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The present experiment aimed to evaluate the reproductive response of Blackbelly ewes synchronized with low doses of eCG during the summer in a tropical climate. Sixty multiparous hair ewes were divided into three groups (20 ewes/group): control group (CG; 0 IU of eCG), treated group 1 (TG-1; 140 IU of eCG) and treated group 2 (TG-2; 300 IU of eCG). The study found that the three groups of ewes showed differences in their reproductive behavior (P < 0.01). Indeed, all the ewes in the TG-1 and TG-2 groups presented a higher response to estrus than the CG (P < 0.01). In the same way, TG1 and TG-2 had an onset to estrus in less time (P < 0.01). On the other hand, prolificacy was also higher in TG-1 and TG-2 (P < 0.05). Likewise, ewes from TG-1 and TG-2 had more lambs than those from CG (P < 0.05). On the other hand, the variables of fertility and gestation length were similar regardless of the group of ewes (P > 0.05). It´s concluded that the ewes treated with eCG presented good reproductive behavior, and the majority did so in the first 24 to 36 h after removing the intravaginal device.

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The economic condition, national economic significance and prospects for the development of sheep breeding in our country directly depend on the meat productivity of sheep. The purpose of our research was to study the qualitative indicators of sheepskins and the histological structure of the skin of Kalmyk fat-tailed rams and crossbreeds obtained on the basis of crossing of Kalmyk fat-tailed ewes with Dorper rams. The work was carried out in LLC "Agrofirma Aduchi", Republic of Kalmykia. It was found that the coarser wool of the rams of group I was 4.7 microns or 12.9%, in contrast to the peers of group II. The control animals have 40 quality wool, and the experimental ones - 36, that is, the wool of hybrid young animals is thinner by two whole qualities, which is a very good indicator for the textile industry. The fineness of the awn was thicker in purebred rams by 8.5%, the fineness of transitional hair and fluff by 17.8%, in contrast to hybrid young. In the study of the histological parameters of the skin, it was revealed that the rams of group I had 352.57 µm thicker skin (14.52%) in comparison with their peers in group II. In this case, the thickness of the layers of the total thickness of the skin in animals of group I is: epidermis - 0.8%, pilar - 69.8%, reticular - 29.4%; Group II - epidermis - 1.2%, pilar - 60.5%, reticular - 38.3%. The densest epidermis was found in crossbred young animals of group II. Their superiority in this indicator over their peers in the control group was 6.12 microns or 27.7%. This is due to the fact that in animals of the meat direction, the epidermal part (flesh) is thicker. Crossbred rams have a larger area of ​​sheepskins, the skin is more elastic, durable and less thick, such sheepskins are first-class raw materials for the industrial production of fur products. The density of the coat (the ratio of WF / PF) in crossbred rams is greater than that of purebred peers.

A situação económica, a importância económica nacional e as perspectivas de desenvolvimento da ovinocultura no nosso país dependem diretamente da produtividade da carne ovina. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi analisar os indicadores qualitativos da pele de carneiro e a estrutura histológica da pele de carneiros de cauda gorda Kalmyk e cruzamentos obtidos a partir do cruzamento de ovelhas de cauda gorda Kalmyk com carneiros Dorper. O trabalho foi realizado na LLC "Agrofirma Aduchi", República da Calmúquia. Verificou-se que a lã mais grossa dos carneiros do grupo I era de 4,7 mícrons ou 12,9%, em contraste com os pares do grupo II. Os animais do grupo "controle" apresentaram 40 lãs de qualidade, e os experimentais - 36, ou seja, a lã dos animais jovens híbridos é mais fina em duas qualidades inteiras, o que é um indicador muito bom para a indústria têxtil. A finura da asa foi mais espessa em carneiros de raça pura em 8,5%, a finura do cabelo de transição e penugem em 17,8%, em contraste com os jovens híbridos. No estudo dos parâmetros histológicos da pele, foi possível constatar que os carneiros do grupo I apresentaram pele 352,57 µm mais espessa (14,52%) em comparação com seus pares do grupo II. Nesse caso, a espessura das camadas da espessura total da pele nos animais do grupo I é: epiderme - 0,8%, pilar - 69,8%, reticular - 29,4%; Grupo II - epiderme - 1,2%, pilar - 60,5%, reticular - 38,3%. A epiderme mais densa foi encontrada em animais jovens mestiços do grupo II. A sua superioridade neste indicador sobre os seus pares no grupo de controlo foi de 6,12 mícrons ou 27,7%. Isso se deve ao fato de que nos animais do ramo cárneo a parte epidérmica (carne) é mais espessa. Os carneiros mestiços possuem maior área de pele de carneiro, a pele é mais elástica, durável e menos espessa, essas peles de carneiro são matéria-prima de primeira classe para a produção industrial de peles. A densidade da pelagem (relação WF / PF) em carneiros mestiços é maior do que em carneiros de raça pura.

