Local Cattle Research Articles

Identification and molecular characterization of Mycobacterium bovis DNA in GeneXpert® MTB/RIF ultra-positive, culture-negative sputum from a rural community in South Africa

This study investigated the presence of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) DNA in archived human sputum samples previously collected from residents who reside adjacent to the M. bovis-endemic Hluhluwe-iMfolozi wildlife park, South Africa (SA). Sixty-eight sputum samples were GeneXpert MTB/RIF Ultra-positive for M. tuberculosis complex (MTBC) DNA but culture negative for M. tuberculosis. Amplification and Sanger sequencing of hsp65 and rpoB genes from DNA extracted from stored heat-inactivated sputum samples confirmed the presence of detectable amounts of MTBC from 20 out of the 68 sputum samples. Region of difference PCR, spoligotyping and gyrB long-read amplicon deep sequencing identified M. bovis (n = 10) and M. tuberculosis (n = 7). Notably, M. bovis spoligotypes SB0130 and SB1474 were identified in 4 samples, with SB0130 previously identified in local cattle and wildlife and SB1474 exclusively in African buffaloes in the adjacent park. M. bovis DNA in sputum, from people living near the park, underscores zoonotic transmission potential in SA. Identification of spoligotypes specifically associated with wildlife only and spoligotypes found in livestock as well as wildlife, highlights the complexity of TB epidemiology at wildlife-livestock-human interfaces. These findings support the need for integrated surveillance and control strategies to curb potential spillover and for the consideration of human M. bovis infection in SA patients with positive Ultra results.

Seroprevalence, Serotyping, and Associated Risk Factors of Foot and Mouth Diseases in Bovine in Western Amhara Regional State, North Western Ethiopia

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is the most contagious disease of animals. The disease affects domestic cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, swine, sheep, and goats, deer, and is characterized by fever, lameness, and vesicular lesions on the tongue, feet, snout, and teats. The study aimed to determine seroprevalence of FMD (Foot and Mouth Disease), to identifay type of serotypes and to know associated risk factors. A total of 389 sera samples were collected from cattle in four districts of the north western Amhara region and subjected to a 3ABC enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay. The overall seroprevalence of FMDV was 5.66% (22/389); (95%; CI: 3.34% to 7.98%). The 22 positive samples were subjected to solid phase competitive ELISA to identify specific serotypes. The occurrence of FMD was higher in Adet (OR= 12.8), greater in the semi-intensive than extensive production systems (OR=10.4) and highly occurred in the cross breed than local breed cattle (OR=3.56). Serotypes identified in the four districts were type O, SAT2, and A. This study revealed that FMD is a prevalent and endemic disease. Thus, awareness creation to the stakeholders on the control and prevention of a disease is required. Further epidemiological investigation and vaccine trials should be conducted.

Emergence of lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) infection in domestic Himalayan yaks (Bos grunniens) in Himachal Pradesh, India.

In this study, we investigated and confirmed natural lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) infection in Himalayan yaks (Bos grunniens) in Himachal Pradesh, India, based on clinical manifestations and results of genome detection, antibody detection, virus isolation, and nucleotide sequencing. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis based on complete GPCR, RPO30, and EEV gene sequences revealed that the LSDV isolates from these yaks and local cattle belonged to LSDV subcluster 1.2.1 rather than the dominant subcluster 1.2.2, which is currently circulating in India, suggesting a separate recent introduction. This is the first report of natural LSDV infection in yaks in India, expanding the known host range of LSDV. Further investigations are needed to assess the impact of LSDV infection in yaks.

