Ethiopian Sheep Research Articles

Effects of dietary energy and protein levels on nutrient intake, digestibility, and body weight change in Hararghe highland and Afar sheep breeds of Ethiopia.

Objectives:The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of dietary energy and protein level growth performances of selected indigenous Ethiopian sheep breeds.Materials and Methods:Fifty intact ram lambs, 25 from each breed with 12 months of age and a mean initial body weight (IBW) of 19.31 ± 1.7 kg, were employed for this experiment. Animals were distributed randomly into five dietary treatments, i.e., minimum Energy and Protein (mEmP), medium energy and protein (MEMP), medium Energy and high Protein (MEHP), high energy and medium protein (HEMP), and high Energy and high Protein (HEHP) diets in randomized complete block design with 2 * 5 factorial arrangements. The minimum, medium, and high energy diets were 2.388, 2.866, and 3.344 Mcal/kg dry matter (DM) with the corresponding 10%, 16%, and 20% crude protein (CP) diets, respectively. The diets were formulated in a total mixed ration from wheat bran (WB), maize grain, peanut cake, and pasture hay feed ingredients. Diet offer was at the rate of 3% of lambs’ live weight and revised biweekly as per the attained body weight changes. Digestibility trial was conducted for 7 days of actual fecal data collection, followed by 90 days of feeding trial.Results:The animals fed on the MEHP diet had a maximum DM and nutrient intakes (CP and organic matter) and the best final body weight (FBW), total gain, gain rate, average daily gains, and feed conversion efficiency (31.3, 12.9 kg, 41.2%, 143.3 gm, and 23.13, respectively), followed by HEMP, HEHP, MEMP, and mEmP diets. Digestibility of DM and nutrients linearly followed similar trends (p < 0.01). Hararghe sheep was heavier (p < 0.01) by 4.3 and 3.1 kg in its FBW and total gain and more efficient in nutrients utilization (22.57 vs. 18.18) as compared to Afar sheep (AS).Conclusion:It is concluded that MEHP and MEMP are superior and optimum diets for sheep breeds, and Hararghe sheep is carried out better than AS in most growth performance parameters.

Diameter and strength of Ethiopian pure and cross-breed sheep wool fibers

The wool fibers fineness and strength have a remarkable role to determine the quality of yarn and the subsequent fabrics. The fineness property of the wool fibers is a crucially important fiber property for grading, classifying, selecting for particular applications such as for suit, blanket, shirt, carpet, and so on. The fineness and strength properties of four indigenous (Menz, Wollo, Farta, Tikur), three exotic (Awasi, Dorper, Corrediale), and four cross-breed (50% Dorper, 50% Awasi, 75% Awsi, Washera/Awasi) sheep wool fibers from the four main body parts (sides, neck, back, and belly) at six teeth removed age of 11 different sheep breeds have been investigated. The samples of wool fibers have been conditioned for 24 h at 20ºC ± 1ºC temperature and 65% ± 2% relative humidity. The specimen for sampling has been determined based on ASTM D2130-01. The results revealed that the fineness and strength of whole fibers taken from different parts of sample sheep varied significantly within the breed and among the breeds. The result revealed that the strength and fineness of the wool fibers have a positive correlation and Ethiopian sheep wool fiber is suitable for numerous types of classical and technical applications.

&lt;i&gt;Acacia nilotica&lt;/i&gt; Leaf Meal - Potential Supplement to 25% Dorper Crosses of Local Sheep Fed a Basal Diet of Natural Pasture Hay

