Fat-tailed Sheep Research Articles

Mutations in bone morphogenetic protein 15 and growth differentiation factor 9 genes are associated with increased litter size in fat-tailed sheep breeds

The objective of this study was to investigate association between GDF9 and BMP15 gene polymorphism and litter size in fat-tailed sheep, a total of 97 mature ewes from four breeds (Afshari=19; Baluchi=18; Makui=30 and Mehraban=30) were genotyped for the BMP15 HinfI and GDF9 HhaI polymorphisms by PCR-RFLP technique. The highest and lowest mutant allele frequencies were found in Makui (0.27) and Afshari (0.10) sheep for the BMP15 gene and in Afshari (0.24) and Mehraban (0.18) sheep for the GDF9 gene, respectively. Litter size was significantly influenced by genotype of the ewe for two genes (P < 0.01). Heterozygous genotypes for both loci showed higher litter size than homozygous genotypes (P < 0.01). None of the individuals carried homozygous genotype for both of the GDF9 and BMP15 variants in these breeds. The individuals carrying the mutant allele for one of the investigated candidate gene still showed fertile phenotype. Thus, existence of homozygosity at one of the BMP15 and GDF9 variant is not probably able to block normal hormonal pathway of reproduction in fat-tailed sheep.

Evaluation of erythrocyte antioxidant mechanisms: antioxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and serum trace elements associated with progressive anemia in ovine malignant theileriosis

Ovine malignant theileriosis is a fatal disease that is characterized by severe progressive anemia. In order to elucidate the underlying mechanisms involved in anemia, this study was designed to assess the antioxidant status and erythrocyte oxidative injuries in Iranian fat-tailed sheep that suffered from malignant theileriosis. The infected animals (infected group), composed of 50 Iranian sheep about 1-2 years old, naturally infected with Theileria sp., were divided into three subgroups according to parasitemia rates (<1%, 1-3%, 3-5%), and ten non-infected animals were also selected as the control group. Blood samples were taken and hematological parameters, the activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase, erythrocyte osmotic fragility, and serum concentrations of some trace elements (copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and selenium), were measured. As an index of lipid peroxidation, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was also determined. According to the results, a significant decrease in red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume, the activities of SOD, GPX, and catalase (P <0.001), and also serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, and Se (P < 0.05) were evident in the infected sheep. In contrast, significantly increased levels of MDA and erythrocyte osmotic fragility (P < 0.001) as well as serum concentration of iron (P < 0.05) were recorded in the infected animals. The significant decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities and substantial elevated levels of lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte osmotic fragility associated with the increase in parasitemia indicate increased exposure of RBCs to oxidative damage. Also, it appears that disturbed antioxidant defense mechanisms can promote the development of anemia in ovine theileriosis.

Thermoregulation and water balance in fat-tailed sheep and Kacang goat under sunlight exposure and water restriction in a hot and dry area

The objective of this study was to analyze differences in thermoregulation and water balance under conditions of heat load and water restriction between fat-tailed sheep (S) and Kacang goats (G). The daily intakes of food and water, daily outputs of urine and feces, rectal temperature, respiration rates, hematocrit values and plasma volumes of five shorn S and five G were determined over 10 days of four consecutive experimental conditions: (1) indoor – unrestricted water; (2) indoor – restricted water; (3) 10 h sunlight exposure – unrestricted water; and (4) 10 h sunlight exposure – restricted water. There was a 6- to 7-day adjustment period between two consecutive conditions. The study was conducted during the dry season. The animals were placed in individual cages, fed chopped native grass ad libitum and had free access to a urea–molasses multi-nutrient block. Under sunlight exposure with unrestricted water availability, S and G record an increase in the maximum rectal temperatures from 39.2°C to 40.2°C and from 39.9°C to 41.8°C, respectively. The thermoregulatory strategy used by S for maintaining a lower rectal temperature mostly depends on increasing the respiration rate as the main cooling mechanism. On the other hand, G apparently used sweating as the predominant mechanism for cooling. Moreover, G seemed to be more tolerable to higher heat storage and body temperature than S with a significant increase in plasma volume (P < 0.01), and this may be beneficial to the animals for the prevention of water loss. Under restricted water condition in either indoor or outdoor environment, both species decreased their plasma volume significantly, but rectal temperatures were relatively maintained. In all experimental conditions, the daily total water exchanges (ml/kg0.82 per day) of S were significantly higher than G (P < 0.01). However, when the percentages of the total daily water exchange were considered, the water lost through urination (38% to 39%), defecation (11% to 14%) and evaporation (46% to 49%) by S and G was not significantly different. Therefore, the results from this study clearly showed that S and G have different homeostatic strategies for the regulation of body temperature and fluid to cope with heat load and water restriction. These differences may have an important impact on the production management of S and G.

