Javanese Thin-tailed Sheep Research Articles

Association of DGAT1 Gene Related to Flavor, Odor, Cholesterol, and Mineral in Indonesian Sheep

Diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1) is a potential candidate gene for improving Indonesian lamb’s quality and nutrient value. The study aimed to identify the diversity of the DGAT1 gene with SNP g.8539 CT and its relation to Indonesian lamb's flavor and odor, cholesterol, and mineral. Total of 254 ten to twelve months old sheep consisted of 20 Javanese fat-tail sheep (JFTS), 107 Javanese thin-tail sheep (JTTS), 10 Garut composite sheep (GCS), 10 Compass agrinak sheep (CAS), 10 Barbados cross sheep (BCS), 20 Garut sheep (GS), 27 Jonggol sheep (JS), and 50 Jambi local sheep (JLS). One hundred sheep were used to analyze the association of the DGAT1 gene with flavor and odor content, cholesterol, and mineral. The diversity of DGAT1|AluI was analyzed with the PCR-RFLP method. The association of the DGAT1 gene with the nutritional value of meat was analyzed using the GLM (General Linear Model) method. The results showed that the DGAT gene was polymorphic in JTTS, GS, and JFTS and monomorphic in CAS, BCS, JLS, and GCS. CC and CT genotypes were found in JTTS, GS, and JFTS. SNP g.8539 CT of DGAT1 gene had a significant association (P0.05) with flavor and odor, 4-Ethyloctanoic Acid (EOA). However, the DGAT1 gene had no significant association (P0.05) with cholesterol and mineral. The DGAT1 gene might be marker-assisted selection for improving lamb flavor and odor in Indonesian sheep.

Polymorphism and Association of the Novel KCTD2 Gene with Flavor and Odor in Indonesian Local Sheeps

A candidate marker that influences the flavor and odor of Indonesian sheep that is the Potassium Channel Tetramerization Domain Containing 2 (KCTD2) gene. This study aims to examine the polymorphism and association between the KCTD2 gene and lamb flavor and odor in Indonesian local sheeps. This study used DNA taken from the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of 100 rams including 75 Javanese Thin-Tail sheep (JTTS), 10 Javanese Fat-Tail Sheep (JFTS), and 15 Jonggol Sheep (JS), with ranged in weight from 20 to 35 kg and were 10 to 12 months old. The PCR-RFLP technique and GLM test analysis were used to identify polymorphisms and association of KCTD2 gene. The restriction enzyme BafI digests the PCR-RFLP product of the KCTD2 gene. The results showed that the KCTD2 gene was polymorphic (CC and CT). KCTD2 gene analysis showed a significant (P<0.05) association with 3-Methylphenol (MP). This research provide information regarding the role of the KCTD2 gene in lamb flavor and odor, especially in 3-Methylphenol (MP) compounds, and explain KCTD2 as a functional gene in the selection of premium sheep with low flavor and odor in lamb meat.

Effect of DGAT1 Gene on Hot and Cold Carcass, Neck and Non-Carcass Traits in Indonesia Sheep

Quality carcass and non-carcass are two inseparable components that result from slaughtering animals with high economic value. The aims study is effect of polimorfisme DGAT1 gene on hot and cold carcass, neck and non-carcass traits in Indonesia sheep. A total of 50 rams used in this study were collected from 10 Barbados Cross Sheep (BCS), 10 Compass Agrinac Sheep (CAS), 15 Javanese Thin-Tailed Sheep (JTTS), and 15 Jonggol Sheep (JS). The sheep were slaughtered at 10-12 months old with an average body weight of 20.45 kg. Identification of the DGAT1 gene polymorphism was performed by Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The effect of the DGAT1 gene and breed with carcass and non-carcass traits were described using a T-test. The result showed that we found two genotypes: CC (466 bp), and CT (76, 390, and 466 bp) in sheep. The DGAT1 gene polymorphisms (g.8539 C>T) were in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE). The DGAT1 gene polymorphisms had a significant (P<0.05) on carcass traits in neck. However, the DGAT1 gene had no significant association (P>0.05) with non-carcass traits. The CT genotype had the highest value of carcass traits compared to CC genotypes. Therefore, the quality of carcass and non-carcass in Indonesian sheep for the DGAT1 gene only affects the neck value.

