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Standart süt testleri, süt verimi ve kalitesi gibi izleme özelliklerini içerir. Standart süt testlerinin yapılmasına ek olarak, süt özelliklerini belirlemek için potansiyel biyobelirteçler olarak hareket edebilecek metabolitleri değerlendirmek artık mümkün. Bu çalışma İvesi koyunlarında süt verimi ve kalitesi ile ilgili metabolomik parametreleri belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Çalışmamızda süt verimi yüksek 13, süt verimi düşük 13 olmak üzere toplam 26 İvesi koyunu incelenmiştir. Metabolomik analiz için sıvı kromatografi tandem kütle spektrometrisi kullanıldı. Aspartik asit, ornitin, anserin ve sistatiyonin düzeyleri açısından iki grup arasında farklı düzeylerde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark vardı (P

This study evaluated the feasibility of using different coding systems for categorical variables when using continuous and categorical variables together for the modeling of the lactation milk yield of Awassi sheep. In the study, when all variables were included in the model, and Dummy Coding and Effect Coding methods were used for age, the effects of lactation duration, average daily milk yield, type of birth, and age 5 group were found to be statistically significant in addition to the constant term. When the Deviation Coding method was used for age, the effects of lactation duration and average daily milk yield were found to be statistically significant in addition to the constant term. On the other hand, when Forward and Backward Coding methods were used, the effect of the age 5 group was found to be statistically significant, along with the effects of lactation duration and average daily milk yield. The results of the study indicated that different results can be obtained depending on the various coding systems used. The results also indicated that the choice of coding system affected the interpretation of the obtained coefficients. Therefore, it can be stated that the aims of the researcher in the study should be defined clearly and the proper codding system should be selected according to the variables to be included in the model.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of serogroup A of Pasteurella multocida in Syrian Awassi sheep. Of 1630 samples collected from nasal swabs of healthy and pneumonic sheep (125 herds) and pneumonic sheep lungs, a total of 228 (13.9%) strains were isolated and identified as P. multocida subsp. multocida by phenotypic and biochemical characterisation. However, of them only 117 (51.3%) were identified as serogroup A of P. multocida when PCR assay with specific primers for serogroup A strains was applied. The highest rate of serogroup A isolation was from apparently healthy sheep (49.6%) with consideration that all lung isolates (23 isolates) belonged to serogroup A. Geographical and seasonal distribution showed that about 60% of positively isolated bacteria originated from Syrian desert (29 isolates) and central parts of semi-arid step zone (41 isolates). A significant increase (P≤0.05) in the rate of positive isolates was observed in winter as compared to spring. Pathogenicity tests of 10 isolates with 50 or 10 LD50 values showed that 5 isolates were able to induce symptoms of fowl cholera in challenge-exposed chickens indicating that migratory Awassi sheep might serve as a carrier for serogroup A of P. multocida and that ovine isolates may be virulent for local breed of chickens.

In this study, two experiments were conducted to study the effect of both the follicle size and the cryoprotectants dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethylene glycol (EG) on the main phases of nuclear maturation (Experiment I), cleavage stages and embryo quality (Experiment II) of Awassi sheep oocytes. Follicles were classified into two groups: small follicles (SF) (1-2 mm) and large follicles (LF) (> 2 mm). Oocytes were vitrified in three solutions: A (30% DMSO), B (30% EG) and C (15% DMSO and 15% EG). In Experiment I, the resulting vitrified-thawed oocytes in solution C achieved the best rates after the control group (fresh), respectively as the rates of maturation, germinal vesicle (GV), metaphase II(M-II), arrest, and lyses were 85.71% (P = 0.04), 8.33% (P = 0.02), 72.92% (P = 0.04); LF group, 15.25% (P = 0.04), and 5.08% (P = 0.04); SF group, respectively. In Experiment II, the same group of oocytes achieved the best rates after the control group, as the rates of fertilization, cleavage, 2-16 cell, Type3, blastocyst, and Type1 embryos were 63.28% (P = 0.001), 57.46% (P = 0.001), 40.38% (P = 0.04), 38.46% (P = 0.04); LF group, 30.00% (P = 0.01), and SF group 36.67% (P = 0.001), respectively, while the vitrified-thawed oocytes in A solution (SF group) reached the highest rate of Type 2 embryo quality (58.06%; P = 0.01). No significant differences were noticed in the germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), metaphase I (M-I) and morula stage. Vitrification of oocytes obtained from follicles with a diameter of more than 2 mm in a cocktail solution of DMSO (15%) and EG (15%) led to a significant increase in the yield and quality of the resulting sheep embryos., U ovom su radu provedena dva istraživanja kako bi se proučio utjecaj veličine folikula te dimetil-sulfoksidnih (DMSO) i etilen-glikolnih (EG) krioprotektora na glavne faze sazrijevanja nukleusa (pokus I), te faze brazdanja i kvalitetu embrija (pokus II) oocita u ovaca avasi pasmine. Folikuli su podijeljeni u dvije skupine: mali (SF) (1 – 2 mm) i veliki (LF) (> 2 mm). Oocite su odmrznute u tri otopine:A(30 % DMSO), B (30 % EG) i C (15 % DMSO i 15 % EG). U pokusu I oocite odmrznute u otopini C postigle su najbolje rezultate poslije kontrolne skupine (nezamrznute oocite), budući da su stope sazrijevanja, germinalne vezikule (GV), metafaze II (M-II), zastoja i razgradnje iznosile kako slijedi: 85.71% (P = 0.04), 8.33% (P = 0.02) 72.92% (P = 0.04); LF group, 15.25% (P = 0.04), and SF group 5.08% (P = 0.04). U pokusu II ista je skupina oocita postigla najbolje rezultate poslije kontrolne skupine. Stope oplodnje, dijeljenja stanica, 2 – 16 stanica, tip 3, blastocista, i tip 1 embriji iznosile su kako slijedi: 63,28 % (P = 0,001), 57,46 % (P = 0,001), 40,38 % (P = 0,04), 38,46 % (P = 0,04); skupina LF 30,00 % (P = 0,01) i skupina SF 36,67 % (P = 0,001). Odmrznute oocite u otopini A (skupina SF) postigle su najvišu stopu za tip 2 embrij (58,06 %; P = 0,01). Nije bilo znakovite razlike u razgradnji gestacijske vrećice (GVBD), metafazi I (M-I) i stadiju morule. Vitrifikacija oocita proizašla iz folikula s promjerom većim od 2 mm u kombiniranoj otopini DMSO (15 %) i EG (15 %) dovodi do znakovitog porasta u prinosu i kvaliteti dobivenih ovčjih embrija.

