Blood Of Ewes Research Articles

Productivity and resistance of sheep depending on the grazing period duration

Abstract The purpose of the research is to establish the productive qualities and resistance of the sheep organism at different periods of keeping sheep on pastures. Studies on improving the pasture use system were carried out on three groups of sheep with the beginning of the pasture season on April 25: Group I – with the end of the pasture season on October 15, II – on November 15, and III – on December 15. The data obtained indicate that the females kept on pastures for a longer time exceeded their peers of other groups by 1.6-2.0 kg in live weight. Before being driven to pastures on April 20, their live weight also turned out to be higher by 0.8-1.2 kg, and during their stay on pastures – by 0.7-1.6 kg, which indicates the expediency of longer grazing of sheep. In terms of live weight, the superiority of late weaning compared to the average was 1.25%, over group I (early term) – 5.23% (P>0.95). The blood of young ewes with a long grazing period contained more leukocytes, gamma globulins, erythrocytes and, most importantly, hemoglobin.

Assessment of the hormonal and antioxidant status of the sheep of different age groups

The purpose of the research was to study some indicators of antioxidant and hormonal status in the body of ewes and young sheep of the Romanov breed, as well as to identify correlations between the studied indicators. The experiment was carried out in the physiological yard of the L.K. Ernst Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry in spring of 2022 with stall housing, on 2 groups of ewes (30 days, n = 15 and 90 days after lambing, n = 14) and 3 groups of young Romanov breed (aged 1, n = 15, 3, n = 14 and 4 months, n = 13). Indicators of antioxidant and hormonal status were determined in the blood. Mathematical and statistical processing of the results was carried out using methods of descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, and correlation analysis. The high level of total antioxidant status in the blood of ewes 3 months after lambing (2.38 mmol/l) indicates successful adaptation to oxidative stress and LPO accumulation through the use of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. In the blood of lambs upon weaning, the maximum accumulation of TBA-AP is observed compared to animals at one month of age (3.49 versus 3.21 μM/l at p≤0.05), which is compensated by the body by increasing the level of ceruloplasmin and catalase number. At an older age, the body shows adequate adaptation to post-weaning stress, which is manifested in a decrease in the level of TBA-AP by 24.93 % (p≤0.05), an increase in the concentration of ceruloplasmin, a decrease in peroxidase activity (by 28.47 % at p≤0.001 and 8.13 %, compared with the age of 1 and 3 months, respectively), increasing the TBA-AP/CP ratio. The acquired knowledge about age-related and physiological changes in LPO, AOD and hormonal status will be useful in assessing the health status and will help to provide timely preventive measures that increase the adaptive capabilities of the sheep’s body and the fullest realization of the genetic potential of productivity.

The Biophysiological Impact of Alcoholic Extract of Turamic with or without Folic Acid in Awassi Ewes, Comparative Study

The aim of the study was to demonstrate the physiological effectiveness of the alcoholic extract of curcumin with or without the addition of folic acid in some blood measurements and biochemical characteristics blood of adult ewes, compare the coefficients and find the best treatment in terms of positive changes to the physiological status of the animal’s body. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of alcoholic extract of curcumin at a concentration of (100 mg/mL/kg) and folic acid at a concentration of (8 mg/ mL/kg) and their combination based on these coefficients in twenty ewes and for sixty days. the current study indicated effect of alcoholic extract of curcumin and folic acid and curcumin-folic acid mixture groups as a decrease in blood sugar and total protein levels, an increase in blood albumin levels and a decrease in liver enzymes represented by Aspartate Aminotransferase and Alanine Aminotransferase. This study was concluded that using of alcoholic extract of turmeric and folic acid alone and as a combination led to significant and vital changes in some of the chemical qualities of Awassi sheep in terms of a decrease in blood sugar and total protein levels, in conjunction with an increase in serum albumin levels and a decrease in liver enzymes in the study parameters.

