Sheep Goats Research Articles

Determination of Species-Specific Differences in Intracranial Volume of Tuj Sheep and Hair Goats Using Stereology and Computed Tomography Methods.

The intracranial cavity contains vitally important organs. The brain, cerebellum, meninges and the vessels that supply these organs are located in the intracranial cavity. Therefore, it is important to learn about the intracranial cavity and to study it. However, there is limited information about the intracranial cavity in the veterinary field. The aim of this study was to determine the differences between the intracranial cavities of different species of animals by using stereology and tomography methods, volume calculations and morphometric measurements. In addition, the compatibility of the methods used with each other was investigated. In the study, six male adult goats and six male adult sheep were used. In this study, the intracranial cavities of sheep and goats were calculated by using Cavalieri's principle and 3D modelling using tomography sections. Morphometric measurements were taken over the intracranial space, and index calculations were made. In 3D models using computed tomography, the intracranial volume was 153.31 ± 24.06 cm3 in goats and 128.07 ± 7.93 cm3 in sheep. In the calculation using Cavalieri's principle, it was determined to be 152.73 ± 22.73 cm3 in goats and 126.15 ± 8.38 cm3 in sheep. As a result of the study, the MWCC (maximum width of the cranial cavity) parameter was found to be statistically significant between species (p < 0.05). The two methods used in Bland-Altman analysis were found to be within the limits of agreement, and the methods can be alternative to each other.

Folic acid, cobalamin, and biotin concentrations in milk samples of sheep, goats, and cows

Milk is an important food obtained from mammals, containing almost all of the nutrients needed for metabolism. The vitamin composition of milk, the first food of mammals, is valuable data for the food industry and public health. This study aimed to determine the levels of folic acid (vitamin B9), cobalamin (vitamin B12), and biotin (vitamin B7) in different milk samples (cow, sheep, goat) using the ELISA method. For this purpose, milk samples from Holstein Cows (n:50), Awassi Sheep (n:50), and Kilis Goats (n:50) available for retail in the Şanlıurfa province of Turkey were collected and analyzed. In this study, the average folic acid content of sheep, goat, and cow milk was found to be 3.45 µg/100 mL, 7.23 µg/100 ml, and 6.64 µg/100 mL, respectively. The average cobalamin content of sheep, goat, and cow milk was 0.70 µg/100 ml, 7.43 µg/100 ml, and 0.58 µg/100 mL, respectively, while the average biotin content of sheep, goat, and cow milk was 2.21 µg/100 mL, 2.21 µg/100 mL, and 2.09 µg/100 mL, respectively. It was noted that the average biotin levels in sheep, goat, and cow milk did not differ significantly. However, significant differences were observed in the quantities of folic acid and cobalamin (P&lt;0.05). Different levels of folic acid were found in milk samples from these three species. Cobalamin levels in goat milk samples were significantly higher, while biotin levels were similar in each milk sample of the species. This study underscores the importance of understanding and considering the diverse vitamin compositions of milk from different mammalian species to ensure comprehensive nutritional intake.

Deep Ancestral Introgressions between Ovine Species Shape Sheep Genomes via Argali-Mediated Gene Flow.

Previous studies revealed extensive genetic introgression between Ovis species, which affects genetic adaptation and morphological traits. However, the exact evolutionary scenarios underlying the hybridization between sheep and allopatric wild relatives remain unknown. To address this problem, we here integrate the reference genomes of several ovine and caprine species: domestic sheep, argali, bighorn sheep, snow sheep, and domestic goats. Additionally, we use 856 whole genomes representing 169 domestic sheep populations and their six wild relatives: Asiatic mouflon, urial, argali, snow sheep, thinhorn sheep, and bighorn sheep. We implement a comprehensive set of analyses to test introgression among these species. We infer that the argali lineage originated ∼3.08 to 3.35 Mya and hybridized with the ancestor of Pachyceriforms (e.g. bighorn sheep and snow sheep) at ∼1.56 Mya. Previous studies showed apparent introgression from North American Pachyceriforms into the Bashibai sheep, a Chinese native sheep breed, despite of their wide geographic separation. We show here that, in fact, the apparent introgression from the Pachyceriforms into Bashibai can be explained by the old introgression from Pachyceriforms into argali and subsequent recent introgression from argali into Bashibai. Our results illustrate the challenges of estimating complex introgression histories and provide an example of how indirect and direct introgression can be distinguished.

