Ouled Djellal Research Articles

Prevalence of Ectoparasites in Camels ( <i>Camelus Dromedarius</i>) Reared According to Extensive and Periurban Modes in the Governorate of Ouled Djellal (Algeria)

Prevalence of Ectoparasites in Camels ( <i>Camelus Dromedarius</i>) Reared According to Extensive and Periurban Modes in the Governorate of Ouled Djellal (Algeria)

The effect of climate-responsive design on thermal and energy performance: A simulation based study in the hot-dry Algerian South region

The building sector in Algeria was influenced by French colonisation in terms of typology and materials (in particular, housing sector was the most influenced), but the local traditional architecture is full of forms of harsh climate resistance. The severe hot-dry climate regions are the most affected, due to the high temperature degrees which made the government reducing electricity and gas bills tariff by 65%. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of passive strategies inspired from traditional architecture in hot-dry climate in affecting the energy demand (cooling and heating loads). A typical case study of El-Miniawy housing in Ouled Djellal with adapted passive strategies is analysed through psychometric chart evaluation, in situ measurement campaign and dynamic simulations (EnergyPlus), to understand its thermal behaviour and energy demand, exploring the impact of seven different scenarios with modified passive strategies and parameters. The results show that the actual design temperatures in the typical hottest days are between 30.1 °C and 35.4 °C, while the external temperature is achieving to 47 °C. Moreover, the building consumes 10.43 kWh/m 2 and 19.87 kWh/m 2 for cooling and heating demand respectively. It varies according to the different analysed scenarios. This study can be useful for decision makers and architects in Algeria and abroad, towards the climate-responsive design in housing sector. • Promoting the climate-responsive design in severe climate in term of energy saving. • Adopting a detailed methodological framework to evaluate passive strategies. • Simulating a typical housing in hot-dry climate to validate the model's outcomes. • Drawing attention of architects and decision makers for ideal concepts and results. • Exploring parametric variations of adaptive design model based on dynamic simulation.

Effect of gender on hematological parameters in growing Ouled Djellal sheep of semi arid zones of Northeastern Algeria

Ouled Djellal sheep is the most dominant breed in Algeria due to its adapta-tion to harsh steppe environment. Hematological parameters are good indi-cators of animal health, but their values are breed-specific, and they are affected by age and gender. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the hematological profile of healthy Ouled Djellal lambs and ewe lambs reared traditionally under semi-arid zones of Algeria during the growing peri-od. Blood samples were taken from twenty-four Ouled Djellal lambs (12 males, 12 females) at 42, 63, 84 and 105 days of age to evaluate the count of White Blood Cells, Lymphocyte, Monocyte, Granulocyte, Red Blood Cell and total Platelet, the percentage of Lymphocyte, Monocyte and Granulocyte, Hemoglobin concentration, Hematocrit, Mean Corpuscular Volume, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration by usual known methods. Both male and female lambs did not show signifi-cant variations in mean values of White Blood Cells, Lymphocyte count, Red Blood Cells, Hemoglobin, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin concentration, per-centage of Monocyte, Monocyte count, Gran percentage and Granulocyte count from 42ͭ ͪ day to 105ͭ ͪ days. Mean values of percentage of Lymphocyte, Hematocrite in lambs, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin in ewe lambs, and Mean Corpuscular Volume, Platelets levels in both lambs and ewe lambs indicated also variations during this period of growth. Significant Pearson's correlations were found between some hematological parameters in Ouled Djellal lambs and/or ewe lambs. Therefore, these findings provide usual val-ues, which can be considered for assessing the physiological, nutritional and health status of these animals.

