Content of Biogenic Elements in Sheep Wool by the Regions of Slovakia.

The quality of nutrition and environmental pollution are crucial chemical indicators influencing animal health, reflected in element concentrations in animal tissues and coats. This study investigates the concentrations of biogenic elements (calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, copper, and iron) in sheep wool from various regions of Slovakia to compare concentrations and identify possible correlations between individual elements. Samples were collected from six different regions, and concentrations of elements were measured using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in element levels among the examined regions. Calcium concentrations ranged from 729.2 to 4065 ppm, with the highest concentrations in the Kysuce region and the lowest in the Saris region. Potassium concentrations ranged from 2315 to 3282 ppm, with the lowest values in the Zemplín region and the highest in the Liptov region. Magnesium, sodium, copper, and iron also exhibited varying concentrations across the regions. Correlation analysis identified significant associations between several elements. The findings suggest that regional environmental differences influence element concentrations in sheep wool, highlighting the importance of monitoring biogenic elements for assessing environmental pollution and animal health. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms driving element accumulation in wool and its implications for animal welfare and environmental management.

Genetic variations of Toll-like receptor 4 gene in exon 2 of South African Dorper sheep.

Objective: The study was conducted to identify the sequence variation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in exon 2 of South African Dorper sheep. Materials and Methods: Blood samples were collected from fifty (n = 50) South African Dorper sheep aged between 3 and 4 years. The Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted, amplified, and sequenced for the TLR4 gene. DNA sequencing was used to identify the sequence variations of the TLR4 gene in South African Dorper sheep. Results: The results showed that one synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of the TLR4 gene in exon 2 position T2249C was identified. Two genotypes (TT and TC) were discovered from the identified SNP. The dominant genotype was TT (0.60) over TC (0.40), with the dominant allele T (0.80) over C (0.20). The results also indicated that the used population was in the Hady-Weinberg Equilibrium. Polymorphism genetic analysis findings suggest that the identified sequence variation of TLR4 in exon 2 of South African Dorper sheep was moderate polymorphism. Conclusion: TLR4 gene at exon 2 of South African Dorper sheep had the SNP (T>C) at position 2249 bp with two genotypes (TT and TC).

Production, reproduction, and some adaptation characteristics of Romanov sheep raised under humid temperate climate.

This study aimed to determine the fertility and growth traits, viability, and body measurements of the Romanov sheep under breeder conditions in the humid region of Turkey. The animal material of the research consisted of sheep imported from Ukraine in 2019. In the study, there are two farms with 31 and 44 ewes in the first year and three farms with 45, 34, and 32 ewes in the second year. The reproductive performances of 186 sheep and lambs in three different farms were examined, and nine rams, one ram per 20 sheep, were used for mating. Two-year (2020 and 2021) data on the reproductive performance of pure Romanov ewes, survivability in ewes and lambs, and development characteristics in lambs were used in the present study. The conceived rate (88.17%), fecundity at birth (1.42) and at weaning (1.29), litter size at birth (1.76) and weaning (1.56), single (50.98%), twin (41.83%), and triplet birth rate (6.54%), and abortion rate (6.71%) were determined for 2 years average. Birth and weaning weights of lambs were affected by sex and birth type (p < 0.01). The Romanov sheep and their lambs did not satisfy the breeder regarding reproductive performance and lamb development.

Integration analysis of pituitary proteome and transcriptome reveals fertility-related biomarkers in FecB mutant Small Tail Han sheep.

