Flea infestation in sheep is a significant public health concern due to their widespread distribution worldwide and the transmission of flea-borne diseases. In this study, we aimed to identify and molecularly characterize P. irritans collected from sheep, using morphological, molecular, and phylogenetic analysis. Flea samples were collected from sheep on six farms in Sivas Province, Türkiye, between April and September 2024. The flea specimens were morphologically identified using identification keys. After total genomic DNA extraction and Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR), the PCR products were sent for sequencing. This morphological study indicated that from the 250 adult fleas collected from sheep, 223 specimens (110 female and 113 male) belonged to the human flea, Pulex irritans. Also, mt-COI gene region Blast analysis results confirmed that all samples were P. irritans. Additionally, molecular analysis revealed a high sequence similarity (99.8 %) with P. irritans isolates from Iran and Australia, which are available in GenBank. Considering the relatively high frequency of presence of this ectoparasite in the sheep, further studies focused on the possibility of being a vector of pathogens and their distribution between these animals and humans are recommended. The results of this study can be used to identify flea-borne disease risks and develop effective control measures.
{"title":"Molecular characterization and phylogenetic analysis of Pulex irritans (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) fleas collected from sheep in Sivas Province, Türkiye","authors":"Zuhal Önder , Batuhan Aşkım Arslanhan , Sümmani Çifci","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107624","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107624","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Flea infestation in sheep is a significant public health concern due to their widespread distribution worldwide and the transmission of flea-borne diseases. In this study, we aimed to identify and molecularly characterize <em>P. irritans</em> collected from sheep, using morphological, molecular, and phylogenetic analysis. Flea samples were collected from sheep on six farms in Sivas Province, Türkiye, between April and September 2024. The flea specimens were morphologically identified using identification keys. After total genomic DNA extraction and Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR), the PCR products were sent for sequencing. This morphological study indicated that from the 250 adult fleas collected from sheep, 223 specimens (110 female and 113 male) belonged to the human flea, <em>Pulex irritans.</em> Also<em>,</em> mt-COI gene region Blast analysis results confirmed that all samples were <em>P. irritans</em>. Additionally, molecular analysis revealed a high sequence similarity (99.8 %) with <em>P. irritans</em> isolates from Iran and Australia, which are available in GenBank. Considering the relatively high frequency of presence of this ectoparasite in the sheep, further studies focused on the possibility of being a vector of pathogens and their distribution between these animals and humans are recommended. The results of this study can be used to identify flea-borne disease risks and develop effective control measures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"253 ","pages":"Article 107624"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145160452","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 : 2025-09-23DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107623
Juan Alberto Quintero-Elisea , Héctor Armando Olguín-Arredondo , José Vicente Velázquez-Morales , César Cortez-Romero , Antonia Henández-Trejo , Jessica Beatriz Herrera-Ojeda , Gaspar Manuel Parra-Bracamonte
The aim of the present study was to evaluate estrous behavior and follicular development in Pelibuey ewes at different seasons of the year. One hundred and twenty ewes were synchronized with intravaginal progestogen sponges maintained for 12 days. The day 0 (day sponges were removed), the onset and interval to estrus were detected and follicular development was measured over four consecutive days. The variables evaluated were: the time of onset of estrus, interval to estrus and number of follicles. To determine the effect of the season on the response variables, a Chi-square test and an analysis of variance were performed for a randomized complete block design. The results indicate that season affected (P < 0.01) the incidence of estrus; it was the highest in autumn and winter (100 %) and lowest in spring (70 %). Season also influenced (P < 0.01) the number of small (class 1) follicles on Day 1 and the number of large (class 3) follicles on Day 3. In each case, follicle number was higher (P < 0.01) in spring compared with the other seasons. It is concluded that the estrous activity and follicular dynamics in Pelibuey sheep is manifested largely during the winter season. Furthermore, onset of estrus and follicle class number are significantly related to seasonal effects. The reproductive activity is observed in Pelibuey ewes during all the year.
