Domestic Ruminants Research Articles

Transboundary Livestock Network in Africa: How Circulate Pathogens and Where to Act to Prevent the Epizootics Spread?

Objectives: Transboundary animal diseases (TADs) of domestic ruminants are closely linked to livestock movements, consequently, understanding these latter provides information on the pathogen's dissemination pathways. This descriptive study, using the mapping and network analysis (NA) method, aims to characterize the cross-border mobility network of domestic ruminants on the African continent, to understand how it works, to identify the main countries controlling livestock mobility, to deduct their relationships with other countries, and finally, to highlight the articulation points of the network at which actions should be taken to stop the epizootics spread. Methodology: This is a synthetic, descriptive study, whose results make it possible to place it within the framework of epidemiological surveillance with a continental scope, aiming to guide the efforts of the concerned authorities. Based on deep documentary research, a total of 483 transhumant and commercial cross-border movements were identified. These movements were mapped by the geographic information system (GIS) to reconstruct the network of international movements between countries. The most regular movements, numbering 190 and constituting a more stable exchange network over time, were subjected to processing by the NA method, to highlight different indicators that permit the characterization of the network. The results obtained were then compared with health data on the distribution of the five main notifiable animal diseases circulating in the African continent in addition to rinderpest. All analyses were conducted using “R” software. Results: The centrality indicators enabled the identification of the main central countries, including the most active and unavoidable ones that contribute to diseases spread in Africa. They also made it possible to quantify their importance in the influence of movement, while the global measurements and network cohesion parameters showed that the latter is vulnerable to the spread of epizootics. This study revealed a strong livestock exchange relationship between 25 African countries, extending from nations on the Atlantic Ocean coasts to those of the Indian Ocean ones, which were found to be the most vulnerable to the establishment of contagious diseases. Different communities of countries whose livestock movements appear to be very cohesive and which presage significant mutual contamination have been highlighted. Certain African countries have proven to be key points in the articulation of flows between different countries and different regions and contribute significantly to the dissemination of diseases between the different regions of the continent. Accordingly, key countries where actions should be taken to stop the epizootics spread were identified. Conclusion: The results allowed a better understanding of diseases diffusion pathways through livestock movements across Africa and highlighted the main movement focal points which represent a high-risk of diseases spread, as well as the capacity to influence their diffusion through the control of the animal’s movement or the deployment of prophylactic actions at their level.

Molecular Survey of Anaplasma capra in Goats in Van Province, Eastern Türkiye.

A newly discovered zoonotic infection carried by ixodid ticks, Anaplasma capra, affects a wide variety of hosts, including numerous mammals. A. capra most likely infects erythrocytes or endothelial cells in mammals. This study aimed to investigate the A. capra pathogen in goats in Türkiye's Van province. A total of 200 goat blood samples were examined. Goat samples were subjected to partial amplification of the gltA gene fragment using a nested polymerase chain reaction. A. capra DNA was detected in 0.5% of goat blood samples. Phylogenetic analysis of a partial gltA gene fragment showed that the Eastern Türkiye isolate, closely grouped with A. capra isolates reported from wild and domestic ruminants in France, Türkiye, and Kyrgyzstan, formed a distinct clade. This is the first report of A. capra in goats in Van province, Eastern Türkiye.

From forests to fields: investigating Culicoides (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) abundance and diversity in cattle pastures and adjacent woodlands.

