Composition Of Sheep Research Articles

Identification and association of polymorphism in THOC5 gene with fatty acid composition in Indonesian sheep

THO Complex 5 (THOC5) gene involves in lipid and fatty acid metabolism. The aim of this study was to analyse polymorphism of THOC5 gene and its association with fatty acid composition in sheep. A total of 120 rams at the age 12 month with the average body weight of 25–30 kg was used for identification of gene polymorphism using Polymerase Chain Reaction- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). 83 rams, representative from different genotypes of sheep were used for association study using a General Linear Model (GLM). The results identifed polymorphism in the THOC5 gene. The THOC5 gene showed two genotypes: CC and CT genotype. Association analysis revealed that THOC5 (g.68234589 C>T) was significantly (P<0.05) associated with fatty acid composition including unsaturated fatty acid: palmitoleic acid (C16:1), and saturated fatty acid: stearic acid (C18:0). The CC genotype was associated with higher level of unsaturated fatty acid and lower level of saturated fatty acid, while the CT genotype was vice versa. This result indicates that THOC5 gene (g.68234589 C>T) may contribute to fatty acid composition in sheep, as well as this polymorphism could be used as a candidate to select sheepmeat with high unsaturated fatty acid and low saturated fatty acid.

221 Quantifying the relationship between fasting heat production and chemical empty body composition in sheep and cattle

Abstract Previous research indicates that animals of similar weight but greater protein mass have greater metabolic rate. The objective was to quantify the relationship between fasting heat production (FHP) and empty body composition in ruminants. A literature search was conducted to compile data on FHP and empty body composition. Seven studies using sheep or cattle consisting of 49 treatment means were found reporting FHP and chemical empty body composition. Data were analyzed with R statistical packages using mixed model methodology with study as a random variable. Given the strong correlations (r &amp;gt; 0.7) and high degree of multicollinearity (VIF &amp;gt; 30) among EBW, empty body protein (EBP) and empty body fat (EBF), LASSO regression was used to reveal that EBP was the important predictor of FHP. Allometric models (a*X^b) gave significant (P &amp;lt; 0.001) values for a and b of 74.3 ± 10.4 and 0.74 ± 0.02 for X = EBW (R2 = 0.963, RMSE = 432 kcal, AIC = 737), 227.7 ± 21.1 and 0.86 ± 0.02 for X = EBP (R2 = 0.972, RMSE = 375 kcal, AIC = 724), and 270.8 ± 75.9 and 0.75 ± 0.07 for X = EBF (R2 = 0.702, RMSE = 1219 kcal, AIC = 839), respectively. Log transformed models (lnFHP = lnX) gave significant (P &amp;lt; 0.001) values for intercept and slope of 4.47 ± 0.13 and 0.69 ± 0.02 for X = EBW (R2 = 0.979, RMSE = 0.088 lnkcal, AIC = -62.6), 5.61 ± 0.11 and 0.74 ± 0.03 for X = EBP (R2 = 0.973, RMSE = 0.096 lnkcal, AIC = -45.1), and 6.44 ± 0.19 and 0.33 ± 0.02 for X = EBF (R2 = 0.894, RMSE = 0.125 lnkcal, AIC = -13.8), respectively. A log transformed model including both EBP and EBF resulted in significant intercept (5.79 ± 0.14; P &amp;lt; 0.0001), lnEBP coefficient (0.56 ± 0.08; P &amp;lt; 0.0001) and lnEBF coefficient (0.09 ± 0.04; P = 0.02) with VIF of 8.3. The R2, RMSE and AIC of this model were 0.970, 0.088 lnkcal and -43.5; not improved over the model with EBP alone. In conclusion, EBP explained the variation in FHP as well or slightly better than EBW, and EBF did not significantly improve the prediction.

