Foreleg Length Research Articles

Sexual dimorphisms in body proportions of Masai giraffes and the evolution of the giraffe’s neck

Giraffes exhibit a large sexual dimorphism in body size. Whether sexual dimorphisms also exist in body proportions of the axial and appendicular skeleton has been debated, particularly regarding the giraffe’s iconic long neck. We examined the anatomical proportions of the neck, forelegs, hindlegs, and body trunk of the Masai giraffe (G. tippelskirchi) in captive and wild populations. We found that female Masai giraffes have proportionally longer necks relative to their forelegs than males in contradiction to the original necks-for-sex hypothesis that proposed that the evolution of the giraffe’s long neck was driven by male-male competition. However, male neck width and apparent mass are proportionally larger than females’, supporting a modification of the necks-for-sex hypothesis. Moreover, male foreleg length is proportionally longer whereas female trunk length is proportionally longer. These sexual dimorphisms were found in both captive and wild Masai giraffes. We speculate that the initial evolution of the giraffe’s long neck and legs was driven by interspecific competition and the maternal nutritional demands of gestation and lactation through natural selection to gain a competitive advantage in browsing, and then later the neck mass was further increased as a consequence of male-male competition and sexual selection. Differences in the proportions of major body components define sex phenotypes, but several giraffes display opposite-sex phenotypes with a significantly higher level of discordancy seen in captive males. We speculate that body proportion sexual dimorphisms are maintained in the wild by natural and/or sexual selection, but in captivity selection is relaxed resulting in a higher occurrence of discordances in sexual phenotypes.

Zootechnical function of a population of Blackbelly sheep in Campeche, México, based on morphometric indices

Objective. The objective of the study was to determine the zootechnical function of Blackbelly sheep utilizing morphometric indices (MI). Materials and methods. Five hundred and twenty-five females and 67 adult males were utilized to analyze live weight (LW) and eleven MI, one of ethnological type: body index, and 10 of functional type: relative shortness index, depth index, relative depth of thorax index, longitudinal index, longitudinal pelvic index, foreleg length index, dactyl-thoracic index, dactyl-costal index, body capacity index 1, and body capacity index 2. Results. Averages of the ethnological index in males (68.8) and females (74.2) indicated that Blackbelly sheep of this population are classified as short-sized. Results from the meat-aptitude index indicated in males a clear orientation for meat production. However, results from the milk-aptitude indices indicated in females an eumetric tendency, which means an acceptable orientation for milk production. A strong sexual dimorfism was found with higher averages (p<0.05) for males in most morphometric variables, with an overall mean of 1.16 in the difference between males and females. In males, 82.1% of correlations among LW and morphometric variables were positive and significant, whereas in females it was 57.1%. Conclusions. This population of Blackbelly sheep has a high sexual dimorfism, it is undefined in its zootechnical function, and it has a high-medium body harmony.

Morphological characterization and the relationship between morphometric indices of a local Cyprus fat–tailed Sheep breed in Cyprus

With many local breeds in danger of extinction or genetic erosion, the loss of genetic variety in farm animal genetic resources is an increasingly critical concern. Conserving diverse sheep breeds is crucial for long–term agricultural sustainability and ecosystem health. The current research focused on the Cyprus fat–tailed sheep, which is important for both meat and milk production, particularly to produce Halloumi cheese. A study on a Cyprus sheep production farm was carried out with the aim to characterize the morphological traits of Cyprus fat–tailed sheep breed for its conservation. The study found that in female Cyprus fat–tailed sheep, white, white–black, and brown coat color patterns were the common ones recorded with proportions of 75, 12.5, and 12.5%, respectively. Sixty seven percent of males were white–black followed by white coat color in 33%. Male sheep are all characterized by white fleece, while females had a range of fleece colors with the majority in white (75%) followed by pale greyish brown in 18.75% and fawn fleece in 6.25%. On the other hand, male Cyprus fat–tailed sheep had higher values (P<0.05) for wither height, heart girth, chest width, hip height, foreleg length, compact index, area index, and body weight than females. Morphometric traits, such as head length, wither height, heart girth, chest depth, body length, and hip height, were significantly positively (P<0.01) correlated with body weight. The study concludes that the characterization of the Cyprus fat–tailed sheep breed’s physical and morphological traits is essential and useful for its conservation.