{"title":"Follicular development in Pelibuey ewes in different seasons determined by ultrasonography","authors":"Juan Alberto Quintero-Elisea , Héctor Armando Olguín-Arredondo , José Vicente Velázquez-Morales , César Cortez-Romero , Antonia Henández-Trejo , Jessica Beatriz Herrera-Ojeda , Gaspar Manuel Parra-Bracamonte","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107623","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107623","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of the present study was to evaluate estrous behavior and follicular development in Pelibuey ewes at different seasons of the year. One hundred and twenty ewes were synchronized with intravaginal progestogen sponges maintained for 12 days. The day 0 (day sponges were removed), the onset and interval to estrus were detected and follicular development was measured over four consecutive days. The variables evaluated were: the time of onset of estrus, interval to estrus and number of follicles. To determine the effect of the season on the response variables, a Chi-square test and an analysis of variance were performed for a randomized complete block design. The results indicate that season affected (P < 0.01) the incidence of estrus; it was the highest in autumn and winter (100 %) and lowest in spring (70 %). Season also influenced (P < 0.01) the number of small (class 1) follicles on Day 1 and the number of large (class 3) follicles on Day 3. In each case, follicle number was higher (P < 0.01) in spring compared with the other seasons. It is concluded that the estrous activity and follicular dynamics in Pelibuey sheep is manifested largely during the winter season. Furthermore, onset of estrus and follicle class number are significantly related to seasonal effects. The reproductive activity is observed in Pelibuey ewes during all the year.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"252 ","pages":"Article 107623"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145157951","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 : 2025-09-19DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107620
G. Halakoo , Yansari A. Teimouri , M. Mohajer , Y. Chashnidel
Although supplementing dietary lipids is a common strategy to mitigate heat stress in livestock, its efficacy may depend on an animal's genetics and inherent metabolic efficiency (Residual Feed Intake; RFI). This study investigated whether performance responses to different lipid sources are co-dependent on the genotype and RFI status of heat-stressed lambs. Initially, 48 male lambs from four genotypes were evaluated for RFI. From this group, 32 lambs, classified as Low-RFI (LRFI) or High-RFI (HRFI), were selected and used in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement to assess their response to four diets under HS: a control (no fat) and diets supplemented with Calcium Salts of Fatty Acids (CSFA), Beef Tallow (BT), or Canola Oil (CO). The results confirmed the central role of RFI: LRFI lambs were more resilient, exhibiting 12 % lower dry matter intake (P = 0.03), superior nutrient digestibility (P < 0.05), and greater residual weight gain (P = 0.03) compared to HRFI lambs. While all lambs benefited from lipids (highest ADG with CSFA, P = 0.01), a crucial RFI × lipid interaction (P = 0.02) emerged. The results showed that the animal's efficiency status dictated the optimal fat source: CSFA was best for LRFI lambs, while CO was optimal for HRFI lambs. Based on the results, it appears that an animal's response to nutritional support under heat stress is dependent on both its inherent metabolic efficiency (RFI) and genetic makeup. It appears, therefore, that incorporating the RFI trait into sheep selection programs could substantially elevate the strategic importance and efficacy of tailored nutritional interventions.
{"title":"Performance and feed efficiency of heat-stressed lambs of different genotypes in response to dietary lipid sources and residual feed intake status","authors":"G. Halakoo , Yansari A. Teimouri , M. Mohajer , Y. Chashnidel","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107620","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107620","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Although supplementing dietary lipids is a common strategy to mitigate heat stress in livestock, its efficacy may depend on an animal's genetics and inherent metabolic efficiency (Residual Feed Intake; RFI). This study investigated whether performance responses to different lipid sources are co-dependent on the genotype and RFI status of heat-stressed lambs. Initially, 48 male lambs from four genotypes were evaluated for RFI. From this group, 32 lambs, classified as Low-RFI (LRFI) or High-RFI (HRFI), were selected and used in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement to assess their response to four diets under HS: a control (no fat) and diets supplemented with Calcium Salts of Fatty Acids (CSFA), Beef Tallow (BT), or Canola Oil (CO). The results confirmed the central role of RFI: LRFI lambs were more resilient, exhibiting 12 % lower dry matter intake (P = 0.03), superior nutrient digestibility (P < 0.05), and greater residual weight gain (P = 0.03) compared to HRFI lambs. While all lambs benefited from lipids (highest ADG with CSFA, P = 0.01), a crucial RFI × lipid interaction (P = 0.02) emerged. The results showed that the animal's efficiency status dictated the optimal fat source: CSFA was best for LRFI lambs, while CO was optimal for HRFI lambs. Based on the results, it appears that an animal's response to nutritional support under heat stress is dependent on both its inherent metabolic efficiency (RFI) and genetic makeup. It appears, therefore, that incorporating the RFI trait into sheep selection programs could substantially elevate the strategic importance and efficacy of tailored nutritional interventions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"252 ","pages":"Article 107620"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145157953","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 : 2025-09-16DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107619
