Search Results (37)

Animal growth involves changes in size with age and is associated with environmental factors. The aim was to conduct a study of a representative group of the Santandereana Creole goat breed to evaluate morphometric allometry according to sex. A sample of 23 males and 76 females, ranged 8–72 and 8–84 months of age respectively, was studied. Morphometric allometry was evaluated using 30 linear characters. A Mann–Whitney test assessed right- and left-side differences in horns (length and perimeter) and ears (length and width). A one-way PERMANOVA, using Gower distances, assessed sex differences. Principal component analysis (PCA) using a var-covar matrix identified the most discriminating traits. A one-way ANCOVA, using loadings at PC1, was performed to compare allometric trends between sexes. Differences between sexes were observed in linear traits (p = 0.0101) and indices (p = 0.0364). No differences were observed between the right and left sides in horns and ears. Differences were observed in size, with body weight, body length, thoracic perimeter, and horn length (right/left) being the most discriminating values reflecting sexual dimorphism of size. The indexes corroborated the larger size of males, especially in relation to skull width, rump length, chest depth, and body weight. Detected differences may reflect variations in the development of skeletal maturity. The indexes confirm that the Santandereana Creole goat is an animal with a tendency for meat production, with larger males and brachycephalic features due to the shape of the head. Discriminatory measures can be considered as parameters of interest for preserving the breed and establishing genetic improvement programs. Full article

Bovine leukemia virus (BLV), an oncogenic retrovirus of the genus Deltaretrovirus, causes enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL), the most prevalent neoplastic disease in cattle and a major source of economic loss. While BLV prevalence has been studied in commercial breeds, data on native Latin American cattle remain limited. This study assessed BLV infection and proviral load in 244 animals from six native breeds: Argentine Creole (CrAr), Patagonian Argentine Creole (CrArPat), Pampa Chaqueño Creole (CrPaCh), Bolivian Creole from Cochabamba (CrCoch), Saavedreño Creole (CrSaa), and Siboney (Sib), sampled across Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Cuba. BLV-CoCoMo-qPCR-2 assay detected BLV provirus in 76 animals (31.1%), with a mean load of 9923 copies per 10⁵ cells (range: 1–79,740). Infection rates varied significantly by breed (9.8% in CrAr to 83.8% in CrPaCh) and country (15.6% in Argentina to 83.8% in Paraguay) (p = 9.999 × 10⁻⁵). Among positives, 57.9% exhibited low proviral load (≤1000 copies), and 13.2% showed moderate levels (1001–9999), suggesting potential resistance to EBL progression. This is the first comprehensive report of BLV proviral load in Creole cattle across Latin America, offering novel epidemiological insights and highlighting the importance of native breeds in BLV surveillance. Full article

Reproductive biotechnologies, such as embryo transfer (ET) and fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI), are increasingly adopted to enhance genetic progress in tropical cattle production systems. However, the high prevalence of reproductive infectious diseases in tropical regions may compromise reproductive outcomes. This study evaluated the impact of eight reproductive pathogens (Neospora caninum, Leptospira spp., Anaplasma spp., Babesia spp., Trypanosoma spp., BVDV, IBR, and BLV) on pregnancy success, embryonic loss, and abortion in 296 bovine females subjected to ET and FTAI in Huila, Colombia. Animals were classified into six genetic groups and monitored for pregnancy at 45 and 90 days post-treatment. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between disease prevalence and reproductive outcomes. Neospora caninum emerged as the most detrimental pathogen, significantly reducing pregnancy rates (OR = 0.443; p = 0.034) and increasing both embryonic loss (OR = 7.35; p = 0.073) and abortion risk (ET: OR = 20.3; p = 0.0002; FTAI: OR = 3.95; p = 0.0436). Leptospira spp. and BLV were also associated with increased embryonic losses, whereas Babesia spp. and IBR were linked to a reduced risk of embryo resorption because of enhanced care, monitoring, or vaccination. Creole cattle showed lower disease susceptibility than crossbred or commercial breeds. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive disease control, targeted vaccination, and reproductive planning to improve biotechnology outcomes in tropical cattle systems. Full article