Morphometric Analysis in Determining Body Score Index of Male Duroc Pigs

This research aims to determine the index score of male Duroc pigs. The research was carried out at Mitra Tani Farm, Wewiku District, Malaka Regency. The livestock used in this research were 80 1 year old male Duroc pigs. The variable observed in this research is the Salako cumulative index which consists of weight index, height slope index, length index, width slope index, depth index, foreleg length index, balance and cumulative index which will be analyzed using the Salako (2006) formula to see the cumulative index to determine the index score of the livestock. The results of the study showed that the average morphometric size of male Duroc pigs was body weight 46.56 ± 24.00 kg, body length 58.43 ± 16.88 cm, shoulder height 50.78 ± 11.83 cm, hip height 52.00 ± 12.66 cm, chest circumference 77.90 ± 26.50 cm, chest width 18.45 ± 5.78 cm, chest depth 36.32 ± 12.95 cm, hip length 16.36 ± 4.67 cm, and hip width 12.28 ± 2.24 cm. The average weight index, height slope index, length index, width slope index, depth index, foreleg length index, and balance of male Duroc pigs from the research were respectively 14882.30 ± 8387.32; 1.23 ± 1.97; 1.14±0.13; 0.75±0.32; 0.70±0.14; 14.56±7.90; and 1.29 ± 0.70 with a cumulative index of 5.20 ± 2.35. Based on the research results obtained, it was concluded that the high cumulative index value of male pigs can be used to determine the body index score in livestock selection. This can be used as one of the selection criteria in improving the quality of pigs at Mitra Tani Farm Wewiku, Malaka Regency.

The Varroa paradox: infestation levels and hygienic behavior in feral scutellata-hybrid and managed Apis mellifera ligustica honey bees

The Varroa destructor mite is a parasitic threat to managed and feral honey bee colonies around the world. Beekeepers use miticides to eliminate Varroa in commercial hives, but these chemicals can diminish bee health and increase miticide resistance. In contrast, feral honey bees have developed multiple ways to counteract mites without chemical treatment. We compared mite levels, grooming habits, and mite-biting behavior between feral Africanized honey bees (genomically verified Apis mellifera scutellata hybrids) and managed Italian honey bees (A. mellifera ligustica). Surprisingly, there was no difference in mite infestation levels between scutellata-hybrids and managed bees over one year despite the regular use of miticides in managed colonies. We also found no differences in the social immunity responses of the two groups, as measured by their hygienic habits (through worker brood pin-kill assays), self-grooming, and mite-biting behavior. However, we provide the first report that both scutellata-hybrids and managed honey bees bite off mite chemosensory forelegs, which the mites use to locate brood cells for reproduction, to a significantly greater degree than other legs (a twofold greater reduction in foreleg length relative to the most anterior legs). Such biting may impair mite reproduction.

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

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

PREDICTION OF LIVE BODY WEIGHTS IN DROMEDARY CAMELS (Camelus dromedarius) FROM MORPHOMETRIC BODY MEASUREMENTS

The study explores the prediction of body weight in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) using morphometric measurements Fifty-one (51) camels, comprising 24 females and 27 males were used for the study. Data were obtained on individual camels, including; estimated body weight (EBW), heart girth (HG), abdominal girth (AG), body length (BL), rump height (RH), shoulder height (SH), face length (FL), foreleg length (FLL), hind leg length (HLL), tail length (TL), neck length (NL), neck circumference (NC), and head length (HL). Data were subjected to statistical analysis. Results obtained showed no-significant (p>0.05) effect of sex on body weight in females and males. The correlation coefficients highlight strong relationships, particularly in HG and AG, emphasizing their significance in predicting body weight. The results show moderate to low VIF values, suggesting acceptable levels of multicollinearity in the models. Prediction equations are gender-specific, with separate models for females and males. For both sexes, HG and AG emerge as crucial predictors, with additional contributions from SH and FLL in certain models. The coefficient of determination (R2) indicates the proportion of variability in body weight explained by the models. For females, a three-variable model achieves an impressive R2 of 99.1%, while the corresponding male model attains 97.6%. Combining sexes, the models reach R2 values of 98.1% and 98.3%, showcasing the efficacy of the proposed regression equations in predicting body weights in dromedary camels. The study provides valuable insights for camel management, offering a practical tool for estimating body weight based on readily measurable morphometric traits.

