Mouflon Research Articles

Epidemiology of paratuberculosis in wild ruminants studied by restriction fragment length polymorphism in the Czech Republic during the period 1995-1998.

In two studies carried out during the period 1995-1998, paratuberculosis was diagnosed in domestic and wild ruminants in the Czech Republic. The isolated Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis strains were analysed by standardised restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) [Pavlik, I., Horvathova, A., Dvorska, L., Bartl, J., Svastova, P., du Maine, R., Rychlik, I., 1999. J. Microbiol. Methods 38, 155-167]. In December 1992, 19 late pregnant Charolais heifers were imported to the Czech Republic from Hungary (original import from France to Hungary). One 11-month-old heifer roamed in the wild in a range of approximately 15-20km for 7 months from November 1993 to May 1994. Upon capture, the animal showed clinical signs of paratuberculosis (emaciation and diarrhoea). Seven other animals from the same herd were infected with the identical RFLP type B-C1 of M. paratuberculosis. During the period 1995-1996, samples were taken and examined from the small intestine and corresponding lymph nodes of 84 wild ruminants: 19 red deers (Cervus elaphus) and 65 roe-deers (Capreolus capreolus). These wild ruminants originated from 44 different locations within the same district from as the infected escaped heifer. Five M. paratuberculosis strains were isolated: one strain of RFLP type B-C1 from a stag and three strains of RFLP type B-C1 and one strain of RFLP type B-C9 from roe-deer. The three wild ruminants (one stag and two roe-deer) infected with the same RFLP type B-C1 were detected in the same area as the heifer, suggesting that this was the likely infection source. However, the infection source of the roe-deer infected with strain of RFLP type B-C9 was obviously different, and the stags that escaped from the farm were purchased from an area infected with this RFLP type. In the second study carried out during 1997-1998 in the whole Czech Republic (divided into 76 districts), 718 wild ruminants were examined from 90% of the districts. M. paratuberculosis was isolated from 25 (3.5%) animals from the wild, from farms and from game parks: 7.1% of 132 red deers, 1.5% of 336 roe-deers, 3.9% of 178 fallow deers (Dama dama), and 4.2% of 48 moufflons (Ovis musimon). This study discovered three RFLP types (B-C1, D-C12 and M-C16). A surprising finding was that of M. paratuberculosis (RFLP type B-C1) infection in roe-deer and a fallow deer in their natural habitat. The infection source was determined to have originated from two imported Holstein and Limousine cattle herds infected with the same strain. In the case of a mother and daughter roe-deer infected with RFLP type M-C16 and a fallow deer infected with RFLP type D-C12, all roaming in their natural habitat, the infection source was not discovered. The highest incidence of clinically ill wild ruminants was found in farmed red deer, and no relationship was found between the RFLP type or ruminant species and clinical status of animal.

Nocturnal variation of prolactin secretion in the Mouflon ( Ovis gmelini musimon) and domestic sheep ( Ovis aries): seasonal changes

Seasonal changes in nocturnal prolactin secretion and their relationship with melatonin secretion were monitored in wild (Mouflon, Ovis gmelini musimon) and domesticated sheep (breed Manchega, Ovis aries). Two groups of eleven adult females each, were maintained outdoors under natural photoperiod. Plasma concentrations of prolactin and melatonin were determined during the summer and winter solstices and the autumn and spring equinoxes. Blood samples were collected every 3 h during the night hours, and 1 h before and after the onset of darkness and sunrise. Maximum mean plasma concentrations of prolactin during the dark-phase in Mouflons were observed in the summer solstice, ( P<0.001) and in the summer solstice and spring equinox in Manchega ewes ( P<0.001). Mean plasma concentrations of prolactin were higher in the wild species ( P<0.001) during the summer solstice. In contrast, during the spring equinox, mean levels of prolactin were higher in Manchega ewes than in Mouflons ( P<0.05). Plasma prolactin concentrations showed a nocturnal rhythm in both breeds, with seasonal variations ( P<0.001). The increase in plasma melatonin levels during the first hour after sunset was accompanied to increasing concentrations of PRL 1 h after the onset of darkness, only in the autumn and spring equinox for the Mouflon, and in the summer solstice and spring equinox for the Manchega ewes. In Mouflons, the fall of plasma PRL concentrations about the middle dark-phase in all the periods studied, coincided with high levels of melatonin. A similar relation was observed in Manchega ewes only in the winter solstice and spring equinox. The current study shows that the nocturnal rhythm of prolactin secretion exhibits seasonal variation; differences in the patterns of prolactin secretion between Mouflon and Manchega sheep are taken to represent the effects of genotype.

