Sheep Breeds Research Articles

MiR-23b and miR-133 Cotarget TGFβ2/NOTCH1 in Sheep Dermal Fibroblasts, Affecting Hair Follicle Development.

Wool is produced and controlled by hair follicles (HFs). However, little is known about the mechanisms involved in HF development and regulation. Sheep dermal fibroblasts (SDFs) play a key role in the initial stage of HF development. Analyzing the molecular mechanism that regulates early HF development in superfine wool sheep is of great importance for better understanding the HF morphogenesis process and for the breeding of fine wool sheep. Here, we show that two microRNAs (miRNAs) affect the development of HFs by targeting two genes that are expressed by SDFs. Meanwhile, the overexpression and inhibition of oar-miR-23b and oar-miR-133 in SDFs cells and cell proliferation, apoptosis, and migration were further detected using a CCK-8 assay, an Annexin V-FITC assay, a Transwell assay, and flow cytometry. We found that oar-miR-23b, oar-miR-133, and their cotarget genes TGFβ2 and NOTCH1 were differentially expressed during the six stages of HF development in superfine wool sheep. Oar-miR-23b and oar-miR-133 inhibited the proliferation and migration of SDFs and promoted the apoptosis of SDFs through TGFβ2 and NOTCH1. oar-miR-23b and oar-miR-133 inhibited the proliferation and migration of SDFs by jointly targeting TGFβ2 and NOTCH1, thereby inhibiting the development of superfine wool HFs. Our research provides a molecular marker that can be used to guide the breeding of ultrafine wool sheep.

Fitting of Growth Curves and Estimation of Genetic Relationship between Growth Parameters of Qianhua Mutton Merino.

Qianhua Mutton Merino is a dual-purpose (meat and wool) breed of sheep that has been newly developed in China. In this study, we assessed the growth and development of the Qianhua Mutton Merino sheep breed under house feeding conditions by measuring the body weight and chest circumference of 2300 rams and ewes of this breed aged 0-24 months. Based on the fitting results of three nonlinear growth models, namely Logistic, Gompertz, and von Bertalanffy, in Qianhua Mutton Merino, we selected the von Bertalanffy model because of its highest fitting degree among all models (R2 > 0.977). The significant analysis of the combined fixation of each sheep body's weight and bust took place (A: mature body weight, B: adjustment parameter, K: instant relative growth rate). The results revealed that parameters A, B, and K of body weight and chest circumference have high heritability and thus could be used as target traits for genetic improvement. Moreover, the correlation strength among A, B, and K suggested that these parameters can be used as a reference to adjust the genetic parameters in the growth model to genetically improve the body size of Qianhua Mutton Merino during breeding.

Hindcasting estuary ecological states using sediment cores, modelled historic nutrient loads, and a Bayesian network

Estuaries are impacted by catchment land use changes, driving degradation associated with eutrophication and alterations in sediment dynamics. Estuarine ecological monitoring has typically covered only recent periods, so magnitudes and trajectories of degradation are often poorly described. Here, we develop a multi-method approach to hindcast historic estuary condition. We determined geochemical properties in dated sediment cores from two sites in the eutrophic New River Estuary (NRE), Aotearoa New Zealand. Mud, organic matter, carbon, and nitrogen (N) contents increased from ~1847 to 2019 (~20 to 100%, ~1 to ~7%, ~0.2 to ~3%, and ~0.03 to ~0.37% respectively). Historic land use modelling shows increasing catchment loads and water column total N rising from 165 to 663 mg m-3, with more rapid change in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Strong correlations (R2 = 0.93-0.95) were found between sediment N content and water column N concentrations. Trophic indicators hindcasted by a Bayesian Belief Network worsened from the mid-20th to 21st centuries. This degradation is associated with increased sheep, beef and dairy farming in the catchment. Our approach identifies nutrient and sediment loadings associated with ‘tipping points’ for indicators and can inform policy by identification of hazardous levels of contaminant loading for other estuaries.

Expression, Polymorphism, and Potential Functional Sites of the BMPR1A Gene in the Sheep Horn.

