Sheep Breeds Research Articles

Population structure and selective signature analysis of local sheep breeds in Xinjiang, China based on high-density SNP chip.

The frigid and droughty climate of Xinjiang in China has given rise to unique indigenous sheep breeds with robust adaptability and resistance. To investigate the genetic mechanism of adaptability of Xinjiang sheep to the local extreme environment, we conducted population genetic structure analyses for three native Xinjiang sheep breeds: Altay sheep (ALT), Bashbay Sheep (BSBC), and Duolang sheep (DLC), as well as two foreign sheep breeds: Suffolk and Dorset, using the Ovine Infinium HD SNP BeadChip(680K). Our findings revealed distinct genetic and evolutionary histories between Xinjiang and foreign sheep breeds. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and phylogenetic tree effectively differentiate these five sheep breeds based on their geographical origins, and the domestication level of Xinjiang sheep is comparatively lower than that of foreign sheep breeds. Furthermore, by utilizing three selective signature methods, namely Fixation Index (Fst), Cross Population Extended Haplotype Homozygosity Test (XP-EHH), and Nucleotide Diversity (π), we have successfully identified 22 potential candidate genes. Among these genes, there are TBXT, PDGFD, and VEGFA, which are closely related to tail type and lipid metabolism; VIL1, SLC11A1, and ZBTB46, which are associated with immune function; and candidate genes such as BNC1, HDAC1, and BMP5, which impact sheep reproductive traits. This study establishes a foundation for conserving and utilizing local sheep germplasm resources in Xinjiang and provides molecular insights into the genetic mechanisms governing sheep adaptation to extreme cold and arid environments.

Novel sequence types and low levels of antimicrobial resistance associated with clinical mastitis in sheep flocks across Scotland.

This research paper aimed to demonstrate that mammary secretions provided by sheep farmers across Scotland from cases of clinical mastitis are free from environmental contamination, as well as to provide information on the major bacterial causes of disease and levels of antimicrobial resistance. Mastitis represents one of most significant diseases of small ruminant production worldwide. Staphylococcus aureus, Mannheimia haemolytica, Streptococcus uberis and coagulase-negative Staphylococcal species are common pathogens isolated from cases of sheep mastitis. Sampling kits supplied to 23 farms provided 33 samples for bacteriology, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and genetic analysis. Of the bacterial isolates identified, 60% were S. aureus, 23% M. haemolytica and 7% coagulase-negative staphylococci. Low levels of antimicrobial resistance were identified in the S. aureus isolates which provided novel multi-locus sequence types. In conclusion, this proof-of-concept survey demonstrated that mammary secretions free from environmental contamination may be provided by sheep farmers. It also provided data on the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance associated with clinical mastitis in sheep and will inform on the scale required for larger surveys aiming to improve current strategies for mastitis control in sheep flocks across the UK.

Genome-Wide Scan for Selective Sweeps Reveals Novel Loci Associated with Prolificacy in Iranian Sheep Breeds in Comparison with Highly Prolific Exotic Breed

Domestication and selection significantly changed phenotypic traits in modern domestic animals. To identify the genomic regions associated with prolificacy in this study, 837 ewes from three Iranian indigenous sheep breeds, consisting of Baluchi, Lori-Bakhtiari, and Zandi uniparous breeds, and one Greek highly prolific dairy sheep, namely Chios, were genotyped using OvineSNP50K arrays. Statistical tests were then performed using different and complementary methods based on either site frequency (FST) and haplotype (hapFLK) between populations, followed by a pathway analysis of the genes contained in the selected regions. The results revealed that for the top 0.01 percentile of the obtained FST values, 16 genomic regions on chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16, 18, 19, and 20, and for hapFLK values, 3 regions located on chromosomes 3, 7, and 13, were under selection. A bioinformatic analysis of these genomic regions showed that these loci overlapped with potential candidate genes associated with prolificacy in sheep including GNAQ, COL5A2, COL3A1, HECW1, FBN1, COMMD3, RYR1, CCL28, SERPINA14, and HSPA2. These regions also overlapped with some quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to prolificacy traits, milk yield, and body weight. These findings suggest that future research could further link these genomic regions to prolificacy traits in sheep.

