Adult Ewes Research Articles

REPRODUCTIVE AND PRODUCTIVE EFFICIENCY OF BARKI EWES FED ON NIGELLA SATIVA MEAL AS A SOURCE OF RATION PROTEIN

Sixty adult Barki ewes (2.0-3.0 years old and 38.89 ± 1.02 kg average body weight) were used to investigate the effect of feeding Nigella sativa meal as an alternative source of protein on the reproductive and productive performance of Barki ewes. Animals were randomly assigned into equal three groups (20 each). The first group (G1) served as control and fed the basal diet contain 20% cotton seed meal and 6% soya bean meal as a source of ration protein, while the second group (G2) fed diet contained 13.5% of Nigella sativa meal (NSM) and 8% soya bean meal as a source of ration protein. The Third group (G3) fed diet contained 25% of NSM as a source of ration protein. All groups were offered berssem (Trifolium alexandrnum) hay ad libitum, and rations were adjusted monthly to cover their requirements during their different physiological status.Reproductive traits in terms of conception and lambing rates, abortion and stillbirth rates, number of lambs born alive and weaned and mortality rate from birth to weaning were measured during this study. Birth and weaning weights as well as body weight changes of ewes recorded during different physiological stages. Milk yield and composition were also determined. Results indicated that conception and lambing rates were insignificantly higher in G1 and G2 compared with G3. While number of lambs born alive was higher in G2 and G3 than control group (19 and 18 Vs. 17 lambs for G2, G3 and G1 respectively). Birth and weaning weights were significantly higher in G3 then G2 compared with control group. G3 recorded higher milk production during lactation period (627.29 ml/h/d) then G2 (601.33 ml/h/d) while control group recorded the lowest value (587.33 ml/h/d).Progesterone profile in the three experimental groups was found to follow the normal pattern reported in the literature. Progesterone levels insignificantly increased in control group than other two groups during pregnancy, especially during late pregnancy and decreased to the basal values after parturition. In conclusion, we can use NSM as an alternative source of ration protein to improve reproduction and production efficiency of Barki ewes under arid conditions of North Western Coast of Egypt.

Electrocardiographic indices of clinically healthy Chios sheep

Information regarding normal electrocardiographic features of different breeds of animals can help veterinarians to detect any abnormalities in cardiac electrical activities. The current research was conducted to present the normal electrocardiographic indices of clinically healthy Chios ewes and lambs. The electrocardiograms were recorded from clinically healthy Chios ewes (n=27; 2-3 years old) and lambs (n=20; 4-6 months old) by using base apex lead system. T and QRS-duration in lambs were significantly lower than adult Chios ewes. The electrocardiographic amplitudes in lambs were lower than ewes, non-significantly. P-R, R-R, Q-T and S-T intervals in Chios lambs were significantly lower than ewes. No normal sinus rhythm was detected in Chios lambs. The proportion of sinus arrhythmia and sinus tachycardia in lambs was significantly more than ewes. Sino-atrial block was also detected in lambs. Based on the presented data it could be stated that aging can affect electrocardiographic findings of Chios sheep. Finally, our results will provide a good basis for judging the electrocardiograms in base apex lead system of Chios lambs and ewes.

A cost-benefit analysis of pre- and post-lambing anthelmintic treatments to twin-bearing ewes on commercial farms in the southern North Island of New Zealand

AIM: To conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the administration of anthelmintics to adult ewes around lambing. METHODS: Production data from comparisons of different anthelmintic treatments with no treatment were used in a cost-benefit analysis. The data were from 14 trials (part of an experiment carried out on one farm in 1 year) conducted on sheep and beef farms (eight in 2011 and six in 2012) in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand. The cost structure involved the purchase price of products and the labour cost of administration. The four key benefits identified for the calculation of economic returns, relative to untreated ewes, were: increased value of ewes sold (culled) at weaning, additional lambs weaned related to ewe liveweight at mating, increased total weight of lamb weaned per ewe, and reduced number of ewes requiring removal of soiled wool at weaning due to a lower dag score. Commercial values for these variables as at December 2013 were used, with the measured production data, to calculate a net (NZ$) benefit for every treatment-trial combination. RESULTS: The economic return on treating ewes around lambing with anthelmintics was highly variable and across all trials treatment resulted in a financial loss in 18/38 (47%) groups of ewes. The mean net benefit from pre-lambing administration of a controlled release capsule (CRC) containing albendazole and abamectin was 5.36 (95% CI=−2.64 to 13.35) $/ewe, but overall was not different from zero (p=0.171). A breakdown of the overall gross benefit into its various components showed that weight of lamb weaned per ewe had the largest influence (a mean benefit of $5.68/ewe), followed by ewe liveweight pre-mating ($2.45/ewe), ewe liveweight at weaning ($0.66/ewe) and reduced dag score ($0.15/ewe). Other anthelmintic treatments all showed highly variable responses amongst trials, with some negative cost-benefits. There was no significant difference between any of the treatments except a short-acting oral treatment at tail-docking had a lower net benefit than a CRC containing albendazole administered pre-lambing (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A positive financial return resulting from the anthelmintic treatment of adult ewes around lambing is neither consistent nor predictable, and is often not achieved. Given that the additional costs of accelerating the development of anthelmintic resistance were not included in these calculations, farmers need to consider carefully the merits of administering anthelmintics to ewes around lambing.

