Identification of novel genetic loci related to dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) morphometrics, biomechanics, and behavior by genome-wide association studies.

In the realm of animal breeding for sustainability, domestic camels have traditionally been valued for their milk and meat production. However, key aspects such as zoometrics, biomechanics, and behavior have often been overlooked in terms of their genetic foundations. Recognizing this gap, the present study perfomed genome-wide association analyses to identify genetic markers associated with zoometrics-, biomechanics-, and behavior-related traits in dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius). 16 and 108 genetic markers were significantly associated (q < 0.05) at genome and chromosome-wide levels of significance, respectively, with zoometrics- (width, length, and perimeter/girth), biomechanics- (acceleration, displacement, spatial position, and velocity), and behavior-related traits (general cognition, intelligence, and Intelligence Quotient (IQ)) in dromedaries. In most association loci, the nearest protein-coding genes are linkedto neurodevelopmental and sensory disorders. This suggests that genetic variations related to neural development and sensory perception play crucial roles in shaping a dromedary camel's physical characteristics and behavior. In summary, this research advances our understanding of the genomic basis of essential traits in dromedary camels. Identifying specific genetic markers associated with zoometrics, biomechanics, and behavior provides valuable insights into camel domestication. Moreover, the links between these traits and genes related to neurodevelopmental and sensory disorders highlight the broader implications of domestication and modern selection on the health and welfare of dromedary camels. This knowledge could guide future breeding strategies, fostering a more holistic approach to camel husbandry and ensuring the sustainability of these animals in diverse agricultural contexts.

Integrated Discriminant Evaluation of Molecular Genetic Markers and Genetic Diversity Parameters of Endangered Balearic Dog Breeds.

The genetic diversity analysis of six dog breeds, including Ca de Bestiar (CB), Ca de Bou (CBOU), Podenco Ibicenco (PI), Ca Rater (CR), Ca Mè (CM), and Ca de Conills (CC), reveals insightful findings. CB showcases the highest mean number of alleles (6.17) and heterozygosity values, with significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) observed in five markers, indicating high intra-racial genetic diversity (average observed heterozygosity (Ho) = 0.754, expected heterozygosity (He) = 0.761). In contrast, CBOU presents the lowest mean number of alleles (5.05) and heterozygosity values, coupled with moderate polymorphic information content (PIC) values and a moderate level of intra-racial genetic diversity (average Ho = 0.313, He = 0.394). PI demonstrates moderate genetic diversity with an average of 5.75 alleles and highly informative PIC values, while CR displays robust genetic diversity with an average of 6.61 alleles and deviations from equilibrium, indicating potential risks of inbreeding (average Ho = 0.563, He = 0.658). CM exhibits moderate genetic diversity and deviations from equilibrium, similar to CBOU, with an average of 6.5 alleles and moderate PIC values (average Ho = 0.598, He = 0.676). Conversely, CC shows a wider range of allelic diversity and deviations from equilibrium (average Ho = 0.611, He = 0.706), suggesting a more diverse genetic background. Inter-racial analysis underscores distinct genetic differentiation between breeds, emphasizing the importance of informed breeding decisions and proactive genetic management strategies to preserve diversity, promote breed health, and ensure long-term sustainability across all breeds studied.

A comprehensive analysis of the genetic diversity and environmental adaptability in worldwide Merino and Merino-derived sheep breeds.

