Adult Rams Research Articles

Demographic characteristics of the endangered Barbary sheep Ammotragus lervia (Bovidae: Caprini) in the fenced Amassine reserve, Western High Atlas range, Morocco

Abstract Population characteristics of the Barbary sheep Ammotragus lervia, the only wild caprine in Northwest Africa, were investigated in a captive population located in a 150-ha fenced area within the Amassine reserve, Morocco, created for promoting wildlife watching tourism. We analysed the population trend during 20 years since the introduction of 10 individuals in 1999. Using direct counting in March-April 2016 to 2019, before herd dispersal, we assessed population size, age-sex structure, birth and survival rates. We estimated survival rates from mortality analysis using exponential regression models. The population size exhibited fluctuations over time expressed by significant exponential equations. We observed three successive phases corresponding each to a fast-growing period followed by a sharp decline. Estimated population density ranged from 0.25 to 0.41 ind. ha−1. Adult sex ratio varied from 67 to 91 rams per 100 ewes. Juveniles and subadults comprised 27–43 % of the population, and adults, rams and ewes, represented 26–31 % and, 29–45 %, respectively. Birth rate varied from 14 to 73 lambs per 100 ewes. The survival rate during the postnatal year approximated 35 %. For adult rams, it was around 69 % year−1. Our findings would be helpful for developing a sustainable population management plan, and assessing potential reintroduction/restocking in other areas.

In-utero exposure to real-life environmental chemicals disrupts gene expression within the hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis of prepubertal and adult rams

Environmental chemicals (ECs) have been associated with a broad range of disorders and diseases. Daily exposure to various ECs in the environment, or real-life exposure, has raised significant public health concerns. Utilizing the biosolids-treated pasture (BTP) sheep model, this study demonstrates that in-utero exposure to a real-life EC mixture disrupts hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis gene expression and reproductive traits in prepubertal (8-week-old, 8w) and adult (11-month-old) male sheep. Ewes were maintained on either BTP or pastures fertilized with inorganic fertilizer [control (C)] from approximately one month prior to insemination until around parturition. Thereafter, all animals were kept under control conditions. Effects on reproductive parameters including testosterone concentrations and the expression of key genes in the HPG axis were evaluated in eight-week-old and adult male offspring from both C and biosolids-exposed (B) groups. Results showed that, at 8w, relative to C (n = 11), B males (n = 11) had lower body weight, and altered testicular expression of HSD3B1, LHR and HSD17B3, BMP4, ABP, P27kip and CELF1. Principal component analysis (PCA) identified two 8w B subgroups, based on hypothalamic expression of GnRH, ESR1, and AR, and pituitary expression of KISSR. The two subgroups also exhibited different serum testosterone concentrations. The largest biosolids effects were observed in the hypothalamus of adult rams with NKB, ESR1, KISS1, AR, DLK1 and GNRH1 mRNA expression differing between B (n = 10) and C (n = 11) rams. Testicular steroidogenic enzymes CYP11A1 and HSD3B1 mRNA expression also differed between exposure groups. PCA identified two adult B subgroups, with BS1 (n = 6) displaying hypothalamic effects and BS2 (n = 4) both hypothalamic and testicular effects. The subgroups also differed in circulating testosterone concentrations. These findings demonstrate that exposure to a real-life EC mixture may predispose some males to infertility, by disrupting key functional HPG markers before puberty with consequent downstream effects on steroid hormones and spermatogenesis.

Seasonal variation of NGF in seminal plasma and expression of NGF and its cognate receptors NTRK1 and p75NTR in the sex organs of rams

