Pigeon belongs to altrices. Squab cannot forage independently. Nutrition can only be obtained from crop milk secreted by male and female pigeon. miRNA could regulate many biological events. However, the roles of miRNA and ceRNA in regulating crop milk production are still unknown. In this study, we investigated the miRNAs expression profile of female pigeon crop, explored the potential key genes, and found the regulatory mechanisms of crop milk production. A total of 71 miRNAs were identified differentially expressed significantly. Meanwhile, miR-20b-5p, miR-146b-5p, miR-21-5p, and miR-26b-5p were found to be the key miRNAs regulating lactation. Target genes of these miRNAs participated mainly in cell development; protein and lipid synthesis; and ion signaling processes, such as cell-cell adhesion, epithelial cell morphogenesis, calcium signaling pathway, protein digestion, and absorption. In the ceRNA network, miR-193-5p was located in the central position, and miR-193-5p/CREBRF/LOC110355588, miR-460b-5p/GRHL2/MSTRG.132954, and miR-193-5p/PIK3CD/LOC110355588 regulatory axes were believed to affect lactation. Collectively, our findings enriched the miRNA expression profile of pigeon and provided novel insights into the microRNA-associated-ceRNA networks regulating crop milk production in pigeon.

Diseases are the major detriment in ruminant production and productivity in the study districts. A cross sectional study was conducted to assess the major animal health constraints of ruminants. 461 species of sick ruminants were examined and diagnosed tentatively. Similarly, samples were collected and identified in the laboratory for confirmation of the cases. Of the clinically identified ruminant diseases, sheep and goat pox (11.93%), abortion (8.24%), pasteurellosis (8.46%), lice infestation (9.98%), tick infestation (5.86%), and flea infestation (5.21%) accounted for higher values. The proportion of infectious, non-infectious, ectoparasitic infestation, and reproductive diseases among clinically sick ruminants was 51.63, 9.97, 26.25, and 12.15%, respectively. The higher ectoparasitic infestation in the study district was lice infestation (38.02%) followed by tick (22.31%), flea (19.83%), mange mite (11.57%), and leech infestation (8.26%). The reproductive problems encountered were abortion (67.86%), retained placenta (25%), and dystocia (7.14%). The most prevalent infectious diseases encountered were sheep and goat pox (23.11), pastuerellosis (16.39), gastrointestinal tract parasitism (13.03), and anthrax (6.30). The most encountered non-infectious diseases were abscess (28.26) and bloat (17.39). In conclusion, infectious diseases and external parasites cause serious economic loss in the study districts. So, regular surveillance of animal disease coupled with vaccination of animals with available vaccines, regular spraying of acaricides and more importantly, public awareness in prevention and control of major livestock diseases in the districts is recommended.

This study was conducted with the aim to generate organized information on traditional breeding practices and selection criteria for indigenous sheep types in three districts of central zone of Tigray, North Ethiopia. A total of 180 households were randomly sampled for the interview. A semi-structured questionnaire and group discussion were further used to gather information on sheep breeding practices and selection criteria. The primary reason for keeping sheep in Tanqua-Abergelle and KolaTembien districts were manure as sources of fertilizer, while in Adwa district cash income. In all the study districts the flock structure were dominated by breeding ewes and they accounted 38.5, 35.9 and 38.7% in Tanqua-Abergelle, Kola-Tembien and Adwa districts, respectively. Sexual maturity of female for Tanqua-Abergelle, Kola-Tembien and Adwa districts were 9.16±0.82, 8.75±1.34, and 8.86±1.04 months, respectively and for male 7.43±0.76, 6.67±0.91, and 6.64±0.95 months, respectively. Tail type and body size in Tanqua-Abergelle and Kola-Tembien were the most frequently reported traits in selecting breeding ram and ewes, while tail type and coat colour in Adwa district. Based on the present result on sheep indigenous breeding practices one may develop selection criteria and productivity schemes of the local sheep in the study districts.

This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of flushing on the reproductive and body weight change on Abergelle breed does. The study indicated that a mix of 300 or 450 g wheat bran (WB) with 50 g noug seed cake (NSC) flushed per day improved the does' conception rate (70 to 80%) and kidding rate (70%); while does flushed with low concentrate level (150 g WB plus 50 g NSC) or those not flushed had poor and reduced conception and kidding rate almost by half from the flushed ones. However, the high concentrate level is not strategic to reduce abortion rate. Does flushed with high concentrate level (300 and 450 g WB mix with 50 g NSC) were significantly (p<0.05) better in body weight at kidding (18.52 kg) and postpartum weight (19.48 kg) than does flushed with low concentrate level (16.44 and 17.70 kg, respectively). As the concentrate levels supplementation of their dam increased, birth weight of kids increased (1.73 to 2.36 kg). Therefore, the conception rate, postpartum weight, kid production of Abergelle goat can improve by flushing with 300 g WB and 50 g NSC concentrated feed. However, its effect on the reduction of abortion rate is not promising. Further study is needed on the abortion problem.