Relationships among Puberty, Muscle and Fat, and Liveweight Gain during Mating in Young Female Sheep.

Greater depths of muscle are associated with better reproductive performance in ewe lambs, but, in adult ewes, reproductive performance also seems to vary with liveweight gain during the mating period. Therefore, in a large field study with Merino ewe lambs, we tested whether the relationships among eye muscle depth (EMD), fat depth (FAT) and reproductive performance depend on liveweight gain during the mating period. We selected lambs with a wide range in phenotypic values for depths of eye muscle (EMD) and fat (FAT) and assigned them to dietary treatments designed to achieve low (LOW, n=244) or high (HIGH, n=237) rates of liveweight gain during a 28-day mating period. The LOW treatment maintained live weight, whereas the HIGH treatment gained 179±3.8g/day (p<0.001). From those ewe lambs that attained puberty, first oestrus was detected at live weight 37.8±0.2kg and age 232days. The proportion of ewes that attained puberty increased with EMD (p<0.01). Ewes from the HIGH treatment were more fertile (pregnant ewes per 100 ewes exposed to rams) and had a higher reproductive rate (foetuses in utero per 100 ewes exposed to rams; p<0.001) than those from the LOW treatment. Fertility and reproductive rate were positively correlated with weight gain during mating as well as live weight at the start of mating, FAT and EMD (p<0.05 to <0.001). We conclude that faster growth, due to either extra nutrition during mating or higher phenotypic potential for fat and muscle, will increase reproductive performance in ewe lambs mated at 8months of age.

Production benefits from pre- and post-lambing anthelmintic treatment of ewes on commercial farms in the southern North Island of New Zealand

AIMS: To measure the magnitude and variability in production responses to anthelmintic treatments administered to adult ewes around lambing. METHODS: Ewes carrying twin lambs, from sheep and beef farms (eight in Year 1 and six in Year 2) in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand, were enrolled in 14 trials (part of an experiment carried out on one farm in one year). Experiment 1 compared ewes treated 2–4 weeks pre-lambing with a controlled release capsule (CRC) containing abamectin, albendazole, Se and Co, to ewes injected pre-lambing with a long-acting Se plus vitamin B12 product, and to untreated ewes. Experiment 2 included these treatments, plus a CRC administered at pregnancy scanning. Experiment 3 included the same treatments as Experiment 1, plus administration of a CRC containing albendazole, Se and Co, injectable moxidectin or oral derquantel plus abamectin, all administered pre-lambing, or oral derquantel plus abamectin administered 4–6 weeks after lambing. Variables compared were ewe liveweight at weaning and pre-mating, lamb liveweight at weaning, total weight of lamb weaned per ewe and ewe dag score at weaning. RESULTS: Ewes treated with a CRC pre-lambing were heavier than untreated ewes (mean 3.2 kg) at weaning in 12/14 trials, and pre-mating (mean 2.8 kg) in 9/14 trials (p<0.001). Compared with mineral-treated ewes the mean difference was 2.8 kg pre-lambing (9/14 trials) and 1.7 kg pre-weaning (6/14 trials). Lambs reared by treated ewes were heavier (mean 1.55 kg) at weaning in 6/14 trials (p<0.001), but there was no effect of CRC treatment on total weight of lambs weaned per ewe (p=0.507). Variation in weight of lamb weaned per ewe was largely explained by differences in lamb survival from birth to weaning (p<0.001), with no effect of CRC treatment (p>0.65). Treatment of ewes with a CRC at pregnancy scanning was neither better nor worse than a pre-lambing treatment (p=0.065). There was no difference in the response from treatment with either of the two CRC or moxidectin. Treatment with short-acting oral anthelmintics resulted in no consistent benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Anthelmintic treatments administered to ewes around lambing resulted in variable responses between farms and years, which in some trials were negative for some variables, and some of the variability was due to the mineral component of the CRC. The widespread perception amongst farmers and veterinarians that anthelmintic treatment of ewes around lambing will always result in positive benefits is not supported.

