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Morphological divergence in the West African shorthorn Lagune cattle populations from Benin

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Maurice Cossi Ahozonlin at University of Abomey-Calavi
Maurice Cossi Ahozonlin
Luc Hippolyte Dossa at University of Abomey-Calavi
Luc Hippolyte Dossa
Mahamadou Dahouda at University of Abomey-Calavi
Mahamadou Dahouda
Armand BIENVENU Gbangboche at University of Abomey-Calavi - National University of Agriculture
Armand BIENVENU Gbangboche
  • University of Abomey-Calavi - National University of Agriculture
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Abstract and Figures

This study explored the potential role of agro-ecology in shaping the morphology of Lagune cattle population of Benin. A total of 708 adult Lagune cattle were sampled randomly from nine provenances in two agro-ecological zones (AEZs) and were assessed for eight qualitative and twelve linear body measurements. Data were analyzed using generalized linear model procedures (PROC GLM) followed by the multiple comparison of least square means (LSMEAN) according to the Tukey-Kramer method and multivariate analytical methods, including canonical discrimination analysis (CDA) and hierarchical ascendant classification. Irrespective of AEZ and sex, the body length (102.3 ± 9.31 cm) was greater than the wither height (93.1 ± 7.39 cm) and the body index smaller than 0.85. However, there were significant differences between the two AEZs for most of the measured morphometric and qualitative traits. Moreover, a male-biased sexual size dimorphism was recorded. The CDA based on only four basic body measurements (rump height, body length, heart girth, and ear length) and the calculated Mahalanobis distances suggest that the populations from the two AEZs are distinct and could be further considered ecotypes. Nevertheless, the overall moderate classification rate (70%) of the individual animals into their group of origin indicates interbreeding between the two populations. The pairwise Mahalanobis distances between provenances in the same AEZ were also significant. Together, these results provide supporting evidence for the existence of subdivisions in the Lagune cattle populations from South Benin. The high morphological diversity in the Lagune cattle recorded in the present study could serve as a starting point for the development of efficient selection and sound subpopulation management strategies but also for further phenotypic and genetic characterizations.
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REGULAR ARTICLES
Morphological divergence in the West African shorthorn Lagune
cattle populations from Benin
Maurice Cossi Ahozonlin
1
&Luc Hippolyte Dossa
1
&Mahamadou Dahouda
1
&Armand Bienvenu Gbangboche
2
Received: 4 April 2019 /Accepted: 6 September 2019
#Springer Nature B.V. 2019
Abstract
This study explored the potential role of agro-ecology in shaping the morphology of Lagune cattle population of Benin. A total of
708 adult Lagune cattle were sampled randomly from nine provenances in two agro-ecological zones (AEZs) and were assessed
for eight qualitative and twelve linear body measurements. Data were analyzed using generalized linear model procedures
(PROC GLM) followed by the multiple comparison of least square means (LSMEAN) according to the Tukey-Kramer method
and multivariate analytical methods, including canonical discrimination analysis (CDA) and hierarchical ascendant classification.
Irrespective of AEZ and sex, the body length (102.3 ±9.31 cm) was greater thanthe wither height (93.1 ± 7.39 cm) and the body
index smaller than 0.85. However, there were significant differences between the two AEZs for most of the measured morpho-
metric and qualitative traits. Moreover, a male-biased sexual size dimorphism was recorded. The CDA based on only four basic
body measurements (rumpheight, body length, heart girth, and ear length) and the calculated Mahalanobis distances suggest that
the populations from the two AEZs are distinct and could be further considered ecotypes. Nevertheless, the overall moderate
classification rate (70%) of the individual animals into their group of origin indicates interbreeding between the two populations.
The pairwiseMahalanobis distances between provenances in the same AEZ werealso significant.Together, these results provide
supporting evidence for the existence of subdivisions in the Lagune cattle populations from South Benin. The high morphological
diversity in the Lagune cattle recorded in the present study could serve as a starting point for the development of efficient
selection and sound subpopulation management strategies but also for further phenotypic and genetic characterizations.
Keywords Agro-ecology .Ecotypes .Indigenous taurine cattle .Morphology .Subpopulation .West Africa
Introduction
The Lagune cattle are dwarf, shorthorn, and trypanotolerant
cattle of the Bos taurus (taurine) subspecies mainly found in
coastal areas and near lagoons in West and Central Africa
(Rege and Tawah 1999;Feliusetal.2014), where it is known
under many local names (Porter 2002). Like all other farm
animal genetic resources, the Lagune cattle play important
socio-economic and cultural roles and support food security
and livelihoods of thousands of smallholders (FAO 2012).
