Pub Date : 2025-12-16DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107685
Tacila Rodrigues Arruda , Dermeval Araújo Furtado , José Pinheiro Lopes Neto , Ricardo Romão Guerra , Nágela Maria Henrique Mascarenhas , Raimundo Calixto Martins Rodrigues , Edijanio Galdino da Silva , Ricardo de Sousa Silva , Neriane Rodrigues de Lima , Ivson de Sousa Barbosa , Neila Lidiany Ribeiro
Our hypothesis is that temperature variation ranging from thermal comfort to heat stress significantly influences the skin morphology and coat structure of sheep, with distinct responses across the breeds studied. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess these effects in free-ranging sheep from the native breeds Morada Nova, Santa Inês, Soinga, and Sem Padrão de Raça Definida, raised under controlled environmental conditions. Twenty-four uncastrated rams from the Soinga, Morada Nova, Santa Inês, and Sem Padrão Racial Definido breeds were used, with six individuals from each breed. The animals were kept in controlled environments with temperatures of 20, 24, 28, 32, and 36 °C, with an average age of 5 ± 0.5 months and an average body weight of 25.0 ± 3.6 kg. Temperature had a significant effect on sebaceous gland area (P = 0.0172), with animals exposed to 36 °C exhibiting a larger area compared to those maintained at 20 and 32 °C. Across breeds, Morada Nova sheep showed a significantly greater gland area (P = 0.0282) than Soinga, while Santa Inês and Sem Padrão de Raça Definida did not differ. Epidermal thickness was significantly greater at the thermal extremes of 20 and 36 °C. Morada Nova sheep displayed the thickest epidermis (P < 0.0001), followed by Santa Inês, Soinga, and Sem Padrão Racial Definido, with no statistical difference between the latter two. The results of this study indicate that temperature variation may induce morphological changes in the integument of hair sheep, with distinct responses among the native breeds evaluated.
我们的假设是，从热舒适到热应激的温度变化显著影响绵羊的皮肤形态和被毛结构，在不同的品种中有不同的反应。因此，本研究旨在评估在受控环境条件下饲养的本地品种Morada Nova、Santa Inês、Soinga和Sem padr o de rarada Definida的自由放养羊的这些影响。使用了来自Soinga， Morada Nova， Santa Inês和Sem padr种族定义品种的24只未阉割的公羊，每个品种有6只。饲养温度分别为20、24、28、32和36°C，平均年龄为5 ± 0.5个月，平均体重为25.0 ± 3.6 kg。温度对皮脂腺面积有显著影响（P = 0.0172），与保持在20和32°C的动物相比，暴露在36°C的动物表现出更大的面积。在不同品种中，莫拉达Nova羊的腺体面积显著大于索因加羊（P = 0.0282），而桑塔Inês羊和塞姆帕德r de拉帕拉达Definida羊的腺体面积差异不显著。在20和36℃的极端温度下，表皮厚度显著增加。Morada Nova绵羊表皮最厚（P <； 0.0001），其次是Santa Inês、Soinga和Sem padr o Racial Definido，两者之间无统计学差异。研究结果表明，温度变化可能引起毛羊被毛的形态变化，且不同地方品种间的反应不同。
{"title":"Integumentary adaptations of native sheep breeds to thermoneutral and heat stress conditions","authors":"Tacila Rodrigues Arruda , Dermeval Araújo Furtado , José Pinheiro Lopes Neto , Ricardo Romão Guerra , Nágela Maria Henrique Mascarenhas , Raimundo Calixto Martins Rodrigues , Edijanio Galdino da Silva , Ricardo de Sousa Silva , Neriane Rodrigues de Lima , Ivson de Sousa Barbosa , Neila Lidiany Ribeiro","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107685","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107685","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Our hypothesis is that temperature variation ranging from thermal comfort to heat stress significantly influences the skin morphology and coat structure of sheep, with distinct responses across the breeds studied. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess these effects in free-ranging sheep from the native breeds <em>Morada Nova, Santa Inês, Soinga, and Sem Padrão de Raça Definida</em>, raised under controlled environmental conditions. Twenty-four uncastrated rams from the <em>Soinga, Morada Nova, Santa Inês, and Sem Padrão Racial Definido</em> breeds were used, with six individuals from each breed. The animals were kept in controlled environments with temperatures of 20, 24, 28, 32, and 36 °C, with an average age of 5 ± 0.5 months and an average body weight of 25.0 ± 3.6 kg. Temperature had a significant effect on sebaceous gland area (P = 0.0172), with animals exposed to 36 °C exhibiting a larger area compared to those maintained at 20 and 32 °C. Across breeds, <em>Morada Nova</em> sheep showed a significantly greater gland area (P = 0.0282) than <em>Soinga</em>, while <em>Santa Inês</em> and <em>Sem Padrão de Raça Definida</em> did not differ. Epidermal thickness was significantly greater at the thermal extremes of 20 and 36 °C. <em>Morada Nova</em> sheep displayed the thickest epidermis (P < 0.0001), followed by <em>Santa Inês, Soinga,</em> and <em>Sem Padrão Racial Definido</em>, with no statistical difference between the latter two. The results of this study indicate that temperature variation may induce morphological changes in the integument of hair sheep, with distinct responses among the native breeds evaluated.