Role Of Sheep Research Articles

Presence of anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies in sheep (Ovis aries) in Spain

Sandflies are the primary transmission vector for Leishmania spp parasite in endemic regions. The role of other animals, different from the dog, is under discussion in the leishmaniosis endemic countries. A limited number of reports have been published on the possible role of livestock in European countries for Leishmania maintenance and diffusion. The aim of the present study was to perform a serosurvey on sheep in areas of Spain that are endemic for zoonotic leishmaniosis and establish the possible role of sheep regarding Leishmania infantum infection in endemic areas. Three hundred and two serum samples were obtained from sheep and were evaluated for serological survey to detect L. infantum by using the in-house ELISA technique. Twenty-eight out of the 302 samples included in this study, were positive for L. infantum antibodies (9.27%). In the present study, a significant association was found between adult age and seropositivity (p = 0.006) and female gender and seropositivity (p = 0.02). This association has not been previously described in other European studies related to L. infantum infection in sheep. Our study reveals that domestic sheep in a European Mediterranean country are exposed to L. infantum. To our knowledge, this study demonstrates the presence of seropositive sheep in different regions of Spain for the first time. Further epidemiological studies focus on evaluating the rural cycle of this parasite to know if livestock could act as a potential reservoir are needed.

Sheep serve as a reservoir of trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype V infection.

Human infections by Trichophyton mentagrophytes occur mainly due to contact with diseased animals. In Iran, T. mentagrophytes genotype V is the most prevalent variant of the fungus. We aimed to determine animal reservoir of T. mentagrophytes genotype V infection. The study was done on a total of 577 dermatophyte strains obtained from animals with signs of dermatophytosis and human patients. The list of extensively sampled animals included sheep, cows, cats and dogs. For human cases, epidemiological data were collected. All dermatophyte isolates from animals along with 70 human isolates morphologically similar to T. verrucosum and T. mentagrophytes genotype V were identified by rDNA internal transcribed spacer region restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing. A total of 334 animal dermatophyte strains were identified as Microsporum canis, T. mentagrophytes genotype V, T. verrucosum, Nannizzia gypsea, T. mentagrophytes genotype II*, T. mentagrophytes genotype VII, T. quinckeanum and N. fulva, whereas all human isolates were identified as T. mentagrophytes genotype V and originated exclusively from skin and scalp infections. Almost all T. mentagrophytes genotype V isolates were cultured from sheep, but epidemiological data on animal-to-human transmission of T. mentagrophytes genotype V infection were limited and we found evidence in favor of interhuman transmission. In Iran, sheep maintain T. mentagrophytes genotype V population and therefore serve as animal reservoir of respective infections. The role of sheep as the source of human dermatophytosis due to T. mentagrophytes genotype V isolates is yet to be proven.

EVIDENCE OF ANTIBODIES AGAINST DIFFERENT Leptospira spp. SEROGROUPS AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH ITS PRESENCE IN SHEEP FROM VERACRUZ, MEXICO

<p class="Default"><strong>Background</strong>. Leptospirosis is a bacterial zoonosis caused by pathogenic species of the genus <em>Leptospira</em> that affects mainly reproductive performance in sheep. <strong>Objective</strong>. To identify the seroprevalence of <em>Leptospira </em>spp., associated serogroups, and possible risk factors in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. <strong>Methodology</strong>. Blood samples were collected from 405 sheep in 55 farms located in 13 municipalities distributed along three ovine-producing regions in the state. Serological diagnosis was made by Microscopic Agglutination Technique (MAT). The prevalence and its confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using Vassarstats software, the Odds Ratio (OR) values were estimated with WinEpiscope. <strong>Results.</strong> An overall seroprevalence of 53.83% (<sub>95%</sub>CI:48.84-58.75), per municipality of 100% (<sub>95%</sub>CI :71.66-100) and per flock of 92.73% (<sub>95%</sub>CI: 81.58-97.65) were noted. The highest prevalence by region was 58.82% (<sub>95%</sub>CI<sub>:%</sub>:50.57-66.62) for Los Tuxtlas (p= 0.218) and per municipality 86.36% (<sub>95%</sub>CI:71.95-94.33) for Ángel R. Cabada. The predominant serogroup was Hardjo (45.93%; <sub>95%</sub>CI:41.02-50.92). By age, the highest values were 55.93% (<sub>95%</sub>CI:48.29-63.31) in the group of 19-36 months. The main recognized risk factors were region and municipality. Los Tuxtlas Region (OR =1.92; <sub>95%</sub>CI:1.08-3.43) and the municipalities of Ángel R. Cabada (OR=15.5; <sub>95%</sub>CI:5.1-47.2), Ayahualulco (OR=10.1; <sub>95%</sub>CI :3.6-28.7), and Coatzintla (OR=6.1; <sub>95%</sub>CI: 30.3 – 95.0).<strong> Implications. </strong>This study explores the presence of antibodies against <em>Leptospira</em> spp. in sheep, its associated serogroups and risk factors in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. This is this first report on the presence and relevance of this infection in sheep of this region. The role of sheep as a maintenance host for <em>Leptospira</em> spp. in endemic areas is stressed. <strong>Conclusions. </strong>The study concludes that <em>Leptospira</em> spp. in sheep has an overall seroprevalence of 53.83% in the state of Veracruz, Mexico and several serogroups present.</p>