The Booroola fecundity mutation (FecB) in Small Tail Han sheep has been shown to enhance ovulation rates and litter sizes by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Despite the pituitary's role in reproductive regulation, its involvement in FecB-induced ovulation remains understudied. Our study aimed to fill this gap by analyzing pituitary tissues from FecB homozygous (BB) and wild-type (WW) ewes during luteal and follicular phases using tandem mass tag-based protein quantification and the DIABLO framework for proteomic and transcriptomic data integration. Significant differences in 277 proteins were observed across estrus periods, with network analysis highlighting the voltage-dependent calcium channel L-type alpha-1C as a key convergence point in oxytocin signaling and GnRH secretion pathways. The DIABLO method revealed a strong correlation (0.98) between proteomic and transcriptomic datasets, indicating a coordinated response in FecB ewes. Notably, higher expression levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone Subunit Beta (FSHB) and Luteinizing Hormone Subunit Beta (LHB) were found in BB ewes during the follicular phase, potentially due to elevated E2 concentrations. Furthermore, our analysis identified genes related to the Gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor family (GABRA2, GABRG1, GABRB1) in the pituitary, with GABRB1 showing higher expression in BB ewes. This suggests a role for GABA in modulating GnRH and gonadotropin feedback loops, potentially contributing to the FecB mutation's effect on ovulation. This study provides novel insights into the pituitary's role in fertility among FecB sheep, identifying GABA as a potential regulatory factor within the HPG axis. The findings also open avenues for discovering new biomarkers in pituitary endocrinology for sheep breeding purposes.

Radiopaque and Biocompatible PMMA Bone Cement Triggered by Nano Tantalum Carbide and Its Osteogenic Performance.

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) bone cements have been widely used in orthopedics; thanks to their excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and chemical stability. Barium sulfate and zirconia are usually added into PMMA bone cement to enhance the X-ray radiopacity, while the mechanical strength, radiopacity, and biocompatibility are not well improved. In this study, an insoluble and corrosion-resistant ceramic, tantalum carbide (TaC), was added into the PMMA bone cement as radiopacifies, significantly improving the mechanical, radiopaque, biocompatibility, and osteogenic performance of bone cement. The TaC-PMMA bone cement with varied TaC contents exhibits compressive strength over 100 MPa, higher than that of the commercial 30% BaSO4-PMMA bone cement. Intriguingly, when the TaC content reaches 20%, the radiopacity is equivalent to the commercial bone cement with 30% of BaSO4 in PMMA. The cytotoxicity and osteogenic performance indicate that the incorporation of TaC not only enhances the osteogenic properties of PMMA but also does not reduce cell viability. This study suggests that TaC could be a superior and multifunctional radio-pacifier for PMMA bone cement, offering a promising avenue for improving patient outcomes in orthopedic applications.

Developmental three-dimensional examination of the pelvic cavity of Hamdani crossbred sheep fetuses (Ovis aries) in the last two periods of gestation.

BACKGROUND: Türkiye is a country in the world ranking in terms of sheep breeding. Hamdani crossbred sheep breed is one of the sheep breeds that can adapt to the difficult conditions in our country. In addition, the sentence may be corrected as 'Especially in the southeastern part of the Türkiye, crossbreeding is preferred by breeders to increase the yield characteristics of sheep'. OBJECTIVES: In our study, it was aimed to perform a pelvimetric analysis of Hamdani crossbred sheep fetuses in the second and third trimesters by three-dimensional modelling method. METHODS: For this purpose, a total of 40 second-trimester (10 females, 10 males) and third-trimester (10 females, 10 males) fetuses were used. The pelvises of the fetuses were imaged with CT and 3D models were created. Sixteen pelvimetric measurements were performed from the models. The results obtained were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: The study found statistically significant differences between male and female fetuses in terms of vertical diameter (VD) and foramen obturatum width (FOW) measurement parameters in the second trimester. In the third trimester, there were statistically significant differences between genders in acetabulum (AC) (p < 0.01), medial ischial tuberosities (MIT), and ischiatic arch (IA) (p < 0.05) parameters. As a result of the correlation analysis, it was determined that the pelvis length (PL) measurement parameter was positively correlated with different parameters in varying degrees in both periods, while the IA parameter did not show significant correlations with the other parameter in the last two periods of pregnancy. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the data obtained will be useful in pelvimetric evaluations of human and animal fetuses, anatomy education, zooarchaeology and taxonomy studies.

