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The study was conducted to investigate the effect of nano selenium on feed utilization of ration containing a high ratio of wheat bran. Fifteen Awassi ewes were used with an average body weight of 51.58 ± 1.71 kg and age ranged between 3-4 years. The ewes were distributed into three groups, five in each. Through the study that lasted 72 days, ewes were fed with a restricted amount of feed, 1.5 kg of dry matter per day. The first group (control) was fed a diet high in barley grains with an optimal ratio of wheat bran (17%), while ewes in the second and third groups were fed with diets higher in wheat bran (37%) with a dosage 0.3 mg nanoselenium/ewe for ewes in third group. The results indicated that increasing the wheat bran ratio in the ewe diet led to a significant decrease (P≤0.05) in milk production in the second group 301.71 g/day, as compared to the control 390 g/day. The addition of selenium led to an improve milk production which reached to 455.15 g with a difference of 16.71%, as compared to the control. In general, milk composition of fat, protein, lactose, and solid non-fat were not affected significantly by treatments. However, the somatic cell count was significantly lower in the second period of the study in the second and third groups as compared to the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to evaluate the reproductive performances of Awassi ewes under different breeding conditions. This experiment was carried out at three sites: a ruminant research station (F1), a sheep breeder's field, a flock from the research station (private sector) (F2), and a flock from a sheep breeder (private sector) in Bardiya, west of Baquba/Diyala Governorate (F3) between 1/7/2019 and 1/5/2020. Each flock included 25 mature pluriparous ewes. The data including lambing rate, litter size at birth, percentage of twining, litter size at weaning, and ewes' and lambs' mortality rate, as well as the sterility percentage, were recorded at each location and compared between the flocks. The results revealed that the lambing rate was the highest in F1 (96%), while it was the lowest in F2 (84%) and the difference was significant (P≤0.05). There were non-significant differences in lambing rates between F2 and F3. Litter size at lambing in F1 was significantly (P≤0.05) higher than that recorded in F2 and F3, where the litter sizes were 1.26, 1.10, and 1.15 births/ewe per flock in F1, F2, and F3 respectively. Similarly, the twining rate in F1 was significantly higher than that recorded in F2 and F3. There were non-significant differences in the twining rate between F2 and F3. The percentage of twins in the F1, F2, and F3 were 26.31%, 10.52%, and 15.78% respectively. The lambing rate in F1 was significantly (P≤0.01) higher than that recorded in F2 and F3. There were non-significant differences in the litter size at weaning between F1 and F3 (1.05, 1.00, respectively), while both had litter sizes at weaning were larger than F2 (P≤0.05, 0.89). The percentage of lambs' mortality was non-significant among the included flocks. There were significant differences (P≤0.05) in the ewes' mortality between the F and F3, with the lowest lamb mortality recorded in F3 (13.63%). It can be concluded that reproductive performance in Awassi ewes is highly dependent on flocks' breeding condition and that must be optimal to improve the reproductive performance in this breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to investigate the impact of feeding selenium (Se) and vitamin E on the physiological and reproductive performance of 18 multiparous Awassi ewes through the breeding season. The ewes received three levels of oral selenium-vitamin E for 60 days until the study was completed. The experimental ewes were assigned into three groups; the control group (SE0) received 2 mL of sterile saline per head, the second group (SE1) received 1.5 mL/head Se and vitamin E (150 mg a-Tocopherol acetate + 0.15 mg Sodium selenite), while the third group (SE2) received 3 mL/head (150 mg a-Tocopherol acetate + 0.15 mg Sodium selenite). The SE1 and SE2 groups demonstrated significant highest (p<0.05) rate of conception and overall pregnancy. The study results showed the lambing rate in the SE2 group increased significantly (p<0.05) compared to the other groups. All groups had low plasma progesterone levels on day 14, even though concentrations increased in SE0 and SE1, which had higher progesterone levels than SE2. SE1 had the highest estrogen concentration on day 16 compared to SE0 and SE2. On day 14, the SE0 group had a significantly lower ALT enzyme compared to the SE1 and SE2 groups. SE1 had significantly lower mean corpuscular volume (MCV), white blood cells (WBC), and platelets (PLT) concentrations than the other two groups. Overall, the estrus synchronization program and the administration of Se and vitamin E resulted in a significant improvement in pregnancy and lambing rates among Awassi ewes. Physiological and reproductive potential of sheep can be increased by improving their diet throughout the period of reproduction by including Se and vitamin E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Feeding by-products, such as pomegranate seed pulp (PSP) and coconut meal (COC), to livestock may enhance production efficiency and increase profits. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PSP and COC on milk production, body weight change, metabolic response (Exp. 1), digestibility, and N balance (Exp. 2). Materials and Methods: Twenty-four ewes nursing single lambs were randomly assigned to one of three diets: Control (CON) (n = 8), 7.5% PSP (n = 8), and 7.5% COC (n = 8) of dry matter (DM). Every sheep was born 3–4 days before the start of the experiment. The 1st week of the experiment was devoted to diet adaptation, while the data were collected during the following 8 weeks (Exp. 1). Nine lambs were randomly assigned to one of the three diets for intensive data collection to evaluate the diet digestibility and animal nitrogen (N) balance (Exp. 2). The data were analyzed using the MIXED SAS procedures. Results: The PSP group consumed more DM, followed by the COC and CON groups. For lambs, the final BW, total gain, and average daily gain in the PSP group were greater (p < 0.05) than those in the COC and CON groups. The CON group had lower milk output, total solids, protein, fat, and lactose levels than the PSP and COC groups (p < 0.05). The cost of milk production was lower (p < 0.05) in the PSP and COC diet groups than in the CON group. Blood serum parameters were similar among the dietary groups, except for total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein, which were higher in the COC group than in the CON group. No differences were observed in nutrient digestibility and N balance. Conclusion: Feeding PSP and COC to nursing ewes appears beneficial because it increases milk production and pre-weaning lamb growth and reduces milk production cost.