Characterization of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli Isolates That Cause Diarrhea in Sheep in Northwest China.

ABSTRACTDevelopment of extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli is one the greatest threats faced by mankind. Among animals, chickens, pigs, and cattle are reservoirs of these pathogens worldwide. Nevertheless, there is a knowledge gap on ESBL-producing E. coli from small ruminants (i.e., sheep and goats) in China. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize the resistance profiles, resistomes, and sequence features of 67 ESBL-producing E. coli isolates from sheep in northwest China. The findings showed that blaCTX-M and blaTEM were the most prevalent. Interestingly, we found that the resistance gene mcr-1 was widespread in sheep merely from Shaanxi areas, accounting for 19.2% (5/26). The highly prevalent serotypes and FumC-FimH (CH) typing isolates were O8 and C4H32, respectively. High-risk E. coli clones, such as sequence type 10 (ST10), ST23, ST44, and ST58, were also found in China’s sheep population. A total of 67 ESBL-producing isolates were divided into five phylogenetic groups, namely, B1 (n = 47, 70.1%), B2 (n = 1, 1.5%), C (n = 14, 20.9%), E (n = 1, 1.5%), and F (n = 1, 1.5%), with the phylogenetic groups for 3 isolates (4.5%) remaining unknown. Moreover, ESBL-producing E. coli isolates were also characterized by the abundance and diversity of biocide/metal resistance genes and insert sequences. We found that in ESBL-producing E. coli isolates, there were two different types of isolates, those containing ESBL genes or not, which led to large discrepancies between resistance phenotypes and resistomes. In summary, our study provides a comprehensive overview of resistance profiles and genome sequence features in ESBL-producing E. coli and highlights the possible role of sheep as antibiotic resistance gene disseminators into humans.IMPORTANCE Antimicrobial resistance (AMR), especially the simultaneous resistance to several antibiotics (multidrug resistance [MDR]), is one of the greatest threats to global public health in the 21st century. Among animals, chickens, pigs, and cattle are reservoirs of these pathogens worldwide. Nevertheless, there is a knowledge gap on ESBL-producing E. coli from small ruminants in China. This study is the largest and most comprehensive analysis of ESBL-producing E. coli isolates from sheep, including antibiotic resistance profiles, phylogenetic groups, serotypes, multilocus sequence types (MLST), insert sequences (IS), antibiotic resistance genes, disinfectant resistance genes, and heavy metal resistance genes. We recommend extending the surveillance of AMR of sheep-origin E. coli to prevent future public health risks.

The role of sheep’s milk bioactive substances in the prevention of metabolic and viral diseases

The role of sheep’s milk bioactive substances in the prevention of metabolic and viral diseases