High resolution MRI imaging at 9.4 Tesla of the osteochondral unit in a translational model of articular cartilage repair.

BackgroundNon-destructive structural evaluation of the osteochondral unit is challenging. Here, the capability of high-field magnetic resonance imaging (μMRI) at 9.4 Tesla (T) was explored to examine osteochondral repair ex vivo in a preclinical large animal model. A specific aim of this study was to detect recently described alterations of the subchondral bone associated with cartilage repair.MethodsOsteochondral samples of medial femoral condyles from adult ewes containing full-thickness articular cartilage defects treated with marrow stimulation were obtained after 6 month in vivo and scanned in a 9.4 T μMRI. Ex vivo imaging of small osteochondral samples (typical volume: 1–2 cm3) at μMRI was optimised by variation of repetition time (TR), time echo (TE), flip angle (FA), spatial resolution and number of excitations (NEX) from standard MultiSliceMultiEcho (MSME) and three-dimensional (3D) spoiled GradientEcho (SGE) sequences.ResultsA 3D SGE sequence with the parameters: TR = 10 ms, TE = 3 ms, FA = 10 °, voxel size = 120 × 120 × 120 μm3 and NEX = 10 resulted in the best fitting for sample size, image quality, scanning time and artifacts. An isovolumetric voxel shape allowed for multiplanar reconstructions. Within the osteochondral unit articular cartilage, cartilaginous repair tissue and bone marrow could clearly be distinguished from the subchondral bone plate and subarticular spongiosa. Specific alterations of the osteochondral unit associated with cartilage repair such as persistent drill holes, subchondral bone cysts, sclerosis of the subchondral bone plate and of the subarticular spongiosa and intralesional osteophytes were precisely detected.ConclusionsHigh resolution, non-destructive ex vivo analysis of the entire osteochondral unit in a preclinical large animal model that is sufficient for further analyses is possible using μMRI at 9.4 T. In particular, 9.4 T is capable of accurately depicting alterations of the subchondral bone that are associated with osteochondral repair.

Environmental and genetic factors influence the liveweight of adult Merino and Border Leicester × Merino ewes across multiple sites and years

Variation in liveweight change in the ewe flock during periods of poor nutrition can affect farm profitability through the effects of liveweight loss on potential stocking rate, management interventions including supplementary feeding, and ewe and lamb survival and productivity. There is variation between individual animals in their ability to manage periods of poor nutrition, but the links between liveweight change and breeding values in the adult ewe flock have not been quantified. We analysed 5216 liveweight profiles for 2772 ewes managed over 3 years at eight sites across Australia, to define the relative effects of environment, reproductive performance and breeding values on liveweight change. The range in liveweight loss varied from 1.3 kg to 21.6 kg, and for liveweight gain from 0.4 kg to 28.1 kg. Site and year had the largest influence on liveweight change, which demonstrates that seasonal conditions and management were the most important factors influencing liveweight change. Liveweight loss was influenced by previous and current reproductive performance but these effects were small in comparison to the effects of site and year. There were mixed associations with sire breeding values for growth, fat and muscle depending on site. An increase in sire breeding values for fat by 1 mm was associated with a reduction in liveweight loss by up to 1.3 kg regardless of ewe breed, and this was more evident at sites where ewes lost a greater proportion of their liveweight. While management had the greatest effect on liveweight change, there appears to be scope to use breeding values to select sheep that will lose less weight during periods of poor nutrition in some environments.