Background and Aim: Feeding by-products, such as pomegranate seed pulp (PSP) and coconut meal (COC), to livestock may enhance production efficiency and increase profits. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PSP and COC on milk production, body weight change, metabolic response (Exp. 1), digestibility, and N balance (Exp. 2). Materials and Methods: Twenty-four ewes nursing single lambs were randomly assigned to one of three diets: Control (CON) (n = 8), 7.5% PSP (n = 8), and 7.5% COC (n = 8) of dry matter (DM). Every sheep was born 3-4 days before the start of the experiment. The 1st week of the experiment was devoted to diet adaptation, while the data were collected during the following 8 weeks (Exp. 1). Nine lambs were randomly assigned to one of the three diets for intensive data collection to evaluate the diet digestibility and animal nitrogen (N) balance (Exp. 2). The data were analyzed using the MIXED SAS procedures. Results: The PSP group consumed more DM, followed by the COC and CON groups. For lambs, the final BW, total gain, and average daily gain in the PSP group were greater (p < 0.05) than those in the COC and CON groups. The CON group had lower milk output, total solids, protein, fat, and lactose levels than the PSP and COC groups (p < 0.05). The cost of milk production was lower (p < 0.05) in the PSP and COC diet groups than in the CON group. Blood serum parameters were similar among the dietary groups, except for total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein, which were higher in the COC group than in the CON group. No differences were observed in nutrient digestibility and N balance. Conclusion: Feeding PSP and COC to nursing ewes appears beneficial because it increases milk production and preweaning lamb growth and reduces milk production cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study was conducted to estimate the effect of adding turmeric to the diet of ewes with differing body weights on milk yield and its components, some biochemical blood characteristics, and lamb growth in Awassi sheep. Research Method: Twenty Awassi ewes aged 2-4 years were distributed into two main groups according to their weight; heavy and low weight (10 ewes). They were again grouped into two secondary groups, (5 ewes) in each and fed on the standard ration with or without the addition of 7 gm of turmeric/ewe/day. Findings: : The data revealed a significant (p≤0.01) increase in milk yield during the periods 30-60 and 1-60 days in ewes supplemented with turmeric; also, milk yield increased (p≤0.01) in the heavy ewes compared to the low-weight ewes. The ewes treated with turmeric and kept at a low weight were significantly superior in milk fat. Body weight change was significantly (p≤0.01) lower in low weights compared to heavy-weight ewes, and the decrease in weight was 3.31 and 6.40 kg, respectively. Research Limitations: There were some practical limitations in the estimation of antioxidant activity in the blood and local turmeric due to its high cost. Originality/ Value The addition of turmeric to the diet resulted in enhanced antioxidant activity; this was clear in low weight-ewes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was carried out to investigate the impact of feeding selenium (Se) and vitamin E on the physiological and reproductive performance of 18 multiparous Awassi ewes through the breeding season. The ewes received three levels of oral selenium-vitamin E for 60 days until the study was completed. The experimental ewes were assigned into three groups; the control group (SE0) received 2 mL of sterile saline per head, the second group (SE1) received 1.5 mL/head Se and vitamin E (150 mg α-Tocopherol acetate + 0.15 mg Sodium selenite), while the third group (SE2) received 3 mL/head (150 mg α-Tocopherol acetate + 0.15 mg Sodium selenite). The SE1 and SE2 groups demonstrated significant highest (p

This study was conducted in the Department of Animal Production/College of Agriculture and Forestry/University of Mosul from 3/4/2022 to 3/2/2023, by using forty Awassi ewes aged between 3-5 years and with an average weight of (42 kg). The ewes were distributed into two groups depending on the structure of growth hormone genes (AA,AG) to study the effect of genetic structure on milk yield and composition by using PCR-RFLP technique. The growth hormone gene was detected by amplifying the gene based on the genome primer. The number of ewes that are born and have AA genotype were 17ewes, while those have AG gene and were 7 ewes only. Results revealed that ewes that have AA structure of growth hormone gene produced more milk significantly (p ≤ 0.01) the total milk yield during 90 days was 25.19 kg as compared with those that had AG structure for growth hormone which was 19.48 kg. This increase in milk production was accompanied with increase in milk fat significantly at the first and third months of lactation period. Otherwise, the other milk components of protein, lactose and solid non-fat were not affected by the difference in growth hormone genotype. We conclude from the results in this study that the genotype of growth hormone has an important role in causing changes in the amount of milk produced and its fat content in the local Awassi ewes, and this has an additional effect on the growth of lambs and its ability to survive to the weaning.

This study was conducted in the Department of Animal Production/College of Agriculture and Forestry/University of Mosul from 3/4/2022 to 3/2/2023, by using forty Awassi ewes aged between 3-5 years and with an average weight of (42 kg). The ewes were distributed into two groups depending on the structure of growth hormone genes (AA,AG) to study the effect of genetic structure on milk yield and composition by using PCRRFLP technique. The growth hormone gene was detected by amplifying the gene based on the genome primer. The number of ewes that are born and have AA genotype were 17ewes, while those have AG gene and were 7 ewes only. Results revealed that ewes that have AA structure of growth hormone gene produced more milk significantly (p ≤ 0.01) the total milk yield during 90 days was 25.19 kg as compared with those that had AG structure for growth hormone which was 19.48 kg. This increase in milk production was accompanied with increase in milk fat significantly at the first and third months of lactation period. Otherwise, the other milk components of protein, lactose and solid non-fat were not affected by the difference in growth hormone genotype. We conclude from the results in this study that the genotype of growth hormone has an important role in causing changes in the amount of milk produced and its fat content in the local Awassi ewes, and this has an additional effect on the growth of lambs and its ability to survive to the weaning [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of rumen-protected methionine (RPM) was investigated in Awassi ewes (0, 3 or 5 g/head/d, n = 20) on reproductive and productive performance (initial body weight [BW] = 70.9 − 71.8 kg, 3 − 5 years). Supplementation started with the flushing feeding regime (at the breeding time) and lasted for 42 d. RPM was reused during the last 60 d of pregnancy and the first 60 d of lactation. RPM increased (p