Interactions and associations between age and sex classes in mouflon sheep ( Ovis gmelini) during winter

The fact that sexual segregation can occur in wild ruminants independently of sex-related differences in habitat use suggests that it results at least partly from social mechanisms. One of the simplest mechanisms which can be hypothesised is that individuals avoid the congener classes which frequently try to interact with them (be these interactions ‘agonistic’ or ‘sexual’, since courtship behaviour components typically induce withdrawal when performed outside the rut). The aim of the present study was to test, in mouflon sheep ( Ovis gmelini), whether the age–sex classes which exchange frequent interactions on meeting occur rarely inside the same groups. Observations were made during winter, on a small population in Germany. Interactions were recorded at an attractive site where all age–sex classes met daily. Foot transects were conducted in parallel over the whole study area in order to determine group composition. As expected, adults of different sexes exchanged frequent interactions at the attractive site and were rarely found in the same groups under free-ranging conditions, while adult females, who interacted little with one another, were quite frequently associated. However, adult males simultaneously exhibited the highest rate of interaction at the attractive site and the highest frequency of association under free-ranging conditions. Unlike female–female and male–female pairs, in which interactions with a clear initiator and a clear recipient predominated, male–male pairs exchanged often spectacular but ‘symmetrical’ interactions (during which the two individuals behaved in the same way). The hypothesis that sexual segregation results from the avoidance of the congener classes which frequently engage interactions only holds for females. Adult rams interact frequently and seek companions with whom symmetrical interactions can be performed.

Primer Premier 5

Primer Premier 5

Agonistic and proximity patterns in enclosed mouflon ( Ovis gmelini) ewes in relation to age, reproductive status and kinship

Agonistic and proximity patterns of mouflon sheep ( Ovis gmelini) were studied in a group of enclosed females during two lambing periods. A non-random linear-tending hierarchy almost stable over the 2-years was found. Age was correlated to social rank and to the distribution of agonistic acts by females. The rank of the yearling females was linked to the rank of their mothers. The age of the animal and the degree of relatedness with its congeners appeared as main determinants of the proximity patterns of ewes. Strong associations between closely related females (especially mothers and daughters), brought out the existence of a familial structure in mouflon. Otherwise, we found a strong inter-attraction between yearlings, which received a large number of aggressions from older females. That revealed peer grouping superimposed on familial structures. Age also seemed to influence ‘sociality’ of females, older females tending to associate less with conspecifics than younger ones.

Host specificity of abomasal nematodes in free ranging alpine ruminants

Abomasums from 641 alpine wild ruminants representing five different species ( Cervus elaphus, Capreolus capreolus, Rupicapra rupicapra, Capra ibex, Ovis musimon) and from 19 domestic sheep ( Ovis aries) from alpine areas were examined in order to investigate the host-specificity of abomasal helminths. Nine out of 20 helminth species were found in at least five different host species. A discriminant analysis was able to significantly discriminate the hosts on the basis of their helminth community composition with the exception of O. musimon and O. aries. Based on the correlation between each variable represented by helminth species with the most explanatory discriminant axis, it was possible to classify helminths into specialists and generalists. Specialists are represented by the dominant species in a community of an host species or family while generalists appear in the communities of many different hosts as intermediate species. Due to the pathogenic potential of some of these generalist species (i.e. Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus axei) and their ability to adapt easily to the conditions found in several different hosts, they appear to be the most important from a sanitary point of view.

