Primitive Breeds Research Articles

No evidence for parental age effects on offspring leukocyte telomere length in free-living Soay sheep

In humans, the effect of paternal age at conception (PAC) on offspring leukocyte telomere length (LTL) is well established, with older fathers thought to pass on longer telomeres to their offspring in their sperm. Few studies have looked for PAC effects in other species, but it has been hypothesised that the effect will be exacerbated in polygamous species with higher levels of sperm competition and production. We test for maternal (MAC) and paternal age at conception effects on offspring LTL in Soay sheep, a primitive breed experiencing strong sperm competition. We use qPCR to measure relative telomere length in 389 blood samples (n = 318 individuals) collected from an unmanaged population of sheep on St Kilda, where individual age and parentage are known. We find no evidence that either MAC or PAC are associated with LTL in offspring across the age range, or when considering only young lambs (n = 164). This is the first study to test for parental age effects on offspring LTL in a wild mammal population, and the results contrast with the findings of numerous human studies that find a PAC effect, as well as predictions of a stronger PAC effect in polygamous species.

Owner-reported behavioural characteristics of dingoes (Canis dingo) living as companion animals: A comparison to ‘modern’ and ‘ancient’ dog breeds

During the domestication of canids, humans have selected for particular traits and selected against others. Wild canids and phylogenetically primitive breeds might then be expected to show less ‘desirable’ traits than more recently derived European breeds of dog. In order to examine this, we divided domestic dog breeds according to their apparent genetic relatedness to the wolf, and compared them to a wild canid, the dingo, using a validated behavioural assessment tool (C-BARQ). Our sample included 49 dingoes, 6935 modern dogs, and 673 ancient dogs. Overall, a number of differences were discovered between the breed groups, after accounting for demographic effects and variability between breeds. Dingoes were significantly less trainable than both ancient and modern dogs, and displayed greater stranger-directed fear and non-social fear than modern dogs. Dingoes were also more prone to escaping/roaming and urinating against objects than modern dogs, and tended to exhibit compulsive ‘staring’ and rolling in animal droppings more than both ancient and modern dogs. Using a multivariate test, we found that dingoes represented a significant outlier from the range of typical between-breed variation of domesticated dogs. Taken together, these results provide some evidence that (1) selective processes during domestication are reflected in the behaviour of dog breeds, and (2) primitive breed behaviour tends to reflect earlier and different selection pressures (natural rather that artificial selection).

Variation in TBX3 Gene Region in Dun Coat Color Polish Konik Horses

The Polish Konik is a primitive breed of horse, most likely descended directly from the wild extinct forest equus so-called Tarpan (Equus ferus ferus). The studbook of this breed is closed, and only individuals with blue dun in color with a well-developed black middorsal stripe and other primitive markings are entered. The aim of the presented study was the investigation of genetic background of dun phenotype in Polish Konik horses. A total of 93 Polish Koniks were investigated toward single nucleotide polymorphisms in a region of TBX3 gene by Sanger sequencing method. Obtained results confirmed that all investigated horses carry dun dilution genotype. Two new variants were identified which have not been previously described [WT/WT-G/G-A/G; WT/del-G/del-G/G]. Furthermore, our results showed in population of Polish Koniks occurrence of the rare genotype recently found in Estonian-native horses.

Genome-wide analysis highlights genetic dilution in Algerian sheep.

Algeria represents a reservoir of genetic diversity with local sheep breeds adapted to a large range of environments and showing specific features necessary to deal with harsh conditions. This remarkable diversity results from the traditional management of dryland by pastoralists over centuries. Most of these breeds are poorly productive, and the economic pressure leads farmers to realize anarchic cross-breeding (that is, not carried out in the framework of selection plans) with the hope to increase animal's conformation. In this study, eight of the nine local Algerian sheep breeds (D'men, Hamra, Ouled-Djellal, Rembi, Sidaoun, Tazegzawt, Berber and Barbarine) were investigated for the first time by genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism genotyping. At an international scale, Algerian sheep occupied an original position shaped by relations with African and European (particularly Italian) breeds. The strong genetic proximity with Caribbean and Brazilian breeds confirmed that the genetic make-up of these American breeds was largely influenced by the Atlantic slave trade. At a national scale, an alarming genetic dilution of the Berber (a primitive breed) and the Rembi was observed, as a consequence of uncontrolled mating practices with Ouled-Djellal. A similar, though less pronounced, phenomenon was also detected for the Barbarine, another ancestral breed. Genetic originality appeared to be better preserved in Tazegzawt, Hamra, D'men and Sidaoun. These breeds should be given high priority in the establishment of conservation plans to halt their progressive loss. For Berber and Barbarine that also occur in the bordering neighbor countries, urgent concerted transnational actions are needed.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Hequ Tibetan Mastiff Canis lupus familiaris (Carnivora: Canidae)

