This research paper assessed textural, microstructural, sensory and colour properties of set-yoghurts produced using milk from two indigenous cattle types, Thamankaduwa White (TW) and Lankan cattle (LC) compared to two generic cattle breeds, Friesian and Jersey. Instrumental texture profile (firmness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness and springiness), colour space (L* a* b*) and scanning electron micrographs of set-yoghurts during 21 d of storage (4 ± 1°C) were evaluated. Sensory quality attributes were evaluated with 40 untrained panellists using a five-point hedonic scale. Set-yoghurts prepared using indigenous cow milk showed higher (P < 0.05) firmness, cohesiveness and apparent viscosity values compared to those prepared using generic cow milk. As revealed by micrographs, set-yoghurts made from TW milk had lesser and smaller void spaces and a dense protein gel network than gels made from LC and the two generic breeds. The gel network made from Friesian milk showed a comparatively larger porous gel structure and thinner protein strands resulting in a weaker gel than other milk gels. The highest lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) were observed from set-yoghurt produced from Friesian and LC milk, respectively. Set-yoghurts from TW milk had the highest (P < 0.05) sensory scores for all sensory attributes. The lowest sensory acceptance was recorded in set-yoghurt made from Friesian milk. Thus, milk from TW and LC is likely to be suitable in producing set-yoghurts with superior textural, microstructural and sensory properties, compared to milk from Jersey and Friesian. Our results suggest the merits of using indigenous cow milk in producing set-yoghurts and, thereby, prioritizing the preservation of the genetic pool of these indigenous breeds.

Weather conditions can impact infectious disease transmission, causing mortalities in humans, wild and domestic animals. Although rainfall in dry tropical regions is highly variable over the year, rainfall is thought to play an important role in the transmission of tick-borne diseases. Whether variation in rainfall affects disease-induced mortalities, is, however, poorly understood. Here, we use long-term data on monthly rainfall and Boran cattle mortality (1998–2017) to investigate associations between within-year variation in rainfall and cattle mortalities due to East Coast fever (ECF), anaplasmosis and babesiosis in Laikipia, Kenya, using ARIMAX modelling. Results show a negative correlation between monthly rainfall and cattle mortality for ECF and anaplasmosis, with a lag effect of 2 and 6 months, respectively. There was no association between babesiosis-induced mortalities and monthly rainfall. The results of this study suggest that control of the tick-borne diseases ECF and anaplasmosis to reduce mortalities should be intensified during rainy periods after the respective estimated time lags following dry periods.

Parasite burden varies widely between individuals within a population, and can covary with multiple aspects of individual phenotype. Here we investigate the sources of variation in faecal strongyle eggs counts, and its association with body weight and a suite of haematological measures, in a cohort of indigenous zebu calves in Western Kenya, using relatedness matrices reconstructed from single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes. Strongyle egg count was heritable (h2 = 23·9%, s.e. = 11·8%) and we also found heritability of white blood cell counts (WBC) (h2 = 27·6%, s.e. = 10·6%). All the traits investigated showed negative phenotypic covariances with strongyle egg count throughout the first year: high worm counts were associated with low values of WBC, red blood cell count, total serum protein and absolute eosinophil count. Furthermore, calf body weight at 1 week old was a significant predictor of strongyle EPG at 16–51 weeks, with smaller calves having a higher strongyle egg count later in life. Our results indicate a genetic basis to strongyle EPG in this population, and also reveal consistently strong negative associations between strongyle infection and other important aspects of the multivariate phenotype.

The Vechur Cattle of South Kerala (India), once popular and known for its comparatively high milk yield compared with the other local varieties, had become almost extinct by the 1980s. This was due to the massive cross-breeding with exotic bulls implemented by the Government in order to enhance milk production. But the launching of a search for the last available specimens of the variety and the initiation of a conservation effort in 1989 in the Kerala Agricultural University by the author and a team of her students resulted in saving this valuable breed. With 10 years time the distribution of the progeny of the foundation stock to the farmers could be started. The conservation work was taken forward with strong determination in spite of unexpected events. The Vechur cattle was subsequently recognized as a cattle breed of India. The cow yields 2.5 litres of milk daily during the lactation period of about 8 months. It has emerged as a sustainable cow to farmers. The adaptability of the animal to the hot humid tropical countries has special significance as an insurance for the future. It also has the potential to be a small good beef breed. The value of the milk including the small fat globule size, presence of A2 beta-lactalbumin protein and higher arginine content has been proven scientifically. The total population size in Kerala is estimated to be 2000 animals.

Due to its high agro-ecological variation and favorable production environment, Ethiopia has been endowed with high diversity of animal genetic resources and huge livestock population. However, the per capita consumption of livestock products is among the least in the world. To increase this consumption level, Ethiopia needs to keep livestock species that would be able to thrive under sub-optimal management systems, while providing some amount of products and services. The domestic buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is one of the large ruminants that contribute to the least developed world's food and agriculture production. Therefore, introduction of the riverine-type buffalo would support food and agriculture production in Ethiopia. Moreover, the existing high demand for milk and meat, and the agro-ecological conditions are in favor of introduction of the riverine-type buffalo. More specifically, the riverine buffalo excels over indigenous cattle in its milk yield and quality of milk components. It also has a long productive life, a special ability of converting poor-quality roughage into animal protein, docile temperament and a wide range of adaptation. The presence of wild buffalo also shows Ethiopia's suitability for domestic buffalo rearing. Therefore, even though it seems illogical to make direct comparison between the performance of the Ethiopian indigenous cattle and the domestic buffaloes kept elsewhere; the hardy nature of buffalo and its wide range of adaptation would indicate the adaptation of the riverine-type buffalo in Ethiopia. However, the introduced riverine-type buffalo needs to be handled on experimental stations until management expertise is developed.

The role indigenous livestock can play in Africa's Livestock Revolution is not always recognized. In many parts of Africa pure breeding with indigenous breeds is the only viable production strategy because of adverse climatic and nutritional conditions. However, there are scenarios where the higher demands of exotic breeds and their cross-breds can be met. This article discusses the possibility of improving beef production through terminal cross-breeding with two South African cattle breeds, the Nguni and the Afrikaner, with different exotic breeds. Calving difficulties were limited and birth weights were restricted to the mid-parent value or below. Cross-breeding did not have a negative effect on cow performance such as weight change and fertility, but cow productivity increased. In most cases the weaning weight of cross-bred calves was the same or exceeded that of the pure sire breed, and the feed conversion ratio was always better than either of the two parent breeds. This made the feedlot performance of the cross-breds highly desirable. These results indicate that terminal cross-breeding with indigenous African breeds deserves more attention as a means of increasing the output of beef cattle in the subtropics and tropics. An added advantage of any system of terminal cross-breeding utilizing indigenous breeds is that the conservation and utilization of the indigenous breeds of Africa is ensured, because a constant stream of purebred females will be required.