The role of small ruminants in the epidemiology of leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a common global zoonotic disease of man and all farm animals. Although most leptospiral infections in sheep and goats are asymptomatic, they may play a role in the epidemiology of the disease by the spread of Leptospira through the urine. This study was carried out to evaluate the role of sheep and goats in the epidemiology of leptospirosis. Blood and urine samples were taken from 210 goats and 246 sheep. To detect antibodies, sera samples were tested with 8 live serovars of L. interrogans (Hardjo, Pomona, Grippotyphosa, Canicola, Ballum, Icterhemorrhagiae, Tarasovi, and Australis) by MAT. Then, urine samples were tested by Nested PCR targeting 16S rRNA gene for detection of pathogenic Leptospira. Results of MAT showed that 10.95% of goats and 8.53% of sheep had antibodies against at least one examined serovars. In both species, the highest reacting was L. i. Pomona with a rate of 68.18% and 56% in sheep and goats, respectively. Moreover, in PCR, 2 (0.95%) urine samples of goat and 12 (4.87%) urine samples of sheep were positive. All of the MAT positive studied animals were PCR negative and, statistical analysis showed that there was no relationship and agreement between the results of PCR and MAT in sheep (kappa = − 0.07, p > 0.05) and goats (kappa = − 0.02, p > 0.05). Finally, it is concluded that sheep and goats can excrete L. interrogans in the urine and thus transmit them to other animals and humans.

The role of sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus) as potential vector of protozoa and bacterial pathogens

The sheep ked (Melophagus ovinus) hematophagous insect may act as a potential vector of vector-borne pathogens. The aim of this study was to detect the presence of Trypanosoma spp., Bartonella spp., Anaplasma phagocytophilum and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in sheep ked collected from sheep in Poland. In total, Trypanosoma spp. was detected in 58.91% of M. ovinus, whereas Bartonella spp. and B. burgdorferi s.l. were found in 86.82% and 1.55% of the studied insects, respectively. A. phagocytophilum was not detected in the studied material. In turn, co-infection by Trypanosoma spp. and Bartonella spp. was detected in 50.39%, while co-infection with Trypanosoma spp. and Bartonella spp. and B. burgdorferi s.l. was found in 1.55% of the studied insects. The conducted study showed for the first time the presence of B. burgdorferi s. l. in M. ovinus, as well as for the first time in Poland the presence of Trypanosoma spp. and Bartonella spp. The obtained results suggest that these insects may be a potential vector for these pathogens, but further-more detailed studies are required.

The role of sheep (Ovis aries) in maintaining Theileria orientalis Ikeda type infection

Theileria orientalis is a tick‒borne intracellular parasite of red blood cells that causes severe and mild infections in various ruminants worldwide. To date there have been 11 types identified within this species, of which 4 types are presently found in New Zealand cattle. Since 2012, New Zealand has suffered a substantial epidemic of infectious bovine anaemia in both dairy and beef cattle associated with the Ikeda type. The speed at which the disease spread through the North Island suggested that other species could have been involved in transmission.The aim of a series of related experiments was to test the null hypothesis that sheep cannot maintain T. orientalis Ikeda type infection or infect ticks that feed on them.Several studies were conducted over 2 years to address this hypothesis which together showed that sheep can have detectable levels of T. orientalis Ikeda type infection in both the acute and chronic phase and that Haemaphysalis longicornis larvae can become infected when feeding on sheep. No anaemia, weight loss or clinical disease was recorded in the sheep in the acute phase of infection. The levels of infection recorded in the sheep were much lower than those found in cattle, consistent with the sheep being asymptomatic carriers of T. orientalis Ikeda type infection.

No evidence that Spexin impacts LH release and seasonal breeding in the ewe

Spexin (SPX) is a recently identified peptide hormone of 14 amino acids. Interestingly, Spx and Kiss1 genes share a common ancestor gene. Considering that KISS1 peptides are key controllers of breeding in mammals and circumstantial evidence that SPX regulates gonadotropins in some fish species, we hypothesized that SPX may play a KISS1-related role in sheep. Here, we cloned the ovine Spx cDNA, performed in vivo injection and infusion of SPX (i.c.v. route, with or without concomittant KISS1 presence) and assessed a potential regulation of Spx expression by season, thyroid hormone and estradiol in the medio-basal hypothalamus of the ewe. Our data do not provide support for a role of SPX in the control of the gonadotropic axis in the ewe.

Pentraxin-3 mediates prosurvival actions of interferon tau in bovine luteinized granulosa cells.

