Efficiency Of Sheep Research Articles

Rumen Microbiome Composition Is Altered in Sheep Divergent in Feed Efficiency.

Rumen microbiome composition and functionality is linked to animal feed efficiency, particularly for bovine ruminants. To investigate this in sheep, we compared rumen bacterial and archaeal populations (and predicted metabolic processes) of sheep divergent for the feed efficiency trait feed conversion ratio (FCR). In our study 50 Texel cross Scottish Blackface (TXSB) ram lambs were selected from an original cohort of 200 lambs. From these, 26 were further selected for experimentation based on their extreme FCR (High Feed Efficiency, HFE = 13; Low Feed Efficiency, LFE = 13). Animals were fed a 95% concentrate diet ad libitum over 36 days. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was used to investigate the rumen bacterial and archaeal communities in the liquid and solid rumen fractions of sheep divergent for FCR. Weighted UniFrac distances separated HFE and LFE archaea communities from the liquid rumen fraction (Permanova, P < 0.05), with greater variation observed for the LFE cohort (Permdisp, P < 0.05). LFE animals exhibited greater Shannon and Simpson diversity indices, which was significant for the liquid rumen fraction (P < 0.05). Methanobrevibacter olleyae (in liquid and solid fractions) and Methanobrevibacter millerae (liquid fraction) were differentially abundant, and increased in the LFE cohort (P.adj < 0.05), while Methanobrevibacter wolinii (liquid fraction) was increased in the HFE cohort (P.adj < 0.05). This suggests that methanogenic archaea may be responsible for a potential loss of energy for the LFE cohort. Bacterial community composition (Permanova, P > 0.1) and diversity (P > 0.1) was not affected by the FCR phenotype. Only the genus Prevotella 1 was differentially abundant between HFE and LFE cohorts. Although no major compositional shifts of bacterial populations were identified amongst the feed efficient cohorts (FDR > 0.05), correlation analysis identified putative drivers of feed efficiency with Ruminococcaceae UCG-014 (liquid, rho = −0.53; solid, rho = −0.56) and Olsenella (solid, rho = −0.40) exhibiting significant negative association with FCR (P < 0.05). Bifidobacterium and Megasphaera showed significant positive correlations with ADG. Major cellulolytic bacteria Fibrobacter (liquid, rho = 0.43) and Ruminococcus 1 (liquid, rho = 0.41; solid, rho = 41) correlated positively with FCR (P < 0.05). Our study provides evidence that feed efficiency in sheep is likely influenced by compositional changes to the archaeal community, and abundance changes of specific bacteria, rather than major overall shifts within the rumen microbiome.

Effects of recipient oocyte source, number of transferred embryos and season on somatic cell nuclear transfer efficiency in sheep.

To improve the efficiency of somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) in sheep, we investigated the effects of recipient oocyte source, number of transferred embryos and season on the pregnancy and live lamb rates for sheep somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-stimulated ovaries produced significantly more oocytes both in total and of suitable quality for maturation culture than those without FSH treatment (from slaughterhouse). However, their in vitro maturation rates were similar. Embryos were reconstructed using adult fibroblast cells into enucleated MII oocytes. The pregnancy and term rates were significantly higher in the FSH-stimulated group than in the slaughterhouse one. Oocytes from FSH-stimulated ovaries were enucleated as recipient cytoplasm for nuclear transfer in the following experiments. The transfer of 7-9 and 11-13 embryos produced significantly higher pregnancy rates than that of six embryos. However, the former groups exhibited similar live lamb rates. FSH-stimulated ovaries produced significantly more oocytes in November and December (winter) than in May to July (summer), but the associated maturation rate did not increase. Pregnancy and term rates were significantly higher when transfer occurred in winter than in summer. In conclusion, FSH treatment produced significant benefit regarding the number and quality of collected oocytes and also for the pregnancy and live lamb rates for reconstructed embryos. However, the transfer of an appropriate number of embryos (7-13) and at an appropriate season (winter) increased pregnancy and term rates.

