Awassi Ewes Research Articles

Addition of selenium nanoscale to high diets with wheat bran and its effect on milk production and composition in Awassi ewes

Addition of selenium nanoscale to high diets with wheat bran and its effect on milk production and composition in Awassi ewes

The investigation of SNP in SOCS2 gene and its effect on milk yield, fat, protein, and somatic cell count in Awassi ewes.

Livestock farmers face financial losses every year because milk yield and components are severely affected by udder diseases. These udder infections attract the immune response from the host and lead to the influx of neutrophils into milk to fight infection and thus the number of somatic cell count (SCC) is increased. The SCC value of milk could be used as an important indicator in detecting clinical mastitis in dairy animals. Also, the milk yield and milk quality (e.g. fat) are negatively affected by the increased SCC. The SCC is used to estimate the somatic cell score (SCS)of the milk, which is used as an indirect measure to detect subclinical mastitis. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of a significant SNP rs868996547, on the suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 gene (SOCS2) which is related to milk yield and milk quality in Awassi sheep. In this study, milk production data was obtained from 210 healthy Awassi ewes with different parties and ages. The general linear model (GLM) process analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine fixed effects on milk traits. The DNA extraction was done using a blood DNA extraction kit from Qiagen. To validate the presence of SNP a customized SNP detection developed by Thermofisher Scientific was used. The presence of the SNP in the SOCS2 gene was detected with genotypes (C/T, T/T, and C/C) and T being the mutated allele and it had a significant (p < 0.015) effect on the milk yield (p < 0,015;0.091), fat (p < 0,001;0,003), fat/protein ratio (p < 0.001;0,037) and log10SCC value (p < 0,006;0,015) of Awassi ewes. However, the protein, total solid, and lactose percentages in the wild type and the mutated ewes found having no significant difference (P > 0.05). Our result showed the increase in SCC or SCS of the milk significantly affected the milk yield and composition. Parity and age had significant effects on ewes' milk yield (p < 0.001). In conclusion, we investigated the presence of SOCS2 gene of Awassi ewes in the study flock and its effect on milk yield, fat, and somatic cell count, and the change in milk composition and milk yield because of SCC.

Reproductive Performance and Physiological Responses in Awassi Ewes Under Intravaginal Sponges Application and Fed Selenium and Vitamin E

Reproductive Performance and Physiological Responses in Awassi Ewes Under Intravaginal Sponges Application and Fed Selenium and Vitamin E

Effect of post-mating GnRH or TAK-683 (Kisspeptin analog) treatment on the reproductive performance and serum progesterone concentration in ewes during the non-breeding season

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of post-mating GnRH or TAK-683 (kisspeptin analog) treatment on serum progesterone (P4) concentrations and fertility parameters of ewes during the non-breeding season. One hundred and twenty multiparous, lactating Awassi ewes were used. For estrus synchronization, vaginal sponges containing 60 mg of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) were inserted into the vagina and kept there for nine days. On the day of sponge removal (day 0), 500 IU of eCG and 75 µg of d-cloprostenol were given intramuscularly. Rams were introduced in the flock 24 h after sponge removal and kept with the ewes for 26 days, allowing a second mating period after synchronized estrus. On the fourth day after mating (day 6) the ewes mated by the rams between the 24th and 72nd hours (n = 105) were randomly divided into three groups. Control group (n = 36) received 1 ml of saline solution subcutaneously; GnRH group (n = 34) received 4 μg of buserelin acetate intramuscularly; TAK-683 group (n = 35) received 5 μg of TAK-683 acetate subcutaneously. Blood samples were taken to measure serum P4 concentrations (ng/ml) at sponge insertion and on the 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, 19th, 35th, and 50th days after sponge removal. Pregnancy diagnosis was conducted via serum P4 concentration measurement on the 19th day and transrectal ultrasonography on days 35 and 50. The results showed that GnRH treatment (4.823 ± 0.238; 2.151 ± 0.272) increased (P<0.05) the mean P4 concentration (ng/ml) in pregnant and non-pregnant ewes during the first mating period compared to Control (3.708 ± 0.207; 1.515 ± 0.164), while TAK-683 treatment (4.457 ± 0.181; 1.967 ± 0.213) was not different between groups. GnRH (58.82 %) and TAK-683 (42.10 %) treatments increased the pregnancy rate in the second mating period in comparison to the Control group (17.39 %) (P<0.05). Cumulative pregnancy and fecundity rates were higher in GnRH (79.41 %; 120.58 %) and TAK-683 (68.57 %; 100.0 %) groups than in the Control group (17.39 %; 58.33 %) (P<0.05). There was no difference in late embryonic loss rate among the groups (P>0.05), whereas early fetal loss rate tended to be lower in the TAK-683 (0 %) and GnRH (0 %) groups than in the Control group (15.38 %) (P=0.07). The total pregnancy loss rate (from day 19 to day 50 post-mating) was lower in GnRH (0 %) and TAK-683 (0 %) groups relative to the Control group (21.42 %) (P<0.05). There were no statistical differences among the groups in terms of the first mating period pregnancy rate, twinning rate, and litter size (P>0.05). As a result, treatment with GnRH and TAK-683 on the fourth day after mating increased fecundity in lactating ewes outside the breeding season by preventing total pregnancy losses (from day 19 to day 50) and increasing second mating pregnancy rates.

