This study analyzed the genetic variability, inbreeding and population structure of the Tunisian–North African dairy sheep breed, the Sicilo-Sarde (SS), created by crossing the Sarda and Comisana dairy breeds. The level of variability in the SS, considered as an endangered breed after a dramatic decrease, was assessed using 17 microsatellite markers by analyzing the two breed populations sampled from their respective cradles: SS of Beja (SS_B, n = 27) and SS of Mateur (SS_M, n = 25). High levels of genetic diversity in SS were revealed, with a total of 212 alleles, a high mean number of alleles (12.47 ± 4.17) and a high average polymorphism information content (PIC) (0.81 ± 0.10). The observed heterozygosity was considerable in SS_B and SS_M (0.795 and 0.785, respectively). The inbreeding level measured by the population inbreeding coefficient F_IS is higher in the SS_M population (0.121) than in the SS_B population (0.090). The higher genetic diversity level detected in SS_B reflected the effect of new Italian Sarda genes introduced by intra-uterine artificial insemination recently practiced in this population. The Wilcoxon test and the mode-shift distribution indicated that the SS breed is a non-bottlenecked population. The structural analysis reflected the historical miscegenation practiced during the breed creation and highlighted further ancient miscegenation, which could date back to the first waves of sheep introduction to the western Mediterranean region. Microsatellite markers were successfully applied in the assessment of the genetic variability of SS and should be used in monitoring this variability during the application of conservation strategies.

In this study, the genetic relationship and the population structure of western Mediterranean basin native sheep breeds are investigated, analyzing Maghrebian, Central Italian, and Venetian sheep with a highly informative microsatellite markers panel. The phylogeographical analysis, between breeds’ differentiation level (Wright’s fixation index), gene flow, ancestral relatedness measured by molecular coancestry, genetic distances, divergence times estimates and structure analyses, were revealed based on the assessment of 975 genotyped animals. The results unveiled the past introduction and migration history of sheep in the occidental Mediterranean basin since the early Neolithic. Our findings provided a scenario of three westward sheep migration phases fitting properly to the westward Neolithic expansion argued by zooarcheological, historical and human genetic studies.

(1) Background: Milk is an important product in Mauritania both for livelihood and food and nutritional security. (2) Methods: In this study, we examine the economic performance of cattle farms in the Hodh Chargui region using data from a cross-sectional survey of 50 farms conducted in 2023. (3) Results: The results showed that the most significant cost item was animal feed (54%), followed by labor (40%) and charges induced by health and watering (3% each). In terms of income, the sale of young males accounted for the largest portion (48%), followed by the sales of dry cows (20%), lactating cows (17%), adult males (8%), and milk (7%). The average gross margin was MRU 131,697.82 ± 509,571.84 (equivalent to USD 3300.69 ± 12,771.22) per breeder per year. Out of the farms surveyed, 46% (23/50) reported a positive gross margin, while 54% reported a negative gross margin. (4) Conclusions: These results indicate a wide range of profitability, from lowest to highest, and suggest the need for improved management of cattle farms in Hodh Chargui in order to enhance their economic efficiency.

Livestock systems in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are at a crossroads, challenged by climate stress, water scarcity, and fragmented development strategies. While the region has made significant investments in animal feeding infrastructure and animal health services, genetic improvement remains severely underutilized, despite its transformative potential for productivity and sustainability. This paper highlights the strategic need to reposition animal breeding as a central pillar of livestock development, particularly for small ruminants well-adapted to arid and semi-arid conditions. It argues for a shift from policies focused on flock or herd expansion to those that prioritize productivity improvement through selection, farmer empowerment, and value-added production systems. Through a structured, three-pronged approach, capacity building, formation of breed associations, and the establishment of a national livestock task force, the MENA region can close the productivity gap, enhance food security, and preserve its unique genetic resources. The paper draws on scientific evidence, practical examples, and institutional models (e.g., ANOC in Morocco) to propose a scalable roadmap for sustainable livestock improvement.