Feeding behavior of sheep fed sugarcane silage enriched with detoxified castor bean meal

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feeding behavior of sheep fed sugarcane silage enriched with increasing levels of detoxified castor bean meal. Twenty-four non-castrated male Santa Inês sheep with an average body weight of 25.34 kg and four months of age, were distributed in four treatments - 0, 7, 14 and 21% of the natural matter of detoxified castor bean meal in sugarcane silage. There was a linear increase (p &lt; 0.05) in time spent eating and feeding and rumination efficiency (g MS and NDF/h) with the inclusion of castor bean meal in silage. However, there was a linear decreasing response for time spent resting (p &lt; 0.05). Time spent ruminating, number of boluses per day and numbers of chews per day per bolus were not affected (p &gt; 0.05) by the inclusion of castor bean meal. The addition of detoxified castor bean meal to sugarcane silage reduces time spent eating and increases feed and rumination efficiency in sheep.

Pilosocereus gounellei in the water supply for finishing sheep in regions of climatic vulnerability

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diets containing different levels of Pilosocereus gounellei, (xiquexique), (0, 120, 240 and 360 g/kg DM) on intake, performance, ingestive behaviour and water use efficiency in sheep finished in confinement. Twenty non-castrated Santa Inês male lambs with an initial mean body weight of 18.86 ± 1.41 kg and approximately 100 days of age were distributed in a completely randomised design of four diets containing different levels of xiquexique (0, 120, 240 and 360 g/kg DM) with five replications. The inclusion of xiquexique in the diet resulted in a quadratic response (P < 0.05) in the consumption of fresh matter and non-fibrous carbohydrates. The consumption of dry matter and of other nutrients decreased (P < 0.05) with the levels of xiquexique in the diet. Feed conversion, rumination time, idle time, rumination efficiency (g/h DM), total water intake and total water conversion were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the levels of xiquexique. Total weight gain, average daily gain (ADG), feeding time, feeding efficiency (g NDF/h), rumination efficiency, frequency of water intake and voluntary water intake decreased (P < 0.05) linearly. Water intake from the feed increased (P < 0.05) with the levels of xiquexique, and there was a quadratic response for water conversion (WC), with a minimum value of 16.27 g water/g ADG, when the proportion of xiquexique in the diet reached 316 g/kg DM. Xiquexique can be used for intermediate levels of performance, and contributes to the water supply of sheep in regions that are more susceptible to climatic vulnerability.

Intake, apparent digestibility, rumen fermentation and nitrogen efficiency in sheep fed a tropical legume silage with or without concentrate.

Legume silage can increase the forage quality of the diets as well as supply it with nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus. The objective was to evaluate the intake, apparent digestibility, rumen fermentation and nitrogen efficiency in sheep fed a tropical legume silage with or without concentrate. Twelve crossbred sheep with an average initial body weight of 32.2 ± 1.26 kg, with six animals cannulated in the rumen were distributed into four 3 × 3 Latin squares. The treatments were 1) Stylosanthes silage without concentrate (StS), 2) Stylosanthes silage with concentrate (StS+C), and 3) corn silage with concentrate (CS+C). StS diet showed lowest intake, except for neutral detergent fiber (NDF). The diets StS+C and CS+C showed similar intake of dry matter (DM) and crude protein. The intake of total digestible nutrients was higher for CS+C diet than diets StS+C and StS. Animals fed CS+C diet had lowest ruminal pH. The nitrogen use efficiency was similar for the diets with concentrate. In conclusion, StS+C diet replacing CS+C diet decreases the intake of total digestible nutrients.

