Conditions In Sheep Research Articles

Analysis of nasopharyngeal microbiota revealing microbial disturbance associated with ovine respiratory complex

The ovine respiratory complex (ORC) is a complex respiratory disease process in ovine causing a significant health concern with substantial morbidity and mortality. It poses a significant threat of impacting animal health, leading to severe health consequences and considerable economic loss. Research on the upper respiratory tract (URT) microbiota is critical for offering insights into pathogenesis, prevention, and treatment strategies of ORC. The goal of this study is to compare the nasopharyngeal microbiota of clinically healthy Hu sheep (Group H) and sheep with ORC (Group P). The 16S rDNA gene amplicon high-throughput sequencing technique was applied to identify the microbial composition in the nasopharyngeal samples. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the microbiota diversity and richness between ORC and healthy sheep. However, there were significant differences in microbial composition, such as the relative abundance of Enterobacteriaceae, Moraxellaceae, Pasteurellaceae, and Streptococcaceae between the two groups. The abundance of aerobes in sheep with ORC increased significantly, while the abundance of anaerobes and facultative anaerobes decreased significantly. There were also differences in the taxa phenotypes associated with biofilm forming, mobile element-containing, oxidative stress-tolerance, and potential pathogens between the two groups. Our study showed the nasopharyngeal microbiota composition and its associated shifts between clinically healthy sheep and ORC sheep in China. These findings suggest that shifts in the nasopharyngeal microbiota could be a contributing factor to the pathogenesis of ORC, offering a potential avenue for the development of targeted interventions and treatments for this condition in sheep.

An Exploration of Analgesia Options for Australian Sheep.

During their lifetime, sheep undergo many painful husbandry and disease processes. Procedures undertaken on the farm, such as tail docking, castration, and mulesing, all cause considerable pain. In addition, sheep may experience painful diseases and injuries that require treatment by veterinary practitioners, and in biomedical research, sheep may undergo painful experimental procedures or conditions. It is important due to ethics, animal welfare, social licence, and, at times, legal requirements for farmers, veterinary practitioners, and researchers to provide pain relief for animals in their care. While there is a heightened awareness of and a greater interest in animal welfare, there remain few licensed and known analgesia options for sheep within Australia. A literature review was undertaken to identify currently known and potential future options for analgesic agents in sheep in farm and biomedical settings. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, opioids, local anaesthetics, α2 adrenoreceptor agonists, and NMDA receptor antagonists are some of the more common classes of analgesic drugs referred to in the literature, but few drugs are registered for use in sheep, with even fewer proven to be effective. Only six analgesic product formulations, namely, lignocaine (e.g., Numocaine®), Tri-Solfen®, ketamine, xylazine, and meloxicam (oral transmucosal and injectable formulations), are currently registered in Australia and known to be efficacious in some types of painful conditions in sheep. The gap in knowledge and availability of analgesia in sheep can pose risks to animal welfare, social licence, and research outcomes. This article presents a summary of analgesic agents that have been used in sheep on farms and in clinical veterinary and biomedical research settings along with details on whether their efficacy was assessed, doses, routes of administration, indication for use, and pain assessment techniques (if any) used. The outcome of this research highlights the challenges, gaps, and opportunities for better analgesia options in sheep.

Prevalence of surgical affections of sheep in Mymensingh division of Bangladesh

Background: This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of surgical conditions in sheep and analyze their distribution based on age, sex, sheep, and seasonal variation. Methods: Retrospective data on surgical conditions in sheep were compiled from Upazila Livestock Offices and Veterinary Hospitals within Mymensingh division between January 2021 and December 2021. Simple descriptive statistics were used for data analysis. Results: A total of 788 surgical cases in sheep were documented. The predominant surgical conditions observed in sheep included wounds (29.18%), myiasis (15.10%), bloat (14.08%), subcutaneous cysts (12.56%), and foot rot (8.24%). In addition, there were instances of abscesses (6.47%), horn fractures (4.56%), atresia ani (3.93%), dermoid cysts (1.64%), dog bites (1.90%), overgrown hooves (1.52%), and gangrenous mastitis (0.63%). Surgical affections were more prevalent in adult sheep (73.35%) compared to young ones (26.64%). Among adult sheep, myiasis, bloat, subcutaneous cysts, and foot rot showed higher prevalences. In females, myiasis, subcutaneous cysts, bloat, and abscesses occurred more frequently than in male sheep. The occurrence of surgical affections was relatively higher in adult sheep during the rainy season, followed by summer, autumn, and winter during the rainy season followed by summer, autumn, and winter. Conclusion: The findings of this study highlight the variable demographic distribution of surgical affections in sheep. The observed patterns suggest that the surgical disorders pose a substantial threat to sheep rearing in the study areas.