Seasonal anestrus of sheep flocks

Objective: To determine seasonal anestrus in relation to the season of the year, feeding type, breed, and social environment variables of sheep production systems in Singuilucan, Hidalgo, Mexico. Design/Methodology/Approach: Based on n=41 semi-structured surveys applied to the producers of the study area, a logistic regression analysis was carried out to determine the influence of the study variables on the seasonal anestrus of sheep production systems. Results: Thirty-nine production units with seasonal anestrus periods were identified. Seasonal anestrus was influenced by the season of the year, feeding type, breed, and social environment variables (P<0.05). The anestrus periods were influenced (P<0.05) by spring (season of the year), range and shed system with concentrate feeding (feeding type), wool sheep (breeds), and the presence or absence of rams in the flock (social environment). Study Limitations/Implications: Determining which variables influence seasonal anestrus will help to develop sheep reproductive programs. Findings/Conclusions: Wool sheep have a seasonal anestrus in spring. The season of the year, feeding type, breed, and social environment variables influenced the seasonal anestrus of sheep production systems in Singuilucan, Hidalgo, Mexico.

Gastrointestinal Helminth Infections in Dogs in Sheep and Goat Farms in Greece: Prevalence, Involvement of Wild Canid Predators and Use of Anthelmintics

The objectives of the present work were the investigation of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in dogs in small ruminant farms in Greece, the elucidation of potential predictors for these infections and the description of practices related to administration of anthelmintics to dogs. This study was carried out in 444 small ruminant farms in Greece. Faecal samples were collected directly from the rectum of the dogs in the farms. The samples were processed by means of conventional parasitological techniques, specifically, a combined sedimentation flotation technique. There were dogs in 92.8% of the farms, with a median number of four dogs per farm. The following variables were associated with the presence of dogs in the farms: the presence of wild mammal predators near the farms, the increased daily period of farmers’ presence at the farm, goats as the livestock species at the farm and the management system applied in the farm. Helminth eggs were detected in samples from 72.6% of the farms. The main helminth eggs detected were those of hookworms (Uncinaria/Ancylostoma) and Toxocara canis, in 68.6% and 51.3% of the farms, respectively. In our multivariable analyses, an association emerged between the presence of canid predators near a farm and the detection of these helminths in faecal samples: in 76% and 60% of the samples, respectively, versus in 58% and 39% of the samples from farms with no canid presence. Of farmers with dogs, 16.0% reported that they omitted the administration of anthelmintics to the animals. In multivariable analysis, the semi-extensive or extensive management system applied in the farm, the lower annual milk production per animal and the lack of collaboration with a veterinary practice were the significant predictors for the omission of anthelmintic administration to the farm dogs. There was also a clear association in the omission of anthelmintic administration to the dogs and to the livestock on the farm. The most frequently administered anthelmintic was praziquantel, which was used in 93.6% of the farms.

Genetics of Wool and Cashmere Fibre: Progress, Challenges, and Future Research

Wool (sheep) and cashmere (goat) fibres have unique biological, physical, and chemical properties and these fibres are becoming more important as the demand for natural products increases. However, these complex protein fibres are at times compromised by natural variability in their properties, and this can impact their use and value. Genetic improvement via selection and breeding can partly overcome this problem, enabling the farming of sheep and goats that produce more desirable fibre. This review explores the challenges in improving wool and cashmere fibre characteristics using genetics, with a focus on improving our understanding of the key protein components of fibres, wool keratins and keratin-associated proteins (KAPs). Despite progress in our knowledge of these proteins, gaining a better understanding of them and how they affect these fibres remains an ongoing challenge. This is not straight-forward, given the large number of similar yet unique genes that produce the proteins and the gaps that remain in their identification and characterisation. More research is required to clarify gene and protein sequence variability and the location and patterns of gene expression, which in turn limits our understanding of fibre growth and variation. Several aspects that currently hinder our progress in this quest include the incomplete identification of all the genes and weaknesses in the approaches used to characterise them, including newer omics technologies. We describe future research directions and challenges, including the need for ongoing gene identification, variation characterisation, and gene expression analysis and association studies to enable further improvement to these valuable natural fibres.