This study aimed to investigate the impact of supplementing two levels of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) during suckling period on performance and serum metabolites of Awassi ewes. The study comprised two experimental periods, for experimental period 1, 30 nursing Awassi ewes with their single lambs were randomly assigned to one of three equal treatment groups: a control diet (CON; n=10), low SC (LSC) diet (0.4 g SC/head/day; n=10), and high SC (HSC) diet (0.8 g SC/head/day; n=10) with 9-week experimental periods including 1 week for dietary and pen adaptation and 8 weeks for data and sample collection. For experimental period 2, 4 ewes from each group were randomly selected and were individually housed in metabolism crates with 7-day experimental periods including 3 days for crate adaptation and 4 days for data and sample collection. The results showed that the supplementation of SC improved dry matter (DM) intake of ewes (P = 0.03). Digestibility of DM was higher (P < 0.05) for SC treatment groups. The SC treatment groups had a tendency improvement in digestibility of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber. Addition of SC improved (P < 0.05) N balance parameters of ewes. A significant increase was observed for the rumen fluid pH of lactating ewe supplemented with SC. No difference was detected in the live weight change of lactating ewes in all treatment groups. The final body weight of the lambs tended to be greater for SC treatment groups vs CON group but average daily gain and total weight gain were significantly higher (P = 0.05) for SC treatment groups. Lactating ewes in the SC treatment groups produced more milk per day (P ≤ 0.05) than those in the CON diet. Milk fat % and yield in the SC treatment groups were also greater (P = 0.05). No differences were found in % of milk protein, lactose, and solid-not-fat (SNF) between all groups (P > 0.05) while lactose and SNF yields were greater (P< 0.05) for SC treatment groups. However, % of the total solids (TS) of milk was higher for HSC diet compared to LSC and CON diets (P < 0.05) while TS yields were significantly higher for SC treatment groups. Energy-corrected milk values were greater (P < 0.05) in HSC diet compared to LSC and CON diets. With the exception of aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase, no differences were detected in all other serum metabolite concentrations of lactating ewes in between treatment groups. In conclusion, this study indicates that SC supplementation with varying levels in the diet had a similar positive effect on some performance and physiological parameters of lactating Awassi ewes and their lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The important thing of the study lies in the inclusion of acetic acid in the diet of the Awassi ewes, which helps increase the fermentation in the rumen, therefore to increase the percentage of fat. Therefore, this study aimed to add different proportions of acetic acid to the diet of ewes and study its effect on milk yield, composition, and some blood parameters. This experiment was conducted between January-May/2022 at animal field of Technical Agricultural College/Northern Technical University/Iraq by using 18 Awassi ewes aged 3 - 4 weeks after birth, with an average body weight of 37.63 ± 1.85 kg. Ewes were distributed into three treatments: first treatment was control fed with experimental diet without additive (T1), ewes in the second (T2) and third (T3) treatment were fed with addition 5 and 10 mL respectively of glacial concentrated acetic acid. The acid was diluted (1: 10) with tap water, and then mixed with concentrate feed and introduced directly to the ewes. Concentrate diet was consisted from barley grain, wheat bran and soybean meal. Wheat straw was offered by 0.5 kg per ewe daily and in addition to grazed with artificial alfalfa pasture for 2 hr three times a week. Also fresh alfalfa was provided ad libitum. Ewes were weighed biweekly to estimate body weight change during the stages of lactation, and milk fat, protein, solid nonfat, and lactose were measured immediately by using the Lactoscan system. Also, 10 mL of blood samples were collected from jugular vein through each stage of lactation using a plastic syringe, blood samples were centrifuged and glucose, urea, total protein, cholesterol, and triglycerides using (Biolab analysis kit, France) by UV-spectrophotometers were measured. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using SAS software, the general linear model technique is used to do statistical analysis of the data for a complete random design (CRD), and the significant differences between the mean were determined using Duncan's multiple range tests. In general, results indicated that acetic acid had no effect on milk yield and composition except for fat that increased as acetic acid increased significantly (p = 0.05) in T3 as compared to T1 (5.53, 6.01 and 6.2%), respectively. Although the differences were insignificant, ewes' weight was higher in the treatments that fed with acetic acid than in control during all stages of lactation. There is trend toward increasing (p = 0.01) blood glucose, while blood cholesterol and triglyceride decreased as acetic acid increased in the feed. The administration of acetic acid at different levels in the concentrate feed of Awassi ewes, affects milk fat which increased with the increase of acetic acid level. This was accompanied by changes in some blood measurements when the glucose concentration increased, while cholesterol and triglycerides decreased with the increase in acetic acid intake. The main effect of acetic acid was noted in the increase of ewes' weight as compared control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in Baibokhet area (8Km north of Mosul city). The study was designed to determine the effect of subcutaneous injections of iron and vitamin B12 on milk production and body weight and blood characteristics of Awassi ewes. using 15 Awassi ewes with an average weights 35.3±0.65 kg and age 2-4 year thier, feed relied fully on grazing, were randomly divided in to three groups, (5 ewes/group), 1st group was regard as control, while the 2nd group injected Subcutaneous in average once for every ten days for three month with Iron and vitamin B12 with (5.5mg/kg body weight and 5.5mg/kg body weight ) respectively, The 3rd group injected with iron and vitamin B12 (11 mg /kg body weight and 11 mg/kg body weight) respectively. result showed treated groups with iron and vitamin B12 a significant effect (P≤0.05) compared with control group in ( Packed cell volume, red blood cell, hemoglobin concentration ,milk yield, final body weight, total gain and daily gain), Also results shows no a significant effect (P≤0.05) in (glucose, triglyceride, total protein, albumin, globulin and milk fat%, milk protein%, milk lactose%, solid nonfat%) among treated groups compared with control group, In conclusion, iron and vitamin B12 injection in weaning lambs improved milk production, body weight and blood characters in Awassi ewes.

The effect of rumen-protected methionine (RPM) was investigated in Awassi ewes (0, 3 or 5 g/head/d, n = 20) on reproductive and productive performance (initial body weight [BW] = 70.9 − 71.8 kg, 3 − 5 years). Supplementation started with the flushing feeding regime (at the breeding time) and lasted for 42 d. RPM was reused during the last 60 d of pregnancy and the first 60 d of lactation. RPM increased (p <.05) progesterone concentration with a higher lambing rate at the 5RPM level. The number of lambs born for each ewe exposed to the ram was also higher (p <.05) with 3RPM and 5RPM. Methionine levels in the plasma were greater (p <.05) with RPM mainly at 5RPM level. Birth weights of the lambs were higher (p <.05) with RPM regardless of the level. Contrary to this, weaning weights and rate of gain for lambs were reduced (p <.05) with RPM addition. RPM did not affect milk production of ewes during the first 60 d of lactation or on energy corrected milk and feed to milk ratio. However, milk protein content was increased (p <.05) at the 5RPM level while milk fat content was decreased. Regardless of the level of RPM addition, milk casein content increased (p <.05). At all levels, the effect of RPM on milk fatty acid profile was minor. It can be concluded that supplementing RPM might be a valuable tool to enhance the reproductive and productive performance of ewes during their breeding season. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted to see how replacing soybean meal with chickpea grains (CHPE) affected the performance, milk production, digestibility, nitrogen (N) balance, and blood metabolites of Awassi ewes. Thirty Awassi ewes with an initial body weight of 53.2 ± 2.31 kg and aged between 4 and 5 years were selected and randomly assigned to different feeding treatments (10 ewes per diet). Dietary dry matter (DM) was (1) 0 g/kg CHPE (CON); (2) 150 g/kg CHPE (CHPE150); and (3) 300 g/kg CHPE (CHPE300). The costs of these diets were determined using current ingredient prices. The experiment lasted 9 weeks. During the trial, ewes and their lambs were kept in individual pens. Daily nutrient intake was monitored. Every 2 weeks, the body weight (BW), milk output, and composition of the ewes were measured. In comparison to the CON diet, adding the CHPE to the experimental diets lowered feed costs (US$) per ton by 11% for CHPE150 and 21% for CHPE300. The CHPE300 group had a lower (P < 0.05) consumption of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) than the CHPE150 group, while the CON group had the highest (P < 0.05) intake of NDF. The intake of ether extract (EE) (g/d) was higher (P < 0.05) in the ewes fed the CHPE300 compared to the ewes fed CHPE150, and it was lowest in ewes fed the CON diet. When the ewes were fed the CHPE300 and the CHPE150 diets, the total solids (g/kg) in each kg of milk produced per day was higher (P < 0.05) than when they were fed the CON diet. The cost per kg of milk produced by the ewes was lowered (P < 0.05) when the CHPE was added to their diets. When the ewes on the CHPE300 and the CHPE150 diets were compared to the ewes on the CON diet, crude protein (CP) digestibility was higher (P < 0.05). The EE digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) for the CHPE300 group, while the CHPE150 group had an intermediate outcome. The CHPE300 group had lower amounts of N in their feces and urine (P < 0.05) than the other groups. The retention of N (g/100 g) in the ewes fed the CHPE300, and the CHPE150 diets was higher (P < 0.05) than in the ewes fed the CON diet. As a result, the current research demonstrates that part of soybean meal and barley grain could be replaced with chickpeas in the diets of lactating Awassi ewes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This experiment was undertaken to study the effect of adding linseed oil on the biochemical blood parameters, production, and milk components of Awassi ewes. Sixteen Awassi dairy ewes at the second season of milk were used, aged 2-3 years, 60 ± 1.25 kg average weight. The ewes were randomly allotted to two groups, 6 ewes each group. The first group was considered as a control group (without addition) fed basal diet containing 1 kg of concentrated diet + 500 g wheat straw as rough ration, the second group: 1 kg of concentrated ration + 500 g wheat straw + 4% linseed oil was given to it. Blood samples were taken from the animals at the end of each month of the experiment and blood analyzes were performed on them and also the quantity and components of milk produced were measured twice a month during the experimental period (3 months of lactating stage). The results showed that the diet supplemented with linseed oil led to a significant (P=0.05) decrease in triglycerides, Low density lipoprotein LDL levels, and a significant (P=0.05) increase in the highdensity lipoprotein HDL at the end of the experiment, while there was no significant effect on the other biochemical blood parameters. The results also showed a significant (P=0.05) increase in the amount of total and daily milk production and milk fat percentage in treated group compared to control group, while there was no significant effect of the treatment on the other milk components. Accordingly, we conclude that the treatment with linseed oil led to an improvement in some of the biochemical characteristics of the blood, as well as an improvement and great benefit in the production of milk and some of its components through processing milk with unsaturated fatty acids, which lead to health benefits in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to induce estrus by using Human Menopausal Gonadotrophin (HMG) in Iraqi Awassi Ewes and comparison its action with Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophin (PMSG). The study was carried out between first of June 2018(non or earlier-breeding season) until all ewes lambing in the middle of November 2018. Sixty Iraqi Awassi ewes aged 2-4 years old and weight 35-45 kg were used in this study. Ewes were divided randomly into three groups, (20 ewes per each). All ewes comprised of intra-vaginal sponge impregnated by progesterone for 12 days. Control ewes (C) were injected intramuscularly with 2ml of sterile saline solution, HMG treatment group (HMG) were injected intramuscularly with 300 IU of HMG hormone while PMSG treatment Group (PMSG) were injected intramuscularly with 500 IU of PMSG at the same day of sponge removal. Estrus response percentages were 40% (8/20), 85% (17/20), 90% (18/20) in control (which significantly change P