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"255 ","pages":"Article 107685"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145791412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Embryonic developmental potential and stem cell differentiation are regulated by different pluripotency-related transcription factors (TFs), which are sensitive to micromilieu oxidative status. Embryos lacking these factors have low developmental potential and lose pluripotency. Numerous studies report sex-specific differences in embryo development in relation to oxidative status. However, information on the sexual dimorphism in the oxidative stress-induced expression levels of pluripotency markers in embryos is not available. Thus, the current study was designed to elucidate the sexual dimorphism in the relative expression levels of ROS-regulated pluripotency-related TFs (SOX2, NANOG, OCT4, c-MYC, FGF4, KLF4, DPPA3, LIFR, and SOCS1) in sheep embryos produced in vitro. Most of the TFs were significantly (P < 0.05) downregulated in female embryos as compared to male embryos. Significantly (P < 0.05) lower levels of ROS, higher levels of GSH, and fewer total cell numbers were observed in female embryos than in male embryos. The study concluded that male embryos produced in vitro have greater pluripotency ability than female embryos. In contrast, the female embryos in vitro are more stressed due to ROS-mediated suppression of energy metabolism, resulting in ATP depletion and jeopardizing their developmental potential, which in turn affects the pluripotency ability in association with downregulation of related TFs.
{"title":"Sex-specific differences in expression of pluripotency-related transcription factors in sheep embryos produced in vitro","authors":"Anupama Karimpat , Ashish Mishra , Arindam Dhali , Sudhir Chandra Roy","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107682","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107682","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Embryonic developmental potential and stem cell differentiation are regulated by different pluripotency-related transcription factors (TFs), which are sensitive to micromilieu oxidative status. Embryos lacking these factors have low developmental potential and lose pluripotency. Numerous studies report sex-specific differences in embryo development in relation to oxidative status. However, information on the sexual dimorphism in the oxidative stress-induced expression levels of pluripotency markers in embryos is not available. Thus, the current study was designed to elucidate the sexual dimorphism in the relative expression levels of ROS-regulated pluripotency-related TFs (<em>SOX2, NANOG</em>, <em>OCT4, c-MYC, FGF4, KLF4, DPPA3, LIFR, and SOCS1)</em> in sheep embryos produced <em>in vitro</em>. Most of the TFs were significantly (<em>P</em> < 0.05) downregulated in female embryos as compared to male embryos. Significantly (<em>P</em> < 0.05) lower levels of ROS, higher levels of GSH, and fewer total cell numbers were observed in female embryos than in male embryos. The study concluded that male embryos produced <em>in vitro</em> have greater pluripotency ability than female embryos. In contrast, the female embryos <em>in vitro</em> are more stressed due to ROS-mediated suppression of energy metabolism, resulting in ATP depletion and jeopardizing their developmental potential, which in turn affects the pluripotency ability in association with downregulation of related TFs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"255 ","pages":"Article 107682"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145790950","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-13DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107683
Valdi de Lima Júnior , Divan Soares da Silva , Carlo Aldrovandi Torreão Marques , Jacira Neves da Costa Torreão , Tairon Pannunzio Dias-Silva , Ângela Maria Vieira Batista , Ariosvaldo Nunes de Medeiros
In the dry tropical agroforestry scenario, especially in native pasture areas, animals have access to a great diversity of plant species. Based on this, we aimed to investigate the effect of different levels of concentrate supplementation on chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of the extrusa, as well as forage consumed by Moxotó goats in a dry tropical agroforestry system. Eight male castrated Moxotó goats, (aged around 20 ± 4 months and weighting 33.4 ± 2.3 kg), fistulated in the esophagus, were distributed in a simultaneous double Latin square design with four treatments (0, 5, 10 and 15 g/kg of concentrate supplementation based on body weight) and four evaluation periods (each period lasting 28 days). Data were subjected to polynomial analysis of variance and tested for linear and quadratic orthogonal contrasts using the CONTRAST command. Among the available forages, Panasco grass (Aristida setifolia), malva (Sida cordifolia and Urena lobata) and catingueira (Caesalpina pyramidalis) were the most forage consumed by goats. The herbaceous stratum was preferred by the animals. The level of concentrate supplementation did not affect (P > 0.05) the chemical composition of the forage consumed by the animals, except for total tannin. Goats subjected to higher levels of concentrate supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) the consumption of condensed tannins. Increasing the level of concentrate supplementation promoted (P < 0.05) an improvement in the in vitro dry matter digestibility and in vitro organic matter digestibility. We conclude that the goats showed a higher consumption of the herbaceous stratum. Panasco grass, malva and catingueira were the forages most consumed by goats, and the diet composition was not influenced by concentrate supplementation. However, an increase in digestibility was observed of the preferred forage by Moxotó goats in the dry tropical agroforestry system.