Jennifer Mayara Gasparina , Paulo César Gonzales Dias Junior , Isabela Jorge dos Santos , Natália Bandoria , Brenda Luciana Alves da Silva , Letícia Carolina Bortolanza Soares , Janaina Socolovsk Biava , Daniel Montanher Polizel , Evandro Maia Ferreira
The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of including doses of orange essential oil (OEO) and sodium monensin on the ruminal and cecal fermentation parameters of feedlot lambs. The experimental treatments were: 1) control diet without feed additives; 2) 700 mg of OEO/kg of DM; 3) 1400 mg of OEO/kg of DM; 4) 2100 mg of OEO/kg of DM and 5) 12.5 mg of monensin/kg of DM. Regarding ruminal fermentation parameters, the doses of OEO resulted in a quadratic effect for acetate (P = 0.05) and acetate:propionate ratio (ac:prop, P = 0.05). The inclusion of monensin increased the molar proportion of propionate (P = 0.02) and reduced the ac:prop (P = 0.04) and acetate-plus-butyrate-to-propionate (Ac+But:Prop, P = 0.04) ratios when compared to the control treatment. In contrast, monensin reduced acetate (P = 0.05), increased propionate (P = 0.02), isobutyrate (P = 0.04), and isovalerate (P = 0.04), while also decreasing the Ac:Prop (P = 0.05) and Ac+But:Prop (P = 0.04) ratios compared to the control. Additionally, monensin increased propionate relative to the OEO treatments. In conclusion, both OEO and monensin were effective in optimizing ruminal fermentation in lambs fed high-starch diets; however, only monensin improved cecal fermentation.
{"title":"Optimizing ruminal and cecal fermentation in feedlot lambs: The role of orange essential oil and monensin","authors":"Jennifer Mayara Gasparina , Paulo César Gonzales Dias Junior , Isabela Jorge dos Santos , Natália Bandoria , Brenda Luciana Alves da Silva , Letícia Carolina Bortolanza Soares , Janaina Socolovsk Biava , Daniel Montanher Polizel , Evandro Maia Ferreira","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107619","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107619","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of including doses of orange essential oil (OEO) and sodium monensin on the ruminal and cecal fermentation parameters of feedlot lambs. The experimental treatments were: 1) control diet without feed additives; 2) 700 mg of OEO/kg of DM; 3) 1400 mg of OEO/kg of DM; 4) 2100 mg of OEO/kg of DM and 5) 12.5 mg of monensin/kg of DM. Regarding ruminal fermentation parameters, the doses of OEO resulted in a quadratic effect for acetate (<em>P</em> = 0.05) and acetate:propionate ratio (ac:prop, <em>P</em> = 0.05). The inclusion of monensin increased the molar proportion of propionate (<em>P</em> = 0.02) and reduced the ac:prop (<em>P</em> = 0.04) and acetate-plus-butyrate-to-propionate (Ac+But:Prop, <em>P</em> = 0.04) ratios when compared to the control treatment. In contrast, monensin reduced acetate (<em>P</em> = 0.05), increased propionate (<em>P</em> = 0.02), isobutyrate (<em>P</em> = 0.04), and isovalerate (<em>P</em> = 0.04), while also decreasing the Ac:Prop (<em>P</em> = 0.05) and Ac+But:Prop (<em>P</em> = 0.04) ratios compared to the control. Additionally, monensin increased propionate relative to the OEO treatments. In conclusion, both OEO and monensin were effective in optimizing ruminal fermentation in lambs fed high-starch diets; however, only monensin improved cecal fermentation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"252 ","pages":"Article 107619"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145105357","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}
Scrapie is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting sheep and goats, strongly influenced by genetic variations in the prion protein gene (PRNP). This study aimed to identify and characterize PRNP polymorphism in the Assaf sheep breed from Palestine, an important dairy breed not previously studied for scrapie-related genetic diversity. Genomic DNA was extracted from 257 Assaf sheep, and the PRNP coding region (specifically exon 3 encompassing the open reading frame with focus on codons 136 (A/V), 154 (R/H), and 171 (R/Q/H/K) was sequenced to identify polymorphisms linked to scrapie susceptibility. Results revealed several known and novel haplotypes (ARK: 1.4 %, AHH: 0.4 %). The intermediate susceptibility being the most common (58 %), followed by ARR (resistance, 16.7 %), ARH (15.6 %), AHQ (7.8 %), and rare variants including VRQ (0.2 %). The majority of sheep belonged to the R3 resistance group (68.1 %), indicating intermediate susceptibility, while highly susceptible genotypes (R4/R5) were nearly absent. Significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium suggested the presence of selection pressures or population substructure. Three uncharacterized genotypes (ARH/AHH, ARR/ARK, and ARQ/ARK) were identified, with ARH/AHH representing a novel finding. All three were assigned to the ‘unknown risk’ category due to insufficient data on their phenotypic effects, underscoring the distinctive genetic diversity of this population. These findings provide a foundation for marker-assisted breeding strategies to enhance scrapie resistance while preserving genetic diversity in Palestinian Assaf sheep.
