Background. In Ethiopia, livestock contributes 45 of agricultural GDP. Despite the economic role played by the sector, there have been little efforts to genetically improve the indigenous cattle. Morphological characterization of selected Ethiopian indigenous cattle has been made for (Bonga, Jimma, and Kerayu) cattle types. But, the selected indigenous cattle were not characterized at molecular level (genetic diversity information). Hence, this work was initiated to detect and determine the genetic diversity and population structure of selected Ethiopian indigenous cattle ecotypes using microsatellite markers. Results. Different alleles were identified (131) and thirty-three of these alleles were unique to specific ecotypes. All loci used were informative with PIC values ranging from 0.5 (TGLA126) to 0.84 (ETH10) with a mean of 0.70 per locus. The Shannon information index ranged from (I=1.02) ILST006 to (I=1.63) ETH10 with an average of 1.28 revealing there is genetic diversity. Moreover, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed 84 genetic variation within a population and 13 variation among populations. The value of F-statistics (Fst) (0.129=13) indicated that there was moderate genetic differentiation among ecotypes. The (UPGMA) revealed, Bonga and Jimma clustered together while Kerayu cattle were relatively distinct, Principal coordinates analysis (PCOA) and structure analysis grouped the individual into different clusters confirming the presence of ecotype admixture due to geographical origins and uncontrolled mating. Conclusion. In general, this study has successfully characterized the genetic diversity and population structure of Bonga, Jimma, and Kerayu cattle ecotypes using high polymorphic/informative microsatellite markers. According to this study, Kerayu cattle have high AR and PA when compared to Bonga and Jimma cattle populations. So, the Kerayu population is more diverse than others and it is the hotspot for genetic diversity study. The generated information is very relevant for breeder and genetic conservation.

Shelema Kelbessa Bora. Journal of Animal Reproduction and Biotechnology 2022;37:80-6. https://doi.org/10.12750/JARB.37.2.80

The amelogenin gene-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay offers a precise, efficient, and cost-effective approach for embryo sex determination in cattle. This method capitalizes on genetic differences between the X and Y chromosome-linked amelogenin genes, enabling early sex identification critical for livestock management. Our study outlines the methodology, from embryo collection and DNA extraction to PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis analysis. Results consistently demonstrated the assay's reliability, identifies that all examined embryos were female embryos (X/X) across developmental stages with a male and female control (X/Y) (X/X) respectively, validating the technique. This study underscores the assay’s potential for advancing selective breeding and enhancing productivity in the cattle industry.

Egg quality is a critical factor influencing consumer preference, nutrition, and industrial utilization, yet comparative evaluations of indigenous, synthetic, and exotic chicken breeds under uniform management are limited. This study assessed the physical, functional, and nutritional properties of eggs from Horro and Jarso (indigenous), White Feather (synthetic), and Koekoek (exotic) chickens reared under identical housing and feeding conditions. Forty eggs (10 per breed) were analyzed for color, density, porosity, flowability, protein, and mineral composition, with data evaluated using ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test ( p < 0.05). Koekoek eggs showed the highest lightness and yellowness, while Horro eggs were darker but exhibited superior bulk and tapped density; Koekoek displayed the best flowability. Nutrient analysis revealed Koekoek eggs had the highest protein and copper contents, Jarso excelled in potassium, sodium, and manganese, and Horro contained the most calcium and iron, whereas Jarso eggshells were the richest in calcium and protein. These findings demonstrate significant breed‐related differences in egg quality traits, underscoring the genetic basis of color, functionality, and mineral composition, and highlight opportunities for targeted breed utilization in poultry production, nutritional improvement, and egg powder applications.