A total of 32 weaned (3.5-4 months) of Awassi (16) and Karadi (16) lambs were randomly allocated into two equal groups to be fed either ad libitum or 3% of their body weight concentrate, and to be slaughtered at 36 and 44 kg body weight. After chilling at 40c for 24h, the carcass was split along the vertebral column into two halves by electric saw, and the left side was separated into eight whole sale cuts and were physically dissected into lean, fat and bone and weighed. Results reveal that the overall mean of lean, fat, bone, lean: fat and lean: bone ratio were 60.31±0.25%, 17.05± 0.69%, 22.63 ± 0.59%, 3.78 ±0.20 and 2.71 ± 0.06, respectively. It was noticed that Karadi lambs surpass significantly (P

Twenty one Awassi lambs (4 month old and 23.59 ± 031 kg body weight) were used to investigate the effect of different levels of protein on growth, carcass traits, body composition, digestibility and some blood parameters. The lambs were divided equally and randomly and penned individually into three treatment groups, and fed ad lib on low protein (129.1 T1) medium protein (140.6 T2) and high protein (151.1 T3, g/kg DM). After 72 days of fattening, 5 lambs from each treatment were chosen randomly and slaughtered. The result showed that lambs fed on T3 diet had significantly (P

Background and Aim: Grains, such as barley (BAR) and corn (CORN), are major energy sources for small ruminants. This study aimed to assess the impact of feeding either BAR or CORN-based diets on growth performance and carcass characteristics. Materials and Methods: Awassi male lambs, average body weight of 20.4±0.49 kg, were chosen randomly. Lambs were acclimated for 10 days and assigned to one of two diets (1) BAR and (2) CORN. Feeding continued for 70 days with 60 days of data collection. Daily intake was recorded. Measurements of body weight were taken starting from day 1 then once per week throughout the study period. On day 40, six lambs were randomly chosen from each group and placed in metabolism cages to assess digestibility and N balance. Lambs were slaughtered on the last day of the study to evaluate carcass characteristics and meat quality. Results: Neutral and acid detergent fiber and ether extract intake were greater (p≤0.05) for lambs fed the BAR diets. Nitrogen loss in feces tended to be greater (p=0.09) for the CORN diet. Eye muscle depth (mm) tended to be greater (p=0.07) for the BAR diet. Nutrient digestibility, daily weight gain, carcass characteristics, and meat quality were not different (p≥0.1) between diets. Conclusion: The results herein demonstrate that feeding BAR grain improved nutrient intake efficiency and consistency and did not affect weight gain and carcass traits. BAR-based diets might be a useful alternative to CORN for feeding growing lambs.

Melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R) gene plays a key role in the regulation of body weight and energy homeostasis. This study aims to evaluate the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the MC4R gene with live body weight and hormonal assays in two breeds of sheep that differ in productive performance, Awassi and Arabi. All known coding sequences of the MC4R gene were covered in this study. DNA samples from 150 animals (Awassi and Arabi breed) were genotyped by PCR‐single‐strand conformation polymorphism (PCR‐SSCP) to assess their pattern of genetic variation. Concerning exon 1, clear heterogeneity was detected with three different SSCP‐banding patterns. The sequencing reactions confirmed these variations by detecting the presence of the two novel SNPs, 107G/C and 138A/C, and three genotypes, GC, AC and AA. The 107G/C SNP was detected in GC genotype, while the 138A/C was detected on both GC and AC genotypes. The other SSCP‐banding pattern (AA genotype) did not show any detectable unique variation. Both SNPs were closely and strongly linked in both breeds (D' and r 2 values were 1.00), which signifies that both loci were co‐inherited as one unit. Association analysis indicated that both breeds with GC/AC haplotype showed higher live body weight (37.250 ± 0.790) relative to the GG/AA (30.244 ± 0.968) and CC/CC (47.231 ± 1.230) haplotypes (p .05) with the measured traits. In conclusion, the two novel SNPs (107G/C and 138 A/C) were highly associated with live body weight in both breeds. Haplotype analysis confirmed that these two novel SNPs were in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) and could be used as genetic markers for sheep phenotypic trait improvement., MC4R gene effect on the regulation of live body weight and hormonal assays in Awassi and Arabi sheep. The sequencing reactions confirmed the presence of the two novels SNP 107G/C and 138A/C in exon 1 of MC4R gene. The two novel SNP (107G/C and 138 A/C) were highly associated with live body weight. GC/AC haplotype showed higher live body weight relative to the GG/AA and CC/CC haplotypes. Haplotype analysis confirmed that these two novel SNP were in strong linkage disequilibrium and could be used as genetic markers for sheep phenotypic traits improvement.

In this study, it was aimed to determine the effects of udder type on milk yield, udder and teat traits, and some physicochemical properties of milk in 54 Awassi ewe aged 3-4 years. In this study, Type-3 udder, which was reported to be prevalent in breeded Awassi ewes. Type-4, Type-5, and Type-6 udders were not detected in ewes. The lactation period, lactation, and the daily average milk yield values were calculated as 208.33 days, 138.59 liters, and 659.49 ml, respectively. The 90th day of lactation measurements were as follows: udder circumference (44.58 ± 0.51 cm), udder width (13.20 ± 0.36 cm), udder depth (17.66 ± 0.58 cm), udder volume (881.25 ± 37.41 ml), teat length-right (3.84 ± 0.15 cm), teat length-left (3.64 ± 0.17 cm), teat diameter-right (2.07 ± 0.14 cm). The values of the physicochemical characteristics of milk generally showed an increase from the beginning to the middle periods of lactation and then decreased. In conclusion, udder type had no significant effect on the lactation period, milk yield, udder and teat characteristics and the physicochemical properties of milk in Awassi ewes. New studies are required in the determination of the yield and other characteristics of ewes in Turkey.

This study was conducted at the college of agriculture – Al-Qasim Green University to investigate the effect of breed and age of dams on several growth traits of two sheep breeds, including 123 Iraqi Awassi and 78 Iranian Karakul breeds. Variables growth traits were examined in the present study, namely body weight (BW), body length (BL), wither height (WH), rump height (RH), and chest circumference (CC), and abdominal circumference (AC). Results indicated the absence of a significant effect between both breeds in all investigated growth traits in birth. Meanwhile, a significant (P

Reproductive efficiency in terms of fertility, Prolificacy and survival rate are considered the major components of overall efficiency in sheep productivity. While fertility of Awassi ewes is moderate to high depending on feeding and management practices, however, litter size is low and Awassi is not considered a prolific breed. Heritability estimates of these traits are rather low, and reflect small genetic variation in these traits. The possible avenues for increasing reproductive capacity environmentally and genetically are discussed in the text of this review article.

