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In this study, genome-wide variability and selection signatures in Kangal Akkaraman sheep were assessed by 238.103 bi-allelic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) recovered from genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) libraries processed in Illumina HiSeq X Ten instrument. Summary statistics of genetic diversity such as minor allele frequency (MAF), observed (HO) and expected (HE) heterozygosity were estimated at 0.32, 0.29, and 0.30, respectively. A declining trend in effective population size was observed through generations in which the current population was estimated at 978 individuals 150 generations ago. 608 of 647 runs of homozygosity (ROH) islands were classified into ≤2 Mb. Strong selection signals were identified in thirteen genomic intervals overlapped with 17 protein-coding genes. The sheep quantitative trait locus (QTL) database confirmed that these genomic regions were associated with economically important traits such as milk content (KCNH5, KCNH7, LRP1B, SNAPC1, and SYT16) and fleece yield (CCDC85A, EFEMP1, and PPP4R3B), parasite resistance (MMS22L and KLHL32), fat deposition in the tail (JAZF1, TAXIBP1, EVX1, and HOXA13), and water-holding capacity (KLHL1 and DACH1). This study implies that the Kangal Akkaraman sheep will play a vital role in developing some genotypes tolerant to environmental challenges, parasite infections, fat deposition, and water-holding capacity in the future. Still, the other native sheep should be screened to identify genomic regions under selection practices using high-density genetic data obtained from next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms.

In this study, genome-wide variability and selection signatures in Kangal Akkaraman sheep were assessed by 238.103 bi-allelic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) recovered from genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) libraries processed in Illumina HiSeq X Ten instrument. Summary statistics of genetic diversity such as minor allele frequency (MAF), observed (HO) and expected (HE) heterozygosity were estimated at 0.32, 0.29, and 0.30, respectively. A declining trend in effective population size was observed through generations in which the current population was estimated at 978 individuals 150 generations ago. 608 of 647 runs of homozygosity (ROH) islands were classified into =2 Mb. Strong selection signals were identified in thirteen genomic intervals overlapped with 17 protein-coding genes. The sheep quantitative trait locus (QTL) database confirmed that these genomic regions were associated with economically important traits such as milk content (KCNH5, KCNH7, LRP1B, SNAPC1, and SYT16) and fleece yield (CCDC85A, EFEMP1, and PPP4R3B), parasite resistance (MMS22L and KLHL32), fat deposition in the tail (JAZF1, TAXIBP1, EVX1, and HOXA13), and water-holding capacity (KLHL1 and DACH1). This study implies that the Kangal Akkaraman sheep will play a vital role in developing some genotypes tolerant to environmental challenges, parasite infections, fat deposition, and water-holding capacity in the future. Still, the other native sheep should be screened to identify genomic regions under selection practices using high-density genetic data obtained from next-generation sequencing (NGS) platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to identify miRNAs expressed in Kangal Akkaraman lambs and to identify miRNAs that may be associated with average daily weight gain (ADWG). Materials and Methods: According to their ADWG, lambs were separated into two groups: those with ADWGs between 270-412 g (mean:323 g) were considered to have high daily gain (HDG) and those with ADWGs below 200 g (mean:125 g) were considered to have low daily gain (LDG). Blood samples were taken, and white blood cells were processed for RNA extraction. Illumina Novaseq was used to prepare and sequence miRNA libraries (LDG and HDG groups). Readings were mapped. Additionally, using DESeq R package (1.8.3), differential expression analysis of two groups was carried out. Based on the RNA-seq data, the two miRNAs with the highest fold increase were selected and their expression levels were tested by quantitative Real-time PCR (RTqPCR) Results: There were identified to be 129 known miRNAs, 134 new miRNAs were predicted, 40 significant differentially expressed miRNAs, of which 12 were up-regulated and 28 down-regulated, were identified (LDG vs HDG). According to RNA-seq results, the two miRNAs with the highest fold change were detected; 0,66 (oar-miR-21) and 0,61 (oar-miR-150). It was determined by RT-qPCR that HDG sheep had 0,63 times lower oar-mir-150 expression, which was not statistically significant, compared to LDG sheep. However, oarmir- 21 was found to be statistically significantly less expressed 0,40 times in the HDG group (p < 0,05). Conclusion: It is thought that the obtained data can contribute to ADWG breeding studies in Kangal Akkaraman sheep.

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.)

