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Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is widely distributed in Sudan where outbreaks occur on an annual basis especially during the winter months (December-February). This study aimed to increase our understanding of the epidemiological patterns of FMD in Sudan and connections to neighbouring countries by characterizing the genetic sequences of FMD viruses (FMDV) collected from samples collected in 10 Sudanese states over a 10-year period (between 2009 and 2018). FMDV was detected in 91 of the 265 samples using an antigen-detection ELISA. Three serotypes were detected: O (46.2%), A (34.0%), and SAT 2 (19.8%). Fifty-two of these samples were submitted for sequence analyses, generating sequences that were characterized as belonging to O/EA-3 (n = 17), A/AFRICA/G-IV (n = 23) and SAT 2/VII/Alx-12 (n = 12) viral lineages. Phylogenetic analyses provided evidence that FMDV lineages were maintained within Sudan, and also highlighted epidemiological connections to FMD outbreaks reported in neighbouring countries in East and North Africa (such as Ethiopia and Egypt). This study motivates continued FMD surveillance in Sudan to monitor the circulating viral lineages and broader initiatives to improve our understanding of the epidemiological risks in the region.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is widely distributed in Sudan where outbreaks occur on an annual basis especially during the winter months (December-February). This study aimed to increase our understanding of the epidemiological patterns of FMD in Sudan and connections to neighbouring countries by characterising the genetic sequences of FMD viruses (FMDV) collected from seven Sudanese states over a 10-year period (between 2009 and 2018). FMDV was detected in 91 of the 265 samples using an antigen-detection ELISA. Three serotypes were detected: O (46.2%), A (34.1%), and SAT 2 (19.8%). Fifty-three of these samples were submitted for sequence analyses, generating sequences that were characterised as belonging to O/EA-3 (n=18), A/AFRICA/G-IV (n=23) and SAT 2/VII/Alx-12 (n=12) viral lineages. Phylogenetic analyses provided evidence that FMDV lineages were maintained within Sudan, and also highlighted epidemiological connections to FMD outbreaks reported in neighbouring countries in East and North Africa (such as Ethiopia and Egypt). This study motivates continued FMD surveillance in Sudan to monitor the circulating viral lineages and broader initiatives to improve our understanding of the epidemiological risks in the region.

Middle East respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a persistent zoonotic pathogen with frequent spillover from dromedary camels to humans in the Arabian Peninsula, resulting in limited outbreaks of MERS with a high case-fatality rate. Full genome sequence data from camel-derived MERS-CoV variants show diverse lineages circulating in domestic camels with frequent recombination. More than 90% of the available full MERS-CoV genome sequences derived from camels are from just two countries, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and United Arab Emirates (UAE). In this study, we employ a novel method to amplify and sequence the partial MERS-CoV genome with high sensitivity from nasal swabs of infected camels. We recovered more than 99% of the MERS-CoV genome from field-collected samples with greater than 500 TCID50 equivalent per nasal swab from camel herds sampled in Jordan in May 2016. Our subsequent analyses of 14 camel-derived MERS-CoV genomes show a striking lack of genetic diversity circulating in Jordan camels relative to MERS-CoV genome sequences derived from large camel markets in KSA and UAE. The low genetic diversity detected in Jordan camels during our study is consistent with a lack of endemic circulation in these camel herds and reflective of data from MERS outbreaks in humans dominated by nosocomial transmission following a single introduction as reported during the 2015 MERS outbreak in South Korea. Our data suggest transmission of MERS-CoV among two camel herds in Jordan in 2016 following a single introduction event.

We evaluated growth, milk production and composition of Awassi genotypes based on 9 years data collected from the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) flock kept in Tal Hadya station, Syria (now moved to Terbol station, Lebanon). Performances of the pure genotypes (Syrian and Turkish Awassi) and the resulting crosses were compared. Growth performances did not differ among the genetic groups except for weaning weight, for which the Turkish Awassi was lighter than the Syrian Awassi and all its crosses; the 75% Syrian genotype being the heaviest (19.54±0.43 kg). Genetic groups did not differ (p>0.05) for both lactation length (overall mean 100.39±1.20 days) and lactation milk yield (overall mean 91.2±2.50 kg). Lactation yields of milk constituents (fat, protein, lactose, total solids and solids-not-fat) were, however, higher for the 75% Syrian crosses compared to the other crosses as well as to the pure Awassi sheep, except for lactation protein yield. The performances of Turkish Awassi were not superior to those of the Syrian genotype for all the traits considered under the environmental conditions of Syria. It is concluded that the Turkish Awassi should not be used as an improver breed for the Syrian genotype. The performance of the ICARDA maintained Awassi flock has on average been better compared to those of other farms in the region. Improved rams produced from the breeding program could therefore serve as improver for flocks maintained in countries of the region, necessitating the development of appropriate delivery systems of improved genetics.

