Akkaraman Sheep Research Articles

A study on the Determination of Some Reproductive Traits of Ewes and The Growth Performance of Lambs Akkaraman Raised under Farm Conditions in the Province of Niğde

In this study, the reproductive and growth performance of Akkaraman sheep between 2017-2021 were evaluated within the scope of the National Sheep and Goat Breeding Project in the Hand of the Public, which is being carried out in the province of Nigde. In the research, data obtained from 30923 animals in 22 farms in 7 villages in the central district of Nigde province were used. In the study, the effect of year, dam’s age, gender and birth type on birth weight (BW), live weight on day 60 (LW1), live weight on day 120 (LW2), daily live weight gain (DLWG) on day 120 were investigated. The effects of year, dam’s age, gender and birth type on BW, LW1, LW2, DLWG were found to be statistically significant. While the effects of year, dam’s age and gender were found to be statistically effective on SR, the effect of birth type was found to be insignificant. In the study, fertility, fecundity and litter size in Akkaraman lambs were determined as 0.92, 1.03 and 1.13, respectively. As a result, remarkable progress has been achieved in Akkaraman lambs in terms of performance characteristics (LW1, LW2 and DLWG) between 2017 and 2021.

Volumetric calculation of cerebellum in Akkaraman sheep and Hair goat using Cavalieri’s principle

The aim of this study is to calculate the cerebellum volume in Akkaraman sheep and Hair goat using the Cavalieri's principle. Cerebellum of 12 healthy 1-2 year old male animals (6 sheep and 6 goats) were used in the study. The weight of the cerebellum separated from the rhombencephalon was calculated with a sensitive electronic balance, and its volume was calculated with Archimedes' principle. In the volume measurement to be made with Cavalieri's principle, the cerebellum was blocked with 8% agar to prevent tissue loss during slicing. The stained sections were scanned with a horizontal scanner at 600 dpi resolution. Gray matter and white matter volume were calculated separately by dropping the point counting grid on cross sections in ImageJ software. Cerebellum weight was calculated as 11.6 gr in sheep and 12.55 gr in goats. The ratio of cerebellum weight to total brain weight was calculated as 0.10 in both species. It was observed that the cerebellum weighs an average of 9.8% of the total brain weight in sheep. In the goat, it was observed that the cerebellum constituted 10.11% of the brain. Gray matter and white matter volumes were calculated as 6.75 ml and 3.36 ml in sheep, respectively. In the goat, the gray matter and white matter volumes were measured as 6.80 ml and 3.82 ml, respectively. Total cerebellum volume was found to be 10.14 ml and 10.65 ml in sheep and goats, respectively. In sheep, 65.55% of the cerebellum volume consisted of gray matter and 33.08% of white matter. In goats, 63.88% of the cerebellum consisted of gray matter and 35.85% of white matter. No statistical difference was observed in the volume measurement results obtained in both species (p>0.05). In recent years, there has been an increase in neurodegenerative disease models in farm animals. These diseases can cause changes in the volume of the cerebellum. In this context, it is thought that the volume values obtained from healthy sheep and goat cerebellum in the current study will be important for future studies

An anatomical and volumetric study on brain ventricles in sheep using different techniques.

This study investigated the morphological features of the ventricular system of the brain in Akkaraman sheep in a measured and structural manner. In the study, 24 adults male Akkaraman sheep, which is a common and hornless breed were used. Anatomical features of the ventricular system were determined by latex injection and dissection, acrylic injection and corrosion cast and magnetic resonance imaging. In the measurements, a precise digital calliper, Archimedes' principle, Cavalieri's principle and ITK-SNAP imaging were used by comparing them with each other. The average weight of fresh sheep brains was 102 g (0.226 lb), the volume 115.8 mL and the length, height and width were 130.78, 40.58 and 70.08 mm, respectively. The olfactoric bulb contained a cavity associated with the lateral ventricle, large enough to be called a ventricle. The cavity of septum pellucidum has a large cavity was observed. However, there was no cerebrospinal fluid in this cavity. The interventricular foramen of the dissected brain was also an opening measuring 1.4 mm × 3.9 mm × 5.5 mm. The total volume of the ventricles of the brain of Akkaraman sheep was found to be 7107.71 ± 479, 7115 ± 737 and 7080 ± 647 mm3 and 6200 mm3 using the Planimetry, Point Counting method, ITK-SNAP program, and Archimedes' principle, respectively. In the study, species and breed-specific brain indices values and many detailed morphometric data were obtained.