Culicoides Latreille (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) biting midges are hematophagous flies that feed on wild and domestic ruminants. They can transmit arboviruses, such as bluetongue virus (BTV) and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus (EHDV), which circulate in the United States. Larvae occupy a range of aquatic and semiaquatic habitats, and disperse short distances from their development sites. In the southeastern United States, there are limited studies on the abundance and diversity of Culicoides in wooded and adjacent livestock pasture habitats. In this study, we characterized Culicoides diversity and abundance within these distinct habitat types. BG-Sentinel and CDC miniature suction traps baited with CO2 or UV-light were placed in wooded and pasture habitats at 2 locations on a university beef farm in Savoy, Arkansas. Traps were set once per week for 9 wk during August-October of 2021 and 2022. Fifteen species were collected during this study, and the 2 most abundant species were Culicoides haematopotus Malloch and Culicoides stellifer Coquillett. There was a significant effect of site and location on C. haematopotus collections, and a significant effect and interaction of site and trap on C. stellifer collections. In the woods, significantly more C. stellifer were collected from CDC-UV traps, while in the pasture significantly more were collected in CDC-CO2 traps. These data suggest that C. stellifer, a putative vector of BTV and EHDV in the southeast, may be traveling into the pasture to host-seek, while C. haematopotus remains primarily in wooded areas. This study reveals community differences between these habitat types and implications for Culicoides control.

Hard Tick Species Parasitism Levels in Domestic Ruminants with Their Distribution and Role as Vectors: A Detailed Global Meta-analysis and Systematic Review.

This comprehensive global meta-analysis reviews the parasitism levels of tick genera and species, life stages, seasonality, attachment sites, the global mean ranks of tick species parasitism rates and records, and their distribution and role as vectors. From the 418 papers identified, 390 papers were selected to become part of the study. The genera recorded as infesting domestic ruminants were Rhipicephalus (42 species), Haemaphysalis (32 species), Hyalomma (19 species), Amblyomma (18 species), Ixodes (10 species), Dermacentor (8 species), Margaropus and Nosomma (1 species). Globally, domestic ruminants are more infested by adult females and males than by the nymphal and larval stages of the tick species. The global tick species parasitism levels at the attachment sites of domestic ruminants were, in order, tail and anal region, neck and dewlap, scrotum or udder, ear region, thigh and abdomen, and dorsal surface. Among 131 species of eight genera of hard ticks recorded infesting domestic ruminants, 42 species had mean ranks of tick species parasitism rates up to 10%, and 37 species had mean ranks of tick species parasitism up to 10 records. Briefly, the higher the indexes of tick species parasitism rates and records, the more important their role as vectors. In addition, the majority of them are found among tick species-infested humans with nearly high ranks of tick species parasitism rates and records that double their medical, veterinary, and zoonotic importance to be the most common vectors and reservoirs of bacterial, protozoan, and viral pathogenic microorganisms, causing severe infectious diseases, and as a result, can be more dangerous to humans and domestic ruminants.

Systematic Review on Herbal Plants Having Veterinary Ectoparasitic Importance in Ethiopia

Parasitic skin disease in domestic ruminants caused by ticks, lice, fleas, and ticks is one of the serious diseases causing great economic losses to smallholder farmers, the industry tanning and the country in general. Invasion of ectoparasites causes blood loss, irritation leading to skin degeneration and rejection, poor growth, reduced production, reproduction and death. Although ruminant parasites can be controlled using commercial synthetic insecticides, their accessibility and affordability to poor farmers, the development of Their resistance status and profound environmental impact make them less desirable than other alternatives such as medicinal plants. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design an activity to evaluate the mite-killing efficacy of medicinal plants traditionally used against parasitic skin diseases in ruminants and domestic chickens in Ethiopia. The study was conducted from October 2020 to January 2021 using the different search engines. For this study, various ethno botanical and ethno medical survey reports on the ectoparasitic importance of medicinal plants, in veterinary practice conducted in Ethiopia were used. Out of a total of 102 studies, 20 were used in a systematic review. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data collected. Among the parts of ectoparasitic plants, the leaves are the most frequently used. Sharpening and grinding are the main processing methods for preparation. Phytochemicals were not detected during the search. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine the dosage, concentration of the preparation, side effects and phytochemicals present in medicinal plants.

Characterisation of South African field Ehrlichia ruminantium using multilocus sequence typing.