Inbreeding Depression and Purging in Fertility and Longevity Traits in Sheep Breeds from Germany

In the present study, we analysed fertility and longevity traits of 22 sheep breeds from Germany with a suitable quantity of data in the national database OviCap. The data comprised merino, meat, country and milk sheep breeds with 62,198 ewes and about 173,000 lambing records, until the fifth lambing. Across-breed means of heritabilities reached estimates of 0.13, 0.17 and 0.18 for number of lambings, average number of lambs born per lambing and number of lambs per lifetime, respectively. For age at first lambing, length of lifetime and productive life, mean heritabilities over breeds were 0.34, 0.17 and 0.32, respectively. The across-breed means of the individual rate of inbreeding were significantly negative for the average number of lambs born per lambing and number of lambs born per lifetime, and for number of lambings it was close to the significance threshold. We found declining slopes for inbreeding depression for the average number of lambs born per lambing and number of lambs born per lifetime in 16 breeds, and significantly negative slopes in five and seven breeds. For lifetime and productive life, 9/22 and 8/22 breeds showed significant inbreeding depression, while for age at first lambing, only 1/22 breeds showed significant inbreeding depression. A significant reduction in inbreeding depression due to purging effects was found for eight breeds. Fitness traits may be subject to forced directional selection. Therefore, sheep breeding programmes should give special consideration to fertility and longevity traits. Fitness related traits seem to be essential in conservation of genetic diversity within sheep breeds.

Profiles of local breeds of Sahelian goat and Ladem sheep and proposals for their genetic improvement in Mauritania.

Small ruminants play a significant role in Mauritanian culture and traditions. The purpose of this study was to characterize the breeding system of two locally dominant breeds, the Sahelian goat and the Ladem sheep. This characterization was based on the technical and socio-economic characteristics of the breeders, as well as the morpho-biometric features of the animals. The study was conducted between April and June 2019 and involved 45 breeders located around two small ruminant pilot farms in the Benichab and Kankoussa departments of Mauritania. A questionnaire was administered to the breeders and sixteen measurements were taken on 303 animals (185 goats and 118 sheep). Small ruminant breeding in the study sites is practiced by both men (55%) and women (45%). Breeding can be focused solely on goats (38%), solely on sheep (9%), or include both species (53%). The average herd size is 20 ± 15 for goats and 19 ± 16 for sheep. For the Sahel goat, the height at the wither ranges from 68 to 78cm in males and from 63 to 76cm in females, while the body weight ranges from 20 to 43kg. The most common morphotypes are multicolored (71%), with unicolored animals being less common (29%). As for the Ladem sheep (also known as Touabire), the height at the wither ranges from 70 to 87cm in males and from 64 to 85cm in females. The body weight ranges from 25 to 62kg. The coat is predominantly white with black spots (91%), sometimes red or grey-spotted. The survey also identified the breeding objectives of the farmers. The breeders primarily reported objectives of conformation and growth performances (68%), followed by dual-purpose milk/meat production traits (32%) for the Ladem sheep. In the case of the Sahelian goat, milk production (73%) is the predominant objective, followed by dual-purpose milk/meat production traits (27%). Based on the collected information, tailored selection schemes have been proposed for the Ladem sheep and the Sahelian goat to improve their performances, enhance their breeding, and maintain a focus on the sustainability and resilience of these two local breeds in Mauritania.

An Investigation of Virulence Genes of Staphylococcus aureus in Autologous Vaccines Against Sheep Mastitis

Staphylococcus aureus is well known to be the primary causal agent of clinical or subclinical mastitis in dairy sheep. The production of virulence factors allows S. aureus strains to cause mastitis. In the present study, 96 strains isolated from dairy sheep farms used for the production of autologous vaccines were tested for enterotoxin and hemolysin genes by PCR. In addition, 14 strains isolated from half udders of ewes with subclinical mastitis belonging to a single farm were also tested for the same genes. The phylogenetic trees were constructed, and spatial analysis was performed. Overall, 20 gene patterns were identified, but 43.64% of the tested strains showed the same profile (sec+, sel+, hla+, hld+, hlgAC+). Considering only the enterotoxin genes, four profiles were identified while the evaluation of the hemolysin genes revealed the presence of 12 gene patterns. In the farm with subclinical mastitis, six gene profiles were found. Spatial analysis of the isolated strains and their virulence genes did not show a specific pattern. The present study highlights the importance of identifying and analyzing virulence genes of S. aureus strains involved in dairy sheep mastitis, and the presence of different strains in the same farm.