The Hequ Tibetan Mastiff Canis lupus familiaris (Carnivora: Canidae) is a primitive breed of large dogs native to the northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau of China. In this study, its complete mitochondrial genome sequence has been assembled and characterized using high-throughput Illumina sequencing technology. The circular genome is 16 730 bp in length, and possesses all genomic components as typically found in most other metazoan mitogenomes. The gene arrangement is identical to those of most other vertebrates. Except for ND4L with GTG as its start codon, all the other PCGs are initiated with an ATR (ATA/ATG) codon. Three distinct stop codons are employed, i.e. AGA for CYTB, TAA for ATP6, ATP8, COX1, COX2, ND1, ND4L, ND5 and ND6, and an incomplete stop codon T for COX3, ND2, ND3 and ND4. The nucleotide composition is asymmetric (31.6% A, 25.5% C, 14.2% G and 28.7% T) with an overall A + T content of 60.3%. These data would contribute to our better understanding its evolutionary history.

Characterization of the milk lipid fraction in non-dairy sheep breeds

Abstract. Studies regarding the composition of milk fat are mostly conducted on dairy breeds. The aim of our studies was to evaluate the fatty acid, cholesterol and phospholipid amount in the milk of two non-dairy sheep breeds. The study was conducted on 60 ewes (Żelaźnieńska strain of Polish Lowland sheep – 30 ewes; Wrzosówka breed – 30 ewes) from one flock which were kept under the same conditions and maintenance. There were no differences in the amount of the basic components of milk in these two breeds. In the lipid fraction of Wrzosówka sheep (a more primitive breed), higher amounts of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (P ≤ 0.05), a higher amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) n-3 (P ≤ 0.01) and a lower ratio of n-6 / n-3 (P ≤ 0.01) were recorded compared to Żelaźnieńska sheep. The milk of Żelaźnieńska sheep had a higher amount of cholesterol (P ≤ 0.05). There were no differences in concentrations of phospholipids. With regard to the two non-dairy sheep breeds, a higher amount of PUFAs n-3 and a more favorable ratio of n-6 / n-3 was observed in the milk of the more primitive breed (i.e., Wrzosówka sheep).

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Qinghai Plateau yak Bos grunniens (Cetartiodactyla: Bovidae)

The Qinghai Plateau yak Bos grunniens (Cetartiodactyla: Bovidae) is an important primitive local breed in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and adjacent regions. In this study, its complete mitochondrial genome sequence has been assembled and characterized from high-throughput Illumina sequencing data. This genome is 16 322 bp in length, and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a non-coding D-loop or control region. The nucleotide composition is asymmetric (33.73% A, 25.79% C, 13.19% G, and 27.29% T) with an overall A + T content of 61.02%. The gene arrangement and the composition are similar to most other vertebrates. These data would contribute to our better understanding its population genetics and evolutionary history.

Reference intervals for selected hematological and biochemical variables in Hucul horses.

