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Objective of this paper was to review relevant work and to present a general account of the bluetongue outbreak, which occurred in Greece in 2014. In total, 2895 outbreaks of the disease have been reported by the veterinary authorities of Greece; sheep, goats and cattle were affected with officially reported morbidity rates of 11.0%, 2.0% and 3.5%, respectively. No vaccinations were allowed and conservative measures were implemented to attempt to limit the disease, which at the end had expanded throughout the country. In field investigations, a significantly higher bluetongue morbidity rate (27.5%) in sheep has been reported. During that work, clinical anaemia was encountered, which was characterised as macrocytic, hypochromic, regenerative and non-haemolytic. Other investigations, which are reviewed in this paper, have described an outbreak of Citrobacter freundii -associated enteritis in newborn kids, offspring of goats subclinically infected with Bluetongue virus , increased rate of early embryonic deaths, reduced conception rates, increased incidence risk of mastitis and reduced milk yield in herds of subclinically-infected cattle and detection of the virus from hunter-harvested tissue samples of roe-deer. In 2015, vaccines against the disease have been licenced; vaccinations started in May 2015. Then, in 2015, only one outbreak of the disease was confirmed, which could have been the result of a combination of reasons acting concurrently to prevent further cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The physical quality of Merino wool affects the processing route and efficiencies, the quality and uses of end products and thus the commercial price of both raw wool and wool textiles. The paper is the first of two and is organised into four disciplines relevant to the on-farm sector, being: nutrition, health, reproduction and management. A fifth discipline, breeding and genetics, will be covered in a second paper. Better integration is required of wool quality as part of integrated enterprise management and genetics strategies. There is an essential need to integrate wool quality metrics into pasture improvement activities, particularly on-farm extension activities and enterprise budgeting and modelling. A number of basic areas of wool harvesting and sheep management have been overlooked for decades and need clarification in the face of improved practices in other aspects of wool quality, such as longer staple length as a consequence of improved genetics and/or nutrition requiring increased shearing frequency. The review identifies practices which should be incorporated into all wool production and quality experiments as a consequence of advances in understanding of fibre growth, reduced costs of fibre testing and statistical analyses. The review identifies tools available to aid farmer’s adoption of new approaches but there is still a need to develop improved tools to assist wool producers gain the maximum benefits from the current state of knowledge regarding the best management of Merino sheep for wool quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Mammary involution is the regression of mammary tissue to non-secreting state. • Mammary involution is influenced by hormonal and local mechanims. • The mammary gland is particularly susceptible to infections after cessation of lactation. • Udder health management at the end of a lactation period aims to cure intramammary infections and prevent new ones. • Culling ewes contributes to decreasing mastitis incidence. • Culling should be complemented with intramammary antibiotic administration at the end of a lactation period. Objective of the paper is to describe mechanisms leading to mammary involution in ewes and changes taking place in the mammary gland during that period. Mammary involution is the regression of mammary tissue to non-secreting state and takes place as initiated, gradual or senile. In mutton-type production systems cessation of lactation is abrupt, whilst in dairy-type production systems it is progressive or abrupt. The period from cessation of milk removal until the beginning of subsequent lactation period is termed 'dry-period' and is distinguished into stage of active involution, stage of the 'steady-state' involution and stage of redevelopment and lactogenesis. The 'dry-period' is important in health management of sheep for optimum milk production during the subsequent lactation period, as it is necessary for renewal of mammary epithelial cells. Mammary involution is influenced by decreased activity of galactopoietic hormones and local mechanisms in response to milk accumulation in the gland. Milk accumulation plays a major role in triggering apoptosis of epithelial cells. There are two pathways leading to apoptosis, an intrinsic and an extrinsic. During involution, significant histological changes take place in the mammary gland, mainly reduction (up to 3.6% up to the 4th day) of the epithelial area of the gland and increase of its stromal part. The mammary gland is particularly susceptible to infections after cessation of lactation; progressively, that changes; a keratin plug is formed at the teat orifice, leucocytes accumulate in the gland and concentrations of immunoglobulins and lactoferrin increase. Udder health management at the end of a lactation period aims to cure infections that have occurred during the previous lactation period and prevent new intramammary infections during the 'dry-period'. Culling ewes with at least one mammary gland permanently damaged or ones chronically affected or others with incidents of relapsing mastitis or not fully respondent to mastitis treatment during the preceding lactation period contributes to decrease of veterinary expenses for mastitis control in the flock, elimination of sources of potential infection for other animals in the flock and decrease of flock bulk somatic cell counts in the subsequent lactation period. Culling should be complemented with intramammary antibiotic administration at the end of a lactation period. In many clinical studies from around the world, administration of antimicrobial agents at the end of a lactation period has been found beneficial. Antibiotic administration at drying-off may be performed to all animals in a flock ('complete') or only to those considered to be infected ('selective'). In all cases, maintenance of the prescribed withdrawal periods is essential to safeguard public health. The procedure should always be applied as part of a strategic udder health management plan in a flock; implementation improves the welfare of animals and affords significant financial benefits to the farmer. Correct udder health management in ewes at the end of a lactation period will contribute to improved mammary health for the forthcoming lactation period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Livestock production systems worldwide rely largely on conventional feedstuffs. The current world food crisis highlights the need to improve the use of local resources for animal nutrition, such as fodder trees and shrubs. The detrimental effects of tropical tannin-rich plants (TRP) on animal production have been frequently described. In contrast, their potential benefits have long been neglected. This paper presents the potential positive effects of tropical TRP on small ruminants either as source of feed or as nutraceuticals with anthelmintic (AH) properties. It also analyses the host behavioral and physiological adaptations associated with exploitation of those tannin-rich resources. Both sheep and goats preferred a mixture of plants even when tannin-free forage was available. Moreover, the preference for TRP by goats and hair sheep were mainly associated with the digestible fraction of fiber and to a less extent with tannin content, which implies that they do not necessarily select against TRP. The addition of polyethylene glycol did not modify the preference or intake of TRP by goats and sheep. Evidence of physiological adaptation to TRP is presented and discussed. Both, experienced hair sheep and goats had saliva with tannin binding capacity, enabling both species to eat higher quantities of TRP which could lead to a higher availability of tannins in the gastrointestinal tract. Tannins in the gastrointestinal tract could be an AH against gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). Indeed, in vitro and in vivo studies have shown AH effects of tannins from TRP, suggesting their possible use as natural anthelmintics against GIN. This paper supports the change in the current view of tannins in TRP as anti-nutritional compounds. If adequately managed, TRP can be a valuable component of sustainable small ruminant production systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The ectoparasites, sheep lice (Bovicola ovis), sheep scab (Psoroptes ovis), sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus) and the sheep blowflies (Lucilia spp., Hydrotea irritans, Calliphora spp.) are a major problem with respect to animal welfare in the sheep industry; not only do they affect the health and well-being of infested animals, but the treatments applied to prevent or control their effects can also raise animal welfare concerns. This paper will discuss the role of sheep veterinarians in reducing or eliminating animal welfare problems associated with sheep ectoparasites. It highlights the correct application or use of the correct chemical at the correct time to control these parasites, which is feasible on farm. The importance of improved farm biosecurity to prevent the reintroduction of infestations once they have been eliminated, will be emphasised. Blowfly strike is a serious animal welfare problem, often resulting in death of affected animals after severe stress and discomfort. The paper emphasises the importance of prevention rather than cure, with mention of strategic use of chemicals and other management strategies including time of shearing and crutching, genetic selection against fleece rot, control of dermatophilosis and surgical removal of skin folds in the breech region. With the increasing public concern in animal welfare issues within the livestock industries, there is a need to improve the health and welfare of sheep. Sound ectoparasite control and eradication programs are an important way of achieving this. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Unlike most domestic livestock species, sheep are widely known as an animal with marked seasonality of breeding activity. The annual cycle of daily photoperiod has been identified as the determinant factor of this phenomenon, while environmental temperature, nutritional status, social interactions, lambing date and lactation period are considered to modulate it. The aim of this paper is to review the current state of knowledge of the reproductive seasonality in sheep. Following general considerations concerning the importance of seasonal breeding as a reproductive strategy for the survival of species, the paper describes the manifestations of seasonality in both the ram and the ewe. Both determinant and modulating factors are developed and special emphasis is given to the neuroendocrine base of photoperiodic regulation of seasonal breeding. Other aspects such as the role of melatonin, the involvement of thyroid hormones and the concept of photorefractoriness are also reviewed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights • Mortality of ewes to 600+ days is significantly influenced by sire, location, year of birth and weaning weight. • Assessing the risk factors affecting mortality can provide valuable welfare data. • Risk factors affecting mortality include both genetic and environmental influences. Abstract In on-farm animal welfare assessment schemes mortality is a commonly used measure to assess welfare states, as well as to ascertain the effectiveness of different management strategies. While decreases in welfare and mortality are linked it is likely that monitoring and measuring the factors that influence mortality will be key in using this relationship to improve animal welfare. Therefore, this paper aimed to identify various factors that influence mortality in adult ewes. Once identified these factors may then be suitable for inclusion in an on-farm welfare assessment, or for a broader framework designed to manage risks to mortality. The data used in this analysis was collected on an Australian sheep flock from 2007 to 2010, and focused on identifying variables that increase the risk of mortality of ewes from weaning to a mature age (∼ 660 days). Given that neither mortality, nor the factors affecting it, were routinely recorded in this data set an individual ewe was considered dead when she was identified as missing at consecutive regular husbandry events. Analysis of the data indicated that sire (P < 0.005), location of birth (P < 0.001), year of birth (P < 0.005) and weaning weight (P < 0.001) are all factors that had an impact on mortality to 660 days. Additionally, mortality was increased by 1.8% in the 7 days following a fly strike event while light ewes (<40 kg) or ewes with poor body condition score (< 2) were also at an increased risk of mortality in the 90 days following measurement. Given these results, risk factors for mortality that may be valuable for inclusion in an on-farm welfare assessment include weaning weight, body condition score and liveweight change over time and incidence of fly strike. Factors that have been identified as useful for a risk management framework include genetic and environmentally-influenced factors, such as individual sire and year of birth, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterising copy number variants (CNV) of genes has gained popularity in human and animal studies since 2006. Several studies have revealed CNV play an important role in phenotypic diversity. However, only five papers have been published about CNV in sheep. This study detected CNV in 385 sheep belonging to different genetic groups, genotyped using Illumina OvineSNP50 BeadChips and analysed using SVS, PennCNV, and cnvPartition algorithms. In total, SVS detected 29,935 and 33,880 CNV segments by univariate and multivariate methods, respectively, that merged into 749 CNV regions (CNVR) (size range: 15.3–6,600.0 kb). PennCNV and cnvPartition algorithms found 4758 and 6676 CNV segments, that merged into 464 (size range: 16.4–2,108.8 kb) and 104 (size range: 87–12,093.7 kb) CNVR, respectively. Most of the detected CNVR were losses and only 69 CNVR were detected by all three algorithms. A total of 4635 Ensembl genes were identified in CNVR. In addition, the study revealed huge differences in CNV segments as well as CNVR among five breeds that were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheep liveweight and liveweight change are important data both for research and commercial farm management worldwide. However, they can contain errors when procedures in collection are not standardised, including when weighing occurs around other husbandry tasks resulting in varying time delays between removal from grazing and weighing. This research had three stages with different objectives: 1) a liveweight loss study, to quantify liveweight and liveweight change over three and six hours of delay prior to weighing within a handling facility, and to develop a correction equation for delayed liveweights; 2) a validating process, to examine the correction ability of the equation by using it on a different set of delayed liveweights collected under a range of situations; and 3) a management simulation, to explore what impact delayed and corrected delayed liveweights could have when liveweight change was used to assign ewes to feeding levels. Results from each stage showed that: 1) ewes lost a significant amount of liveweight after three (1.8 ± 0.5 kg or 3.5 ± 0.8% liveweight) and six (2.9 ± 0.6 kg or 5.6 ± 1.0% liveweight) hours delay during a practical handling operation ( p < 0.001). The following equation was developed to correct delayed liveweights: y = 100 ( x/ (100 + (-0.9301 t + 0.07106))) where y , x and t are corrected liveweight (kg), delayed liveweight (kg) and time delayed in decimal hours, respectively; 2) the correction equation provided a more accurate and precise estimate of liveweight than a delayed liveweight alone; and 3) use of delayed liveweights, to determine liveweight change over a two month period, resulted in significantly more animals being assigned wrongly to higher feeding levels ( p < 0.001), than if the delayed liveweights had been corrected by time elapsed since gathering from grazing fields. To conclude, a short-term delay prior to weighing associated with a practical handling operation significantly reduces the numerical liveweight recorded for each sheep. Using variably delayed liveweights in research and on commercial farms will have significant consequences for research results and management practices globally. Therefore collection of liveweights should occur without delay. However, when this is not feasible delayed liveweights should be corrected and in the absence of locally formulated correction equation, the one presented in this paper could be used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives of the present paper were to review ultrasonographic foetometry in sheep and to present detailed data regarding sheep embryo development by using real-time B-mode ultrasonographic examination. Publications pertaining to use of ultrasonography in embryological studies in sheep are reviewed. Further, work including ultrasonographic observations and measurements regarding sequential events of embryonic or foetal development throughout gestation are presented. It is concluded that, in general, ultrasonographic evaluation of sheep embryos/foetuses can be used (among others) for estimation of their intrauterine age, for prediction of bodyweight at forthcoming birth and for diagnosis of foetal growth retardation. The findings of the present work provide reference values for various parametres through the intrauterine period of ovine conceptuses, which may be employed in research or clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of the paper is to review work relevant to ultrasonographic examination of the udder of ewes. Udder structures that can be readily imaged ultrasonographically (B-mode or Doppler examination) are mammary parenchyma, the gland cistern, the lactiferous ducts, the mammary vessels, the teat and the supramammary lymph nodes. Conventional diagnostic approaches for mastitis (i.e., combination of clinical, bacteriological and cytological examinations) provide a good means for diagnosis of mastitis; hence, in diagnosis of mastitis, use of ultrasonographic examination has, in general, an ancillary role, for example during investigation of cases, in which clinical diagnosis alone can prove of little help, e.g., in animals with small-sized, deep mammary nodules. The technique can be used at the end of a lactation period as part of routine udder examination performed at that point, which would provide additional useful information, e.g., regarding presence of abcesses or of increased quantity of fibrous tissue. Further, estimation of the dimensions of gland cistern of ewes in a flock would support decisions regarding milking frequency to be applied. Finally, examination of the teat can provide indications regarding optimising use of the milking machine by applying the appropriate settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurate ultrasonographic determination of foetal number between 45 to 90 days of gestation has revolutionised reproductive management in sheep over 30 years ago and is now established as an essential component of flock health planning and productivity. Ultrasonographic measurements of fat and muscle depths over ribs 12 and 13 in growing lambs can accurately reflect carcass composition and have been incorporated in breeding programmes in sheep meat breeds. These