The authors describe the goat markets in Afghanistan by analyzing goat producers’ price expectations and by identifying the factors that determine these price expectations. Data on expected prices for goats transacted were collected from 280 goat producers from Baghlan and Nangarhar provinces, along with information on factors anticipated to influence the price expectation from May 2008 to April 2009. A price expectation model was built and analyzed using a general linear model. Results indicated that goat producers adjusted expected prices for marketing day (Saturday and Thursday), location of sales (district and provincial markets), live weight, and goat producers’ market network. However, goat producers did not expect a premium for goat attributes like breed and age. The implications of the study are that goat producers can expect more when they plan their goat sales based on live weight, market day, marketing place and sex of goat. [Econlit Citations: Q130; Q120, C100]. C � 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Six Ethiopian indigenous goat populations viz. Gumuz, Agew, Begia-Medir, Bati, Abergelle, and Central Abergelle were genotyped for 15 microsatellite markers recommended by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and International Society for Animal Genetics. A total of 158 individual goats were tested to assess genetic variations within and between the goat populations in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. The markers revealed 100% polymorphism across six goat populations indicating the presence of genetic diversity, which is an important variable to measure genetic variability within and between populations. The mean observed and expected heterozygosity values ranged from 0.56 (Central Abergelle) to 0.68 (Bati) and 0.59 (Abergelle) to 0.69 (Agew goat), respectively. The lowest genetic distance was observed between Begia-Medir and Central Abergelle (0.039), and the largest distances between Agew and Abergelle (0.140) and Gumuz and Abergelle (0.169). Neighbor-joining and the unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean methods with bootstrap value of 1,000 was used which grouped the six goat populations into two major groups viz. the Abergelle goat cluster as one group and the Agew, Gumuz, Bati, Begia-Medir, and Central Abergelle goats as the second group. In our study, the obtained higher total variation within the goat populations (95%) confirms a close relatedness of the studied goat ecotypes, which might have happened due to the existence of uncontrolled animal breeding strategies resulting from uncontrolled movement of animals through various market routes and agricultural extension systems. The study contributed to the genetic characterization of Ethiopian indigenous goat populations and demonstrated the usefulness of the 15 microsatellite makers for biodiversity studies in goats.

Summary Based on the results of participatory approaches to define traits in the breeding objectives, four scenarios of ram selection and ram use were compared via deterministic modelling of breeding plans for community-based sheep breeding programmes in four diverse agro-ecological regions of Ethiopia. The regions (and production systems) were Afar (pastoral/agro-pastoral), Bonga and Horro (both mixed crop-livestock) and Menz (sheep-barley). The schemes or scenarios differed in terms of selection intensity and duration of ram use. The predicted genetic gains per year in yearling weight (kilograms) were comparable across the schemes but differed among the breeds and ranged from 0.399 to 0.440 in Afar, 0.813 to 0.894 in Bonga, 0.850 to 0.940 in Horro, and 0.616 to 0.699 in Menz. The genetic gains per year in number of lambs born per ewe bred ranged from 0.009 to 0.010 in both Bonga and Horro. The predicted genetic gain in the proportion of lambs weaned per ewe joined was nearly comparable in all breeds ranging from 0.008 to 0.011. The genetic gain per year in milk yield of Afar breed was in the order of 0.018 to 0.020 kg, while the genetic gain per generation for greasy fleece weight (kg) ranged from 0.016 to 0.024 in Menz. Generally, strong selection and shorter duration of ram use for breeding were the preferred options. The expected genetic gains are satisfactory but largely rely on accurate and continuous pedigree and performance recording.

A three-year longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate effects of strategic anthelmintic treatment regimes on age at first lambing (AFL), weight at first lambing (WFL) and lambing interval (LI) of 356 communally grazed ewes and 675 lambs owned by 10 smallholder farmers in the central highlands of Ethiopia. The ewes were stratified by weight and randomly allocated to three treatment groups as untreated control (TG1), twice-dosed per year (TG2) for both nematodes and trematodes in mid-January and mid-June and four-time-dosed per year (TG3) in June for nematodes, in August–September for nematodes and adult Fasciola, in November–December and January–February for immature flukes. The fixed effect of anthelmintic treatments, parity, season and year of lambing on AFL and LI was evaluated. Mean ± standard error (SE) of lambing interval was 292 ± 3 days. Both anthelmintic treatments (TG2 and TG3) shortened (P 0.05). Birth and lambing seasons of the ewe lamb had significant (P

This review summarizes available information on genetics of adaptation in major livestock species focusing on small ruminants. Adaptation to humans and consequences of domestication on predator aversion, mechanisms of adaptation to available feed and water resources, severe climates and genetic evidence of disease tolerance or resistance have been presented. The latter focuses on gastrointestinal parasites and bacterial diseases. The resource allocation by the animal to production and fitness traits under both optimal and sub-optimal conditions has a genetic background. Such information would help in identifying the most appropriate and adapted genotypes capable of coping with the environmental challenges posed by the production systems or, wherever possible, in adapting the environments to the requirements of the animals.

A 3-year longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate the effects of strategic anthelmintic dosing on communally grazed village sheep in Gera Keya district in the central highlands of Ethiopia. Ewes were stratified by weight and randomly allocated to three treatment groups: untreated control (TG1), twice-dosed per year (TG2; for both nematodes and trematodes in mid-January and mid-June) and four-time-dosed per year (TG3; in June for nematodes, in August–September for nematodes and adult Fasciola, in November–December and January–February for immature liver flukes). The fixed effect of treatment, lamb sex, dam parity, season and year of birth on mortality from birth to 90, 180, 270 and 365 days was analyzed. Least square means of lamb mortality from birth to 90, 180, 270 and 365 days were 11.3, 16.8, 18.0 and 19.5%, respectively. Anthelmintic treatment had significant effect (P

Microscopic examination of pneumonic lungs of the Ethiopian highland sheep (n = 35) was made and compared with the pneumonic lungs from ten sheep and 66 goats from the lowlands. Lesions compatible with sheep pulmonary adenomatosis (SPA; 8/35, 22.8%), and maedi-visna (MV; 9/35, 25.7%) were recorded only in sheep from the central highlands. Interstitial pneumonia (43.2%), bronchopneumonia (35.1%), and verminous pneumonia (6.3%) were recorded in both sheep and goats from the high- and the lowlands. SPA was documented for the first time in sheep from Ethiopia in this report. We believe that MV and SPA were introduced into Ethiopia through importation of exotic sheep. These infections should be considered in dealing with the diagnosis of respiratory diseases in all the sheep breeds in the central highlands and in the exotic and the crossbred sheep in the other parts of the country.