A Morphometric Comparison of the Skulls of Akkaraman and Kangal Akkaraman Sheep on a Three-Dimensional Model Using Computed Tomography

This study was carried out to make was to determine the craniometric characteristics of the crania of Akkaraman and Kangal Akkaraman sheep, local breeds of Turkey, by using computed tomography (CT). Equal numbers of healthy male Akkaraman and Kangal Akkaraman sheep heads aged 8-12 months were used in the study (n=12/group). The images were obtained by scanning the heads with a CT device. These images were converted into a three-dimensional structure using the 3D Slicer program and their morphometric measurements were calculated. In the study, a total of 13 parameters and 5 indexes were measured in the skull. As a result, the morphometric differences of the skulls of Akkaraman and Kangal Akkaraman sheep were determined by statistical methods. All the characteristics examined were expressed as mean ± SE. Results of our study, when the craniometric data were examined a statistically significant difference was found in skull length, skull width, greatest length of the nasal bone, greatest breadth across the nasal, medial frontal length, cranial width, facial width, height of the foramen magnum, greatest breadth of the foramen magnum, greatest frontal breadth and least breadth between the orbits parameters (P 0.05). It is thought that the presented study may be useful to veterinarians in the fields of surgery and clinical practice, and to studies in the field of zooarchaeology, as well as sheep taxonomy.

Akkaraman Koyun Irkında Callipyge Gen Polimorfizmin Araştırılması

Callipyge (CLPG) is a candidate gene with a significant effect on meat quality and growth in sheep. The aim of this study was to investigate the polymorphism of the CLPG gene in the Akkaraman breed. In the study, DNAs obtained from the blood samples of 50 Akkaraman sheep was used as study material. The CLPG/Faq1 polymorphism was examined in all individuals using the method PCR-RFLP. Only A allele and AA genotype were detected after PCR-RFLP procedure. This is the first study in which CLPG gene polymorphism was investigated in Akkaraman breed, and the findings showed that the Akkaraman breed has a monomorphic structure in terms of CLPG/FaqI polymorphism.

Norduz Koyununda Dil Papillalarının Morfolojik Olarak İncelenmesi: Bir Taramalı Elektron Mikroskop Çalışması

The tongue is a mobile organ consisting of apex, corpus and radix parts with a distinctive mucosa in the digestive system. In the case of digestion; it should not be forgotten that the macroscopic structure of all digestive organs, especially the tongue mucosa, is of great importance. Norduz sheep is known as a variety of Akkaraman sheep bred in the Norduz region located within the borders of the Gurpinar district of Van province. In addition, the fact that the Norduz sheep are only raised in the Norduz region and exhibit unique yield performance makes this breed different from other breeds. For this reason, in our study, it was aimed to examine the tongue papillae of Norduz sheep, which is a different breed, by a scanning electron microscope. In our study, the tongue tissues of 10 Norduz sheep were used. In scanning electron microscopy papillae filiformes; was observed as spiny in the region from the apex of the tongue to the torus linguae. The ends of papillae conicae were typically cone-shaped. Papillae lentiformes were found to be the clearest and most voluminous mechanical tongue papillaes on the torus linguae. Papillae fungiformes wich is a taste papillae were found to be mushroom-like and scattered among papillae filiformes. Papillae vallatae were composed of mucosal valium, parietal trench, and annular pad located on either side of the radix linguae. As a result, in Norduz sheep; many similarities and differences in terms of tongue papillae between species and races were determined.

Genome-Wide Scan of Wool Production Traits in Akkaraman Sheep.