Testosterone content and variability in adult and young Romanov sheep

In the article, the authors conducted a comprehensive study of the interior, including biochemical, physiological, physicochemical, cytogenetic, and other indicators in sheep of the Romanov breed of Western Siberia. For the study, blood serum samples were taken from 10 rams-producers and 30 lambs at four months. Conventional methods took blood samples. Analyses were performed in the biochemistry laboratory of Novosibirsk State Agrarian University using the technique of competitive enzyme immunoassay with the reagent kit “SteroidIFAtestosterone” for the quantitative determination of testosterone concentration in blood serum. In the sheep breeding area, the authors constantly monitored the content of heavy metals in water, soil, feed, organs, and tissues. The concentration of chemical elements did not exceed the permissible exposure limit. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed on a Thermo Scientific Multiskan FC analyzer. The authors performed statistical processing of experimental data using standard methods of descriptive statistics, the statistical programming language, or the RStudio data analysis environment (using the functions DescrStats, Summary, Sd, Read. Table, Write. Table, Aes). The authors established the influence of the age of ontogenesis on the testosterone content in Romanov rams. Presented figure with two variation curves with high transgression. The average testosterone level was 1.8 times higher in lambs (0.774 mmol/l) than in lambs. Testosterone concentration was characterized by high phenotypic variability. The authors have identified reference intervals for testosterone in blood serum depending on environmental conditions in sheep of the Romanov breed of Western Siberia.

Doenças periodontais e desgaste dentário em rebanhos ovinos no Estado de Goiás, Brasil

ABSTRACT: Dental and periodontal affections consist of health concerns of great importance in sheep flocks, as they affect the health and welfare of animals and represent one of the main causes of premature slaughter. Studies on the occurrence of these conditions in sheep are scarce in Brazil. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of periodontal diseases and tooth wear in sheep flocks in the State of Goiás. For this, a clinical oral examination was conducted on 325 sheep from seven farms in six municipalities of the State. Periodontal lesions, characterized by gingival recession in at least one incisor tooth, were observed in 48.3% (157/325) of the sheep, while in cheek teeth it occurred in 13.2% (43/325) of the evaluated sheep. Dental wear on cheek teeth was identified in 69.2% (255/325) of the sheep, and 10.7% (35/325) of the ovines showed dental wear on incisor teeth. Sheep older than 36 months had an increase in the frequency of tooth wear. A total of 171 (52.62%) out of the 325 examined sheep had signs of bleeding on probing, which is compatible with gingivitis, and 69 (40.36%) were older than 36 months. Thirty-eight (11.69%) out of the 325 evaluated ovines had gingivitis in all teeth, among which 21 (55.26%) were older than 36 months. Logistic regression analysis allowed the observation that age was associated with the occurrence of gingivitis. Less frequent changes such as periodontal pockets and loss of at least one tooth were also observed in 4.9% (16/325) and 17.8% (58/325) of the sheep, respectively. It indicates that the presence of periodontal diseases and tooth wear is a common occurrence in the evaluated flocks. Therefore, there is a need to include the oral health of sheep in the routine of the farm as an essential preventive measure to improve the quality of life, animal welfare, and zootechnical indices.