Peruvian Creole goats (PCGs) represent a unique genetic resource shaped by adaptation to diverse environments and traditional breeding practices. In this study, we performed a genomic analysis of six regional populations (Ancash, Ica, Lambayeque, Lima, Piura, and Tumbes) using high-density SNP genotype data. Principal component analysis revealed a moderate genetic structure, with the Ica population showing clear separation and northern populations exhibiting overlap. Runs of homozygosity were predominantly short, and specific regions on chromosome 6 were shared across populations. Inbreeding coefficients were generally low, with Ancash showing the highest values. Linkage disequilibrium decayed rapidly over genetic distance, especially in Piura, indicating higher genetic diversity. Estimates of effective population size revealed decreasing trends across populations, with Piura maintaining the largest recent population size. These findings offer valuable insights into the population structure of Peruvian Creole goats, providing guidance for conservation and sustainable breeding efforts. Full article

The objective of this study was to characterize the sexual behavior and reproductive performance of Colombian Creole bulls from the Romosinuano (ROM) and Costeño con Cuernos (CCC) breeds, to support their strategic use in tropical production systems and sire selection programs. A standardized sexual behavior test, including nine behavioral indicators, was conducted over a 15 min observation period to assess libido and service capacity. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between the breeds in terms of the frequency of urination and mounting behaviors. ROM bulls exhibited a more uniform and rapid behavioral response, while CCC bulls showed greater individual variability and a broader behavioral repertoire, with courtship behaviors—such as smelling, the Flehmen reflex, and butting—strongly associated with ejaculation events. Libido scores were high in both breeds, with 80.35% of bulls rated as very good to excellent. CCC bulls also achieved mounts more frequently within the first five minutes of exposure. Additionally, bull age was inversely associated with mounting time (p < 0.05), suggesting that maturity and sexual experience influence behavioral efficiency. These findings represent the first quantitative assessment of sexual behavior in CCC bulls and provide comparative insights with ROM bulls, highlighting the functional reproductive potential of Colombian Creole bulls under low-input tropical conditions. Full article

Geometric morphometrics is performed on different species in different contexts. Here, the aim was to investigate morphological differences in the head of the Sanmartinero Creole bovine to examine head shape variations between sexes using geometric morphometric methods. A sample of cranial pictures of 43 animals (13 males and 30 females) was obtained, and form (size + shape) was studied by means of geometric morphometric techniques using a set of 14 landmarks. This approach eliminated potential dietary effects, ensuring that the observed shape variations were primarily due to intrinsic morphological differences. Sexual dimorphism was found in form (for both size and shape) of the head of the Sanmartinero Creole bovine breed. Males had significantly larger heads based on centroid size (U = 714, p = 0.0004), confirming true sexual size differences, and Principal Component Analysis revealed overlapping head shapes with sexual dimorphism concentrated at midline sagittal landmarks (between the most rostral and caudal orbit points) and paired lateral points, indicating that males have broader and longer heads. The two evaluated characters (head size and shape) are of special interest for the conservation of the breed, especially in those cases whose objectives are to maintain the uniqueness, distinctiveness, and uniformity of the populations. This study analyzed animals subjected to the same feeding program, ensuring the elimination of additional variables. Full article

This study provides a comparative analysis of the post-thaw sperm lipidomic profiles of Alpine and Spanish–Creole goat breeds to explore breed-specific differences in fatty acid composition and their implications for sperm function and reproductive efficiency. Lipids were extracted from cryopreserved semen samples of Alpine (n = 7) and Spanish–Creole (n = 4) mature bucks and subsequently analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), with 21 fatty acids identified within the two breeds. Eight of these fatty acids, namely 13:0, 16:0, 18:0, 24:0, 14:1, 18:1 (cis-9), 24:1, and 18:2 showed significant differences (p < 0.05). The levels of 16:0, 18:0, 24:0, 18:1 (cis-9), 18:1, and 18:2 were higher in the Alpine breed, whereas the levels of 13:0, 14:1, and 24:1 were higher in the Spanish–Creole breed (p < 0.05). Of those, 16:0, 18:1 (cis-9), and 18:2 were both statistically and biologically significant (p < 0.05, FC > 2). Concentrations of the total fatty acids, total saturated fatty acids (Total-SFA), and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (Total-PUFA) were significantly higher in the Alpine breed, whereas the concentrations of the total cis-monounsaturated fatty acid (Total cis-MUFA) were significantly higher in the Spanish–Creole breed (p < 0.05). Network and pathway analyses revealed that 16:0, 18:1 (cis-9), and 18:2 contributed to the most central nodes of the lipidomic network, which may support membrane stability and cryotolerance. The lipidomic differences observed between breeds may be attributed to both genetic and environmental factors and may provide valuable tools for enhancing breeding strategies, artificial insemination programs, and sperm cryopreservation techniques. Full article