BACKGROUND: To enhance and extend the knowledge about the global historical and phylogenetic relationships between Merino and Merino-derived breeds, 19 populations were genotyped with the OvineSNP50 BeadChip specifically for this study, while an additional 23 populations from the publicly available genotypes were retrieved. Three complementary statistical tests, Rsb (extended haplotype homozygosity between-populations), XP-EHH (cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity), and runs of homozygosity (ROH) islands were applied to identify genomic variants with potential impact on the adaptability of Merino genetic type in two contrasting climate zones. RESULTS: The results indicate that a large part of the Merino's genetic relatedness and admixture patterns are explained by their genetic background and/or geographic origin, followed by local admixture. Multi-dimensional scaling, Neighbor-Net, Admixture, and TREEMIX analyses consistently provided evidence of the role of Australian, Rambouillet and German strains in the extensive gene introgression into the other Merino and Merino-derived breeds. The close relationship between Iberian Merinos and other South-western European breeds is consistent with the Iberian origin of the Merino genetic type, with traces from previous contributions of other Mediterranean stocks. Using Rsb and XP-EHH approaches, signatures of selection were detected spanning four genomic regions located on Ovis aries chromosomes (OAR) 1, 6 and 16, whereas two genomic regions on OAR6, that partially overlapped with the previous ones, were highlighted by ROH islands. Overall, the three approaches identified 106 candidate genes putatively under selection. Among them, genes related to immune response were identified via the gene interaction network. In addition, several candidate genes were found, such as LEKR1, LCORL, GHR, RBPJ, BMPR1B, PPARGC1A, and PRKAA1, related to morphological, growth and reproductive traits, adaptive thermogenesis, and hypoxia responses. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive dataset that includes most of the Merino and Merino-derived sheep breeds raised in different regions of the world. The results provide an in-depth picture of the genetic makeup of the current Merino and Merino-derived breeds, highlighting the possible selection pressures associated with the combined effect of anthropic and environmental factors. The study underlines the importance of Merino genetic types as invaluable resources of possible adaptive diversity in the context of the occurring climate changes.

Do Pharaohs' cattle still graze the Nile Valley? Genetic characterization of the Egyptian Baladi cattle breed.

Egyptian Baladi cattle is one of the few native taurine breeds which remain in the original domestication area of Bos taurus, the Nile Valley (Upper Egypt). Apart from its evolutive relevance, the breed is well-adapted and integrated into the traditional family farming systems, with great potentialities for local sustainable rural development. The diversity and structure of the Baladi population were assessed using 28 genetic microsatellite markers. Within and between-breeds diversity, its relations with other cattle breeds, and an inference on its origin and evolution, were analyzed. Results reported high levels of diversity, with an average number of alleles (Na) of 11.39, observed heterozygosity (Ho) of 0.68, and expected heterozygosity (He) of 0.75. The studied population was in Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium, which could be ascribed to its internal structure. The comparison between breeds using factorial correspondence analysis, Reynolds genetic distance evaluation, and genetic structure analysis suggested slight influences of Bos indicus. Upper Egypt's rural communities have preserved the Baladi cattle breed, protecting this historical and biological heritage against the constant and indiscriminate introduction of exotic genetic resources along the history of development of the breed. Developing and implementing conservation and breeding programs is crucial for the preservation and improvement of the breed.HIGHLIGHTSBaladi cattle breed is a well-defined and highly diverse breed.Higher diversity levels are found in northern and central governorates.A clear geographical cluster is formed around the Nile Delta.Baladi cattle may be reminiscent of the ancient 'pharaoh' cattle.Assiut's population acted as the most ancestral population nucleus.

Camel (Camelus spp.) Urine Bioactivity and Metabolome: A Systematic Review of Knowledge Gaps, Advances, and Directions for Future Research.

Up to the present day, studies on the therapeutic properties of camel (Camelus spp.) urine and the detailed characterization of its metabolomic profile are scarce and often unrelated. Information on inter individual variability is noticeably limited, and there is a wide divergence across studies regarding the methods for sample storage, pre-processing, and extract derivatization for metabolomic analysis. Additionally, medium osmolarity is not experimentally adjusted prior to bioactivity assays. In this scenario, the methodological standardization and interdisciplinary approach of such processes will strengthen the interpretation, repeatability, and replicability of the empirical results on the compounds with bioactive properties present in camel urine. Furthermore, sample enlargement would also permit the evaluation of camel urine's intra- and interindividual variability in terms of chemical composition, bioactive effects, and efficacy, while it may also permit researchers to discriminate potential animal-intrinsic and extrinsic conditioning factors. Altogether, the results would help to evaluate the role of camel urine as a natural source for the identification and extraction of specific novel bioactive substances that may deserve isolated chemical and pharmacognostic investigations through preclinical tests to determine their biological activity and the suitability of their safety profile for their potential inclusion in therapeutic formulas for improving human and animal health.

