Sheep Genotypes Research Articles

Identification of the KAP27-1 gene in sheep and its effect on wool traits

ABSTRACT The keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) are structural components of wool and hair fibres, with over 90 genes that encode these proteins having been identified in mammalian species. A KAP gene called KRTAP27-1 was recently identified in goats, but the gene has not been reported in the closely related ruminant species sheep. In this study, we used a polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis to find ovine KRTAP27-1 and investigate nucleotide sequence variation in the gene. Our analysis revealed four sequence variants (named A to D) in 399 New Zealand Merino × Southdown-cross sheep. Within these sequence variants there were five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding region, including two non-synonymous SNPs. Six genotypes (AA, AB, AC, BB, BC and BD) of KRTAP27-1 were detected, and for the three genotypes with a frequency of over 5.0%, sheep of genotypes AB and BB produced wool of higher mean staple length (MSL) and higher greasy fleece weight (GFW) than sheep of genotype AA. These results suggest that variation in ovine KRTAP27-1 may be affecting wool growth and thus production.

The First Identification and Some Carcass Characteristics of The 7 Lumbar Vertebrae in Sheep in Türkiye

The purpose of this study was to draw attention to the number of the lumbar vertebrae in BA B1 crosses (Bafra×F1 (Bafra×Akkaraman)) lambs (75% Bafra and 25% Akkaraman), and the effect of 7 lumbar vertebrae on some carcass traits. Even though some studies reported that the number of the lumbar vertebrae might be considerably different dependent on the sheep genotype, this has not been reported for Turkish breeds. While a study on the BA B1 lambs has been performed, seven lumbar vertebrae have been identified in four of the eighteen lambs. The means of the carcass length (80.800±0.583 and 84.375±1.375 cm) (P=0.036), leg weight (5.942±0.079 and 6.209±0.052kg) (P=0.032), loin weight (1.560±0.096 and 1.849±0.060 kg) (P=0.048), and loin’s lean weight (0.875±0.059 and 1.058±0.032 kg) (P=0.040) were statistically different between the groups of lambs (6 and 7 lumbar vertebrae, respectively). In conclusion, the number of lumbar vertebrae has economically affected important parts of the carcass.

MiRNA-mRNA analysis of sheep adrenal glands reveals the network regulating reproduction

BackgroundThe adrenal gland participates in the process of sheep reproduction. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), endogenous small noncoding RNAs, regulate gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. However, the miRNA-mRNA network profile of adrenal glands relating to reproduction in sheep is still not well-studied. As sheep with FecBBB genotype show higher lambing number compare with the sheep with FecB++ genotype. This research aims to compare gene expression by small RNA-seq in adrenal tissues at follicular (F) and luteal (L) phases in FecBBB (MM) and FecB++ (ww) sheep. After analysis of gene expression, significant differentially expressed microRNAs (DEMs) and corresponding target genes were identified.ResultsA total of 180 miRNAs were found in this study, of which 19 DEMs were expressed in the four comparison groups (MM_F_A vs. MM_L_A, MM_F_A vs. ww_F_A, MM_L_A vs. ww_L_A, ww_F_A vs. ww_L_A). Subsequently, 354 target genes of 19 DEMs were predicted by integrated analysis. Cluster analysis was performed by K_means_cluster, and the expression patterns of these DEMs were separated into four subclusters. Functional analysis of target genes was performed by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). The results indicated that the target genes were involved mainly in the Notch signaling pathway, signal transduction, cell communication, innate immune response and amino acid metabolism. Specifically, the Notch signaling pathway, biosynthetic process and metabolic process of pyrimidine nucleotide and amino acid metabolism appear to play key regulatory roles in the sheep fertility trait. Furthermore, miRNA-mRNA interaction networks were constructed by differentially expressed genes combined with our previous study of transcriptome data. The results showed that several key genes, including TDRD3, ANAPC7, CCNL2, BRD2 and MUT, were related to the transformation from the follicular phase to the luteal phase. PLAC8L1, NFAT5, DDX24 and MBD1 were related to the high fecundity of small tail Han sheep.ConclusionsIn this study, the miRNA transcriptome profile was identified, and miRNA-mRNA interaction networks were constructed in adrenal gland tissue of small tail Han sheep, the interaction between miR-370-3p and its targets were considered to play a major role in the reproduction regulation process. The results enriched the number of known miRNAs in adrenal glands and provided novel ideas and further information to demonstrate posttranscriptional regulation mechanisms at follicular and luteal phases in different genotypes of small tail Han sheep.