Creole pigs (Sus scrofa domestica), descendants of Iberian breeds, possess significant genetic and cultural importance but are under-researched and at risk due to the dominance of improved breeds for commercial production. The aim of this study was to identify the most representative body morphometric measurements for the differentiation of two Creole pig breeds, using statistical and machine learning methods. A sample of “Casco de Mula” (n = 54) and San Pedreño (n = 30) Creole pigs, aged between 2 and 6 months, belonging to seven traditional farms located in the department of Meta (Colombia), was studied. A total of 14 morphometric variables were recorded, as well as the animal’s sex. Four algorithms—linear discriminant analysis, quadratic discriminant analysis, logistic regression, and classification trees—were used to classify the breeds. The results indicated that head width, height at the withers, and right ear length measurements could be used to differentiate the “Casco de Mula” and San Pedreño Creole pigs. The decision tree was the most accurate algorithm (accuracy = 92%, sensitivity = 96%, specificity = 83%, and Matthews correlation coefficient = 0.82), and its performance can be improved by increasing the number of animals. Non-parametric supervised learning methods like decision trees can be used to morphometrically differentiate Creole pigs raised in the same or different environments in order to characterize animal genetic resources. Full article

The production of backyard chickens is an activity of great importance in the economy of rural families in Paraguay. The Rustipollos population was created through directed crosses between a commercial meat line and a local population belonging to non-specific breeds but phenotypically assimilated to Creole breeds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity, relationship, and structure of Rustipollos using 29 microsatellite markers. Analysis was performed on 50 Rustipollos animals and 926 other individuals as reference breeds/populations from Europe, Africa, South, and North America. A total of 318 alleles were detected, with a mean of 10.97 per locus. The polymorphic information content indicated that 80% of all loci were highly to moderately informative. Only two breeds/populations showed loci that did not deviate from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. The results of genetic diversity indexes suggested moderate levels of genetic variability in Rustipollos population and low inbreeding level. The genetic differentiation index indicates a high genetic differentiation between populations. The results of the Neighbor-Net tree and STRUCTURE analyses indicate the existence of distinct gene pools, with some genetic relationships between Rustipollos, the commercial chicken strain, and south Spanish breeds. The Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components confirmed the observed genetic distances between breeds/populations. The results will be useful for sustainable use and official recognition of this population. Full article

Variations in the size of animals of the same species but of different sex are called sexual size dimorphism. The aim of this study was to compare the biometrics between males and females of the Sanmartinero creole bovine, of Colombia, to establish if sexual dimorphism appears in the breed. A total of 94 animals (16 uncastrated males and 78 females, average age of 4.3 ± 1.4 and 4.2 ± 2.3 years, respectively) from three different farms were measured. A total of 21 linear variables were obtained using standard morphometric methods and live weight. A one-way NPMANOVA was used to evaluate between sexes, ages, and farms, a Principal Component Analysis was used to detect the most discriminating variables, and a multivariate regression used age as an independent value. Statistically significant differences were reflected between sexes (p = 0.033) and not by age and farms. The variables that differentiated the most between males and females were those related to size (thoracic circumference, body length, dorso-sternal diameter, height at the withers, height at the rump, and horn length), variables that were biased toward males, although only the height at the withers and the rump were the ones that presented statistically significant differences. Full article

