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Simple Summary: This research examined the use Texel or Southdown sires on Southdown or Suffolk dams to improve carcass quality and muscle composition in lambs produced on pasture-based systems. Texel-sired lambs had heavier carcasses, larger ribeye areas and individual muscle weights from the loin and leg. Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to rapidly rank carcasses for leanness by dam and sire breeds. Texel-sired lambs had lower, more desirable, rank for carcass leanness and less total carcass fat. Individual muscles of the loin and leg from the various breed combinations were evaluated for fatty acid composition and tenderness. Dam and sire breed influenced fatty acid composition of the muscles. The semitendinosus muscle had the highest total fatty acid content and lowest ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids. Overall, muscles from these lambs finished on pasture with limited grain supplementation were very lean, with high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids and a ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acid of below 4:1, which is considered beneficial for human health and reduction of coronary heart disease. The use of Texel sires in pasture-based systems improved carcass leanness and muscle PUFA concentrations without altering tenderness. This study explored the impacts of sire and dam breed on carcass quality and composition in a pasture-based system and the use of DXA to rapidly rank carcasses for leanness. Southdown (SD) and Suffolk (SF) ewes were mated to Texel (TX) or SD rams to produce seventy-nine lambs. Lambs were raised on pasture-based systems with limited grain supplementation. Lamb birth weight was greater (p < 0.01) for TX, regardless of dam breed. Lambing rate was lower (p < 0.01) for SD than SF ewes. Circulating myostatin concentrations were greater (p < 0.05) on d 42 than d 75 or d 110 but did not differ by sire breed. Texel-sired lambs had greater (p < 0.01) carcass weight, ribeye area and quality grade compared to SD-sired. Total and primal fat mass as predicted from DXA was higher (p < 0.05) in carcasses from SD than TX sires. Muscles from TX lambs had greater (p < 0.05) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition than SD-sired. Shear force values were influenced (p < 0.01) by dam breed, muscle cut and postmortem age but not by sire breed. The use of TX sires in pasture-based systems improved carcass leanness and muscle PUFA concentrations without altering tenderness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explored the impacts of sire and dam breed on carcass quality and composition in a pasture-based system and the use of DXA to rapidly rank carcasses for leanness. Southdown (SD) and Suffolk (SF) ewes were mated to Texel (TX) or SD rams to produce seventy-nine lambs. Lambs were raised on pasture-based systems with limited grain supplementation. Lamb birth weight was greater (p < 0.01) for TX, regardless of dam breed. Lambing rate was lower (p < 0.01) for SD than SF ewes. Circulating myostatin concentrations were greater (p < 0.05) on d 42 than d 75 or d 110 but did not differ by sire breed. Texel-sired lambs had greater (p < 0.01) carcass weight, ribeye area and quality grade compared to SD-sired. Total and primal fat mass as predicted from DXA was higher (p < 0.05) in carcasses from SD than TX sires. Muscles from TX lambs had greater (p < 0.05) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition than SD-sired. Shear force values were influenced (p < 0.01) by dam breed, muscle cut and postmortem age but not by sire breed. The use of TX sires in pasture-based systems improved carcass leanness and muscle PUFA concentrations without altering tenderness.

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to compare some hematological and biochemical variables in Kangal Akkaraman, Texel, and Île de France sheep breeds in the lactation period in Sivas province. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 ewe from three breeds (Kangal Akkaraman = 40, Texel = 40, Île de France = 40) who were clinically healthy nonpregnant and lactating (40-60 days) were used in the study. Hematological and biochemical variables analysis were performed using automatic cell counting and autoanalyzer devices. Results: There was no significant difference in WBC, Hb, MCHC, MPV levels between ewe breeds (p>0.05). RBC value was higher in Kangal Akkaraman than others (p0.05). Serum total protein, albumin, globulin, and P levels were higher in Kangal Akkaraman compared to others (p Conclusion: These results can constitute a reference value in these three sheep breeds reared in Sivas province, and help form a basis for future research.

