Small Ruminant Research最新文献

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two doses (700 and 1000 IU) of the native eCG (N-eCG) and a synthetic eCG like glycoprotein (S-eCG) on ovarian superstimulation and embryo production in llamas. Females were examined daily by transrectal ultrasonography until a follicle ≥ 7 mm was observed and a GnRH analogue was injected (i.v.) (Day 0). On Day 3, transrectal ultrasonography was performed to confirm the absence of follicles > 5 mm and animals were randomly divided into four groups (n=10/group): N-eCG700, N-eCG1000, S-eCG700 and S-eCG1000 which received 700 or 1000 IU (i.m.) of N-eCG or S-eCG, accordingly. On Day 7, 112.5 μg of cloprostenol (i.m.) was injected in all llamas. On Day 10, the number of follicles ≥7 mm, mean diameter and their vascularization were determined by ultrasonography. Then, llamas were injected with a GnRH analogue and mated. Natural mating was repeated 24 h later. On Day 18, the number of corpora lutea (CL), their diameter and vascularization were assessed and embryo recovery was performed by uterine flushing. On Day 10, there were no significant differences in the number of follicles ≥ 7 mm, neither in their diameter or vascularization between groups. Similarly, no significant differences were observed in the number of CL on Day 18, neither in their diameter or vascularization between groups. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that S-eCG produced by recombinant technology has the same biological activity as N-eCG in llamas.

This study evaluated the effect of including slow-release urea (SRU) coated from the low-trans vegetable fat (LTFV) microspheres in the diet of lambs on fatty acids intake, carcass traits, meat quality, and fatty acid composition of meat. Thirty-two non-castrated Santa Inês lambs (17.98 ± 2.01 kg of initial weight) were used in a randomized complete block design. Experimental treatments included a control which contained 5 g/kg urea (U_0.5%) and three other treatments in which SRU (60% LTFV and 40% urea) was incorporated at 1.25% (SRU_1.25%); 2% (SRU_2.0%) and 3% (SRU_3.0%) of total diet dry matter (DM). The inclusion of SRU in lamb diets increased linearly (P < 0.05) the intake of ether extract, metabolizable energy, and fatty acids. Carcass traits and physical-chemical composition of the Longissimus muscle were not changed by protected urea addition in lamb diet (P > 0.05). The addition of the protected urea in lamb diet linearly increased proportions of CLA and the 18:1 isomer (cis-12, cis-15, and cis-16) compared to U_0.5%. There was a linear increase in branched-chain fatty acid (BCFA) content (P = 0.048) in Longissimus muscle due SRU inclusion. There were a quadratic increases for the sums of trans-MUFA (P = 0.003) and n-6 PUFA (P = 0.046) and total PUFA (P = 0.037) as SRU was added to lambs diet. Adding urea coated into low-trans vegetable fat microspheres increased the lamb intake of most FA and energy dietary, however, without affecting carcass traits and meat physicochemical composition. The inclusion of protected urea (SRU) in the lamb diet quadratically increases trans-MUFA, n-6 PUFA, and total PUFA concentrations in meat, and lambs fed with SRU at level 1.25% in DM total diet presented greater CLA and trans-MUFA concentrations compared free urea (U_0.5%), which is beneficial from the point of view of the lipid quality of the meat and its relationship with consumer health.