{"title":"Diet composition, digestibility and forage consumed by Moxotó goats fed different concentrate levels in a dry tropical agroforestry system","authors":"Valdi de Lima Júnior , Divan Soares da Silva , Carlo Aldrovandi Torreão Marques , Jacira Neves da Costa Torreão , Tairon Pannunzio Dias-Silva , Ângela Maria Vieira Batista , Ariosvaldo Nunes de Medeiros","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107683","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107683","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the dry tropical agroforestry scenario, especially in native pasture areas, animals have access to a great diversity of plant species. Based on this, we aimed to investigate the effect of different levels of concentrate supplementation on chemical composition and <em>in vitro</em> digestibility of the extrusa, as well as forage consumed by Moxotó goats in a dry tropical agroforestry system. Eight male castrated Moxotó goats, (aged around 20 ± 4 months and weighting 33.4 ± 2.3 kg), fistulated in the esophagus, were distributed in a simultaneous double Latin square design with four treatments (0, 5, 10 and 15 g/kg of concentrate supplementation based on body weight) and four evaluation periods (each period lasting 28 days). Data were subjected to polynomial analysis of variance and tested for linear and quadratic orthogonal contrasts using the CONTRAST command. Among the available forages, Panasco grass (<em>Aristida setifolia</em>), malva (<em>Sida cordifolia and Urena lobata</em>) and catingueira (<em>Caesalpina pyramidalis</em>) were the most forage consumed by goats. The herbaceous stratum was preferred by the animals. The level of concentrate supplementation did not affect (P > 0.05) the chemical composition of the forage consumed by the animals, except for total tannin. Goats subjected to higher levels of concentrate supplementation reduced (P < 0.05) the consumption of condensed tannins. Increasing the level of concentrate supplementation promoted (P < 0.05) an improvement in the <em>in vitro</em> dry matter digestibility <em>and in vitro</em> organic matter digestibility. We conclude that the goats showed a higher consumption of the herbaceous stratum. Panasco grass, malva and catingueira were the forages most consumed by goats, and the diet composition was not influenced by concentrate supplementation. However, an increase in digestibility was observed of the preferred forage by Moxotó goats in the dry tropical agroforestry system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"255 ","pages":"Article 107683"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145791487","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-09DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107679
Elena Pérez-García , Jaime Nieto , José Alfonso Abecia , Javier Plaza , Carlos Palacios
Seasonal anoestrous reduces reproductive efficiency in sheep in temperate regions. Artificial photoperiod manipulation is a non-hormonal approach that stimulates ram sexual activity and enhances the "ram effect" on ewes. This study evaluated the sexual behaviour of rams subjected to artificial long-day photoperiods (L group) and their effect on non-stimulated rams (C group) during the first 14 days after introduction to anoestrous ewes. Eleven rams were assigned to photostimulated (n = 6) or control (n = 5) treatments, forming four groups: L, C, L+C (stimulated rams exposed to controls), and C+L (controls exposed to stimulated rams). Continuous video recording documented 5707 behavioural events. Photostimulated rams (L) exhibited higher activity (mean = 747.7 behaviours/ram) than other groups (C+L: 519.5; L+C: 443.0; C: 365.3; p < 0.01), with anogenital sniffing, approaching and chasing ewes being the most frequent behaviours. Activity peaked on days 2–5 post-introduction, mainly in the afternoon. Control rams housed with stimulated rams were more active than isolated controls, suggesting a social facilitation effect. These findings confirm that photoperiod manipulation enhances ram sexual activity and may influence non-stimulated rams through social interaction, as the different groups of animals exhibited distinct types and amounts of activity.