The characteristic sod banks - so-called tuinwallen - that are used as field boundaries on the Westfrisian island of Texel are usually thought to have been introduced from the 17th or 18th century. This article describes recent archaeological research that showed sod banks from the 15th century. Recent archival research even provides evidence of sod banks in the 14th century. This again raises the question when sod banks were introduced in the agricultural landscape of Texel. This question needs further archaeological research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to present the trend of inbreeding and to estimate the effect of inbreeding on the growth ability of lambs in the three most common sire breeds in the Czech Republic: Suffolk (SF; n = 49 345), Charollais (CH; n = 14 189) and Texel (T; n = 10 481). The growth ability of lambs was evaluated between 2000 and 2019 based on the weight at 100 days of age. The average inbreeding coefficient for Suffolk, Charollais and Texel was 0.013, 0.012 and 0.011, respectively. The average number of known generations was 5.260 for Suffolk, 3.355 for Charollais and 3.709 for Texel. To evaluate growth ability, lambs were divided into four groups according to the inbreeding coefficient (F = 0.00, 0.00 < F ≤ 0.062 5, 0.062 5 < F ≤ 0.125, F > 0.125). The results of this study show the negative effect of inbreeding on the growth ability of lambs was significant (P < 0.05). The regression coefficients of the weight for Suffolk, Charollais and Texel lambs for a change of 1% in inbreeding were estimated to be -0.028, -0.053 and -0.048, respectively.

The aim of the study was to evaluate live weights, body measurements, and real-time ultrasound carcass traits of F1 and BC1 genotypes in a marker assisted introgression (MAI) process. Effects of some factors on live weight and body measurements including ultrasonographic assessments in Musculus longissimus dorsi (MLD) were investigated at the F1 (n=51) and BC1 (n=99) cross lambs born in 2015 -- 2017 period. Variance analysis showed that genotype had significant (P < 0.001) effect on pre- and post-weaning growth characteristics. The birth type had significant (P < 0.05) effect on pre- and post-weaning growth traits. Live weights at twelve months of age were higher in heavier born lambs. The growth performance of F1 lambs was between Texel and Ramlıç. Myostatin heterozygous BC1 lambs had been potentially heavier than the non-carriers and pure Texel. MLD depth and area were also statistically higher (P < 0.05) in BC1 lambs carrying myostatin than non - carriers. As a result, the beginning phase of introgression processes implemented was found to be successful. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Laryngeal chondritis is a disease of undetermined aetiology, characterised by oedema, ulceration, abscessation and necrosis of the laryngeal mucosa and cartilage. The initial aim of the study was to document flock health issues identified by Irish pedigree Texel breeders using a questionnaire survey. Additionally, given the reports of breed predisposition for laryngeal chondritis in Texels, a further aim was to identify if laryngeal problems were perceived as an issue. Work was then conducted to identify if pre-clinical laryngeal mucosal pathology was identifiable in Texel sheep showing no overt clinical signs of respiratory disease and if associations existed between laryngeal measurements and laryngeal pathology. Thirty one larynges were collected from a Texel flock that previously had laryngeal chondritis diagnosed in fallen stock. Gross visual inspection was performed to identify and grade (0–5) laryngeal pathology. A series of measurements were then performed on larynges that had been formalin fixed. Associations between independent variables (larynx measurements) and the dependent variable (laryngeal pathology score) were examined. Results Respiratory disease was the most frequently identified health issue. Farmer-diagnosed ‘throat problems’ were reported by over 80% of respondents. Laryngeal pathology was noted in Texels showing no overt clinical signs of respiratory disease. Associations between laryngeal measurements and laryngeal pathology were identified relating to the angle between the cranial point of the cricoid cartilage and the vocal process of the arytenoid cartilage. Conclusions Mild laryngeal pathology was noted in animals with no overt clinical signs of respiratory disease. Future research should examine whether significant associations between laryngeal measurements and laryngeal pathology identified in the current study can be measured ante mortem, and whether such ante mortem measurements will allow early identification of sheep at risk of developing laryngeal chondritis.

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.)