Investigation of single and combined effects of repeated oral cadmium and lead administration in ewes

Cadmium is considered one of the most toxic elements in the environment, with its ubiquity, a multi-organs damage and long elimination half-life. This heavy metal can pose serious health problems and lead to various biological disorders. Our research investigated the adverse health effects related to subchronic oral exposure at regular low- dose treatment in Ouled Djellal non- lactating ewes. The study aimed to ascertain whether the subchronic co-exposure to Cd and Pb in Ouled Djellal non- lactating ewes exacerbates the toxic effects and what are the most sensitive indicator parameters related to the blood Cd concentration. Haematological and biochemical modifications as well as the interaction with Zn and Cu were investigated. The study was conducted during two periods: in the first one, which lasted four weeks, the ewes were not contaminated: animals during this period acted as a control group and all values obtained during this period are considered as control values. Two groups of five animals were used: the Cd group received cadmium chloride orally at a dose of 2 mg/kg/day and the Cd+Pb group received cadmium chloride orally at a dose of 2mg/kg/day in addition to lead nitrate at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day during 9 weeks. Mean blood Cd has increased after the cadmium administration in both Cd group and Cd+Pb group. The evolution of Cd levels in the blood over time is slightly different for the Cd+Pb group. ANOVA showed a time effect (P˂0.001). The effects of treatment and animals effect were not significant (P>0.05). Disturbance in haematological and biochemical parameters was observed. The balance of the essential elements was altered; resulting in a significant decrease mainly in Cu plasma concentrations. Student's t-test indicates that toxic effects were similar for the two groups. This multi-indicator approach based on changes in different sensitive parameters can is be pertinent for risk assessment.

Effect of Dietary Energy Levels on The Performances of Testicular Development, Live Body Weight and Testosterone Concentration in Ouled Djellal Ram Lambs

The aim of our study was to determine the effect of the dietary energy levels on the live body weight, testis volume and blood testosterone concentration in Ouled Djellal ram lambs throughout growth. The study lasted six months from post-weaning until the pubertal period at the Technical Institute Farms (I.T.E.L.V) Lamtar of Sidi-bel-Abbes (Western Algeria). After weaning, Twenty single-born Ouled Djellal ram lambs from 90 to 240 days old were weighed and allotted into two equal groups of Low energy (n = 10) or High energy (n = 10) nutrition plane. Each group received; in addition to a basal diet (good quality pasture) 200 g and 400 g of concentrate feed mixture containing barley (60%), corn (5%), wheat bran (37.5 %) and vitamin-mineral compound (2.5 %) by head-1day-1 respectively. Hay and water were provided ad libitum. Monthly measurements of live body weight, testicular volume and blood testosterone concentration of lambs were recorded. The results showed that the High energy group of lambs recorded a significantly higher live body weight compared to the lambs of low energy group (p <0.001). Whereas, the testicular growth indicated a gradual and linear increase for both groups (low energy and high energy) with significant differences (p <0.001). However, all measurements of the testis, live body weight, serum testosterone levels and age were positively correlated with one another of both low and high groups throughout the experiment. In conclusion, High-level energy supplementation can improve to enhanced development in Ouled Djellal ram lambs this may be due to its beneficial effect on the productive and reproductive performance of growing male lambs. Furthermore, using younger lambs may reduce production costs, accelerate the benefits of genetic selection, and allow earlier progeny and libido testing.

Marketing Practices For Dairy Products From Small-Scale Farms, Case: Region Of Tiziouzou – Algeria

The objective of our work is to identify the different marketing practices and to characterize the organizational constraints that hinder the productivity and profitability of small-scale livestock farms in the mountainous region of Fréha and Sidi-Naman, located in the region of Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria. Due to its high milk production potential, the targeted region was selected as a study area. The importance of our work lies in the determination of the key factors, which prevent small-scale milk producers from carrying out their livestock activities successfully. A quantitative questionnaire survey was conducted with 30 farmers. This study was complemented by interviews with livestock professionals. A documentary search of the literature and empirical studies was conducted, as well as site visits. The results show that there are several factors that impact on the normal course of productive activities of small-scale livestock farmers. The results show that there are several factors impacting on the normal production activities of small-scale farmers, such as: food and socio-cultural factors that are a constraint on milk production; distribution, which is strongly impacted by covid-19; lack of communication about products; and poorly organized marketing channels, especially in relation to goat farming, which accounts for 43% of our sample. We suggest that small breeders follow training courses on breeding methods and good practices, and improve hygiene and sterilization conditions on the farms, and strengthen the health control systems at the farm level. The contribution of the Algerian state for the regularization of the prices of animal products. To practice a good communication around the products processed by the small breeders to increase the marketing and sensitize the consumers to consume natural products. Exploit various other resources such as sheep milk by improving the dairy breeds of the region of Ouled Djellal. Orient goat farms towards intensive operations, and promote dairy breeds such as the Spanish Murciana and the French Saanen.

