Ram Lambs Research Articles

Seemanchali sheep : An untapped germplasm in Eastern region of Bihar

Seemanchali sheep, an unique and distinct germplasm, is distributed in Supaul, Araria and Purnea districts of Seemanchal region of Bihar. The coat colour of sheep was dark brown with patches of white markings throughout the body. The body of the sheep, except the ventral surface, was covered with coarse wool, which is being sheared on regular interval. An average flock size was 36.5 with the range from 22 to 58. The estimated population size of Seemanchali sheep in the breeding tract was 20,000. The height at withers, body length and chest girth of Seemanchali sheep at 3 months of age were 50.34±0.25 cm, 48.22±0.31 cm and 55.46±0.28 cm; and 50.15±0.25 cm, 47.53±0.30 cm and 54.87±0.28 cm, respectively for male and female lambs. The same biometrical measurements at 12 months of age increased to 67.16±0.45 cm, 63.64±0.46 cm and 71.96±0.46 cm; and 63.16±0.22 cm, 60.44±0.23 cm and 64.19±0.23 cm, respectively for male and female lambs. Body weights of the lambs at 3 and 12 months of ages were 9.58±0.28 kg and 28.13±0.38 kg for ram lambs and 8.95±0.15 kg and 24.86±0.23 kg for ewe lambs, respectively. The age at 1st mating, age at 1st lambing and lambing intervals of Seemanchali sheep were found to be 14.6 months, 19.3 months and 11.2 months, respectively. Lambing percentage studied across the breeding tract was observed as 72.5. Large farmers possessing more than 100 Seemanchali sheep generated more than 90 per cent of their household income through Seemanchali sheep. Strategies to enhance the productivity of Seemanchali sheep vis-à -vis livelihood status of sheep farmers have been discussed.

110. Assessing performance and feed efficiency of Exlana ram lambs

110. Assessing performance and feed efficiency of Exlana ram lambs

Using ultrasound to predict fat deposition in growing lambs of different South African sheep breed types

Subcutaneous fat (SF) and Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle (LM) depths of growing lambs from six breeds were monitored. Ram and ewe lambs from Dohne Merino, Dormer, Dorper, Meatmaster, South African Mutton Merino and White Dorper breeds were reared together under optimal feedlot management conditions and were subjected to ultrasound scans every fortnight from the point when the lambs attained 20 kg body weight up until 300 days of age. Exponential and linear functions were fitted to describe the change in SF depth, using body weight and age respectively, while the power curve was fitted to describe the change in LM depth. Moderate to good fits were achieved for the models describing the increase in SF depth of the various production groups with weight (R2 = 0.48–0.72) or age (R2 = 0.53–0.78) as predictor. These curves showed that hair sheep breeds are early maturing relative to wool sheep breeds, and should thus be slaughtered at lower live weights to achieve uniform levels of carcass fatness.

Effects of palm oil supplementation and fibrolytic enzymes in high forage diets on growth, carcass characteristics and fatty acid profiles of lambs

This study investigated the effects of palm oil and fibrolytic enzyme supplementation in high forage diets on growth, carcass characteristics and fatty acid composition of lambs. Forty South African Mutton Merino ram lambs were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (n = 10 lambs/ treatment) and fed a basal total mixed ration (TMR). The treatments were: TMR diet with Megalac as bypass oil (control); TMR diet supplemented with 3% palm oil; TMR diet with cellulase and xylanase enzymes and TMR diet supplemented with 3% palm oil and cellulase and xylanase enzymes. The lambs were slaughtered at a target weight of about 42 kg. Palm oil supplementation resulted in a longer feeding period (P < 0.05) and lower dressing percentage (P < 0.01), but the carcasses had higher meat yield (P < 0.01) and lower fat content (P < 0.05) compared to the other treatment groups. Additionally, palm oil supplementation increased the proportion of C18:0 (P < 0.05) while decreasing (P < 0.05) the proportion of C14:0 (P < 0.05) and C16:0 (P < 0.05) in fat depots, which may be beneficial for human health. The fibrolytic enzyme treatment had minimal effects on growth, carcass characteristics, meat quality and fatty acid composition of lambs. The interaction effect of palm oil and fibrolytic enzymes had positive effects on the UFA: SFA ratio due to an increase (P < 0.05) in C20:3n6 and C20:4n6 and a reduction (P < 0.05) in saturated fatty acids. The results suggest that methane mitigation strategies through palm oil and enzyme supplementation can be used in lamb diets without adverse effects on product quality.