{"title":"Identification and characterization of novel PRNP haplotypes in the Assaf sheep breed from Palestine","authors":"Muayad Salman , Ikram Ben Souf , Samia Khnissi , Angham Bani Odeh , Wael Halawa , Naceur M’Hamdi","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107618","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107618","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Scrapie is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting sheep and goats, strongly influenced by genetic variations in the prion protein gene (PRNP). This study aimed to identify and characterize PRNP polymorphism in the Assaf sheep breed from Palestine, an important dairy breed not previously studied for scrapie-related genetic diversity. Genomic DNA was extracted from 257 Assaf sheep, and the PRNP coding region (specifically exon 3 encompassing the open reading frame with focus on codons 136 (A/V), 154 (R/H), and 171 (R/Q/H/K) was sequenced to identify polymorphisms linked to scrapie susceptibility. Results revealed several known and novel haplotypes (ARK: 1.4 %, AHH: 0.4 %). The intermediate susceptibility being the most common (58 %), followed by ARR (resistance, 16.7 %), ARH (15.6 %), AHQ (7.8 %), and rare variants including VRQ (0.2 %). The majority of sheep belonged to the R3 resistance group (68.1 %), indicating intermediate susceptibility, while highly susceptible genotypes (R4/R5) were nearly absent. Significant deviations from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium suggested the presence of selection pressures or population substructure. Three uncharacterized genotypes (ARH/AHH, ARR/ARK, and ARQ/ARK) were identified, with ARH/AHH representing a novel finding. All three were assigned to the ‘unknown risk’ category due to insufficient data on their phenotypic effects, underscoring the distinctive genetic diversity of this population. These findings provide a foundation for marker-assisted breeding strategies to enhance scrapie resistance while preserving genetic diversity in Palestinian Assaf sheep.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"252 ","pages":"Article 107618"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145105358","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 : 2025-09-09DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107616
L.I.W. Steenaert, G. Koop
Goat farming is an expanding industry, and large numbers of goats are held in intensive systems. Flooring is an important aspect of the housing of goats, as it directly affects their health and welfare. Goats in intensive housing systems are commonly held on organic materials, like straw or sawdust, or on slatted concrete or wooden floors or metal mesh. As all of these floor types are different from what goats encounter in nature, these floor types might not be optimal for the welfare of these goats. This article critically examines the impact of various types of flooring on the welfare of goats in intensive housing systems. We found that conventional flooring, such as straw, sawdust and slatted or mashed floors, are least preferred by goats, as compared to solid, inorganic flooring, with rubber seemingly the most preferred. These findings contrast current practices in commercial settings, where organic materials are often used, for practical reasons, which not only affects welfare, but also negatively impact the health of the goats by affecting air quality and facilitating bacterial growth. Slatted floors, though promoting a better air quality and reducing bacterial growth, were least preferred by the goats and were associated with claw health problems. Therefore, rubber mats seem, based on the available literature, to be the preferred floor type when looking at welfare of goats in small scale settings. However, further research is needed to further innovate and develop flooring that promotes welfare and is applicable in large-scale commercial settings. As the current literature often suffers from bias, future studies aiming to determine the effect of flooring on the goats’ welfare should improve repeatability of research and control external factors to prevent bias, such as indoor climate and familiarity of goats with certain types of flooring, and also determine long-term effects of flooring on goat welfare with longitudinal studies in commercial, large-scale settings.
