CNVs, chromatin accessibility, and 3D chromatin structure in preadipocytes provide mechanistic insight into sheep fat-tailed formation.

Local livestock breeds represent a significant genetic resource shaped by historical human migrations. While morphological similarities between Central Asian and Anatolian sheep breeds have long suggested a shared ancestry, molecular evidence linking these populations to specific historical migrations remains limited. This study investigates the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Kazakh (Edilbay) and Turkish (Akkaraman, Morkaraman, Awassi) fat-tailed sheep breeds using mtDNA D-loop sequencing to explore the maternal lineages of these historically connected populations. The study included Edilbay sheep from Atyrau (Kazakhstan) and Akkaraman (Kırşehir), Morkaraman (Iğdır), and Awassi (Şanlıurfa) sheep from Türkiye. Genomic DNA was extracted using the salt precipitation method. A 531bp fragment of the mtDNA control region (D-loop) was amplified. Genetic diversity indices were calculated using DnaSP v6, while population structure (AMOVA and pairwise FST) was analyzed in ARLEQUIN v3.5, and phylogenetic relationships and haplogroup networks were reconstructed using an unrooted Neighbor-Joining tree in SplitsTree 4 and a Median-Joining network in Network 4.1, respectively. Our results reveal high levels of genetic diversity (Hd: 0.990) in the studied populations, indicating a rich maternal genetic diversity in the region. We found a very low genetic differentiation (FST = 0.017) and shared haplogroup structure (predominantly Haplogroup B) between the Kazakh Edilbay and Turkish Morkaraman breeds. This genetic affinity reflects historical connections among sheep populations distributed across regions historically linked by pastoral movements and trade routes. In contrast, the Awassi breed formed a genetically distinct and isolated cluster (FST > 0.30), reflecting distinct maternal lineages rooted in the Fertile Crescent. These findings clarify the maternal genetic structure of these indigenous breeds and support a historical connection, highlighting the Morkaraman and Edilbay as conserved genetic reservoirs of a shared pastoral heritage.

Nutritional stress suppresses hepatic antioxidant defenses without affecting inflammatory signaling in periparturient fat-tailed ewes.

MiR-432 mediates bidirectional regulation in the determination of adipocyte fate.

Sunite sheep tail fat alleviates ulcerative colitis by regulating intestinal flora and metabolites to activate PPAR signaling pathway

Tail docking, serving as an important management intervention in animal husbandry, plays a significant role in regulating tail fat deposition and improving production performance and health status in fat-tailed sheep. This study systematically revealed the reprogramming effects of tail docking on the epigenetic landscape and transcriptome of fat-tailed sheep by integrating whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA m6A methylated immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP-seq). At the DNA level, the tail-docked group exhibited a pronounced trend of hypomethylation across multiple functional genomic regions, including promoters, exons, and introns. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were significantly enriched in pathways related to tissue development and stress response, such as the Hippo signaling pathway and adherens junctions. Pyrosequencing validation of the promoter region of the key gene DGAT1 further confirmed the reliability of the WGBS data. At the RNA level, RNA m6A modifications showed an overall up-regulated pattern: the tail-docked group displayed higher numbers of m6A peaks, greater total peak length, and increased genomic coverage compared to the control group, along with better overall prediction of modification sites. Genes associated with differential m6A peaks were closely related to processes such as stem cell pluripotency and cytoskeleton regulation. qPCR validation of several methylation-related enzyme genes (e.g., METTL3, FTO, YTHDF1) yielded results consistent with the sequencing trends. Through integrated analysis of DNA methylation and RNA methylation, we identified 143 genes with concurrent changes in methylation and mRNA expression, among which 41 genes were regulated by both DNA and RNA methylation. These genes were primarily enriched in the adherens junction pathway. Notably, two core genes CITED4 and ZNF644 showed significant changes across all three levels: DNA methylation, RNA methylation, and mRNA expression. This study systematically elucidates the epigenetic mechanism by which tail docking stress induces coordinated DNA hypo-methylation and RNA m6A hyper-methylation to regulate transcriptomic reprogramming in response to environmental intervention. The findings provide novel insights into the molecular basis of trait formation in livestock.

