Dynamic Narrowing of the Diaphragmatic Vena Cava in Ovis aries.

Dorset sheep (Ovis aries) are common models in translational cardiovascular research due to physiologic and anatomic similarities to humans. While employing ovine subjects to study single-ventricle physiology, we repeatedly observed position-based changes in central venous pressure (CVP) which could not be explained by hydrostatic (gravitational) effects. Inferior vena cava (IVC) narrowing or compression has been demonstrated in numerous species, and we hypothesised that this phenomenon might explain our observations in O. aries. This study aimed to characterise position-dependent morphology of the IVC in O. aries using catheter-based hemodynamic and dimensional measurements, three-dimensional MRI reconstruction and histological analysis. Baseline measurements revealed a significant reduction in IVC dimensions at the level of the diaphragm (dVC) compared to the abdominal vena cava (aVC) and thoracic vena cava (tVC). We also observed a transdiaphragmatic pressure gradient along the IVC, with higher pressures in the aVC compared to the tVC. We found that variation of position and fluid status altered IVC haemodynamics. Histological data showed variable muscularity along the length of the IVC, with greater smooth muscle content in the aVC than the tVC. These findings will improve understanding of baseline ovine physiology, help refine experimental protocols and facilitate the translation of findings to the clinic.

The Effects of Concentrate Supplement Levels on Feed Utilization and Red Meat Production of Blackhead Somali Sheep Fed Natural Pasture Grass Hay as a Basal Diet.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, consumers have become aware of their health, and their preference has been rapidly changing to consume less fatty meat. Therefore, devising a strategy to produce lean meat is a concern in this study. One of the strategies, among others, for lean meat production is controlling the amount of supplements given to sheep. Hence, muscle (lean) and adipose tissue (fat) require different amounts of energy to lie down. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of concentrate supplementation levels on feed utilization and red meat production in Blackhead Somali sheep (BHS) fed natural pasture grass hay as a basal diet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 16 BHS sheep weighing 19.5 ± 0.2 kg (mean ± SE) at the beginning of the experiment were kept for 90 days by feeding two levels (1% [T1] and 1.75% [T2] body weight [BW] of sheep) of supplement. The sheep were blocked according to their initial BW (IBW), and the supplements were randomly assigned within a block. At the end of the feeding period, all sheep were slaughtered, and carcass and non-carcass data were recorded. Data were analysed using the SAS software version 9.1 of PROC GLM programme. RESULTS: Sheep fed T1 and T2 consumed 6.1 and 8.2 MJ/day metabolizable energy (ME), respectively, and 73.1 and 93.6 g/day crude protein (CP), in that order. Consequently, sheep fed T2 produced 1.37 kg extra BW by growing an average rate of 15 g/day greater (p < 0.0001) over their counterpart fed T1. They also produced 0.9 kg, 0.8 cm2 and 2.64% heavier carcasses, a wider rib eye area and a higher intramuscular fat content (p < 0.0001), respectively, over the sheep fed T1. On the other hand, the lean-to-fat ratio was significantly lower in sheep fed T2 than T1. In most parameters considered in this study, sheep fed T2 (1.75% BW) were superior, but its intramuscular fat (IMF) content was much higher than the limit that the consumers needed. CONCLUSION: Therefore, it can be concluded that 1% BW supplementation is enough for BHS to produce lean meat containing the optimal fat content in stall feeding condition.

Intramammary Labeling of Epithelial Cell Division.