The objective of this study was to uncover the genetic background of wool quality, a production trait, by estimating genomic heritability and implementing GWAS in Akkaraman sheep. The wool characteristics measured included fibre diameter (FD) and staple length (SL) at the age of 8 months and yearling fibre diameter (YFD), yearling staple length (YSL) and yearling greasy fleece weight (YGFW) at 18 months of age. Animals were genotyped using the Axiom 50 K Ovine Genotyping Array. Maximum likelihood estimations of a linear mixed model (LMM) were used to estimate genomic heritability, where GWAS was conducted following a score test of each trait. Genomic heritability estimates for the traits ranged between 0.22 and 0.63, indicating that phenotypes have a moderate range of heritability. One genome- and six chromosome-wide significant SNPs were associated with the wool traits in Akkaraman lambs. Accordingly, TRIM2, MND1, TLR2, RNF175, CEP290, TMTC3, RERE, SLC45A1, SOX2, MORN1, SKI, FAAP20, PRKCZ, GABRD, CFAP74, CALML6 and TMEM52 genes as well as nine uncharacterized regions (LOC101118971, LOC105609137, LOC105603067, LOC101122892, LOC106991694, LOC106991467, LOC106991455, LOC105616534 and LOC105609719) were defined as plausible candidates. The findings of this study shed light on the genetics of wool quality and yield for the Akkaraman breed and suggests targets for breeders during systematic breeding programmes.

The effect of RORA (RAR-Related Orphan Receptor Alpha) receptors on litter size in Akkaraman sheep breed.

In this study, the relationship between RORA 23bp indel genotype and allele frequency with twin pregnancy, fertility, live weight and milk yield in 106 female Akkaraman ewes raised in Elazığ province was investigated. In the study conducted in Elâzığ province, 10ml milk was collected from 106 Akkaraman sheep and DNA was extracted from these milk. In RORA 23bp indel genotype frequency, DD genotype was found more than ID and II genotypes and RORA 23bp indel ın allele frequency, the D allele was found to be higher than the I allele. In both the first and second parity, the twinning rate was found to be lower. In both the first and second parity, the twinning rate was higher in the DD genotype, and it was observed that this genotype promınated mıddle lıvestock weıght and mılk yıeld. According to the results of our study, mutations in the RORA gene, which is a gene affecting reproductive efficiency in sheep, do not have a positive effect on fertility and twinning rate in Akkaraman sheep. To sum, this study provided theoretical references for the comprehensively research of the function of RORA gene and the breeding of Akkaraman Sheep. The 23-bp indel variants can be considered as molecular markers for litter size of sheep for marker-assisted selection breeding.

Current Energy and Lipid Metabolism Biomarkers in Sheep with Subclinical And Clinical Pregnancy Toxemia

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between existing metabolic biomarkers (asprosin, FABP1, PPARα and FGF21) and clinical parameters and to determine their role in the early diagnosis of sheep pregnancy toxemia. In the study, 70 Akkaraman sheep aged three to five years in the last three weeks of pregnancy were divided into three groups: healthy group (n = 20), subclinical group (n = 30), and clinical group (n = 20). Clinical examination (body temperature, respiratory rate, and heart rate), blood serum biochemistry, and ELISA analyses were performed. In sheep with clinical and subclinical pregnancy toxemia, serum PPARα, β-HBA, NEFA, HbA1c, HDL, triglyceride, creatinine, and phosphorus levels were statistically higher, whereas serum glucose and LDL levels were lower than in healthy sheep. However, serum FGF21, AST, ALT, and VLDL values were not statistically different between the three groups. In addition, serum asprosin and FABP1 levels were higher in the subclinical group than in the clinical group. Thus it was concluded that serum asprosin, FABP1, and PPARα findings could be useful in evaluating lipid and energy metabolism in subclinical and clinical forms of pregnancy toxemia. Since this study was based on blood samples from individually reared sheep herds, many environmental factors (e.g., housing, nutrition, and population density) could not be considered. For this reason, it is thought that there is a need for experimental studies in which environmental variables can be controlled.