Hucul horses are the unique, genetically distinct breed of Carpathian Mountains. Even though they are recognized as primitive breed, many morphological differences between them and other primitive horses have been reported. Neither hematological nor blood biochemical studies in this breed have been conducted so far. The aim of this study was to establish the reference intervals for basic hematological and selected biochemical variables and to compare them with other breeds. Blood samples were collected from 168 Hucul horses and the analyses were performed using routine methods. Mainly nonparametric method was used to establish reference intervals. The following reference intervals have been established (rounded to two significant digits): RBC: 7.0-13×1012/l; HGB: 106.1-195.8 g/l; HCT: 0.3-0.6 l/l; MCV: 35-50 fl; MCH 11.9-17.1 pg; MCHC: 31.9-34.8 g/dl; WBC: 7.5-22×109/l, bands: 0-0.5×109/l; segmented neutrophils: 3.3-10×109/l; eosinophils: 0-1.1×109/l; basophils: 0-0.3×109/l; lymphocytes: 1.9-12×109/l; monocytes: 0-0.2×109/l; PLT 95-350×109/l; MPV 5.2-7.0; ALP: 98-425 U/l; AST: 220-470 U/l; GGT: 9.1-31 U/l; total bilirubin: 6.5-29 μmol/l; CPK: 120-640 U/l; triglycerides: 0.1-0.9 mmol/l; urea: 3.8-11 mmol/l; creatinine: 44 -140 μmol/l; serum amyloid A: 130-5200 μg/l. Hematological and biochemical variables in Hucul horses were closer to hot-blooded then to cold-blooded and primitive horses or wild equidae. The reference intervals presented in this study pose clinically useful tool for evaluation of blood check-up in Hucul horses.

Variability of Heart Rate in Primitive Horses and Their Relatives as an Indicator of Stress Level, Behavioural Conduct Towards Humans and Adaptation to Living in Wild

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the possibility of using heart rate (HR) as a metric parameter that can be used for the characterisation of behaviour of primitive horses and their relatives, related to reactions to the stress resulting from the contact with humans and adaptation to living in various conditions, including natural environment. This characterisation served the authors to expand the knowledge of such behaviour of primitive horses, and to assess the impact of the environmental and genetic factors. Studies were conducted in three populations of horses: two herds of Polish Konik and one herd of Biłgoraj horses. The studies were performed between 1993 and 2010. They concerned the behaviour of horses during grooming - breeding procedures (hooves clearing, body measurements) performed cyclically and the daily observations when HR was monitored continuously. HR results for the respective age categories, during particular grooming - breeding procedures and reserve observations indicate that Polish Konik horses, closely related to the primitive Tarpan breed, are genetically better adapted to living in conditions similar to the natural (reserve) than the Biłgoraj horses. They show less stress symptoms, which are evidenced by HR values noted during inhabiting the natural environment.

Primitive Breeding in an Ancient Indian Frog Genus Indirana

The Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot is rich in herpetofauna and harbours numerous endemic species. Unfortunately, many of these understudied species are threatened due to habitat loss, pollution, infectious diseases and climate change. Indirana (family Ranixalidae) is an ancient frog genus, endemic to the Western Ghats of India. Unlike most amphibians, it lays terrestrial eggs and has semi-terrestrial tadpoles. We barely have any knowledge about their development, life history, mating systems and reproductive ecology. Such information is crucial to design and implement successful conservation programmes. Hence, we studied the courtship, spawning behaviour and reproductive mode of an Indirana sp. from Amboli Reserve Forest located in the northern Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India. This species showcases a primitive type of inguinal amplexus and exhibits pronounced sexual size dimorphism, where females are significantly larger than the males. Average clutch size was 226 ± 41.5 eggs, with an egg diameter of 3.25 ± 0.32 mm. Fertilization rate was 87% with 100% hatching success. Additionally, this frog has evolved terrestrial eggs without the dependent traits like parental care and large egg size/small clutch size witnessed in other terrestrially egg-laying anurans (frogs and toads). This frog has reproductive mode 19, with its characteristic semi-terrestrial tadpoles. This genus represents the extreme of the trend (from obligatory aquatic to completely terrestrial) that amphibians show towards terrestriality.

Overexpression of Copper Transporter CTR1 in the Brain Barrier of North Ronaldsay Sheep: Implications for the Study of Neurodegenerative Disease

Age-related regulatory failure of the brain barrier towards the influx of redox metals such as copper and iron may be associated with the pathological changes that characterize dementias such as Alzheimer's diseases (ADs) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The integrity of the brain barrier to regulate copper in the brain is maintained by the complex interplay of membrane-located transporters, of which copper transporter 1 (CTR1) exerts a defining role. North Ronaldsay (NR) sheep are a primitive breed that have adapted to a copper-deficient environment by an enhanced uptake of the metal, resulting in copper overload in the liver and brain. This study reports that CTR1 is overexpressed in both the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCB) of adult NR sheep when compared with a domesticated breed. The excess copper is stored ultimately in astrocytes as non-injurious copper-metallothionein (MT). NR sheep have apparently retained an immature regulatory setting for CTR1 in the BBB, promoting facilitated copper uptake into the brain. This putative failure of maturation of CTR1 allows insight into the regulatory control of brain copper homeostasis, whereby the BBB and BCB act in concert to sequester excess copper and protect neurons from injury. The elevated copper content of the ageing human brain may derive from a dysregulation of CTR1 at the brain barrier, with a return to the default (immature) setting and implications for neurodegenerative disease.

