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J O Olopade - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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morphological characterization of the developing greater cane rat Thryonomys swinderianus brain
Developmental Neuroscience, 2020Co-Authors: O. A. Mustapha, M.a. Olude, Oluwaseun Samuel Ezekiel, Francis Olaolorun, Michael Awalaajakaiye, Eniola Popoola, J O OlopadeAbstract:Developmental mode along the altricial-precocial spectrum is well known to be influenced by brain development and maturation. The greater cane rat (GCR) is an indigenous precocial African rodent with uncommon phenotypes and life traits. This study was therefore designed to characterize and describe distinctive external developmental features in the prenatal GCR brain across the entire gestational length using the emergence and differentiation of external features of the brain vesicles. Four gross morphometric brain parameters (weight, length, width, and height) were evaluated and expressed as mean ± SEM. Relationship between all brain morphometrics and gestation length were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and linear regression. Developmental milestones in the prenatal GCR were then compared with closely related precocial mammals. The earliest time point with gross observable features in the prenatal GCR brain was at gestation day (GD) 60. The period with the most remarkable gross developmental features was noted between GD80 and GD100. Some of these gross features include differentiation of the cerebellar plate into vermis and lateral lobes, emergence of the piriform lobes, mammillary bodies, colliculi bodies, cerebral peduncles, and primordial pons. By GD130, most gross topographic neural features were already established. Cerebellar lobation and patterning at GD130 were the last recognizable gross developmental features noticed in the prenatal GCR brain. This coincided with the time of first eye opening in the GCR fetus. The developmental pattern observed in the prenatal GCR brain is similar to those noted in precocial rodent like the guinea pig. However, the onset of these milestones was delayed, and their duration was relatively shorter in the GCR. This study provides a frame of baseline reference of morphological brain features in the GCR embryos and fetuses that will be useful for fetal age estimation, for home grown neurodevelopmental and eco-toxicological studies, as this rodent is being proposed as a research model.
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a study of scientific publications on the greater cane rat Thryonomys swinderianus temminck 1827
Animal Models and Experimental Medicine, 2020Co-Authors: O. A. Mustapha, A. K. Akinloye, Oluwaseun Samuel Ezekiel, Ebunoluwa Elizabeth Teriba, Ayokunle Matthew Olude, J O OlopadeAbstract:Background The greater cane rat (GCR), reputed to be African's second largest rodent, is a precocial hystricomorph with an uncommon phenotype and life history. Scientific and socio-economic interests in the GCR have led to heightened research efforts targeted towards a better understanding of its biology and exploration of its economic and translational usefulness. Methods Records of all online scientific publications on the GCR from Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, science.gov, Ebscohost and Worldwide science, with the exception of research theses, proceedings, unpublished projects and abstracts, were collated and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results A total of 146 published scholarly articles spanning about six decades were retrieved, with 98% of the GCR publications originating from African countries. Nigeria boasts the highest number of publications (58.22%) followed by Ghana (21.23%) and South Africa (5.48%) while Senegal contributed the least (0.69%). Publications were sorted into ten field categories. The field with the highest number of articles (41.78%) was animal breeding and management recording, closely followed by anatomy (37.67%). Lesser contributions were made by parasitology (5.48%), biochemistry/hematology (4.8%), pharmacology/toxicology (4.11%), pathology (2.06%), and surgery/anesthesia and physiology (1.37% apiece). The fields with fewest contributions were microbiology and developmental biology (0.69% each). Conclusion This study chronicles the spectrum of knowledge available on the GCR, highlighting the knowledge gap that still exists in various fields in order to provide advocacy for new frontiers in research efforts on this rodent. We suggest the need for a clearly defined and well integrated national/regional policy aimed at establishing Africa's foremost micro-livestock rodent, the greater cane rat, on the world's scientific radar.
