B. Rekik

Impact of the carrier state by Theileria annulata on milk yield in Tunisian crossbred (Bos taurus) cattle

ABSTRACT Objective To estimate milk yield losses in Theileria annulata (T. annulata) carrier cows by a trial which was made in two cattle farms in the north of Tunisia. Methods Eight non-infected cows were randomly and equally divided into two groups: the treated and control groups. Eight T. annulata carrier cows were also randomly and equally divided into two groups: the treated and control groups. Results There was a negative correlation between milk yield and parasitemia in both treated ( r = −0.495, P = 0.037) and control carrier cows ( r = −0.662, P = 0.003). Average adjusted lactation curve showed that milk yield in treated carrier cows was higher than that in control carrier cows. Daily milk yield losses due to T. annulata infection have been estimated at 0.77 kg per of each T. annulata carrier cow. Conclusions Since T. annulata infection induces a small but persistent decrease of milk yield in T. annulata carrier cows, further studies are needed in a larger animal group to confirm and improve this estimation.

Caracterisation phenotypique de la population ovine du sud ouest de la Tunisie

Le present travail s�fest interesse a la caracterisation de la variabilite phenotypique de la population ovine distribuee dans la region dunSud Ouest de la Tunisie. L�fetude a porte sur l�fanalyse conjointe des caracteres quantitatifs et qualitatifs de 987 animaux de trois racesnovines dont deux races locales (Barbarine (BAR) et Queue Fine de l�fOuest (QFG et QFT)) et une race exotique d�forigine marocainen(D�fman (DMN)).nLes resultats des caracteres quantitatifs (hauteur au garrot (HG), longueur du corps (LC), perimetre thoracique (PT), poids des malesn(P��) et poids des femelles (P��)) ont montre une superiorite significative de la race Queue Fine par rapport aux deux autres races. Pournles caracteres qualitatifs, les resultats ont montre qu�fau niveau de la couleur de la robe, corne et pendeloques des races Barbarine etnQueue Fine de l�fOuest, la couleur blanche est dominante alors que chez la race D�fman les couleurs sont variees. Generalement, lesnfemelles des trois races sont mottes. Seuls les males de race Queue Fine de l�fOuest sont cornus. La race Barbarine se distingue desnautres races par l�fabsence totale de pendeloques. Chez les deux autres races, l�fabsence de pendeloques est le caractere dominant.nLes distances genetiques calculees sur la base de ces caracteres quantitatifs montrent que les distances trouvees entre les couplesnBarbarine.D�fman et Queue Fine de l�fOuest-D�fman sont superieures a celles trouvees entre les couples Barbarine-Queue Fine de l�fOuest.