Heartwater, one of the major tick-borne diseases of some domestic and wild ruminants in Africa, is caused byEhrlichia ruminantium. The genetic diversity ofE. ruminantiumisolates renders the available vaccine ineffective against certain virulent isolates. To better understand theE. ruminantiumgenotypes in South Africa, a total of 1004Amblyomma hebraeumtick deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples from cattle in three South African provinces were tested by pCS20 Sol1 real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and characterised by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) using five housekeeping genes. Out of 1004 samples tested, 222 (22%) were positive forE. ruminantium. The occurrence ofE. ruminantiumin Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Limpopo provinces was 19%, 22% and 27%, respectively. TheE. ruminantiumpositive samples were screened for housekeeping genes and sequenced. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three main lineages: clade 1 made up of worldwide isolates (eastern, southern Africa, and Caribbean isolates), clade 2 comprised only West African isolates and clade 3 consisted of Omatjenne, Kümm2 and Riverside. Some study sample sequences were not identical to any of the reference isolates. However, they could all be grouped into the worldwide clade. Genetic variation in the sequenced regions was observed in the form of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Using MLST to characteriseE. ruminantiumfield isolates allowed the South African genotypes to be clearly distinguished from the distinct West African isolates.Contribution:Characterisation ofE. ruminantiumfield isolates is important for the control of heartwater and contributes to preliminary knowledge required for the development of a more practical vaccine against heartwater.

Occurrence and Phylogenetic Analysis of Zoonotic Enteropathogenic Protist Parasites in Asymptomatic Domestic Ruminants from Portugal.

Enteropathogenic parasites are of significant concern for public health due to their zoonotic potential and their impact on human and animal health. In this study, we investigated their occurrence and characterized these enteropathogens in asymptomatic domestic ruminants from Portugal. A total of 302 stool samples were collected from cattle (n = 166), sheep (n = 73), and goats (n = 63) in various regions of Portugal and tested for Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Blastocystis sp., and Balantioides coli by PCR. The occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. was found to be 12.7% (8/63, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.65-23.5) in goats; however, no sample was found to be positive for Cryptosporidium spp. in cattle and sheep. For E. bieneusi, 6.35% (4/63; 95%CI: 1.76-15.47) of goats were found to be positive; however, no cattle or sheep were found to be positive. Blastocystis sp. was found in sheep (9.59%; 7/73; 95% [CI]: 0.394-18.76) and goats (12.70%; 8/63; 95% [CI]: 5.65-23.50) but none was found in cattle. No positive results for G. duodenalis or B. coli were detected in this study. This study provides essential baseline information for understanding the silent shedding and epidemiology of these enteropathogens in Portugal, contributing to overall livestock health and related occupational safety. Raising awareness among consumers, veterinarians, and farm owners is crucial to minimize the risk of transmission and promote effective disease control strategies.

Successful use of intravenous and oral levetiracetam in a goat to control refractory seizures secondary to suspected polioencephalomalacia.

To assess the clinical efficacy and plasma concentrations of levetiracetam in a goat with seizures. A 5-month-old doeling. The goat was referred because of progressive anorexia and lethargy over 3 days. Clinical signs consisted of weakness, obtundation, opisthotonos, anisocoria, and cortical blindness. Initial evaluation was most consistent with polioencephalomalacia. Neurologic improvement occurred within 4 hours of thiamine administration, with appetite returning over 12 hours. On day 3 of hospitalization, the goat suffered acute onset repetitive seizures that were incompletely responsive to standard interventions over 3 hours. Administration of IV levetiracetam (60 mg/kg) produced resolution of seizure activity within 20 minutes. Levetiracetam was continued twice daily IV, then PO after day 6. Plasma concentrations were above or within therapeutic ranges (5 to 45 μg/mL) as previously established for other species, following both IV and PO levetiracetam. Oral administration (60 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) resulted in plasma levetiracetam concentrations of 48.1 μg/mL 2 hours after a dose and 23.4 μg/mL 2 hours prior to the next dose. Levetiracetam is a newer anticonvulsant commonly used in humans and small animals due to its efficacy, cost, and wide safety margin. Its use has not previously been reported in domestic small ruminants. In this case, levetiracetam showed excellent clinical efficacy in the face of refractory seizures, with no apparent side effects. Plasma concentrations during oral administration were at the high end of the therapeutic range, indicating absorption in a nonmonogastric species. Further studies are warranted to determine optimal dosing in small ruminants.