Nerve growth factor (NGF) has long been known as the main ovulation-inducing factor in induced ovulation species, however, recent studies suggested the NGF role also in those with spontaneous ovulation. The first aim of this study was to evaluate the presence and gene expression of NGF and its cognate receptors, high-affinity neurotrophic tyrosine kinase 1 receptor (NTRK1) and low-affinity p75 nerve growth factor receptor (p75NTR), in the ram genital tract. Moreover, the annual trend of NGF seminal plasma values was investigated to evaluate the possible relationship between the NGF production variations and the ram reproductive seasonality. The presence and expression of the NGF/receptors system was evaluated in the testis, epididymis, vas deferens ampullae, seminal vesicles, prostate, and bulbourethral glands through immunohistochemistry and real-time PCR (qPCR), respectively. Genital tract samples were collected from 5 adult rams, regularly slaughtered at a local abattoir. Semen was collected during the whole year weekly, from 5 different adult rams, reared in a breeding facility, with an artificial vagina. NGF seminal plasma values were assessed through the ELISA method. NGF, NTRK1 and p75NTR immunoreactivity was detected in all male organs examined. NGF-positive immunostaining was observed in the spermatozoa of the germinal epithelium, in the epididymis and the cells of the secretory epithelium of annexed glands, NTRK1 receptor showed a localization pattern like that of NGF, whereas p75NTR immunopositivity was localized in the nerve fibers and ganglia. NGF gene transcript was highest (p < 0.01) in the seminal vesicles and lowest (p < 0.01) in the testis than in the other tissues. NTRK1 gene transcript was highest (p < 0.01) in the seminal vesicles and lowest (p < 0.05) in all the other tissues examined. Gene expression of p75NTR was highest (p < 0.01) in the seminal vesicles and lowest (p < 0.01) in the testis and bulbourethral glands. NGF seminal plasma concentration was greater from January to May (p < 0.01) than in the other months. This study highlighted that the NGF system was expressed in the tissues of all the different genital tracts examined, confirming the role of NGF in ram reproduction. Sheep are short-day breeders, with an anestrus that corresponds to the highest seminal plasma NGF levels, thus suggesting the intriguing idea that this factor could participate in an inhibitory mechanism of male reproductive activity, activated during the female anestrus.

Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Studies of a Spontaneous Case of Pulmonary Adenomatosis in an Adult Ram: A Case Report

Aim: The present study aimed to describe histopathological findings and immunohistochemical expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in a spontaneous case of pulmonary adenomatosis in an adult ram. Case Presentation: A carcass of an adult ram was presented for necropsy in the Post-mortem Hall of the Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Sciences of the Lala Lajpat Rai University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Hisar with a history of respiratory distress. A detailed necropsy was performed. The tracheal mucosa showed mild congestion. The lungs were pale and firm in consistency. On histopathological examination, nasal turbinate and trachea both showed the vascular changes along with mild infiltration of mononuclear cells. The sections of lungs revealed pulmonary adenocarcinoma characterized by the presence of cuboidal to low columnar epithelial cells forming acinar or papillary-like structures in the parenchyma and surrounded by the normal alveoli. Areas of necrosis along with infiltration of mononuclear cells were also evident. An Immunohistochemical study of the lung sections revealed mild to moderate immunopositive reactivity for the PCNA in the nuclei of neoplastic cells of adenocarcinoma. It indicated the proliferative activity of neoplastic cells. Conclusion: Based on histopathological examination, the present case was diagnosed as pulmonary adenomatosis. PCNA expression indicated the presence of actively proliferating neoplastic cells.

The effects of supplementation of vitamin D to the egg-yolk extender on cryopreservation of ram semen.

This study aimed to examine the effects of supplementation of vitamin D to the egg-yolk extender on characteristics of frozen-thawed ram semen. Semen samples obtained from adult rams were pooled and divided into five equal volumes. It was reconstituted with extenders containing different concentrations of vitamin D: 0 (control), 12.5 (VITD 12.5), 25 (VITD 25), 50 (VITD 50), and 100ng/mL (VITD 100), and then they were frozen. Sperm motility parameters, plasma membrane functional integrity, acrosomal integrity, DNA fragmentation, and mitochondrial membrane potential of the groups were evaluated after sperm thawing. Total motility and progressive motility were higher in VITD 50 than in all other groups (p<0.05). Higher sperm straightness, linearity, and wooble were higher in VITD 50 than in the control group (p<0.05). A similar pattern of VITD 50 was observed for plasma membrane integrity and mitochondrial membrane potential (p>0.05). In the study, it was observed that adding vitamin D to the extender had a beneficial effect on ram spermatological parameters. In addition, it was concluded that the use of the 50ng/mL vitamin D in the extender provided more effective protection than the other doses.

The Influence of Three Commercial Soy Lecithin-Based Semen Extenders and Two Spermatozoa Concentrations on the Quality of Pre-Freeze and Post-Thaw Ram Epididymal Spermatozoa.

