Romanov Lambs Research Articles

TLR4, MyD88, and TNF-α Expression in the Lungs of Akkaraman and Romanov Lambs in Response to LPS and LTA.

Toll-like receptors are involved in the recognition of bacterial toxins, which cause infection in the respiratory system. This study aimed to evaluate microanatomical and histological alterations in the lungs of 24 healthy Akkaraman and Romanov lambs after the administration of lipoteichoic acid (LTA), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and LTA + LPS and investigate the gene, protein, and immune expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, and TNF-α molecules, known to have immune functions. Microanatomical examinations showed thickened peribronchial and alveolar walls in the lungs of groups LTA, LPS, and LTA + LPS of both breeds due to immune cell infiltration. TLR4, MyD88, and TNF-α immunoexpressions were positive to varying degrees in the cytoplasm and nucleus of the bronchial and bronchiolar luminal epithelial cells, alveolar epithelial cells, and alveolar macrophages. TLR4 and TNF-α protein expressions were statistically different in the LPS-treated Romanov lambs, compared to the other groups. Among the Akkaraman lambs, TLR4 gene expression was significantly higher in group LPS, and among the Romanov lambs, TLR4, MyD88, and TNF-α gene expressions were significantly higher in group LTA + LPS. Therefore, TLR4, MyD88, and TNF-α molecules, involved in the immune response, were found to be expressed at different levels against LTA and LPS in the lungs of two different sheep breeds.

Effects of a new generation of fish protein hydrolysate on performance, intestinal microbiology, and immunity of broiler chickens.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of co-dried fish protein hydrolysate (CFPH) on broilers performance, intestinal microbiology, and cellular immune responses. Five hundred one-day-old (Ross 308) male broilers were allocated to four treatments with five replicates of 25 birds in a completely randomized design. The experimental treatments included four levels of CFPH (0% as the control, 2.5%, 5%, and 7.5%) in the isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets. During the experiment, body weight (BW) and feed intake (FI) were periodically recorded in addition to calculating average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), liveability index, and European broiler index (EBI). In addition, cellular immune responses were evaluated at 30 days of age. On day 42, ileal contents were obtained to examine the microbial population. Based on the findings, Dietary supplementation of 5 and 7.5% CFPH increased the percentage of the thigh while decreasing the relative weight of the gizzard compared to the control group. The highest relative length of jejunum was observed in birds receiving 2.5 and 5% CFPH, and its highest relative weight belonged to birds fed with 5% CFPH. The number of coliforms, enterobacters, and total gram-negative bacteria in the intestines of birds receiving CFPH was less than that of the control group. In general, the application of CFPH in broiler nutrition can decrease the level of soybean meal in diet and it can be considered as a new protein supplement in poultry production. It is suggested to study the incorporation of this new supplement in other livestock's diets.

P-095 Preweaning growth curve in crossbred Dorper, Katahdin, Romanov lambs

P-095 Preweaning growth curve in crossbred Dorper, Katahdin, Romanov lambs

Evaluation of Cold Carcasses of Kıvırcık and Romanov Lambs by Geometric Morphometric Method

Evaluation of Cold Carcasses of Kıvırcık and Romanov Lambs by Geometric Morphometric Method

LPS- and LTA-Induced Expression of TLR4, MyD88, and TNF-α in Lymph Nodes of the Akkaraman and Romanov Lambs.

Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated inflammatory processes play a critical role in the innate immune response during the initial interaction between the infecting microorganism and immune cells. This study aimed to investigate the possible microanatomical and histological differences in mandibular and bronchial lymph nodes in Akkaraman and Romanov lambs induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and study the gene, protein, and immunoexpression levels of TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) that are involved in the immune system. Microanatomical examinations demonstrated more intense lymphocyte infiltration in the bronchial lymph nodes of Akkaraman lambs in the LPS and LTA groups compared to Romanov lambs. TLR4, MyD88, and TNF-α immunoreactivities were more intense in the experimental groups of both breeds. Expression levels of MyD88 and TNF-α genes in the bronchial lymph node of Akkaraman lambs were found to increase statistically significantly in the LTA group. TLR4 gene expression level in the mandibular lymph node was found to be statistically significantly higher in the LTA + LPS group. In conclusion, dynamic changes in the immune cell populations involved in response to antigens such as LTA and LPS in the lymph nodes of both breeds can be associated with the difference in the expression level of the TLR4/MyD88/TNF-α genes.