Effects of drinking saline water on carcass traits and meat quality of growing and mature Blackhead Ogaden sheep and Somali goats.

Water salinity has a significant impact on water quality, posing challenges for livestock production and productivity, particularly in arid regions where climate change affects freshwater availability. This study aimed to determine the effect of drinking saline water on the carcass and meat quality traits of sheep and goats in Ethiopia. A total of 100 males with an average initial body weight of growing (18.17 ± 0.51) and mature (22.22 ± 0.52kg) Blackhead Ogaden sheep and growing (17.99 ± 0.50) and mature (21.99 ± 0.54) kg) Somali goats were used. The design of the experiment was a three-way factorial RCBD with three-factor combinations (5 treatment levels, 2 species, and 2 age groups).Water treatments were natural water (Lake Basaka water (control), low saline water (L-SW), moderate saline water (M-SW), high saline water (H-SW), and very high saline water (VH-SW); that is, NaCl was added to natural water at concentrations of 7.95, 11.93, 15.90, and 19.88g TDS/L, respectively. The finding showed that increasing salinity levels in drinking water reduced slaughter body weight (SBW), carcass weight (CW), dressing percentage (DP), rib eye area (RAE), total edible components (TEC), and increased total non-edible components (TNEC) (P < 0.05). Similarly, sheep and mature animals had higher (P < 0.001) SBW, CW, DP, RAE, and TEC than goats and growing animals. Sensory evaluation, shear force, and proximate analysis were affected by water salinity, species, and age groups (P < 0.05). Overall, the study revealed that consuming saline water above 11g TDS/L affected carcass traits and meat quality in Somali goats and Blackhead Ogaden sheep.

Investigation of seroprevalence of small ruminant lentivirus infections in Erzurum province of Türkiye and determination of individual and environmental variables

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are chronic, incurable, and vaccine-free viral diseases that cause respiratory problems and nervous disorders and yield losses in sheep and goats. Caprine arthritis encephalitis virus in goats and maedi-visna virus in sheep have been named as SRLVs. This study aimed to determine the epidemiological status of SRLV infection in Erzurum province and to evaluate the risk factors of the disease based on breed, age, and sex. For this purpose, 204 animals including 184 sheep (Akkaraman, Morkaraman, and Hemşin breeds) and 20 goats (Anatolian Black goats) from 8 districts of Erzurum province (Aşkale, Hınıs, Horasan, Karaçoban, Palandöken, Pasinler, Pazaryolu, and Tekman) were included in the sample. Commercial antibody-ELISA kit was used to determine the seroprevalence of SRLV and 15.12% seropositivity was detected. In terms of SRLV, 14.67% of females and 20% of males were positive. In terms of breed, 20%, 13.76%, 0%, and 15% seropositivity was determined in Akkaraman, Morkaraman and Hemşin breed sheep and Anatolian Black goats, respectively. Although there was no statistically significant difference in terms of breed groups and sex, the detection rates in the districts were significant. In conclusion, the prevalence of SRLV infection was investigated in 8 locations of Erzurum province, which is one of the important centers of animal breeding and where small ruminant breeding is at a high level, and significant findings were obtained at the district level. With this study, updated data on seroprevalence of SRLV in the region were obtained and a broader perspective was tried to be provided by comparing with other SRLV studies in Türkiye and the world. These findings are important in terms of evaluating the prevalence and transmission risks of SRLV infections in the region and will shed light on future control and prevention strategies.

Examining performance, milk, and meat in ruminants fed with macroalgae and microalgae: A meta-analysis perspective.