Bayesian evaluation of the effect of non-genetic factors on the phenomics for quality-related milk nutrients and yield in Murciano-Granadina goats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of non-genetic factors on the variability of milk production and composition using Bayesian linear regression. We analyzed 2594 milk records from 159 dairy goats from the breeding nucleus of the Murciano-Granadina breed. Bayesian linear regression was used to determine the effects of non-genetic factors on the phenomics for quality-related milk nutrients and yield. Multivariate regression model significantly explained 21.5%, 40.0%, 41.5%, 44.3%, 44.6%, and 47.5% of the variability in somatic cell count (SCC, sc/mL), lactose (%), protein (%), milk yield (kg), fat (%), and dry matter (%), respectively. Although the aforementioned factor combination significantly conditions milk production and composition, SCC may be particularly affected by collateral factors. Milking routine and drying period factors are reference predictors to be considered in the evaluation of milk production and composition progression. Drying period extensions positively repercussed on milk yield and lactose content, but negatively affected fat, protein, dry matter contents, and somatic cell count. Variability across drying years may depend on the drying season rather than the drying month course, except for milk yield, for which an increasing trend was reported from winter to summer. Including drying period-related non-genetic factors in genetic evaluations improves the accuracy of the regression models and permits to boost the commercial possibilities and profitability of local breeds.

Non-parametric association analysis of additive and dominance effects of casein complex SNPs on milk content and quality in Murciano-Granadina goats.

Goat milk casein proteins (αS1, αS2, ß and κ) are encoded by four loci (CSN1S1, CSN1S2, CSN2 and CSN3, respectively) clustered within 250 kb in chromosome 6. In this study, 159 Murciano-Granadina goats were genotyped for 48 SNPs within the entire casein region. Phenotypes on milk yield and components were obtained from 2,594 dairy registries. Additive and dominance effects on milk composition and quality were studied using non-parametric tests and principal component analysis to prevent SNPs multicollinearity. Two deletions in exon 4 (CSN1S1 and CSN3), one in exon 7 (CSN2) and one in exon 15 (CSN1S2) have been found at frequencies ranging from 0.12 to 0.50. Bonferroni-corrected significant SNP additive and dominance effects were found for milk yield, fat, protein, dry matter and lactose, and somatic cells. Exons 15 and 7 were significantly associated with milk yield and components except for lactose and somatic cells, while exon 4 was significantly associated with milk yield and components except for protein and dry matter. SNPs' associations with somatic cells were less frequent and weaker than those with milk yield and components. As caseins increase, somatic cells decrease, reducing milk enzymatic activity and consumption suitability. Hence, including molecular information in breeding schemes may promote production efficiency, as selecting against undesirable alleles could prevent the compromises derived from their dominance effects.

Effects of meteorology and lunar cycle on the post-thawing quality of avian sperm.

Introduction: Various climatological and lunar cycle parameters have a direct impact on animal reproduction, and in the case of the avian species, spermatozoa are extremely sensitive to heat stress. These parameters could influence sperm freezability, which will ultimately affect post-thawing semen quality, being sperm motility in roosters a relevant indicator of this quality as it is highly related to fertility. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to determine which are the climatological and lunar cycle parameters that have a greater effect on sperm freezability in roosters. Methods: Sperm was obtained from 16 Utrerana breed roosters and a total of 27 replicates were performed. A pool was made with those ejaculates that met the minimum quality criteria for each replicate, and four freezing-thawing samples per replicate were analyzed. The straws were thawed, and sperm motility was evaluated, classifying the results obtained into four seminal quality groups according to the guidelines of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (Group 1: Good, Group 2: Satisfactory, Group 3: Acceptable but undesirable and Group 4: Unsatisfactory). The following traits were recorded for each day of semen collection: maximum temperature, minimum temperature, maximum barometric pressure, minimum barometric pressure, maximum gust, wind direction, mean wind speed, sunshine hours, rainfall, moon phase, and percentage of illuminated lunar surface over the total area. Results: A discriminant canonical analysis was performed to determine which of these parameters offered the most information when classifying an ejaculate in each quality group, with minimum temperature, the new moon as moon phase, minimum barometric pressure, and rainfall being the most significant variables. Discussion: According to the results obtained, semen quality decreases when temperature and precipitation are lower, pressure is higher, and when there is a new moon phase. Therefore, these environmental conditions should be avoided for sperm collection and processing.

Modeling Climate Change Effects on Genetic Diversity of an Endangered Horse Breed Using Canonical Correlations.