ultrasound services may often be delivered by para-professionals, who individually scan tens of thousands of sheep annually. Currently, ultrasonographic examination in small ruminant practice is largely confined to the investigation of individual valuable pedigree animals referred to veterinary schools or other centres of expertise, despite publication of clinical papers illustrating its application in a wide range of common diseases, including respiratory diseases, urolithiasis, liver and kidney pathologies. Typically, ultrasonographic examination of any organ system should take no more than 1–2 min with the results available immediately, affording a much more informed diagnosis and prognosis. Presently, examination of all adult sheep in the flock for ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma is being researched in an attempt to eliminate this disease, which has no commercially available diagnostic test or obvious flock control measure. Ultrasonographic investigation is much cheaper than common clinical biochemistry tests, e.g., haematological examination or protein measurements (albumin and globulin, acute phase proteins, fibrinogen and haptoglobin). The ability to record ultrasonographic findings as images or video files directly to mobile telephones, tablets and laptops allows clinicians to transmit such data to a specialist should a second opinion prove necessary. Tele-medicine is well established in several veterinary disciplines and will become increasingly common for diagnostic imaging in small ruminant practice during the next decade. Comparison of images collected over a period of time allows a disease process to be accurately monitored. Re-evaluation of ultrasonographic recordings is an invaluable learning exercise should necropsy results become available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of the present paper is to review applications of Doppler ultrasonography in sheep. Principles of Doppler ultrasonography and their physiological background are initially presented, as well as haemodynamic parametres that can be used for evaluation of the findings. In sheep, Doppler ultrasonography has been used in clinical work primarily for examination of the reproductive system and of foetuses. It has also been used in studies, where sheep had served as model for studying various conditions in human physiology or medicine, e.g., examination of the heart, which can be performed by conventional Doppler echocardiography or tissue Doppler imaging. Main uses of the modality include evaluation of changes in follicular blood flow in measuring uterine and ovarian blood flow and for determining changes in blood perfusion during various reproductive stages; blood flows in the umbilical artery have also been measured, which can have a clinical application in identifying pregnancies at risk, as well as a model for human medicine. As technology advances, use of Doppler ultrasonography will increase. With more frequent use, new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches will arise, which would be based on estimating functional status (as evidenced by blood perfusion) of the organs examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent renewed drives to maintain farming activities on extensive areas have been encouraged at the EU level, which previously had witnessed a phenomenon of partial abandonment and reduction in flock sizes. Successful restocking with naïve animals from outwith the farm is a challenge, as these animals are not familiar with the landscape and may lack the social interactions and ‘hefting’ qualities their homebred counterparts develop. This paper presents results from an experiment where young ewes from different origins (homebred and bought-in) were reintroduced onto a mountain range grazing area. Focal animals of both types were monitored using GPS tracking collars over a one year period whilst performance was recorded for the whole flock over a two year period, to gauge whether or not their origin had an influence on ranging behaviour and performance. Although initially the bought-in animals developed their own home range and interacted little with the main flock, after one summer grazing period they appeared to learn from and socially interact with their homebred counterparts, developing a knowledge of the grazing landscape. Despite initial weight change differences, later performance results of the animals were not affected by their origin. Provided that animals are encouraged and given opportunity to socially interact with the main homebred flock, this study indicates that it is feasible to restock extensive farms with animals from different origins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheep flocks are sensitive to the top soil intake, via their grazing activity and the ingestion of soil particles incorporated into the hay especially during harvesting operations. Such intake is estimated between 2 and 20% of the dry matter from grass and hay and may vary accounting for seasonal and geographical differences in the quality of pastures. The persistent organic pollutants accumulated in soil such as polychlorodibenzo- p -dioxins and -furans (PCDD/Fs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs), may transfer through the food chain. In this paper, the authors consider the quality of soils and the toxicokinetic factors that allow the transfer of the contamination to milk and the edible tissues in sheep. The wide range of PCDD/F concentration reported in milk (0.05–30 pg WHO 1998 -TEQ/g fat), meat (0.18–4.9 pg WHO 1998 -TEQ/g fat) and liver (4.8–161 pg WHO 1998 -TEQ/g fat) from extensively reared flocks in areas of European countries under different industrial and urban pressures, indicate the opportunity to adopt risk management options based on environmental quality standards and good agriculture practices, able to support the access to a safe and nutritious food. With respect to the PCDD/F and DL-PCB intake, liver represents the most contaminated food item, for its ability to bind such lipophilic contaminants irrespective of its lipid content. Case-studies from the Mediterranean area are illustrated, to support the environment and health approach also in terms of sustainability of family farms production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), an important widespread cause of severe infection in both humans and animals, is a pathogen of significant public health concern. In this paper the prevalence of MRSA in sheep and goat bulk tank milk from southern Italy was assessed and nasal swabs from people working on the positive farms were collected. MRSA isolates from milk and nasal swabs were characterized by spa typing, MLST and SCC mec typing and tested for antimicrobial resistance. MRSA was detected in 2 of the 162 (1.23%) bulk tank samples analysed: the first from a sheep farm (Farm 1) and the second from a goat farm (Farm 2). As for farm personnel, no MRSA was detected in the unique nasal swab from Farm 1; while MRSA was detected in all the 3 nasal swabs from Farm 2. The MRSA isolate from Farm 1 was spa type t127, ST1, SCC mec IVa. The MRSA isolates from bulk tank milk and humans in Farm 2 showed an identical genetic profile: spa type t1255, ST398, SCC mec V. In Farm 2 all the isolates had the characteristics of general multidrug resistance and the milk and human MRSA had the same antimicrobial resistance pattern. Although the results showed low prevalence of MRSA in sheep and goat milk from southern Italy, the detection of recognized zoonotic genotypes in milk of both farms and the isolation in people working in one of the positive farm of MRSA strains with a genetic profile identical to that of MRSA from milk, emphasize the public health concern and highlight the need for additional surveillance including the detection of MRSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses assessment of animal welfare in small ruminant production systems and reports on developments regarding various monitoring schemes, which are used to assess small ruminant welfare at farm level. Further, welfare assessment protocols are presented; these have been derived as results in the Animal Welfare Indicators (‘AWIN’) project, which had been funded within the European Commission’s 7th Framework Program. The role of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in providing a scientific basis for future legislation on animal welfare is described. Finally, emergency medicine to reduce small ruminant suffering and support appropriate decisions to promote welfare of individual animals or populations of animals is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite its importance little is known about the attitudes of different stakeholder categories towards issues that impact the welfare of sheep. This study determined the relevance attributed by various stakeholders to different sheep welfare indicators and assessed which demographic characteristics can influence their scores. Data were collected through a questionnaire presented on paper face-to-face to 15 sheep farmers in Italy during farm visits in June and July 2020 and the same questionnaire was transferred online to a Google Form and an announcement was sent by email and on social platforms to consumers, with a total of 311 respondents completed the questionnaire. The survey was composed of two parts. In the first part respondents were asked to declare their demographic characteristics. In the second part they rated the relevance attributed to eleven indicators of sheep welfare (eight animal-based: leanness, fleece condition, fleece cleanliness, skin lesions, tail docking, lameness, hoof overgrowth, occurrence of mastitis; and three resource-based: insufficient clean drinking water availability, thermal discomfort, access to pasture) using a ten-point Likert scale. An ordinal logistic regression descending function with stepwise selection was used to analyze the effects within demographic data and the distribution of the Likert scale for