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developmental horizons in the pre natal development of the greater cane rat Thryonomys swinderianus
Anatomia Histologia Embryologia, 2019Co-Authors: M.a. Olude, O. A. Mustapha, Samuel Ezekiel, Johannes Seeger, Simone A Fietz, J O OlopadeAbstract:The Greater cane rat (GCR, Thyronomys swinderianus) is a precocial rodent predominantly found within Africa. Economic and scientific interests have led to several research efforts towards the domestication and better understanding of the biology and development of this rodent. Despite these efforts, information on the pre-natal development of this rodent is currently lacking. This study characterises distinct developmental milestones including skin pigmentation, emergence and distributions of hairs, calvarium consistency, teeth eruption, development of appendages, sensory organs and external genitalia in the pre-natal GCR and assesses quantitative body parameters, that is body weight, body and crown-rump lengths across its entire gestation length (gestation days [GDs] 10-140). Using these external features, we provide baseline reference ontogenetic scales for GCR embryos and fetuses, employable for stage, age and sex estimation of the pre-natal GCR in future studies. We observed that the first evidence of an embryo was not seen before the end of the first trimester (GD50) and that the late second trimester (GD80-GD100) marks the transition from embryogenesis to fetogenesis in the GCR. As both events occur at a much later developmental time point when compared to precocial non-rodents including human, sheep and pig and slightly later when compared to other precocial rodents such as guinea pig, our data provide first indication that the pre-natal GCR development might be associated with a reproductive delay. Together, this study expands our knowledge of the development and biology of the GCR, which will improve reproductive and breeding management, and native species conservation of this hystricomorph mammal.
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non functional sexually dimorphic mandibular differences in the african rodent Thryonomys swinderianus temminck 1827
Annals of Biological Research, 2015Co-Authors: P M Parescasanova, O M Samuel, J O OlopadeAbstract:This study aimed to compare mandibular parameters in adult males and females of Greater cane rat or African cane rat (Thryonomys swinderianus). For this purpose,9lateral mandibular landmarks were analysed by means of geometric morphometrics. Based on data, and exclusion of the size related component of shape variation, males and females can be clearly discriminated according to mandible shape.In males the ventral point of first incisor alveolus tends to be more cranial, whereas the mental foramen presented a more caudal displacement in females, which moreover demonstrated a more slender mandible. Main biomechanical points (mandibular ramus flexure) showed no differences between genders. It may be concluded that morphological differences the in the mandible of both sexes of T. swinderianus are not due to a functional reasons, as masticatory behaviour would be. This is the first time to the best of our knowledge that geometric morphometric comparison of mandibles in this African rodent is reported, which has enabled the inference of identical biomechanical forces in males and females.
M Van Der Merwe - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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discriminating between Thryonomys swinderianus and Thryonomys gregorianus
African Zoology, 2007Co-Authors: M Van Der MerweAbstract:Owing to the great similarity in external features between the two cane rat species, Thryonomys swinderianus and T. gregorianus, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between them, especially when dealing with juveniles and subadults. It becomes even more difficult when trying to identify similar-sized skulls. Additional characteristics of the skull are discussed that may be useful when used along with the original identification key. The presence of a bar across the foramen ovale in the skull of T. gregorianus proved to be the most heuristic. However, because it is not absent in all T. swinderianus skulls, it should be used in combination with the other characteristics.
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tooth succession in the greater cane rat Thryonomys swinderianus temminck 1827
Journal of Zoology, 2000Co-Authors: M Van Der MerweAbstract:Tooth succession was followed in captive greater cane rats Thryonomys swinderianus of known ages with the aid of regular radiographs. The incisors and single premolar tooth (dP 4/4) in each quadrant are persistent deciduous teeth that are not replaced by permanent teeth. Tooth succession is relatively slow, with eruption of the lower cheek teeth in advance of the upper ones. During the first 5 months of post-natal development, three cheek teeth per quadrant become functional. Another 5 months elapse before the fourth cheek tooth erupts. The same slow growth can be seen in the increase in mass, which only doubles 5 months after puberty (5 months).