The SNP (g.198655287 G>A) of AHSG gene polymorphism and its association with mineral composition in Indonesia lamb meat

The AHSG (Alpha2-Heremans-Schmid Glycoprotein) gene is indicated to have an essential role in mineral composition. This study aimed to identify the polymorphism of the AHSG gene and its association with the mineral composition of Indonesian lamb meat. The samples were 85 rams Indonesian sheep, consisting of 70 Javanese thin-tailed sheep (JTTS) and 15 Jonggol sheep (JS). AHSG gene polymorphism was analyzed using the PCR-RFLP technique with the EagI restriction enzyme. The AHSG gene association was analyzed using the T-test. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium analysis showed that the AHSG was polymorphic with three genotypes, i.e., GG, GA, and AA. The AHSG gene with mineral composition was associated with significance (P<0.05) on the content of Fe (iron), Zn (Zinc), and Se (Selenium). The AA genotype is the recommended genotype due to its high mineral composition. The AHSG gene (SNP g.198655287 G>A) can be used as a genetic marker for the molecular-based selection of lamb with high mineral composition.

Polymorphism of the SLC25A30 gene in Indonesian sheep and its association with carcass characteristics

Carcass characteristics are one of the factors that significantly impact the quality of meat. Genetic improvement in carcass characteristics is required to encourage interest among consumers. The objective of this study was to discover the presence of the SLC25A30 gene polymorphism at SNP g.15912281 A>T and its potential association with carcass characteristics in Indonesian sheep. The study used 153 rams, consisting of 87 Javanese thin-tail sheep, 20 Javanese fat-tail sheep, 10 Garut composite sheep, 10 Compass Agrinak sheep, 10 Barbadoss cross sheep and 16 jonggol sheep. The PCR-RFLP method was used to investigate the SLC25A30|SspI polymorphism. The association between the SLC25A30 gene and carcass characteristics was analyzed using the T-Test method. The results showed that the SLC25A30 (g.15912281 A>T) gene polymorphism was polymorphic in all breeds. The genotypes identified in the polymorphism were AA, AT and TT. The SLC25A30 gene was significantly associated (P<0.05) with carcass characteristics (slaughter weight, hot carcass, carcass percentage, carcass length and cold carcass). In conclusion, the genotype that can be recommended for selecting good meat quality is the TT genotype respectively than the AT and AA genotype The SLC25A30 (g.15912281 A>T) gene indicates as a prospective gene for the purpose of identifying carcass characteristics in lamb meat.

Qualitative Morphological Characterization of Male Indonesian Local Sheep Breeds on Java Island, Indonesia

Background: Sheep is one of the small ruminant types widely distributed and popular in Indonesia, especially on Java Island. This study aimed to characterize male Indonesian local sheep breeds on Java Island based on their qualitative morphological traits. Methods: This study identified twenty-nine qualitative morphological characteristics in 627 head sheep consisting of Priangan, Garut, Batur, Wonosobo, Javanese Thin Tailed (JTT), Javanese Fat-Tailed (JFT) and Sapudi sheep. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, Chi-square analysis (X2), multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) and hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA). Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 and NTSYS-pc version 2.11. Result: All the qualitative morphological traits variables were significantly different (P less than 0.01) between the seven sheep breeds. Seven sheep breeds could be categorized into three groups: 1) JFT and Sapudi sheep; 2) JTT, Priangan and Garut sheep; and 3) Batur and Wonosobo sheep. The Garut and Batur sheep have the most distant relationship (26.781). The JFT and Sapudi sheep have the closest relationship (1.345), as well as between Batur and Wonosobo sheep (10.064) and between Priangan and JTT sheep (2.453). Garut sheep have the most distant relationship with other sheep breeds, except with Priangan (4.259) and JTT (8.157) sheep. It was concluded that male Indonesian local sheep breeds on Java Island could be characterized using qualitative morphological traits.