Genetic Variation of rs429976637, rs416717560, rs403555643 and rs427046713 in BMPRP1B Gene and its Frequency of Awassi Sheep

Bone protein receptor gene (BMPR1B) is a significant fertility gene found in sheep globally and associated to reproductive and fertility features. This study verified the relationship between the BMPR1B gene’s 893 G A SNP1, SNP2, SNP3, and SNP4 C T 893. 35 Awassi ewe blood samples were acquired from the Agricultural Research Department in Anbar Governorate – Al Dawar, followed by DNA extraction to validate the BMPR1B gene and PCR amplification. The Sanger Sequences technique of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was employed to determine each ewe’s special alleles using the gene primer. Four BMPR1B gene sites had substantially varied genotype and allele frequencies (P < 0.01). The association study indicated that the rs429976637 (G>A) locus had three polymorphisms, GG, GA, and AA, with percentages of 92.16, 7.68, and 0.16%, respectively, and allelic frequencies of G - 0.96 and A-0.04. Polymorphisms differed (P=0.01). rs416717560 (G>A) had three polymorphisms: GG, GA, and AA. The allelic frequency of the G alleles was 0.91, and polymorphism was 82.82, 16.38, and 0.80%. Polymorphism differed by 0.09 (P=0.01). The rs403555643 locus (A>G) has three polymorphisms, AA, AG, and GG, with percentages of 92.14, 7.68, and 0.16%, respectively, and allelic frequencies of A-0.96 and G - 0.04 (P < 0.01). The locus rs427046713 (C>T) had three polymorphisms, CC, CT, and TT, with percentages of 94.09, 5.82, and 0.09%, respectively. The allelic frequency of C alleles was 0.97- and T 0.03--P < 0.01. The allelic frequency of the BMPR1B gene for four loci is considerably greater for genotypes GG, GG, AA, and CC.

The Effect of Dietary Supplementation with Probiotic and Postbiotic Yeast Products on Ewes Milk Performance and Immune Oxidative Status.

The administration of yeast products as feed additives has been proven to beneficially affect animal productivity through energy, oxidative, and immune status improvement. This study evaluated a combination of Saccharomyces cerevisiae live yeast (LY) with yeast postbiotics (rich in mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) and beta-glucans) and selenium (Se)-enriched yeast on ewes' milk performance and milk quality, energy and oxidative status, and gene expression related to their immune system during the peripartum period. Ewes were fed a basal diet (BD; F:C = 58:42 prepartum and 41:59 postpartum) including inorganic Se (CON; n = 27), the BD supplemented with a LY product, and inorganic Se (AC; n = 29), as well as the combination of the LY, a product of yeast fraction rich in MOS and beta-glucans, and organic-Se-enriched yeast (ACMAN; n = 26) from 6 weeks prepartum to 6 weeks postpartum. The β-hydroxybutyric acid concentration in the blood of AC and ACMAN ewes was lower (compared to the CON) in both pre- and postpartum periods (p < 0.010). Postpartum, milk yield was increased in the AC and ACMAN Lacaune ewes (p = 0.001). In addition, the activity of superoxide dismutase (p = 0.037) and total antioxidant capacity (p = 0.034) measured via the 2,2-Azino-bis (3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) method was increased in the blood plasma of the ACMAN postpartum. Higher ABTS values were also found (p = 0.021), while protein carbonyls were reduced (p = 0.023) in the milk of the treated groups. The relative transcript levels of CCL5 and IL6 were downregulated in the monocytes (p = 0.007 and p = 0.026 respectively), and those of NFKB were downregulated in the neutrophils of the ACMAN-fed ewes postpartum (p = 0.020). The dietary supplementation of ewes with yeast postbiotics rich in MOS and beta-glucans, and organic Se, improved energy status, milk yield and some milk constituents, and oxidative status, with simultaneous suppression of mRNA levels of proinflammatory genes during the peripartum period.