A study was conducted to evaluate growth performances of Washera sheep under smallholder production systems in the Yilmanadensa and Quarit districts of the Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia. Data were collected and analysed on the growth of 690 lambs owned by 110 households from October 2004 to September 2007. Weight (kilograms) of Washera lambs at birth, 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age was 2.69 +/- 0.02, 7.10 +/- 0.16, 12.42 +/- 0.11, 16.12 +/- 0.91, 20.05 +/- 0.55 and 23.47 +/- 0.68, respectively. Birth weight was significantly (P0.05) affected by district, year of birth, parity of the dam, birth type and sex of lamb and by the interaction effect of parity by birth type and parity by sex of lamb. Weaning weight was also affected by year of birth, type of birth and sex of lamb. Yearling weight was affected by only year of birth and sex of birth. The average daily weight gain (ADG; grams) from birth to 30 days, birth to 90 days, 90 to 180 days and birth to 1 year of age was 143.37 +/- 13.46, 107.09 +/- 2.67, 39.78 +/- 9.73 and 60.13 +/- 1.89, respectively. Growth rates from birth to 30 and 90 days of age were significantly (P0.05) affected by birth year, birth type and sex. ADG from birth to 1 year of age was affected by lamb sex and district. The indigenous Washera sheep had faster growth rate than those sheep breeds of Ethiopia extensively studied thus far. Integrated efforts combining improved nutrition, health and participatory community-based breeding would help the smallholder farmers to utilise and conserve this immense sheep genetic resource of Ethiopia.

Summary Ethiopian cattle are under threat from uncontrolled mating practices and are at high risk of becoming genetically homogeneous. Therefore, to evaluate genetic diversity, population structure and degree of admixture, 30 microsatellite markers were genotyped using 351 DNA samples from 10 Ethiopian cattle populations and the Holstein breed. The mean number of alleles per cattle population ranged from 6.93 ± 2.12 in Sheko to 7.50 ± 2.35 in Adwa. The mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.674 ± 0.015 and 0.726 ± 0.019 respectively. Ethiopian cattle populations have maintained a high level of within-population genetic differentiation (98.7%), the remainder being accounted for by differentiation among populations (1.3%). A highly significant deficiency in heterozygotes was detected within populations (FIS = 0.071; P < 0.001) and total inbreeding (FIT = 0.083; P < 0.001). The study populations were highly admixed but distinct from pure Bos taurus and Bos indicus breeds. The various levels of admixture and high genetic diversity make Ethiopian cattle populations suitable for future genetic improvement and utilization under a wide range of agro-ecologies in Ethiopia.

Serum enzymes were studied in 377 apparently healthy sheep from three indigenous sheep breeds of Ethiopia. The effect of breed, age, sex and season on alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/glutamic oxalacetic transaminase (GOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (AcP) levels was assessed. The mean serum enzymes levels of the indigenous Menz, Tukur and Wello sheep breeds ranged from 17.2–17.7 IU l−1, AST/GOT from 50.4–56.6 IU l−1, ALP from 93.2–103.9 IU l−1, and AcP from 2.47–2.56 IU l−1, were within the normal range for sheep elsewhere. Season had significant influence on all serum enzymes except for the AcP in Menz breed. Sex had significant effect on AST/GOT for Menz and on ALP for all sheep breeds, with consistently higher values in males than in females. Age was significant only on ALP in the Menz and Tukur breeds. The serum enzyme levels of these indigenous sheep breeds can be used as normal reference values for Ethiopian sheep breeds adapted to similar agro-ecology and production system.

Serum enzymes were studied in 163 apparently healthy goats from three indigenous goat breeds of Ethiopia. The effect of breed, age, sex and season on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) / glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) / glutamic oxalacetic transaminases (GOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (AcP) levels was assessed. The mean serum enzymes levels of the indigenous Arsi-Bale, Central Highland and Long-eared Somali goat breeds ranged from 14.0-20.2 iu L(-1) for ALT/GPT, from 43.2-49.3 iu L(-1) for AST/GOT, from 83.7-98.8 iu L(-1) for ALP, and from 2.99-4.23 iu L(-1) for AcP, were within the normal range for goats elsewhere. Breed had significant influence on AST/GOT values. Sex had significant effect on ALT/GPT for Arsi-Bale goats with higher values in males than females. Age was significant on all serum enzymes studied in the Arsi-Bale goats and on ALP in the Central Highland goats. Season had significant influence on all serum enzymes except for ALT/GPT in the Arsi-Bale goats. The serum enzyme levels of these indigenous goat breeds can be used as normal reference values for Ethiopian goat breeds adapted to similar agro-ecology and production system.