Behavioral and endocrine evaluation of the stressfulness of single-pen housing compared to group-housing and social isolation conditions

Regulation of neuroendocrine responses is often studied in animals housed indoors in individual contiguous pens. In sheep, these housing conditions are used to control the environment, facilitate biological sampling and limit social stress. However, this type of housing also prevents exploratory behaviors and could induce stereotypies, non-compliant with welfare and possibly associated with a state of stress. In this context, we investigated the impact of housing in a single-pen, with other familiar conspecifics, on emotional state by evaluating behavioral, hormonal and neuronal measures in adult ewes. We hypothesized that emotional state would be more negative in animals housed in a single-pen for one week (Pen) than in freely moving animals (Free) but less negative than in socially isolated subjects (Isol). We tested our hypothesis in ovariectomized ewes to avoid the interaction with sexual steroid variations. Our behavioral, endocrine and neuronal (Fos activation of the corticotropin-releasing hormone neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus) measures confirmed that withdrawing familiar conspecifics was sufficient to induce strong stress responses in Isol ewes, but there was no indication that Pen ewes were stressed. However, the latter showed less mastication activity than Free ewes, probably due to limited accessibility to straw. The highest plasma prolactin levels were observed in Isol and Free animals, which might result from stress and physical activity, respectively. In Free ewes, plasma dopamine was low, consistent with its inhibitory control of prolactin. However, Isol animals had both high levels of prolactin and dopamine, suggesting a dysregulated balance in socially stressed ewes. As in other species, we suggest that the regulation of prolactin by dopamine varies with stress and/or social context. Overall, this study shows that the impact of housing conditions on different neuroendocrine systems should be considered more in the future.

The "ram effect": new insights into neural modulation of the gonadotropic axis by male odors and socio-sexual interactions.

Reproduction in mammals is controlled by the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis under the influence of external and internal factors such as photoperiod, stress, nutrition, and social interactions. Sheep are seasonal breeders and stop mating when day length is increasing (anestrus). However, interactions with a sexually active ram during this period can override the steroid negative feedback responsible for the anoestrus state, stimulate luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion and eventually reinstate cyclicity. This is known as the “ram effect” and research into the mechanisms underlying it is shedding new light on HPG axis regulation. The first step in the ram effect is increased LH pulsatile secretion in anestrus ewes exposed to a sexually active male or only to its fleece, the latter finding indicating a “pheromone-like” effect. Estradiol secretion increases in all ewes and this eventually induces a LH surge and ovulation, just as during the breeding season. An exception is a minority of ewes that exhibit a precocious LH surge (within 4 h) with no prior increase in estradiol. The main olfactory system and the cortical nucleus of the amygdala are critical brain structures in mediating the ram effect since it is blocked by their inactivation. Sexual experience is also important since activation (increased c-fos expression) in these and other regions is greatly reduced in sexually naïve ewes. In adult ewes kisspeptin neurons in both arcuate and preoptic regions and some preoptic GnRH neurons are activated 2 h after exposure to a ram. Exposure to rams also activates noradrenergic neurons in the locus coeruleus and A1 nucleus and increased noradrenalin release occurs in the posterior preoptic area. Pharmacological modulation of this system modifies LH secretion in response to the male or his odor. Together these results show that the ram effect can be a fruitful model to promote both a better understanding of the neural and hormonal regulation of the HPG axis in general and also the specific mechanisms by which male cues can overcome negative steroid feedback and trigger LH release and ovulatory cycles.

Zoledronate induces bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in osteopenic sheep.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BP-ONJ) occurs in 1 % of patients with medication-induced osteoporosis treated with bisphosphonates. Sheep are an established large animal model for investigating osteoporotic skeletal changes. Zoledronate significantly reduces tissue mineral variability in ovariectomized sheep. The aim of this study was to analyze bone healing after tooth extraction in sheep with induced osteopenia and zoledronate administration. Eight adult ewes were randomly divided into two groups of four animals. All sheep underwent ovariectomy and a low-calcium diet. Dexamethasone was administered weekly for 16 weeks. Zoledronate was then given every third week for a further 16 weeks in four sheep; these infusions were repeated after extraction of two lower premolars. Four sheep without zoledronate administrations served as controls. Due to general health conditions, two sheep of the zoledronate group had to be excluded before surgery. The remaining two sheep of this group developed BP-ONJ lesions at the extraction site and various other sites in both jaws. Control group animals showed uneventful wound healing. Histology of the alveolar processes as well as lumbar spine revealed larger portions of old bone and smaller portions of new bone in the zoledronate group. This animal study showed uneventful wound healing after tooth extraction in osteopenic sheep whereas zoledronate treatment leads to development of BP-ONJ-like lesions. As bisphosphonate administration is a standard treatment for glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, this model can be used for further research in pathogenesis and management of bisphosphonate-related adverse events.