Thymidine analogs such as ethynyl deoxyuridine (EdU) or bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) can be used to label mitosis of mammary epithelial cells (MEC) and to quantify their proliferation. However, labeling cells in larger animals requires considerable amounts of chemical that can be costly and hazardous. We developed a strategy to infuse EdU into the mammary glands of ewes to directly label mitotic MEC. First, each udder half of nulliparous ewes (n = 2) received an intramammary infusion of one of four different concentrations of EdU (0, 0.1, 1.0 or 10 mM) which was compared to BrdU IV (5 mg/kg) 24 h later. Tissues were analyzed by immunofluorescent histochemistry to detect EdU, BrdU, and total MEC. Of the EdU doses tested, 10 mM EdU yielded the greatest labeling index, while a proportion of MEC were labeled by both EdU and BrdU. We next sought to establish whether intramammary labeling could detect the induction of mitosis after exposure to exogenous estrogen and progesterone (E + P). We first infused EdU (10 mM) into the right udder half of ewes (n = 6) at t 0, followed by thymidine (100 mM) 24 h later to prevent further labeling. Three ewes were then administered E + P for 5 d, while n = 3 ewes served as controls. On d 5, EdU was infused into the left udder half of all mammary glands alongside BrdU IV (5 mg/kg). By the time of necropsy 24 h later an average MEC labeling index of 2.9% resulted from EdU delivered at t 0. In the left half of the udder on d 5, CON glands had a final EdU labeling index of 3.4% while glands exposed to E + P had a labeling index of 4.6% (p = 0.05). The corresponding degree of labeling with BrdU was 5.6% in CON glands, and 12% following E + P (p < 0.001). Our findings reveal that intramammary labeling is an efficient and cost-effective method for single- and dual-labeling of cell division in the mammary glands.

Methane pulse spray and irrigation promote seed germination and seedling growth of common vetch.

BACKGROUND: Grazing livestock emits methane through rumen intestinal activity, however, its impact on plant growth in grassland while grazing still has not been explored in detail. Therefore, the study examined the effects of methane pulse spray (MPS), according to grazing intensity, at four grazing intensities (0, 3.6, 5.0, and 6.5 sheep·hm- 2 yr- 1) on seed germination and seedling growth of common vetch (Vicia sativa), while two irrigation rates (35 and 53 ml d- 1) were employed to simulate the precipitation. RESULTS: The study revealed significant interactions between MPS and irrigation rate on seed germination and seedling growth parameters. Under moderate MPS intensities (0.74 and 1.04 mol m- 2), seed germination rate, potential, index, and vigor index improved, especially at higher irrigation rates (53 ml d- 1). Conversely, excessive MPS (1.33 mol m- 2) inhibited particularly at the germination rate and growth,. The seedling growth dynamics fitted a logistic model, with MPS advancing the rapid growth phase and increasing maximum growth rates. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that low to moderate levels of MPS from ruminants can promote seed germination and seedling growth of common vetch, while excessive MPS inhibits these processes. Irrigation enhances plant sensitivity to MPS, with wetter conditions (620 mm yr- 1) facilitating a more pronounced response. The findings introduce a new model elucidating plant responses to external perturbations, which can inform grazing management strategies in diverse ecosystems. In wetter regions, moderate grazing intensities may leverage MPS benefits, while arid regions require careful grazing regulation to maintain grassland-livestock balance.

Interleukin 9 mediates T follicular helper cell activation to promote antibody responses.

Antigen-specific humoral responses are orchestrated through complex interactions among immune cells in lymphoid tissues, including the collaboration between B cells and T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. Accumulating evidence indicates a crucial role for interleukin-9 (IL-9) in the formation of germinal centers (GCs), enhancing the generation of class-switched high-affinity antibodies. However, the exact function of IL-9 in Tfh cell regulation remains unclear. In this study, we examined the humoral immune responses of CD4Cre/+Il9rafl/fl mice, which lack an IL-9-specific receptor in Tfh cells. Upon intraperitoneal immunization with sheep red blood cells (SRBCs), CD4Cre/+Il9rafl/fl mice displayed diminished levels of SRBC-specific IgG antibodies in their sera, along with reduced levels of GC B cells and plasma cells. Notably, Il9ra-deficient Tfh cells in the spleen exhibited decreased expression of their signature molecules such as B-cell lymphoma 6, C-X-C chemokine receptor 5, IL-4, and IL-21 compared to control mice. In models of allergic asthma induced by house dust mite (HDM) inhalation, CD4Cre/+Il9rafl/fl mice failed to elevate serum levels of HDM-specific IgE and IgG. This was accompanied by reductions in Tfh cells, GC B cells, and plasma cells in mediastinal lymph nodes. Furthermore, group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) were identified as producers of IL-9 under immunizing conditions, possibly induced by leukotrienes released by activated IgD+ B cells around the T-B border. These observations may indicate the critical role of IL-9 receptor signaling in the activation of Tfh cells, with ILC2s potentially capable of supplying IL-9 in organized lymphoid tissues.