Antioxidant properties and transcriptome of cauda epididymis with different levels of fertility in Hu lambs

Oxidative stress damages the structure of sperm and affects its fertility. Further maturation and storage of spermatozoa occur in the epididymis. Thus, a balanced environment between free-radical production and the antioxidant–enzyme system is important. This study aimed to investigate differences in antioxidative activity in epididymis between high and low fertility levels of Hu sheep. A total of 179 Hu ram lambs aged 56 days were fed up to 6 months in the same environment. After feeding trial, all rams were slaughtered. According to the epididymis weight, cauda sperm concentration, and histo-morphological observation, 18 individuals were selected and divided into low fertility (n = 9) and high fertility (n = 9) groups. The RNA sequencing results showed 1404 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with 735 genes upregulated and 669 genes downregulated in the high fertility group compared with the low fertility group. Sixteen DEGs related to lipid metabolism and oxidative stress, including GPX3, GPX5, LRP1, PLCB1, CRISP2, BSPH1, and ACSBG1, were screened by qPCR, and results were correlated well with the sequencing data. Antioxidative indices such as total antioxidant capacity (21.29 ± 5.97 vs. 30.23 ± 4.56 μM/gprot) and glutathione peroxidase (39.75 ± 7.61 vs. 68.84 ± 12.51 U/mgprot) increased in the high fertility group. However, the relative expression of mtDNA and malondialdehyde concentration (0.75 ± 0.15 vs. 0.54 ± 0.10 nmol/mgprot) and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Therefore, epididymis from high-fertility group had strong antioxidative activity and protected spermatozoa from ROS.

Effect of calcium propionate level on the growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of feedlot ram lambs

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of three oral doses of the glucogenic precursor calcium propionate (CaPr) on the growth performance, blood metabolites, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of finishing lambs, during 42-day feeding trial. Basal diet contained 16.3 % crude protein (CP) and 5.4 MJ/kg NEg. Thirty-six (35 ± 0.6 kg BW) Dorper × Katahdin lambs (9 lambs per treatment) were randomly assigned to treatments (CaPr levels at 0, 10, 20, and 30 g/lamb/day). The final weight, average daily gain (ADG), dry matter intake (DMI), and gain to feed ratio (G:F) were improved by CaPr supplementation, being optimal at the dose of 10 g/lamb/day (quadratic component, P < 0.01). Most blood metabolites were unaffected (P> 0.05), but BUN and BUN:Cr showed a quadratic tendency (P = 0.08) to increase with a supplementation level of 20 g/lamb/day. The CaPr supplementation increased empty body weight (EBW) (P < 0.03), reduced cooling loss (P < 0.05), and tended (P < 0.09) to increase quadratically cold (CCW) and hot (HCW) carcass weights at a dose of 20 g/lamb/day. Lambs fed CaPr had greater (P = 0.03) heart and small intestine mass (g/kg of EBW) and tended (P = 0.07) to have a greater liver mass without affecting other organs. Purge loss, cook loss, and water holding capacity (WHC) were unaffected (P> 0.05), but the shear force (WBSF) increased quadratically (P < 0.04) with maximal value at a dose of 20 g/lamb/day. The increase in the CaPr dose affected (P < 0.05) the meat color values ​​(L *, a * and b *), which was paler at a dose of 30 g/lamb/day. Results indicate that CaPr can be included in a dose of 10 g/lamb/day to improve growth performance and up to 20 g/lamb/day to maximal effects on carcass characteristics.

Growth and haemato-biochemical profile of lambs on diet containing cashew nut kernel meal

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of diets containing two levels of cashew nut kernel meal (CNKM) on growth, biochemical profile and economics in ram lambs during 90 days. In a completely randomized design, 18 ram lambs were equally divided into three dietary treatments comprising reen fodder viz., Super Napier and concentrate mixture containing CNKM at 0 (T,), 10 (T2) and 20 (T3) %, respectively. Significant (p<0.05) increase in average daily gain and feed conversion efficiency was observed with increasing level of CNKM in concentrate mixture. The inclusion of CNKM at 10 or 20% level had non-significant effect (p>0.05) on haemato-biochemical traits. Further, it resulted in decreased feed cost per kg weight gain to Rs. 103.86 in T3 as compared to Rs. 123.67 in control. Hence, CNKM can be incorporated up to 20% economically in the diet of ram lambs.