Association study and expression analysis of olfactomedin like 3 gene related to meat quality, carcass characteristics, retail meat cut, and fatty acid composition in sheep.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to identify polymorphism in olfactomedin like 3 (OLFML3) gene, and association analysis with meat quality, carcass characteristics, retail meat cut, and fatty acid composition in sheep, and expression quantification of OLFML3 gene in phenotypically divergent sheep.MethodsA total of 328 rams at the age of 10 to 12 months with an average body weight of 26.13 kg were used. A novel polymorphism was identified using high-throughput sequencing in sheep and genotyping of OLFML3 polymorphism was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Among 328 rams, 100 rams representing various sheep genotypes were used for association study and proc general linear model was used to analyse association between genotypes and phenotypic traits. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used for the expression analysis of OLFML3 mRNA in phenotypically divergent sheep population.ResultsThe findings revealed a novel polymorphism in the OLFML3 gene (g.90317673 C>T). The OLFML3 gene revealed three genotypes: CC, CT, and TT. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was found to be significantly (p<0.05) associated with meat quality traits such as tenderness and cooking loss; carcass characteristics such as carcass length; retail meat cut such as pelvic fat in leg, intramuscular fat in loin and tenderloin, muscle in flank and shank; fatty acids composition such as tridecanoic acid (C13:0), palmitoleic acid (C16:1), heptadecanoic acid (C17:0), ginkgolic acid (C17:1), linolenic acid (C18:3n3), arachidic acid (C20:0), eicosenoic acid (C20:1), arachidonic acid (C20:4n6), heneicosylic acid (C21:0), and nervonic acid (C24:1). The TT genotype was associated with higher level of meat quality, carcass characteristics, retail meat cut, and some fatty acids composition. However, the mRNA expression analysis was not different among genotypes.ConclusionThe OLFML3 gene could be a potential putative candidate for selecting higher quality sheep meat, carcass characteristics, retail meat cuts, and fatty acid composition in sheep.

Assessment of calpastatin and insulin-like growth factor 1 genotypes in Tsigai sheep

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genotypic distribution of calpastatin (CAST) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) gene polymorphisms in the Tsigai sheep breed. Genomic DNA was isolated from blood samples by the phenol-chloroform method. A total of 56 sheep were genotyped by the PCR-RFLP method. Allele and genotype frequencies were calculated by the standard procedures. To evaluate the population-genetic properties, the Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) testing was performed. Moreover, genetic diversity was evaluated through gene heterozygosity (He), effective allele numbers (Ne), polymorphism information content (PIC), the level of possible variability realization (V%), the fixation index (FIS), and the Shannon-Weaver diversity index (H´) were estimated. Results revealed that the frequency of the heterozygous genotype (0.64) was remarkably higher than the homozygotes in the CAST locus. HWE testing showed a deviation (P

Effects of high-protein feed supplements on lamb productivity

Introduction. Today’s feed market offers a variety of new products of plant and animal origin that increases the productivity of young sheep. Using feed supplements can help farmers to fully realize the genetic potential of wool-and-meat genotype sheep.&#x0D; Study objects and methods. We studied the effect of a whole milk replacer (skimmed powdered milk) and an ORGANIC high-protein feed supplement on the growth of young sheep and the quality of their meat. In particular, we determined the effect of starter feeds on the biochemical and morphological parameters of sheep blood at the Vtoraya Pyatiletka Breeding Farm, Stavropol Krai.&#x0D; Results and discussion. Substituting starter feeds with a whole milk replacer and an ORGANIC supplement for the standard feed in the diet of sheep aged 0–4 months increased metabolic energy (by 12.5%), crude protein (by 22.4 and 25.5%, respectively), lysine (by 24.8 and 21.4%, respectively), and methionine + cystine (by 31.0%). The starter feeds also led to higher live weight (by 29.6 and 33.7% (P ≤ 0.001)), absolute and average daily gain (by 24.6 and 29.1% (P ≤ 0.001)), slaughter weight (by 36.5 and 42.1% (P ≤ 0.001)), slaughter yield (by 2.50 and 2.96 abs.% (P ≤ 0.05)), and meat marbling (by 3.6 and 11.7%). The number of muscle fibers increased by 2.1 and 3.3%, respectively. Additional profits rose from 1761.5 to 2091.5 rubles per head and the product profitability reached 50.5–57.9%.&#x0D; Conclusion. The starter feeds containing a milk replacer and an ORGANIC feed supplement proved effective for sheep aged of 0–4 months in the suckling period, ensuring live weight of 39–40 kg and improving meat quality and productivity.