This study investigated the effect of feeding two levels of rumen degradable protein in the rations during different stages of lactation on milk yield and components , twenty four cross breed Awassi ewes (Turkish Awassi × Iraqi Awassi) were used with their single lambs after birth aged 3-5 years, ewes were divided into two groups with average body weights 66.00 ± 2.32 kg and 67.10 ± 2.62 kg respectively, first group was control fed adequate level of degradable protein (10 g / Mj metabolizable energy) and second group fed high level of degradable protein (12.5 g / Mj metablizable energy) , Lactation period had been divided into three stages (early, 1-50 day ), ( mid , 51-100 day) and (late , 101-150 day), ewes were fed twice daily with restricted amount 2 kg in the early and mid and 1.5 kg in late lactation . Results showed that feeding adequate level of rumen degradable protein led to significant ( P< 0.05) increase in milk yield 785 g/day and lactose 5.81% as compared with high level 619 g/day and 5.58% respectively, also milk yield decreased ( P< 0.05) while milk fat increased ( P< 0.05) with advance milk period. Blood parameters were not affected significantly by feeding degradable protein while serum glucose, total protein and albumin decreased (P< 0.05) at late stage of milk production. Best results of interaction for rumen degradable protein and milk stages in milk yield and components yield were noted with feeding adequate level of rumen degradable protein in the early lactation.

This study was carried out for molecular detection and phylogenetic analysis of Mycoplasma spp. in Awassi sheep in Al-Muthana province, Iraq. A total of 270 milk samples and swabs were collected from infected sheep. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was performed to detect a specific 16S rRNA gene of Mycoplasma spp. in these samples. Forty-four positive samples (16.2%) were identified, from which eight samples were selected for partial-gene sequencing. Then, alignment, com-parison with referencing isolates in GenBank, and phylogenetic tree were performed using mean (UPGMA tree) in a MEGA software. The analyses revealed high homology between the current Iraqi isolates and American and Sweden Mycoplasma strains. The present molecular study showed that the studied Iraqi Awassi sheep were infected with Mycoplasma spp. with higher detection percentage from ocular swabs than from other types of samples. The phylogenic analysis registered eight Iraqi isolates with accession numbers in the GenBank with high similarity to five referencing Mycoplasma species.

Sixteen weaned (3.5-4 months) entire male lambs from each of Awassi and Karadi were weighed and randomly divided equally into two groups to receive concentrate (16% crude protein and 2769 kcal energy) either ad libitum or 3% of their body weights, and to be slaughtered at 36 or 44 kg. Results revealed that overall means of daily gain in weight, dressing percentage based on slaughter and empty body weight, rib eye area and fat thickness were 0.258±0.01 kg, 46.54± 0.49%, 54.35 ± 0.40%, 14.98 ±0.44 cm2 and 2.86 ± 0.12 mm, respectively. It seems that Awassi lambs significantly surpass Karadi lambs in dressing percentage based on slaughter weight and had thicker subcutaneous fat, only. Also, lambs fed ad lib excell significantly those lambs fed 3% in daily gain in weight, dressing percentage based on slaughter weight, and fat thickness. Lambs slaughtered at 44 kg had significantly higher dressing percentage, rib eye area and fat thickness.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects zeranol implant on meat quality of Awassi lambs and cross-bred Khalkhali and Abadeh goat kids. Ten ram lambs (33.7 ± 0.5 kg and 4-month-old) and ten male goat kids (18.8 ± 0.7 kg and 4-month-old) were randomly assigned into two treatments (5 each treatment); C (control, 0 mg zeranol) and Z (24 mg zeranol implant) for each species. After 43 days experimental period. The animals were slaughtered, left for 24 hr post-mortem period and Biceps femoris muscle of each species were separated for measuring the proximal composition, TBARS values, cooking loss, drip loss and free fatty acids concentrations. Zeranol implants had significant (P

Forty-eight growing Awassi lambs were used in a 70-day trial to investigate the effects of different levels of dietary sunflower hulls (SFH) on growth, rumen morphology, fiber digestibility and meat characteristics of lambs. Animals were randomly allocated to 4 groups with 3 replicates of 4 lambs each. The diet was composed of total mixed ration (TMR) without SFH (control group), and the TMR diet supplemented with SFH at a level of 5% (SFH5), 10% (SFH10) and 15% (SFH15). Lambs in the treatment groups had greater BW changes (p = 0.04) and ADG (p = 0.04) than the lambs in the control group. Intake of dry matter, acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were also significantly (p < 0.05) higher in SFH15 compared to SFH10. Digestibility of ADL and empty stomach weight were also significantly (p < 0.05) higher in SFH10 and SFH15, respectively. Cooking loss, blood total cholesterol and total protein decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in SFH15. Ruminal lightness (L) and yellowness (b) also increased significantly (p < 0.05) in SFH15. We concluded that the TMR diet supplemented with up to 15% SFH improved weight gain, digestibility, meat cooking loss and rumen color in Awassi lambs.

Background: Jordanian Awassi sheep (Ovis aries) is the dominant fat tail sheep breed that appeals to customers because of its various production systems, including fiber, meat and milk. This report is the first whole ewe genome sequence (WGS) of O. aries submitted in the NCBI database from Jordan. Methods: 64 Paired-end sequencing libraries were constructed and subjected to Illumina Hiseq 2500 sequencing system. High-quality reads were aligned against the reference sheep genome and detecting comprehensive sources (SNPs, InDels, SV, CNVs) of genetic variations. We have deposited data sequences at the NCBI under SRA (sequence reads archives) under the accession numbers SRR11128863, PRJNA574879. Result: Genome resequencing of Jordanian Awassi ewe was carried out with approximately 93.88 Gb with a mapping rate and effective mapping depths were 99.28% and 36.32. Around 19 million SNPs, 3,6 million InDels, 35,180 Structure variation and 13,524 copy number variation among the Jordanian ewe genome were detected. This wide range of genetic variation provides a framework for further genetic studies that will help understand the molecular basis underlying phenotypic variation of economically important traits in sheep and improve intrinsic defects in domestic sheep breeds.

Bu calismanin amaci, Ivesi irki koyunlarda cesitli vucut olculerininin canli agirlik uzerine dogrudan, dolayli ve toplam etkilerini incelemek ve bu olculerden yararlanarak canli agirligi tahmin edecek bir model olusturmaktir. Bu amacla, Eskisehir ilinde ozel bir ciftlikte yetistirilen 2-4 yaslarindaki toplam 270 Ivesi irki koyunun canli agirligi, bas uzunlugu, govde uzunlugu, cidago yuksekligi, gogus derinligi, gogus genisligi ve sagri yuksekligi olcumleri elde edilmistir. Bu olcumler yardimiyla canli agirligi tahmin etmek icin rekursif bir path modeli olusturulmustur. Elde edilen sonuclar, cidago yuksekligi, sagri yuksekligi ve vucut uzunlugunun vucut agirligina dolayli; gogus genisligi, gogus derinligi ve bas uzunlugunun ise dogrudan etkisinin oldugunu gostermistir. Canli agirligin en guclu belirleyicisi gogus derinligi, ardindan gogus genisligi ve bas uzunlugu olarak belirlenmistir. Sonuc olarak, bu calismada verilen denklemlerin, Ivesi koyunlarinin canli agirligini tahmin etmek icin pratik bir arac olarak kullanilabilecegi ortaya konmustur.

