ICARDA Articles in Journals

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Testing the import system again
(Report, 2024-09-15) Orth, Alan S.; Kpodo, Francis
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Chemodiversity and antimicrobial activities of Eucalyptus spp. essential oils
(Journal Article, 2024-08-06) Ammar, Hajer; M’Rabe, Yassine; Hassan, Sawsan; Chahine, Mireille; de Haro Marti, Mario; Soufan, Walid; Andres, Sonia; López Puente, Secundino; Hosni, Karim
The essential oils extracted from the leaves of five Eucalyptus species: E. astringens, E. camaldulensis, E. lehmannii, E. leucoxylon, and E. sideroxylon, were investigated for their antimicrobial properties. These species were growing in the same plantation area, exposed to identical conditions, and subjected to uniform agronomic practices. Processed and analyzed under consistent parameters, the essential oil yields ranged from 0.14 to 0.96% (w/w). Chromatographic analysis were resolved into 48 compounds, with 11 common to all oils. Terpenoids (oxygenated mono- and sesquiterpenes) dominated the oil profiles, constituting 55.66–76.67% of the composition. Major components identified included 1,8-cineole (21.97–50.93%), α-pinene (2.18–15.95%), p-cymene (0.83–15.94%), spathulenol (0–20.49%), globulol (4.09–14.26%), and aromadendrene (2.37–15.03%). Genetically driven interspecific variation in composition was observed through Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), and heatmap clustering. Moreover, distinctive components were identified for each essential oil, offering a valuable tool for discriminating between Eucalyptus species and ensuring authentication and quality control in commercial samples. Results from antimicrobial disc-diffusion assays indicated robust antimicrobial activity in all essential oils, with those derived from E. camaldulensis, E. lehmannii, and E. leucoxylon exhibiting the highest effectiveness.
Farmers' Participation in Messenger-Based Social Groups And Its Effects on Performance in Irrigated Areas of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan
(Journal Article, 2024-11-09) Kurbanov, Zafar; Tadjiev, Abdusame; Djanibekov, Nodir; Govind, Ajit; Akramkhanov, Akmal
he penetration of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in farming communities is increasing the use of smartphone-based instant messaging apps. Despite this, the reasons behind participation and the impact on farm productivity in developing countries remain unexplored. This study uses survey data of cotton growers in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to explore factors explaining participation in social media groups and its impact on farm performance. The results show that the factors and benefits differ across these two countries. Participation in social media groups has a positive effect on cotton yields in both countries, but increases revenue only in Kazakhstan. We discuss possible reasons for contrasting results and policy implications for improving agricultural extension and advisory services in Central Asia. Scaling up smartphone-based e-extension should focus on younger, more educated farmers. Emphasizing associated economic benefits and fostering decision-making autonomy among farmers will be crucial for creating conducive environment for benefiting from e-extension services.
Developing automated machine learning approach for fast and robust crop yield prediction using a fusion of remote sensing, soil, and weather dataset
(Journal Article, 2024-04-25) Kheir, Ahmed M.S.; Govind, Ajit; Nangia, Vinay; Devkota Wasti, Mina; Elnashar, Abdelrazek; Omar, Mohie; Feike, Til
Estimating smallholder crop yields robustly and timely is crucial for improving agronomic practices, determining yield gaps, guiding investment, and policymaking to ensure food security. However, there is poor estimation of yield for most smallholders due to lack of technology, and field scale data, particularly in Egypt. Automated machine learning (AutoML) can be used to automate the machine learning workflow, including automatic training and optimization of multiple models within a userspecified time frame, but it has less attention so far. Here, we combined extensive field survey yield across wheat cultivated area in Egypt with diverse dataset of remote sensing, soil, and weather to predict field-level wheat yield using 22 Ml models in AutoML. The models showed robust accuracies for yield predictions, recording Willmott degree of agreement, (d>0.80) with higher accuracy when super learner (stacked ensemble) was used (R2=0.51, d=0.82). The trained AutoML was deployed to predict yield using remote sensing (RS) vegetative indices (VIs), demonstrating a good correlation with actual yield (R2=0.7). This is very important since it is considered a low-cost tool and could be used to explore early yield predictions. Since climate change has negative impacts on agricultural production and food security with some uncertainties, AutoML was deployed to predict wheat yield under recent climate scenarios from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). These scenarios included single downscaled General Circulation Model (GCM) as CanESM5 and two shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) as SSP2-4.5and SSP5-8.5during the mid-term period (2050). The stacked ensemble model displayed declines in yield of 21% and5%under SSP5-8.5 and SSP2-4.5 respectively during mid-century, with higher uncertainty under the highest emission scenario (SSP5- 8.5). The developed approach could be used as a rapid, accurate and low-cost method to predict yield for stakeholder farms all over the world where ground data is scarce.