The Polymorphism and Expression of CYP2E1 Gene and Its Relation to Carcass and Meat Quality of Indonesian Lamb

The aim of this study was to conduct the genotyping of the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in g.50657948 T>G of the CYP2E1 gene and its relation to the carcass and meat quality. A total of 200 Indonesian lambs consisted of 20 Javanese fat-tail sheep (JFTS), 37 Javanese thin-tail sheep (JTTS), 20 Garut sheep (GS), 21 Jonggol sheep (JS), 34 Garut composite sheep (GCS), 35 compass agrinac sheep (CAS), and 33 Barbados cross sheep (BCS) aged between 10-12 months old were used in this study. The polymorphism of the CYP2E1 gene was characterized using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) with NlaIII enzyme restriction. The CYP2E1 gene found the three genotypes (GG, GT, and TT) and the allele frequencies were in Hardy Weinberg equilibrium. The CYP2E1 gene was significantly associated with meat quality, i.e., pH value and tenderness, as well as fatty acid composition (p<0.05), i.e., saturated fatty acid (SFA): caprylic acid (C8:0), arachidic acid (C20:0), heneicosylic acid (C21:0), behenic acid (C:22:0), and tricosylic acid (C23:0), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA): elaidic acid (C18:1n9t) and paullinic acid (C20:1); polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA): linoleic acid (C18:2n6c) and y-linolenic acid (C20:3n6). A gene expression analysis indicated that the GG genotype had the highest expression level. It could be concluded that the SNP g.50657948 T>G of the CYP2E1 gene could be used for candidate marker-assisted selection to improve the carcass and meat quality of Indonesian lamb.

Association of Cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6) Gene Polymorphisms with Fatty Acid Traits in Indonesian Native Sheep

A member of the cytochrome P450 superfamily enzyme that play a role in microsomal fatty acids oxidation process encoded by cytochrome P450 2A6 (CYP2A6). This study aimed to examined the CYP2A6 gene polymorphisms and their association on fatty acid traits in Indonesian native sheep. A total of 299 rams aged 10-12 months with body weights between 20-30 kg used to identify the CYP2A6 gene polymorphism are consisted of 36 samples of barbados cross sheep (BCS), 35 samples of compass agrinak sheep (CAS), 20 samples of javanese fat tailed sheep (JFT), 36 javanese thin tailed sheep (JTT), 20 samples of garut sheep (GS), 45 samples of garut composite sheep (GCS), meanwhile for the fatty acid analysis was carried out by using 107 of loin samples from the total sheep. Identification of the CYP2A6 gene polymorphisms were performed using PCR-RFLP (Polymorphism Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism) with the BSmAI restriction enzymes. The amplification product was 286 bp. Polymorphism were found in JFT, JTT, GCS and JS with GG and GT genotypes, while BCS, CAS, and GS were monomorphic with TT genotype. The CYP2A6 BSmAI polymorphism was in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium for JFT, JTT and JS, while BCS, CAS, GS, GCS, and combined was deviated based on chi square. A SNP g.49170107 G&gt;T of the CYP2A6 gene polymorphism was significantly associated (P &lt;0.05) with only erucic acid (C22:1n9). The GT genotypes had a higher value than GG genotypes The CYP2A6 gene could be used as a selection marker to improve fatty acid traits in Indonesian native sheep.

Respon Fisiologis Domba Ekor Tipis Terhadap Waktu Pemberian Pakan Yang Berbeda

This study aimed to examine the relationship of feeding time on physiological response and the effect on the behavior of Javanese thin-tailed sheep. The total population of the study was 12 sheep. The treatment in this study is feeding time in the morning (W1) and evening (W2). Parameters that had been observed were heart rate, respiration rate, rectal temperature. This research design used was a completely randomized design. Feeding at different times did not affect daily body weight gain. However, feeding at different times affects the physiological response of thin tail sheep. W1 has a higher heart rate value at daytime of 80.65 ± 3.49 but has a lower value in the afternoon at 75.26 ± 4.20. Respiration rates W1 in the morning and evening were 32.06 ± 2.69 and 51.88 ± 3.43. Rectal temperature W1 lower in the morning at 37.76 ± 0.05. Physiological response of thin tail sheep which were fed with different feeding times indicated that the heart rate, respiration rate, and rectal temperature were still in normal condition.

Effects of Cocoa Pod Fermented by Phanerochaete chrysosporium with the Addition of Mn2+ on the Performance of the Javanese Thin-Tailed Sheep

Effects of Cocoa Pod Fermented by Phanerochaete chrysosporium with the Addition of Mn2+ on the Performance of the Javanese Thin-Tailed Sheep

The genetic profiles and maternal origin of local sheep breeds on Java Island (Indonesia) based on complete mitochondrial DNA D-loop sequences.