Molecular detection and characterization of Rift Valley fever virus in humans and domestic ruminants in Nigeria

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) causes a zoonotic mosquito-borne disease of domestic livestock, wildlife and humans majorly in Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. The virus is a Phlebovirus belonging to the Family Phenuiviridae and constitutes a threat to both human and animal health. Although there has been serological evidence of RVFV in humans and animals in Nigeria, reports on its molecular detection and characterization are absent. Blood samples (n = 1101) were collected between January 2019 and March 2021 from humans, cattle and sheep in four States of Nigeria. The harvested plasma samples were tested using a commercial ELISA kit. All the ELISA-positive, ‘-doubtful’ and some ‘-negative’ samples (n = 436) were further analyzed using nested reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (nRT-PCR). Eight samples (humans, n = 1; cattle, n = 6; sheep, n = 1) that gave the expected band size of approximately 668 base pairs following gel electrophoresis were sequenced by Sanger method. The sequence data were edited using BioEdit software and RVFV was successfully identified in all of them. Nucleotide sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed that these eight RVFV strains were 98.3–99.9% identical and clustered with the Ugandan Smithburn strain. Genotyping showed that they belonged to Lineage K. This report, which is the first molecular detection and characterization of RVFV in Nigeria, confirms the circulation of the virus in the country. It also highlights the need for large-scale surveillance for RVFV in Nigeria, including among mosquito vectors, to provide better understanding of its spatiotemporal epidemiology, and thus, aid in preventing potential RVF outbreaks in the country.

Sheep with Partial RXFP2 Knockout Exhibit Normal Horn Phenotype but Unilateral Cryptorchidism1

Comprehending the genetic basis of economically important traits is of significant importance to enhance livestock breeding. In domestic ruminants, hornlessness is becoming a more desirable trait since horns could lead to accidental injuries to animals and producers. Recent studies have identified the relaxin family peptide receptor 2 (RXFP2) as a primary candidate gene associated with the presence and absence of horns in sheep. However, no sufficient molecular biology-based analyses were performed to validate the association and function of RXFP2 in sheep. Noticeably, previous studies in both humans and mice have provided evidence supporting the involvement of RXFP2 in testicular descent. To validate the potential function of the RXFP2 gene in sheep, we used the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to obtain RXFP2-disrupted sheep individuals. Initially, highly efficient sgRNAs, targeting RXFP2, were screening through in vitro cleavage assays and cellular assessments. Then, two RXFP2-disrupted lambs were generated by intracytoplasmic microinjection of CRISPR/Cas9-sg1 ribonucleoprotein, with an efficiency of 81.84 and 37.17%, respectively. No potential off-target events were detected. Western blot analysis showed that RXFP2 expression was significantly reduced in the pedicle skin of edited lambs (P=0.034). Intriguingly, although the partial disruption of RXFP2 did not affect the horn phenotype in sheep, it led to an obvious unilateral cryptorchidism. These results provide evidence for a hitherto ambiguous link between both horn and testicular development. In conclusion, this study represents the first successful generation of cryptorchid sheep models via the disruption of RXFP2 using CRISPR/Cas9. These findings provide new insights into the roles of RXFP2, whose partial disruption is associated with testicular descent rather than horn formation.