Evaluating the suitability of placental bovine explants for ex vivo modelling of host-pathogen interactions in Neospora caninum infections.

Bovine abortions, often caused by infectious agents like Neospora caninum, inflict substantial economic losses. Studying host-pathogen interactions in pregnant cows is challenging, and existing cell cultures lack the intricate complexity of real tissues. To bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo models, we explored the use of cryopreserved bovine placental explants. Building upon our successful development of protocols for obtaining, culturing, and cryopreserving sheep placental explants, we applied these methods to bovine tissues. Here, we compared fresh and cryopreserved bovine explants, evaluating their integrity and functionality over culture time. Additionally, we investigated their susceptibility to N. caninum infection. Our findings revealed that bovine explants deteriorate faster in culture compared to sheep explants, exhibiting diminished viability and function. Cryopreservation further exacerbated this deterioration. While fresh explants were successfully infected with N. caninum, parasite replication was limited. Notably, cryopreservation reduced infection efficiency. This pioneering work paves the way for developing ex vivo models to study reproductive pathogens in cattle. However, further optimization of the model is essential. These improved models will have the potential to significantly reduce the reliance on animals in research.

Genome-wide comparative analyses for selection signatures indicate candidate genes for between-breed variability in copper accretion in sheep.

The problem of copper (Cu) intoxication and deficiency continues to impact economic gains and animal welfare in sheep husbandry. This study investigated the ovine genome for regions and potential genes under selection for Cu accretion between sheep breeds. For this, we compared ovine single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data of three Cu-susceptible breeds with three Cu-tolerant breeds. After merging SNP data of breeds and removal of related individuals, a total of 229 sheep and 45 640 autosomal SNPs were left. Then, we selected 14 individuals per breed into two datasets (datasets 1 and 2) for analysis of selection signatures using the Fixation index, cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity and haplotype-based FLK methods. Selection regions shared by both datasets detected by at least two methods revealed regions on OAR 4, 8 and 11 containing 54 candidate genes under selection for Cu accretion. Enrichment analysis revealed that 19 gene ontologies and 1 enriched Kyoto encyclopaedia of genes and genomes pathway terms were associated with the candidate genes under selection. Genes such as TP53, TNFSF13, TNFSF12, ALOX15, ALOX12, EIF5A and PREP are associated with the regulation of Cu homeostasis, programmed cell death or inflammatory response. We also found an enrichment of arachidonate 15-lipoxygenase activity, arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase activity and ferroptosis that influence cellular inflammation and cell death. These results shed light on ovine genomic regions under selection for Cu accretion and provide information on candidate genes for further studies on breed differences in ovine Cu accretion.

Unveiling the hidden threat: investigating gastrointestinal parasites and their costly impact on slaughtered livestock.

This study investigated the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) parasites in ruminants slaughtered at the abattoir in district Narowal, Punjab, Pakistan. The overall prevalence of parasitic infection was determined to be 72.92% based on faecal examination. Among the ruminant species, goats exhibited a significantly higher (P < 0.05) prevalence of parasitic infection (78.63%) compared to cattle, buffalo, and sheep. Additionally, female ruminants showed a significantly higher (P<0.05) prevalence of infection (85.62%) compared to males (65.13%). The intestines (both small and large) of small and large ruminants were found to be significantly more affected, with a prevalence of 39.58% of parasitic infection compared to other examined organs. A total of ten parasitic genera were identified in ruminants, including hydatid cysts. Ruminants with a high burden of parasites (45.74%) significantly outnumbered those with light (23.40%) and moderate (30.85%) burdens. Economically, the estimated annual losses in Pakistan due to organ condemnation with GI parasites were substantial, amounting to Pak. Rs. 405.09/- million (USD = 1,428,760). These findings underscore the significance of GI parasite infections as a major animal health concern and a cause of significant economic losses in the research area.

Effects of exposure to chronic ergot alkaloids on phenylephrine contractile response of maternal pedal artery, umbilical artery, and umbilical vein in pregnant ewes.