Physiological Values of P-Wave Dispersion in Silesian Breed Horses and Polish Primitive Horses

Abstract Electrocardiographic examinations were performed on 45 Silesian breed horses (group K, 3-16-year-old, 16 stallions, 29 mares) and on 25 Polish Primitive breed horses (group P, 1.5-19-year-old, two stallions, six geldings, 17 mares). Einthoven and chest leads were used. P-wave dispersion was electronically evaluated. There was no correlation between P-wave dispersion and other ECG parameters, age, sex, body mass, or month of pregnancy. The average value of P-wave dispersion for all horses was 30.77 ms (SD 3.92 ms), however in particular groups it was: in group P - 31.89 ms (SD 3.07 ms), and in group K - 30.15 ms (SD 4.27 ms). The maximum value of P-wave dispersion in the studied population was 40 ms, in groups P and K - 37,6 ms and 40 ms, respectively. The physiological value of P-wave dispersion for the group of horses was below 45 ms.

Phylogenetic Relationships of the Mangalitsa Swine Breed Inferred from Mitochondrial DNA Variation

The Mangalitsa pig, a swine breed belonging to the protected gene fund of original and primitive animal breeds of the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization), has been known to inhabit Romanian territories since the 19th century. The aim of this study was to compare the Mangalitsa breed with several European and Asiatic swine breeds in order to emphasize its uniqueness and to elucidate its origin. For this purpose, we analyzed a 613 bp mitochondrial DNA D-loop fragment and 1140 bp of the cytochrome b gene in a population of Mangalitsa pigs and the polymorphic sites were compared with sequences from GenBank originating from other swine breeds. Taking into account the total of 24 breeds and 5 different Wild Boar populations analyzed, 86 polymorphic sites representing 32 haplotypes were observed, with an average percentage of polymorphic sites of 4.9%. Three Neighbor-Joining phylogenetic trees were constructed based on Kimura 2-parameter distances, using D-loop, cytochrome b and mitochondrial reunited sequences. For the analyzed Mangalitsa population, four distinct haplotypes were identified, including one that was common to other breeds. Our study suggests that the Mangalitsa swine originate from primitive breeds which might be directly derived from the Wild Boar.

The Study of Prolactin RsaI Polymorphism in Romanian Grey Steppe Cattle Breed

SUMMARY Prolactin (PRL) is a protein hormone composed of 199 amino acids synthesized by the lactotrope cells from anterior pituitary gland. It is also produced in smaller quantities in other tissues, including mammary gland (Le Provost et al. , 1994). The gene coding for prolactin is located in cattle on the chromosome pair 23. Togeth er with growth hormone (GH), PRL stimulates mamogenesis, lactogenesis and galactopoesis (Carsai et al. , 2010). The increasing of blood prolactin concentrations during pregnancy leads to increasing of lactogen tissue growth, correlated after birth with an increased mi lk yield. Therefore is a valuable candidate gene for improving milk production in cattle and ot her species. In cattle several polymorphisms were described in PRL gene. Among these a silent A-G substitution from PRL exon three gives rise to a polymorphic Rsa I site (Lewin et al. , 1992) having an effect on milk production, although the results are conflicti ng (Chung et al. , 1996; Chrenek et al. , 1999; Dybus, 2002). The aim of our study was to determine the allelic and genotypes frequencies in PRL-Rsa I 3 rd exon site, in a primitive cattle breed with very l ow milk production, as is Romanian Grey Steppe breed. The amplification was performed with the primers described by Dybus et al. (2005) and the thermal cycling conditions as descr ibed by Carsai et al. (2011). The calculated allele frequencies were A=0.786; B=0.214 and the genotypes frequencies were: AA=0.571; AB=0.429; BB=0 (Fig. 1).