Pneumonia in Slaughtered Sheep in Libya: Gross and Histopathological Findings

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of pneumonia in sheep in municipality of El-Beida, Libya. To achieve the goal, samples were collected from October 2020 to April 2021. The lungs of 525 sheep carcasses were subjected to gross examination and those suspected to be infected with pneumonia were studied at histopathological level. Pneumonia was detected in 141(26.9%) carcasses. Based on histopathological lesions 40.4% with interstitial pneumonia 37.6% with fibrinous bronchopneumonia, 14.2% were affected with suppurative bronchopneumonia, 3.5% with haemorrhagic pneumonia, 2.1% were affected with pleuritis and 1.4 % with embolic pneumonia. In addition 0.7% of the lungs showed aspiration pneumonia. The most common form of pneumonia was interstitial pneumonia and the gross and histological lesions of the different forms of pneumonia were consistent with the findings of other studies. In conclusion, the results of this study indicates that the prevalence of pneumonia in slaughtered sheep is relatively high and seems to be the most important condition in sheep in Libya. Further studies are recommended to identify the etiological agents of pneumonia in sheep.

First report of surra (Trypanosoma evansi infection) in Iranian sheep

Clinical trypanosomiasis in sheep is described for the first time in Iran after history taking, complete physical examination and blood samples collected for laboratory investigations. The client emphasised on animal weight loss dating back to one week ago. The clinical examination revealed enlargements of the pre-scapular and pre-femoral lymph nodes and pale mucous membranes. Laboratory investigation showed that the sheep had anaemia with hyperproteinaemia. Thin blood smear examination revealed the presence of Trypanosoma. Treatment included diminazene aceturate (3.5 mg/kg, IM) for three consecutive days, flunixin meglumine (1.1 mg/kg, IM), and oxytetracycline (10 mg/kg, IM). The examination of the blood film after treatment showed no parasite. Trypanosomiasis may occur in our climatic condition in sheep. In two cases studied here, two consecutive doses of diminazene aceturate administration led to clinical cure. The control of trypanosomiasis in farms may be possible through methods for the control of vectors, such as prophylactic treatment and observing of hygiene in husbandry systems for animals at risk

Intracranial lipomatous hamartoma in the pontocerebellum of sheep

ABSTRACT: Intracranial lipomatous hamartomas are considered a non-invasive, benign lesion formed by well-differentiated adipocytes with or without capsules. A necropsy of an ewe presenting apathy, hypokinesis, anorexia, and adipsia revealed a soft, whitish, oval, pendular nodule approximately 6 mm long in the bulb region, located in the pontocerebellum. Histopathological assessments revealed a benign lesion formed mainly by well-differentiated adipocytes, fibrocytes, myelinated nervous fibers, and skeletal striated muscle, characterizing an intracranial lipomatous hamartoma. This is the first report of this condition in sheep.

Metabolic Effects of Vitamin B1 Therapy under Overnutrition and Undernutrition Conditions in Sheep.

As a precursor for a universal metabolic coenzyme, vitamin B1, also known as thiamine, is a vital nutrient in all living organisms. We previously found that high-dose thiamine therapy prevents overnutrition-induced hepatic steatosis in sheep by enhancing oxidative catabolism. Based on this capacity, we hypothesized that thiamine might also reduce whole-body fat and weight. To test it, we investigated the effects of high-dose thiamine treatment in sheep under overnutrition and calorie-restricted undernutrition to respectively induce positive energy balance (PEB) and negative energy balance (NEB). Eighteen mature ewes were randomly assigned to three treatment groups (n = 6 each). The control group (CG) was administered daily with subcutaneous saline, whereas the T5 and T10 groups were administered daily with equivoque of saline containing 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg of thiamine, respectively. Bodyweight and blood biochemistry were measured twice a week for a period of 22 days under PEB and for a consecutive 30 days under NEB. Surprisingly, despite the strong effect of thiamine on liver fat, no effect on body weight or blood glucose was detectable. Thiamine did, however, increase plasma concentration of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) during NEB (575.5 ± 26.7, 657.6 ± 29.9 and 704.9 ± 26.1 µEqL−1 for CG, T5, and T10, respectively: p < 0.05), thereby favoring utilization of fatty acids versus carbohydrates as a source of energy. Thiamine increased serum creatinine concentrations (p < 0.05), which paralleled a trending increase in urea (p = 0.09). This may indicate an increase in muscle metabolism by thiamine. Reduction of fat content by thiamine appears more specific to the liver than to adipose tissue. Additional studies are needed to evaluate the potential implications of high-dose vitamin B1 therapy in muscle metabolism.