Aim: This study was designed to introduce the callipyge (CLPG) and 50% of Rambouillet sheep genes to improve meat quality and quantity of Awassi (AW) sheep. Materials and Methods: The CLPG mutation was introduced into the AW sheep through frozen semen of homozygous Rambouillet rams for the CLPG mutation. Four ram lambs from the first-generation Rambouillet callipyge Awassi (F1-RCA) and five from pure AW were recruited for a fattening trial conducted in individual pens using standard ration, following which ram lambs were slaughtered for carcass and meat evaluation. Results: Final body weight, dry matter intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio were significantly higher in F1-RCA than AW. Hot and cold carcass weights and the other carcass cuts' weights, except for the fat tail, were heavier in F1-RCA than AW. There was no difference in dressing percentage between the two genetic groups (p>0.05). All non-carcass components' weights, except spleen, kidney, and testis, were higher in F1-RCA. Total lean, total bone, and intermuscular fat weight were greater in F1-RCA, but bone-to-lean ratio was lower in F1-RCA when compared with AW (p0.05) were observed in all meat quality parameters for muscle longissimus with the exception of pH, redness color, and tenderness that were lower (p

This study aimed to uncover the prevalence of anthelmintic resistance in ovine gastrointestinal nematodes in middle and north Jordan and to check the in vivo anthelmintic efficacy of apple cider vinegar drench and ginger powder. For this purpose a parasitological study was designed, which used fecal egg count reduction test Two hundred seventy ewes were enrolled in this study, twenty sheep farms were enrolled in this study, which had concerns about anthelmintic efficacy. On each farm, 10 sheep were randomly allocated to one of six treatment groups and five for an untreated control group. Fecal samples were collected on day 0 and days 10-14 for worm egg counts and larval differentiation at 6:00 am at the time of milking. Based on the morphometric identification of larvae, Trichostrongylous 85% was the predominant species, Oestertagia 10% and Haemonchous 5%. There was resistant against all species in the used anthelmintic drug, the highest reduction was noticed in the Ivermectin group and the lowest reduction rate was noticed in albendazole groups. There was low resistance against ginger powder and apple cider vinegar which means that they have a strong anthelmintic effect against gastrointestinal parasites.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of Mannheimia haemolytica in Syrian Awassi sheep. Between 2008 and 2012, 1520 nasal swabs from pneumonic and apparently healthy sheep, and 110 pneumonic lungs samples were collected and subjected to bacteriological, biochemical and PCR assays. A total of 191 isolates (11.7%) were identified as M. haemolytica, 44 (2.7%) were M. ruminalis and 18 (1.1%) were M. glucosida. All 191 isolates of M. haemolytica gave an amplified product of 1146 bp size by PCR when lktaA primer was applied. The highest rate of M. haemolytica isolation was from pneumonic lungs tissue (21.8%) and pneumonic sheep (14.1%), and the lowest was from apparently healthy sheep (8.5%). Geographical and seasonal distribution of M. haemolytica showed that the majority of the isolates originated from sheep reared in the Syrian Desert (30%) and Euphrates basin (26.7%), and a significant increase (P≤0.05) in the rate of positive isolates in summer and winter as compared to spring. These findings indicate that M. haemolytica may play an important role in development of pneumonia in Syrian Awassi sheep, especially in eastern parts of Syria, where drought and shortage of rain hit these zones periodically.

Fattening performance, Carcass characteristics, chemical composition, and meat quality were evaluated in three sheep breeds: Awassi, Harri, and Najdi. Forty-five lambs of similar weight and age were raised for 90 days under similar conditions. The Harri and Najdi breeds had higher dressing-out percentages than Awassi sheep. The Awassi and Harri breeds had thicker backfat than the Najdi breed. No significant difference was found in moisture, protein, and intramuscular fat among the breeds. However, the Harri breed had a higher ash content than the Awassi and Najdi breeds. The Najdi breed had higher ultimate pH and lower cooking loss than the Awassi and Harri breeds. Awassi and Harri sheep had a higher myofibril fragmentation index, longer sarcomere length, and lower hardness and chewiness than Najdi sheep. Subjectively, no significant differences were detected between the breeds, except for flavor intensity while the Awassi sheep were rated in between and not significantly different. In conclusion, breed affected carcass characteristics, meat composition, and the quality of sheep. The dressing yield was higher in Harri and Najdi than Awassi sheep. Awassi sheep showed superior meat quality characteristics followed by Harri sheep. However, Najdi sheep had the best cooking loss percentage and flavor intensity score.

Koyunlarda suni tohumlama zamanı östrusun başlangıç saati, östrus süresi, ovule olan oositlerin ve spermatozoonların fertil yaşam süreleri göz önünde bulundurulduğunda gebelik oranını etkileyebilecek bir unsurdur. Sunulan çalışmada üreme mevsimi dışında kızgınlıkları progesteron içeren intravajinal sünger ve PMSG kullanılarak uyarılmış olan ivesi ırkı koyunlar için uygun suni tohumlama zamanının belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Östrusta oldukları belirlenen koyunlar 3 gruba ayrılmıştır. Östrus tespit edilen koyunlara 1. grup (n=30) 10-15 saat sonra, 2. grup (n=33) 16-20 saat sonra ve 3.grup (n= 35) 21-24 saat sonra intraservikal yolla suni tohumlama yapıldı. Gebelik muayenesi suni tohumlamadan 30-35 gün sonra ultrason aracılığıyla gerçekleştirildi. Yapılan ultrason muayenesi sonrası gebelik sonuçları sırasıyla %26.7, %39.4, %45.7 bulundu. Çalışmamızdan sonuç olarak ivesi koyunlarında mevsim dışında yapılan östrus senkronizasyonundan sonra kızgınlığı belirlenen koyunların 10-15 saat, 16-20 saat ve 21-24 saat sonra intraservikal tohumlamaların gebelik oranında istatistiksel önemi olan bir fark oluşturmadığı bulundu (P>0.05). Ancak gebeliğin ekonomik değeri ve çalışmadan elde edilen veriler göz önünde bulundurulduğunda kızgınlık tespitinden 21-24 saat sonra intraservikal suni tohumlama yapılmasının faydalı olabileceği kanısına varılmıştır. Artificial insemination time in sheep is a factor that can affect the pregnancy rate, considering the time of onset of oestrus, the duration of oestrus, and the fertile life span of ovulated oocytes and spermatozoa. The present study, it was aimed to determine the appropriate artificial insemination time for Awassi breed sheep whose estrus was stimulated with intravaginal sponge containing progesterone and PMSG in the non-breeding season. Oestrous sheep were divided into 3 groups. After estrus detection, they were inseminated intracervical at 10-15 hours (1st group, n=30), 16-20 hours (2nd group, n=33) and 21-24 hours (3rd group, n=35). Pregnancy examination was done 30-35 days after artificial insemination by means of ultrasound. The results in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd groups were 26.7%, 39.4% and, 45.7%, respectively. As a result of our study, it was found that intracervical insemination of awassi ewes, whose heats were determined after oestrus synchronization performed in the non-breeding season, after 10-15 hours, 16-20 hours and 21-24 hours did not cause a statistically significant change in the pregnancy rate (P>0.05). However, considering the economic value of pregnancy and the data obtained from the study, it was concluded that intracervical insemination 21-24 hours after estrus detection might be useful.