Nutritional composition of lentil straw, vetch hay, olive leaves, and saltbush leaves and their digestibility as measured in fat-tailed sheep

Several less researched forages from various Mediterranean plants may be superior, or at least equivalent, in forage value to barley (Hordeum vulgare) straw. These include lentil (Lens culinaris) straw, vetch (Vicia sativa) hay, dried olive (Olea europea L.) leaves, and saltbush (Atriplex halimus). Using in vitro, in sacco and in vivo methods, we tested (i) the nutritional composition, (ii) digestibility and metabolizable energy, and (iii) intake and nitrogen balance in fat-tailed Awassi lambs of these feeds or diets prepared with these feeds. In vivo, the forages were fed in proportions of about 3/4 of the total diet to 30 animals allocated to five groups in a randomized complete block design. Diets, balanced for nitrogen, included concentrate (280g/kg) and were offered at 1.1kg dry matter (DM)/day with ad libitum access to water. Test forages had large differences in content (g/kg DM) of organic matter (OM; 690–916, Atriplex leaves vs. barley straw), crude protein (CP; 43–169, barley straw vs. vetch hay) and neutral detergent fiber (258–672, Atriplex leaves vs. barley straw). Olive leaves contained the highest phenol and ether extract levels (63 and 32g/kg DM, respectively). Atriplex leaves were particularly rich in Na (94g/kg) and K (39g/kg). Atriplex leaf OM had the highest digestibility (0.68), but its low level reduced the metabolizable energy (ME; 6–7MJ/kg DM) to that of barley straw. Its limited palatability caused significant refusals as well. Vetch hay, olive leaves, and lentil straw had superior OM digestibility to that of barley straw (the latter not significant). Olive leaf CP had limited ruminal degradability and total tract digestibility. None of the forages significantly affected body N retention, while olive leaves significantly reduced rumen microbial efficiency. The different models used to estimate ME ranked vetch hay first (9MJ/kg DM), followed by olive leaves and lentil straw (6.5–8MJ/kg DM). Overall, vetch hay was the most valuable forage in terms of energy and protein supply. Lentil straw and olive leaves were similar or slightly superior to barley straw, although they presented a different ruminal degradation pattern. Atriplex leaves, if fed restrictedly, could be used to replace barley straw when access to water is ad libitum.

Comparison of growth curves of lamb fat tail measurements and their relationship with body weight in Babarine sheep

A total of 695 fat-tailed Barbarine lambs born in two flocks between 1995 and 1997 were recorded for growth and fat tail measurements according to “standard growth recording protocol”. Recorded traits are body weight (BW) and the following fat tail characteristics: upper circumference (UFTC), lower circumference (LFTC), upper width (UFTW), lower width (LFTW), upper depth (UFTD), lower depth (LFTD) and tail length (FTL). Lamb body growth performance and tail measurements are analyzed from two points of view. Firstly through the adjustment of a growth curve chosen among the following: Brody, Logistic, Gompertz and Bertalanffy functions. Secondly, age-adjusted weight and tail measurements (10, 30 and 70 days) were analyzed and average daily gains (ADG) were calculated. All functions (Brody, Logistic, Gompertz and Bertalanffy) fitted closely body weight and fat tail measurements of Barbarine lambs for the recording period (up to 120 days), while the Bertalanffy function provided more accurate estimation of the asymptotic value (adult size) for the weight and tail measurements. High significant correlations ( p < 0.01) were obtained between body weight and tail measurements. However, the LFTW-ADG had the highest correlation with BW performance, and was therefore the best indicator of the state of lamb fattening. Furthermore, the LFTW-ADG recorded between 10 and 30 days of age has a higher correlation with lamb BW performance at later age (30–70 days) than those recorded at the same period (between 10 and 30 days), indicating that lambs with higher fat storage during the suckling period express better performance at later ages. Therefore, this study confirms the role of the tail fat as an adaptive character of the Barbarine breed and most likely of other fat-tailed sheep breeds.