Sri Lankan Contribution to Climate Change by Enteric Fermentation of Large Ruminants: An Overview


 
 
 The Sri Lankan livestock sector (LS) which is essential to rural households' food systems and means of subsistence, contributed to 0.6% of the GDP in 2020. The cattle industry has contributed <40% to the LS. The objective of the review was to determine how Sri Lankan LS, especially ruminants contributed to climate change (CC) by emitting greenhouse gasses (GHG). In the year 2020, in total there were 1 426 570 cattle, including neat cattle and buffaloes. Sri Lanka has experienced various impacts of CC as it is a tropical island in the Indian Ocean. The cattle industry is involved in CC directly and indirectly. Global warming (GW) is a predominant factor in CC. The emission of GHG in different ways is a root cause of GW. As a GHG, 17% of methane emissions in the atmosphere are accounted by the enteric fermentation of ruminants, especially by the large ruminants; cattle, and buffaloes. It is a complex process that occurs within the fore stomach (rumen) of ruminants where gases are released outside via a process called eructation. As a GHG, methane (CH4) contributes to GW 28 times higher than carbon dioxide produced in large ruminants by enteric fermentation. In Sri Lanka, the majority of the local indigenous cattle and buffaloes are used to eat low-quality grasses, straws, and other roughage which significantly increases the emission of CH4. A past study revealed that the CH4 emission factor estimated according to the IPCC (2006) Tier 2 methodology for an improved dairy cattle is 42 kg /head /year while a local dairy cow is 52 kg /head /year and 65 kg /head /year for dairy buffalo in Sri Lanka and the values are lower compared to default emission factors given by the IPCC (2006). The expected temperature rise in Sri Lanka, which would be primarily caused by GHG, will be slightly less than the average worldwide. However, the highest emission scenario predicts a 2.9o C–3.5o C increase in temperature by the 2090s. Therefore, instead of focusing solely on production, it is important to investigate measures to minimize GHG emitted by large ruminants under local management conditions.
 Keyword: Climate change, Enteric fermentation, Livestock, Methane
 
 

A Comparison between Crossbred (Holstein × Local Cattle) and Bangladeshi Local Cattle for Body and Milk Quality Traits

Crossbreeding in dairy cattle with exotic breeds continues to be an appealing practice to the dairy farmers of Bangladesh. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the impact of crossbreeding on both the physical attributes and milk quality traits of crossbred cattle in Bangladesh. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of crossbreeding Bangladeshi local cattle with the exotic Holstein breed on their body characteristics and milk quality. To achieve the goal, data pertaining to body traits and milk samples were gathered from a total of 981 cows from 19 dairy farms located in the northwestern region of Bangladesh. A trained evaluator measured body condition score (BCS), udder score, locomotion score, and body conformation traits. Milk yield information was acquired from official records, while milk composition details were determined through milk analysis. Notably, crossbred cows (Holstein × Local cattle) exhibited greater values for wither height (141 vs. 135, cm), body length (157 vs. 153, cm), heart girth (211 vs. 204, cm), BCS (3.69 vs. 3.27), and udder score (3.29 vs. 2.08) than their Bangladeshi local counterparts. Furthermore, crossbred cows produced 42.4% and 35.3% more milk (10.89 vs. 7.65, kg/d) and fat-corrected milk (10.35 vs. 7.54, kg/d) than Bangladeshi local cattle. However, milk from crossbred cows displayed lower fat and protein content, although their somatic cell score (SCS) and energy-corrected milk remained similar. Additionally, milk from crossbred cows exhibited a longer coagulation time when compared to that of Bangladeshi local cattle. In conclusion, crossbred cows (Holstein × Local cattle) had improved body characteristics with greater milk yield than Bangladeshi local cattle; however, lower fat and protein contents in milk with longer coagulation time were noted.

Comprehensive Analysis of Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveals Regulatory Mechanism of Intramuscular Fat Content in Beef Cattle.