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 aim of the study was to determine the fertility traits of the Kangal Akkaraman sheep in Yildizeli and Central districts of Sivas. In this study, six years data obtained from breeders between 2013 and 2018 were used in National Animal Improvement Project coordinated by the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. In the first year of the study, 70 enterprises in 48 villages from both districts included in the projects and these were reduced to 57 enterprises in 33 villages in the sixth year. During the six-year period, 86116 lamb records obtained from a total of 76383 ewes in all enterprises were evaluated. Overall average birth rate was 92.7%. While the differences between years were statistically significant, differences between districts were not significant. Thetriplet births were also observed but they were not evaluated separately because of their low rate (0.1%), so they were included in twin births and evaluated as twins. The average twin birth rate was 22% and differences between years, districts and mating periods (five months between August and December) were significant for that. Overall average weaned lamb rate or the survival rate of the weaning period was 91.3% and differences according to years, districts and lambing periods (five months between January and May) were statistically significant for that. According to the values obtained from 5147 lamb records that were born from 4242 ewes of known age in a sub-project of year 2013; the ages (1-10) of sheep were found to have an effect on the birth type, while it was found to be statistically insignificant for the survival rate. According to the results of the research, it would be useful to take into account the factors that increase fertility in order to maximize profitability in the study area and enterprises with similar conditions.

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.)

This study aims to determine the fleece fineness (µm) and comfort factor (CF) traits and the breeding potential of these traits in the Kangal Akkaraman breed. This study was carried out in the Ulaş Agricultural Enterprise affiliated with the General Directorate of Agricultural Enterprises (TİGEM); fleeces were taken from a total of 143 animals, including 29 female yearlings, 28 male yearlings, 59 ewes, and 27 rams, were examined. Fleece samples were taken from the region above the last rib of the animals. The fleece fineness and CF properties of the samples were determined with the OFDA 2000 fleece analyzer. The averages of fineness (µm) and CF (%) in fleece were determined as 23.53 µm- 87.22% in female yearlings, 23.63 µm- 87.23% in male yearlings; 26.58 µm- 75.59% in ewes, and 26.85 µm - 75.95% in rams; respectively. The difference between the yearlings and the adult animals was statistically significant in terms of the examined traits (P<0.001). The proportion of individuals with a fleece fineness of less than 26 µm was calculated as 86.2% in female yearlings; 89.3% in male yearlings; 45.7% in ewes, and 37% in rams. As a result of the study, it was concluded that the fleece fineness and CF traits of the Kangal Akkaraman breed were better than the other native breeds, but there was variation in the herds and the potential to develop these traits by selection was high. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the seroprevalence of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, the causative agent of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) infection, in Kangal Akkaraman sheep flocks was examined. For this purpose, blood samples were collected from 25 different sheep flocks (n = 379). According to the ELISA results, the numbers of CLA-positive and CLA-negative samples were 138 (36.4%) and 241 (63.6%), respectively. CLA positivity was observed in 35.7% of the females (n = 241), 37.7% of the males (n = 138), 40.2% of the sheep with clinical symptoms (n = 184), and 32.8% of the sheep with no clinical symptoms (n = 195) (P > 0.05). We concluded that C. pseudotuberculosis is a disease observed widely in the Kangal Akkaraman sheep breed in Turkey. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the seroprevalence of CLA in Kangal Akkaraman sheep, a breed whose first official herdbook was only recently established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This research was studied for determination of greasy wool yield, wool length, fiber diameter, elasticity, strength and efficiency in Akkaraman sheep breeding at public hand. Materials and Methods: Research has been carried out with 1623 sheep wool samples in Kangal district from 7 different local breeders. The management and nutrition of sheep were made completely by breeders. The sheep had been fed at pasture in the spring and summer and in indoors during winter. Results: Greasy wool yields for 2, 3, 4 and 5 years old sheep were found as 1.80, 1.69, 1.62 and 1.58 kg, while medullated fiber rates were determined as 33.51 and 32.75% and 32.86, 31.87, and wool lengths were determined as 30.33 and 27.73 (Hauter) mm in elite and base herds, respectively. Fiber diameters and wool percentages were calculated as 28.63 and 26.96 and 60.78 and 53.77%, respectively. Statistically significance was determined (p Conclusion: The wool yield and fiber diameter of some sheep herds were found very close to Merino cross-bred sheep. The variation between the sampled herds of sheep is believed to be decreased with selection and management.