Sheep (Ovis aries) tail fat serves as a crucial energy reserve for adapting to harsh environments. However, excessive deposition can reduce farming efficiency and product quality. Elucidating the regulatory mechanisms of tail fat deposition is of great significance for genetic improvement in sheep. In this study, transcriptome sequencing was conducted on tail fat tissues from fat-tailed Kazakh sheep (KAZ), thin-tailed Suffolk sheep (SFK), and their F2 hybrid sheep (CSH) (3 individuals per group). Subsequently, qRT-PCR validation, Enrichr, and KEGG database analyses were performed to investigate the molecular pathways involved in tail fat deposition. High-quality clean reads were obtained from sequencing, with a genome alignment rate ranging from 76.15% to 79.43% and good data reproducibility. Differential expression analysis revealed multiple differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between KAZ and CSH groups, KAZ and SFK groups, as well as SFK and CSH groups. Five core candidate genes (BDH1, EPHX1, BCAT2, FASN, ACACA) were identified, all enriched in the fatty acid synthesis pathway and highly expressed in fat-tailed sheep, which was confirmed by qRT-PCR. Additionally, 189 lncRNAs were identified to collectively regulate target genes (e.g., FABP family, AGPAT2), along with three common differentially expressed miRNAs (novel_120, novel_171, novel_440) targeting genes enriched in lipid transport and lipid droplet formation pathways. This study confirms that the lncRNA-mRNA-miRNA regulatory axis is a key pathway in tail fat formation, providing important theoretical support and molecular targets for genetic improvement of ovine tail fat deposition traits.

Adipose tissue is a heterogeneous multifunctional organ, and understanding depot-specific cellular and molecular diversity reveals functional differences. Here, We construct a single-cell atlas of major adipose depots in sheep, providing foundational data for understanding regional fat deposition. We identify depot-specific adipocytes, with visceral fat (ACSS3+ADC3) and subcutaneous fat (SCD+ADC2) showing distinct adipocyte populations, and tail fat containing a specific type of fibroadipogenic progenitor cells (PDGFRA+ASPC2). Focusing on the unique tail fat of fat-tailed sheep, we conduct longitudinal developmental analyses and identify the BMP signaling pathway as a key upstream regulator of adipogenesis, with bone morphogenetic protein 5 (BMP5) as a critical ligand. We show that knockdown of BMP5 significantly reduces triglyceride accumulation in adipocytes. Collectively, this study indicates that subcutaneous fat is primarily involved in lipid metabolism, whereas visceral fat is linked to metabolic and immune homeostasis. Moreover, BMP5 was identified as a key candidate gene regulating tail fat development. These findings provide potential molecular targets for regulating fat deposition in livestock breeding and offer a valuable resource for studying adipose tissue biology in large mammals.

Methane (CH4), a significant greenhouse gas, ranks second only to carbon dioxide in its contribution to global warming. The application of Chinese herbs as a strategy to mitigate CH4 emissions in ruminants has shown promise. However, there is limited information regarding the efficacy of Chinese herb straw in reducing CH4 emissions in ruminants. This research aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of varying levels of Astragalus straw supplementation on methane emissions and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. The study examined the effects of different supplementation levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%) on in vitro rumen fermentation, CH4 emissions, and ruminal microbial community in Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep using an in vitro fermentation method. The findings indicated that IVDMD, gas production, and CH4 production significantly decreased with increasing levels of Astragalus straw supplementation (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, the lowest levels of AA, AA/PA, and NH3-N, along with the highest concentrations of PA, BA, and MCP, were observed in the 20% supplementation group after 48 h of fermentation. In addition, supplementation with Astragalus straw resulted in an increased abundance of Bacteroidota, Spirochaetota, and Actinobacteriota, while decreasing the abundance of Firmicutes, Fibrobacterota, and Verrucomicrobiota. At the genus level, there was an observed increase in the abundance of Prevotella and Streptococcus, accompanied by a decrease in Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group. In conclusion, the supplementation of Astragalus straw has the potential to reduce CH4 production by altering ruminal fermentation patterns, fermentation parameters, and microbial dynamics.