Association between major histocompatibility complex haplotypes and susceptibility of unvaccinated and vaccinated cattle to paratuberculosis

Bovine Johne’s disease (BJD) or paratuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium avium spp. paratuberculosis (MAP) and is a worldwide problem among domestic and wild ruminants. While vaccines are available, natural differences in background immunity between breeds within species and between individuals within herds suggest that genetic differences may be able to be exploited in marker-assisted selection as an aid to disease control. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is an important component in immune recognition with considerable genetic variability. In this study, associations between the MHC and resistance to BJD were explored in dairy cattle across two herds in which some of the cattle had been vaccinated with Silirum® (n = 540 cows). A BJD susceptible animal was exposed to MAP and became infected, while a resistant animal was exposed but did not become infected. There are different ways to define both exposure and infection, with different levels of stringency, therefore many classifications of the same set of animals are possible and were included in the analysis. The polymorphic regions of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) and class II (MHC II) genes were amplified from the genomic DNA by PCR and sequenced, targeting exons 2 and 3 of the classical and non-classical MHC I genes and exon 2 from the DRB3, DQA1, DQA2 + 3 and DQB MHC II genes. The frequencies of MHC I and MHC II haplotypes and alleles were determined in susceptible and resistant populations. In unvaccinated animals, seven MHC I haplotypes and seven MHC II haplotypes were associated with susceptibility while two MHC I and six MHC II haplotypes were associated with resistance (P < 0.05). In vaccinated animals, two MHC I and three MHC II haplotypes were associated with susceptibility, while one MHC I and two MHC II haplotypes were associated with resistance (P < 0.05). The alleles in significant haplotypes were also identified. Case definitions with higher stringency resulted in fewer animals being included in the analyses, but the power to detect an association was not reduced and there was an increase in strength and consistency of associations. Consistent use of stringent case definitions is likely to improve agreement in future association studies.

Prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites of domestic ruminants amongst pastoralists in three Local Government Areas of Bauchi Western Agricultural Zone, Bauchi, Nigeria

Gastrointestinal parasite infections of ruminant animals cause economic loss to farmers and low nutritional value to consumers. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in domestic ruminants such as cattle, sheep and goats and the relationship between the species, sex, age, location, season and breed of the respective animals within the period of May to October 2021, amongst pastoralists in three local government areas of Bauchi Western Agricultural Zone, Bauchi State, Nigeria. A total of 938 faecal samples were examined using floatation and sedimentation techniques. Out of the 938 samples examined, 756 (80.60%) were infected. The results from the faecal examination revealed the presence of eighteen (18) gastrointestinal parasites namely; Fasciola, Cooperia, Balantidium, Oesophagostonum, Bunostonum, Haemanchus, Tricharis, Coccidia, Strongyloides, Trichstrongylus, Chabertia, Nematodirus, Dicrocoelium, Ostertasia, Moniezia, Paramphistomum, Schistosoma and Marshallagia. The most prevalent helminth encountered was Fasciola 369 (39.34%) while schitosoma 2 (0.21%) was the least prevalent parasite. Sokoto Gudali, Uda and Kano brown breeds of cattle, sheep and goats, harboured more gastrointestinal parasites than their breed counterpart which are the White Fulani breed of cattle, Balami and ‘Yankasa breed of sheep as well as Red Bauchi breeds of goats respectively. Statistically, there was a significant difference (p&lt;0.05) with respect to the species of animal but no statistical difference (p&gt;0.05) with respect to sex, age, season and breed of the animals. Pasture dressing, rotational grazing, and strategic deworming programmes in combination with control of intermediate hosts will lead to more effective control of the parasite as helminthiasis causes great economic losses to livestock farmers and the nation’s Gross Domestic Products. Furthermore, future investigations are recommended to evaluate the economic impact of gastrointestinal parasites in the study area.