This study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of body condition scores (BCS) and Sex of lamb on Awassi ewes milk production, composition and lambs growth. The experiment conducted at one of the Awassi sheep breeders in Baibokht area (8km north of Mosul city ) for three months. Ewes were fed concentrate 500g/ewe/day, 60% barley, 38% wheat bran, 1% salt and 1% limestone, with grazing. ewes were divided in to three groups. First group body condition score (BCS 2), the second group (BCS 3) and the third group (BCS 4). The results revealed BCS3 had a significant effect (P

The objective of the two studies was to evaluate t effects of feeding on lactating Awassi ewes (study 1) and lambs (study 2), fed on a diet of Atriplex halimus L. (ATR) or olive cake (OC), as a foraging source substitute for wheat straw. In study 1, 33 newly lambed ewes and their lambs were randomly assigned one of three diets: The control diet (CON), 250 g/kg of OC, or 250 g/kg of ATR dry matter (DM). Ewes and lambs were housed in individual pens. Ewes fed CON diet had greater DM, neutral detergent fibre, and acid detergent fibre intakes than OC and ATR groups. Ether extract (EE) intake was greater (p < .0001) in OC diet compared to CON and ATR diets. Milk yield was similar (p = .99) among treatments. Content of milk total solids and fat were greater in ATR diet than CON and OC diets. Milk production cost was lower in the OC and ATR compared to the CON group. In study 2, 18 ewe lambs were assigned the same diets used in study 1 to evaluate the effects of OC and ATR on nutrient digestibility and N balance. Dry matter digestibility was greater in ATR compared to CON and OC groups. The digestibility of EE was greater in the OC group than in CON and ATR groups. Results showed that the inclusion of OC and ATR did not negatively impact lactation performance. Additionally, results proved the economic value of using such products, as they reduced the cost of milk production.Highlights Olive cake and Atriplex halimus L. were fed to Awassi ewes at a level of 250 g/kg of dietary DM. The inclusion of olive cake and A. halimus L. at 250 g/kg of dietary DM, as a source of fibre, did not negatively impact the lactation performance of sheep. Additionally, results proved the economic value of using such products, as they reduced the cost of milk production.

The study was conducted in Nineveh Research Department at Ministry of Agriculture, Iraq, when a total of 21 Awassi ewes aged 2-3 years and weighing 48.61 ± 3.27 kg were used to evaluate the effect of feeding reed with addition of mixture of enzymes and probiotic on body weight and some blood parameters. The ewes were divided in to three groups (7 ewes per treatment). The first tr.eatment was fed daily concentrate diet (5kg/group) plus 3 kg of wheat straw. In the second group, the wheat straw was replaced with chopped common reed leaves while 2 gm of mixture of enzymes and probiotic was added. Results showed a significant increase (p≤0.05) in favor of the third treatment in the total weight gain of 5.00 kg and daily gain 70.85 g as compared with the second treatment 3.71 kg and 52.57 g respectively. Significantly (p≤0.05) increase was noted in blood total protein and globulin this was associated with a decrease in blood albumin in the second and third treatments compared to the first treatment. A significant increase (p≤0.05) was observed in the third treatment in the triglycerides 152.32 mg /dl compared to the first and second treatments 105.84 and 115.20 mg/dl. In general, it is possible to substitute common reed instead of wheat straw and to improve the efficiency of common reed utilization by adding a mixture of enzymes and probiotic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In the present study; the effects of flunixin meglumine application on the fertility of synchronized Awassi ewes was investigated during breeding season. Materials and Methods: In this study 100 multiparous Awassi ewes, aged 2-4, housed in the same care and feeding conditions used. For this purpose, 30 mg fluorogesteron acetate vaginal sponge placed into the vagina during the breeding season (September- October). On the 11th days after insertion of sponge, 10 mg PGF2? intramuscularly administered. Vaginal sponges withdrawn on day 12 and administered with 400 IU PMSG intramuscularly. Following intramuscular PMSG injection the ewes which show estrus sign joined to known fertility rams. The animals were allocated into two equal groups as treatment and control. Flunixin meglumine applied i.m at the dose of 1.1 mg / kg on the 9th day and on the 10th day post mating (n = 50) included in the treated group. No treatment made to the ewes (n = 50) included in the control group. The pregnancy diagnosis was performed by trans-abdominal route by real time ultrasonography on day 50 after mating. Results: The rate of conception in the treated and control groups was 40.9 % and 33.3 %, respectively (p >0.05). The rate of lambing in treated and control groups was 77.7 % and 87.5 %, respectively (p >0.05). Conclusion: The application of flunixin meglumine on the 9th and 10th days after breeding in Awasi ewes only increased the rate of conception numerically. However, it can be considered to increase conception rate in alternative options such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer.

The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of injected amino acid arginine on reproductive performance in ewes and on the levels of some hormones. Twenty-one non pregnant Awassi Turkish ewes were used. These ewes were divided into three equal groups. The first group were not treated which serve as control group (T1), and injected with 5-10 ml of normal saline in intramuscular. Ewes of second group (T2) were treated by injected with a 155µmol/kg arginine I.V. The third group (T3) was treated by injected with 155µmol/kg arginine intramuscular. All treated ewes were inseminated by rams for 7 days. Blood samples were taken from jugular vein on the 1st and 2nd days of arginine injection and then insert CIDR and on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th,13th, and 16th days of this treatment to measure the change in the levels of some hormones during treatment. The results showed arithmetic difference in the time of the estrus where the treatment of intramuscular arginine injection came first and it was followed by intravenous arginine injection and then the control. Arginine treated groups significantly the control group in the estrus appearance rate. The estrus appearance estrus rate in intravenous injection group, intramuscular injection group and control group were 71.43, 57.14, and 42.85% respectively, also there is significant increase in fertility rates were 71.43, 57.14 and 42.85% respectively. There was a significant increase in pregnancy rates were 71.43, 57.14 and 28.85% respectively. However, birth rates were 71.43, 57.14 and 28.57% respectively. Intravenous treatment showed the lowest than other treatments. The results of current research revealed no significant difference between groups in the level of progesterone hormone, furthermore there is no significant change in the hormone during all periods of the experiment except the 7th period in IV arginine treated group. It was also observed a significant decrease in the estrogen concentration level in arginine intravenous (14.62 ±1.02) and intramuscular (15.00 ±1.98) injected groups in compared with control group (16.82 ±1.25) respectively during the first and 7th periods of injection after the insert of CIDR as compared with the other periods. There were no significant differences in the level of cortisol between the treated groups and the control group, and also between all periods of the experiment. It was concluded from this study that injection of amino acid arginine improved the reproductive performance of Awassi Turkish ewes, taking into consideration the superiority of intravenous injector as compared with intramuscular injection which gave higher rates of estrus, fertilization, fertility, pregnancy and birth and gave the lowest proportion of barrenness as compared with control group. However, arginine had no significant effects on the level of estrogen, progesterone and cortisol.