Hematological parameters of caucasiansheeps and their crossbreeds with dzhalginsky merinos

The article presents the hematological indicators of Caucasian sheep born as twins and twins, as well as crossbreeds obtained from crossing Caucasian queens with rams Dzhalginsky merino imported from the breeding plant “The second five-year plan” Stavropol Territory. The main results of meat productivity of sheep genotypes at 6 months are presented. Their morphological and varietal composition of blood has been determined. It was revealed that blood and its composition are indicators of the course of metabolism in the body and the meat productivity of the studied sheep is determined by the metabolism in their body.

Discovery of hidden pedigree errors combining genomic information with the genomic relationship matrix in Texel sheep

Genomic variants such as Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and animal pedigree are now used widely in routine genetic evaluations of livestock in many countries. The use of genomic information not only can be used to enhance the accuracy of prediction but also to verify pedigrees for animals that are extensively managed using natural mating and enabling multiple-sire mating groups to be used. By so doing, the rate of genetic gain is enhanced, and any bias associated with incorrect pedigrees is removed. This study used a set of 8 764 sheep genotypes to verify the pedigree based on both the conventional opposing homozygote method as well as a novel method when combined with the inclusion of the genomic relationship matrix (GRM). The genomic relationship coefficients between verified pairs of animals showed on average a relationship of 0.50 with parent, 0.25 with grandparent, 0.13 with great grandparent, 0.50 with full-sibling and 0.27 with half-sibling. Minimum obtained values from these verified pairs were then used as thresholds to determine the pedigree for unverified pairs of animals, to detect potential errors in the pedigree. Using a case study from a population partially genotyped UK sheep, the results from this study illustrate a powerful way to resolve parentage inconsistencies, when combining the conventional ‘opposing homozygote’ method using genomic information together with GRM for pedigree checking. In this way, previously undetected pedigree errors can be resolved.

Association of β-lactoglobulin genotypes in Roma ewes with hematological blood parameters

The authors presented the haematological blood parameters of Romanov breed sheep and their association with genotypes according to the β-lactoglobulin locus. Blood plays a significant role in the body as metabolism is carried out. It delivers nutrients and oxygen to the cells of the body organs and removes metabolic waste products and carbon dioxide. The intensity of the metabolic processes can be judged from haematological data. Since blood enzymes, their activity, metabolic levels, and biochemical adaptation are encoded in their genes, the authors believe that the biochemical composition of blood in animals is, to a certain extent, related to their breeding and productive qualities. Identifying patterns of relationship and influence of genetic factors in breeds of different animals is one of the main tasks in the study of breeding features and further improvement and control of breed peculiarities of animals. For our analysis, 40 blood samples were taken from Romanov breed sheep for haematological tests, DNA extraction and PCR. DNA technology in conjunction with other factors should be used to improve the breeding process and the productive traits of the breeds. The haematological status of sheep has been examined on a PCE-90VET (HTI, USA) haematological analyser. The clinical and haematological parameters of Romanov breed sheep of different genotypes indicate high adaptation plasticity and a high level of metabolic processes occurring in the body of animals. The authors found that homozygous β-Lg A/A sheep had 1.5 times the number of leukocytes in the blood compared to heterozygous β-Lg A/B animals.

Evaluation of genotype and nongenetic effects on some production traits: Comparison of Akkaraman and Bafra × Akkaraman B&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt; sheep genotypes

The purposes of this study were to evaluate genotype and some environmental effects on the reproductive and milk yield traits of sheep, and vitality and growth traits of lambs, and to compare the difference between Akkaraman (AKK) and Bafra × AKK B$_{1}$ (BA B$_{1}$: Bafra sires crossed BA F$_{1}$ ewes) genotypes in terms of these characters. Data were collected from 71 ewes for fertility traits and 37 ewes for milk yields in each genotype. Growth traits and survival rates of lambs were evaluated using 55 AKK and 56 BA B$_{1}$ lambs. AKK and BA B$_{1}$ ewes had 87.32% and 92.96% for lambing rate (p > 0.05), 125.35% and 161.97% for lamb production (p = 0.005), 1.45 and 1.74 for litter size (p = 0.072), respectively. Lactation milk yields and lactation lengths of those were determined as 109.46 ± 6.61 and 124.55 ± 7.26 kg (p > 0.05), and 155.76 ± 2.36 and 161.51 ± 2.43 days (p > 0.05), respectively. The survival rates and body weights of their lambs at weaning (90$^{th}$ day) were 87.27% and 87.50% (p > 0.05), and 27.77 ± 0.59 and 21.97 ± 0.59 kg (p = 0.000), respectively. In conclusion, the age of the dam affected the reproductive and milk yield traits, birth type affected the growth, and sex affected the survival rate and growth traits. Regarding the genotype effect, the BA BH$_{1}$ genotype had better reproductive and lactation milk yield, lower growth performance than those of the AKK genotype, and a similar survival rate to the AKK genotype.