Preliminary Investigation into a Novel Sustained-Release Formulation of Meloxicam in Sheep (Ovis aries)-Pharmacokinetic Profile.

Simple SummaryMeloxicam is an effective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) suitable for ameliorating pain in sheep. Pain caused by husbandry procedures and other inflammatory conditions in sheep can persist for an extended time beyond the duration of action of currently available formulations of NSAIDs. This study investigates a novel sustained-release formulation of meloxicam to determine its potential for extended pain alleviation. Compared to a conventional formulation of meloxicam, the sustained-release formulation provided extended half-life making it a suitable candidate for providing extended pain relief.This study is a preliminary investigation describing the pharmacokinetic profile of a novel subcutaneous sustained-release meloxicam formulation (SRMF) in sheep. Six merino ewe hoggets (41.5 ± 4.6 kg) were treated with a novel subcutaneous SRMF at 2 mg/kg bodyweight (BW). Blood samples were collected at t = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48, 96, 144, 168, 192, and 336 h following treatment, and interstitial (ISF) fluid samples were collected at periods of 8 to 12 h, 12 to 24 h, 24 to 48 h, 48 to 52 h, and 92 to 96 h following treatment. High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis with ultraviolet detection was utilised to determine the concentration of meloxicam in plasma and ISF. The SRMF exhibited the following mean (±SD) pharmacokinetic indices: Cmax of 1.58 μg/mL (±0.82 μg/mL) at a Tmax of 10.0 h (±1.79 h), and half life (t1/2) of 31.4 h (±13.17 h) in sheep plasma. Interstitial fluid samples were collected from three of the six sheep, with a decrease in meloxicam concentration exhibited over 52 h. This study demonstrates a variable extended t1/2, a delayed Tmax, and a lower Cmax of the SRMF, as compared to that of a conventional meloxicam formulation (CMF) in sheep, as previously referenced (t1/2: 14.28 h; Tmax: 5 h; Cmax: 15.94 μg/mL). Further research to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of the SRMF in sheep is warranted.

Therapeutic efficacy of triclabendazole in comparison to combination of triclabendazole and levamisole in sheep naturally infected with Fasciola sp.

Fascioliasis is an important parasitic disease which affects productivity of ruminants, and imposes significant economic losses. Benzimidazoles are effective in the treatment of fascioliasis; however, there are several reports on benzimidazoles resistant flukes. Combinational therapy is an approach to delay the emergence of resistant flukes. The present study aimed to compare the efficacy of triclabendazole (TBZ) and combination of triclabendazole and levamisole (TBZ + LVM) in the treatment of sheep naturally infected with Fasciola sp. For this purpose, 40 ewes infected with Fasciola sp. in three groups received TBZ, and TBZ + LVM, or remained untreated as CON. Fecal egg count (FEC), fecal egg count reduction (FECR), liver enzymes activity, albumin, globulin, and total protein levels were measured on day 0, 7, 14, and 28 post treatments. Obtained results showed that treatment with TBZ and TBZ + LVM resulted in significant reduction in FEC (P < 0.05), and FECR reached to values of higher than 90% on 28day post treatment. The FEC for TBZ + LMV on day 7 and 14 were 12.25 ± 3.82 and 3.08 ± 1.03, respectively which was significantly lower in comparison to TBZ and CON (P < 0.05). Efficacy of TBZ + LMV was higher than TBZ on day 7 and 14 post treatment; however, no significant difference was observed on 28day. The liver enzyme activities on days 7 and 14 were lower in the TBZ + LVM sheep in comparison to the TBZ and CON. Treatment with TBZ or TBZ + LVM resulted in an increase in albumin and a decrease in globulin. Over all, the present study clarified the importance of combinational therapy, and demonstrated that combination of TBZ + LVM resulted in higher efficacy and earlier improvement of liver conditions in sheep naturally infected with Fasciola sp.