Morphometric features, seminal profile and diluters effect on post-thaw semen quality of Munshiganj cattle in Bangladesh

The study investigates morphometric features, seminal profile and post-thaw semen quality of Munshiganj cattle. Morphometric features were measured using measuring tape from 20 Munshiganj cattle while coat color was measured by observing in naked eye. Fresh and post thaw semen quality parameters were analyzed using Computer Assisted semen analyzer (CASA). Coat color of Munshiganj male cattle were creamy white to dull pinkish and female were white to creamy. The mean body weight, body length, hearth girth, height at wither, head length, head width, ear length, ear width, fore leg length, hind leg length, tail length, tail doc circumference, horn length, horn diameter and mouth circumference were 362.80 kg, 137.31 cm, 160.66 cm, 135.21 cm, 50.97 cm, 20.58 cm, 19.75 cm, 9.88 cm, 73.02 cm, 74.84 cm, 106.10 cm, 20.75 cm, 13.60 cm, 16.12 cm and 43.00 cm, respectively. There was significant difference (p < 0.05) between male and female in terms of body weight (418.00 vs 307.60 kg), heart girth (173.74 vs 147.57 cm), head width (22.50 vs 18.67 cm), horn diameter (18.58 vs 13.66 cm) and mouth circumference (46.60 vs 39.40 cm). Average scrotal length was 16.76 cm while scrotal circumference was 32.70 cm. Age had significant effect (p < 0.05) on morphometric characteristics of Munshiganj male and female cattle. On the other hand, season had no significant effect on semen quality. Mean semen volume, sperm concentration, total motile, progressive, static, slow and live spermatozoa were 5.83 ± 0.88 ml, 1510.27 ± 844.07 million/ml, 91.9 ± 2.17 %, 63.80 ± 12.53 %, 8.10 ± 2.17 %, 0.10 ± 0.10 %, 91.38 ± 0.25 %, respectively. On the other hand, sperm head length and width, sperm tail length of Munshiganj cattle were 10.39 ± 0.16 μm, 4.26 ± 0.07 μm, 21.5 ± 0.52 μm, respectively. Individual breeding bull had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on post-thawed motile sperm percentage. Four different diluters (Triladyl, Steridyl, Tris-egg yolk-Citrate and Andromed) were used to compare the effects of diluter on post-thaw semen quality of Munshiganj cattle and found that diluter had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on post thaw semen quality except slow motility and proximal droplet percentages. Munshiganj cattle had a distinctive phenotypic feature with standard quality semen and had no effect of egg yolk free and egg yolk based diluters on post thaw semen quality.

Multivariate analysis of local pig populations in the rural areas of High-Katanga province, DR Congo

Morpho-biometric characteristics of 342 local pigs from the rural areas of Kasenga and Kambove in Haut-Katanga province were studied with the objective to analyzing genetic variability, determining population structure, establishing phylogenetic relationships between the pig populations studied and identifying probable genetic types. The data collected were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering (HCA) and discriminant factor analysis (DFA). The main results showed that the first two principal components (F1 and F2) explained more than 61.5% of the total phenotypic variability observed in the pig population studied. The highly correlated variables are height at withers, shoulder length, body length, head length, hip width, pelvis length, neck circumference, muzzle length, tail length, hind leg length, hock length, foreleg length. The F1 axis is clearly related to height at withers, body length, shoulder length, and neck circumference, while F2 is mainly related to weight and foreleg length. Height at withers, shoulder length and body length seem to be the most discriminating variables. The study population would consist of three genetic types, which can be grouped into two subgroups based on intra/inter population variation and genetic distances. The quantitative parameters studied, and sex are the variables that best characterize the pig populations (p&lt;0.05). The local pig is therefore an animal genetic resource with high breeding potential due to its biodiversity.