Polymorphisms of the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene do not affect sexual activity, plasma testosterone concentrations or testicular characteristics of 8-month-old ram-lambs born in autumn

Thirty-nine autumn-born ram-lambs were used to study whether polymorphisms of the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene influence some reproductive parameters of Oct-born ram-lambs at 8 months of age. Animals were genotyped for their RsaI (CC, n=24; CT, n=6; TT, n=9) and MnlI (GG, n=27; GA, n=6; AA, n=6) allelic variants of the MTNR1A gene. Liveweight (LW) was recorded bi-weekly until Jun, and scrotal perimeter (SP) was recorded once per month. From mid-Jan, blood samples were collected weekly to measure plasma testosterone concentrations. In mid-Jun, individual serving-capacity tests were performed. Testicular ultrasonography was performed at the end of the experiment. The effects of the week and gene polymorphism on LW, scrotal perimeter, and plasma testosterone concentrations were evaluated statistically by the GLM for repeated measures procedure. LW, SP, and plasma testosterone concentrations were significantly (P&lt;0.001) affected by week, but neither of the polymorphisms of the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene affected these variables. In the serving tests, genotypes did not differ significantly in individual behaviors or the number of events (CC: 24.1±3.2, CT: 26.3±13.0, TT: 16.8±4.8, GG: 22.0±3.0, GA: 21.0±6.7, AA: 27.8±12.7). Testicular features assessed by ultrasonography did not differ significantly among genotypes. In conclusion, the polymorphisms of the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene did not have an effect on the reproductive characteristics of autumn-born ram lambs, based on serving capacity tests, testosterone secretion, and testicular measurements at 8 months of age.

Performance of kenguri ram lambs on stall-feeding in kalyana region of Karnataka

Performance of kenguri ram lambs on stall-feeding in kalyana region of Karnataka

Variation in reticulo-rumen volumes between and within sheep breeds and genetic relationships with production traits

Context Reducing methane emissions from livestock systems is a global priority. Genetic selection could play a vital role, but direct measurement of methane emissions from individual sheep is expensive and difficult. Previous research studies, in the UK and internationally, have identified links between rumen morphology, measured by computed tomography (CT) scanning, and methane emissions from sheep. In particular, larger reticulo-rumen volumes (RRvol) are associated with increased methane emissions. Aims The aims were to investigate RRvol differences between breeds and sires, in Texel and Scottish Blackface lambs, and to estimate genetic parameters of RRvol and other production traits in Texel sheep. Methods Scottish Blackface (SBF; n = 151) and Texel (TEX; n = 111) lambs of both sexes, reared together on low-ground pastures, were CT scanned in batches pre-slaughter (average age 20 weeks) and RRvol measured to investigate breed and sire effects. Genetic analysis of RRvol measured in 806 Texel ram lambs (∼20 weeks of age) from the UK’s national breeding programme was undertaken to estimate genetic parameters. Key results SBF lambs had reticulo-rumen volumes 30% larger on average than those of TEX (P &lt; 0.001) at the same live weight. Significant sire differences were identified. RRvol measured from images obtained during routine CT scanning was moderately heritable in TEX lambs (h2 = 0.45, s.e. 0.13). Genetic correlations with RRvol were low for growth traits (rg &lt; 0.1), moderate and negative for carcass composition assessed by ultrasound or CT (rg −0.25 to −0.47) and highly negative for CT-measured carcass weight and muscularity (shape) (rg −0.69 and −0.67, respectively), although standard errors were relatively high (0.17–0.3). Phenotypic correlations were of lower magnitude, but followed similar trends. Conclusions RRvol is under genetic control, varying between breeds, sires and individual animals. Lambs with heavier, more muscular carcasses have lower volume reticulo-rumens. Implications. These results add to our understanding of the relationships between rumen morphology and production traits. The genetic relationships between reticulo-rumen measurements and other economically and environmentally important traits (including methane emissions) should be fully investigated before recommendations can be made on their inclusion in breeding programmes.

