Feeding Practices and Use of Lysine and Methionine in Pigrationing on Intensified Pig Breeding in the West Center and Hauts Bassins Regions of Burkina Faso

The aim of the study was to assess feeding practices and the use of lysine and methionine in pig rationing on intensified and semi-intensive pig breeding in the Koudougou and Bobo-Dioulasso areas. To this end, a cross-sectional survey was carried out on 87 breeding in these towns. A Discriminant Factorial Analysis (DFA) confirming a k-means classification of the data collected was used to retain 71 breeding divided into three breeding classes: Class A (32.4% of breeding), Class B (14.08%) and Class C (53.52%). The results show that the majority of pig breeders were men between the ages of 36 and 59. Average herd sizes were 35 ± 28;79 ± 42 and 89 ± 21 pigs for Classes A, B and C respectively. The main breeds of pig found on the breeding were crossbred, Large white, local, Landrace and Duroc. Class A (26.1%), B (30%) and C (15.8%) breeders were familiar with both lysine and methionine. Class A breeders distributed feed staggered (65.2%) and in rations (34.8%). Lysine (13%) and methionine (8.7%) were purchased at 5250 FCFA/kg. Those in class B distributed feed staggered (50%) and in the form of rations (50%), in which they incorporated lysine (30%) and methionine (30%) purchased at a cost of 2500 FCFA/kg and 3000 FCFA/kg respectively. Rationing and staggered feeding were practiced by 23.7% and 76.3% of Class C breeders respectively. Only lysine purchased at 3400 FCFA/kg was incorporated into rations by 10.5% of breeders. The high cost of lysine and methionine was incriminated by Class A (100%), B (33.3%) and C (50%) breeders. In conclusion, intensive pig breeding, the practice of rationing and the incorporation of the amino acids lysine and methionine are of ascending importance from classes C, A to B. The high cost of feedstuffs, particularly lysine and methionine, compromises their use in rations, which could have a negative impact on expected breeding performance. The screening and use of feeds rich in and/or enriched with these amino acids, through the development or adaptation of technologies, could improve the efficiency of rations and the productivity of intensive pig breeding in Burkina Faso.

Reactions of Maruca Resistant Transgenic Cowpea to Cowpea Aphid-Borne Mosaic Virus

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. [Walp.]) in one of the main grain legumes contributing to food security and poverty alleviation in Sub-Saharan Africa. To control the highly damaging legume pod borer Maruca vitrata F., transgenic cowpea lines expressing the insecticidal Cry1Ab Bt protein were developed. In this study, we evaluated the impact of Cry1Ab transgene expression on the susceptibility of four cowpea lines (named IT97K-T, IT98K-T, Gourgou-T and Nafi-T) and their respective non-transgenic near isogenic lines (IT97K, IT98K, Gourgou and Nafi) to Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus (CABMV) in greenhouse conditions. In a preliminary quality control test by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the presence of Cry1Ab protein in transgenic seed lots ranged from 59% to 72%, with no significant differences among the lines (χ2 = 3.26;p = 0.35). Upon virus inoculation, all cowpea lines exhibited mosaic symptoms with similar severity between 7- and 11-day post-inoculation. No significant differences were observed in symptom severity. Significant differences were found between cowpea lines for time of symptom onset, virus accumulation in plants and days to 50% flowering. However, while comparing pairs of transgenic lines and corresponding non-transgenic lines, virus accumulation showed not significant differences whatever the pair. Time of symptom onset and days to 50% flowering did not also differ significantly between pairs of cowpea lines except Nafi/Nafi-T in which transgenic Nafi-T showed earlier symptoms (7.4 ± 0.7 vs. 8.9 ± 0.8 days post-inoculation) and shorter flowering time (37.3 ± 0.6 vs. 42 ± 1.7 days after sowing). Overall, these findings improve our understanding of the effects of Cry1Ab gene mediated genetic modification on cowpea infection by Cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus, with potential implications for environmental safety assessment.

Protein Profiles of Pod Borer Maruca Resistant Transgenic Cowpea

The grain legume cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. is a major protein source used for food and feed in Sub-Saharan Africa. The crop is affected by the pod borer Maruca vitrata against which transgenic lines were developed as part of the genetic control approach. This study aimed to assess the protein profiles in seeds and leaves of transgenic cowpea lines and their non-transgenic near-isogenic counterparts. Crude protein content was determined by the Kjeldahl method, and soluble proteins were quantified using Bradford dye binding assay. The average crude protein content ranged between 21.61% and 26.58% in the seeds and between 10.86% and 17.90% in the leaves. Total solubility varied between 13.03% and 20.64%. Osborne’s protein fractions contents in the seeds were 52.41% - 69.52% (albumin), 4.62% - 7.19% (globulin), 7.95% - 11.40% (glutelin) and 3% - 4% (prolamin). In any case, protein content differed significantly between cowpea genotypes but not between pairs of transgenic/non-transgenic lines. Insecticidal Cry1Ab protein expressed by transgenic lines was only detected in the albumin and globulin fractions. Altogether, these findings enhance our understanding of the effects of genetic modification on cowpea protein content and composition, with potential implications for nutritional and safety assessments.

Water quality in forest and village ponds in Burkina Faso(western Africa)

Forest ecosystems help conserve the quality of water resources in aquatic habitats. The conservation of biological diversity in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems remains a communal concern. Aquatic ecosystems and resources are vulnerable but can be preserved and protected by forests. In sub-Saharan regions of Africa, water from ecosystems such as ponds still play important role in the livelihood of local populations. Water from temporary ponds is used by local populations for multiple needs; however, in this part of the world, the population is increasing, thus increasing human needs and activities and land use in the region. Land-use changes lead to deforestation, land degradation and the decline in freshwater, affecting human health and well-being. Forest degradation leads to the decline in ecosystem goods and services, particularly those related to watersheds. This study conducted in eastern Burkina Faso aimed to assess water quality of temporary ponds in protected forest areas (reserves) and surrounding villages. It was conducted in 61 temporary ponds where physical, chemical and biological variables were measured, such as water surface area, depth, transparency, macrophyte cover, pH, dissolved O2, conductivity, nutrient concentrations and algae biomass. The results showed that at p < 5%, water surface area (p = 0.02), depth (p = 0.00), nutrient content (p = 0.00), and algae biomass (p = 0.04) were significantly higher outside reserves than inside reserves. In contrast, macrophyte cover (mean cover percentages 53 vs. 44.5%) and water transparency (p = 0.02) were higher inside reserves. The variations in conductivity and pH were not significant. All trends showed the influences of human activities on water characteristics and the role forests and land cover had in preventing negative human impacts and disturbance of temporary ponds. Forests and land cover are important to water quality conservation and algae biomass regulation in temporary ponds. Protecting and managing forests is therefore an essential part of future strategies for limiting algal blooms and their negative consequences, maintaining water quality and providing clean water to citizens.