But, there is an increasing recognition that this breed is threat-
ened with extinction by indiscriminate crossbreeding and in-
appropriate husbandry techniques (Rege 1999; Gbangboche
et al. 2011; Felius et al. 2014) that could involve an irrevers-
ible loss of valuable but untapped genetic diversity necessary
to sustain food security (Seré et al. 2008; Hanotte et al. 2010).
The present-day Lagune cattle have evolved in diverse
ecological conditions in West Africa. It probably derived
from the first waves of migrations of shorthorn Bos taurus
into West Africa from Asia about 2750–2500 BC (Epstein
1971). These migrations were followed by ecological ad-
aptation (Felius et al. 2014) leading to several changes in
cattle phenotypes (Ajmone-Marsan et al. 2010). As shown
in other African indigenous cattle (Kabi et al. 2015;
Terefe et al. 2015;Nyamushambaetal.2017), Lagune
cattle populations that have evolved in different ecologi-
cal conditions may have some adaptive intrinsic charac-
teristics and unique morphological traits that make them
*Luc Hippolyte Dossa
hippolyte.dossa@fsa.uac.bj; dolhip@yahoo.com
1
Ecole des Sciences et Techniques de Production Animale, Faculté
des Sciences Agronomiques, Université d’Abomey-Calavi, 03 Boîte
Postale 2819 Jericho, Cotonou, Benin
2
Ecole de Gestion et d’Exploitation des Systèmes d’Elevage,
Université Nationale d’Agriculture, Boîte Postale 43, Kétou, Benin
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-019-02071-1
Tropical Animal Health and Production (2020) 52:803–814
/Published online: 15 October 2019
Content courtesy of Springer Nature, terms of use apply. Rights reserved.
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  • TROP ANIM HEALTH PRO
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Small ruminants are the critical source of livelihood for rural people to the development of sustainable and environmentally sound production systems. They provided a source of meat, milk, skin, and fiber. The several contributions of small ruminants to the economy of millions of rural people are however being challenged by extreme heat stress difficulties. Heat stress is one of the most detrimental factors contributing to reduced growth, production, reproduction performance, milk quantity and quality, as well as natural immunity, making animals more vulnerable to diseases and even death. However, small ruminants have successfully adapted to this extreme environment and possess some unique adaptive traits due to behavioral, morphological, physiological, and largely genetic bases. This review paper, therefore, aims to provide an integrative explanation of small ruminant adaptation to heat stress and address some responsible candidate genes in adapting to thermal-stressed environments.
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MULTIVARIATE ANALYSIS OF SEXUAL DIMORPHISM IN THE MORPHOMETRIC TRAITS OF MUTURU CATTLE IN NORTH CENTRAL NIGERIA
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  • Dec 2018
The study aimed at evaluating sexual dimorphism in Muturu cattle using multivariate Principal Component (PC) and discriminant analyses. Eleven morphometric traits namely, Withers Height (WH), Body Length (BL), Horn Length (HL), Ear Length (EL), Face Length (FL), Rump Length (RL), Neck Length (NL), Neck Circumference (NC), Chest Girth (CG), Shoulder Width (SW) and Rump Width (RW) were measured in a random sample of 105 Muturu cattle of both sexes (60 females and 45 males). The animals were within the 8-tooth age (greater than 48 months old) and were reared through the extensive system of management in North Central Nigeria. With the exception of HL and FL, the univariate analysis indicated sex-associated differences (P<0.05) in all the body parameters, with higher values recorded for males. Although the estimates of phenotypic correlations were positive and significant (P<0.01) in both sexes, varying coefficients (0.37-0.97 and 0.61-0.94 for males and females, respectively) were obtained. In the PC analysis of morphometric traits, three components (PC1, PC2 and PC3) were extracted in bulls, each accounting for 75.02%, 6.91% and 6.16% of the total variance, respectively. However, two components (PC1 and PC2) were extracted in cows, which explained 82.55% and 5.55%, respectively of the generalized variance. The most discriminant variables to separate the two sexes were NL, HL, FL, BL and WH. The discriminant model was able to allocate correctly 100.0% of Muturu cows and bulls to their a priori sexes. The present information may be exploited in management, ecological and conservation studies of Muturu cattle populations.