The intramuscular fat (IMF) content of beef determined the meat quality, and the market value of beef varies with different breeds. To provide some new approaches for improving meat quality and cattle breed improvement, 24-month-old Qinchuan cattle (Q, n = 6), Nanyang cattle (N, n = 6), and Japanese black cattle (J, n = 6) were selected. IMF content of the J group (16.92 ± 1.08%) is remarkably higher than that of indigenous Chinese cattle (Q, 13.38 ± 1.08%, and N, 12.35 ± 1.22%). Monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the J group are higher than the Q and creatine, lysine, and glutamine are the three most abundant amino acids in beef, which contribute to the flavor formation. Similarly, IMF content-related genes were enriched in four vital KEGG pathways, including fatty acid metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, fatty acid elongation, and insulin resistance. Moreover, weighted genes coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) revealed that ITGB1 is the critical gene associated with the IMF content. This study compares transcriptome and metabolome of local and high-IMF cattle breeds, providing data for native cattle breeding and improvement of beef quality.

Effect of block feed supplementation based on palm oil sludge for Bengkulu local cattle (Kaur Cattle) on the dry matter and organic matter digestibility of rations

The objective of this study was to evaluate dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) digestibility of the ration supplemented with block feed made from palm oil sludge (solid) to Kaur cattle. Palm oil sludge was substitute for rice bran in the commercial block feed fomula namely “Sakura Block”. Four treatments were arranged in Latin Square Design that were the solid level in block feed. The treatments consisted of P0 = “Sakura” block feed (28% bran), P1 = block feed (14% bran + 14% solid), P2 = block feed (7% bran + 21% solid), P3 = block feed (28% solid). The results showed that there were no difference on OM consumption and production of fecal DM and OM among treatments. For DM consumption and DM digestibility, P1 showed the lowest (P<0.05) but among P0, P2 and P3 were no diferrence (P>0.05). For the OM digestibility, there was no a significant difference (P>0.05) among treatment. Block feed P3 (28% solid) can increase the consumption and the DM digestibility of rations.

Typologie des systemes de productions du bovin de race djelli (Bos taurus indicus) dans les communes de Gotheye, Sinder et Say au Niger

The development of Djelli cattle breeding in Niger remains a challenge due to prejudices about its productivity. The particularities of its production systems have not been sufficiently developed. The aim of this study is to develop a typology of local Djelli cattle production systems in six localities in the communes of Gothèye, Sinder and Say in Niger. A survey was carried out among 150 breeders. Discriminant factor analysis (DFA) and hierarchical ascending classification (HAC) were used to identify three types of production system: The first type is made up of transhumant herders whose main activity is livestock rearing and who belong to the Peulh ethnic group. This type is characterized by large herds (27 head). They have 3 breeding cows and 4 suckling cows for 16 breeding females. The second type is made up of sedentary breeders. Their main activities are fishing and trading, and they belong to the Sonrai socio-cultural ethnic group. Their herds are modest (17 head), comprising 2 breeding and 5 suckling cows for 11 breeding females. The third type is made up of semi-transhumant herders. Their main activity is farming, and they belong to the Sonrai socio-cultural ethnic group, with an equally modest herd size (18 head). The number of breeding cows is similar to that of the sedentary herders (2 head). However, the number of sucklers is reduced to 3 head for 10 breeding females. The daily intake of bran concentrate per suckling female is the highest (5 kg of bran concentrate per day). The ratio of lactating females to females of breeding age was r =0.45 in the sedentary group, compared with r =0.30 in the semi-transhumant group and r = 0.25 in the transhumant group. The results also showed that the rearing environment is dominated by a diet of rice straw (39%) and rice bran (49%). The most frequently vaccinated disease on the farms was pasteurellosis (87.3%), and the highest deworming rate was 40%. The environment also revealed a variation in lactating females for the riparian localities of Say and Yelwani (5.4±2.6b and 6.0±2.8b respectively), which are very significantly different (P&lt;0.001) from the non-riparian localities of Koulbaga and Tassikoirey (2.9±1.2a and 2.8±1.20a respectively). In conclusion, sedentary farmers are the most productive in a food environment dominated by rice crop residues and diseases such as pasteurellosis and endoparasites. Key words : Production systems, herd size, sedentary breeders, lactating female

Isolation of Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus Serotype 10 from Culicoides tainanus and Associated Infections in Livestock in Yunnan, China.

