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Elati K, Daly N, Dhibi M, Laaribi H, Rekik M, Gharbi M. Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey of Ectoparasites in Sheep from Central Tunisia: Does Low Prevalence Indicate Good Hygiene or Resistance to Ectoparasites? Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:801. [PMID: 38473186 DOI: 10.3390/ani14050801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Sheep ectoparasites such as chewing lice, fleas and ticks are serious constraints to sheep productivity and are the cause of skin lesions in animals that decrease their market value. This study aims at investigating the ectoparasite fauna infesting small ruminants in the district of Sidi Bouzid (central Tunisia). A total of 1243 Barbarine and Queue Fine de l'Ouest (QFO) sheep were examined every two months for one year. Of the total animals examined, 74 were infested by at least 1 parasite group (5.95%). Three ectoparasite groups were identified as Psoroptes ovis (0.48%; 6/1243), ticks (5.3%; n = 66/1243) and one specimen of Ctenocephalides canis (0.08%; n = 1/1243). The most abundant tick among the 358 specimens was Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (n = 337; 94.1%), followed by Hyalomma impeltatum (n = 7/358; 1.9%), H. dromedarii (n = 7/358; 1.9%), H. excavatum (n = 5/358; 1.4%) and only two specimens of H. scupense (n = 2/358; 0.55%). The sheep herds showed low infestation prevalence by ectoparasite over the year, with a significant difference according to the seasons (p < 0.05). A higher infestation prevalence was recorded in March (14.36%). Barbarine sheep breed showed significantly higher infestation prevalence (16.8%) compared to QFO (0.8%) (p < 0.01). There were no differences in infestation prevalence according to sex of the animal or age groups. Knowledge of the ectoparasite population harboured by sheep, its activity dynamics and risk factors is required to develop effective ectoparasite control options. The low prevalence of ectoparasite infestation in sheep reported here may be due to possible genetic resistance or simply to successful hygiene measures implemented by farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khawla Elati
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
- Institute for Parasitology and Tropical Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Str. 7, 14163 Berlin, Germany
- Veterinary Centre for Resistance Research, Freie Universität Berlin, Robert-Von-Ostertag-Str. 8, 14163 Berlin, Germany
| | - Nesrine Daly
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
| | - Mokhtar Dhibi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
| | - Hela Laaribi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
| | - Mourad Rekik
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), P.O. Box 950764, Amman 11195, Jordan
| | - Mohamed Gharbi
- Laboratory of Parasitology, Institution of Agricultural Research and Higher Education, National School of Veterinary Medicine of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Sidi Thabet 2020, Tunisia
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Visser C, Snyman MA. Incorporating new technologies in breeding plans for South African goats in harsh environments. Anim Front 2023; 13:53-59. [PMID: 37841757 PMCID: PMC10575310 DOI: 10.1093/af/vfad040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Carina Visser
- Department of Animal Science, University of Pretoria, P/Bag X28, Pretoria, 0028, South Africa
| | - Margaretha A Snyman
- Grootfontein Agricultural Development Institute, P/Bag X529, Middelburg, EC, 5900, South Africa
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Cloete SWP, Greeff JC, Nel CL, Scholtz AJ. Breeds and lines of sheep suitable for production in challenging environments. Anim Front 2023; 13:33-42. [PMID: 37841763 PMCID: PMC10575318 DOI: 10.1093/af/vfad053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Schalk W P Cloete
- Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7602, South Africa
- Department of Agriculture, Western Cape, Elsenburg 7607, South Africa
| | - Johan C Greeff
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Perth, South Perth, WA 6151, Australia
- Institute of Agriculture, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Cornelius L Nel
- Department of Animal Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7602, South Africa
- Department of Agriculture, Western Cape, Elsenburg 7607, South Africa
| | - Ansie J Scholtz
- Department of Agriculture, Western Cape, Elsenburg 7607, South Africa
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Zlobin AS, Volkova NA, Zinovieva NA, Iolchiev BS, Bagirov VA, Borodin PM, Axenovich TI, Tsepilov YA. Loci Associated with Negative Heterosis for Viability and Meat Productivity in Interspecific Sheep Hybrids. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13010184. [PMID: 36611792 PMCID: PMC9817718 DOI: 10.3390/ani13010184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Negative heterosis can occur on different economically important traits, but the exact biological mechanisms of this phenomenon are still unknown. The present study focuses on determining the genetic factors associated with negative heterosis in interspecific hybrids between domestic sheep (Ovis aries) and argali (Ovis ammon). One locus (rs417431015) associated with viability and two loci (rs413302370, rs402808951) associated with meat productivity were identified. One gene (ARAP2) was prioritized for viability and three for meat productivity (PDE2A, ARAP1, and PCDH15). The loci associated with meat productivity were demonstrated to fit the overdominant inheritance model and could potentially be involved int negative heterosis mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S. Zlobin
- Kurchatov Genomic Center, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Natalia A. Volkova
- L.K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, 101000 Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Baylar S. Iolchiev
- L.K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, 101000 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vugar A. Bagirov
- L.K. Ernst Federal Science Center for Animal Husbandry, 101000 Moscow, Russia
| | - Pavel M. Borodin
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | | | - Yakov A. Tsepilov
- Kurchatov Genomic Center, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences SB RAS, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
- Correspondence:
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Vargas Jurado N, Notter DR, Taylor JB, Brown DJ, Mousel MR, Lewis RM. Model definition for genetic evaluation of purebred and crossbred lambs including heterosis. J Anim Sci 2022; 100:skac188. [PMID: 35696612 PMCID: PMC9191838 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skac188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Crossbreeding is a common practice among commercial sheep producers to improve animal performance. However, genetic evaluation of U.S. sheep is performed within breed type (terminal sire, semi-prolific, and western range). While incorporating crossbred records may improve assessment of purebreds, it requires accounting for heterotic and breed effects in the evaluation. The objectives of this study were to: 1) describe the development of a paternal composite (PC) line, 2) determine the effect of direct and maternal heterosis on growth traits of crossbred lambs, 3) estimate (co)variance components for direct and maternal additive, and uncorrelated maternal environmental, effects, and 4) provide an interpretation of the estimates of random effects of genetic groups, and to use those solutions to compare the genetic merit of founding breed subpopulations. Data included purebred and crossbred records on birth weight (BN; n = 14,536), pre-weaning weight measured at 39 or 84 d (WN; n = 9,362) depending on year, weaning weight measured at 123 d (WW; n = 9,297), and post-weaning weight measured at 252 d (PW; n = 1,614). Mean (SD) body weights were 5.3 (1.1), 16.8 (3.9) and 28.0 (7.6), 39.1 (7.2), and 54.2 (8.7) kg for BN, WN (at the two ages), WW, and PW, respectively. In designed experiments, the Siremax, Suffolk, Texel, Polypay, Columbia, Rambouillet, and Targhee breeds were compared within the same environment. Estimates of heterotic effects and covariance components were obtained using a multiple trait animal model. Genetic effects based on founders' breeds were significant and included in the model. Percent estimates of direct heterosis were 2.89 ± 0.61, 2.60 ± 0.65, 4.24 ± 0.56, and 6.09 ± 0.86, and estimates of maternal heterosis were 1.92 ± 0.87, 4.64 ± 0.80, 3.95 ± 0.66, and 4.04 ± 0.91, for BN, WN, WW, and PW, respectively. Correspondingly, direct heritability estimates were 0.17 ± 0.02, 0.13 ± 0.02, 0.17 ± 0.02, and 0.46 ± 0.04 for BN, WN, WW, and PW. Additive maternal effects accounted for trivial variation in PW. For BN, WN, and WW, respectively, maternal heritability estimates were 0.16 ± 0.02, 0.10 ± 0.02, and 0.07 ± 0.01. Uncorrelated maternal environmental effects accounted for little variation in any trait. Direct and maternal heterosis had considerable impact on growth traits, emphasizing the value of crossbreeding and the need to account for heterosis, in addition to breed effects, if crossbred lamb information is included in genetic evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - David R Notter
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Joshua B Taylor
- USDA, ARS, Range Sheep Production Efficiency Research Unit, U.S. Sheep Experiment Station, Dubois, ID 83423, USA
| | - Daniel J Brown
- Animal Genetics and Breeding Unit (A Joint Venture of the NSW Department of Primary Industries and University of New England), University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | - Michelle R Mousel
- USDA, ARS, Range Sheep Production Efficiency Research Unit, U.S. Sheep Experiment Station, Dubois, ID 83423, USA
| | - Ronald M Lewis
- Department of Animal Science, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68583, USA
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Kao M, Van Wyk J, Scholtz A, Cloete J, Matebesi P, Cloete S. Breed and crossbreeding effects on growth, fitness and reproduction of commercial sheep in South Africa. Small Rumin Res 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2022.106705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Ruan D, Yang J, Zhuang Z, Ding R, Huang J, Quan J, Gu T, Hong L, Zheng E, Li Z, Cai G, Wang X, Wu Z. Assessment of Heterozygosity and Genome-Wide Analysis of Heterozygosity Regions in Two Duroc Pig Populations. Front Genet 2022; 12:812456. [PMID: 35154256 PMCID: PMC8830653 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.812456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterozygosity can effectively reflect the diverse models of population structure and demographic history. However, the genomic distribution of heterozygotes and the correlation between regions of heterozygosity (runs of heterozygosity, ROHet) and phenotypes are largely understudied in livestock. The objective of this study was to identify ROHet in the Duroc pig genome, and investigate the relationships between ROHet and eight important economic traits. Here, we genotyped 3,770 American Duroc (S21) and 2,096 Canadian Duroc (S22) pigs using 50 K single nucleotide polymorphism array to analyze heterozygosity. A total of 145,010 and 84,396 ROHets were characterized for S21 and S22 populations, respectively. ROHet segments were mostly enriched in 1–2 Mb length classification (75.48% in S21 and 72.25% in S22). The average genome length covered by ROHet was 66.53 ± 12.20 Mb in S21 and 73.32 ± 13.77 Mb in S22 pigs. Additionally, we detected 20 and 13 ROHet islands in S21 and S22 pigs. Genes in these genomic regions were mainly involved in the biological processes of immunity and reproduction. Finally, the genome-wide ROHet-phenotypes association analysis revealed that 130 ROHets of S21 and 84 ROHets of S22 were significantly associated with eight economic traits. Among the candidate genes in the significant ROHet regions, 16 genes related to growth, metabolism, and meat quality were considered as candidate genes for important economic traits of pigs. This work preliminarily explores the effect of heterozygosity-rich regions in the pig genome on production performance and provides new insights for subsequent research on pig genetic improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donglin Ruan
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie Yang
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanwei Zhuang
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongrong Ding
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Wens Breeding Swine Technology Co., Ltd., Yunfu, China
| | - Jinyan Huang
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianping Quan
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Gu
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linjun Hong
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Enqin Zheng
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zicong Li
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Wens Breeding Swine Technology Co., Ltd., Yunfu, China
| | - Xiaopeng Wang
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaopeng Wang, ; Zhenfang Wu,
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- College of Animal Science and National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Laboratory of Lingnan Modern Agricultural Science and Technology, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Wens Breeding Swine Technology Co., Ltd., Yunfu, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaopeng Wang, ; Zhenfang Wu,
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