{"title":"The effect of floor type on the welfare of intensively housed goats: A review","authors":"L.I.W. Steenaert, G. Koop","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107616","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107616","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Goat farming is an expanding industry, and large numbers of goats are held in intensive systems. Flooring is an important aspect of the housing of goats, as it directly affects their health and welfare. Goats in intensive housing systems are commonly held on organic materials, like straw or sawdust, or on slatted concrete or wooden floors or metal mesh. As all of these floor types are different from what goats encounter in nature, these floor types might not be optimal for the welfare of these goats. This article critically examines the impact of various types of flooring on the welfare of goats in intensive housing systems. We found that conventional flooring, such as straw, sawdust and slatted or mashed floors, are least preferred by goats, as compared to solid, inorganic flooring, with rubber seemingly the most preferred. These findings contrast current practices in commercial settings, where organic materials are often used, for practical reasons, which not only affects welfare, but also negatively impact the health of the goats by affecting air quality and facilitating bacterial growth. Slatted floors, though promoting a better air quality and reducing bacterial growth, were least preferred by the goats and were associated with claw health problems. Therefore, rubber mats seem, based on the available literature, to be the preferred floor type when looking at welfare of goats in small scale settings. However, further research is needed to further innovate and develop flooring that promotes welfare and is applicable in large-scale commercial settings. As the current literature often suffers from bias, future studies aiming to determine the effect of flooring on the goats’ welfare should improve repeatability of research and control external factors to prevent bias, such as indoor climate and familiarity of goats with certain types of flooring, and also determine long-term effects of flooring on goat welfare with longitudinal studies in commercial, large-scale settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"252 ","pages":"Article 107616"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145044294","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 : 2025-09-09DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107617
Sezen Ocak Yetişgin , Uğur Şen , Hasan Önder , Ceyhun Yücel , Büşra Akça , Hüseyin Mert Yüksel , Ömer Faruk Yılmaz
Chronic stress profoundly affects livestock welfare, productivity, and resilience, yet its dynamics across different production systems remain insufficiently understood. This study investigates chronic stress in Karayaka sheep within three distinct production systems—long-distance transhumance (LDT), short-distance transhumance (SDT), and intensive systems (IS)—using wool cortisol concentrations as a non-invasive biomarker. Wool samples were collected from 45 ewes and 30 lambs over an eight-month period (October, December, January, February, March, May, July, and September) to evaluate cortisol accumulation as a reflection of chronic stress. Cortisol levels were analyzed using ELISA immunoassay after steroid extraction. The results revealed significant impacts of production systems and sampling periods on cortisol concentrations (P < 0.05). The marginal mean of wool cortisol was higher (P < 0.05) in SDT production systems (5.49 ± 0.20 pg/mg) compared with IS (4.85 ± 0.20 pg/mg). Seasonal variations were prominent, with cortisol peaking during winter months (January–February) and declining in March (P < 0.05). Notably, cortisol concentrations decreased during high-altitude summer grazing but spiked post-migration (May). Lambs exhibited lower cortisol levels (5.11 ± 0.17 pg/mg) compared with adult sheep (5.34 ± 0.17 pg/mg). Statistical analysis underscored significant interactions between production systems, sampling periods emphasizing the interplay of environmental stressors and animal physiology. These findings highlight the linkage of stress to environmental transitions and the critical need for adaptive management strategies tailored to production systems to reduce chronic stress and improve animal productivity and to advance sustainable livestock management.