Infl uence of crossbreeding and level of feeding on microstructural indicators of lamb

When studying indicators that characterize the quality of meat and its nutritional value as part of the development and improvement of existing research methods, histological analysis of the tissues included in it becomes increasingly important. Histological method has been used to study the microstructure of muscle tissue (m. longissimus dorsi) and chemical composition in sheep of diff erent genotypes and reared at diff erent feeding levels. It has been found that the muscle tissue of sheep obtained from crossbreeding of breeds North Caucasus (SC) with Texel (T) has been characterized by a large amount of muscle fi bers by 5,0 and 11,3 % (P &lt; 0,05), the smaller amount by 5,7 and 18,6 % (P &lt; 0,05) in diameter, a higher “marbling” score by 5,2 and 8,3 points, and the lower content of connective tissue by 0,8 and 1,3 abs.% compared to purebreds North Caucasian and from crossbreeding North Caucasian with Poll Dorset breed (PD). Chemical analysis of meat revealed a tendency to increase the content of dry matter and fat by 1,1 and 0,1 abs. % in lamb genotype T×SC and less than the amount by 1,1 and 0,1 abs.% moisture compared to purebreds and PD×SC. Increasing the energy supply of sheep, regardless of breed affi liation, contributes to the formation by 10 % more number of muscle fi bers per unit area and the decrease in their diameter, which increases the “marbling” of lamb and increases its consumer quality. The results have been obtained indicate the feasibility of using morphometric indicators of muscle tissue in the development of criteria for assessing the quality of sheep meat productivity, intended for practical use in agriculture and the meat industry.

Socio-Economic Characteristics and Composition of Sheep and Goat Farming under Extensive System of Rearing

Sheep and goat play an important role in Indian economy and source of livelihood and employment to millions of rural households. Sheep and goats in India are mostly maintained on natural vegetation on common grazing lands, wastelands and uncultivated (fallow) lands, stubbles of cultivated crops and top feeds (tree loppings). Rarely they are kept on grain, cultivated fodder or crop residue. Sheep and goat rearing is the backbone of the economy of small and landless farmers in India. The study was carried out in Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Belagavi and Kalaburagi districts of Karnataka. The results of the study revealed that majority of the sheep and goat farmers belonged to age group of above 40 years and are illiterate (50-52%). The family size of sheep and goat rearing households have medium size with 4-6 members. The maximum number of farmers were having income of less than `1 lakh per annum, who belonged to backward class, scheduled caste and scheduled tribe. The total number of sheep per household were 25, 67 and 27 under small, medium and large herd size with an overall average of 71 sheep per farm. Similarly, about 17, 29 and 43 goats were found in small, medium and large flock size of goat with an average of 30 goats per flock. Majority of the farmers were having kaccha type of shed for rearing sheep (41.66%) and goat (80%).

Immunoglobulin G content and colostrum composition of different goat and sheep breeds in Switzerland and Germany

Colostrum represents the sole source to acquire humoral immunity and is an important energy source for newborn lambs and goat kids. However, colostrum composition (i.e., the contents of IgG, fat, protein, and lactose) is affected by various factors such as parity and litter size and, potentially, by breed. In the present study, we examined the colostrum composition of different goat and sheep breeds raised for milk and meat production in Switzerland and Germany. Ten goat breeds (Anglo-Nubian, Appenzell, Boer, Bunte Deutsche Edelziege, Chamois-colored, Grisons Striped, Peacock, Saanen, Toggenburg, and Valais Blackneck) and 10 sheep breeds (Brown-Headed Meat, East Friesian Milk, German Blackheaded Mutton, Gray Horned Heath, Lacaune Dairy, Merino Land, Swiss Black-Brown Mountain, Swiss Charollais, Swiss White Alpine, and Valais Blacknose) were involved in this study. First colostrum samples were obtained from ewes (n = 100) and goats (n = 116) between 10 and 390 min after parturition and analyzed for total IgG, fat, protein, and lactose contents. Colostral IgG concentrations varied between 4.8 and 75.0 mg/mL in goats, and between 6.2 and 65.4 mg/mL in ewes, and the time interval between milking and parturition did not affect colostral IgG concentrations. In goats, the highest IgG concentrations were found in Boer (meat-type; 61.0 ± 10.3 mg/mL; mean ± SD) and the lowest concentrations were observed in Bunte Deutsche Edelziege (milk-type; 26.5 ± 12.5 mg/mL). In sheep, East Friesian Milk and Lacaune Dairy showed the lowest colostral IgG concentrations (17.9 ± 7.3 and 20.2 ± 8.0 mg/mL, respectively), and the highest values were observed in the Merino Land breed (44.2 ± 15.7 mg/mL). The lowest fat and protein concentrations and concomitantly highest lactose concentrations were observed in colostrum of East Friesian Milk and Lacaune Dairy sheep. Parity number did not affect colostrum composition in sheep or goats. In contrast, colostral fat content was higher in ewes bearing twins and triplets than in those carrying singletons. Increasing litter size tended to be associated with higher protein and lower lactose concentrations in ovine (i.e., singletons vs. twins vs. triplets) and caprine colostrum (i.e., singletons vs. twins), whereas colostral IgG concentrations were not affected by litter size. In conclusion, IgG and concentrations of other colostrum constituents showed a wide range in goats and ewes and were mainly affected by the type of breed.

