In West African Sahel, there has been an only limited intensification of the mixed crop and livestock systems due to many constraints faced by smallholder farmers including climate change, low use of external inputs, insecure land tenure, and low adoption of productivity-enhancing technologies. However, the growing demand for food caused by a rapidly growing population offers opportunities for intensification of farming systems in the region in view of the current low productivity. A study involving 400 households was carried out in two provinces (Seno and Yatenga) in Burkina Faso in the Sahelian zone of the country to characterize the intensification practices by smallholder farmers in mixed crop and livestock systems. Our results confirmed the advantage of intensification practices in terms of increased crop and livestock productivity which is critical to improving food security. Also, the results showed that access to extension services is an important determinant of adoption of intensification practices in both study sites, which reaffirmed the vital role of extension services in adoption of agricultural technologies. The results also showed strong differences in adoption of intensification practices between the two provinces driven by their divergent history of land use, even though both provinces fall in the same agro-ecological zone.

No abstract

This study focused on comparing growth traits (body weights at birth, 3-month weaning and 6-month post-weaning) as well as growth curves of Kalahari Red (KR), a newly introduced goat breed in Nigeria and West African Dwarf (WAD) goat semi-intensively managed. Data on growth traits and weekly live weights were collected from 124 kids consisting of 61 KR and 63 WAD goats. The data were subjected to least squares analysis of variance to evaluate the effects of breed, sex, season, birth type and parity. The results showed that KR kids exceeded WAD kids in body weights at birth (2.30±0.06 kg vs 1.56±0.06 kg), 3-month weaning (8.88±0.57 kg vs 3.88±0.20 kg) and 6-month post-weaning (13.97±0.86 kg vs 5.05±0.37 kg). Corresponding pre-weaning average daily gain (ADG) estimates were 84.44±2.44 g and 31.73±1.16 g and post-weaning ADG were 61.88±1.81g and 24.84±1.21 g. Growth patterns of the two breeds were described using four different non-linear models: Brody, Gompertz, Logistic and Von Bertalanffy. Models were compared using parameter estimates (asymptotic weight 'A', integration constant 'B' and rate of maturity 'k'). Model with good fit was adjudged using coefficient of determination (R2) and residual mean squares (RMS). The KR goats had higher parameter estimates than WAD goats. Von Bertalanffy model had the highest 'A' estimates (24.24±0.94 kg vs 11.99±0.54 kg for KR and WAD goats). Gompertz had highest 'B' and 'k' estimates (5.37±0.20 vs 3.38±0.09) and (0.19±0.01 vs 0.13±0.01) for KR and WAD goats. All four growth models generally had R2 exceeding 99% and low RMS, hence giving good fit to the observed growth data. They can be used to implement feeding and management decisions that will optimize productivity. Information on superior growth performance of the Kalahari Red goat can be utilized to further investigate genetic improvement of the indigenous West African Dwarf population through crossbreeding.     Cette étude s'est concentrée sur la comparaison des traits de croissance (poids corporel à la naissance, sevrage à 3 mois et 6 mois après le sevrage) ainsi que les courbes de croissance du Kalahari Red (KR), une race de chèvre nouvellement introduite au Nigéria et West AfricanDwarf (WAD) chèvre gérée de manière semi-intensive. Des données sur les traits de croissance et le poids vif hebdomadaire ont été collectées auprès de 124 chevreaux comprenant 61 chèvres KR et 63 chèvres WAD. Les données ont été soumises à une analyse des moindres carrés de la variance pour évaluer les effets de la race, du sexe, de la saison, du type de naissance et de la parité. Les résultats ont montré que les enfants KR dépassaient les enfants WAD en poids corporel à la naissance (2.30 ± 0.06 kg vs 1.56 ± 0.06 kg), au sevrage de 3 mois (8.88 ± 0.57 kg vs 3.88 ± 0.20 kg) et 6 mois après le sevrage (13.97 ± 0.86 kg contre 5.05 ± 0.37 kg). Les estimations correspondantes du gain quotidien moyen (ADG) présevrage étaient de 84.44 ± 2.44 g et 31.73 ± 1.16 g et l'ADG post-sevrage était de 61.88 ± 1.81 g et 24.84 ± 1.21 g. Les modèles de croissance des deux races ont été décrits à l'aide de quatre modèles non linéaires différents :Brody, Gompertz, Logistic et Von Bertalanffy. Les modèles ont été comparés à l'aide d'estimations de paramètres (poids asymptotique « A », constante d'intégration « B » et taux de maturité « k »). Le modèle avec un bon ajustement a été évalué en utilisant le coefficient de détermination (R2) et les carrés moyens résiduels (RMS). Les chèvres KR avaient des estimations de paramètres plus élevées que les chèvres WAD. Le modèle de Von Bertalanffy présentait les estimations « A » les plus élevées (24.24 ± 0.94 kg contre 11.99 ± 0.54 kg pour les chèvres KR et WAD). Gompertz avait les estimations « B » et « k » les plus élevées (5.37 ± 0.20 vs 3.38 ± 0.09) et (0.19 ± 0.01 vs 0.13 ± 0.01) pour les chèvres KR et WAD. Les quatre modèles de croissance avaient généralement un R2 supérieur à 99% et un RMS faible, ce qui correspondait bien aux données de croissance observées. Ils peuvent être utilisés pour mettre en œuvre des décisions d'alimentation et de gestion qui optimiseront la productivité. Les informations sur la performance de croissance supérieure de la chèvre rouge du Kalahari peuvent être utilisées pour étudier plus avant l'amélioration génétique de la population indigène de nains d'Afrique de l'Ouest par croisement.