Wild Lathyrus—A Treasure of Novel Diversity
(Journal Article, 2024-10-29) Singh, Akanksha; Balech, Rind; Barpete, Surendra; Gupta, Priyanka; Bouhlal, Outmane; Tawkaz, Sawsan; Kaul, Smita; Tripathi, Kuldeep; Amri, Ahmed; Maalouf, Fouad; Gupta, Sanjeev; Agrawal, Shiv Kumar
Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is a climate-smart legume crop with adaptation to fragile agroecosystems. The genus Lathyrus is recognized for its vast genetic diversity, encompassing over 160 species, many of which are cultivated for various purposes across different regions of the world. Among these, Lathyrus sativus is widely cultivated as food, feed, and fodder in South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and the Central and West Asia and North Africa (CWANA) regions. Its global cultivation has declined substantially due to the stigma posed by the presence of neurotoxin β-N-oxalyl-L-α, β-diaminopropionic acid (β-ODAP) in its seeds and green foliage. Overconsumption for a longer period of grasspea seeds harvested from landraces may lead to a neurological disorder called neurolathyrism in humans. ODAP is an obstacle for grasspea expansion, but crop wild relatives (CWRs) have been found to offer a solution. The incorporation of CWRs, particularly Lathyrus cicera, and landraces into breeding programs may reduce the ODAP content in grasspea varieties to a safer level. Recent advances in genomics-assisted breeding have expanded the potential for utilizing challenging CWRs to develop grasspea varieties that combine ultra-low ODAP levels with improved yield, stability, and adaptability. Further progress in omics technologies—such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics—along with genome sequencing and editing, has greatly accelerated the development of grasspea varieties with reduced or zero ODAP content, while also enhancing the plant’s agronomic value. This review highlights the significance of utilizing CWRs in pre-breeding programs, and harnessing advanced tools and technologies to enhance the performance, adaptability, and resilience of grasspea in response to changing environmental conditions.
Local agro-industrial by-products offer feasible options to supplement breeding rams in mixed farming systems of Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2025-03) Belayneh, Tesfa; Asmare, Bimrew; Alkhtib, Ashraf; Wamatu, Jane
The study assessed the supplemental effect of flushing Menz breeding rams with local agro-industrial by-products on their reproductive performance and semen quality. It recommends the use of wheat bran-based supplementation strategies to enhance the reproductive performance, semen quality, and the potential of Menz rams to serve ewes.
Economic values of some important traits for smallholder dairy production in Central Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2024-09-21) Hunde, Direba; Tadesse, Yosef; Tadesse, Million; Biratu, Kasa; Shumiye, Molla; Yadesa, Endale; Wedajo, Fikadu; Getahun, Kefale; Beneberu, Nibo; Gelmesa, Ulfina; Getachew, Tesfaye
Economic value (EV), sensitivity of EV and relative economic importance of milk yield (MY), age at first calving (AFC), calving interval (CI) and herd life (HL) traits were estimated for smallholder dairy cattle production in the central part of Ethiopia. The data on biological and economic parameters were collected using household interview and group discussions methods participating 238 farmers who had crossbred dairy cattle. Bio-economic model was used to calculate EV, sensitivity of EV and relative importance of EV. Cost of animal feed takes the highest share which accounted 81.35% of the total expenditure. The overall average profit per farmer expressed in Ethiopia currency (ETB, 1 US-$ = 39.55696 ETB) was 72,458.10 ± 5068 per year. Profitability of crossbred dairy cattle significantly varied (P < 0.05) between zones. Economic value estimated for MY, AFC, CI and HL in ETB were 13.38/kg, -16.19/day, -33.58/day and 79.55/day. The associated EV per additive standard deviation were 6083.62, -1311.59, -1271.05 and 117.73 ETB for MY, AFC, CI and HL, respectively. Analysis of sensitivity to scenario change (± 20%) showed that milk price had positive association with profit and EV, whereas feed price has inversely influenced both profit and EV. The profit obtained by farmers was altered by ± 29.08% and ± 12.31% as milk price and feed price fluctuated by ± 20%, respectively. Similarly, the EV of MY was changed by ± 20% with change in milk price and ± 7% with feed price. Scenario change in feed price (± 20%) has also caused ± 13.63% change on EV for AFC and ± 17.58% for CI. It can be noted that profit and EV of the traits were less sensitive to the change in price of milk, feed and labor. In general, the results of EV and profitability were encouraging for dairy farmers and the estimates can be used as an input for development of breeding program in the study area.
