Genetic and non-genetic parameter estimates for growth traits and Kleiber ratios in Dorper × indigenous sheep

Genetic improvement programme will only be successful when accompanied by a good understanding of the influence of different environmental factors, knowledge of the genetic parameters and the genetic relationships between the traits of interest. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of non-genetic factors on growth traits and Kleiber ratios and to estimate genetic parameters for early growth traits in Dorper × indigenous crossbred sheep. The effects of fixed factors were analysed by the general linear model procedure of statistical analysis system, while the genetic parameters were estimated using a WOMBAT computer program fitted animal model. The overall least-square mean for birth weight (BRW), weaning weight (3MW), six-month weight, nine-month weight, and yearling weight were 3.03 ± 0.02, 14.5 ± 0.18, 20.4 ± 0.26, 24.8 ± 0.31, and 28.3 ± 0.40 kg, respectively. The overall least-square mean for Kleiber ratio from birth to weaning (KR1), weaning to six months, six to nine months and nine months to yearling age were 16.8 ± 0.10, 6.41 ± 0.17, 4.55 ± 0.21 and 3.38 ± 0.20 g/kg of metabolic weight, respectively. The inclusion of maternal genetic effect had a significant influence on BRW, and it explains 20% of the phenotypic variation. The total heritability estimates for BRW, 3MW, birth to weaning average daily weight gain and KR1 were 0.10, 0.14, 0.16 and 0.12, respectively. The phenotypic correlation varied from ?0.11 ± 0.05 to 0.98 ± 0.02, whereas the direct genetic correlation ranged from ?0.32 ± 0.40 to 0.98 ± 0.17. The mean inbreeding coefficient was 0.105% with an annual rate of 0.02%. The heritability estimates for growth traits and Kleiber ratio suggest that slow genetic progress would be expected from the selection. However, the integration of selection with crossbreeding programme can enhance genetic gain. Therefore, selection should be conducted based on breeding values estimated from multiple information sources to increase the selection response.     

Inevitable joint angular rotation affects muscle architecture during isometric contraction

The purpose of this study was to quantify the influence of inevitable ankle joint motion during an isometric contraction on the measured change of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle (GM) architecture in vivo during the loading and the unloading phase. Sitting on a dynamometer subjects performed isometric maximal voluntary contractions as well as contractions induced by electrostimulation. Synchronous joint angular motion, plantarflexion moment, foot’s centre of pressure and real-time ultrasonography of muscle architecture changes of the GM were obtained. During the contraction the ankle joint position altered and significantly affected the change in muscle architecture. At maximal tendon force (1094 ± 323 N), the measured fascicle length overestimated the change in fascicle length due to the tendon force by 1.53 cm, while the measured pennation angle overestimated the change in pennation angle due to the tendon force by 5.5°. At the same tendon force the measured fascicle length and pennation angle were significantly different between loading and unloading conditions. After correcting the values for the change in ankle joint angle no differences between the loading and the unloading phase at the same tendon force were found. Concerning the estimation of GM fascicle length–force and pennation angle–force curves during the loading and unloading phase of an isometric contraction, these findings indicate that not accounting for ankle joint motion will produce unreliable results.     

Cross-sector collaboration for refugee employment: An anthropology of development perspective

Employment plays a crucial role in the successful resettlement of migrants. However, there is a paucity of research on how to facilitate refugee employment outcomes and the role of cross-sector collaborations. Using a qualitative, multi-layered analysis of primary and secondary data from Australian settlement service providers (SSPs) and the businesses they work with, this study explores how public service organisations co-create value with stakeholders (i.e., public service logic) through cross-sector collaborations. By identifying differing notional and strategic logics of both SSPs and employing businesses in supporting refugee migrants, we reveal the dynamics of cross-sector value co-creation in refugee management settings. We also identify four main strategic logics that SSPs use to address barriers and connect refugee migrants to employment. Our study offers theoretical contributions and practical implications for public, private, not-for-profit and community organisations working together to support refugee employment.     

Changes in male courtship intensity and androgen levels during brood cycling in the blenniid fish Rhabdoblennius nitidus

Androgens, for example testosterone, are major hormones that affect male courtship activity, territorial activity, sexual dimorphism, and reproductive tactics; they reach, and are maintained at, a sufficient level to express such sexual traits at the appropriate time for reproductive success. This study examined the effects of androgen levels (testosterone and 11-ketotestosterone) on male brood cycling with two distinct reproductive phases (i.e. courtship and parental phases) of a paternal brooding blenny Rhabdoblennius nitidus. Our study showed that time spent on courtship behaviour and androgen levels decreased with progress of brood cycling. In addition, time spent on courtship behaviour of males administered cyproterone acetate, an anti-androgen, was shorter than that of control males. These results indicate that the brood cycling is affected by the change in androgen levels. The study also showed that androgen levels decreased after acquisition of the eggs, irrespective of available spawning space in the nests. This result suggests that the presence of eggs themselves may be a trigger for the shift from the courtship phase to parental phase.