Association of ectoparasites and gastrointestinal endoparasites and body condition in sheep from four farms of the municipality of Valledupar, Cesar

The current study was carried out to evaluate the association between the presence of gastrointestinal ectoparasites and endoparasites with the body condition in sheep sampled in 4 farms located in the municipality of Valledupar, Cesar. The type of study is descriptive, prospective and cross-sectional. Samples were taken from 111 sheep without exclusion of sex distributed in 4 farms in the municipality of Valledupar. The McMaster technique was used to determine the parasite loads of the sheep, later stool cultures were made to the samples that presented high parasite loads, the Baerman technique was applied in order to identify the parasites present in the samples and it was evaluated if there is a relationship between body condition/anemic state, body condition/parasite load and anemic state/ parasite load using the R statistical software and the Chi-square test as hypothesis test. The results show that the prevalence in this research was 84.6% of which 22.5% of the parasitized sheep had high loads, presenting a higher prevalence of the gastrointestinal endoparasite Haemonchus sp with a percentage of 9.9% (11/25), followed by Cooperia with 6.3% (7/25), Ostertagia sp 2.7% (3/25), Trichuris sp 0.9% (1/25) Strongyloides sp 0.9% (1/25), Eimeria 0.9% (1/25) and finally Trichostrongylus with a percentage 0.9% (1/25) for a total of 22.5% and biparasitism did not occur. No ectoparasites were found in sheep. The association between the body anemic status of the sheep determined by the Famacha technique and the presence of gastrointestinal parasites was p<0.05; while the relationship between the body condition in sheep and the parasites presented in them was p>0.05. In conclusion, it is established that if there is an association between Famacha and the presence of gastrointestinal endoparasites, the association between body condition and ovine parasites is not established, taking into account that Famacha turned out to be a useful technique to determine in which anemic state and which the body condition is not associated with the parasite load and is responsible for the fact that this technique is subjective and that therefore the decrease in the body mass and weight of the sheep may be due to various factors and not necessarily to the presence of gastrointestinal endoparasites and ectoparasites , considering that the latter were absent in this research.

Prevalence and associated economic loss of fetal wastage in small ruminants slaughtered at Addis Ababa municipality abattoir, Ethiopia

The study examined prevalence and economic implications of abattoir pregnancy/ fetal wastage in small ruminants. Survey was conducted on ewes (n=201) and does (n=183) slaughtered at Addis Ababa municipality abattoirs, during December 2017 and January 2018. Female reproductive tracts were examined for presence and types of pregnancy and/ or gross disorders. Net economic lossand net economic risk due to abattoir fetal wastage were calculated for each species after accounting for naturally expected abortion and neonatal losses, and domestic net market values. One hundred forty-two (37 %) animals were pregnant 131 (34.1 %) with single and 11 (2.9 %) with twin fetus. A total of 153 fetuses were recovered giving a fetal wastage prevalence of 39.8 %. More animals in the second trimester (25.5 %) were slaughtered than those in first (8.3 %) or third (3.1 %) trimesters (p &lt; 0.05). Prevalence of pregnancy was 32.8 % in does and 40.8 % in ewes (p = 0.104). Prevalence of fetal wastage was 37.2 % (68 fetuses) and 42.3 % (85 fetuses) in goats and sheep, respectively (p &gt; 0.05). Abattoir pregnancy prevalence showed variations relative to slaughter month in goat (p &lt; 0.01) and body condition in sheep (p &lt; 0.05). Observed abattoir pregnancy prevalence levels incurred net economic loss of 313.55 USD in sheep (per 201 ewes) and 315.4 USD in goats (per 108 doe). This translated to net economic risk of 1.7 USD per mature doe or ewe slaughtered for meat. Nine (4.9 %) does and 1 (0.5 %) ewe showed gross reproductive tract disorders (p &lt; 0.05). Frequent female slaughter without efficient ante-mortem pregnancy screening predisposed significant proportion of small ruminants to pregnancy/ fetal wastage. Deeper investigations are needed to understand reasons behind pregnant small ruminant slaughter and to mitigate its negative impacts onsustainability of animal production. Evaluating and capacity building on alternative small ruminant pregnancy diagnosis methods requires due attention. &#x0D; Key words: Doe; Pregnancy; Reproductive disorders; Ewe; Fetal wastage; Economic implication; Abattoir

Toxic Wasting Disorders in Sheep.