Sex differences and effects of prenatal exposure to excess testosterone on ventral tegmental area dopamine neurons in adult sheep.

Prenatal testosterone (T) excess in sheep results in a wide array of reproductive neuroendocrine deficits and alterations in motivated behavior. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) plays a critical role in reward and motivated behaviors and is hypothesised to be targeted by prenatal T. Here we report a sex difference in the number VTA dopamine cells in the adult sheep, with higher numbers of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-immunoreactive (-ir) cells in males than females. Moreover, prenatal exposure to excess T during either gestational days 30-90 or 60-90 resulted in increased numbers of VTA TH-ir cells in adult ewes compared to control females. Stereological analysis confirmed significantly greater numbers of neurons in the VTA of males and prenatal T-treated ewes, which was primarily accounted for by greater numbers of TH-ir cells. In addition, immunoreactivity for TH in the cells was denser in males and prenatal T-treated females, suggesting that sex differences and prenatal exposure to excess T affects both numbers of cells expressing TH and the protein levels within dopamine cells. Sex differences were also noted in numbers of TH-ir cells in the substantia nigra, with more cells in males than females. However, prenatal exposure to excess T did not affect numbers of TH-ir cells in the substantia nigra, suggesting that this sex difference is organised independently of prenatal actions of T. Together, these results demonstrate sex differences in the sheep VTA dopamine system which are mimicked by prenatal treatment with excess T.

Caracterización de ovinos en el litoral sur del Perú

ResumenEn Perú la ovinocultura es una actividad tradicional para pequeños productores, que generalmente poseen animales criollos, los cuales son ignorados por políticas públicas y la comunidad científica, no estando reconocidos como raza, mostrando baja productividad y sufriendo cruzas con razas exóticas. Este estudio objetivó caracterizar fenotípicamente ovejas criollas y mestizas Hampshire Down, para uso en la conservación y mejoramiento del ovino criollo peruano. El año 2012, en el municipio rural de Ite, litoral sur del Perú, fueron evaluadas 200 ovejas adultas, clasificadas por posible genotipo (criollo o mestizo) y ambiente de crianza (humedales o chacras). Se analizaron medidas morfológicas y morfométricas; elaboraron índices, así como un análisis canónico y discriminante, utilizando el programa estadístico R. Los resultados mostraron ovejas mestizas con mayor aptitud cárnica que las criollas, ambas influenciadas por el ambiente, manejo, y mestizaje que amenazaría la conservación del ovino nativo. La adaptación de los rebaños fue vista en diferentes condiciones, pero algunas características deben mejorarse, requiriendo adecuada orientación técnica y servicios de extensión rural.

Profile of toll-like receptor mRNA expression in the choroid plexus in adult ewes.

The blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) located in the epithelial cells of the choroid plexus (CP) forms the interface between the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and pathogen components circulating in the blood. The CP is also implicated in the passage of peripheral immune signals and circulation of immune cells into the central nervous system. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are patternrecognition receptors that play a crucial role in the recognition of pathogens and triggering of the innate immune response. In sheep, ten members of the TLR family have been identified and cloned. We used real-time PCR analyses to examine the profiles of TLR mRNA expression in the CP of cerebral ventricles in healthy adult ewes. The transcripts for all ten TLRs except TLR8 were present; however, we observed a high variation in the degree of expression of the TLR5 and TLR1 genes (coefficient of variation: 61% and 46%, respectively) as well as a moderate variation in the expression of the TLR4 (34%), TLR2 (27%) and TLR6 (26%) genes. The TLR9, TLR7, TLR3 and TLR10 genes were the four receptors with relatively invariable expression levels (coefficient of variation: 7%, 8%, 16% and 17%, respectively) across the six adult ewes. The concentration of cortisol in blood collected prior to sacrificing the ewes ranged from 0.18 to 78.9 ng/ml. There was no correlation between cortisol concentration and mRNA expression of any of the examined TLRs. These data suggest that the CP has the potential to sense the presence of many bacterial and viral components and mediate responses for the elimination of invading microorganisms, thereby protecting the brain.

Mutations in the leptin receptor gene associated with delayed onset of puberty are also associated with decreased ovulation and lambing rates in prolific Davisdale sheep.