Attainment of Puberty in the European Mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon) and the Domestic Manchega Ewe (Ovis aries)

ContentsThe onset of puberty was assessed from plasma progesterone profiles for Mouflon (n = 8) and Manchega (n = 7) female lambs born in April. Four Mouflons exhibited their first ovulation at a mean date of 27 November ± 1.4 days, the mean age being 248.5 ± 3.9 days and the mean body weight 23.8 ± 0.6 kg. The remaining four Mouflons, which had a slower growth rate, attained puberty during the autumn of the following year. Five of seven Manchega lambs attained puberty in their first year at a mean date of 5 Oct ± 3.3, the mean age being 185.6 ± 2.6 days and the mean body weight 41.8 ± 2.0 kg. The mean live‐weight at the onset of puberty was 65.1 and 82% (p &lt; 0.05) of adult body weights for Manchega and Mouflons, respectively. Overall, the results indicate that there is a threshold of body‐weight necessary for the attainment of puberty in the first breeding season for spring‐born lambs, which is very different between both Mouflon and Manchega. When body weight was below 23.8 ±0.6 and 41.8 ± 2.0 kg for Mouflon and Manchega lambs, respectively, first ovulation did not occur until the beginning of the next breeding season. The onset of puberty during the second year of life occurred within the specific reproductive seasons for Mouflon (October–April) and Manchega (July–March) ewes, despite minimal further growth.

Experimental infection of Mouflon-domestic sheep hybrids with caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus.

To determine whether monocyte-derived macrophages from Mouflon-domestic sheep hybrids (Ovis musimon X Ovis spp) were susceptible to productive infection with caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) in vitro and whether experimental inoculation of Mouflon-domestic sheep hybrids with a molecularly cloned CAEV would result in persistent infection. 5 Mouflon hybrids. Macrophage monolayers were inoculated with virus in vitro. Three animals were inoculated with virus intratracheally. Productive replication of CAEV was demonstrated in monocyte-derived macrophages following in vitro and in vivo inoculation. Titer of infectious cytopathic CAEV produced by macrophages from the Mouflon hybrids was similar to titers produced by macrophages from an infected goat or by synovial membrane cells. Isolation of virus from monocyte-derived macrophages and use of a semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction assay to amplify a portion of the viral genome demonstrated persistent virus replication in all 3 inoculated animals. Two weeks after inoculation of sheep, approximately 1 of 5,000 monocytes was harboring the virus. Results indicate that Mouflon-domestic sheep hybrids are susceptible to infection with isolates of CAEV that cause infection in domestic small ruminants.

Effect of season on the resumption of postpartum cyclic ovarian activity in Mouflon ( Ovis gmelini musimon) and Manchega sheep ( Ovis aries)

The objective of this study was to compare ovulatory activity of Mouflon and Manchega ewes lambing at different times of the year. A total of 38 adult European Mouflon and 26 Manchega ewes were divided into two groups according to whether lambing occurred in late winter/early spring or summer. Plasma progesterone concentrations were monitored to assess the interval to first ovulation after parturition. Both season and type of sheep affected the postpartum interval. When parturition occurred towards the end of the breeding season for Mouflon (February–March), 12 of 26 animals had a mean (±s.e.) interval to first ovulation of 25 ± 1.8 days and exhibited between 1 and 6 short or normal cycles before the onset of anoestrus. The remaining 14 animals did not resume ovulatory activity until the following breeding season which started in October. Similarly, female Mouflon ( n = 12) giving birth in June reinitiated their breeding activity only at the start of the following season in October. Manchega ewes that lambed in April ( n = 11) and June ( n = 15) had postpartum intervals to first ovulation of 111.5 ± 4.1 and 31.5 ± 1.9 days, respectively. Both groups of Manchegas reinitiated ovulatory activity at the start of the expected breeding season for the breed (July). It can be concluded that the time of year is a major factor controlling the duration of ovarian inactivity following parturition in both Mouflon and Manchega ewes.