The polder Eierland on the West-Frisian island of Texel was reclaimed 1835-1836. The landscape with its characteristic farms was heavily damaged in the last months of the Second World War by an uprising of Georgians and the German reaction. This article discusses the heritage of the post-war Dutch Office for Reconstruction of Farmhouses on the island, especially in the polder Eierland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Veterinaria is the property of Universidad Nacional del Nordeste 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.)

The aim of this study was to present the trend of inbreeding and to estimate the effect of inbreeding on the growth ability of lambs in the three most common sire breeds in the Czech Republic: Suffolk (SF; n = 49 345), Charollais (CH; n = 14 189) and Texel (T; n = 10 481). The growth ability of lambs was evaluated between 2000 and 2019 based on the weight at 100 days of age. The average inbreeding coefficient for Suffolk, Charollais and Texel was 0.013, 0.012 and 0.011, respectively. The average number of known generations was 5.260 for Suffolk, 3.355 for Charollais and 3.709 for Texel. To evaluate growth ability, lambs were divided into four groups according to the inbreeding coefficient (F = 0.00, 0.00 < F = 0.062 5, 0.062 5 < F = 0.125, F > 0.125). The results of this study show the negative effect of inbreeding on the growth ability of lambs was significant (P < 0.05). The regression coefficients of the weight for Suffolk, Charollais and Texel lambs for a change of 1% in inbreeding were estimated to be -0.028, -0.053 and -0.048, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Este estudo experimental avaliou a reutilização de um implante auricular de Norgestomet na manifestação de estro ovino. Para tanto, foram empregadas 60 borregas da raça Texel as quais, após terem sua condição corporal (CC3-4) e peso vivo (50-60Kg) avaliados foram ao acaso separadas em dois grupos: o grupo NorgN (n=30), controle e o grupo NorgR (n=30) experimental. Previamente ao início do trabalho 30 dispositivos auriculares foram utilizados em bovinos para sincronizar o seus estros e assim, serem obtidos os dispositivos para uso no grupo NorgR (reutilizado). As doses de Norgestomet empregadas nos grupos foi 1/3 da recomendada para a espécie bovina. O protocolo hormonal empregado nos grupos consistiu na aplicação de um dispositivo auricular no dia 0 (início do experimento) por seis dias. Na retirada do dispositivo (dia 6) foram aplciados pela via intramuscular um análogo de prostaglandina (1 ml) e eCG (400UI) sendo disponibillizadas as femeas junto aos reprodutores com seu peitoral pintado para detectar os estros por 5 dias após, a reitrada do dispositivo. As fêmeas do grupo NorgR receberam os dispositivos reutilizados previamente. Em relação à manifestação de estros nos grupos um total de 95% (57/60) das fêmeas o manifestaram. Em relação à distribuição da manifestação 100% (30/30) e 90% (27/30) das fêmeas dos grupos NorgN e NorgR respectivamente o manifestaram em um período de 36 h após a retirada do dispositivo. Conclui-se que dispositivos auriculares a base de Norgestomet novos e reutilziados quando associados à eCG e a um análogo de prostaglandina permitem uma satisfatória manifestação estral em borregas da raça Texel.

Sheep are an important part of the global agricultural economy. Growth and meat production traits are significant economic traits in sheep. The Texel breed is the most popular terminal sire breed in the UK, mainly selected for muscle growth and lean carcasses. This is a study based on a genome-wide association approach that investigates the links between some economically important traits, including computed tomography (CT) measurements, and molecular polymorphisms in UK Texel sheep. Our main aim was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with growth, carcass, health and welfare traits of the Texel sheep breed. This study used data from 384 Texel rams. Data comprised ten traits, including two CT measured traits. The phenotypic data were placed in four categories: growth traits, carcass traits, health traits and welfare traits. De-regressed estimated breeding values (EBV) for these traits together with sire genotypes derived with the Ovine 50 K SNP array of Illumina were jointly analysed in a genome wide association analysis. Eight novel chromosome-wise significant associations were found for carcass, growth, health and welfare traits. Three significant markers were intronic variants and the remainder intergenic variants. This study is a first step to search for genomic regions controlling CT-based productivity traits related to body and carcass composition in a terminal sire sheep breed using a 50 K SNP genome-wide array. Results are important for the further development of strategies to identify causal variants associated with CT measures and other commercial traits in sheep. Independent studies are needed to confirm these results and identify candidate genes for the studied traits.