{"title":"Assessment of sexual activity in rams stimulated with artificial light and its impact on unstimulated rams during the initial 14 days of male effect","authors":"Elena Pérez-García , Jaime Nieto , José Alfonso Abecia , Javier Plaza , Carlos Palacios","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107679","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107679","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Seasonal anoestrous reduces reproductive efficiency in sheep in temperate regions. Artificial photoperiod manipulation is a non-hormonal approach that stimulates ram sexual activity and enhances the \"ram effect\" on ewes. This study evaluated the sexual behaviour of rams subjected to artificial long-day photoperiods (L group) and their effect on non-stimulated rams (C group) during the first 14 days after introduction to anoestrous ewes. Eleven rams were assigned to photostimulated (n = 6) or control (n = 5) treatments, forming four groups: L, C, L+C (stimulated rams exposed to controls), and C+L (controls exposed to stimulated rams). Continuous video recording documented 5707 behavioural events. Photostimulated rams (L) exhibited higher activity (mean = 747.7 behaviours/ram) than other groups (C+L: 519.5; L+C: 443.0; C: 365.3; p < 0.01), with anogenital sniffing, approaching and chasing ewes being the most frequent behaviours. Activity peaked on days 2–5 post-introduction, mainly in the afternoon. Control rams housed with stimulated rams were more active than isolated controls, suggesting a social facilitation effect. These findings confirm that photoperiod manipulation enhances ram sexual activity and may influence non-stimulated rams through social interaction, as the different groups of animals exhibited distinct types and amounts of activity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"255 ","pages":"Article 107679"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145738698","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Junipers (Juniperus spp.) are native chemically defended woody plants, that have encroached on U.S. rangelands causing environmental problems and decreased livestock productivity. Because of their browsing habits and tolerance to plant secondary compounds, goats have the potential to be used in targeted grazing programs. Increasing juniper consumption by goats allows for utilization of a less palatable landscape as forage, while at the same time improving biological control of juniper. This trial evaluated the inclusion of pelleted juniper (21 d) in a preconditioning diet on subsequent fresh juniper intake in pens, and in pastures post pre-conditioning. Young (∼ 2-year-old) juniper naïve Boer-Spanish cross goats (32.7 ± 0.45 kg) were stratified by body weight (BW) into groups fed a 12 % CP pelleted diet with either 20 % ground pelleted juniper (PJUN, n = 30) or 20 % cottonseed hulls (CTRL, n = 30) as roughage for 21d. Body weight, serum analytes, and fecal NIRS (fNIRS) predicted juniper intake were evaluated. Including pelleted juniper in preconditioning diets for goats did not increase subsequent juniper intake in pens or pasture (P > 0.10). Body weights and serum analytes were comparable for PJUN and CTRL and all remained within normal clinical ranges except for SUN, which decreased (P < 0.05) after feeding fresh juniper.
杜松（Juniperus spp.）是一种原生的化学防御木本植物，它们已经侵占了美国的牧场，造成了环境问题，并降低了牲畜的生产力。由于它们的觅食习惯和对植物次生化合物的耐受性，山羊有可能被用于有针对性的放牧计划。山羊对杜松的消费量增加，可以利用不那么美味的景观作为饲料，同时改善对杜松的生物控制。本试验评估了在预处理日粮中加入颗粒杜松（21 d）对随后在围栏和预处理后的牧场中摄入新鲜杜松的影响。年轻(∼2岁)juniper天真Boer-Spanish交叉山羊(32.7 ±0.45 公斤)是由体重(BW)分层组美联储12 % 20 CP颗粒状食物,要么%地面颗粒状杜松(PJUN n = 30)或20 %棉籽船体(CTRL, n = 30)作为21 d的粗粮。评估体重、血清分析和粪便近红外光谱（fNIRS）预测杜松摄入量。在山羊的预适应日粮中加入杜松颗粒并没有增加随后在围栏或牧场的杜松摄入量（P >； 0.10）。PJUN和CTRL的体重和血清分析结果相当，除SUN外均在正常临床范围内，喂饲新鲜杜松后SUN下降（P <； 0.05）。
{"title":"Feeding ground pelleted juniper did not precondition goats to subsequently eat more juniper","authors":"J.M. Diaz , E.S. Campbell , T.R. Whitney , D.G. Quadros , D.R. Tolleson","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107680","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107680","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Junipers (<em>Juniperus</em> spp.) are native chemically defended woody plants, that have encroached on U.S. rangelands causing environmental problems and decreased livestock productivity. Because of their browsing habits and tolerance to plant secondary compounds, goats have the potential to be used in targeted grazing programs. Increasing juniper consumption by goats allows for utilization of a less palatable landscape as forage, while at the same time improving biological control of juniper. This trial evaluated the inclusion of pelleted juniper (21 d) in a preconditioning diet on subsequent fresh juniper intake in pens, and in pastures post pre-conditioning. Young (∼ 2-year-old) juniper naïve Boer-Spanish cross goats (32.7 ± 0.45 kg) were stratified by body weight (BW) into groups fed a 12 % CP pelleted diet with either 20 % ground pelleted juniper (PJUN, n = 30) or 20 % cottonseed hulls (CTRL, n = 30) as roughage for 21d. Body weight, serum analytes, and fecal NIRS (fNIRS) predicted juniper intake were evaluated. Including pelleted juniper in preconditioning diets for goats did not increase subsequent juniper intake in pens or pasture (<em>P</em> > 0.10). Body weights and serum analytes were comparable for PJUN and CTRL and all remained within normal clinical ranges except for SUN, which decreased (<em>P</em> < 0.05) after feeding fresh juniper.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"255 ","pages":"Article 107680"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145791411","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-08DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107681