A survey was conducted to study the morphological characteristics of indigenous goats in representative zones and districts of Amhara Region of Ethiopia as a first step towards characterization and designing of breeding programs. A pre-tested questionnaire was used for recording morphological features, body weights and linear body measurements. Both qualitative and quantitative traits were recorded on 158 goats randomly sampled from six goat populations and the data were analyzed using GenStat version 13 software. Live body weights were also associated and predicted using linear body measurements. Results confirmed that six distinct indigenous goat populations were identified and characterized in the region viz. Gumuz, Begia-Medir, Agew, Bati, Central Abergelle and Abergelle. There were clear morphological variations between and within these goat ecotypes in terms of body coat color, head profile, horn orientation, ear form and head shape. The Ethiopian goat ecotypes found in Amhara Region of Ethiopia could be clustered into two main groups viz. Gumuz, Agew and Begia-Medir cluster as one group and Bati, Abergelle and Central Abergelle as the second group. The high variations observed in the morphological traits suggest that these goat ecotypes have not yet been selected through structured selective breeding. The high correlation coefficients of heart girth with body weight for west (r = 0.899) and east (r = 0.832) Amhara Region goat populations demonstrated a strong relationship between these variables with regression equations of y = 1.273x – 61.329, R² = 0.807 and y = 0.486 x – 5.798, R² = 0.095, respectively, which allows for predicting live weight from heart girth in these goats. In general, the observed morphological characteristics of the goats’ genetic resources in Amhara region together with the characterization at molecular level will contribute to designing of improvement strategies for these goat populations, which will need to be complemented with performance data. Keywords: Ethiopia, goat types, Amhara region, morphological features

The effect of subclinical artificial nematode parasite infection on dry matter intake (DMI), apparent digestibility (AD), efficiency of feed utilisation (EFU), plasma protein (PPC) and albumin concentrations (AC) was examined in lambs of the Horro and Menz breeds. The factorial experimental design involved two breeds, two infection treatments (infected vs. noninfected) and three nutrition treatments [hay plus wheat bran (basal diet), hay plus molasses urea block (MUB), hay plus cotton seed cake (CSC)]. Diets were formulated to be isocaloric but with varying protein and/or nitrogen sources. At the start of the study, 152 lambs (103 Menz and 49 Horro) were assigned to the 12 treatment combinations each in a separate pen, with an average of about 13 animals per pen. Challenge with endoparasites involved three infection periods each separated by an anthelmintic treatment. The first two infections were with Haemonchus contortus while the third infection was with a mixed infection of H. contortus , Longistrongylus elongata and Trichostrongylus colubriformis. Infected lambs had lower total DMI, EFU (not significant in third infection), AD (significant only in third infection) and total PPC and AC than noninfected lambs. Horro lambs had higher DMI and EFU but lower AD than Menz lambs. PPC was significantly higher in lambs supplemented with CSC compared to those on the basal diet or supplemented with MUB in the primary and secondary infections; but during the tertiary infection, no significant differences were found. AC was significantly greater in CSC-supplemented lambs than those on the basal diet or supplemented with MUB. It was concluded that subclinical nematode infection had an adverse effect on feed intake, efficiency of feed utilisation and apparent digestibility. Infection was also found to cause hypoproteinaemia and hypoalbuminaemia. Protein supplementation would help mitigate the effects of infection on total plasma protein and albumin concentrations, especially in the low-input systems typified by the Ethiopian highlands.

A cross-sectional investigation was made into the seroprevalence of brucellosis in camels in three arid and semi-arid camel-rearing regions of Ethiopia (Afar, Somali and Borena) between November 2000 and April 2001. When sera collected from 1442 accessible camels were screened with the Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT). 82 (5.7%) of them reacted. The results of a complement fixation test (CFT) on those sera that had given a positive reaction to the screening test then indicated a 4.2% prevalence of brucellosis in the tested camels. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of brucellosis (chi2 = 7.91, p 0.05). Although a higher prevalence (6.3%) was observed in camels over 3 years old in Afar, there was no significant overall age difference (p > 0.05).

An investigation was carried out into the behavioural and physical signs of oestrus in 70 Fogera cows and heifers between December 1993 and May 1994 at Metekel Cattle Breeding and Improvement Ranch, Ethiopia. Retrospective information generated from records made between 1991 and 1994 was evaluated for some aspects of the reproductive indices. The mean±SD duration of oestrus (n = 136) was 10.6±4.5 h (range 2.2–21). Most oestruses (63.2%) started during the day (06:00–18:00). The incidence of oestrus was significantly affected by months (χ2 = 21.86; p

An investigation was carried out into an outbreak of respiratory disease complex (RDC) in 3641 Menz and Awassi×Menz cross sheep in Central Ethiopia between 1998 and 1999 by clinical, serological, microbiological, post-mortem and histopathological examinations. The monthly incidence of RDC varied from 2.8% to 4.0% and the prevalence was as high as 17%. The case fatality rate was 18%, despite culling of sick sheep. Over 76% of the morbidity occurred in adults, followed by 19% among weaners. Similarly, 62% of the mortality was in adults. However, 27% of the mortality occurred in lambs despite the low morbidity in the group. Significant breed and age differences were seen in the morbidity and mortality rates (p

A study to determine and compare the sensitivities and specificities of the comparative cervical tuberculin (CCT) and gamma-interferon (IFN-gamma) tests for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis was conducted on 30 zebu oxen. The results of the tests were compared with the presence of acid-fast bacilli found by bacteriological culturing and histopathological examinations. The sensitivity and specificity of CCT test were found to be 90.9% and 100%, respectively. Those of the commercial IFN-gamma test were determined to be 95.5% and 87.7%, respectively. No significant differences were found between the sensitivities (Yates' corrected chi 2 = 0.32; p = 0.57) or the specificities (Yates' corrected chi 2 = 2.54; p = 0.11) of the two tests. Furthermore, a positive correlation (r = 0.76) was recorded between the increase in skin thickness following injection of bovine purified protein derivative (PPD) and the optical density in the gamma-interferon assay with bovine PPD. On the other hand, the correlation (r = 0.47) between the change in skin thickness following injection of avian PPD and the optical density in the gamma-interferon assay with avian PPD was relatively weak. On the basis of this preliminary investigation, it was concluded that the choice between the two tests depends on their cost and simplicity and on livestock management and time factors rather than on their respective diagnostic value.