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the influence of fibre in the diet on growth rates and the digestibility of nutrients in the greater cane rat Thryonomys swinderianus
Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology A-molecular & Integrative Physiology, 1999Co-Authors: A J Van Zyl, A J Meyer, M Van Der MerweAbstract:The greater cane rat Thryonomys swinderianus is a coprophagous rodent in which fermentation occurs in the large caecum. The extent to which a 45% increase in the fibre component of the diet influenced growth rates of cane rats and the digestibility of nutrients and energy was investigated in two feeding trials. Higher fibre levels in the diet reduced the digestibility of dry matter, protein and fat, while animals digested fibre components (neutral-detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, hemicellulose and cellulose) with a comparable efficiency to those maintained on a low fibre diet. In one of the trials animals fed the high fibre diet exhibited significantly lower growth rates than animals fed the low fibre diet. Digestibility coefficients of the cane rats for neutral-detergent fibre and protein seem to be intermediate to high when compared to reported values for the porcupine, guinea-pig, degu and rabbit. It is suggested that the ability of cane rats to utilise large quantities of fibre enable them to survive periods when only dry grass is available.
O. A. Mustapha - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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morphological characterization of the developing greater cane rat Thryonomys swinderianus brain
Developmental Neuroscience, 2020Co-Authors: O. A. Mustapha, M.a. Olude, Oluwaseun Samuel Ezekiel, Francis Olaolorun, Michael Awalaajakaiye, Eniola Popoola, J O OlopadeAbstract:Developmental mode along the altricial-precocial spectrum is well known to be influenced by brain development and maturation. The greater cane rat (GCR) is an indigenous precocial African rodent with uncommon phenotypes and life traits. This study was therefore designed to characterize and describe distinctive external developmental features in the prenatal GCR brain across the entire gestational length using the emergence and differentiation of external features of the brain vesicles. Four gross morphometric brain parameters (weight, length, width, and height) were evaluated and expressed as mean ± SEM. Relationship between all brain morphometrics and gestation length were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and linear regression. Developmental milestones in the prenatal GCR were then compared with closely related precocial mammals. The earliest time point with gross observable features in the prenatal GCR brain was at gestation day (GD) 60. The period with the most remarkable gross developmental features was noted between GD80 and GD100. Some of these gross features include differentiation of the cerebellar plate into vermis and lateral lobes, emergence of the piriform lobes, mammillary bodies, colliculi bodies, cerebral peduncles, and primordial pons. By GD130, most gross topographic neural features were already established. Cerebellar lobation and patterning at GD130 were the last recognizable gross developmental features noticed in the prenatal GCR brain. This coincided with the time of first eye opening in the GCR fetus. The developmental pattern observed in the prenatal GCR brain is similar to those noted in precocial rodent like the guinea pig. However, the onset of these milestones was delayed, and their duration was relatively shorter in the GCR. This study provides a frame of baseline reference of morphological brain features in the GCR embryos and fetuses that will be useful for fetal age estimation, for home grown neurodevelopmental and eco-toxicological studies, as this rodent is being proposed as a research model.
