RESUMEN
Having higher adaptability against abiotic stress, which is characterized in rural areas in developing countries, local farm animal genetic resources (FAGRs) are increasingly precarious for random and unsystematic crossing with exotic breeds. In this study, 85 microsatellite loci were utilized to assess genetic diversity among native Algerian rabbits (NARs) sampled from an area of 753â¯km (from north to south) and 919â¯km (from east to west). Those distances covered 25 significant geographical points in seven rural areas (El Taref, Mostaganem, Sidi Bel Abbès, M'Sila, Dar Chioukh, Faidh El Botma, and Laghouat). A total of 558 alleles were observed in this study. The highest genetic diversity was registered in the southern direction among NAR populations. The mean number of alleles per locus (MNa) and the inbreeding coefficient (FIS) were highest in Laghouat (4.482 and 0.232), while they were lowest in El Taref (4.000 and 0.149). In the current study, the number of private alleles (Pa) ranged from 9 to 23. In addition, the average of observed heterozygosity (0.427) was lower than the expected value (0.524) due to high levels of inbreeding. The discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC), the neighbor-joining tree (NJ), and the analysis of STRUCTURE software confirmed the classification of populations according to geographical zones into four main groups (east, west, south, and middle). The results of the current study are useful for breeding improvement and conservation plan research in relation to local animal genetic resources in Algeria.
RESUMEN
The palynological and physicochemical analysis of 62 honey samples produced in different biogeographical areas of Algeria was conducted. Results showed high variety in the botanical origin of samples and their physicochemical profile. Twenty-six samples were polyfloral honey, 30 were unifloral honey from different botanical sources such as Eucalyptus, Citrus, Apiaceae, Punica, Erica, Rosmarinus, Eriobotrya, or Hedysarum, and 6 were characterized as honeydew honey. Pollen analysis allowed the identification of 104 pollen types belonging to 51 botanical families, whereas the physicochemical profile showed important variations between samples. Multivariate techniques were used to compare the characteristics of samples from different biogeographical areas, showing significant differences between humid-area samples, located in the northeast of the country, and samples taken in semiarid, subhumid, and arid zones. Principal-component analysis (PCA) extracted nine components explaining 72% of data variance, being 30%, the sum of Component 1 and Component 2. The plot of both components showed samples grouped upon botanical and geographical origin. The results of this paper highlighted the great variability in honey production of Algeria, evidencing the importance of honey characterization to guarantee authenticity and to valorize local production.