Effects of supplementation with exhausted myrtle berries on rumen function of dairy sheep

Manipulation of the gut functions, and rumen microbiota and metabolism with feed additives, in particular those rich in polyphenols, has been recognized as promising strategy for improving feed efficiency in sheep. Aiming to evaluate the effect of the dietary supplementation of exhausted myrtle berries (EMB), as source of polyphenols, on the metabolism and microbial population in ruminal fluid of sheep, eighteen Sarda dairy ewes were used in a 11-week experiment. Ewes were allocated to three groups, homogeneous for milk production, days in milking and parity. The groups were assigned to three diets, which were individually fed: i) a control diet (CON); ii) a diet supplemented with 50 g/d per animal of EMB (EMB50); iii) a diet supplemented with 100 g/d per animal of EMB (EMB100). The basal diet (the same for all animals) consisted of dehydrated alfalfa (1.2 kg/d per animal), a commercial concentrate (0.50 kg/d per animal), a mixed meal (soybean, corn, and linseed, 0.15, 0.10 and 0.20 kg/d per animal, respectively) and beet pulp (0.25 kg/d per animal). The supplementation with EMB did not affect (P > 0.05) the rumen pH. Ammonia content was reduced (P < 0.05) by the EMB supplementation at both doses of EMB compared with CON. The total volatile fatty acids (VFA) decreased (P < 0.05) in EMB100 compared to CON and EMB50, whereas the molar proportions of acetate, propionate, butyrate and the ratio acetate:propionate were not affected by the diet. Diet did not affect (P > 0.05) the estimated production of methane. Weak effects were observed on ruminal concentration fatty acids (FA), except for the CLAcis-9,trans-11 and total CLA concentrations, that increased (P < 0.05) in EMB50 and tended to increase (P < 0.10) in EMB100 compared with CON. The abundances of the microbial groups studied in this work were, in general, influenced by the diet × sampling date interaction. The low dose of EMB increased (P < 0.05) the abundance of fungi. Butyrivibrio group was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in both EMB50 and EMB100 diets than in CON. Overall, the reduction of rumen ammonia accumulation, which could reflect the reduction of Butyrivibrio group, known as proteolytic bacteria, suggests that EMB, as source of polyphenols, might be useful to improve nitrogen balance in dairy sheep.

Effect of substituting soybean meal with euglena (Euglena gracilis) on methane emission and nitrogen efficiency in sheep.

This study evaluated methane (CH 4) emission, intake, digestibility, and nitrogen efficiency in sheep fed diets containing replacement levels (0%, 33%, 50%, and 67% of soybean meal with euglena). In this experiment, four Corriedale wether sheep with an initial body weight of 53.8 ± 4.6 were arranged in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. This experiment lasted 84 days, divided into four experimental periods. Each period lasted 21 days, which consists of 14 days of adaptation to the diets, 5 days to collect samples, and 2 days to collect gas emission from sheep. Methane emission expressed as L/kg DM intake or g/kg DM intake reduced by up to 37% and the energy loss via CH 4 (% of GE intake) reduced by up to 34%. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed in DM and OM intake and whole tract apparent DM digestibility due to substitution of soybean meal with euglena. The total CP loss reduced significantly (linear, p < 0.001) and CP efficiency increased linearly (p = 0.03) with increasing concentration of euglena. As a result, nitrogen balance and average daily weight gain remained unchanged despite higher nitrogen concentration in soybean supplemented group. In conclusion, substitution of soybean meal with euglena reduced methane emission without affecting the performance of animals.

Onset of estrus and preovulatory LH surge and ovulatory efficiency in sheep after short-term treatments with progestagen-sponges and progesterone-CIDRs.

The present study supports that short-term (7-days) protocols based on progestagen-impregnated sponges and progesterone-loaded CIDRs are equally effective to induce ovulatory response in sheep. There were no significant differences in the onset of estrus behavior (32.0±6.0 and 33.8±4.0hr after device withdrawal for sponges and CIDRs, respectively; p>0.05) and preovulatory LH discharge (5.1±2.1 and 5.8±3.3hr after onset of estrus behavior for sponges and CIDRs, respectively; p>0.05). These features are similar to previously described for classical long-term (12-14days) treatments. Hence, short-term CIDR-based protocols may be implemented using the same time-intervals for insemination than sponge-based and long-term protocols.