The aim of this study was to determine if single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the leptin receptor (LEPR) gene associated with delayed onset of puberty are associated with changes in other reproductive traits in adult ewes. The ovulation rate of ewes homozygous for the SNPs was ~15% lower (PPLEPR SNPs than their wild-type or heterozygous contemporaries. Partial failure of multiple ovulations was also increased (PLEPR had on average 0.2 fewer lambs at mid-pregnancy and at birth compared with the wild-type or heterozygous ewes (PLEPR were strongly associated with poorer reproductive performance in Davisdale ewes, which is likely to be linked to both a reduced number of ova available for fertilisation and an increased number of ewes failing to become pregnant. Increased partial failure of multiple ovulations in ewes with high ovulation rates (i.e. 3 or greater) may also contribute to the poor reproductive performance.

Successful induction of oestrus, ovulation and pregnancy in adult ewes and ewe lambs out of the breeding season using a GnRH + progesterone oestrus synchronisation protocol

A series of experiments was designed to assess the effect of a treatment protocol (U-synch) for inducing oestrus and ovulation out of the breeding season in adult ewes and ewe lambs. The protocol consisted of a 7-day treatment with an intravaginal progesterone-releasing device (IPRD), administration of GnRH at IPRD insertion on Day 0, and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) and prostaglandin F2α at IPRD removal on Day 7. In Experiment 1, 50 or 100μg GnRH were sufficient to induce ovulation at the beginning of the protocol in 3/9 and 4/9 ewes, respectively; while the resulting proportion of sheep ovulating after the treatment protocol was 88.9% and 77.8% in ewes initially treated with 50 or 100μg GnRH, respectively. In Experiment 2, the proportion of Romney-cross ewe lambs ovulating was greater (P<0.0001) in the U-synch group (95.4%) than in the untreated Control group (3.2%). In Experiment 3, pregnancy rates of Dorset-cross sheep in the U-synch (60.7%) and Standard (12-day IPRD and eCG treatment; 56.5%) groups were greater (P=0.01) than in the untreated Control group (43.4%). The incidence of twin pregnancies was greater (P=0.005) in the U-synch group than in the Control group. A 7-day IPRD treatment including GnRH treatment at device insertion and eCG treatment at device removal induced oestrus and ovulation during the non-breeding season in a high proportion of mature ewes and ewe lambs. High pregnancy rates to natural mating, with a low rate of triplet pregnancies, were also observed.

Effects of acetyl-L-carnitine on lamb oocyte blastocyst rate, ultrastructure, and mitochondrial DNA copy number

Viable lambs can be produced after transfer of in vitro–derived embryos from oocytes harvested from prepubertal lambs. However, this occurs at a much lower efficiency than from adult ewe oocyte donors. The reduced competence of prepubertal oocytes is believed to be due, at least in part, to deficiencies in cytoplasmic maturation. Differences in the cytoplasmic ultrastructure between prepubertal and adult oocytes have been described in the sheep, pig, and cow. Prepubertal lamb oocytes have been shown to have a different distribution of mitochondria and lipid droplets, and less mitochondria and storage vesicles than their adult counterparts. L-carnitine plays a role in supplying energy to the cell by transporting long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria for β-oxidation to produce ATP. Both L-carnitine and its derivative acetyl-L-carnitine have been reported to increase the blastocyst rate of oocytes from mice, cows, and pigs, treated during IVM. L-carnitine has also been shown to increase mitochondrial biogenesis in adipose cells. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine if treatment of oocytes from prepubertal lambs with acetyl-L-carnitine during IVM could increase the blastocyst rate and alter mitochondria, vesicle, or lipid droplet number, volume, or distribution. The blastocyst rate was doubled in prepubertal lamb oocytes treated with acetyl-L-carnitine when compared to untreated oocytes (10.0% and 4.6%, respectively; P = 0.028). Light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and stereology techniques were used to quantify organelles in untreated and acetyl-L-carnitine–treated lamb oocytes, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction methods were used to measure the mitochondrial DNA copy number. There were no differences in mitochondrial volume, number, or mitochondrial DNA copy number. Acetyl-L-carnitine treatment increased the cytoplasmic volume (P = 0.015) of the oocytes, and there were trends toward an increase in the vesicle volume (P = 0.089) and an altered distribution of lipid droplets (P = 0.076). In conclusion, acetyl-L-carnitine can be used to increase the in vitro blastocyst rate of juvenile oocytes and therefore to improve juvenile in vitro embryo transfer methods. These methods can be used for livestock improvement by increasing the rate of genetic gain. Further work is required to identify the contents of the vesicles and confirm the mode of action of acetyl-L-carnitine in improving oocyte competence.