Effect of Dietary Olive Leaf Integration on Qualitative Characteristics of Sheep Cheese During Ripening

Olive leaf by-products may be an important feed source for ruminants in the Mediterranean area, due to their nutritional value and high levels of functional metabolites. Additionally, their use can enhance the environmental and economic sustainability of the productions. To evaluate the effect of olive leaf supplementation on the fatty acid profile of sheep cheese, two farms with Comisana breed sheep with free access to pasture and fedwith 300 g/head/day of concentrate were considered. One farm supplemented the feed with clover hay ad libitum (NOL) and the other farm replaced hay with olive leaves (OLI) in the autumn period. Cheese analyses were performed at 15, 30, and 60 days of ripening. Saturated fatty acids were lower in OLI cheese than NOL cheese, while MUFA and PUFA n-3 and n-6 were higher in OLI cheese. Myristic acid (C14:0) and palmitic acid (C16:0) were lower in OLI cheese compared to NOL (8.31% vs. 8.90% and 21.52% vs. 24.95%, respectively), while oleic acid (C18:1 cis-9) was higher in OLI cheese (20.66% vs. 18.78%). Also, CLA cis-9 trans-11 (0.98% vs. 0.84%), and other isomers were higher in OLI cheese. Health indexes, such as the thrombogenic and atherogenic index, were lower in OLI than in NOL cheese (1.96 vs. 2.38 and 1.69 vs. 2.05, respectively) showing the improvement in the health quality of cheese due to olive leaf integration in directly on farm sheep feeding.

Genome-wide detection and analysis of copy number variations in Sal sheep using a high-density SNP array

Purpose: to identify CNV regions (CNVRs) and identify potentially specific CNVs in Sal sheep.Materials and methods. The research was carried out on 48 Salsk breed sheep. Genotyping was performed using high-density microarrays Ovine SNP 600 K BeadChip array (Illumina, USA). DNA copy number variation (CNV) searches were performed using PennCNV software based on the Oar_v3.1 reference genome.Results. We identified 4585 autosomal CNVs in 48 Sal breed sheep. The average CNV length was 92,3 Kb. 21,1 % of the total number of CNVs are less than 50 Kb in size. On average, from 65 to 138 CNVs were identified per animal. 527 autosomal CNVRs were obtained, representing 54,77 Mb of the entire sheep genome. The proportion of chromosomes covered by CNVR varies by chromosome, from 0,5 % on OAR25 to 9 % on OAR24. Analysis of CNVR in the ENCEMBL system revealed 42 genes in which CNVRs are localized; the remaining CNVRs are located in intergenic regions. Comparison of the identified CNVRs with sheep QTLs from the Animal QTL database showed that 39,24 % of the genes were responsible for reproductive traits, and 20,25 % were responsible for wool-related traits.Conclusions. Functional annotation of CNVRs localized in genes and intergenic spaces was carried out and the total number of detected CNVRs in the QTL database was analyzed. The results showed that CNVs are localized in genes associated with selection-significant traits in sheep.

Coxiella burnetii caused lumbar infection: A case report and literature review

Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii)is a significant microbe linked to the zoonotic disease Q fever, known for its atypical clinical manifestations and sporadic cases. It can cause lumbar infections. In this report, we present a 66-year-old male sheep farmer who experienced low back pain for five months, with worsening numbness in both lower limbs over two months. Several standard diagnostic tests were negative. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was performed on lumbar spine tissue obtained via biopsy, identifying C. burnetii infection. After surgical excision of the lesion, the patient received a combination of levofloxacin, doxycycline, rifampicin, and supportive medications. Postoperatively, the patient's condition stabilized, showing a significant reduction in low back pain. This case highlights mNGS as a valuable tool for diagnosing rare infections, especially in patients with a history of animal exposure. It underscores the importance of considering zoonotic infections and the need for combined antibiotic and surgical management in suspected cases.

