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The growth of two isolates of Staphylococcus epidermidis (one that was forming biofilm and one that was not) on new or used teatcups made of silicone for use in milking parlours for sheep, was assessed for 24 h after the application by smearing on the surface of the teatcup. Staphylococci were applied by smearing on an area of 0.0003142 (3.142 × 10−4) m2 on material obtained from the teatcups and their growth and expansion further on were monitored for 24 h at varying ambient conditions: temperature 21 °C or 31 °C and humidity 60% or 80%. No differences were evident between the two isolates in the frequency of recoveries in any of the conditions tested (p > 0.75 for all comparisons). Recovery rates were higher in humidity 80% compared to humidity 60%: 1678/2016 (83.2%) versus 1282/2016 (63.6%) (p < 0.0001), and in temperature 31 °C compared to temperature 21 °C: 1525/2016 (75.6%) versus 1435/2016 (71.2%) (p = 0.001). Recovery rates were also higher from new teatcups compared to used ones only in humidity 60%: 744/1008 (73.8%) versus 538/1008 (53.4%) (p < 0.0001). Humidity 80% was associated with higher speed of linear dissemination of the isolates on teatcup surface compared to humidity 60%: 0.000000640 (6.40 × 10−7) m s−1 versus 0.000000322 (3.22 × 10−7) m s−1 (+98.8%) (p < 0.0001); no such association was seen with higher temperature: 0.000000509 (5.09 × 10−7) m s−1 versus 0.000000453 (4.53 × 10−7) m s−1 for temperature 31 °C and 21 °C (+12.4%) (p = 0.29). As part of precision livestock farming, differing approaches can be instituted in accord with varying climatic conditions in different farms, as well as within the same farm with the change of seasons.

Sheep milk is the most important feed resource for newborn lambs and an important food resource for humans. Sheep milk production and ingredients are influenced by genetic and environmental factors. In this study, we implemented selection signature analysis using Illumina Ovine SNP50 BeadChip data of 78 meat Lacaune and 103 milk Lacaune sheep, which have similar genetic backgrounds, from the Sheep HapMap project to identify candidate genes related to ovine milk traits. Since different methods can detect different variation types and complement each other, we used a haplotype-based method (hapFLK) to implement selection signature analysis. The results revealed six selection signature regions showing signs of being selected (P): chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 6, 13 and 18. In addition, 38 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to sheep milk performance were identified in selection signature regions, which contain 334 candidate genes. Of those, SUCNR1 (succinate receptor 1) and PPARGC1A (PPARG coactivator 1 alpha) may be the most significant genes that affect sheep milking performance, which supply a significant indication for future studies to investigate candidate genes that play an important role in milk production and quality.

Comparison measurements and evaluation of the suitability of three pulsators for sheep milking machines were carried out, i.e. a prototype made by the manufacturer of the milking parlour of the pulsator ratio 50% (50:50) and two hydraulic pulsators of the Danish manufacturer S.A. Christensen (SAC), models Unipuls-2 of the pulsator ratios 50% (50:50) and 60% (60:40). The specified pulsation rate was 2.5/s(150/min). It was found that the pulsator prototype made by the milking parlour manufacturer slowly passed air, whereby the vacuum in pulsation chambers did not attain the maximum value. Fig. 2 illustrates the operation of this pulsator. Both SAC pulsators had better parameters and their pulsograms are plotted in Figs. 3 and 4. Also the measurements of a liner deformation in dependence on the vacuum in the teatcup pulsation chamber were made based on which the moment of a real liner opening, i.e. at the vacuum of 35 kPa was determined. The results obtained by the experiments carried out can be summed up as follows: As the change in pulsation rate does not affect the time of transition phases "a" and "c", the intervals "b" and "d" are shorter if the pulsation rate is increased. Interval "b", i.e. a full liner opening, shortens with the rising rate and extends with the increased value of the pulsator ratio. For this reason higher pulsator ratios should be used at very high pulsation rates. The teatcup operation depends on the physical-mechanical properties of the liner used. On the milking unit measured considerable differences in time take place between the interval "b" and the liner full opening due to a relatively high resistance power of the liner to deformation. The pulsator prototype designed by the milking parlour producer revealed as fully unsuitable based on its pulsogram. As far as the time of the liner opening is concerned, its parameters were worse than on both SAC pulsators, however, we cannot indicate it as unsuitable.