Ergot alkaloids are known to cause devastating effects in livestock. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of prolonged ergot exposure on selected vasculature in pregnant sheep and to examine the role of alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in mediating these effects. Twelve 60-day pregnant sheep were randomly placed into control and exposure groups (n = 6/group). Ergot-contaminated feed pellets were given orally once a day for 45 d to the exposure group [46.6 µg/kg body weight (BW) total ergot alkaloids]. The control group (Ctl) received ergot-free pellets. The maternal pedal artery from the left hindlimb and the umbilical artery and vein were dissected and mounted in a tissue bath. The vascular contractile response to a cumulatively increasing dose of phenylephrine (PE) in the exposure group (Exp) was compared with the control groups. Chronic exposure to ergot alkaloids resulted in a 70.6% and 91.3% increase in PE contractile response in the umbilical artery (Ctl EC50 = 3.962 × 10-6; Exp EC50 = 1.161 × 10-6, P < 0.0001) and the umbilical vein (Ctl EC50 = 7.889 × 10-6; Exp EC50 = 6.801 × 10-7, P < 0.0001), respectively, but there was no increase in the pedal artery (P = 0.3927), when compared to the control group. Fetal weight in the ergot-exposed group was significantly lower than in the control group (Ctl 3.3 ± 0.17 kg; Exp 2.07 ± 0.13 kg, P = 0.0002). The increase in contractile response in the umbilical vein may result in decreased blood supply to the fetus causing decreased fetal weight. Negative impact was seen at significantly lower levels of ergot alkaloids than what is currently allowed by Canadian standards, which suggests that these limits should be reevaluated to ensure livestock safety.

Les alcaloïdes de l'ergot sont connus pour avoir des effets dévastateurs sur le bétail. Les objectifs de cette étude étaient d'évaluer les effets d'une exposition prolongée à l'ergot sur une vascularisation sélectionnée chez les brebis gestantes et d'examiner le rôle des récepteurs alpha-1 adrénergiques dans la médiation de ces effets. Douze brebis gestantes de 60 jours ont été placées au hasard dans des groupes témoins et exposés (n = 6/groupe). Des granulés alimentaires contaminés par l'ergot ont été administrés par voie orale une fois par jour pendant 45 jours au groupe exposé [46,6 µg/kg de poids corporel (PC) d'alcaloïdes totaux de l'ergot]. Le groupe témoin (Ctl) a reçu des granulés sans ergot. L'artère pédieuse maternelle du membre postérieur gauche et l'artère et la veine ombilicales ont été disséquées et montées dans un bain de tissu. La réponse contractile vasculaire à une dose cumulative croissante de phényléphrine (PE) dans le groupe exposé (Exp) a été comparée aux groupes témoins. L'exposition chronique aux alcaloïdes de l'ergot a entraîné une augmentation de 70,6 % et de 91,3 % de la réponse contractile de l'PE dans l'artère ombilicale (Ctl EC50 = 3,962 × 10−6; Exp EC50 = 1,161 × 10−6, P < 0,0001) et la veine ombilicale (Ctl EC50 = 7,889 × 10−6; Exp EC50 = 6,801 × 10−7, P < 0,0001), respectivement, mais il n'y a pas eu d'augmentation dans l'artère pédieuse (P = 0,3927), par rapport au groupe témoin. Le poids foetal du groupe exposé à l'ergot était significativement plus faible que celui du groupe témoin (Ctl 3,3 ± 0,17 kg; Exp 2,07 ± 0,13 kg, P = 0,0002). L'augmentation de la réponse contractile dans la veine ombilicale peut entraîner une diminution de l'apport sanguin au foetus, ce qui entraîne une diminution du poids foetal. Un impact négatif a été observé à des niveaux significativement plus faibles d'alcaloïdes de l'ergot que ce qui est actuellement autorisé par les normes canadiennes, ce qui suggère que ces limites devraient être réévaluées pour assurer la sécurité du bétail.(Traduit par Docteur Serge Messier).

Performance, ruminal and fecal microbiome of lambs fed diets supplemented with probiotics.