Preparation and characterization of nanostructured lipid carriers based on sheep tail fat.

The article presents data on the live weight and meat productivity of first-generation (F 1 ) crossbred lambs obtained from crossing Jaidari breed ewes with Hissar breed lambs, which is a scientific basis for increasing the meat productivity of tailed sheep breeds in the natural and climatic conditions of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. It was found that at the age of 18 months, lambs of the second group (Hissar pure breed) and the third group (Hissar x Jaidari) of the first generation (F1) outperformed their peers from the first group (Jaidari pure breed) in live weight, respectively, by 6.0 kg, or 9.2% (p < 0.001), and by 4.4 kg, or by 6.7% (p < 0.01). This indicates the high genetic potential of these animals in the formation of live weight and meat productivity, as well as their good adaptability to the environment and the high potential of breeding sheep, as well as the main absolute and relative indicators of slaughter results. Group II (pure Hissar breed) and Group III ( ½ Hissar x ½ Jaidari) bred first-generation sheep (F1) compared to their peers in Group I (Jaidari breed), respectively, by 15.6 kg, or by 33.5% (p < 0.001), and 5.6 kg, or by 12.0% (p < 0.01), uncooled carcass weight — by 9.4 kg, or by 47.7% (p < 0.001), and 5.2 kg, or by 26.4% (p < 0.01), slaughter weight — by 13.5 kg, or 59.5% (p < 0.001), and by 6.8 kg, or 29.9% (p < 0.01), slaughter yield of sheep — by 48.8%, 58.3% and 56.7%, respectively, which is 9.5% and 7.9% higher than that of their peers Group I (Jaidari). Thus, based on the scientific basis for increasing the meat productivity of tailed sheep breeds in the natural and climatic conditions of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the first-generation (F 1 ) crossbred lambs obtained as a result of crossing purebred Hissar and Jaidari sheep with Hissar sheep showed high live weight and meat productivity indicators, which testifies to the high genetic potential of feeding them with complete and rationed feeds in pasture conditions.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feed treatments on Average Daily Gain (ADG) and feed conversion in rams. The sheep we used were 16 Fat Tail Sheep (FTS) with four treatments and four replications applied: P0 (ad libitum field grass hay as control); P1 (P0 + pellets 0.5% of body weight); P2 (P0 + pellets 1% of body weight); and P3 (P0 + pellets 1.5% of body weight). The parameters observed were average daily gain and feed conversion, and the data were analyzed by ANOVA and further tested using Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at a 95% confidence level. The results showed that a significant difference (p<0.05) in average daily gain, with the best treatment in P3 at 52.81 g/head/day. Feed conversion also showed a significant difference (p<0.05) between the best treatments in P3, with the best treatment at 15.74. It can be concluded that the addition of pellets with a dose of 0.5% to 1.5% of body weight can increase average daily gain and feed conversion. Therefore, the use of local pellet feed has strong potential as an alternative fattening ration to optimise sheep production performance.

Donkey myofibrillar protein/sodium alginate-stabilized high internal phase Pickering emulsion as fat substitutes in emulsion-type sausages: Physicochemical, sensory properties and freeze-thaw stability.