Sol Lafourcade , Juan Pedro Bottino , Marcelo Ratto , Raquel Pérez-Clariget , Rodolfo Ungerfeld
β-nerve growth factor (β-NGF) is the ovulation inducer present in llamas' seminal plasma (SP), and it is also present in rams’ SP. β-NGF exerts a luteotropic effect in llamas and cattle, promoting corpus luteum (CL) development, vascularization, progesterone (P4) secretion, and luteinizing hormone (LH) modulation. This study aimed to determine whether β-NGF induces a luteotropic effect in sheep by increasing CL size, perfusion, and/or P4 secretion. In Experiment 1 (n = 18), seasonally anestrus ewes received 1 mg of β-NGF i.m. 12 h after ovulation. In Experiment 2 (n = 15), postpartum anestrous ewes received two 1 mg doses of β-NGF: one at estrus detection and another 12 h later. Control ewes that did not receive β-NGF were included in both studies. Estrus was monitored every 6 h using vasectomized rams not allowed to copulate. From day 0 (ovulation) to 10, CL size and perfusion were monitored, and P4 levels were measured. No significant differences were observed between control (GCon) and β-NGF-treated (Gβ-NGF) groups in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, β-NGF tended to shorten the estrus-to-ovulation interval (P = 0.065), and the total CL area tended to be smaller in the treated group (P = 0.09). The P4-to-area ratio tended to be higher in the treated group (P = 0.08). During the mid-luteal phase, P4 levels were significantly higher in the Gβ-NGF group (P = 0.05), and tended to remain elevated throughout (P = 0.1). In conclusion, β-NGF may exert a luteotropic effect in sheep, depending on the physiological status and timing of administration.
{"title":"Systemic administration of β-NGF purified from llama seminal plasma: Effects on luteal function in anestrus ewes","authors":"Sol Lafourcade , Juan Pedro Bottino , Marcelo Ratto , Raquel Pérez-Clariget , Rodolfo Ungerfeld","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107681","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107681","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>β-nerve growth factor (β-NGF) is the ovulation inducer present in llamas' seminal plasma (SP), and it is also present in rams’ SP. β-NGF exerts a luteotropic effect in llamas and cattle, promoting corpus luteum (CL) development, vascularization, progesterone (P<sub>4</sub>) secretion, and luteinizing hormone (LH) modulation. This study aimed to determine whether β-NGF induces a luteotropic effect in sheep by increasing CL size, perfusion, and/or P<sub>4</sub> secretion. In Experiment 1 (n = 18), seasonally anestrus ewes received 1 mg of β-NGF i.m. 12 h after ovulation. In Experiment 2 (n = 15), postpartum anestrous ewes received two 1 mg doses of β-NGF: one at estrus detection and another 12 h later. Control ewes that did not receive β-NGF were included in both studies. Estrus was monitored every 6 h using vasectomized rams not allowed to copulate. From day 0 (ovulation) to 10, CL size and perfusion were monitored, and P4 levels were measured. No significant differences were observed between control (GCon) and β-NGF-treated (Gβ-NGF) groups in Experiment 1. In Experiment 2, β-NGF tended to shorten the estrus-to-ovulation interval (P = 0.065), and the total CL area tended to be smaller in the treated group (P = 0.09). The P<sub>4</sub>-to-area ratio tended to be higher in the treated group (P = 0.08). During the mid-luteal phase, P<sub>4</sub> levels were significantly higher in the Gβ-NGF group (P = 0.05), and tended to remain elevated throughout (P = 0.1). In conclusion, β-NGF may exert a luteotropic effect in sheep, depending on the physiological status and timing of administration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"255 ","pages":"Article 107681"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145738576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-03DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107677
Fiona.M. McGovern , Patricia L. Johnson , Noirin McHugh , Flavie Tortereau , Christel Marie-Etancelin , Elly A. Navajas , Ignacio De Barbieri , Bente Aspeholen Åby , Suzanne J. Rowe , Joanne Conington , Gabriel Ciappesoni , Ingjerd Dønnem , Mehmet Kizilaslan , Kevin McDermott , Nicola R. Lambe