each indicator. The number of respondents (n = 311) was quite small, nevertheless, the differences that are reported give some guidance on the relative importance accorded to each of these groups of stakeholders to each of the welfare indicators. Female respondents gave higher relevance to most of the indicators compared with male respondents (P < 0.05), whereas respondents with a lower education level gave more relevance to four out of the eleven welfare indicators compared with stakeholders with a higher education level (P < 0.05). As for respondent categories, non-farmer experts attributed more relevance to lameness, whereas farmers gave a lower relevance to tail docking, while expressing a higher level of concern for leanness compared with the other categories (P < 0.05). Finally, more frequent consumers of sheep products considered leanness to be most important (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found based on the nationality or the work declared. This study provides information about how different stakeholder categories perceive different aspects of sheep welfare and whether this perception is affected by demographic characteristics, thus promoting informed dialogue between society and the scientific community about the relevance to be attributed to different sheep welfare indicators. • Attitudes of different stakeholder categories (suppliers; owners; investors; etc.) towards issues that impact the welfare of sheep identified. • Women gave more importance to most sheep welfare indicators than men. • Farmers gave least importance to tail docking. • Animal scientists (investigating problems associated with livestock production and management), attributed most importance to lameness. • Lower education level respondents gave higher importance to most of the sheep welfare indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports four cases of nasal polyps in adult sheep from Piedmont and Sicily farms. The clinical course and post-mortem findings are described. Macroscopically numerous nasal polyps obstructing the nasal cavities, with the erosion of nasal concha, were observed. Histologically the neoformations, consisting of a different number of fusiform fibrocytic cells arranged in a variable amount of amorphous mesenchymal matrix, were located in the submucosa and covered by a simple disorganized columnar epithelium. Non-suppurative infiltration was also observed. Microbiological investigations revealed positivity for Pseudomonas aeruginosa only in one case; no bacteria were isolated in polyps collected from the other three sheep. Chronic and massive infestation by Oestrus ovis was present in three cases. The etiology and pathogenesis of these proliferations remain to be clarified, even if the authors postulate that one biological agent (bacterium or parasite) may have been responsible for the reaction of the nasal mesenchyma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dicrocoelium dendriticum is the most common liver fluke in domestic ruminants in Italy, reaching prevalence values of 67% on ovine farms in the southern regions. It causes economic losses and clinical problems. The present paper reviews the results of a controlled field trial conducted in southern Italy to evaluate the efficacy of a single or double administration of albendazole micronised against D. dendriticum in pastured sheep naturally infected by the small liver fluke. The trial was conducted in a sheep farm located in the Campania region, southern Italy. Sixty female crossbreed sheep were selected on the basis of the D. dendriticum positive faecal egg counts (FEC). Ewes were divided into 3 groups, of 20 sheep each, based on D. dendriticum FEC. One group (A-group) was treated once and the other group (B-group) treated twice at an interval of one week, whereas the control group (C-group) was untreated. The efficacy of treatment was evaluated by FEC and necropsy examination for D. dendriticum . Following the WAAVP guidelines for evaluating the efficacy of anthelmintics in ruminants, the double administration of albendazole micronized, showed a high efficacy (up to 99% based on FEC reduction), whereas the single treatment was less effective (up to 96% based on FEC reduction) against D. dendriticum . This difference was significant ( P < 0–0.05). The results were also confirmed by necropsy examinations. At day 14 the mean D. dendriticum burdens of the slaughtered sheep of the A-group, B-group and C-group were 87, 70 and 1274 adults ( P < 0.001), respectively following necroscopic examinations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The long-term consequences of sub-optimal environments in early life have received substantial attention by medical and public health researchers over the last couple of decades. Somewhat less research attention has been aimed at the same issues in production animals. Production animals are often used as models for the study of human biology and these studies have suggested that later-life metabolic and physiological pathways may well be perturbed by early-life events. The purpose of this paper was to review the sheep based literature to understand whether evidence exists to suggest that early-life environmental perturbations might result in agriculturally relevant changes in animal performance, both in the current generation and future generations. If such evidence is found, then recommendations are needed as to the next steps in moving towards on-farm interventions to either mitigate or harness the effects of early-life perturbations. If such evidence is not found then recommendations are needed regarding the necessity for further research or not. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objectives of this paper are to review (i) diagnostic methods and procedures available for clinical or subclinical mastitis in ewes and (ii) applications of these procedures in the diagnosis of mastitis. Early and correct diagnosis of the disease is important for identification of affected animals. The following diagnostic procedures can be used: clinical examination, imaging techniques (ultrasonography, endoscopy), bacteriological examination of milk samples, immunological tests, identification of biomarkers (cytological examination of milk and measurement of milk electroconductivity). In most cases, diagnosis of clinical mastitis is straightforward, based on the findings of clinical examination. The differential diagnosis includes primarily (i) bacterial mastitis (usually sporadic occurrence in a flock, usually unilateral, isolation of bacteria from milk samples), (ii) mycoplasmal mastitis [usually epidemic occurrence in a flock, usually bilateral accompanied by other signs (e.g., arthritis), isolation of Mycoplasma spp. from milk samples] and (iii) infection by Small Ruminant Lentivirus [usually epidemic occurrence in a flock, usually bilateral accompanied by various signs (e.g., respiratory or neurological signs) in the same or other animals of the flock, detection of antibodies to the virus, pro-viral DNA or viral RNA in blood samples]. Subclinical mastitis should be always suspected as one of the primary causes in cases of decreased milk production in dairy flocks; it should also be considered as a possible factor in cases of suboptimal growth rate of lambs in mutton-type production flocks. Diagnosis of subclinical mastitis is based on detection of infection (i.e., isolation of microorganisms from milk samples) and/or inflammatory reaction in the mammary gland. The best method for detection of the inflammatory reaction remains the demonstration of increased cellular content in milk, although various other methods, have been proposed. For individual animals, values <0.5×106 cellsmL−1 indicate a healthy mammary gland and values >1.0×106 cellsmL−1 indicate a mammary gland with clinical or subclinical mastitis, with no need to perform a simultaneous bacteriological examination of milk samples to confirm the problem; values between 0.5×106 and 1.0×106 cellsmL−1 indicate ‘suspected disease’, hence there is a need for performing bacteriological examination in milk. Two consecutive measurements increase accuracy of results. In bulk milk samples, counts of 0.65×106 cellsmL−1 indicate approximately 15% prevalence of subclinical mastitis in the flock. In the differential diagnosis of cases of reduced milk yield in ewes, other possible causes of the problem should be taken into account (e.g., parasitic infections, chronic wasting diseases, suboptimal level of nutrition); in cases of suboptimal growth rate of lambs, other factors may be responsible (e.g., protozoan or parasitic infections, energy or micronutrient deficiency, viral disease). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Parasitic helminths are highly complex organisms with large, polymorphic genomes and enormous biotic potentials. They have evolved over millions of years to exploit whatever conditions arise, and will continue to do so in response to adverse stimuli such as practices aimed at their control, or advantageous stimuli, for example afforded by climatic variation and economics-driven changes in farm management. Helminth control is therefore definitely unsustainable and the challenge facing UK sheep farmers is to ensure that current measures enable economically viable sheep production for long enough to allow for the development of new strategies, before the existing methods eventually fail. This paper was presented at the 2013 Eighth International Sheep Veterinary Congress, illustrating certain areas in which the unsustainability of helminth control in UK sheep has already been identified, and summarising approaches that are being taken to enable adequate productivity in the face of such challenges. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: An effective vaccine that improves the control of contagious agalactia in Mediterranean regions would be beneficial for poorer farmers who use traditional husbandry methods for sheep and goat production. However while there is little published data on the efficacy of commercially available vaccines for contagious agalactia, evidence from the field suggests that some provide inadequate protection. This paper compares four different vaccine formulations, including a widely used commercial vaccine, using clinical signs and mycoplasma excretion as measures of protection in sheep. Results showed that protection afforded by the vaccines, following contact challenge with experimentally infected ewes, varied considerably. A live attenuated vaccine, presently forbidden in the European Union, conferred the best clinical protection, despite a lack of serological response, followed by a vaccine prepared by inactivating the mycoplasmas with saponin. A commercial vaccine inactivated with formalin provided no protection against this disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The present paper reports the clinical findings in myiosis in 33 sheep and in 11 dogs in the flocks of the affected sheep. Moreover, it presents a protocol for treatment of genital myiosis. Location of lesions in affected sheep was as follows: in 16 animals (9 rams, 7 ewes) at the genitalia, in 6 animals in one of their ear canals, in 5 animals at the hoofs in one of their legs, in 3 animals on the back, in 3 animals on the neck. In the genitalia of rams, findings were difficult or partial exteriorising of penis, markedly thickened prepuce with fistulae along the tissue and presence of dipteran larvae in the subcutaneous tissue. In the genitalia of ewes, findings included vulvar oedema, hyperaemia and/or petechiae in the vaginal wall, muco-haemorrhagic discharge, 2–3 subcutaneous fistulae around the vulva and presence of dipteran larvae in the vagina or in the subcutaneous fistulae around the vulva. Location of lesions in affected dogs was as follows: in 6 animals on the neck, in 5 animals in one of their legs and in 1 animal in the tail. Larvae were collected and identified by using classical parasitological techniques; in 32 sheep cases and in all (11) dog cases, they were identified as Wohlfahrtia magnifica larvae, whilst in one sheep case they were identified as Lucilia sericata larvae (this being the first recovery of Lucilia sp. from myiosis in Greece). In cases of genital myiosis, treatment included, initially, mechanical removal of the larvae by using medical forceps whilst massaging the affected area; this was followed by thorough cleansing of the area with 2% chlorhexidine solution (1:40 in water); subsequently, moxidectin 1% inj. sol. (0.3mg per kg bodyweight) and flunixin meglumine inj. sol. (2.2mg/kg bodyweight) were administered. The procedure was repeated 8–10 days later. Ewes with genital infestation were also prescribed a 7-day long course of an injectable broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent. In all cases, all larvae were successfully removed with the above treatment. However, in 5 animals (3 rams, 2 ewes), lesions, which had developed before start of treatment, were so extensive that it was considered that they would cause difficulties in subsequent matings or lambings; hence, it was advised to cull these animals. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper reviews some key aspects of important flock health issues in Scandinavia/northern Europe. The number of sheep in Scandinavia/northern Europe and the sheep livestock trend are shortly summarized, and focus is made on sheep disease diagnostics and health records, disease and management, approach to flock problems, lamb loss, and some specific diseases not being dealt with by others; like toxoplasmosis, trace element deficiencies, plant poisoning (“alveld”) and radioactivity problems. Although few notifiable sheep diseases and zoonoses occur in Scandinavia, numerous common diseases are causing welfare problems among sheep and economic loss to the farmer, and there is a lot to be gained by improved diagnostics and preventive work. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to use body condition scoring as a cross-farm assessment tool, it is important that different assessors can consistently grade sheep along the same scale. This paper examined the intra- and inter-assessor reliability of three trained and experienced assessors who independently assessed the body condition of 141 Lleyn, Cambridge-cross and Welsh Mule-crossbred ewes using full- or half-point scoring precision of a six-point ordinal scale. Assessor reliability was evaluated using percentage (%) agreement, weighted kappa (κ w ), and Kendall''s coefficient of concordance (W). Kruskal–Wallis one-way analysis of variance and graphical representation of the data were also used to examine for assessor bias. The on-farm studies found that the intra-assessor reliability of an assessor, who provided training in the scoring method, was higher when half- (96%, κ w 0.7, W 0.7) rather than full-unit scoring precision (79%, κ w 0.6, W 0.6) was used. Similarly, a higher level of inter-observer agreement was found when two additional assessors applied half- (94%, κ w 0.6, W 0.7) rather than full-unit scores (93%, κ w 0.4, W 0.4). Consequently, the effect of a brief re-calibration exercise on the between-observer agreement for the assessment of full-unit body condition scores (BCS) was examined. Prior to the exercise, the paired agreement between two assessors and the trainer ranged from 68 to 78%, κ w 0.3–0.5, and W 0.4–0.5. Following the re-calibration exercise, the level of inter-observer agreement increased to 75–93%, κ w 0.4–0.7, and W 0.4–0.6. No significant effect of assessor bias was found (p >0.05). However, most sample sheep were identified within the mid-range of body condition (BCS 2–3), which affected the analysis and interpretation of reliability data. Overall, the results suggested that trained and experienced assessors reliably scored the body condition of sheep using both half- and full-unit scores, and that a period of re-calibration may offer a feasible means of maintaining the consistency of cross-farm assessments performed by different assessors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) could have a negative impact on the nutritional efficiency and productivity of sheep and goats. However, feeding of the hosts can also affect parasites. This paper reviews literature data on nutritional manipulation of small ruminants as a tool for the control of GIN under hot humid and subhumid tropical conditions. Parasites are integrated into the food chain of foraging small ruminants. A balanced grazing system provides an adequate source of nutrients and an acceptable GIN burden that allows an optimum level of productivity. However, a breakdown in such balance may induce severe parasite infections. Diet manipulation strategies have been tested under tropical conditions. Animals receiving supplementary feeding may achieve an improved resilience against GIN infections. However, the improvement of resistance of sheep and goats against GIN through supplementation has been less studied and many confounding factors should be considered (pattern of fodder consumption, dilution of eggs in the faeces, direct anthelmintic (AH) effect of some ingredients, etc.). Some supplements cause a direct AH effect (i.e. copper wire particles against Haemonchus contortus). Meanwhile, bioactive plant secondary metabolites (PSM), such as tannins, are more complex. Some PSM may cause negative effects in the host (i.e. reducing feed digestibility), and yet animals consume bioactive plants at levels that can cause evident negative effects to the parasites. The GIN can be affected in different stages of their life cycle (i.e. adults with fewer eggs in utero or reduced worm burdens). Meanwhile, they can also affect new infections for the host (affecting egg hatchability and larvae motility in the faeces or avoiding exsheathment of incoming infective larvae in the host). Grazing management should be explored in most hot humid and subhumid tropical regions. Available results suggest that alternate and rotational grazing can both provide opportunities to reduce dependence on AH and can easily be complemented with supplementary feeding. More basic knowledge of animal nutrition and GIN epidemiology under hot humid and subhumid tropical conditions is needed to improve the applicability of nutritional strategies for the control of GIN infections. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In North-western Europe, most of the land mass is classified as Less Favoured Area (LFA) under European designation and hill farms in these areas are a major contributor to the rural industry. Scotland alone is no different, as its rural land-based industry is fragile and has been dependent for many decades on high and continued levels of support payments. With recent agricultural policy reforms and changes in support for hill farmers, the future of these farming businesses is uncertain, and one purpose of this paper is to understand how they have already responded and might respond to further policy changes. This is not only important for the land use economy but also for the wider Scottish rural community and environment. Data from three regions, typical of hill farming areas in mainland Scotland, was collated in 2007; firstly from a postal survey with 47 respondents, followed by 30 face-to-face on-farm interviews. Farmers were asked to consider three time periods (2001–2005; 2005–2007; 2008–2013) and to detail any changes they had made, or planned to make, in their management and livestock numbers. During the interviews, additional questions regarding their motivations, drive and constraints were also asked. Fifty-three percent of the farmers surveyed had made major management changes in 2001–2005; 49% made changes in 2005–2007 and 53% projected to do so in 2008–2013. The main reported change was a decrease in animal numbers, due to economic factors, such as costs of labour and feed, and loss of subsidies. Multivariate analysis (Principal Coordinate and Cluster Analysis) of the results identified 