Mechanical milking is a critical operation in ewe dairy farming where the operative parameters and the milking routine strongly influence milk production and animal welfare. The challenge in adapting dairy animals to the farm environmental conditions may cause illness and compromise the quality of the products. From this perspective, it is important to evaluate the technological and operational aspects that can influence milk quality and animal welfare. Thus, the aim of this work was to investigate the effects on the pulsation curve of several teat cup characteristics (volume of the pulsation chamber) at determined operating parameters (vacuum level and pulsator rate) recorded from nine different milking units. Moreover, the touch point pressure of different liners was measured. Data analysis showed that the sheep milking unit characteristics affected the pulsation curve significantly. The length of both the increasing vacuum phase and the decreasing vacuum phase (phase “a” and “c”, respectively), which affect the milking and massage phases, was directly related to the pulsation chamber volume (R2 = 0.86) and the pulsator rate. No relationship emerged between the touch point pressure and specific characteristics of the liners such as the material, the shape, the diameter, the length, or the extension of the body. Considering the delicate role that the pulsation plays in ensuring animal welfare during milking, it is important to take into account the complete configuration and operative characteristics of the milking units. This will ensure that the complex interaction between the pulsation system and the milking units is considered when planning and assembling milking systems.

The main purpose of conducting milk production control is to identify high-performing milkproducing ewes that can serve as the foundation for future selection nuclei, aiming to obtain offspring with superior productivity potential. The practical importance of establishing elite nuclei is also ensured by the fact that future ram dams will be selected only from the females forming this elite group. The research was conducted on two batches of lactating females (L1 and L2). In order to evaluate their milk production potential as objectively as possible, control works were carried out both during the suckling period of the lambs and during the exclusive milking period of the ewes. Accepted working methods were used for both periods, and the two groups benefited from identical conditions. Statistical analysis of the data for the suckling period indicates the existence of differences between the groups (P < 0.01). Regarding the total milk production obtained in the respective lactation, it was observed that the highest quantity was obtained from L2, which provided a superior production by 28.75% compared to L1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The purpose of this scientific paper was to reveal the veritable biological particularities of the lactation curve to the Karakul ewes in similar feeding conditions, during the sensitive period of the first 3 months after calving. The research was carried out on Karakul ewes flocks of the "Kotovskii" sovkhoz, Causeni district, Republic of Moldova. Research has shown that the daily milk production of ewes, calved in January and maintained in the stable in relatively good feeding conditions, in the first 20 days after calving, was sufficient (0.98-0.96 kg/day), for the Karakul race. The increase in the body mass of a lamb in 20 days was 3.78-3.90 kg, or 189-195 g/day. The specific milk consumption at the formation of 1 kg of live mass increase of lambs in the first 20 days after birth was 5.18-4.92 kg. To the Karakul sheep, the daily milk production decreases, even from the first 10 days after calving, by 0.14 kg (from 1.05 kg every 10 days to 0.91 kg every 20 days), or by 13.3% (td = 2.8; P <0.01). With the aging of lambs after birth from 20 to 60 days, there is a sudden drop in the daily quantity of milk of ewes (from 0.96 to 0.39 kg), the daily increase in body mass of the lamb (from 195 to 112 g/day), as well as the specific consumption of milk at the formation of 1 kg of live mass increase of lamb (from 4.92 to 3.50 kg). The biological curve of lactation of Karakul ewes represents a slightly downward line (from 1.05 to 0.96 kg/day) in the first 20 days after calving, with a sudden drop (from 0.96 to 0.39 kg/day) at the 60-day interval and a slow decrease (from 0.390 to 0.209 kg/day) at the 139-day interval and until the end of lactation. The Asian Karakul sheep race is an aboriginal, rustic and highly conserved one from the physiological (genetic) point of view of the rather limited lactogenic potential. Between the quantity of milk sucked/milked on the control day and the quantity of milk, produced by Karakul ewes throughout lactation, there is a fairly close correlation at all control intervals (rxy = 0.624 - 0.778). Based on the elucidated correlations, the sonication coefficients were deduced, which can be used to determine by rapid method the milk production of Karakul ewes, calved in the last decade of January. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper was the successive description of the methodology of the complex evaluation of the breeding value of Karakul sheep, which finally allowed the development of fundamentally new Instructions for the complex rating of Moldavian Karakul sheep. The scientific research was carried out on the biological material of pure-breed Karakul sheep, imported from Central Asian countries, as well as cross-breed sheep (Tușca x Karakul) of different generations, obtained from crosses, within the research programs of the National Institute of Animal Husbandry and Medicine Veterinary, approved by order of the State in the period 1979-2005. On the basis of multiple scientific researches in the Republic of Moldova, official instructions (approved by the Order of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry) have been developed, for rating with principles of genetic amelioration of Moldavian Karakul sheep, which represent a normative act in the field that must be implemented by breeding farm owners from this sheep race. In the respective normative act, the methodological procedures for the complex rating of Moldavian Karakul sheep are described according to the three particular characters (pelt quality, body mass and milk production) and the deduction of the general class of the sheep, which reflects the complex value of the animal. In order to objectively evaluate the level of development of the selected morphoproductive characters, for each particular character (pelt quality, body mass, milk production) the minimum standards of inclusion in the respective value categories (classes) were elaborated. The mandatory implementation of complex rating sheep in all breeding farms and, optionally, in some production farms, contributes to the genetic amelioration of the Moldavian Karakul sheep populations in the country and the increase of their productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thirty-nine ewe-lamb pairs were used to evaluate the effects of the diet of lactating ewes, the type of forage (pasture vs hay) and the inclusion of 10% quebracho in the concentrate on the fatty acid (FA) profile of their milk and the meat of their suckling lambs. The estimated forage–concentrate ratio was 80 : 20. Milk from pasture ewes had a higher percentage of saturated FAs (SFAs; 62.3 vs 56.5), lower percentages of monounsaturated FAs (MUFAs; 30.4 vs 36.6) and n-6 polyunsaturated FAs, and a lower n-6 : n-3 ratio (1.9 vs 2.3) than did that of hay ewes (P < 0.001). Meat of pasture lambs had higher percentages of total polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs; 23.0 vs 20.4; P < 0.05) and n-3 (7.0 vs 5.0; P < 0.001) and lower percentages of MUFAs (37.9 vs 41.8; P < 0.001) and n-6:n-3 (2.0 vs 2.8; P < 0.001) than did that of hay lambs. The inclusion of quebracho increased MUFAs in milk (P < 0.05) and decreased SFAs in meat (P < 0.05). Ewes were correctly classified to the different treatments by using the FA profile of milk (100% score outcome), and to a lesser extend by using the FA profile of lamb (82–100% score outcome); de novo synthesis of FAs in lamb muscle might have reduced the classification accuracy. In conclusion, forage type had a greater effect on the FA profiles of ewe milk and the meat of suckling lambs than did the inclusion of quebracho in the concentrate. To improve the classification of meat of suckling lamb, other biomarkers should be examined. These results are relevant for ewes farmed for the production of milk as well as lambs. Consumers demand animal products from grazing animals and that such products are guaranteed. The effects of the type of forage and the inclusion of quebracho, as a natural additive, in the concentrate during the lactation period on the FA profiles of milk and the meat of suckling lamb were evaluated. The FA profile of milk was mainly affected by the type of forage and can be used to trace ewe diet more accurately than can the FA profile of the meat of suckling lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was aimed to investigate the status of energy balance during mating, pregnancy and after lambing and its relationship