Two strains of viruses, JC13C644 and JC13C673, were isolated from Culicoides tainanus collected in Jiangcheng County, Yunnan Province, situated along the border area shared by China, Laos, and Vietnam. JC13C644 and JC13C673 viruses can cause cytopathic effect (CPE) in mammalian cells BHK21 and Vero cells, and cause morbidity and mortality in suckling mice 48 h after intracerebral inoculation. Whole-genome sequencing was performed, yielding complete sequences for all 10 segments from Seg-1 (3942nt) to Seg-10 (810nt). Phylogenetic analysis of the sub-core-shell (T2) showed that the JC13C644 and JC13C673 viruses clustered with the Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Virus (EHDV) isolated from Japan and Australia, with nucleotide and amino acid homology of 93.1% to 98.3% and 99.2% to 99.6%, respectively, suggesting that they were Eastern group EHDV. The phylogenetic analysis of outer capsid protein (OC1) and outer capsid protein (OC2) showed that the JC13C644 and JC13C673 viruses were clustered with the EHDV-10 isolated from Japan in 1998, with the nucleotide homology of 98.3% and 98.5%, and the amino acid homology of 99.6% and 99.6-99.8%, respectively, indicating that they belong to the EHDV-10. Seroepidemiological survey results demonstrated that JC13C644 virus-neutralizing antibodies were present in 29.02% (177/610) of locally collected cattle serum and 11.32% (89/786) of goat serum, implying the virus's presence in Jiangcheng, Yunnan Province. This finding suggests that EHDV-10 circulates not only among blood-sucking insects in nature but also infects local domestic animals in China. Notably, this marks the first-ever isolation of the virus in China and its discovery outside of Japan since its initial isolation from Japanese cattle. In light of these results, it is evident that EHDV Serotype 10 exists beyond Japan, notably in the natural vectors of southern Eurasia, with the capacity to infect local cattle and goats. Therefore, it is imperative to intensify the surveillance of EHDV infection in domestic animals, particularly focusing on the detection and monitoring of new virus serotypes that may emerge in the region and pose risks to animal health.

Tinjauan Hukum Kebijakan Pemerintah Pelaksanaan Impor Daging Sapi Luar Negeri Menurut Undang-Undang Nomor 18 Tahun 2009 tentang Peternakan dan Kesehatan Hewan Indonesia

The dynamics of world life know almost no boundaries, so that people and goods can easily move in a very short time. Various events and conditions that are occurring in a country can be accessed easily and quickly by citizens of different countries throughout the world. Citizens are not only part of a country's community but have also become international citizens who live and thrive in a global atmosphere. The issue of globalization, which has hit various parts of the world, has not only made life easier in various ways, but has also brought problems that are very difficult to overcome in various aspects of life, whether social, political, economic, security and other aspects. Along with the rapid development of information technology, There are never any barriers to communication, so globalization has become a means of providing various conveniences for people throughout the world. Citizens of a particular country do not need to go far or cross oceans to meet and talk with citizens of other countries, whether for economic, social, political or other interests. The aim of this research is to find out the government's policy in implementing beef imports and to find out the government's efforts to overcome the beef shortage. The method used in this research is a normative juridical approach. The normative juridical research method is legal research that uses secondary data sources. As a juridical legal research with the object of criminal law rules, the approach used is a juridical approach, namely a formal juridical and empirical juridical approach. The results of this research reveal that there are three aspects related to this import policy, namely economic competitiveness and cattle farming, market structure and formation of beef prices, and marketing efficiency of local cattle vs. imported cattle. From the results of the discussion of these three aspects, anticipation of future import policies can be formulated. The sustainability of beef cattle agribusiness development cannot be completely left to the formulation of import policies that are considered appropriate. First and foremost, efforts need to be made to revitalize domestic development, especially related to improving the performance and efficiency of livestock/beef marketing. Improving marketing structure and efficiency plays an important role because it will determine the share of the price that farmers will receive, which will ultimately determine the level of technology adoption, productivity and efficiency, as well as the income and welfare of farmers.