This research was undertaken to evaluate the replacement potential of dried leaf meal of Acacia nilotica for noug seed cake (NSC) to supplement the low quality grass hay in the diet of crossbred (25% Dorper) sheep. In doing so, four treatments were set up in such a way that 0% (T1), 33% (T2), 67% (T3), and 100% (T4) NSC is replaced with dried leaf of Acacia nilotica from a conventional supplement while the treatments were kept isonitrogenous. The experiment was arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design where twenty animals were allocated to the four treatments. The experiment consisted of hundred days of feeding trial followed by evaluation of carcass components at the end. In view of chemical composition, grass hay contained lower crude protein (CP) and high cell wall contents that makes it lower quality feed. On the other hand, Acacia nilotica leaf meal was moderate in quality that can support moderate level of ruminant production. The maximum inclusion level of Acacia nilotica was 61.3% or 319.2 gram per day for 25% Dorper cross sheep fed natural pasture hay as a basal diet. Partial and complete replacement of NSC with Acacia nilotica leaf meal significantly increased TDMI (P < 0.001) and as a result average daily gain was higher for leaf meal supplemented groups. Dressing percentage was also tended to be greater for treatments where NSC was replaced by Acacia nilotica leaf meal. Hot carcass weight was in the range of 14.8 to 17.8kg which is higher than the national average carcass weight for Ethiopian sheep and it was also found to be higher when NSC was partially (33%) as well as completely replaced by the leaf meal. In general, NSC can be replaced either partially or completely with Acacia nilotica leaf meal in the diet of 25% dorper crosses while weight gain as well as carcass yield is promoted.

Phenotypic characterization of sheep populations in Tahtay Maichew district, Northern Ethiopia

Eighteen quantitative measurements and fourteen qualitative characteristics taken from 306 adult sheep (57 rams and 249 ewes) were used to characterize sheep populations of district, Ethiopia. Most traits showed significant variation by zone, sex and age groups with higher values generally recorded for rams as compared to ewes. Middle age group animals displayed highest values for several traits, reflecting the optimal production age. zone affected ewes more than rams. The highland sheep height at withers, widest shoulder points and longest hair, indicative of adaptation to their environment. Qualitative characteristics of the studied sheep populations such as tail shape, plain coat color pattern, skin, hairy fiber and the absence of horn, toggle, ruff and beard suggest that they constitute a previously sheep breed. Tan coat color differentiated high and midland sheep from lowland sheep where white and brown colors were dominant. Canon bone length, height at withers and tail length were the three most important variables used in discriminating the sheep populations. On average 66% of the animals could be classified into their respective zone. Our data suggest that highland sheep populations are distantly related to lowland sheep, while midland sheep are more closely related to lowland sheep. It can be concluded that breeding programs specific to each zone need to be designed for sustainable utilization and conservation of the studied sheep populations. Furthermore, molecular based studies might allow further characterization of Ethiopian sheep breeds.

Estimation of co-variance components, genetic parameters, and genetic trends of reproductive traits in community-based breeding program of Bonga sheep in Ethiopia.

ObjectiveThe objectives of the study were to evaluate reproductive performance and selection response through genetic trend of community-based breeding programs (CBBPs) of Bonga sheep.MethodsReproduction traits data were collected between 2012 and 2018 from Bonga sheep CBBPs. Phenotypic performance was analyzed using the general linear model procedures of Statistical Analysis System. Genetic parameters were estimated by univariate animal model for age at first lambing (AFL) and repeatability models for lambing interval (LI), litter size (LS), and annual reproductive rate (ARR) traits using restricted maximum likelihood method of WOMBAT. For correlations bivariate animal model was used. Best model was chosen based on likelihood ratio test. The genetic trends were estimated by the weighted regression of the average breeding value of the animals on the year of birth/lambing.ResultsThe overall least squares mean±standard error of AFL, LI, LS, and ARR were 375± 12.5, 284±9.9, 1.45±0.010, and 2.31±0.050, respectively. Direct heritability estimates for AFL, LI, LS, and ARR were 0.07±0.190, 0.06±0.120, 0.18±0.070, and 0.25±0.203, respectively. The low heritability for both AFL and LI showed that these traits respond little to selection programs but rather highly depend on animal management options. The annual genetic gains were −0.0281 days, −0.016 days, −0.0002 lambs and 0.0003 lambs for AFL, LI, LS, and ARR, respectively.ConclusionImplications of the result to future improvement programs were improving management of animals, conservation of prolific flocks and out scaling the CBBP to get better results.