Understanding key animal performance and nuisance factors associated with methane (CH4) output and feed intake is crucial in developing greenhouse gas mitigation strategies and incorporating these traits into international sheep breeding goals. The objectives of the current study were to: 1) investigate animal and nuisance (environmental + management) factors associated with CH4 output and feed intake; and 2) determine relationships between CH4 output and feed efficiency in sheep and whether or not they differ by country. Methane output was measured in sheep in Ireland, Norway, New Zealand (NZ) and Uruguay using portable accumulation chambers (PAC), and in France using GreenFeed technology. Individual feed intake was quantified using various techniques across six countries (Ireland, United Kingdom, Norway, France, Uruguay, NZ), on sheep housed indoors, grazing outdoors, and consuming forage or a total mixed ration. Studies varied by sheep breed and age, as well as feed types and measurement methods; factors associated with the variability in CH4 output and feed intake therefore differed by country. Despite variation between studies, phenotypic relationships among CH4, carbon dioxide (CO2), feed intake, feed efficiency, and live weight, were broadly similar across countries. Correlations with CH4 output (g/d) were consistent and moderate with live weight (r = 0.41–0.55); variable with dry matter intake (DMI), ranging from 0.24 (France) to 0.88 (Norway); and consistently weak with residual feed intake (RFI). Correlations with CO2 output (g/d) were consistent with live weight gain (r = 0.57) where estimated (France, Uruguay); variable with DMI, from moderate (r = 0.48 for France to r = 0.54 for NZ) to high (r = 0.71, Uruguay); and weak (r = 0.12, Uruguay) to moderately weak (r = 0.21, France) with RFI. Despite disparate datasets, combining data facilitates comparison and discussion on methodologies and interpretation of results. Results support the hypothesis that specific biological processes govern some trait relationships, being independent of factors like breed, age and feed, but that other relationships (e.g. between CO2 and feed intake) are potentially strongly influenced by methodology and warrant further investigation. This is pertinent as we seek feed intake proxies to allow the estimation of CH4 yield, an important metric in international CH4 accounting.
{"title":"Assessing methane production and feed efficiency in both growing and mature ovine animals in six countries across Europe, South America and Oceania","authors":"Fiona.M. McGovern , Patricia L. Johnson , Noirin McHugh , Flavie Tortereau , Christel Marie-Etancelin , Elly A. Navajas , Ignacio De Barbieri , Bente Aspeholen Åby , Suzanne J. Rowe , Joanne Conington , Gabriel Ciappesoni , Ingjerd Dønnem , Mehmet Kizilaslan , Kevin McDermott , Nicola R. Lambe","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107677","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107677","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding key animal performance and nuisance factors associated with methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) output and feed intake is crucial in developing greenhouse gas mitigation strategies and incorporating these traits into international sheep breeding goals. The objectives of the current study were to: 1) investigate animal and nuisance (environmental + management) factors associated with CH<sub>4</sub> output and feed intake; and 2) determine relationships between CH<sub>4</sub> output and feed efficiency in sheep and whether or not they differ by country. Methane output was measured in sheep in Ireland, Norway, New Zealand (NZ) and Uruguay using portable accumulation chambers (PAC), and in France using GreenFeed technology. Individual feed intake was quantified using various techniques across six countries (Ireland, United Kingdom, Norway, France, Uruguay, NZ), on sheep housed indoors, grazing outdoors, and consuming forage or a total mixed ration. Studies varied by sheep breed and age, as well as feed types and measurement methods; factors associated with the variability in CH<sub>4</sub> output and feed intake therefore differed by country. Despite variation between studies, phenotypic relationships among CH<sub>4</sub>, carbon dioxide (CO<sub>2</sub>), feed intake, feed efficiency, and live weight, were broadly similar across countries. Correlations with CH<sub>4</sub> output (g/d) were consistent and moderate with live weight (r = 0.41–0.55); variable with dry matter intake (DMI), ranging from 0.24 (France) to 0.88 (Norway); and consistently weak with residual feed intake (RFI). Correlations with CO<sub>2</sub> output (g/d) were consistent with live weight gain (r = 0.57) where estimated (France, Uruguay); variable with DMI, from moderate (r = 0.48 for France to r = 0.54 for NZ) to high (r = 0.71, Uruguay); and weak (r = 0.12, Uruguay) to moderately weak (r = 0.21, France) with RFI. Despite disparate datasets, combining data facilitates comparison and discussion on methodologies and interpretation of results. Results support the hypothesis that specific biological processes govern some trait relationships, being independent of factors like breed, age and feed, but that other relationships (e.g. between CO<sub>2</sub> and feed intake) are potentially strongly influenced by methodology and warrant further investigation. This is pertinent as we seek feed intake proxies to allow the estimation of CH<sub>4</sub> yield, an important metric in international CH<sub>4</sub> accounting.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"255 ","pages":"Article 107677"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145738699","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-02DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107676