Evaluating Flock Dynamics, Offtake-rate, and Farmers’ Perception on Benefits of Community Based Breeding Program in Doyogena District, Central Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2024-03-20) Jimma, Addisu; Melesse, Aberra; Haile, Aynalem; Getachew, Tesfaye
The community-based breeding program (CBBP) is currently active in implementing indigenous breed improvement strategies to achieve genetic progress, economic benefits, and livelihood improvements for smallholders in the pioneer sheep breed improvement cooperatives in Ethiopia. Although the Doyogena sheep CBBP is one of the well-performing breeding cooperatives, there is a lack of up-to-date information regarding farmer perspectives on morphological and reproductive changes (such as conformation, coat color, litter size, growth, and lambing interval), socio-economic benefits, off-take, flock structure, and trends since the CBBP started. To address this gap, a study involving 260 randomly selected farmers, with 130 being CBBP members and 130 non-members owning sheep from similar locations, was conducted. The results revealed significant differences (p<0.05) in various aspects between CBBP members and non-members. CBBP participants showed higher numbers of lambs below 3 months, male lambs between 3-6 months, intact males between 6-12 months, breeding rams, mature ewes, and the mean flock size of sheep at the household level. The major routes of sheep entry into the flocks were birth (81%), and purchase (17%). The total number of entries and births was higher (p < 0.05) in CBBP members (284 vs. 240) than in non-members (148 vs. 112). The off-take rate, representing the proportion of sheep exits from the flock, was significantly higher (p<0.05) in CBBP members (36.45%) compared to non-members (17.35%). Factors such as CBBP participation, gender of the household head, age, flock size, and farm land size influenced flock dynamics and off-take rates. The CBBP was attributed to performance improvements in traits such as growth, coat color, litter size, survival, and lambing interval. Moreover, the program had a positive influence on economic benefits, as CBBP members reported higher annual income from sheep-related activities. This income played a crucial role in supporting farmers’ livelihoods, contributing to house maintenance and providing food for households. In conclusion, the study highlights the positive influence of the Doyogena CBBP on farmers’ livelihoods, thus suggesting the need to scale up the program to benefit a broader community.
Community-based breeding programs can realize sustainable genetic gain and economic benefits in tropical dairy cattle systems
(Journal Article) Hunde, Direba; Tadesse, Yosef; Tadesse, Million; Guangul, Solomon; Getachew, Tesfaye
Implementing an appropriate breeding program is crucial to control fluctuation in performance, enhance adaptation, and further improve the crossbred population of dairy cattle. Five alternative breeding programs (BPs) were modeled considering available breeding units in the study area, the existing crossbreeding practices, and the future prospects of dairy research and development in Ethiopia. The study targeted 143,576 crossbred cows of 54,822 smallholder households in the Arsi, West Shewa, and North Shewa zones of the Oromia Region, as well as the North Shewa zone of the Amhara Region. The alternative BPs include conventional on-station progeny testing (SPT), conventional on-farm progeny testing (FPT), conventional on-station and on-farm progeny testing (SFPT), genomic selection (GS), and genomic progeny testing (GPT). Input parameters for modeling the BPs were taken from the analysis of long-term data obtained from the Holetta Agricultural Research Center and a survey conducted in the study area. ZPLAN+ software was used to predict estimates of genetic gain (GG) and discounted profit for goal traits. The predicted genetic gains (GGs) for milk yield (MY) per year were 34.52 kg, 49.63 kg, 29.35 kg, 76.16 kg, and 77.51 kg for SPT, FPT, SFPT, GS, and GPT, respectively. The GGs of the other goal traits range from 0.69 to 1.19 days per year for age at first calving, from 1.20 to 2.35 days per year for calving interval, and from 0.06 to 0.12 days per year for herd life. Compared to conventional BPs, genomic systems (GPT and GS) enhanced the GG of MY by 53%–164%, reduced generation interval by up to 21%, and improved the accuracy of test bull selection from 0.33 to 0.43. The discounted profit of the BPs varied from 249.58 Ethiopian Birr (ETB, 1 USD = 39.55696 ETB) per year in SPT to 689.79 ETB per year in GS. Genomic selection outperforms SPT, SFPT, and FPT by 266, 227%, and 138% of discounted profit, respectively. Community-based crossbreeding accompanied by GS and gradual support with progeny testing (GPT) is recommended as the main way forward to attain better genetic progress in dairy farms in Ethiopia and similar scenarios in other tropical countries.
