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Goat milk has gained recognition for its medicinal, cosmetic, and health benefits, particularly its potential to improve human skin conditions. Its therapeutic properties are attributed to bioactive compounds influenced by genes such as lactoferrin (LTF), lysozyme (LYZ), and β-casein (CSN2), known for their antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects. Genetic factors are hypothesized to shape goat milk's composition and its effectiveness in managing dermatological conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Understanding these genetic determinants is critical to optimizing the use of goat milk in skin health applications. This review aims to explore the application of genomic tools to elucidate the medicinal properties of goat milk and its implications for skin care. By identifying the specific genes and molecular mechanisms underpinning its therapeutic effects, genomic studies have provided insights into the bioactive constituents of goat milk, such as peptides, proteins, and lipids, which contribute to its dermatological efficacy. Candidate genes, including growth hormone receptor (GHR), butyrophilin (BTN1A1), and lactoglobulin (LGB), have been identified as critical for enhancing milk quality and functionality. Future research should integrate genomic data with functional studies to further investigate goat milk's immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities. Such insights could advance targeted breeding strategies and innovative formulations for managing inflammatory skin conditions and promoting skin health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Africa recognizes the value of indigenous breeds such as Potchefstroom Koekoek, Boschveld, Ovambo, Venda, Naked Neck, and nondescript village chickens. Indigenous chickens support sustainable food systems, improve nutrition, and enhance livelihoods in rural communities, thereby contributing to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 on Zero Hunger. These breeds are not only vital to rural farmers for food production, income generation, and subsistence but also provide rural farmers with cheap nutritious protein such as eggs and meat for household consumption. Moreover, they are preferred by rural farmers because they are relatively affordable to produce, can withstand harsh environmental conditions amid accelerated climate change compared to exotic breeds, and require less/no feed supplementation. However, despite the numerous advantages of keeping these chickens, it has been found that they are mostly in danger of extinction due to evolving production methods that favor exotic breeds. Therefore, understanding their extinction status, different implications for conserving their genetic material, challenges encountered, and future approaches to rescue these breeds remain vital. Hence, the aim of this systematic review was to assess the extinction status, challenges, and conservation approaches for these breeds. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were utilized to search for suitable articles addressing the objective of the current review. Research articles were grouped and evaluated for eligibility, and the data from the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System database were used. Records such as duplicates of studies addressing origins, phenotypic and genetic diversity, the conservation of indigenous chickens, semen cryopreservation of indigenous chickens, climate change effects on indigenous chickens, and the use of extenders with exotic chickens and other chicken types, reports in other languages, and reports that were inaccessible were excluded. Articles addressing origins, phenotypic and genetic diversity, the conservation of indigenous chickens, semen cryopreservation of indigenous chickens, climate change effects on indigenous chickens, and the use of extenders with indigenous chickens were included in this review. The keywords used to search articles online were as follows: South African indigenous chicken; extension status; conservation; genetic resources; genetic markers; effective population size; inbreeding; and characterization. This systematic review found that there is less information in the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System regarding South African indigenous and village chickens, suggesting a lack of reporting in this system. Moreover, our review confirmed that most South African indigenous chickens are threatened and, hence, require interventions such as assisted reproductive technologies and other strategies in order to improve efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous chickens are an important Farm Animal Genetic Resource (FAnGR) in South Africa as they alleviate poverty and are a source of protein. Climate change and market demand for high-performing exotic breeds threaten and undermine locally adapted village