Seasonal changes in ovulatory activity, plasma prolactin, and melatonin concentrations, in mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon) and Manchega (Ovis aries) ewes.

Seasonal changes in ovulatory activity, plasma prolactin and melatonin concentrations were monitored in a wild (Mouflon) and a domesticated (Manchega) breed of sheep, both originating and living under similar latitudes (40 degrees N). Mouflons express ovarian cycles significantly later than Manchega ewes (October vs. July, P < 0.001); however, they ended cycling one month later than Manchegas (April vs. March, P < 0.05). While prolactin concentrations were high when Manchega ewes started to cycle, they were at their lowest concentrations when Mouflons started cycling. Overall, mean prolactin concentrations were higher (P < 0.001) in Mouflons than Manchegas throughout most of the year. Within the limits of sampling frequency, the duration of melatonin secretion was similar in both groups during the solstice and equinox periods; however, the amplitude was lower (P < 0.01) in Mouflons than Manchegas during the solstice periods. The significant breed differences in the seasonal hormonal changes may be attributed to a genetic influence in the endocrine responses to the same photoperiodic cues.

Blood biochemistry values in some wild ruminants in captivity

Analyses of blood chemical parameters were carried out in eight axis deer (Cervus axis), 12 fallow deer (Cervus dama), 16 red deer (Cervus elaphus hippelaphus), three sambar (Cervus unicolor), nine Pere David deer (Elaphurus davidianus), 20 European bison (Bison bonasus), seven nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), eight mouflon (Ovis musimon), four white-bearded gnu (Connochaetes taurinus) and six barbary sheep (Ammotragus lervia). The following parameters were determined: glucose, urea, uric acid, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, total bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine phosphokinase, lactate dehydrogenase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, total serum proteins, albumin, globulins, albumin/globulin ratio, sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, total phosphorus and serum osmolality. Some trends and statistically significant differences were observed between the species and the young and adult groups.

Basic hematological values in some wild ruminants in captivity

Analyses of hematological parameters were carried out on eight axis deer ( Cervus axis), 12 fallow deer ( Cervus dama), 16 red deer ( Cervus elaphus hippelaphus), three sambar ( Cervus unicolor), nine Père David deer ( Elaphurus davidianus), 20 European bison ( Bison bonasus), seven nilgai ( Boselaphus tragocamelus), eight mouflon ( Ovis musimon), four white-bearded gnu ( Connochaetes taurinus) and six barbary sheep ( Ammotragus lervia). The following parameters were determined: packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell number, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, leukocyte number and differential leukocyte count. Some degree of interspecific variability was found in the artiodactyls for these hematological parameters. An inverse relationship between mean corpuscular volume and red blood cell number is described, and specific values for these parameters are given for the four subfamilies.

Aonchotheca musimon n. sp. (Nematoda : Capillariinae) from the mouflon Ovis musimon in the sub-antarctic Kerguelen archipelago, with comments on the relationships with A. bilobata (Bhalerao, 1933) Moravec, 1982 and other species of the genus.

