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The aims of present study was to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of imported sheep such as Texel crossed and Dorper sheep, compared with local sheep (Fat Tail Sheep/FTS) in almost the same region, namely Pujon and Karangkates. This research was a field research with case study methods and research materials as many as 39 for Texel crossed sheep, 19 for Dorper sheep and 37 for FTS. The age of the sheep ranges from 1.5 to 3 years (some have their first calf). Qualitative data were analyzed by Population Genetics Analysis and quantitative data were analyzed by One-Way Design Anova using Minitab software version 13. The results showed that: (1) Qualitative traits in Texel crossed , Dorper and FTS sheep showed that some traits underwent fixation where one of the traits was fixed. One allele in Texel crossed and Dorper sheep has disappeared and no longer exist in its origin place such as horned and hornless traits, white body color and black head, erect ears, while in FTS sheep it is still polymorphic, especially in the hornless and drooping ears in FTS. The white color on the FTS seems to have been fixed, because the dominant gene frequency/ p = 1 and the recessive gene frequency/ q = 0. (2) The quantitative traits such as body weight, in which the body weights of the Texel crossed , Dorper and FTS breed were different in the study, and the Dorper sheep the highest body weights, while the body weights of Texel crossed and FTS sheep were almost the same. Dorper sheep had the highest head index, and Texel crossed sheep and FTS sheep had the same head index. It was concluded that Texel crossed and Dorper sheep had many fixed qualitative characteristics such as horns, erect and drooping ears, white body color and black head in FTS sheep were quite polymorphic in horns and erect and drooping ears. The best growth of Dorper sheep because Dorper sheep was originated from a crossing between Dorset and Black Persian sheep.

The Sumerian cuneiform term for the “female fat-tailed sheep,” written as either U8+HUL2 or u8 gukkal, is attested in different administrative documents issued by the Puzriš-Dagan organization (modern Drehem in Iraq) dating to the period between Šulgi 44 and Šu-Suen 6—mostly from Šulgi 47 to Amar-Suen 8 during the Third Dynasty of Ur (also Ur III, ca. 2112–2004 BCE). This study aims to identify the attestations and frequency of the two variants from the Ur III Drehem texts as they appear chronologically, and attempts to determine why ancient scribes chose one over the other. Four administrative text categories— mu-kux(DU) “delivery,” i3-dab5 “transfer,” ba-zi “expenditure,” and šu ba-ti “receipt”—feature regular formulas used by the specific officials attested in the Ur III Drehem texts to refer to the female fat-tailed sheep. The study will also address why different forms were used by comparing images of their cuneiform tablets. One possible explanation is that the ancient scribes in the Puzriš-Dagan organization were replaced with the enthronement of Amar-Suen. But the more likely interpretation is that there was an orthographic change that happened during the reign of Amar-Suen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research was to determine the accuracy of the estimation of DEG body weight based on linear measurements (chest circumference/ CC, tail circumference/ TC, body length/ BL, and body height/ BH). The research is expected to produce a model of DEG body weight estimation based on linear measurements (CC, BL, BH and tail circumference/ TC). Material  used in this research was male fat tailed sheep which has different age seen from the change of permanent teeth PI0, PI1, PI2. The total number of animal used in this research was 60 with details of PI0 = 30, PI1 = 24 and PI2 = 6. Data were analysed by Linear and Multiple Regression Analysis between Body weight and BCS, Linear measurements (CC, BL, BH and TC), using Minitab software version 13. 1. All variables of linear measurements of the body have a strong relationship with body weight, the strongest relationship is body weight with chest circumference, and tail circumference. Estimation of body weight using multiple regression functions (BW = -18.7 + 0.408BH + 0.172BL + 0.274CC + 0.178TC) has an accuracy higher than the estimated body weight using the Schoorl formula.

Fat Tailed Sheep represent one of Indonesian livestock that having excellence of comparability with other ruminants livestock. The excellence is quickly adult, short of pregnant age, and has the nature of bearing twin, so if evaluated from development aspect will be very beneficial. Reproductive Rate (RR) is a mount of reproduction ability from a group of ewes. Reproductive Rate defined as amount of weaned lamb by ewe every year. Variable/component related to RR are litter size, lamb mortalities before weaning and lambing interval. Litter size is general influenced by difference of breeds, age and sufficiency of nutrition. Litter size is peculiarly influenced by ovulation rate that determined by breed, age, nutrition and parity. Lamb age, litter size, birth weight, season, nutrition and parity are influenced lamb mortalities before weaning. Lambing interval determined by nutrition factor and management, which is matting pattern and lamb weaning.

BACKGROUND: Fat-tailed sheep breeds have a unique ability to tolerate periods of negative energy balance due to seasonal changes in feed availability. This ability is attributed to presence of fat-tail as a body energy reserve, however the exact underlying mechanisms controlling the response of adipose tissue depots to variations in energy balance in fat-tailed breeds are not well understood OBJECTIVES: As definition of a set of stable reference gene is an absolute prerequisite of any gene expression study, therefore the current research was conducted to define the most stable reference genes in adipose tissue depots and muscle of fat-tailed Lori-Bakhtiari lambs during periods of negative and positive energy balances. METHODS: Eighteen fat-tailed Lori-Bakhtiari male lambs were divided into 3 groups according to their bodyweight. The experiment was consisted of an adaptation period (2 weeks), negative energy balance period (3 weeks), followed by positive energy balance period (3 weeks). The 3 groups of lambs were randomly selected and slaughtered at the beginning and end of negative energy balance and at the end of positive energy balance to collect samples of muscle and adipose tissue depots. RESULTS: The stability of the reference genes differed among different tissues and also between various depots of adipose tissue. Average of ranking by different software programs showed that glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), B-actin and peptidylprolyl isomerase A (PPIA) were the 3 most stable reference genes in mesenteric adipose tissue, whereas in fat-tail adipose tissue, PPIA, tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxygenase activation protein, zeta polypeptide (YWHAZ) and RNA polymerase II subunit A (POLR2A) were considered as genes with least expression variability during periods of negative and positive energy balance. B-actin, YWHAZ and phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1) were defined as the most stable reference genes in longissimus dorsi muscle tissue of Lori-Bakhtiari lambs. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study demonstrate that the stability of the reference genes varied between mesenteric and fat-tail adipose tissues and the level of energy balance affects the stability of the reference genes. In addition, ranking of the reference genes differs among different software programs possibly due to different mathematical algorithms used by different programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fat tail in sheep represents a valuable energy reserve for facing future climate changes. The identification of genes with a role in the fat-tail phenotype may contribute to understanding the physiology of fat deposition and the mechanisms of adaptation. Genotypic data obtained with the OvineSNP50K array in 13 thin-tail sheep breeds from Italy were used to identify selection signatures of fat tail through pairwise thin- versus fat-tail sheep breed comparisons, with the following fat-tail breeds of the Mediterranean area: two unique Italian fat-tail breeds (Barbaresca and Laticauda), a Barbary sheep breed from Libya, Ossimi breed from Egypt, Cyprus Fat-Tail and Chios from the Greek islands Cyprus and Chios, respectively. Fst and χ2 values obtained for >40 000 polymorphic markers allowed confirmation of 12 fat-tail associations that were previously reported in Chinese and Iranian breeds. Two of these signals – on OAR 7 and OAR 13 – are in the proximity of two genes – VRTN and BMP2 – with a role in the variation of vertebral number and in fat-tail formation respectively. Two identified signals on OAR 6 and OAR 15 encompass two genes, PDGFRA and PDGFD , involved in the differentiation of preadipocytes. Further signals detected herein were reported in Chinese sheep as signatures of adaptation to desert areas. For several of the detected associations, the known role in either fat deposition or adaptation, thus contributing to revealing the molecular basis underlying mechanisms of energy storage and climate adaptation. Fat tail in sheep represents a valuable energy reserve for future climate changes. By comparing genotypic data of Italian thin-tail sheep with six fat-tail sheep of the Mediterranean area we provide evidence that genes involved in fat deposition, energy storage and adaptation to desert areas play a role in the fat-tail phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • The infection with lungworms was studied in Iranian fat-tailed sheep. • Based on the present data, the presence of Cystocaulus ocreatus was confirmed. • The ITS-2 gene revealed significant identity with Umingmukstrongylus pallikuukensis. • Two types of worm and brood nodular structures were characterized. • The histopathological changes imply the necessity of effective control approaches. Abstract Lungworms are associated with several clinicopathologic consequences in the respiratory system of the small ruminants. In this study, the lungs with single or multiple small nodules or raised mass-like (granulomas) lesions were collected from the slaughterhouse and the histopathologic features and molecular analysis using the ITS-2 rRNA gene sequence of the lungworm infection was investigated in the fat-tailed breed sheep. Also, adult worms and the first stage larvae were examined based on comparative morphology. In addition to the establishment of Cystocaulus ocreatus , remarkable molecular identities were found between this nematode and a protostrongylid nematode, Umingmukstrongylus pallikuukensis , described from Muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus). The present results confirm the necessity of conducting the effective control and preventive measures for Cystocaulus ocreatus as an important lungworm in the small ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The objective was to determine effects of tail docking on carcass characteristics and meat quality of fat-tail lambs. We tested the hypothesis that tail-docked lambs have greater fat content in their muscle and meat, and their carcass has better nutritional quality. Twenty lambs were randomly allocated into two groups, Control and Tail docked (application of rubber ring distal end of the caudal fold at 1 d of age). All lambs grazed on pasture (weaned at 46 d of age) until they were slaughtered at 6 mo. The longissimus dorsi (LD) and gluteus maximus (GM) muscles were collected and the carcass evaluated. Carcass weight, dressing percentage, average daily gain (P < 0.001), eye muscle area (P < 0.05), back fat thickness, rump fat weight, and rumen epiploic fat weight (P < 0.001) were increased in Tail-docked lambs, as were intramuscular fat (IMF, P < 0.01) and the L * value (P < 0.05). Furthermore, in Tail-lambs lambs, there was decrease in hue angle ( H° ) value (P < 0.05) of the LD muscle. In addition, shear force (P < 0.001) of LD muscle, drip loss (P < 0.001) of the LD muscle and shear force (P < 0.01) of the GM muscle were decreased in Tail-docked lambs. Most saturated fatty acids (SFA) were affected by tail docking, except C16:0, C18:0 and C20:0. For monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), concentrations of C16:1 (P < 0.01) and C18:1n-9 (P < 0.001) were higher in Tail-docked lambs, as were concentrations of C18:3n-3, SFA and n-3. However, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), concentrations of C18:2n-6, C20:3n-6 and C20:4n-6, PUFA, n-6, PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios were all lower (P < 0.01) in Tail-docked lambs. In conclusion, as expected, in Tail-docked lambs, tail fat was re-directed into muscle; therefore, tail docking improved meat quality, although it reduced PUFA concentrations and increased SFA concentrations in meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to detect the expression profile of microRNAs (miRNAs) in two breeds of fat-tailed sheep (Guangling Large-tailed sheep and Small-tailed Han sheep), and discover the miRNAs that may play roles in lipid metabolism. Consequently, two small RNA libraries were constructed and high-throughput sequencing was used to identify the miRNAs expressed in the two libraries and to calculate the expression of miRNAs. Bioinformatics methods were used to predict target genes, which were subsequently analyzed using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Nine miRNAs (miR-10b, miR-29a, miR-30c, miR-155, miR-192, miR-206, novel-miR-102, novel-miR-36, and novel-miR-63) were chosen to verify the sequencing results by detecting their expressions in the two breeds using quantitative real-time PCR. A total of 113 and 131 conserved miRNAs in the two breeds were obtained, of which 40 miRNAs were differentially expressed. KEGG analysis showed that many predicted target genes for these miRNAs are involved in lipid metabolism pathways. By screening the unknown miRNAs using MIREAP, 208 and 215 novel miRNAs were obtained from the two libraries, of which 150 were significantly different. This study represents the comprehensive survey of miRNAs expressed in the tail fat of two breeds of sheep with different tail fat deposition using HiSeq analysis. We conclude that differentially expressed miRNAs may play roles in regulating adipose metabolism, and thus, may contribute to improving the meat quality and fat deposition in sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoperiod is known to be important in regulating the pattern of wool growth in sheep. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of natural changes in photoperiod on live weight, skin follicle activity and fiber characteristics of grazing Kermani sheep in the south of Iran, Jiroft (28° 40′ N and 57° 44′ E, elevation 650 m). Ten male and 10 female Kermani sheep with initial live weights of 31.9 ± 0.8 and 30.7 ± 0.9 kg (mean ± s.e.) respectively, were used in a 365 day study. Percentage of active primary (PAP) and percentage of active secondary (PAS) follicles, ratio of secondary to primary follicles (S/P) and follicle density (FD) were measured in skin samples, taken from the right mid-side of the animals at monthly intervals. Greasy and clean wool growth rates and fibre diameter were determined from patch samples (10 cm × 10 cm) harvested at the end of every month. The value for PAP was greatest (p < 0.05) in summer and spring and lowest (p < 0.05) in winter (98.2 ± 0.8, 84.1 ± 0.9, 75.6 ± 0.8 and 97.0 ± 1.1% for summer, autumn, winter and spring, respectively); seasonal differences in PAS were similar (99.3 ± 0.8, 88.5 ± 0.7, 82.9 ± 0.8 and 98.9 ± 0.7% for summer, autumn, winter and spring, respectively). Clean wool growth rate was greatest (p < 0.001) in summer and spring, and lowest (p < 0.001) in winter (0.7 ± 0.03, 0.4 ± 0.04, 0.3 ± 0.01 and 0.7 ± 0.05 mg/cm 2 /day for summer, autumn, winter and spring, respectively). Fibre diameter was greatest in spring (34.8 ± 0.3 μm) and lowest in winter (29.1 ± 0.2 μm). The values for wool growth rates and fibre diameter were greater (p < 0.05) in male rather than those observed in female sheep. Fibre and skin follicle characteristics were not affected by a season × sex interaction. These results demonstrated that there is a seasonal pattern in fibre follicles activity and wool growth in grazing Kermani sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comparative study of artificial neural network (ANN) and multiple regression is made to predict the fat tail weight of Balouchi sheep from birth, weaning and finishing weights. A multilayer feed forward network with back propagation of error learning mechanism was used to predict the sheep body weight. The data (69 records) were randomly divided into two subsets. The first subset is the training set comprising of 75 percent data (52 records) to build the neural network model and test data set comprising of 25 percent (17 records), which is not used during the training and is used to evaluate performance of different models. The mean relative error was significantly (P<0.01) lower for ANN than the MLR model. The coefficient of determination (R²) values computed for the body measurements were generally higher (0.93) using ANN model than the multiple linear regression (MLR) model (0.81). The ANN model improved the mean squared error (MSE) of the MLR model by 59% and R² by 15% that the ANN represents a valuable tool for predicting of lamb fat tail weight from birth, weaning and finishing weights. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Negative energy balance in pregnant ewes during last two month of gestation could result in fatal pregnancy toxemia and affects ewe and lamb health. The understanding of variations of energy related metabolites during this critical period may cast light upon to a better management of the situation. This study describes the variations of serum energy related biochemical metabolites at a period of 45 days before to 21 days after parturition in Baloochi breed ewes. Blood from the jugular vein was collected from each sheep at days 45, 30, 20, 10, 1 prior to parturition, and days 4, 7, 13, 19 and 21 post-partum to determine total protein, albumin, urea , cholesterol, glucose, triglyceride, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), -Hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA). NEFA and BHBA concentrations reached peak levels at parturition. However, AST activity had highest levels at the first and second week after lambing. AST activity significantly correlated to energy metabolism indicators. This enzyme had positive significant correlations with NEFA and BHBA and negative correlations with cholesterol and triglyceride. NEFA concentrations had a positive correlation with BHBA and negative correlation with glucose and cholesterol. At pre-partum period NEFA correlation with BHBA and AST were stronger than post-partum. This finding indicates that NEFA testing at pre-parturition days is a reliable predictor of fat mobilization and energy status of pre-parturition period in sheep. Urea and total protein concentrations reached lowest levels at parturition and then gradually increased afterwards.