Abstract Background The highly prolific breeds of domestic sheep (Ovis aries) are globally valuable genetic resources for sheep industry. Genetic, nutritional and other environmental factors affect prolificacy traits in sheep. To improve our knowledge of the sheep prolificacy traits, we conducted mRNA-miRNA integrated profiling of ovarian tissues from two pure breeds with large (Finnsheep) vs. small (Texel) litter sizes and their F1 crosses, half of which were fed a flushing diet. Results Among the samples, 16,402 genes (60.6% known ovine genes) were expressed, 79 novel miRNAs were found, and a cluster of miRNAs on chromosome 18 was detected. The majority of the differentially expressed genes between breeds were upregulated in the Texel with low prolificacy, owing to the flushing diet effect, whereas a similar pattern was not detected in the Finnsheep. F1 ewes responded similarly to Finnsheep rather than displaying a performance intermediate between the two pure breeds. Conclusions The identification and characterization of differentially expressed genes and miRNAs in the ovaries of sheep provided insights into genetic and environmental factors affecting prolificacy traits. The three genes (CST6, MEPE and HBB) that were differentially expressed between the group of Finnsheep and Texel ewes kept in normal diet appeared to be candidate genes of prolificacy traits and will require further validation.

Summary: MicroRNA resources in sheep are limited compared with those in other domesticated mammalian species. By sequencing small RNAs of sheep corpus luteum and endometrium, we have generated the largest amount of miRNA‐seq data and compiled the most comprehensive list thus far of miRNAs (n = 599) in sheep. Additionally, we observed a highly conserved maternally imprinted cluster of miRNAs on chromosome 18 homologous to that found on chromosome 14 in human and several other eutherian mammals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of pregnancy loss in ruminants occurs during the preimplantation stage, which is thus the most critical period determining reproductive success. Here, we performed a comparative transcriptome study by sequencing total mRNA from corpus luteum (CL) collected during the preimplantation stage of pregnancy in Finnsheep, Texel and F1 crosses. A total of 21,287 genes were expressed in our data. Highly expressed autosomal genes in the CL were associated with biological processes such as progesterone formation (STAR, CYP11A1, and HSD3B1) and embryo implantation (e.g., TIMP1, TIMP2 and TCTP). Among the list of differentially expressed genes, sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin (Ig)-like lectins (SIGLEC3, SIGLEC14, SIGLEC8), ribosomal proteins (RPL17, RPL34, RPS3A, MRPS33) and chemokines (CCL5, CCL24, CXCL13, CXCL9) were upregulated in Finnsheep, while four multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs) were upregulated in Texel ewes. A total of 17 known genes and two uncharacterized non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) were differentially expressed in breed-wise comparisons owing to the flushing diet effect. The significantly upregulated TXNL1 gene indicated potential for embryonic diapause in Finnsheep and F1. Moreover, we report, for the first time in any species, several genes that are active in the CL during early pregnancy (including TXNL1, SIGLEC14, SIGLEC8, MRP4, and CA5A). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laryngeal chondritis, or "Texel throat", is a disease affecting the upper respiratory tract of sheep with breeds like the Texel appearing to be predisposed. Previous work suggests the conformation of these breeds of sheep may be predisposing these animals to laryngeal disease. This study evaluated the anatomy of the Texel sheep larynx and describes incidental pathology. Forty-three larynges from rams of the Texel and Bluefaced Leicester breeds of sheep were measured and photographed. A larynx from each breed was submitted for computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Measurements, photography, CT, and MRI demonstrated a difference in the anatomy of the larynx between breeds and a higher proportion of Texel sheep had laryngeal lesions. This study supports the hypothesis that the anatomy of the Texel sheep could be pre-disposing the breed to laryngeal chondritis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a genotype on growth and basic carcass characteristics in male lambs. The experiment was carried out at an organic farm in Proseč and four different genotypes were included in the experiment: Šumavská sheep (S) 100, n = 8; S 50 Texel (T) 50, n = 11; T 75 S 25, n = 13 and S 75 T 25, n = 11. The genotype had no significant effect on most of the monitored growth parameters. The highest daily gain (DG) in the interval from birth to 100 days of age was found out in S 75 T 25 (327 g) but the highest DG from birth until the end of the experiment was found in S 50 T 50 (199 g). By contrast, the lowest DGs in both above mentioned intervals were found out in S 100 (265 and 147 g, respectively). With regards to basic carcass characteristics, the genotype had a significant effect only on proportion of kidney. The highest carcass yield (44.80%) was found in S 50 T 50 and the lowest (37.66%) in S 100. The best conformation score was found in S 75 T 25 (3.18) and the lowest fatness score in S 50 T 50. To conclude, it is possible to state that use of the Texel rams in crossing with the Šumavská ewes had a positive effect on both growth and basic carcass characteristics.