Associations of Climatic Variables with Health Problems in Dairy Sheep Farms in Greece

This study aimed to study the potential effects of climatic conditions prevalent at the locations of sheep farms in the country. The specific objectives were to explore associations between climatic variables and the incidence of four clinical problems in sheep farms and, moreover, to compare these to the health management practices applied in the farms. Our hypothesis was that climatic factors may be associated with the prevalence of diseases in sheep farms; this will provide information regarding potential weather effects, to take into account in the efforts for control of the diseases. Data were obtained during a large cross-sectional investigation performed across Greece involving 325 sheep flocks. Climatic variables prevailing at the location of each farm were derived from ‘The POWER Project’. The annual incidence rate for abortion was 2.0% (95% confidence intervals: 1.9–2.1%), for clinical mastitis 3.9% (3.8–4.0%), for lamb pneumonia 1.4% (1.3–1.4%) and for lamb diarrhoea 7.9% (7.8–8.1%). In multivariable analyses, climatic variables emerged as significant predictors for abortion—high annual precipitation at the farm location (p = 0.024)—and for lamb diarrhoea—high average annual temperature range at the farm location (p < 0.0001)—but not for clinical mastitis or lamb pneumonia. The potential effects of climatic variables were found to be more important in lambs than in adult animals. Future studies may focus on how variations in temperature and precipitation can be translated into on-farm metrics to understand the impacts on sheep health and welfare.

Epidemiological surveillance of Neospora caninum in sheep (Ovis aries) and European mouflon (Ovis aries musimon) in southern Spain.

Neospora caninum is a protozoan with a facultative heteroxenous life cycle, with canids as the definitive hosts and other mammals, mainly ruminants, acting as intermediate hosts. This parasite is recognized as one of the major abortifacient pathogens in cattle. Although reproductive disorders have also been reported in other domestic and wild ruminants, epidemiological data on N. caninum in ruminant species other than cattle is still limited. Here, we evaluate the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with N. caninum exposure in sheep (Ovis aries) and European mouflon (Ovis aries musimon) in southern Spain. Serum samples from 390 sheep and 387 free-ranging mouflons were tested for antibodies against N. caninum using in-house time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay based on NcGRA7 as a recombinant antigen. The individual seroprevalence was 26.2% (95%CI: 22.0-30.7) in sheep and 5.7% (95%CI: 3.8-8.5) in mouflons. At least one seropositive animal was detected in all the 26 sheep farms (100%) and in eight of the 18 (44.4%) hunting estates sampled. The presence of dogs on the farm (≥3) and the sheep breed (purebred) were potential risk factors associated with exposure to N. caninum in sheep. Our results indicate a high circulation of N. caninum in sheep farms in southern Spain. Control measures should be implemented to limit the exposure to this protozoan in sheep flocks. Although we have confirmed for the first time the presence of anti- N. caninum antibodies in European mouflon in Spain, and, despite the relatively low seroprevalence found, the impact of this parasite on mouflon populations should be further studied.

The expansion of British steeplechasing in the Grand Duchy of Posen

ABSTRACT In the nineteenth century, British culture and sport were held in high esteem abroad as models of progress and modernity. British-organised sports gained prestige in European societies, and their practice became a symbol of social class development and progress. In contrast to the Polish population living under Austrian and Russian rule, the Polish population of the Prussian-controlled Grand Duchy of Posen had the opportunity to practise, or at least passively enjoy, steeplechasing, which originated in the British Isles. This was made possible by the Society for the Improvement of Horse, Cattle and Sheep Breeding in the Grand Duchy of Posen. Unlike the British steeplechase, the Society's jump races were free of betting and focused more on utilitarian aspects by promoting the improvement of horse breeding and the benefits of horse ownership. Despite the socio-political differences, they were very similar to their British counterparts. This makes the steeplechase races in the western Polish territories annexed by Prussia significant events and, in some ways, pioneering contributions to the development of the sport in Continental Europe. With the establishment of English sporting fashions, the steeplechase became one of the components of a long-term process of introducing various British sports to Poland.