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of adding two doses of a commercial probiotic on productive performance, ruminal and fecal microbiome in growing lambs. Forty-two Texel or Ile de France crossbred lambs aged 86.9 ± 8.0 days (body weight: 27.4 ± 3.7 kg) were distributed into three groups: basal diet without probiotic supplementation (CG); basal diet + 1 g/animal/day of probiotic (GP1) and basal diet + 5 g/animal/day of probiotic (GP5). The experimental period was 84 days. The weight was evaluated weekly and dry matter intake (DMI) and leftovers were measured daily. At the end of the experiment, lambs were slaughtered. Feces and rumen fluid were collected for microbiome analysis and rumen fragments for histological evaluation. The use of probiotics did not affect weight gain, but GP1 showed a higher silage and DMI intake than CG (p < 0.001). The CG had a greater thickness of keratinized epithelium and stratum corneum (< 0.001) than GP1 and GP5, and greater total papilla width (p = 0.039) than GP1. There was no difference in the general abundance in the rumen and fecal microbiomes. GP5 had a higher proportion of Azoarcus and Dialister taxa in the rumen fluid (p = 0.012 and p = 0.017, respectively) and higher proportion of Treponema and Fibrobacter taxa in the fecal microbiome (p = 0.015 and p = 0.026, respectively), whereas CG had a higher proportion of Anaeroplasma than the other groups (p = 0.032). These results demonstrated the benefits of probiotics for ruminal epithelium protection and microbial diversity. However, there was no effect on performance parameters.

Detection of putative loci affecting milk yield in Turkish Awassi sheep using microsatellite markers.

On the basis of comparisons between bovine and ovine genome mapping information, the aim of the study was to analyze the genetic diversity of selected DNA microsatellites from the bovine genome and to investigate their correlation with the average daily milk yield in Awassi sheep. 18 informative microsatellite markers were selected from the significant QTL regions affecting milk yield identified in the bovine genome in previous studies. The selected microsatellite markers were then amplified by PCR as reciprocal amplifications on the genomic DNA of Awassi sheep, with standard daily milk yield records. Thus, in this study, 18 microsatellite markers associated with milk yield in the bovine genome were examined for both determination of genetic polymorphism within the flock and the effects of marker loci on average daily milk yield in Awassi sheep. Allele frequencies of markers were determined based on the results of fragment analysis. The analysis of variance showed that the 123 bp allele at the marker locus BMS1341 on BTA2 significantly influenced the average daily milk yield of Ivesi sheep (P < 0.01). On the other hand, the BMS381 locus with a 115 bp allele on BTA2, the MCM140 locus with a 185 bp allele on BTA6, the BMS2721 locus with a 155 bp allele, the BM1237 locus with 174 and 180 bp alleles on BTA7, and finally, the BMS1967 locus with a 117 bp allele, the BM4208 locus with 176 and 182 bp alleles, and the INRA locus with a185 bp allele on BTA8 showed moderately significant effects on the average daily milk yield of Ivesi ewes (P < 0.05).

A study on the genetic and phenotypic factors affecting specific ewe productivity traits in Sangsari sheep.

The study's objectives were to assess the genetic parameters of reproductive characteristics in Sangsari sheep. A data set of reproductive information with pedigree details from 1995 to 2016 was used. Studied traits were litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), litter mean weight per lamb born (LMWLB), litter mean weight per lamb weaned (LMWLW), total litter weight at birth (TLWB) and total litter weight at weaning (TLWW). Test significance of the environmental factors to be included in the model was conducted using the general linear model procedure of the SAS program. All traits were significantly affected by the year of lambing and ewe age at lambing (P < 0.01). The AI-REML procedure of the Wombat program was used to evaluate genetic parameters. A series of bivariate animal models were employed to calculate genetic (rg) and phenotypic (rp) correlations between traits. The total least square means ± standard error of LSB and LSW were 1.04 ± 0.05 and 0.96 ± 0.03, while LMWLB, LMWLW, TLWB, and TLWW were 3.12 ± 0.08, 15.40 ± 0.13, 3.28 ± 0.04, and 19.31 ± 0.16 kg, respectively. The estimates of h2 were relatively low (P < 0.01) and ranged from 0.063 ± 0.028 for LSW to 0.181 ± 0.063 for TLWW. Repeatability estimates varied from 0.101 for LSW to 0.241 for TLWW. The sire service effects for LMWLB, TLWB, and TLWW were 0.012 ± 0.004, 0.023 ± 0.006, and 0.039 ± 0.009, respectively. The traits studied showed a greater magnitude of genetic correlation than phenotypic correlation, with values ranging from - 0.59 (LSB-LMWLB) to 0.87 (LMWLB-TLWB). It appears that focusing on TLWW for selection could result in more significant improvements in the reproductive performance of Sangsari ewes.