Akkaraman ve Romanov Kuzularının Alveolar Makrofajlarında Lipopolisakkarit ve Lipoteikoik Asite Yanıtta İmmün İlişkili Genlerin Ekspresyon Profilinin Araştırılması

The alveolar macrophages (AMs) are frontier of defense against foreign materials that initiate immune response in lungs. Knowledge of the expression dynamics of major immune-related genes in the alveolar macrophages in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) challenge can help to understand disease mechanism involved in several respiratory diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the mRNA expression of selected immune-related genes in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) challenge in sheep alveolar macrophages in vivo. Results revealed that Romanov lambs exhibited higher mRNA expression of TLR2, TLR4, NF-ĸβ, TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 genes as compared to Akkaraman lambs along with the control of all treatments. Moreover, the expression of TLR2, TLR4, NF-ĸβ, TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 genes was higher in combine treatment of LPS and LTA as compared to separate treatments of LPS and LTA in both breeds. The results showed that the mRNA expression of immune-related genes was significantly increased in the sheep AMs in response to LPS and LTA treatment whereas a synergistic effect was observed in LPS+LTS treatment. Also, breed comparison showed that the native Akkaraman was more resistant to disease compared to exotic Romanov.

Effect of fish and soybean oils feed supplementation on the characteristic of Romanov crossbred lamb meat

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of roughage and/or fattening feed rations and CLA-rich fish oil and soybean-supplemented diets on meat quality parameters (pH, color and fatty acids) of crossbred Romanov lambs. As compared to the control group, soybean and fish oil-supplemented groups had almost 3 times greater feed conversion ratios. The amount of feed consumed for 1 kg of live weight during the fattening period was 4.77 kg in the soybean oil-supplemented group, 5.70 kg in the fish oil-supplemented group and 13.33 kg in the control group. In terms of M. longissimus dorsi (MLD) area and thickness, treatment groups all had similar values. Soybean and fish oil-supplemented groups had superior pH and color (L*, a*, b*) values. In the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test, measuring malonaldehyde (MDA) produced due to the oxidation of fatty acids, results revealed that soybean and fish oil-supplemented groups yielded more ideal outcomes for TBARS values and fatty acid profiles.

The effect of non-genetic factors on the birth weight of Romanov sheep

The aim of this study was to analyse the non-genetic factors influencing the birth weight of Romanov lambs, and to determine which of them may be a useful source of information in the selection of female lambs for replacement. The study included 1712 lambs born in the period from 2016 to 2019. The linear model used in birth weight estimation included: birth type, sex, parity, year of birth, season of birth, and breeding group as fixed factors. Year of birth x season of birth interaction was also included in the model. All factors, except the season of birth, significantly affected birth weight (P<0.05). Birth weight decreased significantly (P<0.05) with increasing birth type and singles, twins, triplets and quadruplets weighing 4.11 ± 0.07, 3.56 ± 0.05, 3.07 ± 0.05 and 2.66 ± 0.08 kg, respectively. Male lambs (3.44 ± 0.05 kg) were significantly (P<0.05) heavier than female lambs (3.25 ± 0.05 kg). The lightest lambs (2.99 ± 0.05 kg) were born in the first litter, after which the birth weight gradually increased up to the sixth litter (3.54 ± 0.10 kg). Litter weight showed a nonlinear increase with an increase in birth type (P<0.05). The birth weight of female lambs from litters of twins and triplets with different ratios of male and female lambs did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Variations in birth weight are influenced by non-genetic factors, with birth type, sex, and parity being the most important. These factors should be considered in breeding and selection programs for lamb meat production, where fertility and growth traits have the key role.

Phenotypic and genetic parameters of productive traits in Rahmani and Romanov sheep and crossbreds.

Data of 651 lambs (68 Romanov, 49 Rahmani, 151 [♀1/2 Rahmani X ♂1/2 Romanov) and 383 (♀3/4 Rahmani and 1/4♂ Romanov]) were collected from Mehalet Mousa Farm, belonging to Animal Production Research Institute from the period of 2009 to 2016 to estimate phenotypic and genetic parameters. The traits studied were birth weight (BW), body weight at four week (BW4), body weight at eight weeks (BW8) and body weight at twelve weeks (BW12) or weaning weight. Least squares analysis of variance shows significance of the effects of breed groups, gender of lambs, birth type; month of birth and year of birth on all traits studied. Rahmani lambs had heavier BW, BW4, BW8 and BW12 while Romanov lambs had the lowest ones. The first generation (♀1/2 Rhamani X ♂1/2 Romanov) had heavier body weights than Romanov and the second generation (♀3/4 Rahmani X ♂1/4 Roamnov). Gender of lambs had highly significant effect on body weights. Males were significantly (p < 0.01) heavier than females for all traits studied. Least square means of BW, BW4, BW8 and BW12 for single lambs were 2.69, 10.43, 13.53 and 16.10 kg, respectively. Least square means of BW, BW4, BW8 and BW12 for twin lambs were 2.50, 9.37, 12.5 and 15.16 kg, respectively, while least square means of BW, BW4, BW8 and BW12 for triple lambs were 2.09, 7.86, 10.83 and 13.67 kg, respectively. Estimates of direct heritability measured by single trait animal model were 0.14, 0.23, 0.25 and 0.26 for BW, BW4, BW8 and BW12, respectively, and the corresponding measured by multi trait animal model were 0.17, 0.24, 0.32 and 0.36 for the same traits, respectively. All genetic and phenotypic correlations among different traits studied are positive and significant.

GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF PUREBRED AND CROSSBRED ROMANOV LAMBS

The present study aimed to examine the growth performance and characteristics of carcass quality of purebred and crossbred Romanov male lambs (3/4 Romanov × ¼ Edilbai). A total of 40 male lambs (3 months aged) from two different genotypes (20 of each genotype) were used. Lambs were reared under the same management system for 8 months of age. The growth and characteristics of carcass as hot and cold weight of carcass, dressing percentage and carcass composition were determined for each group of lambs. The results indicated a significant difference (P≤0.05) in growth traits between purebred and crossbred Romanov lambs. The crossbred Romanov lambs had significantly higher final body weight and weight gain per day compared to purebred Romanov lambs. Moreover, a significant increase was recorded for all carcass traits in Romanov crossbred lambs compared with purebred Romanov lambs. Due to high production and carcass traits, Romanov crossbred lambs can be used for the production of meat purposes. However, further investigations of these crossbred lambs need to be evaluated before any recommendation is given.

PSX-27 The influence of technological stress on the biochemical status of lambs with different genotypes

Abstract Sheep breeding is accompanied by various technological processes, some of them are stress factors, and one of these factors is the weaning of lambs from mothers. The goal was to study the effect of technological stress on the biochemical status and growth indicators of lambs with different genotypes. Lambs were divided into three groups: pure-bred Romanov (n = 18), Katahdin (n = 7) and Argali hybrids (¼Argali × ¾Romanov, n = 17). Before weaning and 15 and 30 days after weaning, the lambs live weight was determined and the blood serum biochemistry analysis was conducted. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using the SPSSv.23. The effects of genotype and technological stress on body weight and biochemical status are statistically significant (P ≤ 0.001). The live weight of the lambs before weaning was: Romanov 15.88±1.20kg, Katahdin 22.23±0.91kg, and hybrids 14.32±1.03kg. The differences between hybrids with Katahdins and Romanovs were 55% and 39.9% (P ≤ 0.05). The average daily gain (ADG) before weaning in Romanov lambs was 153.0±12.0g, Katahdins 203.0±8.0g and hybrids 119±11.0g. As a result of lambs weaning from mothers, technological stress was accompanied by an increase urea blood serum level in lambs. In hybrids it averaged 6.61mmol/L, which is 57% more than before weaning (P ≤ 0.05). In Katahdin, Romanov and hybrid lambs during the adaptation period was observed an increase the blood cholesterol level by 7.08%, 23% and 18% respectively, and ADG in all groups was decreased and amounted in hybrids 72±5.0g, in Romanovs 83±5.6g and in Katahdins 110±4.3g. The results of the study showed that the reaction of lambs to technological stress depends on the genotype of the animal, and the adaptation process after weaning is accompanied by a decrease in growth intensity. Supported by the Russian Science Foundation (project №18–16–00079) and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Russia (theme №АААА-А18-118021590132-9).

Romanov Kuzularının Vücut Özelliklerinin Tanımlanmasında Doğrusal ve Doğrusal Olmayan Modellerin Karşılaştırılması