chickens. The current study explored the risk status and signatures of adaptation of village-based indigenous chickens from two provinces and mapped their environmental suitability across the country. A total of 244 village chickens from rural areas of the Capricorn (n = 85) and Sekhukhune (n = 113) districts of Limpopo province; the Harry Gwala (n = 21) and uMzinyathi (n = 25) districts of KwaZulu-Natal province were genotyped using the Illumina 60K BeadChip. The conservation flock comprised Ovambo (OV; n = 10), Potchefstroom KoeKoek (PK; n = 20), and Venda (VD; n = 20). Naked Neck (NN; n = 20), New Hampshire (NH; n = 10), White Leghorn (WL; n = 10), and White Plymouth Rock (WR; n = 10) from the Agricultural Research Council Poultry Breeding Unit were used as reference populations and representative of flocks under conservation. The effective population size (Ne) in village chickens and conserved flocks ranged from 18 to 53 and 26 to 38 at 12 generations ago, respectively. PC1 and PC2 explained 5.64% of the total variation, which resulted in five clusters with the Venda, Naked Neck, and White Leghorn being separated from village chickens. The first three redundancy analysis (RDA) axes capture 46.8% of the total genetic variation used to detect significant outlier SNPs. A total of 386 outlier SNPs associated with all 10 environmental variables were detected. Using ecological niche modeling, chickens from Dipakakeng, Mgababa, and Podu villages, Limpopo, had a localized predicted suitability probability, while chickens originating from Nhlonga village, KwaZulu-Natal, had a broader distribution of predicted suitability habitats with elevation and BIO6 being important variables. The results of this study provide insight into the risk status, geographic suitability, and contributing environmental factors of indigenous chickens that can be used to influence conservation and improvement decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mannose‐binding lectin (MBL) is a key component of the innate immune system that plays a crucial role in binding to the microbial sugar surface to recognize and eliminate pathogens by activating the complement system. Objective: To detect and quantify the MBL protein concentration and chicken MBL expression in selected chicken breeds in South Africa. Methods: Forty‐five blood samples from three indigenous chicken breeds, Ovambo (OV = 9), Venda (VD = 9) and Potchefstroom Koekoek (PK = 9), and two exotic chicken breeds, Rhode Island Red (RIR = 9) and Lohmann Brown (LB = 9), were used for MBL protein concentration using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) techniques. Also 20 liver samples from symptomatic two indigenous chicken breeds, OV (5) and PK (5), and two exotic chicken breeds, RIR (5) and LB (5), were used for MBL expression using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) techniques. A general linear model was done using Tukey's multiple comparison post hoc test. Results: The findings revealed MBL protein concentration from 5.26 to 18.56 µg/mL. The LB breed had the lowest mean 6.40 ± 0.80 µg/mL, whereas the PK breed had the highest mean MBL concentration of 17.70 ± 0.24 µg/mL of MBL protein concentration. At 12, 25 and 35 weeks, the MBL proteins of OV, VD, PK, RIR and LB varied significantly at p ≤ 0.05. The mRNA MBL expression of OV and LB breeds showed a 1‐fold decrease in MBL expression, while RIR showed a 2‐fold increase in MBL expression, and the PK showed more than a 3‐fold increase in MBL expression relative to the control. The least‐squares means for OV, LB, PK and RIR mRNA MBL expression were 0.54 ± 0.19, 0.68 ± 0.30, 4.46 ± 2.76 and 2.89 ± 0.19 µg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: MBL protein was detected and quantified with distinct differences in concentration and expression levels at the presence of mycoplasma gallisepticum among the sampled South African chicken breeds. This highlights the genetic diversity of MBL as a tool for disease prevention in South African chicken breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: A piglet's pre-weaning performance significantly influences both animal welfare and profitability in pig production. Understanding piglet pre-weaning performance influencing factors is key to enhancing animal welfare, reducing losses, and boosting profitability. The study aimed to evaluate the impact of parity, season of birth, and sex on within-litter variation and pre-weaning performance of F1 Large White x Landrace pigs. Materials and Methods: Information regarding total litter size, number of born alive, number of stillbirths, piglet weight at birth, mortality, and count of weaned F1 Large White x Landrace piglets was acquired from the farm database (April 2022-February 2023). 