The effect of Vachellia eriolaba leaf meal inclusion on growth performance, blood parameters and methane gas emission in lambs fed diets containing ammoniated maize stover.

The study evaluated the effect of Vachellia erioloba leaf meal in diets containing ammoniated maize stove on growth performance, methane emission and heath of growing lambs. Thirty-two female lambs were allocated to the following four dietary treatments: total mixed ration (TMR, control), 20% inclusion of untreated maize stover (UMS), 20% inclusion of ammoniated maize stover (AMS), and combined inclusion of 10% ammoniated maize stover and 10% Vachellia erioloba leaves (AMSVL). Each treatment was replicated 8 times and a lamb in an individual pen was regarded as an experimental unit in a completely randomized design. Feed intake was higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed the AMS and AMSVL diets compared to those fed UMS. Final body weights were higher in lambs fed the AMS and AMSVL diets. Both average daily gain (ADG) and feed convention ratio (FCR) were not affected by diet. In comparison with the AMS and AMSVL diets, the lambs fed the UMS diet had the highest (P < 0.05) methane emission. Overall, lambs fed the control diets had the lowest (P < 0.05) methane gas emission. Blood hematological values were affected by diet with the AMSVL fed lambs having the highest (P < 0.05) mean platelet volume (MPV) and procalcitonin (PCT) values. Furthermore, total albumin, amylase and total bilirubin were the highest (P < 0.05) in lambs fed on the AMSVL diet. Lambs fed on AMS diet had the highest (P < 0.05) serum urea levels. It can be concluded that combined inclusion of ammoniated maize stover and Vachellia leaves improved feed value and lamb performance when compared to the individual inclusion of both UMS and AMS.

Serological and molecular survey of Toxoplasma Gondii in aborted livestock fetuses from Northeast Iran.

BACKGROUND: Toxoplasmosis not only leads to abortion in humans but also in herbivores, which causes significant financial and quality-adjusted life-year losses. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in aborted fetuses via serological and molecular assays. Moreover, the genotypes of the obtained isolates were detected. METHODS: Serological and molecular methods were used to study aborted fetuses from Bojnourd City, North Khorasan Province, Iran, which included 52 ovines and 16 bovines. Nested PCR of the B1 gene was used to detect parasite DNA in brain tissues. The PCR-RFLP method for the GRA6 gene was used to determine the genotype of T. gondii. RESULTS: Out of 68 aborted fetuses, 16.1% showed the presence of anti-T. gondii IgG. Among these, 11.7% were identified in bovine fetuses and 4.4% in ovine fetuses. Additionally, two (2.94%) samples of ovine tested positive for anti-T. gondii IgM. Our PCR analysis detected parasite DNA in two cases (2.94%) among 11 IgG-positive samples. All obtained isolates belong to type I of T. gondii. CONCLUSION: Infection with Type I of T. gondii during the neonatal period may partly be responsible for abortion and economic losses in livestock farming in our studied region. To understand the molecular epidemiology and genotypes of T. gondii associated with abortion, further evaluation of aborted samples from different geographical locations is necessary.

Morphologic Examination of Ossicula Auditus in Different Ruminants.

BACKGROUND: The ossicula auditus is the structure that transmits vibrations from the tympanic cavity to the auris interna. This assembly is formed by three ossicles: the malleus, incus and stapes. In addition, the bone that exists as os lenticulare in humans exists as processus lenticulare in most mammals. OBJECTIVE: To our knowledge, no in-depth study has been published on the ossicula auditus of gazelles. This study aims to provide a comparative study of the morphology of the auditory ossicles in sheep, goats and gazelles. METHODS: Ossicula auditus from six adult Awassi sheep, six hair goats and six gazelles was examined and photographed under a stereomicroscope. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: It was determined that the ossicula auditus of gazelle, hair goat and Awassi sheep consisted of malleus, incus and stapes. In the species examined, it was observed that the articular surface on the caput mallei, the malleus protrusions and the distal part of the manubrium mallei differed between species. It was determined that the incus bone consists of a body and two crus. As an important morphological difference, the proc. lenticulare was found to be on the crus breve in all three species. It was determined that the stapes bone was quadrangular in the species examined, especially in goats, but this quadrangular shape, which is specific to ruminants, was not fully formed in other species. As a result, it was determined that the ossicula auditus of gazelle, hair goat and Awassi sheep showed morphologically different characteristics.