O presente experimento, conduzido no Laboratório de Ovinocultura da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do uso de diferentes dietas de alto grão sobre o consumo de nutrientes e o desempenho de cordeiros terminados em confinamento, bem como realizar uma análise econômica da alimentação utilizada para terminação dos animais. Foram utilizados 32 cordeiros machos, castrados, da raça Texel, nascidos de parto simples e desmamados com aproximadamente 50 dias de idade. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por diferentes tipos de grãos, não processados, sendo: grão de milho, grão de aveia branca, grão de aveia preta ou grão de arroz com casca. Os animais foram abatidos quando atingiram o peso vivo de abate pré-estabelecido de 32kg, que corresponde a 60% do peso adulto de suas mães. Cordeiros alimentados com dietas de alto grão de milho apresentam maiores consumos de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, carboidratos totais e de nutrientes digestíveis totais, menor consumo de fibra em detergente neutro, melhor escore de condição corporal, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar, o que leva à redução do número de dias no confinamento necessários para atingir o peso de abate. Além disso, cordeiros terminados com o uso de dieta de alto grão à base de grão de milho proporcionam melhor resultado econômico quando comparados com cordeiros terminados com as demais dietas de alto grão utilizadas neste experimento. O uso de dietas de alto grão de milho, aveia branca, aveia preta ou arroz com casca para terminação de cordeiros em sistema de confinamento é uma alternativa viável do ponto de vista produtivo. Porém, o uso de grão de milho proporciona melhores resultados produtivos e econômicos.