Sheep horns are composed of bone and sheaths, and the BMPR1A gene is required for cartilage and osteogenic differentiation. Therefore, the BMPR1A gene may have a function related to the sheep horn, but its relationship with the sheep horn remains unclear. In this study, we first utilized RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data to investigate the expression of the BMPR1A gene in different tissues and breeds of sheep. Second, whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data were used to explore the functional sites of the BMPR1A gene. Lastly, the allele-specific expression of the BMPR1A gene was explored. Our results indicate that BMPR1A gene expression is significantly higher in the normal horn groups than in the scurred groups. Importantly, this trend is consistent across several sheep breeds. Therefore, this finding suggests that the BMPR1A gene may be related to horn type. A total of 43 Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) (F-statistics > 0.15) and 10 allele-specific expressions (ASEs) exhibited difference between the large and small horn populations. It is probable that these sites significantly impact the size of sheep horns. Compared to other polled species, we discovered ten amino acid sites that could influence horn presence. By combining RNA-seq and WGS functional loci results, we identified a functional site at position 40574836 on chromosome 25 that is both an SNP and exhibits allele-specific expression. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the BMPR1A gene is associated with horn type and identified some important functional sites which can be used as molecular markers in the breeding of sheep horns.

Analysing the genetic diversity of three sheep breeds in Turkey and nearby countries using 50 K SNPs data

This study analysed the genetic diversity and population structure of eight sheep breeds in Turkey and nearby countries. Moderate genetic diversity was observed, with the Sakiz (SKZ) exhibiting the highest diversity based on heterozygosity and allelic richness (AR) values. Genetic distances revealed differentiation between the populations, with the most significant divergence between the Cyprus Fat Tail (CFT) and SKZ breeds. PCA demonstrated SKZ and Chios (CHI) clustering together, indicating genetic similarity. Karakas (KRS), Norduz (NDZ), Afshari (AFS), Moghani (MOG) and others showed overlap, reflecting genetic relationships. Ancestry analysis found that KRS was predominantly inherited from the second ancestral population, while SKZ and NDZ were primarily derived from the first and second ancestral lineages. This illustrated the populations’ diverse origins. Most genetic variation (96.84%) was within, not between, populations. The phi-statistic (PhiPT) indicated moderate differentiation overall. Phylogenetic analysis further demonstrated the genetic distinctiveness of the SKZ breed. ROH and FROH analyses showed that SKZ exhibited the highest homozygosity and inbreeding, while KRS displayed the lowest. This study elucidates these breeds’ genetic diversity, structure and relationships. Key findings include moderate diversity, evidence of differentiation between breeds, diverse ancestral origins and distinct ROH patterns. This provides insights into the population’s genetic characteristics and conservation requirements.

Behavioural Factors Influencing the Intention to Adopt Sheep Scab Control Measures in Northern Ireland.

Sheep scab, caused by infestation with the ectoparasitic mite Psoroptes ovis, is an endemic disease in the Northern Ireland (NI) sheep flock and constitutes significant economic and welfare burdens for the NI farming industry. Despite its endemic nature, historically, little research has been undertaken to support the control of the disease in NI. This study offers the first attempt to analyse the psychological and behavioural factors influencing farmers' intentions to implement effective sheep scab control measures in NI. To achieve our objective, quantitative data from a sample of 126 sheep farmers were statistically analysed using an extended theory of planned behaviour approach in an ordered logistic regression modelling framework. Our analyses showed that sheep scab remains an issue of concern in Northern Ireland. The attitudes of the farmers, as well as perceived behavioural control, emotional effect, membership of Business Development Groups (BDGs), and higher education qualifications, were found to be statistically significant factors influencing farmers' intentions to adopt sheep scab control measures. This study provides a solid foundation for how to promote behavioural changes among sheep farmers to improve their ability to implement effective disease control measures, helping to tackle this challenging disease in a more sustainable way in the future.

Analysis of Efficiency and Break Even Point of Sheep Farming at Sukawangi Village Sumedang Regency

This study analyzes efficiency and break even point to provide an overview of sheep farming in Sukawangi Village, Pamulihan Subdistrict, Sumedang Regency in July 2023. The aims of this study is to count total production cost, find out farmer’s income, and analyze the eficiency and break even point of sheep farming. The method used was a survey by interviewing 88 farmers using simple random sampling. Based on the results of the study, it showed that the total production costs for sheep farming in Sukawangi Village are IDR 27,432,069/unit enterprises/year, and the income is IDR 3,055,431/unit enterprises/year. The efficiency value of the sheep farming business in Sukawangi Village is 1.11 which means that the business is efficient and profitable. The production break event point value is 3 heads adult sheep equivalent, smaller than actual sales which is 6 heads adult sheep equivalent, while the price break event value is IDR 4,238,845/unit enterprises/year, smaller than the actual sales price, which is IDR 4,710,975/unit enterprises/year.