Y chromosomal characterization of Turkish native sheep breeds

In this study, ten native Turkish sheep breeds were sampled to evaluate Y chromosomal genetic variation. Two regions of the SRY gene, one region each of the DBY and AMEL genes and SRYM18 Y-specific microsatellite locus were sequenced. While no base substitutions were found in the sequenced regions of SRY, DBY and AMELY, most of the Turkish sheep breeds have some variations of SRYM18. In total, we found three different SRYM18 alleles that were 141, 143 and 145 bp in length. The distribution of these alleles was different among fat-tailed sheep breeds and the thin-tailed sheep breeds. While the most common allele was 143 bp among the breeds, the 141-bp allele was also observed in both fat-tailed and thin-tailed breeds. The 145-bp allele was only found in the fat-tailed sheep at low frequency.

Genetic variations between indigenous fat-tailed sheep populations

.Blood samples were collected from a total 816 sheep of both sexes in three Iranian fat-tailed breeds (Sangsari, Makoei, indigenous sheep on firoozkouh mountain) serum, plasma and erythrocyte were separated and were frozen at -20°C. Variation in their blood proteins, albumin, haemoglobin and transferrin were examined to characterize the breeds and to obtain genetic relationship among them. Only transferrin was polymorphic in all breeds investigated; while albumin was monomorphic for S allele and haemoglobin was fixed for the B allele in three breeds.

A partial genome scan to identify quantitative trait loci affecting birthweight in Kermani sheep

The aim of this study was to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) underlying variation in birthweight (BWT) in a population of Kermani sheep, an indigenous fat-tailed sheep breed in southeast of Iran. Based on the combined results from QTL analyses in different livestock species, genome homology among mammalian species and functional and positional candidate gene studies, genomic intervals located on ovine chromosomes 1, 3, 6, 11 and 14 were considered as candidate genomic regions for BWT. Progeny (276 animals) from six half-sib families were genotyped for 25 informative microsatellite markers flanking the candidate intervals. QTL analysis in the candidate intervals was conducted using the least squares regression interval mapping approach. Linkage analysis indicated significant QTL for BWT on sheep chromosomes 1, 3, and 6 (chromosome-wide significance of P < 0.01). No QTL was detected on OAR11, and OAR14. QTL effect ranged from 1.0 to 1.6 in unit of residual standard deviation in different families. Although growth QTL have been mapped on sheep chromosomes 1, 3 and 6, this is the first report of QTL for BWT on these chromosomes.

Some electrocardiographic parameters of the fat-tailed sheep.

Summary Standard and augmented limb leads ECG (I, 11, 111, aVR, aVL, aVF) were obtained from 112 fat-tailed type sheep, while standing in a crate. The normal electrocardiographic parameters (P, P-R, QRS, QT interval and P, Q, R, S and T waves amplitudes) are in general agreement with the finding of previous reports on the ECG of the sheep. Zusammenfassung EKG-Parameter des Fettschiwanzschafes Bei 112 Fettschwanzschafen wurden Extremitaten- und Goldberger-EKG-Ableitungen registriert (Tiere in stehender Position). Die EKG-Parameter (P-Dauer, PQ (PR)-Intervall, QRS-Dauer, QT-Intervall, Spannungs-werte von P, Q, R, S und T) stimmen mit denen fruherer Befunde bei andern Schafrassen uberein. Resume Electrocardiogramme du mouton a queue grasse On a enregistre l'electrocardiogramme chez 112 moutons a queue grasse avec les derivations des extremites et de Goldberger (animaux en station debout). Les parametres de l'electrocardiogramme (duree de P, intervalle PQ, (PR), duree QRS, intervalle QT, valeurs de tension de P, Q, R, S et T) correspondent aux donnees des autres races ovines. Resumen Parametros del ECG de la oveja de cola grasa Se registraron en 112 ovejas de cola grasa (animales en pie en una canasta) las derivaciones electrocardiograficas de las extremidades y del tipo Goldberger. Los parametros electrocardiograficos normales (duracion P, inter-valo PQ (PR), duracion QRS, intervalo QT, valores de tension de P, Q, R, S y T) coincidian con los hallazgos de trabajos anteriores sobre el ECG en otras razas ovinas.