Pollinator Community Predicts Trait Matching between Oil-Producing Flowers and a Guild of Oil-Collecting Bees.

AbstractThe impact of pollinator community diversity on trait matching in plant-pollinator interactions is poorly studied, even though many mutualisms involve multiple interaction partners. We studied 10 communities in which one to three species of oil-collecting Rediviva bees pollinate the long-spurred, oil-producing flowers of Diascia "floribunda" to examine how pollinator diversity affects covariation of functional traits across sites and trait matching within sites. Floral spur length was significantly correlated with weighted grand mean foreleg length of the local bee community but not with foreleg length of individual bee species. The closeness of trait matching varied among populations and was inversely related to pollinator community diversity. For all bee species, trait matching was closest at sites characterized by exclusive pairwise interactions. Reduced trait matching associated with increased community diversity for individual pollinator species but close matching at the community level supports the importance of community context for shaping interacting traits of flowers and pollinators.

Allometry of exaggerated mandibular tusks in the burrowing mayfly Rhoenanthus coreanus (Ephemeroptera: Potamanthidae)

AbstractExaggerated morphological traits, such as the mandibular tusks of mayflies, are rarely observed in immature insects, especially when such traits are exhibited by both sexes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the static allometry, sexual size dimorphism, and trade‐offs (i.e. compensations) of exaggerated mandibular tusks in the larvae of Rhoenanthus coreanus (Yoon &amp; Bae) (Ephemeroptera: Potamanthidae). As expected, sexual dimorphism was observed in size, especially in that of eyes and tusks, with males exhibiting significantly larger eyes and females exhibiting longer tusks. Tusk size was monomorphic in males, and in contrast to that reported in previous studies, the static allometry of tusks was positive in females but negative in males. A positive compensation and correlation was observed between tusk and foreleg length in both sexes, which may be related to the burrowing and feeding behavior.

Use of MARS algorithm for predicting mature weight of different camel (Camelus dromedarius) breeds reared in Pakistan and morphological characterization via cluster analysis.

Mature weight is a significant trait that can be influenced by age, sex, breed, production system, and climate conditions in camels. In camel breeding, it is essential to describe breed standards of the studied camel breeds as part of morphological characterization and to determine morphological traits positively influencing mature weight within the scope of indirect selection criteria. This study was to find the best one among candidate models in prediction of mature weight from several morphological traits measured for eight camel breeds (Bravhi, Kachi, Kharani, Kohi, Lassi, Makrani, Pishin, and Rodbari) raised under Pakistan conditions. The morphological measurements taken from the camels in the study were birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), mature weight (MW), age of ridding (ARD), face length (FL), face width (FW), head length (HL), head width (HW), ear length (EL), ear width (EW), neck length (NL), neck width (NW), hump length (HL), hump width (HuW), heart girth (HG), withers height (WH), body length (BL), fore leg length (FLL), and hind leg length (HLL), respectively. In the prediction of mature body weight as a response variable, the optimal MARS predictive model with 15 terms selected by train function of the caret package produced very high predictive performance without encountering overfitting problem. Goodness of fit criteria were estimated to measure predictive quality of the MARS model using ehaGoF package available in R environment. Morphological characterization of the camel breeds was performed with hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) on the basis of Euclidean distance-Single linkage. At the first step of hierarchical cluster analysis, the similarity level of Bravhi and Kachi camel breeds was the highest with 85.3569 (%). At the second step, Makrani joined to new cluster of Bravhi and Kachi camels found at the first step, and the similarity level of the new cluster comprising Bravhi, Kachi, and Makrani breeds was found as 84.5562 (%). MW was significantly correlated with BW (0.677), WW (0.536), HL (0.524), HuW (0.529), and ARD (0.375) at P < 0.01, and there was the highest correlation of 0.994 between HHL and FLL (P < 0.01). As a result, it could be suggested that results of MARS modeling may help camel breeders to reproduce the elite camel populations and to describe characteristics associated positively with MW within the scope of indirect selection criteria.