Novel single nucleotide polymorphism G216A of hormone-sensitive lipase gene associated with Awassi sheep reproduction

BackgroundLitter size plays a crucial role in determining profitability in the sheep industry. Breeding sheep with high litter sizes could be enhanced by selecting candidate genes. One gene affecting sheep's reproductive performance is the hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) gene. As a result, this study investigated whether the HSL gene variation influenced the fertility of Awassi ewes. The genomic DNA was extracted from 52 singleton ewes and 48 twin ewes. The HSL gene exon 9 (278 bp) was amplified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultsStudy results revealed two genotypes identified in the 278-bp amplicons: GG and GA. Molecular sequence analysis identified a novel mutation in the GA genotype 216G > A. The statistical analysis revealed a significant association between the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 216A > G and reproductive performance. Ewes with the SNP 216G > A genotype exhibited significantly increased litter sizes, twinning rates, lambing rates, and fewer days to lambing compared to ewes with GG genotypes (P ≤ 0.05). The logistic regression analysis results provided strong evidence that the 216G > A mutation significantly increased litter sizes.ConclusionsThis study concluded that variant 216G > A SNP positively impacts Awassi sheep reproduction. There is a higher litter size and more prolificacy in ewes with the 216G > A SNP than in those without the SNP.

Effect of PITX2 gene polymorphism on growth traits in Awassi ewes

Effect of PITX2 gene polymorphism on growth traits in Awassi ewes

Comparison of Growth Hormone Genetic Polymorphism in Awassi Ewes and Their Newborns Using PCR-RFLP Technology

Comparison of Growth Hormone Genetic Polymorphism in Awassi Ewes and Their Newborns Using PCR-RFLP Technology

Diagnosis of Pregnancy in Iraqi Awassi Ewes Through Progesterone Hormone Measurement and Ultrasonography Following Induction of Fertile Estrus with Sulpiride

Diagnosis of Pregnancy in Iraqi Awassi Ewes Through Progesterone Hormone Measurement and Ultrasonography Following Induction of Fertile Estrus with Sulpiride

The impact of feeding date palm by products on the reproduction of Awassi ewe in the Qatari environment

The impact of feeding date palm by products on the reproduction of Awassi ewe in the Qatari environment

Profiling several key milk miRNAs and analysing their signalling pathways in dairy sheep breeds during peak and late lactation.

The comprehensive understanding of microRNAs (miRNAs) in sheep milk during various lactation periods and their impact on milk yield and composition remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the expression patterns of four highly expressed miRNAs in sheep milk and their association with milk composition and yield parameters during peak and late lactation stages. A total of 40 healthy 4-year-old Akkaraman (n = 20) and Awassi (n = 20) ewes registered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of the Republic of Türkiye were used in the present study. For miRNA isolation from milk, the Qiagen miRNeasy Serum/Plasma Advanced Kit was utilised following the manufacturer's instructions. The expression levels of miRNAs were assessed using Qiagen miRNA PCR Assays. The significant fold changes in the expression levels of oar-miR-30a-5p, oar-miR-148a and oar-miR-181a were observed between peak and late lactation periods in the Awassi sheep breed. Conversely, only oar-miR-30a-5p and oar-miR-148a exhibited statistically significant changes in the Akkaraman sheep breed during the same lactation periods. Furthermore, oar-miR-21-5p demonstrated a significant fold change exclusively in peak lactation compared to Akkaraman and Awassi ewes. The findings suggest that the expression of the analysed miRNAs is influenced by both the lactation stage and different sheep breeds. This study offers valuable insights into the relationship between key miRNA expressions in sheep milk and milk composition and yield parameters during peak and late lactation, contributing to the existing knowledge in this field.