Fatty acids, health lipid indices, and cholesterol content of sheep meat of three breeds from Moroccan pastures.

The lipid analysis of commercial lamb's meat, from two main Moroccan production areas Middle Atlas and highlands of eastern Morocco, was conducted. This study concerns the lipid quality of sheep meat from Beni Guil (BG) and Timahdite (Ti) as indigenous breeds and that of the Ouled Djellal (ODj) breed of Algerian origin. To study the effect of the geographical area, the meat samples from the Beni Guil breed were taken in the two main locations of this breed: in the region of Ain Beni Mathar (BGA) and that of Tendrara (BGT). The fatty acid profiles of the sheep meats analyzed showed the following: (i) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) richness was of 12.87 % and 20.59 % respectively for BGA and BGT breeds; (ii) polyunsaturated saturated fatty acid ratios were ranged between 0.28 to 0.50 respectively for BGA and Ti breed; and (iii) PUFA- content was 1.71 % for ODj breed and 2.13 % for BGA. Thus, the PUFA- PUFA ratios range between 4.92 and 9.6 for BGA and Ti sheep meat, respectively. The cholesterol content was 0.08 % and 0.12 % of fresh meat respectively for ODj and BGA. Finally, meats of BGA and ODj have similar thrombogenicity (1.23 and 1.27 respectively) and atherogenicity indices (0.71 and 0.68 respectively). Statistically, these values were significantly higher than those registered for Ti breed (IT: 1.04 and AI: 0.51). In conclusion, from a nutritional point of view, it can be deduced that these meats have an interesting lipid quality due to their richness in desirable fatty acid (UFA C18 : 0).

Effect of different altitude on reproductive performances and mineral assessment in Ouled Djellal ewes during the mating period.

The aim of this study is to evaluate reproductive performances and to reveal the influence of mineral profile on Ouled Djellal ewes reared in different sites during their mating period. Two hundred twenty-six clinically healthy and nonpregnant Ouled Djellal ewes have been used and assigned to four groups according to altitude factor (two plain regions, one tableland region, and one mountain region). In all groups, oestrus was synchronized with ram affect method, and the ewes were naturally inseminated; it was conducted during the month of May for all herds. After 5months of gestation, reproductive parameters were calculated. Concerning the determination of plasma mineral parameters and its influence on reproduction parameters, blood samples were taken from all ewes on the day of introduction of entire rams into all herds. The analyzed variables were fertility, prolificacy, and fecundity, and their overall averages were 78%, 117%, and 92%, respectively, which are well below the averages in flocks reared in intensive mode. However, the lowest rates are recorded at mountain region (Aïn Zaatout) with 65%, 109%, and 71%, respectively. Plasma sodium and potassium were significantly lower in fecundable ewes than in non-fecundable ewes, whereas plasma calcium levels were significantly increased. The region showed in this study a significant influence on all plasma levels of major minerals during mating period. This study made it possible to describe the evolution of some mineral elements in ewes according to whether they are fecundable or not and according to the region (mountain, tableland, plain) during the mating period. This gave us useful information on the impact of plasma minerals levels on reproductive parameters.