Estimating the cost of young stock mortality in livestock systems-An application to sheep farming in Ethiopia.

Introduction: In sub-Saharan Africa, pre-weaning young stock mortality (YSM) is in the order of 20 to 30% across most livestock species and production systems. High YSM has significant economic implications for livestock keepers, but few studies provide estimates of the "cost of YSM." This study explores a bio-economic herd modeling approach to estimate the "cost of YSM" at farming/livestock system level. Methods: The static zero-growth version of DYNMOD was used to calculate the annual physical and monetary output of a sheep flock consisting of 100 breeding females at different levels of lamb mortality. Production parameter values and prices were taken from recently published research. Calculations were carried out for values of lamb mortality decreasing from 30% to 0% in 5% intervals, with 20% representing the "baseline" YSM. Calculations were repeated for a "high" fertility scenario (100% vs. 59% parturition rate) to gauge the sensitivity of the cost of YSM to another parameter determining flock productivity. Results: The relation of revenue per head and YSM is close to linear over the range of analyzed YSM with 1% decrease in YSM resulting in an increase in revenue per animal of approximately 1%. At the higher fertility rate, the absolute cost of YSM to sheep farmers is higher while the relative increase in revenue per animal resulting from YSM reduction is lower. The estimated difference in revenue of the 100-ewe flock between the 20% and 0% lamb mortality scenarios (at baseline fertility) amounts to approximately USD 90 per additionally surviving lamb, which is far above its market value. Discussion: Reduced lamb mortality ultimately impacts flock revenue through increased sales of "mature" animals, which embody the value of a lamb plus the revenue/profit from raising it to marketable age/weight. The modeling results suggest that foregone profit is an important component of the systemic "cost of YSM." Consequently, expected profit per animal, in addition to its current market value, is essential for estimating the absolute cost of YSM at farming system level.

Rumen microbiota helps Tibetan sheep obtain energy more efficiently to survive in the extreme environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Introduction: T-sheep and H-sheep exhibit different environmental adaptability and production performance. The rumen microbiome has co-evolved with hosts and plays a vital role in nutrient digestion and energy metabolism. In our previous study, we found that T-sheep have a higher efficiency in energy metabolism than H-sheep, but the rumen microbial community remains unclear. Methods: In this study, we determined the rumen bacterial profile and rumen fermentation parameters to reveal the bacterial profiles and predictive functions among breeds and diets with four different energy levels, as well as the correlation between bacterial profiles and rumen fermentation characteristics. Results: The results showed that the rumen total volatile fatty acids (VFAs), acetate, butyrate, total branched-chain VFAs, iso-butyrate, and iso-valerate were higher in T-sheep than H-sheep. The alpha diversity of ruminal bacteria is not affected by dietary energy, but it shows a distinction between the sheep breeds. Specifically, T-sheep rumen bacteria exhibit higher alpha diversity than H-sheep. The beta diversity of ruminal bacteria is not influenced by dietary energy or sheep breeds, indicating similar communities of ruminal bacteria between different diets and sheep breeds. The phyla of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes predominate in the rumen, with a higher relative abundance of Firmicutes observed in T-sheep than H-sheep. The two most abundant genera in the rumen were Prevotella 1 and Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group. Prevotella 1 is the predominant bacterial genus in the rumen of H-sheep, while the Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group dominates in the rumen of T-sheep. Microbial co-occurrence network analysis reveals that variations in rumen fermentation characteristics result from differences in module abundance, with a higher abundance of VFA-producing modules observed in the rumen of T-sheep. Microbial function prediction analysis showed that dietary energy rarely alters the functional composition of rumen bacteria. However, there were differences in the functions of rumen bacteria between sheep breeds, with T-sheep showing a greater emphasis on energy metabolism-related functions, while H-sheep showed a greater emphasis on protein metabolism-related functions. Discussion: These findings provide evidence of the special rumen microbial community that helps T-sheep efficiently obtain energy from low-protein and low-energy diets, enabling them to survive in the extreme environment of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Determinants of meat and milk production of Awassi sheep in Syria: A Cobb-Douglas production function estimation approach.