Genome-wide insights of Ethiopian indigenous sheep populations reveal the population structure related to tail morphology and phylogeography

BackgroundEthiopian sheep living in different climatic zones and having contrasting morphologies are a most promising subject of molecular-genetic research. Elucidating their genetic diversity and genetic structure is critical for designing appropriate breeding and conservation strategies.ObjectiveThe study was aimed to investigate genome-wide genetic diversity and population structure of eight Ethiopian sheep populations.MethodsA total of 115 blood samples were collected from four Ethiopian sheep populations that include Washera, Farta and Wollo (short fat-tailed) and Horro (long fat-tailed). DNA was extracted using Quick-DNA™ Miniprep plus kit. All DNA samples were genotyped using Ovine 50 K SNP BeadChip. To infer genetic relationships of Ethiopian sheep at national, continental and global levels, genotype data on four Ethiopian sheep (Adilo, Arsi-Bale, Menz and Black Head Somali) and sheep from east, north, and south Africa, Middle East and Asia were included in the study as reference.ResultsMean genetic diversity of Ethiopian sheep populations ranged from 0.352 ± 0.14 for Horro to 0.379 ± 0.14 for Arsi-Bale sheep. Population structure and principal component analyses of the eight Ethiopian indigenous sheep revealed four distinct genetic cluster groups according to their tail phenotype and geographical distribution. The short fat-tailed sheep did not represent one genetic cluster group. Ethiopian fat-rump sheep share a common genetic background with the Kenyan fat-tailed sheep.ConclusionThe results of the present study revealed the principal component and population structure follows a clear pattern of tail morphology and phylogeography. There is clear signature of admixture among the study Ethiopian sheep populations

Five novel PRNP gene polymorphisms and their potential effect on Scrapie susceptibility in three native Ethiopian sheep breeds

BackgroundClassical scrapie susceptibility in sheep has been linked to three polymorphisms at codon 136, 154, and 171 in the prion protein gene (PRNP) whereas atypical scrapie susceptibility is related to polymorphisms at codon 141. Many other variants over the length of the PRNP have been reported. Some of the variants may play crucial roles in fighting against the emergence of a new form of scrapie disease. Scrapie surveillance, scrapie associated genotyping and PRNP characterization studies have been conducted across the globe. However, such in-depth studies have never addressed the African continent’s sheep breeds. Therefore, genotyping native Ethiopian sheep breed’s PRNP gene has socioeconomic and scientific merits. This study aimed to identify PRNP variants in three native Ethiopian sheep breeds and their potential effect on scrapie susceptibility.ResultsFive novel variants were identified in the PRNP gene of three native Ethiopian sheep breeds. Four non-synonymous heterozygous substitutions i.e. H99Q (CAC-- > CAA), H99L (CAC-- > CTA), A116E (GCA-- > GAA), A116T (GCA-- > ACA), and one synonymous N103 N (AAC-- > AAT) were detected. In addition to the novel variants, polymorphisms at codon 126,127,138,142,146,231, and 237 were also identified. The haplotype ARR was observed in Menz and Afar breeds at frequencies of 0.02 and 0.05 respectively. Neither ARR/ARR nor VRQ/VRQ genotypes were identified in the population under study.ConclusionTwo of the novel variants at codon 99 and 103 that are placed closer to the proteinase K cleavage site and the variant at codon 116 in the palindrome region along with variants at codon 127 in glycine repeat domain may influence the conformational flexibility of prion protein. The rarity of ARR haplotype and the abundance of 141 L variant demonstrated that the present study population was less resistant to classical scrapie and less predisposed to genotype associated atypical scrapie. This study provides a valuable dataset that can be potentially integrated into selective breeding strategies during interbreeding, crossbreeding and help to take precautionary measures against scrapie.