The current experiment was designed to investigate the effect of zeranol implantation on lambs and goats’ kids raised under commercial conditions. Ten male Awassi lambs (AL) (4-5 months old) with an average body weight of 33.7 ± 0.5 kg and 10 male black goat kids (GK) (3-4 months old) with an average body weight of 18.8 ± 0.7 kg were used in the experiment. The experiment was conducted in Berebuhar village close to Duhok city in May the 15th, 2019The animals from each group were randomly divided into two subgroups, the first group was the control group and the other group was implanted with 24 mg zeranol. The animals were grown for 43 days and then slaughtered. Growth rate, average daily gain and carcass characteristics were measured. Data were analysed as factorial 2 × 2. The results showed that implantation both animal groups with zeranol significantly reduced testicular weight by approximately 55 % and 71 % for goat kids and Awassi lambs respectively. Moreover, the results showed that zeranol implantation found to reduce total body fat from 892 to 816g in goat kids and from 3395 to 2856 g in Awassi lambs. It can be concluded that zeranol implantation has an effect on total body fat and fat tissue distribution.

Genotypes and allele frequency values ​​were studied to determine the genetic diversity of three microsatellite markers (BM1329, BM134 and CSSM66) in two local Iraqi sheep breeds (50 Awasi ewes (AW) and 50 Naimi ewes (NA)) and breed in one Agricultural Stations in middle of Al-Furut Iraq (Karbala Governorate). The Genetic analyses for the study were carried out at the Biotechnology Research Center / Al-Nahrain University using PCR technology to obtain alleles for the studied microsatellites. The results of this study indicate that there is a multiplicity of genotypes and alleles resulting from these markers among the members of the single breed and between the studied breeds. It was revealed that the allele frequency values showed the presence of alleles dominant on the rest of alleles produce in this sample studied, the BM1329 microsatellite of the Awassi breed produced the dominant allele frequency in 195(0.25) and 320 (0.25), While in the Naimi breed were the values ​​of the dominant allele frequency of the195(0.22), 220(0.21) and 230(0.24), and the dominant allelic frequency of (BM134) marker in the Awassi breed was 118 and 135 and repeated (0.21 and 0.26, respectively). For CSSM66 microsatellite, the dominant allelic results and their allelic frequency values ​​were (195 (0.20), 205 (0.23) and 220 (0.25)) for Awasi breed, whereas it was 180 (0.24), 195 (0.28) and 220 (0.22) for Nuaimi breed. These results enable us to use these markers as a means of determining the diversity and genetic relationships between individuals of a single breed as well as between breeds.

Background and Aim: Black cumin meal (BCM) is the principal by-product that can be obtained from black cumin seed (Nigella sativa L) after the oil is removed from the fruit and represents 70-75% of the fruit weight. The aim of this experiment was to assess the influence of feeding BCM on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of growing lambs. Materials and Methods: Twenty-four Awassi lambs were randomly divided into two dietary treatments. The lambs were penned individually in single pens and provided access to ad libitum feed and water. The dietary treatments were no BCM (control [CON]; n=12) or 150 g BCM/kg (BCM 150; n=12) of dietary dry matter. Results: Lambs fed BCM had greater (p≤0.01) fasting live BW, and hot and cold carcass weights. Leg fat and eye muscle depth were lower (p≤0.05) in CON versus BCM lambs. Meat whiteness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness did not differ between lambs fed the two diets. Conclusion: The inclusion of BCM improves lamb carcass characteristics, but does not affect lamb meat quality.

The myocardial bridge (MB) is an anomaly that the myocardial fibres cover on a segment of the subepicardial coronary arteries or their branches in domestic animals and humans. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationships between the characteristics of the MB and ramus interventricularis paraconalis at three levels in lambs and adult sheep. Thirty-three hearts (16 lambs and 17 sheep) were used to determine the MB (length, angle and thickness) and vessel (vessel diameter and thicknesses of tunica intima et media of ramus interventricularis paraconalis) characteristics. Independent-samples t test was applied to compare variables between lambs and sheep. Spearman's correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationships between bridge and vessel characteristics at three bridge levels. Length, angle and thickness of myocardial bridges were not significantly different between the lambs and sheep (p > .05). The mean length, angle and thickness were 24.9 ± 16.1 mm, 113.7 ± 11.2° and 1,098 ± 555 µm in 33 hearts, respectively. In lambs, the mean vessel diameters were 1,930 ± 742 µm (1,534-2,325 µm), 1,247 ± 665 µm (893-1,601 µm) and 865 ± 172 µm (774-957 µm) at the pre-bridge, bridge and post-bridge levels, respectively. In sheep, the mean vessel diameters in the same order were 1,861 ± 1,068 µm, 1,337 ± 308 µm and 1,287 ± 549 µm. The bridge prevalence was 100% in the samples examined. In conclusion, coronary arterial diseases related to myocardial bridge should not be expected in sheep for veterinary cardiology practice. It may also be concluded that the cross-breeds of the Awassi and Chios sheep may be useful in experimental studies related to myocardial bridge surgery.

Twenty-four Awassi lambs were randomly divided into two dietary treatments to assess the influence of black cumin meal (BCM; Nigella sativa L.) feeding on growth performance. Diets were no BCM (CON) or 150 g BCM/kg DM (BCM150)). Lambs were fed the experimental diets for 80 days. Lambs were housed randomly in individual pens that were fitted with water and feed containers. During the study, nutrient intake was measured daily. Body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) were evaluated biweekly. Nutrient digestibility and nitrogen (N) balance were evaluated on days 49–59. Intakes of dry matter, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ether extract (EE) and metabolizable energy were greater (p ≤ 0.05) in the BCM150 diet than in the CON diet. The digestibility of DM, CP and EE (p ≤ 0.04) was improved in the BCM150 diet compared to the CON diet. However, NDF and ADF digestibility did not differ between the two diets. Nitrogen retained (g/d; p = 0.01) and N retention (%; p = 0.05) was greater in the BCM150 compared with CON diet. Final BW, ADG, and feed efficiency (DM intake: kg of gain) was greater (p ≤ 0.002) in BCM150 lambs than the CON lambs. However, cost/kg of BW gain was lower in the BCM150 diet than in the CON diet. In conclusion, the inclusion of black cumin meal improved the growth performance and profits in diets of growing lambs. Therefore, it could be used as an alternative to soybean meal and barley as a protein and energy supplement, respectively.