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), a multimeric glycoprotein, is implicated in various biological functions. PTX3 was shown to be elevated in the corpus luteum (CL) of early pregnant ewes; however, its role in sheep or other ruminants' CL during this reproductive stage or how it is regulated remain unknown. Here we explored the role of PTX3 and its relationship with interferon-tau (IFNT; the pregnancy recognition signaling molecule during early pregnancy in domestic ruminants) in bovine luteinized granulosa cells (LGCs). IFNT robustly elevated PTX3 expression in bovine LGCs, and significantly stimulated its expression in luteal endothelial cells, along with CL slices; yet, LGCs were the most responsive and sensitive among these luteal models. ALK2/ALK3/ALK6 kinase inhibitor, dorsomorphin, dose-dependently inhibited basal and IFNT-elevated PTX3 expression in LGCs. In contrast, ALK4/5/7 inhibitor, SB431542, did not alter basal and TGFB1-induced PTX3. We found that recombinant human PTX3 itself moderately but significantly increases LGC numbers. Because PTX3 is highly expressed in bovine LGCs, we next examined the impact of lowering endogenous PTX3 levels with siRNA. PTX3 silencing decreased the viable cell numbers and reversed IFNT actions on cell viability, percentage of proliferating cells, and on two key survival/death genes: BIRC5 encoding surviving protein, and FASL - a death-inducing signal. Interestingly, thrombospondin-1, a known luteal proapoptotic factor, was inversely related to PTX3 in LGCs. Together, these findings suggest a novel role for PTX3 during early pregnancy, as mediator of IFNT prosurvival actions supporting CL maintenance during this reproductive stage.

Eradication of caprine arthritis encephalitis virus in the goat population of South Tyrol, Italy: analysis of the tailing phenomenon during the 2016-2017 campaign.

Since 2007, the Autonomous Province of Bolzano-South Tyrol (Italy) has carried out a compulsory eradication program against caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) in goats. A drastic seroprevalence reduction was achieved during the initial phase (2007-2011); however, a tailing phenomenon has been observed during the latest years, hampering the achievement of the final goal. CAEV belongs to a group of lentiviruses, called small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs), which are antigenically related and can infect both goats and sheep. We investigated the possible link between the tailing phenomenon in goats and the role of sheep as a virus reservoir by comparing serologic results between multispecies farms (where goats and sheep coexist) and monospecies farms (goats only). Goats on multispecies farms had a higher prevalence and seroconversion rate (even if to a rather moderate extent), higher antibody titers, and a higher probability of conclusive results in the genotyping analysis, with more frequent identification of SRLV genotype A (sheep-related) infections. Sheep can serve as a SRLV reservoir, thus contributing to scattered positive tests in goats, causing the tailing phenomenon.

The role of sheep in the epidemiology of Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1)

Bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) as a cusative agent for some diseases in cattle infects sheep and goat; and it is believed that these animals may be reservoir host for this virus. Thus, BoHV-1 infection in sheep and goat should be considerd when there is a program for control and eradication of this virus in cattle. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of BoHV-1 in sheep, relationship between host and environmental factors with infection, and the role of sheep in the epidemiology of the BoHV-1. Blood samples were randomly collected from 310 healthy sheep in 6 cities of Khuzestan province (Southwest of Iran) including Ahvaz, Hendijan, Shushtar, Dezful, Masjed Soleyman and Behbahan. Sera were analyzed by virus neutralisation (VN) test for detection antibodies to BoHV-1. According to VN test, apparent and true seroprevalence seroprevalence of BoHV-1 infection was 28.4 % (95%CI: 23.4–33.4%) and 28.4 % (95%CI: 23.3–33.4%), respectively. Logistic regression revealed that the odds of infection between the age was 1.06 (95%CI: 0.9–1.25) (P > 0.05), implying that the odds of infection increased 6 % with rising one year of age. Besides, the relative frequency of infection in males was more than females’, and the odds of infection in male sheep was identified to be 1.13 (95%CI: 0.47–2.71) (P > 0.05), compared to that in females. Moreover, in comparison to sheep with no history of abortion, the odds of infection in sheep with a history of abortion was 1.28 (95%CI: 0.57–2.87) (P > 0.05). The seroprevalence in Shushtar, Masjed Soleyman, Dezful, Ahvaz, Hendijan, and Behbahan were found to be 48.3, 46.7, 31.7, 20, 16.7, and 12 percent, respectively and 13.1 of fluctuation in infection can be justified by different geographical locations investigated in this study (P < 0.001). Considering the significant seroprevalence of BoHV-1, present study confirmed the role of sheep in the epidemiology of this virus and control of BoHV-1 in sheep should be considered by animal health authorities in areas where BoHV-1 is prevalent.