The effects of genotype and week of lactation on milk yield, udder dimensions and linear body measurements of non-dairy ewes

One hundred and ninety two records were taken weekly for twenty four (24) weeks from West African Dwarf (WD), the Yankasa (YN) and the West African Dwarf X Yankasa crossbred (XB) sheep. The traits evaluated were milk yield (MK), linear body measurements (LB) such as height at withers, (HT), body length (BL), heart girth (HG), shoulder width (SW), Tail length (TA), Neck length (NL), Neck circumference (NC), Face length (FA), Hind leg length (HL), Foreleg length (FL), Face length (FA), Ear length (EA), Head width (HW) and Rump height (RH) together with the following Udder dimensions (UD): Udder circumference (UC), Teat length (TL) and Teat circumference (TC). There was significant (P&lt;0.05) influence of genotype on MK, WHT, HT, BL, TA, FL, HL, FA, EA and RH. The WD ewes produced more milk than either the YN or XB enes. Average daily milk yield (ml) was 122.25, 90.88 ana 108.8. The YN genotype was superior in all LBs except SW and NC than the WD and XB in the three genotypes. Height at withers was 59.08, 69.21 and 61.81 cm; BL 48.54, 55.08 and 54.49 cm and RH 62.88, 75.11 and 68.46 cm for WD, YN and XB enes respectively. Since milk offtake is related to body weight and some linear body measurements, selection for WT, HG, SW, NL NC, UC and TL in WD ewes could lead to higher milk and mutton production.&#x0D;

Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting the performance of West African Dwarf (WAD), Yankasa (YAN) and WAD X YAN lambs in the tropics

Genetic and non-genetic factors affecting performance of sheep at the Teaching and Research farm of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria were studied from 2005-2006. Genetic groups involved were 8 West African Dwarf sheep (WAD), 10 Yankasa (YAN) and 10 WAD X YAN (XBD). Data were analysed using General Linear Model of least squares analysis of variance to test the influence of genetic group, sex, season and age on weights and linear body measurements such as height at withers (HT), body length (BL), Neck length (NL), Neck circumference (NC), heart girth (HG), Foreleg length (FL), Hind leg length (HL), Face length (FA), Ear length (EA), Headwidth (HW), shoulder width (SW), tail length (TL) and Rump height (RH). Weight, HT, BL, HG, FL, HL, FL, EL, TL and RH were significantly affected by genetic group. Female lambs weighed 0.75kg more than the males (p&lt;0.01). Season of birth had significant effect on WT (p&lt;0.0001), HT (p&lt;0.01), NL (p&lt;0.001), FL (p&lt;0.0001), HL (p&lt;0.0.0001), FA (p&lt;0.01), SW (p&lt;0.01) and RL (p&lt;0.05), the traits were superior in the rainy season. Age significantly affected all parameters considered. The WAD (0.53) and XBD (1.39kg) lambs were and heavier during the rainy season as compared to the dry season. Of the body dimensional traits, HG had the highest correlation coefficients with WT in WAD and YAN lambs estimated at 0.86 and 0.89 respectively, whereas HT was the most correlated trait with WT in XBD lambs. Height at withers and body length were the most important additional variables to heartgirth accounting for 87% prediction of body weight in WAD and YAN lambs, whereas, HT, BL, NC, HG, SW, TL and RH could account for up to 90% of body weight in XBD lambs

Udder and linear body measurement in ewes and does in relation to performance of their offspring under the traditional system of management