Evaluation of increased feed supply and different fattening strategies for an Ethiopian sheep population by system dynamics modelling

Context The productivity of Ethiopian smallholder farms is considered to be low owing to different factors such as feed shortage, lack of breeding strategies, disease prevalence and missing marketing strategies. Aim The main objective of the study was to develop a dynamic, stochastic herd model by adopting system dynamic modelling methodology for evaluation of the effect of increased feed availability (forage production) in combination with different fattening strategies on herd dynamics and profitability of an Ethiopian sheep population. Methods Forage production utilising part of smallholder farmers’ cropland was built into a dynamic simulation model. Two alternative feed-supply systems were evaluated: turning 25% and 50% of the current cropland into area used for forage production. The simulation period was 20 years, the first 10 years representing the baseline fattening scenario (culled rams fattened). For the last 10 years, genetic selection was introduced and two scenarios were evaluated: fattening of culled rams (Scenario I) and fattening of young rams (Scenario II). Key results Increasing the feed supply resulted in an increase to the herd size when the model balanced dry matter supply and demand of the herd. Fattening of young rams (Scenario II) with genetic selection was significantly more profitable than the baseline and Scenario I in both of the simulated alternative feed-supply systems. This can be used for regular cash generation, which might reduce disposal of animals at lower price in cases of need for emergency cash. Conclusions Overall, the simulation model demonstrates that production of improved forage crops should be combined with selective breeding and an appropriate finishing strategy. The competition for resources (land and labour) with crop production, forage seed shortage and extended family size are other challenges raised by smallholder farmers for the feasibility of the two alternative feed-supply systems.

Gastrointestinal nematodiasis in Ethiopian sheep under community-based breeding program

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) are amongst the main health and production problems in sheep throughout the world. Faecal egg count (FEC) and FAffa MAlan CHArt (FAMACHA) score can be used as indictors to select genetically resistant animals against the infections. This study was undertaken to (1) determine intensity of and the factors associated with GIN infections in Ethiopian sheep under communal breeding program, and (2) examine relationships between the intensity of GIN infection and levels of anaemia related to blood feeding GIN parasites. A total of 1239 FEC and FAMACHA scores were measured on two Ethiopian sheep breeds during rainy and dry seasons. The data were analyzed using the mixed model procedure, accounting for differences in fixed effects of breed, season and their interaction and a random effect of animal. The interaction of breed and season (p 0.05) relationship between FEC and FAMACHA scores; hence the latter is not a suitable indicator of infections with GIN in these animals. FEC should be recorded rather than FAMACHA as a nematode resistance trait to be incorporated into the sheep breeding programs of Bonga and Horro, Ethiopia. Key words: Breeding program, Ethiopia, faecal egg count, FAffa MAlan CHArt (FAMACHA), gastrointestinal nematodes, sheep.

Genome-wide scans identify known and novel regions associated with prolificacy and reproduction traits in a sub-Saharan African indigenous sheep (Ovis aries)

Maximizing the number of offspring born per female is a key functionality trait in commercial- and/or subsistence-oriented livestock enterprises. Although the number of offspring born is closely associated with female fertility and reproductive success, the genetic control of these traits remains poorly understood in sub-Saharan Africa livestock. Using selection signature analysis performed on Ovine HD BeadChip data from the prolific Bonga sheep in Ethiopia, 41 candidate regions under selection were identified. The analysis revealed one strong selection signature on a candidate region on chromosome X spanning BMP15, suggesting this to be the primary candidate prolificacy gene in the breed. The analysis also identified several candidate regions spanning genes not reported before in prolific sheep but underlying fertility and reproduction in other species. The genes associated with female reproduction traits included SPOCK1 (age at first oestrus), GPR173 (mediator of ovarian cyclicity), HB-EGF (signalling early pregnancy success) and SMARCAL1 and HMGN3a (regulate gene expression during embryogenesis). The genes involved in male reproduction were FOXJ1 (sperm function and successful fertilization) and NME5 (spermatogenesis). We also observed genes such as PKD2L2, MAGED1 and KDM3B, which have been associated with diverse fertility traits in both sexes of other species. The results confirm the complexity of the genetic mechanisms underlying reproduction while suggesting that prolificacy in the Bonga sheep, and possibly African indigenous sheep is partly under the control of BMP15 while other genes that enhance male and female fertility are essential for reproductive fitness.