Human Disease due to Mycobacterium bovis Linked to Free-Ranging Deer in Michigan.

A unique enzootic focus of Mycobacterium bovis in free-ranging deer was identified in northern lower Michigan in 1994, with subsequent evidence of transmission to local cattle herds. Between 2002 and 2017, 3 Michigan deer hunters with M. bovis disease were previously reported. We present 4 additional human cases linked to the zoonotic focus in deer, utilizing genomic epidemiology to confirm close molecular associations among human, deer and cattle M. bovis isolates. Identification of human tuberculosis (TB) cases with cultures of M. bovis was provided from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) tuberculosis database. Clinical review and interviews focused on risk factors for contact with wildlife and cattle. Whole genome sequences of human isolates were compared with a veterinary library of M. bovis strains to identify those linked to the enzootic focus. Three confirmed and 1 probable human case with M. bovis disease were identified between 2019 and 2022, including cutaneous disease, 2 severe pulmonary disease cases, and human-to-human transmission. The 3 human isolates had 0-3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with M. bovis strains circulating in wild deer and domestic cattle in Michigan. Spillover of enzootic M. bovis from deer to humans and cattle continues to occur in Michigan. Future studies should examine the routes of transmission and degree of risk to humans through expanded epidemiological surveys. A One Health approach linking human, veterinary and environmental health should address screening for TB infection, public education, and mitigation of transmission.

Typification and differentiation of smallholder dairy production systems in smallholder mixed farming in the highlands of southern Ethiopia.

The present study aimed to classify smallholder dairy production systems by analyzing land allocation for various crop types and characterizing them based on integration with specific crops which is gap in earlier studies. A total of 360 smallholder farmers were interviewed to generate firsthand information in addition to using secondary data sources. The classification utilized K-means clustering, while discriminant analysis was applied to accentuate the distinct characteristics of dairy production systems (DPSs). Subsequently, for a particular crop to be considered dominant, the minimum farmland allocation had to exceed 30%. Based on this, the 360 respondent farmers in the study areas were categorized into four distinct DPSs: diversified crop-based (DCB) at 31%, enset-based (EB) at 28%, cereal-based (CB) at 24% and cash crop-based (CCB) with coffee, khat, vegetables, fruits, and sugarcane accounting for 17%. Within the CCB dairy production system, where cash crops were cultivated most dominantly, averaging 56% of the farmland, farmers reported the highest annual income and, consequently, acquired more improved dairy cows, facilitating their entry into intensive dairy production. Ownership of improved dairy cattle breeds, use of agro-industrial byproducts as feed, practicing stall feeding and better housing are observed practices in this DPS that relate to the intensification of dairy production. This positive relationship was observed between the commercialization of crops and the intensification of dairy production in the CCB dairy production system. In the EB dairy system, enset dominates with a 33% area share, leading to increased residues for cattle feed. They keep large herds of local cattle, limited crossbreeding experience, and prefer conventional feeding. The CB system allocates 47% of land to cereals, justifying cereal residues as primary dairy feed. Cultivating grasses like Pennisetum pedicellatum and Phalaris arundinacea is also highly valued in the system. The DCB system, with diverse crops (none exceeding 30%), implies varied residues for dairy feed. These findings reveal unique characteristics across dairy systems, indicating a positive correlation between crop commercialization and dairy intensification. Hence, understanding each type of DPS and its characteristics will help development experts or those in charge of designing agricultural policy to establish the best strategic plans for enhancing the productivity of dairy cattle under smallholder conditions.