Influence of birth type on body weight of lambs from birth to weaning in various strains of sheep pramenka

The dynamics of increasing of bodyweight of lambs is conditioned by genetic factors, environmental factors and their interaction. The aim of this work was study variability of bodyweight of lambs related to type of birth of lambs in sheep genotype of four different strains of pramenka type and four growth stage: at the birth time, at the 30, 60 and 90 days of age after birth. For this investigation used lambs of four strains (Svrljiski, Pirotski, Sjeni?ki, Sarplaninski) of sheep type Pramenka (450 lambs per strain) for study dinamics of bodyweight at the time of birth, 30, 60 and 90 days after birth during three years of experiment (2011-2013). The results showed that the bodyweight of lambs born singles was higher than bodyweight of lambs born twins in studied four sheep genotypes i.e. Pirotski (4.00 kg : 3.40 kg), Svrljiski (3.90 kg : 3.79 kg), Sjeni?ki (3.73 kg : 3.61 kg), Sarplaninski (3.81 kg : 3.74 kg). The differences of bodyweight between lambs born singles and twins was significant for genotypes Pirot pramenka and Svrljig pramenka, on the level of significance for Sjenica pramenka and was not significant in Sarplanina pramenka. At the age of 30 days, the influence of birth type on the bodyweight of lambs was not statistically significant in any of the examined strains. The difference of bodyweight between singles and twins was statistically significant at the 60 days old of lambs in Svrljig pramenka and in lambs at 90 days old of Svrljig pramenka. On the base of results is established that type of born associated with significant differences of bodyweight at the birht time expressed later at the 60 and 90 day old lambs.

АНАЛИЗ СВЯЗЕЙ МЕЖДУ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКАМИ АРГИРОФИЛЬНЫХ ЗОН В ПОПУЛЯЦИЯХ ИНТАКТНЫХ ЛИМФОЦИТОВ У ГИБРИДОВ ДОМАШНЕЙ ОВЦЫ И АРХАРА

The purpose of this study is to determine the relations between AgNOR characteristics, obtained by means of computer analysis, in populations of intact lymphocytes of hybrid sheep of different genotypes and to select parameters for functional assessment of nucleoli. The AgNOR state was studied in peripheral blood lymphocytes of hybrid sheep of three genotypes: purebred F1 Romanov sheep with argali (group 1), hybrids carrying 3/4 of Romanov sheep blood and 1/4 of argali blood (group 2), and hybrids with 7 / 8 blood of domestic sheep and 1/8 of argali blood (group 3). The number of argyrophilic zones (AgNOR), their total area (ΣSNOR), their average color density (DNOR), and average color density of the nucleus (DN) and its AgNOR-free area (DF) were taken into account. Parameters which characterize argyrophilic zones and the correlation coefficients between them were calculated in the samples of lymphocytes obtained from hybrids of different genotypes and from their generalized population. The study of the preparations was carried out on the equipment of the Altami company (Russia, S.-P.). Image processing and analysis were performed using the Image Scope 1.0 software (SMA, Russia, M.). The closest correlations exist between parameters of color density, which confirms an equal possibility of using them in assessing the state of argyrophilic zones. It was found that the correlation coefficients between different compared features have values from close to 0 to 1.0. The number of AgNORs in a cell, their total area and average density are characteristics that complement each other, since they are weakly correlated with each other. To assess the state of the nucleus -forming system, it is advisable to take into account mutually complementary features: the number of AgNORs, their total area, as well as the average optical densities of AgNOR (DNOR). The average nucleus density, closely correlated with DNOR values, can serve as an alternative to this parameter.