Characterization of the wool fiber physical properties of Ethiopian indigenous sheep breeds

The physical properties of wool fiber considered as vital attribute to grade, classify and select a raw wool fiber for different textile applications. Limited works have been done in Ethiopia to address this subject. In this research, the physical properties (mainly the fineness, crimp and strength) of wool fiber of Ethiopian indigenous sheep breeds have been investigated. Four Ethiopian indigenous sheep breeds such as Menz, Wollo (no wool from its belly), Farta and Tikur (no wool from its belly) were considered. Fibers sampled from four body parts at four defined ages of each sheep breeds. All samples have been conditioned for 24 h at 20 ± 1 °C temperature and 65 ± 2% relative humidity. The results revealed that the fineness, crimps and strength of the four indigenous sheep breeds are significantly different from each other. The wool fiber from Ethiopian sheep breeds is suitable for textile production. Hence, these wool fibers are classified based on their breeds to use for different textile applications.

Evaluation of untreated and urea molasses-treated finger millet (Eleusine coracana) straw and lowland bamboo (Oxytenanthera abyssinica) leaf hay on nutritive values and the performance of Gumuz sheep in Ethiopia.

The experiment was conducted to evaluate effects of untreated and urea molasses-treated finger millet straw and lowland bamboo leaf hay feeding on nutrient utilization, growth and carcass characteristics of Gumuz sheep. Twenty yearling intact male sheep with initial body weight of 21.6 ± 1.31kg (mean ± SD) were purchased from local market and were used for 7- and 90-day digestibility and feeding trials, respectively. The sheep were grouped into five blocks of four animals and randomly assigned to four dietary treatments. The treatment diets were untreated finger millet straw (UFMS) + 150g wheat bran (WB) and noug seed cake (NSC) mixture (T1), untreated lowland bamboo leaf hay (ULBLH) + 150g WB and NSC mixture (T2), urea molasses (UM)-treated finger millet straw (TFMS) + 150g WB and NSC (T3), and UM-treated lowland bamboo leaf hay (TLBLH) + 150g WB and NSC mixture (T4). Water and salt were given freely throughout the experimental period. Data were analyzed using ANOVA procedure of SAS software. The result of the experiment indicated that better CP was recorded in T4 (21.8%) than other treatments. The total DM intake of sheep was significantly (p < 0.001) higher for T2 = T4 > T3 > T1. Significantly higher (p < 0.001) CP intake was recorded in T4 than T3. Similarly, significantly higher CP digestibility was recorded in groups assigned in T4 than other treatments. UM treatment significantly improved (p < 0.05) the FMS than LBL in most of nutrients. Moreover, significantly (p < 0.001) higher ADG was recorded for T2 and T4 than T3; treatment on FMS did not show significant (p > 0.05) effect. T4 and T3 were similar and significantly higher in most of the carcass parameters except in hot carcass weight. In conclusion, UM treatment could be taken as an option to improve nutritive value of locally available lowland bamboo leaf hay and finger millet straw.

Breeding Objectives and Practices of Small Holder Sheep Production in Habru Woreda North Wollo Zone of Amhara, Ethiopia

The productivity of Ethiopian sheep’s can be improved by improving management and selecting best animal for future mating. This study was conducted in Habru Woreda, North Wollo Amhara region, Ethiopia with the aim to identify breeding objectives and practices of sheep production in the study area. A total of 40 households were selected purposively based on high sheep population density and production potentials. The data was gathered using semi-structured interview, direct observation and discussion with key informants. The data was summarized and analyzed using Micro soft Excel computer program and presented using tables by using descriptive statistics like frequencies and percentages. The main reason of keeping sheep in the study area was for household income generation, meat, manure, culture, breeding and ceremony respectively. The majority of breeding rams for farmers originated from own flock. Mating was uncontrolled but in rare case there is controlled mating. Selection criteria for breeding rum in the study area were growth, coat color, tail type and selection criteria for breeding ewe were lamb growth, body size, lamb survival, coat color and multiple births, respectively. Maturity age for selection of breeding ewe was reported 6-8 month. Majority of sheep breeds were indigenous breeds (87.5%) followed by cross breed ones (12.5%). There are also poor cross-breeding activities at farmers’ level and uncontrolled natural mating within local breeds was predominantly practiced by households. Selecting appropriate ewe and ram for the purpose of improving breeding objectives as well as its practice is important. To minimize the failure of sheep breed improvement program it is important to consider breed management system and trait preferences of the community.