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Adaptation strategies: Ruminants
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  • Nov 2018
Implications Growing populations and reduced access to arable land mean that animal production systems will either need to intensify and/or produce more from a reducing land and other resource base. Variable and unpredictable environmental conditions mean that animal production faces numerous challenges. In addition to climate, these challenges include increased disease risk, increased nutritional deficiencies, and lack of capital to support diversification. Predicted changes in climate will impose selection pressures on traits important for biological fitness (and production). Genetic adaptation is important for the future of livestock systems. Animal adaptation involves trade-offs, which must be considered when selecting animals for use in breeding programs. Underlying Problems
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Prediction of Body Weight of Savanna Muturu Cattle (Bos brachyceros)
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  • Aug 2018
Stepwise multiple regression technique was used to predict body weight from linear body measurements in the savannah muturu cattle (Bos brachyceros). Sexual dimorphism was a significant (P˂0.05) source of variation for body weight (BW), ear length (EL), body length (BL), chest girth (CG), horn length (HL) and height at withers, with higher values reported for the males. Correlation coefficients between body weight and linear body measurements and within linear body measurements were all positive and significant (P˂0.01) irrespective of the sex of the cattle. The regression technique established highly reliable equations for predicting body weight from chest girth, body length and horn length. The best model for predicting body weight was BW = -72.908 + 1.738 CG + 3.511 HL. Information derived from this study may find application in selection for improvement of traits of economic importance in the muturu cattle.
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A fine structure genetic analysis evaluating ecoregional adaptability of a Bos taurus breed (Hereford)
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Ecoregional differences contribute to genetic environmental interactions and impact animal performance. These differences may become more important under climate change scenarios. Utilizing genetic diversity within a species to address such problems has not been fully explored. In this study Hereford cattle were genotyped with 50K Bead Chip or 770K Bovine Bead Chip to test the existence of genetic structure in five U.S. ecoregions characterized by precipitation, temperature and humidity and designated: cool arid (CA), cool humid (CH), transition zone (TZ), warm arid (WA), and warm humid (WH). SNP data were analyzed in three sequential analyses. Broad genetic structure was evaluated with STRUCTURE, and ADMIXTURE software using 14,312 SNPs after passing quality control variables. The second analysis was performed using principal coordinate analysis with 66 Tag SNPs associated in the literature with various aspects of environmental stressors (e.g., heat tolerance) or production (e.g., milk production). In the third analysis TreeSelect was used with the 66 SNPs to evaluate if ecoregional allelic frequencies deviated from a central frequency and by so doing are indicative of directional selection. The three analyses suggested subpopulation structures associated with ecoregions from where animals were derived. ADMIXTURE and PCA results illustrated the importance of temperature and humidity and confirm subpopulation assignments. Comparisons of allele frequencies with TreeSelect showed ecoregion differences, in particular the divergence between arid and humid regions. Patterns of genetic variability obtained by medium and high density SNP chips can be used to acclimatize a temperately derived breed to various ecoregions. As climate change becomes an important factor in cattle production, this study should be used as a proof of concept to review future breeding and conservation schemes aimed at adaptation to climatic events.
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Conservation of indigenous cattle genetic resources in Southern Africa's smallholder areas: Turning threats into opportunities - A review
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  • Jan 2017
The current review focuses on characterization and conservation efforts vital for the development of breeding programmes for indigenous beef cattle genetic resources in Southern Africa. Indigenous African cattle breeds were identified and characterized using information from refereed journals, conference papers and research reports. Results of this current review reviewed that smallholder beef cattle production in Southern Africa is extensive and dominated by indigenous beef cattle strains adaptable to the local environment. The breeds include Nguni, Mashona, Tuli, Malawi Zebu, Bovino de Tete, Angoni, Landim, Barotse, Twsana and Ankole. These breeds have important functions ranging from provision of food and income to socioeconomic , cultural and ecological roles. They also have adaptive traits ranging from drought tolerant, resistance to ticks and tick borne diseases, heat tolerance and resistance to trypanosomosis. Stakeholders in the conservation of beef cattle were also identified and they included farmers, national government, research institutes and universities as well as breeding companies and societies in Southern Africa. Research efforts made to evaluate threats and opportunities of indigenous beef cattle production systems, assess the contribution of indigenous cattle to household food security and income, genetically and phenotypically characterize and conserve indigenous breeds, and develop breeding programs for smallholder beef production are highlighted. Although smallholder beef cattle production in the smallholder farming systems contributes substantially to household food security and income, their productivity is hindered by several constraints that include high prevalence of diseases and parasites, limited feed availability and poor marketing. The majority of the African cattle populations remain largely uncharacterized although most of the indigenous cattle breeds have been identified.
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