Performance responses of lactating Rahmani ewes fed diet supplemented with Enterococcus faecium NRC-3 or Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Production of new types of probiotics for animal nutrition mainly depends on the appropriate bacterial strain and efficient substrate. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of two probiotic strains containing 1.2 × 108 (CFU/g), produced on permeate media on performance responses of Rahmani ewes. Thirty early lactating ewes (about 2–3 years old and weighting on average 43.2 ± 0.3 kg) were randomly divided into three groups of 10 animals each using a completely randomized design. The 1st group was fed the basal diet (60% concentrate feed mixture (CFM) + 30% Egyptian clover + 10% bean straw). While the ewes in 2nd and 3rd groups were fed the basal diet + 2 g of Enterococcus faecium NRC-3(EF) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LR), respectively for 9 weeks. Ewes’ diet supplementation with EF or LR increased (p < 0.05) dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and non-structural carbohydrates digestibility compared to ewes of the control group. Glucose, total protein, and albumin concentrations significantly increased in the blood of EF ewes than those of LR and control. Probiotics increased ewes’ milk yield as well as milk protein, fat, and lactose yields, but no differences were observed between treatments when milk components were expressed as percentage. Milk fatty acids profile not changed due to EF or LR supplementation. Probiotics (E. faecium and L. rhamnosus) produced on cheese industry waste (permeate) have proven their ability to improve the productive performance of the lactating Rahmani ewes.

Identification of clinical and biochemical markers of various forms of eclampsia in pregnant ewes

The clinical picture of the manifestation of various forms of eclampsia in pregnant ewes has been established, signs of a mild form of eclampsia in pregnant ewes are depression of the central nervous system. During the movements, the sheep staggered, the gait was uncertain. Quite often, there was a frozen pose, the animals stood with their necks outstretched and their heads held high. Characteristic signs of severe form are fibrillary twitching of the muscles of the ears, neck, and around the mouth. During the whole time, the animal was in a state of catalepsy. The sheep was lying on its side 8... 10 hours before its death, its limbs and neck were stretched out; it tried to throw its head back. Nervous excitement turned into a comatose state. Laboratory blood tests have established an increase in the level of ketone bodies above physiological limits by 2.3 times and their fractions — AcAs and HH, respectively, by 5.9 times and 1.5 times, a decrease in buffer bases to 18.41 ± 1.53 mmol/l, glucose concentration to 2.25±0.16 mmol/l, as well as the HH/AcAs coefficient to 1.53. The conducted ELISA of blood serum allowed us to obtain information about the levels of FSH, LH, etch radial values in the group of sheep with eclampsia and the control group, which significantly differed from each other (p&lt;0.05). The content of cortisol (21.4±3.47 ng/ml), as well as progesterone (11.2± 4.31 ng/ml) remains quite significant, which does not allow for metabolic processes. In the blood of ewes with eclampsia, an increase in the concentration of ketodiene intermediates and conjugated trines was found to be 1.75 times, and the content of manol dialdehyde was 1.125±0.34 mmol/l. An integrated approach to the examination of pregnant ewes in the framework of obstetric medical examination increases the diagnostic effectiveness of eclampsia detection by 24.3% compared to traditional research methods. The diagnostic sensitivity was 75.8%, the specificity of the test was 96.2%, the prognostic value of a positive result was 94.5%, and the prognostic value of a negative result was 83.9%.&gt;˂0.05). The content of cortisol (21.4±3.47 ng/ml), as well as progesterone (11.2± 4.31 ng/ml) remains quite significant, which does not allow for metabolic processes. In the blood of ewes with eclampsia, an increase in the concentration of ketodiene intermediates and conjugated trines was found to be 1.75 times, and the content of manol dialdehyde was 1.125±0.34 mmol/l. An integrated approach to the examination of pregnant ewes in the framework of obstetric medical examination increases the diagnostic effectiveness of eclampsia detection by 24.3% compared to traditional research methods. The diagnostic sensitivity was 75.8%, the specificity of the test was 96.2%, the prognostic value of a positive result was 94.5%, and the prognostic value of a negative result was 83.9%.