Awassi is a fat-tailed sheep breed, and the best breed in Syria is famous. Awassi sheep are Syria's main source of red meat and milk production. In this study, we estimated the influence of various factors on sheep meat and milk production using time-series data from 1961 to 2020. This study employed the Cobb-Douglas production function to analyze the data. The results obtained indicate that Awassi meat production in Syria was positively and significantly influenced by carcass weight (p < 0.001) and quantity of slaughtered sheep (p < 0.001), with elasticity coefficients of 0.994 and 1.000, respectively. The model results show that raw milk yield and milk animals have a positive and significant influence on milk production at the 0.1 % significance level, with an elasticity coefficient of 0.998. However, climatic factors (precipitation and temperature) have a significant effect and negative influence on milk production at the 1 % and 5 % significance levels, respectively. This result sheds light on the policies and procedures the government should implement to develop sheep production in Syria. Therefore, it can be stated that policymakers should enhance the quality and productivity characterization of sheep through the implementation of breeding programs, improve grazing potential, and protect natural pastures. Furthermore, feed rations should be supported to help breeders overcome the effects of drought and high feed prices.

Reproduction of Awassi and Hamdani Sheep Is Associated With a Novel Missense SNP (p.24Ile>Thr) of the GnIH Gene.

Objectives: Litter size is a crucial economic factor in the sheep industry. Several factors and genes influence litter size, making the identification of genes or loci involved a genetic challenge. Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) is one of several genes that influence sheep's reproductive traits. Thus, this study aimed to investigate whether variations in the GnIH gene affect the reproductive performance of Awassi and Hamdani ewes. Methods: DNA was extracted from 99 single-progeny ewes and 101 twin ewes. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) produced amplicons of 262 bp, 275 bp, and 284 bp from exons 1, 2, and 3 of the GnIH gene. Single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) technique was used for genotyping experiments. Sequencing and in silico analysis were performed on each set of SSCP-resolved bands. Results: Two genotypes of 262 bp amplicons were found: TT and TC. Sequence analysis revealed a novel missense mutation in the TC genotype at position c.122T>C. Five in silico tools were used to assess the impact of this mutation on GnIH protein structure, function, and stability, all of them demonstrated a deleterious effect. An analysis of statistical data revealed a strong correlation between the c.122T>C single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and reproductive performance. Ewes with the SNP 122T>C exhibited a significant increase in litter size, twinning rates, lambing rates, and days to lambing when compared with ewes with the TT genotype. A lower number of lambs were born to ewes with the TT genotype than those with the TC genotype. Conclusion: These results concluded that the c.122T>C SNP variant positively influences the reproductive performance of Awassi and Hamdani sheep. Sheep that carry the c.122T>C SNP show higher litter size and increased productivity.

Molecular signatures of Haemonchus contortus infection in sheep: A comparative serum proteomic study on susceptible and resistant sheep breeds.