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DNA extraction is usually the first step to perform molecular studies. This process can be nonviable due to genomic DNA (gDNA) extraction commercial kits prices. Furthermore, available DNA extraction protocols generally have high specificity, limiting their use to specific sources of biological material. In order to reduce costs, optimize time and laboratory logistics, besides to demonstrate a versatile protocol, the present study worked on an efficient DNA extraction protocol from somatic and non-somatic cells, using biological material from sheep as a model. For that, gDNA was extracted from whole blood, spermatozoa, and hair bulb cells, collected from three adult sheep, transported at 5ºC and stored at -20ºC until lab procedures. After extraction, gDNA concentration and purity were evaluated in a nano spectrophotometer. gDNA concentration from whole blood was greater (p < 0.05) than extracted from hair bulb cells, which in turn was superior (p < 0.05) than in spermatozoa. Also, gDNA from whole blood and, followed by, sperm showed greater (p < 0.05) purity when compared to gDNA of hair bulb cells. Adapting a gDNA extraction protocol, originally developed for bovine whole blood, enabled to obtain and isolate gDNA in different nucleated sheep cells.(AU)

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Due to the conditions in which traditional sheep production systems operate, the evaluation of animal growth from live weight (LW) is limited by the high cost of the livestock scale as well as the sophisticated maintenance required. In this scenario, in recent years, biometric measurements have been investigated as an accurate indirect method to predict the LW of farm animals. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to examine different models for predicting the body weight of growing lambs using the body volume (BV) formula. Body volume, heart girth (HG) and body length (BL) data of 290 lambs aged between two and eight months were recorded. Body volume was calculated from HG and BL data using a formula that calculates the volume of a cylinder. The estimation of LW from the BV formula was achieved through regression equations using three mathematical models (linear, quadratic and exponential). The mean values of LW, HG, BL and BV of the lambs were 29.12±12.04kg, 70.00±11.69cm, 38.40±6.43cm and 23.93±9.90dm3, respectively. The correlation coefficient between LW and BV was r = 0.96 (P<0.001). The quadratic model showed the highest coefficient of determination (0.93) and the lowest prediction error (3.29kg). Under the experimental conditions adopted in this study, it is possible to predict the live weight of growing lambs using the body volume formula.

Devido às condições dos sistemas tradicionais de produção de ovinos, a avaliação do crescimento animal a partir do peso vivo (PV) é limitada pelo alto custo da balança pecuária, bem como pela sofisticada manutenção necessária. Assim, nos últimos anos, as medidas biométricas (MB) têm sido avaliadas como um método indireto e preciso para predizer o PV de animais de criação. Portanto, o objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar diferentes modelos de predição do PV de cordeiros em crescimento utilizando-se a fórmula do volume corporal (VC). Foram registrados dados de PV, perímetro torácico (PT) e comprimento corporal (CC) de 290 cordeiros entre dois e oito meses de idade. O VC foi calculado com base nos dados PT e CC, sendo usada uma fórmula que calcula o volume de um cilindro. A previsão do PV a partir da fórmula VC foi estimada por meio de equações de regressão, utilizando-se três modelos matemáticos (linear, quadrático e exponencial). Os valores médios do PV, PT, CC e VC dos cordeiros foram 29,12±12,04kg, 70,00±11,69cm, 38,40±6,43cm e 23,93±9,90 (dm3), respectivamente. O coeficiente de correlação entre PV e VC foi r=0,96 (P<0,001). O modelo quadrático apresentou o maior coeficiente de determinação (0,93) e o menor erro de predição (3,29kg) Nas condições do presente estudo, conclui-se que é possível predizer o peso vivo de cordeiros em crescimento por meio da fórmula de volume corporal.

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Abstract To investigate the optimal androgen concentration for culturing Hetian sheep wool follicle and to detect effects of androgen concentration on wool follicle cell proliferation and apoptosis using immunofluorescence labeling and real-time quantitative fluorescence determinations of wool keratin-associated protein gene expression levels. Wool follicles were isolated by microdissection and wool follicles and skin pieces were cultured in various concentrations of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in culture medium. Next, daily lengthwise growth measurements of wool follicles were obtained using a microscopic micrometer. Cultured Hetian wool follicles were stained using the SACPIC method to reveal wool follicle structure, while sheep skin slices were used to observe cell proliferation by immunostaining and cell apoptosis using the TUNEL method. At the molecular biological level, keratin-associated protein (Kap) gene expression was studied using wool follicles cultured for various numbers of days in vitro. Effects of androgen concentrations on Hetian wool follicle growth and development were experimentally studied. EdU proliferation assays revealed that androgen promoted cell proliferation within wool follicle dermal papillae. TUNEL apoptosis detection demonstrated that androgen treatment could delay cell apoptosis. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results demonstrated that gene expression level patterns of Hetian mountain sheep super-high sulfur protein. Kap1.1, KIF1.2, Kap2.12 and Kap4.2 gene expression level of the mountainous experimental group was significantly higher than plains Hetian sheep. An androgen concentration of 100 nM can promote the growth of Hetian wool follicle cells in vitro, resulting in overexpression of some genes of the Kap family.

Resumo Investigar a concentração ideal de andrógenos em cultura de folículos pilosos de carneiro Hetiano e detectar os efeitos da concentração de andrógenos na proliferação e apoptose de células foliculares, por meio de imunofluorescência e de determinação quantitativa, em tempo real, da fluorescência dos níveis de expressão gênica de proteína associada à queratina. Folículos pilosos foram isolados por microdissecção, e folículos de lã e pedaços de pele foram cultivados em várias concentrações de di-hidrotestosterona (DHT) em meio de cultura. Em seguida, medições diárias de crescimento longitudinal dos folículos capilares foram obtidas usando um micrômetro microscópico. Folículos de lã cultivados de Hetianos foram corados pelo método SACPIC para revelar a estrutura do folículo piloso, enquanto fatias de pele de carneiro foram usadas para observar a proliferação celular por imunocoloração e apoptose celular por meio do método TUNEL. Em âmbito da biologia molecular, a expressão gênica da proteína associada à queratina (Kap) foi estudada usando folículos capilares cultivados por vários dias, in vitro. Os efeitos das concentrações de andrógenos no crescimento e desenvolvimento dos folículos de lã de Hetianos foram estudados experimentalmente. Ensaios de proliferação de EdU revelaram que o andrógeno promoveu a proliferação celular dentro das papilas dérmicas do folículo piloso. A detecção de apoptose por TUNEL demonstrou que o tratamento com andrógeno poderia atrasar a apoptose celular. Os resultados da reação em cadeia da polimerase transcrição reversa quantitativa (qPCR) demonstraram que os padrões de expressão gênica da proteína de enxofre Kap1.1, KIF1.2, Kap2.12 e Kap4.2 foram significativamente maiores no grupo de ovinos Hetianos de montanha. Uma concentração de androgênio de 100 nM pode promover o crescimento de células foliculares de lã de Hetianos in vitro, resultando na superexpressão de alguns genes da família Kap.