Least squares support vector machine ensemble based on sampling for classification of quality local cattle

Least squares support vector machine ensemble based on sampling for classification of quality local cattle

Allele and genotype frequencies of β-lactoglobulin gene using PCR-RFLP in Algerian local cattle populations.

Milk protein genetic polymorphisms are associated with economically important traits in dairy cattle. The objective of this study is to genotype a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) responsible for the amino acid changes in the beta-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) variants A and B on 85 unrelated DNA representing Algerian cattle populations: Chelifienne (28), Cheurfa (31) and Guelmoise (26). The method used is the PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism). Genetic polymorphism was detected by digestion of PCR products amplified of exon II of β-Lg gene by with the endonuclease HaeIII enzyme. The results revealed that the amplified product was observed as 247 bp. Restriction digestion with HaeIII revealed three genotypes: AA, AB and BB. The genotypic frequencies of AA, AB and BB genotypes were 0.08, 0.41, 0.50; 0.08, 0.41, 0.50 and 0.01, 0.19, 0.56 in Chelifienne, Cheurfa and Guelmoise and respectively. Frequency of AA genotype was absent in Guelmoise population. Frequencies of A and B alleles were 0.29 and 0.71 in both Chelifienne and Cheurfa and 0.25 and 0.75 Guelmoise population. These results further confirm that Bos torus cattle are predominantly of β-Lactoglobulin B type. The Chi-square test at p-value < 0.05 results revealed that the Chelifienne and Cheurfa populations were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and the results are not significant for the Guelmoise. This genetic information could be useful to estimate the effect of polymorphism on different milk production of Algerian bovine populations.

Spatio-temporal patterns of stomoxyine flies (Diptera: Muscidae) in a forested area of Thailand.

Understanding the distribution patterns of vector populations is crucial for comprehending the dynamics of vector-borne diseases. However, data on vector composition and abundance in areas of forest and wildlife-human interface in Thailand remain limited. This research aimed to investigate the spatio-temporal distribution and species diversity of stomoxyine flies (Diptera: Muscidae) in Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary, Thailand's first wildlife sanctuary. A longitudinal entomological survey was conducted monthly from May 2022 to April 2023 in four habitats: core forest, grassland forest, a wildlife breeding center, and a local cattle farm. A total of 11,256 stomoxyine flies from four genera were captured. Based on morphological keys, nine species of stomoxyine flies were identified: Stomoxys pullus (29.63%), Stomoxys calcitrans (19.65%), Stomoxys indicus (16.09%), Haematostoma austeni (14.23%), Haematobia irritans exigua (8.22%), Haematobosca sanguinolenta (7.96%), Stomoxys uruma (1.98%), Stomoxys sitiens (1.75%), and Stomoxys bengalensis (0.49%). Heterogeneous variations in abundance across months and habitats were observed, in which abundance increased in the rainy season (June-October), exhibiting bimodal peaks at seasonal transitions. Human-disturbed areas, such as the cattle farm, exhibited the highest density and species diversity of stomoxyine flies. In contrast, areas with minimal human disturbance, like core forest, had low diversity and density but supported unique species, like the abundant Haematostoma austeni, which had minor populations in other types of habitats. The results of this study can be integrated into epidemiological models and lay the groundwork for more comprehensive research on vector-borne diseases at the wildlife-livestock interface to mitigate transmission risks and preserve biodiversity.