Due to the negative impact of Haemonchus contortus in the tropics and subtropics, the detection of serum protein profiles that occur in infected sheep is of high relevance for targeted selective treatment strategies (TST). Herein, we integrated proteomics with phenotypic traits to elucidate physiological mechanisms associated to H. contortus infection in susceptible (Dorper - D) and resistant (Santa Inês - S) sheep breeds. Naïve female lambs were infected with H. contortus third-stage larvae on day zero (D0), and samples were collected weekly, for 28 days. Feces were used for individual fecal egg counts (FEC) blood for packed cell volume (PCV) and serum for specific antibody quantification through ELISA. Sera was collected on D0 (-) and D21 (+), and analyzed using a LC-MS/MS based proteomics approach. FEC, PCV, and anti-H. contortus antibody levels confirmed the absence of infection on D0. On D28 there was a significant difference between the two breeds for logFEC means (D = 3774 and S = 3141, p=0.033) and PCV means (D = 16.3 % and S = 24.3 %, p=0.038). From a total of 754 proteins identified, 68 differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) were noted. Phosphopyruvate hydratase (ENO3) was a DAP in all comparisons, while S+ vs D+ and S- vs D- shared the highest number of DAPs (8). Each of the four experimental groups clustered separately in a principal component analysis (PCA) of protein profile. Among the DAPs, proteins associated with the innate and adaptive immune system were detected when comparing S- vs D- and S+ vs D+. In D-, some proteins were linked to stress response to handling, sampling and heat. Focusing on the consequences of infection in each breed, in the D+ vs D- comparison, upregulated proteins were associated with inflammation control and immune response, where downregulated proteins pointed to a negative impact of infection on tissue anabolism, compromising muscle growth and fat deposition. In the S+ vs S- comparison, upregulated proteins were related to immune response, while the downregulated proteins were possibly linked to muscular development and growth, impaired by infection. Collectively, it can be concluded that ENO3 regulation emerges as a potential factor underlying the differential immune response observed between Santa Inês and Dorper sheep infected with H. contortus. In turn, detected acute phase proteins (APPs) reinforce their relation with infection, inflammation and stress conditions, whereas THEMIS-like may contribute to the immune system in Dorper. GSDMD, Guanylate-binding protein and ACAN warrant further investigation as possible biomarkers for TST strategy development.

Non-immune factors cause prolonged myofibroblast phenotype in implanted synthetic heart valve scaffolds.

The clinical application of heart valve scaffolds is hindered by complications associated with the activation of valvular interstitial cell-like (VIC-like) cells and their transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts. This study aimed to examine several molecular pathway(s) that may trigger the overactive myofibroblast phenotypes in the implanted scaffolds. So, we investigated the influence of three molecular pathways - macrophage-induced inflammation, the TGF-ß1-SMAD2, and WNT/ß-catenin ß on VIC-like cells during tissue engineering of heart valve scaffolds. We implanted electrospun heart valve scaffolds in adult sheep for up to 6 months in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) and analyzed biomolecular (gene and protein) expression associated with the above three pathways by the scaffold infiltrating cells. The results showed a gradual increase in gene and protein expression of markers related to the activation of VIC-like cells and the myofibroblast phenotypes over 6 months of scaffold implantation. Conversely, there was a gradual increase in macrophage activity for the first three months after scaffold implantation. However, a decrease in macrophage activity from three to six months of scaffold tissue engineering suggested that immunological signal factors were not the primary cause of myofibroblast phenotype. Similarly, the gene and protein expression of factors associated with the TGF-ß1-SMAD2 pathway in the cells increased in the first three months but declined in the next three months. Contrastingly, the gene and protein expression of factors associated with the WNT/ß-catenin pathway increased significantly over the six-month study. Thus, the WNT/ß-catenin pathway could be the predominant mechanism in activating VIC-like cells and subsequent myofibroblast phenotype.

Role of Rhipicephalus bursa larvae in transstadial transmission and endemicity of Babesia ovis in chronically infected sheep.

Babesia ovis, transmitted by Rhipicephalus bursa ticks, is the causative agent of ovine babesiosis, a disease characterized by fever, anemia, hemoglobinuria, and high mortality in sheep. This study investigates whether sheep that survived babesiosis without treatment can serve as a source of infection for B. ovis-free host-seeking R. bursa larvae in a later season. Three donor sheep were experimentally infected with B. ovis, and after six months, persistence of B. ovis was assessed through blood and tick transmission experiments. Blood from donor sheep was intravenously injected into three recipient sheep, while donor sheep were also infested with B. ovis-free R. bursa larvae. Engorged nymphs molted to adults, and new recipient sheep were infested with these ticks. All recipient sheep were monitored for B. ovis for 100 days using microscopic, serological, and molecular approaches. The presence of B. ovis was confirmed in the recipient sheep that received blood, leading to clinical infection in two. However, no B. ovis was detected in recipient sheep infested with ticks. These results suggest that sheep recovering from B. ovis infection do not serve as a source of infection for R. bursa larvae in subsequent seasons.

Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analyses Reveal Molecular Regulatory Networks for Pigmentation Deposition in Sheep.

Domestic animals have multiple phenotypes of skin and coat color, which arise from different genes and their products, such as proteins and metabolites responsible with melanin deposition. However, the complex regulatory network of melanin synthesis remains to be fully unraveled. Here, the skin and tongue tissues of Liangshan black sheep (black group) and Liangshan semi-fine-wool sheep (pink group) were collected, stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson-Fontana, and the transcriptomic and metabolomic data were further analyzed. We found a large deposit of melanin granules in the epidermis of the black skin and tongue. Transcriptome and metabolome analysis identified 744 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 443 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) between the pink and black groups. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses revealed the DEGs and DEMs were mainly enriched in the pathways of secondary metabolic processes, melanin biosynthesis processes, melanin metabolism processes, melanosome membranes, pigment granule membranes, melanosome, tyrosine metabolism, and melanogenesis. Notably, we revealed the gene ENSARG00020006042 may be a family member of YWHAs and involved in regulating melanin deposition. Furthermore, several essential genes (TYR, TYRP1, DCT, PMEL, MLANA, SLC45A2) were significantly associated with metabolite prostaglandins and compounds involved in sheep pigmentation. These findings provide new evidence of the strong correlation between prostaglandins and related compounds and key genes that regulate sheep melanin synthesis, furthering our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms and molecular breeding of pigmentation in sheep.

Biologically Active Sheep Colostrum for Topical Treatment and Skin Care.

Colostrum is gaining popularity in cosmetic products. The present study compared the composition and selected biological properties of colostrum from Polish sheep (colostrum 1) and Swiss sheep (colostrum 2), particularly those that can affect healthy or diseased skin. The antioxidant activity of the colostrums was measured using ABTS and DPPH assays. The effect on the proliferation of human skin fibroblasts, neonatal epidermal keratinocytes, and human diabetic fibroblast (dHF) cells isolated from diabetic foot ulcers was also assayed in vitro by MTT and Presto Blue tests, respectively. The colostrum simulated dHF cell proliferation by up to 115.4%. The highest used concentration of colostrum 1 stimulated normal fibroblast proliferation by 191.2% (24 h) and 222.2% (48 h). Both colostrums inhibited epidermal keratinocyte viability. The influence of the colostrums on the expression of genes related to proliferation (Ki67) and immune response (IL-6, PTGS-2, TSG-6) in dHF cells were compared. Colostrum 1 increased the rate of wound closure (scar test). Analysis of total fat, protein and fatty acid content found the Polish colostrum to be a richer source of fat than the Swiss colostrum, which contained a larger amount of protein. Both colostrums exhibit properties that suggest they could be effective components in cosmetic or medicinal formulations for skin care, especially supporting its regeneration, rejuvenation, and wound healing.

Immunogenicity of a pentavalent recombinant Escherichia coli bacterin against enterotoxemia and botulism in sheep.

