-
Evaluation of the Effects of Melatonin Implants on Testicular and Spermatic Parameters of Rams Raised in Station in the Niayes Zone in Senegal
Bilkiss Vinode Maureen Assani,
Simplice Bosco Ayssiwede,
Mohamed Sallim Kinnou,
Félix Victor Latyr Mbengue,
Ayao Missohou,
Naceur Slimane
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, May 2023
Pages:
55-63
Received:
2 April 2023
Accepted:
27 April 2023
Published:
10 May 2023
Abstract: The intensification of livestock production in response to the growing demand for animal products is increasingly creating new challenges in terms of control of livestock management and feeding, and especially reproduction. Also, ewes are often considered responsible for infertility problems in a sheep flock, as the reproductive capacity of rams is often taken for granted. However, it is important to have genetically superior males to improve the overall fertility of the herd. And, one way to control the sexual performance of rams and improve their fertilizing capacity, is to have them undergo melatonin treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the use of melatonin implants on testicular and spermatic parameters of rams raised in stations in the Niayes area of Senegal. The experimental herd consisted of 6 rams of well-known body characteristics which were followed for 2 months during which testicular measurements were carried out at the beginning and semen was collected by electroejaculation every 2 weeks. After a break of 2 weeks, the same rams are implanted with melatonin (MELOVINE ®) at a rate of 3 implants/ram, i.e. a dose of 54 mg of melatonin per ram, and the same measurements and semen collections are again carried out for 2 months. Data on antero-posterior testicular diameter, testicular weight, scrotal circumference, and semen analysis (volume, color, appearance, mass and individual motility, concentration, morphology) recorded and processed with Excel were exported to the SPSS software where they were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis and independent sample comparison testing. The results showed that melatonin treatment significantly reduced weight (555±155 g vs. 396±128 g) and antero-posterior diameter (23.42±2.0 cm vs. 20.10±2.26 cm). However, it induced improvements in ejaculate volume, color, and appearance, sperm production, and morphological abnormality rate, and, most significantly, sperm motility (2.1±1.5 vs. 3.3±1.2) and survival rate (54±34% vs. 80±31%) of spermatozoa. Melatonin has therefore improved the sperm characteristics of rams, and is an interesting reproductive management tool for improving the productivity of sheep farms. It can be recommended for use in artificial insemination centres in order to improve the characteristics of the semen doses produced.
Abstract: The intensification of livestock production in response to the growing demand for animal products is increasingly creating new challenges in terms of control of livestock management and feeding, and especially reproduction. Also, ewes are often considered responsible for infertility problems in a sheep flock, as the reproductive capacity of rams is...
Show More
-
A Review of Genetic and Non-Genetic Parameter Estimates for Milk Composition of Cattle
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, May 2023
Pages:
64-70
Received:
27 February 2023
Accepted:
12 May 2023
Published:
29 May 2023
Abstract: This review focuses on the genetic and non-genetic parameter estimation for dairy cattle milk composition. Milk is the most widely consumed food in the world, containing proteins, fats, lactose, and various vitamins and minerals. Milk's solids content has a direct impact on both its nutritional and economic value. The milk composition trait performances had obtained in the range from 3.5±0.0038 to 6.1±0.05 for fat percentage, 3.07±0.03 to 4.7±0.09 for protein percentage, 3.3 to 5.52±1.71 for lactose content, 12.16±0.14 to 16.02±0.05 for total solid content and 8.47±0.1 to 9.37±0.24 for the solid not fat content of cow milk, respectively. The composition of cow milk is influenced by breed, animal age and health, lactation phase, nutrition, season, milking method, number of lactations, and individual cows. The heritability of milk composition trait ranged from 0.24 to 0.49±0.03 for fat percentage, 0.28 to 0.53±0.009 for protein percentage, 0.41±0.04 to 0.59 for total solid content and 0.17 to 0.68 for the solid not fat content of cow milk, respectively. The repeatability of fat, protein, total solid and solid not fat percentage of bovine milk ranged between 3.9 to 0.98, 0.4 to 0.99, 0.49 to 0.99 and 0.23 to 0.78, respectively. The genetic and phenotypic correlation between fat and solid not fat of cow milk were weakly positive (0.16±0.15, 0.06 ±0.04), whereas a strong positive relationship was found between protein content and solid not fat of cow milk (0.99±0.05, 0.67±0.03), respectively. Enhancing milk compositional quality through genetic selection based on individual performance is successful.