with reproductive outcomes in Gray Shirazi sheep. Thirty healthy Gray Shirazi ewes that were kept in industrial conditions were randomly selected. During lambing, the ewes were examined for the rate of multiplication as well as abortions and the weight of lambs at birth. Blood sampling was performed during mating, on the last two to four weeks of pregnancy, and on one to two weeks after delivery. Serum levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), insulin, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), and progesterone were assessed. There was a significant rise in IGF-1 level in late pregnancy compared to that in early lactation. In addition, the concentration of BHBA was significantly increased during pregnancy and postpartum compared to the mating time. Maximum BHBA and NEFA concentrations at the end of pregnancy and postpartum were in twin and singleton pregnancies, respectively. In addition, the highest BHBA concentrations were accompanied by the lowest BCS of ewes. Moreover, there was a significant direct correlation between lamb weight and NEFA, BHBA, and progesterone. In conclusion, serum indicators of energy balance, particularly insulin and BHBA, are largely influenced by reproductive stages, especially pregnancy and the number of lambs in Gray Shirazi ewes. Accurate identification of these changes is essential in diagnosing abnormal conditions and metabolic and nutritional disorders in this breed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis is the main cause of antibiotic use in dairy sheep. Post-milking teat disinfection is adopted to prevent intra-mammary infections. Use of chemical disinfectants is associated with biocide and antibiotic resistance. Terpinen-4-ol (T-4-ol), component of the Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil, shows antibacterial properties without inducing resistance. Aim of the trial was to evaluate the efficacy of a T-4-ol post-dipping compound in preventing bacterial mastitis in dairy sheep. In two different farms, two groups of 35 ewes were recruited as experimental and control arm (exposed to chlorhexidine-based disinfectant). No differences were observed during the follow-up. In one livestock, during the first year, 30-day incidence of mastitis was significantly lower in the T-4-ol group. Post-milking teat disinfection with T-4-ol showed equivalent efficacy in terms of mastitis incidence. Disinfectants based on natural compounds for mastitis prevention could potentially reduce environmental pollution, avoid drug residues in milk and decrease the antimicrobial resistance development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to quantify the concentration of milk and blood progesterone (P4) from lactating ewes under different physiological states and the possible harmlessness of their milk in human consumption. Progesterone concentration was determined in ovariectomized and intact ewes during the oestrous cycle, while implanted with a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) containing 0.3 g of natural P4 (OxCIDR; ICIDR) or not (Ox; I), and during pregnancy (G). Mean P4 concentration was found to be significantly greater in blood (P > 0.0001) than in milk sources. Concentrations also varied according to treatments (P < 0.0001). As expected, P4 concentration from Ox ewes was the lowest compared to the rest of the treatments (0.31 ± 0.22 ng ml−1; P < 0.0001). Ewes with CIDR showed greater P4 concentration than the respective group without implant (OxCIDR vs. Ox; P < 0.0001, and ICIDR vs. I; P < 0.01). In addition, G ewes showed the highest P4 concentration when compared with the rest of the treatments (P < 0.03). There was an interaction between P4 source and treatment (P < 0.0001). It was concluded that as milk of cycling and G animals is considered safe for human consumption, then the milk of CIDR-treated ewes should also be considered safe, based on P4 concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted using 80 multiparous Awassi ewes during the breeding season to compare the effects of controlled internal drug release (CIDR) treatment durations on ewe reproductive performance, hormone profiles, and economic production measures. Ewes were evenly allotted to one of various CIDR treatment durations (3, 6, 9, or 12 d) in four groups (CIDR3, CIDR6, CIDR9, and CIDR12 (control), respectively). The ewes in all groups were injected with 300 IU of equine Chorionic Gonadotropin (eCG) at the time of withdrawal. Blood samples were collected at the time of CIDR insertion and withdrawal, as well as at the time of insemination to measure serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentrations. Timed