A Blueprint for Building Resilience and Food Security in MENA and SSA Drylands: Diversifying Agriculture With Neglected and Underutilized Species
(Journal Article, 2025-01) Devkota, Krishna; Devkota Wasti, Mina; Mabhaudi, Tafadzwanashe; Nangia, Vinay; Attaher, Samar; Jean Boroto, Ruhiza; Timsina, Jagadish; Siddique, Kadambot H M
Drylands, encompassing 41% of global land and supporting over 2 billion people, face significant challenges, including water scarcity, extreme temperatures, and soil degradation. Dryland spans vast areas of Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) regions and poses a threat to food security and resilience. This study examines the potential of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) to improve dryland food and nutrition security, focusing on their agronomic performance, water productivity, economic viability, and nutritional benefits. Using long-term data from FAOSTAT, USDA Food Data Central, and peer-reviewed literature, we analyzed trends in the cultivation, yield, and nutritional contributions of 26 NUS across 22 countries in the MENA region comparing them with major staples—rice, wheat, and maize. Between 1961 and 2022, NUS crop areas in MENA fluctuated, decreasing by 7.0% since 2018 to 21.17 Mha. Despite this, NUS demonstrated superior water productivity—up to 30% higher than major cereals. For instance, sorghum and cowpea achieved 2.5 kg/m3 compared to maize (0.83 kg/m3) and wheat (0.91 kg/m3) and exhibited strong heat tolerance, withstanding temperatures of up to 42°C and 38°C, respectively. Despite a negative trade balance, NUS significantly contributed to dietary calories, surpassing wheat. A field experiment in Merchouch, Morocco, confirmed that NUS offered a higher economic value per unit than wheat, and outperformed conventional crops across key indicators. Integrating NUS into dryland farming systems can enhance food security, sustainability, and resilience to climate change. Advancing NUS requires breeding programs, tailored good agricultural practices, value addition and market linkage, supportive policies, and farmer education. Collaborative efforts among international organizations, governments, and civil society are crucial to mainstreaming NUS in agrifood systems and contributing to the diversity, sustainability, and resilience of dryland farming systems in MENA and SSA regions.
Impact of Dried Thyme Leaf Meal on Production Performance, Egg Quality and Blood Parameters of Laying Hens
(Journal Article, 2025-01-01) Yasin, Abdulwahid; Tamiru, Metekia; Alkhtib, Ashraf; Mohammed, Abdo; Tadesse, Tagesse; Wamatu, Jane; Burton, Emily
Background The use of commercially extracted phytogenic compounds to maintain poultry health and productivity in the absence of in-feed antibiotics is prohibitively costly in developing countries. Objectives The goal of the study is to determine the effect of dietary supplementation with Thymus schimperi leaf meal (TLM) on production performance, egg quality and haemato-biochemical parameters of Bovan brown layers. Methods A total of 96 laying hens at 25 weeks of age were randomly assigned to 4 treatments with 6 replications each. The treatments include the control (standard commercial laying diet), TLM1.5 (control + 1.5% TLM), TLM2.5 (control + 2.5% TLM) and TLM3.5 (control + 3.5% TLM). Egg production, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were recorded for each replicate. Two eggs per replication were used to measure internal and external egg quality traits on a monthly basis. At the end of the trial, blood samples were collected from 2 birds/replicate for the determination of albumin, uric acid, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, luteinizing hormone, prolactin and progesterone. Results All blood parameters were within the normal ranges of the breed. Egg production, feed conversion ratio, internal egg quality traits and external egg quality traits of hens fed diets containing 2.5% TLM were significantly higher than the control. Furthermore, diets containing 2.5% TLM led to a significantly reduced feed conversion ratio compared to all other dietary treatments. Conclusions In conclusion, 2.5% TML is recommended to improve egg production and egg quality without adverse effect on hen health
Climate change and agronomic management: Addressing wheat yield gaps and sustainability challenges in the Mediterranean and MENA regions
(Journal Article, 2025-03) Tita, Davide; Mahdi, Karrar; Devkota, Krishna; Devkota Wasti, Mina
Wheat is a crucial crop for food and nutritional security in Mediterranean and MENA regions, yet it faces significant challenges due to high yield variability, low average productivity, and substantial yield gaps. This highlights the urgent need for improved agricultural practices to enhance its productivity and resilience. The region's climate climate change, soil degradation, and water supply variability significantly impact wheat production, requiring innovative and integrated solutions to minimize yield gaps and improve sustainability.