Iranian goat breeds, including Markhoz, Adani, and Najdi, are considered as endangered populations because of the downward trend of breeding goats and flocks, habitat loss, using other breeds in reproduction, and the presence of survival-threatening factors. This research aims to investigate the current status and provide the necessary information to conserve these three endangered populations. For this purpose, the census data and the required parameters were collected from the available resources and flocks during the years of the project implementation. Then, two scenarios, the past and future dynamics of the population assuming continuing existing conditions, were simulated using the population viability analysis (PVA) method. Finally, the sensitivity analyses of parameters affecting the viability criteria were done. PVA was conducted using the Vortex simulation program version 10.5.6. The past dynamics simulation of the population showed that the biological parameters and assumptions used in the model have valid and reliable values and frequencies, and they can be used in the simulation of different management scenarios. Based on this scenario, the inbreeding rates (∆F) for the Markhoz and Adani populations have reached above the critical level of 0.5%. The future dynamics simulation of the population showed that the process of increasing inbreeding and decreasing genetic diversity would accelerate, and the breeds' extinction probability would start in 2026, 2033, and 2031 for Markhoz, Adani, and Najdi, respectively. The mean time to the first extinction was also 15.4 ± 2.53, 26.68 ± 3.75, and 13.96 ±1.78 years, respectively. The sensitivity analyses indicated that adult does overharvest, the frequency of feed limitation, and competition with other breeds had the highest effect on the population viability criteria of the investigated breeds. Markhoz, Najdi, and Adani goats need urgent conservation measures. The results obtained in this research may prepare a suitable framework for providing conservation programs.

In small ruminants, photoperiod synchronizes reproductive seasonality, and this environmental factor has been used to stimulate the sexual activity of males and females in months of seasonal sexual rest. However, socio-sexual interactions between males and females can also be used to stimulate the sexual activity of females in the seasonal anestrus. In this review, we describe how photoperiodic treatments can stimulate the sexual activity of bucks and rams in the months of sexual rest. In addition, we describe how sexually active males can be used to stimulate reproduction in goats and sheep in seasonal anestrus or to prevent seasonal anovulation through the classic “short-term male effect”, and or through the newly discovered so-called “long-term male effect”. We conclude with a description of the very recently documented “male-to-male effect”. The “male-effect” is a socio-sexual stimuli caused by the sudden introduction of males and close contact with anestrous females in sheep and goats. After introduction of the male, the levels of pituitary luteinizing hormone (LH) in the blood of females increase quickly (< 10 min), and remain high for at least 4 h. That stimulus triggers the resumption of ovulatory activity in females, which occurs within 48 h. Prior separation of male and females, the intensity of anestrus, and the age, diet, and body condition of females can affect the response of the females to the male introduction. The long-term “male effect” phenomenon consists of a permanent contact of females with males that had been made sexually hyperactive in the usual period of sexual rest by light treatments applied in winter. This stimulation causes strong activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, which releases the gonadotropic hormone LH at a frequency that allows a succession of ovulatory cycles during the anoestrous period as it does in the usual estrous period. The introduction of a male into a group of males in sexual rest stimulates the secretion of LH and testosterone, and their sexual behavior; this has been called the "male-to-male effect" ("buck-to-buck effect" or "ram-to-ram effect"). The intensity of sexual behavior displayed by the stimulatory males influences the responses of bucks and rams in sexual rest to the "male-to-male effect". Moreover, bucks that had been stimulated by the "buck-to-buck effect" are as effective in inducing high ovulatory and estrous activities in females as bucks that had been made sexually hyperactive by the photoperiodic treatment. In conclusion, these effects illustrate the power of socio-sexual relationships in controlling seasonal reproduction in sheep and goats, and shifts their importance in the final control of seasonal reproduction throughout the year compared with photoperiod.