Gene pool changes after ecological catastrophe (Chernobyl’s example)

Analysis of the population-genetic consequences of technogenic catastrophes, e.g., Chernobyl, represents special interest in connection with development of global ecological changes and rising technogenic contamination. Research of dynamics of cytogenetic anomalies in bone marrow cells of different Rodentia species (trapped in alienation zone near Chernobyl’s NPP in 1994–2001 in places with different levels of contamination from 5 up to 1000 Ci/km2) and in peripheral blood cells of cattle generations of experimental herd (Pripjat, 200 Ci/km2) was carried out. The changes of genetic structure in cattle generations were analyzed employing family analysis of allele’s transfer in structural genes and ISSR-PCR markers. Increase in number of mutant animals was not observed, but reversal of genetic structure in cattle generations from an initial breed to ones, typical for more primitive breed was revealed. Our results indicate that ionizing radiation does not induce new genetic anomalies but allows realization of inherently unstable species- and individual-specific genetic characteristics.

Phylogenetic relationships of the Hucul horse from Romania inferred from mitochondrial D-loop variation

The existence of the Hucul horse on Romanian territory has been documented from the very distant past; today Hucul is a unique breed that is part of the FAO Program for the Preservation of Animal Genetic Resources. We compared Hucul with several primitive European and Asiatic breeds in order to elucidate the origin of these horses. We analyzed a 683-bp mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop fragment in a population of Hucul horses and compared the polymorphic sites with sequences from other primitive breeds, including Exmoor, Icelandic Pony, Sorraia, Przewalski Horse, Mongolian Wild Horse, Konik, and Shetland Pony, as well as with Arabian, Akhal Teke and Caspian Pony. The sequences were truncated to 247 bp to accommodate short sequence data for the other species. Eighty horses were analyzed; 35 polymorphic sites representing 33 haplotypes were observed. The mean percentage of polymorphic sites was 14.2% for this mtDNA fragment. A neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree was constructed based on Kimura two-parameter distances and the Network 3.111 software was used for phylogenetic analysis. The Hucul horse was classified separately from all other primitive breeds. It is possible that the Hucul horse is not part of the pony class, as it segregated apart from all primitive pony breeds. We found multiple origins in the maternal lineage of domestic horse breeds and demonstrated the uniqueness of the Hucul breed; its origins remain unclear.

Cholesterol content and atherogenicity of fermented sausages made of pork meat from various breeds

Three batches of the Sremska sausage (traditional Serbian fermented sausage) were made: control variant (C) of a Landrace and the other two of primitive breeds: Mangalica (A) and Moravka (B), with the aim of determining the cholesterol content and the content of fatty acids. The cholesterol content in meat, fatty tissue and sausages was determined, in the case of the latter at the beginning of production (day 0), at the end of production (day 14) and after a storage period of the vacuumed product (day 60). The fatty acids content was determined at the beginning and at the end of production. Values were considered significantly different when p<0.05. The cholesterol content in meat (mg/100g of a sample) ranged from 40.58 (B) to 51.54 (C), indicating a significant discrepancy in all samples. As for back fat, there was a notable disparity in cholesterol content between control and primitive breed samples (47.15 (C), 35.54 (B) and 36.41 (A)). The cholesterol content in sausages at the conclusion of the production ranged from 40.41 (A) to 43.33 (B), with no significant difference between the samples. After storage (day 60), the cholesterol content ran from 42.75 (A) to 52.41 (B), with no significant difference only between samples C and A. Fatty acids content was monitored via the index of atherogenicity, and the polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acids ratio. The index of atherogenicity at the end of production was the highest in sample A, 0.61, and significantly differs from other samples, while the lowest value was recorded in sample C, 0.46. PUFA/SFA at the end of production was the lowest in sample A (0.20), with none of the samples exceeding 0.4. No significant advantages of the use of the meat of primitive breeds were noted.