Background and Aim:Java Island is one of the islands in Indonesia which has local sheep breeds with specific characteristics and native development geography in certain regions. This study aimed to determine the genetic profiles and maternal origin of six local sheep breeds on Java Island.Materials and Methods:This study was conducted by identifying the profiles of complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) displacement loop (D-loop) region sequences on a total of 22 individual in six local sheep breeds on Java Island, including Javanese thin-tailed (JTT), Javanese Fat-Tailed (JFT), Batur (BTR), Wonosobo (WSB), Garut (GRT), and Priangan (PRG) sheep. The D-loop region was amplified using specific primers, and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed. The PCR products were purified and sequenced.Results:The mtDNA D-loop analysis identified 21 haplotypes in the analyzed 22 animals with 123 polymorphic sites (V) consisting of 60 singleton variable sites (S) and 63 parsimony informative sites (P). Within all breeds tested, the haplotype diversity, the average number of pairwise differences (K), and nucleotide diversity (Pi) were 0.99567, 25.36364, and 0.02153, respectively. The genetic distance (D) within groups and between groups was 0.001-0.006 and 0.004-0.036, respectively. The phylogeny resulted in the presence of two haplogroups (Hap), which are 5 Hap A and 16 Hap B. All JTT, JFT, BTR, and WSB breeds were in the same cluster in Hap B, whereas GRT and PRG breeds were in clusters in both Hap A and Hap B.Conclusion:The high genetic diversity in six local sheep breeds on Java Island suggests that they originated from different genetic sources. JTT sheep have closer genetic relationships to JFT, BTR, and WSB sheep, and they are close to European sheep, whereas GRT sheep have closer genetic relationships to PRG sheep. Both are closer to Asian sheep than to European sheep.

RESPON FISIOLOGIS DAN PALATABILITAS DOMBA EKOR TIPIS TERHADAP LIMBAH TAUGE DAN KANGKUNG KERING SEBAGAI PAKAN PENGGANTI RUMPUT

Physiological response are influenced by environmental conditions, such as climate change and the feed. Limitied of land crop and farm cause difficulties to find grass as fiber feed. This research aimed to study the effect of dried kale and bean sprouts waste for substitution the grass on the physiological response of male javanese thin thailed sheep (under one years old) and their palatability. Feed treatment were : P1 (50% concentrate+50% grass), P2 (50% concentrate+50% dried kale), and P3 (50% concentrate+50% bean sprouts waste) respectively. The parameters were palatability, rectal temperature, heartbeat and respiration frequency. Analyze method used completely randomized design with three treatments of feeding and 4 replications was used. Data processed by ANOVA and Tukey’s for further test. The experimental result showed that feed treatment were not significant (P>0.05) to rectal temperature, heartbeat and respiration frequency. The best palatability seen on P2 feed (50% consentrate + 50% mung bean sprout waste). The conclusion were bean sprout waste and dried kale can be used to substitute grass, they had a good palatability and they did not give bad effect to physiological of javanese thin tailed sheep.The conclusion of this study, bean sprout waste and dried kale has a good palatability and were not significant to physiological response of javanese thin tailed sheep so it can be used to substitute grass. Keywords: dried kale, physiological responses, javanese thin tailed sheep, bean sprout waste, palatability

Prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of Australian-registered insecticide formulations against Old World screwworm (Chrysomya bezziana) infestation.

To determine the prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy of Australian-registered insecticide formulations against Old World screwworm (OWS) myiases for potential use in screwworm containment and eradication programs. The longevity of protection provided by six insecticidal formulations (subcutaneous ivermectin, doramectin and abamectin, a topically applied aqueous formulation of spinosad, ivermectin controlled-release capsule and a dicyclanil spray-on formulation) was tested using implants of 1st-instar OWS larvae on Javanese thin-tail sheep. Therapeutic efficacy of four formulations (topical ivermectin, chlorfenvinphos/cypermethrin mixture, aerosol spinosad formulation and a formulation containing propetamphos and eucalyptus oil) was tested against 2- and 4-day-old OWS strikes. Both the ivermectin capsule and dicyclanil spray-on formulation gave 100% protection against screwworm implants for the full 12 weeks of the study. Ivermectin, doramectin and abamectin administered SC all gave 100% protection at 3 days post-treatment, but at 2 weeks the protection had become incomplete. Spinosad dipping did not give complete protection at any time. All four therapeutic treatments gave complete resolution of 2-day-old strikes and topical ivermectin, spinosad and chlorfenvinphos/cypermethrin, but not the propetamphos/eucalyptus oil formulation, gave complete resolution of all 4-day-old strikes. Dicyclanil spray-on and ivermectin capsule formulations, both registered for use in sheep, but not for cattle or other livestock species, gave much longer protection against screwworm implants than the currently recommended SC ivermectin. Pre-emptive action to facilitate rapid deployment of these formulations in the event of a screwworm incursion is urgently needed.