Prevalence and molecular assessment of Sarcocystis infection in livestock in northeast Iran

Sarcocystis is an intracellular parasite of the apicomplexa phylum. More than one hundred species of Sarcocystis can infect wildlife and livestock animals. Samples of the liver, heart, muscle and diaphragm were collected from sheep, goats and cattle in Gonabad, northeast Iran and subjected to macroscopic, microscopic, tissue digestion, sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of 18S-rRNA region. Tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin were also provided for surveying sarcocysts in the samples. Tissue digestion showed that all animal samples (100%) were infected with Sarcocystis bradyzoites. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that out of 50% of sheep genotypes belonged to S. tenella, and 20% to S. moulei and S. arieticanis. Moreover, three samples of macroscopic specimens of sheep were identified as S. gigantea, 100% of cattle isolates infected with S. cruzi, 80% of goat isolates belonged to S. capracanis and one macroscopic specimen of goat (20%) identified as S. moulei. Sarcocystis infection is highly prevalent in livestock in northeast Iran, where a variety of Sarcocystis species are unequivocally circulating in the region.

POLYMORPHISM OF THE Β-LACTOGLOBULIN GENE AND DAIRY PRODUCTIVITY OF DIFFERENT SHEEP’S GENOTYPES

POLYMORPHISM OF THE Β-LACTOGLOBULIN GENE AND DAIRY PRODUCTIVITY OF DIFFERENT SHEEP’S GENOTYPES

FASN, SCD1 and ANXA9 gene polymorphism as genetic predictors of the fatty acid profile of sheep milk

In this study, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ANXA9 (annexin 9), FASN (fatty acid synthase) and SCD1 (stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1) genes were analyzed as factors influencing fatty acid profiles in milk from Zošľachtená valaška sheep. SNP in selected genes was identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP). The long-chain fatty acids profile in sheep milk was identified by gas chromatography. Statistical analysis of the SCD1/Cfr13I polymorphism showed that the milk of the homozygous AA animals was characterized by a lower (P < 0.05) share of C4:0, C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, C14:0 in comparison to the homozygous CC sheep. The milk of heterozygous sheep was characterized by a higher (P < 0.05) proportion of C13:0 acid compared to the milk of sheep with the homozygous AA type. A higher (P < 0.05) level of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was found in the milk of CC genotype sheep compared to the AA genotype. Our results lead to the conclusion that the greatest changes were observed for the SCD1/Cfr13I polymorphism and the least significant ones for FASN/AciI. Moreover, it is the first evidence that milk from sheep with SCD1/Cfr13I polymorphism and the homozygous AA genotype showed the most desirable fatty acids profile.

Research of the overall chemical and amino acid composition of meat from young animals of new sheep genotypes

The paper presents the results of the investigation of the overall chemical composition (mass fraction of moisture, fat, protein and ash) and the amino acid composition of mutton from the experimental animals of new genotypes: Sovetsky Merino x Dzhalginsky Merino and Sovetsky Merino x Stavropolsky breed. As a control, meat of purebred Sovetsky Merino was studied. The experimental and control rams were slaughtered at the age of 8 months by the conventional technology. Meat samples for laboratory examination were taken a day after slaughter. The results of the analysis of the overall chemical composition showed that lamb meat of new genotypes had lower moisture content and higher content of fat and protein compared to the control. Analysis of the amino acid composition of meat proteins of genotypes Sovetsky Merino x Dzhalginsky Merino and Sovetsky Merino x Stavropolsky breed revealed lower content of essential amino acids compared to the control. Comparison of amino acid scores showed that the amino acid composition of meat proteins from the experimental animals was limited by valine and lysine, respectively. It was concluded by the results of the investigations of the amino acid composition of proteins that the biological full value of proteins of mutton from new genotypes was 22.9% and 30.3% lower than that of the control.

Selection of breed-specific SNPs in three Indian sheep breeds using ovine 50 K array

Recently DNA-based genetic purity determination tools have gained popularity, especially, in small ruminants like sheep. The objective of the present study was to select breed-specific SNPs for the three commercially important sheep breeds of India, i.e., Changthangi, Deccani, and Garole. Sheep genotype data (Ovine 50 K SNP array) from 344 individuals of eight sheep breeds (Garole, Deccani, Changthangi, Tibetan, Australian Merino, Dorset Horn, Rambouillet, and Irish Suffolk) were used as a reference population. Here, we used pre-selection statistics and the minor allele frequency–linkage disequilibrium (MAF-LD) method to analyze the reference population dataset. SNPs selection and breed assignment was executed with a panel of 768 markers for eight breeds near intermediate gene frequencies. We identified 95, 89, and 92 breed-specific SNPs for Changthangi, Deccani, and Garole, respectively. These informative SNPs were found to be associated with essential candidate genes associated with production and disease resistance. This methodology may be implemented in practice to identify individuals as being purebred or not.