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a study of scientific publications on the greater cane rat Thryonomys swinderianus temminck 1827
Animal Models and Experimental Medicine, 2020Co-Authors: O. A. Mustapha, A. K. Akinloye, Oluwaseun Samuel Ezekiel, Ebunoluwa Elizabeth Teriba, Ayokunle Matthew Olude, J O OlopadeAbstract:Background The greater cane rat (GCR), reputed to be African's second largest rodent, is a precocial hystricomorph with an uncommon phenotype and life history. Scientific and socio-economic interests in the GCR have led to heightened research efforts targeted towards a better understanding of its biology and exploration of its economic and translational usefulness. Methods Records of all online scientific publications on the GCR from Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, science.gov, Ebscohost and Worldwide science, with the exception of research theses, proceedings, unpublished projects and abstracts, were collated and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results A total of 146 published scholarly articles spanning about six decades were retrieved, with 98% of the GCR publications originating from African countries. Nigeria boasts the highest number of publications (58.22%) followed by Ghana (21.23%) and South Africa (5.48%) while Senegal contributed the least (0.69%). Publications were sorted into ten field categories. The field with the highest number of articles (41.78%) was animal breeding and management recording, closely followed by anatomy (37.67%). Lesser contributions were made by parasitology (5.48%), biochemistry/hematology (4.8%), pharmacology/toxicology (4.11%), pathology (2.06%), and surgery/anesthesia and physiology (1.37% apiece). The fields with fewest contributions were microbiology and developmental biology (0.69% each). Conclusion This study chronicles the spectrum of knowledge available on the GCR, highlighting the knowledge gap that still exists in various fields in order to provide advocacy for new frontiers in research efforts on this rodent. We suggest the need for a clearly defined and well integrated national/regional policy aimed at establishing Africa's foremost micro-livestock rodent, the greater cane rat, on the world's scientific radar.
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developmental horizons in the pre natal development of the greater cane rat Thryonomys swinderianus
Anatomia Histologia Embryologia, 2019Co-Authors: M.a. Olude, O. A. Mustapha, Samuel Ezekiel, Johannes Seeger, Simone A Fietz, J O OlopadeAbstract:The Greater cane rat (GCR, Thyronomys swinderianus) is a precocial rodent predominantly found within Africa. Economic and scientific interests have led to several research efforts towards the domestication and better understanding of the biology and development of this rodent. Despite these efforts, information on the pre-natal development of this rodent is currently lacking. This study characterises distinct developmental milestones including skin pigmentation, emergence and distributions of hairs, calvarium consistency, teeth eruption, development of appendages, sensory organs and external genitalia in the pre-natal GCR and assesses quantitative body parameters, that is body weight, body and crown-rump lengths across its entire gestation length (gestation days [GDs] 10-140). Using these external features, we provide baseline reference ontogenetic scales for GCR embryos and fetuses, employable for stage, age and sex estimation of the pre-natal GCR in future studies. We observed that the first evidence of an embryo was not seen before the end of the first trimester (GD50) and that the late second trimester (GD80-GD100) marks the transition from embryogenesis to fetogenesis in the GCR. As both events occur at a much later developmental time point when compared to precocial non-rodents including human, sheep and pig and slightly later when compared to other precocial rodents such as guinea pig, our data provide first indication that the pre-natal GCR development might be associated with a reproductive delay. Together, this study expands our knowledge of the development and biology of the GCR, which will improve reproductive and breeding management, and native species conservation of this hystricomorph mammal.
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Morphometric Study of the Skull of the Greater Cane Rat ( Thryonomys swinderianus , Temmnick)
Nigerian Veterinary Journal, 2014Co-Authors: M.a. Olude, O. A. Mustapha, A. C. Sonubi, T. E. Falade, T. K. Ogunbunmi, A.o. Adebayo, A. K. AkinloyeAbstract:This study was designed to investigate some morphometric characteristics of the skull of the Greater cane rat (GCR) involving 30 morphometric parameters. A total of 10 adult GCR were used for this study comprising of both sexes (5 males and 5 females). Student t-test was used to analyze the values obtained and to determine differences between the sexes. Morphological features were found in the zygomatic bone which occurred as a large and thick bone on both ends. From 30 parameters analyzed, 12 were statistically significant (p≤ 0.05) between both sexes, confirming the presence of sexual dimorphism in the skull of this rodent. This study provided baseline research data on the typology of the skull of the GCR. KEYWORDS : Greater cane rat, morphometry, skull, sexual dimorphism, craniometry.