Strongylosis poses a significant threat to goat populations, particularly in humid tropical regions like Kerala, a southern peninsular state in India. This study aimed to compare breed differences in host resistance and resilience to natural strongyle infection between Attappady Black and Malabari goats reared under semi-intensive systems. Additionally, we analyzed the association of a potential single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the Serine Proteinase Inhibitor Clade G member 1 (SERPING1) gene with these traits. Faecal egg count (FEC) and volume of packed red cells (VPRC) were employed as indicators of host resistance and resilience, respectively. Over the course of one year, fortnightly phenotypic data on FEC and VPRC were collected from 109 native goats, including 58 Malabari and 51 Attappady Black goats. The Malabari goats exhibited greater resistance and resilience to strongylosis, evidenced by significantly lower FEC (p≤0.01) and higher VPRC (p≤0.05) compared to Attappady Black goats. Pearson correlation analysis revealed a highly significant negative correlation between FEC and VPRC (r= −0.41, p<0.01). Genotyping of the −312-C>T SNP in SERPING1 gene was conducted using modified bidirectional PCR amplification of specific alleles (Bi-PASA). While the association between SERPING1 genotypes and FEC was not significant, a significant association was observed between SERPING1 genotypes and VPRC (p<0.05). These findings underscore the importance of breed-specific differences in goat resilience to strongyle infection and highlight the potential role of SERPING1 gene polymorphism in modulating host resilience traits.

The alpine grassland ecosystem is characterized by high-altitude, hypoxia, harsh cold and strong radiation conditions, and the unique growth performance and stress resistance of indigenous domestic animals. Maduo sheep, a newly discovered Tibetan sheep breed living in the source area of the Yellow River, is famous for its high-quality wool and meat production. However, its genome and genetic features still need to be deciphered. The genomes of 12 Maduo sheep were sequenced on a genome-wide scale and compared with those of 6 other Tibetan sheep breeds. Population structure analyses revealed that Maduo sheep were distinctly separated from other Tibetan sheep breeds with a higher genetic diversity. Strong selective signatures were detected by the F_ST and XP-CLR results, identifying MREG, RXFP2 and SYNDIG1 in Maduo sheep. To explore the molecular regulation of Maduo sheep adaptability to the high-altitude environment, the muscle tissues of 3 Tibetan sheep populations living at different altitudes (1500 m, 2500 m and 4200 m) were sampled for RNA sequencing. We found 132, 269 and 149 specific transcripts from 1500 m, 2500 m and 4200 m groups respectively. A total of 327 differentially expressed transcripts were found in both 2500 m vs. 1500 m and 4200 m vs. 1500 m comparisons, which were closely related to stem cell differentiation, p38-MAPK cascade, skeletal system morphogenesis, etc. On the other hand, 122 differentially expressed transcripts were found in both 4200 m vs. 1500 m and 4200 m vs. 2500 m comparisons, which should be responsible for adaptive immune response, cytoskeleton, apoptotic regulation and so on. This study provides important genomic insights into the genetic resources of Maduo sheep and could be helpful for understanding the mechanisms of hypoxic adaptability.

The study aimed to investigate the effects of using the ram's platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a supplement on the quality, functionality, antioxidant activity, and in vivo fertilization of freshly diluted and frozen-thawed ram semen. Nine Ossimi rams were involved in the analysis, which comprised 162 ejaculates. Each ejaculate was segmented into five parts and mixed with a Tris-based extender containing varying concentrations of autologous PRP (ranging from 0% to 10%) for both freshly diluted and frozen-thawed semen. The evaluation encompassed sperm viability, motility, kinetics, functional traits, antioxidant enzyme activity, lipid peroxidation content, and in vivo fertility. Results showed that supplementing with 5% PRP in both freshly diluted and frozen-thawed semen led to increased total and progressive motility of sperm, improved sperm kinetics and functional characteristics, and enhanced viability compared to the control groups. Notably, concentrations of PRP at 5% and 7.5% reduced malondialdehyde levels while increasing total antioxidant capacity, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase levels compared to the groups supplemented with 10% PRP and the control groups. Furthermore, the in vivo fertilization rate of ram semen significantly improved with 5% PRP supplementation compared to the control groups for both freshly diluted and frozen-thawed semen.

In conclusion, the study suggests that incorporating 5% autologous PRP into seminal extenders can protect Ossimi ram sperm and enhance in vivo fertility for freshly diluted and frozen-thawed semen.