The genetic variation in Hamdani sheep in the Kurdistan region of Iraq was studied using 35 microsatellite markers. All 35 markers were found to be highly polymorphic. The mean number of observed alleles ranged from four at BMS1494 to twenty five at BM6444 and INRABERN185 loci. The polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged from 0.208 for BMS1494 loci to 0.935 for INRABERN185 with an average value of 0.744. The overall observed and expected heterozygosity values were 0.407 and 0.764, respectively. Test of genotype frequencies for deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) at each locus, revealed a significant departure from HWE due to loss in heterozygotes by high level of inbreeding. The average inbreeding value for the 35 markers investigated was 0.469. The high observed heterozygosity is an indication of genetic variability that could be used for developing efficient utilization and genetic improvement strategies for Hamdani sheep. Key words: Hamdani sheep, microsatellites, polymorphism, genetic diversity, inbreeding, heterozygosity.

Breeding programmes described as community-based (CBBP) typically relate to low-input systems with farmers having a common interest to improve and share their genetic resources. CBBPs are more frequent with keepers of small ruminants, in particular smallholders of local breeds, than with cattle, pigs or chickens with which farmers may have easier access to alternative programmes. Constraints that limit the adoption of conventional breeding technologies in low-input systems cover a range of organizational and technical aspects. The analysis of 8 CBBPs located in countries of Latin-America, Africa and Asia highlights the importance of bottom-up approaches and involvement of local institutions in the planning and implementation stages. The analysis also reveals a high dependence of these programmes on organizational, technical and financial support. Completely self-sustained CBBPs seem to be difficult to realize. There is a need to implement and document formal socio-economic evaluations of CBBPs to provide governments and other development agencies with the information necessary for creating sustainable CBBPs at larger scales.

An assessment of the impacts of climate change and climate variability on livestock sector in Near East and North Africa (NENA) was undertaken to document impacts, past evidences, hotspots of climate change, projections and vulnerability of the sector, and measures to adapt to and mitigate climate change. This was done through an in depth analysis of literature, utilization of GIS tools and experiences in the region. NENA region is one of the driest regions in the world and is vulnerable to extreme climatic events such as droughts, sea level rise, floods, and storms of dust, sand and snow. Conservative predictions show that by 2050 the temperature will increase by 1–4 °C (avg. 2.4 °C) and precipitation will reduce by 8–29 % except in isolated areas of the Arabian Peninsula. Dry season will increase by 2 months in some countries and substantially reducing the length of time that the rangelands can support grazing animals. In the region the livestock sector shares 30–60 % of the agricultural output and contributes to food security and nutrition, poverty alleviation, employment and economic development, monetary saving, social security, living insurance and manure. Demand for livestock products is increasing due to the increasing population, urbanization and income growth. Nearly all countries of the region are net importers of animal and animal products. Smallholders will continue to depend on livestock for their livelihoods in the region. In 2006, FAO estimated that the livestock production systems, from feed imports to marketed animal products, generate directly and indirectly 18 % of global GHG emissions. However, the livestock systems have also great potential to climate change adaptation and mitigation. Adaptation and mitigation measures for the region’s livestock sector are discussed. This paper advocates all concerned parties to take concrete actions to tackle the impacts of climate change on agriculture and food security.

Identification of breeding objective traits pertinent to specific production environments with the involvement of target beneficiaries is crucial to the success of a breed improvement program. A choice experiment was conducted in four locations representing different production systems and agro-ecologies that are habitat to four indigenous sheep breeds (Afar, Bonga, Horro and Menz) of Ethiopia with the objective of identifying farmers’/pastoralists’ preferences for sheep breeding traits. Following a synthesis of secondary information and diagnostic surveys, two communities per location consisting of 60 households each having at least four breeding ewes were identified. Producers’ priority attributes used in the choice sets were identified through in-depth production system studies conducted from December 2007 to March 2008. On the basis of prior information, four to seven attributes were used to design choice sets with different profiles in order to capture results that mimic real life of the different communities. The attributes and levels chosen for the sheep profile were as follows: body size (large/small), coat color (brown/white/black), tail type (good/bad) for both rams and ewes; horn (polled/horned) and libido (active/poor) for rams; and lambing interval (three lambings in 2 years/two lambings in 2 years time), mothering ability (good mother/bad mother), twinning rate (twin bearer/single bearer) and milk yield (two cups per milking/one cup per milking) for ewes. A fractional factorial design was implemented to construct the alternatives included in the choice sets. The design resulted in a randomized selection of 48 sheep profiles (24 sets) for both sexes, which were grouped into four blocks with six choice sets each. An individual respondent was presented with one of the four blocks to make his/her choices. Results indicate that producers’ trait preferences were heterogeneous except for body size in rams and mothering ability in ewes where nearly homogeneous preferences were investigated. In the pastoral production system, attention was given to coat color of both breeding rams and ewes, favoring brown and white colors over black. Ram libido influenced producers’ decisions in Bonga, Horro and Menz areas. The influence of milk yield and twinning on respondents’ decision making was high in Afar and Horro, respectively. Breeders in all areas attempt to combine production and reproduction traits as well as they can in order to maximize benefits from their sheep. The elicited measurable objective traits were used to design alternative community-based sheep breeding plans for the four indigenous sheep breeds in their production environments that have been implemented since.