High seroprevalence of pathogenic Yersinia spp. in sheep and goats across nine government farms in the Pakistani Punjab.

Seroprevalence of Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis infections in animals and humans is not established in Pakistan. There are only a few reports on the prevalence of pathogenic Yersinia spp. and infections in small ruminants, however, the role of sheep and goats in the transmission of pathogenic Yersinia remains unclear. A primary survey investigated the presence of anti-Yersinia antibodies among a small population of ruminants detected by recombinant antigen targets in nine government farms dispersed throughout the Punjab province of Pakistan. Antibodies specific for Y. enterocolitica were detected in 7/9 sheep flocks and in 4/4 goat flocks. Antibodies specific for Y. pseudotuberculosis were detected in 4/9 sheep flocks. Two sheep flocks revealed the presence of both Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis specific antibodies. Due to the high number of the population involved in raising small ruminants the risk to veterinary and public health must be rapidly determined.

Hepatitis E virus in sheep in Italy.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the leading cause of human enterically transmitted viral hepatitis occurring around the world both as outbreaks and as sporadic cases. The accumulating literature indicates that domestic pigs and wild boars are the main reservoirs of genotype 3 and genotype 4 for human infections in industrialized countries. However, the recent identification of HEV from various animal species poses additional potential concerns for HEV zoonotic infection. In this study, the role of sheep as potential host of hepatitis E virus (HEV) was investigated. By screening 192 sheep from seven farms located in Abruzzo Region (Southern Italy), HEV-specific antibodies were detected in the sera of 41 animals (21.3%) whilst the RNA of HEV, genotype 3, was detected in 20 faecal (10.4%) and three serum samples (1.6%). Upon sequence analyses of a partial ORF2 gene region of eight HEV positive samples, the sheep sequences all grouped together within HEV genotype 3 subtype c, being most closely related to HEV strains identified in goat and wild boar from Abruzzo. This is the first study that demonstrates, serologically and molecularly, the presence of HEV in sheep population in a European country.

Serological Detection of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus Non-Structural Protein Antibodies in Sheep Slaughtered at Gwagwalada Abattoir, Abuja-Nigeria

Small ruminants (Ovine and Caprine) constitutes a significant revenue generation component for small-scale livestock farmers across the globe especially in most developing nations including Nigeria. Viral diseases like Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a major contagious disease of domestic ruminants that hampers livestock productivity in countries where the disease is still endemic. However, the role of Sheep in FMD epidemiology in Nigeria is still underestimated and poorly understood. This study was aimed at establishing the occurrence of FMD in slaughtered Sheep at Gwagwalada abattoir. One hundred and eighty (180) sera were randomly collected from slaughtered sheep and subjected to NS-Blocking ELISA test using PrioCHECK® ELISA kit at the Foot and Mouth Disease Laboratory, National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom. The result showed that out of 180 test sera, 29 (16.0%) were evident of NSP-FMD antibodies and 151 (84.0%) were negative. This findings indicates FMD infections were within and absence of vaccination against FMD in sheep. The consequence of co-herding of sheep as a risk factor in FMD spread and transmission within this study area could be far overwhelming. In conclusion, this preliminary finding provides information on the occurrence of FMD in all breeds of apparently healthy, non-vaccinated Rams and Ewes slaughtered in Gwagwalada abattoir. Control efforts should be put in place to prevent potential vicious circle of outbreaks that may arise from transmission of Foot and Mouth Disease Virus from slaughtered sheep in the abattoir to livestock markets and possibly herds within and around Gwagwalada Area Council.

Advances in Sheep and Goat Meat Products Research.

The main goal of this chapter was to review the state of the art in the recent advances in sheep and goat meat products research. Research and innovation have been playing an important role in sheep and goat meat production and meat processing as well as food safety. Special emphasis will be placed on the imaging and spectroscopic methods for predicting body composition, carcass and meat quality. The physicochemical and sensory quality as well as food safety will be referenced to the new sheep and goat meat products. Finally, the future trends in sheep and goat meat products research will be pointed out.