The historical increase in the occurrence of extreme weather events in Spain during the last thirty years makes it a perfect location for the evaluation of climate change. Modeling the effects of climate change on domestic animals' genetic diversity may help to anticipate challenging situations. However, animal populations' short life cycle and patent lack of historical information during extended periods of time drastically compromise the evaluation of climate change effects. Locally adapted breeds' gene pool is the base for their improved resilience and plasticity in response to climate change's extreme climatic conditions. The preservation of these domestic resources offers selection alternatives to breeders who seek such improved adaptability. The Spanish endangered autochthonous Hispano-Arabian horse breed is perfectly adapted to the conditions of the territory where it was created, developed, and widespread worldwide. The possibility to trace genetic diversity in the Hispano-Arabian breed back around seven decades and its global ubiquity make this breed an idoneous reference subject to act as a model for other international populations. Climate change's shaping effects on the genetic diversity of the Hispano-Arabian horse breed's historical population were monitored from 1950 to 2019 and evaluated. Wind speed, gust speed, or barometric pressure have greater repercussions than extreme temperatures on genetic diversity. Extreme climate conditions, rather than average modifications of climate, may push breeders/owners to implement effective strategies in the short to medium term, but the effect will be plausible in the long term due to breed sustainability and enhanced capacity of response to extreme climate events. When extreme climatic conditions occur, breeders opt for mating highly diverse unrelated individuals, avoiding the production of a large number of offspring. People in charge of domestic population conservation act as catalyzers of the regulatory changes occurring during breeds' climate change adaptive process and may identify genes conferring their animals with greater adaptability but still maintaining enhanced performance. This model assists in determining how owners of endangered domestic populations should plan their breeding strategies, seeking the obtention of animals more resilient and adapted to climate-extreme conditions. This efficient alternative is focused on the obtention of increased profitability from this population and in turn ensuring their sustainability.

Data-Mining Methodology to Improve the Scientific Production Quality in Turkey Meat and Carcass Characterization Studies.

The present research aims to describe how turkey meat and carcass quality traits define the interest of the scientific community through the quality standards of journals in which studies are published. To this end, an analysis of 92 research documents addressing the study of turkey carcass and meat quality over the last 57 years was performed. Meat and carcass quality attributes were dependent variables and included traits related to carcass dressing, muscle fiber, pH, colorimetry, water-holding capacity, texture, and chemical composition. The independent variables comprised publication quality traits, including journal indexation, database, journal impact factor (JIF), quartile, publication area, and JIF percentage. For each dependent variable, a data-mining chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID) decision tree was developed. Carcass or piece yield was the only variable that did not show an impact on the publication quality. Moreover, color and pH measurements taken at 72 h postmortem showed a negative impact on publication interest. On the other hand, variables including water-retaining attributes, colorimetry, pH, chemical composition, and shear force traits stood out among the quality-enhancing variables due to their low inclusion in papers, while high standards improved power.

Factors influencing the bioactivity of natural matrices: The case of osmolarity-dependent modulation of cell viability by different dilutions of camel urines.

The widespread practice of dromedary urinotherapy as a remedy for various illnesses, including cancer, is well-established in traditional dromedary countries. Researchers attempted to demonstrate anticancer properties of camel urine through in vitro experiments with debated outcomes. Notably, two critical aspects remained unexplored in those assays: (i) the osmolarity of tested urines, which can significantly influence in vitro results; (ii) the potential morphological changes of cells, following exposure to camel urines. In this study, we addressed these gaps by evaluating the osmolarity-dependent modulation of cell viability in human renal cell lines. In this regard, we assessed the impact of hyperosmolar mannitol-based solutions and dromedary urine on the viability and morphology of human non-tumor (HK2) and tumor renal cells (Caki-1). The results indicate that cell viability or morphology in both HK2 and Caki-1 cells are not significantly affected only if mannitol-induced hyperosmolarity is lower than 500 mOsm/L. Notably, when exposed to urine solution, diluted to <500 mOsm/L, statistically significant antiproliferative effects were observed primarily in Caki-1 cells (in presence of two out of ten tested urine samples). Conversely, alterations in cell morphology were observed exclusively in HK2 cells when exposed to the same diluted camel urines. In order to investigate, at molecular level, the observed antiproliferative effects, a preliminary metabolomics analysis of the tested urine samples was performed to identify potential bioactive compounds. The Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) metabolic profiling revealed the presence of three antioxidant compounds, namely trigonelline, pyruvic acid and N-acetylglucosamine. In conclusion, our results highlight the importance of considering the critical role of osmolarity when evaluating the bioactive properties of camel urine in vitro, which should not be used to treat any illness as it is. Conversely, it can be considered the possibility to use camel urines as a source of bioactive compounds.