Oceans Connect: The Indian Ocean and African Identities

Readers ofPMLARecognize 26 Broadway, in New York City, as the Headquarters of the Mla, One of the Major Hubs of Intellectual work in literary and cultural studies in North America. But in the summer of 1840, 26 Broadway was a commercial hub that connected the world of the Atlantic Ocean with the world of the Indian Ocean. Here, in the offices of the New York firm Barclay and Livingston, Ahmad Bin Na'aman, special envoy of the sultan of Zanzibar, Sayyid Said, offered for sale merchandise that had been brought to the United States from Muscat and Zanzibar. The merchandise included “1,300 bags of dates, 21 bales of Persian wool carpets and 100 bales of Mokha coffee” that had been acquired at Muscat and “108 prime ivory tusks, 81 cases of gum copal, … 135 bags of cloves and 1,000 dry salted hides” from Zanzibar (Eilts 32). The cargo had come to New York on 30 April 1840 aboard theSultanah, a bark owned by the sultan and commanded by William Sleeman, an Englishman. Except for two Frenchmen whose identities are uncertain and two Englishwomen who had sought passage to London, where the ship was headed, most of those on board were African slaves belonging to the ship's officers and hiredlascars, Muslim seamen from the lower Konkan and Malabar coasts of India who had been signed on in Bombay, where the ship had been refitted for the transatlantic voyage and from which it first embarked (3). The slaves, we are told, were dressed in garments made of coarse cotton cloth “calledmerikani, after the country of its manufacture” (4). In his account of the voyage of theSultanah, Hermann Frederick Eilts writes of “the pungent vapors of cloves, gum copal and coffee (from the ship's cargo), of tar and pitch, of open-hearth cooking in deep, acrid sheep tail's fat, calledghee, of primitive shipboard sanitation and of coconut oil” (4). This account of the “first Arab emissary and the first Arab vessel to visit American shores” is a rich reminder of the historical interconnections in the world (6).

Relationship between the level of plasma insulin and lipid profile in Iranian fat-tailed sheep

Insulin is an important hormone in regulating lipid metabolism in a variety of animal tissues; it can both decrease lipolysis and cause an increase in triglyceride synthesis of adipose tissue in ruminants. In this study, variations in the plasma concentration of insulin and its correlation with the plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol), low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol), and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) concentrations were investigated. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of 96 clinically healthy, non-pregnant ewes (grouped according to their age 1–3, 3–6, 6–12, 12–24, 24–48, and >48 months) in the autumn months. The level of plasma insulin was determined by chemiluminescence and other parameters were measured by spectrophotometry using commercial kits. According to our data from Iranian fat-tailed sheep, increasing age results in significant decrease in the plasma concentration of insulin (p < 0.05, r = −0.278), cholesterol (p < 0.05, r = −0.249), and HDL (p < 0.01, r = −0.299), there was also a significant correlation between plasma insulin and LDL concentration (p < 0.05, r = 0.268). In addition, we found significant differences between age groups for cholesterol and HDL concentrations (p < 0.05).

Study on acute-phase protein changes and their diagnostic values in malignant ovine theileriosis

This study was conducted to assess the pattern of changes and the relative value of acute-phase proteins (APPs) including haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen in sheep infected with Theileria lestoquardi. The diseased group comprised 50 sheep, naturally infected with T. lestoquardi, and were divided into three subgroups with different parasitaemia rates ( 4%). As a control group, ten uninfected sheep were also sampled. Blood samples were collected, and all measurements were done using validated methods. There were significant differences in red blood cells (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin (Hb) and concentrations of Hp, SAA, ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen between healthy sheep and those infected with T. lestoquardi with different parasitaemia rates (P 57.15 μg/ml for SAA, >0.42 g/l for Hp, >0.27 g/l for ceruloplasmin and >3.91 g/l for fibrinogen with corresponding 0.89% sensitivity and 0.98% specificity for SAA, 0.88% sensitivity and 0.65% specificity for Hp, 0.55% sensitivity and 0.96% specificity for ceruloplasmin and 0.65% sensitivity and 0.96% specificity for fibrinogen. In conclusion, measuring SAA with the highest sensitivity, specificity and the area under the curve (AUC) compared to the other APPs is a suitable indicator of inflammatory reactions in Iranian fat-tailed sheep infected with T. lestoquardi.

Passive immune transfer in fat-tailed sheep: Evaluation with different methods

Passive immune transfer is the only way to provide protection in neonate ruminants. As it is suggested to be affected by both maternal and neonatal factors in different breeds, we tried to investigate possible effects of sex, litter type, ewe parturition number and birth weight on it and also on the immunoglobulin concentration during the first month of life in a fat-tailed sheep. Total immunoglobulin and IgG concentrations of 39 Shaul lambs were measured at days 3, 15 and 30 by quantitative zinc sulfate turbidity and serum radial immunodiffusion tests, respectively. To determine different serum protein concentration, cellulose acetate electrophoresis was applied. Sex, litter type, ewe parturition number and birth weight had no significant effects on passive transfer. Moreover, these factors had no impact on IgG catabolism and serum protein concentrations during the first month of life. Passive immune transfer in Shaul breed does not seem to be affected by sex, litter type, ewe parturition number and birth weight.