Stereomicroscopic and scanning electron microscopic observations of the forestomach mucosa of Akkaraman sheep fed with straw-concentrate diet

Stereomicroscopic and scanning electron microscopic observations of the forestomach mucosa of Akkaraman sheep fed with straw-concentrate diet

Bingöl İlinde Halk Elinde Yetiştirilen Akkaraman ırkı Kuzuların Büyüme Performansının İncelenmesi

Bu çalışmada Bingöl’de yetiştirilen Akkaraman ırkı kuzuların altıncı ay canlı ağırlığına (AW) ve sütten kesim ağırlığına (WW) yaş, cinsiyet ve doğum tipi gibi faktörlerin etkisi ile doğum ağırlığı (BW) üzerinde yaş ve cinsiyetin etkileri araştırılmıştır. Faktöriyel ANOVA testi sonucunda, AW değişkeni yaş, cinsiyet ve doğum tipi (p

Unusual localization of squamous cell carcinoma clinically mimicking mammary carcinoma in an Akkaraman sheep

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant epithelial tumor of skin. All species of animals are vulnerable to SCC and, sheep are very rarely developing this type of skin carcinoma. The purpose of this report was to describe unusual mammary lobe localization of SCC showing a great resemblance to the mammary tumor according to its gross and clinical examinations. The patient was brought to obstetrics and gynaecology department and, tumoral tissue was totally extirpated with a suspicion of mammary tumor. The diagnosis made as differentiated squamous cell carcinoma originated from the skin surface and invading through the dermis and subcutis but mammary gland parenchyma was remained intact. There are only few reports of SCC cases belonging to the skin of the mammary area in sheep. Therefore, it is thought that this case will make a scientific contribution with its originality and rarity.

Genomic Analysis of Gastrointestinal Parasite Resistance in Akkaraman Sheep.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been used as an effective tool to understand the genetics of complex traits such as gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) resistance. The aim of this study was to understand the genetics of gastrointestinal parasite (nematodes, Moniezia spp., Eimeria spp.) resistance in Akkaraman sheep by performing genomic heritability estimations and conducting GWAS to uncover responsible genomic regions. This is one of the first studies to examine the genetic resistance of Akkaraman sheep to the tapeworm parasite. The samples from 475 animals were genotyped using the Axiom 50K Ovine Genotyping Array. Genomic heritability estimates ranged from 0.00 to 0.34 for parasite resistance traits. This indicates that measured phenotypes have low to moderate heritability estimates. A total of two genome-wide significant SNP associated with TNEM3 and ATRNL1 genes and 10 chromosome-wide significant SNPs related with 10 genes namely NELL1, ST6GALNAC3, HIPK1, SYT1, ALK, ZNF596, TMCO5A, PTH2R, LARGE1, and SCG2 were suggested as candidates for parasite resistance traits. The majority of these candidate genes were involved in several basic biological processes that are essential and important for immune system functions and cellular growth; specifically, inflammatory responses, cellular transport, cell apoptosis, cell differentiation, histone de-acetylation, and endocytosis. These results have implications for animal breeding program studies due to the effect that the genetic background has on parasite resistance, which underlies many productive, health, and wellness-related traits.

Use of a Global Positioning System (GPS) to Manage Extensive Sheep Farming and Pasture Land

The terrestrial climate is not sufficient to produce enough food to meet the roughage needs of the animals benefiting from the pasture lands because of excessive and early grazing of those areas. Plant growth is adversely affected in pastures that are not uniformly grazed. Tracking animals using the Global Positioning System (GPS) is a very important factor in determining the uniform distribution of grazing animals in a pasture, increasing the utilization rate of the pasture, and saving costs and time. With GPS tracking systems, establishing more effective pasture-use systems by monitoring the feeding regimes of small animals, the status of feed in the pasture, and the grazing behavior of the animals would be possible. The present study aimed to investigate the use of GPS for pasture and herd management in Turkey in addition to using the traditional techniques.In the present study conducted in the village of Köseyusuflu in Yozgat Province in May 2017, 2018, and 2019, grazing benefits that were determined from the pasture containing two Akkaraman sheep herds were recorded using GPS tracking devices. The results suggested that the area covered with vegetation along the sheep’s spring grazing routes varied between 43.6 and 62.9%, the ratio of legumes in the pasture grass in the low grazing areas was between 0.50 and 4.10%, and the grass species were between 12.75 and 44.50%. We determined that the sheep in herd A traveled between 7.6 and 9.9 km, while the sheep in herd B traveled between 4.7 and 5.7 km daily, and the two herds grazed an average of between 122 and 254 daa.

