Genetics & Biodiversity Journal

The behavioural response of a captive female Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) to mixed- species exhibition with two Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus)

2023-04-04T21:40:35+00:00

Recent years have seen a surge in the interest in improving the conditions of zoo-housed animals. Mixed-species enrichment interventions have the potential to improve animal welfare. This study examines the effects of two Asian small-clawed otters (Aonyx cinereus) on a captive female Bornean orangutan’s (Pongo pygmaeus) behaviour, as an intervention to enrich the environment with novel stimuli for improving the welfare of the orangutan. The orangutan’s behaviours were recorded from 04:30 to 21:00 for 21 days. These days were split into a first period without otters and a second period with two otters in a shared enclose. We found a significant increase in activity after introduction of the otters. Given that lethargy is among the main indicators of distress in captive orangutans, our results suggest that this mixed species enrichment has the potential to improve welfare of captive orangutans. However, more animals are needed in future studies.

Analysis of Genetic diversity, Polymorphism and Relationship between Some Nigerian Muscovy Duck (Caraina Moshata) Populations Using Mitochondrial Cytochrome b genes

2023-06-01T22:13:02+00:00

Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) are one of the poultry species that contributes significantly to protein consumption around the world as they complement eggs and meat supply from chicken in terms of availability and affordability, especially among the resource poor farmers in developing nations. In Nigeria, Muscovy duck is an integral part of poultry sector that needs more attention for higher productivity because of their adaptability and hardy nature. The genetic diversity, polymorphism and relationship between some Muscovy duck populations in Nigeria were analyzed using mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (Mt CYTB). The results showed a total of 40 polymorphic sites consisting of 19 singletons variables with 42 mutations. The 72 cytochrome b sequences obtained were assigned to 17 distinct haplotypes with low diversity (0.439) among the populations studied. Phylogenetic analysis showed close clustering of monophyletic clade within some populations across the locations with the exception of a few populations (BON 10, BON 20 and ADE 11) that show a distant relationship of polyphyletic clustering. These findings inferred that the genetic diversity within the Muscovy ducks from the study area is low, there were variants forms of specific DNA sequence, and only few populations of the Muscovy ducks are from more than one common ancestor concerning mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Therefore, selective mating of Nigerian Muscovy ducks and the use of other types of markers for diversity study are recommended for rapid genetic gain in any breeding program designed for their improvement

Morphometric comparative study between Algerian Sloughi and Galgo cross Sloughi dogs raised in north west of Algeria and body weight estimation using morphometric traits

2023-12-16T02:22:51+00:00

The aim of this study is to compare between the Algerian Sloughi dog breed and the Spanish Galgo cross Sloughi raised in the northwest of Algeria and establish mathematical formulas that will allow us to estimate the live weight of dogs based on body measurements in both breeds. Sixteen body measurements, live weight and ten body indexes (cephalic, format, bone, massiveness, head/neck, head/muzzle, tail/body, profile, head length/ears and head width/ears) were used to compare between the studied dogs. 58 Sloughi (34 males and 24 females) and 51 Galgo cross Sloughi (40 males and 11 females) were studied, dogs were adults and unrelated. The effect of breed on body measurements, weight and body indexes was assessed using t-test, the effect of sex on body measurements, weight and body indexes was assessed using the t-test too. Pearson’s correlation was used to identify linear relationship among the different body measurement and body weight, Among the obtained multiple regression models, the highest coefficients of determination (R²) were obtained from the models formed of height at withers, tail length, neck length and head girth in all dogs (R² =0.640), the model formed of height at withers and ears length in Sloughi dog (R²= 0.730) and the model formed of head girth, chest girth and abdominal girth in Galgo cross Sloughi dogs (R²= 0.712). This study concluded that live weight of Algerian Sloughi and Galgo cross Sloughi dogs could be estimated with a high accuracy using some body measurements and statistical methods.

Morphometric characterization of three species of the genus Urtica in the North-western region of Algeria

2024-02-20T17:05:38+00:00

In this work we proceeded to a morphological characterization of three species of nettle (Urtica dioica, Urtica pilulifera, Urtica urens) in 8 regions of northwestern Algeria. Nettle (Urtica) is a well-known medicinal plant of the Urticaceae family and has an interesting economic interest. This characterization is based on 26 morphological markers (7 quantitative and 19 qualitative) for 116 nettle plants and 696 nettle leaves. The data were statistically exploited by SPSS software version 25 and R software. The results allowed us to morphologically describe the three species separately; although the inferential analyzes showed us the degree of the relations between the characters as well as the most discriminating characters on the statistical level which are: surface, shape, venation of the leaf and color of the stem. The three species studied showed morphological polymorphism depending on the region. The results brought in this work will be the subject of the valuation of nettle species in Algeria.