Serosurvey of selected reproductive pathogens in domestic ruminants from Upper Egypt

Toxoplasmosis, neosporosis, and Q fever are among the most important abortifacient diseases in ruminants worldwide. These diseases result in huge economic losses in livestock besides the fact that some of are of public health concern. The present study aimed to update the data about the current seroepidemiological situation of these diseases in Upper Egypt. A total of 411 blood samples were collected from small and large ruminants and serologically tested against the presence of T. gondii, N. caninum, and C. burnetii. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) models were performed to assess the potential risk factors associated with the exposure to these pathogens. The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 47.9% (197/411) with an individual seropositivity of 59.4% (63/106), 58.6% (17/29), 38.8% (54/139) and 46% (63/137) in cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats, respectively. Meanwhile, 9.7% (38/411) of the examined animals were tested positive for anti-N. caninum antibodies, with an individual seropositivity of 13.2% (12/106), 34.5% (10/29), 8.6% (12/139) and 2.9% (4/137) in cattle, buffalo, sheep and goats, respectively. Furthermore, the overall prevalence of antibodies against C. burnetii was 17.3% (63/411), and exposure to this pathogen was detected in 4.7% (5/106) of cattle, 19.3% (20/129) of sheep, 29.2% (38/130) of goats but none of the examined buffalo were found to be seropositive. A total of 12.1% (50/411) of the examined animals showed co-exposure to at least two of the tested pathogens. Regarding the potential risk factors, there were statistically significant differences among species in the frequency of exposure to the three tested pathogens. Age (&amp;gt; 6 months) was also shown to be a significant risk factor associated with T. gondii exposure. The results obtained provided updated information about the occurrence of three of the main reproductive pathogens in Upper Egypt. The high seropositivity values found for the tested zoonotic pathogens in most of the analyzed ruminant species suggest the necessity of performing additional in-depth studies to evaluate the epidemiology of these pathogens in the study area.

Comprehensive immune profiling reveals that Orbivirus infection activates immune checkpoints during acute T cell immunosuppression.

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is an arbovirus transmitted by the bite of infected Culicoides midges that affects domestic and wild ruminants producing great economic losses. The infection induces an IFN response, followed by an adaptive immune response that is essential in disease clearance. BTV can nonetheless impair IFN and humoral responses. The main goal of this study was to gain a more detailed understanding of BTV pathogenesis and its effects on immune cell populations. To this end, we combined flow cytometry and transcriptomic analyses of several immune cells at different times post-infection (pi). Four sheep were infected with BTV serotype 8 and blood samples collected at days 0, 3, 7 and 15pi to perform transcriptomic analysis of B-cell marker+, CD4+, CD8+, and CD14+ sorted peripheral mononuclear cells. The maximum number of differentially expressed genes occurred at day 7pi, which coincided with the peak of infection. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated that genes belonging to virus sensing and immune response initiation pathways were enriched at day 3 and 7 pi in all 4 cell population analyzed. Transcriptomic analysis also showed that at day 7pi T cell exhaustion pathway was enriched in CD4+ cells, while CD8+ cells downregulated immune response initiation pathways. T cell functional studies demonstrated that BTV produced an acute inhibition of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell activation at the peak of replication. This coincided with PD-L1 upregulation on the surface of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells as well as monocytes. Taken together, these data indicate that BTV could exploit the PD1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint to impair T cell responses. These findings identify several mechanisms in the interaction between host and BTV, which could help develop better tools to combat the disease.

Prevalence of paratuberculosis in cattle based on gross and microscopic lesions in Ethiopia

BackgroundParatuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), is a chronic progressive granulomatous enteritis mainly affecting domestic and wild ruminants worldwide. Although paratuberculosis could be prevail in Ethiopia, there is a scarcity of epidemiological data on paratuberculosis in the country. Thus, this study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of paratuberculosis based on gross and microscopic lesions in cattle slaughtered at ELFORA Abattoir, central Ethiopia. Small intestines and associated lymph nodes of 400 apparently healthy cattle which were slaughtered at ELFORA export abattoir were examined for gross and microscopic lesions of paratuberculosis. The microscopic lesions were classified into four grades (I-IV) based on the type and number of cells infiltrated into the lesion. The prevalence of paratuberculosis was estimated on the basis of gross as well as microscopic lesion of paratuberculosis.ResultsThe prevalence of paratuberculosis was 11.25% (95% Confidence interval, CI = 0.083–0.148) on the basis of gross lesion. However, relatively lower prevalence (2.0%, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.039) was recorded based on microscopic lesion. The gross lesions were characterized by intestinal thickening, mucosal corrugations and enlargement of associated mesenteric lymph nodes. On the other hand, the microscopic lesions were characterized by granuloma of different grades ranging from grade I to grade III lesions.ConclusionsThe present study indicated the occurrence of paratuberculosis in cattle of Ethiopia based on the detection of gross and microscopic lesions consistent with the lesion of paratuberculosis. The result of this study could be used as baseline information for future studies on the epidemiology and economic significance of paratuberculosis.

