The Current Status of Indigenous Ovine Genetic Resources in Southern Africa and Future Sustainable Utilisation to Improve Livelihoods

Molotsi, Annelin; Dube, B.; Cloete, S.W.P.

doi:10.3390/d12010014

Cited by 25 publications

(18 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…The fat rumped Blackhead Persian was introduced from Somalia as a hair breed, but is well-equipped to tolerate the harsh South African environment and is mainly kept as a mutton breed (Dzomba et al, 2020). Both the Damara and Blackhead Persian are regarded as indigenous, transboundary breeds (Molotsi et al, 2020).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Whole-Genome SNP Characterisation Provides Insight for Sustainable Use of Local South African Livestock Populations

et al. 2021

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Local cattle and sheep populations are important for animal production and food security in South Africa. These genetic resources are well adapted to the diverse climatic conditions and hold potential to be utilized in production systems subjected to climate change. The local beef breeds are well integrated into commercial livestock production systems with access to performance recording and genetic evaluations, while local sheep breeds are mainly utilised in smallholder and communal systems. The GeneSeek® Genomic Profiler™ Bovine 150 K SNP genotyping array was used to evaluate the diversity and inbreeding status of four indigenous (Boran, Drakensberger, Nguni, Tuli), two composite (Bonsmara and Beefmaster) and two exotic (SA Hereford and Charolais) beef breeds. The Illumina® Ovine 50 K SNP BeadChip was used to investigate five indigenous (Black Head Persian, Damara, Fat tail, Namaqua Afrikaner, Pedi) and three commercial (Dorper, Dohne Merino and SA Merino) populations. Although ascertainment bias was indicated by the low MAF (the autosome-wide proportion of SNPs with MAF< 0.05 ranged from 6.18 to 9.97% for cattle, and 7.59–13.81% for sheep), moderate genomic diversity was observed (mean Ho ranged from 0.296 to 0.403 for cattle, and 0.327 to 0.367 for sheep). Slightly higher levels of ROH-based inbreeding were calculated for cattle (FROH range: 0.018–0.104), than for sheep populations (FROH range: 0.002–0.031). The abundance of short ROH fragments (mean proportion of <4 Mb fragments: 0.405 for cattle, and 0.794 for sheep) indicated ancient inbreeding in both species. The eight cattle populations were categorized into indicine, taurine or Sanga subspecies based on principal component, model-based clustering and phylogenetic analyses, with high levels of admixture observed within the Drakensberger, Nguni and Tuli breeds. Within the sheep populations, a clear distinction could be seen between the dual-purpose breeds, the meat breed and the indigenous breeds. Despite directional selection practiced in the cattle breeds, genomic diversity was moderate with low inbreeding. The non-commercialized, indigenous sheep populations are more vulnerable with small effective populations. These results emphasise the value of genomic information for effective management to exploit the potential contribution of local genetic cattle and sheep resources in a changing environment.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Whole-Genome SNP Characterisation Provides Insight for Sustainable Use of Local South African Livestock Populations

et al. 2021

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“…Smallholder farmers own sheep, goats, chickens, and cattle among other species to address poverty in developing countries [ 3 ]. Through these species, rural farmers produce meat for consumption, maintain household income, produce manure, and graze marginal land not conducive for crop farming [ 3 , 4 , 5 ], thus playing a huge role in food security [ 6 ]. However, there are impediments hampering their reproduction efficiencies.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Flaxseed Oil as a Source of Omega n-3 Fatty Acids to Improve Semen Quality from Livestock Animals: A Review

Ngcobo

Ramukhithi

Nephawe

et al. 2021

Animals

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The demand to conserve indigenous species through the cryo-gene bank is increasing. Spermatozoa remain sensitive to cryopreservation damages especially that of avian species thus limiting the use of reproductive biotechnologies such as artificial insemination in the conservation programs. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFAs), specifically omega n-3, expanded a research interest to improve animal reproductive efficiency through improving spermatozoa quality. This is driven by the fact that mammals cannot synthesize omega-3 de-novo because they lack delta-12 and delta-15 desaturase enzymes thus supplemented in the diet is mandatory. Delta-12 and delta-15 add a double bond at the 12th and 15th carbon-carbon bond from the methyl end of fatty acids, lengthening the chain to 22 carbon molecules. Fish oil is a pioneer source of omega n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. However, there is a report that numerous fisheries are over-exploited and could collapse. Furthermore, processing techniques used for processing by-products could complement alterations of the amino acid profile and reduce protein retrieval. Alternatively, flaxseed oil contains ±52–58% of total fatty acids and lignans in the form of α-linolenic and linoleic acid. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA,18:3n-3) is enzymatically broken-down de-novo by delta-6 desaturase and lengthened into a long-chain carbon molecule such as eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n-3). Nevertheless, controversial findings following the enrichment of diet with flaxseed oil have been reported. Therefore, this paper is aimed to postulate the role of flaxseed oil as an alternative source of omega n-3 and n-6 fatty acids to improve semen quality and quantity from livestock animals. These include the interaction between docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and spermatogenesis, the interaction between docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and testicular cells, and the effect of flaxseed oil on semen quality. It additionally assesses the antioxidants to balance the level of PUFAs in the semen.

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“…Some efforts rely on an approach based on the gross phenotype of the animals (Loja cattle [3], Patagonian sheep dog [4]). Much of the South African work emphasizes cultural connections between genetic resources and their host communities [5][6][7][8][9]. An approach based on molecular genetics is possible in some countries, most notably those with sufficient infrastructure and finances.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Conserving the Genetic Diversity of Domesticated Livestock

Sponenberg

2020

Diversity

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Domesticated animals live and produce in an environment influenced by both natural and human factors. These agricultural environments are important to maintain for human survival and also for their interactions with natural environments. Effective conservation of domesticated biodiversity can help to assure sustainable agricultural systems that minimize negative influences on natural environments. In addition, livestock biodiversity is a component of total biodiversity and for several species is the only remaining source of diversity because the wild ancestors are now extinct. Conservation of livestock biodiversity depends on cultural and biological approaches. Each of these has differential importance depending on the specific location of the genetic resource as well as the human culture in which it resides. Effective global conservation blends these in different measures to assure positive outcomes that succeed in securing the genetic resource as well as its contribution to human survival and well-being.

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The Current Status of Indigenous Ovine Genetic Resources in Southern Africa and Future Sustainable Utilisation to Improve Livelihoods

Cited by 25 publications

References 34 publications

Whole-Genome SNP Characterisation Provides Insight for Sustainable Use of Local South African Livestock Populations

Whole-Genome SNP Characterisation Provides Insight for Sustainable Use of Local South African Livestock Populations

Flaxseed Oil as a Source of Omega n-3 Fatty Acids to Improve Semen Quality from Livestock Animals: A Review

Conserving the Genetic Diversity of Domesticated Livestock

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