This meta-analysis consolidates various related studies to identify patterns in the impact of feeding algae on performance aspects, including milk fat, milk protein, and carcass yield in several ruminant species, such as cattle, sheep, and goats. The data were collected from 67 articles that examined factors such as the type of algae (macro- and microalgae), algal species, and animal breed. Barki sheep, Moghani sheep, and Zaraibi goats demonstrated an increased average daily gain (P < 0.05) when fed with both macro- and microalgae. Conversely, sheep such as Canadian Arcott and Ile-de-France showed adverse effects on the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.05). Elevated FCR values were observed across castrated and young animals (P < 0.05). Algae extract notably increased the hot carcass weight (P < 0.001), particularly among Moghani sheep (P < 0.001). Raw algae significantly reduced the milk fat content (P < 0.001), particularly in cattle and sheep (P < 0.001). A decrease in milk fat was particularly noticeable in lactating females of Assaf sheep, Damascus goats, and Holstein cows (P < 0.001). Overall, algae inclusion tended to decrease the milk protein content (P < 0.05), leading to reduced milk production (P < 0.001) with cumulative algae feeding in Assaf sheep. However, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA; C18:2 c9,t11-CLA and C18:2 c12,t10-CLA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6n-3) mostly increased in meat and milk from Holstein cow, Assaf sheep, Dorset sheep, and Ile-de-France sheep (P < 0.01). This meta-analysis highlights the necessity for additional research aimed at optimizing the sustainable use of algae in feed for ruminants, despite the demonstrated improvements in performance and the levels of CLA and DHA found in meat and milk.

Characterization of the ruminal microbiota in sheep and goats fed different levels of tannin-rich Sericea lespedeza hay.

Understanding ruminal microbiota and diet-host breed interactions under forage feeding conditions is essential for optimizing rumen fermentation and improving feed efficiency in small ruminants. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different ratios of condensed tannin-rich Sericea lespedeza (SL; Lespedeza cuneata) in the diets on changes and interactions of ruminal microbiota and host species (i.e., sheep and goats). Katahdin sheep (n = 12) and Alpine goats (n = 12) at approximately 10 to 12 mo of age were blocked by body weight (BW = 30.3 and 25.5kg, respectively) and randomly assigned to one of the 3 treatments. Diets contained 75% coarsely ground forage and 25% concentrate. The forages were 1) 100% alfalfa hay (AL), 2) 100% SL, and 3) 50% AL + 50% SL (ASL). In the present study, the diversity and composition of ruminal microbiota differed between sheep and goats fed similar diets. Based on the taxonomic analysis, there was a distinct clustering pattern (P < 0.05) for sheep by diets, but such a pattern was not observed for goats (P > 0.1). The most predominant phyla were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Ascomycota, and methanogen species of Methanobrevibactor sp. in the rumen of sheep and goats, regardless of diets. The Bacteroidetes and Ascomycota were enriched in sheep fed AL and ASL. In contrast, these microbial phyla were enhanced in goats fed tannin-rich SL diets, with the diet-by-host species interaction (P < 0.02) for the Bacteroidetes phylum. Sheep rumen fluid samples showed a higher degree of variability in microbial community composition compared to goat rumen fluid samples. The relative proportion of the Aspergillus fungi population was reduced to 90.7% in the SL group compared with the AL group, regardless of host species. The antimicrobial activity of tannins and greater sensitivities of selected microbiota species to these tannin compounds during SL feeding in sheep and goats perhaps caused this difference. The results from this study suggest that differences in the microbiota were associated with differences in diets and host species. Therefore, this study provides a better understanding of ruminal microbiota and diet-host species interactions under various tannin-rich diets, which could advance consolidative information on rumen microbiome community diversity changes and may improve sheep and goat production.