This study was conducted by using18 Awassiewes , 2-4 years aged, with average body weight 61.56 kg. The ewes were randomly divided into three groups, six ewes in each group. All ewes received 1.5 kg/ dry matter from the same basal diet consist mainly of barley, wheat bran, soybean meal and wheat straw . The first group was fed on basal ration only ( T1 ) ,while 45g /ewe /day sodium bicarbonate was supplemented to the feed of the second (T2)group and third (T3) group was supplemented with 45g sodium bicarbonate plus 0.5g mixture of Vitamin E and selenium /ewe/day. Results showed that the treatments hadsignificant increase( P < 0.05 ) on milk production of T3(739 g/d) than T1,T2(571and 599 g/d)respectively. No effect on average body weight, lactose, fat and protein percentage in milk. Rumen liquor pH, ammonia and total count of rumen bacteria and protozoa before feeding was not affected, while after 2hr of feeding, pH value of rumen liquor was increased (P < 0.05) in T2 6.65 as compared with T1 5.62 and T3 6.13. Ammonia and microorganism concentration in rumen liquor and blood parameters were not affected by experimental treatments.

The objective was to investigate the effect of supplementing Awassi lambs fed low-quality forage with soybean meal. Twenty-one lambs (initial body weight (BW) of 26.1 &plusmn, 2.57 kg) were randomly assigned to the study diets, 1) the basal diet (forage mix, CON, n = 7), 2) the basal diet supplemented with either 125 (SBM125, or 3) with 250 (SBM250, n = 7) SBM g/head/day. The forage mix was composed of 65% wheat straw and 35% alfalfa hay. The experimental diet was offered to the animals for 54 days. On day 40, four animals from each group were chosen to assess N balance and nutrient digestibility. The intake of crude protein (CP) and dry matter (DM) was the highest (p &lt, 0.016) in the SBM250 group, followed by the SBM125 group and the CON diet. Digestibility of DM and CP was higher (p &lt, 0.05) for the SBM-containing diets than the CON diet. Final BW and average daily gain were greater (p &lt, 0.008) for lambs that consumed SBM-containing diets than for those that consumed the CON diet. In summary, the growth performance, forage utilization, and nutrient digestibility improved for lambs fed low-quality forage when supplemented with soybean meal.

This study considers the impact of dried distillers&rsquo, grain with solubles (DDGS) in diets of lambs. Randomly, 27 lambs were distributed to one of three diets. Diets were: a control diet (CON, n = 9), a 125 (DDGS125, n = 9) or a 250 g/kg DDGS (DDGS250, n = 9) of dietary dry matter (DM). The lambs were fed using these diets for 91 days. To assess carcass traits, five lambs were randomly selected at the end of the study. No significant differences were detected in intake and digestibility of DM, crude protein and fiber. Average daily gain did not differ among diets. Carcass characteristics did not differ among diets. With the exception of shear force and redness, which were greater in DDGS250 than in DDGS125 and CON diets, meat quality parameters were unaffected. Eye muscle area decreased in DDGS125 than in DDGS250 and CON diet. These results demonstrate that the feeding of lambs on DDGS at 125 or 250 g/kg DM did not have any impact on growth. These diets only had a simple effect on the characteristics of carcass and meat quality. These results suggest that it would be suitable to introduce these feeds into sheep nutrition in the future.

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding low (LO)- or high (HI)-fiber diets supplemented with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) on nutrient intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance, rumen fluid pH, and serum concentrations of glucose and urea nitrogen in Awassi female lambs in a 2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments. Materials and Methods: Experimental diets were as follows: (1) LO-fiber diet with no SC supplementation (-LO), (2) LO-fiber diet supplemented with SC (+LO), (3) HI-fiber diet with no SC supplementation (-HI), or (4) HI-fiber diet supplemented with SC (+HI). Eight female lambs were used in a replicated 4×4 Latin square design with 15-day experimental periods (10-day adaptation period and 5-day collection period). Results: A fiber×SC interaction (p≤0.05) was detected for dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) intake among diets showing greater DM and CP intake for +LO diet compared to +HI group supplemented with SC, whereas -LO and -HI were intermediate. A fiber×SC interaction (p=0.05) was also detected for the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) intake among diets. Intake of NDF was greater for the -HI diet compared with +LO and -LO diets. Similarly, NDF intake was greater for +HI diet than -LO diet. A tendency (p=0.07) for a fiber×SC interaction was detected for acid detergent fiber (ADF) intake among diets as well. ADF intake tended to be greater for HI-fiber diets. No difference was observed in the rumen fluid pH for lambs fed with the different diets. No fiber×SC interactions were detected for the digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, and ADF among dietary treatments. Digestibility of DM was greater (72.9 g/100 g vs. 67.1 g/100 g; p=0.0002) for LO versus HI fiber. However, NDF and ADF digestibilities were greater (60.8 and 61.9 g/100 g vs. 55.8 and 52.7 g/100 g for NDF and ADF digestibility, respectively; p≤0.01) for the HI-fiber than the LO-fiber diets. Conclusion: Results obtained in the current study indicate that SC supplementation has a minimal effect on the performance of Awassi female lambs fed with varying fiber levels.

Aim: This study was conducted to study the genetic and population structure of local (Awassi) and exotic (Romanov, Charollais, Assaf, Awassi, and Suffolk) sheep breeds in Jordan using eight microsatellite markers. Materials and Methods: A total of 125 sheep were used (25 from each breed) in the study. The number of alleles (A), the mean values of observed (Ho) and expected (He) heterozygosity, polymorphism information content (PIC), fixation index as a measure of heterozygote deficiency or excess, and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) were analyzed using PopGen and CERVUS softwares. Nei's standard genetic distances among breeds and dendrogram of unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) were calculated and constructed using PopGen software. Results: A total of 40 alleles were detected with an average number of alleles of 5. The mean Ho value was higher than the mean He value for all breeds. Awassi breed showed the highest average PIC value while Romanov had the lowest. There was a significant (p