INFLUENCE OF CROSSING OF THE KARACHAY UTERUS WITH EDILBAYEVSKY RAMS ON LETHAL QUALITIES OF LOCAL YOUNG GROWTH

Results of comparative assessment of indicators of meat efficiency of thoroughbred baranchik of the Karachay breed and the hybrids received from crossing of the Karachay ewes with producers of edilbayevsky breed used for increase in meat efficiency of sheep are given in article. The comparative analysis of meat efficiency of thoroughbred baranchik of the Karachay breed and half-blooded Karachay x эдильбай the hybrids which are grown up on mountain pastures of various vertical zonality is carried out. The characteristic of lethal qualities, morphological composition of hulks and nutrition value of lamb of experimental animals is given. It is established that the vertical zonality of pastures as an environmental factor has significant effect on quality indicators of meat of local baranchik. The local baranchik which were contained in conditions of subalpine pastures of a mountain zone (at the height up to 1800 m of N at. m) show rather high precocity and meat efficiency. At 4-month age, surpass the thoroughbred Karachay peers who were contained on subalpine pastures at the height of 800-1800 m of N at in an absolute exit of junctures of the I grade. m for 20,6 %; on the Alpine pastures at height of N at. m of 1800-2600 m of N at. m - for 14,3 %; in 6 monthly age - for 22,8 and 15,7 % respectively.

Genome -wide transcriptome profiling in ovaries of small-tail Han sheep during the follicular and luteal phases of the oestrous cycle

Ovarian function, the control of which is predominantly integrated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, is pivotal for maintaining reproductive efficiency in sheep. To understand the regulatory mechanism of the follicular-luteal phase transition in prolific sheep, the genome-wide expression patterns of microRNAs and genes in ovarian tissue of Small Tail Han sheep were examined during the follicular and luteal phases of the oestrous cycle. Differentially expressed genes (n = 450) were identified and a total of 139 known and 72 novel miRNAs were identified in the two libraries. It is suggested that differential abundance of miR-200a, 200b and 200c may have an important role in the follicular-luteal transition. A miRNA-regulated gene expression network was created for exploring the regulation of the follicular-luteal transition and quantitative real-time PCR verified the reliability of the RNA-seq data.

Poor feed efficiency in sheep is associated with several structural abnormalities in the community metabolic network of their ruminal microbes.

Ruminant animals have a symbiotic relationship with the microorganisms in their rumens. In this relationship, rumen microbes efficiently degrade complex plant-derived compounds into smaller digestible compounds, a process that is very likely associated with host animal feed efficiency. The resulting simpler metabolites can then be absorbed by the host and converted into other compounds by host enzymes. We used a microbial community metabolic network inferred from shotgun metagenomics data to assess how this metabolic system differs between animals that are able to turn ingested feedstuffs into body mass with high efficiency and those that are not. We conducted shotgun sequencing of microbial DNA from the rumen contents of 16 sheep that differed in their residual feed intake (RFI), a measure of feed efficiency. Metagenomic reads from each sheep were mapped onto a database-derived microbial metabolic network, which was linked to the sheep metabolic network by interface metabolites (metabolites transferred from microbes to host). No single enzyme was identified as being significantly different in abundance between the low and high RFI animals (P > 0.05, Wilcoxon test). However, when we analyzed the metabolic network as a whole, we found several differences between efficient and inefficient animals. Microbes from low RFI (efficient) animals use a suite of enzymes closer in network space to the host's reactions than those of the high RFI (inefficient) animals. Similarly, low RFI animals have microbial metabolic networks that, on average, contain reactions using shorter carbon chains than do those of high RFI animals, potentially allowing the host animals to extract metabolites more efficiently. Finally, the efficient animals possess community networks with greater Shannon diversity among their enzymes than do inefficient ones. Thus, our system approach to the ruminal microbiome identified differences attributable to feed efficiency in the structure of the microbes' community metabolic network that were undetected at the level of individual microbial taxa or reactions.

