The performance of Orma Boran and Maasai Zebu crossbreeds in a trypanosomosis endemic area of Nguruman, south western Kenya

Abstract

<span style="font-family: arial,helvetica;">Studies on the trypanotolerance of Orma Boran X Maasai Zebu (Orma Zebu) crossbred cattle (F1 progeny) and pure-bred Maasai Zebu contemporaries were carried out in Nguruman, south western Kenya. The two groups were monitored from birth for a period of 2 years. The incidence of trypanosomosis, parasitaemia, packed cell volume (PCV), body mass and average daily mass gain were monitored. During the study period, overall trypanosomosis incidence was low (3 %). The crossbred cattle had a higher incidence of infection (61 % vs 39 %). The mean PCV and mean mass gain for the crossbred cattle was higher than that of the Maasai Zebu. The mean calf body mass at weaning (8 months) for the Orma Zebu and Maasai Zebu was 72 kg and 64 kg, respectively, while at 18 months of age their mean body mass was 164 kg and 123 kg, respectively. During the rainy season significant differences in average daily mass gains were noted (<em>P</em> < 0.05). The superior mass gain of the Orma Zebu observed during the rainy season, despite higher infection rates, indicate an enhanced trypanotolerance. Moreover, the better performance of the Orma Zebu is an attribute that could be exploited in the adoption of the trypanotolerance genotype, as a sustainable trypanosomosis control strategy.</span&gt

Haematology of N’Dama and West African Shorthorn cattle herds under natural Trypanosoma vivax challenge in Ghana

“…The trypanotolerant trait is generally attributed to the taurine breeds of cattle in West and Central Africa, namely, the N’Dama and the West African shorthorn (WASH) ( Hoste et al , 1992; Maganga et al , 2017; Mattioli et al , 1998; Mattioli et al , 1999; Roelants, 1986; Trail et al , 1990; Trail et al , 1994). Similar observations have been made for the Orma Boran X Maasai Zebu (Orma Zebu) crossbred cattle in East Africa ( Maichomo et al , 2005; Mwangi et al , 1998a; Mwangi et al , 1998b). Studies have shown that the basis of this trait was associated with the capacity of these animals to develop less severe anaemia in the face of infection ( Berthier et al , 2015; Mattioli et al , 1998; Murray et al , 1982; Murray & Dexter, 1988; Trail et al , 1990).…”

Gene expression profiling in a mouse model for African trypanosomiasis

“…4 A better understanding of trypanotolerance, the ability of some indigenous breeds of cattle and other ruminants to resist sickness despite latent infection, seems to be the most promising approach to disease control. [5][6][7] A mouse model of genetic control of trypanotolerance exists based on A/J as a susceptible strain and C57BL/6 as a tolerant strain. This model is widely accepted and has led to the identification of five major quantitative trait loci (QTL) on mouse chromosomes 1, 5 and 17, associated with survival time.…”

Assessing the Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Effect of Removing Bovine Trypanosomiasis in Eastern Africa

“…A few sources provided information relating to all production systems [32,41], others for the pastoralist systems [42][43][44], for the agro-pastoral and mixed farming systems [29,31,[45][46][47][48][49][50] and for the high milk yield "grade" dairy cattle kept in a separate system alongside indigenous cattle in the agro-pastoral and mixed farming systems [51][52][53]. Table 4.…”