Sheep are an important part of the global agricultural economy. Growth and meat production traits are significant economic traits in sheep. The Texel breed is the most popular terminal sire breed in the UK, mainly selected for muscle growth and lean carcasses. This is a study based on a genome-wide association approach that investigates the links between some economically important traits, including computed tomography (CT) measurements, and molecular polymorphisms in UK Texel sheep. Our main aim was to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) associated with growth, carcass, health and welfare traits of the Texel sheep breed. This study used data from 384 Texel rams. Data comprised ten traits, including two CT measured traits. The phenotypic data were placed in four categories: growth traits, carcass traits, health traits and welfare traits. De-regressed estimated breeding values (EBV) for these traits together with sire genotypes derived with the Ovine 50 K SNP array of Illumina were jointly analysed in a genome wide association analysis. Eight novel chromosome-wise significant associations were found for carcass, growth, health and welfare traits. Three significant markers were intronic variants and the remainder intergenic variants. This study is a first step to search for genomic regions controlling CT-based productivity traits related to body and carcass composition in a terminal sire sheep breed using a 50 K SNP genome-wide array. Results are important for the further development of strategies to identify causal variants associated with CT measures and other commercial traits in sheep. Independent studies are needed to confirm these results and identify candidate genes for the studied traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On a farm in southern Brazil, four lambs in a flock of 300 Texel sheep were born with bilateral blindness. They revealed bilateral occlusion of the eyelids and were unresponsive to external visual stimuli and were disoriented when walking. A post-mortem examination revealed bilateral occlusion of the eyelids and, microscopically, total or partial absence of the lens was observed. Blood samples from 20% of the herd (61/300) were sent for molecular analysis. The four affected lambs were homozygous (C/C) for a mutation (single-nucleotide polymorphism c.338G > C) in the PITX3 gene, and 26.2% (16/61) of the herd, including the two ewe and two ram parents, were heterozygous (G/C). Based on clinical, pathological and molecular analysis, it was possible to determine the existence of hereditary microphthalmia in Texel lambs associated with the c.338G > C SNP in the PITX3 gene for the first time in Brazil. The result of this study provides a warning to veterinarians and breeders, emphasizing the importance of considering this disease in the differential diagnosis of congenital diseases in the Brazilian Texel flock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The highly prolific breeds of domestic sheep (Ovis aries) are globally valuable genetic resources for sheep industry. Genetic, nutritional and other environmental factors affect prolificacy traits in sheep. To improve our knowledge of the sheep prolificacy traits, we conducted mRNA-miRNA integrated profiling of ovarian tissues from two pure breeds with large (Finnsheep) vs. small (Texel) litter sizes and their F1 crosses, half of which were fed a flushing diet. Results: Among the samples, 16,402 genes (60.6% known ovine genes) were expressed, 79 novel miRNAs were found, and a cluster of miRNAs on chromosome 18 was detected. The majority of the differentially expressed genes between breeds were upregulated in the Texel with low prolificacy, owing to the flushing diet effect, whereas a similar pattern was not detected in the Finnsheep. F1 ewes responded similarly to Finnsheep rather than displaying a performance intermediate between the two pure breeds. Conclusions: The identification and characterization of differentially expressed genes and miRNAs in the ovaries of sheep provided insights into genetic and environmental factors affecting prolificacy traits. The three genes (CST6, MEPE and HBB) that were differentially expressed between the group of Finnsheep and Texel ewes kept in normal diet appeared to be candidate genes of prolificacy traits and will require further validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TM-QTL is a quantitative trait locus (QTL) on ovine chromosome 18 (OAR18) known to affect loin muscling in Texel sheep. Previous work suggested that its mode of inheritance is consistent with paternal polar overdominance, but this has yet to be formally demonstrated. This study used purebred Texel sheep segregating for TM-QTL to confirm its presence in the chromosomal region in which it was first reported and to determine its pattern of inheritance. To do so, this study used the first available data from a Texel flock, which included homozygote TM-QTL carriers (TM/TM; n=34) in addition to homozygote non-carriers (+/+; n=40 and, heterozygote TM-QTL-carriers inheriting TM-QTL from their sire (TM/+; n=53) or their dam (+/TM; n=17). Phenotypes included a wide range of loin muscling, carcass composition and tissue distribution traits. The presence of a QTL affecting ultrasound muscle depth on OAR18 was confirmed with a paternal QTL effect ranging from +0.54 to +2.82 mm UMD (s.e. 0.37 to 0.57 mm) across the sires segregating for TM-QTL. Loin muscle width, depth and area, loin muscle volume and dissected M. longissimus lumborum weight were significantly greater for TM/+ than +/+ lambs (+2.9% to +7.9%; P

Laryngeal chondritis, or “Texel throat„, is a disease affecting the upper respiratory tract of sheep with breeds like the Texel appearing to be predisposed. Previous work suggests the conformation of these breeds of sheep may be predisposing these animals to laryngeal disease. This study evaluated the anatomy of the Texel sheep larynx and describes incidental pathology. Forty-three larynges from rams of the Texel and Bluefaced Leicester breeds of sheep were measured and photographed. A larynx from each breed was submitted for computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Measurements, photography, CT, and MRI demonstrated a difference in the anatomy of the larynx between breeds and a higher proportion of Texel sheep had laryngeal lesions. This study supports the hypothesis that the anatomy of the Texel sheep could be pre-disposing the breed to laryngeal chondritis.