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Intake is a multifactorial process that is influenced by animal type, environmental factors, and diet characteristics. Sheep, especially, have specific eating habits, with a greater selection of ingested feed compared to cattle. Thus, predictive equations for dry matter intake (DMI) must constantly be reviewed. The objective of this study was to combine different adjustment factors to develop one continuous adjustment factor for predicting the DMI of pregnant, dry, and lactating ewes. The equations evaluated for non-lactation ewes accounts for metabolic body weight and weight gain, and the equation for lactating ewes includes milk production and its fat content. The database used in this study was pooled from hair sheep ewes, two to four years old, with controlled feeding, during the pregnancy and lactating physiological phases. For the overall predictions (gestating and lactating ewes), the adjusted DMI prediction had greater accuracy but lower precision than the unadjusted DMI prediction. However, adjusting DMI increased the adequacy of the prediction as the mean square error of prediction difference (ΔMSEP) decreased (p = 0.0328). Similarly, for gestating ewes, the adjusted predicted DMI had a lower ΔMSEP than the unadjusted predicted DMI (p < 0.001). For lactating ewes, no difference was detected between the adjusted and unadjusted predicted DMI based on the ΔMSEP statistics (p = 0.3672), but the assumption that peak milk was 28 days (default) worsened the predictability of the adjusted predicted DMI as it had lower precision and accuracy. Adjustments for predicted DMI of dry and lactating ewes are necessary to increase adequacy and precision.

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Background: Bluetongue is a vector-borne viral disease transmitted by midges from the genus Culicoides. The disease caninfect most of the ruminant and camelid species, but the severe disease is most often seen in european wool and muttonsheep breeds. In this sense, there is a gap in the knowledge on BTV infection in hair sheep breeds from tropical zones.Thus, this study aimed at establishing whether exposure to BTV is a risk factor for reproductive failure in Santa Inês ewes,a hair sheep breed, reared under tropical conditions in Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: A retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out in sheep farms in São Paulo state,Brazil, after the rainy season. Serum samples from 110 Santa Inês ewes with a history of reproductive disorders, in the last6 months, which were included: abortion, premature birth, stillbirth, retention of placenta, infertility, estrus repetition, fetalmalformation, weak lamb birth and neonatal death were collected. The presence of antibodies against BTV was assessedby agar gel immunodiffusion method (AGID). Serology to the infectious agents Brucela ovis, Lepstopira spp., Toxoplasmagondii, Neospora caninum and Campylobacter sp. were also assessed. Bivariate associations between the outcome andindividual explanatory variables were assessed using the Fisher’s exact test. Abortion was the most common reproductive disorder (53%; 74/139) observed, followed by estrus repetition (12%; 17/139) and infertility (11%; 15/139). Otherdisorders related to the conceptus totaled nearly one fourth of the reported disorders. A total of 20% (22/110) of the eweswere seropositive to BTV. A higher frequency of BTV seropositive than BTV seronegative ewes with a history of abortionwas found. Also, abortion with seroreactivity to BTV was tested for prevalence ratio that showed 1.38 [95% CI 1.10-1.74;P = 0.030]. With regards to the abortion involvement of other infectious diseases associated with the seropositive ewes to...

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Background: Conidiobolomycosis is a highly lethal, granulomatous disease that primarily affects the respiratory systemof sheep. The etiological agents are fungi of the genus Conidiobolus, including Conidiobolus coronatus, C. incongruus,and C. lamprageus. In Northeast Brazil, this disease is particularly important considering the significant impact sheepand goats have on the regional economy. The present report describes the occurrence of conidiobolomycosis in two sheepfrom the same property in the Itabuna-BA region that were referred to the Veterinary Hospital of the State University ofSanta Cruz, Bahia, Brazil.Case: The primary complaint in both animals was bilateral bloody nasal discharge over a period of approximately 15 daysand frequent coughing. On physical examination, the animals exhibited “goosebumps” and opaque hair, with a body scoreof 1 (scale, 1-5), mild dehydration (7%), apathy, frequent cough with putrid odor, bilateral serosanguinolent nasal discharge,craniofacial asymmetry, expiratory dyspnea, enlargement of the retropharyngeal lymph nodes, audible pulmonary rales,and pain on percussion of the pulmonary field. A therapeutic support protocol was established to stabilize the animals untilthe results of complete blood count, radiography, and microbiological evaluation of nasal content were available. Definitive diagnosis of disease was made by direct positive mycological examination, that revealed the presence of wide rarelyseptate hyphae, and isolation and cultivation of the fungus Conidiobolus sp., with microculture on slides and staining withlactophenol blue cotton. Due to disease diagnosis and the severity of injuries observed, the prognoses of both animals wereconsidered to be unfavorable and led to euthanasia and necropsy. At necropsy, the most...