The addition of Citrus aurantium leaves and tomato pomace in the diet of Awassi ewes and the impact on milk composition and matured cheese

The purpose of this study was to use concentrated feed alternatives with other less expensive feed alternatives in feeding the Awassi ewes and the impact on milk composition and matured cheese. A total of twenty Awassi ewes were used, they were selected in the middle of lactation and divided into two homogeneous groups with weights (47±1.7 kg) and aged 3-4 years, given two different servings of feed (1.5 kg/sheep/day) Milk composition was measured weekly, to make cheese, raw milk control (CON) and Citrus aurantium leaves and tomato pomace (CALTP) is kept separately and chilled. Results indicated that fat and total solid content were high in milk and cheese manufactured in the diet that contained CALTP; the proportion of medium-chain fatty acids (c10-c16) and free fatty acids was lower compared to the diet (CON). While the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) in the diet increased CALTP. Therefore, the inclusion of CALTP in the diet is helpful because it has a positive impact on the composition of milk and mature cheese, reduces the cost of the diet and helps recycle byproducts.

Echotextural evaluation of ultrasonographic images of the uterus in non-pregnant and pregnant Awassi ewes using computer-assisted image analysis

The aim of this study is to determine how physiological changes occurring in the uterus during early pregnancy affect echotexture values by computer-assisted analysis of ultrasonographic images of the uterus in pregnant and non-pregnant ewes. It was also aimed to clarify the relationship between the echotextural parameters and progesterone (P4) hormone in this period. A total of 40 Awassi ewes were used in the study, as Group 1 (n=20) not pregnant ewes, and Group 2 (n=20) pregnant ewes. Transrectal ultrasonography was applied on days 4, 7, 10, 13, 15, 16, and 17 after natural mating and the uterus tissue images were recorded. Blood samples were taken for the measurement of progesterone hormone. Measurements were taken on the uterus ultrasonographic images of the mean grayness value (MGV), homogeneity (HOM), and contrast (CON). In the statistical analyses of the data, two-way repeated measures ANOVA were examined with variance analysis and the Pearson test. It was found a time-related significant difference in the echotexture parameters within the groups of the pregnant and non-pregnant ewes in respect of the MGV, HOM, and CON values (P<0.05). The MGV and HOM values in all the days when measurements were taken after natural mating were significantly higher in the non-pregnant ewes compared to the pregnant group (P<0.001). The CON value was significantly higher in the pregnant ewes than the non-pregnant ewes in all days of measurement after natural mating (P<0.001). A time-related statistically significant difference was determined in the serum P4 within the groups of pregnant and non-pregnant ewes (P<0.001) and it was higher in the pregnant ewes (P<0.001). A significant negative correlation was determined between P4 and MGV, and between P4 and HOM, and a significant positive correlation between P4 and CON. In conclusion, it was found a significant difference between the pregnant and non-pregnant ewes in respect of the echotextural evaluation of the uterus and the measurement of P4 hormone. In ewes farming, the early determination of pregnancy and early determination of ewes that are not pregnant gives the opportunity for repeat mating, and the evaluation of changes occurring in the uterus by computer-assisted image analysis can be used as an assistive method for providing additional nutrition in pregnant ewes.