An intestinal capillariid nematode, Aonchotheca musimon n. sp., is described from Ovis musimon imported into the Kerguelen archipelago (Terres Australes et Antarctiques Françaises). The comparison of this new material with other Aonchotheca spp. is based on the usual characters, i.e. spicule, caudal bursa, number of papillae, stichosome, bacillary bands, shape of the cirrus, and on the length of the ejaculatory duct which appears to be of some phylogenetic value. A. musimon, of which the spicule is 208-230 microm long, is close to A. bilobata, another parasite of bovids, which is redescribed here. It is distinct from this species because the posterior region of the female worm is cylindrical instead of conical, the lateral alae of the male worm are longer, quadrangular and vesicular instead of triangular and smooth, the caudal bursa has a folded dorso-lateral edge, there is a recurrent ventral fold of the cirrus, the slender distal part of the spicule is longer, the oesophagus is shorter in both sexes and the slightly larger eggs have a thicker shell. These two species from bovids and A. murissylvatici from murid rodents, of which the main characters are similar, represent a small group with a very elongate ejaculatory duct (1.9-2.5 mm). This is in contrast to a larger group of species with a short ejaculatory duct (350-600 microm), which are parasites of Chiroptera (A. brosseti, A. chabaudi, A. landauae, A. gabonensis), Insectivora (A. erinacei), mustelid Carnivora (A. putorii, A. mustelorum) and glirid rodents (A. myoxinitelae, A. legerae). A. bovis and A. dessetae, respectively parasites of bovids and lagomorphs, present an ejaculatory duct of intermediary length and do not belong to these groups. Several species are transferred to the genus Aonchotheca: A. kashmirensis (Raina & Kaul, 1982) n. comb., A. legerae (Justine, Ferté & Bain, 1987) n. comb., A. forresteri (Kinsella & Pence, 1987) n. comb., A. chabaudi (Justine, 1989) n. comb., A. landauae (Justine, 1989) n. comb., A. brosseti (Justine, 1989) n. comb., A. gabonensis (Justine, 1989) n. comb. and A. dessetae (Justine, 1990) n. comb.

Reproductive seasonality and maturation throughout the complete life-cycle in the mouflon ram (Ovis musimon).

To document the process of physical and reproductive maturation in a long-lived mammal, the long-term changes in endocrine (follicle stimulating hormone-FSH, prolactin and testosterone) and morphological parameters (body weight, testis diameter, neck girth, sex skin colour, horn growth, wool growth, moult and pelage characteristics) were measured throughout the full life-span in a group of captive mouflon rams, Ovis musimon (n=4, 12-year study). Live body weight increased to a maximum at 7 years of age and declined in old age, while horn size (length and volume) increased throughout the full life-span. Every year there was a marked and consistent cycle in the blood plasma concentrations of FSH and testosterone, and growth of the testes, with peak reproductive function in September and October associated with the rut. The annual maximum in plasma FSH and testosterone concentrations, and the size of the testes increased progressively from 1-6 years of age (or later into the life-cycle for testosterone). There was also a marked annual cycle in plasma prolactin concentrations (peak in May and June), and growth of the horns and pelage. The annual maximum in prolactin concentrations increased throughout the life-cycle, while the rate of horn growth (annual increments) decreased. The overall conclusion is that neuroendocrine mechanisms regulate both the annual and the age-related changes in the reproductive axis, and reproductive maturation proceeds gradually through the life-cycle. Because the acquisition of adult characteristics (large body size, large horns, conspicuous male secondary sexual characteristics) greatly affects male competitiveness, sexual maturity is closely linked to physical maturity, and this occurs long after the initial onset of fertility at puberty.

Membrane integrity and fertilizing potential of cryopreserved spermatozoa in European mouflon.

There is a pressing need to develop and use assisted reproductive techniques in wildlife species living in small and captive groups. We evaluated the effect of freezing on membrane integrity and fertilizing capacity of European mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon) spermatozoa collected during the breeding season. After thawing, the percentage of live spermatozoa, stained with fluorescein isothiocynate labeled Pisum Sativum agglutinin and propidium iodide, was 47% of which 19% showed intact acrosomal membrane. After culture in TCM 199 + 10% FCS, the number of live spermatozoa was significantly (P < 0.01) lower than in a medium with oviductal epithelial cells. The absence of oviductal cells decreased significantly the fertilization rates (P < 0.05), 24.0 vs. 63.1 with oviductal epithelial cells and 59.1 in vivo of in vitro matured ovine oocytes. Polyspermic fertilization rate of oocytes was lower (P < 0.05) with oviductal epithelial cells (1.6) than in absence of cells (12.8). However, the percentage of embryos that reached blastocyst stage was significantly higher in vivo than in vitro. These results provide interesting preliminary data for the development of genetic resource banks for European mouflon.