DNA tests in prolific sheep from eight countries provide new evidence on origin of the Booroola (FecB) mutation.

Recent discoveries that high prolificacy in sheep carrying the Booroola gene (FecB) is the result of a mutation in the BMPIB receptor and high prolificacy in Inverdale sheep (FecX(I)) is the result of a mutation in the BMP15 oocyte-derived growth factor gene have allowed direct marker tests to be developed for FecB and FecX(I). These tests were carried out in seven strains of sheep (Javanese, Thoka, Woodlands, Olkuska, Lacaune, Belclare, and Cambridge) in which inheritance patterns have suggested the presence of major genes affecting prolificacy and in the prolific Garole sheep of India, which have been proposed as the ancestor of Australian Booroola Merinos. The FecB mutation was found in the Garole and Javanese sheep but not in Thoka, Woodlands, Olkuska, Lacaune, Belclare, and Cambridge sheep. None of the sheep tested had the FecX(I) mutation. These findings present strong evidence to support historical records that the Booroola gene was introduced into Australian flocks from Garole (Bengal) sheep in the late 18th century. It is unknown whether Javanese Thin-tailed sheep acquired the Booroola gene directly from Garole sheep from India or via Merinos from Australia. The DNA mutation test for FecB will enable breeding plans to be developed that allow the most effective use of this gene in Garole and Javanese Thin-tailed sheep and their crosses.

Single nucleotide polymorphism in exon two of CBFA1 gene is related to bone mineral denisty.

Duration of oestrus, time of ovulation and hormone profiles for progesterone and LH in prepubertal, pubertal and mature Javanese thin-tail sheep were studied at synchronized oestrus following progestagen-PMSG treatment and at the first natural oestrus after synchronization.The ewe lambs responded to progestagen-PMSG treatment by showing earlier onset of oestrus and an earlier and higher peak of LH concentration than mature ewes. For pre-pubertal, pubertal and mature ewes the mean LH peaks were 49.9, 43.9 and 37.9 ng/ml (P>0.05) at mean intervals of 7.5, 8.4 and 16.5 h (P < 0.05), respectively, after onset of oestrus. Duration of oestrus was 41.2 h in pubertal lambs and averaged 37.5 h in the other two groups (P>0.05). Except in one mature ewe, ovulation occurred between 24 and 36 h after onset of oestrus and the majority ovulated at around the end of oestrus. The corpora lutea developed normally, as indicated by plasma-progesterone changes. The patterns of plasma-progesterone changes were similar in all three groups, though the concentrations were lower in the ewe lambs.At the first natural oestrus after synchronization, mature ewes showed longer (P>0.05) oestrus (31.5 vs. 24.3 h), longer time interval from onset of oestrus to the LH peak (16.0 vs. 12.0 h) and from the LH peak to ovulation (21.0 vs. 19.6 h) than peri-pubertal lambs. Six of eight pre-pubertal lambs did not ovulate at their first natural oestrus, resulting in a conception rate of 11% for that group, while in pubertal lambs and mature ewes conception rates were 70% and 100%, respectively.

Returns to investments in small ruminant research in Indonesia The Small Ruminant Collaborative Research Support Program (SR‐CRSP) in West Java

AbstractSmall ruminanl research carried out by the SR‐CRSP on management, nutrition and reproduction was developed and evaluated through an Outreach Pilol Program in West Java, Indonesia. On‐farm testing indicated that introduction of different management practices could increase birth rale and survivability of Javanese Thin Tail sheep. This article presents results from an assessment of research investments that measures the potential returns from this technological package, with various adoption and spillover effects, weighs the benefits against the research and training costs of the SR‐CRSP, and looks at distribution of benefits among consumers and producers of sheep in Indonesia. The rate of return in the most conservative scenario was 19%, with potential short‐run benefits exceeding the costs incurred by breeding and nutrition research, and training of 23 masters and doctoral students in 10 years. Market conditions favor producers in the distribution of benefits.