Raziye Işık Kalpar , Emel Özkan Ünal , Abdullah Taner Önaldi , Nazan Koluman , Gönen Vurana , Ersin Gözenler , Mustafa Yaşli , Ahmet Güneş , Çağrı Halil Kocadal
This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of three Cyprus sheep populations (Awassi, Cyprus Native Awassi, and Cyprus Native Local Fat Tail) using 20 microsatellite loci. A total of 224 alleles were detected across the loci, with an average of 11.2 alleles per locus. The mean number of alleles (Na) varied between populations, with Awassi (AW) showing the highest diversity (Na = 10.15) and Cyprus Native Local Fat Tail (CNLFT) exhibiting the lowest (Na = 3.70). The effective number of alleles ranged from 3.31 to 12.60, and polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged between 0.53 and 0.94, indicating high polymorphism across the markers. Observed heterozygosity (HO) and expected heterozygosity (HE) values ranged from 0.54 to 0.62 and 0.53–0.74, respectively, with the Awassi population showing the highest levels of genetic variation. Inbreeding levels, assessed by the FIS coefficient, were positive and significant at most loci, with an average FIS value of 0.21, suggesting moderate inbreeding. The FST values (ranging from 0.026 to 0.259) and Nei’s genetic distance (DA) values confirm moderate genetic differentiation among the populations, with CNLFT being the most distinct. Factorial correspondence analysis and results from STRUCTURE software, indicating three genetic clusters, also supported the clear genetic separation of CNLFT from the other two populations. The study also found significant departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) at 14 loci, likely due to inbreeding, genetic drift, or the presence of null alleles. Furthermore, null alleles were identified at high frequencies at certain loci, highlighting the need for careful interpretation of genetic differentiation. These results suggest limited genetic differentiation among the Cyprus sheep populations, with Awassi and Cyprus Native Awassi showing higher genetic diversity compared to the Cyprus Native Local Fat Tail population. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the genetic structure of Cyprus sheep populations and offers a foundation for future breeding and conservation strategies.
{"title":"Microsatellite-based genetic diversity and population structure of local sheep breeds in Cyprus","authors":"Raziye Işık Kalpar , Emel Özkan Ünal , Abdullah Taner Önaldi , Nazan Koluman , Gönen Vurana , Ersin Gözenler , Mustafa Yaşli , Ahmet Güneş , Çağrı Halil Kocadal","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107676","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107676","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of three Cyprus sheep populations (Awassi, Cyprus Native Awassi, and Cyprus Native Local Fat Tail) using 20 microsatellite loci. A total of 224 alleles were detected across the loci, with an average of 11.2 alleles per locus. The mean number of alleles (Na) varied between populations, with Awassi (AW) showing the highest diversity (Na = 10.15) and Cyprus Native Local Fat Tail (CNLFT) exhibiting the lowest (Na = 3.70). The effective number of alleles ranged from 3.31 to 12.60, and polymorphic information content (PIC) values ranged between 0.53 and 0.94, indicating high polymorphism across the markers. Observed heterozygosity (H<sub>O</sub>) and expected heterozygosity (H<sub>E</sub>) values ranged from 0.54 to 0.62 and 0.53–0.74, respectively, with the Awassi population showing the highest levels of genetic variation. Inbreeding levels, assessed by the F<sub>IS</sub> coefficient, were positive and significant at most loci, with an average F<sub>IS</sub> value of 0.21, suggesting moderate inbreeding. The F<sub>ST</sub> values (ranging from 0.026 to 0.259) and Nei’s genetic distance (D<sub>A</sub>) values confirm moderate genetic differentiation among the populations, with CNLFT being the most distinct. Factorial correspondence analysis and results from STRUCTURE software, indicating three genetic clusters, also supported the clear genetic separation of CNLFT from the other two populations. The study also found significant departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) at 14 loci, likely due to inbreeding, genetic drift, or the presence of null alleles. Furthermore, null alleles were identified at high frequencies at certain loci, highlighting the need for careful interpretation of genetic differentiation. These results suggest limited genetic differentiation among the Cyprus sheep populations, with Awassi and Cyprus Native Awassi showing higher genetic diversity compared to the Cyprus Native Local Fat Tail population. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the genetic structure of Cyprus sheep populations and offers a foundation for future breeding and conservation strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"254 ","pages":"Article 107676"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-12-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145681575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-11-26DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107662