The research was carried out in order to investigate effect of stud rams of meat breeds on reproductive ability of ewes and development of lambs during the sucking period. Ewes of the Ascanian Fine-Fleeced (AFF) breed were crossed with rams of the following breeds: Texel (Т) and Dorper (D). Purebred Ascanian Fine-Fleeced rams (AFF) were used as a reference group. It is found out that the highest fecundation rate is characteristic of the ewes crossed with AFF rams (75.4%). On the other hand, for the animals crossbred with T and D rams the fecundations rates were 54.2% and 74.2%, respectively. Number of lambs born per 100 fecundated ewes was: 125.6% for the ewes crossbred with the T ram (the best result), 117.4% for those crossbred with the D ram (the worst result), while the middle rate (121.5%) was characteristic of the ewes crossbred with AT ram. Crossbred lambs obtained from crossbreeding with the T ram had an average daily gain of 304 g till the age of 21 days, which is by 27 g and 18 g higher than those of lambs obtained from crossbreeding with D and AT rams, respectively. The highest milk production (1.522 kg per day) was observed in the group of ewes inseminated by the T ram. As for other ewes, their milk production was by 8.9% and 6.1% lower. Birth weight of crossbred male lambs was higher than that of purebred ones by 16.7% and 10.2%, and the difference was statistically significant (Р > 0.99). As for female lambs, the difference was less and amounted to 14.3% and 4.5%. Living weight at weaning of the AT x T male lambs was 24.6 kg, which was by 5.3 kg higher as compared with the purebred ones (Р > 0.999) and by 4.3 kg (or by 17.4%) higher as compared with AT x D male lambs (Р > 0.95). Living weight at weaning of the female purebred lambs was 17.8 kg, while that of the crossbred ones was 21.4 kg and 23.5 kg, the difference being statistically significant. Generally, it is noted that sire rams of meat breeds produced a favourable effect on living weight of the lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Texel breed is a double muscled breed of sheep that is commonly used as a terminal sire in meatproduction. The increase in muscle mass is related to a single nucleotide polymorphism in the myostatin gene, a myokine that inhibits muscle growth. There is limited information on how postnatal skeletal muscle fiber hypertrophy is altered in Texel lambs. Satellite cells or muscle stem cells have a major role in postnatal hypertrophy of muscle fibers. Satellite cells are generally found in a state of quiescence and must activate, proliferate, and differentiate to increase DNA content in myofibers during periods of postnatal muscle growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate muscle fiber hypertrophy and satellite cell proliferation and differentiation in lambs of two sire breeds, Texel or Suffolk. Male lambs of each sire breed (n = 4/sire breed/time) were harvested at d 2, 14, and 203 of age. Muscle samples were collected from the longissimus and snap frozen for examination of myofiber cross-sectional area by fluorescent immunohistochemistry. Another portion of the longissimus was used to isolate satellite cells for in vitro experiments to examine population number, proliferation, and differentiation capacity. Isolated satellite cells were counted, seeded for activation, and grown until colonies reached 80% confluence. Activated cells were seeded for a proliferation assay measuring DNA content daily for 6 days. Following proliferation, cells were differentiated for 4 days, and the number of differentiated nuclei were counted with fluorescent immunohistochemistry. Sire breed did not impact (P < 0.05) the weight of the longissimus; however, muscle ribeye area tended (P < 0.10) to be increased for Texel lambs compared with Suffolk lambs. In the early postnatal period, from d 2 to 14, longissimus mass increased (P < 0.05) by 160%, and ribeye area increased by 100%. Between d 4 and 203 longissimus mass increased (P < 0.05) by 350%, while longissimus area only increased by 100%. Muscle fiber cross sectional area expanded (P < 0.05) from d 14 to 203 of age, and cross-sectional area was greater (P < 0.05) for Texel than Suffolk lambs at d 203. Satellite cell populations per gram of tissue increased (P < 0.05) between d 2 and 14 and decreased from d 14 to 203. The number of satellite cells that activated from quiescence was reduced (P < 0.05) as animal age increased but was not impacted (P > 0.05) by sire breed. Following activation, satellite cell proliferation capacity was greater (P < 0.05) for Texel compared with Suffolk satellite cells. Differentiation capacity was not altered (P > 0.05) by sire breed. Texel-sired lambs had larger longissimus cross-sectional muscle fiber area at d 203 of age than Suffolk. These changes appear to be related to greater proliferation of satellite cells, the stem cells of muscle, to enhance muscle fiber hypertrophy during postnatal growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]