insemination was performed at 48 h post CIDR withdrawal. The heat detection rate was significantly (P < 0.05) highest in CIDR12 and CIDR9 (100% and 84.21%, respectively). The total pregnancy rate was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in CIDR9 and CIDR6 (68.4% and 60%, respectively) than in CIDR3. Additionally, fecundity was significantly (P < 0.05) lowest in CIDR3. At insemination, the P4 level was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in CIDR9 and CIDR12 than in the other groups. At insemination, the E2 level was higher (P < 0.05) in CIDR6 followed by that in CIDR3 and CIDR9, and then in CIDR12. The total variable cost, total cost, the return and net profit were higher in CIDR6 than in other groups. In conclusion, although use of CIDR for 6, 9, and 12 d is efficient to synchronize estrus in ewes with similar reproductive performance, CIDR use for 6 d provided higher return and net profit than that for 9 or 12 d. CIDR use for 3 d is inefficient for estrus synchronization in ewes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of the intra-ruminal dosing of a glucogenic mixture including 70% glycerol, 20% propylene glycol and 10% water was studied on thirty late lactation dairy ewes of Sarda breed. The animals were divided in two homogeneous groups receiving by gavage either 200 mL of water (CTR group; body weight 40.9 ± 1.5 kg) or 200 mL of the above mixture (GLY group; body weight 39.4 ± 1.3 kg) twice daily from d 16 to d 19 of the oestrus cycle, synchronised by “ram effect”. The ewes were then mated and their reproductive responses to the synchronised mating evaluated by scanning on d 50 and at lambing. During the treatment, the ewes were housed in an open hut, machine milked twice daily and fed concentrate and hay to meet their nutrient requirements. During the treatment, concentrate intake was markedly reduced in GLY when compared with CTR (P < 0.001), without any effect on ewe body weight or body condition. The administration of the glucogenic mixture increased plasma osmolarity and blood volume as estimated by serum total protein concentration. Moreover, it increased plasma content of glycerol, glucose (P < 0.001) and insulin (P < 0.01) while decreasing plasma level of NEFA (P < 0.001) and urea (P < 0.05). Milk yield (P < 0.01) and milk lactose content (P < 0.001) were decreased by the glucogenic treatment, whereas milk protein and casein contents were increased (P < 0.001). As for reproductive performance, the glucogenic treatment numerically increased ewe’s conception rate, but the difference was not statistically significant. Prolificacy did not change between groups. In conclusion, the administration of a glucogenic mixture to late lactation dairy ewes caused significant changes both in plasma and in milk composition during the treatment. However, reproductive performances were unaffected by the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been increasing interest in once-a-day milking (ODM) in recent years. Despite the loss in milk production due to the reduction in milking frequency, ODM has several advantages for farm management, particularly labour savings. It has already been demonstrated that adapting management can compensate for the reduction in milk production, especially on dairy cow farms based on extensive grazing systems. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate the impact of management adaptations associated with a switch to ODM in a diverse range of dairy ewe farms in the ‘Rayon de Roquefort’, France, at the farm level. For that purpose, a model was developed to evaluate the ability of three flock management adaptations to compensate for losses due to the transition to ODM: (i) increasing the flock size, (ii) increasing the milking period and (iii) increasing grazing in the ewes’ diet. The model results show that depending on the farm, a transition to ODM on the first day of milking reduces the milk yield of the whole flock by 18–19% and causes an 8–16% decrease in household income. When the transition occurs around the turnout date, the impact on the performance of the flock is reduced, but so is the time spent on routine work. In the short term, it is possible to make adaptions to limit losses both in milk production and in household income by lengthening the milking period and/or by making better use of pasture. Conversely, increasing the number of milked ewes does not compensate for the loss of income. For each farm, a scenario was designed to provide a satisfactory trade-off between household income, milk delivery and routine workload. However, although the management adaptations