Epidemiological investigations of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia in selected districts of Borana zone, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia

From November 2016 to April 2017, a cross-sectional study to determine the sero-prevalence of contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) and to investigate its epidemiology was conducted in selected districts of Borana zone in Ethiopia. In addition, the study aimed at identifying Mccp antigens using species specific primer of PCR. A multistage random sampling was implemented to select districts, pastoral associations (villages), and households. A total of 890 serum samples of small ruminants that had not been vaccinated (goats n = 789 and sheep n = 101) were collected and screened for the presence of antibodies against Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae using a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lung tissues and pleural fluid samples were collected from 3 sero-positive and clinically suspected goats for isolation of Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae. Serology showed that overall 31.2% (246/789) of goats and 12.9% (13/101) of sheep were positive with statistically significant differences between districts (p = 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that goats from Moyale and Yabello districts had higher odds of being positive than goats from Elwoya district with odd ratios of 2.05 and 1.61, respectively. Age of goats was also significantly associated with sero-positivity (OR = 1.47; CI 95% 1.2–1.8). Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae was identified in 6 (75%) of the tissue samples using species-specific primer of PCR. Besides improving the understanding of the epidemiology of CCPP in the selected districts and demonstrating its wide distribution, the study highly also provides evidence of the possible role of sheep in the maintenance of the disease.

A spatial and temporal analysis of risk factors associated with sporadic Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157 infection in England between 2009 and 2015.

Infection with STEC O157 is relatively rare but has potentially serious sequelae, particularly for children. Large outbreaks have prompted considerable efforts designed to reduce transmission primarily from food and direct animal contact. Despite these interventions, numbers of infections have remained constant for many years and the mechanisms leading to many sporadic infections remain unclear.Here, we show that two-thirds of all cases reported in England between 2009 and 2015 were sporadic. Crude rates of infection differed geographically and were highest in rural areas during the summer months. Living in rural areas with high densities of cattle, sheep or pigs and those served by private water supplies were associated with increased risk. Living in an area of lower deprivation contributed to increased risk but this appeared to be associated with reported travel abroad. Fresh water coverage and residential proximity to the coast were not risk factors.To reduce the overall burden of infection in England, interventions designed to reduce the number of sporadic infections with STEC should focus on the residents of rural areas with high densities of livestock and the effective management of non-municipal water supplies. The role of sheep as a reservoir and potential source of infection in humans should not be overlooked.

Characterization of Sheep Management and Breeding Practice under Resource Poor Extensive Production System in Borana low-land, Southern Ethiopia

The study was conducted in Yabello and Dirre districts of Borana low-land southern Ethiopia. The objective of the study was to characterize and describe sheep management, breeding practices and major constraints to promote sheep productivity in the study area. A total of 148 households from four peasant association were selected purposively. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaire, focus group discussions, and field observations. Major farming activities in the study district were livestock rearing followed by crop livestock production. Livestock and livestock products are major sources of income and home consumption in the pastoral area; whereas, crop farming was the leading in agro-pastoral communities. It pointed out that, both female and male sheep are maintained mainly for breeding followed by source of income. Body size has given high priority in selecting breeding males and female. Disease, feed shortage, drought and water shortages are the major constraints of sheep production mentioned in the study area. It was concluded that genetic improvement programs targeting smallholder pastoralists in agro pastoral and in the pastoral production system need to incorporate trait preference of pastoralist, multipurpose role of sheep and the existing traditional herding and breeding practices.

Rôles des petits ruminants dans l’amélioration des conditions de vie en milieu rural – Analyse comparative en Egypte

L’étude est centrée sur l’évaluation de la contribution de l’éle­vage de petits ruminants dans la réduction de la pauvreté et de la vulnérabilité des systèmes agricoles de trois zones agro­écologiques en Egypte : la zone pastorale du littoral Nord- Ouest (région de Matrouh), les zones irriguées de la vallée du Nil (région de Sohag) et les oasis du désert Ouest (région de la Nouvelle Vallée). Une étude empirique sur 90 exploitations dans les trois zones agroécologiques portant sur différents indicateurs économiques et sociaux liés à la pauvreté a donné des indications sur le rôle des ovins et des caprins dans dif­férents types d’exploitation, selon les dotations en ressources (en particulier terre, bétail, capital) et les ressources humaines. Les résultats ont montré que les petits ruminants constituaient la principale source de revenus des ménages pour échapper à la pauvreté, notamment pour les sans terre et les très petits propriétaires terriens. En outre, l’élevage était un capital qui générait d’autres richesses qui n’ont pas été prises en compte dans l’approche de la pauvreté monétaire.