The effect of corn dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) on milk yield, milk composition and body weight (BW) and digestibility were evaluated by using lactating ewe (Exp. 1) and Awassi ewe lambs (Exp. 2). Dietary treatments were (1) no DDGS (CON), (2) 200 gkg−1 DDGS (DDGS200) or (3) 300 gkg−1 DDGS (DDGS300) of dietary dry matter (DM). In Exp. 1, 30 lactating Awassi ewes were randomly assigned to the corresponding diets. Nutrient intakes were determined daily throughout the experiment which lasted for 8 weeks. Body weights of ewes and lambs were measured on days 0, 28 and 56 of the study whilst milk yield and composition were recorded on days 18, 36 and 54. Ewe BW changes were similar amongst treatments. Ewes consuming the DDGS diet showed increased milk production (p

This experiment was conducted in one of the private sheep farm sector in Al-Fayadhiya village which lies about 30 km to east of the Al-Qasim city of Babylon Governorate. Using of 60 heads of Awassi ewes were used at the beginning of experiment, and average of initial weight of all ewes between 43.5-44.2 kg. In order to find out effect of substituting two energy sources (sugar beet molasses and remnants of rashi industry) as a substitute for barley grains in basal diet so as to studying biochemical characteristics and blood proteins, physiological biology of Awassi ewes. These animals were randomly divided into three groups, at rate of 20 heads for each group. The ewes of the first group were fed on a basal ration that contained barley grains as a source of energy in bush, and then second animals group were fed on sugar beet molasses as an alternative energy source for barley grain. As for third group of ewes which ate diet that contained remnants of the rashi industry as an alternative energy source for grains barley for pregnant period (150 day). The results of the current study revealed highly significant improvement (P<0.1) in levels of red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), haemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), total protein, albumin, and globulin, and physiological biology (body temperature, heart pulse and respiration rate) in favor of experimental treatments for pregnant ewes consuming molasses and remnants of rashi industry compared to control group that consumed barley. The results of the red blood cell count were 6.840, 11.319, 11.735 × 106 corpus, white blood cell count 7171, 10506, 10543 cells, the haemoglobin concentration of 6.965, 10.076, 10.350 gm, packed cell volume 19.12, 20.63, 21.31% and mean size of red blood cells. 23,490, 24,495, 24,830 micrograms, average weight of erythrocyte haemoglobin 7.001, 9,300, 9,930 pg, mean erythrocyte haemoglobin concentration of 25,550, 31,933, 32,720 gm, total blood protein 8.37, 11.36, 11.66 gm, albumin 5.33, 6.10, 5.27 gm, and globulin 3.04, 5.26, 5.39 gm, body temperature 38.95, 38.56, 38.12°C, heart pulse rate 88.95, 76.45, 75.65 plus/minute and respiratory rate 52.90, 44.65, 40.30 times/minute for three treatments. We conclude from this study that most of the biochemical characteristics of blood, blood proteins and physiological aspects was improved significantly on blood serum of Awassi ewes that dealt with rations containing molasses and the remnants of rashi industry compared to the group of ewes that ate barley grains in control diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of double-dose gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) injection on the induction of oestrus and some reproductive performance parameters in Awassi ewes during the non-breeding season. In the study, 100 ewes were treated with a vaginal sponge containing 60 mg medroxyprogesterone acetate for 7 days in the anoestrus (day 0). PMSG 500 IU and 250 μg cloprostenol sodium were injected on the day of removal of the sponge (day 7). Ewes in Group 1 (n = 31) were not subjected to any hormonal treatment. Ewes in Group 2 (n = 31) were given 50 μg GnRH 48th hour after removal of the sponge. Ewes in Group 3 (n = 33) were given 50 μg GnRH 48th hour after the removal of the sponge and 50 μg GnRH 12th day after post-mating. The results obtained in the study showed that there were no statistical differences between the Groups 1, 2 and 3 in terms of oestrus rates (82.8%, 68.9%, 72.7%), conception rates (66.7%, 55.0%, 54.2%), multiple pregnancy rates (28.5%, 50.0%, 30.7%) and litter sizes (1.28, 1.50, 1.31). No significant increases in P4 concentration were observed in Group 3 treated with GnRH at the 12th day after post-mating; however, a numerically lower (p > 0.05) late embryonic-early fetal mortality rate was observed in Group 3 (0%), when compared with the values obtained in Group 1 (12.5%) and Group 2 (9.1%). In conclusion, after short-term progestagen administration during the non-breeding season, double-dose GnRH injections did not increase P4 concentration and had no significant differences on reproductive performance parameters among groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was undertaken to compare the effect of addition of different levels of ginger and vitamin E to the ration cellular and biochemical blood characteristics in Awassi ewes. The experiment was conducted on Awassi ewes, aged between 3- 4 years with a mean weight 37±5 kg, presented in the private farm in Ramadi, Anbar. The animals were divided into five groups (5 ewes for each group). The first group (T1 ) not treated serve as a control, second (T2 ), the third group (T3 ) and the fourth group (T4 ) were treated with 10, 15 and 20 gm from ginger three times weekly for each ewe. While, the fifth group (T5 ) treated with 500mg vitamin E three times weekly for each ewe, blood samples were collected at day 15, 30, 45, 60 of the experiment. The results showed that there was a significant increase in pcv %, Hb%, the numbers of RBCs, WBC, lymphocytes and platelets in T4 during all the periods. While, the biochemical characteristics of serum showed a high significant value of total protein and globulins for T4 and T5 in the most of the periods. Fourth treatment showed significant decrease on the values of glucose, cholesterol and urea at all periods except the value of cholesterol at the first period. The result showed there was no significant difference in the concentration of albumin between different treatment at all periods. It was concluded that the ginger and vitamin E have beneficial effect on blood traits in the ewes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was conducted in tow private farms contain 88 ewes with intensive farm system and the other farm contain 109 ewes with partial intensive system during the year 2020 in the middle of Iraq. Results showed a significant difference in individual's distribution according its genotypes in the 1st farm with intensive farming system while no significant difference in individual's distribution according its genotypes in the 2nd farm with partial intensive farming system. Results showed a significant effect (P £ 0.05) of farming system on body weight, the highest body weight in group with one-year-old was in partial intensive system namely, 23.06 kg and was 36.17 kg of group with 1-2 years old. Results indicated that a significant effect (P £ 0.01) of AA-NAT genotype on live body weight, the highest body weight was reported in the group with wild genotype compared with the other genotypes (hetero and mutant) namely, 25.9, 36.74 and 52.66 kg for the three ages, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the two studies was to evaluate t effects of feeding on lactating Awassi ewes (study 1) and lambs (study 2), fed on a diet of Atriplex halimus L. (ATR) or olive cake (OC), as a foraging source substitute for wheat straw. In study 1, 33 newly lambed ewes and their lambs were randomly assigned one of three diets: The control diet (CON), 250 g/kg of OC, or 250 g/kg of ATR dry matter (DM). Ewes and lambs were housed in individual pens. Ewes fed CON diet had greater DM, neutral detergent fibre, and acid detergent fibre intakes than OC and ATR groups. Ether extract (EE) intake was greater (p <.0001) in OC diet compared to CON and ATR diets. Milk yield was similar (p =.99) among treatments. Content of milk total solids and fat were greater in ATR diet than CON and OC diets. Milk production cost was lower in the OC and ATR compared to the CON group. In study 2, 18 ewe lambs were assigned the same diets used in study 1 to evaluate the effects of OC and ATR on nutrient digestibility and N balance. Dry matter digestibility was greater in ATR compared to CON and OC groups. The digestibility of EE was greater in the OC group than in CON and ATR groups. Results showed that the inclusion of OC and ATR did not negatively impact lactation performance. Additionally, results proved the economic value of using such products, as they reduced the cost of milk production. Olive cake and Atriplex halimus L. were fed to Awassi ewes at a level of 250 g/kg of dietary DM. The inclusion of olive cake and A. halimus L. at 250 g/kg of dietary DM, as a source of fibre, did not negatively impact the lactation performance of sheep. Additionally, results proved the economic value of using such products, as they reduced the cost of milk production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of forty female genital tracts of local sheep, collected from Al-Fallujah abattoir, were utilized for this study during the period from October 2018 to March 2019. Among these 20% of the samples were pregnant with out any abnormality, and 80% were non pregnant (55% without any problem and 25% showed abnormal macroscopically lesion. The main type of abnormalities were, ovarian adhesion, uterus unicornis, inactive ovaries, cystic ovaries, ovarian germ cell tumor and cervical tumor, metritis, salpingitis and hydrosalpinx with an incidence of 10%, 10%, 10%, 20%, 10%, 10%, 10%, 10% and 10% respectively. The histopathological study revealed that there were a histopathological changes in the previous cases, the ovarian giant cell tumor reported at first in this study in Iraq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The present study was conducted to investigate the impacts of active and passive immunization against synthetic inhibin and steroid-free bovine follicular fluid, respectively, on reproductive fecundity out of breeding season in Iraqi Awassi ewes. Methods Follicular fluid was aspired from mature bovine follicles, treated with activated charcoal, and used for immunization of male rabbits for obtaining steroid free bovine follicular fluid (SFBFF) antiserum. Forty non-pregnant Awassi ewes were allocated into 4 groups (n = 10 each). At day 38 of experiment, ewes were treated with intra-vaginal MPA sponge (60 mg for 12 days). At days 0, 28, and 50, ewes were treated with 4, 2, and 2 mL of normal saline (control; C-ve), 400, 200, and 200 μg of ovalbumin (C+ve), 400, 200 and 200 μg of inhibin (SI group), respectively, and 4 mL of normal saline at day 0, and 4 and 2 mL of SFBFF antiserum at days 28 and 50, respectively, (AI group). After mating with Awassi rams, pregnancy and embryo number were diagnosed, at day 38 of pregnancy, using ultrasonography. Blood samples were collected at days 30, 60, 90, and 120 of pregnancy, for assessment of estradiol-17β (E2) and progesterone (P4) levels. After parturition, numbers of delivered lambs were recorded. Results The results revealed significant increase of P4 and significant decrease of E2 levels in SI and AI pregnant ewes than controls at days 30, 60, 90, and 120. Newborn number increased significantly in SI and AI treated than control ewes. Conclusion Active or passive immunization against endogenous inhibin could augment reproductive fecundity out of breeding season in Iraqi Awassi ewes.