The variation in the dimensions of the body of living beings in relation to their size, function, or shape is known as allometry. Allometry studies allow the analysis of the function of body structures and their relationship with the performance and survival of breeds and species. The aim of this study was to describe the ontogenetic characteristics of the weight of certain bone elements of the Sanmartinero creole bovine breed, from an early age (6 months) until maturity. A total of 79 females of the Sanmartinero creole bovine breed with an age range of 0.5 to 10 years were studied. Body measurements were obtained individually using standard procedures: cannon perimeter, thoracic perimeter, body length, withers height, and body weight. Functional and production indices were obtained for animals aged more than 3 years (n = 53): corporal index, anamorphosis index, dactylo thoracic index, and the relative thickness of the cannon. The correlation between body weight and the cannon perimeter showed no trend towards a plateau. In the Sanmartinero creole bovine, therefore, a very early development of the cannon perimeter is detected, which could lead to bone fragility in heavier animals. Therefore, data suggest little harmony with appendicular bone development, i.e., with less robust cannons which are those necessary to support body mass. It is suggested that in genetic improvement programs of the Sanmartinero creole bovine, the measurement of the cannon perimeter, the withers height, and the thoracic perimeter should be considered. Full article

At the beginning of his Creole opus The Grandissimes, George Washington Cable refers to Louisiana as “A land hung in mourning, darkened by gigantic cypresses, submerged; a land of reptiles, silence, shadow, decay”. This anti-pastoral view of Louisiana as an ecosystem of horrific nature and the very human melancholy it breeds is one that has persisted in popular American culture to the present day. However, the literature of Louisiana itself is marked by its creativity in blending elements of folktales, fairy tales, and local color. This paper proposes to examine the transhuman, or the transcendence of the natural by means of supernatural transformation, in folk horror tales of Louisiana. As the locus where the fairy tale meets the burgeoning Southern Gothic, these tales revolve around a reworking of what Vladimir Propp refers to as transfiguration, the physical and metaphysical alteration of the human into something beyond the human. The focus of this paper will be on three recurring figures in Louisiana folk horror: yellow fever, voodoo, and the Devil. Drawing upon works including Alcée Fortier’s collection of Creole folktales Louisiana Folktales (1895), Dr. Alfred Mercier’s “1878”, and various newspaper tales of voodoo ceremonies from the ante- and post-bellum periods, this article brings together theorizations about the fairy tale from Vladimir Propp and Jack Zipes and historiological approaches to the Southern Gothic genre to demonstrate that Louisiana, in its multilingual literary traditions, serves as a nexus where both genres blend uncannily together to create tales that are both geographically specific and yet exist outside of the historical time of non-fantastic fiction. Each of these figures, yellow fever, voodoo, and the Devil, challenges the expectations of what limits the human. Thus, this paper seeks to examine what will be termed the “Louisiana gothic”, a particular blend of fairy-tale timelessness, local color, and the transfiguration of the human. Ultimately, the Louisiana gothic, as expressed in French, English, and Creole, tends toward a view of society in decay, mobilizing these elements of horror and of fairy tales to comment on a society that, after the revolution in Saint-Domingue, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Civil War, was seen as falling into inevitable decline. This commentary on societal decay, expressed through elements of folk horror, sets apart Louisiana gothic as a distinct subgenre that challenges conventions about the structures and functions of the fairy tale. Full article

Several Creole cattle biotypes can be found in the Andean highlands, and most of them are considered as being in risk of extinction. The main aim of the present study was to perform a phenotypic characterization of the Creole cattle in the Andean highlands using bio-morphometric measures and zoometric indices. Individuals from three different biotypes (Black ‘Negro’ (n = 57), Colour-Sided ‘Callejón’ (n = 20), and Brindle ‘Atigrado’ (n = 18)) from an experimental research center located in the Peruvian highlands were enrolled in the study. In total, seventeen morphometric parameters were evaluated and ten zoometric indices were calculated in each biotype. To test the relationship between biometric traits, correlation analyses were carried out between morphometric parameters. Differences were observed regarding different morphometric variables such as head length (HL) and rump length (RL) among cattle biotypes (p ≤ 0.05). The coefficient of variation (CV; %) regarding different morphometric parameters ranged between 11.32 for neck length (NL) and 3.63 for height at withers (HaW), which indicated low–moderate variability among morphometric variables. Differences were observed in the longitudinal pelvic index (LPI) when different zoometric indices were compared among biotypes (p ≤ 0.05). The CV regarding different zoometric indices, which ranged between 10.78 for the cephalic index (CEI) and 5.05 for LPI, indicated low variability among indices. No differences were observed in any other morphometric parameter or zoometric index among cattle biotypes or genders (p > 0.05). Finally, multiple correlations were observed between morphometric variables (p ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, it was determined that Peruvian Andean Creole cattle can be considered as a dairy-related biotype with a slight tendency for beef production (dual-purpose). The great homogeneity regarding zoometric characteristics among biotypes and genders may indicate that the Andean Creole cattle have been maintained quite isolated, avoiding the genetic influence of other foreign breeds. Finally, the phenotypic characterization including bio-morphometric measurements and zoometric indices obtained from the different Creole bovine biotypes is crucial in order to begin different conservation programs to preserve cattle breeds in the Peruvian Andean highlands. Full article