Greater intensity and frequency of Cryptosporidium and Giardia oocyst shedding beyond the neonatal period is associated with reductions in growth, carcase weight and dressing efficiency in sheep

Associations between intensity and frequency of Cryptosporidium and Giardia shedding with growth, carcase weight and dressing% were investigated using a longitudinal study of 1182 lambs on eight Australian farms. Live weight was recorded and faecal samples were collected on three sampling occasions; weaning (approximately 12 weeks of age), post-weaning (approximately 19 weeks) and pre-slaughter (approximately 29 weeks). Hot standard carcase weight (HSCW) and dressing% were measured at slaughter. Faecal samples were screened for presence and concentration of Cryptosporidium, Giardia and Haemonchus oocysts using a quantitative PCR. Trichostrongylid eggs were quantified with modified McMaster faecal worm egg count (WEC). Protozoan shedding intensity was categorised as high (above median oocyst concentration in positive sheep), low (below median oocyst concentration in positive sheep) or not detected. Shedding was also categorised for shedding type (no shedding, single Giardia infection, single Cryptosporidium infection, concurrent Giardia and Cryptosporidium infection) and lambs were categorised for frequency of shedding (shedding identified on 0, 1, 2 or 3 occasions). Associations of parasite shedding intensity category, shedding type, shedding frequency, WEC and Haemonchus status (positive or negative) with lamb production were assessed using general linear models (HSCW and dressing%) and linear mixed effects models (live weight). High Cryptosporidium parvum shedding was associated with lower live weight, ranging 2.31–4.52kg over the 3 sampling occasions. Cryptosporidium parvum shedding was associated with less HSCW in high (3.22kg less) and low (3.22kg less) shedding lambs post-weaning, and high (2.21kg less) and low (2.60kg less) shedding lambs pre-slaughter as well as lower dressing% (2.7% lower in high shedding lambs post-weaning). Cryptosporidium (all species) shedding pre-slaughter was associated with reduced dressing% in both high (1.25% lower) and low (1.21% lower) shedding lambs. Giardia shedding pre-slaughter was associated with 0.59kg less HSCW in high shedding lambs. Increased frequency of C. parvum and Giardia shedding in a specific animal (repeated detection) were associated with reduced HSCW and dressing%. Concurrent Giardia and Cryptosporidium shedding pre-slaughter was associated with reduced dressing%. No statistically significant main effects for either WEC (P>0.05) or Haemonchus status (P>0.05) were identified for any of the sheep meat productivity measures (live weight, HSCW and dressing%). The findings suggest naturally acquired Cryptosporidium and Giardia infections in grazing sheep are associated with depressed growth, carcase weight and dressing efficiency beyond the neonatal period in sheep representing a range of genetic backgrounds and different sheep production environments.

Influence of scrotal bipartition on spermatogenesis yield and sertoli cell efficiency in sheep

Abstract With the objective to assess the effect of scrotal bipartition on spermatogenesis in sheep, the testes were used from 12 crossbred rams of sheep farms in the municipality of Patos, Paraíba, Brazil, distributed into two groups: GI with six rams with scrotal bipartition, and GII with six rams without scrotal bipartition. The testicular biometry was measured and the testes were collected, fixed in Bouin and fragments were processed to obtain histological slides. The spermatogenesis yield and the Sertoli cell efficiency was estimated by counting the cells of the spermatogenetic line at stage one of the seminiferous epithelium cycle and the Sertoli cells. The results were submitted to analysis of variance with the ASSISTAT v.7.6 program and the mean values were compared by the Student-Newman-Keuls test (SNK) at 5% significance. The testicular biometric parameters did not show statistical difference (p&gt;0.05) between the groups. The meiotic, spermatogenetic and Sertoli cell efficiency were higher in bipartitioned rams (p&lt;0.05), while the mitotic yield did not differ (p&gt;0.05) between GI and GII. The results indicated that there is superiority in the spermatogenetic parameters of bi-partitioned rams, suggesting that these sheep present, as reported in goats, indication of better reproductive indices.