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.

This study was undertaken to explore the effect of lamb's sex and prenatal periods and 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks' postpartum and the interaction between them on some of blood, chemical in Awassi ewes, this experiment was carried out in one of the private fields in Al-Huwaish in Diyala Governorate during the period from 2\11\2018 to 1\4\2019 on 12 Awassi ewes where 6 of them were born male and the other 6 were born female in last week of pregnancy and lactation period, the result was:- No significant effect of the sex of lambs in the level of total protein, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorus, ALT and AST, while total protein and urea increased significantly in the second week postpartum compared to other periods (p<0.01), urea concentration increased significantly (p<0.01) in the period between the interaction of lamb's sex and the second week postpartum compared to other interactions. While the lambs sex did not register significant difference for each of PCV, Hb and MCHC, while there was a high significant in both of PCV, Hb and MCHC in 6, 8 and 10 weeks' postpartum when compared with other periods, MCHC record significantly higher in the sex of lambs and 6, 8 and 10 weeks' postpartum compared to the other interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was designed to evaluate the effect of Prostaglandins (PGF2α) and oxytocin on some biochemical parameters in Awassi ewes in Iraq. The study was conducted on 17 pregnant Awassi ewes aged 3-4 years, presented in the farms of College of Veterinary Medicine/University of Fallujah. After parturition the animals were divided in to three groups: First group control (5) injected with 2ml of distal water. Second group PGF2α (6) injected with 7.5 mg. Third group oxytocin (6) injected with (20 I.U). The blood samples for biochemical assay. Glucose, Urea, Triglycerides and vLDL were significantly (P<0.05) increased in the oxytocin group as compared with other groups. Cholesterol and LDL were showed exhibited higher significant different (P<0.05) in control group. Total protein, Albumin, Globulin, Creatinine and HDL were showed no significant different (P<0.05) between groups. In conclusion, effects of prostaglandin and oxytocin injection were noticed on increased and lower some biochemical parameters in Awassi ewes of Iraq. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Kirkuk University for Agricultural Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study was undertaken to explore the effect of lamb's sex and prenatal periods and 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 weeks' postpartum and the interaction between them on some of blood, chemical in Awassi ewes, this experiment was carried out in one of the private fields in Al-Huwaish in Diyala Governorate during the period from 2\11\2018 to 1\4\2019 on 12 Awassi ewes where 6 of them were born male and the other 6 were born female in last week of pregnancy and lactation period, the result was:- No significant effect of the sex of lambs in the level of total protein, urea, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorus, ALT and AST, while total protein and urea increased significantly in the second week postpartum compared to other periods (p<0.01), urea concentration increased significantly (p<0.01) in the period between the interaction of lamb's sex and the second week postpartum compared to other interactions. While the lambs sex did not register significant difference for each of PCV, Hb and MCHC, while there was a high significant in both of PCV, Hb and MCHC in 6, 8 and 10 weeks' postpartum when compared with other periods, MCHC record significantly higher in the sex of lambs and 6, 8 and 10 weeks' postpartum compared to the other interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sheep is the primarily host of Psoroptes ovis, non-burrowing ectoparasitic mite and the disease occurs global and is notifiable in many countries. Current study was conducted in different regions of Diyala province, Iraq. Skin scrapings were collected from ewes clinically showed lesion of mange, in private and official clinics for studying the common mite species. In addition to compare the efficiency of Sulphur ointment, deltamethrin 2.5%(w/v) and Ivermectin in treatment of naturally occurring mange in Awassi ewes, in field of Agricultural College, University of Diyala. Clinical, hematological and parasitological parameters were dependent in this study. Main clinical manifestations were skin laceration, with scar formation, loss of skin flexibility, toughness with sclerosis, fissuring and dryness, sites of infestation by Psoroptes were mainly the back, shoulder, fat tail and face. The results showed that 33 ewes (33%) gave positive result for skin scrapings. The deltamethrin was the best in treatment of mange, followed by Ivermectin, then Sulphur ointment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Eurasian Journal of Veterinary Sciences is the property of Eurasian Journal of Veterinary Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Al-Anbar Journal of Veterinary Sciences is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, 84 pregnant ewes were used and randomly distributed to one of four treatments, as follows: C (control), total mixed ration (TMR) +12% SFH (S12), TMR +20% SFH (S20), and TMR +28% SFH (S28). Treatments had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the daily feed intake (DFI) of the ewes during the late gestation (30 d prepartum) and post-partum period, with the S12 and S20 groups having lower feed intake (35; 60%) than the C and S28 group. The DFI was significantly (p < 0.05) low during late gestation in comparable with other periods. The results revealed that body weight (BW) at late gestation was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than the BW at 60-days postpartum and during the mating period. Body condition score (BCS) was significantly (p < 0.05) higher during late gestation in comparison with other periods. There was no significant effect of different levels of SFH on reproductive parameters except S/C, which was significantly higher in the S20 than other groups. Serum glucose level was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the S20 group than the C, S12, and S28 groups during 30 days postpartum. S20 and S28 groups showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in glucose levels at parturition in comparison with other reproductive periods. At late gestation, a significantly (p < 0.01) higher concentration of blood NEFA was reported for ewes from the C group compared with other groups. Furthermore, significantly lower (p < 0.05) NEFA levels at parturition were found for ewes from the S20 group compared with the S12 group. In conclusion, TMR is not preferable to be used alone in the late gestation period. Sunflower hull can be used as a cheap source of fiber in TMR without adverse effects on health or the reproductive traits of ewes. The increasing level of sunflower hull up to 28% can affect fertility and increase the number of services per conception, probably due to its high content of lignin (phytoestrogen).