Returns to investments in small ruminant research in Indonesia The Small Ruminant Collaborative Research Support Program (SR-CRSP) in West Java

Abstract Small ruminant research carried out by the SR-CRSP on management, nutrition and reproduction was developed and evaluated through an Outreach Pilot Program in West Java, Indonesia. On-farm testing indicated that introduction of different management practices could increase birth rate and survivability of Javanese Thin Tail sheep. This article presents results from an assessment of research investments that measures the potential returns from this technological package, with various adoption and spillover effects, weighs the benefits against the research and training costs of the SR-CRSP, and looks at distribution of benefits among consumers and producers of sheep in Indonesia. The rate of return in the most conservative scenario was 19%, with potential short-run benefits exceeding the costs incurred by breeding and nutrition research, and training of 23 masters and doctoral students in 10 years. Market conditions favor producers in the distribution of benefits.

Correlations of litter size and maternal serum progesterone concentration during pregnancy with mammary gland growth and development indices at parturition in Javanese Thin-Tail sheep

Correlations of litter size and maternal serum progesterone concentration during pregnancy with mammary gland growth and development indices at parturition in Javanese Thin-Tail sheep

The use of Wonnolas in controlling gastrointestinal nematode infections in sheep under traditional grazing management in Indonesia

Blocks containing 3% phenothiazine in solidified molasses (Wonnolas, Animeal Australia Ltd .) were tested to control gastrointestinal nematode infections and the effect on mineral status in sheep in villages in Cirebon, Indonesia. Two hundred and thirteen Javanese Thin Tail sheep which were grazed during the day and housed at night were divided into two groups on the basis of location . One group was allowed in an access to Wonnolas blocks when penned for 24 weeks while the other group remained untreated. The bodyweight was recorded and faecal samples were collected for egg counts and larval culture every four weeks. Sera and saliva samples were collected from 20 adult sheep in each group at weeks 0, 12 and 24 for mineral analysis by AAS and colorimetry. The results indicated that the mean egg counts of the treated group decreased from 576 epg to 123 epg and the percentage of sheep producing viable larvae decreased from 50% to 24%. In contrast egg counts of the control group increased from 768 epg to 4,840 epg and the percentage of sheep producing viable larvae increased from 65% to 84% over the same period . In the treated group the number of Haenronchus larvae declined significantly (36% to 80%) . Mineral analysis revealed deficiencies in sodium and copper, low levels of zinc and normal levels of potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus . Wormolas had a significant effect on sodium and zinc status but not on copper although sufficient levels of this element were available. Comparison of bodyweight gains showed a significantly (P<0.05) higher rate of increase in the treated animals.

Comparative pathological study of hepatic changes induced by Fasciola gigantica and Gigantocotyle explanatum in Javanese thin-tailed sheep

Pathological changes in the liver induced by Fasciola gigantica and Gigantocotyle explanatum were readily distinguishable from each other. Lesions associated with the migration of immature flukes through the parenchyma were a prominent feature of infection with Fasciola gigantica, whereas lesions induced by Gigantocotyle explanatum were confined to the large bile ducts. The size of the hepatic lesions increased during the course of infection with Fasciola gigantica and was associated with the formation of progressively larger areas of scar tissue in the parenchymal migration tracts as the flukes grew. This was also as a result of the progressively increasing cellular infiltration, proliferation of bile ductules and fibrosis which occurred in adjacent portal triads and interlobular septa. The absence of signs of migration through the hepatic parenchyma by Gigantocotyle explanatum, was regarded as evidence that these flukes gain entry to the bile ducts from the intestine via the common bile duct. In bile ducts infected with Fasciola gigantica there was more extensive desquamation of the epithelium, more intense mucosal infiltration with lymphoid cells and fewer eosinophils, less severe glandular hyperplasia, more free blood in the lumen and a thicker duct wall than in bile ducts infected with Gigantocotyle explanatum.