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of using a commercially-available polyvalent mastitis vaccine on the bacteriological cure rate of existing subclinical mastitis in Awassi sheep. Materials and Methods: A total of 164 lactating ewes were divided into two main groups according to udder health and milk somatic cell count (SCC): Group 1=normal (N; n=80) and Group 2=subclinical mastitis (SC; n=84). Each group was then subdivided randomly into two treatment groups: N vaccinated (Nvax; n=38), N non-vaccinated (Nnvax; n=42), SC vaccinated (SCvax; n=42), and SC non-vaccinated (SCnvax; n=42). The vaccine was administered as per manufacturer's recommendations. Milk samples were collected aseptically from all ewes before vaccine administration (T0) and again on days 28 (T2) and 42 (T3) of the experiment. Results: In the SC group, the bacteriological cure rates in vaccinated and non-vaccinated ewes were 76% and 69%, respectively. In N group, the new intramammary infection rates in vaccinated and non-vaccinated ewes were 48% and 50%, respectively. Vaccination of normal ewes resulted in a significant (p

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of single or double Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) injections at the time of mating and following on day 9 on pregnancy rates and litter size in ewes. Oestrus was synchronized in 130 adult ewes using intravaginal sponges containing 20 mg of fluorogestone acetate for 14 days. All ewes received 10 IU/kg of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) at the sponge withdrawal. Then animals were divided into three groups. Ewes in group 1 (G1; Control, n = 68) received 1 ml placebo injection. In group 2 (G2; n = 30), ewes in oestrus were treated with 1 ml GnRH (4 μg/ml) at the time of mating. In group 3 (G3; n = 32), ewes were injected 1 ml GnRH not only at the time of mating but also on day 9 post-mating. There was significantly higher in duration of oestrus G1 compared with the G2 and G3. Pregnancy rate was found to be higher in G3 (96.0%) than in G1 (72.7%) and G2 (83.3%). The litter size was significantly higher for G3 (1.26 ± 0.14) in comparison with the G1 (1.18 ± 0.07) and G2 (1.22 ± 0.10). In conclusion, Post-mating GnRH injection enhanced the pregnancy rate and litter size, because of its beneficial effects on embriyo viability by increasing luteal formations.

In order to evaluate for the first time, the serological prevalence of Schmallenberg virus (SBV) and other Simbu group viruses in Lebanon, sheep originating from 15 Lebanese regions were sampled in September 2016. A total number of 750 serum samples from Awassi sheep were tested by ELISA for viral nucleoprotein antibodies. From the sampled animals, 122 animals were seropositive to SBV/Simbu group viruses. The seropositive sheep were mainly located in South Lebanon. At herd-level, a seroprevalence of 53.33% was recorded in the Seven Lebanese governorates. The animal-level seroprevalence was 16.26% and both animal and herd-level seroprevalences were negative in Mount-Lebanon. Despite that there was some serological evidence showed the presence of some Simbu group viruses in the Middle East, no study was done in Lebanon. In this study, we report for the first time the prevalence of SBV and other Simbu group viruses in Lebanon. Keywords: Lebanon, SBV, Schmallenberg virus, Sheep, Simbu group viruses

The relative preference of Awassi sheep for four promising Atriplex species, A. halimus, A. nummularia, A. canescens and A. lentiformis was tested in cafeteria trials. Atriplex species were offered to sixteen sheep in cafeteria-type experiments during two seasons, spring and autumn. After an adaptation period of 7 days, sheep were offered the species over eight consecutive days. The species were placed in troughs for two hours in the morning after overnight fasting. Sheep were housed individually in pens adjacent to each other. In both seasons, whole species and their botanical fractions were evaluated for chemical composition and in vitro digestibility. The variability of nutritive value among species was not dependent on season or botanical fraction. Time series analysis showed that intake levels and ranking of species did not change over the eight days. Average daily proportions (%) of whole shrub eaten were A. halimus (70.9) A. nummularia (70), A. lentiformis (65.3), and A. canescens (57.9). In autumn, the same order of consumption was maintained, though intake levels tended to be lower compared to spring. The behavioral pattern revealed that the number of return visits to troughs and time spent feeding on species did not influence intake levels. The botanical structure of species explained 20% of the variation in proportion of intake of whole species. The proportion of leaf was the major contributor to variation in proportion of intake of whole species. Relative preference of whole species was explained by intake, nutritive value and fractional proportions of the botanical fractions.

We evaluated growth, milk production and composition of Awassi genotypes based on 9 years data collected from the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) flock kept in Tal Hadya station, Syria (now moved to Terbol station, Lebanon). Performances of the pure genotypes (Syrian and Turkish Awassi) and the resulting crosses were compared. Growth performances did not differ among the genetic groups except for weaning weight, for which the Turkish Awassi was lighter than the Syrian Awassi and all its crosses; the 75% Syrian genotype being the heaviest (19.54±0.43 kg). Genetic groups did not differ (p>0.05) for both lactation length (overall mean 100.39±1.20 days) and lactation milk yield (overall mean 91.2±2.50 kg). Lactation yields of milk constituents (fat, protein, lactose, total solids and solids-not-fat) were, however, higher for the 75% Syrian crosses compared to the other crosses as well as to the pure Awassi sheep, except for lactation protein yield. The performances of Turkish Awassi were not superior to those of the Syrian genotype for all the traits considered under the environmental conditions of Syria. It is concluded that the Turkish Awassi should not be used as an improver breed for the Syrian genotype. The performance of the ICARDA maintained Awassi flock has on average been better compared to those of other farms in the region. Improved rams produced from the breeding program could therefore serve as improver for flocks maintained in countries of the region, necessitating the development of appropriate delivery systems of improved genetics.

Aim: The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of intramammary infusion of sage (Salvia officinalis) essential oil (EO) on milk somatic cell count (SCC), milk composition parameters and selected hematology and serum biochemical parameters in 20 Awassi ewes affected with subclinical mastitis. Materials and Methods: The dried leaves of sage were used to extract the EO by hydrodistillation. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of sage EO against Staphylococcus aureus were determined by the broth dilution method. Ewes were divided randomly into three main groups and received one of the following treatments; Group 1 (n=5): Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) alone (5 ml; 0.2 ml of DMSO in 4.8 ml of saline), Group 2 (n=5): Amoxicillin alone (3 ml), and Group 3 (n=10): Sage EO (5 ml of sage EO solution [0.2 ml DMSO+1 ml EO+3.8 ml sterile saline]). All treatments were administered by intramammary infusion into each teat twice per day for 3 consecutive days. Milk samples for SCC and milk components determination and whole blood samples for hematology and serum biochemical analyses were collected before treatment (T0) and at 24 (T24) and 48 (T48) h after the last treatment. Results: The MIC and MBC of sage EO against S. aureus were 12.5% and 6.1%, respectively. SCC was decreased significantly (p

