Abstract. Tampubolon YK, Agus A, Hartatik T, Bintara S, Ismaya, Widyobroto BP, Budisatria IGS, Leroy P, Antoine-Moussiaux N, Panjono. 2023. Reproductive performance of Belgian Blue and Wagyu cross cows. Biodiversitas 24: 5352-5358. Double-Muscle (DM) cattle have been used in cattle breeding programs to increase body weight. This research aims to determine the reproductive performance of using DM cattle. Currently, cattle are produced from a cross between two breeds, namely Belgian Blue (BB) cross (50% BB, 50% BX) and Wagyu cross (50% Wagyu, 50% BX). Natural mating was carried out on nine BB cross cows mated with Wagyu cross bulls and nine Wagyu cross cows bred with BB cross cows. After calving, the cows were raised together with their calves for six months prior to weaning. The collected data were analyzed using One-Way analysis of variance. Calving Interval (CI), Cow Reproductivity Index (CRI), calf weaning weight, and Cow Productivity Index (CPI) of BB and Wagyu cross cows were 426.00±24.92 and 411.55±37.52 days, 0.86±0.05 and 0.89±0.08 head/year, 175.53±24.50 and 121.19±19.80 kg, and 148.46±24.61 and 102.41±20.84 kg/year, respectively. There was no significant difference in the CI and CRI between crosses. However, the weaning weight of BB cross calves was higher (p<0.05) than that of Wagyu cross calves, whereas the CPI of BB cross cows was higher (p<0.01) than that of Wagyu cross cows. It was concluded that the best reproductive performance was the BB cross, which had DM blood.

This study was conducted to observe the post-weaning growth performance of Belgian Blue-Crossed (BB-crossed) and Brahman Cross (BX) calves. This study used a total of eighteen calves (BB-crossed = 6 heads and BX = 12 heads) aged 6 months. Calves were reared for six months under the same conditions and management. Calves were observed and measured their growth performance (body weight, body length, heart girth, and withers height). Data were analyzed using One-Way Anova, and for body weight gain and body size gain were analyzed by Ancova with initial body weight and initial body size as covariates. BB-crossed calves in this study had a body weight and body size greater than BX calves (P<0.05). BB-crossed calves also had increasing in body weight (BB-crossed 0.87±0.06 vs BX 0.63±0.04 kg/day) and body length (BB-crossed 0.23±0.01 vs BX 0.12± 0.01 cm/day) was greater (P<0.05) than BX calves, while the increasing in body height (BB-crossed 0.09±0.01 vs BX 0.07±0.01 cm/day) and heart girth (BB-crossed 0.16±0.02 vs BX 0.18±0.01 cm/day) did not differ. In conclusion, BB-crossed calve had post-weaning growth performances greather than BX calves, except increasing in withers height and heart girth. Thus, crosses with Belgian Blue cattle can improve post-weaning growth performance of BX calves.

Feeding chicken with black soldier fly larvae (BSF) may influence their rates of growth via effects on the composition of their gut microbiota. To verify this hypothesis, we aim to evaluate a probabilistic structural equation model because it can unravel the complex web of relationships that exist between the bacteria involved in digestion and evaluate whether these influence bird growth. We followed 90 chickens fed diets supplemented with 0%, 5% or 10% BSF and measured the strength of the relationship between their weight and the relative abundance of bacteria (OTU) present in their cecum or cloaca at 16, 28, 39, 67 or 73 days of age, while adjusting for potential confounding effects of their age and sex. Results showed that OTUs (62 genera) could be combined into ten latent constructs with distinctive metabolic attributes. Links were discovered between these constructs that suggest nutritional relationships. Age directly influenced weights and microbiotal composition, and three constructs indirectly influenced weights via their dependencies on age. The proposed methodology was able to simplify dependencies among OTUs into knowledgeable constructs and to highlight links potentially important to understand the role of insect feed and of microbiota in chicken growth.