Designing breeding schemes suitable for smallholder livestock production systems in developing regions has hitherto been a challenge. The suggested schemes either do not address farmers' breeding goals (centralized station-based nucleus schemes) or yield slow genetic progress (village-based schemes). A new breeding scheme that integrates the merits of previously suggested schemes has been designed for Menz sheep improvement in Ethiopia. It involves selection based on breeding values in nucleus flocks to produce elite rams, a one-time only provision of improved rams to villagers and a follow-up village-based selection to sustain genetic progress in village flocks. Here, we assessed whether conventional selection of breeding rams based on breeding values for production traits, which is the practice in station-based nucleus flocks, meets farmers' breeding objectives. We also elicited determinants of farmers' ram choice. Low but significant correlations were found between rankings of rams based on farmers' selection criteria, estimated breeding values (EBV) and body weight (BW). Appearance traits (such as color and horn) and meat production traits (BW and linear size traits) significantly determined farmers' breeding ram choice. The results imply that conventional selection criteria based solely on EBV for production traits do not address farmers' trait preferences fully, but only partially. Thus, a two-stage selection procedure involving selection on breeding values in nucleus centers followed by farmers' selection among top- ranking candidate rams is recommended. This approach accommodates farmers' preferences and speeds up genetic progress in village-based selection. The Menz sheep scheme could be applied elsewhere with similar situations to transform conventional station-based nucleus breeding activities into participatory breeding programs.

Sheko is African taurine cattle, valued for its milk yield, adaptation to humid tsetse infested environment and trypanotolerance. We used 30 microsatellite markers in analyzing 30 DNA samples. We found high genetic diversity and no genetic bottlenecks in endangered Sheko cattle. Sheko cattle have not undergone recent genetic bottlenecks, in spite of drastic reduction in its overall demographic population size. The results were supported by three statistical methods: (i) detection of heterozygosity excess (ii) a mode-shift indicator of allele distribution pattern (iii) the ratio of the number of alleles to the range of allele size, M-ratio test. This breed reflects historical and cultural identity of local communities and represents a unique component of the global domestic animal biodiversity that deserve priority for conservation.

An investigation was made into the epidemiology of nematode infections of sheep in two districts of Jimma zone, southwestern Ethiopia. We used two approaches--long-term monitoring of identified sheep for nematode infection and abattoir or market survey for analysis. In the first monitoring regime, we used 80 lambs [40 sheep (20 per sex) from each district (Dedo and Yebu)] averaging 4-5 months of age. Faecal egg counts (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV) and body weight changes were monitored over a period of 1 year. Additionally, faecal samples were collected (on a weekly basis) from sheep brought to abattoir/market for 1 year to monitor faecal egg counts. The nematode parasite burden, as judged by FEC and PCV, was generally low indicating that the climatic conditions are not conducive to the development and survival of nematode eggs and the free-living stages; hence, little transmission occurred. In the experimental flocks, the highest FEC and lower PCV were recorded during the long rainy season (June to September) with peak in August and September. Faecal samples collected from abattoir/market also followed the same trend. Results from experimental sheep indicated that location had a significant (P0.01) effect on FEC, PCV and average daily body weight gain. The FEC and PCV for sheep in Yebu (mid-altitude) district were 126 +/- 3.33 and 30.6 +/- 0.26, whereas the values for Dedo (highland) were 93 +/- 4.35 and 32.0 +/- 0.21, respectively. The results indicate that the highland areas are comparatively less favourable to the survival and development of nematodes. Female lambs had lower FEC and higher PCV compared to male lambs (P0.05). The overall nematode parasite challenge in the area, however, is low. We, therefore, recommend rotational grazing management combined with monitoring parasite load and selective treatment to reduce productivity loses and pasture contamination.

Summary This study describes complete control region sequences of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from 117 Ethiopian cattle from 10 representative populations, in conjunction with the available cattle sequences in GenBank. In total, 79 polymorphic sites were detected, and these defined 81 different haplotypes. The haplotype and nucleotide diversity of Ethiopian cattle did not vary among the populations studied. All mtDNA sequences from Ethiopian cattle converged into one main maternal lineage (T1) that corresponds to African Bos taurus cattle. According to the results of this study, no zebu mtDNA haplotypes have been found in Ethiopia, where the most extensive hybridization took place on the African continent.

The objective of this work was to assess sensory quality and retail life of Horro beef muscles in Ethiopia. Six muscles: M. rhomboideus (RM), M. infraspinatus (IS), M. longissimus lumborum (LL), M. semimembranosus (SM), M. biceps femoris (BF) and M. rectus femoris (RF) were considered. Sensory quality of the muscles was rated by a 9-member trained panel for palatability, tenderness, juiciness, amount of connective tissue (ACT), lean color and surface discoloration and measured by Warner-Bratzler Shear Force (WBSF). Retail life of the six muscles were evaluated for CIE 1976 L(∗)a(∗)b(∗) color values across 6 days. Significant differences (p0.05) between muscles for all sensory attributes and WBSF were found. Significant L(∗)a(∗)b(∗) color values of muscles and USDA quality grades by retail life were found (p0.05). Significant correlations (p0.05 or p0.01) of key parameters were also identified.