The Dynamics of Food Demand in Algeria: A Differential System Approach
(Journal Article, 2024-12-17) Benmehaia, Mohamed Amine; Dhehibi, Boubaker
In Algeria, it happens that the quantitative assessment of food consumption patterns is less present in analytical studies of demand. The food consumption pattern has undergone since independence (1962) radical and even drastic changes, and this is due to a multitude of factors of various origins. The most important aspect is the confrontation of traditional patterns (before nineteenth century) with the advent of the modernity (since the colonization era). According to Chikhi & Padilla (2014), modernity is gaining ground and acquiring greater shares over tradition in an increasingly globalized national market.
Identification of hydrologically homogenous watersheds and climate-vegetation dynamics in the Blue Nile Basin of Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2024-03-01) Mihret, Temesgen; Zimale, Fasikaw A; Abeyou, Abeyou; D. Ayalew, Ayenew; Fohrer, Nicola
Identification of hydrologically homogenous watersheds in the Upper Blue Nile Basin of Ethiopia is challenging due to the large number of watersheds and the lack of consistent and reliable data. Traditional methods, such as expert-based classification, are time-consuming, subjective, and often not reproducible. Therefore, this study aims to identify homogenous gauged watersheds using hydrometeorological and remote sensing data. In this study 76 watersheds were delineated from a 30-m digital elevation model (SRTM-DEM). Twelve watershed characteristics were selected to aid the classification process. Three homogenous climate regions were identified using rainfall data from 42 stations, and for each homogeneous climate region, gauged watersheds were identified. Principal component analysis (PCA) and K-means clustering were used for classification. The PCA reduced 12 watershed characteristics into three principal components using a threshold of 80% accounted variance and eigenvalues greater than one. K-means clustering classified the 76 watersheds into nine homogenous clusters. In the classified regions, vegetation dynamics within three decades have also been analyzed. This helped identify trends in vegetation cover and its spatial and temporal dynamics. The results of the investigation will potentially be used for runoff prediction of ungauged watersheds and for water resource management models in the future.
Performance evaluations of CMIP6 model simulations and future projections of rainfall and temperature in the Bale Eco-Region, Southern Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2024-06-01) Gashaw, Temesgen; Abeyou, Abeyou; Teferi Taye, Meron; Belay Lakew, Haileyesus; Seid, Abdulkarim; Haileslassie, Amare
Identifying best performing climate models is indispensable for better understanding of the future climate and its impact as well as for planning effective climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. This research aims to identify the best performing Global Climate Models (GCMs) products from the Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) in simulating rainfall and temperature in the Bale Eco-Region (BER), Southern Ethiopia. In this study, evaluations were performed for ten CMIP6 GCMs against observed and reanalysis rainfall and temperature products in terms of how well the GCMs reproduce rainfall, maximum temperature (Tmax) and minimum temperature (Tmin) from daily to annual temporal scales during 1995–2014 period. Performance evaluations were performed using the Comprehensive Rating Index (CRI), which is based on four statistical metrics. The best performing CMIP6 model(s) were bias-corrected by Distribution Mapping (DM) for future climate analysis at different agro-ecological zones (AEZs) and at the eco-region level. The study used projections of climate variables in the near future (2021–2040), mid-century (2041–2060) and late century (2081–2100) periods. Three shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP2-4.5, SSP3-7.0, and SSP5-8.5) were considered as future climate scenarios. The result indicated that BCC-CSM2-MR, CNRM-CM6-1 and MRI-ESM2-0 are relatively better for simulating the rainfall climatology of the BER from the daily to annual temporal scales. EC-Earth3, Ec-Earth3-Veg and MPI-ESM1-2-LR are also comparatively better for simulating Tmax while CNRM-CM6-1, EC-Earth3-Veg and EC-Earth3 outperformed for simulating Tmin in the studied temporal scales. After careful evaluations, climate change analysis was performed using the