A Typical Case of True Schistosomus Reflexus (SR) in a Local Ewe of Kashmir

An adult ewe weighing 34.65 kg at full term of pregnancy as per the owner was presented with the history of straining and unable to undergo the normal physiological process of lambing. Vaginal examination revealed a deformed fetus in the pelvic cavity that left insufficient room for fetal manipulation. The dystocia was relieved by caesarean section and a case of true Schistosomus reflexus (SR) in a ewe was confirmed from physical examination of the defective fetus. The ewe was under observation for four weeks. The ewe was found active on 25 days post-surgery with gain of extra 3 kg bodyweight.

Management of fetal dystocia caused by carpal flexion in ewe: A case report

Dystocia or difficulty in parturition in a ewe may need veterinary assistance for the successful parturition. An adult ewe weighing 30 kg was presented to the Hospital of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia with the history of difficulty in giving birth. Physical examination of the ewe revealed that the animal was weak and in recumbent position. Head of a dead fetus was observed as protruding out from the vulva region. Through physical evaluation of the ewe by per vaginal examination, the condition was diagnosed as fetal dystocia. Treatment and management plans given to the ewe were episiotomy and manipulative delivery of the dead fetus via mutation and traction method. Post-operative treatment was given with Flunixin meglumine (dosed at 2.2 mg/kg bwt) for 3 days, and Norodine (dosed at 1 mL/16-kg bwt) once intramuscularly. The case was completely cured after 2 weeks. The risk of losing the lamb as well as the ewe increases with delay in treatment of dystocia.

Trend of livestock population and nutritional evaluation of available feed resources in coastal areas of Noakhali district

A survey work was undertaken with a total of 200 farm households of the coastal areas of Noakhali were categorized into landless, marginal, small, medium and large based on their landholding and sheep population. All categories of farmers had higher number of sheep compared to goat and cattle. In case of lamb (0-4months) farmers didn’t supplied concentrate. The average deficiency of DM (g/h/d), ME (MJ/h/d) and CP (g/h/d) of lamb were 70.24, 0.97 and 13.35, respectively. For growing sheep (4-15 month) small, medium and large farmers provided little but landless and marginal farmers provided very little amount of concentrate. The average deficiency of DM (g/h/d), ME (MJ/h/d) and CP (g/h/d) of growing sheep were 257.31, 2.62 and 34.75, respectively. In case of adult ewe (&gt;15 month, milking) the average deficiency of DM (g/h/d), ME (MJ/h/d) and CP (g/h/d) were 441.87, 2.81 and 35.45, respectively. Livestock farming contributed about 17.2% of annual family income in which the contribution of sheep of the total household income was about 11% followed by goat (3.58%) and cattle (2.62%). The available feed resources were durba, asamilata, chaila, bothoua, gamma, alias grass, shon, bontil, khesari, pakisthani lata, bean leaf, ipil ipil, mayahagoni, kadam, boroi leaf, jackfruit, babla, mango leaf, kitchen wastes, rice straw, and rice bran, til oil cake. Surveyed information on existing available nutrient status of sheep and feed resources would help to develop a feeding system of sheep in coastal areas of Bangladesh.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v43i3.21652 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 43 (3): 213-217

Pharmacokinetics of tulathromycin in nonpregnant adult ewes.

The objectives of this study were to determine plasma concentrations and pharmacokinetic parameters of tulathromycin after a single subcutaneous administration in the cervical region in sheep using the cattle labeled dose of 2.5 mg/kg. Six adult healthy ewes were administered tulathromycin on day 0. Blood samples were collected just prior to dosing and at selected time points for 360 h. Plasma samples were analyzed to determine tulathromycin concentrations, and noncompartmental analysis was performed for pharmacokinetic parameters. The mean maximum plasma concentration was 3598 ng/mL, the mean time to maximum concentration was 1.6 h, and the apparent elimination half-life ranged from 68.1 to 233.1 h (mean 118 h). When comparing our results to goats and cattle, it appears sheep are more similar to cattle in regard to the concentrations observed and pharmacokinetic parameters. In summary, the pharmacokinetics of tulathromycin in sheep appear to be similar enough to those in goats and cattle to recommend similar dosing (2.5 mg/kg SC), assuming that the target pathogens have similar inhibitory concentrations.