Effects of yeast culture supplementation and the ratio of non-structural carbohydrate to fat on rumen fermentation parameters and bacterial-community composition in sheep

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of yeast culture (YC) supplementation and the ratio of non-structural carbohydrate to fat (NSCFR) on rumen fermentation parameters (RFPs) and bacterial-community composition (BCC) using 6 ruminally cannulated sheep in a 2 × 3 factorial experiment. We formulated 6 dietary treatments with 3 levels of YC supplementation (0, 0.8 and 2.3 g/kg of dietary dry matter) and 2 dietary NSCFRs (17.02 and 5.60). Each animal was fed 1 of 6 diets in a 6 × 6 Latin square arrangement during the experiment. Ruminal liquid was sampled at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12 h after morning feeding on days 16 and 17 (last 2 days) in all 6 of the Latin square periods. The concentrations of acetic acid, butyric acid and total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) were significantly (p < 0.05) increased and the pH values were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased when the animals fed on high-NSCFR diet (H diet) with 2.3 g/kg of YC at 2 h after feeding compared with that on the low-NSCFR diet (L diet). However, the concentrations of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) were higher (p < 0.05) in all H groups than that in L groups. The relative abundances of Prevotella_1 were higher in all L groups (p < 0.05), while Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20 and Olsenella were higher in H groups (p < 0.05). Compared with L groups, the relative abundances of Candidatus_Saccharimonas and [Ruminococcus]_gauvreauii of H groups were increased when supplemented with YC (2.3 g/kg; p < 0.05). A significant increased relative abundance of Butyrivibrio_2 was observed in the L group (2.3 g/kg YC). Overall, the RFPs and BCC were influenced by both dietary NSCFR and YC supplementation. There was significant interaction between dietary NSCFR and YC supplementation in the aspects of VFAs, NH3-N and all genera of BCC.

Genetic parameters of milk fatty acid profile in sheep: comparison between gas chromatographic measurements and Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy predictions

Fatty acid (FA) composition is a key component of sheep milk nutritional quality. However, breeding for FA composition in dairy sheep is hampered by the logistic and phenotyping costs. This study was aimed at estimating genetic parameters for sheep milk FA and to test the feasibility of their routine measurement by using Fourier-transform IR (FTIR) spectroscopy. Milk FA composition of 989 Sarda ewes farmed in 48 flocks was measured by gas chromatography (FAGC). Moreover, FTIR spectrum was collected for each sample, and it was used to predict FA composition (FAFTIR) by partial least squares regression: 700 ewes were used for estimating model parameters, whereas the remaining 289 animals were used to validate the model. One hundred replicates were performed by randomly assigning animals to estimation and validation data set, respectively. Variance components for both measured and predicted traits were estimated with an animal model that included the fixed effects of parity, days in milking interval, lambing month, province, altitude of flock location, the random effects of flock-test-date and animal genetic additive. Genetic correlations among FAGC, and between corresponding FAGC and FAFTIR were estimated by bivariate analysis. Coefficients of determination between FAGC and FAFTIR ranged from moderate (about 0.50 for odd- and branched-chain FA) to high (about 0.90 for de novo FA) values. Low-to-moderate heritabilities were observed for individual FA (ranging from 0.01 to 0.47). The largest value was observed for GC measured C16:0. Low–to-moderate heritabilities were estimated for FA groups. In most of cases, heritabilites were slightly larger for FAGC than FAFTIR. Estimates of genetic correlations among FAGC showed a large variability in magnitude and sign. The genetic correlation between FAFTIR and FAGC was higher than 60% for all investigated traits. Results of the present study confirm the existence of genetic variability of the FA composition in sheep and suggest the feasibility of using FAFTIR as proxies for these traits in large scale breeding programs.