Assessment of genetic diversity of Turkish and Algerian native sheep breeds

In Algeria and Turkey, the sheep production systems are based on the under extensive rural conditions and their genetic management has led to increased homozygosity and hence productivity loss. The identification of inter-breed and intra-breed genetic diversity plays a key role in the shaping of conservation and breeding programs. The present study was conducted to investigate the genetic diversity of native sheep breeds reared in Turkey and Algeria. A total of 240 animals from four Algerian (Hamra, Ouled Djellal, Sidaou, and Tazegzawt) and four Turkish (White Karaman, South Karaman, Karacabey Merino, and Kıvırcık) native sheep breeds were genotyped with fourteen microsatellite markers recommended by FAO. A total of 340 alleles were detected from fourteen markers studied. All the eight breeds exhibited moderate to high levels of genetic diversity, with a slight superiority of the Algerian sheep breeds. Overall FIS value was low, but highly significant (p &lt; 0.001). It may have been due to the high inbreeding within the population. The mean global coefficient of gene differentiation (GST) showed that approximately 94.0 % of the genetic variation was within-population. The highest number of private alleles with a frequency above 5 % was observed in Ouled Djellal sheep. Structure analysis of populations studied revealed the most appropriate K with four genetic clusters. As the result, the dendrogram showed that the Algerian sheep breeds were completely separated from the Turkish sheep breeds furthermore the Bayesian clustering revealed a high level of admixture, especially in Algerian sheep populations.

Assessment of genetic diversity of Turkish and Algerian native sheep breeds

In Algeria and Turkey, the sheep production systems are based on the under extensive rural conditions and their genetic management has led to increased homozygosity and hence productivity loss. The identification of inter-breed and intra-breed genetic diversity plays a key role in the shaping of conservation and breeding programs. The present study was conducted to investigate the genetic diversity of native sheep breeds reared in Turkey and Algeria. A total of 240 animals from four Algerian (Hamra, Ouled Djellal, Sidaou, and Tazegzawt) and four Turkish (White Karaman, South Karaman, Karacabey Merino, and Kıvırcık) native sheep breeds were genotyped with fourteen microsatellite markers recommended by FAO. A total of 340 alleles were detected from fourteen markers studied. All the eight breeds exhibited moderate to high levels of genetic diversity, with a slight superiority of the Algerian sheep breeds. Overall FIS value was low, but highly significant (p &amp;lt; 0.001). It may have been due to the high inbreeding within the population. The mean global coefficient of gene differentiation (GST) showed that approximately 94.0 % of the genetic variation was within-population. The highest number of private alleles with a frequency above 5 % was observed in Ouled Djellal sheep. Structure analysis of populations studied revealed the most appropriate K with four genetic clusters. As the result, the dendrogram showed that the Algerian sheep breeds were completely separated from the Turkish sheep breeds furthermore the Bayesian clustering revealed a high level of admixture, especially in Algerian sheep populations.

Enzymatic quality of colostrum in Ouled Djellal ewes, Algeria

ABSTRACT Level of colostrums’ enzymatic activity is a reliable indicator of ingestion and passive immunity and, thus, the viability of newborns. Our study evaluated the colostrums immunoglobulin-G (IgG) and enzymatic levels during the first 24 h after lambing in ewes and determined the effect of fixed factors on enzymatic quality. Colostrums were milked from 134 Ouled Djellal ewes aged from 1 to 8 years in a commercial farm of Algerian semi-arid region. Samples were taken at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 24 h after lambing and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were determined in colostrums using the spectrophometric analysis (Spin react). The IgG quality of each sample was measured using a digital brix refractometer (PAL colostrum–58%). Results showed significant differences related to milking period, lambing season and animal. Period of milking had significant effect on ALP (p < 0.01) and GGT (p < 0.05) activities, respectively. The highest enzymatic activity in ewe colostrums was observed in spring, in both lean and fat ewes. Enzymatic activity decreased with age until 5 years old and increased thereafter. GGT and LDH activities can thus be used alongside IgG in the determination of colostrums immunological quality, but ALP cannot.

Effets de la dose de gonadotrophines sur l’œstrus et la production d’embryons chez les brebis Hamra et Ouled Djellal