Bu araştırmada Romanov kuzularının vücut özelliklerinin gelişiminin tanımlanması amacı ile 50 Romanov kuzusunun doğumdan itibaren 180. yaş gününe kadar olan büyüme döneminde her 15 günde bir canlı ağırlık, vücut uzunluğu, cidago yüksekliği özelliklerine ilişkin kayıtlar alınmış ve elde edilen veriler ile doğrusal modellerden Linear, Kuadratik ve Kübik model, doğrusal olmayan modellerden Gompertz ve Lojistik modelleri kullanılarak büyüme eğrilerine ait parametreler hesaplanmıştır. Büyüme eğrileri içinde en iyi uyumu gösteren modelin belirlenmesinde belirtme katsayısı (R2), hata kareler ortalaması (HKO) ve ortalama mutlak sapma (OMS) değerlerinden yararlanılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlara göre en yüksek R2 değeri ile en düşük HKO değerleri sırası ile canlı ağırlıkta 0,992-0,591, cidago yüksekliğinde 0,993-0,441, vücut uzunluğunda 0,986-1,164 olarak tespit edilmiştir. Ele alınan bütün vücut özelliklerinde en yüksek R2 değeri kübik modelden elde edilmiştir. Büyüme eğrisi modellerine ait parametrelerin belirlenebilmesi için SPSS istatistik programı kullanılmıştır. Bu sonuçlara göre Romanov kuzularının vücut özelliklerinin gelişimini en iyi açıklayan ayrıca büyüme eğrilerine en uyumlu modelin Kübik model olduğu tespit edilmiştir.

МОРФОФУНКЦИОНАЛЬНАЯ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА И АЛЛОМЕТРИЧЕСКИЙ РОСТ МЫШЦ ОВЕЦ С РАЗНОЙ НАПРАВЛЕННОСТЬЮ ПРОДУКТИВНОСТИ

The paper deals with some issues related to the meat productivity development of three breeds of sheep of different production purposes: Kuibyshev (meat-wool), Romanov (wool skin) and Texel (meat). Most studies on meat productivity are based on determining the carcass composition: all the muscles, bones, and fat tissue. It should be taken into account that the muscles that form the animal’s body differ in their internal structure depending on the location and function. Morphofunctional classification is based on a number of structural and biochemical parameters of muscles (tissue ratio, diameter of muscle fibers, amino acid composition, etc.). The authors have studied and analyzed 11 dynamic (type I), 8 statodynamic, 1 semistatodynamic and 1 statodynamic muscles. The Romanov lambs are of the smallest weight (2820 g), which affected their subsequent growing. At the age of 4 months, the pre-slaughter weight of the Romanov rams is lower than that of their Kuibyshev and Texel counterparts by 32.4 and 26.5%, respectively. The relative mass of carcass and muscle increases most significantly in the Texel meat breed – by 35.1 and 31.1% (36.61%),despite intensive fat accumulation (13.25%). This does not negatively affect the ratio of total muscle and bone mass, which is the highest in the meat breed (4.7:1) and is higher than in other breeds.

Comparison of Different Growth Curve Models in Romanov Lambs

Comparison of Different Growth Curve Models in Romanov Lambs

Use of factor scores in multiple regression analysis for estimation of body weight by certain body measurements in Romanov Lambs.

The study investigates the solution of the multicollinearity between certain body measurements of Romanov lambs and prediction of the body weight of Romanov lambs using the thus calculated factor analysis scores and a multiple regression model. For this purpose, the body measurements (wither height (WH), croup height (CH), body length (BL), chest depth (CD), chest circumference (CC), chest width behind shoulders (CWS) and head length (HL)) and body weight (BW) of 6-month-old 50 Romanov lambs born in 2015 were used. The factor analysis scores were used to obtain the prediction equation for the relationship between the investigated traits. The analysis results showed that there was a multicollinearity between the wither and croup height traits used in the prediction equation. Moreover, the results revealed that the variables for the body measurements can be represented by two factors. These factors explained 50.89% and 22.86% of the total variance, respectively. The multicollinearity between the independent variables was eliminated with the use of the factor scores obtained with the factor analysis in the multiple regression model, and thus it was observed that better results can be obtained by using the factor analysis scores in the prediction of the body weight of 6-month-old Romanov lambs.

Influence of season, rainfall and air temperature on the reproductive efficiency in Romanov sheep in Croatia.

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of season, rainfall and air temperature on the reproductive efficiency in the Romanov breed of sheep in continental part of Croatia during five consecutive years (2012-2016). During this period, 5379 matings resulted in 5046 successful conceptions, i.e. lambings at eight medium-scale Romanov breed sheep farms. The conception rate was 93.81%, fecundity was 195% and average preweaning mortality until 90days of age was 12.41%. The seasonal distribution of lambings was 47.64% for ewes that delivered in winter (n = 2422), 23.37% in spring (n = 1179), 18.82% in summer (n = 950) and 9.81% in autumn (n = 495). Sexual activity was lowest during spring and early summer when air temperatures were above average (very and extremely warm), and sexual activity peaked from August to September, especially during extremely wet and very wet seasons. Litter size was greater during winter than in other seasons (1.70 vs. 1.54) and was significantly different as compared to each of selected years of the study period. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of pregnant ewes between mating seasons. Most female Romanov lambs born during winter and early spring mated in late summer or autumn and delivered at the age of 1year or earlier. The seasonal distribution of matings and lambing was not uniform throughout the seasons over five consecutive years. Thus, it can be assumed that air temperature and rainfall during different seasons could affect the reproductive efficiency in Romanov breed of sheep in continental part of Croatia.