Insights into Sheep Genetic Improvement Practices Through Crossbreeding in Ethiopia: Achievements, Challenges and Future Prospects

Crossbreeding is one of the genetic improvement methods that enables to utilize between breed genetic variations. It is one of the main sheep genetic improvement strategies practiced for decades in Ethiopia. This review assessed achievements, challenges and future prospects of sheep genetic improvement through crossbreeding in Ethiopia. The crossbreeding scheme involves crossing of exotic breeds with indigenous as well as between indigenous sheep breeds. To improve growth performance of indigenous sheep, a number of exotic sheep breeds were imported from abroad although literature sources about the performance of crossbreeds is available only for Awassi and Dorper sheep crosses. Promising results have been reported in few areas where crossbreeding has been performed effectively. An evidence for this is the realization of up to 10kg yearling live weight superiority of crossbreeds with 50% and above Awassi and Dorper sheep blood levels over the indigenous sheep. As a national genetic improvement strategy, however, crossbreeding achievement in terms of improving productivity of indigenous sheep is generally minimal. Notably, Absence of well-deigned crossbreeding program, miss-match between genotypes and the environment, and resource limitation to maintain and multiply adequate number of exotic sheep and crossbreeds are the major challenges hindering the success of indigenous sheep genetic improvement through crossbreeding. In the future, the use of crossbreeding as a potential strategy for indigenous sheep genetic improvement relies on bringing long lasting solutions to the current problems. In general, implementing well-designed crossbreeding program, particularly between improved exotic sheep and indigenous sheep, should be the primary focus to improve productivity of indigenous sheep. In this way, the contribution of indigenous sheep resources for the smallholder farmers in particular and the country’s economic growth in general can be maximized. At the same time, protecting the valuable genetic resources of indigenous sheep should be an integral part of the crossbreeding program. Keywords: genetic improvement, indigenous sheep of Ethiopia, sheep crossbreeding DOI : 10.7176/ALST/75-01 Publication date :June 30 th 2019

Genomic signatures of high-altitude adaptation in Ethiopian sheep populations.

Ethiopian sheep populations such as Arsi-Bale, Horro and Adilo (long fat-tailed, LFT) inhabit mid to high-altitude areas; and Menz sheep (MZ, short fat-tailed) are adapted to cool sub-alpine environments. In contrast, Blackhead Somali sheep (BHS, fat-rumped) thrive well in arid and semi-arid areas characterized by high temperature and low precipitation. The genomic investigation of Ethiopian sheep populations may help to identify genes and biological pathways enable to adapt to the different ecological conditions. To uncover genomic regions and genes showing evidence of positive selection for altitude adaptation in Ethiopian sheep populations. A total of 72 animals inhabiting high-versus low-altitude environments were genotyped on an Ovine Infinium HD array (~ 600K). Pairwise genetic differentiation (Fst) was calculated in sliding windows of 20 SNPs and the upper 1% smoothed Fst values were considered to represent positive selection signatures. Genes within < 25kb of the most differentiated SNPs were considered as selection candidates. Signatures of selection were detected in genes known to be associated high with altitude adaptation in MZ-BHS pair comparison (PPP1R12A, RELN, PARP2, and DNAH9) and in LFT-BHS pair comparison (VAV3, MSRB3,EIF2AK4, MET, and TACR1). The candidate genes (MITF, FGF5, MTOR, TRHDE, and TUBB3) associated with altitude adaptation and shared between the MZ-BHS and LTF-BHS pair comparisons were also detected as under selection. Further functional analyses reveal that the candidate genes were involved in biological processes and pathways relevant to adaptation under extreme altitudes, including respiratory system development and smoothened signaling pathway. The results of the present study could aid in-depth understanding and exploitation of the underlying genetic mechanisms for sheep and other livestock species adaptation to high-altitude environments.

Livestock Genomics for Developing Countries - African Examples in Practice.