L’application des techniques de superovulation et de production d’embryons est incontournable pour la conservation des ressources génétiques ovines. L’objectif de la présente étude a été d’évaluer l’effet de l’administration de deux doses d’hormone folliculostimulante d’origine porcine (pFSH) sur le délai d’apparition et la durée de l’œstrus, la réponse ovarienne, et la production d’embryons chez les brebis des races Ouled Djellal (OD) et Hamra (H). Les brebis OD (n = 15) et H (n = 14) ont été synchronisées par la pose d’éponges vaginales imprégnées avec 40 mg d’acétate de fluorogestone (FGA), et superovulées par l’administration de 16 ou 20 UA de pFSH durant les trois derniers jours du traitement progestagène. Le septième jour après œstrus et saillie naturelle, les embryons ont été collectés par laparotomie. Chez les brebis OD le début de l’œstrus a été plus précoce avec l’utilisation de 20 UA qu’avec celle de 16 UA (22,1 ± 4,5 vs 25,0 ± 3,5, p &lt; 0,05), de même la durée de l’œstrus a été plus longue (34,0 ± 6,6 vs 40,0 ± 7,1, p &lt; 0,05). Chez les brebis H l’augmentation de la dose de pFSH de 16 UA à 20 UA a induit une baisse de production d’embryons : taux de collecte 72,2 vs 47,1, p &lt; 0,001 ; nombre de structures récoltées 5,9 ± 3,4 vs 3,6 ± 2,1, p &lt; 0,05 ; nombre d’embryons récoltés 3,2 ± 1,9 vs 5,1 ± 2,6, p &lt; 0,05 ; embryons de grade 1 et 2, 4,3 ± 2,4 vs 2,1 ± 1,7, p &lt; 0,01. En revanche, chez les brebis OD le taux d’ovulation et la production d’embryons ont été nettement améliorés lors de l’utilisation d’une dose de 20 UA : nombre de corps jaunes 6,9 ± 3,9 vs 10,4 ± 5,4, p &lt; 0,05 ; nombre d’embryons récoltés 3,2 ± 2,0 vs 5,1 ± 2,3, p &lt; 0,05 ; embryons de grade 1 et 2, 2,2 ± 1,6 vs 4,3 ± 1,7, p &lt; 0,05. Les résultats indiquent que la réponse ovulatoire, l’œstrus, et la production d’embryons sont influencés par la dose de la pFSH et par la race.

Effects of incorporating oasis by-products on fattening performance and carcass characteristics of Ouled Djellal lamb.

Aim:The aim of this study was to determine the effects of incorporating three local oasis by-products [cull dates (CDs), date pedicels (DPs) treated with urea, and juice from rumen content] into the food ration of Ouled Djellal lambs on fattening performance and carcass characteristics.Materials and Methods:The experiment was carried out over 105 days, with an adaptation period of 15 days, on four groups each consisting of 10 male Ouled Djellal lambs aged 7-8 months with an average live body weight of 32±1.5 kg, randomly distributed, and raised in tie stalls. The basic rations were formulated at a rate of 0% (control), 50%, 80%, and 100% substitution of barley straw by DPs treated with urea. The additional rations intended for the experimental groups consisted of 100% substitution of corn by CDs. Before distributed, they were sprayed with rumen content extract (RCE) at a rate of 250 ml/kg.Results:The 100% group displayed a highly significant difference compared to the other groups, with a live body weight of 43 kg (p<0.05), an average daily gain of 191 g, and feed efficiency of 5.08. These three parameters developed in proportion to the rates of incorporation of CDs and pedicels treated with urea. The carcass yield of the 100% group (48.7%) is significantly higher than the other groups while the thickness of back fat is significantly lower. Economically speaking, the profit margin of the 100% group is 30.93 Algerian dinars (DZD) per day per animal.Conclusion:The use of by-products of the date palm (CDs and pedicels) combined with RCE in animal feed with a view to fattening sheep, in particular in oasis zones, represents an alternative in enhancing growth performances and carcass characteristics and offers a relatively cheap prospect for the availability of red meat for populations with low purchasing power.

Application of linear body measurements for predicting live weight in Ouled Djellal breed

The objective of this study was to predict the body weight of 66 females and 15 males Ouled Djellal breed aged over 2 years using fourteen simple linear body measurements and CREVAT formula. The total body length (TBDL), body length (BDL), scapular-ischial length (SIL), withers height (WH), heart girth (HG), chest depth (CD), paunch girth (PG), shoulder width (SW), hip-width (HW), trochanter width (TW), ischia width (IW), pelvis length (PL), cannon length (CL) and cannon perimeter (CP) were measured in centimeters, and body weight (BW) was determined in kilogram using a weighing scale. Results of the correlation coefficient showed that heart girth and the withers height were highly correlated with body weight (r = 0.93 and r =0.91 respectively), with variations by sex. Results of the stepwise regression showed that heart girth (HG), withers height (WH), scapular-ischiallength (SIL) and thecannon perimeter (CP) are the best prediction parameters of body weight in animals studied. From the CREVAT formula, the body weight was estimated by the HG (in meters): BW = 57.9 HG3. According to the different statistical methods used and the formula of CREVAT, we can conclude that body weight in Ouled Djellal breed can be estimated using simple linear body measurement of heart girth.