There are limited studies on the factors affecting the success of ram epididymal spermatozoa (REPS) cryopreservation. On this note, the current study assessed the influence of three commercial soy lecithin-based semen extenders, AndroMed® (AND), BioXcell® (BIO), and OviXcell® (OVI), and two concentrations (400 × 106 vs. 200 × 106 spermatozoa/mL) on the pre-freeze and post-thaw quality of REPS. The REPS were retrieved from nine adult rams' testes and diluted with each of the three extenders to both concentrations. Straws were frozen manually. Standard motility (SMP) and kinematic parameters (KPs) were assessed via a CASA, while spermatozoa viability, morphology, and acrosomal integrity were assessed via the Kovács-Foote staining technique. The concentration did not significantly affect the pre-freeze and post-thaw SMP and KPs of REPS. BIO and OVI had significantly higher pre-freeze and post-thaw BCFs, post-thaw VAP, and the percentage of all intact heads than AND. In contrast, AND had a significantly lower percentage of REPS with tail defects than BIO and OVI. The 400 × 106 spermatozoa/mL concentration resulted in a significantly higher percentage of all intact heads than the 200 × 106 spermatozoa/mL concentration. Freezing significantly increased tail defects and decreased the percentage of REPS with distal cytoplasmic droplets. The cryopreservation of REPS at the 400 × 106 spermatozoa/mL concentration is recommended. All three extenders must be optimized to preserve the viability, membrane integrity, and better normal morphology of REPS; the reason for increased tail abnormality after the freezing/thawing process needs to be studied.

ORF virus causes tumor-promoting inflammation in sheep and goats.

ORF virus (ORFV) causes contagious ecthyma ("ORF"), a disease of sheep and goats characterized by lesions ranging from vesicles and pustules to atypical papilloma-like and angiomatous lesions in the skin and mucosae. The authors investigated the molecular factors leading to the ORF-associated atypical tumor-like changes. Fifteen lambs, 15 kids, and an adult ram clinically affected by natural ORFV infection were enrolled in the study and examined by several methods. ORFV was detected by viral culture or real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the lesioned tissues and in the blood of the clinically affected sheep and goats. Surprisingly, ORFV was also detected in the blood of healthy goats from an affected herd. Microscopically, they found a pseudo-papillomatous proliferation of the epithelium, while the dermis and lamina propria were expanded by a proliferating neovascular component that highly expressed the viral vascular endothelial growth factor (vVEGF) and its host receptor vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2). Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and in situ hybridization for mRNA showed that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was expressed in the fibrovascular component, in the infiltrating CD163+ macrophages, and in the basal stratum of the epidermis. Confocal immunofluorescence microscopy demonstrated that CD163+ macrophages were associated with VEGF and VEGFR2. Finally, they found by quantitative RT-PCR the overexpression of the interleukin-6 and VEGFR2 genes in the lesioned tissues. These findings suggest that ORFV activates an inflammatory reaction characterized by CD163+ macrophages expressing EGFR and VEGFR2, which might play an oncogenic role through synergistic action with vVEGF signaling.

Attention bias and novel object test in rams (Ovis aries) under intensive farming

Affective states are long lasting mood states resulting from an accumulation of experiences. The knowledge of the affective state of animals can significantly help maintain and/or increase animal welfare. The aim of the study was to recognize the affective state of 13 adult rams reared under an intensive system and to further associate their affective state with hierarchy, sociability order and maintenance and social behaviour. The affective state was estimated by exposing them to an attention bias test and two novel object tests. Individuals with negative affective states performed reduced head hanging (p = 0.014), reduced agonistic behaviour (p = 0.033), increased social proximity (p = 0.009) and received less affiliative behaviours (p = 0.006). The study estimated the affective state of the rams and indicated easily recognizable maintenance and social behaviours correlated with negative affective state. Such behaviours could increase the awareness of the animals’ welfare and thus improve management practices.

Do the determinants of dominance index and social rank in adult rams vary by breed?