This is the first wide-scale study to reveal next-generation sequencing-based and comprehensive study to reveal genetic diversity, population structure, and phylogenetic relationships of some of Türkiye's indigenous fat-tailed sheep breeds. A total of 80 animals belonging to Akkaraman (AKR), Güney Karaman (GKR), Morkaraman (MKR), and Karakaş (KRK) sheep breeds were genotyped with genome-wide of 296.097 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) data recovered from double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq) libraries processed by Illumina HiSeq X Ten instrument. Minor allele frequency (MAF) ranged from 0.311 (MKR) to 0.316 (AKR and GKR). Observed heterozygosity (H_O) values were higher than expected values (H_E) across all populations with a mean of 0.307. Negative inbreeding coefficient (F_IS) values were observed in four sheep populations varying between −0.034 (AKR) to −0.060 (MKR). Cross-entropy criterion-based ADMIXTURE analysis demonstrated that four Anatolian sheep breeds were represented by two ancestral populations in which GKR and AKR were distinct, while KRK and MKR were mixed populations. Genetic distance-based tree, discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC), and ADMIXTURE analyses confirmed that GKR, which is believed to be derived from the AKR breed, has become genetically different from other sheep populations. Moreover, no migration from and into the GKR breed was detected, while a migration edge was drawn from the KRK and MKR clade into the AKR breed by the TreeMix algorithm. This study confirmed that high-density SNP data obtained from advanced next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms are efficient in genetically distinguishing animal breeds, even varieties. It is recommended that further NGS-based studies could be carried out to better characterize different indigenous livestock populations raised in Türkiye.

Dromedary camel fibers have long been utilized to make clothes, tents, ropes, mats, and carpets, however, only a minority of these fibers are currently used to produce textiles. Dromedary fiber classification based on quality traits is essential to investigate its textile potential. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (1) develop a classification protocol for dromedary camel fibers based on crimp (i.e., shape), (2) investigate the characteristics of each fiber class using length, diameter, and medulla (i.e., the innermost hair layer) and (3) determine which fiber class is most suitable for the textile industry. Fiber samples were obtained from the mid-torso of 32 Arabian Peninsula camels of different types. Five crimp categories were identified (straight, C-shaped, wavy, ringed, and kinky). Across all crimp categories, the average length ranged from 20.20 – 43.93 mm whereas the mean fiber diameter ranged from 29.74 – 72.11 μm. Percent medullation extended from 68% to 100% with noticeable variation between crimp categories. Overall, fiber traits significantly differed between the crimp categories. Kinky hair was particularly distinct from the other crimp categories. The kinky crimp category is the most suitable dromedary fiber for the textile industry because its fibers are long, fine, and has the lowest percentage of medullated fibers. Hence, we recommend that selective breeding programs and genetic studies focus on the production of dromedaries with kinky hair fibers.

The Plasmodium parasites transmitted through the bites of infected Anopheles mosquitoes cause malaria in humans. Despite extensive research on the malaria parasite in ungulates, its occurrence in goats in Indonesia, particularly in the Kaligesing and Girimulyo border areas, has yet to be reported. This study aimed to investigate the presence of malaria parasites in goats from these regions. We collected 81 blood samples from goats of different ages and sexes. Blood samples were drawn from the jugular vein and preserved using EDTA tubes. We evaluated the overall clinical status of the goats by monitoring their rectal temperature and capillary refill time (CRT). Microscopic analysis was carried out by observing blood smears under a microscope, but the Plasmodium parasite was not detected. Next, we employed a molecular method to detect Plasmodium DNA using a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method that targeted the cytochrome C oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The results confirmed the presence of Plasmodium DNA in 5 out of the 81 samples tested. The obtained data were analyzed descriptively, and Wilson’s confidence interval method was used to calculate confidence limits for the sample proportions. This study provides the first molecular detection of previously undocumented malaria parasites in goats within the Girimulyo region of Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Identifying Plasmodium sp. using molecular techniques highlights the need for continued surveillance and management strategies to prevent the spread of malaria in animals and humans.