Identification of production system and productivity level of fat tailed sheep in brebes regency of central java ABSTRACT. Reproductive performance is one of the main determinants of productivity of the sheep. This applies to the breeding of animal for meat production. High reproduction rates are essential for profit in meat sheep production and determined by the number of progeny delivered in a given period of time. The level of reproductive performance is dependent on the interaction of genetic and environmental factors. The evaluation of reproductive performance of a local and adapted breed of sheep such as Fat Tailed Sheep can provide important information to understand its productive potential under local production system. The study was designed to identify characteristic of production system and to find out the level productivity of Fat Tailed Sheep in Brebes areas of Central Java. Livestock On-Farm Trials (LOFT) using multistage sampling was implemented in this study. Descriptive and variance analysis using procedure of General Linear Model (GLM) was applied in this study. This study revealed that (1) In general, production system in Brebes is based on integration scheme of crop livestock in the form of traditional smallholders. In low land area, mostly extensive and tethering model were implemented. Intensive and semi intensive model was found in landless area. (2) Average litter size at birth was 1.54 head and dominated by double litter, followed by single and triplets (46.8, 47.88 and 4.29%). The highest preweaning lamb mortality was 15% with the average 8.9%. Ewe productivity ranges from 1.76-5.24 with average of 2.14 lamb/ewe/year. Least squares analysis of variance reveals that ewe reproduction rate was significantly affected by type of birth.

The objective of this study was to evaluate non-genetic factors affecting longevity and survival of Guilan sheep from birth to yearling. Longevity and survival records of 41037 lambs born from 496 rams and 10256 ewes of Guilan sheep were analyzed using linear and Weibull models. Results indicated that the overall mean of longevity was 1260.84 days. The fixed effects of flock, dam age, sex, year and month of birth and interaction between dam age-sex had significant effects on longevity (P<0.05). But birth type, birth weight and interactions of sex-birth type and dam age-birth type had no significant effect on longevity (P>0.05). Male lambs had lower survival and greater hazard ratio compared with female lambs. Lambs which born in recent years and last months of year had greater hazard ratios and lower survival in the period from birth to 2-months and birth to yearling. Lambs which born in early months of year had greater survival and lower hazard ratio than those birth to 3, 6 and 9 months of age. Although twin lambs had lower survival and greater hazard from birth to 2 and 3 months of age periods, difference of single and twin lambs was not significant in other time periods. In conclusion, linear and non-linear models can be used to study the survival of lambs and it's possible to improve this important item through modifying non-genetic factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was done to evaluate the breed, sex and sampling site influence on fat-tail and visceral fatty acid composition of five pure and cross bred lambs from three Iranian sheep breeds. Particularly, on the content of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids from two cut-able fat depots (fat-tail and visceral). All animals were managed and finished up together and received the same diet. Statistically significant differences (P<0.05 and P<0.01) in the proportions of some fatty acids were observed among breeds, genders and sampling sites. The values of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) were significantly higher in fat-tail fat than in visceral (P<0.01). In addition, there was no significant difference in total amount of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in visceral and fat-tail fat tissue. The UFA and SFA of the two fat depots was not affected by sex (P>0.05). The result showed that SFA in Zel ? Zandi, Chal ? Chal and Zandi ? Zandi lambs are more than the USF (P<0.05). In all the five groups, the most content of total saturated fatty acids (SFA) was made of palmetic acid (C16:0) and stearicacid (C18:0) and also, palmitoleic (C16:1 n7), oleic (C18:1) and linoleic acids (C18:2 n6) compromised most part of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA). However, the overall content of SFA and UFA was significantly affected by sampling site (P<0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was carried to evaluate the effects of gender and two dietary ionophores on growth performance and slaughter characteristics in Moghani sheep. A total of 30 Moghani lambs (15 males and 15 females) were distributed randomly into 30 individual cages. Each gender group consisted of 5 animals and fed with a basal diet with no supplement, the same basal diet plus 25 mg/kg monensin (MON) or 25 mg/kg lasalocid (LAS). The lambs were weighed and slaughtered after a feeding period of 134 days and carcass parameters were determined. Average slaughter weight (SW) was significantly influenced by gender (48.9 kg for females vs. 51.4 kg for males) (P<0.01) but not by diet type. Neither gender nor ionophore supplementations affect average daily gain (ADG) (P>0.05). Lambs fed MON had the lowest feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) which significantly differed from those of the lambs fed the other two diets. Females had a significantly higher average internal fat compared with their male counterparts (P<0.01). In regard to fat-tail weight, significant decreasing was observed in ionophore groups as compared to control group (P<0.05). Males exhibited higher growth performance with heavier offals and carcass cuts including valuable cuts than in females. Dietary MON could be used as a potent feed additive improving feed efficiency and reducing internal fat and offals proportions in Moghani lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lipins play dual function in lipid metabolism by serving as phosphatidate phosphatase and transcriptional co-regulators of gene expression. Mammalian lipin proteins consist of lipin1, lipin2, and lipin3 and are encoded by their respective genes Lpin1, Lpin2, and Lpin3. To date, most studies are concerned with Lpin1, only a few have addressed Lpin2 and Lpin3. Ontogenetic expression of Lpin2 and Lpin3 and their associations with traits would help to explore their molecular and physiological functions in sheep. In this study, 48 animals with an equal number of males and females each for both breeds of fat-tailed sheep such as Guangling Large Tailed (GLT) and Small Tailed Han (STH) were chosen to evaluate the ontogenetic expression of Lpin2 and Lpin3 from eight different tissues and months of age by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Associations between gene expression and slaughter and tail traits were also analyzed. The results showed that Lpin2 mRNA was highly expressed in perirenal and tail fats, and was also substantially expressed in liver, kidney, reproductive organs (testis and ovary), with the lowest levels in small intestine and femoral biceps. Lpin3 mRNA was prominently expressed in liver and small intestine, and was also expressed at high levels in kidney, perirenal and tail fats as well as reproductive organs (testis and ovary), with the lowest level in femoral biceps. Global expression of Lpin2 and Lpin3 in GLT both were significantly higher than those in STH. Spatiotemporal expression showed that the highest levels of Lpin2 expression occurred at 10 months of age in two breeds of sheep, with the lowest expression at 2 months of age in STH and at 8 months of age in GLT. The greatest levels of Lpin3 expression occurred at 4 months of age in STH and at 10 months of age in GLT, with the lowest expression at 12 months of age in STH and at 8 months of age in GLT. Breed and age significantly influenced the tissue expression patterns of Lpin2 and Lpin3, respectively, and sex significantly influenced the spatiotemporal expression patterns of Lpin3. Meanwhile, Lpin2 and Lpin3 mRNA expression both showed significant correlations with slaughter and tail traits, and the associations appear to be related with the ontogenetic expression as well as the potential functions of lipin2 and lipin3 in sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expected values of hematologic and serum biochemical parameters in domestic animal species can be affected by breed, age, environment, and nutrition. There is a lack of published data on hematological reference values of the Sangsari breed. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to determine hematological reference values for the Sangsari sheep in order to form a basis for clinical interpretation. In this study, we used a total 63 healthy Sangsari sheep at the same physiological status for both sex with two ages (2-4 years) from June to July 2014. Hematological parameters were measured by routine methods, and finally, reference interval (RI) was determined by the robust method and Box-Cox transformation (Reference Value Advisor). The RI of hematological parameters obtained in this study includes the following: hematocrit (Hct) 14.3-35.3 %; Hb 5.4-12.52 gr/dl; mean corpuscular volume (MCV) 26.2-36.3 fl; mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) 8.6-12.3 pg; mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) 22.3-45.2 gr/dl; RBC 5.1-12.6 × 10; PLT 42.1-725.7 × 10; WBC 4.4-17.7 × 10; neutrophil 1.8-10.18 × 10; band neutrophil 0.00-0.15 × 10; lymphocyte 0.3-7.54 × 10; eosinophil 0.00-1.2 × 10; and monocyte 0.00-0.32 × 10. Compared with literature data, Hct, Hb, RBC indices, RBC, and PLT were lower in other sheep breeds whereas total and differential WBC counts were similar to other breeds. RBC and Hb were significantly higher in females ( P ≤ 0.05). In the present study, significant differences in some of the hematologic parameters were found, the most probable explanation of which can be attributed to breed-specific variation. The RI defined for Sangsari sheep can be considered to avoid misinterpretation of hematology results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent zooarchaeological and aDNA analysis have produced conflicting evidence for the existence of early domestic stock at Blydefontein Rock Shelter. The anatomical analysis identified eight specimens as sheep or sheep/goats, the oldest of which was dated to 2860-2765 BP, while the aDNA results suggest that the oldest identified sheep specimen was either greater kudu or eland. Almost all of the other aDNA identifications conflicted with the anatomical assessments. The faunal and aDNA analyses are presented in separate papers in this journal. This paper provides background information on the site of Blydefontein, and frames the discussion in terms of the reliability and validity of the anatomical and aDNA evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we suggest a model for how some foragers may have become stock-keepers in the past. Forager beekeepers stay in one place and cultivate a storable and exchangeable product, honey. This desired product has been used by the Okiek forager beekeepers of Kenya to obtain livestock from their pastoralist/agropastoralist neighbours. We believe that amongst foragers such as these the transition to livestock-keeping would not have been as difficult as is sometimes postulated (cf. Marshall 2000; Smith 2005, 2014). We describe parallels between sheep, bees, their products and their keeping, which are informative to the debate. The difficulty for archaeologists is that the archaeology of beekeeping is largely invisible. One exception relates to evidence of interactions between foragers and bees documented in rock-paintings in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Mountains, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Here, too, are paintings of sheep that we suggest are old and may represent how foragers thought of sheep during their first encounters with them. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The objective of this study was to describe the growth pattern in Iranian Shall sheep using non-linear models. For this purpose, six non-linear mathematical functions (Brody, Negative exponential, Logistic, Gompertz, Von Bertalanffy and Richards) were used. The data set used in this study were obtained from the Animal Breeding Center of Iran and comprised 57,000 body weight records of lambs which were collected from birth to 400 days of age during 1982–2012. Each model was fitted separately to body weight records of all lambs, male and female lambs using the NLIN and MODEL procedures in SAS. The models were tested for goodness of fit using adjusted multiple coefficient of determination ( R a d j 2 ), root means square error (RMSE), Durbin–Watson statistic (DW), Akaike's information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC). Richards model provided the best fit of growth curve in males, females and all lambs due to the lower values of RMSE, AIC and BIC and generally greater values of R a d j 2 than other models. The negative exponential model provided the worst fit of growth curve for males, females and all lambs. According to the moderate values of DW obtained from fitting different models of growth curve it was concluded that there was positive autocorrelation between the residuals for all models, but this autocorrelation was more obvious for negative exponential model than the other equations. The negative correlation of −0.99 to −0.49 between a and k parameters obtained from fitting different growth models implied that the animal with smaller mature weight will be maturing faster. Evaluation of different growth models used in this study indicated the potential of the non-linear functions for fitting body weight records of Shall sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The objective of this study was to compare the level differences of mRNA transcription and protein expression of PPARγ, FAS and HSL in different parts of the carcass in different tail-type sheep. Six Tan sheep and six Shaanbei fine-wool sheep aged 9 months were slaughtered and samples were collected from the tail adipose, subcutaneous adipose, and longissimus dorsi muscle. The levels of mRNA transcription and protein expression of the target genes in these tissues were determined by real-time quantitative PCR and western blot analyses. Results: The results showed that PPARγ, FAS, and HSL were expressed with spatial differences in tail adipose, subcutaneous adipose and longissimus dorsi muscle of Tan sheep and Shaanbei fine-wool sheep. Differences were also observed between the two breeds. The mRNA transcription levels of these genes were somewhat consistent with their protein expression levels. Conclusion: The present results indicated that PPARγ, FAS and HSL are correlated with fat deposition, especially for the regulating of adipose deposition in intramuscular fat, and that the mRNA expression patterns are similar to the protein expression patterns. The mechanism requires clarification in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to evaluate the fatty acid (FA) profile of subcutaneous adipose tissue and tailfat of two fat-tailed sheep breeds under identical feeding conditions. Twelve male lambs from two breeds, Sanjabi (n = 6), weighing 23.3 ± 0.48 kg, and Mehraban (n = 6), weighing 26.1 ± 2.14 kg, were used in this investigation. All animals were weighed and slaughtered at the end of a 90-day fattening period and FA composition of subcutaneous adipose tissue and tailfat was determined. Significant breed differences in total FA, total polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) and n-6PUFA contents were observed in the subcutaneous adipose tissue, but not in the tailfat. Breed differences were observed in the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content of subcutaneous adipose tissue, with higher levels in Sanjabi than in Mehraban lambs. Linoleic and a-linolenic acid of subcutaneous adipose were significantly higher in the Sanjabi breed than in the Mehraban breed. Thus, adipose tissue from fat-tailed Sanjabi lamb has a higher proportion of health-promoting linoleic and a-linolenic acids, unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and CLA, suggesting that the Sanjabi breed could be used for producing healthier lamb products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Effects of dietary fish oil and vitamin C on reproductive traits of rams were evaluated. [•] We examined changes in the semen quality, lipid composition of sperm and blood metabolites. [•] The PUFAs of fish oil were transported to the sperm and improved seminal quality. [•] Blood metabolites, except glucose, were affected positively by fish oil. [•] Vitamin C improved semen quality and increased the response to dietary fish oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Now, image processing is a better technique than the subjectively assessments for linear scoring of morphologic traits, especially in fat-tailed ewe's. The objective of this study was to assess this application in animal characterization on a case study in order to comparing of, udder morphological characteristics in two Iranian crossbred sheep populations including Ghezel- Arkhamerino (GH-MR; 25 ewes), Moghani-Arkharmerino (MG-MR; 25 ewes) and a pure one that was Ghezel ewes (20 ewes). Ten udder factors and five milk traits were measured on seventy ewes during three stages of lactation. Digital pictures were analyzed by Digimizer 3.6 software. Statistical