The fatty acid composition of sheep's milk of an autochthonous breed

The study included a total of 127 sheep milk samples from two different areas (Livno and Travnik) in summer feeding period (July, August and September). Fatty acids in milk were determined by gas chromatography (GC). The animals were marked with the appropriate number of ear tags on the basis of which we always took samples from the same animals through different periods. Fatty acids in milk were determined by gas chromatography and the following fatty acids composition: butyric acid, caproic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, rumenic acid. The fatty acid content of sheep's milk in this study showed a tendency of variation, both within and between sampling areas, and characterized by its relatively high content of saturated fatty acid (SFA) during the period of harvest.

Estimates of genomic heritability and genome-wide association study for fatty acids profile in Santa In\xeas sheep

BackgroundDespite the health concerns and nutritional importance of fatty acids, there is a relative paucity of studies in the literature that report genetic or genomic parameters, especially in the case of sheep populations. To investigate the genetic architecture of fatty acid composition of sheep, we conducted genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and estimated genomic heritabilities for fatty acid profile in Longissimus dorsi muscle of 216 male sheep.ResultsGenomic heritability estimates for fatty acid content ranged from 0.25 to 0.46, indicating that substantial genetic variation exists for the evaluated traits. Therefore, it is possible to alter fatty acid profiles through selection. Twenty-seven genomic regions of 10 adjacent SNPs associated with fatty acids composition were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, each explaining ≥0.30% of the additive genetic variance. Twenty-three genes supporting the understanding of genetic mechanisms of fat composition in sheep were identified in these regions, such as DGAT2, TRHDE, TPH2, ME1, C6, C7, UBE3D, PARP14, and MRPS30.ConclusionsEstimates of genomic heritabilities and elucidating important genomic regions can contribute to a better understanding of the genetic control of fatty acid deposition and improve the selection strategies to enhance meat quality and health attributes.

Blood serum metabolic profile and fatty acid composition in sheep fed concentrates with Camelina sativa cake and distillers dried grains with solubles

The both Camelina sativa cake and dried distillers grains with solubles, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, were previously used as dietary supplements to improve the energy value of the sheep diet and milk parameters. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of these additives to lactating ewes diet on the blood serum metabolic parameters, hormone concentration and fatty acid composition. A total of 39 milking ewes of Polish dairy sheep were divided into three groups: the control (C), the group fed Camelina sativa cake (CS) and the group receiving distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS). The following parameters were determined in blood serum: blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids, glucose, alanine aminotransferase – ALT and aspartate aminotransferase – AST as well as insulin, leptin, triiodothyronine – T3 and thyroxine – T4. The obtained results indicated that both additives changed the blood serum profile of fatty acids and altered the concentration of some hormones and biochemical parameters. DDGS was found to have beneficial effects, manifested by the decrease of TG while FFA concentration were analtered. The reduced TG concentration was also observed in the blood serum of ewes fed with CS diet. Cholesterol level was increased in blood of ewes only after the administration of DDGS enriched diet. In both experimental groups, a reduced concentration of glucose and an increased concentration of insulin were recorded. Both additives strongly augmented T4 concentration in blood and lowered the T3/T4 ratio, especially in the DDGS fed group. MUFA content decreased under the influence of DDGS, while CS had no effect. DDGS treatment resulted in an increase of PUFA content and this increase was related to increased n-6 PUFA. The results obtained in the present experiment indicate that Camelina sativa cake and distillers dried grains with solubles administered to dairy sheep changed fatty acid contents and altered the concentration of selected hormones and biochemical parameters in blood.

Effect of Nigella sativa seeds supplementation on milk yield and milk composition in sheep.

ABSTARCTA total number of 20 Ossimi ewes were used in this experiment. Ewes were randomly assigned to four equal groups, two groups suckled singles and two groups suckled twins. Ewes suckled singles (G1) fed basal single-diet while G2 fed the S-basal diet+100 mg Nigella Sativa seeds/kg body weight/head/day. Ewes suckled twins (G3) fed twin-basal diet while (G4) fed twin-basal diet +100mg Nigella Sativa seeds/kg body weight/ head/day.Daily milk yield was measured for each ewe starting from the fifth day post lambing until weaning at 3rd month. Milk samples were taken weekly throughout the suckling period from all tested ewes. The samples were taken in the morning and afternoon and then both samples were mixed together for chemical analysis. Milk composition was determined by using 50 ml milk samples. Milk samples were analyzed for fat % and protein %. Milk energy values were calculated.The results of this experiment indicate that milk yield showed insignificant differences at first and second weeks of the experimental period but from third to twelfth weeks the milk yield significantly increased (P<0.01) in G2 and G4 groups compared to the controls (G1) & G3. This result revealed that ewes reached maximum yield production (peak) at the third and fourth week of lactation then decreased after. In addition, milk yield was significantly (P<0.01) higher for ewes suckling twins than those suckling single lambs.Dietary supplementation with Nigella Sativa seeds significantly (P<0.01) increased milk fat percentage, protein percentage and milk energy. In addition, fat percentage, protein percentage and milk energy gradually increased with advance of lactation until the end of the lactation period.

