The Santa Inês breed stands out in meat sheep production in Brazil. However, this breed is under risk to lose important traits, especially due to pedigree errors and uncontrolled mating. The use of suitable molecular markers can help in the efficient parentage assignment and kinship analysis. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the power of different numbers of microsatellite markers in comparison

This study aimed to evaluate the potential use of some tree leaves including almond (Prunus amygdalus L.), pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), apple (Malus domestica Borkh.), pistachio (Pistacia vera L.), and walnut (Juglans regia L.) compared to whole plant alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in sheep feeding through in vitro experiments in order to screening of the resources and then selecting the most suitable

In this study, we evaluated the viability, intracellular production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus by blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNLs) in primiparous and pluriparous Santa Inês and Lacaune ewes. Blood was collected from 14 Santa Inês ewes (seven primiparous and seven pluriparous) and 14 Lacaune ewes (seven primiparous and seven pluriparous). The

The chemical composition and volatile profile of the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle of lambs reared in two distinct production systems (intensive and extensive) was evaluated. For this, sixty-six lambs for meat production of the autochthonous Gallega Iberian breed were raised with concentrate and grass in intensive (30 animals) and extensive (36 animals) system, respectively, until 4-4.5 months

The complete diets containing different dual-purpose sorghum stovers were evaluated for their comparative effect on nutrient utilization and growth performance of ram lambs. Twenty four Nellore x Deccani cross ram lambs of 4-6 months old (body weight, 14.39 ± 0.24 kg) were divided into four groups of six animals each in a completely randomized design. Experimental rations containing different sorghum

The aim of this study was to determine the net requirements of calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S) for gain of high or low residual feed intake (RFI) Dorper lambs confined in full sun or shade. Sixty-four intact male Dorper lambs with an average initial body weight (BW) of 17.8 ± 2.43 kg and an average age of 70 ± 10 days were confined for 40 days to separate them into two groups

This study aimed to evaluate the digestibility of starch, ruminal protozoa count and blood parameters of sheep with high or low residual feed intake (RFI) fed different levels of concentrate in the diet. Sixty male Dorper lambs with a mean initial body weight of 17.8 kg ± 2.43 were confined for 40 days for the determination of RFI, receiving a complete diet in a 70:30 forage: concentrate ratio, on

A blinded, randomized, prospective experimental study was planned to compare the use of 1% and 2% lidocaine hydrochloride (LH) for distal paravertebral nerve block (DPNB) in Bakerwal goats undergoing reproductive laparoscopy. The goats (n = 13) were randomly allotted to two treatments: Treatment I (n = 7) and Treatment II (n = 6) and injected 15.0 mL of either 1% or 2% LH. Nociceptive stimuli during

Due to increased use of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) in animal feed and accessibility of ethanol plants in the Midwest, the effect of feeding DDGS in place of soybean meal (SBM) on growth, economics, carcass characteristics, backfat fatty acid profiles, and fecal microbiome of Boer-cross goats was evaluated. Forty-eight Boer-cross goats (approximately 70 d of age; 28.21 ± 0.96 kg) were

High climatic temperature is the most important factor hampering livestock productivity in tropical and arid regions. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the interaction between coat color and heat tolerance in two principal Saudi sheep breeds; Najdi (black colored coat) and Naemi (white colored coat). Najdi and Naemi adult sheep of different age groups and both sexes, raised under direct

The maintenance of genetic diversity is a key to the long-term survival of most species. Changthangi goats of Ladakh is known for producing finest cashmere fibre in the world and these goats sustain the economy of thousands of Changpa nomads of Ladakh. In the present study we have used 15 highly polymorphic microsatellite markers (ISAG-FAO) in 232 randomly selected Changthangi goats from 7 different

Cashmere is an important economic resource for the agricultural industry. The secondary hair follicle cycle can control the yield and quality of cashmere. Therefore, to improve the yield and quality of cashmere in Liaoning cashmere goats, an understanding of the skin proteomic changes in the secondary hair follicle cycle is needed. In this study, we used a label-free proteomics approach to analyze

The effects of including thyme, celery or their mixture (as an alternative to salinomycin ionophore) on nutrient utilization and animal performance were evaluated using Barki lambs. Fifty-five lambs weighing 18.5 ± 1.1 kg and about 90 ± 5 days old were stratified into 5 treatment groups and fed: (1) a control diet of concentrates and maize fodder (600:400 on dry matter basis), or the control diet supplemented

It was reasoned that, incorporating reproductive technologies and genomic selection in the current dairy goats breeding programme would generate higher response to selection compared to use of natural mating in the current conventional breeding programme. This premise was tested by deterministic simulation approach and compared to the current breeding programme where natural mating and conventional