Effect of sexual maturation on testicular morphometry and echotexture and their association with intratesticular blood flow in ossimi rams

Twelve Ossimi rams divided into two groups viz., pre-pubertal (4 to 5 months old, n=6), and post-pubertal (30 to 48 months old, n=6) were submitted to B-mode testicular ultrasonography (US) for evaluation of testicular length, width, thickness and volume. Testicular artery was submitted to pulsed-wave Doppler examination to measure the resistive index (RI) and pulsatility index (PI) in both groups. Testicular width (34.50±3.71mm) and volume (58.80±9.98 mm3) showed significantly (P<0.05) higher values in the pre-pubertal ram lambs compared with the post-pubertal group (33.60±1.25 mm and 56.70±4.07mm3). Blood flow indices (RI and PI) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in pre-pubertal (0.62±0.15 and 0.98±0.20) than post-pubertal (0.45±0.12 and 0.63±0.18) group. The pre-pubertal group recorded testicular echogenicity of 82.5±12.47 compared to the post-pubertal ones (76.8±13.15). In pre-pubertal group, testicular volume was highly correlated (p<0.01) with testicular length (r= 0.933), width (r= 0.935), and thickness (r= 0.813), while for mature group, testicular volume showed strong association with testicular length (r= 0.813). At both groups, RI and PI values showed strong positive associations (p<0.01). It was concluded that RI and PI were directly affected by sexual maturation and could be used as a marker for selection and/or replacing males in flocks.

Rumen Development of Artificially-Reared Lambs Exposed to Three Different Rearing Regimens.

Simple SummaryYoung ruminants possess an undeveloped rumen when first born. Encouraging good rumen development in early life is vital for young ruminants as they transition to a solid feed diet, to ensure optimum growth post-weaning. This study aimed to investigate the effect of three different rearing regimens on rumen development in lambs reared artificially. Weaning of lambs at 42 d of age improved rumen fluid n-butyric content and also resulted in a thicker rumen dorsal wall. Feeding lambs pellets with low fibre and weaning them early increased rumen fluid n-valeric content. Papillae width, density, and rumen wall muscle thickness were affected by rearing treatment. Empty rumen weight, rumen volume, papillae development, and rumen fluid iso-butyric and iso-valeric content had positive associations with dry matter intake and nutrient intakes from solid feed. The majority of volatile fatty acids in the rumen fluid had a positive association with papillae height on the rumen dorsal wall. These results suggest that lamb diet and age at weaning influenced rumen function and physical development. Further studies examining how rumen microbial composition and rumen gene expression are influenced by rearing regimens are required.The objective of this study was to examine the effect of three different rearing regimens on rumen development in lambs reared artificially. Romney ram lambs were randomly allocated to one of three treatments: commercial milk replacer fed to 57 d of age and high fibre concentrate pellets (HFP57); commercial milk replacer, high fibre concentrate pellets, and early weaning from milk replacer at 42 d of age (HFP42); high protein milk replacer from 2–16 d of age followed by commercial milk replacer, low fibre concentrate pellets, and early weaning from milk replacer at 42 d of age (LFP42). Lambs were slaughtered at 57 d of age. Volatile fatty acid content in rumen fluid at slaughter was analysed and rumen tissue samples were collected for histological examination. The rumen n-butyric content was greater (p < 0.05) in both LFP42 and HFP42 treatment lambs compared to HFP57 lambs. The n-valeric content was greater (p < 0.05) in LFP42 lambs compared to both HFP57 and HFP42 treatment lambs. Thickness of the rumen dorsal wall determined by ultrasound scanning at 49 d was greater (p < 0.05) in both HFP42 and LFP42 lambs compared to HFP57 lambs. There was an interaction (p < 0.05) between treatment and site of rumen tissue sampling on papillae width, density, and rumen muscular layer thickness. Collectively, early weaning and the provision of a low fibre pellet leads to improved rumen function and physical development.