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are a major health problem in tropical goat husbandry. The control of GIN has been nearly exclusively reliant on the use of anthelmintic treatments. Their wide use has provoked the appearance and diffusion of anthelmintic resistance. Therefore, there is a need to use anthelmintics only when they are really needed. This strategy of targeted selective treatment (TST) has been recommended. The selection of animals to be treated has been based either on the objective measures of GIN intensity (fecal nematode egg counts) performed in the laboratory or on indirect assessment such as anemia (FAMACHA©), diarrhea score or weight gains, particularly in sheep. The roughness of hair has also been proposed in goats. These indicators can be handled by the farmer. Their opinion on the importance of GINs, and the indicators that they are ready to accept and use have very rarely been studied. Goat for meat production is important in the French West Indies (especially in Guadeloupe) and GIN infection may significantly alter this production. Eighteen farmers participated in semi-directive interviews in order to appreciate their relation to goat GIN infection and the solutions they considered. Seventeen farms were investigated for fecal nematode egg counts, FAMACHA©, body score, and roughness of hair. The average infection by GINs was high (average fecal egg count 1562 and standard deviation 2028) with a wide range from one farm to another (from 0 to 25,000 eggs of GIN per gram of feces). The Haemonchus genera was predominant (54%), followed by Trichostrongylus (37%) and Oesophagostomum (9%). Young goats were less infected than adult goats since they were not yet grazing; males were more infected than females; and the Creole breed was more infected than the other breeds. Among the farming types, the professional ones were less infected compared with the traditional or mixed agriculture and husbandry farms. Those using targeted selective treatment did not have a significantly higher GIN infection than those treating the whole herd. Most of the characteristics were related and multivariate analysis could not match the intensity of GIN infection with any parameter. The frequency of anthelmintic treatments was negatively related to the use of body score, FAMACHA©, and hair roughness. The use of semi-directive interviews provided a wider understanding of the strategies and problems of farmers. The farmers valued their animals very much and diseases, in general, were a preoccupation, whereas parasites were not a major issue for traditional farmers. This is due to the important use of indicators and the belief in their value that gives comfort to the farmers that the parasites are being controlled. The extension services have well diffused the practice of indicators to the goat farmers of Guadeloupe, with some depending less on anthelmintics to control the gastrointestinal nematodes by using targeted selective treatments. Full article

This study evaluated the influence of environmental temperature on thermoregulation, hormonal, and hematological characteristics in Caracu cattle. Blood samples, hair length, coat and muzzle colors, rectal (RT), and surface temperatures were collected from 48 males and 43 females before (morning) and after sun exposure for eight hours (afternoon). Infrared thermography (IRT) was used to identify superficial temperature that exhibits a high correlation with RT. Hematological parameters, hormone concentrations, RT, and the superficial temperature obtained by IRT that exhibited the highest correlation with RT were evaluated by variance analysis. Regarding IRT, the lower left side of the body (LS) showed the highest correlation with the RT. Interaction between period and sex was observed for LS, cortisol, and eosinophils. Cortisone, progesterone, and RT were influenced by period and sex. Neutrophils and segmented neutrophils were influenced by the period, which showed the highest concentrations after sun exposure. Platelets, leukocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes were influenced by sex. Heat stress changes several physiological characteristics where males and females exhibited differences in their responses to heat stress. Furthermore, most characteristics evaluated remained within the regular values observed for taurine Creole breeds, showing that Caracu is adapted to tropical climates. Full article