A study was conducted for 22 weeks to determine the effects of concentrate supplementations at three crude protein (CP) levels, i.e. low protein diet-LPD 12.42% CP (124.93 g day); medium protein diet-MPD 14.18% CP (145.87 g day) and high protein diet-HPD 16.35% CP (168.19 g day) on some pregnancy variables, reproductive performance, birth types and weight of kids kidded by pregnant Kalahari Red goats grazed on Chloris gayana. Thirty-three matured Kalahari Red goats of first parity within age range of 2 to 2/ years with an average body weight of 38.10 ± 1.13 kg were randomly allotted to the diets with 11 goats per treatment. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance in a completely randomised design. It was observed that goats fed HPD had the highest (p < 0.05) values for products of pregnancy (10.35 kg) taken within 24hour before kidding and foetal growth rate (88.37 g day) during pregnancy. Goats fed MPD had the lowest values (p < 0.05) of 9.28 kg and 80.07 g day for each of the respective parameters. Afterbirth weight was also the highest and lowest (p < 0.05) for goats supplemented with HPD (3.38 kg) and MPD (3.04 kg), respectively. On the other hand, MPD-supplemented goats had the highest values (p < 0.05) for litter size (2.14) and litter weight (6.80 kg) at birth, the value which was the least for HPD supplementation. From the results obtained from this study, it could be concluded that concentrate diet supplementation with 14.18% CP improved litter size and weight at birth with resultant reduction in weights of pregnancy variables of pregnant Kalahari Red goats grazed on Rhodes grass.