{"title":"Assessing chronic stress in sheep using wool cortisol: A comparative study of transhumant and intensive systems","authors":"Sezen Ocak Yetişgin , Uğur Şen , Hasan Önder , Ceyhun Yücel , Büşra Akça , Hüseyin Mert Yüksel , Ömer Faruk Yılmaz","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107617","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107617","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Chronic stress profoundly affects livestock welfare, productivity, and resilience, yet its dynamics across different production systems remain insufficiently understood. This study investigates chronic stress in Karayaka sheep within three distinct production systems—long-distance transhumance (LDT), short-distance transhumance (SDT), and intensive systems (IS)—using wool cortisol concentrations as a non-invasive biomarker. Wool samples were collected from 45 ewes and 30 lambs over an eight-month period (October, December, January, February, March, May, July, and September) to evaluate cortisol accumulation as a reflection of chronic stress. Cortisol levels were analyzed using ELISA immunoassay after steroid extraction. The results revealed significant impacts of production systems and sampling periods on cortisol concentrations (P < 0.05). The marginal mean of wool cortisol was higher (P < 0.05) in SDT production systems (5.49 ± 0.20 pg/mg) compared with IS (4.85 ± 0.20 pg/mg). Seasonal variations were prominent, with cortisol peaking during winter months (January–February) and declining in March (P < 0.05). Notably, cortisol concentrations decreased during high-altitude summer grazing but spiked post-migration (May). Lambs exhibited lower cortisol levels (5.11 ± 0.17 pg/mg) compared with adult sheep (5.34 ± 0.17 pg/mg). Statistical analysis underscored significant interactions between production systems, sampling periods emphasizing the interplay of environmental stressors and animal physiology. These findings highlight the linkage of stress to environmental transitions and the critical need for adaptive management strategies tailored to production systems to reduce chronic stress and improve animal productivity and to advance sustainable livestock management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"252 ","pages":"Article 107617"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145044288","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}
This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with ground soybean and canola seeds on growth performance, blood metabolites, carcass traits, hepatic lipid metabolism, and related gene expression in Afshari lambs. Fifty male lambs (18.8 ± 2.7 kg, 3 months old) were assigned to ten treatments based on a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design plus two control groups. The treatments included two concentrate levels (high: 11.3 MJ ME/kg DM, 16.4 % CP; and low: 9.6 MJ ME/kg DM, 14 % CP), two oilseed inclusion rates (5 % and 10 %), and two oilseed sources (sunflower and canola), along with non-supplemented control groups for each concentrate level. Over 98 days, feed intake, body weight, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio were recorded. Blood samples were collected every 28 days for biochemical profiling. At slaughter, carcass and organ weights were measured, liver triglycerides quantified, and hepatic expression of PPARα, CPT1, and Lipin1 assessed by qPCR. High-concentrate diets significantly increased final body weight, average daily gain, feed intake, and carcass weight (P < 0.001), with minimal effects of oilseed type or inclusion on these traits. Serum albumin, triglycerides, lipoproteins, and alkaline phosphatase exhibited dynamic responses to diet and time, reflecting shifts in protein and lipid metabolism. High concentrate intake upregulated PPARα (P < 0.05), whereas low concentrate diets enhanced Lipin1 and CPT1 expression (P < 0.001). Liver triglyceride accumulation was greatest in high-concentrate, 10 % oilseed treatments (P < 0.001), indicating that energy density, more than oilseed inclusion, governs hepatic lipid deposition. Distinct regulatory patterns were consistently observed across dietary treatments: soybean supplementation in low-concentrate diets (LS10) specifically enhanced CPT1 expression, whereas canola inclusion in high-concentrate rations (HC10) predominantly stimulated PPARα activation. These results establish that metabolic networks are independently influenced by both dietary energy density and lipid source composition Balancing concentrate level and oilseed inclusion can optimize growth efficiency and liver health in intensive lamb production.
{"title":"Effects of different soybean and canola seed supplementation under varying concentrate levels on growth performance, lipid metabolism, and gene expression in fattening Afshari lambs","authors":"Somayeh Pashaei , Taghi Ghoorchi , Ahad Yamchi , Reza Mirshekar , Mostafa Bokharaeian","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107614","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107614","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the effects of dietary supplementation with ground soybean and canola seeds on growth performance, blood metabolites, carcass traits, hepatic lipid metabolism, and related gene expression in Afshari lambs. Fifty male lambs (18.8 ± 2.7 kg, 3 months old) were assigned to ten treatments based on a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design plus two control groups. The treatments included two concentrate levels (high: 11.3 MJ ME/kg DM, 16.4 % CP; and low: 9.6 MJ ME/kg DM, 14 % CP), two oilseed inclusion rates (5 % and 10 %), and two oilseed sources (sunflower and canola), along with non-supplemented control groups for each concentrate