are the same, their modalities of implementation depend on the farm concerned, which have different amounts of leeway. For the diverse range of farms tested, ODM represents a good compromise between flexible workload management and the performance of dairy sheep farms. ODM, during the whole or part of the milking period, is a useful farm management tool to manage both labour and grazing during strategic periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The content of selected essential elements and toxic metals in feed and sheep’s milk from areas with different parts of Slovak Republic was analyzed. Region of Novoť (undisturbed environment; North Slovakia) and region of Klátova Nová Ves (widely disturbed environment; Western Slovakia) were under investigation. Eleven metals have been analyzed (essential elements - calcium, zinc, selenium, iron, magnesium, copper; toxic elements – arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, nickel). Samples of feeds and milk were collected five-times during the year (spring and autumn season). Analyses of samples were performed by certified testing laboratory Eurofins Bel/Novamann (Nové Zámky, Slovak Republic). Analyses were performed by routine methods, according to the valid methodologies. The results showed significantly higher content of selected essential elements in feed in spring season from area with widely disturbed environment (Klátova Nová Ves). Significantly higher content of essential elements in milk was on farm of Novoť (undisturbed environment). Occurrence of toxic metals in feed from area with widely disturbed environment in spring season did not affect their content in milk. It can be concluded, that the use of milk of sheep from these areas for direct use or for dairy products processing is appropriate, safe and poses no health risk for the consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work sheep colostrum and milk at different milking times postpartum were qualitatively evaluated using laser-induced fluorescence (LIF). First and second milking samples showed higher fluorescence intensity compared with the subsequent milking samples. Such increase in the fluorescence intensity in first and second milking samples can be interpreted in view of the presence of high levels of immunoglobulins (IgG) and lactoferrin in the colostrum. The LIF results have been confirmed by the quantitative evaluation of the IgG in the same samples adopting the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) as validation technique and a very good agreement has been obtained. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the obtained data led to the conclusion that the fluorescence band from 475 nm to 560 nm is strongly connected to changes during milking time from colostrum to milk. The fluorescence band is linked to changes in the concentration of proteins (IgG, lactoferrin) from colostrum to milk. According to the presented results, LIF spectroscopy can be used as a reliable, accurate, and fast method for real time and in situ evaluation of sheep colostrum. LIF coupled with the chemometric analysis of the data can be utilized in designing feeding strategies for newly born lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents Antagonistic relationship between milk yield and reproduction is reported in several livestock species. This study aimed to investigate whether genetic merit for milk production in dairy sheep affects responses to superovulation, embryo yield and quality. A total of 21 cross-bred Sarda x Lacaune ewes homogeneous for age, parity and stage of lactation were included. The ewes were stratified as high-producing or low-producing based on their genetic merit for milk production estimated by a pentatrait repeatability animal model. Oestrus was synchronized using an intravaginal progesterone pessary inserted on Day 0 and removed on Day 14. Superovulatory treatment consisted of 350 I.U. of porcine FSH administered in eight decreasing intramuscular doses every 12 hr with a total dose of 10 ml of solution starting 12 days after insertion of sponges. Laparoscopic artificial insemination ( AI) was performed 48 hr after pessary removal. Surgical embryo recovery was performed at Day 8 after pessary removal. Correlation between breeding value for milk production and the number of corpora lutea ( CL) was significantly different from zero (−0.49). High-producing ewes had a lower number of CL than low-producing counterparts (7.6 ± 2.50 vs 12.1 ± 5.16 respectively; p < .02). Furthermore, there was a tendency for high-producing ewes to yield fewer embryos than low-producing females (5.3 ± 3.46 vs 9.18 ± 