Effects of Salinity Levels of Drinking Water on Water Intake and Loss, Feed Utilization, Body Weight, Thermoregulatory Traits, and Blood Constituents in Growing and Mature Blackhead Ogaden Sheep and Somali Goats.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of drinking water salinity levels on water intake and loss, feed intake and digestion, body weight (BW), thermoregulation, and blood characteristics on growing and mature (18.8 ± 0.39 and 21.8 ± 0.40 kg BW, and 0.6-1 and 1.5-2 years of age, respectively) Blackhead Ogaden sheep and Somali goats. The animals were assigned to a 4 (water salinity) × 2 (sheep and goat species) × 2 (growing and mature animals) factorial arrangement for the 60-day experimental period and 10-day digestibility determination. Water treatments were fresh water (FRW) and low (SW-L), moderate (SW-M), and high (SW-H) levels of salinity (i.e., the addition of NaCl to obtain 10, 13.5, and 17 g of total dissolved salts (TDSs)/L, respectively). The salinity of drinking water did not affect feed intake, BW, thermoregulatory traits (respiration rate, rectal temperature, and heart rate), or blood parameters (p > 0.05); however, drinking water, total water intake, urine excretion, and total water loss increased (p < 0.01) while apparent dry matter digestibility decreased quadratically (p < 0.01) with increasing water salinity. Analysis of the interaction between water treatment and species showed that PCV (p = 0.059) and hemoglobin (p = 0.070) levels tended to be higher in sheep than in goats drinking FRW, and AST activities were greater (p = 0.036) in goats consuming SW-M than in sheep consuming water with the same salinity level. In conclusion, increasing the salinity level of drinking water by adding NaCl to up to 17 g/L of TDSs had no adverse effect on the water intake, feed intake, BW, and health status of growing and mature Blackhead Ogaden sheep and Somali goats.

Hematological parameters of sheep and goats fed diets containing various amounts of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes).

A major global barrier to increased animal output is nutrition. The use of aquatic plants, which were previously considered to be waste and needed a lot of labor to eliminate, has recently come to light due to the lack of feed during the dry season in the majority of tropical regions of Africa. The objectives of this study were therefore to see how different dietary Eichhornia crassipise inclusion rates affect the hematological indicators of Ethiopian Doyogena sheep and Woyto-Guji goats. Blood samples were taken from the jugular veins of 12 Doyogena sheep and 12 Woyto-Guji goats in a 2 × 4 randomized crossover design with two animal species, four diets, and four random periods (15 - day adaption period followed by a 7- day experimental diet in each period). The dietary inclusion rates E. crassipise were 0, 25, 50, and 75% that was used as a replacement for commercial concentrate mix diet in the treatment groups. The data was analyzed using the SAS software programme PROC GLM, and Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated between hematological markers. The hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cell count (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCHC) results revealed substantial, RDW-SD, and WBC differences between animal species (P < 0.001). Sheep had greater WBC, Hb, RBC, PCV, RDW-SD, and RDW-CV levels, while goats had higher MCH and MCHC values (P < 0.001). For the analyzed hematological measures, the Pearson's correlation coefficient ranged from low to strong in terms of positive and negative associations (P < 0.05). Since all hematological indicators were closer to those of clinically healthy native Ethiopian sheep and goat breeds, feeding water hyacinth to sheep and goats up to a 75% inclusion level in diets without producing sickness may provide a remedy for adverse feed shortages.

Agricultural Implement Industry Using WPM Method

Agricultural implements are agricultural Human labor in activities that Reduce field crop yield Tools that can be used to improve is reapers, Traction, disc harrows, Cultivators, seed drills, Harrows, Spades, Baggage, Plows, and other agricultural Tools are very common. In Modern Agricultural Practices Agricultural implements play an important role play These are commercial and Widespread in organic farming are used. This Tools are for sowing, field preparation, Planting, threshing, and irrigation and are used for harvesting. Agricultural machinery industry or Agricultural engineering is a profession as part of the industry, it is in agriculture or other agriculture used tractors, Agricultural machinery and Manufacturing agricultural implements maintain. This branch is mechanically Considered part of the profession.Agricultural implements are agricultural to carry out procedures The necessary tools are: In today's farming operations Many agricultural implements are used. Agriculture means crops and livestock Production, Aquaculture, Aquaculture and food and food Forests for non-food products Includes. Seated man Agriculture at the Rise of Civilization A major development was Raised by this Cultivation of species is food Generated surpluses, which helped people live in cities. Humans are at least 105,000 grains years ago Although started to collect, New farmers are about 11,500 years ago They started planting. Sheep Goats, pigs, and cattle About 10,000 years ago were raised. World's lowest Plants are native to 11 regions and Cultivated as fodder. twentieth in century, large-scale Based on monocultures Industrial agriculture with dominated agricultural production.The weighted product method is a multi-criteria decision-making process is there are many alternatives, and based on several criteria we must determine the best alternative.DuPont India, Rallis India Limited, Nuziveedu Seeds Limited, Lemken India Agro Equipments Private Limited, Advanta Limited.Technical capability, Product quality capability, Delivery capability, Financial/cost capability from the result, it is seen that Lemken India Agro Equipments Private Limited is got the first rank where as Nuziveedu Seeds Limited is having the lowest rank