Milk quality and production under climate change uncertainty: case of the Algerian cattle breed

Algerian indigenous cattle breeds are well adapted to the harsh local arid and semi-arid environments. This study aims to summarize livestock practices, milk quality, and discuss the potential of local cattle breeds to maintain production capacity in the face of global warming conditions. A total of 175 smallholder farmers who practice the breeding of the Algerian local cattle breed were interviewed using a formal questionnaire. Following that, 122 milk samples were collected for physicochemical and bacteriological analyses. Climate data variability in the study area was evaluated. Results reveal that between 1980 and 2018, the average annual temperature rose by 0.3 ± 0.001 °C per year. Predictions suggest that by 2081 to 2100, temperatures could increase by 1.18°C under SSP1-2.6, 2.33°C under SSP2-4.5, and 4.59°C under SSP5-8.5. In the same period from 1980 to 2018, annual precipitation decreased by -0.99 ± 0.24 mm per year. Projections indicate a further decline of 22.5 mm for SSP1-2.6, 44.4 mm for SSP2-4.5, and 95.2 mm for SSP5-8.5 from 1980-2000 to 2081-2100. These changes in temperature and precipitation coincided with an expansion of cropland, which increased by 90.3% from 1992 to 2005. Conversely, pasture areas decreased by 53.7% between 1993 and 2009. A socio-demographic survey revealed that breeders have a low educational level (39.4% are unlettered). They own a small herd (6.84 ± 8.66 cattle). Moreover, the average daily milk production was 4.13 ± 2.12 Liters/cow, with acceptable physicochemical quality but poor bacteriological quality. Considering the climate change vulnerability of the study area, we can conclude that the exploitation of local breeds seems to be the best adaptation strategy to climate change effects. Conservation programs for local breeds can enhance biodiversity and ecosystem balance. Concurrently, genetic improvement programs have the potential to boost productivity and profitability, making substantial contributions to social equity and local economies.

Artificial Insemination in Local Beef Cattle Breeding Using Various Breeds of Males in West Lombok Regency: An Evaluation of Its Success Rate

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi keberhasilan Inseminasi Buatan (IB) pada pembibitan sapi potong lokal dengan menggunakan berbagai bangsa pejantan berdasarkan Service Per Conception (S/C), Non-Return Rate (NRR), dan Conception Rate (CR) di Kabupaten Lombok Barat. Penelitian dilakukan menggunakan metode survei dan observasi terhadap 270 ekor sapi dengan masing-masing sebanyak 90 ekor akseptor IB per kecamatan dengan pejantan sapi Bali, Simmental, Limousin, Brahman, dan Angus. Peternak yang menjadi sampel ditentukan secara quota sampling dari 3 kecamatan di Kabupaten Lombok Barat. Data yang diperoleh ditabulasi dan dianalisis secara deskriptif untuk mendapatkan persentase S/C, NRR, dan CR. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa keberhasilan IB terbaik berdasarkan S/C adalah dengan menggunakan semen sapi Bali, Simental, dan Limousin (1,15, 1,16, dan 1,25), sedangkan untuk sapi Angus dan Brahman 1,30 dan 1,33. Semen sapi Bali, Simental, dan Limousin menghasilkan NRR (84,55; 78,84; 75,0%), sedangkan Angus 66,66%. Nilai CR untuk semen sapi Bali, Simental, Limousin, Brahman, dan Angus masing-masing adalah 79,41; 71,15; 72,5; 66,66; dan 69,69%. Sapi jantan Bali, Simental, dan Limousin merupakan pejantan terbaik untuk keberhasilan IB, sedangkan sapi jantan Brahman dan Angus kurang diminati (12,22 dan 3,30%). Disimpulkan bahwa tingkat keberhasilan Inseminasi Buatan yang paling tinggi ditunjukkan pada penggunaan semen sapi Bali dibandingkan dengan penggunaan semen sapi Simental, Limousin, Brahman, dan Angus.

Breeding pure and crossbreeds of European cattle breeds for milk production improvement under tropical climate conditions-a review.

