Usage of the XGBoost and MARS algorithms for predicting body weight in Kajli sheep breed

This study aimed to utilize the XGBoost and MARS algorithms to predict present weight from body measurements. The algorithms have the potential to model nonlinear relationships between body measurements and weight, and this study attempted to find a model that provided the most accurate predictions of present weight. The current study was conducted with 152 animals in order to achieve a certain goal. To compare the model performances, goodness-of-fit criteria such as R2, r, RMSE, CV, SDratio, PI, MAPE, AIC were used. According to the results of this study, the XGBoost algorithm was the most reliable model for predicting present weight from body measurement. Even if the XGBoost algorithm was the most accurate model, the MARS algorithm was the reliable model for the same aim. In addition, it is hoped that the results of this study will help researchers and breeders better understand the relationship between body measurements and weight and ultimately be able to help individuals better manage their weight. As a conclusion, in the current study, the XGBoost algorithm is an effective, efficient, and reliable tool for accurately estimating present weight from body measurements. This makes it an invaluable tool in rural areas, where traditional weighing scales may not be available or reliable.

Use of multivariate adaptive regression splines for prediction of body weight from body measurements in Marecha (Camelus dromedaries) camels in Pakistan

The aim of the present work was to predict live body weight by means of some body measurements, i.e., SH, CG, and BG in indigenous Marecha camel breed. For this purpose, multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) algorithm was used at proportions of various training and test sets, i.e., 65:35, 70:30, and 80:20 in V-tenfold cross-validation. In prediction of live body weight of the Marecha camels (160 female and 145 male animals) in the MARS predictive models, pairs of sex-SH (model 1), sex-CG (model 2), and sex-BG (model 3) as potential predictors. The best MARS model in LW prediction was obtained using sex and SH independent variables for 80:20 training and test set. Sex was determined to be an important source of variation in SH, CG, and BG as a result of sexual dimorphism in camels (P < 0.01). MARS results indicated that SH could be used as an indirect selection criterion to obtain elite camel herds on LW of Marecha camels. If genetically confirmed, the Marecha camels whose SH is taller than 165.1 cm could be selected for providing genetic progress in LW. In conclusion, use of MARS algorithm may be worthy of consideration for better identification of camel breed standards and selection of superior Marecha camels for meat productivity in Pakistan.

Effect of Different Watering Regimes in Summer Season on Water Intake, Feed Intake, and Milk Production of Marecha She-camel (Camelus dromedarius)

Simple Summary

Camel livestock is a significant sector of agriculture in Pakistan. Punjab Marecha is the camel breed more diffuse for their production characteristics. In fact, this camel breed is well adapted to the desert ecosystem, tolerating elevated temperatures and dehydration. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of water deprivation on milk production performance in Marecha camels during the summer. Twelve she-camels in the early lactation stage were included. After seven days, camels were divided into three groups: Group 1 (G1) having access to water once a day, Group 2 (G2) having access once every 4 days, and Group 3 (G3) having access once every 6 days. Milk production and daily dry matter were decreased in camels deprived of water for 6 days. The results of the current study suggest that the camel is a productive animal even when subjected to water deprivation; however, its feed intake and milk production are decreased.

Abstract

Twelve lactating healthy Marecha she-camels in the early lactation stage during the summer at Camel Breeding and Research Station Rakh-Mahni (Pakistan) were included. All animals were fed with Medicago sativa and Cicer arientinum ad libitum and divided into three groups in relation to the access to water, after a period of seven days of adaptation to experimental conditions. Group 1 (G1) was considered as control having access to water once every day; Group 2 (G2) had access once every 4 days, while Group 3 (G3) had access once every 6 days. The duration of the study was 60 days with an adaptation period to experimental conditions of 7 days before the onset of the study. Dry matter intake (DMI) was calculated on a dry matter basis. On average the ambient temperature and relative humidity during the trial were 39–41 °C and 55–63%, respectively. The DMI, water intake, milk production, and body weight changes were affected (p < 0.001) during various watering regimes. The mean values of water intake were found to be 82.94 ± 1.34 L higher in G3 than G1 and G2.

Impact of various watering regimes on physiological and hematological parameters in intensively kept Marecha (Camelus dromedarius) she-camels in summer season

Background:

Camel is vital to daily life as a source of food and means of transportation, and just as importantly, its milk and urine have been used as medicine for diverse ailments since ancient times for people living in the desert region.

Aim:

The current study was planned to investigate the effect of different watering regimes on physiological and hematological parameters of lactating Marecha camels during the summer season.

Methods:

For this purpose, 12 lactating she-camels of almost similar age (8–13 years) and parity (2–5) were selected in a completely randomized design with four animals per treatment at the Camel Breeding and Research Station Rakh Mahni District Bhakkar. The trial was completed in 60 days, while 7 days were given as an acclimatization period for adaptation. The treatments were as follows: Group-1 (G-1) considered as the control had access to water once in a day; Group-2 (G-2) had access to water once in 4 days, and Group-3 (G-3) had access to water once in 6 days. Animals were housed individually for feeding and watering in an intensive management system. The same feed consisting of green fodder (Lucerne) and gram straw (Cicer arientinum) was offered to all animals. The average ambient temperature and relative humidity were 39°C–41°C and 55%–63%, respectively.

Result:

The mean values (p < 0.001) of water intake were found to be 82.94 ± 1.34 l in G-3, which was higher than G-1 and G-2. Blood analysis showed that packed cell volume, white blood cells, and hemoglobin were affected significantly (p < 0.001, p < 0.01, and p < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion:

No serious changes in complete blood count and physiological parameters were reported in this study. So, this shows that the camel is unique in its physiological adaptation in hot and hostile environments.