The Effect of Aging Time and Breed on Some Meat Quality Traits in Morkaraman and Awassi Ram Lambs

Bu çalışmanın amacı, Morkaraman ve İvesi erkek toklularında bazı et kalite özellikleri üzerine olgunlaştırma süresi ve ırkın etkisini incelemektir. Çalışma Erzurum ili Atatürk Üniversitesi Gıda ve Hayvancılık Uygulama ve Araştırma Merkezi Koyunculuk Şubesinde yetiştirilen ve ortalama 7.5 aylıkken kesime gönderilen on baş Morkaraman ve İvesi kuzularından alınan m. longissimus dorsi (MLD) kasında gerçekleştirilmiştir. Et kalite özelliklerinin belirlenmesi için 12 gün boyunca +4 °C'de tutulan MLD kasında kesimden sonraki 24. saat, 2., 4., 7. ve 12. günlerde renk (L*, a*, b*, C, ve H), pH, sızıntı su kaybı ve TBA değerleri belirlenmiştir. Et kalitesi parametreleri üzerine L*, pH ve sızıntı su kaybı dışında ırkın etkisi olmazken, olgunlaştırma süresine bağlı olarak incelenen tüm et kalite parametrelerinde değişimler olduğu gözlenmiştir. Olgunlaşma esnasında proteolitik enzimler tarafından kasın yapısal bozulmasına bağlı olarak etin renk, pH, sululuk ve TBA gibi özelliklerinde önemli gelişmeler ortaya çıkmıştır. Fakat olgunlaştırma süresinin ilerleyişine bağlı olarak a* değerinin düştüğü, sızıntı su kaybı ve TBA değerlerinin ise yükseldiği gözlenmiştir.

Die Christus-Metapher „Widderlamm“

Abstract The term ἀρνίον is used no fewer than 28 times in the Revelation of John (starting with 5:6 and ending with 22:3). But the meaning of the word is controversial: “ram” or “lamb”? And it may be asked also whether one has to think of a sacrificial animal in those 28 ἀρνίον-instances of this “book.” Exegetes mostly not take into consideration the accent on the “masculinity” of the ἀρνίον (see esp. 5:6 and 19:7; cf. 19:9; 21:2, 9) and the lacking of the expression “slaughtered lamb” after 13:8, that is, in the concluding parts of the “book” (17:1–22:5/21), which, instead, emphasize the magnificence of the ἀρνίον. The option to translate the word ἀρνίον by “ram lamb” – an animal that matures quite early – should solve the problems. And this suggestion is supported by diachronic observations, including the fact that the Septuagint does not use the term ἀρνίον with regard to cultic sacrifice.

Effects of different energy source diets, as corn substitutes, on carcass characteristics and meat quality of feedlot lambs

This study evaluated the effects of different energy sources, as corn substitutes, on the carcass characteristics and meat quality of lambs. Twenty-four intact ram lambs were identified, weighed, and assigned to one of four dietary treatments: corn, citrus pulp, rice bran, and soybean hulls. The ram lambs were confined in feedlots, and when they reached 30 kg of live weight, they were slaughtered. A completelyrandomized design with different replicates was used for the analysis, along with the Tukey-5% test. For hot and cold carcass weight, rice bran produced lower values than the other dietary treatments. For the red color content of the meat, citrus pulp presented superior values when compared to corn, whereas meat and fat color, loin eye area, and objective tenderness did not differ between treatments. Different energetic sources used to replace corn in ram lambs finishing diets did not affect the proximate composition and quality of the meat. Highlights: • Addition of rice bran to the lambs' diet resulted in lower hot and cold carcass weight.• Animals fed soybean hulls presented the highest carcass compactness index values.• Rice bran extended the feedlot period of lambs in 59.33 days, been longer than the others energies sources.• Corn, rice bran, citrus pulp and soybean hulls did not change the quality of meat but the inclusion of rice bran should be carefully evaluated.

Growth and Body Composition of Artificially-Reared Lambs Exposed to Three Different Rearing Regimens.