Interactions between parasitic infections and reproductive efficiency in sheep

This review article summarises the many reports in the literature, confirming that, in sheep, parasitic infections can adversely affect reproductive efficiency; examples, which refer to all parts of the reproductive cycle of sheep, are as follows: trichostrongylosis in ewe-lambs (which can lead to delayed attainment of puberty), myiosis of the prepuce (which can cause impediment of mating), chorioptic mange or trypanosomosis in rams (which can lead to testicular degeneration or azoospermia, respectively), trypanosomosis or sarcoptic mange in pre-conceptual ewes (which can lead to poor conception rates or reduced number of ovulations, respectively), toxoplasmosis or neosporosis in pregnant ewes (which are causes of abortion), trichostrongylosis or trematode infections in lactating ewes (which can cause reduction of milk yield and can be a risk factor for mastitis, respectively), cryptosporidiosis in newborn lambs (which can be a cause of deaths), coccidiosis in growing pre-weaned lambs (which can cause suboptimal growth rate). In other cases, the reproductive status of the animal can influence the parasitic infection; examples are as follows: the increase in faecal parasitic output during the peri-parturient period (as a consequence of the peri-parturient relaxation of immunity), the heavier trichostrongylid infections of twin lambs compared to lambs from single parities (as a consequence of developmental origin issues in twin lambs). All the above examples support the idea of presence of interactions between parasitic infections and reproductive efficiency in sheep.

The Secondary Products Revolution, Horse-Riding, and Mounted Warfare

Andrew Sherratt included horseback riding and chariotry in his conception of the Secondary Products Revolution, but his emphasis on the role of horses in warfare and on a Near Eastern influence in the earliest episode of horse domestication is viewed here as as an important shortcoming in his understanding of the process of horse domestication. Current evidence indicates that horses were domesticated in the steppes of Kazakhstan and Russia, certainly by 3500 BC and possibly by 4500 BC. Tribal raiding on horseback could be almost that old, but organized cavalry appeared only after 1000 BC. Riding might initially have been more important for increasing the productivity and efficiency of sheep and cattle pastoralism in the western Eurasian steppes. The earliest (so far) direct evidence for riding consists of pathologies on the teeth and jaw associated with bitting, found at Botai and Kozhai 1. Recent developments and debates in the study of bit-related pathologies are reviewed and the reliability of bit wear as a diagnostic indicator of riding and driving is defended.

Hematology and blood microelements of sheep in south Bohemia

The efficiency of sheep is dependent on their health and well-being. The blood markers can be critical for improving of the physiological, nutritional and pathological status of sheep organism. The aim of this study was to test the hypotheses that the red and white blood cells and copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) plasma contents are impacted by altitude and season. The ewes were kept at three farms. Blood samples were divided according to factors of altitude (550 m, 800 m, 950 m above sea level), season (spring, fall) and year. The lowest haemoglobin concentration and value of haematocrit were detected at the altitude of 550 m (66.95 g L−1, 0.36 L L−1) and the highest at the altitude of 950 m (117.96 g L−1, 0.39 L L−1) (P < 0.001). Spring values of haemoglobin and haematocrit were lower than fall values. The highest count of leucocytes was recorded at the altitude 950 m (9.57 G L−1), higher counts were contained in spring (P < 0.001). The lowest percentage of eosinophiles was found at the altitude of 800 m (5.81%) and the highest at the altitude of 550 m (9.26%) (P < 0.01). Phagocytose activities were the highest at the altitude of 950 m (95.07%) and the lowest at the altitude of 550 m (85.04%) (P < 0.001). Phagocytose activities were higher in fall than in spring. The highest Cu concentration was found at the altitude of 550 m and the lowest at the altitude of 800 m (17.04 μmol L−1 vs. 14.37 μmol L−1). Zn levels were higher at altitudes of 950 m and 800 m than at the altitude of 550 m (17.81 μmol L−1, 17.00 μmol L−1 vs. 14.77 μmol L−1). We concluded that hematological markers and trace mineral content in grazed sheep may be impacted by altitude and season.