level. Over 98 days, feed intake, body weight, feed conversion ratio, and protein efficiency ratio were recorded. Blood samples were collected every 28 days for biochemical profiling. At slaughter, carcass and organ weights were measured, liver triglycerides quantified, and hepatic expression of PPARα, CPT1, and Lipin1 assessed by qPCR. High-concentrate diets significantly increased final body weight, average daily gain, feed intake, and carcass weight (P < 0.001), with minimal effects of oilseed type or inclusion on these traits. Serum albumin, triglycerides, lipoproteins, and alkaline phosphatase exhibited dynamic responses to diet and time, reflecting shifts in protein and lipid metabolism. High concentrate intake upregulated PPARα (P < 0.05), whereas low concentrate diets enhanced Lipin1 and CPT1 expression (P < 0.001). Liver triglyceride accumulation was greatest in high-concentrate, 10 % oilseed treatments (P < 0.001), indicating that energy density, more than oilseed inclusion, governs hepatic lipid deposition. Distinct regulatory patterns were consistently observed across dietary treatments: soybean supplementation in low-concentrate diets (LS10) specifically enhanced CPT1 expression, whereas canola inclusion in high-concentrate rations (HC10) predominantly stimulated PPARα activation. These results establish that metabolic networks are independently influenced by both dietary energy density and lipid source composition Balancing concentrate level and oilseed inclusion can optimize growth efficiency and liver health in intensive lamb production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"252 ","pages":"Article 107614"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145044287","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 : 2025-09-05DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107615
Jamshid Ehsaninia
A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to pool published estimates of maternal and paternal genomic imprinting heritability ( and ) for economically important traits in small ruminants. Ten scientific articles (2017–2024) yielded 96 estimates of maternal and paternal genomic imprinting heritability. Cochran’s Q test and the I² statistic were used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies, while Egger’s test was used to evaluate publication bias. A Baujat plot was generated to quantify each study's contribution to overall heterogeneity (OHT) and the weighted parental genomic imprinting heritability estimates (WHE) for each trait. The weighted coefficients of variation varied from 9.51 % for the Kleiber ratio (KR) to 23.57 % for the average daily gain (ADG). The weighted average ranged between 0.015 for KR and 0.111 for birth weight (BWT), while the mean ranged from 0.015 for ADG to 0.049 for weaning weight (WWT). Additionally, the estimates for BWT and six-month weight (SMWT) as well as the estimates for BWT and KR displayed significant heterogeneity (P < 0.05). The incorporation of genomic imprinting effects into genetic models increased the direct heritability (h2) of BWT by 4.72 %. However, the h2 values for the other traits decreased significantly, with a reduction of 33 % for SMWT and up to 93 % for yearling weight (YWT). The I² index revealed high heterogeneity for the estimate of BWT (86.30 %), but moderate heterogeneity for KR (41.5 %) and SMWT (58.10 %). For , significant heterogeneity was found in BWT (70.90 %) and KR (61.32 %), whereas SMWT showed moderate heterogeneity (36.47 %). The Baujat plot revealed that the estimate of 0.120 ± 0.023 (Ghafouri-Kesbi et al., 2022b_Data set1) significantly contributed to the OHT of weighted for BWT, WWT, YWT, and ADG, while it had a significant effect on both WHE and OHT concerning the mean value of
{"title":"Meta-analysis of direct and genomic imprinting heritabilities for growth traits in small ruminants","authors":"Jamshid Ehsaninia","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107615","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107615","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to pool published estimates of maternal and paternal genomic imprinting heritability (<span><math><msubsup><mrow><mi>h</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>mi</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msubsup></math></span> and <span><math><msubsup><mrow><mi>h</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>pi</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msubsup></math></span>) for economically important traits in small ruminants. Ten scientific articles (2017–2024) yielded 96 estimates of maternal and paternal genomic imprinting heritability. Cochran’s Q test and the I² statistic were used to assess the heterogeneity of the studies, while Egger’s test was used to evaluate publication bias. A Baujat plot was generated to quantify each study's contribution to overall heterogeneity (OHT) and the weighted parental genomic imprinting heritability estimates (WHE) for each trait. The weighted coefficients of variation varied from 9.51 % for the Kleiber ratio (KR) to 23.57 % for the average daily gain (ADG). The weighted average <span><math><msubsup><mrow><mi>h</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>mi</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msubsup></math></span> ranged between 0.015 for KR and 0.111 for birth weight (BWT), while the mean <span><math><msubsup><mrow><mi>h</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>pi</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msubsup></math></span> ranged from 0.015 for ADG to 0.049 for weaning weight (WWT). Additionally, the <span><math><msubsup><mrow><mi>h</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>mi</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msubsup></math></span> estimates