Pre‐natal undernutrition and post‐natal overnutrition are associated with permanent changes in hepatic metabolism markers and fatty acid composition in sheep

Determine the impacts of pre- and early-post-natal nutrition on selected markers of hepatic glucose and fat metabolism. Twin-bearing ewes were fed 100% (NORM) or 50% (LOW) of protein and energy requirements during the last 6-weeks of gestation. Twin-lambs received either a high-carbohydrate high-fat (HCHF) or conventional (CONV) diet from 3 days to 6 months of age (around puberty), whereafter lambs from the four subgroups were slaughtered (16 males/3 females). Remaining lambs (19 females) were fed a moderate diet and slaughtered at 2 years of age (young adults). Pre-natal LOW nutrition was associated with increased hepatic triglyceride, ceramide and free fatty acid content in adulthood (not observed in lambs), which was accompanied by up-regulated early-stage insulin signalling as reflected by increased INSRβ and PI3K-p110 protein expression. The HCHF diet increased hepatic triglyceride content in lambs, associated with down-regulated expressions of energy-metabolism-related genes (GLUT1, PPARα, SREBP1c, PEPCK). These post-natal effects were not observed in adult HCHF sheep, after they had received a moderate (body-fat correcting) diet for 1.5 years. Interestingly, pre-natal LOW nutrition induced permanent alterations in hepatic phospholipids' fatty acid composition. Thus, the amount of linoleic acid (C18:2 ∆(9,12)) was significantly increased and composition of rumen-derived fatty acids were altered, indicating changed composition of rumenal microbiota. Hepatic insulin signalling and linoleic and microbial-derived fatty acid content in phospholipids are targets of foetal programming induced by late-gestation undernutrition. Future studies are required to explain their cause-effect associations with increased risks of developing hepatic steatosis and insulin insensitivity in adulthood.

Oral administration of cobalt acetate alters milk fatty acid composition, consistent with an inhibition of stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase in lactating ewes

Previous investigations have shown that cobalt (Co) modifies milk fat composition in cattle, consistent with an inhibition of stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase (SCD) activity, but it remains unclear whether other ruminant species are also affected. The present study examined the effects of oral administration of Co acetate on intake, rumen function, and milk production and fatty acid (FA) composition in sheep. Twenty lactating Assaf ewes were allocated into 1 of 4 groups and used in a continuous randomized block design that involved a 15-d adaptation, a 6-d treatment, and a 10-d posttreatment period. During the treatment period, animals received an oral drench supplying 0 (control), 3 (Co3), 6 (Co6), and 9 (Co9) mg of Co/kg of BW per day, administered in 3 equal doses at 8-h intervals. Cobalt acetate had no influence on intake or milk fat and protein concentrations, whereas treatments Co6 and Co9 tended to lower milk yield. Results on rumen parameters showed no effects on rumen fermentation, FA composition, or bacterial community structure. Administration of Co acetate decreased milk concentrations of FA containing a cis-9 double bond and SCD product:substrate ratios, consistent with an inhibition of SCD activity in the ovine mammary gland. Temporal changes in milk fat composition indicated that the effects of treatments were evident within 3d of dosing, with further changes being apparent after 6d and reverting to pretreatment values by d 6 after administration. Effect on milk FA composition did not differ substantially in response to incremental doses of Co acetate. On average, Co decreased milk cis-9 10:1/10:0, cis-9 12:1/12:0, cis-9 14:1/14:0, cis-9 16:1/16:0, cis-9 17:1/17:0, cis-9 18:1/18:0, and cis-9,trans-11 18:2/trans-11 18:1 concentration ratios by 30, 32, 38, 33, 21, 24, and 25%, respectively. Changes in milk fat cis-9 10:1, cis-9 12:1, and cis-9 14:1 concentrations to Co treatment indicated that 51% of cis-9 18:1 and cis-9,trans-11 18:2 secreted in milk originated from Δ9-desaturation. In conclusion, results demonstrated the potential of oral Co administration for the estimation of endogenous synthesis of FA containing a cis-9 double bond in the mammary gland of lactating ruminants. Indirect comparisons suggest that the effects of Co differ between sheep and cattle.