Influence of Organic Moringa oleifera Leaves Supplemented during Gestation and Lactation Periods: Modulation of Production Efficiency, Blood and Metabolic Parameters of Ewes and Lambs in Subtropics

Influence of Organic Moringa oleifera Leaves Supplemented during Gestation and Lactation Periods: Modulation of Production Efficiency, Blood and Metabolic Parameters of Ewes and Lambs in Subtropics

Metabolism disturbances among ruminants in the conditions of Kyrgyzstan

This article shows the change in metabolism of ruminants, which are bred in the highlands of Kyrgyzstan. Some of the most widespread diseases, such as ketosis, immune deficiencies of cows and ewes, as well as their newborn calves and lambs, have been studied. Experimental studies were carried out in the clinic of the Veterinary Medicine Faculty of the Kyrgyz National K.I. Scriabin Agrarian University using traditional methods used in veterinary medicine. Based on the conducted production and experimental studies, it was noted that in tested animals, namely the Kyrgyz Fine-wool breed sheep and the Alatau breed cows, metabolic pathologies in the form of ketosis and immune deficiencies are often recorded. Usually these diseases have interrelated etiopathogenetic mechanisms of development and therefore, the authors set the following goals and objectives: to study the mechanisms of development of ketosis in pregnant ewes and pregnant cows, as well as their newborn lambs and calves. And to reveal the features of changes in morpho-biochemical and immunological parameters of blood of ewes and their lambs of the Kyrgyz fine-wool breed, and cows and their calves of the Alatau breed.

Hazelnut Skin in Ewes' Diet: Effects on Colostrum Immunoglobulin G and Passive Transfer of Immunity to the Lambs.

Passive immunity transfer has a pivotal role in newborn lambs, where the colostrum represents the primary source of immunoglobulins. This study hypothesized that the high content in polyphenolic compounds, mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin E of hazelnut skin affects blood and colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration and related gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in sheep and their lambs. In the last 45 days of pregnancy, ewes were divided into a control (CTR) and a hazelnut skin supplemented group (HZN). Blood and colostrum were collected from ewes and lambs before the first suckling, at 24 and 48 h after birth, then IgG concentration, GGT and LDH activity levels were measured. IgG concentration in the colostrum and in lamb's serum were significantly greater in HZN than CTR. No significant difference was detected for ewe's blood. A significant positive correlation was found between IgG and GGT in lambs' serum and colostrum, between IgG and LDH, as well as between GGT and LDH in lambs' serum and colostrum. Our results suggest that hazelnut skin supplementation influences IgG colostrum concentration, with improved immune passive transfer to the suckling lambs. The transfer of maternal derived immune factors is confirmed by the GGT and LDH enzyme activity levels.

Effect of adding Spirulina platensis algae to small ruminant rations on productive, reproductive traits and some blood components

This experiment conducted using 20 Rahmani ewes at the last third of pregnancy in two equal groups. One group served as control, while the other group received Spirulina platensis (SP) at the rate of 0.5 gm 10 kg-1 live body weight. The objective was to find out the effect of adding Spirulina platensis algae to small ruminant rations on reproductive and productive traits and blood components of sheep. The experiments lasted for 120 days for both dams and their lambs after weaning. The findings proved that adding SP in ewes' diets had no effect on the average of live body weight change. Average milk yield was significantly (p &lt;0.01) higher in the treatment group than the control. Lamb's birth weight and daily body gain of the treated group were significantly (p &lt;0.01) higher than the control. Blood and serum picture profile of ewes were significantly higher when fed SP additive than the control. It could be concluded that the addition of SP to the ration of sheep positively preserved their health, productive and reproductive status as well as their lambs' growth rate. Also the additive improved the economic efficiency of treated animals by about 53.13%.

The Effect of Maternal Dietary Selenium Supplementation on Blood Antioxidant and Metabolic Status of Ewes and Their Lambs.