Vaginal temperature and collar activity variations in relation to fecal progestagens of captive moose

BackgroundTiming of reproductive events can be crucial for a species’ population growth and stability. Accurate detection of reproductive phenology presents a challenge to scientists studying wild species, including moose (Alces alces). Currently, there are several established methods for monitoring reproductive activity and events in domestic ruminants, including the use of biologging devices. The main objective of this study was to determine whether female moose display a distinct thermal and activity pattern associated with luteal activity during the estrous cycle, which could be used to determine the onset of their breeding season. We deployed biologging devices and collected fecal samples from 12 captive female moose on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, USA to explore variation in vaginal temperature and collar activity and the relationship between these variables and fecal progestagen concentrations. Fecal samples were collected from mid-August to mid-October and analyzed using radioimmunoassay to determine the concentration of fecal progestagens to classify luteal activity.ResultsCaptive female moose displayed an identifiable thermal pattern during the onset of luteal activity from mid-September to mid-October, associated with the initial estrous cycle of their breeding season. In contrast, we did not observe a distinct pattern in activity during this period. Recurring patterns in both vaginal temperature and activity were identified between mid-October and mid-November, however, which were likely associated with subsequent estrous cycles but not included in our fecal sampling period.ConclusionsThis study supports that female moose display an identifiable pattern in vaginal temperature which is associated with luteal activity of the initial estrous cycle of the breeding season. An identifiable pattern was observed for both vaginal temperature and activity registrations at the presumed timing of subsequent estrous cycle of the breeding season.

Prostaglandins as local regulators of ovarian physiology in ruminants.

Prostaglandins are synthesized from arachidonic acid through the catalytic activities of cyclooxygenase, while the production of different prostaglandin types, prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE), are regulated by specific prostaglandin synthases (PGFS and PGES). Prostaglandin ligands (PGF and PGE) bind to specific high-affinity receptors and initiate biologically distinct signalling pathways. In the ovaries, prostaglandins are known to be important endocrine regulators of female reproduction, in addition to maintaining local function through autocrine and/or paracrine effect. Many research groups in different animal species have already identified a variety of factors and molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the regulation of prostaglandin functions. In addition, prostaglandins stimulate their intrafollicular and intraluteal production via the pathway of prostaglandin self-regulation in the ovary. Therefore, the objective of the review article is to discuss recent findings about local regulation patterns of prostaglandin ligands PGF and PGE during different physiological stages of ovarian function in domestic ruminants, especially in bovine. In conclusion, the discussed local regulation mechanisms of prostaglandins in the ovary may stimulate further research activities in different methodological approaches, especially during final follicle maturation and ovulation, as well as corpus luteum formation and function.

First Molecular Identification of Calicophoron daubneyi (Dinnik, 1962) and Paramphistomum leydeni (Nasmark, 1937) in Wild Ruminants from Romania.

Rumen flukes are geographically widespread trematodes affecting wild and domestic ruminants. The juvenile forms, which are found in the small intestine, are more pathogenic compared to the adults. Severe diarrhoea and weight loss are the major clinical signs, and the disease might be fatal in severely infested individuals. In the last decade, paramphistomosis has been described as an emerging parasitic disease in Europe. This study aimed to identify the rumen fluke species in wild ruminants from western Romania. Fifty-two pre-stomachs obtained from roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) that were hunted on 14 hunting grounds from Timiș and Arad counties were examined for the presence of paramphistomes. Three (9.09%) out of 33 samples were positive in Timiș County, and one (5.26%) out of 19 samples was positive in Arad County. Subsequent PCR testing revealed that three samples were positive for Calicophoron daubneyi and one for Paramphistomum leydeni. The presence of C. daubneyi and P. leydeni in roe deer has not been previously reported in Romania. Two Paramphistomum species-C. daubneyi and P. leydeni-were revealed as the main species of rumen flukes in roe deer from forests in Romania.

