Abstracted/indexed

The objective was to assess the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of nine sheep populations. Overall, these sheep populations in the study exhibited a rich genetic diversity. The nine sheep populations can be divided into two groups. SUF and DST were clustered in one group, and GMM–BAS–BAM, HUS–STH and DOS–DOP were divided into three clusters. This clustering result is consistent with sheep breeding history. TreeMix analysis also hinted at the possible gene flow from GMM to SUF.

Research was conducted to evaluate the effects of plastic slatted floors and a deep-litter system using wood shavings on the growth performance of recent commercial hybrid Pekin ducks with actual field conditions. With the use of plastic slatted floors, the feed conversion rate dropped and the water / feed consumption ratio showed an increase (p < 0.05). This is a remarkable scientific result that is economically favourable for the industry and growers promoting new aspects.

Sixty-eight samples were collected from Egyptian Maghrebi camels to investigate the association of β-casein gene with milk composition traits. β-casein gene, parity and lactation stage recorded significant effect on chemical composition of milk, suggesting the processing of their milk into cheese and butter at the end of lactation stages of the middle parities of their productive life. β-casein gene may be used as a DNA marker in selection programs for the improvement of camel milk composition.

The lipid analysis of commercial lamb meat, from the two main Moroccan production areas Middle Atlas and highlands of eastern Morocco, was conducted. The fatty acid profiles of the sheep meats analyzed showed polyunsaturated fatty acid richness, balanced polyunsaturated / saturated fatty acid ratios, and desirable fatty acid richness. The present study provides new insights into the nutritional value of intramuscular fat of four Moroccan sheep meats reared in an outdoor production system.

This study provided a theoretical and experimental basis for further studying the molecular regulation mechanism of hair follicle development. EDA and EDAR were both expressed in the skin tissue in the seven cashmere goat embryo stages. Moreover, EDA and EDAR play an important role in the formation of embryonic placode (Pc). After interfering with EDA and EDAR, the expression of BMP2, BMP4, noggin, β-catenin, TGF-β2, Wnt-10b, and NOTCH1 in fibroblasts and epithelial cells changed significantly.

The expression patterns of the HPG axis-related genes in rams were analyzed using qPCR. It showed that DIO2 and KISS1 were mainly expressed in pituitary and hypothalamus in both breeds, respectively. EYA3 and GPR54 were widely expressed in both breeds, with significant differences in testis and vas deferens. We speculated that the four genes may regulate the estrous mode in different regions in rams. This is the first study to analyze the expression patterns of HPG axis-related genes in rams.

We investigated stress parameters and behaviours of goat kids from dairy type (Saanen and Maltese) and indigenous (Hair and Gokceada) breeds during 10-week fattening. Dairy kids did not express behavioural or biochemical stress responses during the study. Especially in the last 2 weeks of fattening, Gokceada kids were less successful in coping with a confined environment. It is concluded that indigenous breeds, especially Gokceada kids, are not appropriate for intensive fattening in a pen.

Recently, consumers have been seeking natural and healthy products such as meat rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids, beneficial for health with decreasing the saturated fatty acids. Then, to enhance the meat quality, some nutritional strategies were considered such as using the residues of aromatic and medicinal plants. Then, the use of rosemary residues in lamb feeding increased the polyunsaturated fatty acid, n-6 and n-3 contents and reduced the saturation index in muscles and adipose tissues.

In an experiment the longissimus lumborum and gluteus medius muscles were collected from lambs of two genotypes to analyse physico-chemical traits, fatty acid profile, taurine, carnosine, and L-carnitine. Results showed a greater impact of the lamb’s genotype on physical traits of meat than on its chemical composition and content of bioactive components. Muscle type had an effect on meat colour; collagen content; fatty acid profile; and the amount of taurine, carnosine, and L-carnitine.

The relationship between HSPB1 expression and muscle growth in beef cattle has previously been reported, but there have been no reports of DNA markers related to meat quantity in Korean native steers. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship of SNPs within HSPB1 in terms of the carcass traits related to muscle growth in Korean native steers.

This F94L MSTN polymorphism study demonstrates the high genetic potential of Aberdeen Angus and Belgian Blue cattle. The Aberdeen Angus populations have animal carriers of the AM, OS, DD and M1 genetic defects points. Animal carriers of HY and MSUD genetic defects were absent in the Hereford herds. These facts allow us to conclude that the breeding of the above breeds has great potential for improving meat cattle industry profitability under genetic defect control.