Globally, around 1.5 billion sheep and goats provide meat and milk on an annual basis and are important sources of nutrition as well as economic subsistence. The popularity of sheep and goat meat, along with milk, and related products occurs due to their unique nutritional properties, physicochemical composition, and sensory attributes while having species-specific flavours compared to other red meats

Short-day photoperiod (SDPP; 8 h light:16 h dark) during the dry period increases milk production compared with long-day photoperiod (LDPP; 16 h light:8 h dark). We hypothesized that the impact of photoperiod on lactation is mediated by alterations in the circadian system. Twelve Saanen goats were blocked at dry off into SDPP (n = 6) and LDPP (n = 6) treatments and mammary biopsies were taken in the

Respiratory diseases including pneumonia are a common concern in goats, with M. Haemolytica the usual causative organism. Owing to danofloxacin’s wide spectrum of activity, it is used to treat such disease in goats. The aim of the present study was to investigate danofloxacin pharmacokinetics in the goat after single intravenous (IV) and oral (PO) administration. Sixteen healthy goats were randomly

Dietary nitrate is of increasing interest both for the pharmacological effects of its metabolites as well as its capacity to inhibit methanogenesis in the gut. A sequence of three experiments was conducted to investigate the absorption, metabolism and excretion of nitrate and nitrite through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of sheep, and to determine the fate of nitrate and nitrite in body fluids,

The objective of the present research was to characterize the chemical composition and volatile compounds of longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle from lambs of different origin: an autochthonous Spanish breed (namely Castellana) and a commercial breed (namely INRA 401). For this, 15 Castellana and 14 INRA 401 lambs raised on concentrate plus cereal straw from two farms were slaughtered at 4 months

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the quality characteristics, chemical composition and lipid profile of lamb meat from Italian (Biellese and Sambucana) and German (Texel-Merino-Blackhead-Charollais [TMBC]) breeds reared in extensive and semi-extensive production systems. Meat samples from 89 animals were analysed. The meat of the lambs from semi-intensively reared Biellese, and extensively

Ovine gammaherpesvirus-2 (OvHV-2) causes sheep-associated malignant catarrhal fever (SA-MCF) and is a fatal disease of some ruminants such as cattle, water buffalo and even-toed ungulates (such as deer, other cervids and some species of pigs). OvHV-2, however, was never reported to be present in the Philippines. Thus, this study is conducted. Out of 89 sheep blood samples from 6 farms, 58 (65.17 %)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the clotting ability of a natural product extracted from leaves and stems of the wild fig (Ficus carica L.) using a simple and chemical-free method as an alternative to calf rennet in goat's fresh cheese production. The 2% dose of fresh extract allowed the highest cheese yield. Compared to calf rennet, the fresh extract allowed a lower but acceptable cheese

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of feeding levels on enteric methane (CH4) emissions and nitrogen (N) and energy utilisation efficiencies of ewe sheep offered fresh ryegrass. Twenty-four dry ewes (16 mo old and 47.6 ± 5.1 kg body weight) were used in a factorial design study, with 2 genotypes (12 ewes/genotype, Belclare vs. Lleyn) × 3 feeding levels (maintenance level

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different cryodevices [conventional straws (CS) and open pulled straws (OPS)] of vitrification on viability, morphology and ultrastructure of ovine immature oocytes. Ovaries of slaughtered ewes were transported from a local abattoir to our laboratory in 0.9 % normal saline at 25–30 °C. The visible follicles (1–6 mm in diameter) were sliced with a microblade

This study was conducted to assess the effect of lipid supplementation on the proteomic profile of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) and mammary gland tissue (MGT) in lactating goats. Thirty-eight crossbred goats received a total mixed ration (TMR) based on chopped elephant grass and concentrate during 35 days post-partum. They were divided into three diet groups two weeks after kidding, namely, Control

Changthangi sheep, one of the indigenous breeds of Jammu and Kashmir, India, is reared by the nomadic tribe Changpas in the Changthang region of Ladakh. It is a dual purpose breed known for wool and mutton production. The breed supports the livelihood of the Changpas besides Pashmina goat rearing. Changpas use the wool locally for production of local items like rugs, socks, sweaters, quilts (Rstkotul)

Goats, even though adapted to tropical environments, are exposed to infection by endoparasites during grazing, which can negatively affect the time a female stays in the herd, compromising the breeding efficiency. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate a gamma-Gompertz shared frailty model for correction of unobserved heterogeneity attributed to the effects of unmeasured factors

Goat`s milk and its dairy products have been commonly related to important nutritional and health benefits. In fact, fat fraction is one of the most important components of goat’s milk regarding its value, as lipids are involved in cheese yield, firmness, color and flavor of goat dairy products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the modification in the lipid and sensory profile of cheeses elaborated

In order to investigate the physical leather quality characteristics of different sheep breeds, skins were obtained from Dohne Merino, Dormer, Dorper, Meatmaster, Merino, South African Mutton Merino (SAMM) and White Dorper yearlings from two separate growth studies. The cured skins were stored for 18 months (Group 1) and 9 months (Group 2) prior to tanning. After tanning, samples from the butt region

Lamb production characteristics, EcoLamb project objectives and topics addressed on the virtual special issue “Lamb production in Europe” are considered in this introduction.