3 clusters of farmers. Subsequent ANOVA and Chi-square analyses on the clusters showed that age, education, impact on farm labour, and impacts of neighbouring farms and their livestock reductions, were the most important factors that separated these clusters. Cluster 1 (adaptive farmers) broadly represented extensive sheep farms with farmers, who could and did diversify their income; they were also older and had the highest level of education. It was found that their animal management was greatly influenced by their neighbours’ decisions. Cluster 2 (focused farmers) was reflective of relatively more intensive sheep and beef farms, with no direct interest in farm diversification. Cluster 3 (resource constrained farmers) comprised very large extensive sheep and beef farms, which were also limited by their resources. Most ‘adaptive’ and ‘focused’ farmers planned to further modify their management in 2008–2013. Declining stock numbers in the study farms were consistent with trends in agricultural census data following the latest CAP reforms. However, the typology gave more insight of the differing farmers’ motivation and constraints when faced with reforms; this indicated that policy development should rely on multi-faceted data sources. The interdependency and fragility of these varied hill systems was highlighted by this study, pointing out the value of more targeted delivery of policy mechanisms to reflect such diversity. This is not unique to Scotland and reflects similar experiences elsewhere in Europe''s marginal agricultural areas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Small ruminants are the most efficient transformers of low quality forage into high quality animal products with distinguished chemical composition and organoleptic characteristics. There is a wide range of sheep and goat farming systems from highly extensive, based on natural grasslands or rangelands, to very intensive ones, based on natural grazing and supplementary feeding. Usually, the systems which are under comparison are those based mainly on pasture vs. the indoor ones. The aim of this paper is to provide an integrated analysis of the major aspects of the nature and composition of small ruminants products, such as milk and meat, and then the effect of feeding systems on chemical composition and quality characteristics of those products (i.e. fatty acid profile, antioxidants, vitamins, muscle:fat ratio, flavour, taste, etc.), since milk and meat quality is constantly evolving, partly in response to the rising concerns of consumers in terms of safety, health, ethical aspects, origin etc. As small ruminants milk is mostly transformed into cheese and its yield depends on milk composition, the main objectives of the dairy sheep and goat breeders are to improve milk quality by increasing the total milk solids output and stabilizing the milk composition (fat and protein) through the appropriate level of nutrition. Factors such as forage:concentrate ratio, dietary fat supplements, pasture, etc. have essential effect on small ruminants milk yield, milk composition and fatty acid (FA) profile. A number of studies have shown that milk from sheep and goats in pasture is enriched in substances of natural origin like phenolic compounds, fat soluble vitamins, flavours terpenes, bioactive lipid components, unsaturated FA and CLA, in addition to being naturally high in medium-chain FA in comparison to those fed conventional concentrate-forage diets. However, there are species differences between sheep and goats as the dietary effects on those parameters concerns, which could be explained by the differences found in mRNA of stearoyl-CoA desaturase of their mammary adipocytes. The feeding system effects on meat quality is more difficult to be identified because lambs and kids of different breed, weaned at different age and live weight or raised on different types of pastures have different growth rate and carcass characteristics like level of fatness, FA profile, flavour, tenderness, taste, etc. It has been demonstrated that lambs and kids raised under a grazing system without any supplementation, present an inferior fatness degree and a higher meat fat concentration of n−3 PUFA and CLA. Lamb meat has higher fat content, higher proportions of SFA and lower MUFA compared to goats, under similar dietary treatment, which make goat meat especially valuable nutritionally and for consumer health. In conclusion, the existing unfavourable properties of small ruminant products can be improved by nutritional intervention to modify their FA profile for the consumer''s health benefit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Fostering is a process used by sheep farmers for the rearing of abandoned lambs or in the incidence of triplets, providing the surplus lamb a surrogate ewe. Historically, research has assessed the varying success rates of different fostering methods and evaluated them using the latency to accept the alien lamb. There are no current studies on the frequency of use of the different methods, nor the farmers’ perception of the effects of the methods on ewe behaviour and welfare. The aim of the survey was to identify which fostering methods are currently in use in the UK and to gain an insight into farmers’ attitudes towards them, in relation to the ewe''s behaviour and welfare. Data were collected using paper and online questionnaires that were distributed with the help of stakeholders such as the English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX) and at events such as the Royal Show and the NSA Sheep event. Seventy five farmers responded and results showed that they used birth fluids and restraint more often than other methods. Farmers believed that restraint methods can have negative welfare implications as determined by the ewe''s behaviour and the lamb growth rate. There was also a significant relationship between the foster method and breed type. The farmers also suggested that the birth fluid method was preferred by the animals compared to all of the other methods as it was less disruptive and restricting to the ewes. Exploratory Factor Analysis identified two main factors influencing the farmers’ choice of foster methods; these were the ‘ewes health and welfare’ and ‘the farmers previous knowledge and success of the method’. The former had a significantly greater influence than the latter signifying that farmers are concerned for the animal''s welfare during this process. Overall, farmers acknowledged that the selection of the appropriate foster method is a means to increase lamb productivity which can influence their return. They also recognised that the display of positive or negative ewe behaviours plays a vital role in the selection process of the fostering technique. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In the past, the emerging pathogen Arcobacter has been associated with reproduction disorders and mastitis in livestock, but has also been isolated from healthy animals. Information on Arcobacter excretion by small ruminants is scarce. For this reason, the study reported in this paper aimed to assess the occurrence of arcobacters in healthy sheep and goats on farms. In total, 330 faecal samples were collected on three sheep, four goat farms, and one mixed farm. Drinking water, milk and urine samples were also collected on the same farms. Isolates, obtained by an Arcobacter selective method, were identified with a species-specific multiplex-PCR and characterized by enterobacterial intergenic consensus PCR. It was found that arcobacters were excreted in 43.1% of the faecal samples from sheep and out of 10.7% of those from goats. The percentages varied between the farms, animals and the sampling occasions. In both goats and sheep, Arcobacter butzleri and Arcobacter cryaerophilus were the dominant species, and the majority of the strains were only excreted once. This study indicates that healthy sheep and goats, in particular the former, are important carriers of Arcobacter species. The fact that arcobacters are asymptomatically present in the intestinal tract of healthy small ruminants poses an important risk for faecal contamination of carcasses during slaughter and possibly of milk on farms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper presents the analysis of 3525 production records of mixed age Romney ewes in a fleece weight selected (HF) or random control (RC) flock over 11 years. HF ewes were significantly (P <0.001) heavier than RC ewes for autumn live weight (8%), winter live weight (9%), summer live weight (7%), greasy fleece weight (20%) and clean fleece weight (19%). Small but significant (P <0.01) flock differences were also found for wool fibre diameter and wool yellowness. HF flock fleeces were coarser (1.0μm) and more yellow (0.8 unit) than RC fleeces. The HF flock was significantly (P <0.01) higher than RC for ovulation rate (1.80 vs. 1.73 SED 0.03), number of lambs born/ewes lambed (1.63 vs. 1.56 SED 0.02), and number of multiple births/ewes lambed (60% vs. 54% SED 2%), but lower (P <0.01) for number of lambs weaned/lambs born (0.84 vs. 0.88 SED 0.01). The results indicate that single trait selection for fleece weight enhances greasy and clean fleece weights, live weight and ovulation rate, with an associated increase in fibre diameter and yellowness of their fleeces. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Pathogenic bacteria adversely affect the health and productivity of sheep in a variety of production systems. This paper provides a guide to the major bacterial diseases of sheep, outlines best practice for collection and transport of appropriate samples to a diagnostic laboratory and summarises laboratory techniques used to identify the pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As in other species, the first point in sheep clinical biochemistry is the correct selection of the appropriate tests and, consequently, the optimal management of the pre-analytical phase from the collection of the samples to their management and possible transport or storage before analysis. There are so many different breeds and breeding systems in sheep, as well as laboratory techniques, that no universally acceptable reference values and ranges can be provided. Each laboratory should determine its own reference values and ranges, according to recommended methods. The main uses of clinical biochemistry in sheep health management are in the diagnosis of liver, muscle and nutritional disorders, for which selected examples are discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Good sheep flock health management is a prerequisite for economically sustainable, efficient productivity. Veterinary flock health planning involves disease investigations, monitoring and biosecurity, each of which is underpinned by the implementation of diagnostic techniques. While a large array of diagnostic techniques is available, it is important that the most appropriate tests are chosen and that the results are interpreted rationally, within the context of the problem being investigated or monitored. This paper uses examples of common production-limiting problems to illustrate the implementation and value of diagnostic techniques in sheep flock health management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Sheep welfare is the combination of subjective and objective (qualitative and quantitative) aspects of the conditions of life of animals, including health and disease, behaviour, husbandry and management; thus, it is a complex and abstract construct. The scientific approach to the problems of assessing suffering in sheep has to be evidence-based. Different approaches contribute to an assessment of animal suffering, such as measurements of physical damage to the animal, measurement of the animals’ preferences and considerations of the conditions to which the animal is adapted in its normal social structure. Selected literature on the behavioural alterations of sheep, which indicate internal or external distressing procedures, is reviewed in this paper. There is a need for further research to identify indicators of distress in sheep, but in the meantime it would be reasonable to make the judgement that, in some circumstances, sheep observed vocalising, panting, showing markedly increased locomotory activity and/or changes in feeding or social patterns could be experiencing distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Neonatal lamb mortality, caused either by disorders of non-infectious aetiology or by pathological conditions of microbial or parasitic aetiology, is defined as the death of newborn lambs during the first 28 days of their life. Neonatal lamb mortality reduces significantly the productivity of sheep flocks. A realistic target for neonatal lamb mortality rate in a well-managed flock should be 3%; the upper acceptable limit under any circumstances should be 5%. Effective control of the various disorders requires timely and accurate diagnosis of the cause of mortality. Initially, management practices in the flock should be evaluated, as they can affect neonatal mortality rate. Then, appropriate clinical and pathological examinations should be performed; the age at which lambs had died should be determined. The paper summarises the steps to be taken when investigating deaths of newborn lambs, as well as providing some guidelines regarding identification of potential causes of the deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is a highly specific and sensitive technique which is now available to aid in the confirmation of diagnosis of many diseases of sheep. When available for use on formalin fixed, paraffin wax-embedded tissue samples, it can be used widely for prospective cases as well as on retrospective studies on archive material. However, for each disease it is vital to select the most appropriate tissue organ samples, to fix them correctly and to be aware of potential limitations of each individual immunohistochemical methodology. In this paper we present a review of many of the diseases of sheep for which specific IHC has been reported including the sources of the reagents and technical aspects of the methodologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), several programs and centers have been established to study and evaluate halophytic and salt-tolerant plant communities. A large number of halophytic species, acquired from various parts of the world, have been evaluated and field-tested under salt and seawater irrigation regimes at UAE University and International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA). Among these species, Sporobolus virginicus and Distichlis spicata were thoroughly evaluated and showed consistent yield potential and forage quality under high levels of salinity. Currently, these grasses are grown as irrigated crops on a large scale and mechanically handled and harvested at UAE University and ICBA. Several experiments were carried out at the UAE University on sheep and goats to investigate the effect of feeding Sporobolus and Distichlis grasses as well as a mixture of Atriplex shrubs on growth performance and carcass composition. In this paper, results of five experiments aimed to evaluate the performance of sheep and goats fed these plants were presented. Animals were allocated to several dietary treatment groups to have either Sporobolus and Distichlis grass hay or a mixture of Atriplex shrubs as a source of forage in a replacement series with the conventional forage Rhodes grass commonly used in the region. Two breeds of sheep (local and Awassi breeds) and one local breed of goats were used. The result data indicated that the productive performance or carcass characteristics of sheep were not influenced by the inclusion of different levels of Sporobolus grass hay in the diets. Similarly, the inclusion of Distichlis grass hay as the only source of forage up to 100% in the diet did not have any adverse effect on growth performance or carcass composition of growing local goat kids. These studies also showed that, incorporating Atriplex spp. shrubs and Sporobolus grass hay into mixed diets enhanced growth performance of local goats. It can be concluded that when managed properly, S. virginicus and D. spicata, have the economic and environmental potential to be used in an integrated forage-sheep and goats system particularly in marginal environments with low quality soil and water resources. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Overgrazing and mismanagement of rangelands, climate change, drought and ‘salinisation’ of lands are threatening the sustainability of production systems and the fertility of cropping lands worldwide. This alarming situation drew the attention of policy makers, scientists and technicians and motivated them to develop feasible and sustainable strategies targeting the promotion of livestock sector in arid and semi arid zones, drought mitigation, protection and better use of natural resources (i.e. rangelands and water sources) and combating soil and water salinity. There has been an increasing awareness of the value of shrubs in forage production and for rehabilitation of depleted rangelands. Among the wide range of multipurpose fodder trees and shrubs, oldman saltbush (Atriplex nummularia Lindl.) has received increasing interest as livestock forage and valuable revegetation species on marginal saline lands, especially in arid zones of Australia and in the West Asia and North Africa (WANA) region. Adapted to drought and water and soil salinity, oldman saltbush produces important consumable biomass in areas where other crops cannot grow. To cope with these harsh conditions, this species accumulates high levels of salt and oxalates on its leaves rendering them less palatable and decreasing their nutritive value. Even though, satisfactory performance of small ruminants fed on A. nummularia has been reported in numerous research studies. This paper presents a thorough review of the literature on fodder potential of oldman saltbush and highlights the main constraints and opportunities to make better use of this shrub for feeding sheep and goat under different production systems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper aims to explore farmers’ preferences for sheep or goats based on feeding practices, animal and flock performances and economic benefits of sheep and goats in different agro-ecological zones in Central Java, Indonesia. In total, 150 smallholder farmers were selected from three agro-ecological zones: the lowlands, the middle zone, and the uplands. Feeding and performance parameters were estimated through weekly farm visits and farm records, from September 2001 to August 2003. In the lowlands, small ruminants were fed mainly with field grass and crop residues, whereas in the middle zone and uplands feeds fed were mainly field grass and leaves. Sheep were given more opportunities to graze than goats, however, grazing was not a major component in the diets. In the lowlands and the middle zone the differences in feed intakes, ADG and reproductive performances between sheep and goats were small. In all zones, does had significantly larger litters than ewes. In the uplands, goats had a significantly higher DMI, grew slightly faster, and had a higher weaning rate than sheep. Consequently, in the uplands, the total economic benefits from goat flocks were 25% higher than from sheep flocks. The major differences in agro-ecological conditions that affect the choice for sheep or goats were the availability of cassava peels in the lowlands, favouring a choice for sheep, and the abundance of leaves in the middle zone and uplands, which favours keeping goats. The promotion of goats by the government, the family tradition of keeping sheep or goats, the preference for sacrificing sheep for religious festivities, and the high initial investment needed to buy goat breeding stock could be other important motives to keep sheep or goats. Sheep fattening based on rice bran supplementation could be a