Species identity and phylogeny of Paramphistomoidea Fischoeder, 1901 occurring in cattle and sheep in North Cameroon.

Paramphistomidae and Gastrothylacidae are parasitic flatworms occurring in wild and domestic ruminants in different parts of the world especially in Asia and Africa. In Central Africa, few studies have been done using molecular techniques to resolve taxonomical groupings and understand the epizootiology of these parasites. In this study, we molecularly characterized two hundred adult flukes collected from the fore stomachs of cattle and sheep in the Adamawa region of the northern Cameroon. PCR and sequencing of the nuclear ITS-2 of the ribosomal DNA gene and a portion of the mitochondrial cox-1 locus revealed the presence of at least nine species belonging to the genera of Cotylophoron, Calicophorn, Orthocoelium and Carmyerius. In Zebu cattle, we identified Ca. microbothrium, Ca. clavula, Ca. phillerouxi, Co. cotylophorum, Co. fuelleborni, O. scoliocoelium, Car. gregarius, Car. graberi and Car. mancupatus and one yet unknown Paramphistomoidea sp, whereas in sheep, only Ca. microbothrium was found. The present study also strongly suggests cross-hybridization between the two Cotylophoron species coexisting in cattle. These results have implications for the diagnosis and control of rumen flukes in the region and point to the need for accurate species identification to understand parasite distribution and population genetics.

Genome-wide analysis reveals that the cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily B member 1 gene is implicated in growth traits in Rasa Aragonesa ewes.

Sheep are very well adapted to changing environments and are able to produce and reproduce with low inputs in feed and water better than other domestic ruminants. Indeed, the ewe body condition score (BCS) and live weight (LW) play a significant role in productive and reproductive performance. This work conducts a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to detect genetic variants associated with growth traits in 225 adult ewes of the Rasa Aragonesa breed by using the genotypes from 50k and HD Illumina Ovine BeadChip. These ewes were measured for LW, BCS and growth rate (GR) for 2years, from January to September. Corrected phenotypes for BCS, LW and GR were estimated and used as input for the GWAS. Only one single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs425509273 in chromosome 9 (OAR9), associated with the GR, overcame the genome-wise significance level. One, three and nine SNPs were associated at the chromosome-wise level (FDR 10%) for traits BCS, LW and GR, respectively. The cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily B member 1 (CYP7B1) candidate gene, located 83kb upstream from SNP rs425509273 in OAR9, was partially isolated and Sanger-sequenced. Fifteen polymorphisms comprising 12 SNPs, two indels and one polyC, were detected in promoter, exon 1, 3, 5, and intron 1-3 region. The SNP association analysis of the polymorphisms located close to the transcription start site (TSS) showed that a 22bp insertion located at -58 nucleotides from the TSS (indel (-58)), a polyC (-25), and two A/G SNPs (SNP3 (-114) and SNP5 (-63)) were associated with the GR trait, whereas only the indel (-58) was associated with the BCS trait. The haplotype analysis confirmed these results. The functional characterisation of the polymorphisms at CYP7B1 gene in liver by real-time quantitative PCR analysis confirmed that the mutations in the promoter region affected CYP7B1 gene expression. Our results demonstrated the involvement of the CYP7B1 gene promoter on GR and BCS traits in Rasa Aragonesa. These findings suggest that variations in ovine CYP7B1 may serve as potential genetic markers to be used in breeding programmes to improve growth characteristics that could influence reproductive traits.