIC CELL COUNT IN DAIRY EWE’S MILK

The objective of this study was to evaluate the situation in somatic cell counts in one selected herd throughout three-years period The was study performed in the experimental herd of the RIAP Nitra, Slovakia, between 2010 and 2013. Genotypes of purebred Tsigai (TS), Improved Valachian (IV) and Lacaune (LC) and their crossbred Tsigai× Lacaune (TS×LC) and Improved Valachian × Lacaune (IV×LC) ewes on their 1-3 lactation were investigated. SCC of milk was determined in 2632 milk samples collected from lactating dairy ewes. On the basis of SCC the dairy ewes were divided into the five groups: G1= SCC 106 cells.ml-1 to study the frequency of distribution of health problems of mammary gland in selected group of ewes throughout experimental period. In total the percentage of samples in first three groups was 78 %. The ewes of TS and IV had higher percentage of samples in G1 and lower in G5 as compared with L, TSxLC and IVxLC. In conclusion, the high percentage of ewes in a groups under 600×103 cells.ml-1 could indicate possible legislative limit for SCC related to good udder health in a future legislative.

Milk protein variants are highly associated with milk performance traits in East Friesian Dairy and Lacaune sheep

In total, 403 milk samples of East Friesian Dairy (EFD) and Lacaune (LAC) sheep hold in three different flocks in Switzerland and Germany were analysed for milk protein variability at protein level by isoelectric focusing and at DNA-level by different DNA-based tests. Isoelectric focusing of all milk samples led to the identification of the alphas1-casein (αs1-CN; CSN1S1) alleles C and H, αs2-CN (CSN1S2) A, B, and C, as well as beta-lactoglobulin (β-LG; LGB) A and B. All animals were monomorphic for alpha-lactalbumin (α-LA; LALBA) A and kappa-casein (κ-CN; CSN3), and within beta-casein (β-CN; CSN2) only differences in the intensity and not in the position of the bands could be identified.DNA-based tests differentiated αs1-CN C into CSN1S1*C′ and C″, typed for CSN1S2*G, for an A>G single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 7 of CSN2, for an A>G SNP in exon 2 of ovine CSN3, and for a microsatellite within intron 3 of CSN3. CSN1S2*G and the A>G-SNP within CSN2 occurred only in LAC, whereas the A>G SNP in CSN3 was identified only in EFD sheep. In total, 11 CSN3 microsatellite alleles were observed. Furthermore, 8 and 11 CN haplotypes (CSN1S1-CSN2-CSN1S2-CSN3) were identified in EFD and LAC sheep.Additionally, associations between milk performance traits and milk protein alleles and genotypes were analysed using 150-day-lactation data. Significant effects of milk protein alleles and genotypes on protein content were identified. In both dairy sheep breeds CSN1S1*C″ is significantly associated with a higher protein content. In EFD significant effects of the CSN3-SNP and the CSN3 microsatellite on protein percentage and of the LGB-SNP on protein and fat percentage were additionally identified. Further research is needed to clarify in more detail the effects of milk protein variability on milk performance also in other dairy sheep breeds, to aim the implementation in future sheep breeding programs.

Genetic Parameters for Somatic Cell Count, Logscc and Somatic Cell Score of Breeds: Improved Valachian, Tsigai, Lacaune and their Crosses/Genetski Parametri Za Broj Somatskih Ćelija, Logscc I Skor Somatskih Ćelija Kod Rasa: Poboljšana Vlaška, Cigaja, Lakon I Njihovih Meleza

Abstract In the last few years there has been increasing emphasis on reducing milk somatic cell count to improve the milk quality in dairy ruminants. Genetic parameters for somatic cell count (SCC), LOGSCC and somatic cell score (SCS) were estimated. About 1193 measurements were included in the analysis for each character of 358 ewes of 9 genotypes. Nine breeds and genotypes were included in these experiments: purebred Improved Valachian (IV), Tsigai (T), Lacaune (LC) ewes, and IV and T crosses with a genetic portion of Lacaune and East Friesian (EF) - 25 %, 50 % and 75 %. Primary data were processed using restricted maximum likelihood (REML) methodology and the multi-trait animal model, using programs REMLF90 and VCE 4.0. Heritability coefficients for somatic cell count were low: h2=0.03, for LOGSCC h2= 0.08 and for somatic cell score h2=0.06. Somatic cell score can be considered for inclusion in a breeding program aimed at reducing somatic cell count and frequency of clinical mastitis in dairy sheep.