Determination of udder and teat linear morphological traits in Awassi and Bafra (Chios × Karayaka) Ewes

This study was carried in order to evaluate the linear morphological characteristics of the udder and teats in the breeder conditions of Awassi and Bafra (Chios × Karayaka) ewes (Ovis aries) and to determine the udder types, lactation milk yield and the lactation period of the ewes. One hundred two Awassi and 61 Bafra ewes were included in the study. The means of the linear scores of udder depth, udder furrow, udder attachment, teat shape, teat angle and teat placement in Awassi ewes were determined as 6.10 ± 0.27, 6.33 ± 0.27, 4.49 ± 0.27, 6.49 ± 0.33, 3.98 ± 0.29, and 1.47 ± 0.14, respectively. The same parameters were determined as 6.31 ± 0.28, 6.77 ± 0.32, 5.72 ± 0.24, 1.20 ± 0.11, 1.72 ± 0.26, and 1.20 ± 0.11, respectively, in Bafra ewes. Significant differences were found between Awassi and Bafra breeds in terms of udder types (P&lt;0.01). The type 3 udder, suitable for milking, was determined at the highest rate in both breeds, but type 2 udder was not detected in Awassi ewes. Statistically significant differences were found between Awassi and Bafra ewes in terms of linear morphological characteristics of udder and teat, udder attachment, teat shape, teat angle and 60th day milk yield, daily average milk yield and lactation period (P&lt;0.01). Lactation milk yield and lactation period were calculated as 139.85 ± 5.31 kg and 208.53 ± 4.471 days, respectively, in Awassi ewes and 145.91 ± 9.97 kg and 175.23 ± 4.635 days in Bafra ewes, respectively. As a result, in order for linear udder characteristics to be used safely as an indirect selection criterion, there is a need for studies with a higher number of ewes and to calculate the repeatability and heritability.

Effects of feeding pomegranate seed pulp and coconut meal by-products on milk yield, milk quality, and metabolic responses of Awassi ewes and pre-weaning growth.

Feeding by-products, such as pomegranate seed pulp (PSP) and coconut meal (COC), to livestock may enhance production efficiency and increase profits. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PSP and COC on milk production, body weight change, metabolic response (Exp. 1), digestibility, and N balance (Exp. 2). Twenty-four ewes nursing single lambs were randomly assigned to one of three diets: Control (CON) (n = 8), 7.5% PSP (n = 8), and 7.5% COC (n = 8) of dry matter (DM). Every sheep was born 3-4 days before the start of the experiment. The 1st week of the experiment was devoted to diet adaptation, while the data were collected during the following 8 weeks (Exp. 1). Nine lambs were randomly assigned to one of the three diets for intensive data collection to evaluate the diet digestibility and animal nitrogen (N) balance (Exp. 2). The data were analyzed using the MIXED SAS procedures. The PSP group consumed more DM, followed by the COC and CON groups. For lambs, the final BW, total gain, and average daily gain in the PSP group were greater (p < 0.05) than those in the COC and CON groups. The CON group had lower milk output, total solids, protein, fat, and lactose levels than the PSP and COC groups (p < 0.05). The cost of milk production was lower (p < 0.05) in the PSP and COC diet groups than in the CON group. Blood serum parameters were similar among the dietary groups, except for total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein, which were higher in the COC group than in the CON group. No differences were observed in nutrient digestibility and N balance. Feeding PSP and COC to nursing ewes appears beneficial because it increases milk production and pre-weaning lamb growth and reduces milk production cost.

Evaluation of the STAT1 mRNA expression in peripheral blood cells as a predictive marker of early pregnancy in Awassi ewes

The primary objective of this study was to measure the expression profile of the signal transducer activator transcription 1 (STAT1) in the circulatory leukocytes of non-pregnant/pregnant ewes and test the possibility that it could be useful for detecting early pregnancy. Whole blood was collected from 20 ewes (control) and another 5 samples were taken on days (15, 25, 35, and 50). Also, blood was collected from 30 ewes on day 15 post insemination (PI) and another 10 samples were taken on days (25, 35, and 50) PI. Total RNA was isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs), and STAT1 expression levels were determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Gene expression for STAT1 mRNA was 5.8-fold and 5.1 times higher in gravid as opposed to non-gravid ewes. The reliable cut-off point &gt; 1.45 was established using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and the accuracy (Acc) for detecting pregnancy was 82%, 93%, 70% and 60%, and the sensitivity (Se) was 83%, 80%, 60% and 33% and Specificity (Sp) 95% on days 15, 25, 35 and 50, respectively. The mRNA expression was lower in ewes that control non-pregnant than pregnant ewes on days 15 and 25. So The best period to detect pregnancy was 15-25 days PI.