Comparison of sheep and goat colostrum fatty acids contents

The quality and content of colostrum is a very important factor for the health of the offspring. Colostrum is the first food that ensures the growth and development of offspring and their immunity against diseases. Colostrum composition is affected by many factors such as calving season, number of lactations, length of dry period, maternal diseases, age and breed. The animal material of the research consisted of Awassi sheep and Saanen goats raised in Adana province, where Mediterranean conditions prevail, and these animals were kept in semi-intensive conditions. In the study, fatty acids of sheep and goat colostrums were determined by gas chromatography device. As a result of the analysis, 26 fatty acids were detected in Awasi sheep and 27 fatty acids in Saanen goats. Erucic acid was not detected in Awasi sheep colostrum. The colostrum fatty acids with the highest percentage in both breeds wre oleic acid (Awassi sheep: 36.32%, Saanen goat: 25.68%) and palmitic acid (Awassi sheep: 28.15%, Saanen goat: 29.20%) was determined as. ∑SFA rates were found to be higher in Saanen goat colostrum, and ∑MUFA and ∑PUFA rates were found to be higher in Awassi sheep.

Description of cattle production systems in different agro-ecological zones of Narok County, Kenya

Cattle farming is an integral part of the livelihoods of farmers in Narok County. However, very few studies have been conducted to describe livestock production in different agroecosystems in Kenya. The objective of this study was to determine cattle production systems and characteristics under different agro-ecosystems. The study was conducted through the administration of semi-structured questionnaires to 817 farmers in three sublocations from Narok south sub-county. The main livestock production systems were pure pastoral, communal grazing and zero-grazing where indigenous cattle were the predominant breed kept (86.8%) with a few farmers keeping crossbreeds or exotic breeds. However, sheep (75.1%) goats (79.4%), chicken (68.6%) and donkeys (32.9%) were also kept. The mean lactation period for cattle was 9.5 months with average inter-calving interval of 14.1 months. More households (45.1%) grazed cattle within their own pastureland compared to pure pastoralism (12.5%), communal grazing (8.0%), zero grazing (0.9%), or combination (33.5%). Approximately 37.1% of the respondents herded their cattle, 13.1% were on free grazing, 36.6% both free grazing and herding whereas 13.2% used paddocks. The mean land area under pasture was estimated at 53.9 acres. The main source of drinking water was within the grazing field (63.6%) with 36.4% having had to take livestock elsewhere. Most households (85.7%) practicing mixed farming could easily access veterinary services compared to 57.2% and 55.1% in agro-pastoral and pure pastoral system respectively (p&lt;0.0001). The main veterinary interventions were deworming, vaccination, and antibiotic administration. Most households (98.6%) had sprayed their livestock with 98.9% sourcing the products from agrovet outlets. More respondents (63.8%) in agro-pastoral compared to 61.5% and 49.7% from pastoral and mixed farming respectively were aware of East Coast Fever disease (p&lt;0.0001). Cattle were principally fed on natural pasture either produced from owned or leased lands with farmers getting unequal access to veterinary services.