This study wasconducted to observe characteristics and pre-weaning growth traits of calvesborn from crossbreeding between Wagyu and Belgian Blue (BB) bulls with BrahmanCross (BX) dams. The experiment was conducted to compare two different crossesBelgian Blue (BB) x BX, Wagyu x BX and also with BX pure breed (BX x BX). Inthe first two crosses, we used Artificial Insemination (AI), while in the thirdnatural mating occurred. The number of calves in the experiment was 18 from thefirst cross (BB-crossed), 17 from the second cross (Wagyu-crossed), and 15 fromthe third (BX).BB The calves were raised together with their dams until theyreached weaning age in 180 days. The data collected was analyzed byKruskal-Wallis Test and Mann-Whitney Test for significant differences. The coatcolors of BB-crossed calves were predominantly black (77.22%), and allWagyu-crossed calves were red; whereas BX calves' coat colors vary: 37.5%black, 31.25% red, and 31.25% white. There was no significant difference amonggroups in body size (except the withers height) and weight at birth. TheBB-crossed, Wagyu-crossed and BX calves showed the pre-weaning growth on bodylength of 0.15±0.03, 0.17±0.03 and 0.11±0.03 cm/day; withers height of0.18±0.02, 0.14±0.02 and 0.10±0.02 cm/day; heart girth of 0.32±0.05, 0.24±0.03and 0.16±0.03 cm/day and daily body weight of 0.74±0.13, 0.62±0.06 and0.39±0.11 kg/day respectively. The average daily gain of body length onBB-crossed and Wagyu-crossed calves was higher (P<0.05) than that of BXcalves. The average withers height, heart girth, and body weight daily gain ofBB-crossed calves were higher (P<0.05) than those of Wagyu-crossed calvesand Wagyu-crossed calves were higher (P<0.05) than those of BX calves. It isconcluded that crossing Brahman Cross dams with Belgian Blue and Wagyu bullsimproves body size and weight gain of calves; further, crossbreeding withBelgian Blue bulls gives better improvement than that with Wagyu bulls.

Abstract Crossbreeding using exotic bulls have been developed widely in Indonesia. Y-chromosome markers have high value for the evaluation of paternal genetic and phylogeny history. The aim of this study was to investigate the coding sequence polymorphism of SRY gene in crossbred cattle using Belgian Blue Bull and Wagyu Bull. Polymerase chain reaction method was used to identify the target sequence 690 bp of SRY gene coding sequences. Then, direct DNA sequencing with forward primer was performed to identify the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) differences between individual sample. The results of the alignment coding sequence of SRY gene from four GenBank data, Brahman cross cattle, Belgian Blue Bull Cross and Wagyu Bull cross revealed that there are 21 SNPs variation. Six SNPs out of 21 SNPs (29%) was synonymous and 15 SNPs out of 21 SNPs (71%) was change the amino acid (non-synonymous). Eight out of 21 SNPs (38%) were transition mutation and 13 SNPs out of 21 SNPs (62%) were transversion mutation. Crossbred cattle using Brahman cross cow with Belgian Blue Bull and Wagyu Bull show the SNP at position 1707T→G (transversion mutation). This SNP change the amino acid from Phe(TTT) to Cys(TGT). Thus, the result can be used as molecular marker for identifying the paternal lineage of crossbred cattle which recently develop in Indonesia.

Abstract. Hartatik T., Fathoni A, Bintara S., Ismaya, Panjono, Widyobroto B.P, Agus A, Budisatria I.G.S, Leroy P. 2020. Short communication: The genotype of growth hormone gene that affects the birth weight and average daily gain in crossbred beef cattle. Biodiversitas 21: 941-945. Growth Hormone gene has been proposed to direct search for quantitative trait loci, and polymorphisms at these loci have been associated with several production traits in bovine. This research aimed to investigate the association of the genotype of partial growth hormone gene with birth weight and average daily gain in crossbred beef cattle. The materials of this research consist of 47 samples from four different breeds. Birth weight was measured just after calving delivery from the mother. The average daily gain was calculated from the period since birth weight to the second weight (90 days). Genotyping of the growth hormone gene was determined by the sequencing and PCR-RFLP method with the AluI restriction enzyme. The association between genotype and growth traits data was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) by RStudio version 1.1.383. The results showed the significantly different (P<0.001) in birth weight and average daily gain according to the different breed. Friesian Holstein breed showed the highest birth weight, followed by Belgian Blue Bull cross and others. The genotype valine/valine only occurs in Belgian blue bull cross and Wagyu bull cross cattle and showed moderate birth weight. Genotype affects birth weight significantly (P<0.001). The birth weight for genotype leucine/leucine, leucine/valine, and valine/valine was 34.82±18.13, 25.31±13.10, and 29.35±13.65, respectively. There was no significant difference in average daily genes according to the different genotypes. In conclusion, the growth hormone gene was probably one of the molecular genetics markers for excellent growth traits in different crossbred beef cattle.