Effect of Supplementation of a Cryopreservation Extender with Pectoliv30 on Post-Thawing Semen Quality Parameters in Rooster Species.

Sperm cryopreservation is a fundamental tool for the conservation of avian genetic resources; however, avian spermatozoa are susceptible to this process. To cope with the high production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the addition of exogenous antioxidants is beneficial. Pectoliv30 is a substance derived from alperujo, and in this study, its effect was analyzed on seminal quality after its addition to the cryopreservation extender of roosters at different concentrations. For this purpose, 16 Utrerana breed roosters were used, and seminal collection was performed in six replicates, creating a pool for each working day with ejaculates of quality. After cryopreservation, one sample per treatment and replicate was thawed, and several seminal quality parameters were evaluated. Statistical analysis revealed numerous correlations between these variables, both positive and negative according to the correlation matrix obtained. Furthermore, the chi-squared automatic interaction detection (CHAID) decision tree (DT) reported significant differences in the hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) variable between groups. Moreover, results for this parameter were more desirable at high concentrations of Pectoliv30. The application of this substance extracted from the by-product alperujo as an antioxidant allows the improvement of the post-thawing seminal quality in roosters and facilitates optimization of the cryopreservation process as a way to improve the conservation programs of different endangered poultry breeds.

Analysis of Endangered Andalusian Black Cattle (Negra Andaluza) Reveals Genetic Reservoir for Bovine Black Trunk.

This comprehensive study on the Andalusian Black cattle breed reveals a substantial population decline, with the average herd size decreasing significantly from 305.54 to 88.28 animals per herd. This decline is primarily attributed to agricultural changes and the introduction of foreign meat-focused breeds. The male-to-female ratio shift is noteworthy, with more cows than bulls, impacting selection intensity for both genders. Inbreeding levels, though relatively low historically (5.94%) and currently (7.23%), raise concerns as 37.08% historically and 48.82% currently of the animals exhibit inbreeding. Positive assortative mating is evident, reflected by the increasing non-random mating coefficient (α). Key ancestors play a crucial role in shaping genetic diversity, with one ancestor significantly influencing the current genetic pool and the top 10 ancestors contributing substantially. Breed maintains a conservation index of 2.75, indicating relatively high genetic diversity. Recent conservation efforts have led to an increase in registered animals. The Cañadas Reales, historical transhumance routes, may have contributed to genetic connections among provinces. Challenges include the historical bottleneck, demographic changes, and potential impacts from reproductive practices. The Andalusian Black breed's conservation necessitates ongoing efforts in genealogical registration, targeted breeding programs, and collaborative initiatives to address the observed demographic shifts and ensure sustainable genetic diversity.

Evaluation of the effect of the addition of an olive oil-derived antioxidant (Pectoliv-80A) in the extender for cryopreservation of rooster sperm through the use of a discriminant statistical tool.

During the poultry sperm cryopreservation process, an excess of reactive oxygen species is generated resulting in oxidative stress which harms the quality of avian spermatozoa. To counteract this effect, the addition of exogenous antioxidants, such as Pectoliv-80A (a by-product of olive oil), to the cryopreservation diluent is interesting. For this purpose, 16 roosters belonging to the Utrerana avian breed were used. Six semen pools (from the 6 different replicates) were divided into 4 aliquots corresponding to different concentrations of Pectoliv-80A that were tested (0, 300, 400, and 500 µg/mL), and the cryopreservation process was carried out. To evaluate post-thawing semen quality, different parameters such as motility, membrane functionality, reactive oxygen species production, lipid peroxidation, and acrosome integrity were studied. A discriminant canonical analysis was used to determine both the differences between the Pectoliv-80A concentration groups and the discriminant power of the aforementioned parameter used for semen evaluation. Total motility and membrane functionality were reported to be the most discriminant variables for differentiating the different antioxidant enrichment groups and concluded that concentrations of 300 µg/mL showed the most desirable quality of post-thawing semen. The present study could lead to the optimization of both cryopreservation and quality evaluation techniques of the sperm of rooster species, that support the conservation program of endangered local breeds.

Discriminant canonical analysis as a tool for genotype traceability testing based on turkey meat and carcass traits.