Comparison of external udder measurements of the sheep breeds Improved Valachian, Tsigai, Lacaune and their crosses

Morphological udder traits have recently become of greater interest from farmers to researchers. In dairy ewes, the udder is very important due to its physiological and conformational characteristics. External udder traits were measured in ewes ( Ovis aries L.) of nine genotypes (355 ewes) created of the basis of Improved Valachian (IV), Tsigai (T), and Lacaune (LC) breeds (six traits; 1185 data for each trait) during the milking period 2002-2008. Udder measurements were assessed for: udder length (UL), udder width (UW), rear udder depth (RUD), cistern depth (CDE), teat length (TL), and teat angle (TA). Data were processed by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) methodology using a MIXED procedure from the SAS statistical package. All studied parameters were influenced by the genotype (P < 0.001), many of them also by the effect of parity and lactation stage. The exactly detected UL, UW and RUD during the lactation and with the age of ewes expand gradually (P < 0.001). Teat length was greater in older ewes (expanding, with the parity). Indicator TA during lactation worsened. Crosses with 25 to 75% share of genetic dairy breeds (in particular with LC, to a lesser extent ‘East Friesian’ - EF) were in most cases larger than the udder cisterns of purebred ewes T and IV. Purebred LC had the largest udders, with the largest cisterns. In conclusion, crosses with specialized dairy breeds have more suitable udders for machine milking than purebred default breeds (T, IV, LC) and are suitable for machine milking.

Effect of different crossbreeds of Lacaune and East Friesian breeds on milk yield and basic milk parameters

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different crossbreeds (CB) of Lacaune (LC) and East Friesian (EF) breeds (LC 50 EF 50, LC 75 EF 25 and LC 87.5 EF 12.5) on daily milk yield (DMY) and basic milk composition (contents of total solids (TS), fat (F), protein (P), casein (C) and lactose (L) for the whole lactation. The evaluation of the interactions between CB and parity (PA) and between CB and litter size (LS) on above mentioned indicators was also an integral part of this study. The study was carried out on the organic farm in Valašská Bystřice. The factor of CB had a significant effect only on DMY and contents of P and C for the whole lactation whilst the higher proportion of LC breed in genotype, the higher DMY and the lower P and C contents. The CB x PA had a significant effect on all indicators except for the lactose content when in all CB the DMY increased with the increase of the lactation number. On the other hand, in all CB the contents of TS, F, P and C were relatively very variable depending on the parity. Lastly, as for the interaction between CB and LS, the ewes with twins produced significantly more milk compared to ewes with singles and these ewes had also significantly higher contents of P and C and not significantly higher contents of TS and F.

Relationships between external and internal udder measurements and the linear scores for udder morphology traits in dairy sheep

Udder morphology traits were measured and subjectively assessed by the use of linear scores in 266 ewes of Tsigai (T), Improved Walachian (IW) and Lacaune (LC) dairy breeds. Animals were recorded repeatedly within and between lactations, therefore 772 sets of measurements and linear scores were collected in total. Udder measurements included: udder length, udder width, rear udder depth, cistern depth, teat length, teat angle, sum of cistern cross-section areas scanned by the ultrasound technique from the side and from the bottom in a water bath. Linear scores were assessed for: udder depth, cistern depth, teat placement, teat length, udder attachment, udder cleft, and udder shape from the aspect of machine milking. Analysis of variance was conducted by the mixed procedure of SAS statistical package. The model included effects of experimental day, parity, days in milk, random effect of animal and residual error. Subsequently, correlations between random animal effects for udder measurements and linear scores were computed for individual examined breeds separately. Subjectively assessed linear scores for udder depth, cistern depth, teat position and teat size showed high correlations with actual measurements of the respective traits on udder in all examined breeds (r&lt;sub&gt;p&lt;/sub&gt; = 0.65&amp;ndash;0.80). Linear scores for cistern depth and teat position were highly correlated (r&lt;sub&gt;p&lt;/sub&gt; = 0.84; 0.77 and 0.90 for T; IW and LC ewes), suggesting that they are nearly identical traits. Linear score for udder shape was significantly correlated with the linear score for udder attachment in all examined breeds (r&lt;sub&gt;p&lt;/sub&gt; = 0.79; 0.80 and 0.78 for T; IW and LC). In T and IW assessments of the udder shape were also highly correlated with linear score for udder height (r&lt;sub&gt;p&lt;/sub&gt; = 0.84 resp. r&lt;sub&gt;p&lt;/sub&gt; = 0.79) while in LC this correlation was close to zero. In LC assessment of the udder shape was more dependent on teat position (r&lt;sub&gt;p&lt;/sub&gt; = &amp;ndash;0.37) and cistern depth (r&lt;sub&gt;p&lt;/sub&gt; = &amp;ndash;0.30). &amp;nbsp;