Pregnancy toxaemia (PT) is a metabolic disorder affecting does during late gestation. This study describes the histopathological changes in pregnant does and their foetuses experimentally-induced with PT. Eight does in their late pregnancy were induced into PT by reducing the energy intake (Group 1), while 6 does were maintained with adequate energy intake (Group 2). The blood beta-hydroxybutyric acid

The objective of this study was to identify on-farm risk factors associated with microbiological traits and somatic cell counts of goat bulk milk. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 160 goat dairy herds. Bulk tank milk samples were collected aseptically for qualitative (Salmonella enterica) and quantitative (aerobic mesophilic bacteria, total coliforms, E. coli, Staphylococcus spp. and Staphylococcus

This study evaluated the level of natural tannins from Mimosa tenuiflora hay replacing Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk hay in the diet of lambs on the composition of the carcass tissue, physicochemical properties, fatty acid profile and sensory attributes of lamb meat. A total of 28 uncastrated Santa Ines lambs with initial average body weight (BW) of 28.0 ± 0.5 kg was distributed in a block randomized

The effects of diets containing cactus cladodes genotypes resistant to Dactylopius opuntiae on the hepatic condition of crossbred male goats were evaluated. Thirty-six goats (19.0 ± 2.8 kg body weight) were distributed in a completely randomized design, with three treatments and twelve replications. For 70 days, the animals were provided with a diet containing Tifton hay as exclusive roughage (control)

Lambs born from dairy ewes are removed from their mothers within hours of ingesting colostrum; this influences their growth and development, especially when artificial milk has poor quality or insufficient volume. Alternatives have been proposed to assist lambs during this phase, including providing concentrate with additives such as choline, which is involved in various physiological processes. This

The sustainability of the European sheep farming sector can be ensured through the high and consistent quality of products, although the concept of meat quality, being multifaceted, is challenging to keep up by farmers and producers. The objectives of this study were (i) to evaluate quality attributes (CIE L*, a*, b*, lipid oxidation, cooking loss and Warner-Bratzler texture test) of lamb meat during

The aim of the study was to evaluate blood cellular responses and erythrocyte osmotic fragility (EOF), as an index of oxidative stress, in pregnant Yankasa ewes and their lambs. Blood samples were collected from each ewe at pre-gestation, gestation (weeks 3, 10 and 17, corresponding to early-, mid-, and late-gestation, respectively), prepartum (weeks 18 and 19), postpartum (immediately after lambing

Exposing ensiling forage to oxygen can result in dry matter deterioration and reduce silage intake by animals. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of two different wrapping sources and time intervals between baling and wrapping on N utilization in gestating sheep offered alfalfa silage. Alfalfa silage was baled in large round bales (moisture concentration = 591 ± 43.0 g/kg), then wrapped

Fattening lambs in Mediterranean countries are produced under intensive production systems where high concentrate intake levels are reached. It is also well known that fattening lambs may present wide differences in feed efficiency, so the ability to transform the feed consumed into meat is variable and may impact the profitability of the farm and the quality of the final product obtained. Accordingly

Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) plays a crucial role in cellular growth, proliferation, and embryonic development by regulating mRNA stability. IGF2BP1 has been recently found to be located on a new 194.6-kb interval of the fecundity gene FecL. A total of nine insertion/deletion (InDel) variations within IGF2BP1 were identified in 916 adult Australian White sheep, and

This study aimed to explore the effect of abiotic [microclimate, management (MS) and milking system (MLS)] and biotic risk factors (microorganism group, age class of ewes, lactation month and ewe genotype) on the occurrence of subclinical mastitis in low-input dairy sheep farms. Samplings were carried out in 10 extensively and 10 semi-intensively managed low-input dairy sheep farms, with three milking

The effects of human handling (friendly versus aversive) and milking frequency (once versus twice daily) on productive and behavioral parameters of two Greek dairy sheep breeds (Karagouniko and Chios) were examined. The experiment started a week after lamb weaning (50 ± 5 days after lamb birth) and lasted for ten weeks. Milk yield, milk flow rate and number of kick responses during milking were weekly

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between different estrus synchronization protocols, some fertility parameters and serum biochemical parameters including total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) in Hair goats. The study was carried out on 150 female Hair