Antibiotic use in the Northern Irish sheep flock: What lessons can be learnt from medicine records and farmer attitudes to improve stewardship of these essential medicines?

Stewardship of antibiotics used in livestock production has come under increasing scrutiny, from both the animal welfare point of view and due to concerns that antibiotic use in livestock may pose a risk to human health through selection pressure to drive development of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria. Despite this concern, however, antibiotic consumption in the sheep sector is currently poorly described. This study determines the range and quantities of antibiotics used in the Northern Irish (NI) sheep flock as well as exploring drivers for their use. A mixed-methods approach was utilised, with an anonymous online scoping survey, analysis of the medicine records from 52 NI sheep farms and semi-structured interviews undertaken with 27 farmers. Eighteen farmers contributed both records and participated in interviews. Veterinary medicine records were derived from two sources: on-farm medicine books (seven) or veterinary practice sales data (51). As six of these farmers provided information from both sources a total of 52 unique farms participated. Overall, antibiotic use in sheep on the 52 farms sampled was low, with a median value of 11.35 mgPCU−1 (mean 13.63 mgPCU−1, sd 10.7; range 0–45.29 mgPCU−1), with all farms below 50 mgkg−1. Critically important antibiotics accounted for 0.21% of all antibiotics purchased. Lameness was the main driver of antibiotic use identified by this study. Others included a range of prophylactic treatments such as oral antibiotics to prevent watery mouth, injectable antibiotics to prevent abortion and following assisted lambing. Farmers acknowledged some of these uses had become habitual over time. The veterinary medicine sales records demonstrated significant sales of antibiotics not authorised for use in sheep, on an ongoing, rather than case-by-case, basis. Farmers were positive about their veterinarian’s ability and knowledge to improve flock welfare and productivity, but were unwilling to pay for this advice. However, veterinarians may have facilitated weak medicine stewardship through a failure to adequately challenge farmers seeking antibiotics. Farmers did not maintain accurate or up-to-date on farm medicine or production records in the majority of cases. Despite this lack of on-farm recording, veterinary sales records can be studied in consultation with farmers to provide veterinarians with a farm-specific insight into antibiotic use and related attitudes and behaviours. Farmers and veterinarians can then identify areas and behaviours to target collaboratively, improving antibiotic and wider medicine stewardship, whilst simultaneously improving flock health and productivity.

Analysis of Management Practices and Breeders' Perceptions of Climate Change's Impact to Enhance the Resilience of Sheep Production Systems: A Case Study in the Tunisian Semi-Arid Zone.

Global climate change inflicts unambiguous risks on agricultural systems and food security. Small ruminants are known for their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions. This paper aims to characterize sheep production systems in a vulnerable agricultural zone and the breeders' perceptions of climate change to apprehend challenges that they are confronting, and formulate resilience actions. The data analysis is based on 94 semi-structured surveys of sheep farmers carried out in the Tunisian semi-arid region. The PCA analysis results revealed three main sheep production systems. The agro-pastoral rain-fed system (AGPRF) is dominant (55%), with large farms and common pastures integrating cereals and fodder. The agro-pastoral irrigated system (AGPI: 20%) is characterized by small-area and forage irrigation (1.8 ha) and a smaller number of ewes but a greater use of animal feed supplementation. The agro-sylvo-pastoral system (AGSP: 25%) is a system where grazing is based on common lands and using tree sub-products, while the agricultural area is exclusively used to cultivate cereal crops. Sheep breeders' climate perceptions are summarized as unpredictable climate events, a decrease in precipitation, and an increase in temperature. Resilience actions principally consist of reducing flocks' numbers, using alternative local feed, fodder, and water resources, and building more shelters and planting more trees in the grazing areas. Nevertheless, cost-effectiveness should be considered in such vulnerable zones to insure the sheep production systems' sustainability.