The paper presents the results of a molecular genetic analysis of polymorphisms at the GH-HaeIII and CAST-MspI loci in Kazakh black-tailed rough-haired sheep bred in farms “Razakhun” in Zhambyl region and “Tokan” in Zhetysu region.The purpose of the study is to study the genetic structure of populations and identify the distribution of genotypes and alleles associated with productive traits.Genotyping was performed by PCR followed by restriction analysis (PCR-RDF). It was found that the GH-HaeIII locus is characterized by an extremely low level of polymorphism: the A allele was almost completely fixed in all the studied groups, while the CAST-MspI locus demonstrated a higher degree of allelic diversity, especially in the “Razakhun” farm population.Statistically significant differences in genotype distributions, heterozygosity indices, fixation coefficients, and deviations from Hardy — Weinberg equilibrium were observed. The findings highlight the value of the CAST locus as an informative marker for assessing genetic diversity and supporting breeding program design. These results may serve as a basis for the further implementation of genetic markers in selective breeding programs for sheep in Kazakhstan

This is a correction for DOI: https://doi.org/10.24198/jit.v22i1.38035 In the originally published version of this article, the citation in column 1, page 15, line 11 from the bottom, … Suharto et al . (2008), does not appear in the References. Furthermore, the following references: Jainudeen, M., & Hafez, E. (1987). Reproductive failure in female. In E. Hafez (Ed.), Reproduction in Farm Animal (7th ed.). Lea and Febiger. and Jainudeen, M. R., & Hafez, E. S. E. (1987). Gestation, Prenatal Physiology, and Parturition. In E. Hafez (Ed.), Reproduction in Farm Animal (7th ed.). Lea and Febiger. do not include letter codes (a and b) after the publication year. In this erratum we revise it accordingly. References Jainudeen, M., & Hafez, E. (1987a). Reproductive failure in female. In E. Hafez (Ed.), Reproduction in Farm Animal (7th ed.). Lea and Febiger. Jainudeen, M. R., & Hafez, E. S. E. (1987b). Gestation, Prenatal Physiology, and Parturition. In E. Hafez (Ed.), Reproduction in Farm Animal (7th ed.). Lea and Febiger. Suharto, K., Junaidi, A., Kusumawati, A., & Widayati, D. T. (2008). Prediksi waktu ovulasi kambing Peranakan Etawah setelah disinkronisasi dengan controlled internal drug release jangka pendek. J . Indon . Trop . Agric . 33(2), 94 - 100.

Excessive adipose tissue accumulation in sheep disrupts insulin signaling, inducing insulin resistance, and alters energy partitioning mechanisms. These changes adversely affect both ovine health and production efficiency. This study employed whole-genome resequencing to conduct selection signal analysis in long-fat-tailed (Lanzhou fat-tailed sheep) and short-fat-tailed (Hu sheep) breeds, investigating the genetic basis underlying divergent lipid metabolism-related traits between these distinct tail phenotypes. Fifteen healthy adult individuals, each from long-fat-tailed (Lanzhou Large-tailed sheep) and short-fat-tailed (Hu sheep) breeds, underwent whole-genome resequencing. Whole-genome resequencing analyses via FST, XP-CLR, and XP-EHH identified 75 significantly selected regions (p < 0.01), revealing eight key candidate genes (DAB1, DPP10, EPHA6, GPC5, KLF12, PAK7, PTPN3, TENM3). Subsequent functional enrichment analysis demonstrated significant enrichment of DAB1 and GPC5 in lipid metabolic processes (GO:0006629). Employing whole-genome resequencing-based selection signal analysis in long-fat-tailed (Lanzhou Large-tailed sheep) and short-fat-tailed (Hu sheep) breeds, this study identified two key lipid metabolism-associated genes (DAB1 and GPC5). These findings provide critical insights for conserving genetic resources and informing molecular breeding strategies targeting divergent tail phenotypes.

Kazakh semi-coarse-wooled fat-tailed sheep breed belongs to the meat-greasy-wool production line and consists of 3 zonal types: kargaly, aktobe, baiys. In this work, a genomic analysis of all subpopulations ("Khasiev", "Kara-Adyr", "Altyn Asel") was performed using SNP genotyping and the main component method – PCA. The constructed PCA diagram revealed intra-breed structuring: sheep subpopulation of Western region forms a separate cluster, which indicates its genetic differentiation, while the gene pool of Southeastern zone shows significant overlap, reflecting the proximity of their genetic profile and practice exchanging breeding materials. The results obtained indicate existence of both isolated and closely related genotypes, which underlines the importance of taking into account intra-breed heterogeneity when conducting breeding work and developing genetic monitoring programs.