This study investigated the effect of dietary selenium supplementation (organic and inorganic) of late-gestation ewes on blood selenium concentrations and metabolic and antioxidant status indicators in ewes and their lambs. In addition, the efficacy of selenium transfer from ewes to lambs during the suckling period was determined. The study was conducted on 30 Merinolandschaf ewes and their lambs and lasted four months. The feed mixture of the control group (group I) contained no added selenium, while the feed mixture of group II was enriched with 0.3 mg/kg of organic selenium sources and the third group with 0.3 mg/kg of inorganic selenium sources. In ewes and their lambs, selenium supplementation significantly (p < 0.01; p < 0.05) increased selenium concentration, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activity and decreased malondialdehyde concentration compared to the control group. Selenium supplementation had a positive effect on metabolism and hematological indicators in lambs. A positive correlation was found between antioxidant indicators in the whole blood of ewes and lambs. The good transfer of selenium from ewes to lambs was complemented by higher correlation coefficients when the feed mixture was supplemented with organic compared to inorganic selenium.

Association between Serum Trace Elements Levels, Steroid Concentrations, and Reproductive Disorders in Ewes and Does.

This study aimed to investigate the association of different reproductive disorders with the status of serum trace elements and steroid hormones in ewes and goats. This study included 131 barren and 11 fertile (control) ewes and 94 barren and 9 fertile (control) goats. Animals were examined gynecologically for reproductive soundness. The animals were bled, and their serum was harvested and assayed for manganese (Mn), selenium (Se), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), estrogen (E2), and progesterone (P4) levels. The results showed that genital affections were associated with significant changes in serum Se (P=0.001), Fe (P=0.008), and Zn (P=0.01) levels in ewes, as well as Mn (P=0.01) levels in goats. Ewes and goats with cystic ovaries had higher serum Se, Fe, and Zn levels (P=0.0001) than ewes with uterine affections, ovarian inactivity, and controls. Ovarian inactivity was linked to low Se levels in ewes and low Se and Zn levels in goats (P=0.05). Ewes and goats with estrogen-dominant reproductive disorders had higher Se (P=0.01), Fe (P=0.03), and Zn (P=0.01) compared with the control group. Se (P=0.02) and Zn (P=0.05) were lower in ewes and goats affected with P4-dominant genital disorders compared with the control group. It can be concluded that the reproductive disorders are associated with changes in the level of trace elements in blood of ewes and goats. There is a reciprocal relationship between the levels of estrogen and progesterone with those of the trace elements in serum of ewes and goats.

Single and combined effects of CSN1S1 and CSN2-casein genes on Awassi sheep milk quantity and quality.

Background and Aim:Milk produced from Awassi sheep is of high nutritive value; its production is relatively low in Awassi sheep, so the genetic improvement programs targeted milk production and its components are of high importance, especially when using genes that have an important signal to milk traits. This study was aimed at assessing the influence of alpha S1 (CSN1S1) and beta-casein (CSN2) genes genotypes interaction on Awassi ewes milk productivity.Materials and Methods:A total number of 391 milk yield and its composition records (taken through five consecutive years, 2007-2011) of 167 ewes were utilized for this study. DNA samples were extracted from the ewe’s blood samples, then the polymerase chain reaction products of alpha S1 (CSN1S1) and beta-casein (CSN2) genes were sequenced. The obtained sequences were analyzed; thereafter, the detected variants were tested for their possible association with milk traits.Results:The CSN1S1 and CSN2 variants allelic frequencies were 0.85 and 0.15, and 0.95 and 0.05, respectively. Lactose and solid not fat (SNF) % were associated with TC CSN1S1 genotypes. No association was found among CSN1S1 polymorphic genotypes with milk production, lactose, and SNF % were associated with TC CSN1S1 genotypes. Ewes of CSN2 AC genotype showed higher milk production traits, while no association was found between milk composition traits and CNS2 genotypes. Nevertheless, CSN1S1*CSN2 interaction showed the highest SNF, fat percentages, and milk production.Conclusion:The substantial interaction effects between CSN1S1×CSN2 genes were significantly affected the amount of milk, fat, and SNF% produced. The detected variants should be included in the breeding programs of Awassi sheep that are designed for improving their milk quantity and quality.