The aim of the present study was to determine factors influencing the establishment of dominance hierarchy in Hemsin, Chios and Karakul rams. Rams aged 6–7 years old from Hemsin (n = 13), Chios (n = 12) and Karakul (n = 14) sheep breeds were used. The feed competition test was applied to determine the dominance status of rams within their own breeds. After testing all possible pairs, dominance index and social ranks for each ram was calculated. Body weight, numerous body measurements, horn length and testosterone concentration were evaluated as predictor variables in stepwise regression analysis. Improved linearity index value was 0.522, 0.6224 and 0.7033 for Hemsin, Chios and Karakul rams (Pr<0.001), respectively. In Hemsin rams, the regression model including body weight and tail width explained 75.3% of the variation in dominance index (P = 0.001). The model, which included body weight and testosterone concentration, explained 68% of the variance and was the best model for prediction of the dominance index in Chios rams (P < 0.01). The model including rump width, tail width and linear horn length explained 79.5% of the variation in dominance index in Karakul rams (P = 0.001). When the principal component scores determined by principal component analysis were utilised as predictors in stepwise regression analysis, no variables were incorporated into the model for Karakul rams. Moreover, worse predictions were obtained with principal component scores compared to the analysis conducted with raw data in Hemşin and Chios rams. When the results of the current study are evaluated observationally, factors determining the dominance hierarchy vary by breed of rams.

Histomorphometric study of seminiferous tubules and epididymis in adult ram

This research set out to examine the epididymis and seminiferous tubules of adult male Rams, use both histological and histomorphometric methods. For this purpose, ten paired of testis of healthy adult local rams were taken from local abattoir in Fallujah. Tissue was removed and cut into tiny pieces from different parts of the testicles before being put in Bouin's solution. The tissue samples were processed by common paraffin technique then stained with routine H &amp; E stain as well as Masson's trichrome stain. According to the results of the present histological analysis, the ram's testis is enclosed by a capsule of thick irregular connective tissue, and its lobules are separated by trabecular and interlobular septa, with seminiferous tubules and interstitial tissue making up each lobule. Spermatogenic cells and Sertoli cells border the seminiferous tubules. Spermatozoa develop from spermatogenic cells. Spermatogonia are the earliest stages of spermatogenic cells; they are tiny, spherical cells with black, spherical nuclei that sit on the basement membrane. Primary spermatocytes, which are bigger cells with often-distinct chromatin, are generated during mitosis in the spermotogonia. Because of their rapid second meiotic division and subsequent formation of haploid spermatids, secondary spermatocytes are seldom seen. Clustered near the seminiferous tubule's lumen, the spermatids are spherical cells with pale nuclei. There are less Sertoli cells (sustentacular cells) than spermatogenic cells. The nucleus is oval or triangular in shape and pale in colour, with a large nucleolus. Leydig cells are found in the connective tissue between neighbouring tubules. Epithelium that is pseudostratified lines the epididymis. The stereocilia are long cytoplasmic structures that extend into the lumen. Circular smooth muscle is present in varying amounts, and the epithelium is supported by a connective tissue lamina propria.In conclusion, the current study concluded that the thickness of the epithelium of epididymis was decrease toward the tail while the thickness of the smooth muscle layer was increase toward the tail.

Effect of Fetal Pituitary-Testes Suppression on Brain Sexual Differentiation and Reproductive Function in Male Sheep.

We previously demonstrated that treating fetal lambs on gestational day 62 with the long-acting gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist degarelix (DG) suppresses pituitary-testicular function during midgestation. The objective of this study was to investigate whether impaired gonadotrophic drive during this fetal period has enduring effects on sexual differentiation and reproductive function in adult male sheep. We assessed the effects of prenatal administration of DG, with or without testosterone (T) replacement, on various sexually dimorphic behavioral traits in adult rams, including sexual partner preferences, as well as neuroendocrine responsiveness and testicular function. Our findings revealed that DG treatment had no effect on genital differentiation or somatic growth. There were some indications that DG treatment suppressed juvenile play behavior and adult sexual motivation; however, male-typical sexual differentiation of reproductive behavior, sexual partner preference, and gonadotropin feedback remained unaffected and appeared to be fully masculinized and defeminized. DG-treated rams showed an increased LH response to GnRH stimulation and a decreased T response to human chorionic gonadotropin stimulation, suggesting impaired Leydig cell function and reduced T feedback. Both effects were reversed by cotreatment with T propionate. DG treatment also suppressed the expression of CYP17 messenger RNA, a key enzyme for T biosynthesis. Despite the mild hypogonadism induced by DG treatment, ejaculate volume, sperm motility, and sperm morphology were not affected. In summary, these results suggest that blocking GnRH during midgestation does not have enduring effects on brain sexual differentiation but does negatively affect the testes' capacity to synthesize T.

Substitution of soyabean meal by faba bean improves body weight, sperm production and testosterone concentration in mature Queue Fine de l'Ouest rams.