First molecular diagnosis of the human pathogen Rickettsia raoultii and other spotted fever group rickettsiae in Sudanese ixodid ticks from domestic ruminants.

BACKGROUND: Rickettsial infections are often neglected and poorly recognized by physicians in many tropical and subtropical regions. Despite a number of recent reports describing rickettsial diseases in new locations and the discovery of new rickettsiae, medical science and research have largely neglected the diagnosis and antimicrobial treatment of rickettsial infections in subtropical and tropical areas; thus, much remains to be discovered. This study aimed to detect and characterize spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae in ixodid ticks infesting domestic ruminants in Khartoum State. METHODS: Polymerase chain reaction targeting both genes that encode for citrate synthase (gltA) and outer membrane protein (ompA) was performed for the presence of SFG rickettsia followed by sequence and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: Of the 202 ticks examined for the presence of SFG rickettsia, gltA gene was detected in 4 samples (2%). Furthermore, gltA-positive samples were used to amplify the ompA gene, in which only two samples yielded positive results. Sequence and phylogenetic analysis of the positive samples revealed four different species of SFG rickettsiae: Rickettsia aeschlimannii, Rickettsia rhipicephali, Rickettsia massiliae and Rickettsia raoultii. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicated the presence of SFG rickettsia in Sudanese ticks. This also indicates that humans have an opportunity to acquire these infections. It is important to keep in mind the need for careful consideration of rickettsial infections in individuals with a fever of unknown origin.

Molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of ovine herpesvirus-2 in subclinical infections of cattle and sheep.

Ovine herpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) is the causative agent of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), a serious and often fatal disease that affects cattle and other ruminants. This study aimed to investigate the molecular epidemiology and genetic diversity of OvHV-2 strains circulating in sheep and cattle populations in the Jammu and Kashmir region of India. Screening of 150 sheep and 57 cattle blood samples revealed the presence of the OvHV-2 polymerase (pol) gene in 8.6% of sheep, 10% of apparently healthy cattle, and 29.7% of cattle exhibiting MCF-like symptoms. The full-length glycoprotein B (gB) gene (2800 bp) and an 875 bp internal fragment were successfully amplified, cloned, and sequenced from pol-positive samples. Comparative sequence analysis of the deduced gB amino acid sequences identified seven substitutions at positions 278, 341, 390, 440, 468, 539, and 566 compared to reference strains. Phylogenetic analysis based on the gB nucleotide sequences clustered the OvHV-2 strains from this study within the Indian clade, distinct from strains reported in the UK and US. These findings provide insights into the genetic diversity of OvHV-2 strains circulating in Jammu and Kashmir, with the identified mutations potentially influencing virus-host interactions. Further investigations into the functional implications of these mutations are warranted to understand their role in viral pathogenesis and tropism.

Ovine tricuspid annular dynamics and three-dimensional geometry during acute atrial fibrillation.