Breed differences in domestic dogs’ (Canis familiaris) comprehension of human communicative signals

Recent research suggests that some human-like social skills evolved in dogs (Canis familiaris) during domestication as an incidental by-product of selection for “tame” forms of behavior. It is still possible, however, that the social skills of certain dog breeds came under direct selection that led to further increases in social problem solving ability. To test this hypothesis, different breeds of domestic dogs were compared for their ability to use various human communicative behaviors to find hidden food. We found that even primitive breeds with little human contact were able to use communicative cues. Further, “working” dogs (shepherds and huskies: thought to be bred intentionally to respond to human cooperative communicative signals) were more skilled at using gestural cues than were non-working breeds (basenji and toy poodles: not thought to have been bred for their cooperative-communicative ability). This difference in performance existed regardless of whether the working breeds were more or less genetically wolf-like. These results suggest that subsequent to initial domesticating selection giving rise to cue-following skills, additional selection on communicative abilities in certain breeds has produced substantive differences in those breeds’ abilities to follow cues.

Analysis of genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among red jungle fowls and Chinese domestic fowls

Genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among 568 individuals of two red jungle fowl subspecies (Gallus gallus spadiceus in China and Gallus gallus gallus in Thailand) and 14 Chinese domestic chicken breeds were evaluated with 29 microstaellite loci, the genetic variability within population and genetic differentiation among population were estimated, and then genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships were analyzed among red jungle fowls and Chinese domestic fowls. A total of 286 alleles were detected in 16 population with 29 microsatellite markers and the average number of the alleles observed in 29 microsatellite loci was 9.86+/-6.36. The overall expected heterozygosity of all population was 0.6708+/-0.0251, and the number of population deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium per locus ranged from 0 to 7. In the whole population, the average of genetic differentiation among population, measured as FST value, was 16.7% (P<0.001), and all loci contributed significantly (P<0.001) to this differentiation. It can also be seen that the deficit of heterozygotes was very high (0.015) (P<0.01). Reynolds' distance values varied between 0.036 (Xiaoshan chicken-Luyuan chicken pair) and 0.330 (G. gallus gallus-Gushi chicken pair). The Nm value ranged from 0.533 (between G. gallus gallus and Gushi chicken) to 5.833 (between Xiaoshan chicken and Luyuan chicken). An unrooted consensus tree was constructed using the neighbour-joining method and the Reynolds' genetic distance. The heavy-body sized chicken breeds, Luyuan chicken, Xiaoshan chicken, Beijing Fatty chicken, Henan Game chicken, Huainan Partridge and Langshan chicken formed one branch, and it had a close genetic relationship between Xiaoshan chicken-Luyuan chicken pair and Chahua chicken-Tibetan chicken pair. Chahua chicken and Tibetan chicken had closer genetic relationship with these two subspecies of red jungle fowl than other domestic chicken breeds. G. gallus spadiceus showed closer phylogenetic relationship with Chinese domestic chicken breeds than G. gallus gallus. All 29 microstaellite loci in this study showed high levels of polymorphism and significant genetic differentiation was observed among two subspecies of red jungle fowl and 14 Chinese domestic chicken breeds. The evolutional dendrogram is as follows: evolutional breeds-->primitive breeds (Chahua chicken and Tibetan)-->red jungle fowl in China (G. gallus spadiceus)-->red jungle fowl in Thailand (G. gallus gallus). The results supported the theory that the domestic fowls might originate from different subspecies of red jungle fowl and Chinese domestic fowls had independent origin.

Absolute age and tooth eruption and wear sequences in sheep and goat: determining age-at-death in zooarchaeology using a modern control sample

This paper seeks to improve our understanding of the relationship between mandibular tooth eruption and wear sequences and absolute age in modern sheep and goat. While the relationship between tooth eruption and wear and absolute age has been investigated for primitive breeds in parts of the Old World, our pilot study extends the applicability of this research to modern breeds and to another geographic region (North America). A modern control sample of two species of domestic caprines – Ovis aries (sheep) and Capra hircus (goats) from Manitoba, Canada – are used to evaluate the two major systems for analyzing mandibular tooth wear and eruption (Payne and Grant) and for assigning an absolute age-at-death. In order to compare the two systems, an absolute age for Grant's Mandibular Wear Stages was established for the first time, previously demonstrated only for Payne's system. The analysis confirmed that there is a very high correlation between the known age and estimated age based on tooth eruption and wear. However, Payne's system generated far coarser age-at-death profiles, which lowers its utility in constructing harvest profiles. Grant's system is recommended for ageing be utilized since it can yield more sensitive age estimations. In conclusion, it is possible to utilize the modern caprine breeds to establish the relationship between tooth eruption and wear and absolute age to reconstruct age and season of death of archaeological samples.