AIM:The present study was conducted to evaluate the reproduction and production performances of crossbred and local dairy cattle in peri-urban of Bamako, the capital of Mali.MATERIALS AND METHODS:A total of 17 randomly selected households with 450 dairy cattle from four peri-urban of Bamako were individually interviewed, given register format and divided into four focus group discussions. The participants were dairy farmers and they were asked to know the phenotype that seems to them the more interesting for the reproduction and production performances of their dairy cattle.RESULTS:The calving interval (CI) obtained exceeded 433 days in all phenotypic types with average milk yields of 5.13±1.84 kg/day, 4.76±2.41, and 3.05±1.32 kg/day, respectively, for the Holstein crossbred, Montbeliard crossbred, and the local breeds (Zebu Peul and/or Zebu Maure). Crossbred was more productive than local breeds with significant (p<0.05) differences for lactation length, CI and total production and not significant on parity. The results also showed the advantages of the crossbred cows in terms of CI (460±80 days) compared to local zebus breeds (433±115 days) to keep the time of milking as long as possible. However, the Zebu Azawak breed whose cradle is located in Northern Mali, managed under extensive peri-urban rearing conditions, has less favorable production parameters than those of other local cattle breeds in milk production (636±43.3 kg vs. 681±41.1 kg).CONCLUSION:The present study revealed that crossbred dairy cattle performed better in terms of CI, lactation length, and production compared to the local breeds. The study also showed that the local Azawak breed numerically performed less compared to the other local breeds evaluated in this study, namely, Peul and Maure.

This study characterises farmer's preferences for breeding rams and tackles their willingness to contribute to the Koundoum sheep conservation programme through their quantified appreciation of the main phenotypic features of the sheep breed in the region. The Koundoum is the main wool sheep of Niger and shows a remarkable adaptation to the environment of the Niger River valley. In Tillabéri region, i.e. the Koundoum sheep's area of origin, the proportional piling tool is first used in 11 focus group discussions of breeders to determine the main selection criteria of breeding rams. The multi-attribute analysis method is then applied with 168 sheep owners. The econometric estimation of the utility function of breeders is conducted with a conditional logit model and the marginal willingness to pay is calculated. The results reveal a strong rejection by the breeders of characteristics like wool and black-coloured coat and thus shows the poor acceptability of an in situ conservation programme. Few breeders with a particular concern for the breed's conservation for cultural motives may nevertheless join such a conservation programme that should mainly be based on ex situ strategies.

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of stinging nettle powder (SNP) on laying performance, egg quality, and some selected serum biochemical parameters of quails. One hundred and forty-four 10-wk-old Japanese quails (initial body weight = 199 ± 18 g) were divided into 3 dietary treatment groups (basic diet without SNP [SNP0], SNP0 with 3% SNP [SNP3], SNP0 with 6% SNP [SNP6]) with 4 replicates of 12 quails for a rearing period of 12 wk. At 22 wk of age, the final body weights of the SNP3 and SNP6 groups were significantly (P = 0.001) reduced compared to that of the SNP0 group. Daily feed intake was not statistically different among the groups. The mean number of eggs laid ranged from 65 to 69 with laying rates from 76.8% to 82.1%. The percentage of cracked eggs was not significantly different among the groups and ranged from 1.6% to 1.9%. The egg weight was similar and the feed conversion ratio was closer among the groups. The egg yolk cholesterol, serum cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels in the SNP6 group were significantly reduced (P < 0.001) compared to those of the SNP0 group. Serum Ca, P and Mg were not significantly influenced by the supplementation. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that the supplementation of SNP to the quail diet at the level of 6% reduced quail egg yolk cholesterol, serum total cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels and did not negatively influence quail performance.