This study presents the results of a comparative investigation of the growth, development, and conformation traits of lambs of the Kazakh coarse-wooled fat-tailed sheep breed raised under different natural and climatic conditions of the Republic of Kazakhstan —in LLP "Agrofirma Akzhar-Ondiris" (Pavlodar Region) and PE "Birlik" (Ulytau Region). The research included the assessment of live weight dynamics, absolute and average daily weight gain, linear body measurements, calculation of body conformation indices, and the milk yield of ewes during the first 20 days of lactation.The results revealed statistically significant differences in live weight between male and female lambs at birth, indicating the influence of genotypic factors. The average daily gain of male lambs during the suckling period reached 250–251 g, while female lambs gained 214–215 g. Low coefficients of variation (Cv &lt; 5 %) for most traits confirmed the uniformity of the experimental groups and the stability of productive characteristics. Analysis of body measurements and conformation indices demonstrated well-balanced body development, solid bone structure, and pronounced chest development,especially in animals from PE "Birlik".It was found that the milk yield of ewes nursing male lambs was 2.2 kg higher than that of ewes nursing female lambs, which correlated with the higher growth intensity of male lambs. The obtained data are consistentwith previous studies, confirming the high productivity and adaptive capacity of the Kazakh coarse-wooled fat-tailed sheep breed under pasture-based conditions. Based on the findings, it is recommended to utilize milk yield and growth rate indicators in breeding and selection programs to enhance the efficiency of lamb rearing

SummaryEmbryonic adipogenesis remains one of the least understood aspects of adipose biology in mammals due to time sensitivity, limited tissue volume, and ethical concerns. Here, we uniquely applied single-cell multi-omics sequencing to the developing adipose tissues of fat-tailed sheep, characterized by genetically determined, significant fat deposition in the tail during embryogenesis. Our dataset spans all stages of adipogenesis (E50 to E80), revealing three major cellular origins of fat deposition: progenitor and stem cells, connective tissue progenitors, and vascular smooth muscle cells. By integrating scRNA-seq, snATAC-seq, and functional validation, we identified key enhancer-driven gene regulatory networks (eGRNs) governing adipogenesis, with DBI emerging as a critical regulator through its interaction with PPARG. Additionally, we delineated developmental trajectories and unique eGRNs underlying angiogenesis, osteogenesis, chondrogenesis, and myogenesis associated with fat formation. Our findings provide novel insights into embryonic adipogenesis in mammals and reveal critical regulons governing lineage specialization.

Background: In Kazakhstan, there is a notable demand for fat-tail sheep breeds in both domestic and international markets, which has led to the prioritization of certain breeds for breeding purposes. Among the various sheep breeds raised in the desert and semi-desert regions of Kazakhstan, the Kazakh fat-tailed coarse-wool sheep is particularly valued for its production of high-quality mutton. Objective: This study aimed to identify genomic regions and candidate genes associated with body conformation traits in this breed using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Methods: A GWAS was performed on 295 Kazakh fat-tailed coarse-wool using OvineSNP50 Genotyping BeadChip (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA). Results: After quality control, 41,912 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) remained for analysis. Several loci showed suggestive associations (p < 1 × 10−5) with growth traits. These included s23127.1 and OAR6_56152225.1 for live weight; s08490.1 for chest width; s22731.1 for oblique length; OAR10_1168444.1 for cannon bone circumference; and s58409.1 for both rump height and withers height. Candidate genes near these loci encompassed VCAN, NEK1, NRG1, ADAM12, ERBB4, RUNX1T1, and PDGFD. Conclusion: Thus, these genetic variations have the potential to serve as candidate markers for MAS targeting body conformation traits in Kazakh fat-tailed coarse-wool sheep.