2602 females and 2882 males, a total of 5484 piglets were utilized, with records from 360 sows. The coefficient of variation (CV) of birth weights among piglets within a litter was calculated. The general linear model analysis in MiniTab 17 was used to evaluate the data, with Fisher's least significant difference test (p < 0.05) used for mean separation and Pearson's moment correlation coefficient calculated to assess relationships between survival rates, mortality rates, litter size, birth weight, and birth weight CV. Results: Parity had a statistically significant impact on litter size, birth weight, and survival rate (p < 0.05). The sow's parity did not significantly (p > 0.05) impact the number of piglets born alive or weaned. Multiparous sows had a significantly larger litter size (p < 0.05) than primiparous sows at birth. The litter weights for parities 2, 4, and 5 did not significantly differ (p > 0.05), with averages of 20.95, 20.74, and 20.03 kg, respectively. About 91.29% was the highest survival rate recorded in parity 2 (p < 0.05). The 1st week of life recorded an 8.02% mortality rate. The mortality rate in parity 3-5 group was significantly (p < 0.05) higher (11.90%) in week 1 than in the other groups (parity 1: 6.79%, parity 2: 5.74%, parity 3-5: 8.54 and 9.21%). The litter sizes in autumn (17.34) and spring (17.72) were significantly larger (p < 0.05) than those in summer (16.47) and winter (16.83). In autumn and spring, the survival rate (83.15 and 85.84%, respectively) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) compared to summer (88.40%) and winter (89.07%). In all seasons, the litter weights did not significantly differ (p > 0.05). The birth weight CV was significantly (p < 0.05) lower during summer (20.11%) than during spring (22.43%), autumn (23.71%), and winter (21.69%). The season of birth had no significant effect (p > 0.05) on the number of live piglets. Males (1.34 kg) were heavier (p < 0.05) than females (1.30 kg) at birth. Notably, the birth weight CV was similar between males (22.43%) and females (22.52%). Litter size was positively correlated with average litter weight (rp = 0.576, p < 0.001), birth weight CV (rp = 0.244, p < 0.001), and mortality rate (rp = 0.378, p < 0.001). An insignificant relationship was observed between average litter weight and birth weight CV (rp = -0.028, p > 0.05) and survival rate (rp = -0.032, p > 0.05). Conclusion: In F1 Large White x Landrace pigs, birth uniformity among piglets declines as litter size grows larger. In parity 3-5, multiparous sows yield litters with reduced uniformity. With an increase in litter size, uniformity among piglets at birth worsens. A larger litter size and greater piglet birth weight variation are linked to a higher pre-weaning mortality rate. Producers need a balanced selection approach to boost litter size and must cull aging sows carefully to introduce younger, more productive females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sows are selected for their prolificacy. Therefore, assessing difficulties that can be associated with large litters is crucial. This review aims to highlight the factors that can affect reproductive performance such as breed, parity, litter size, environment, and nutrition. Understanding these factors can help producers make informed decisions about sow management and other aspects. Higher within-litter variation is the result of a high number of piglets born. It has been determined that large litter sizes pose a risk to animal welfare in the pig industry. Moreover, large litters bring more piglets with low birth weight leading to high pre-weaning losses. Lighter littermates struggle to get enough colostrum due to the competition with heavy littermates, which lowers their chances of survival causing high mortality. Larger litters may cause greater stress and discomfort of the sow. Therefore, applying stress-free environment and treating the sow with anti-inflammatory compounds may enhance the sow performance and consequent survival of piglets. The litter size is positively correlated with the variation in birth weight within a litter, while the average weight at birth is negatively related to litter size. Producers should therefore focus on potential management strategies that can improve piglet performance, survival and welfare such as proper supervision and adequate colostrum intake. This review highlights the historical development of the pig industry and literature on the variation in piglet weight at birth within a litter, factors influencing weight at birth, and the potential effects on the piglet performance before weaning. Also, the difficulties amongst large litters and possible strategies for managing survival in large litters were also reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Several pedigree-based analyses of dog breed populations have revealed increased levels of inbreeding worldwide. These inbreeding levels threaten dogs' fitness and adaptability, population development, and survival, as well as breeds' economic importance and breeding goals. Therefore, determining the population