The aim of this study was to characterize agro-pastoralists' preferences in dromedary rearing in the Koro district of Mali, which has experienced a decade of spontaneous development in using dromedaries for harnessed cultivation. Five criteria for assessment of dromedary types used for traction were identified through nine focus group discussions. The assessment criteria developed and estimated rates were the morphological characteristics (23.2%), disease resistance (14.1%), work attitude (26.3%), colour of the coat (25.3%) and docility (11.1%). A multi-attribute analysis method was applied with 115 dromedary owners. Conditional logit was used to estimate utility function and willingness to pay (WTP) for different attributes. Work attitude seems to be an important parameter for decision-making with a WTP amounting to 558.94 euros (614.94 USD). Disease resistance comes second position in decision-making for the selection of dromedaries, with a WTP of 348.77 euros (383.40 USD). To a lesser extent, the white coat with a WTP in the order of 54.45 euros (59.86 USD) intervenes in agro-pastoral decision-making. The agro-pastoralists have a strong reluctance for the dark brown coat. In conclusion, the present results showed that further studies should be conducted on materials and traction technologies to promote harnessed cultivation by dromedaries to preserve and strengthen the multi-functional nature of the dromedary.

Description of the subject. The effects of both non-genetic factors and of genetic parameters on the growth traits of Azawak cattle in Niger were estimated from performance data collected on animals raised in the Toukounous animal breeding station. Objectives. Following on from the results obtained, a model to predict breeding values of breeding stocks is to be developed. Method. The influence of non-genetic factors and of genetic parameters was estimated using a fixed effects linear model and a multi character animal model (REML), respectively. Results. Sex, season and year of birth, and their interactions had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on weight from birth to 20 months and average daily gains from birth to 12 months (ADG12) and to 18 months (ADG18). Heritability was moderate for birth weight (0.20) and for weight at 12, 14 and 20 months (0.15 to 0.43), whereas it was higher for weight at 13 months (0.61), ADG12 (0.58) and ADG18 (0.44). Genetic correlations between weights and gains were low to high, and they decreased gradually as the interval between weighing increased. All genetic correlations were positive except those between ADG12 and weight at 17 months and between ADG12 and ADG18. Environmental correlations followed the same trends as genetic correlations. Conclusions. Heritability of weight and gains was moderate to high, indicating that an improvement in meat production could be obtained from selection according to growth performance.

The complex balance between innovation and conservation regarding animal genetic resources makes it difficult to find mutually accepted improvement pathways between breeders, government agencies, and research and education institutions. This study maps stakeholder viewpoints on cattle genetic improvement in Niger using the Q method. Fifty-three statements derived from expert opinions and focus group interviews were ranked by 22 respondents along a seven-grade scale expressing their degree of approval. The Q method reveals a limited consensus on development goals, overall strategy, and the present context of operation. Beyond this consensus, three discourses are identified that express distinct attitudes regarding the balance between conservation and progress, leading to distinct strategies. The first discourse fits with a modernist vision and government strategies established in the 2000s based on exotic crossbreeding and improved purebred Azawak. The second discourse lines up with the previous livestock development strategy of Niger (before 2000) based on indigenous breeds. The third discourse represents a conservationist vision, with minor importance in the present sampling. Tentative observations are proposed on the consequences of this divide in opinions on livestock policies in Niger, including extension. The Q method appears effective in identifying the concerns of stakeholders on complex agricultural innovation topics. As a sensing tool to follow-up policy implementation in similarly complex agricultural topics, the Q method may inform adaptive extension and education strategies.