analysis of udder liner scores was performed by using the MIXED procedure of SAS 9.1 software. Results showed that long udders were more frequent in the Ghezel ewes than in crossbred's ewes. Least variation was observed for teat placement score in Ghezel purebred ewes. The means of udder depth in the Ghezel ewes were larger than in the crossbreds (P<0.01). A positive correlation between left and right teat length scores were found in the all genetic groups (rp=0.47-0.65). Milking rate (rp= 0.81) and milking time (rp= 0.37) showed significant correlations with milk yield (P <0.001). The most useful udder scores for predicting daily milk yield appears to be the left teat length, teat placement and attachment width in Ghezel ewes. Phenotypic correlations variations within linear scores and their relationships with daily milk showed the potential of improvement of these traits in breeding programs of dairy sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The data set used in this study was body weight at 6 months of age (BW6M), fat-tailed weight (EFTW) and hypodermic needle measure of soft tissue at 12-13th rib, 120 mm from the midline (GR) of 2391 lambs at 6 months of age recorded over a 8-year period (2003 to 2011) from a Lori-Bakhtiari research flock in the Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, Iran. The flock is managed under a semi-migratory or village system. SAS procedures were used for the statistical analysis. Average of BW6M, EFTW and needle soft tissue depth measured in live lambs (NGR) estimated at the age of six months in lambs were 43.30, 2.73 kg and 7.36 mm, respectively. During the selection program for reducing fat, 4.45 percent of the fat-tailed decreased. Fat-tailed weight per kg of the body weight decreased from 78 g to 52 g in the end of the program. The effects of sex, year of birth, type of birth and rearing type were significant for the BW6M and EFTW traits. The phenotypic trends for EFTW and NGR regressed in the year of birth with constant weight were -140 g/year and -0.37 mm/year, respectively. The phenotypic trend for the BW6M was positive (0.744 kg/year). Consequently, the phenotypic progress is possible for decreasing fat without decreasing body weight, too. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Fat-tailed sheep are widely distributed around the globe, probably because of their ability to adapt and endure harsh environmental conditions. Climate change and increasing demand for protein mean these animals are a vital part of our food chain. Despite this, little is known about the composition of their meat. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of the fat-tail and carcass weight on chemical composition and fatty acid profile of Longissimus dorsi muscle of lambs. We compared sixty male lambs from three fat-tail weight classes (tailed, light fat-tailed, heavy fat-tailed) and two carcass weight ranges (6–13kg, designated light-LC; 13–21kg, designated moderate-MC). These lambs were randomly selected from a local flock grazed under standard commercial conditions in Mazandran, Iran. Our results showed that heavy fat-tailed (HF) lambs deposit less intramuscular fat than light fat tailed (LF) and tailed (T) lambs (p <0.05). Lambs with moderate carcasses (MC) weight, deposited more intramuscular fat compared with lambs which had low carcass weight (p <0.001). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are considered healthier than saturated fatty acids (SFA). LC lambs had higher PUFA:SFA and lower n-6:n-3PUFA ratio (p <0.001), than MC lambs. There were no significant differences in the fatty acid profile of lambs due to the different fat tail weights. In conclusion, lambs with higher carcasses weight and intramuscular fat, had higher levels of unfavorable fatty acids. However, changes in intramuscular fat did not affect the fatty acid profile of lambs with different tail weights. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Fat tailed sheep breeds are known for their adaptation to nutritional stress, among other harsh production conditions. Damara sheep, native to Southern Africa, have recently been exported to other areas of the world, particularly Australia, aiming to produce lamb in semi-arid regions. Damaras have a unique hanging fat tail, a fat depot able to be mobilized under nutritional stress. In this article we perform an in-depth characterization of the fatty acid profiles of the fat tail in underfed and control Damara rams. Profiles were very similar between experimental groups, with the exception of palmitic acid (16:0) that was lower (P = 0.014) in underfed animals. However, the most striking result was the very high proportions of non-terminal branched chain fatty acids found in the fat tail adipose tissue, as well as the gastrocnemius muscle of Damara rams. The muscle of Dorper and Merino rams used in the same experiment did not present non-terminal branched chain fatty acids, suggesting that Damara rams have a unique lipid metabolism. Herein, we interpret this trait relating it to a higher ability of Damara sheep to digest fibrous fodder and to putative differences in the propionate metabolism by comparison to other sheep breeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of inbreeding on average daily gains and Kleiber ratios in Moghani sheep. Traits included average daily gain from birth to 3 months (ADG1), average daily gain from birth to 6 months (ADG2), average daily gain from 3 months to 6 months (ADG3), average daily gain from 3 months to 9 months (ADG4), average daily gain from 3 months to yearling (ADG5) and corresponding Kleiber ratios (KR1, KR2, KR3, KR4 and KR5, respectively). Data and pedigree information used in this study were collected at the Breeding Station of Moghani sheep during 1987-2005. All the animals were grouped into three classes according to the inbreeding coefficients obtained by their pedigree: the first class included non-inbred animals (F=0%); and the second and third classes included inbred animals (00.10, respectively). There were significant regression coefficients of ADG5 and KR5 on inbreeding of all lambs for changing 1% inbreeding (P<0.01). Indeed, there were significant regression coefficients of ADG3 (P<0.01) and KR3 (P<0.05) on inbreeding of twin-born lambs for a change of 1% in inbreeding. In addition, there were significant regression coefficients of ADG1 (P<0.05) and ADG5 (P<0.05) on inbreeding of male lambs and significant regression coefficient of ADG2 (P<0.05) on inbreeding of female lambs for a change of 1% in inbreeding. Effects of inbreeding on average daily gains and Kleiber ratios in Moghani sheep was not very pronounced in the flock. Planned matings are, however, suggested to avoid accumulation of inbreeding and appearance of its deleterious effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In ruminants, colostrum is a vital source of immunoglobulins that provide passive immunity for their offspring during the neonatal period. It is suggested that colostral immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration varies between and within breeds and could also be affected by maternal factors. The aim of this study was to investigate possible effects of litter type and ewe parturition number on colostral IgG concentration in two Iranian fat-tailed breeds of sheep (Shaul and Lori Bakhtyari) as well as usefulness of different methods for estimation of IgG concentrations in colostrum. The colostral IgG concentrations were measured in 38 Shaul and 59 Lori Bakhtyari ewes by single radial immunodiffusion, zinc sulphate turbidity and Biuret methods. Measurement of IgG by single radial immunodiffusion revealed that Lori Bakhtyari ewes had significantly (P < 0.05) lower colostral IgG levels (48.82 ± 2.10 mg/ml) than Shaul ewes (62.86 ± 2.48). With regard to the effect of litter type and parturition number, a significant (P < 0.05) difference in IgG concentration of colostrum was only observed between the first (65.17 ± 5.74 mg/ml) and third parturition (41.10 ± 4.60 mg/ml) of Lori Bakhtyari ewes. The colostral IgG concentration was not associated with ewe serum IgG concentration (P > 0.05). The mortality rate was higher in lambs born to ewes with lower IgG in their colostrum. Single radial immunodiffusion did not correlate either with zinc sulphate turbidity method (r = -0.253, P > 0.05) or with Biuret method (r = -0.005, P > 0.05). We can conclude that concentration of colostral IgG could be influenced by breed but not by litter type and parturition number. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to investigate the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at 16–17 exon of DGAT1 gene in Lori-Bakhtiari sheep (LB) and Zel sheep (Z) breeds and provide a foundation for studying the relationship of DGAT1 gene with some carcass traits and the genetic relationship between LB sheep and Z sheep breeds. A total of 309 sheep were slaughtered and the carcass weight, backfat thickness, fat-tail weight, fat-tail percentage, dressing percentage, and dressing percentage adjusted to fat-tail weight were measured. Single nucleotide polymorphism was detected by comparing sequences of PCR products, and the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique was adopted for genotyping. The results of PCR-RFLP analysis showed that the SNP had three genotypes of TT (272 and 37 bp), TC (309, 272, and 37 bp), and CC (309 bp), in which TT was the predominant genotype and allele T was predominant allele in LB and Z sheep breeds. At the DGAT1 locus, CC sheep showed the significantly greater fat-tail weight (P < 0.05) and backfat thickness (P < 0.01). The results of this study demonstrate novel associations in which the C allele had a positive effect on fat-tail weight and backfat thickness in fat-tailed sheep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to gain insight into the underlying mechanisms of fat deposition. Two sheep breeds with large fat-tail (Lori–Bakhtiari) and with thin-tail (Zel) were used as models. To determine important and key candidate lipid metabolism related genes, comparative genomic approaches were employed. Gene expression profiles of adipose tissues were analyzed in human, pig, and cattle by express sequence tag (EST) analysis. EST analysis determined 65, 102 and 125 transcripts in human, pig and cattle respectively with at least 10 fold over-expression in the adipose tissue. Based on our comparative functional genomic analysis, seven genes were more abundant and common in investigated mammalian adipose tissues promising a conserved novel gene network in mammalian lipid metabolism. The candidate genes including fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), fatty acid synthase (FASN), Stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) and Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) were selected for further gene expression investigation within two sheep breeds. The real time PCR results showed that among the genes tested, FABP4 was expressed at higher levels than the others. The expression of FABP4 was significantly higher in the fat-tail of Lori–Bakhtiari than in the fat-tail and visceral adipose tissues of Zel (P<0.05). The findings suggest that the FABP4 gene expression in the fat-tail is an important index of fat deposition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The heart fatty acid-binding protein gene (h-fabp) plays an important role in intracellular fatty acid transport. h-fabp had been cloned and sequenced and is considered a functional candidate gene for assessing the meat quality traits in pig, chicken, and cattle. However, there have only been few studies reported on this gene in sheep. In the present study, we cloned the full-length cDNA of h-fabp in the Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep using RACE technique. Its tissue specific expression profile in the skeletal muscle, liver and 4 fat depots at seven developmental stages was determined by real-time quantitative PCR. A 425bp 5′-RACE cDNA, 231bp 3′-RACE cDNA and 177bp intermediate fragment were spliced to obtain a 748bp full-length cDNA of h-fabp (GenBank accession number JQ780322). The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep is more closely related to the goat, Capra hircus. In skeletal muscle, h-fabp was expressed at a very low level in one-month-old sheep. The expression level increased in three- and five-month-old sheep, and a peak expression level was observed in seven-month-old sheep. In nine- and eleven-month-old sheep, the gene expression level was similar to the mRNA level observed in three- and five-month-old sheep. In thirteen-month-old sheep, the h-fabp mRNA level was similar to the low expression level observed in one-month-old sheep. The expression pattern observed in the skeletal muscle at different developmental stages in sheep indicates that h-fabp expression declines with age. A similar conclusion on the h-fabp expression pattern in the liver was drawn from our findings in this study. The amount of h-fabp mRNA in the subcutaneous (s.c.) and visceral (v.s.) depots at each developmental stage was very low, and there was no significant difference in the expression levels among these depots. When we added the data from the seven developmental stages together, however, the highest h-fabp expression level was observed in the s.c. fat near the wither (s.c.W), followed by the v.c. perirenal (v.c.P), v.c. omental (v.c.O), and s.c. fat near the base of tail (s.c.T). These findings provide basic data that may be useful in future studies that investigate the role h-fabp plays in fat deposition and the regulation of fatty acid metabolism in sheep. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study was conducted to investigate relationships between mitochondrial respiratory chain complex activities, feed efficiency, and carcass traits in sheep. A group of Ghezel male lambs sired by a single ram were randomly allotted to individual pens. The lambs were fed ad libitum with a fattening diet containing 30% roughage (corn silage and alfalfa hay) and 70% concentrate for 70 d to individually phenotype each lamb for feed conversion ratio (FCR), adjusted FCR (aFCR), and residual feed intake (RFI). The lambs were then humanely killed and the liver, abdominal fat, pelvic fat, cardiac fat, warm carcass weight, and cold carcass weight, as well as the cross-sectional area of the LM and the fat depth over the 12th rib, were determined. A portion of LM was obtained to determine mitochondrial protein and respiratory chain complex activities (complexes I to V). Statistical analysis was carried out based on lambs exhibiting high and low RFI (n = 8), FCR (n = 8), or aFCR (n = 8) phenotypes. The lambs exhibiting the high-RFI phenotype consumed 110 g more feed daily (P < 0.05) than did the phenotype exhibiting low RFI, with no difference in ADG. Conversely, there was no difference in feed intake between the low- or high-FCR groups, but sheep exhibiting the low-FCR phenotype gained 70 g more (P < 0.05) per day compared with those exhibiting the high-FCR phenotype. It was determined that all 5 respiratory chain complex activities were greater (P < 0.05) in sheep exhibiting the low-RFI phenotype compared with those exhibiting the high-RFI phenotype, with significant (P < 0.001) negative correlation coefficients between RFI and respiratory chain complex activity. When efficiency was assessed using FCR, only activities of respiratory chain complexes III, IV, and V were less (P < 0.05) in the low-FCR phenotype compared with the high-FCR phenotype, and there were no differences (P > 0.1) in respiratory chain complex activities between groups when FCR was adjusted for metabolic BW (aFCR). There were no differences (P > 0.1) in carcass traits among any of the feed efficiency phenotypes. The results suggest that the inclusion of respiratory chain complex activities in breeding programs may be helpful in selecting for sheep exhibiting the low-RFI phenotype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding high levels of olive-pulp silage on the seminal characteristics of Ghezel and Mehraban sheep. Sixteen fertile rams (3.5–4.0 years of age) of the Ghezel or Mehraban breeds (8 rams per breed) were randomly assigned to diets containing 70% olive-pulp or corn silage for 120 days. Semen was collected every 3 weeks by electro-ejaculation. Seminal volume, sperm density, sperm forward motility, sperm numbers, the percentage live sperm, acrosomal integrity, and sperm abnormalities were evaluated immediately after semen collection. The concentration of the seminal malondialdehyde (MDA) was also recorded. Serum testosterone concentrations were determined by ELISA for samples collected monthly. The profile of fatty acids in the sperm plasma membrane of the Mehraban rams was determined by gas chromatography, using samples of semen collected on days 0 and 120. The diet by time interaction significantly (P <0.01) affected the seminal volume, sperm density, sperm number, and MDA concentration. The diet×breed×time interaction was also significant (P <0.01) for sperm density, the percentage live sperm, sperm forward motility, and percentage sperm with normal acrosomes. However, the breed×diet interaction did not have a significant effect on the parameters investigated, other than semen volume. The diet significantly affected the percentage of palmitic, oleic, pentadecanoic, and docosahexaenoic acid in the sperm plasma membrane. Other saturated and unsaturated fatty acids were not significantly affected by the type of silage fed to Mehraban rams. The results indicated that a diet containing 70% olive-pulp silage and 30% alfalfa hay did not have a detrimental effect on the reproductive parameters of Ghezel and Mehraban rams when fed for up to 120 days. On the other hand, it increased the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids in the sperm membrane. Being a cheap by-product, olive-pulp can be economical to feed to mature rams for extended periods of time, without having any detrimental effect on sperm quality. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This blinded, randomised experimental study was designed to compare the analgesic effects of lumbosacral epidural administration of lidocaine-epinephrine or lidocaine-xylazine combinations in fat-tailed sheep. Nine healthy fat-tailed male lambs (mean ± s.d. age, 4.6 ± 0.4 months; weight, 24.6 kg ± 2.5 kg) were randomly allocated into four groups of six sheep: lidocaine 2% (LID), lidocaine-epinephrine 5 µg/mL (LIDEP), lidocaine-xylazine 0.05 mg/kg (LIDXY) or bupivacaine 0.5% (BUP). The onset and duration of flank, perineum and hindlimb anaesthesia and the onset and duration of hindlimb paralysis were recorded. Epidural administration of LID, LIDEP, LIDXY or BUP produced anaesthesia within 6.6 min, 7.6 min, 3.4 min and 8.4 min, respectively. The mean onset of anaesthesia in the LIDXY group was significantly shorter compared with the BUP group (p = 0.02). The mean duration of anaesthesia was 107.9 min, 190.4 min, 147.6 min and 169.7 min for LID, LIDEP, LIDXY and BUP, respectively. The onset of hindlimb paralysis was faster in the LIDXY group than in the BUP group; however, the duration of hindlimb paralysis was shorter in LIDXY compared with LIDEP. Epidural administration of LIDEP or LIDXY provides a comparable duration of local anaesthesia without any adverse effects in fat-tailed sheep. Epidural LIDXY did not appear to be advantageous over epidural LIDEP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of different medium-voltage electrical stimulation (ES) and ageing on postmortem changes in longissimus dorsi muscle of the fat-tailed sheep were studied. Fifteen male animals were divided into 5 equal groups ( n= 3) including: T1 (control, without ES), T2 (100 V/30 s), T3 (100 V/60 s), T4 (150 V/30 s), and T5 (150 V/60 s) with fixed frequency of 50 Hz. Five minutes after sticking, the carcasses were stimulated in order of the treatments. After normal processing, they were kept at 6 °C for 14 d. ES accelerated the glycolytic rate resulting in a significant fast fall in pH ( P < 0.05) during the 1st 6-h postmortem (PM) with a gradual decline until 24-h PM, and a simultaneous significant reduction in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content ( P < 0.05). There was a significant ( P < 0.05) decline in the total calpain activity during the 1st 6-h PM. The muscles from ES carcasses had significantly ( P < 0.05) lower water holding capacity (WHC) than those from nonstimulated ones. Ageing revealed a significant ( P < 0.05) effect on the reduction of WHC. No significant difference was found for the mean value of the muscle color ( L*, a*, and b*) in all treatment groups during ageing ( P > 0.05). The results of free amino acid (FAA) content and myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) revealed a significant improvement of proteolysis and tenderness by ES and ageing ( P < 0.05). In the present study, higher voltage/duration (150 V/60 s) showed greater effects and significantly accelerated glycolysis, pH decline, and ATP depletion and thus decreased the time for rigor completion and improved the tenderness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the speed of onset and duration of loss of sensation in the flank following paravertebral administration of lidocaine (with or without epinephrine) or bupivacaine. Study design Blinded, randomized experimental study. Animals Nine healthy fat-tailed male lambs (mean weight ± SD, 22.9 ± 3 kg). Each animal was used twice. Methods Animals were allocated randomly to receive two of three treatments: lidocaine 2% (LID, n = 6), lidocaine with epinephrine 5 μg mL−1 (LIDEP, n = 6) or bupivacaine 0.5% (BUP, n = 6). The sheep received a total volume of 9 mL (3 mL for each paravertebral nerve) of anaesthetic. Onset and duration of loss of sensation on the flank were evaluated using nociceptive stimuli (superficial and deep pin-prick and clamping with a haemostat). Values for heart (HR) and respiratory (fR) rates, rectal and skin temperatures were recorded before and at predetermined intervals after paravertebral injection. Parameters were compared using anova followed by Duncan's test where relevant. Results Mean ± SD times to onset of loss of flank sensation following paravertebral administration of LID, LIDEP or BUP were 1.8 ± 1.2, 2.0 ± 0.9 and 3.6 ± 1.3 minutes, respectively. Durations of action in minutes were 65 ± 18, 95 ± 46 and 303 ± 98, respectively. Onset and duration of effects after BUP treatment were significantly longer than after LID or LIDEP ( p < 0.05), but did not differ significantly between LID and LIDEP. No clinical signs of local anaesthetic toxicity were noticed and HR and fR remained stable with all protocols. Conclusions and clinical relevance Paravertebral administration of bupivacaine produces a longer duration of anaesthesia when compared to lidocaine with or without epinephrine and is indicated when prolonged flank surgery is to be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A total of 415 fat tailed ewes were randomly assigned to two groups to assess the effect of duration of melengestrol acetate (MGA) (9 versus 12d) administration on reproductive parameters associated with laparoscopic artificial insemination. At the end of MGA treatment, ewes in each group were subdivided and inseminated with one of two different insemination doses (10×107 or 20×107 sperm per 0.5ml insemination dose) of fresh diluted semen. Inseminations were carried out 11–18h after first detected estrus. Ewes were screened for their return to oestrus from 10 to 21 days post AI and inseminated at their returned oestrus. Pregnancy diagnosis was done from approximately 55 days after insemination in both synchronized and return estrus. For short (9-day) and long (12-day) term MGA treated groups, estrus rates were 62% versus 89% (P <0.0001), respectively. Ewes (n =115) that returned to estrus were inseminated (7–11h after estrus detection) with fresh diluted semen at different doses (20×107 or 40×107 or 60×107 sperm per 0.5ml insemination dose). Pregnancy rates were 41% and 44% for short term and long term MGA treated ewes, respectively. Pregnancy rate of ewes which returned to oestrus was 53.4%. There was a significant (P <0.05) increase in pregnancy rates (38–52% for 11–16h; 63% for 17–18h) when insemination was held at 17–18h after first detected estrus following MGA treatments. Pregnancy rates were found to be similar in ewes inseminated with 10×107 (36%) or 20×107 (47%) motile spermatozoa at first AI, and 20×107 (44%) or 40×107 (59%) or 60×107(48%) at second AI. It was concluded that short term MGA treated ewes were recorded with lower estrus rates but was similar to pregnancy rates with long term MGA treatment. Acceptable pregnancy rates were achieved in MGA induced estrus when insemination is conducted at 17–18h after estrus onset and with 20×107 sperm per insemination dose. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In this study, ten native Turkish sheep breeds were sampled to evaluate Y chromosomal genetic variation. Two regions of the SRY gene, one region each of the DBY and AMEL genes and SRYM18 Y-specific microsatellite locus were sequenced. While no base substitutions were found in the sequenced regions of SRY, DBY and AMELY, most of the Turkish sheep breeds have some variations of SRYM18. In total, we found three different SRYM18 alleles that were 141, 143 and 145bp in length. The distribution of these alleles was different among fat-tailed sheep breeds and the thin-tailed sheep breeds. While the most common allele was 143bp among the breeds, the 141-bp allele was also observed in both fat-tailed and thin-tailed breeds. The 145-bp allele was only found in the fat-tailed sheep at low frequency. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A total of 695 fat-tailed Barbarine lambs born in two flocks between 1995 and 1997 were recorded for growth and fat tail measurements according to “standard growth recording protocol”. Recorded traits are body weight (BW) and the following fat tail characteristics: upper circumference (UFTC), lower circumference (LFTC), upper width (UFTW), lower width (LFTW), upper depth (UFTD), lower depth (LFTD) and tail length (FTL). Lamb body growth performance and tail measurements are analyzed from two points of view. Firstly through the adjustment of a growth curve chosen among the following: Brody, Logistic, Gompertz and Bertalanffy functions. Secondly, age-adjusted weight and tail measurements (10, 30 and 70 days) were analyzed and average daily gains (ADG) were calculated. All functions (Brody, Logistic, Gompertz and Bertalanffy) fitted closely body weight and fat tail measurements of Barbarine lambs for the recording period (up to 120 days), while the Bertalanffy function provided more accurate estimation of the asymptotic value (adult size) for the weight and tail measurements. High significant correlations (p <0.01) were obtained between body weight and tail measurements. However, the LFTW-ADG had the highest correlation with BW performance, and was therefore the best indicator of the state of lamb fattening. Furthermore, the LFTW-ADG recorded between 10 and 30 days of age has a higher correlation with lamb BW performance at later age (30–70 days) than those recorded at the same period (between 10 and 30 days), indicating that lambs with higher fat storage during the suckling period express better performance at later ages. Therefore, this study confirms the role of the tail fat as an adaptive character of the Barbarine breed and most likely of other fat-tailed sheep breeds. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Passive immune transfer is the only way to provide protection in neonate ruminants. As it is suggested to be affected by both maternal and neonatal factors in different breeds, we tried to investigate possible effects of sex, litter type, ewe parturition number and birth weight on it and also on the immunoglobulin concentration during the first month of life in a fat-tailed sheep. Total immunoglobulin and IgG concentrations of 39 Shaul lambs were measured at days 3, 15 and 30 by quantitative zinc sulfate turbidity and serum radial immunodiffusion tests, respectively. To determine different serum protein concentration, cellulose acetate electrophoresis was applied. Sex, litter type, ewe parturition number and birth weight had no significant effects on passive transfer. Moreover, these factors had no impact on IgG catabolism and serum protein concentrations during the first month of life. Passive immune transfer in Shaul breed does not seem to be affected by sex, litter type, ewe parturition number and birth weight. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The present study was performed on 111 adult clinically healthy Iranian fat-tailed sheep from both sexes (28 male and 83 female). Blood concentrations of oxidative stress parameters viz. malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were determined. The reference values for oxidative stress parameters of adult clinically healthy Iranian fat-tailed sheep were as followed: MDA 0.53-0.60 μmol/l, SOD 948.65-1011.50 U/gHb, CAT 1834.29-1915.63 U/gHb and GPX 191.67-196.52 U/gHb. There were no significant differences in oxidative stress parameters among animal of the two sexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of docking on carcass fat characteristics were studied in fat-tailed sheep. Male lambs were randomly divided into 2 groups. One group was docked after birth using rubber rings, and the tails of the other group were left intact (control). After weaning, 20 lambs from each group were divided into 2 subgroups; one subgroup was fed with a normal energy diet (10.25 MJ/kg ME) and the other one with a high-energy diet (11.42 MJ/kg ME) for 84 days. At the end of the fattening period, 28 lambs were slaughtered for determination of warm carcass weight (WCW) and other carcass characteristics. At 24 h postmortem samples of meat, omental fat, and caudal fat were taken from chilled (4 °C) carcasses for the assessment of fatty acid (FA) composition. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in WCW and omental fat between carcasses of docking and control lambs, but lambs on 2 types of energy diets showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). Under these circumstances, docked lambs produced leaner carcasses than intact lambs (P < 0.05). Diet energy had a significant effect on average daily gain and daily feed intake (P < 0.05). Results showed that the predominant FA in body fat was oleic acid and a significant difference was observed for percentage of FA composition between fat in different parts of body (P < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An outbreak of industrial chronic copper poisoning in Iranian fat-tailed sheep in a region of southeast Iran is described. At least 10,000 out of 75,000 sheep (13.3%) originating from 50 flocks died over a period of 3 years in the Khatoon Abad region in Kerman province, Iran. The diagnosis was based on epidemiological, clinical, hematological, serum biochemical, urinalysis, necropsy and histopathological evaluations. Then findings were confirmed by toxicological analysis of liver and kidney samples. The details of epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and pathologic findings are described in the manuscript. These findings were indicative of chronic copper poisoning in affected sheep. Toxicological analysis showed an exceeding of the permitted limit (150 mg/kg w.w.) of copper in liver samples by 7.97 times (1196.9 ± 20.6 mg/kg) (wet weight-w.w.). In kidney samples the excess was by 9.14 times (137.2 ± 8.96 mg/kg) (w.w.). The copper concentrations in water and pasture plant samples around the factory were very high, suggesting that water and pasture plants were the sources of intoxication. In conclusion, the environmental pollution by a copper smelter factory in the region was the source of intoxication. Chronic copper intoxication through inhalation and ingestion may result in severe economic losses and a public health hazard. Thus it is necessary to determine copper concentrations in the organs (liver, kidney, muscle, and lung) of sheep in the influence area of chemical units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of two fat-tailed sheep breeds, Chaal and Zandi, and their F1 and R1 crossbred lambs from a lean-tailed breed, Zel, was compared. The weaned lambs from the Chaal and Zandi groups were finished over periods of 105 and 90 days, respectively, and body weight gain and feed consumption were recorded. Forty six male and female lambs from the six finishing groups were slaughtered. The weights of blood, internal organs, intestines before and after removal of digesta, head, feet, pelt and carcasses were recorded. The left sides of the carcasses were cut into six pieces. Individual joints were dissected into lean meat, bone, subcutaneous fat (SCF), intramuscular fat (IMF) and trimmings, and weighed separately. The fat surrounding the intestine and kidney was weighed and considered as internal fat. All the soft tissue (lean meat and fat) of the left sides of the carcasses was ground and representative samples were taken for chemical analyses. The differences of eye muscle (Longissimus dorsi) area (cm²), and protein and bone percentages were not significant between both breeds and their crosses. In the R1 the fat-tail percentage was less than in the F1 and pure lambs of both breeds. In contrast, the SCF and IMF percentages were higher in all crossbred combinations. The internal fat percentages in crossbreds were higher, and in the Chaal group differed significantly from that of the pure lambs. The SCF/IMF ratio in the R1 lambs was lower than in the pure breds. This difference for Chaal crossbreds was significant. The lower ratio of SCF/IMF and the higher internal fat of crossbred lambs compared to pure breds showed that carcass quality of the crossbred was inferior compared to the pure bred lambs in terms of fat distribution in the body. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This experiment was conducted to evaluate differences in non-carcass components and wholesale cuts in fat-tailed ram lambs of the Shal breed (n =70, BW=37.0±2.8kg) fed a barley-based diet (12.2% CP) supplemented with 0 (Control), 200, 600 or 1000μg Cr from chromium nicotinate (CrNic)/kg of DM or 200, 600 or 1000μg Cr from chromium chloride (CrCl3)/kg of DM. Lambs were slaughtered at 105 days of age. Final BW, total BW gain and ADG did not differ (P >0.10). Lambs fed CrNic compared to those fed CrCl3 had higher (P <0.007) skin weight and lower (P <0.04) heart and heart fat weights. Addition of 200μg/kg of Cr as CrNic increased weights of head (P <0.005), skin (P <0.04), liver (P <0.07), and kidney (P <0.02) and decreased internal fat weight (P <0.01). Supplemental Cr as CrNic or CrCl3 increased weights of proximal thoracic limb (P <0.05) and proximal pelvic limb (P <0.03). Addition of 600 or 1000μg/kg of Cr as CrNic tended to increase brisket-abdominal region weight (P <0.06) and to decrease fat tail weight (P <0.09). These results indicated that in fat tail lambs supplemental Cr specifically as chromium nicotinate may be beneficial for improving some of the valuable non-carcass organs and proximal thoracic or pelvic limbs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]