The objective of this study was to investigate the pre-weaning survival rates of Awassi lambs and identify the causes of death in extensive and semi-extensive production systems. The study was designed to collect data under field conditions. Data were recorded on 29,290 lambs born alive during lambing seasons from 2011 to 2015. Postmortem autopsy findings were collected from 5448 lambs died during the pre-weaning period. About 63.5% of losses occurred during the first 7 days of life. The overall pre-weaning mortality rates were 19.7% and 16.9% in the extensive and semi-extensive production systems, respectively. Lamb birth weight had a strong effect (P

Carcass parameters and meat quality in lambs that consumed diets having layer hen litter (LL) were evaluated in a complete randomized study. Forty-two lambs were allocated equally (14 lambs/treatment diet) into one of three iso-nitrogenous diets for 75 days. To partially replace soybean meal and barley, LL was given at 0 (LL0), 150 (LL150), or 300 g/kg (LL300) of dietary dry matter (DM). At the termination of the trial, the characteristics of carcasses (hot and cold carcass weight, dressing percentage, and carcass cuts) and meat quality (Musculus longissimus linear dimensions, ultimate pH, cooking loss, water holding capacity (WHC), shear force (SF), color coordinates) were measured after slaughtering all lambs. Longissimus muscle weight was greatest (p &lt, 0.05) for the LL150. For the dissected loin, intermuscular fat content was lowest for the LL0 diet. However, subcutaneous fat content was lower (p &lt, 0.05) in the LL300 diet than LL0 and LL150 diets. Rib fat depth and Musculus longissimus area were greater (p &lt, 0.05) for LL150 than L0. No differences were found in meat pH or color parameters among treatments but WHC and SF were lower in L0 lambs than in lambs fed LL containing diets. Cooking loss was greater for the LL300 diet than the LL0 diet. In summary, quality of meat and carcasses data indicate the possibility of inclusion of LL up to 300 g/kg DM to growing Awassi lambs.

Advances in molecular genetics have allowed the identification of genes that can enhance livestock production. The aim of this study was to investigate possible relationships between the calpastatin (CAST) Hha1 gene polymorphisms and growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in Awassi sheep. A total of 87 blood samples were collected from two-week-old Awassi ram lambs. The amplification of the CAST Hha1 gene yielded a fragment of 622 bp. Three CAST genotypes were found in Awassi sheep: MM for two fragments (385 bp and 281 bp), MN for three fragments (622 bp, 385 bp, and 281 bp), and NN for only one fragment (622 bp). The M and N allele frequencies of the CAST Hha1 genotypes were 0.765 and 0.235, respectively, while the genotypic frequencies of MM, MN, and NN were 0.586, 0.356, and 0.057, respectively. Based on CAST Hha1 gene polymorphisms, three groups of lambs (MM: n = 8, MN: n = 6, and NN: n = 3 genotypes) were subjected to a fattening period of 70 days to investigate growth performance and meat characteristics. Only the final body weight and longissimus muscle width were significantly different between the three genotypes, while no significant differences were detected in any other carcass characteristics and meat quality parameters. In this study, new variants were observed in CAST using the Hha1 restriction site, potentially assisting in Awassi sheep breeding and selection programs to improve final body weight and longissimus muscle width.

The Awassi breed is desirable due to its resilient traits, but shows poor lean meat content on the carcass, the callipyge mutation may enhance growth and meat characteristics. The first backcross of callipyge Awassi&ndash, Rambouillet (CRAW) lambs was generated by mating Awassi ewes with heterozygous F1 (50 % Awassi and 50 % Rambouillet) rams for the callipyge mutation. A fattening trial with carriers of CLPG (CRAW), non-carriers (RAW), and Awassi (AW) ram lambs was conducted for 94 days and growth and meat characteristic parameters were recorded. Final body weight, average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio, and dry matter intake, but not initial body weight, were greater in CRAW and RAW lambs as compared to AW lambs, hot and cold carcass, dressing percentage, and shoulder, rack, and loin weights were greater in CRAW vs. AW but not RAW lambs. Leg cuts were heavier in CRAW vs. both RAW and AW lambs, intermuscular and subcutaneous fat percentages were greater in CRAW as compared to AW but not RAW lambs. Non-carcass components showed kidney fat, kidney, liver and testes weights higher in CRAW lambs as compared to AW lambs, but these parameters were similar to those of RAW lambs. There were no differences in fat tail weight. Further, CRAW lambs had higher shear force and water holding capacity than RAW and AW lambs, while cooking loss was the lowest in CRAW lambs. In conclusion, the callipyge mutation with 25% Rambouillet genes can provide efficient improvements in growth and meat characteristics, with the exception of tenderness in Awassi sheep.

A participatory animal-breeding program was applied to 9 commercial Awassi sheep flocks in Jordan. This study aimed to assess the influence of Beta-lactoglobulin (&beta, LG), Prolactin (PRL), and Kappa casein (CSN3) genes, genotypes and their interaction on milk production and composition traits of 167 genotyped Awassi ewes via Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) followed by sequencing. Allele frequencies for the two variants were 0.42 and 0.58 for &beta, LG, 0.82 and 0.18 for PRL, and 0.92 and 0.08 for CSN3. No association was found among &beta, LG and CSN3 polymorphic genotypes with milk production traits. However, ewes with PRL AA genotype showed higher milk production, &beta, LG AB was associated with lowest fat%, high solid not fat (SNF)%, protein%, and lactose%. &beta, LG BB was associated with highest milk density. PRL, &beta, LG, and CSN3 polymorphic genotypes were differentially associated with milk production and component traits. Furthermore, &beta, LG &times, PRL interaction showed the highest milk production and fat%, &beta, PRL recorded the highest SNF%, protein%, lactose%, and milk density, while the PRL &times, CSN3 had the highest fat% and SNF%. The enhancing effects of these gene interactions can be incorporated in Awassi breeding programs to improve milk production and composition.

Two experiments were conducted to assess the influence of sesame meal (SM) feeding on nutrient digestibility, N balance, milk production and composition, ewes&rsquo, body weight change, and growth performance of lambs. In experiment 1, 18 ewe lambs were randomly distributed into three diets to evaluate the effects of soybean meal replacement with SM on nutrient intake, digestibility, and N balance. Treatments were no SM (SM0), 7.5% SM (SM7.5), or 15% SM (SM15) of the dietary dry matter (DM). Aside from intake and digestibility of ether extract (EE), which was greater in the SM-containing diets compared with SM0, intake and digestibility of the remaining nutrients was similar among dietary treatments. In experiment 2, 30 ewes suckling single lambs were randomly assigned to the same diets used in experiment 1. Intakes of DM, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber were unaffected by treatment. Milk yield was greater in SM diets than in the SM0 diet. Cost/kg of milk production decreased while feed efficiency improved in the SM-diets compared to the SM0 diet. In conclusion, results of the current studies demonstrate the possibility of replacing soybean meal with sesame meal in diets of lactating Awassi ewes.