The study conducted to investigate of the Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) microbial load in which contaminate the locally produce cheese from milk of local Awassi breed ewes . And to indicate the effect of different types and concentrations of mixture’s of Emulsifying salts to choose the best mix of them that reduce the Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) microbial load in this locally produce cheese . A 60 sample Cheese locally produced from milk of Awassi ewes were been collected randomly from Local Awassi Flock of College of Agriculture at Baghdad University (Iraq) , ( 30 samples to each winter and spring season ) to investigate their microbial load . Both of all winter and spring samples were in high significant (p

The study conducted to investigate of the Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) microbial load in which contaminate the locally produce cheese from milk of local Awassi breed ewes. And to indicate the effect of different types and concentrations of mixture' s of Emulsifying salts to choose the best mix of them that reduce the Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) microbial load in this locally produce cheese. A 60 sample Cheese locally produced from milk of Awassi ewes were been collected randomly from Local Awassi Flock of College of Agriculture at Baghdad University (Iraq), (30 samples to each winter and spring season) to investigate their microbial load. Both of all winter and spring samples were in high significant (p<0.01) microbial count. The Bacteristatic & Bactericidal effect of Emulsifying salts on microbial activity was confirmed when each of the Total Bacterial Count (TBC), Total Coli form Count, Total Escherichia coli Count and Total Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC) Count were highly significant (p<0.01) reduced in the cooked Cheese Samples with 3% Emulsifying salts composed of (90% (Na5P3O10) + 10% (Na3C6H5O7)) were being added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present examination was intended to enhance ripeness, lambing and weaning rates of Awassi ewes and assess the proficiency of a few conventions, for example, PMSG or potentially GnRH infusion after vaginal wipe's treatment on some conceptive attributes in Awassi ewes, Forty-five non-pregnant and lactating awassi ewes separated into three gatherings (15 ewes of each). Gathering one (G1) gotten twofold infusions of prostaglandin F2α 10 days isolated, amass two (G2) gotten two fold infusions of prostaglandin F2α 10 days isolated, and following 10 days, intravaginal progestagen wipes, assemble three (G3) were given two fold infusions of prostaglandin F2α for 10 of days isolated then followed by 10 days progestagen wipes intravaginally implanted. Wipes in situ for duration of 14 of days, each ewe was injected intramuscularly with 2ml, 0.004 mg gonadotropin releasing hormones single day just before wipe's clearing. These data exhibited that level of estreus showed that group 2 achieved 93.33% significantlly, otherwise a most negligible rate (80%) was seen in group 3. Origination along with lambing rate growing to hundred percent in group 2 yet no imperative differentiations in exploratory gatherings, weaning rate was more significant to ewes in group2 than those of various gatherings, fetus removal rate was higher for ewes in G3 than those of different gatherings. At long last, Awassi is magnificent nearby bread of sheep on the off chance that they were very much controlled because of the preliminaries proliferation execution of Awassi could be upgraded by putting estreus synchronization and extra ovulation habits in spite of merciless conditions; Awassi ewes could breed and sheep utilizing diverse estrus synchronization conventions, Utilization of PGF2α, FGA wipe and PMSG convention of Awassi ewes are more compelling in enhancing richness and twining rate than different conventions, a few adjustments for synchronization conventions were proposed to enhance ripeness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of replacing wheat straw (WS) with alfalfa hay (ALF) in diets fed to Awassi lactating ewes (exp. 1) and weaned lambs (exp. 2). In each experiment, sheep were fed 1 of 3 treatment diets containing WS only, WS and ALF mix (50:50; WS-ALF), or ALF only as the forage sources. In exp. 1, 33 lactating Awassi ewes were assigned randomly to treatment diets (11 ewes/diet) and fed ad libitum for 56 days. Intakes of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) were greater (P = 0.001) in WS-ALF and ALF diets than WS diet. Ewe weight-of-lamb weaned, and nursing-lamb average daily gain (ADG) was greatest for ALF, intermediate for WS-ALF, and least for WS treatment groups (P < 0.0001). Milk production (kg/day) tended to be greater (P = 0.07) in ALF diets compared with WS diets. Milk protein, total solids, and lactose production (g/day) were greater (P < 0.04) in ewes fed ALF and WS-ALF diets compared with WS diet. In exp. 2, 27 newly weaned lambs were randomly assigned to treatment diets (9 lambs/treatment) and fed ad libitum for 70 days. Intake and digestibility of DM were greater (P < 0.05) in lambs fed the ALF diet compared with the WS diet. Lamb total gain and ADG were greater (P < 0.01) for lambs fed WS-ALF and ALF diets compared with WS diet. Replacement of wheat straw with alfalfa hay improved most of performance and productivity measured variables of Awassi lactating ewes and growing lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of corn dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) on milk yield, milk composition and body weight (BW) and digestibility were evaluated by using lactating ewe (Exp. 1) and Awassi ewe lambs (Exp. 2). Dietary treatments were (1) no DDGS (CON), (2) 200 gkg−1 DDGS (DDGS200) or (3) 300 gkg−1 DDGS (DDGS300) of dietary dry matter (DM). In Exp. 1, 30 lactating Awassi ewes were randomly assigned to the corresponding diets. Nutrient intakes were determined daily throughout the experiment which lasted for 8 weeks. Body weights of ewes and lambs were measured on days 0, 28 and 56 of the study whilst milk yield and composition were recorded on days 18, 36 and 54. Ewe BW changes were similar amongst treatments. Ewes consuming the DDGS diet showed increased milk production (p<.045) over those provided the CON diet. Cost of diets and milk production reduced (p=.01) in DDGS-containing diets compared with the CON diet. In Exp. 2, 18 Awassi ewe lambs were randomly assigned into the same dietary treatments and fed their diets for 21 days. Digestibility of DM and ADF was lower (p<.017) for the CON diet than for the DDGS diets. Digestibility of CP and NDF increased (p<.036) in the DDGS200 diet than the CON diet. Results indicate DDGS has the potential to be included up to 300 gkg−1 of dietary DM of DDGS in Awassi ewes' diets with no negative effects on production parameters whilst being cost effective. Cost of feed and milk production decreased in DDGS diets. Milk production increased in DDGS diets. Milk composition was similar among diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The economy in Mediterranean areas is tightly linked to the evolution of the sheep-farming system; therefore, improvement in ewe’s reproductive performance is essential in the developing countries of this area. MTNR1A is the gene coding for Melatonin receptor 1 (MT1), and it is considered to be involved in the reproductive activity in sheep. The aims of this study were: (1) identifying the polymorphisms from the entire MTNR1A coding region and promoter in Lebanese Awassi sheep flocks, and (2) investigating the association between the found polymorphisms and the reproductive performance, assessed as lambing rate, litter size, and days to lambing (DTL). The study was conducted in two districts of Lebanon, where 165 lactating ewes, aged 5.2 ± 1.5 years, with body condition score (BCS) 3.3 ± 0.4, were chosen and exposed to adult and fertile rams. From 150 to 220 days after ram introduction, lambing dates and litter sizes were registered. This study provided the entire coding region of the MTNR1A receptor gene in the Awassi sheep breed. Thirty-one single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected, five of which were missense mutations. The H2, H3, and H4 haplotypes were associated with lower DTL (p < 0.05), as well as the SNPs rs430181568 and rs40738822721, named from now on SNP20 and SNP21, respectively. These SNPs were totally linked and can be considered as a single marker. The ewes carrying the C allele at both these polymorphic sites advanced their reproductive recovery (p < 0.05). These results are essential for improving reproductive management and obtaining advanced lambing in Awassi ewes.