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Forty-eight lactating does and ewes were used to study partial milk yield, udder dimensions, linear body measurement in ewes, does and performance of their offspring under the traditional system of management.Milk yield, udder dimensions, linear body measurements of dam and offspring were significantly superior in sheep. Average partial milk yield was 53.86 and 78.56 ml per week for goat and sheep respectively. There was no significant effect of parity on all variables measured. Udder circumference was the most related trait to partial milk yield (r=0.57) in goat. The highest correlation was observed between partial milk yield and teat length (r=0.39) in sheep. Partial milk yield was significantly correlated with weight (r=0.33) in kids. Milk yield was significantly correlated with lamb’s heart girth (r=0.49) followed by foreleg length (r=039) in lambs.Based on the results of the present study, it could be recommended that partial milk yield could possibly bedetermined based on udder size and teat length in extensively managed does and ewes respectively. Kid’s heart girth could be a good indicator of doe’s milk production.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Phenotypic correlation among morphometric traits in new zealand white rabbits reared under tropical condition

A total of 48 New Zealand White (NZW) rabbit was used for the phenotypic estimation study. After two weeks of birth, the kittens were introduced to commercial grower mash (CGM) and were fed solely on the commercial grower mash diets with the following characteristics; 17.5% crude protein, 16% crude fibre and 2500 kcal/kg diet digestible energy ad libitum. Morphometric traits such as Fore Limb (FL), Hind Limb (HL), Body Length (BL), Thigh Girth (TG), Abdominal Circumference (AC) and Leg Length (LL) in NZW rabbit were measured on the rabbit with the aid of measuring tape in centimetre (cm) at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age. The first measurement was taken on the day of weaning (4 weeks). The data obtained was analysed using the simple linear correlation procedure of SAS analytical package to obtain the correlation between the various morphometric traits studied. The study lasted for 12 weeks. From the study the phenotypic correlations obtained were all positive and ranged between moderate (0.47, the lowest value) and high (0.89, the highest value) correlated value for all ages considered for the NZW rabbit. The result further showed that BL was highly correlated (&lt;70) with other morphometric trait at 4 and 12 weeks of age. Moderate correlation was recorded more at the 8 weeks of age of the rabbit when compared to 4 and 12 weeks of age. The TG and HL recorded the highest correlation value among the other morphometric traits at 4, 8 and 12 weeks of age. This shows that as the animal grows, there is a positive relationship between the various morphometric traits and further implies growth is more inclined in other part of the body than FL and LL immediately after weaning while it evened out after 4 weeks of age.

Growth performance of Savanna brown goats fed enzyme treated sawdust diets under intensive managed system

This study was conducted to determine the growth performance and correlation matrix ofSavanna Brown goats fed enzyme treated sawdust diets managed intensively. A total of thirty(30) goats weighting between 5.2 and 5.3 kg were arranged in a completely randomizeddesign. The animals were divided into five dietary Treatments (T) groups with threereplications. Treatment one (1) comprises of animals fed 0 % enzyme treated sawdust whileTreatment 2 (T2), Treatment 3 (T3), Treatment 4 (T4) and Treatment 5 (T5) comprises ofanimals fed 10, 20, 30 and 40 % enzyme treated sawdust diets, respectively. Data on growthperformance parameters, body linear measurement (height at wither, body length, chestgirth, hind leg length, fore leg length, facial length) were measured. Growth performancedata were analyzed using one way analysis of variance. The results of growth performancereveled that animals fed 20 % and 40 % had significantly highest value, these trend wasobserved in total weight gain (T3 = 4900g and T5 = 4833g), average weight gain (T3 = 50gand T5 = 49.32g), total fed intake (T3 = 2956.20 and T5 = 2709.30g) and average feed intake(T3 = 211.16g and T5 = 193.52g). However, in feed conversion ration no significantdifference was observed across all the treatment groups as the value range between 3.87 inanimals fed 40 % to 7.12 in those fed 10 % enzyme treated sawdust diet. A positive andsignificant correlation was observed between body weight and chest girth with highestcorrelations in animals fed 20 % enzyme treated sawdust (0.97). It was therefore concludedthat enzyme treated sawdust can be used in the diets of Savanna Brown goats up to 40 %replacement for maize offal for optimum performance