Short- to medium-term effects of consumption of quebracho tannins on saliva production and composition in sheep and goats1

Eight Merino sheep (49.4 ± 4.23 kg BW) and 8 Alpine goats (53.2 ± 2.51 kg BW) were used to study the effect of ingestion of quebracho tannins on salivation. Four sheep and 4 goats were individually fed a daily allotment of 20 g DM of alfalfa hay/kg BW (Control). Another 4 sheep and 4 goats were also given 20 g DM of alfalfa hay/kg BW supplemented with 50 g of quebracho/kg DM (Tannin) for a period of 64 d. The saliva secretion from the left parotid gland was collected by insertion of a polyvinyl chloride catheter into the parotid duct and the amount of parotid saliva produced recorded over three 48-h periods on d 1 and 2 (P1), d 31 and 32 (P2), and d 61 and 62 (P3) after the tannin feeding was initiated. The total amount of saliva produced was estimated from rumen water kinetics determined on d 4, d 34, and d 64 of the experiment. Experimental design was completely randomized, with repeated measures on each experimental unit, performing separate analysis for sheep and goats. Parotid saliva production was not affected by the sampling period in either animal species receiving the Control diet. Corresponding values for sheep were 2.04, 2.12, and 2.27 L/d (P = 0.89) and for goats 1.65, 1.79, and 1.86 L/d (P = 0.95). Sheep fed the Tannin diet produced 55, 73, and 107% of the amount of saliva recorded in sheep fed the Control diet on P1, P2, or P3, respectively. Corresponding values in goats were 88, 130, and 134% on P1, P2, or P3, respectively. Estimated total saliva production was not affected (P = 0.50 for sheep and P = 0.97 for goats) by the ingestion of quebracho. There was no difference (P > 0.10) in osmotic pressure, P, Mg, Ca, urea, and protein concentrations in parotid saliva. There were, however, differences in Na and K concentrations in response to the ingestion of quebracho tannins, with Na concentrations increasing (P = 0.05) and K concentrations decreasing (P = 0.04) in sheep saliva and pH increasing (P = 0.05) in goat saliva. In conclusion, the inclusion of quebracho at 50 g/kg DM for 64 d does not appear to alter saliva production in sheep and goats.

Milk yield and chemical composition of sheep milk in Srednostaroplaninska and Tetevenska breeds

The study was conducted from April to July on pastures located at different altitudes and of different sward composition during the milking period of Srednostaroplaninska and Tetevenska sheep. Morning bulk milk was sampled for analysis monthly between April and end of July. The purpose of the study was to establish the milk yield and to investigate the chemical composition of sheep milk obtained from Srednostaroplaninska and Tetevenska breeds reared on pastures at a different altitude and with different sward composition. The Tetevenska breed had a higher daily milk yield and exhibited a high percentage of casein in milk, while the milk from Srednostaroplaninska sheep had a higher content of macro elements - calcium, potassium, magnesium and some trace elements (iron and manganese). The milk fat content, including the percentages of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in milk obtained from studied breeds, was similar. There was a tendency towards higher percentage of polyunsaturated and long-chain fatty acids in the milk of Srednostaroplaninska sheep, reared on mat grass pastures. Milk casein content was higher in the milk of Tetevenska sheep, as well as the content of non-essential amino acids as compared to Srednostaroplaninska sheep.

Effect of saliva from sheep that have ingested quebracho tannins on the in vitro rumen fermentation activity to digest tannin-containing shrubs