Christopher Adenyo - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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bacterial and protozoan pathogens symbionts in ticks infecting wild grasscutters Thryonomys swinderianus in ghana
Acta Tropica, 2020Co-Authors: Christopher Adenyo, Kenji Ohya, Yongjin Qiu, Yasuhiro Takashima, Hirohito Ogawa, Tateki Matsumoto, May June Thu, Kozue Sato, Hiroki Kawabata, Yukie KatayamaAbstract:Abstract Ticks and tick-borne pathogens constitute a great threat to livestock production and are a potential health hazard to humans. Grasscutters (Thryonomys swinderianus) are widely hunted for meat in Ghana and many other West and Central African countries. However, tick-borne zoonotic risks posed by wild grasscutters have not been assessed. The objective of this study was to investigate bacterial and protozoan pathogens in ticks infecting wild grasscutters. A total of 81 ticks were collected from three hunted grasscutters purchased from Kantamanto, the central bushmeat market in Accra. Ticks were identified as Ixodes aulacodi and Rhipicephalus sp. based on morphological keys, which were further confirmed by sequencing mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and cytochrome oxidase I (COI) genes of specimens. Protozoan infections were tested by PCR amplifying 18S rDNA of Babesia/Theileria/Hepatozoon, while bacterial infections were evaluated by PCRs or real-time PCRs targeting Anaplasmataceae, Borrelia, spotted fever group rickettsiae, chlamydiae and Candidatus Midichloria mitochondrii. The results of PCR screening showed that 35.5% (27 out of 76) of I. aulacodi were positive for parasite infections. Sequencing analysis of the amplified products gave one identical sequence showing similarity with Babesia spp. reported from Africa. The Ca. M. mitochondrii endosymbiont was present in 85.5% (65 out of 76) of I. aulacodi but not in the five Rhipicephalus ticks. Two Anaplasmataceae bacteria genetically related to Ehrlichia muris and Anaplasma phagocytophilum were also detected in two I. aulacodi. None of the ticks were positive for Borrelia spp., spotted fever group rickettsiae and chlamydiae. Since I. aulacodi on wild grasscutters are potential carriers of tick-borne pathogens, some of which could be of zoonotic potential, rigorous tick control and pathogen analyses should be instituted especially when wild caught grasscutters are being used as foundation stock for breeding.
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genome wide dna markers to support genetic management for domestication and commercial production in a large rodent the ghanaian grasscutter Thryonomys swinderianus
Animal Genetics, 2017Co-Authors: Christopher Adenyo, Rob Ogden, Boniface B Kayang, Manabu Onuma, Nobuyoshi Nakajima, Miho InouemurayamaAbstract:Summary Domestication and commercial production of the grasscutter, Thryonomys swinderianus, a large rodent, represents an important opportunity to secure sustainable animal protein for local communities in West Africa. To support production, DNA markers are required for population diversity assessment, pedigree analysis and marker-assisted selection. This study reports the application of double-digest RAD sequencing to simultaneously discover and genotype SNP markers in 24 wild and recently domesticated grasscutters. An initial panel of 1209 SNP loci was characterised from a total of more than 21 000 candidate loci containing single SNPs. This genome-wide resource represents the first application of its type to commercial production of a large rodent for food and advances the use of agricultural genomics in Ghana.
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genetic diversity of grasscutter Thryonomys swinderianus rodentia hystricomorpha in ghana based on microsatellite markers
West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2017Co-Authors: Christopher Adenyo, Boniface B Kayang, Erasmus H. Owusu, Eiji Inoue, Miho InouemurayamaAbstract:Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) is a fairly large rodent that inhabits sub-Saharan Africa. There are very limited ecological studies on the grasscutter despite its importance as a protein resource. The objective of this study was to apply novel microsatellite markers to determine the genetic structure and diversity of grasscutter populations in Ghana. A total of 66 hair samples were collected from grasscutters in three main agro-ecological zones of Ghana, namely Guinea Savanna ( n = 19), Forest ( n = 16) and Coastal Savanna ( n = 16) as well as Volta Region ( n = 15). Samples were genotyped at 12 polymorphic loci and the results showed relatively high diversity ( MNA = 7.3, HE = 0.745) within populations. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Forest population is closer to the Coastal Savanna population than the other populations whilst Volta Region population is closer to the Guinea Savanna population than the other populations. Pairwise FST values however indicated that all populations were significantly differentiated ( p < 0.01). STRUCTURE clustering analysis showed that Volta population split from the Guinea Savanna population. Grasscutter populations in Ghana are genetically differentiated according to agro-ecological zones and the Volta Lake could be serving as a barrier to gene flow.