Seroprevalence of Babesia ovis in mouflon sheep in Spain.

A serological survey detected antibodies against Babesia ovis in mouflon sheep (Ovis musimon) from two different reserves located in Catalonia in northeastern Spain. An indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) was developed using a B. ovis isolate of ovine origin as the antigen. Of 50 sera tested, six (12%) showed titres between 1:160 and 1:640 and were considered positive. These results indicate that exposure of mouflon to Babesia ovis is common in this region.

Characteristic activity patterns of female mouflons ( Ovis orientalis musimon) in the lambing period

We analysed the activity pattern of wild mouflon sheep ( Ovis orientalis musimon) in the lambing season for 2 consecutive years. The activity data was recorded automatically by the storage-telemetry-system, ETHOSYS. The animals were equipped with electronic collars of about 300 g, which continuously sampled behaviour in time intervals of 30 min over 50 days. Lambing was accompanied by decreased daily activity budgets of 3–5 consecutive days. The sequence of daily activity budgets around parturition were compared with other periods of lower activity using discriminant analysis. Birth patterns were found to differ significantly in width, depth and shape from normal fluctuations in daily activity. Calculating the discriminant function from the 1995 data, we accurately predicted the 1996 minima in activity caused by lambing. The jackknife method, providing an even more precise misclassification rate, was 93% accurate. Changes in activity patterns and space utilization in the period peri partum in the wild are discussed in contrast to what happens for animals at pasture or in enclosures.

Investigations on periparturient behaviour in free‐ranging mouflon sheep (Ovis orientalis musimon)

AbstractWe studied the behaviour of free‐ranging female mouflon sheep (age 3‐5 years) in the period periparturition. The study area is situated in the north‐east of Germany (52°59′N, 13°50′E). For continuous data collection, we used the storage‐telemetry‐system ETHOSYS. Activity and foraging behaviour of five females were recorded every second by electronic sensors integrated in a collar round the sheep's neck (weight 300 g). Whenever the animals visit a special ‘link‐station’, installed at a combined saltlick/feeder station, the recorded data are transmitted from the collar to the station and then to a laptop. In addition, we recorded continuously the presence of sheep at the saltlick using a camera‐system, including a daylight and an infra‐red camera.Activity of female mouflon ranged from 8 to 10 hours daily during late winter. The animals spent the major part of that time feeding (70‐80%). The sheep visited the saltlick every two to three days regularly. However, from late March to early April, every animal stayed away from the ‘link‐station’ for about two weeks. This meant spatial isolation from social companions. When returning, these sheep were accompanied by a lamb. Parturition was assumed to take place during 2‐3 consecutive days of markedly decreased activity. In the night from the first to the second day of this period, we found a unique activity pattern observed in all sheep. A short activity bout during the second half of the night was interpreted as the exact time of lambing. Spatial and temporal changes in behaviour during parturition are discussed with regard to other wild ungulates as well as domestic animals.

Investigations on periparturient behaviour in free-ranging mouflon sheep (Ovis orientalis musimon)

Investigations on periparturient behaviour in free-ranging mouflon sheep (Ovis orientalis musimon)

An example of segregation between age and sex classes only weakly related to habitat use in mouflon sheep (Ovis gmelini)

AbstractSexual segregation reported in many wild ruminants is generally assumed to result from either different habitat choices by adult males and females or ‘social factors’. In this framework, we studied group composition and habitat use of mouflon sheep (Ovis gmelini) over an annual cycle in the low‐mountain range of Caroux‐Espinouse (continental France). The analysis of group composition revealed segregation outside the rut, not only between the sexes, but also between the young (2‐3 years) and old rams ( 4 years). Moreover, ewes, young rams, and old rams exhibited some differences in patterns of habitat use in the mid‐rutting and lambing seasons, but showed similar patterns in winter and summer. These results, juxtaposed with those of studies of interactions and proximity between individuals within groups, suggest that segregation between age‐sex classes has a strong social basis in mouflon sheep.