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Seven non-linear growth models were compared in the Andalusian turkey, an endangered native breed. To this aim, turkeys were weekly weighted until they reached 35 weeks. The goodness-of-fit and flexibility criteria of Brody, Von Bertalanffy, Verhulst, Logistic, Gompertz, Richards, and Sinusoidal growth models were evaluated to quantify their ability to describe the biological growth curve. Goodness-of-fit criteria were assessed comparing the mean squared error (MSE) and adjusted determination coefficient (Pseudo-R2), while the flexibility criteria of Akaike (AIC) and Bayesian information criteria (BIC) were evaluated to quantify the explanatory and predictive ability of the models tested. Afterward, all criteria were considered in a combined index to determine the most efficient model to describe and predict growth patterns. The best-fitting model for males growth was Logistic (MSE: 250,349.87; Pseudo-R2: 0.97) which also reported the best explanatory and predictive properties (AIC: 18,949.25; BIC: 18,963.24), while best goodness-of-fit criteria, explanatory and predictive capacity in females were reported for the Richards model (MSE: 144,432.45; Pseudo-R2: 0.95; AIC: 17,529.83; BIC: 17,549.02, respectively). Von Bertalanffy and Richards models underestimated the weight at early age stages, contrary to Logistic and Verhulst models. The asymptotic weight was higher in males than in females at all evaluated models, being 11,085.37 g for Logistic and 5,706.38 g for Richards, respectively. In conclusion, a marked sexual dimorphism is evident, with females reaching maturity earlier than males. The higher inflection point in males may enable their relatively easier commercial standardisation than in turkey hens.Highlights Logistic was the best fitting model for males' growth and Richards for females. Females reach maturity earlier than males with higher rates of maturity. Andalusian turkey breed shows an intense sexual dimorphism.

Limited sample sizes imply parametric assumptions could be violated, even if traits have been reported to fulfil parametric assumptions. Parametric studies have addressed a non-significant influence of CSN1S1 genes on Murciano-Granadina milk yield, fat, protein and dry extract. We used non-parametric categorical tests to find alternative statistical methods to analyse the power to explain the variability found in the population regarding milk yield and its components. We analysed 2090 records for milk yield, and its components from 710 Murciano-Granadina CSN1S1-genotyped goats. Categorical regression equations were issued to predict which and at what level these factors may determine milk yield (kg), fat (kg), protein (kg) and dry extract (kg). All environmental (farm and parturition year) and animal-inherent factors (genotype, birth type and age) resulted statistically significant (p

Archivos de Zootecnia reached its 272 issue during 2021. In the present editorial report, we address the facts and figures derived from the editorial process during the past yearly editorial cycle. During 2021, the journal reached an index of 0.8 in Scopus and an index of 0.181 in SJR, which placed it among Q4 journals. A total of 50 manuscripts coming from 17 countries were published. Brazil was the most contributing country the percentage of submissions slightly decreased (38.46%) in favour of an increase of the submissions by authors from other countries. The most frequently used language in the manuscripts was English (38%), followed by Spanish (35%), Portuguese (25%)and French (2%). Depending on mnauscript type, manuscript published were 44 articles, 2 short notes and 6 reviews. The two main topics the articles were about were Feeding and food (n=18; 34.6%) and Breeding and genetics (n=14; 26.9%); while the most frequent species the works dealt with was cattle (n=13; 34%) followed by goats (n=7; 18%). Editorial times between the reception and publication of the manuscripts have comparatively improved according to the results showed in previous years' reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]