Identification of Bmpr-1b and Bmp15 gene mutations in fat tail sheep

Fat tail sheep (FTS) is regarded as highly prolific local sheep and have been well adapted under tropical climate of Lombok island. BMPR-1B and BMP15 genes that controll reproductive traits such as ovulation rate and litter size in different type of sheep will be studied as candidate genes for prolific traits in FTS. These genes have been reported by various investigators have different prolificacy mechanism between several breeds of sheep, and it is very likely will occur in FTS. This study was designed to understand different prolificacy mechanism that occurred among breed of sheep. One hundred and forty FTS potential for twin and triplet scattered in Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara Province were screened to identify mutation of BMPR-1B and BMP15 genes using Forced PCR-RFLP method. Furthermore, the frequency of allel and genotype caused by mutation was measured in each gene. Results of the study indicated that mutation of FecX G at BMP15 gene resulted in two alleles, namely “wild-type”(+) Allel was 111 bp and 30 bp, and mutan allel ( G ) was 141 bp with frequency of 0.675 and 0.325. The combination of allel at BMP15 gen resulted in two genotipes, namely: ++ (111 bp/111 bp) and G + (141 bp/111 bp) with frequency of 0.35 dan 0.65 in FTS. Mutation of FecB at BMPR-1B gen resulted in two allel, namely “wild-type”(+) Allel was 140 bp, and mutan allel (B) was 110 and 30 bp with frequency of 0.718 and 0.282. The combination of allel at BMPR-1B gen resulted in three genotipes, namely: BB (110 bp/110 bp), B + (110 bp/140 bp), and ++ (140 bp/140 bp), its frequency was 0.11, 0.35 and 0.54 in FTS, respectively. Key words: Mutation, BMPR-1B, BMP15, Fat Tailed, Sheep

Do established SNPs affecting bovine milk traits exist in other dairy ruminants?

To assess whether established single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) affecting bovine milk traits are present in small ruminants, we genotyped samples from Chios and Cyprus fat-tailed sheep, as well as Damascus and Machaeras goats for the presence of the acylCoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) K232A and the growth hormone receptor (GHR) F279Y SNPs. Both of these SNPs have been previously well documented in cattle as having strong effects on milk yield and composition and have been postulated as being the causative mutations to partially explain QTLs identified on bovine chromosomes 14 and 20. Although we were able to confirm the presence of both of these mutations in bovine sample controls by both allele specific PCR reactions and direct DNA sequencing, we were unable to detect them in any of the four major pure breeds of sheep and goats supporting the dairy industry of Cyprus.

Alterations of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and sialic acids in malignant ovine theileriosis

The study was designed to evaluate the effect of the severity of Theileria lestoquardi (hirci) infection on tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and sialic acid concentration in blood sera in a naturally infected sheep. Infected animals (diseased group) comprised 50 Iranian fat-tailed sheep, about 1–2 years old, naturally infected with Theileria lestoquardi (hirci), were divided into three subgroups according to parasitemia rates ( 4%). As a control group, ten noninfected sheep were also selected. Hematological parameters and levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and sialic acid (TSA, LBSA, and PBSA) concentrations were measured in both groups. The results showed significant increases in the level of TNF-α, IFN-γ, and sialic acid concentrations in infected sheep compared with noninfected ones (P < 0.05). The increased level of TNF-α and IFN-γ in infected sheep may indicate the role of these cytokines to inhibit the growth and development of the parasite in infected host cells. Also, it is speculated that preventing the establishment of parasites by inhibiting the differentiation of trophozoites to schizonts is another aspect of the enhanced activity of these substances. In addition, increased levels of sialic acid concentration during parasitemia presumably stimulate the host immune response and influence the parasite–host cell adhesion. Clearly, further molecular and biochemical investigations are needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms involved in immunopathogenesis of malignant ovine theileriosis.

