Evaluating reproduction traits in a crossbreeding program between indigenous and exotic sheep in semi-arid lands.

Reproduction traits are important factors determining the efficiency of any sheep production system. This study evaluates the age at first lambing (AFL), lambing interval (LI), litter weight at birth (LBWT), litter weight at weaning (LWWT), birth weight of ewe (EBWT) and weaning weight of ewes (EWWT) in a crossbreeding program between the Red Maasai (RRRR) and Dorper sheep and their crosses, 75% Dorper and 50% Dorper (DDRR) breeds. All the traits significantly (P < 0.

Genetic analysis of phenotypic indicators for heat tolerance in crossbred dairy cattle.

Climate change-induced rise in global temperatures has intensified heat stress on dairy cattle and is contributing to the generally observed low milk productivity. Selective breeding aimed at enhancing animals' ability to withstand rising temperatures while maintaining optimal performance is crucial for ensuring future access to dairy products. However, phenotypic indicators of heat tolerance are yet to be effectively factored into the objectives of most selective breeding programs.

High Genetic Diversity but Absence of Population Structure in Local Chickens of Sri Lanka Inferred by Microsatellite Markers.

Local chicken populations belonging to five villages in two geographically separated provinces of Sri Lanka were analyzed using 20 microsatellite markers to determine the genetic diversity of local chickens. Population genetic parameters were estimated separately for five populations based on geographic locations and for eight populations based on phenotypes, such as naked neck, long legged, crested or crown, frizzle feathered, Giriraj, commercial layer, crossbreds, and non-descript chicken. The analysis revealed that there was a high genetic diversity among local chickens with high number of unique alleles, mean number of alleles per locus (MNA), and total number of alleles per locus per population.

Evaluating the impact of heat stress as measured by temperature-humidity index (THI) on test-day milk yield of small holder dairy cattle in a sub-Sahara African climate.

This study evaluates the effect of heat stress on milk production and describes the pattern of response of milk yield to increasing heat load, using temperature-humidity index (THI) on test-day milk records of small holder dairy cattle herds in the sub-Saharan African climate of Tanzania. Climate data obtained from aWhere, an agricultural weather data platform (http://www.awhere.

Dietary Practices and Adolescent Obesity in Secondary School Learners at Disadvantaged Schools in South Africa: Urban-Rural and Gender Differences.

South Africa has a high prevalence of obesity in black female adolescents and a paucity of knowledge regarding contributing dietary practices. The aim of this study was to assess the dietary practices and weight status of male and female adolescents at secondary schools in the Eastern Cape province in urban and rural areas. Sixteen schools and grade 8-12 learners (N = 1360) were randomly selected from three health districts comprising poor disadvantaged communities.