ensemble mean of BCC-CSM2-MR, CNRM-CM6-1 and MRI-ESM2-0 for rainfall, EC-Earth3 for Tmax and the ensemble mean of CNRM-CM6-1 and EC-Earth3-Veg for Tmin. Accordingly, the annual rainfall is expected to decrease in the near future in the three scenarios in the alpine (2–5%), temperate (11–14%) and sub-tropical (7–9%) AEZs as well as the BER spatial scales (2–5%), but rainfall is expected to increase in the late century period. In contrast, rainfall is expected to increase in the tropical AEZ in both the near future (3–11%) and late century (25–45%) periods. In the mid-century period, rainfall is expected to increase in the tropical AEZ in all the three scenarios, but it exhibits different directions of changes in the remaining AEZs and BER scale at different scenarios. The finding also revealed an expected increase in both Tmax and Tmin in the different AEZs as well as the BER scale, but the projected temperature increase is high in temperate AEZ. The projected increase of rainfall in the near future in tropical AEZ may reduce the frequently occurring droughts mainly in the lowland parts of the BER. Conversely, the reductions of rainfall in the remaining AEZs may introduce challenges for agriculture, water resources as well as endemic animals. The findings of this study justifies the need for climate models evaluation for each climate variables in order to choose the most appropriate models for localized climate change impact and adaptation studies. In addition, this study also suggested projections of future climate for different AEZs for better decision-making process for the specific AEZs.
Application of Irrigation Management and Water-Lifting Technologies to Enhance Fodder Productivity in Smallholder Farming Communities: A Case Study in Robit Bata, Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2024-05-17) A. Hussein, Misbah; T. Riga, Fikadu; Bezabih, Melkamu; T. Assefa, Tewodros; Abeyou, Abeyou; Haileslassie, Amare; Adie, Abera; Jones, Chris; Tilahun, Seifu A
Small-scale cultivation of irrigated fodder is emerging as a vital production system in mixed farming communities. Efficient water management plays a key role in enhancing forage production, especially in the face of changing climate. A field-scale experimental study was conducted in Robit Bata kebele, Ethiopia, with the following objectives: (1) to examine the effects of conventional farmers’ irrigation scheduling versus climate-based irrigation scheduling; and (2) to assess the influence of water-lifting technologies (manual pulley and solar Majipump) on dry matter yield (DMY), water productivity (WP), irrigation labor productivity (ILP), and water productivity in terms of crude protein and metabolizable energy (WP.CP and WP.ME) of Napier grass. The experiment used 10 farmers’ plots each with a size of 100 m2. Half of the plots were treated using farmers’ scheduling while the other half were treated using climate-based irrigation scheduling. Monitoring of irrigation water use and crop yield took place over two irrigation seasons from November 2020 to June 2021. Results showed there was an interaction effect of irrigation management (p = 0.019) and water-lifting technologies (p = 0.016) with season on DMY. The highest DMY occurred in the first irrigation season with climate-based scheduling and solar Majipump use. The interaction effect of irrigation management and season affected WP (p = 0.047). Climate-based scheduling had a higher WP in the first season, while farmers’ scheduling had a higher WP during the second season. On average, the solar Majipump outperformed the pulley, achieving 5 kg m−3 WP compared to the pulley’s 4 kg m−3 (p = 0.018). Emphasizing the seasonal impact, it is recommended to promote full irrigation (climate-based) in the first season for maximum yield and WP. Conversely, in the second season, advocating only deficit irrigation is advised due to water scarcity and sustainability concerns. Statistical parity in DMY and lower WP with full irrigation in the second season supports this recommendation, addressing the challenge of optimizing water use in the context of a changing climate and ensuring sustainable smallholder agriculture practices. Therefore, implementing appropriate irrigation management alongside efficient water-lifting technologies holds the potential to enhance fodder productivity and bolster smallholder farmers’ livelihoods. Future research should explore the comparative benefits of irrigated fodder versus other crops and the overall advantages of investing in irrigated fodder over vegetables.