The current study aimed at investigating the effects of partial or total substitution of soybean meal with faba bean on reproductive parameters of Queue Fine de l'Ouest rams. Eighteen adult rams (49.8 ± 3.7 kg and 2.4 ± 1.5 years old) were divided into three homogenous groups. Rams received oat hay ad libitum and 3 types of concentrate (33 g/BW0.75) where soybean meal was the main protein source (SBM diet, n = 6), partially (50%, SBMFB diet, n = 6) or totally (100% FB diet, n = 6) substituted in nitrogen basis by local faba bean. The volume of ejaculate, sperm concentration and sperm mortality rate were measured weekly by collecting semen using an artificial vagina. Serial blood samples were collected 30 days and 120 days after the beginning of the experiment in order to assess plasma testosterone concentrations. The results showed that hay intake was affected (P < 0.05) by the nature of the nitrogen source incorporated (1032.3 ± 12.2; 1026.8 ± 56.6 and 972.8 ± 39.05 g DM/d for SBM, FB and SBMFB respectively. The average live weight of the rams increased from 49.8 ± 0.4 (week 1) to 57.3 ± 0.9 kg (week 17) without effect of the diet. A positive effect of faba bean incorporation in the concentrate was observed on ejaculate volume, concentration and spermatozoa production. All these parameters were significantly higher in SBMFB and FB groups than in SBM group (P < 0.05). The protein source did not affect the percentage of dead spermatozoa and the total abnormalities which were similar for the three diets (38.7; 35.8 and 38.1% for SBM; SBMFB and FB, respectively). The mean testosterone concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in rams fed with faba bean (1.7 ± 0.7 to 1.9 ± 0.7 ng/ml for the SBMFB and the FB groups respectively) than in rams fed SBM diet (1.06 ± 0.5 ng/ml). It was concluded that the substitution of soybean meal by faba bean improved the reproductive performance and did not affect sperm quality in Queue Fine de l'Ouest rams.

Developmental exposure to a real-life environmental chemical mixture alters testicular transcription factor expression in neonatal and pre-pubertal rams, with morphological changes persisting into adulthood

Environmental chemical (EC) exposure may be impacting male reproductive health. The translationally relevant biosolids treated pasture (BTP) sheep model was used to investigate gestational low-level EC mixture exposure on the testes of F1 male offspring. Adult rams from ewes exposed to BTP 1 month before and throughout pregnancy had more seminiferous tubules with degeneration and depletion of elongating spermatids, indicating possible “recovery” from previously reported testicular dysgenesis syndrome-like phenotype in neonatal and pre-pubertal BTP lambs. Expression of transcription factors CREB1 (neonatal) and BCL11A and FOXP2 (pre-pubertal) were significantly higher in the BTP exposed testes, with no changes seen in adults. Increased CREB1, which is crucial for testes development and regulation of steroidogenic enzymes, could be an adaptive response to gestational EC exposure to facilitate the phenotypic recovery. Overall, this demonstrates that testicular effects from gestational exposure to low-level mixtures of ECs can last into adulthood, potentially impacting fertility and fecundity.

Incorporation of fresh leaves of wormwood (Artemisia herba alba) and/or rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) in the diet of rams: Effect on testicular function, sexual behavior, and blood parameters.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of wormwood and rosemary supplementation on some reproductive traits of Barbarine rams. The experiment lasted 2 months. Twenty-four adult rams were divided into four groups (n=6) balanced for the weight (53.3 ± 1.2 kg body weight [BW] ± SD). All rams received 1200 g of straw and 600 g of barley. Control rams (C) without aromatic medicinal plant (AMP), while experimental rams received 20 g of fresh rosemary leaves (R), 20 g of fresh wormwood leaves (A), and 10 g of fresh rosemary leaves plus 10 g of fresh wormwood leaves (RA). The results revealed that the live weight of all rams increased (p < .05) in the RA group compared to the C, A, and R groups. Scrotal circumference increased in the R rams when compared to the controls rams (p < .05). For sperm parameters we showed that the A rams had higher sperm concentrations (p < .05). But, the sperm volume decreased in the R rams (p > .05). However, when the rams received rosemary plus wormwood, their sperm volume increased (p > .05). The sperm mass motility was higher for the A, R and AR rams in comparison to the C rams (p=.05). On the other hand, biochemical analysis of the seminal fluid showed no effect of diets on calcium and total proteins concentration. But the measurement of glucose and seminal insulin showed a decrease (p < .05) in these two biochemical markers in group A rams and a decrease (p < .05) in insulin without modification of the glucose concentration in R rams. Blood glucose and insulin decreased in the animals on AMP diet compared to the other groups (p < .05) while aspartate aminotransferase (AST) increased (p < .05). Rosemary leaves (R and RA groups) increased (p < .05) plasma cortisol compared to the other groups. It can be concluded that the addition of Rosmarinus officinalis and/or Artemisia herba alba in ram diet can have a positive effect on the reproductive function by increasing the concentration and motility of sperm, plasma testosterone, and sexual behavior.