The objective of this study was to contribute to the preservation and improvement of the performance of the Azawak zebu in Mali by proposing an estimation of the growth and reproduction performances of this cattle breed reared in the north of the country. Monitoring involved 1129 animals in four townships in Menaka Circle, between November 2009 and February 2010. At 30 days, males weighed on average 39 ± 10 kg and females 32 ± 4 kg. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were recorded between the adult weights of bulls (370 ± 88 kg) and cows (327 ± 46 kg). The age at first calving was 50 ± 11 months with a calving interval of 16 ± 4 months. The correlations of weight with the thoracic girdle (r = 0.95) and the height at the withers (r = 0.94) were the highest. Barymetric equations were developed for each animal category (male calf / female calf, heifer / young bull, cow/bull) using polynomial weight regressions (y) on the thoracic girdle (x). These could enable livestock agents to establish a conversion table of the thoracic girdle into live weight or a barymetric measuring tape to facilitate husbandry and sanitary monitoring of animals in the field.

L’objectif de cette étude était de participer à la sauvegarde et à l’amélioration des performances du zébu Azawak au Mali en proposant une estimation des performances de croissance et de reproduction de cette race bovine élevée au nord du pays. Le suivi a concerné 1129 animaux dans quatre communes du cercle de Ménaka, entre novembre 2009 et février 2010. A 30 jours, les mâles pesaient en moyenne 39 ± 10 kg et les femelles 32 ± 4 kg. Aucune différence significative (p > 0,05) n’a été enregistrée entre les poids adultes des taureaux (370 ± 88 kg) et des vaches (327 ± 46 kg). L’âge au premier vêlage a été de 50 ± 11 mois avec un intervalle entre vêlages de 16 ± 4 mois. Les corrélations du poids avec le périmètre thoracique (r = 0,95) et la hauteur au garrot (r = 0,94) ont été les plus élevées. Des équations barymétriques ont été établies pour chaque catégorie animale (veau/velle, génisse/taurillon, vache/taureau) au moyen de régressions polynomiales du poids (y) sur le périmètre thoracique (x). Celles-ci pourront servir à établir une table de conversion du périmètre thoracique en poids vif ou un ruban barymétrique à l’attention des agents de l’élevage, afin de faciliter un suivi zootechnique et sanitaire des animaux sur le terrain.

Description du sujet. Les effets des facteurs non génétiques sur les caractères de croissance du bovin Azawak au Niger et les paramètres génétiques sont estimés à partir des performances enregistrées sur des animaux élevés dans la station de Toukounous. Objectifs. Grâce aux résultats obtenus, un modèle de prédiction des valeurs d’élevage de candidats reproducteurs améliorateurs sera développé. Méthode. Les facteurs non génétiques ont été évalués grâce à des modèles linéaires fixes et les paramètres génétiques grâce à un modèle animal multi-caractère par la méthode REML. Résultats. Les effets du sexe, de la saison et de l’année de naissance et leurs interactions sont significatifs (p < 0,05) sur tous les poids étudiés, à la naissance et de 12 à 20 mois et sur les gains moyens quotidiens de la naissance à 12 (GMQ12) et 18 (GMQ18) mois. L’héritabilité est modérée pour le poids à la naissance (0,20) et à 12, 14 et 20 mois (0,15 à 0,43). Elle est élevée pour le poids à 13 mois (0,61), le GMQ12 (0,58) et le GMQ18 (0,44). Les corrélations génétiques entre les poids et les gains sont faibles à élevées et elles se réduisent progressivement avec l’espacement des pesées, mais elles sont positives à l’exception de celles entre le GMQ12 et le poids à 17 mois et le GMQ12 et GMQ18. Les corrélations environnementales suivent les mêmes tendances que les corrélations génétiques. Conclusions. L’héritabilité des poids et des gains est modérée à élevée, une amélioration génétique pourrait être obtenue par la sélection sur les performances de croissance.