Detection of Drug Resistance Staphylococcus Aureus from Sheep Mastitis Milk

Detection of Drug Resistance Staphylococcus Aureus from Sheep Mastitis Milk

Genetic analysis of test-day milk yield in sheep recorded at two governmental breeding and multiplication centers in Ethiopia

ABSTRACT One aim was to compare four classes of ewes for test-day milk yield (TDMY). The classes are the local Menz breed, the Awassi breed, and their main crossbreds (50 and 75%). Another aim was to estimate variance components to facilitate the prediction of breeding values and their accuracy. A total of 1040 TDMY records of 211 ewes were used. A univariate repeatability model with Legendre polynomial coefficients were used to model lactation curves. The 100% Awassi ewes produced significantly (p < 0.05) more milk than the other studied ewe groups within 120 Days in milk (DIM). The Local ewes produced significantly less than the other groups. Estimates of heritability (h 2) and repeatability (r) of TDMY were 0.10 ± 0.08 and 0.15 ± 0.03, respectively. The genetic variance indicated for TDMY could give a genetic gain in the dissemination program if recorded for all ewes at the two centres.

The efficiency of real-time ultrasonography to assess early pregnancy and fetal number in first trimester period for Awassi ewes

The efficiency of real-time ultrasonography to assess early pregnancy and fetal number in first trimester period for Awassi ewes

Rapid diagnosis of the most common causes of abortion in Awassi ewes in Nineveh Governorate, Iraq

The study aimed to determine the rates of infection with the most common causes of abortion by Rapid methods of diagnosis, and abortion rates in the governorate’s areas. Rapid methods of diagnosis are important to help the veterinarian in diagnosing abortions in order to reduce the economic loss of sheep by taking the appropriate decision and treatment within a short time. This study was conducted on 92 samples (46 vaginal swabs, 46 blood) representing 60 flocks, the study was conducted from August 2022 to January 2023. The following tests were used, FASTest CHLAM Ag rapid screening test for Chlamydia, Rose Bengal Agglutination Test for Brucella, and Latex agglutination test for Toxoplasma. Results indicate that 13/46 positive samples were 28.26% for chlamydia, 29/46 positive samples 63.04% for Brucella, and 17/46 positive samples 36.95% for toxoplasma. It has been concluded that with a high infection rate of Chlamydia abortus in ewes in Nineveh, the rapid test was ideal for the diagnosis of Chlamydia. A high infection rate of Chlamydia in the center and northern areas of Nineveh.

The Biological Impact of Co-Treatment with Coenzyme Q10 and Zinc Methionine on Some Biochemical Parameters in Awassi Ewes

This study was conducted in the Department of Animal Production, College of Agriculture, University of Tikrit, to study the impact of treatment with Coenzyme Q10 and Zinc Methionine on some blood biochemical parameters in Awassi lambs. A total of 20 Awassi lambs, aged between 4 and 4.5 months, with an average weight of 21.71 ± 0.34 kg, were utilized and randomly assigned to five treatment groups. The first group received distilled water, while the second and third groups were administered Coenzyme Q10 at doses of 25 and 50 mg per 5 ml of water per animal, respectively. The fourth and fifth groups received a combination of Coenzyme Q10 and Zinc Methionine at doses of (25 mg of Q10/ 5 ml of water/animal + 100 mg of zinc/ animal) and (50 mg of Q10/5 ml of water/animal + 100 mg of zinc/animal), respectively. The results of this study revealed significant (P ≤ 0.05) increases in the levels of total proteins and albumin in the blood of animals in the fifth, fourth, and third treatment groups compared to the first and second groups. Moreover, a significant increase in globulin levels was observed in the fifth and third treatment groups compared to the other groups 90 days after treatment. Additionally, there was a significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in the total cholesterol level in the blood serum of animals in the fifth treatment group compared to the other groups. Furthermore, there was a significant (P ≤ 0.05) reduction in the levels of triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as a significant reduction in atherogenic index in the treated animals compared to the control group. Additionally, there was a significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the blood serum of animals in the fifth and fourth treatment groups compared to the control group, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels showed a significant increase in the fifth and fourth treatment groups compared to the control group after 90 days of treatment.