Abstract: This review focuses on the genetic and non-genetic parameter estimation for dairy cattle milk composition. Milk is the most widely consumed food in the world, containing proteins, fats, lactose, and various vitamins and minerals. Milk's solids content has a direct impact on both its nutritional and economic value. The milk composition trait perform...
Show More
-
Differences in Life History Traits and Morphology in Wild vs. Domesticated Populations of Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia illucens (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)
Mbenoun Masse Paul Serge,
Mbansie Gbetkom Loudh,
Yede,
Ngo Libong Sipora Glwadys,
Mamno Totuom Clarette Sidoine,
Bilong Bilong Charles Felix
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, May 2023
Pages:
71-79
Received:
26 July 2022
Accepted:
12 August 2022
Published:
6 June 2023
Abstract: The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Hermetia illucens is widely studied as a sustainable alternative source of protein. Herein, we evaluated the changes in life history and morphometric traits between wild (WP) and domesticated populations (DP) with implications for larval biomass production. Prepupa stages of both populations were maintained under the same rearing conditions from July 2020 to June 2021. Our results show that the pupation time was longer in WP (10.25 ± 2.66 days) than in DP (7.2 ± 1.1 days). In contrast, the emergence time of BSF adults was shorter in WP (8.3 ± 2.2 days) than in DP (9.7 ± 1.8 days). The courtship was nearly similar in both populations. Mounting and reverse coupling were the two different copulation models used by BSF adults in WP while reverse coupling dominated in DP. The BSF females laid more eggs in WP (1468.75 ± 593.09 eggs) than in DP (246.21 ± 96.23 eggs). The egg stage was similar in length and width in both populations while the morphometric traits in the larval, pupal and adult stages were consistently lower in domesticated than in wild population. The life span of adults (males and females) was longer in DP than in WP. Our findings indicate higher values of morphological traits in WP than in DP, and distinct mating and reproductive behaviours between both populations. Our results suggest ‘domestication syndrome hypothesis’ as the main cause of changes in reproductive behaviour and reduction of size in DP. Therefore, wild population of H. illucens seems be more suitable for maggot mass production as an alternative source of protein for animal feed production.
Abstract: The Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Hermetia illucens is widely studied as a sustainable alternative source of protein. Herein, we evaluated the changes in life history and morphometric traits between wild (WP) and domesticated populations (DP) with implications for larval biomass production. Prepupa stages of both populations were maintained under the sam...
Show More
-
Major Constraints of Intensification of Camel Husbandry in Mogadishu, Somalia
Hassan Mohamed Hassan,
Abdirahman Ali Abshir,
Shafii Abdullahi Mohamed,
Hamdi Nuh Ali
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, May 2023
Pages:
80-86
Received:
7 May 2023
Accepted:
25 May 2023
Published:
9 June 2023
Abstract: Livestock is the backbone of Somalia's economy. It has yet to be fully exploited, particularly camels which are highly adapted to harsh ecosystems, and it is a multipurpose animal mainly used for meat and milk production. Although the intensification of camel production is essential to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), it is still infancy in Somalia. A cross-sectional study assessed the major constraints of the intensification of camel husbandry in Mogadishu, Somalia. The samples were purposively selected from intensive and semi-intensive camel dairy farms through a semi-structured questionnaire. Thus 67 intensive and semi-intensive camel dairy farms were surveyed in the outskirts of seven districts in Mogadishu. This study revealed that the ecotype of the camel was 47% Hoor, whereas 28% were Eydimo, 14% were Siifdacar, and 11% were Geelab. Male and female camels' average maturity age was 81.49 and 54.9 months, respectively. Age at first calving was 78.72 months. The calving interval of the dromedary camel and lactation length was 21.76 and 19.28 months, respectively. The study also showed that the average milk production was 4 liters per camel daily. Most farms use the loose house system: 85% use open houses, and 15% use fenced and tree shelter houses. On the herd composition of camel farms visited, 48% were lactating camels, 4% were dry camels, 25% were heifers, and 23% were bulls, respectively. The major constraint faced by farmers were 27% a lack of knowledge, 40% high feed costs, 24% diseases, and 9% a poor market. To our knowledge, this is the first study on the intensification of camel farming in Somalia. We recommend further studies to facilitate the intensification of camel husbandry in Somalia in different regions and seasons.
Abstract: Livestock is the backbone of Somalia's economy. It has yet to be fully exploited, particularly camels which are highly adapted to harsh ecosystems, and it is a multipurpose animal mainly used for meat and milk production. Although the intensification of camel production is essential to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), it is still infan...
Show More