Ramming the parasites: Evaluation of quarantine procedures against Haemonchus contortus at sheep markets in Sweden

In Sweden, it is recommended to treat rams at sheep markets with ivermectin and then keep them in quarantine to minimise the risk of transmission of Haemonchus contortus between farms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of this practise. Accordingly the gastrointestinal parasite status of 50 rams purchased at two sheep markets in central Sweden in autumn 2019 was investigated using faecal samples collected on the day of sale (test 1), 12 ± 3 days after ivermectin injection (test 2, in quarantine) and a few months later before inclusion in the new flocks (test 3). We used both traditional diagnostic methods (i.e. identification of nematode eggs in faeces or larvae in cultures when H. contortus eggs could not be identified) and a molecular test based on the digital droplet PCR platform to further identify positive samples. In test 1, conducted in autumn, 40 % of rams were FEC-positive, but only 12 % (six rams) were infected with H. contortus according to conventional routine diagnostics. In test 2, 8 % (four rams) were FEC-positive, including one with 1050 eggs, 90 % of which were identified as H. contortus. This ram was therefore returned to the supplier. However, ivermectin was found to be effective when this animal and a group of lambs from the same farm were treated and tested again. Test 3 was performed on 44 of the same rams (in addition to the returned ram, two rams died in quarantine and the samples from three rams were never provided by the owners). The proportion of FEC-positive animals was 42 %, with an even higher proportion (27 %) of animals being H. contortus-positive than in test 1. The corresponding results for tests 1, 2 and 3 with the ddPCR assay were 18 %, 4 % and 76 %, respectively. This study demonstrates the superiority of DNA detection over microscopy, which is the mainstay in most diagnostic laboratories. Although the combined results confirm that H. contortus survived quarantine in two rams, in the other cases it is not clear whether the spring infection rates are due to re-emergence of persistent larvae from quarantine or reinfection on the new farm. These results suggest not only that we should recommend that sheep farmers use a more sensitive molecular test when purchasing and introducing new animals to their flock, but also that the reliability of injectable ivermectin as a quarantine treatment for removal of adult and larval stages needs further investigation.

A comparative analysis of economic traits between purebred and synthesized sheep breeds in dry and harsh environments of Iran

The present study aimed to compare economic traits of Baluchi as an indigenous purebred and Iran-Black and Arman as synthesized breeds of sheep in Iran. Data of Baluchi, Iran-Black and Arman were collected from the Abbas Abad Breeding Station located in Mashhad, Iran. The studied pre-weaning traits included birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), and survival from birth to weaning (SU). The studied reproductive traits included litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), total litter weight at birth (TLWB), and total litter weight at weaning (TLWW). Data was analyzed using the generalized linear model (GLM) procedure in SAS software. The least square means were compared using a Tukey test at a significance level of 0.05. The least square means for BW were 3.87, 3.71 and 3.75kg, for WW were 20.06, 20.86 and 20.98kg, and for SU were 88.26, 82.94 and 90.26 percent in Baluchi, Iran-Black and Arman sheep, respectively. The least square means for LSB and LSW were 1.31, 1.59, 1.57 lambs born per ewe and 1.17, 1.31, 1.42 lambs weaned per ewe for Baluchi, Iran-Black and Arman sheep, respectively. The least square means for TLWB in purebred and synthetic breeds differed significantly, with values of 5.66kg, 6.25kg, and 6.31kg for Baluchi, Iran-Black and Arman sheep, respectively. Furthermore, the least square means for TLWW was 28.94kg, 32.16kg and 33.67kg per ewe in Baluchi, Iran-Black and Arman sheep, respectively. The results obtained in this study indicated that TLWW in Iran-Black and Arman ewes increased by approximately 11.13% and 16.34% compared to Baluchi ewes, respectively. It can be concluded that crossbreeding Baluchi sheep with foreign breeds to create synthetic breeds has had a positive impact on the efficiency of the sheep industry in Iran.