EXPLORING INFORMATION MEDIA PREFERENCES AMONG GOAT AND SHEEP FARMERS : A CASE STUDY IN DAERAH ISTIMEWA YOGYAKARTA PROVINCE

Goats and sheep are small ruminants with positive growth values in Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta Province (DIY). Goats and sheep development in DIY is necessary since these two livestock might be profitable to farmers. Information media have a significant role in disseminating knowledge and innovation to farmers quickly and effectively. However, information access fulfillment for the farmers is the weakness of livestock development. The aims of this research are to analyze farmers’ information media preferences and the factors influencing them. The information media in this study are dummy, namely person media with code zero (0) and ICT media with code one (1). The data was collected through a survey method that involved face-to-face structured questionnaire interviews to goat and sheep farmers in DIY who have at least one year of experience raising goat and or sheep. Farmers in DIY used personal media as their primary information source (86.42%), with fellow farmers being the most popular choice among farmers. Only 13.58% of farmers choose ICTs, with mobile phones being the preferred ICT over computers, radio, and television. The preference for using ICT is influenced by farmer characteristics: age (p < 0.01), livestock experience (p < 0.05), costs (p < 0.1), and ICT number (p < 0.05). Information dissemination using ICT media will be more appropriate for young farmers who are just starting their business.

A Stochastic Frontier Approach to Study the Relationship between the Hygienic Quality of Bulk Tank Sheep Milk and Technical Efficiency of the Coagulation Process.

Sheep milk from local breeds is important for the production of high-quality cheeses throughout the Mediterranean region, such as Manchego cheese in Spain. To maintain sustainable and efficient production, it is necessary to reach a better understanding of how the composition and hygiene of the milk affect the coagulation process, with the aim of optimizing production yield. This study implemented a stochastic production frontier function to estimate the potential production of curd and efficiency using data from the four seasons of a study of 77 Manchega sheep farms. The Cobb-Douglas production frontier model was estimated using the maximum likelihood estimation method. The results showed that the content of protein, lactose, and fat exhibited increasing returns to scale, with protein content being the most significant factor for curd production. Approximately half of the inefficiency was due to factors related to the technological properties and the hygiene of the milk. The pH, curd firmness, and concentration of lactic acid bacteria improved the efficiency of coagulation, while the concentration of spores of lactate-fermenting Clostridium spp., Pseudomonas spp., staphylococci, and catalase-negative gram-positive cocci favored the inefficiency of the coagulation process. To date, this is the first study to evaluate the effect of different factors, such as microbial groups, milk composition, and technological properties, on the efficiency of the coagulation process in dairy sheep.

Integration between olive cultivation and sheep farming in Brazil: Carbon footprint mitigation potential

Two economic activities have been integrated in southern Brazil: olive cultivation and sheep farming. The favorable edaphoclimatic conditions in the southern region for cultivating olive trees and cultural preferences for the consumption of sheep meat make this integration a valuable strategy. Considering that every activity causes environmental impact and the exploitation of natural resources, new systems that promote sustainable development and the efficient use of these resources become necessary. This paper presents the first study of the carbon footprint of the life cycle of integrating of sheep and olive farming, with the objective to build an inventory based on primary data collected on olive and sheep farms in Brazil, determine the carbon footprint of the conventional and integrated system and estimate the potential for mitigating GHG emissions. The evaluation was performed using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The study focuses on the detailed analysis of the processes and activities that are responsible for GHG emissions, including enteric methane emissions, methane emissions from manure management, emissions from nitrogen fertilizer use and limestone application and energy consumption. For this, two major scenarios were considered, the first centered around on the traditional olive cultivation and sheep farming systems individually, and the second involved their synergistic integration. The findings indicate that the conventional system is associated with a global warming impact of 6.8 kg CO2eq per liter olive oil and kg live weight. In contrast, the integrated system demonstrates a significant mitigation potential of 27.7%, resulting in a reduced global warming impact of 4.92 kg CO2eq. This advantage is a consequence of the synergy between the systems, as they now occupy the same area, which allows the sharing of agricultural activities and agrochemical inputs, in addition to optimizing nutrient recycling and complementing each other. Additionally, the results of a sensitivity analysis showed that enteric methane from sheep and the application of limestone to the soil are the most influential parameters on the carbon footprint, indicating that they are key parameters for the development of GHG mitigation strategies, some of which were discussed in the article.