Chlamydia abortus, the etiologic agent of ovine enzootic abortion, is one of the most important causes of abortion in sheep and goats. This study assessed the prevalence of C.abortus in vaginal & ocular swabs of small ruminants and determined the risk factors of flock infection. In this cross-sectional study, 834 swab samples were taken from 83 flocks and were then tested for C.abortus DNA by real-time

Sequential grazing by several livestock species has potential benefits in biodiversity conservation, resource use efficiency, animal productivity and profitability. Our objective was to assess diet composition and nutritional quality for alpacas and sheep in mono grazing and sequential grazing of either species after cattle, on puna tussock rangelands in Peru. Four experimental plots in each of two

The aim of this study was to investigate the fertility, live weight, survival rate, greasy fleece weight, and quality traits of Angora goat herds in an animal breeding program in Turkey. The animals utilized in the study were from a public breeding project conducted by the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policy in the Ankara Province, specifically, on 25,917 goats in the Ayaş, Beypazarı

Goat farming in Morocco is considered a strategic production sector. This activity is of paramount importance. Goat farming plays an important socio-economic role for farmers and women in rural areas; for instance, goats livestock reached 5,731,000 head in 2018, and 44,618 tons of goat milk was produced in the same year. However, a small quantity of this milk is practically consumed in a liquid form

The current study aimed to monitor how blood acid-base status and vital parameters, including rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), change in lambs and goat kids over the first week of life. Ten female Comisana lambs and 10 female Maltese goat kids were enrolled in the study. For each animal, RT, RR, HR measurement and blood sampling were daily performed from birth for a

We tested hypothesis that inclusion of the disease resistance indicator traits in a dairy goats’ breeding goal would result to increased profitability of smallholder farmers. Deterministic simulation was used to compare responses for breeding schemes without (Scheme I) and with (Schemes II, III and IV) disease resistance in the breeding goal. Faecal egg count (FEC) and somatic cell score (SCS) were

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hematological, biochemical, and histopathological parameters of kidneys, liver, and rumen of cull ewes fed high-concentrate diets containing cottonseed (CS) associated with calcium lignosulfonate (CL). The evaluated treatments were diets including the whole cottonseed; crushed cottonseed; whole cottonseed treated with lignosulfonate; crushed cottonseed with

Quantitative traits such as pre-weaning growth is expressed as a result of combined genetic and environmental effects. The phenotypic expression of those traits in offspring is affected by direct genetic effect and sometimes also maternal genetic effect which is the ability of the dam to provide optimum nurturing conditions. The objective of the current study was to estimate genetic parameters for

Pregnancy in sheep is a physiological condition characterized by a significant increase in energy demand to ensure adequate foetal growth and development, making them susceptible to oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to analyse the markers of oxidative stress in sheep during pregnancy, parturition and close to peripartum (up to 48 h postpartum), comparing single with twin gestation. Sixty

The objective of this study was evaluate the efficiency in water and food use in sheep production, using two new traits (residual water intake - RWI; residual feed and residual water intake - RFRWI). For this purpose, we evaluated the relationships between the traits total water intake, RWI and RFRWI with water measures, productive performance and carcass traits (ultrasound). We used 32 lambs with

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of various rumen undegradable to rumen degradable protein ratios (RUP:RDP) on the performance, rumen fermentation pattern, urinary purine derivatives, and carcass characteristics in growing lambs when received a high dietary wheat straw level (420 g/kg, DM basis). Lambs (average initial live weight = 27.2 ± 2.4 kg) were individual housed (n = 18, 6 animals/treatment)

The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of annual forages on the growth and parasite resilience of growing, fall-born lambs. We hypothesized that lambs grazing annual forages would increase their body weight (BW) at a greater rate and be more resilient to parasitic infection when compared with lambs grazing on stockpiled pasture. A total of 54, 60-day-old Dorset and Suffolk ×

The main aim of the current study was to perform a genetic analysis of two live body weight and two carcass composition traits in purebred UK-born Texel, Suffolk and Charollais lambs separately in order to produce future across country evaluations. The two live body weight traits considered were early-life weight (40–85 days of age) and scan weight (121–180 days of age), and the two carcass composition

Exploring novel feed resources in substitution for concentrate feeds is a primary aim for lowering the cost of feeding and a viable strategy to mitigate the shortage of animal feeds. The present experiment was accomplished by in vitro and in vivo assays with the aim to evaluate the potential of Himalayan Elm (Ulmus wallichiana) leaf meal (ELM) as partial substitute to the concentrate feed mixture in

This study aimed to explore some fertility biomarkers in seminal plasma (SP) and blood of rams with different field fertility, based on their conception and lambing rates. Ejaculates were collected from fertile (n = 20) and subfertile (n = 10) Ossimi rams by electroejaculation for 16 replicates. Each ejaculate was analyzed for volume and sperm characteristics before centrifugation at 12,000 × g for