Effect of Docking and Diet Energy on Carcass Fat Characteristics in Fat-Tailed Baluchian Sheep

Effects of docking on carcass fat characteristics were studied in fat-tailed sheep. Male lambs were randomly divided into 2 groups. One group was docked after birth using rubber rings, and the tails of the other group were left intact (control). After weaning, 20 lambs from each group were divided into 2 subgroups; one subgroup was fed with a normal energy diet (10.25 MJ/kg ME) and the other one with a high-energy diet (11.42 MJ/kg ME) for 84 days. At the end of the fattening period, 28 lambs were slaughtered for determination of warm carcass weight (WCW) and other carcass characteristics. At 24 h postmortem samples of meat, omental fat, and caudal fat were taken from chilled (4 °C) carcasses for the assessment of fatty acid (FA) composition. No significant difference (P > 0.05) was observed in WCW and omental fat between carcasses of docking and control lambs, but lambs on 2 types of energy diets showed a significant difference (P < 0.05). Under these circumstances, docked lambs produced leaner carcasses than intact lambs (P < 0.05). Diet energy had a significant effect on average daily gain and daily feed intake (P < 0.05). Results showed that the predominant FA in body fat was oleic acid and a significant difference was observed for percentage of FA composition between fat in different parts of body (P < 0.05).

Coprological Assessment of Enteric Parasites in Argali Sheep (Ovis ammon), Siberian Ibex (Capra sibirica), and Domestic Sheep and Goats at the Ikh Nart Nature Reserve in Mongolia

In the spring of 2009 (April/May) the Denver Zoological Foundation in collaboration with the Mongolian Academy of Sciences conducted a fi eld coprological assessment feasibility study at the Ikh Nart Nature Reserve in southeastern Mongolia. Our initial effort was directed at fi nding simple methodologies that would work consistently in the fi eld for identifying some of the enteric parasites for argali sheep (Ovis ammon) and Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), and then to compare these to samples from local nomad domestic fat-tailed sheep (Ovis aries) and cashmere goats (Capra hircus). Direct fecal examination yielded less eggs than the fl otation techniques, but was still felt to be useful as a quick screening tool. From the fl otation techniques we settled on using sugar because it appeared to yield the most eggs and sugar is readily available in Mongolia. We successfully recovered Entamoeba sp., Eimeria spp., trichostrongyles, large trichostrongyle species, Trichuris ovis and Strongyloides papillosus. We are using the digital images we captured to create a fi eld guide for common enteric parasites found in wildlife and domestics ungulates found in the reserve. In the future, we plan to use the fi eld guide and the quantitative modifi ed McMaster technique to compare parasite egg-type numbers in both wild and domestic ungulates during different seasons.

Beta-Lactoglobulin Gene Types in Turkish Fat-Tailed Sheep Breeds

Summary The genetic polymorphism of the β-lactoglobulin gene was investigated in 182 sheep of Turkish fat-tailed sheep breeds by using PCR-RFLP methods. In the study, two alleles (A and B) and three genotypes (AA, BB and AB) at β-lactoglobulin locus were observed. The most common genotype at the β-lactoglobulin locus was AB. The greatest frequency of allele A was detected in Tuj breed as 0.7188. Results of the present study show that genetic polymorphism exists in the Turkish fat-tailed sheep breed population used in this study.

Industrial Copper Intoxication of Iranian Fat-Tailed Sheep in Kerman Province, Iran

An outbreak of industrial chronic copper poisoning in Iranian fat-tailed sheep in a region of southeast Iran is described. At least 10,000 out of 75,000 sheep (13.3%) originating from 50 flocks died over a period of 3 years in the Khatoon Abad region in Kerman province, Iran. The diagnosis was based on epidemiological, clinical, hematological, serum biochemical, urinalysis, necropsy and histopathological evaluations. Then findings were confirmed by toxicological analysis of liver and kidney samples. The details of epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and pathologic findings are described in the manuscript. These findings were indicative of chronic copper poisoning in affected sheep. Toxicological analysis showed an exceeding of the permitted limit (150 mg/kg w.w.) of copper in liver samples by 7.97 times (1196.9 ± 20.6 mg/kg) (wet weight-w.w.). In kidney samples the excess was by 9.14 times (137.2 ± 8.96 mg/kg) (w.w.). The copper concentrations in water and pasture plant samples around the factory were very high, suggesting that water and pasture plants were the sources of intoxication. In conclusion, the environmental pollution by a copper smelter factory in the region was the source of intoxication. Chronic copper intoxication through inhalation and ingestion may result in severe economic losses and a public health hazard. Thus it is necessary to determine copper concentrations in the organs (liver, kidney, muscle, and lung) of sheep in the influence area of chemical units.