INTRODUCTION: Producing commercial bacterins/toxoids against Clostridium spp. is laborious and hazardous. Conversely, developing prototype vaccines using purified recombinant toxoids, though safe and effective, is both laborious and costly for application in production animals. OBJECTIVE: Considering that inactivated recombinant Escherichia coli (bacterin) is a simple, cost-effective, and to be safe solution, we evaluated, for the first time, a pentavalent formulation of recombinant bacterins containing the alpha, beta, and epsilon toxins of Clostridium perfringens and C and D neurotoxins of Clostridium botulinum in sheep. METHODS: Subcutaneously, 18 Texel sheep received two doses (200 µg of each antigen) of recombinant bacterin (n=7) or purified recombinant antigens (n=6) on days 0 and 28, while the control group (n=5) did not receive an immunization. Sera samples from days 0 (before the 1st dose), 28 (before the 2nd dose), and 56, 84, and 112 were used for measuring IgG (indirect ELISA) and neutralizing antibodies (mouse serum neutralization). RESULTS: Both formulations induced significant levels of IgG against all five toxins (p<0.05) up to day 112, with peaks at days 28 and 56 post-immunization. The expected booster effect occurred only for the botulinum toxins. The neutralizing antibody titers were satisfactory against ETX (≥ 2 IU/ml for both formulations) and BoNT-D [5 IU/ml (bacterin) and 10 IU/ml (purified)]. CONCLUSION: While adjustments are required, the recombinant bacterin platform holds great potential for polyvalent vaccines due to its straightforward, safe, and cost-effective production, establishing it as a user-friendly technology for the veterinary immunobiological industry.

The impact of the bluetongue serotype 3 outbreak on sheep and goat mortality in the Netherlands in 2023.

In September 2023, bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) emerged in the Netherlands, infecting over five thousand livestock farms. In sheep, high morbidity and mortality rates were reported that were unlike previously described bluetongue outbreaks. This study aimed to quantify the impact of BTV-3 in the small ruminant population in the Netherlands in 2023. Sheep and goat movement census data and BTV-3 notification data were available from 2020 until the end of 2023. Data were aggregated to farm and week level and mortality indicators were calculated for lambs (<1 year) and adult animals (≥1 year). Population averaged GEE models with a Negative-binomial distribution and a log-link function correcting for repeated measures per farm in time were used to quantify the association between BTV-3 and mortality. In 2023, 2994 sheep farmers and 89 goat farmers notified clinical signs of BTV-3 to the NVWA. During this BTV-3 outbreak period, an additional 55,000 sheep died compared to the same period in 2020-2022. At flock level a high variety in mortality was observed, with a clear increase in mortality in both flocks that were not notified but that were located in infected areas and in flocks of which the farmer notified clinical signs. During the BTV-3 outbreak period, mortality in infected areas increased 4.2 (95 % CI: 4.0-4.3) times in sheep lambs (<1 year) and 4.6 (95 % CI: 4.4-4.8) times in sheep (≥1 year) compared to BTV-3 free areas. Flocks with a confirmed BTV-3 infection that were notified in September showed a 12.8 (95 % CI: 11.4-14.3) times higher mortality in lambs and a 15.1 (95 % CI: 13.7-16.6) times higher mortality in sheep compared to flocks in BTV-3 areas. In flocks of which the farmer notified clinical signs after September, mortality was 4.6 (95 % CI: 4.2-5.0) and 5.6 (95 % CI: 5.1-6.0) times higher in lambs and sheep compared BTV-3 areas respectively. In goats, around 4000 additional deaths were recorded during the BTV-3 outbreak period. In farms that were notified, mortality of goats (≥1 year) was 1.8 (95 % CI: 1.2-2.8) times higher compared to BTV-3 free areas. Since May 2024, multiple BTV-3 vaccines are available in the Netherlands. In June 2024, the first new infections of BTV-3 were confirmed in Dutch sheep flocks. Hopes are that with the possibility to vaccinate, the spread and impact of BTV-3 in the Netherlands will rapidly decline and that losses as observed in 2023 will no longer be seen.

Genome-wide association studies for citric and lactic acids in dairy sheep milk in a New Zealand flock.