Identification of selection signatures in Algero-Tunisian sheep breeds using medium-density SNP chips

2024-02-05T07:14:27+00:00

North Africa has a wide range of great diversity of indigenous sheep breeds whose origin is linked to its environmental characteristics but also to certain historical events that took place in the region. Knowledge of population structure and identification of genomic regions that have been targets of selection are key steps for genetic resource conservation and breeding strategies designing. This work explores the population structure of two Tunisian and four Algerian sheep breeds and identifies genomic regions under selection in four of them. Leveraging high-throughput genomic data from Illumina Ovine SNP50K array from 59 animals belonging to the six breeds, we conducted a comprehensive analysis to unravel their population structure. Our results indicate a clear genomic admixture between the fat-tailed Tunisian and Algerian Barbarine with thin-tailed breeds raised in each of the two countries. Additionally, through the detection of genomic regions under selection and candidate gene identification, we provide insights into some putative genetic mechanisms that would have contributed to the adaptation and evolution of these breeds in response to local environmental pressures. We also highlight several genes related to economical traits. This study provides valuable information for the conservation and sustainable management of the studied Tunisian and Algerian sheep breeds and offers opportunities for future breeding and genomic improvement programs.

Typology and practices of dairy cattle farming in northwestern Algeria

2024-02-21T12:19:45+00:00

A survey of dairy cattle farms was carried out on the basis of a representative sampling over a radius of 80 km from two large dairies in north western of Algeria in the Wilayas of Mascara, Mostaganem, Oran, Relizane and Sidi Belabbès. It aims to identify the situation of dairy cattle farming to understand the technical running of the farms and then analyze different practices and strategies put in place for their management. More than one hundred breeders responded to a questionnaire allowing the collection of a large amount of data on structural variables and breeding practices in relation to the hygienic conditions of milking. The final study sample counted 2127 head of cattle, including 1146 dairy cows, of which 1025 were in the lactation stage. The average number of dairy cows per farm was 21.91±15.15. The average number of lactating cows was 10.67±7.67. It was noted that 96% of farms have imported cattle breeds, in particular Prim’ Holstein (75%) and Pie-rouge des Plaines (20%). Daily milk production varied from 30 to 740 liters/day per farm, with an average of 179.71±14.94 liters/day per farm. The minimum quantities observed varied from 6 to 25 liters/day per dairy cow with an average of 10.77±0.43 liters/day per cow, and the maximum quantities recorded varied between 10 and 45 liters/day per dairy cow with an average of 18.28±0.92 liters/day per dairy cow.

Risques infectieux de l’utilisation répétée et prolongée des masques chirurgicaux pendant la Covid-19

2023-11-29T17:13:23+00:00

Many countries have imposed the wearing of masks in public places in order to limit and reduce the rate of contamination as well as the transmission of the SARS CoV-2 virus. Unfortunately, many people have disregarded the safety precautions associated with using surgical masks appropriately, such as wearing the same mask for extended periods of time, hence the risk of infection with serious consequences. The goal of the current study was to assess this risk in this particular setting. Students at University Center of Naâma were given a questionnaire in order to gather data about this. As a consequence of the survey, it was found that every student had worn their surgical masks irregularly for more than two weeks. Analysis of microbiological data showed that both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria were involved, mainly Staphylococcus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. as well as fungal species including Candida albicans, Aspergillus sp. and Penicillium sp. It should be noted that all of these microorganisms were able to form biofilms. In addition, their sensitivity to a range of families of antibiotics has varied; still, gentamicin shown efficacy against every strains examined in this investigation. As conclusion, failure to comply with health instructions regarding the preventive use of surgical masks could result in a reciprocal risk of infection