USERS PERCEPTION OF A WIND TOWER FOR PASSIVE COOLING IN HOT DRY AREA OF SOUTHERN ALGERIA: A CASE OF OULED DJELLAL BISKRA

This paper is a synopsis of the results of a socio-cultural research on the wind tower as a sustainable cooling system, introduced in hot dry areas of southern Algeria. This element is integrated into 80 dwellings neighbourhood in Ouled Djellal. The wind towers were closed or removed by users despite their proven thermal performance by the authors [1]. This paper reveals the causes behind this rejection and users’ perception issues using in situ observation, interviews and survey. It unveiled that wind towers are useful, successful and are to be incorporated into new residential buildings’ designs only if incompatibility errors between design, implementation, use, and control system are avoided. The survey proved, the cultural acceptance of this new element in Algeria by the population surveyed of low to medium social class (56.82% yes and yes under conditions, of which 38.64% yes without conditions).

Steroid hormones and energetic metabolites profiles in ewes raised under arid and semi-arid climates of Algeria

ABSTRACTSerum progesterone, estradiol 17-β and energetic metabolites profiles were investigated during the spring breeding season in non-pregnant and pregnant “Ouled Djellal” ewes bearing singleton or twin fetuses in arid and semi-arid climates of Algeria. Twenty and thirty ewes aged 1 to 4 years from semi-arid and arid zones, respectively, were used. In semi-arid zone, 15 ewes were pregnant (eight carrying one fetus and seven carrying twins). In arid zone, from 24 pregnant ewes, 14 carried singleton and 10 carried twins. Blood sampling were collected before mating, in the first and the last month of pregnancy and after lambing. Significant effect (p < 0.05) of litter size was found during early gestation on progesteronemia in arid region and on estradiolemia (p < 0.05) in both regions. During late pregnancy significant effect of fetal number was observed in semi-arid (p < 0.05) and arid (p < 0.001) area for progesterone and only in arid zone (p < 0.05) for estradiol. In the present study, no significant effect of litter size was found on serum glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides in both regions. Reproductive hormones profiles and energetic metabolism in pregnant ewes raised in arid zone are more altered than those in semi-arid zone.

Biodiversity and selection for scrapie resistance in sheep: genetic polymorphism in eight breeds of Algeria

Scrapie is a prion disease that affects the sheep and goats. It belongs to the group of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSE). TSEs are characterized by the accumulation of the pathological form (PrPSc) of the cellular prion protein (PrPC). The susceptibility of sheep to scrapie is influenced by polymorphisms in the PrP gene (PRNP). The aim of this study was to identify the genetic variability of sheep PRNP in Algerian sheep. Two-hundred and thirteen Algerian sheep from eight breeds (Ouled Djellal, Rembi, Hamra, Berbere, Barbarine, Sidaou, Taadmit and Tazegzawt) with no clinical manifestation of scrapie were analysed. Sequencing of the entire coding sequence of PRNP showed four main alleles (ARQ, ARR, AHQ and ARH) based on codons 136, 154 and 171 with different frequencies among the investigated breeds. Moreover, 14 additional nonsynonymous polymorphisms (Q101R, N103K, M112T, A116P, M137I, L141F, I142M, H143R, N146S, R151G, Y172D, N176K, H180Y and S240P) as well as two synonymous polymorphisms at codons 231 and 237 were found in the PRNP gene. Interestingly, the N103K, M137I and I142M polymorphisms were not described in sheep. The ARQ, ARR and ARH haplotypes were present in all breeds with a highest frequency of ARQ in Barbarine. The ARH was absent in Barbarine breed and the VRQ haplotype was absent in all Algerian breeds studied. The ARQ and ARR alleles were the most common with frequencies ranging from 30 to 65% and from 8 to 26%, respectively, in different breeds. These results represent the first study on PRNP variability in Algerian sheep and may serve as a basis for the development of breeding programmes to render national sheep breeds resistant to scrapie.