The present study aims to develop a statistical tool for turkey breed traceability testing based on meat and carcass quality characteristics. To this end, a comprehensive meta-analysis was performed, collecting data from a total of 75 studies approaching meat and carcass attributes of 37 turkey strains and landraces since the late 1960s. A total of 22 meat and carcass traits were considered variables, grouped in the following clusters: carcass dressing traits, muscle fiber properties, pH, colorimetry, water-capacity traits, texture-related attributes, and nutritional composition of the meat. Once the multicollinearity analysis allowed the deletion of redundant variables, cold carcass weight, slaughter weight, muscle fiber diameter, sex-female, carcass/piece weight, meat redness, ashes, pH24, meat lightness, moisture, fat, and water-holding capacity showed explanatory properties in the discriminating analysis (p < 0.05). In addition, strong positive and negative correlations were found among those variables studied. Carcass traits were positively associated, particularly slaughter weight and cold carcass weight (+0.561). Among meat physical traits, pH showed positive correlations with drip loss (+0.490) and pH24 (+0.327), and water-holding capacity was positively associated with cholesterol (+0.434) and negatively associated with collagen (-0.398). According to nutritional traits, fat and ash showed a strong correlation (+0.595), and both were negatively associated with moisture (-0.375 and -0.498, respectively). Strong negative correlations were found as well between meat protein and fat (-0.460) and between collagen and cholesterol (-0.654). Finally, the Mahalanobis distance suggested a clustering pattern based on meat and carcass characteristics that report information about interbreeding and variety proximity. This study establishes a departure point in the development of a tool for breed traceability guaranteeing aimed at enhancing distinguished, local breed-based turkey meat.

Lunar Cycle, Climate, and Onset of Parturition in Domestic Dromedary Camels: Implications of Species-Specific Metabolic Economy and Social Ecology.

Given energy costs for gestating and caring for male offspring are higher than those of female newborns, external environmental conditions might be regarded as likely to affect the timing of delivery processes differentially depending on the sex of the newborn calf to be delivered. The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the association between environmental stressors such as the moon phase and weather-related factors and the onset of labor in female dromedaries. A binary logistic regression model was developed to find the most parsimonious set of variables that are most effective in predicting the probability for a gravid female dromedary to give birth to a male or a female calf, assuming that higher gestational costs and longer labor times are ascribed to the production of a male offspring. Although the differences in the quantitative distribution of spontaneous onset of labor across lunar phases and the mean climate per onset event along the whole study period were deemed nonsignificant (p > 0.05), a non-negligible prediction effect of a new moon, mean wind speed and maximum wind gust was present. At slightly brighter nights and lower mean wind speeds, a calf is more likely to be male. This microevolutionary response to the external environment may have been driven by physiological and behavioral adaptation of metabolic economy and social ecology to give birth to cooperative groups with the best possible reduction of thermoregulatory demands. Model performance indexes then highlighted the heterothermic character of camels to greatly minimize the impact of the external environment. The overall results will also enrich the general knowledge of the interplay between homeostasis and arid and semi-arid environments.

Thermographic ranges of dromedary camels during physical exercise: applications for physical health/welfare monitoring and phenotypic selection.

Despite the relatively wide knowledge of camel biomechanics, research into the immediate functional response that accompanies the execution of physical exercise remains unapproached. Therefore, selective breeding programs lack an empirical basis to achieve genetic improvement of physical stress tolerance traits and monitor camel welfare in this regard. Given the fact that physical exercise increases net heat production, infrared thermography (IRT) was selected to study the temperature changes at the skin surface of the different body areas in clinically normal dromedary camels, mostly relegated to leisure activities. Specifically, a lower dispersion at the individual level of the surface temperature at the scapular cartilage region, shoulder joint, and pelvis region, as well as lower values for Tmax and Tmin at the region of the ocular region, pectoral muscles, semimembranosus-semitendinosus muscles, and hind fetlock after exercise, have to be considered as breeding criteria for candidate selection. Such thermophysiological responses can be used as indirect measures of tissue activity in response to exercise and hence are reliable indicators of animal tolerance to physical exercise-induced stress. Additionally, sex, castration, age, and iris pigmentation significantly impacted the thermo-physiological response to exercise in the study sample, which can be attributed to hormones, general vigor, and visual acuity-mediated effects. These specific factors' influence has to be considered for the evaluation of physical performance and the design of selection schemes for physical-related traits in dromedaries.