Histological study of the licorice extract as Phytoestrogens, compared with pregnant mare serum gonadotrophyin hormone (PMSG) in the female Reproductive system of Awassi ewes

This study was carried out at the Iraqi ministry of science &amp; Technology as well as the Vet. Collage- Baghdad. This research aimed to study the effects of macroscopic and histological licorice extract in the genital tract of ewes as well as to study the effect of the extract on reproductive efficiency to be compared with serum hormone PMSG( pregnant horse) used for this purpose. The study used (36) local ewes which are divided into three equal groups (T 1, T 2, T 3) (Licorice extract 300, PMSG 500 and zero respectively), The first group( T1) of ewes was given licorice extract a single dose of 300 mg / kg body weight weekly for a period of ( 6) weeks, The second group (T 2), they were treated with hormone PMSG with a dose of 500 unit by intramuscular injection on the day of the raising of the vaginal sponges. As for the third group (T 3) which was given normal saline only it was used as a control group .The study results that the use of licorice extract as (Phytoestrogens) leads to a lack of awareness of the pathological changes on tissue of the genital tract of treated ewes or reduction of fertility and reproductive efficiency. As the study showed that the fertility rate increased ( 1,5%) in the Group of licorice extract which is similar to the group PMSG compared with control group which had a 1.0 fertility rate and a proportion of 88,8% of fertility. In conclusion, the licorice extract could be used to raise the rates of certain reproductive efficiency in sheep without causing any satisfactory damage in the canal genital ewes or reduction to the reproductive efficiency

A preliminary assessment of predictive measures for the expression of weaning efficiency in sheep

A preliminary assessment of predictive measures for the expression of weaning efficiency in sheep

Reproductive Performances of Tsigaie Sheep

The main reproductive indexes were calculated during the October 2009 - May 2009 time interval for two Tsigaie ecotypes of the red variety. Data has shown that reproductive activity had good efficiency in sheep belonging to the hill ecotype in the Agricultural Research and Development Station at Turda. In the Reghin sheep belonging to the mountain ecotype disease manifested itself and lead to a decrease in index values below those specific to the breed. We believe this situation to be an exception that does not reflect the true genetic potential of mountain Tsigaie sheep.

Metabolism of Purine Derivatives and Microbial Nitrogen Supply in Sheep fed Different Protein Supplements

Dipu, M. T., Singh, P., Verma, A. K. and Mehra, U. R. 2008. Metabolism of purine derivatives and microbial nitrogen supply in sheep fed different protein supplements. J. Appl Anim. Res., 34: 65–70. To study the use of purine nitrogen index (PNI) as an indicator of nitrogen utilization efficiency in sheep fed on deoiled groundnut cake (gr I), deoiled mustard cake (gr II), deoiled soybean meal (gr III) or cotton seed cake (gr IV), eight adult Muzaffarnagari sheep were fed maintenance diets comprised of wheat straw and concentrate mixture (50:50) into two sets of 4x4 Latin Square Design. The purine derivatives (PD) excretion, microbial nitrogen (MN) supply, purine nitrogen index (PNI), concentration of plasma allantoin, PD and tubular load of total PD were higher (P<0.05) in group III compared to group II. The PNI responded to dietary treatments and the effect was more pronounced at 6 h post feeding. The relationship between PNI in the spot samples collected 6 h post feeding and the daily nitrogen balance (P<0.05) was the highest (R2=0.73). Thus, it may be deduced that the PNI could be used as an indicator for assessing efficiency of dietary nitrogen utilization. The collection of spot urine samples at 6 h post feeding represented better PNI of total daily urine collection, so it could be used effectively under farm conditions.