Estimates of genomic heritability and genome-wide association studies for blood parameters in Akkaraman sheep

The aim of this study was to estimate genomic heritability and the impact that genetic backgrounds have on blood parameters in Akkaraman sheep by conducting genome-wide association studies and regional heritability mapping analysis. Genomic heritability estimates for blood parameters ranged from 0.00 to 0.55, indicating that measured phenotypes have a low to moderate heritability. A total of 7 genome- and 13 chromosome-wide significant SNPs were associated with phenotypic changes in 15 blood parameters tested. Accordingly, SCN7A, SCN9A, MYADM-like, CCDC67, ITGA9, MGAT5, SLC19A1, AMPH, NTRK2, MSRA, SLC35F3, SIRT6, CREB3L3, and NAV3 genes as well as three undefined regions (LOC101117887, LOC106991526 and LOC105608461) were suggested as candidates. Most of the identified genes were involved in basic biological processes that are essential to immune system function and cellular growth; specific functions include cellular transport, histone deacetylation, cell differentiation, erythropoiesis, and endocytosis. The top significant SNP for HCT, MCH, and MCHC was found within a genomic region mainly populated by the MYADM-like gene family. This region was previously suggested to be under historical selection pressure in many sheep breeds from various parts of the world. These results have implications on animal breeding program studies due to the effect that the genetic background has on blood parameters, which underlying many productive and wellness related traits.

Proteolysis and lipolysis in Tulum cheeses ripened in plastic barrels and goat skin bags made using Penicillium roqueforti 41 strain

In this research, Tulum cheeses were manufactured from raw (R, RM, RT, and RMT samples) and pasteurized Akkaraman sheep milk cheeses (P and PM samples). Tulum cheeses were manufactured with Penicillium roqueforti 41 strain (RM, PM, RMT samples) and without mold strains (R, P, and RT samples). The cheeses were ripened in plastic barrels (R, RM, P, and PM samples) or goat skin bags (called tulum) (RT and RMT samples) for 120 days at + 4 °C. In the last two stages of the ripening period (60 d =90th and 90 d=120th), samples in plastic barrels and tulums were pierced using a needle to allow air entrance. Namely, in the last two stages of the ripening period, all cheese samples were drilled. The cheese was named 60 d = 90th day, which means that it was analyzed on the 90th day after the drilling (piercing) process on the 60th day, and 90 d = 120th day, which means that it was analyzed on the 120th day after the drilling process on the 90th day. The physical, chemical composition, lipolysis, and proteolysis levels of the RT and RMT samples were found to be higher than those of the R, RM, P, and PM samples. The inoculated mold strain (P. roqueforti 41) enhanced the proteolysis and lipolysis levels of the RM, PM, and RMT samples, especially after the piercing operation. Additionally, the inoculated P. roqueforti 41 strain increased the hydrolysis of hydrophobic peptides of RM, PM, and RMT samples depending on mold growth on the 60 d = 90th and 90 d = 120th days of ripening, in which a piercing operation was applied.

Anatomy of parotid gland and its secretory ducts in sheep.

The parotid gland in sheep ends freely in front of the masseter muscle, and paracondylary section of occipital bone and extends deep until pterygoid extends of sphenoid bone and hyoid bone. The structure of salivary glands in mammals has been thoroughly studied using histological and sialographic method. This study aimed to reveal the detailed anatomic features and race-specific differences of the canal system of the parotid glands in Akkaraman sheep by using the corrosion cast technique. Thirteen sheep parotid glands from 7 Akkaraman sheep were used in this study. Parotid glands were removed from their places with ducts. Measurements were made with a calliper from back to front, top to bottom and inside to outside. After dissection of the parotid glands, their volumes were measured according to the 'Archimedes principle'. Also, 13 sheep parotid glands were examined using the polyester resin method. In the present study, our average metric results were: length of parotid duct was 10.92 ± 1.027 cm, length of parotid gland was 5.87 ± 1.04 cm, volume of parotid gland was 12.50 ± 2.48 cm³, thickness of parotid gland was 0.75 ± 0.36 cm and width of parotid gland was 4.07 ± 0.43 cm. The average weight of the parotid gland of Akkaraman sheep was identified as 25.3 g. Accessory parotid gland was not encountered in the current study. It was observed that polyester entered into the parotid duct and filled up until the acinus and made both acinus and secretory ducts well-examined in this study. It was also observed that the parotid gland consisted of lobes and lobules. The average number of lobes was 12. The number of lobules in a lobe varied between 3 and 16, each lobe consisted of an average of 9 lobules. It was found that each lobe has its own lobar duct.