Effect of increasing levels of wasted date palm in concentrate diet on reproductive performance of Ouled Djellal breeding rams during flushing period.

Aim:The aim of the study was to assess the effect of two levels of wasted date (WD) by replacing commercial concentrate on the reproductive performance of Ouled Djellal (OD) rams.Materials and Methods:Eighteen mature (2-year-old) OD rams were equally allocated to three groups and fed during 11 weeks with one of three different experimental diets, that contained 0% (0 WD), 50% (50 WD), or 75% (75 WD) of WDs in concentrate diet. Live body weight (LBW), body condition scoring (BCS), scrotal circumference (SC), testicular weight (TW), sperm production and quality, plasma testosterone concentration (T), and sexual behavior (reaction time and number of mounts with ejaculation) were regularly recorded from every ram.Results:LBW, SC, and TW changed significantly among diet groups and during the experimental period (p<0.001), the highest averages were recorded in (0 WD) group. LBW, BCS, SC, TW, semen volume, and percentage of the positive hypo-osmotic swelling test were (p<0.001) positively influenced by flushing period. Nevertheless, sperm concentration showed a significant (p<0.001) decrease at day 30, followed by a return to the initial values afterward. There were no differences (p>0.05) between diet groups for plasma testosterone concentration and semen attributes, except that (50 WD) group expressed the lowest overall value of semen concentration. Furthermore, neither time nor diet affected (p>0.05) sperm motility and reproductive behavior parameters.Conclusions:It is possible to introduce WD as unconventional local feeding resources in flushing diet of breeding rams without disturbing their reproductive performance.

Productivité de la brebis Ouled Djellal selon le mode de conduite de la reproduction

In order to measure the reproductive performances and numerical productivity of Ouled Djellal ewes, and to determine the influence of non-geneticfactors onthese parameters, a database wasestablished, by monitoring 2710 ewes, belonging to 12 farms, representative of two dominant modes of reproduction in the Chlef region. Body condition scores (BCS) of groups ofewes put in reproduction were carried out to compare the performances under breedingconditions. Thestudy showed a fertility and prolificacy of 91.04% and 115.35% in the breeding mode of lambing per year in spring, against 59.35% and 103% in the traditionalsystem with lambingspread over the year (the ram is permanently present in the herd). The body condition and body reserves of the ewes varied according to the lambing season and the farmsmanagement (feed system). The interaction between the body condition of the ewes at mating and their reproduction performances was evident. Indeed, as BCS at mating increased, fertility, prolificityand productivity improved. The ewes with BCS at mating higher than or equalto3 produced the best performance, whereasthe ewes with BCS lower than 3, were less fertile, less prolific and less productive. On average the productivity of Ouled Djellal ewes was 105.03% and 61.10%, respectively,in the first and second mode of reproduction. The main sources of variation as well as their interactions, were highlighted in this study.

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF WOOL QUALITY IN SHEEP BREEDS IN WESTERN ALGERIA

Our study of the wool quality in Algerian sheep breeds in western Algeria was based on the analysis of wool fineness which has been conducted by measuring the diameter of wool fibers. The data were collected from 60 samples from the the following breeds: Ouled Djellal, Hamra, Barbarine, Srandi, Daraa and Rembi. The average wool fiber diameter is 48.18 ± 39.49μm which is significantly different (p &lt;0.001) in the breeds studied. The average wool fiber diameter was 48.18 ± 39.49μm which is significantly different (p &lt;0.001) in the breeds studied, it varies from medium wool with a diameter of 28.89 ± 6.009μm in Ouled Djellal breed to coarse wool with a diameter of 74.17 ± 49.44 in Hamrabreed. No significant effect (p&gt; 0.05) of the sex on the wool finesse in different breeds was observed. This study is the initiation of future zootechnical study on the wool performance of different sheep breeds in Algeria by studying the wool quality.