PSIII-13 The Effect of the inclusion of liquid brewers yeast during gestation on colostrum quality and passive transfer of immunity in lambs

Abstract Fourteen Suffolk/Suffolk x Hampshire pregnant ewes were utilized to evaluate the effects of liquid brewers yeast on colostrum quality and the transfer of passive immunity in their offspring. Parainfluenza type 3 (PI3) vaccination was used elicit an immune response. Ewes were vaccinated with PI3 at 33 and 18 d prior to expected lambing day. Ewes were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: late gestation diet (CON) or late gestation diet supplemented with liquid brewers yeast at an average rate of 60 g DM/d (LBY). Ewes were fed treatment diets from 45 d prior to expected lambing to 3 d post lambing. Blood was collected from ewes’ via jugular venipuncture prior to vaccination and within 6 hours postpartum. Blood was collected also from the jugular vein of lambs (n = 22) at 3 d of age. Ewe and lamb blood serum was tested for Bovine Parainfluenza 3 Virus and data on anti-PI3 antibody titers was evaluated. Colostrum was collected within 4 hours postpartum and analyzed for colostral IgG concentrations using a refractometer in % Brix. A PROC GLM model was performed in SAS 9.4, where the model for ewe colostrum quality and lamb anti-PI3 titers analyses included the main effect of treatment diet. All vaccinated ewes were positive for PI3 antibodies (&amp;gt;64 titer) immediately prior to and post lambing. All lambs tested positive for antibody titers for PI3 with no differences between treatment (197.3 for CON and 160.8 for LBY; P = 0.43). The colostral IgG concentrations did not differ between CON (30.4% Brix) and LBY (24.6% Brix) ewes(P = 0.21). These results indicate that, although there were numerical differences, the addition of LBY to the ewes’ diet during late gestation did not significantly improve colostrum quality or passive transfer of immunity in lambs.

Supplementing lycopene combined with corn improves circulating IgG concentration in pregnant ewes and their lambs.

Lycopene (C40H56, a non-provitamin A carotenoid) is a lipid-soluble pigment and a natural antioxidant with immunomodulatory activities. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of lycopene with or without corn supplementation on circulating hormones, white blood cells, immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations, quality of colostrum in pregnant ewes, and IgG concentrations in newborn lambs. Forty multiparous single-bearing ewes (68 ± 8.4kg body weight, mean ± SD) were fed in four groups of CONTROL (fed a basal diet (BD)), CORN (BD + 300g/day corn), LYCOP(BD + 100mg/day lycopene), and LYCORN (BD + 300g/day corn + 100mg/day lycopene). The quantity and chemical composition of colostrum were determined. Blood samples were taken from ewes right after lambing and from lambs at 3 and 24h of age. Results showed that corn supplementation increased (P < 0.05) udder volume, the quantity of colostrum, as well as percentage of lactose, and protein in colostrum. Corn-supplemented ewes had higher circulating glucose, prolactin, and estradiol but lower urea and progesterone than control ewes. The ratio of progesterone to estradiol (P4/E2) in the blood of pregnant ewes decreased (P < 0.05) after corn supplementation. Lycopene, irrespective of corn, increased the percentage of lymphocyte cells in pregnant ewes. Both corn and lycopene increased circulating IgG concentrations and subsequently increased the total IgG in colostrum at 6h post-partum. Lycopene significantly elevated the circulating IgG at 24h of age in lambs. In conclusion, lycopene along with corn supplementation additively increased concentrations of IgG in the blood of ewes and in the colostrum, which resulted in an enhancement of passive immune transfer to the newborn lambs.

The Efficacy of a Long-Acting Injectable Selenium Preparation Administered to Pregnant Ewes and Lambs.