SUCCESSFUL EXPERIENCE IN THE TREATMENT OF NEUROBRUCELLOSIS IN KAZAKHSTAN

Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection and therefore an important public health problem in the world. More than 0.5 million cases of brucellosis in humans are registered annually. Endemic areas for brucellosis include countries with developed animal husbandry. Kazakhstan is among the twenty-five countries with the highest incidence of brucellosis. Among the post-Soviet countries, Kazakhstan ranks second after Kyrgyzstan in the incidence of brucellosis. In recent years, 2500-3500 cases of human disease have been registered annually in the country, of which about 600 are children under the age of 14. The problem of brucellosis in Kazakhstan is caused by the agricultural orientation and prevalence of small cattle, which is the carrier of the most pathogenic Brucella melitensis. 42.2% of Kazakhstanis live in rural areas, and their main income is animal care. More than 85% of human brucellosis cases have been registered in 4 southern regions where animal husbandry (sheep breeding) is developed. Despite the long history of campaigns to combat brucellosis, Kazakhstan has not overcome this threat to public health. Brucellosis can affect many organs and systems. Complications of brucellosis are usually about 30 percent. Neurological damage occurs in up to 10% of cases. Manifestations include meningitis (acute or chronic), encephalitis, brain abscess, myelitis, sciatica and/or neuritis (with damage to cranial or peripheral nerves). The article presents rare clinical cases of neurobrucellosis on the background of concomitant diseases.

Collective Study on Housing Management Practices of Kenguri Sheep Farmers under Intensive and Extensive Rearing Systems in Yadgir District of Karnataka, India

The main domains of housing management practices followed by Kenguri sheep farmers were analyzed during the research. Twenty sheep farms in intensive and extensive were pointed out based on the accessibility in the respective study location Yadgir (Northern Eastern dry agro-climatic zone) district of Karnataka, India. The examination was carried out during the months of January to February in the year 2022. The objectives of housing practices were assessed by computing frequency percentage values and average descriptive values. The majority of intensive sheep farmers had wooden type of flooring (60.00%) and whereas, mud flooring (100.00%) is the only option for extensive sheep farmers. All intensive sheep farms had galvanized roofing (100.00%), in contrast all extensive sheep farms were with no roofing. Sheep in intensive rearing had trough water sources (45.00%) majorly and in extensive rearing they had natural water source (70.00%) accessibility. Most of the intensive sheep farmers maintained proper commercial feed (60.00%) access for the sheep, but fodder (65.00%) was the key food type for sheep reared under an extensive system. The advantage of fans for better ventilation (40.00%) was seen in intensive rearing systems, whereas, only natural ventilation (100.00%) was observed in extensive rearing system. The good space availability and pen dimensions are the only concerns with an intensive rearing system. The outcomes of this work will help the sheep farmers become accustomed to the better housing management practices in the near times.

Histological, immunohistochemical and serological investigations of the ovary during follicular phase of estrous cycle in Saidi sheep

BackgroundSaidi sheep are the most abundant ruminant livestock species in Upper Egypt, especially in the Assiut governorate. Sheep are one of the most abundant animals raised for food in Egypt. They can convert low-quality roughages into meat and milk in addition to producing fiber and hides therefore; great opportunity exists to enhance their reproduction. Saidi breed is poorly known in terms of reproduction. So this work was done to give more information on some hormonal, oxidative, and blood metabolites parameters in addition to histological, histochemical and immunohistochemical investigations of the ovary during follicular phase of estrous cycle. The present study was conducted on 25 healthy Saidi ewes for serum analysis and 10 healthy ewes for histological assessment aged 2 to 5 years and weighted (38.5 ± 2.03 kg).ResultsThe follicular phase of estrous cycle in Saidi sheep was characterized by the presence of ovarian follicles in different stages of development and atresia in addition to regressed corpus luteum. Interestingly, apoptosis and tissue oxidative markers play a crucial role in follicular and corpus luteum regression. The most prominent features of the follicular phase were the presence of mature antral (Graafian) and preovulatory follicles as well as increased level of some blood metabolites and oxidative markers. Here we give a new schematic sequence of ovarian follicles in Saidi sheep and describing the features of different types. We also clarified that these histological pictures of the ovary was influenced by hormonal, oxidative and blood metabolites factors that characterizes the follicular phase of estrous cycle in Saidi sheep.ConclusionThis work helps to understanding the reproduction in Saidi sheep which assist in improving the reproductive outcome of this breed of sheep. These findings are increasingly important for implementation of a genetic improvement program and utilizing the advanced reproductive techniques as estrous synchronization, artificial insemination and embryo transfer.