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mitochondrial d loop diversity of grasscutter Thryonomys swinderianus rodentia hystricomorpha in ghana
Open Journal of Animal Sciences, 2013Co-Authors: Christopher Adenyo, Boniface B Kayang, Azusa Hayano, Erasmus H. Owusu, Miho InouemurayamaAbstract:Attempts are being made to domesticate the grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) for commercial production in Sub-Saharan Africa to cater for the protein needs of the people and to satisfy the craving for bushmeat, thereby reducing habitat destruction through hunting. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity of grasscutter populations in Ghana. DNA was extracted from roots of hair samples collected from 84 grasscutters from three agro-ecological zones in Ghana, namely Guinea Savanna (n = 17), Forest (n = 22), and Coastal Savanna (n = 45). Mitochondrial D-loop was sequenced and the diversity was determined across the zones. Out of 26 haplotypes found, 15 were obtained from Guinea Savanna, 7 from Forest and 13 from Coastal Savanna. Haplotype diversities were 0.978, 0.853 and 0.875 respectively for Guinea Savanna, Forest and Coastal Savanna zones. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed significant differentiation between Forest and Savanna populations (FST = 0.14, p 0.05). Network analysis indicated two clusters, one of which consisted of only Savanna haplotypes. Population neutrality tests showed that Forest and Coastal Savanna populations had been stable while the Guinea Savanna zone population had undergone an expansion (Fu’s FS = ‐7.132, p
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Mitochondrial D-loop diversity of grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus Rodentia:
2013Co-Authors: Christopher Adenyo, Boniface B Kayang, Azusa Hayano, Erasmus H. Owusu, Miho Inoue-murayamaAbstract:Copyright © 2013 Christopher Adenyo et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution Li-cense, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Attempts are being made to domesticate the grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) for com-mercial production in Sub-Saharan Africa to ca-ter for the protein needs of the people and to satisfy the craving for bushmeat, thereby re-ducing habitat destruction through hunting. The objective of this study was to determine the ge-netic diversity of grasscutter populations in Gha-na. DNA was extracted from roots of hair sam-ples collected from 84 grasscutters from three agro-ecological zones in Ghana, namely Guinea Savanna (n = 17), Forest (n = 22), and Coasta
Miho Inouemurayama - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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genome wide dna markers to support genetic management for domestication and commercial production in a large rodent the ghanaian grasscutter Thryonomys swinderianus
Animal Genetics, 2017Co-Authors: Christopher Adenyo, Rob Ogden, Boniface B Kayang, Manabu Onuma, Nobuyoshi Nakajima, Miho InouemurayamaAbstract:Summary Domestication and commercial production of the grasscutter, Thryonomys swinderianus, a large rodent, represents an important opportunity to secure sustainable animal protein for local communities in West Africa. To support production, DNA markers are required for population diversity assessment, pedigree analysis and marker-assisted selection. This study reports the application of double-digest RAD sequencing to simultaneously discover and genotype SNP markers in 24 wild and recently domesticated grasscutters. An initial panel of 1209 SNP loci was characterised from a total of more than 21 000 candidate loci containing single SNPs. This genome-wide resource represents the first application of its type to commercial production of a large rodent for food and advances the use of agricultural genomics in Ghana.