OBJECTIVES: Long-standing atrial fibrillation (AF) may lead to tricuspid regurgitation (TR) and right ventricular dysfunction. However, the effect of acute AF on tricuspid annular (TA) dynamics and three-dimensional geometry is unknown. METHODS: In eight adult sheep, sonomicrometry crystals were implanted around the tricuspid annulus and right ventricular free wall. Pressure transducers were placed in the right ventricle, left ventricle, and right atrium. After weaning from cardiopulmonary bypass and a period of hemodynamic stabilization, simultaneous sonomicrometry and hemodynamic data were collected in sinus rhythm (SR) and during experimental AF (400b/min right atrial pacing). Annular area, perimeter, dimensions, height, global and regional annular contraction, and strain were calculated based on cubic spline fits to crystal 3D locations. RESULTS: Maximal TA area increased from 1084.9±273.9mm2 in SR to 1207.5±322.1mm2 during AF (p = 0.002). Anteroposterior diameter increased from 36.5±5.0mm to 38.4±5.5mm (p = 0.05). TA contraction decreased from 7±2% in SR to 2±1% in AF (p = 0.001). Anterior, posterior, and septal regional annular contraction decreased from 10±4%, 8±3% and 6±2% to 4±2%, 3±1% and 2±1% for SR and AF, respectively (p<0.05). AF perturbed systolic global annular strain (from -6.52±1.74% to -2.78±1.79%; p = 0.003) and caused annular stretch. Annular height marginally decreased with AF from 5.8±1.9mm to 5.7±2.0mm; p = 0.039. CONCLUSIONS: Acute experimental AF in healthy sheep was associated with TA dilation, flattening, and decreased total and regional annular contractility. These data may help elucidate the pathophysiology of functional TR associated with AF.

Histological assessment of potential inferior alveolar nerve injury following osteotomy of the mandibular buccal cortex using a piezoelectric saw.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Piezosurgery on histopathologic features of the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) damage after osteotomy of the buccal cortex of the mandible using piezoelectric devices in Hamdani sheep. A total of ten healthy mature female sheep were included. Each side of the mandible underwent two different experiments: the first experiment operated directly on the mental nerve by touching and activating the piezo tip on the nerve for ten seconds for the left side and thirty seconds for the right side. In the second experiment, the inferior alveolar nerve was touched by an activated piezo tip inside the mandibular canal for ten seconds on the left side and thirty seconds on the right side. All the nerve samples underwent histopathological evaluation, and the scoring system was performed to assess the nerve structures. Mental nerves exposed to piezo tip for 10 seconds showed mild abnormality including disruption of the perineurium with the endoneurium remaining intact. Mental nerves exposed for 30 seconds showed moderate injury with destruction of the perineurium and moderate degeneration of nerve fibers, nevertheless, the endoneurium remained continuous with normal node of Ranvier. Severe damage of the inferior alveolar nerve was seen after exposure to piezo tip for 10 seconds, which showed sloughing of the perineurium and severe vacuolar degeneration of nerve fibers, partial disruption of the endoneurium; however, the axons were still intact. Inferior alveolar nerves exposed for 30 seconds revealed destruction of the perineurium, marked vacuolar degeneration of nerve fibers, focal damage of axon and loss of endoneurium (axonotmesis). Piezosurgery devices have the potential to cause severe nerve damage during surgery and should be used very carefully.

A MSTNDel73C mutation with FGF5 knockout sheep by CRISPR/Cas9 promotes skeletal muscle myofiber hyperplasia.

Mutations in the well-known Myostatin (MSTN) produce a 'double-muscle' phenotype, which makes it commercially invaluable for improving livestock meat production and providing high-quality protein for humans. However, mutations at different loci of the MSTN often produce a variety of different phenotypes. In the current study, we increased the delivery ratio of Cas9 mRNA to sgRNA from the traditional 1:2 to 1:10, which improves the efficiency of the homozygous mutation of biallelic gene. Here, a MSTNDel73C mutation with FGF5 knockout sheep, in which the MSTN and FGF5 dual-gene biallelic homozygous mutations were produced via the deletion of 3-base pairs of AGC in the third exon of MSTN, resulting in cysteine-depleted at amino acid position 73, and the FGF5 double allele mutation led to inactivation of FGF5 gene. The MSTNDel73C mutation with FGF5 knockout sheep highlights a dominant 'double-muscle' phenotype, which can be stably inherited. Both F0 and F1 generation mutants highlight the excellent trait of high-yield meat with a smaller cross-sectional area and higher number of muscle fibers per unit area. Mechanistically, the MSTNDel73C mutation with FGF5 knockout mediated the activation of FOSL1 via the MEK-ERK-FOSL1 axis. The activated FOSL1 promotes skeletal muscle satellite cell proliferation and inhibits myogenic differentiation by inhibiting the expression of MyoD1, and resulting in smaller myotubes. In addition, activated ERK1/2 may inhibit the secondary fusion of myotubes by Ca2+-dependent CaMKII activation pathway, leading to myoblasts fusion to form smaller myotubes.