The effects of non-genetic factors on responses to gastrointestinal nematode infections were examined in artificially infected indigenous Horro and Menz lambs in the central highlands of Ethiopia. The experiment involved lambs of two sexes, infection and monitoring regimens (3 levels), dam parity (4 levels) and birth types (2 levels). A total of 152 weaner lambs (103 Menz and 49 Horro) were used. Endoparasite challenge involved three infection periods (primary, secondary and tertiary) each separated by an anthelmintic treatment. Data were collected on faecal egg counts (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), worm count, and weight gain. Female lambs were found to harbor lower numbers of T. colubriformis counts and had lower (p < 0.01) FEC in tertiary infection compared to males. Younger animals were more susceptible to the nematode infections than older animals as measured by all the parameters studied (p < 0.01). Twins had higher FEC in both secondary and tertiary infections compared to singles. Lambs born to dams of first parity had higher PCV and lower FEC values during the tertiary infection compared to other parities. These results would be used as basic information in designing a more rational control strategy and should also help to advise on better management care for less resistant sheep.

We used a partial-budget analysis to evaluate profitability of different management strategies of three genotypes of sheep in a 2 x 2 x 3 factorial experiment conducted at Debre Berhan research station in the central highlands of Ethiopia. This involved two anthelmintic-treatment levels (treated vs. non-treated), two supplementary nutrition levels (protein-energy supplementation yes/no) and three genotypes: indigenous Menz (n=40), 50% Awassi x 50% Menz crosses (n=38) and 75% Awassi x 25% Menz crosses (n=31). All sheep were exposed to natural sub-clinical helminthosis challenge. Supplemented sheep were offered a concentrate mix daily on an individual basis. Anthelmintic-treated sheep were drenched with fenbendazole against nematodes and with triclabendazole against trematodes. Data were collected during the experimental period (for 10 months from approximately 1 year of age) on feed intake, live weight, eggs per gram (EPG) of faeces, packed-cell volume (PCV), wool weight, and adult-worm burden. Actual market input and output prices were recorded. Supplemented sheep had significantly higher marginal profit (MP) per sheep than non-supplemented sheep (ETB 33 vs. 4). Likewise, anthelmintic treated sheep performed significantly better than their non-treated contemporaries (MP=ETB 28 vs. 8). The 75% Awassi crosses were least profitable.

An investigation was made into coccidiosis of 190 scavenging indigenous chickens between September 2000 and April 2001 in three selected agroclimatic zones, in central Ethiopia. This was done through clinical, postmortem and microscopic examinations. Data were processed by chi-square and Mantel-Haenzel test. The study indicated that 25.8% (49/190) of the chickens were infected with coccidiosis and found to harbour one to four different species of Eimeria. Of these infected chickens, 30 (15.8%) and 19 (10.0%) were positive for clinical and sub-clinical coccidiosis, respectively. There was a significant altitude difference (chi2 = 14.7, p

A retrospective case-control study was conducted on 6718 sheep of two breeds (2772 Horro and 3946 Menz) on risk factors for mortality associated with respiratory disease (MARD) in Ethiopia, based on data collected between October 1993 and December 1997. Potential risk factors examined were breed, gender, age, month, and air temperatures.Fifty-four per cent of total deaths in the flock could be attributed to respiratory disease and the annual MARD rate ranged between 6.3 and 19.0%. There was significant breed (P0.0001) and gender (P0.0001) difference in MARD. The Horro breed had a higher (P0.0001) annual MARD than the Menz breed (16.5+/-0.18 vs. 12.4+/-0.15%). A higher (P0.0001) proportion of males suffered than females (15.1+/-0.23% vs. 13.8+/-0.13%). Age was also an important risk factor for MARD: there was a strong polynomial relationship (R(2)=0.91, P0.0001) between MARD and age; the risk of being young if a sheep was a MARD case was high. MARD was high between October and March but relatively low between the months of April and September. There was a significant (P0.05) negative cubic relationship (R(2)=0.49) between monthly MARD and monthly average minimum air temperatures. There was also a significant (P0.01) positive exponential relationship (R(2)=0.61) between monthly MARD and average monthly daily deviation between maximum and minimum air temperatures. Timely health and management interventions focusing on these factors are necessary to alleviate losses from MARD. Understanding variations in MARD risk within a population can enhance early response to potential outbreaks, reducing losses.

A study was conducted on 13 Friesian-Zebu crossbred calves, the ages of which lie between 6 and 18 months, to investigate the kinetics of IFN-gamma release in the peripheral blood following Bacille Calmete Guerine (BCG) vaccination. After being screened for bovine tuberculosis (BTB), the calves were vaccinated with 1 mL inoculums containing 6 x 10(6) CFU of BCG. The level of IFN-gamma in the peripheral blood was measured two times before vaccination and seven times after vaccination. using a sandwich ELISA. The kinetics of IFN-gamma post vaccination presented itself in three phases: rising, falling, and steady phases. The concentration of IFN-gamma, before and after vaccination, both in stimulated and non-stimulated samples, was statistically significant (P0.011). Strong positive correlation (r = 0.86) was recorded between the levels of IFN-gamma release in avian PPD- and bovine PPD-stimulated samples. Of the total 13 calves, 11 (84.6%) reacted positively to tuberculin inoculation 15 weeks post vaccination. It is concluded that the IFN-gamma rises immediately after BCG vaccination, reaching its peak two weeks post vaccination, and then declines gradually in the following weeks. The strong positive reaction of calves to tuberculin inoculation 15 weeks post vaccination showed the capability of BCG in causing the release of IFN-gamma in the peripheral blood, indicating its role in protection against infection with Mycobacterium bovis in calves.