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ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different non-genetic effects on indicator traits for maternal ability in Santa Inês ewes. Data included performance records of 100 lambs (males and females) born from 59 dams, from 2009 to 2012. The analyzed traits were birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), average daily gain from birth until weaning (ADGBW), total litter weight at birth (TLWB), and total litter weight at weaning (TLWW). The effects analyzed were the year of birth of the lamb, birth season, dam age at lambing, dam weight at lambing, sex of the lamb, lamb birth type, interaction between sex and birth type, and interaction between sex and birth season. SAS® software (SAS University Edition, USA) was used for calculation of the analysis of variance, means, and Pearson correlation coefficients. With the exception of the birth season, all the other environmental effects evaluated had a significant influence on at least one of the studied traits. The correlation estimates ranged from low to high and were either positive or negative. Birth weight was negatively correlated with the birth type and influenced positively all the other performance traits evaluated. The maternal ability of Santa Inês ewes was more clearly influenced by the age and weight of the dam at lambing, and the lamb birth type.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influência de diferentes efeitos não-genéticos sobre características indicadoras de habilidade materna em ovelhas da raça Santa Inês. Os dados utilizados incluíram registros de desempenho de 100 cordeiros (machos e fêmeas) filhos de 59 ovelhas, nascidos de 2009 a 2012. As características analisadas foram peso ao nascimento (PN), peso ao desmame (PD), ganho médio diário do nascimento ao desmame (GMND), peso total das crias ao nascer (PTCN) e peso total das crias ao desmame (PTCD). Os efeitos analisados foram ano de nascimento da cria, estação de nascimento, idade da mãe ao parto, peso da mãe ao parto, sexo da cria, tipo de nascimento da cria, interação entre sexo e tipo de nascimento, e interação entre sexo e estação de nascimento. O programa SAS (SAS University Edition, EUA) foi utilizado para o cálculo de análise de variância, médias e coeficientes de correlação de Pearson. Com exceção da estação de nascimento, os demais efeitos avaliados exerceram influência significativa sobre pelo menos uma das características estudadas. As estimativas de correlação variaram de baixa a alta magnitude e foram tanto positivas quanto negativas. O peso da cria ao nascimento foi negativamente correlacionado com o tipo de nascimento e influenciou positivamente todas as outras características de desempenho avaliadas. A habilidade materna de ovelhas Santa Inês foi mais claramente influenciada pela idade e peso da mãe ao parto e pelo tipo de nascimento da cria.

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Mastitis is a multifactorial disease and considered one of the most critical problems in the dairy industry worldwide. The condition is characterized by reduced milk and several abnormalities in the mammary gland. This study aimed to report an outbreak of gangrenous mastitis caused by multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus in a Santa Inês sheep herd. Eighteen sheep were affected, and five of them with severe clinical pictures were examined. The clinical and pathological picture were variable and characterized by apathy, anorexia, emaciation, opaque and brittle hair, apparent and congested episcleral vessels, and hyperthermia. These ewes had enlarged, firm, and painful mammary glands. Macroscopically, these lesions consisted of severe gangrenous mastitis, and microscopically, the primary lesions consisted of necrosis, thrombosis, and fibrosis of the mammary parenchyma. Milk samples from one of the five severely affected ewes were collected and cultured under aerobic or microaerophilic incubation at 37°C for 24 hours on sheep blood agar. The obtained colonies were then submitted to MALDI-TOF for speciation. The colonies were also submitted to an antimicrobial susceptibility test, genotyping of virulence factors and resistance genes were also performed. The isolates showed antimicrobial multiresistance since they were resistant to seven out of 13 tested antibiotics. The isolates were also positive for two staphylococcal enterotoxigenic genes (sec and see) and fibronectin-binding protein B (fnbB).(AU)

A mastite é uma doença multifatorial e é considerada um dos problemas mais importantes na indústria de laticínios no mundo todo. A condição é caracterizada pela redução de leite e várias anormalidades na glândula mamária. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar um surto de mastite gangrenosa causada por Staphylococcus haemolyticus multirresistente em um rebanho ovino Santa Inês. Dezoito ovelhas foram afetadas e cinco delas com quadro clínico severo foram examinadas. O quadro clínico-patológico era variável quanto a severidade e consistia em apatia, anorexia, magreza, pelos opacos e quebradiços e vasos episclerais aparentes e ingurgitados. As ovelhas apresentavam glândulas aumentadas, firmes e dolorosas. Macroscopicamente, as principais lesões consistiam em mastite gangrenosa e microscopicamente havia necrose do parênquima glandular, trombose e fibrose. Amostras de leite de uma das cinco ovelhas severamente afetadas foram coletadas e cultivadas sob incubação aeróbica ou microaerofílica a 37°C por 24 horas em ágar sangue de ovelha. As colônias obtidas foram então submetidas ao MALDI-TOF para especiação. Além disso, as colônias foram submetidas a um teste de suscetibilidade antimicrobiana e foi realizada a genotipagem de fatores de virulência e genes de resistência. Os isolados apresentaram multirresistência antimicrobiana por serem resistentes a sete dos 13 antibióticos testados. Os isolados também foram positivos para dois genes enterotoxigênicos estafilocócicos (sec e see) e proteína B de ligação à fibronectina (fnbB).(AU)