5.11; p = .09). No differences were observed between ewes in both genetic groups with regard to the number of embryos of grades 1, 2 and 3. To our knowledge, this is the first report highlighting an antagonism between genetic merit for milk production and the ability to produce embryos in sheep. These results deserve to be considered in sheep breeding programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the concentrations of moxidectin in the plasma and milk of lactating ewes and in the plasma of their nursing lamb. Four, single lamb bearing Border Leister x Dorset ewes were administered a single oral dose of moxidectin (0.2 mg/kg). Plasma and milk samples were collected nine times within the first 72 h and at 30 and 60 d post anthelmintic administration. Samples were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. A pharmacokinetic analysis of moxidectin was conducted on ewe plasma and resulted in a C MAX of 13.1 ng/mL at 8.2 h (T MAX ). Ewe milk and lamb plasma samples were reported descriptively. Three of the four ewes on trial demonstrated quantifiable levels of moxidectin in milk at baseline sampling. Ewe milk samples reached an average peak concentration of 151.1 ng/mL 12 h post administration. Moxidectin levels were detected up to 60 d in all milk samples. Lamb plasma samples reached an average peak concentration of 2.8 ng/mL 24 h post administration to the ewe. Results from the current study demonstrate that orally administrated moxidectin is carried over into the milk and evident in the plasma of nursing lambs. Further research is needed in order to understand how moxidectin concentrations and exposure time influences the fetus and nursing lamb in regards to the development of anthelmintic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Milk fat depression (MFD) caused by trans-10,cis-12 18:2 is known to be mediated in cows and ewes by downregulation of mammary lipogenic genes. However, transcriptional mechanisms underlying marine lipidinduced MFD have not been well defined yet and the few available studies in ovine are not consistent. This trial was conducted to directly compare changes in animal performance, milk fatty acid composition, and particularly mammary mRNA abundance of candidate lipogenic genes and transcription factors in response to the inclusion of fish oil or trans-10,cis-12 18:2 in the dairy sheep diet. To meet this objective, 12 lactating Assaf ewes (on average, 64 days in milk, producing 1.72 kg of milk/d with 5.17% of fat) were divided into 3 groups and offered a total mixed ration without supplementation (control) or supplemented with 2.4% dry matter of fish oil (FO treatment) or 1% dry matter of a commercial product rich in trans-10,cis-12 18:2 (CLA treatment) for 39 d. Measurements and samplings were conducted before starting the treatments and at the end of the trial. Milk samples were used for RNA extraction from somatic cells. Feed intake was not affected by lipid supplements, and as designed, reductions in milk fat concentration (-31%) were similar in the 2 treatments, although the unpredicted increase in milk production with FO counteracted the anticipated reduction in milk fat yield. Nevertheless, this did not preclude the detection of FO-induced decreases in the mRNA abundance of candidate lipogenic genes [e.g., acyl-CoA synthetase short-chain family member 2 (ACSS2), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and lipin 1 (LPIN1)], thus supporting the hypothesis that transcriptional regulation would be a relevant component of this type of MFD in sheep. Expected CLA-induced downregulation of some genes, such as FASN or sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (SREBF1), could not be detected in our samples, which might be related, at least in part, to high inter-individual variation and relatively advanced lactation stage (on average 102-103 d in milk on d 38 and 39). Overall, direct comparison of the effects of dietary FO and CLA on transcript abundance of candidate lipogenic genes and transcription factors suggest that there might be relevant differences in the transcriptional control mechanisms underlying the MFD induced by each kind of supplement (i.e., fish oil or CLA). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on relationship between milk score near udder score and parturition near weaning and effects on Targhee, Polypay, and Rambouillet ewe productivity. Topics discussed include recording of ewe milk production near parturition on subjective scale in flock, heritability of milk score along with genetic correlation with ewe productivity and relationships between milk yield and udder conformation.