No abstract

Genetic improvement of goat breeds in growth and other traits (e.g. milk production) is limited by the demographics of the goat herds, extensive production system and the seemingly long-term nature of improvement through traditional genetics and breeding methods. We studied the genetic morphometry in Nigerian goats and South African Kalahari Red goat breeds. A total of 192 goats belonging to three Nigerian breeds (Red Sokoto (RS), Sahel (SH) and West African Dwarf (WAD)) and one South African Kalahari Red (KR) goat breed were analysed. Animals were classified into four age groups: A group – less than 1 year, B group – between 1 and 2 years, C group – between 2 and 3 years and C group – older than 3 years based on dentition. Analysis of variance, correlation matrix, regression and discriminant analyses were used to evaluate morphological variability. Results revealed that the effect of breed on the measured morphometric traits was significant (P < 0.05). The best prediction equation for body weight (BW) with R2 = 0.84 was obtained when body length (BL), withers height (WH) and chest depth (CD) were included in the model for KR goat. Growth traits were positively correlated with each other with the highest correlation coefficients found between BL and BW (r = 0.877, P < 0.01), WH and BW (r = 0.541, P < 0.01), WH and BW (0.661, P < 0.01) and CD and BW (0.738, P < 0.01) in KR, RS, SH and WAD goats, respectively, which are important for a conscious selection and breeding programme for desired traits. Stepwise discriminant procedure showed that WH, CD and BL were the most discriminating variables to separate KR, RS, SH and WAD goats. In accessing morphological diversity, efforts should be made to include phenotypic variables of at least ≥ 3 in order to minimize ambiguity in classification. Based on the pair-wise distances from the Discriminant function, the study provided informed decision, reference information on goat breeding and conservation strategy.

Oxidative stress is a chemical stress caused by imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of organisms to absorb their excess. It is extremely dangerous because affected animals may not exhibit physical symptom(s). It induces a stress with cellular damage that if not adequately restored by antioxidant makes the organism sensitive to serious degenerative disorders. Against this background, a study on oxidative stress in Kalahari Red (KR), West African Dwarf (WAD) and KalaWAD goats fed graded levels of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) powder (TP) during pregnancy and after kidding was evaluated. Forty five goats comprising of 15 goats/breed and divided into five goats per/breed/treatment were used. Dietary treatments which included concentrate diet (CD) as TM-0; CD+2g/kg TP as TM-2; and CD+5g/kg TP as TM-5 were fed for 162days. Blood samples were collected from the goats at the beginning of the experiment; 1st and 2nd trimesters; and within 24hrs after kidding for determination of antioxidant enzymes activities like Superoxide dismutase (SOD); Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px); Glutathione (GSH); Thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) and Cortisol spectrophotometrically. Results obtained revealed that WAD goats had highest (p<0.05) reduction by 3.57u/mL for TBARS. The KR goats had increment (p<0.05) by 1.56u/mL for GSH-Px and decrease (p<0.05) by 1.78ng/mL for cortisol concentration. SOD was increased (p<0.05) by 0.50u/ml for KalaWAD goats. TP inclusion at 2g/kg improved (p<0.05) values for SOD (1.21u/mL) and GSH-Px (0.85u/mL), while GSH (2.28u/mL) was improved by TP inclusion at 5g/kg. KalaWAD goats fed TM-2 had highest (p<0.05) reduction in TBARS value by 2.70u/mL, whereas KalaWAD goats fed TM-5 had improved (p<0.05) value for SOD (1.91u/mL). KR goats fed TM-2 and TM-5 had improvement and reduction in the values of GSH-Px by 5.41u/mL and cortisol concentration by 2.93ng/mL respectively. It is concluded that breeds of goat, turmeric powder inclusion and their interaction influenced oxidative stress and cortisol concentration.     Le stress oxydatif est un stress chimique causé par un déséquilibre entre la production de radicaux libres et la capacité des organismes à absorber leur excès. C'est extrêmement dangereux car les animaux affectés peuvent ne pas présenter de symptôme(s) physique(s). Il induit un stress avec des dommages cellulaires qui, s'il n'est pas correctement restauré par des antioxydants, rend l'organisme sensible à de graves troubles dégénératifs. Dans ce contexte, une étude sur le stress oxydatif chez les chèvres Kalahari Red (KR), West African Dwarf (WAD) et Kala WAD nourries à des niveaux gradués de poudre de curcuma (Curcuma longa L.) (TP) pendant la grossesse et après la mise bas a été évaluée. Quarante-cinq chèvres comprenant 15 chèvres/race et divisées en cinq chèvres par/race/traitement ont été utilisées. Traitements diététiques qui comprenaient un régime concentré (RC) en tant que TM-0 ; CD+2g/kg TP comme TM-2 ; et CD+5g/kg de TP sous forme de TM-5 ont été nourris pendant 162 jours. Des échantillons de sang ont été prélevés sur les chèvres au début de l'expérience; 1er et 2e trimestres ; et dans les 24 heures après la blague pour la détermination des activités des enzymes antioxydantes comme le superoxyde dismutase (SOD) ; Glutathion peroxydase (GSH-Px); glutathion (GSH); Substances réactives thiobarbituriques (TBARS) et cortisol par spectrophotométrie. Les résultats obtenus ont révélé que les chèvres WAD présentaient la réduction la plus élevée (p<0,05) de 3,57u/mL pour les TBARS. Les chèvres KR ont augmenté (p<0,05) de 1,56u/mL pour le GSH-Px et diminué (p<0,05) de 1,78ng/mL pour la concentration de cortisol. La SOD a été augmentée (p<0,05) de 0,50 u/ml pour les chèvres KalaWAD. L'inclusion de TP à 2g/kg a amélioré (p<0,05) les valeurs de SOD (1,21u/mL) et de GSH-Px (0,85u/mL), tandis que le GSH (2,28u/mL) a été amélioré par l'inclusion de TP à 5g/kg. Les chèvres KalaWAD nourries au TM-2 présentaient la réduction la plus élevée (p<0,05) de la valeur TBARS de 2,70u/mL, tandis que les chèvres KalaWAD nourries au TM-5 avaient une valeur améliorée (p<0,05) pour la SOD (1,91u/mL). Les chèvres KR nourries avec TM-2 et TM-5 ont eu une amélioration et une réduction des valeurs de GSH-Px de 5,41u/mL et de la concentration de cortisol de 2,93ng/mL respectivement. Il est conclu que les races de chèvres, l'inclusion de poudre de curcuma et leur interaction ont influencé le stress oxydatif et la concentration de cortisol.