Sheep Rearing in Yadgir, Karnataka: A Comprehensive Study on Factors Affecting Sheep Rearing and Reasons for Liquidation of Kenguri Sheep

The important aspects of liquidation of Kenguri sheep and purpose of its rearing were studied during the experiment. Total forty sheep farms, 20 each in intensive and extensive rearing systems were selected randomly based on their accessibility in study area Yadgir district of Karnataka, India. The main factors of liquidation and purpose of sheep raising were tabulated by calculating frequency and percentage values. Reasons like agriculture purpose (100.00%) and domestic expenses (90.00%) were having sometimes and occasional frequencies under liquidation of sheep in intensive rearing system majorly. Likewise, domestic expenses (80.00%) and repay loan (80.00%) were having equal weightage of sometimes and occasional frequencies in extensive rearing system regarding sheep selling. Income generation (100.00%) and hereditary acquisition (95.00%) were the major and minor intrinsic factors and high demand for mutton production was major extrinsic factor in intensive rearing system. Employment (70.00%) and investment and growth (75.00%) were the major and minor intrinsic factors and more lucrative (90.00%) was the major extrinsic factor in extensive rearing system. The findings of this evaluation will pave the path for profitable selling and systematic rearing of sheep to the farming community in further days.

Association of β-globin polymorphisms and tolerance to haemonchosis in ewes and lambs of different sheep breeds

Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), especially Haemonchus contortus, represent a significant challenge for sheep production. Given the global concern about GIN anthelmintic resistance, alternative control methods able to reduce the dependence on these drugs are highly advisable. Since previous studies have shown that sheep carrying the Hb-A allele of β-globin are more resistant to H. contortus, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between the different haplotypes (Hb-AA, Hb-AB and Hb-BB) and phenotypes in Santa Inês (SI), Texel (TX) and White Dorper (DO) breeds infected with H. contortus. Blood samples were collected from 180 ewes and 123 lambs of the three breeds for DNA extraction followed by qPCR using a hydrolysis probe to identify the β-globin haplotypes. Phenotypic data, including fecal egg count (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), FAMACHA score and body condition score for ewes and lambs, as well as weight gain for lambs, were collected. The genotypic frequencies of β-globin for ewes and lambs were, respectively: 21.7% and 21.4% Hb-AA, 50% and 50% Hb-AB and 28.3% and 28.6% Hb-BB in SI; 0% and 0% Hb-AA, 18.6% and 9.4% Hb-AB and 81.4% and 90.6% Hb-BB in TX; and 0% and 0% Hb-AA, 13.1% and 0% Hb-AB and 86.9% and 100% Hb-BB in DO. In ewes, mean PCV differed (p<0.05) between the three haplotypes, with higher PCV in Hb-AA animals, followed by Hb-AB and Hb-BB. When considering each breed separately, SI Hb-AA ewes presented higher PCV (p<0.05), highlighting that even in a breed already considered resistant, animals with Hb-AA haplotype showed superior performance. Lambs with the Hb-AA haplotype exhibited a higher (p<0.05) mean PCV compared to those with Hb-AB and Hb-BB. The same pattern was found in SI when analyzing each breed separately. No significant association was found between β-globin haplotypes and FEC, FAMACHA score, body condition score, or weight gain. Nevertheless, given that anemia is the major clinical sign of haemonchosis, our findings on PCV reinforce that sheep carrying the Hb-A allele of β-globin are more tolerant to haemonchosis. This study may support the development of a valuable tool, targeting genetic selection for GIN control, reducing the dependence on anthelmintics and boosting sheep production worldwide.