Heat stress and new evidence on land snails’ biodiversity in Algeria

2023-12-29T06:51:03+00:00

Understanding both the genetic diversity and geographical distribution of animal genetic resources is essential for their sustainable utilization, improvement, and conservation. Land snails that have adapted to arid conditions confront imminent threats such as habitat loss stemming from urbanization, agriculture, pollution, and the ever-growing impacts of environmental and climate change. The present study was undertaken to explore the current morphological variability within the land snail’s population in Algeria. From November 2022 to June 2023, 4 quantitative body measurements (shell size and live weight) and 2 qualitative traits (shell and flesh color) were recorded on 211 adult land snails from the 4 geographic provinces that comprise
different climate zones of Algeria. The collected data were first analyzed using multiple comparisons of least-square means (LSmeans), followed by generalized linear model (GLM) procedures, to explore the relationships among the measured morphometric traits and the 4 geographic zones. Univariate analyses indicated that all quantitative linear body measurements varied significantly (P.>0.05) across the phytogeographic zones. and the covariance analysis using the sampling month to illustrate the heat stress effect show a significant difference of weight body among land snail population from 4 regions. In addition, multivariate analysis show individual from Ain temouchent province are distinguished by their small shell size and low weight. These results need to be investigated further to clarify this biodiversity among land snail and their
environmental adaptation.

Identification and pathogenicity of Fusarium spp. isolated from root and crown of rice in Golestan province

2024-02-20T17:15:13+00:00

In order to identify Fusarium spp. associated with root and crown’s rot of rice, several fields from different regions of Golestan province were sampled during growing season (2015-2018). especially, samples with yellowing and abnormal elongation, abnormal growth, decay root and foot. For isolation of fungi, discolored segments (root and crown) were surface disinfected with 0.5% NaOCl. Then cultured on Potato Dextrose Agar with pH. For exact observation some characteristics of species were used from Carnation Leaf Agar medium. Among the 30 Fusarium isolates, 6 species were identified as: Fusarium moniliforme*, F. fujikouri, F.verticiloides *, F. proliferatum*, F. concolor*, F.sacchari. on the basis of their morphological characteristics. Literature data showed that the Bakanae disease of rice all over the world is caused by F. moniliform and probably some other Fusarium species from section Liseola or allied. To investigate the possibility of using a part of bases TEF gene for differentiation of Fusarium species, some parts were amplified using two primers ef1 and ef2. The equivalent size was amplified of 700 bp However, from pathogenicity tests that have been carried out by using variety Khazar of rice it was evident that F.moniliform and F.proliferatum was highly virulent and the only species involved in causing Bakanae disease.

Effect of post-mortem testicular storage on epididymal sperm motility and viability in the Berber breed in eastern Algeria

2024-02-18T04:01:33+00:00

The use of epididymal sperm is a new technique that can be used for artificial insemination or in vitro fertilisation in sheep in order to save breeds in decline. The objective of our work is to study the effect of storage after slaughter for 2h and 24h at a refrigeration temperature (5°c) on the mobility and viability of epididymal spermatozoa collected from 60 rams with an average age of 8-12 months, slaughtered a few hours ago, recovered from the slaughterhouse of Annaba. The results of the spermatic characteristics after preservation of the testicles 2 h and 24 h post-slaughter, do not show significant differences (p˃ 0.05). Without alteration of sperm quality. In rams, the refrigeration temperature (5°C) of the spermatozoa allows a very good quality of epididymal sperm to be maintained for up to 24 hours after death before freezing.

Evolution of bacterial diversity in burned victims

2024-02-24T09:34:17+00:00

The death of a burned patient is most often caused by an infection, the vast majority of which are bacterial. The loss of the skin barrier, invasive devices and immunosuppression associated with the burn are three mechanisms contributing to the occurrence of these infections. In an inflammatory patient, the general infectious signs of infection are not very discriminating. Because of the severity of infections in this patient, their prevention is an essential management parameter. Due to the pharmacokinetic characteristics of burned patients, antibiotic dosages must be adapted and blood tests must be systematic. At a time when resistance is becoming obvious, research into alternative therapies (including virulence factor counteractants, antimicrobial peptides, polyphenols, immunotherapy, etc.) is crucial. We conducted a retrospective study over a period of 8 years, involving 30 burned patients hospitalized in the general surgery department of the regional military university hospital of Oran who all the patients showed an infection confirmed either by skin or blood sampling. Several germs were found with a clear predominance of Pseudomonas aeregunisa sensitive to ceftazidime and all other germs to imipenem. In the light of our results, we can say that in the burned patient, the antibiotic therapy must never be probabilistic, it must be adapted to the bacteriological studies and the antibiograms.