African livestock breeds are numerous and diverse, and typically well adapted to the harsh environment conditions under which they perform. They have been used over centuries to provide livelihoods as well as food and nutritional security. However, African livestock systems are dynamic, with many small- and medium-scale systems transforming, to varying degrees, to become more profitable. In these systems the women and men livestock keepers are often seeking new livestock breeds or genotypes – typically those that increase household income through having enhanced productivity in comparison to traditional breeds while maintaining adaptedness. In recent years genomic approaches have started to be utilized in the identification and development of such breeds, and in this article we describe a number of examples to this end from sub-Saharan Africa. These comprise case studies on: (a) dairy cattle in Kenya and Senegal, as well as sheep in Ethiopia, where genomic approaches aided the identification of the most appropriate breed-type for the local productions systems; (b) a cross-breeding program for dairy cattle in East Africa incorporating genomic selection as well as other applications of genomics; (c) ongoing work toward creating a new cattle breed for East Africa that is both productive and resistant to trypanosomiasis; and (d) the use of African cattle as resource populations to identify genomic variants of economic or ecological significance, including a specific case where the discovery data was from a community based breeding program for small ruminants in Ethiopia. Lessons learnt from the various case studies are highlighted, and the concluding section of the paper gives recommendations for African livestock systems to increasingly capitalize on genomic technologies.

Effect of different level of molasses inclusion on feed intake, body weight gain and carcass parameters of Afar sheep in Ethiopia

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing different levels of molasses and concentrates mix with a basal diet of cultivated pasture hay on intake, body weight and carcass quality of Afar sheep. Twenty four yearling Afar sheep, grouped in to four groups of six animals each in a randomized complete block design. The experiment consisted of four months feeding trial each group will receive the experimental feeds. Treatments were mixed concentrate + 20% inclusion molasses (T1), mixed concentrate + 15% inclusion molasses (T2), mixed concentrate + 10% inclusion molasses (T3) and 0% inclusion (T4). In this experiment with mean initial weight of 15.9±0.39 kg (mean ± SD), 16.2 ±0.41 kg, 16.3±0.42k.g and 16.1kg±0.42 respectively, were used in each treatment group. The experiment was consisted of 90 days of feeding trial followed by carcass evaluation. The concentrate mix were 2:1 (wheat bran and cotton seed cake) The CP content of the panicum antidotale hay, concentrate mix and molasses were 95g/kg DM, 252g/kg DM, and 38.4g/kg, respectively. Hay DM intake was did not differ (P&lt;0.05) among all treatments. Average daily weight gain (ADG) was higher (P&lt;0.05) for T2 (69.59g/kg) compared to other treatments. Hot carcass weight also higher (P&lt;0.05) for T2 (14.41kg). Weight gains 12.31kg, 13.83kg, 11.25kg and 10.26kg for Tx1, Tx2, Tx3 and Tx4, respectively). All Carcass parameters gave advantage (P&lt;0.01) to Tx2. From the present study, it can be concluded that Tx2 sheep performed better than Tx1, Tx3, and Tx4 in terms of body weight gain, Feed intake, and carcass parameters.&#x0D; Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2019, 5(1): 23-30

Genetic diversity and matrilineal genetic origin of fat-rumped sheep in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is home to a diverse gene pool of indigenous sheep populations. Therefore, a better understanding of genetic variation holds the key to future utilization through conservation. Three of these breeds, Afar, Blackhead Somali, and Hararghe Highland, are found in eastern Ethiopia where they contribute significantly to the livelihood of most pastoralist, agro-pastoralist, and smallholder farmers. These indigenous sheep are recognized on the basis of morphotype and their genetic distinction remains unknown. Here, to assess genetic variation, and matrilineal genetic origin and relationship of fat-rumed sheep found in eastern Ethiopia, 300 individuals from the three breeds were genotyped for 22 microsatellite markers and sequenced for the mitochondrial DNA displacement loop (mtDNA d-loop) region. The overall HO and HE were 0.57 and 0.75, respectively. Differentiation statistics revealed that a high proportion (97%) of the total genetic variation was explained by differences between individuals within populations. Genotype assignment independent of the population of origin showed K = 2 to be the optimum number of genetic backgrounds present in the dataset. This result was further confirmed by mtDNA D-loop sequences comparison in which the matrilineal genetic origin of eastern Ethiopia sheep is from two haplotype groups (types A and B) among the five haplotypes globally observed. Taken together, our findings suggest that the sheep populations from three breeds originated from two ancestral genetic backgrounds that may have diverged prior to their introduction to Ethiopia. However, to obtain a complete picture of the evolutionary dynamics of Ethiopian indigenous sheep, more samples and populations from within and outside of the country will need to be analyzed.