Genetic analysis of emotional reactivity in sheep: effects of the genotypes of the lambs and of their dams

A total of 1347 weaned lambs from eight genotypes were tested over five consecutive years: Romanov (ROM) and Lacaune (LAC) pure breeds, the two F1 crossbreeds (RL and LR) and the offspring of ewes from these four genotypes sired with Berrichon-du-Cher rams (BCF). The lambs were individually exposed to three challenging tests involving novelty, human contact and social isolation. Ten synthetic variables were used to express social reactivity (i.e., active vs. passive strategy), exploratory activity and reactivity to humans. BCF crossbreds were more active (i.e., high bleats, locomotion and attempts to escape) than purebreds and F1. In contrast, ROM expressed more passive responses (i.e., low bleats and vigilance postures) than LAC and BCF crossbreds. In addition, ROM approached a motionless human less and had longer flight distances to an approaching human than did LAC and BCF crossbreds. When restrained, ROM, and to a lesser extent B×ROM and B×LR, avoided human contact more than did LAC, RL and B×LAC. Most of these differences were explained by direct additive genetic effects while maternal influences or heterosis effects were rarely significant. The highest heritability was for high bleats (h2 = 0.48). Females were more active and avoided human contact more than did males.

A comparative study of dry matter intake and digestive pool variations in Manchega and Lacaune dairy sheep

Manchega (MN) and Lacaune (LC) are two semi-coarse-wooled dairy breeds with similar size but different milk yield, the latter producing twice as much milk as the former (Pérez, 1997). The aim of this experiment was to compare, under the same feed conditions, dry matter intake and performance in late pregnancy and lactation and digestive pools of these two breeds.Twenty-four ewes, 12 per breed, were used in three different periods: late pregnancy (8 weeks), rearing (5 weeks) and milking (7 weeks). At lambing, average body weight was 74.4 vs 78.5 kg, for LC and MN, respectively. Dry matter intake (DMI), apparent dry matter digestibility (DMD), body condition score (BCS) and milk yield (MY) standardized according to Bocquier et al. (1993) were recorded.

Environmental impact of neolithic and bronze age farming in the eastern Pyrenees forelands, based on multidisciplinary investigations at La Caune de B�lesta (B�lesta Cave), near Perpignan, France

Results of multidisciplinary studies, involving anthracology, archaeology and geoarchaeology, that have been carried out on Neolithic to Bronze Age deposits from Belesta Cave, eastern Pyrenees, are reported. These show that the type of human activity, i.e. pastoralism alone or a more diversified farming economy, and continuity/discontinuity of occupation are the main factors that determine the structure and evolution of the Holocene vegetation in the region. Neolithic pastoral activities were not continuous and so did not have an enduring influence on the natural environment. The more continuous and diversified exploitation associated with Bronze Age cultures was responsible for the development and maintenance of the low garrigues.

Le cheval du gisement pléistocène moyen de la Caune de 1'Arago (Tautavel, Pyrénées Orientales, France) [The horse of middle pleistocene site of la Caune de I 'Arago (Tautavel, Pyrénées Orientales, France)

Le Cheval de la Caune de l'Arago a vécu pendant une période de froid intense, qui correspond au stade isotopique 12. C'est un animal de haute stature, 1,56 m à 1,63 m au garrot, associant des caractères primitifs à des caractères évolués. En effet, plusieurs particularités anatomiques permettent de voir en l'Equidé de la Caune de l'Arago une espèce déjà bien évoluée. Parmi celles-là : la présence d'un protocône large et bilobé, un pli caballin bien développé... A côté de cela, il faut noter la présence de traits archaïques : présence de la P1, des valeurs assez faible de l'indice protoconique... Cette étude nous a amené à préciser un certain nombre de particularités odontologique et ostéologique de l'Equidé de la Caune de l'Arago et dont la plupart sont reconnues, par différents auteurs, comme étant caractéristiques de Equus mosbachensis.

Etude des minéraux lourds de la Caune de l'Arago et de son environnement

The systematic study of the heavy minerals in the geological formations of "La Caune de l'Arago" (Tautavel, Pyrénées-Orientales) as well as the one in the lithostratigraphic units allow tracing back the origins of the sediments and, for the most part, the processes of their deposition into the cave. A geochemical evolution, subsequent to the infilling of the cave, is indicated by the absence of the pyroxenes, the quasi-absence of the amphiboles and the fluctuation of the garnets as a function of the degree of the décarbonation. Additionally zircons of recent volcanism and probably from Sancy (Massif Central — France) characterized by their typology, are recovered inside and outside of l'Arago : they could be a valuable indicator of the chronology of the Quaternary at a precise time of the prehistoric period.