This study was conducted on 100 Awassi ewes in two private flocks near Kirkuk city, IRAQ to investigate the effect of location, age, litter sex and birth type on some haematological, biochemical parameters of Awassi ewes. Three blood samples collected monthly after parturition from jugular vein in using EDTA tubes. Determined haematological and biochemical parameters include: haematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin concentration (Hb), serum glucose (SGLU), cholesterol (SCHOL), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), potassium and sodium (K, Na) parameters. Location had significant (P<0.0001) effect on HCT, HB, K also significant (P<0.003) effect on TP and ALB with non-significant effect on SGLU and SCHOL where location 1 surpassed location 2. Age had significant (P<0.05) effects in HCT, HB parameters and non-significant effect in K and Na parameters, where 3 years old ewes surpassed 4 and 5 years old in HCT and HB. Sex of litters showed non-significant effect in all parameters except serum Na. Correlation coefficients of HCT with Hb are positive significant (P<0.01). HCT and HB showed positive significant (P<0.05) correlations with TP and Na and negative significant (P<0.05) correlations with ALB and Na. SGLU had the only significant (P<0.05) positive correlation with SCHOL. Potassium level showed negative significant (P<0.05) correlations with HCT, HB, SCHOL and TP while its correlation with AL was positive significant (P<0.05). Na exerted positive significant (P<0.05) correlations with HCT, HB and K and negative significant (P<0.05) correlations with both SCHOL and TP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of different Black cumin meal (BCM) dietary treatments during the suckling period on lactating performance and health of multiparous Awassi ewes. We randomly allocated 27 nursing Awassi ewes (4–5 years age; 50.2 ± 1.42 kg body weight) to one of three equally dietary treatments: 1) control diet, no feed BCM (CON), 2) BCM50 diet (50 g/kg of dietary dry matter (DM) and; 3) BCM100 diet (100 g/kg BCM of dietary DM). The results showed that there are no significant differences at P ≥ 0.67 among the three treatment groups in measured parameters like intakes of DM and crude protein (CP). However, the BCM100 group showed greater (P < 0.0001) ether extract (EE) intake compared to both the BCM50 and CON groups and ewes exhibited greater (P < 0.02) metabolizable energy intake in BCM100 and BCM50 groups than the CON group. The digestibility of CP and neutral detergent fiber improved (P < 0.05) in the BCM100 and BCM50 diets compared to the CON diet. The acid detergent fiber digestibility tended to be higher (P = 0.08) in the BCM100 and BCM50 diets compared to the CON diet. However, the digestibility of DM and EE did not show significant differences (P ≥ 0.17) among the three treatment groups. Nitrogen retained as (g/d) and retention as a percentage (g/100 g) were greater (P < 0.01) in the BCM100 and BCM50 diets compared to the CON diet. The final body weight and average daily gain of the lambs in the BCM50 and BCM100 groups increased compared with the CON group (P < 0.02). The BCM100-treated group had greater milk yield per day (P < 0.05) compared to the CON group. The content of fat, protein, lactose, solid-not-fat (SNF), and total solids (TS) % did not differ among the three groups. The BCM100-treated group had higher (P < 0.03) fat and TS milk yields (g/d) compared to the BCM50-treated group and CON group. However, fat and TS milk yields were similar between the BCM50 treatment group and the CON group. The BCM100-treated group had a greater SNF yield per day (P < 0.05) compared to the CON group. However, SNF yields in BCM treatment groups and between BCM50 group and CON group were similar. Moreover, the average protein and lactose yield of milk were significantly higher in the BCM100 diet than CON diet. Feed efficiency tended to be greater in BCM-treated ewes than the CON ewes. Moreover, the cost/kg of milk produced was lower (P < 0.01) in the BCM diets than in the CON diet. Ewes fed a BCM100 had higher energy-corrected milk than other groups. The analysis did not detect differences in the blood serum metabolites in all treatments. In conclusion, this study suggests that dietary inclusion of different levels of BCM showed a positive influence on most lactating characteristics and economic performance for the lambs and lactating Awassi ewes, and could be used as a good alternative feed source in ruminant feeds. • Black cumin meal was fed to lactating Awassi ewes at levels of 0, 50 or 100 g/kg of dietary DM • Milk yield improved in black cumin meal diets • Cost of milk production decreased in black cumin meal diets than the control diet [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was carried out at the experimental animal farm , college of Agriculture , Kufa University by using data collected for 80 Awassi ewes in different age and lactation stage in the period of 2009 to 2013 to determine the effect of dam age and parity, lactation stage , type and sex of birth and year of birth in milk protein , fat , lactose ash and PH. Results was showed a significant effect(p≤ 0.05 ) of lactation stage in protein fat and ash , the highest values were in late period of lactation (6.92,6.27and1.51)% respectively. The highest value of lactose was in early lactation (4.38)% .The highest values were found in 4th parity (6.99 , 6.31 and 1.48 )% respectively. Dam age effect significantly (p≤ 0.05 ) in milk fat , the highest value was in older dams compared with younger dams (6.37 and 5.14) % respectively. Single birth gave a significant increase (p≤ 0.05 ) in milk protein and fat (6.94 and 6.09)% respectively. Females birth gave a significant increase in milk protein , fat and ash ( 6.77, 5.92 and 1.17) respectively. Significant effect (p≤ 0.05 ) of year of birth in milk protein ,fat and ash, the highest values were found in 2010 (6.75, 6.20 and1.11)% respectively. Milk PH was not affected significantly by all factors.