Simple SummaryOptimum lamb growth and cost-effective artificial lamb rearing are important to maximise farm profit. In addition to milk feeding, supplementation of a solid feed with balanced nutrients and an adequate level of fibre will aid rumen development, allowing for a smooth transition from a liquid to a solely solid diet. This study aimed to determine the effect of pellet fibre level, milk replacer composition and early milk weaning at 42 days of age, on the growth and body composition of lambs reared artificially to 57 days of age. Results demonstrate that lamb growth rate to 57 days of age was not affected by early weaning or pellet fibre level. Early milk weaning increased pellet intake and empty rumen weight. Early weaning resulted in leaner carcasses due to reduced fat deposition and lower total feed costs compared to lambs offered milk to 57 days of age. Overall, feeding lambs either low or high fibre pellets and weaning early (42 days of age) was shown to be beneficial, as growth was similar to unweaned lambs, but leaner carcasses and reduced feed costs were observed.This study was designed to investigate the influence of pellet fibre level, milk replacer composition and age at weaning on growth and body composition of lambs reared artificially. Romney ram lambs were randomly allocated to one of three rearing treatments; HFP57: commercial milk replacer to 57 days of age, and high fibre concentrate pellets; HFP42: commercial milk replacer with early weaning at 42 days of age, and high fibre concentrate pellets; LFP42: high protein milk replacer from 2–16 days of age followed by commercial milk replacer with early weaning at 42 days of age, and low fibre concentrate pellets. Lambs were slaughtered at 57 days of age. Overall average daily liveweight gain of lambs did not differ (p > 0.05) between treatments. Dressing out percentage, carcass weight, empty small intestine and omental fat were higher (p < 0.05) in HFP57 than in both HFP42 and LFP42 lambs. HFP42 and LFP42 lambs had heavier (p < 0.05) empty rumen weights. Whole body protein content was higher (p < 0.05) in HFP42 lambs compared to both HFP57 and LFP42 lambs. Fat content and daily fat deposition were greater (p < 0.05) in HFP57 lambs than HFP42 and LFP42 lambs. Weaning lambs at 42 days of age with provision of either low or high fibre concentrate pellets, resulted in similar growth rates, reduced whole body fat deposition and was a more cost-effective rearing regimen.

Varied diets: implications for lamb performance, rumen characteristics, total antioxidant status, and welfare.

Intensive pastoral systems have moved away from diverse and varied diets towards overly simple monotonous diets. Feed choice through time is an obsolete way of providing forage to animals, as intensive management schemes generally allocate a single herbage or a dyad mixed sward. Monotonous feeding regimes impose nutritional repetition, which may impair animal performance and welfare. The objective of this experiment was to determine the impact of a diverse diet [DIV; free choice from perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.), alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), and chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) at all times], a varied diet [VAR; choice from ryegrass and plantain in the AM (0700-1600 h), and chicory and alfalfa in PM (1600-0700 h)], and a single forage diet of alfalfa [SFA; alfalfa at all times], on DMI, performance, and welfare of lambs. Six-month-old Coopworth ram lambs (n = 21) were offered their respective fresh-forage treatment (n = 7) diet indoors for 20 d. The DIV lambs consumed 1.64 ± 0.03 kg DM/d (mean ± SEm), which was 6% more (P < 0.05; 1.54 ± 0.03 kg DM/d) than the SFA and were not different (P > 0.05; 1.59 ± 0.03 kg DM/d) to the VAR lambs. Average daily gain (ADG) of DIV (296 g/d) and VAR (378 g/d) was 30% and 67% greater (P < 0.05) than that in the SFA lambs (227 g/d), respectively. The VAR lambs had 28% greater (P < 0.05) ADG than the DIV lambs. Differences among treatments were detected (P < 0.05) for the proportion of the day spent conducting the following behaviors: eating, ruminating, idling, lying, and standing. In addition, the number of bouts of stereotypic behaviors recorded from the SFA lambs (13.2 ± 2.2) was 150% greater (P < 0.05) than the DIV (5.1 ± 1.0) and VAR (5.5 ± 1.0) lambs. Our results suggest that the varied diet offered can improve animal performance and welfare compared to a monotonous SFA diet. Feeding management to provide a varied diet can improve performance relative to giving lambs free choice from taxonomically diverse forage options. Moreover, performance is affected by more than the primary chemical composition of the diet consumed, but how the diet is presented through time and the herbage species and quantities of each that are consumed to reach that chemical composition.