Phenotypic Characterization of Kachchhi-Sindhi Horses of India

Background: Kachchhi-Sindhi horses are famous for their ‘Rewal chal’ (a unique style of running). These horses dominantly exist in the western-northern border of India adjoining Pakistan. The breeding tract of these horses is Surat, Navsari, Kachchh district of Gujarat and Jaisalmer-Barmer districts of Rajasthan in India. Most familiar colors in the Kachchhi-Sindhi horses are bay and chestnut. Roman nose, ears curved at tips but not touching each other, short back, short pastern length, broader hoof for better grip and docile temperament are major characteristics of these horses.Methods: The present study is an effort to phenotypically characterize Kachchhi-Sindhi horse breed based on their different biometric indices for selection and conservation of stallions and mares for breeding purposes by private breeders. Fourteen biometric indices were recorded for phenotypic characterization of each breed viz., height at wither (HW), body length (BL), heart girth (HG), neck length (NL), face length (FL), face width (FW), pole, ear length (EL), ear width (EW), foreleg length (FLL), canon, pastern, hoof length (HoL) and hoof width (HoW). On average, these horses stand 148 cm height, have a body length of ~140 cm, a heart girth of ~165 cm, an ear length of ~15 cm and a face length of ~61 cm.Result: Horse keepers sustain horses in intensive as well as an extensive system of rearing. It has also been ascertained from various sources that horse number is declining rapidly, however, breed population statistics are not available. There is, therefore, an urgent need to conserve this breed. Proper managemental practices and conservation efforts will pave the way for the multiplication of this valuable equine genetic resource of India.

Sexual Shape Dimorphism in the Stream-Dwelling Salamander Batrachuperus pinchonii (Caudata: Hynobiidae)

Sexual dimorphism is a widespread phenomenon throughout the animal kingdom and has attracted considerable interest in evolutionary biology. Studies on sexual dimorphism in hynobiid salamanders, which exhibit external fertilization and have two different habitat preferences, are limited. In this study, we analyzed sexual size and shape dimorphism of the stream-dwelling salamander Batrachuperus pinchonii based on deposited specimens, which were collected from the same locality with the same sampling date, and then explored if either habitat influences sexual dimorphism. Our results revealed no sexual dimorphism in body size (expressed by snout–vent length); however, other morphometric data indicated a female-biased dimorphism in head length, head width, distance of extremities, chest width, and a male-biased dimorphism in foreleg length, foreleg width, fore palm width, hindleg width, and hind palm width. These results would give some merit for future ecological and functional studies on reproduction in B. pinchonii. That is, female-biased head shape is likely related to ecological selection (e.g., reduction of intersexual food competition) and reproductive investment (e.g., intake of more energy). A female-biased trunk dimorphism may contribute to a fecundity advantage (e.g., increase in reproductive output). Male-biased limb dimorphism may relate to reproduction success. We failed to find dimorphic characteristics related to habitats.

Heterosis on morphometric traits of crossbreds from Anglo Nubian and Etawah Grade goats

Crossbreeding was applied to increase production performance of local goats. This study was conducted to evaluate the heterosis effect of morphometric traits in crossbred does produced from a mating between Anglo Nubian (AN) and Etawah Grade (PE) goats. A total of 34 does of AN, 66 F-1 ANxPE and 40 PE were used to analyze heterosis effect of morphometric traits. Data were analyzed using general linear model with age and genotype as fixed effects. Morphometric traits were affected significantly by genotype (P<0.05), but head with, body length and chest width were not. Heterosis of body weight, head length, head width, ear length, ear width, body length, heart girth, chest width, wither height, hip height, hip width, foreleg length, rear leg length, tail length, tail width were -2.75, -2.60, -2.09, -13.79, -3.90, 0.21, -3.82, 0.14, -3.1, -5.42, 6.06, -6.16, -5.88, -9.44 and 2.88%, respectively. Crossbreeding of Anglo Nubian and Etawah Grade resulted in low heterosis effects of morphometric traits. This study indicated crossbreeding of Anglo Nubian and Etawah grade need to be considered.