for BWT and six-month weight (SMWT) as well as the <span><math><msubsup><mrow><mi>h</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>pi</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msubsup></math></span> estimates for BWT and KR displayed significant heterogeneity (P < 0.05). The incorporation of genomic imprinting effects into genetic models increased the direct heritability (h<sup>2</sup>) of BWT by 4.72 %. However, the h<sup>2</sup> values for the other traits decreased significantly, with a reduction of 33 % for SMWT and up to 93 % for yearling weight (YWT). The I² index revealed high heterogeneity for the <span><math><msubsup><mrow><mi>h</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>mi</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msubsup></math></span> estimate of BWT (86.30 %), but moderate heterogeneity for KR (41.5 %) and SMWT (58.10 %). For <span><math><msubsup><mrow><mi>h</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>pi</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msubsup></math></span>, significant heterogeneity was found in BWT (70.90 %) and KR (61.32 %), whereas SMWT showed moderate heterogeneity (36.47 %). The Baujat plot revealed that the estimate of 0.120 ± 0.023 (Ghafouri-Kesbi et al., 2022b_Data set1) significantly contributed to the OHT of weighted <span><math><msubsup><mrow><mi>h</mi></mrow><mrow><mi>mi</mi></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn></mrow></msubsup></math></span> for BWT, WWT, YWT, and ADG, while it had a significant effect on both WHE and OHT concerning the mean value of <span><math><msubsup><mrow><mi>h</mi><","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"252 ","pages":"Article 107615"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-09-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145044286","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 : 2025-08-29DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107604
A. Arrayás , A. Yáñez , U.H. Pérez-Guerra , A.M. López , E.Y. Torres , J.M. Palomino
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the dominant follicle (DF) size on the corpus luteum (CL) characteristics and plasma P4 concentrations, 7 days after induction of ovulation in alpacas. For this purpose, 24 female alpacas were selected and divided into 2 groups (n = 12/group): i) DF 7–8 mm (females with DF of 7–8 mm on the day of mating) and ii) DF 9–10 mm (females with DF of 9–10 mm on same day). Females received a single i.m. dose of 0.0084 mg of buserelin acetate on the day of mating (Day 0). On day 7, the diameter (mm), total area (mm2), circumference (mm), and blood flow (%) of the CL were evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography. Blood samples were taken on day 7 to measure plasma P4 concentrations in both groups. The data was analyzed using the T-student and Chi-square test. The diameter, total area, and circumference of the CL were greater (P < 0.05) in the DF 9–10 mm group than in the DF 7–8 mm group. However, the percentage of blood flow in CL was not different between groups. Interestingly, P4 concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in the DF 9–10 mm group (5.81 ± 0.4 ng/mL) than in the DF 7–8 mm group (4.36 ± 0.3 ng/mL). In conclusion, inducing ovulation in dominant follicles of 9–10 mm resulted in a larger CL that produced higher P4 concentrations on day 7 post-mating in alpacas. This information can be used in the preparation of recipients for an embryo transfer program in alpacas.
{"title":"The size of the dominant follicle influences the morphological and functional characteristics of the corpus luteum in alpacas (Vicugna pacos)","authors":"A. Arrayás , A. Yáñez , U.H. Pérez-Guerra , A.M. López , E.Y. Torres , J.M. Palomino","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107604","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107604","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of this study was to determine the effect of the dominant follicle (DF) size on the corpus luteum (CL) characteristics and plasma P<sub>4</sub> concentrations, 7 days after induction of ovulation in alpacas. For this purpose, 24 female alpacas were selected and divided into 2 groups (n = 12/group): i) DF 7–8 mm (females with DF of 7–8 mm on the day of mating) and ii) DF 9–10 mm (females with DF of 9–10 mm on same day). Females received a single i.m. dose of 0.0084 mg of buserelin acetate on the day of mating (Day 0). On day 7, the diameter (mm), total area (mm<sup>2</sup>), circumference (mm), and blood flow (%) of the CL were evaluated by transrectal ultrasonography. Blood samples were taken on day 7 to measure plasma P<sub>4</sub> concentrations in both groups. The data was analyzed using the T-student and Chi-square test. The diameter, total area, and circumference of the CL were greater (P < 0.05) in the DF 9–10 mm group than in the DF 7–8 mm group. However, the percentage of blood flow in CL was not different between groups. Interestingly, P<sub>4</sub> concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) in the DF 9–10 mm group (5.81 ± 0.4 ng/mL) than in the DF 7–8 mm group (4.36 ± 0.3 ng/mL). In conclusion, inducing ovulation in dominant follicles of 9–10 mm resulted in a larger CL that produced higher P<sub>4</sub> concentrations on day 7 post-mating in alpacas. This information can be used in the preparation of recipients for an embryo transfer program in alpacas.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"252 ","pages":"Article 107604"},"PeriodicalIF":1.4,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144925712","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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