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genetic diversity of grasscutter Thryonomys swinderianus rodentia hystricomorpha in ghana based on microsatellite markers
West African Journal of Applied Ecology, 2017Co-Authors: Christopher Adenyo, Boniface B Kayang, Erasmus H. Owusu, Eiji Inoue, Miho InouemurayamaAbstract:Grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) is a fairly large rodent that inhabits sub-Saharan Africa. There are very limited ecological studies on the grasscutter despite its importance as a protein resource. The objective of this study was to apply novel microsatellite markers to determine the genetic structure and diversity of grasscutter populations in Ghana. A total of 66 hair samples were collected from grasscutters in three main agro-ecological zones of Ghana, namely Guinea Savanna ( n = 19), Forest ( n = 16) and Coastal Savanna ( n = 16) as well as Volta Region ( n = 15). Samples were genotyped at 12 polymorphic loci and the results showed relatively high diversity ( MNA = 7.3, HE = 0.745) within populations. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Forest population is closer to the Coastal Savanna population than the other populations whilst Volta Region population is closer to the Guinea Savanna population than the other populations. Pairwise FST values however indicated that all populations were significantly differentiated ( p < 0.01). STRUCTURE clustering analysis showed that Volta population split from the Guinea Savanna population. Grasscutter populations in Ghana are genetically differentiated according to agro-ecological zones and the Volta Lake could be serving as a barrier to gene flow.
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mitochondrial d loop diversity of grasscutter Thryonomys swinderianus rodentia hystricomorpha in ghana
Open Journal of Animal Sciences, 2013Co-Authors: Christopher Adenyo, Boniface B Kayang, Azusa Hayano, Erasmus H. Owusu, Miho InouemurayamaAbstract:Attempts are being made to domesticate the grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) for commercial production in Sub-Saharan Africa to cater for the protein needs of the people and to satisfy the craving for bushmeat, thereby reducing habitat destruction through hunting. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity of grasscutter populations in Ghana. DNA was extracted from roots of hair samples collected from 84 grasscutters from three agro-ecological zones in Ghana, namely Guinea Savanna (n = 17), Forest (n = 22), and Coastal Savanna (n = 45). Mitochondrial D-loop was sequenced and the diversity was determined across the zones. Out of 26 haplotypes found, 15 were obtained from Guinea Savanna, 7 from Forest and 13 from Coastal Savanna. Haplotype diversities were 0.978, 0.853 and 0.875 respectively for Guinea Savanna, Forest and Coastal Savanna zones. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed significant differentiation between Forest and Savanna populations (FST = 0.14, p 0.05). Network analysis indicated two clusters, one of which consisted of only Savanna haplotypes. Population neutrality tests showed that Forest and Coastal Savanna populations had been stable while the Guinea Savanna zone population had undergone an expansion (Fu’s FS = ‐7.132, p
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development of microsatellite markers for grasscutter Thryonomys swinderianus rodentia using next generation sequencing technology
Conservation Genetics Resources, 2012Co-Authors: Christopher Adenyo, Boniface B Kayang, Azusa Hayano, Eiji Inoue, Miho InouemurayamaAbstract:The grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus) is a hystricomorph rodent that inhabits mainly Sub-Saharan Africa and its meat is highly relished by most people in this region. The animal is hunted in the wild using techniques that are sometimes detrimental to the environment. It is therefore being domesticated to make the meat readily available to forestall the negative consequences of hunting. There are currently no genetic markers available and we report here, 33 novel microsatellite markers developed using next-generation sequencing technology. The number of alleles ranged from 3 to 11 (mean 6.4) while the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.188 to 1.000 (mean 0.591) and 0.322–0.873 (mean 0.713), respectively. Cumulative probability of identity (PI) for all loci was very low (PI = 3.1 × 10−33), indicating that these markers can be used for individual identification in the domestic setting. They will also be useful to study the genetic diversity of the grasscutter in the wild for population monitoring and conservation.