P-083 Vagus indigestion resulting from a calcified cysticercus in an adult ram

P-083 Vagus indigestion resulting from a calcified cysticercus in an adult ram

Association of personality traits with maintenance and social behaviour of rams (Ovis aries)

Animal personality is defined as individual differences in behaviour that are consistent over time and in different contexts. Aspects of personality (personality traits) have been identified in previous studies on farm animals indicating that they may affect the individuals’ behaviour, dominance rank, coping and cognitive ability and physiology. The aim of the present study was to identify whether rams (Ovis aries) reared under an intensive farming system, present personality traits and if these traits are associated with the behaviour of individuals under different contexts, to gain a better understanding on sheep personality and the consistency of behaviour within individuals. Adult rams (N = 13) reared under an intensive system were observed during three different periods (A, B, C). At period A rams formed one stable group of eight individuals. Period B started when five rams entered the group simultaneously and period C when rams formed one stable group of 13 individuals. Scan sampling was used to record if and with whom each individual was in proximity. All social behaviours between individuals were collected ad libitum and maintenance behaviours were scored using focal sampling. The study demonstrated two personality traits, namely Dynamic and Receptive, as the two aspects of rams’ personality (KMO = 0.667; p < 0.01). Dynamic behaviour was correlated with frequent vocalizations (rs = 0.586, p < 0.05) while receptive behaviour was correlated with increased time lying (rs = 0.593, p < 0.05). Furthermore, an association was noted between individuals’ personality scores and social behaviour (p < 0.05), indicating that dynamic individuals appeared to perform more agonistic behaviour (p < 0.05) and receive more submissive (p < 0.01), within the examined periods.

Degradabilidade da matéria seca e da proteína bruta de frutos de Cloroleucon mangense e Acacia cochliacantha em carneiros

Abstract The objective of this work was to determine the nutritional content and the degradability of the dry matter and protein of fruits of Chloroleucon mangense and Acacia cochliacantha and of a 1:1 mixture of both, offered as supplements to Rambouillet sheep. In situ ruminal degradation was evaluated in three adult rams, fitted with a rumen cannula, with different incubation times of 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours. Protein intestinal degradability was quantified with a three-step procedure: in situ ruminal incubation, in vitro enzymatic digestion, and abomasal-intestinal digestion. The fruits of C. mangense and A. cochliacantha contain 21 and 12% crude protein, 47 and 56% neutral detergent fiber, 31 and 43% acid detergent fiber, and 0.9 and 6.0% condensed tannins, respectively. The fruits of C. mangense showed a higher nutritional value and a higher dry matter and crude protein degradability (p&lt;0.05) than those of A. cochliacantha and the 1:1 mixture. The amount of protein that reaches the small intestine is higher for the 1:1, which is an indicative that its tannin concentration is enough to increase the bypass protein that can be absorbed in the small intestine.

Adição de sucos de laranja, abacaxi e beterraba em diluidor para criopreservação de sêmen de carneiros

Abstract Searching for improvements in semen cryopreservation, natural substances are commonly studied focusing to improve the sperm quality. The aim of this study were evaluated the effect of adding orange, pineapple, and beet juices in different concentrations and combinations to the ram semen cryopreservation extender. Five ejaculates from five adult rams were used. The semen pool was diluted in egg yolk-based extender and mixed with the following 15 treatments (at a final concentration of 400.106 sptz/mL): orange 10% (O10) and 15% (O15); pineapple 10% (P10) and 15% (P15); beet 10% (B10) and 15% (B15); pineapple + orange 10% (PO10) and 15% (PO15); pineapple + beet 10% (PB10) and 15% (PB15); beet + orange 10% (BO10) and 15% (BO15); pineapple + beet + orange 10% (PBO10) and 15% (PBO15); and the control group (CON). Post-thaw in 0.25 mL straws semen quality analysis of cryopreserved semen was performed by CASA and flow cytometry. Analysis of variance (PROC GLM) was carried out and the averages were compared using the SNK test. Pearson's correlation test was also performed. No effect was noted in the addition of juices to the semen extender prior to cryopreservation. Post-thawed, although, statistically similar to the control group, the total motility of the B10 group reached acceptable standards of total motility. In addition, B10 group showed the highest values (p&lt;0.05) of progressive motility than control group or other treatments. The addition of 10% beet juice to the ram semen extender can improve the cryopreservation of sperm motility.