Wool Agro-Waste Biomass and Spruce Sawdust: Pellets as an Organic Soil Amendment

The production of wool is an economic burden and an issue for sheep breeders in many countries of the European Union because shorn greasy wool is defined as an animal byproduct (category 3) and must be sent to landfill as a special waste if not addressed in the textile supply chain. Nevertheless, wool is an important source of nitrogen, with high potential as agricultural renewable and sustainable organic fertilizer. To apply wool to soil, any contamination from harmful bacteria (e.g., Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp.) should be excluded. In this study, we developed sheep wool pellets to test their suitability for use as an organic fertilizer. Wool was rich in N (12% of dry material) and was mixed to spruce sawdust at sawdust: wool ratios of at 2:1; 1:1 (v/v) to increase soil organic carbon. Despite the different mix of wool and sawdust, pellets were similar in size (diameter and length), and the content of the elements suited the requirements of fertilizers and did not present harmful bacteria after pelletization. Therefore, wool pellets may represent a feasible solution to provide sheep wool with an added value, introducing it in a circular economy process. However, further study is needed to test the effects of the produced fertilizing pellets in real cropping systems.

Repeated Cross-Sectional Survey of Ectoparasites in Sheep from Central Tunisia: Does Low Prevalence Indicate Good Hygiene or Resistance to Ectoparasites?

Sheep ectoparasites such as chewing lice, fleas and ticks are serious constraints to sheep productivity and are the cause of skin lesions in animals that decrease their market value. This study aims at investigating the ectoparasite fauna infesting small ruminants in the district of Sidi Bouzid (central Tunisia). A total of 1243 Barbarine and Queue Fine de l'Ouest (QFO) sheep were examined every two months for one year. Of the total animals examined, 74 were infested by at least 1 parasite group (5.95%). Three ectoparasite groups were identified as Psoroptes ovis (0.48%; 6/1243), ticks (5.3%; n = 66/1243) and one specimen of Ctenocephalides canis (0.08%; n = 1/1243). The most abundant tick among the 358 specimens was Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato (n = 337; 94.1%), followed by Hyalomma impeltatum (n = 7/358; 1.9%), H. dromedarii (n = 7/358; 1.9%), H. excavatum (n = 5/358; 1.4%) and only two specimens of H. scupense (n = 2/358; 0.55%). The sheep herds showed low infestation prevalence by ectoparasite over the year, with a significant difference according to the seasons (p < 0.05). A higher infestation prevalence was recorded in March (14.36%). Barbarine sheep breed showed significantly higher infestation prevalence (16.8%) compared to QFO (0.8%) (p < 0.01). There were no differences in infestation prevalence according to sex of the animal or age groups. Knowledge of the ectoparasite population harboured by sheep, its activity dynamics and risk factors is required to develop effective ectoparasite control options. The low prevalence of ectoparasite infestation in sheep reported here may be due to possible genetic resistance or simply to successful hygiene measures implemented by farmers.

Verification of Key Target Molecules for Intramuscular Fat Deposition and Screening of SNP Sites in Sheep from Small-Tail Han Sheep Breed and Its Cross with Suffolk.

Intramuscular fat (IMF) is vital for meat tenderness and juiciness. This study aims to explore the IMF deposition mechanism and the related molecular markers in sheep. Two populations, Small-tail Han Sheep (STH) and STH × Suffolk (SFK) F1 (SFK × STH), were used as the research object. Histological staining techniques compared the differences in the longissimus dorsi muscle among populations. A combination of transcriptome sequencing and biological information analysis screened and identified IMF-related target genes. Further, sequencing technology was employed to detect SNP loci of target genes to evaluate their potential as genetic markers. Histological staining revealed that the muscle fiber gap in the SFK × STH F1 was larger and the IMF content was higher. Transcriptome analysis revealed that PIK3R1 and PPARA were candidate genes. Histological experiments revealed that the expressions of PIK3R1 mRNA and PPARA mRNA were lower in SFK × STH F1 compared with the STH. Meanwhile, PIK3R1 and PPARA proteins were located in intramuscular adipocytes and co-located with the lipid metabolism marker molecule (FASN). SNP locus analysis revealed a mutation site in exon 7 of the PIK3R1 gene, which served as a potential genetic marker for IMF deposition. This study's findings will provide a new direction for meat quality breeding in sheep.