Simple SummaryLack of selenium (Se) is a global problem that leads to increased exposure of animals to various diseases, as well as a reduction in productive and reproductive performance. Mineral supplementation can improve the immune system and could therefore be of assistance for lambs. We studied the effects of injectable supplementation with selenium. Supplementation of the Se lead to improved immune status, blood parameters, body weights, and average daily gain of lambs.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a long-acting selenium (Se) preparation administered to sheep. The experiment was conducted on 30 dams and 36 lambs divided into three equal groups of 10 dams and 12 lambs each: Control—C, and two experimental groups—E (Se administered to pregnant ewes) and EI (Se administered directly to lambs after the colostral period). The Se preparation (Barium Selenate Injection, BVP Animal Care, 50 mg/mL) was administered by injection at 1 mL/50 kg (1 mg Se/kg) body weight (BW) to group E ewes in the third month of pregnancy (between 70 and 90 days) and to group EI lambs between 4 and 7 days of age. The following parameters were determined: Se concentration in the blood of ewes, milk yield, milk composition, Se concentration in milk; hematological, biochemical, and immunological parameters and Se concentration in the blood of lambs; growth rate and in vivo measurements of lean meat and fat content in lambs. Barium selenate significantly improved the Se status of dams and lambs, regardless of whether it was administered to pregnant ewes or directly to lambs in the first week of their life. The milk of ewes receiving the Se preparation was characterized by higher concentrations of fat and dry matter. The Se preparation induced significant changes in immunological parameters, thus enhancing defense mechanisms in lambs. The Se preparation exerted more stimulatory effects on humoral and cellular immune responses when administered directly to lambs after the colostral period (group EI) than to pregnant ewes (group E). The results of this study indicate that the long-acting Se preparation delivers benefits to sheep by boosting their immunity and, therefore, improving performance.

Changes of macromineral and trace element concentration in the blood of ewes during lactation period

The aim of the present research was to determine the changes in macromineral and trace element concentrations in ewes’ blood during the lactation period. Thirty-six Travnik pramenka ewes at the average age of 3–5 years were included in research and they were evaluated at three stages of lactation: early stage (40 ± 5 days of lactation), medium stage (80 ± 5 days of lactation) and late stage (120 ± 5 days of lactation). In ewes’ blood concentrations of macroelements (Ca, P, K, Na, Mg) and trace elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mo, Co, Se, Cd, As) were determined. The average concentrations of macroelements and trace elements in the blood of ewes during lactation were mostly within the reference values. Se concentrations in blood were close to the deficient ones, while concentrations of Cd and As were negligible. Concentration of Ca in blood was the lowest in the early lactation stage, higher in the late stage, and the highest in the medium stage (88.25 mg/l, 96.43 mg/l and 103.43 mg/l, respectively). A significant increase in the concentrations of Mg, Co and Cd and a significant decrease in the concentrations of Na, Fe, Cu, Zn, Mo and Se were found in blood with lactation progress. Significant correlations between the studied parameters were found, especially between macroelements (Ca : K, P : Na, K : Na, K : Mg). Positive correlations were found between some macroelements and trace elements (Ca : Co, Ca : Cd, K : Co, Na : Zn, Na : Se) and between trace elements (Fe : Cu, Cu : Zn, Cu : Mo, Cu : Se, Zn : Se, Mo : Se and Co : As). Negative correlations were found between Ca and Cu, Ca and Mo, P and Cd, K and Cu. Obtained results may help in monitoring the nutritional status and health of ewes during the lactation period, providing a clearer idea related to the supply of macrominerals and trace elements to ewes. Besides, results indicated that the environment of the farming area was not polluted with toxic elements.

Associations between minerals and metabolic indicators in maternal blood pre- and postpartum with ewe body condition, methane emissions, and lamb body weight development