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ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to better understand farmers' perceptions regarding sheep welfare and procedures concerning the tail docking of sheep in the state of Parana, Southern Brazil. The study was carried out via telephone interviews or personally with 146 sheep farmers. Twenty-eight farmers (19.2%) did not tail dock; the main reasons given were because they raised short-hair sheep breeds. One hundred and eighteen farmers docked their sheep tails (80.8%). The main reasons given were hygiene (61.0%), facilitated mating (42.4%), breed standards (29.7%), and esthetics (26.3%). Rubber ring was the main method used for tail docking. Although farmers in Parana recognized that sheep are sentient animals and that tail docking causes pain, anesthesia was used by only six (5.1%) farmers during the procedure of tail docking. Our results showed that farmers' opinions on sheep tail docking are divergent. Farmers who perform tail docking must be encouraged to use anesthesia and analgesia, and to ponder on the real need for the practice. This statement seems especially relevant considering the fact that some farmers reported the viability of maintaining wool sheep with undocked tails and that they recognized the suffering involved in this procedure.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi compreender melhor a percepção de ovinocultores em relação ao bem-estar de ovinos e aos procedimentos envolvendo a caudectomia desses animais no Paraná, sul do Brasil. O estudo foi realizado por meio de entrevistas telefônicas ou pessoalmente com 146 ovinocultores. Vinte e oito ovinocultores (19,2%) não realizavam caudectomia; a principal razão citada foi porque os produtores criavam ovelhas deslanadas (pelo curto). Cento e dezoito ovinocultores realizavam a caudectomia (80,8%) e as principais razões citadas foram: higiene (61,0%), monta facilitada (42,4%), padrão racial (29,7%) e estética (26,3%). O principal método utilizado para realizar a caudectomia foi o anel de borracha. Apesar dos ovinocultores no Paraná reconhecerem que ovinos são animais sencientes e que a caudectomia causa dor, somente seis (5,1%) aplicavam anestesia durante o procedimento. Nossos resultados demonstram que a opinião dos ovinocultores com relação à caudectomia é divergente. Ovinocultores que realizam a caudectomia devem ser encorajados a usar anestesia e analgesia, além de ponderar a real necessidade para essa prática. Essa afirmação se mostra relevante ao considerar o fato de que alguns produtores relataram a viabilidade de manter ovinos lanados com cauda inteira e o reconhecimento por parte deles do sofrimento causado aos animais durante a remoção da cauda.

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The present study aimed evaluate possible modifications of thermoregulatory morphophysiological responses of Morada Nova sheep throughout the year in 4 properties of the nucleus of participatory genetic breeding. In the months of March, June, September and December, respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperatures (RT) and surface (ST) were recorded as well as the environmental variables air temperature (airT), relative humidity (RH) wind (Ws). Calculated the radiant heat load (RHL) and the Black Globe Humidity Index (BGHI). The coat thickness was measured and hair samples were collected and determined hair density, hair length and hair diameter. Blood collection was collected for determination of T3 and total T4 concentrations. In the rainy season, which includes the months of March and June, higher values of RR and RT, probably due to the combination of high RH, associated to RHL, BGHI and airT were recorded, as these hamper loss and heat. All values of RT independent of month and flocks remained within values considered normal for the species. September and December are inserted in the dry season, with a low RH factor that can facilitate heat loss through evaporation. In these months, lower values of RT and RR were observed when compared to the rainy season, lower values of RR were recorded between 40 and 60 mov.min-1. The secretion of thyroid hormones was greater in the environmental conditions considered more comfortable. The homeothermia was maintained by Morada Nova sheep at different times evaluated as indicated by the normal physiological parameters. The rainy season was considered the most stressful for the animals, since they used a more intense set of variables in order to thermoregulate and maintain the homeothermia, which justifies the importance of providing shelters, with the objective of reducing the overheating, even in view of their great adaptive capacity, already demonstrated in previous studies...

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar possíveis modificações de respostas morfofisiológicas termorreguladoras de ovelhas da raça Morada Nova, ao longo do ano, em 4 propriedades do núcleo de melhoramento genético participativo. Nos meses de Março, Junho, Setembro e Dezembro foram registradas as frequências respiratórias (FR), temperaturas retais (TR) e de superfície (TS) assim como as variáveis ambientais temperatura do ar (Tar), umidade relativa (UR) e velocidade do vento (Vv). Calculada a carga térmica radiante (CTR) e o índice de temperatura de globo e umidade (ITGU). Foi medida a espessura da capa de pelame e amostras de pelo foram coletadas e determinadas a densidade numérica, o comprimento médio e o diâmetro médio. Coleta de sangue foi realizada a para a determinação das concentrações de T3 e T4 total. Na estação chuvosa que compreende os meses de Março e Junho, foram registrados maiores valores de FR e TR, provavelmente pela combinação de alta UR, associada a CTR, ITGU e Tar, pois estas dificultam a perda e calor. Todos os valores de TR independente de mês e rebanho mantiveram-se dentro de valores considerados normais para a espécie. Setembro e dezembro estão inseridos na estação seca, com baixa UR fator esse que pode facilitar as perdas de calor via evaporação. Nestes meses foram observados menores valores de TR e FR se comparados com o período chuvoso, foram registrados menores valores de FR entre 40 a 60 mov.min-1. A secreção dos hormônio tireoidianos foram maiores nas condições ambientais consideradas mais confortáveis. A homeotermia foi mantida pelos ovinos Morada Nova, nas diversas épocas avaliadas conforme indicado pelos parâmetros fisiológicos normais...