Genetic Parameters and Genomic Regions Underlying Growth and Linear Type Traits in Akkaraman Sheep.

In the current study, the genetic architecture of growth and linear type traits were investigated in Akkaraman sheep. Estimations of genomic heritability, genetic correlations, and phenotypic correlations were implemented for 17 growth and linear type traits of 473 Akkaraman lambs by the univariate and multivariate analysis of animal mixed models. Correspondingly, moderate heritability estimates, as well as high and positive genetic/phenotypic correlations were found between growth and type traits. On the other hand, 2 genome-wide and 19 chromosome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms were found to be associated with the traits as a result of animal mixed model-based genome-wide association analyses. Accordingly, we propose several genes located on different chromosomes (e.g., PRDM2, PTGDR, PTPRG, KCND2, ZNF260, CPE, GRID2, SCD5, SPIDR, ZNF407, HCN3, TMEM50A, FKBP1A, TLE4, SP1, SLC44A1, and MYOM3) as putative quantitative trait loci for the 22 growth and linear type traits studied. In our study, specific genes (e.g., TLE4, PTGDR, and SCD5) were found common between the traits studied, suggesting an interplay between the genetic backgrounds of these traits. The fact that four of the proposed genes (TLE4, MYOM3, SLC44A1, and TMEM50A) are located on sheep chromosome 2 confirms the importance of these genomic regions for growth and morphological structure in sheep. The results of our study are therefore of great importance for the development of efficient selection indices and marker-assisted selection programs, as well as for the understanding of the genetic architecture of growth and linear traits in sheep.

Akkaraman Koyun Irkında Kalpastatin (CAST) ve Büyüme Farklılaşma Faktörü 9 (GDF9) Genlerin Polimorfizmi

Objective: In this study, the gene polymorphisms of Calpastatin (CAST) and Growth Differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) were determined in Akkaraman sheep breed.Material and Methods: Genomic DNA was obtained from blood samples of 50 Akkaraman sheep. All samples for CAST and GDF9 were genotyped by the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method using the enzymes MspI and Hhal.Results: Three (MM, MN, and NN) and two (GG and GA) genotypes, respectively, were detected at the CAST and GDF9 genes. The frequencies of the genotypes MM, MN and NN were determined to be 44 %, 54 % and 2 %, respectively. The frequencies of the GG and GA genotypes were found to be 84 % and 16 %, respectively. The AA genotype was not found.Conclusion: The study showed for the first time that the Akkaraman breed carries the GDF9 G1 mutation and has sufficient variation in the CAST. Previous studies provided that both genes can be used as biomarkers for increasing lambing yield and growth rates. Therefore, in order for the studied genes to be used as biomarkers in the Akkaraman breed, association studies should first be performed.

The Effect of Progestin Source on Some Reproductive Performance in Akkaraman Ewes

This study was conducted to determine the effect of progestin source on some reproductive performance, lamb birth weight and lamb mortality rate in Akkaraman ewes. A total of 40 Akkaraman sheep breed with similar body weight (51.3 ± 1.5 kg) and at least two parturitions were used as experimental animals. In all ewes, the intramuscular injection of PGF2α (2.5 mg) was administered 96 hours before estrus synchronization to obtain corpus luteum regression. The ewes were allocated randomly into two groups according to body weight and ages. Estrus of ewes in the first group (n=20) were synchronized with an intra-vaginal CIDR device containing 0.30 g of natural progesterone. Estrus of ewes in the second group (n=20) were synchronized with an intra-vaginal sponge containing 30 mg flugestone acetate (FGA). CIDR and sponge were withdrawn following 12 days and 600 IU PMSG were injected intramuscularly. After 24 hours from injections, all ewes were introduced to Akkaraman rams and ewes in estrus were recorded. There were no significant differences between natural and synthetic progesterone applications in terms of estrus rate, gestation rate and duration of gestation in Akkaraman ewes. Additionally, lamb birth weight and lamb mortality rates were similar in both experimental groups. However, the application of CIDR increased the total and multiple lamb birth rates of Akkaraman ewes (P