ARI REVIEW FOR 2016-2017

ANIMAL PRODUCTION Research in the Animal Production Section focuses on the topics of nutrition, management, animal breeding and physiology of reproduction. All projects are ultimately directed towards increasing milk and meat yields under semi-intensive or intensive management systems in sheep, goats and dairy cattle. In addition, genetic methods and animal husbandry practices are employed, aiming at preventing and controlling animal diseases. Research work on animal breeding aims at improving the genetic stock with respect to important economic traits using within-breed selection methods. Genetic evaluations are based on selection indices that combine individual capacity of young animals for growth and milk production of female ancestors. This method is routinely used for the evaluation and selection of superior breeding stock in sheep and goats. Research in genetic improvement is also directed toward dissecting the genetic aspects underlying production traits, including further characterisation of scrapie genotypes and productive output in goats. Research programmes in the area of reproductive physiology of farm animals examine genetic and environmental factors that influence seasonal reproduction, reproductive development and puberty in sheep and goat breeds, under local conditions. In farm management, artificial rearing systems are evaluated, with automated feeders and milk substitute being used for lambs and kids from birth to weaning. A research project employing genetic methods to combat the scrapie disease in Chios sheep has been successfully implemented by ARI in cooperation with the Veterinary Services. The Cyprus Chios sheep unit of ARI at Athalassa Experimental Farm has been transformed into a nucleus herd of scrapie-resistant genotypes. The number of productive animals at the nucleus is maintained around 350 breeding females. Further research in genetic improvement at ARI is directed toward dissecting the genetic aspects underlying production traits, and further characterising scrapie genotypes in goats. A programme is currently in progress to transform the Cyprus Damascus goat herd at ARI into a nucleus of scrapie-resistant genotypes. The project continued in 2016 and 2017, aiming at creating a nucleus of 300 breeding goats that would be resistant to the disease. This has enabled ARI to issue scrapie-resistant animals to the farmers, which contribute significantly in eradicating scrapie from the Cyprus goat population. The ARI Dairy Cattle Unit The Friesian/Holstein dairy cattle unit of ARI is situated at Athalassa. The performance of cows during the years 2016 and 2017 is shown in Table 4.1. The overall performance of the herd was satisfactory, since milk yield per annual cow was on average 8,506 in 2016 and 7911 in 2017. The total milk produced on farm was 294,311 in 2016 and 260,666 in 2017. The occurrence of abortions peaked in 2016, most likely due to the spread of a relevant bacterial infection, which was managed effectively after consultation with the Veterinary Services. This led to only a single abortion in 2017. Mastitis incidence has improved significantly during 2016-17. ( G. Hadjipavlou, D. Sparaggis ) Genetic evaluation and selection to further improve the performance of Cyprus Chios sheep and Damascus goat nucleus herds at ARI The ARI small ruminant herds consist of 378 Cyprus Chios sheep and 327 Cyprus Damascus goats. Daily milk yield is recorded automatically during milking, and this led to improved phenotyping for genetic evaluations. Male and female replacement stock is selected on the basis of a continuously updated index combining 60-day milk yield of dam and grand dam and individual body weight at 98 days of age for lambs and at 105 days for kids. The breeding scheme is updated yearly and directed toward minimal inbreeding for both sheep and goats. Matings take place two times per year for each species. Production and reproduction characteristics during the period 2016/17 are shown in Tables 4.2 and 4.3. ( G. Hadjipavlou ) 35 Animal Production