Hornblenda Joaquina Silva Bello , José Gabriel Gonçalves Lins , Naiara Mirelly Marinho da Silva , Ana Cláudia Alexandre de Albuquerque , Mônica Regina Vendrame Amarante , Regina Kiomi Takahira , Alessandro F.T. Amarante
This study evaluated renal and hepatic biochemical parameters of lambs under frequent treatment with antiparasitic drugs associations against gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) and Oestrus ovis. Thirty-nine lambs were allocated into three groups: Group 1 target selective treatment (TST, n = 13): treated with the albendazole, levamisole and monepantel against GIN only when hematocrit < 23 % and body weight loss occurred; group 2 suppressive treatment (ST1, n = 13): all lambs were treated with the same anthelmintics of TST group against GIN every 28 days regardless of clinical indicators; and group 3 suppressive treatment (ST2, n = 13) all lambs were treated with the same anthelmintics against GIN, plus closantel against O. ovis infestation, every 28 days. Blood samples were collected to assess renal (urea, creatinine) and hepatic (enzymes aspartate aminotransferase-AST) and alamine aminotransferase-ALT) functions. Eleven lambs from the TST required treatment throughout the experiment. No clinical signs of intoxication as a result of the treatment with antiparasitic combinations administered at 28-day intervals, nor were any changes detected in the biochemical variables analyzed. Furthermore, the mean values of urea, creatinine, AST and ALT for all groups remained within the established reference ranges. These results demonstrate that the combined administration of albendazole, levamisole, monepantel and closantel at 28-day intervals was safe for lambs, without adverse effects on hepatic or renal function. The findings support the safety of using these drug associations in parasite control strategies for small ruminants.
本研究评估了频繁使用抗胃肠道线虫（GIN）和卵巢发情相关抗寄生虫药物治疗羔羊的肾脏和肝脏生化指标。将39只羔羊分为三组：第一组靶向选择性治疗（TST, n = 13）：仅当红细胞比容<； 23 %和体重下降时，才使用阿苯达唑、左旋咪唑和莫奈替尔治疗GIN；2组抑制治疗（ST1, n = 13）：无论临床指标如何，每28 d使用TST组相同的抗GIN驱虫药；第3组（ST2, n = 13）每28 d使用相同的抗GIN药，加用closantel抗O. ovis侵染。采集血液样本评估肾脏（尿素、肌酐）和肝脏（谷草转氨酶（ast）和丙氨转氨酶（alt））功能。来自TST的11只羔羊在整个实验过程中都需要治疗。每隔28天给予抗寄生虫联合治疗，没有中毒的临床症状，也没有在生化变量分析中检测到任何变化。此外，所有组的尿素、肌酐、AST和ALT的平均值保持在既定的参考范围内。这些结果表明，阿苯达唑、左旋咪唑、莫奈潘特和克桑特每隔28天联合给药对羔羊是安全的，对肝肾功能没有不良影响。研究结果支持在小型反刍动物寄生虫控制策略中使用这些药物关联的安全性。
{"title":"Biochemical parameters of lambs under frequent treatment with antiparasitic association","authors":"Hornblenda Joaquina Silva Bello , José Gabriel Gonçalves Lins , Naiara Mirelly Marinho da Silva , Ana Cláudia Alexandre de Albuquerque , Mônica Regina Vendrame Amarante , Regina Kiomi Takahira , Alessandro F.T. Amarante","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107662","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107662","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated renal and hepatic biochemical parameters of lambs under frequent treatment with antiparasitic drugs associations against gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) and <em>Oestrus ovis</em>. Thirty-nine lambs were allocated into three groups: Group 1 target selective treatment (TST, n = 13): treated with the albendazole, levamisole and monepantel against GIN only when hematocrit < 23 % and body weight loss occurred; group 2 suppressive treatment (ST1, n = 13): all lambs were treated with the same anthelmintics of TST group against GIN every 28 days regardless of clinical indicators; and group 3 suppressive treatment (ST2, n = 13) all lambs were treated with the same anthelmintics against GIN, plus closantel against <em>O. ovis</em> infestation, every 28 days. Blood samples were collected to assess renal (urea, creatinine) and hepatic (enzymes aspartate aminotransferase-AST) and alamine aminotransferase-ALT) functions. Eleven lambs from the TST required treatment throughout the experiment. No clinical signs of intoxication as a result of the treatment with antiparasitic combinations administered at 28-day intervals, nor were any changes detected in the biochemical variables analyzed. Furthermore, the mean values of urea, creatinine, AST and ALT for all groups remained within the established reference ranges. These results demonstrate that the combined administration of albendazole, levamisole, monepantel and closantel at 28-day intervals was safe for lambs, without adverse effects on hepatic or renal function. The findings support the safety of using these drug associations in parasite control strategies for small ruminants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"254 ","pages":"Article 107662"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-11-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145681576","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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