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Background: Tephrosia cinerea is a toxic plant responsible for liver fibrosis, which results in ascites and weight loss insheep and probably goats. Although T. cinerea is widespread in Brazil, reports of poisoning are described in the Eastern“Seridó” region of Rio Grande do Norte state, Central “Sertão” region of Ceará state, and “Sertão” of Paraíba state. Thus,this paper aimed to report clinical-epidemiological, laboratorial, pathological and ultrasonographic findings of sheepspontaneously poisoned by T. cinerea in the Western region of Rio Grande do Norte state, Northeastern Brazil.Cases: The evaluated cases occurred in sheep raised on properties located in the municipalities of Areia Branca and Tibau,Western region of Rio Grande do Norte state, Northeastern Brazil. In all visited farms, the pasture had a marked predominance of the T. cinerea. Clinical signs included progressive weight loss, dehydration, bilateral abdominal distension, andrespiratory dyspnea. Other less frequent clinical signs were hyporexia, pale mucosae, rough hair coat and polyuria. Hematology revealed leukocytosis by neutrophilia, while serum biochemical analysis revealed increased activities of GGTand ALT and reduced levels of total proteins, albumin and globulins. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed in onesheep, revealing a large amount of anechoic peritoneal effusion without floating echogenic debris or spots, and distentionof hepatic vessels and portal veins. Gross pathological findings included severe ascites, moderate hydrothorax and hydropericardium, and liver showing irregular nodular surface, whitish areas and hardened consistency. Microscopic evaluationof liver revealed hepatocyte necrosis, diffuse deposition of collagen fibers, and...

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ABSTRACT: The use of lambs from crossing of local with specialized sheep breeds for meat production may lead to higher meat deposition and a smaller fat amount in the carcass, with a more adequate nutritional profile for human consumption. This study investigated the performance, carcass and meat characteristics of lambs from the Morada Nova and Santa Inês locally adapted hair breeds and crosses between Dorper × Morada Nova and Dorper × Santa Inês slaughtered at approximately 35 kg. Morada Nova lambs showed lower (p 0.05) performance compared to the other genetic groups resulting in a higher age at slaughter (p 0.05). Crossbred Dorper × Santa Inês and Dorper × Morada Nova lambs showed better characteristics for meat production with better (p 0.05) conformation as well as leg and carcass compacteness index. Dorper × Santa Inês have a fatty acid profile that is more suitable for human consumption than Dorper × Morada Nova lambs do (p 0.05); however, both had lower (p 0.05) intramuscular lipid content (as measured by ether extract levels from Longíssimus lumborum) compared with purebred lambs. Therefore, when the objective is to obtain lean meat, with improved nutritional profile to reduce risks of cardiovascular disease, the use of breeds and crosses that reduce animal slaughter age, such as the ½ Dorper × ½ Santa Inês crossbred, is an interesting alternative.

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In recent years sheep, farming has emerged as an alternative production system especially in dry areas. The use of leaves and fruit from some trees has become an alternative for feeding for ruminants; however, studies on these species are scarce. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of S. spectabilis fruit meal on in vivo and in vitro digestibility, blood metabolites, and ruminal kinetics in hair lambs. This study was carried out at Las Brisas farm, University of Tolima - Colombia. Twelve male hair lambs with body weight of 20.3 ± 2.5 kg were used. Animals were distributed in an experimental 4x4 Latin square design. The treatments consisted of diets based on Dichanthium spp hay with different inclusion levels of S. spectabilis fruit meal (15, 30, and 45%). A linear increasing effect (P <0.05) was observed for in vivo and in vitro digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein; likewise, plasma urea and ruminal degradability increased as the level of supplementation of S. spectabilis increased. The meal of S. spectabilis improves digestibility, protein intake, and ruminal kinetics in hair lambs; therefore, it is suggested as a promising alternative for ruminants feeding in dry tropic regions.

Nos últimos anos, a criação de ovelhas surgiu como um sistema de produção alternativo, especialmente em áreas secas. O uso de folhas e frutos de algumas árvores é uma alternativa para a alimentação dos ruminantes; no entanto, os estudos sobre essas espécies são escassos. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da farinha de S. spectabilis na digestibilidade in vivo e in vitro, nos metabolitos sanguíneos e na cinéticos ruminal em ovinos deslanados. este estudo foi realizado na fazenda Las Brisas da Universidade do Tolima - Colômbia. Doze machos com peso corporal de 20,3 ± 2,5 kg foram distribuídos num delineamento experimental quadrado Latino 4X4. Os tratamentos consistiram em dietas baseadas em feno de Dichanthium spp com diferentes inclusões de frutos de S. spectabilis (15, 30 e 45%). Foi observado um efeito linear crescente (P <0,05) para a digestibilidade in vivo e in vitro da matéria seca, matéria orgânica e proteína bruta; igualmente, para ureia plasmática e degradabilidade ruminal, à medida que o nível de suplementação de S. spectabilis aumentou. A farinha de S. spectabilis melhora a digestibilidade, o consumo de proteína e a cinética ruminal em cordeiros deslanados; portanto, pode ser sugerida como uma alternativa promissora para a alimentação de ruminantes nas regiões do trópico seco.