Simple SummaryThere are several substances, either inorganic or organic that may be toxic for sheep. Intoxications by some of these substances have an acute clinical course with specific signs and lesions that may guide the diagnostic procedures. However, there are other insidious, subacute to chronic presentations, usually related to continuous intake of the toxic substance over long periods of time, that may present with emaciation, ill-thrift, and/or poor external aspect. In such scenarios, diagnosis may be challenging and should be achieved through a combination of history of exposure, subtle gross and histological findings (if present), and available ancillary tests.Infectious and parasitic agents have been frequently associated with debilitating and wasting conditions in sheep. The prevalence of these agents has probably undermined the role of toxic causes as contributors to such disorders. In addition, many of these intoxications frequently produce acute clinical disease with specific and characteristic lesions, thus a causal relationship with the toxic substance may be relatively easy to establish. However, persistent exposure to some of these organic or inorganic toxic substances may lead to emaciation, ill-thrift, and poor external aspect. The anti-nutritional factors and alkaloids of several plants, including pyrrolizidine alkaloids, among others, have also been associated with emaciation and/or poor general performance in sheep flocks. In this review, some of these disorders are discussed with an emphasis on clinical signs and lesions, relevant diagnostic aspects, and available therapeutic approaches. In most cases, demonstrating a history of exposure should be one of the most relevant aspects of the diagnostic approach, and removing the animals from the toxic source is the cornerstone of the majority of the treatment strategies.

Analysis of Hindgut Microbiome of Sheep and Effect of Different Husbandry Conditions.

Simple SummaryThe purpose of this study was to describe the composition of the hindgut microbiome in sheep and to test whether different husbandry conditions could have an effect in changing the composition and the diversity of the hindgut microbiome, based on the assumption that there is a known influence between stress-related husbandry conditions and the gut microbiome. The results of our study demonstrated very few differences in the sheep hindgut microbiome, basically related to Verrucomicrobia abundance, when compared with previous studies. Additionally, the investigation of the interactions between microbiome and animal husbandry showed few indicators of difference between groups, which might indicate the presence of a low-level stress across the flock, depending on management procedures. Surely, this work represents a contribution for the analysis of the microbiome in animal production and welfare research.The microbiome is now seen as an important resource to understand animal health and welfare in many species. However, there are few studies aiming at identifying the association between fecal microbiome composition and husbandry conditions in sheep. A wide range of stressors associated with management and housing of animals increases the hypothalamic–pituitary axis activity, with growing evidence that the microbiome composition can be modified. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to describe the core microbiome in sheep, characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and to explore whether exposure to stressful husbandry conditions changed sheep hindgut microbiome composition. Sheep (n = 10) were divided in two groups: isolated group (individually separated for 3 h/day) and control group (housed in the home pen for the entire trial period). Sheep core microbiome was dominated by Firmicutes (43.6%), Bacteroidetes (30.38%), Proteobacteria (10.14%), and Verrucomicrobia (7.55%). Comparative results revealed few operational taxonomic units (OTUs) with significantly different relative abundance between groups. Chao1, abundance-based coverage estimator (ACE), and Fisher’s alpha indices did not show differences between groups. OTU-based Bray–Curtis distances between groups were not significant (p-value = 0.07). In conclusion, these results describing the core microbiome of sheep do not suggest a strong effect of stressful husbandry conditions on microbial composition.

Impacts of major health conditions affecting the Australian sheepmeat value chain: a review.

Major health conditions in sheep contribute to substantial economic losses throughout the sheepmeat supply chain in Australia. A systematic review was undertaken to explore the measurable impact of six conditions: arthritis, sheep measles, pleurisy, pneumonia, grass seeds and rib fractures, on the production of lamb and mutton across the meat value chain. Peer-reviewed scientific literature from three databases and non-peer-reviewed articles and reports from Australian government and non-government websites were searched between 11 and 17 November 2019. Original articles, including studies conducted in Australia and New Zealand, that had measurable impacts on conditions of interest were included. The search yielded 16 articles and reports and were classified as producer impact and/or processor impact studies. Mortalities were quantified for pneumonia and arthritis, with pneumonia having the highest impact for producers. Grass seed infestation resulted in the highest impact on carcase and liveweight losses compared to arthritis and pneumonia. Arthritis had the highest trim weight losses for both lamb and mutton and the highest rate of carcase condemnation. Grass seed was the only condition where other impacts on the processor (chain speed and staff relocation to the boning room) were quantified. Although quantifiable production and processing losses were available for some conditions, this review has highlighted that limited quantifiable data based on scientifically sound research were not available for other conditions. The evidence for some conditions found in this review can be used to target future research activities and to further assist producers in making informed management decisions on prevention and control.