Genetic differentiation of mainland-island sheep of Greece: Implications for identifying candidate genes for long-term local adaptation.

In Greece, a number of local sheep breeds are raised in a wide range of ecological niches across the country. These breeds can be used for the identification of genetic variants that contribute to local adaptation. To this end, 50k genotypes of 90 local sheep from mainland Greece (Epirus, n = 35 and Peloponnesus, n = 55) were used, as well as 147 genotypes of sheep from insular Greece (Skyros, n = 21), Lemnos, n = 36 and Lesvos, n = 90). Principal components and phylogenetic analysis along with admixture and spatial point patterns analyses suggested genetic differentiation of ‘mainland-island’ populations. Genome scans for signatures of selection and genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) pointed to one highly differentiating marker on OAR4 (FST = 0.39, FLK = 21.93, FDR p-value = 0.10) that also displayed genome wide significance (FDR p-value = 0.002) during GWAS. A total number of 6 positional candidate genes (LOC106990429, ZNF804B, TEX47, STEAP4, SRI and ADAM22) were identified within 500 kb flanking regions around the significant marker. In addition, two QTLs related to fat tail deposition are reported in genomic regions 800 kb downstream the significant marker. Based on gene ontology analysis and literature evidence, the identified candidate genes possess biological functions relevant to local adaptation that worth further investigation.

The Meat Quality and Sensory Characteristics of Turkish Native Sheep Genotypes

Some meat quality and sensory characteristics were determined of Kıvırcık (n=10), Eşme Kıvırcık (n=10), Karya (n=8) and Çine Çaparı (n=9) lambs in this research. Carcass divided into two parts along the spine and the three different type of muscle samples were taken from the between 8th and 9th vertebrae, 12th and 13th vertebrae and leg part of the left side of the carcasses. Drip loss, cooking loss and shear force values of these muscles were identified. Additionally, pH0, pH24, color, fatty acid composition and sensory properties were determined in M. Longissimus dorsi samples. When muscle types are evaluated separately were a statistically significant factor in terms of dripping and cooking loss and shear force. While the highest dripping loss were reported in M. Longissimus dorsi (3.72%), the highest cooking loss were reported in M. Longissimus thoracis (22.67%) and the highest shear force were reported in M. semitendinosus (4.38 kg). Genotype and muscle interaction were found to be highly significant for only cooking loss. The analysis results for fatty acids indicated that there was an important difference between Kıvırcık, Eşme Kıvırcık, Karya and Çine Çaparı on C10:0, C12:0, C14:0, C15:0, C16:0, tC18:1, CLA, tC18:3, C20:1, C22:0 fatty acids in the study. Genotypes showed no effect to SFA (Saturated fatty acids), MUFA (Monounsaturated fatty acids), PUFA (Polyunsaturated fatty acids) and P/S ratio parameters. Karya lambs performed higher for odor and tenderness, and Kıvırcık lambs showed a higher score for juiciness, flavor and total acceptability in sensory evaluation.

POSTPARTUM CONCENTRATIONS OF ESTRADIOL AND PROGESTERONE IN THREE GENOTYPE OF SHEEP FED VARYING LEVELS OF PROTEIN

The study aims to evaluate the effects of feeding different protein levels on the resumption of postpartum ovarian activity by measuring serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) concentrations bi-weekly starting one week postpartum in three genotypes of sheep (Yankasa, Uda and Balami). Eighteen (18) multiparous sheep with aged range of 2.5 – 3 years old consisting of six (6) each of Yankasa, Uda and Balami breeds were divided into three groups and reared on different protein concentrations. The protein concentrations were 15.2% (high), 9.5% (medium) and 6.5% (low). Results showed a gradual increase of estradiol in both Yankasa and Uda breeds fed low protein diet from 100 – 3000 concentration. However, Uda breed had the highest value of estradiol when both medium and high protein diets were fed to the three genotypes of sheep. Nevertheless, Yankasa sheep had more consistent values of progesterone when fed low protein diet compared to Balami and Uda. Also Uda breed recorded the highest progesterone values in both medium and high protein diets among the three genotypes followed by Yankasa sheep. All the three genotypes returned to estrous earlier on high protein concentration followed by those on medium protein level. It is concluded that increase protein concentration hastened resumption of ovarian cyclicity and thereby leading to increase fertility in sheep