Exploring transcriptomic mechanisms underlying pulmonary adaptation to diverse environments in Indian rams.

The Changthangi sheep thrive at high altitudes in the cold desert regions of Ladakh, India while Muzaffarnagri sheep are well-suited to the low altitude plains of northern India. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms of pulmonary adaptation to diverse environments by analyzing gene expression profiles of lung tissues through RNA sequencing. Four biological replicates of lung tissue from each breed were utilized to generate the transcriptomic data. Differences in gene expression analysis revealed discrete expression profiles in lungs of each breed. In Changthangi sheep, genes related to immune responses, particularly cytokine signaling, were significantly enriched. Pathway analysis highlighted the activation of NF-kB signaling, a key mediator of inflammation and immune response. Additionally, the gene network analysis indicated a strong association between cytokine signaling, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) and NF-kB activation, suggesting a coordinated response to hypoxic stress in lungs of Changthangi sheep. In Muzaffarnagri sheep, the gene expression profiles were enriched for pathways related to energy metabolism, homeostasis and lung physiology. Key pathways identified include collagen formation and carbohydrate metabolism, both of which are crucial for maintaining lung function and structural integrity. Gene network analysis further reinforced this by revealing a strong connection between genes associated with lung structure and function. Our findings shed light on the valuable insights into gene expression mechanisms that enable these sheep breeds to adapt to their respective environments and contribute to a better understanding of high altitude adaptation in livestock.

The Multi-Loci Genotypes of the Myostatin Gene Associated with Growth Indicators of Intensively Fattened Lambs of Latvian Sheep.

Myostatin (MSTN), a member of the TGFβ superfamily, negatively affects skeletal muscle growth and controls muscle development at stages of pre-natal muscle growth. Marker-assisted selection with molecular markers of the MSTN gene can be used in animal husbandry for higher-quality and more economically profitable lambs. The study aims to identify multi-locus genotypes within the MSTN gene regions as molecular markers for fattening, feed efficiency, and carcass traits in Latvian sheep. This analysis was conducted on 76 intensively fattened male lambs representing six breeds in Latvia. Nine genotypes were identified based on four SNPs in the promoter and exon 1 regions, while six and four SNPs in introns 1 and 2 led to the formation of 14 and 10 genotypes, respectively. Six genotypes identified in the 3'UTR were significantly linked to traits such as birth weight, slaughter yield, muscle development, fat depth, average daily gain, dry matter intake, and feed efficiency. Genotypes of intron 1 were associated with slaughter yield, while genotypes of intron 2 were linked to fat depth, dry matter intake, and residual weight gain. The study concludes that MSTN gene SNPs can be used in selection to enhance sheep breeds in Latvia and improve economic outcomes for breeders.

Delineating genomic features for wild guanaco conservation

Abstract The South American fauna has endured challenges such as illegal hunting, cattle expansion, climate change, and landscape fragmentation. Despite ongoing conservation efforts that aim to address these issues, genetic diversity remains overlooked. We genotyped 126 Lama guanicoe individuals from an area of 2 million km2 in Patagonia and Cuyo using the 60K SNPs Axiom-Camelids, and we assessed population viability through genetic diversity, inbreeding, and population size. We then explored population connectivities through network analyses, genetic differentiation, and Bayesian approaches. Our findings reveal six genetic clusters: Cuyo, Somuncura, North Patagonia, Central Patagonia, South Patagonia, and Tierra del Fuego Island (TDFI). Cuyo and TDFI guanacos differed from others due to isolation-by-distance and geographical barriers, respectively. Cuyo exhibited the highest degree of allele conservation, but TDFI faced heightened vulnerability due to isolation and increased homozygosity. Sharp bottlenecks in Cuyo and North Patagonia coincided with the expansion of sheep farming, while bottlenecks in the other populations occurred during the Little Ice Age. North Patagonia acted as a probable contact zone, facilitating mixing of the Cuyo, Somuncura, and Central Patagonia populations. The Central and South Patagonian populations presented the highest gene flow. Thus, genomic advances help to define distinct conservation units (genetic stocks) to guide management practices and decisions.