Influences of tolfenamic acid and flunixin meglumine on the disposition kinetics of levofloxacin in sheep.

The pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin (4 mg/kg), administered both alone and in combination with tolfenamic acid (2 mg/kg) and flunixin meglumine (2.2 mg/kg), was established after intravenous administration in sheep. Plasma levofloxacin concentrations were assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography and analysed according to the two-compartment open model. Following the administration of levofloxacin alone, the mean distribution half-life, elimination half-life, total clearance, volume of distribution at steady state and area under the plasma concentration-time curve were 0.20 h, 1.82 h, 0.39 L/h/kg, 0.96 L/kg and 10.40 h × µg/mL, respectively. Tolfenamic acid and flunixin meglumine caused a slow elimination and increased plasma concentrations of levofloxacin in combination administration. Levofloxacin, with an alteration in the dosage regimen, can be used effectively with tolfenamic acid and flunixin meglumine for the therapy of infections and inflammatory conditions in sheep.

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in a sheep

ABSTRACT: This research described the radiological, clinical and pathological aspects of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy in a seven-year-old Santa Inês ram. The main clinical features were lameness of the thoracic and pelvic limbs, rigid, cracking and enlarged of the humeroradial, humeroulnar and tibiofemoral joints, cervical spine stiffness, and severe lordosis of the thoracolumbar vertebrae. Dyspnea, nasal discharge and abdominal breathing were also observed. On radiographic examination of the thoracic and pelvic limbs, osteoarthrosis with the formation of osteophyte bridging, intra-articular calcification and periosteum reaction were observed. At necropsy were reported bilateral osteophytosis in the humeroradial, humeroulnar, tibiofemoral and interphalangeal joints, and fusion of the bodies of thoracic vertebrae T5-13 T6 and T12-T13. Microscopically, extensive areas of fibrosis were observed in the lungs and the affected joints were thickened by well demarcated and perpendicular orientated woven and trabecular bone proliferation in the epiphysis. The periosteum was also expanded by fibrous connective tissue that extended into and between the new proliferated bone. Based on these findings, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, which is an unusual condition in sheep, was diagnosed.

PSI-30 Identifying key regulator genes associated with parasite resistance and their link with climate conditions in sheep.

PSI-30 Identifying key regulator genes associated with parasite resistance and their link with climate conditions in sheep.

Anatomy for economy: Starting from the rumen keratinization degree to enhance the farm income

Grazing is a main tool for biodiversity conservation, however, there is a risk of pasture abandonment due to the climate changes leading to an increasing summer aridity that negatively affect forage features; worsening in forage composition resulted in decline of sheep body status, mainly due to the rise of fiber content, which causes the increase of rumen keratinization degree. During summer, the deterioration of the body condition of sheep is the main cause of the declining milk yield and quality; this can have serious impacts on farm household income, enhancing the risk of pasture abandonment with consequent environmental and territorial degradation. This short note presents the food supplementation as an essential way to contrast the rapid rumen keratinization in sheep fed on the pasture during the summer. A flock of 45 adult female sheep were conducted on pasture at the beginning of June 2016, where they were free to grazing until the moment of pasture maximum flowering. From this moment until the maximum pasture dryness, the animals were divided in two groups: the control group fed only on the pasture, while the experimental group was also supplemented with 600 g/day/animal of corn and barley (1:1). The rumen epithelium keratinization degree, Body Condition Score and milk production were monitored at the beginning and at the end of the period of differentiated diets. The food supplementation did not affect the animal body state, but it slow down the growth of the rumen keratinization degree, allowing a better absorption of nourishing principles and then bringing to a significant increase of the milk production. An analysis of cost/benefit, attempted also considering the newborn numerousness, indicated that food supplementation could mitigate the productive loss induced by summer aridity preserving the economic sustainability of sheep milk production, thus avoiding land abandonment.