The Influence of Phylogenic Origin on the Occurrence of Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome in a Large Retrospective Study

in International journal of applied research in veterinary medicine (2009), 7(3), 138-143

Strategies to identify genetic polymorphisms responsible for inherited disorders in purebred dog population are often based on experimental studies whereas hospitals case reports provide widely and easily ... [more ▼]

Strategies to identify genetic polymorphisms responsible for inherited disorders in purebred dog population are often based on experimental studies whereas hospitals case reports provide widely and easily affordable information of clinical significance. When this clinical information is enriched with knowledge on the phylogenetic origins, breed histories of the dog and adjusted for known biases, they may lead the way to more in depth genetic research. We illustrated here with a very complex disease, the brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome (BAOS). No cases were reported in the boxer breed while almost half of the dogs from the other brachycephalic breeds of the same phylogenetic cluster were BAOS, making these breeds good candidates for further genetic studies. Critical issues to improve utility of clinical data for genetic studies are discussed along with methods to handle biases inherent to such type of studies. [less ▲]

Gestion participative du sanctuaire de gorilles de plaine de l’Ouest (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) de Lossi en République du Congo-

in Tropicultura (2007), 25(1), 44-50

The gorilla sanctuary of Lossi experiments the synergy between scientific research and nature conservation. Three partners are involved in a management participative process. These partners include the ... [more ▼]

The gorilla sanctuary of Lossi experiments the synergy between scientific research and nature conservation. Three partners are involved in a management participative process. These partners include the Republic of Congo, the local community of Lossi and the European programme on the forest ecosystems in Central Africa. An investigation was carried out on the sanctuary of Lossi in 2003, in order to study in situ the effects generated by the participative management and to identify the constraints linked to the participative approach. The work of primatologists allowed the habituation of the gorillas to the human presence and opened eyesight tourism of western lowland gorillas. A camp for tourists and the access road to the sanctuary have been constructed. The tourism generated jobs in favour of the local population which is also a take-partner of contracts on road repairing. The income from the tourism allowed the construction of a health centre. However, the works of researchers and tourism activities failed during the outbreaks of the Ebola hemorrhagic fever and during the three civil war episodes. The consolidation and the long term of this process of co-management of natural resources of Lossi remains the establishment of a management that should include conservation, rural development and scientific research, with equitably in the distribution of gain between the partnerses. [less ▲]

• Ostrich (Struthio camelus) egg performance in Belgian farms, effect of non-genetics factors on fertility and hatchability. , 2005, (personal communication)

in communication personnelle (2005)

This study concerns 20,654 ostrich eggs observed from lay to hatching at 55 Belgium farms from 1998 to 2000. The effects of various management and genetic factors that influence fertility and hatchability ... [more ▼]

This study concerns 20,654 ostrich eggs observed from lay to hatching at 55 Belgium farms from 1998 to 2000. The effects of various management and genetic factors that influence fertility and hatchability were studied using a multivariate logistic regression. The eggs age at setting, the season of lay, the type of breeding mating and the farm have the most influence on fertility, while egg weight loss during incubation and hen age were most influential on hatchability. Other factors of lesser importance, like breed and egg weight before setting, also contribute to the variations of the both factor. Mean ± SE egg weight at setting was 1526.8 ± 148.2 (range 975-2285g). Average fertility and hatchability were 69.4 ± 46.0 and 72.9 ± 44.4% respectively. Fertility of eggs is high until eight days of storage, and then decreased gradually thereafter to reach the minimum on the 19th day. Fertility and hatchability are low in winter; mating in groups gives a better result than either trio or quintet matings. Strong linear relationships were observed between age of hen and fertility (r=0.9) and for age with hatchability (r=0.76). Hatchability is high for egg weight loss of 13 and 15%, and the largest eggs show good fertility and hatchability. Eggs from black necks were the most representative in this work, but they have a lower fertility and hatchability than those from blue and red necks. [less ▲]

Dynamique de la filière viande de brousse dans la partie continentale du Rio Muni en Guinée équatoriale

in Tropicultura (2004), 22(4), 204-210

The aim of this study was to do surveys about bush meat networks around urban centers near the Monte Alen National Park in Equatorial Guinea. During 8 weeks, in the Mundoasi market, one of two principal ... [more ▼]

The aim of this study was to do surveys about bush meat networks around urban centers near the Monte Alen National Park in Equatorial Guinea. During 8 weeks, in the Mundoasi market, one of two principal market of Bata, 4328 wild animal carcases have been indexed, representating 22,600 kg of biomass. A total of 48 animals species have been identified, including 14 which hunting are prohibited. The mammals represent 91.87% of total number with 3 dominants orders, ungulates (37.7%), primates (28.6%) and rodents (18%). The duiker (Cephalophus), the African Brushtailed Porcupine and Guenon are the most important. The district of Niefang, Bata and Evinayong are the principal sources of supply. Hunting with gun becomes very important, follow by snaring, a very wasteful method. Despite that this business squarely growth, signs of wildlife decrease are perceptible, showing evidence of overexploitation. As far as Monte Alen National Park is concerned, this study shows the positive effects of this protected area as wildlife reservoir for peripheral hunting zones. [less ▲]

• Etude Comparative de deux Modèles Non Linéaires dans l’Estimation des paramètres de Croissance chez le mouton

Master of advanced studies dissertation (1997)