Phenotypic and Genotypic Trends for Body Weights Traits in Romanov Sheep

Data on 820 Romanov lambs progeny of 30 sires it covered the period from 1995 to 2005 were used in this study. Lambs traits studied were birth weight (BW) body weight at one month (BW1), body weight at two months (BW2), weaning weight at three month (WW) and average daily gain from birth to weaning (ADG). Data were analysis by using mixed model. Means of BW, Bw1, BW2, WW and ADG were 2.90 kg, 7.10 kg, 10.50 kg, 13.02 kg and 115.50 g respectively. Sire of lambs, ewes within sires had a highly significant effect on all traits. Season and year of lambing, type of birth and sex had a significant effect on all studied traits, expect the effect 0f year lambing on BW and type of birth on BW1 and WW. Also, inbreeding coefficients had a highly significant effect on all body weight traits studied and decreased as inbreeding coefficient increased. Two animal models were used. Model 1 includes the fixed effects season and year of lambing, type of birth and sex and random effects of direct genetic effect, permanent environmental effect and residual effect. Model 2, is similar to model 1 and added maternal genetic effect and covariance between direct and maternal genetic effect.Determination of direct heritability for body weights traits ranged from 0.17 to 0.39 for model 1 and ranged from 0.13 to 0.29 for model 2. The removal of additive maternal effects and covariance between direct and maternal genetic effects (model 1) increased estimates of direct heritability. Therefore, including maternal effects the model resulted in more accurate estimation of (co) variance and genetic parameters of growth traits. Determination of phenotypic and genetic correlations among growth traits studied were moral and highly significant. While, annual phenotypic and genetic trends for body weights traits were negative.

Mother–young bonding in prolific D’man and Romanov sheep

The effect of prolificacy on mother–young mutual recognition is still largely unknown in sheep. The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of prolific ewes to develop an exclusive bond with their neonate and to recognize each other from alien subjects. Observations were performed on 11 D’man and 16 Romanov ewes with, respectively, 19 and 37 of their lambs. Maternal selectivity was tested at 24 h postpartum during two consecutive periods of 3 min. All mothers accepted their own lambs at suckling, while 21 out of 27 (78%) rejected the alien, thus displaying mostly selective nursing. To assess mother–young recognition, a two-choice test was performed at 36 h postpartum. Ewes clearly preferred their own lambs to an alien lamb and behavioral differences were not found between mothers of small (singletons and twins) and large litters (triplets and quadruplets). Romanov ewes reached their own lambsmore rapidly and spent more time near them than D’man ewes. Lambs from small litters, in particular light lambs, clearly preferred their mothers to an alien dam; however, both light and heavy lambs in large litters did not discriminate between the two stimulus ewes. D’man lambs clearly preferred their mothers to an alien dam; in contrast, such a preference was not as clearly demonstrated in Romanov lambs.

Growth and reproductive traits of purebred and crossbred Romanov lambs in Eastern Anatolia

The performance of purebred Romanov (R) lambs and crossbred lambs of Romanov and Morkaraman (M) breeding were compared under a semi-intensive production system. The M breed is a fat-tailed breed native to Eastern Anatolia, Turkey. Analyses were conducted on data from 168 lambs produced from R and M ewes through laparoscopic artificial insemination (LAI) with the semen of pure R and F1 RxM rams. Pure R, F1 (RxM, ½ R), and ¼ R (RxM x M backcross) lambs were produced. The F1 and ¼ R lambs had heavier (P < 0.05) birth weights than R lambs while F1 and R lambs had heavier (P < 0.05) weaning weights than ¼ R lambs. The three groups of lambs differed (P < 0.05) from each other for age of puberty in males and females where with R lambs were the youngest, F1 lambs were intermediate, and ¼ R lambs were the oldest. The percentage of ewe lambs that exhibited estrus within one year of age was higher (P < 0.01) for R (100%) and F1 (67%) lambs than for ¼ R lambs (43%). In conclusion, improvement in growth and early reproductive traits can be obtained from crossbreeding the fat-tailed Morkaraman breed with the Romanov breed.

Growth and reproductive traits of purebred and crossbred Romanov lambs in Eastern Anatolia

Growth and reproductive traits of purebred and crossbred Romanov lambs in Eastern Anatolia