Reproductive performance and productivity of local and Dorper x local crossbred ewes under community-based management system, Ethiopia
(Journal Article, 2023-09-08) Abebe, Ayele; Berhane, Gebreyohannes; Getachew, Tesfaye; Gizaw, Solomon; Haile, Aynalem
This study evaluated the reproductive and productivity of local and Dorper crossbred ewes in a community-based management system. We analyzed data collected from 2013 to 2021, taking into account different factors such as dam-breed, location, type of birth, season, and year of lambing. Lambing was observed all year-round, but the majority (35%) occurred in September, October, and December. This suggests that pasture availability, which is influenced by climatic-factors, may play a role in the seasonality of lambing. Litter-size at birth and weaning did not show any significant difference. Age at first lambing varied between breeds (P < 0.001), while lambing-interval and annual reproductive rates were unaffected by dam-breed (P > 0.05). The annual number of lambing per year significantly varied based on location and lambing seasons (P < 0.001), with a higher frequency during the major rainy-season compared to the dry-season (1.58vs1.42), highlighting the influence of feed availability. Productivity indices of ewes were calculated. Location and season of lambing had a significant impact on annual ewe productivity, while the ewe genotype showed no significant influence on productivity indices, except for the weight of lambs produced per kilogram of metabolic weight (0.84vs0.72 lambs per kg ewe and year; P < 0.01: 2.02vs1.77 kg lamb per kg0.75 ewe and year), where local ewes outperformed Dorper crossbred ewes. The difference in annual-productivity indices between local and Dorper crossbred ewes was more evident when considering the postpartum weight, as the ewes exhibited higher postpartum weights. However, both ewe genotypes produced comparable lamb weights per year (20.91vs20.16 kg lamb weaned per ewe and year for local and Dorper crossbred ewes, respectively). In summary, under low-input conditions, Dorper crossbred ewes demonstrated comparable reproductive performances and productivity traits to local ewes. Nevertheless, breed and environmental factors identified in this study should be taken into account to enhance sheep productivity in both local and Dorper crossbred ewes.
Whole-genome resequencing reveals genomic variation and dynamics in Ethiopian indigenous goats
(Journal Article) Sheriff, Oumer; Ahbara, Abulgasim; Haile, Aynalem; Alemayehu, Kefyalew; Jianlin, Han; Mwacharo, Joram
Ethiopia has about 52 million indigenous goats with marked phenotypic variability, which is the outcome of natural and artificial selection. Here, we obtained whole-genome sequence data of three Ethiopian indigenous goat populations (Arab, Fellata, and Oromo) from northwestern Ethiopia and analyzed their genome-wide genetic diversity, population structure, and signatures of selection. We included genotype data from four other Ethiopian goat populations (Abergelle, Keffa, Gumuz, and Woyto-Guji) and goats from Asia; Europe; and eastern, southern, western, and northern Africa to investigate the genetic predisposition of the three Ethiopian populations and performed comparative genomic analysis. Genetic diversity analysis showed that Fellata goats exhibited the lowest heterozygosity values (Ho = 0.288 ± 0.005 and He = 0.334 ± 0.0001). The highest values were observed in Arab goats (Ho = 0.310 ± 0.010 and He = 0.347 ± 4.35e−05). A higher inbreeding coefficient (FROH = 0.137 ± 0.016) was recorded for Fellata goats than the 0.105 ± 0.030 recorded for Arab and the 0.112 ± 0.034 recorded for Oromo goats. This indicates that the Fellata goat population should be prioritized in future conservation activities. The three goat populations showed the majority (∼63%) of runs of homozygosity in the shorter (100–150 Kb) length category, illustrating ancient inbreeding and/or small founder effects. Population relationship and structure analysis separated the Ethiopian indigenous goats into two distinct genetic clusters lacking phylogeographic structure. Arab, Fellata, Oromo, Abergelle, and Keffa represented one genetic cluster. Gumuz and Woyto-Guji formed a separate cluster and shared a common genetic background with the Kenyan Boran goat. Genome-wide selection signature analysis identified nine strongest regions spanning 163 genes influencing adaptation to arid and semi-arid environments (HOXC12, HOXC13, HOXC4, HOXC6, and HOXC9, MAPK8IP2), immune response (IL18, TYK2, ICAM3, ADGRG1, and ADGRG3), and production and reproduction (RARG and DNMT1). Our results provide insights into a thorough understanding of genetic architecture underlying selection signatures in Ethiopian indigenous goats in a semi-arid tropical environment and deliver valuable information for goat genetic improvement, conservation strategy, genome-wide association study, and marker-assisted breeding.