The aim of this review was to present the breeding status of pure or crossbreeds of European cattle with African indigenous cattle in order to improve milk yield in African tropical conditions. As the African indigenous breeds are characterized by small size, low body weight (300-450 kg) and low production performances (less than 1000 kg per lactation), short lactation length (205-240 days), etc., the crossbreeding with pure European cattle was done in order to ameliorate production performances especially milk and beef production. As results, it was seen that F1 offspring improved output productions than their parents of tropical origin. Also, it was seen that F1 offspring showed disease and heat resistance than their parents of temperate climate origin. However, at different degrees of crossbreeding, it was seen that the offspring can demonstrate bad production performances than their parents and therefore, the crossbreeding has to respect a certain degree. Other consequences are that the crossbreeding of local and pure European cattle breeds has resulted in calving complications in African local cattle. In African indigenous cattle, the selection as an improvement tool was given less emphasis as a solution to improve output production. That is why, the implementation of a well-prepared selection programs could be practiced in African indigenous cattle in order to preserve African cattle genotypes, as they are endangered of extinction due to various crossbreeding with exotic cattle breeds.

Management practice of the Sheko cattle breed in Ethiopia: A review

The great diversity of agroecological conditions and production systems present in Ethiopia contributes to the country’s large livestock population and makes it suitable for various forms of livestock production. The Ethiopian livestock sector provides significant economic and social benefits at household levels and to the national economy. Ethiopia has 32 recognized indigenous cattle breeds, of which the Sheko is a known trypano-tolerant breed found in the southwest of the country. However, in recent times, the Sheko population has been declining mainly due to interbreeding with local Zebu cattle and to a shift in the production system. This paper aims to review and illustrate the current status and management practices of the Sheko cattle breed towards conserving and improving the breed, and the production system. The feed resources in the Sheko home area are natural pasture and crop residues, with limited utilization of cultivated improved forage. Husbandry practices such as feeding, watering, housing and veterinary services are priority areas where improvements are needed. Enhancing the conservation and improvement of the breed would greatly benefit from the active improvement of various stakeholders, including governmental policymakers and non-governmental organizations. Therefore giving special attention to enhancing the management systems in the breed’s home area is crucial. This involves the direct engagement of research centres, extension workers; and higher learning institutions in proximity to the area all aimed at the conservation and improvement of the Sheko cattle breed.

Realizing the genetic potential of black-and-white cows of different genotypes by the kappa-casein gene

Milk quality indicators are one of the main components of the breeding value of dairy cattle. The experience of many countries demonstrates that the Holsteinization of local cattle breeds is accompanied by an increase in the volume of milk produced while reducing its quality characteristics in particular to its cheese suitability. Solving this problem only by means of traditional breeding is difficult but it is possible to facilitate this task with application of modern molecular genetic methods and marker-oriented selection. The objective of the research was to assess the genetic potential of dairy performance of cattle with different genotypes by the kappa-casein gene (CSN3). The study was conducted on 104 purebred Russian black-and- white cows selected from the herds of the Yakovlevskoye APC and Raslovskoye APC. It was determined that the desired CSN3BB genotype was most common in 61 % of animals. As part of the study, the comparison of the experimental animals' own milk productivity with the productivity of their ancestors was carried out which made it possible to assess their genetic potential. The analysis showed that in the Yakovlevskoye APC, the protein content in milk in carriers of the CSN3AA genotype was significantly less than in carriers of the CSN3AB (P &lt; 0.05) and CSNBB (P &lt; 0.001) genotypes. There were no statistically significant differences in other productivity indicators, although the carriers of the CSNAB genotype (100.9%) differed in the greatest realization of the genetic potential in terms of the mass fraction of fat in milk, and cows with the CSNBB genotype (106.7 and 103.9 % respectively) in milk yield and protein content in milk. In the Raslovskoye APC, the greatest realization of the genetic potential in milk yield (119.5 %) was distinguished by carriers of the CSNAA genotype and the greater potential of fat and protein in milk were shown by animals with the CSNBB genotype (112.3 % and 103.7 %, respectively). Thus, the polymorphism of bovine kappa-casein gene has a significant impact both on the protein content in milk and on the realization of the genetic potential for this indicator of productivity. The obtained research results are important for breeding work with Russian black-and-white cattle aimed at improving the cheese suitability of milk.