Influence of the polymorphisms of the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene on the distribution of MT1 and MT2 melatonin receptors in ram sperm

Melatonin can exert some of its functions by binding to specific membrane receptors, mainly MT1 and MT2 in mammals. The melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene exhibits several polymorphic sites. Certain RsaI genotypes have been related to an advance in the mating activity of ram-lambs or to a more intense reproductive behavior in adult rams. However, the influence of those genotypes in the location of melatonin receptors in ram spermatozoa remains unknown. The aim of this work was to evaluate whether RsaI polymorphisms of the MTNR1A gene influence the cellular distribution of MT1 and MT2 receptors in ram sperm. For this purpose, ejaculates from 18 previously genotyped Rasa Aragonesa rams were collected, and the location of melatonin receptors was assessed by indirect immunofluorescence, using anti-MT1 (Abnova Corporation, Cat# H00004543- A01, RRID: AB_462681) and anti-MT2 (OriGene, Cat#AP01322PU-N, RRID: AB_1619198) antibodies. Statistical analysis (χ²) was performed using SPSS Statistics v.26. For the MT1 receptor, G/A rams had a higher percentage of type I spermatozoa (labelling all over the head and tail) but lower rates of immunotypes II (reactivity at the equatorial and post-acrosomal regions, neck and tail) and III (only the equatorial region and tail labelled) when compared to G/G and A/A rams (P<0.01). Immunotype IV (only the flagelum stained) was also lower in G/A rams than in G/G (P<0.05). For the MT2 receptor, G/A rams had higher percentages of type AP spermatozoa (acrosome and post- acrosome equally stained), and lower percentages of type A (more intensity in acrosome than post-acrosome) when compared to G/G and A/A rams (P<0.001). Furthermore, G/G rams had a higher percentage of type P spermatozoa (more intense staining on post- acrosome than acrosome) than G/A and A/A rams (P<0.01). In conclusion, these results suggested that polymorphisms of the MTNR1A gene could influence the distribution of MT1 and MT2 receptors in ram sperm, which could have consequences on the direct effects of melatonin on spermatozoa. [Research supported by PID2020-113239RB-I00 and A07_20R. V.P-D. has a predoctoral contract from the Diputación General de Aragón]

ECONOMICS ANALYSIS OF FEEDING BRACHIARIA DECUMBENS OR DIGITARIA SMUTSII HAY TO BALAMI, UDA AND YANKASA RAMS

The study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of breed on the economics of feeding different forages to different breeds of sheep. Ten adult rams aged between 18 and 24 months for Balami, Uda and Yankasa and weighing 24.75, 25.50 and 25.50 kg, respectively procured from local markets were used for the experiment. The rams were fed either hay and fed B. decumbens or D. smutsii hay ad libitum and supplemented with the concentrate at 1 % of their body weight for 90 days. All animals had free access to fresh clean water every day. Differences between the daily feed offered and the remainder were recorded and used to calculate the feed intake. Weight changes were monitored fortnightly and the gain in weight obtained from the difference between the initial and final weights. Cost of feed consumed and income over expenses were determined. Results showed differences in performance of the rams. Total cost incurred showed that it was cheaper to raise Yankasa than Balami and Uda. Selling price was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher for Uda and Balami than Yankasa. The highest (P&lt;0.05) income over expenses realised was in Balami (₦9,513.14 followed by Uda with ₦9,386.28) while the least was in Yankasa (₦8,277.99) fed D. smutsii hay. It is concluded that feeding D. smutsii hay to rams showed positive indices and satisfactory rates of return compared to B. decumbens, indicating that the activity covered its feeding costs. Farmers are recommended to feed D. smutsii hay as basal diet for greater economic returns.