Genome-Wide Variation, Candidate Regions and Genes Associated With Fat Deposition and Tail Morphology in Ethiopian Indigenous Sheep.

Variations in body weight and in the distribution of body fat are associated with feed availability, thermoregulation, and energy reserve. Ethiopia is characterized by distinct agro-ecological and human ethnic farmer diversity of ancient origin, which have impacted on the variation of its indigenous livestock. Here, we investigate autosomal genome-wide profiles of 11 Ethiopian indigenous sheep populations using the Illumina Ovine 50 K SNP BeadChip assay. Sheep from the Caribbean, Europe, Middle East, China, and western, northern and southern Africa were included to address globally, the genetic variation and history of Ethiopian populations. Population relationship and structure analysis separated Ethiopian indigenous fat-tail sheep from their North African and Middle Eastern counterparts. It indicates two main genetic backgrounds and supports two distinct genetic histories for African fat-tail sheep. Within Ethiopian sheep, our results show that the short fat-tail sheep do not represent a monophyletic group. Four genetic backgrounds are present in Ethiopian indigenous sheep but at different proportions among the fat-rump and the long fat-tail sheep from western and southern Ethiopia. The Ethiopian fat-rump sheep share a genetic background with Sudanese thin-tail sheep. Genome-wide selection signature analysis identified eight putative candidate regions spanning genes influencing growth traits and fat deposition (NPR2, HINT2, SPAG8, INSR), development of limbs and skeleton, and tail formation (ALX4, HOXB13, BMP4), embryonic development of tendons, bones and cartilages (EYA2, SULF2), regulation of body temperature (TRPM8), body weight and height variation (DIS3L2), control of lipogenesis and intracellular transport of long-chain fatty acids (FABP3), the occurrence and morphology of horns (RXFP2), and response to heat stress (DNAJC18). Our findings suggest that Ethiopian fat-tail sheep represent a uniquely admixed but distinct genepool that presents an important resource for understanding the genetic control of skeletal growth, fat metabolism and associated physiological processes.

Productive and Reproductive Performances of Indigenous Sheep in Ethiopia: A Review

Sheep in Ethiopia is among the major economically important livestock species in the country, playing a significant role to the livelihood of resource-poor farmers and pastoralists. A number of research works were done in the past which evaluate and improve the performance of indigenous sheep in Ethiopia. However, compiled information concerning the production and reproduction potential of indigenous sheep in the country is not available. In this paper, performance of major production and reproduction traits of indigenous sheep is reviewed and discussed. The information presented in this review indicated that, 16 to 126 g/d average daily gain, 7 - 18 kg hot carcass weight and dressing percentage of 34% to 49% (slaughter body weight basis) at 18 - 26 kg slaughter body weight have been recorded for Ethiopian sheep breeds fed various type of basal and supplement diets. These parameters showed variation within a breed and among breeds in various feeding trials and they increased as the level of supplement increases. However, despite sizeable information upon the response of sheep to various types of supplementary feeding, their full growth and other production potential of the majority of sheep breeds of the country are not well studied. Therefore, in future research work, emphasis should be given to explore the genetic potential of various production traits of sheep breeds of the country. Regarding the level of reproduction, 11 to 16 month age at first lambing (for most sheep breeds) and 7 to 10 month lambing intervals have been reported by various authors. The litter size result (1.01 to 1.7 lambs) showed that, there is high capability of Ethiopian sheep to give multiple births. The average pre-weaning mortality rate for most Ethiopian sheep breeds vary from 8% to 56%, which indicated that mortality is a major constraint that affects productivity of sheep in Ethiopia. Generally from the previous results it can be concluded that there is high variability within a breed and among Ethiopian sheep breeds in various production and reproduction traits. This implicates the presence of huge opportunity to improve these traits through improved management and selection.