feasible innovation in the lowlands. In the middle zone and uplands goat breeding could make a positive contribution to rural livelihoods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Production diseases are established when there is an intense imbalance between what is offered to the animal (as food) and what is required (in the form of milk/meat/offspring). In such situations, the solution involves not only the assessment of animal ration or the health program, but also, their health status. This information can only be accessed by performing blood tests, measuring a series of specific metabolites and enzymatic activities, and interpreting them in the scenario in which the animals are, which is known as clinical biochemistry. The aim of this paper is to address the information we get through the measurement of the different profiles, with special emphasis on the metabolic ones; when to do it, and when not to, what precautions should be taken so that blood collected by venipuncture can be reliable for further analysis and interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The aims of this paper are to give a brief overview of world sheep production at present and to describe in detail sheep production and profitability using New Zealand as a case example. Sheep numbers have been declining throughout the world over the last five years, resulting in decreased sheep meat production and a resultant shortage of supply. There is evidence that demand in the short-term will not be met by the major exporters (New Zealand and Australia). Although sheep numbers have declined in New Zealand, production has increased dramatically, with lambing percentages increasing from 98% in 1987 to 125% in 2008 and carcass weights from 14 to 17kg, respectively. Despite this production increase, return on capital in the farming business has been around 1% per annum. However, property values have increased by around 10% offsetting the low return on capital from farming sheep. There are a number of challenges facing New Zealand''s sheep farmers, namely changing land-use patterns, climate change and greenhouse gas mitigation, all of which will potentially impact on future profitability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In recent years, vector-borne diseases are (re)-emerging and spreading across the world, having a profound impact on human and animal health, ecology, socio-economics and disease management. Arguably, the best documented example of veterinary importance is the recent twofold invasion of blue tongue in Europe. In this paper, the history of the introduction and establishment of blue tongue in Europe is reviewed. It is also discussed how wind can play a major role in its spread once established. This example serves as an introduction to a more general discussion on how the current state of the art in this field may impact on policy making. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A new veterinary specialization College, named European College of Small Ruminant Health Management [ECSRHM], has been established. This new veterinary speciality refers to: (i) husbandry, internal medicine, obstetrics and reproduction, surgery, as applied to epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, therapy and control of diseases of small ruminants (sheep, goats); (ii) individual patients or flocks/herds; (iii) quality and safety of products from small ruminants; (iv) control of transmitting zoonoses. Veterinarians, members of the College will be entitled to use the designation of “Diplomate of the European College of Small Ruminant Health Management” (“Dip.ECSRHM”). This is the highest European specialization title in small ruminant health management; it is a superior professional veterinary qualification, with high academic standards. This paper presents the principles of the College, as well as the opportunities available for European veterinarians to train and register as members of the College and consequently as specialists in small ruminant health management. It also describes the achievements of the College during the first year of its operation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper reviews some of the key aspects of an animal health and production service in New Zealand and Australia after 35 years of personal experience. The objective of that veterinary advisory work is to increase production and profitability of sheep farms. Properties serviced grazed between 3000 and 28,000 breeding ewes. A certain amount of knowledge and understanding of sheep farming systems is necessary before a veterinarian can offer such programmes. Much of that knowledge can be learned. Programmes can grow from small beginnings, such as good animal health advice, and then expand into other areas of sheep management. The provider should be comfortable giving advice on agronomy, nutrition, genetics and economics. This information can be sourced or be provided by another professional. The veterinarian is a source of practical information. When change is contemplated, the options are presented and the most viable options should be considered. It is essential to listen to the client, so that the advice recommended is most likely to be adopted. After each visit a report should be written for the client, so that all recommendations are clearly explained and can be referred to when necessary. The type of clientele serviced varies, but all farmers want to increase production and efficiency in their operation. Some want major structural change, while others may only want to be reassured that the contemplated change will improve their performance. There is an increasing opportunity to work for absentee owners and corporations that have profitability as their goal. Most clients could be serviced intensively for 3–5 years and then are visited for an annual review. The areas in which the greatest gains are made are in increasing lambing percentage and in growing better young sheep. Minimizing wastage can be significant on some properties. The results achieved vary with the ability of the sheep producer to introduce changes. However, on many properties an initial small change is all that is required to increase income to allow further development to occur. Most of the gains made in production do not incur increased costs. On larger properties, income can be increased by up to AUD 250,000 annually. The rewards from being involved in this work are huge. Sometimes one has to wait to see the change, but that waiting is worthwhile. It is not only the production and income increase, but the change in confidence of the producer that is most rewarding. The change in family well-being is another reward, which is difficult to measure. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The French West Indies and Caribbean authorities have the objective of increasing small ruminant production to match market demand and develop local economies. This paper highlights research results obtained in the French West Indies over the last 25 years in small ruminant farming. The accumulated knowledge enabled the design of an intensive grazing system whose main characteristics are: (i) three mating periods a year, each one involving half the flock, in order to achieve an 8-month interval between parturitions; (ii) rotational grazing of pastures (1 week in, 4–5 weeks out); (iii) irrigation during the dry season, according to the grass requirement and rainfall shortage; and fertilisation from 0.5 to 1kg N per day per ha; (iv) stocking rate of up to 40 suckling ewes or 60 suckling goats per ha, or from 1200 to 1600kg live weight (LW) per hectare for weaned lambs and kids. The average live weights of weaners were 27.9 and 16.3kg LW per female per year, for ewes and goats, respectively. The yearly post weaning output reached 1482 and 1132kg LW/ha, for sheep and goats, respectively. The constraints to production are highlighted and some proposals for improved small ruminant farming are suggested. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Occurrence of resistance to anthelmintics and increased awareness about drug residues entering the food chain and harming the environment, have called for a reduction in the regular, preventive use of anthelmintics and an increase in the use of non-chemical means to control parasitic infections in small ruminants. In the present paper, we focus on the consequences of the nutritional interventions, in the form of nutritional supplementation and/or the consumption of bioactive plants, on host resistance to parasitism. We also consider possible synergisms between the various nutritional options for parasite control, as well as their interaction with other chemical and non-chemical control measures. The chemical control measures include the targeted, selective use of anthelmintics, which is achieved either by monitoring and treating individual animals, or by targeting specific nematode species and consequently minimising the use of anthelmintics. We believe that it is timely to look at these synergisms, as it becomes evident that future parasite control will be achieved with the combined use of more than one strategy. We elaborate on the feasibility of their combined, simultaneous or consecutive use and conclude with suggestions for future research directions to fully explore these synergisms and their potential use for helminth control in sheep production. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper highlights the importance of sheep lameness in both welfare and economic terms. The importance of correct diagnosis when dealing with a lameness problem is emphasised. The diseases causing lameness on a whole-flock basis (interdigital dermatitis, footrot and contagious ovine digital dermatitis) are discussed, particularly the diagnostic features, the treatment and the appropriate control measures. Attention is drawn to other causes of lameness, which may be confused with these important causes of lameness. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]