structure of the Boerboel dog breed is critical for monitoring and controlling the loss of genetic diversity through optimal breeding programs in order to preserve its unique genes. This study's findings revealed that the Boerboel dog breed has less genetic diversity, implying increased homogeneity, and there is unequal founder contribution to the current population's genetic variation. Future breeding strategies would need to avoid the mating of closely related animals and the use of popular males. The Boerboel dog breed (BBD) is indigenous to South Africa (SA) and plays an important role in safeguarding homes and farms. The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD) classifies the BBD as a protected species, and it is valued for its intelligence, boldness, and strength, as well as for continually ensuring the safety of its owners. The aim of this study was to investigate genetic diversity within the BBD population using pedigree information. The original BBD data, which contained 87,808 records, were obtained from the Integrated Registration and Genetic Information System (INTERGIS). After editing, the pedigree data included 87,755 records of animals born between 1971 and 2019. Pedigree analyses were performed using PEDIG (Fortran 77 software) to determine the completeness, inbreeding coefficients, and genetic diversity as defined by the genetic contributions of the most important ancestors of the current animals. This study identified 91.2% inbred animals in the BBD population, with an average and maximum inbreeding of 7.5% and 50% of inbred animals, respectively. The estimated inbreeding rate per year was 0.20% with an effective population size of 83.1. The most influential ancestors explained 82.63% and 80.92% of the total genetic variation for males and females in the studied populations, respectively. Only 10 important ancestors explained more than 50% of the entire population's genetic diversity. The numbers of founders ( f ) were 348 and 356, and the effective numbers of founders ( f e ) were 57.4 and 60.1, respectively, for males and females. The numbers of founders were higher than the effective numbers of founders, implying a loss of genetic diversity due to unequal founder contributions. The BBD population was not critically endangered based on the inbreeding rates and effective population size; however, the population experienced a significant loss of genetic variability, unequal genetic contributions by founders, and a genetic bottleneck. Future breeding strategies could benefit from using equal proportions of parent stock and including new genetically distant breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Indigenous chickens are an important Farm Animal Genetic Resource (FAnGR) in South Africa as they alleviate poverty and are a source of protein. Climate change and market demand for high-performing exotic breeds threaten and undermine locally adapted village chickens. The current study explored the risk status and signatures of adaptation of village-based indigenous chickens from two provinces and mapped their environmental suitability across the country. A total of 244 village chickens from rural areas of the Capricorn (n = 85) and Sekhukhune (n = 113) districts of Limpopo province; the Harry Gwala (n = 21) and uMzinyathi (n = 25) districts of KwaZulu-Natal province were genotyped using the Illumina 60K BeadChip. The conservation flock comprised Ovambo (OV; n = 10), Potchefstroom KoeKoek (PK; n = 20), and Venda (VD; n = 20). Naked Neck (NN; n = 20), New Hampshire (NH; n = 10), White Leghorn (WL; n = 10), and White Plymouth Rock (WR; n = 10) from the Agricultural Research Council Poultry Breeding Unit were used as reference populations and representative of flocks under conservation. The effective population size ( Ne ) in village chickens and conserved flocks ranged from 18 to 53 and 26 to 38 at 12 generations ago, respectively. PC1 and PC2 explained 5.64% of the total variation, which resulted in five clusters with the Venda, Naked Neck, and White Leghorn being separated from village chickens. The first three redundancy analysis (RDA) axes capture 46.8% of the total genetic variation used to detect significant outlier SNPs. A total of 386 outlier SNPs associated with all 10 environmental variables were detected. Using ecological niche modeling, chickens from Dipakakeng, Mgababa, and Podu villages, Limpopo, had a localized predicted suitability probability, while chickens originating from Nhlonga village, KwaZulu-Natal, had a broader distribution of predicted suitability habitats with elevation and BIO6 being important variables. The results of this study provide insight into the risk status, geographic suitability, and contributing environmental factors of indigenous chickens that can be used to influence conservation and improvement decisions., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Mogano, Mpofu, Mtileni and Hadebe.)