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The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three levels of cull pinto beans (CPB) on animal performance, energy balance, and digestibility of hair ewes during pregnancy-lactation. One hundred and sixty-eight Pelibuey ewes were used (105 multiparous and 63 primiparous). Seven ewes of each type were randomly assigned to each of the 24 pens. Then, the twenty-four pens were randomly assigned to one of three treatments. Treatments were assigned on DM basis at: 0 g kg−1 of CPB in the supplement; 250 g kg−1 of CPB in the supplement; and 500 g kg−1 of CPB in the supplement. Data was analyzed by using the PROC MIXED of SAS. Lamb birth and weaning weight were also evaluated with the GLM procedure of SAS. All variables were analyzed as a completely randomized design. No differences among treatments were observed for body weight, body condition score, non-esterified fatty acids, and body weaning weight. During late pregnancy, dry matter intake was different among treatments, but it was similar during lactation. Body birth weight was different among treatments and showed a quadratic effect. At day 30 of lactation, a treatment effect was found for digestibility of dry matter (DM). At the end of lactation, digestibility of crude protein was different among treatments. In day 60 of lactation, differences among treatments were found for digestibility of neutral detergent fiber. Due to equal ewe performance among treatments of CPB and its low cost, its use is recommended in hair ewe feeding for these productive stages: 500 g kg−1 DM of the supplement during pregnancy and 400 g kg−1 DM during lactation.(AU)

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The objective of this trial was to evaluate carcass quality in 74 Santa Ines hair ewes aged 6 to 48 months. Slaughter occurred after fasting and electroshock, followed by dissection of the jugular veins and carotid arteries. Hot carcass weight, hot carcass yield, carcass length, skin thickness, shoulder, neck, loin, belly, rib and leg weights and percentages, leg length, and girth were measured. The rib eye area, color (by CIELAB system), shear force, and cooking loss were also measured. The data were analyzed using SAS procedures for analysis of variance, regressions, correlations, and principal components. Hot carcass weight was 15.75 kg and yield was 43.65%. Younger animals had higher leg yield while yields of loin and shoulder increased as age increased. The meat was darker in older animals. As age increased, both the quantity of commercial cuts decreased and the loss of quality traits, such as color, cooking loss, and shear force, increased; therefore, slaughter should be performed before 30 months of age.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade da carcaça em 74 ovelhas Santa Inês deslanadas com idades entre 6 a 48 meses. O abate ocorreu após jejum e eletrochoque, seguido de dissecção das veias jugulares e artérias carótidas. As avaliações realizadas foram peso de carcaça quente, rendimento de carcaça quente, comprimento de carcaça, espessura da pele, pesos e percentagens de ombro, pescoço, lombo, fralda, costelas e pernil e comprimento e perímetro do pernil. A área de olho de lombo, a cor usando o sistema CIELAB, a força de cisalhamento e a perda por cocção também foram avaliados. Os dados foram submetidos às análises de variância, regressões, correlações e de componentes principais utilizando o pacote estatístico SAS. O peso de carcaça quente foi 15,75 kg e o rendimento de carcaça foi de 43,65%. Os animais mais jovens apresentaram maior rendimento de pernil enquanto os rendimentos de lombo e ombro aumentaram com a idade. A carne foi mais escura em animais mais velhos. Com o aumento da idade, ocorreu redução na quantidade dos cortes comerciais e aumento das perdas de características de qualidade como cor, perda por cocção e força de cisalhamento; portanto, o abate deve ser realizado antes de 30 meses de idade.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three different grazing systems: isolated, alternate and simultaneous, on feed intake, performance and carcass characteristics of sheep. About 5.2 ha area of Tanzania grass (Panicum maximun Jacq cultivate Tanzania) was divided into 13 paddocks. This area was used as a stocking rate of two animal units per ha for 7 days occupation and 21 days rest. A total number of 58 animals were used consisting of 12 heifers and 30 Santa Ines lambs with the addition of 16 adult ewes that were used to stabilize grazing pressure in the isolated system. The sheep were fed on 200 g per head per day of concentrate and cattle 2 kg per head per day. The parameters determined were the following: weekly weight (WW), total live weight gain (LWG) and mean daily weight gain (MDW). Also dry matter intake was estimated 84 days after the start of the experiment using external indicators (Purified and Enriched Lignin) in addition to carcass traits and composition which were also estimated. The result obtained for carcass composition revealed that the muscle:bone ratio and bone percentage were better in the alternate system. Moreover, the simultaneous and isolated systems showed higher lamb performance than the alternate system, while there was no effect on dry matter intake. Furthermore, there was no difference of the different systems on carcass traits and feed intake of sheep. Nevertheless, the simultaneous grazing system showed better sheep performance than the alternate grazing system.

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No presente estudo objetivou-se avaliar o efeito cicatrizante da Aloe vera em feridas induzidas experimentalmente em ovinos. Foram utilizados 15 ovinos, SRD, machos castrados, com idade variando de 06 a 12 meses, divididos em três grupos de cinco animais. As feridas cutâneas foram realizadas na fossa paralombar direita e esquerda e os animais foram submetidos aos seguintes tratamentos: Grupo controle negativo (GN): animais tratados com 1 mL de solução salina a 0,9%, Grupo controle positivo (GP): animais tratados com 0,1 grama de pomada alopática a base de Cloreto de Lauril dimetil benzil amônio a 35% e Grupo Aloe vera (GA): animais tratados com 1g de extrato de Aloe vera a 10%. Realizou-se o tratamento tópico nos três grupos experimentais por 22 dias a cada 24 horas. Para avaliação macroscópica foram avaliados os seguintes aspectos: hemorragia (presente ou ausente), crosta (parcial ou total, exuberante ou não exuberante, seca ou com secreção, e cor); tecido de granulação (presente ou ausente, e cor), tumefação, cor e crescimento de pelos na área adjacente à ferida e epitelização. Para avaliação microscópica, foi feita a coleta de fragmentos de pele para a avaliação morfológica nos 1º, 8º, 15º e 22º dia pós-operatório. Nos resultados obtidos macroscopicamente, pode-se inferir que o extrato de Aloe vera a 10% para o tratamento em feridas cutâneas em ovinos mostrou-se eficaz e por isso seu uso pode ser sugerido como tratamento, uma vez que, por meio da avaliação macroscópica realizada durante todo o experimento este grupo apresentou resultados positivos quanto a sua eficiência. Nas análises microscópicas, os três grupos apresentaram resultados semelhantes na avaliação no 1º, 8º, 15º dia, diferindo apenas no 22º dia pós operatório, onde o grupo Aloe vera apresentou menor quantidade de células mononucleares, consequentemente edema. Portanto, conclui-se que macroscopicamente e microscopicamente a Aloe vera 10% apresentou efeito cicatricial satisfatório, podendo ser indicada como alternativa no tratamento de feridas cutâneas em ovinos.