Amino-Acid Composition of Meat Produced by Ram Lambs of the Dagestan Mountain Breed and Their Crosses

Amino-Acid Composition of Meat Produced by Ram Lambs of the Dagestan Mountain Breed and Their Crosses

Whole corn grain-based diet and levels of physically effective neutral detergent fiber from forage (pefNDF) for feedlot lambs: Digestibility, ruminal fermentation, nitrogen balance and ruminal pH

The present study evaluates the increasing levels of physically effective neutral detergent fiber of forage (pefNDF) in a whole corn grain-based diet on DMI, the apparent digestibility of nutrients, the nitrogen balance, and ruminal fermentation. Thirty ruminally cannulated Dorper × Santa Inês ram lambs, castrated, with 30.14 ± 3.01 kg of initial BW and approximately 3-month-old were used. The experimental design was in a randomized complete block (5 treatments and 6 blocks), defined by BW and age at the beginning of the experiment. The experimental diets were: CONT (positive control) – ground corn-based diet with 72 g/kg of pefNDF; 0pefNDF – whole corn grain-based diet without forage; 36pefNDF – whole corn grain-based diet with 36 g/kg of pefNDF; 72pefNDF – whole corn grain-based diet with 72 g/kg of pefNDF; 108pefNDF – whole corn grain-based diet with 108 g/kg of pefNDF (DM basis). The experimental diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous. The treatments did not affect the DMI. The increasing levels of pefNDF decreased the digestibility of DM, OM (P = 0.03) and TDN (P < 0.001). Whole corn grain-based diets associated or not with pefNDF showed higher digestibility of DM and OM (P < 0.01) than CONT. On the other hand, 0pefNDF showed higher digestibility of TDN (P < 0.01) than CONT. Ruminal propionate concentration of lambs fed CONT was lower than 0pefNDF (P = 0.04), while the isobutyrate concentration was higher (P = 0.01) for lambs on the CONT compared to lambs that received the other diets. The CONT had a lower ruminal pH (hour 9, P = 0.04; hour 12, P < 0.01) and ruminal pH area under the curve (hour 9, P = 0.03; hour 12, P < 0.02) when compared to the 0pefNDF. Additionally, at hours 9 (P < 0.02), 12 (P < 0.001) and 16 (P = 0.001) the lambs of the CONT had lower ruminal pH and pH area under the curve compared to lambs fed diets with whole corn with pefNDF. At hour 24, there was a linear increase in ruminal pH (P = 0.02) and ruminal pH area under the curve (P < 0.01) according to the increase in pefNDF levels in the diets. In diets with whole corn, the addition of pefNDF is not recommended, considering that no benefits were observed for nutrient digestibility, ruminal fermentation or nitrogen balance. The diet consisting of whole corn proved to be suitable for finishing lambs, as it enhanced DM and OM digestibility without clinical evidence of ruminal acidosis.

Comparative assessment of economically valuable traits of semi-coarse hair and coarse-hair sheep in Republic of Tuva

In Republic of Tuva sheep breeding is a leading branch of animal husbandry. According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, the number of sheep is 980 thousand heads at the 1st of January 2021. Among them the percentage of Tuva-Saraja coarse-hair hybrids is more than 60%. The purpose of the work is to study economically valuable traits of Tuva-Saraja sheep of a new type in comparison with Tuva coarse-hair short-fat tailed sheep. For comparative assessment of live weight, dirty wool clip and length of wool according to the method of random sample, out of the herd there were selected 30 heads of ram lambs yearlings and 30 heads of ewe lambs yearlings of Tuva-Saraja semi-coarse-hair sheep of new type and Tuva coarse-hair short-fat tailed sheep. The results of research have shown, that rams and ewes yearlings of Tuva-Saraja semi-coarse-hair breed of new type significantly differ in size and wool productivity. They predominate over the lambs of the same age of Tuva coarse-hair short-fat tailed in live weight by 3.2-3.4 kg (9,7-10.2 %) statistically more, than Tuva coarse-hair short-fat tailed of the same age. The longest wool was recorded in rams yearlings of new type, with underwool of 7.8 cm that exceeded the length of underwool of Tuva ram lambs yearlings by 1.3 cm or 20.0 %, the top hair was 14.4 cm and exceeded the same index in analogues by 3,4 cm or 30.9 %. Tuva coarse-hair ewe lambs yearlings gave way to the semi-coarse-hair ewes of new type in the length of underwool and top hair. Thus, the rams and ewes yearlings semi-coarse-hair ewes of new type considerably differ in live weight, dirty wool clip and length of wool in comparison with Tuva coarse-hair short-fat tailed of the same age.