1998). Since lentivirus infections arepersistent, antibody detection is a valuable tool foridentifying virus carriers. The two assays commonlyused are the agar-gel immunodiffusion (AGID)and the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Two MV viral antigens are of majorimportance in routine serology, a viral envelopeglycoprotein commonly referred to as gp135 and acore protein p28. The predominant precipitatingantibody response detected routinely is directedagainst the gp135 antigen (OIE, 1996). There is a paucity of information regarding thepresence and significance of MV in Africa. In thehighlands of Ethiopia, a major sheep raising area,outbreaks of unidentified diseases often occur anda considerable number of sheep die with signs ofrespiratory embarrassment. The aim of this studywas to investigate the significance of MV in sheepin the central highlands where 75% of the coun-try’s sheep population are found. The work wascarried out at the ILRI Debre Berhan ResearchStation and adjacent village farms, 120 kmNortheast of Addis Ababa, at 2780 m altitude,9˚36′N and 39˚38′E (Mukasa-Mugerwa

Competitive ELISA was applied to detect antibodies against bluetongue virus in sheep sera collected from different agro-climatic areas in Ethiopia. A total of 90 serum samples were tested and 42 (46.67%) were positive for bluetongue virus antibodies. A prevalence rate ranging from 9.67% for sheep sampled in the highland to 92.85% for sheep sampled in the lowland was recorded. The prevalence correlated with the probable distribution of the Culicoides vector. This is the first report indicating the presence of bluetongue virus infection in animals from Ethiopia.

Rift Valley Fever (RVF), an insect-borne viral zoonotic disease caused by a member of the Phlebovirus genus of the family Bunyaviridae, was first recognised in the Rift Valley of Kenya in the early 1930s. Since then, several epidemics of RVF have occurred in northern, southern and now eastern Africa becoming a continental problem. The epidemics that occurred in Egypt in 1977-78 and recent human and livestock cases in Yemen and Saudi Arabia (in September 2000) indicated the potential for the disease to spread to other inter-tropical regions of the world outside African continent. An embargo on livestock export by Gulf countries has brought in food insecurity in the East African countries due to indirect socio-economic mechanisms and impact of the ban on pastoralists household economy. Though food insecurity in the Horn of Africa is a longstanding problem, the recent bans imposed on eight countries, which are not yet recovered from the effects of recent droughts has further exacerbated the situation. Between September and December 2000, livestock export dropped by 92% in Somalia. According to FSAU/FEWS (2001), the estimated total loss of income at the Somali owner/producer level (including livestock originated from eastern Ethiopia), reached 20-30 millions of USD. This figure does not include the reduced government revenue from livestock trade taxes. In Somalia, about 80% of foreign exchange earned from livestock exports are used to import basic food items and other commodities. The effect of livestock export ban was further compounded due to the decrease in imported commodities. This review emphasises on epidemiology and risk of RVF, and the impact on the future of the livestock economy and pastoralists household economy in the Horn of Africa; underscores the consequence on food security; analyses the current situation in a region already with multifaceted crises viewed against international experience; and forward recommendations to the problem associated with RVF.

Data collected on 3256 lambs born to Horro and Menz breed ewes single-sire mated to 71 rams at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Debre Berhan station between September 1992 and June 1996 were analysed for rates of survival and growth from birth to weaning. A significantly lower proportion of Menz lambs died before 1 year of age (28%) than the Horro lambs (59%). Least squares means for pre- and post-weaning mortality were 8.8 and 19.3%, respectively in Menz, and 25.3 and 34.2% for Horro sheep. Major causes of death were similar in Horro versus Menz lambs and were pneumonia (53 vs. 54%, respectively), digestive problems (14 vs. 12%), endoparasite infections (9 vs. 13%), starvation-mismothering-exposure (SME) complex (10 vs. 7%) and septicemia (3 vs. 2%). Relationships among causes of mortality with breed, birth weight (BWT), season of birth, parity, litter size and lamb health category (number of times a lamb was sick between birth and 1 year of age) were determined. The impact of these factors on mortality varied with lamb age. Lambs that were born with

Technological interventions aiming to improve livelihoods that bring gender equity can become successful only when the prevailing gender roles in society and access to different livelihood opportunities are fully understood. This article analyses gender roles in agriculture in the conservative patriarchal society of Afghanistan. Rapid appraisal was conducted through focus group interviews, participatory resource mapping, and so on, in seven villages each from Nangarhar and Baghlan provinces of Afghanistan. Educated women coordinators, facilitators and activists and well established womens’ groups were used to reach and target key women informants as they are not allowed to interact directly with male researchers. Their participation was more in livestock related activities. The study indicated that women’s involvement was less than men’s in both livestock and crop related activities. Age, social stigmas, poverty and shortage of labour influence the gender division of labour, decision-making ability and participation in Afghanistan’s farm and non-farm activities. This indicates that any agricultural development programme intending to involve women will be effective only if it has a large component of livestock related activities.