The present study aimed to evaluate the healing effect of Aloe vera on experimentally induced wounds in sheep. Fifteen sheep, SRD, castrated males, aged between 6 and 12 months, were divided into three groups of five animals. The skin wounds were made in the right and left paralumbar fossa and the animals were submitted to the following treatments: Negative control group (GN): animals treated with 1 mL of 0.9% saline solution, Positive control group (GP): treated animals with 0.1 gram of allopathic ointment based on 35% Lauryl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride and Aloe vera Group (GA): animals treated with 1g of 10% Aloe vera extract. Topical treatment was performed in the three experimental groups for 22 days every 24 hours. For macroscopic evaluation, the following aspects were evaluated: hemorrhage (present or absent), crust (partial or total, exuberant or not exuberant, dry or with secretion, and color); granulation tissue (present or absent, and color), swelling, color and hair growth in the area adjacent to the wound, and epithelialization. For microscopic evaluation, skin fragments were collected for morphological evaluation on the 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd postoperative day. In the results obtained macroscopically, it can be inferred that the Aloe vera extract at 10% for the treatment of skin wounds in sheep proved to be effective and therefore its use can be suggested as a treatment, since, through the macroscopic evaluation performed throughout the experiment, this group showed positive results regarding its efficiency. In the microscopic analyses, the three groups presented similar results in the evaluation on the 1st, 8th, 15th day, differing only on the 22nd postoperative day, where the Aloe vera group had a lower amount of mononuclear cells, consequently edema. Therefore, macroscopically and microscopically, Aloe vera showed a satisfactory healing effect, and may be indicated as an alternative in the treatment of cutaneous wounds in sheep.

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Profitability of sheep production depends on the reproductive response of ewes and growth of their lambs, which can be improved through the ram genotype. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive response of Blackbelly (Bb), Pelibuey (Pb), Katahdin (Kat) and Dorper (Dor) ewes crossed with Damara (Dam) and Dor rams and the growth of their offspring. To measure percentage of single and multiple lambings (MLP), 234 Bb, Pb, Kat and Dor ewes were used. To measure lamb growth, the offspring of 86 Bb x Pb (BbPb) ewes and 73 Kat x Dor (KatDOR) ewes were used. Four Dor x BbPb, six Dam x BbPb and six Dam x KatDor lambs were slaughtered for carcass assessment. MLP was analyzed with the CATMOD procedure considering the factors age and breed. Lamb growth data were analyzed with the MIXED procedure, and those of carcass characteristics with the GLM procedure of SAS, using weight at slaughter as covariable. MLP was higher (P0.05) by effect of ram breed. It is concluded that Bb ewes are more prolific than Dor ewes; male lambs of Dam rams had post-weaning growth response and carcass yield similar to those of Dor rams, although the female lambs of Dor rams were heavier than those of Dam rams.

Rentabilidade da produção de ovinos depende da resposta reprodutiva de ovelhas e do crescimento de seus cordeiros, o que pode ser melhorado por meio do genótipo masculino. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o desempenho reprodutivo de ovinos Blackbelly (Bb), Pelibuey (Pb), Katadin (Kat) e Dorper (Dor) e o crescimento de cordeiros com carneiros Damara (Dam) e Dor. Para medir a porcentagem de partos simples e múltiplas (MLP), foram utilizados 234 ovelhas Bb, PB, Kat e Dor. Para medir o crescimento dos cordeiros, foram utilizadas 86 ovelhas Bb x Pb (BbPb) e 73 Kat x Dor (KatDOR). Quatro cordeiros Dor x BbPb, seis Dam x BbPb e seis Dam x KatDor foram sacrificados para avaliação de carcaça. MLP foi analisada com o procedimento CATMOD, considerando-se fatores como idade e raça. Dados de crescimento do cordeiro foram analisados com o procedimento MIXED, e as de características de carcaça com o procedimento GLM do SAS, utilizando-se peso ao sacrifício como covariável. MLP foi maior (P<0.05) em Bb do que em Dor. Os cordeiros Dor x BbPb foram mais pesados (P<0.05) no nascimento do que Dam x BbPb. Em partos simples e múltiplos, os cordeiros de ovelhas KatDor foram mais pesados (P<0.05) no momento do nascimento de cordeiros BbPb. As cordeiras de carneiros Dor apresentaram maior (P<0.05) ganho de peso após o desmame do que as de carneiros Dam. O rendimento de carcaça, a espessura da gordura subcutânea e o rendimento de corte primal não foram diferentes por efeito da raça de carneiro. Conclui-se que as ovelhas Bb são mais prolíficas do que as ovelhas Dor; cordeiros de carneiros Damara tiveram resposta de crescimento pós-desmame e rendimento de carcaça semelhantes aos dos carneiros Dor, embora Dorper cordeiras fossem mais pesadas do que as de Damara.