Anthropogenic events and responses to environmental stress are shaping the genomes of Ethiopian indigenous goats
(Journal Article) Belay, Shumuye; Belay, Gurja; Nigussie, Helen; Ahbara, Abulgasim; Tijjani, Abdulfatai; Dessie, Tadelle; Tarekegn, Getinet; Jianlin, Han; Mor, Siobhan; Woldekiros, Helina S.; Dobney, Keith; Lebrasseur, Ophelie; Hanotte, Olivier; Mwacharo, Joram
Anthropological and biophysical processes have shaped livestock genomes over Millenia and can explain their current geographic distribution and genetic divergence. We analyzed 57 Ethiopian indigenous domestic goat genomes alongside 67 equivalents of east, west, and north-west African, European, South Asian, Middle East, and wild Bezoar goats. Cluster, ADMIXTURE (K = 4) and phylogenetic analysis revealed four genetic groups comprising African, European, South Asian, and wild Bezoar goats. The Middle Eastern goats had an admixed genome of these four genetic groups. At K = 5, the West African Dwarf and Moroccan goats were separated from East African goats demonstrating a likely historical legacy of goat arrival and dispersal into Africa via the coastal Mediterranean Sea and the Horn of Africa. FST, XP-EHH, and Hp analysis revealed signatures of selection in Ethiopian goats overlaying genes for thermo-sensitivity, oxidative stress response, high-altitude hypoxic adaptation, reproductive fitness, pathogen defence, immunity, pigmentation, DNA repair, modulation of renal function and integrated fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. Notable examples include TRPV1 (a nociception gene); PTPMT1 (a critical hypoxia survival gene); RETREG (a regulator of reticulophagy during starvation), and WNK4 (a molecular switch for osmoregulation). These results suggest that human-mediated translocations and adaptation to contrasting environments are shaping indigenous African goat genomes.
Genetic evaluation of growth rate and efficiency-related traits in Dorper × local crossbred sheep population
(Journal Article, 2023-08) Yeshaw, Shanbel; Goshme, Shenkute; Abebe, Aschalew; Bisrat, Asfaw; Abebe, Ayele; Zewdie, Tesfaye; Areaya, Alemnew; Alemayehu, Liulseged; Kebede, Ashenafi; Getachew, Tesfaye
The present study was carried out to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters for growth rate and efficiency-related traits in Dorper crossbred sheep population. Data on body weight collected from 2012 to 2021 at Debre Birhan Agricultural Research Center, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia, were used to estimate phenotypic and genetic parameters for daily gain from birth to weaning (DG0-3), daily gain from weaning to 6 months (DG3-6), and daily gain from 6 months to yearling (DG6-12) and corresponding Kleiber ratios (KR0-3, KR3-6, KR6-12), efficiency of growth (GE0-3, GE3-6, GE6-12), and relative growth rate (RG0-3, RG3-6, RG6-12). Genetic parameters were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) procedure fitting six different univariate animal models and the most appropriate model for each trait was determined by log-likelihood ratio test. Multivariate analysis was carried out to estimate correlations between traits. Year and season of birth had a significant effect (p<0.001) in all studied traits. Direct heritability estimates for DG0-3, DG3-6, DG6-12, KR0-3, KR3-6, KR6-12, GE0-3, GE3-6, GE6-12, GR0-3, GR3-6, and GR6-12 were 0.45±0.15, 0.04±0.06, 0.15±0.11, 0.30±0.08, 0.13±0.11, 0.14±0.12, 0.34±0.15, 0.39±0.17, 0.31±0.14, 0.25±0.08, 0.23±0.13, and 0.23±0.13 respectively. Genetic correlation estimates between DG3-6 and other traits were positive and high in magnitude to their respective growth phase (0.95, 0.86, and 0.91 for KR3-6, GE3-6, and GR3-6 respectively). As the Dorper crossbred sheep are reaches market weight at about 6 months of age, focusing on improving traits measured during weaning to 6 months of age is more feasible. Selection based on DG3-6 is recommended to improve efficiency-related traits.

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