In sheep production, economic efficiency strongly depends on the maternal health and feed efficiency status and on weaning performances of their offspring. Accordingly, an optimal level for the supply with macro- and microelements and the ewe energy status has impact on the fetal development during gestation and on maternal milk production during lactation. Furthermore, this study addressed intergenerational aspects, i.e., on associations between maternal energy metabolism profiles considering the macro- and microelement status, metabolic indicators (e.g. β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB)), body condition and methane (CH4) emissions with lamb BW (LBW) in two sheep breeds. Traits were recorded at the beginning of gestation (ewe traits), at lambing, three weeks postpartum, and at weaning (ewe and lamb traits). Trait recording included CH4 emissions (recorded via laser methane detector (LMD)), ewe BW (EBW), backfat thickness (BFT), and body condition score (BCS) from 46 ewes (24 Merinoland- (ML), 22 Rhönsheep (RH)), and LBW of their 87 (35 ML, 52 RH) purebred lambs. Serum levels of the following ewe blood parameters were determined: calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), phosphate (P), nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), BHB, glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg). Mixed models were applied to infer associations between ewe blood parameters with EBW, BFT, BCS, and CH4 and with LBW recorded in offspring. At weaning, a maternal serum Mg level > 1.0 mmol/L was significantly associated with an increase of 13% in LBW in ML, compared to offspring from ML ewes with a serum Mg concentration within the lower reference range (0.8 mmol/L). Furthermore, higher Cu levels were favorably associated with ewe BCS and BFT at weaning in both breeds. In RH ewes, a Se level > 2.4 μmol/l was significantly associated with increased BCS. In the ML breed, high Zn levels during lactation were associated with reduced CH4 emissions. Ewe EBW was significantly larger for ML ewes representing low Ca levels. A low BHB level was associated with decreasing CH4 emissions in RH and ML. Serum levels for Na, K, P, GLDH, and Fe did not significantly affect the traits of interest. Trait associations from the present study indicate the importance of the mineral supply and metabolic status of the ewe with regard to body condition, CH4 emissions, and LBW development, but depending on the breed. Identified associations might contribute to energy efficiency in sheep production systems.

The effect of glycerol or rumen-protected choline chloride on rumen fermentation and blood metabolome in pregnant ewes suffering from negative energy balance

The objective of this study was to investigate the counteracting effects of glycerol or rumen-protected choline chloride supplementation on rumen fermentation and the profile changes in blood metabolites in pregnant ewes suffering from negative energy balance. Eighteen pregnant Hu sheep with a gestation period of 100 days were used in the present study. Feed restriction was started from 100 days of gestation and lasted for 9 days. During the period of feed restriction, these sheep were randomly assigned to three groups: the control group (CON, n = 6), which received no supplementation, the glycerol group (GLY, n = 6), which received 40 mL of glycerol per day, and the rumen-protected choline chloride group (RPC, n = 6), which received 10 g of rumen-protected choline chloride per day lasted 9 days. All supplements were mixed with feed. The results showed that, compared to CON, glycerol supplementation decreased the proportion of acetate (P < 0.01) and increased the proportion of propionate (P < 0.01). The proportions of butyrate (P = 0.04) and valerate (P = 0.04) were higher in GLY than in RPC, but there was no significant difference in their proportions between GLY and CON. Blood β-hydroxybutyric acid concentration continuously increased in CON during the treatment period, while it remained stable in the ewes receiving glycerol or rumen-protected choline chloride. Glucose levels in the blood of ewes receiving glycerol or rumen-protected choline chloride were higher than those in CON (P = 0.01). Compared to CON, the levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) (P = 0.02) and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) (P = 0.04) in the blood were increased in ewes that received rumen-protected choline chloride. Correlation analysis of the DEMs and rumen fermentation parameters showed a positive correlation between citric acid and phosphohydroxypyruvic acid (r = 0.61, P < 0.01), as well as between bilirubin and BHBA (r = 0.59, P < 0.01). d-Glucose have a positive correlation with propionate (r = 0.48, P = 0.02), while have a negative correlation with BHBA (r = −0.77, P < 0.01), 2-hydroxylauroylcarnitine (r = -0.53, P < 0.01), 2-octenoylcarnitine (r = −0.61, P < 0.01), and 3-hydroxydodecanoic acid (r = −0.60, P = 0.04). It is concluded that the supplementation of glycerol or rumen-protected choline chloride counteracted changes in metabolite concentrations in ewes that had been induced by feed restriction.