A l’image de l’ensemble de la filière de l’élevage dans les pays en développement, l’élevage ovin au Burkina Faso fait face à une demande croissante, dans un contexte de production socio­économique et environnemental contraignant. Cela a donné lieu à des croisements peu maîtrisés dans la zone périurbaine de la capitale, Ouagadougou. Afin d’identifier les moyens d’enca­drer ces pratiques pour rendre durables les systèmes ovins, une enquête a été conduite auprès de 63 éleveurs évoluant dans le milieu rural de la région du Plateau Central. L’objectif princi­pal était d’évaluer les possibilités d’une gestion intégrée entre les éleveurs ruraux et les éleveurs périurbains à travers notam­ment des échanges de femelles. Les données ont été collec­tées à travers des entretiens directs à l’aide d’un questionnaire comportant des questions ouvertes et fermées. Les résultats ont montré que l’ensemble des éleveurs avaient des stratégies de sélection à travers le choix des mâles reproducteurs. Ce choix se faisait essentiellement dans leur propre troupeau (98 % des interviewés) et quelquefois dans les marchés (22 %). Les objec­tifs principaux d’amélioration concernaient le poids adulte et la croissance des jeunes, ou le maintien de la rusticité. La brebis Djallonké, variété Mossi, était la race la plus rencontrée dans la zone (présente dans 97% des troupeaux). Mettant en œuvre leurs objectifs les éleveurs croisaient leurs brebis Mossi avec des béliers Peuhls, d’un plus grand gabarit, mais de manière tem­poraire afin de limiter la perte de résistance de leur troupeau. Le lien potentiel avec la production des éleveurs périurbains par la vente de femelles semblait faire face à des contraintes culturelles. Le système de production décrit par les éleveurs présentait des contraintes de durabilité et ne permettait pas de véritable intégration avec le système périurbain. Des approches participatives devraient être mises en œuvre localement afin d’élaborer des solutions appropriées pour accroître la produc­tion et la gestion durable des ressources zoogénétiques.

Kouri (Bos taurus) is a breed aboriginal from Lake Chad and threatened with extinction. This study aimed to compare milk fatty acid profiles measured on Kouri cows and on high-yielding dairy cattle in Europe and elsewhere as reported by meta-analytical data (22 experimentations). Milk samples were collected from 14 Kouri dairy cows in dry season (March to June) and fatty acids (FA) were determined by gas chromatography. Overall, 32 FA have been identified. Kouri showed lower values (P < 0.001) in the sum of saturated FA (SFA, −10.9 pts), cis-9, cis-12 18:2 (−1.00 pt) (P < 0.01, higher values (P < 0.001) in the sum of monounsaturated FA (MUFA, +15.3 pts), C18:0) (+3.5 pts), cis-9, trans-11 C18:2-CLA (+1.00 pts), trans-11 18:1 (+1.4 pts) and (P < 0.01) in cis-9, C18:1 (+3.00 pts) acids. The differences between the milk FA profile of the Kouri cows and that obtained from meta-analytical data could be the possible consequence of the use of particular lake pastures by Kouri cows.

In poultry, feed based on maggots, like larvae of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is an attractive option to substitute current ingredients which are expensive and often in direct or indirect competition with human food. Little information is currently available on the utility of these larvae in poultry feed, so goals of this study were to determine whether larvae could be reared on horse manure under traditional farming conditions and to evaluate the growth performances of a local poultry fed these larvae and the fatty acids profiles of their meat. After freezing and thawing, larvae were introduced in the feed of Ardennaise chickens between 30 and 80 days of age. Birds in the control group received a commercial standard feed, while those in the treatment group received the same commercial feed in which 8% was substituted with whole fresh larvae corresponding to 2% on a dry matter basis. Means ± standard errors of larval length and weight were 20.67 ± 2.21 mm and 0.14 ± 0.02 g, respectively. Mean larval percentages of dry matter and of substances extractable in diethyl ether were 24.6% and 23.1%, respectively. Larval fatty acids profiles were predominantly composed of lauric acid (28.1%) and palmitic acid (22.0%). Least squares means of weekly weights of chicken, adjusted for the effects of sex, replication and initial weights, were significantly higher (P < 0.05) by 77.03 ± 53.37 g in larvae-fed than in control chickens. All other measurements were not statistically different between larvae-fed and control chicken, including fatty acid profiles, protein content and ω6/ω3 ratio.