Genetic improvement of goat breeds in growth and other traits (e.g. milk production) is limited by the demographics of the goat herds, extensive production system and the seemingly long-term nature of improvement through traditional genetics and breeding methods. We studied the genetic morphometry in Nigerian goats and South African Kalahari Red goat breeds. A total of 192 goats belonging to three Nigerian breeds (Red Sokoto (RS), Sahel (SH) and West African Dwarf (WAD)) and one South African Kalahari Red (KR) goat breed were analysed. Animals were classified into four age groups: A group – less than 1 year, B group – between 1 and 2 years, C group – between 2 and 3 years and C group – older than 3 years based on dentition. Analysis of variance, correlation matrix, regression and discriminant analyses were used to evaluate morphological variability. Results revealed that the effect of breed on the measured morphometric traits was significant (P < 0.05). The best prediction equation for body weight (BW) with R2 = 0.84 was obtained when body length (BL), withers height (WH) and chest depth (CD) were included in the model for KR goat. Growth traits were positively correlated with each other with the highest correlation coefficients found between BL and BW (r = 0.877, P < 0.01), WH and BW (r = 0.541, P < 0.01), WH and BW (0.661, P < 0.01) and CD and BW (0.738, P < 0.01) in KR, RS, SH and WAD goats, respectively, which are important for a conscious selection and breeding programme for desired traits. Stepwise discriminant procedure showed that WH, CD and BL were the most discriminating variables to separate KR, RS, SH and WAD goats. In accessing morphological diversity, efforts should be made to include phenotypic variables of at least ≥ 3 in order to minimize ambiguity in classification. Based on the pair-wise distances from the Discriminant function, the study provided informed decision, reference information on goat breeding and conservation strategy.