Determination of breeding criteria for gait proficiency in leisure riding and racing dromedary camels: a stepwise multivariate analysis of factors predicting overall biomechanical performance.

To date, the biomechanical dynamics in camelids have not been addressed, although it might be a factor that can affect selection and breeding in this species. Therefore, the aim of this article is to conduct curve fitting and discriminant canonical analysis to identify the mathematical function that best captures the dynamics of camel locomotion and to study the impact of kinematic, morphometric, physiological, and phaneroptic variables on gait performance in leisure riding and racing activities in dromedaries, respectively. The cubic function emerged as the most suitable mathematical model to represent the locomotive behavior of camels. Various factors were found to play a pivotal role in the athletic performance of leisure riding and racing dromedary camels. Concretely, angular measurements at the distal fore and rear extremity areas, pelvis inclination, relative volume of the hump, impact forces of the front limbs, post-neutering effects, and the kinematic behavior of the scapula, shoulder, carpus, hip, and foot are the factors that greatly impact gait performance in leisure riding and racing camels. The biomechanical performance at these specific body regions has a profound impact on weight absorption and minimization of mechanic impact during camel locomotion, static/dynamic balance, force distribution, energy of propulsion, movement direction and amplitude, and storage of elastic strain in leisure riding and racing dromedaries. In contrast, other animal- and environment-dependent factors do not exert significant influence on camel gait performance, which can be attributed to species-specific, inherited adaptations developed in response to desert conditions, including the pacing gait, broad foot pads, and energy-efficient movements. The outcomes of our functional data analysis can provide valuable insights for making informed breeding decisions aimed at enhancing animal functional performance in camel riding and racing activities. Furthermore, these findings can open avenues for exploring alternative applications, such as camel-assisted therapy.

Analysis of the Genetic Parameters for Dairy Linear Appraisal and Zoometric Traits: A Tool to Enhance the Applicability of Murciano-Granadina Goats Major Areas Evaluation System.

Selection for zoometrics defines individuals' productive longevity, endurance, enhanced productive abilities and consequently, their long-term profitability. When zoometric analysis is aimed at large highly selected populations or in those at different levels of selection, linear appraisal systems (LAS) provide a timely response. This study estimates genetic and phenotypic parameters for zoometric/LAS traits in Murciano-Granadina goats, estimating genetic and phenotypic correlations among all traits, and determining whether major area selection would be appropriate or if adaptability strategies may need to be followed. Heritability estimates for the zoometric/LAS traits were low to high, ranging from 0.09 to 0.43, and the accuracy of estimation has improved after decades, rendering standard errors negligible. Scale inversion of specific traits may need to be performed before major areas selection strategies are implemented. Genetic and phenotypic correlations suggests that negative selection against thicker bones and higher rear insertion heights indirectly results in the optimization of selection practices in the rest of the traits, especially those in the structure, capacity and mammary system major areas. The integration and implementation of the strategies proposed within the Murciano-Granadina breeding program maximizes selection opportunities and the sustainable international competitiveness of the Murciano-Granadina goat in the dairy goat breed panorama.

Study of Meat and Carcass Quality-Related Traits in Turkey Populations through Discriminant Canonical Analysis.

The present research aimed to determine the main differences in meat and carcass quality traits among turkey genotypes worldwide and describe the clustering patterns through the use of a discriminant canonical analysis (DCA). To achieve this goal, a comprehensive meta-analysis of 75 documents discussing carcass and meat characteristics in the turkey species was performed. Meat and carcass attributes of nine different turkey populations were collected and grouped in terms of the following clusters: carcass dressing traits, muscle fiber properties, pH, color-related traits, water-retaining characteristics, texture-related traits, and meat chemical composition. The Bayesian ANOVA analysis reported that the majority of variables statistically differed (p < 0.05), and the multicollinearity analysis revealed the absence of redundancy problems among variables (VIF < 5). The DCA reported that cold carcass weight, slaughter weight, sex-male, carcass/piece weight, and the protein and fat composition of meat were the traits explaining variability among different turkey genotypes (Wilks' lambda: 0.488, 0.590, 0.905, 0.906, 0.937, and 0.944, respectively). The combination of traits in the first three dimensions explained 94.93% variability among groups. Mahalanobis distances cladogram-grouped populations following a cluster pattern and suggest its applicability as indicative of a turkey genotype's traceability.