The objectives of this study were to estimate genetic parameters for citric acid content (CA) and lactic acid content (LA) in sheep milk and to identify the associated candidate genes in a New Zealand dairy sheep flock. Records from 165 ewes were used. Heritability estimates based on pedigree records for CA and LA were 0.65 and 0.33, respectively. The genetic and phenotypic correlations between CA and LA were strong-moderate and negative. Estimates of genomic heritability for CA and LA were also high (0.85, 0.51) and the genomic correlation between CA and LA was strongly negative (-0.96 ± 0.11). No significant associations were found at the Bonferroni level. However, one intragenic SNP in C1QTNF1 (chromosome 11) was associated with CA, at the chromosomal significance threshold. Another SNP associated with CA was intergenic (chromosome 15). For LA, the most notable SNP was intragenic in CYTH1 (chromosome 11), the other two SNPs were intragenic in MGAT5B and TIMP2 (chromosome 11), and four SNPs were intergenic (chromosomes 1 and 24). The functions of candidate genes indicate that CA and LA could potentially be used as biomarkers for energy balance and clinical mastitis. Further research is recommended to validate the present results.

Determining orbital volumes of sheep, goats and gazelles via computed tomography.

BACKGROUND: Orbital volume refers to the sum of bulbus oculi volume and orbital cavity volume. Scientists use orbital volume as a guide to diagnose, treat and prognose various eye diseases such as thyroid eye disease and enophthalmos. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine the orbital volumes of sheep, goats and gazelles to demonstrate homotypic variations and interspecific differences between them. METHODS: Crania of six male tuj sheep, five male hair goats and five male gazelle were used in this study. The crania were scanned using a 64-detector multi-detector computed tomography with a slice thickness of 0.625 mm at 80 kV, 200 MA and 639 mGy. The cross-sectional images were stored in DICOM format and then transferred to MIMICS 20.1 software. Afterwards, models were made by establishing the orbital borders on the cross-sections. Volume values were calculated based on the models. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: No homotypic variation was found between the right and left volumes within the species (p > 0.05). A statistically significant difference was observed in terms of interspecific right and left orbital volumes between sheep and gazelles (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the orbital parameters of the sheep, goats and gazelles in the same family help reveal their differences in the visual anatomy of these species and provide reference data for clinical diagnosis, treatment and the prognosis follow-up of ocular diseases in animals.

Improving triplet lamb survival: management practices used by commercial farmers.

Introduction: Prolificacy has become an important breeding goal in sheep farming to increase farm profitability. With the adoption of improved genetics and management practices leading to increased lambing percentages, the proportion of triplet-born lambs has also increased on farms. However, mortality rates of triplet lambs are higher than for single- and twin-born lambs, and additional management inputs may be needed to support survival. The aim of this study was to identify factors that affect management practices that are considered important for triplet lamb survival by commercial farmers from the United Kingdom (UK), the Ireland (IRE), and New Zealand (NZ). Methods: An online survey was developed and disseminated to farmers in each country, focusing on farmer demographics, flock characteristics, management practices and production outcomes. A total of 448 farmers completed the survey, from the UK (n = 168), IRE (n = 218), and NZ (n = 62). Results: Respondents had larger flocks, higher scanning and lambing percentages than the country average for the UK and IRE. The mean percentage of triplet litters born within flocks was 9%, and lambs lost between scanning and lambing were 14% for UK, 15% for IRE, and 25% for NZ respondents (P = 0.063). Overall, 60% of all respondents reported to lamb indoors and 40% lambed outdoors, however NZ farmers almost exclusively lambed outdoors, whereas UK and IRE farmers lambed in both systems (P < 0.001). NZ farmers were more likely to rear all triplet lambs with the ewe, whereas UK and IRE farmers were more likely to remove a lamb to rear by another ewe or artificially (P < 0.001). Factors that influenced triplet lamb management practices of respondents in this study were respondent country of origin, flock size, age, and gender. In general, younger respondents (P < 0.001), and female respondents (P < 0.05), were more likely to engage in management activities that were considered to promote better triplet lamb survival, compared to older and male respondents respectively. These practices were associated with better lamb survival reported by respondents but were less likely to be carried out when flock size increased (P < 0.001). Discussion: The results of this survey highlight future priorities or communication strategies needed to improve triplet lamb survival.