This work was designed to assess the nutritional influence of pre-incubation in saliva on in vitro fermentative activity when some tanniniferous shrubs were incubated in batch cultures of mixed ruminal microorganisms. Saliva was collected from eight Merino sheep allocated in two experimental groups, namely control (SC) and quebracho (SQ) groups fed one kg alfalfa hay daily. Sheep of SQ group were given daily alfalfa hay supplemented with 50g quebracho/kg dry matter for 60 days, whereas sheep of SC group were always given unsupplemented alfalfa hay. Foliage of six shrub species (Cytisus scoparius (Scotch broom), Genista florida (Iberian silver-leaved broom), Rosa canina (wild dog rose), Quercus pyrenaica (hoary oak), Cistus laurifolius (laurel-leaved rock-rose) and Erica australis (Spanish heath)) was collected from uplands in the province of León (Norwest Spain) in spring and in summer/autumn and used in the study. Samples were pre-incubated in each saliva source for 4h at 39°C, followed by an incubation in buffered rumen fluid to determine their in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVD) and gas production kinetics. For all treatments, rumen fluid was obtained from sheep of control group. Regardless the large differences among the plant browse species used in the study in their tannin contents, IVD and rate and extent of degradation (based on gas production parameters), there were no significant differences between SC and SQ saliva in any of the variables studied. Accordingly, it was suggested that sheep supplemented with quebracho tannins did not produce salivary proteins to protect against negative effects of tannins on digestion of plant material, and that the feedback mechanism may not have evolved or may have become lost. Further studies on the effect of tannins on saliva chemical composition in sheep would be timely.

Effects of dietary n-3 fatty acids on characteristics and lipid composition of ovine sperm

The fatty acid composition of sperm affects the fertilization rate. The objective was to investigate the effects of dietary fish oil (as a source of n-3 fatty acids) on semen quality and sperm fatty acid composition in sheep. Eight Zandi fat-tailed rams were randomly allocated into two groups and fed either a control diet or a diet supplemented with fish oil. Both diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous and were fed for 13 weeks, starting in the middle of the breeding season. Semen samples were collected weekly and their characteristics evaluated by standard methods, whereas samples collected at the start and end of the study were assessed (gas chromatography) for sperm lipid composition. Mean (±s.e.m.) sperm concentrations (4.3 × 109 ± 1.3 × 108v. 3.9 × 109 ± 1.3 × 108 sperm/ml and percentages of motile (77.25 ± 3.34 v. 60.8 ± 3.34) and progressively motile sperm (74.13 ± 1.69 v. 62.69 ± 1.69) were significantly higher in the fish oil group than control. Dietary fish oil increased the proportion of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6 n-3) in sperm fatty acid composition. We concluded that feeding fish oil as a source of n-3 fatty acids attenuated seasonal declines in semen quality in rams, perhaps through increased DHA in sperm.

Seasonal variation of fat composition in sheep's milk from areas of central Italy

Seasonal variation of fat composition in sheep's milk from areas of central Italy

Seasonal variation of fat composition in sheep’s milk from areas of central Italy

This study was conducted on sheep’s milk to determine the fat composition in flocks of different breeds (Suffolk, Fabrianese, Sopravvissana, Sarda) living in Marche region areas (central Italy). Samples were collected from December to July and the fatty acid profile, cholesterol content and lipid peroxidation status were analysed. The results show high levels of saturated fatty acids (SAT) for each period of the year considered. The amount of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) is three to five times higher than polyunsaturated ones (PUFA). An increase in PUFA content is present in samples collected in May and July. The content of cis-9,trans-11- and trans-10,cis-12-CLA isomers increases in May, reaching the highest values in July. The results reported here are of importance since the conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) content in cheese will depend on the CLA content of milk itself and this should be taken into account due to the beneficial effects of CLA isomers on human health.

Effect of feeding some West African browse foliages on growth and carcass composition in sheep

The effect of feeding foliage from Afzelia africana, Pterocarpus erinaceus or Khaya senegalensis on growth performance was evaluated using 32 West African Djallonké rams of about 8 months of age and with a mean initial body weight (BW) of 16.1 kg. The animals were randomly assigned to four groups of 8 animals and the experiment lasted for 13 weeks. All the animals received the same amount of hay from Andropogon gayanus and maize bran (200 g/day each) and dried foliage ad libitum. The control group was fed cottonseed cake in restricted amounts. The animals were able to consume higher amounts of A. africana than of P. erinaceus and K. senegalensis. There was no significant difference in growth rate between sheep offered A. africana or P. erinaceus, 62.9 and 58.8 g/d, respectively, but sheep offered K. senegalensis had a lower average daily gain, 48 g/day (P < 0.05) due to lower consumption of both energy and crude protein. Animals in the control group had the highest growth rate, 95.8 g/day. Sheep offered P. erinaceus and K. senegalensis had similar carcass characteristics and dressing percentage but lower fasted BW, empty BW, carcass weight and dressing percentage (P < 0.05) than sheep offered A. africana. These tree species can provide valuable feed during periods of feed shortage in the humid and sub-humid zones.