Evaluation of humoral immune responses against C. perfringens epsilon toxin in Iranian sheep and goats after vaccination

Clostridium perfringens is a common cause of death in domestic animals worldwide. However, vaccination on a regular basis is an economically beneficial means for controlling clostridial contamination.The objective of the current investigation was to evaluate the humoral immune responses using iELISA in Iranian sheep and goats following the vaccination programs administered by the bacterin-toxoid polyvalent entrotoxemia vaccine. A total of one-hundred-and-twenty animals, consisting of sixty sheep and sixty goats, were randomly divided into three groups. These animals were vaccinated with clostridial vaccine on days 0 and 14 using two different dosages. Blood samples were collected on day zero, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, and 90 following vaccination. The sera samples were then separated and antibody titers were measured using an in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against C. perfringens epsilon toxin. The titers of antibodies in sheep were notably higher than those in goats, particularly after receiving the booster dose. No statistically significant variations were identified in the immune responses of Iranian sheep and goat breeds. (p>0.05). Overall, the duration of the humoral immune response in goats upon administration of the clostridial vaccine was relatively brief, requiring multiple booster injections.

Nutritional and Physiological Responses of Sudan Desert Sheep and Nubian Goats to Water Restriction

This study was conducted to compare the nutrient utilization,concentration of some rumen metabolites, blood urea nitrogen and somephysiological responses to water restriction in Sudan desert sheep andNubian goats. Three yearling uncastrated intact males from each species,averaging 18.37 kg (for sheep) and 13.21 kg (for goats), were randomlyallotted to four treatments in a completely randomized block design witha 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to determine the effects ofanimal species and water restriction. Both species were offered either adlibitum feed and water or water restricted to 50% of ad libitum level withad libitum feed. Animal species resulted in a significant (P&lt;0.01) increasein dry matter intake, water intake, faecal dry matter and respiration rateand a decrease (P&lt;0.01) in water intake: dry matter intake ratio in sheepcompared with goats. Sheep showed also higher (P&lt;0.05) urine volumevalue than goats. Rectal temperature was not affected by animal species.Dry matter intake, faecal dry matter and urine volume decreasedinsignificantly with water restriction. However, water intake and waterintake: dry matter intake ratio decreased significantly (P&lt;0.01) withtreatment. Rectal temperature and respiration rate values were almostsimilar at the two levels of water intake. Species x treatment interactionshowed a significant (P&lt;0.01) increase in water intake in sheep comparedwith goats given water ad libitum. Water intake, however, decreased inboth species as a result of water restriction. Animal species induced asignificant effect on the apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter,organic matter, crude protein, crude fibre, nitrogen free extract and totaldigestible nutrients. Ether extract digestibility did not differ betweenspecies. Goats had lower digestibility coefficients and total digestiblenutrients compared with sheep. Except for ether extract digestibility, the&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; 233Sulafa M. H. Hassouna and Asim A. A. Lutfidigestibility coefficients of nutrients as well as total digestible nutrientsincreased with water restriction. Sheep had the highest nitrogen balancevalue. Nitrogen balance showed similar trend whether it is expressed as apercentage of nitrogen intake or digested nitrogen. Species x treatmentinteractions were not found for digestibility and nitrogen balance data.Rumen pH and ammonia nitrogen were not affected significantly byspecies. Water restriction did not induce a significant effect on rumen pHand blood urea nitrogen. A significant species and treatment effect onblood urea nitrogen and ammonia nitrogen, respectively, was recorded.

Comparative characteristics of correlations between goat and sheep milk components

The study determines the reliability, direction and strength of the relationship between the main components of the milk of Lacon sheep (n=96) and Saanen goats (n=134). It was found that the nature and direction of the relationship between MFF and other components of milk in goats and sheep were similar. Between MFF and TTP, casein, the content of fatty acids, both saturated (SFA, LCFA, STsFA) and unsaturated (MUFA, PUFA, SCFA), an average and high positive relationship was revealed. At the same time, it was more pronounced in sheep milk (r = 0.41 ... 0.97) than in goat milk (r = 0.38 ... 0.84). For goat and sheep milk, a high positive (r = 0.95 and 0.99), i.e. functional, relationship between the content of casein and TTP was revealed. No relationship has been established between the number of somatic cells (CSC) and other components in sheep milk and goat milk. Also, there was no relationship between the differential number of somatic cells (DKSK) and other indicators, with the exception of the number of somatic cells and lactose content, as in the milk of sheep and goats. The study was carried out within the framework of the complex project “Scientific and technological frontiers” of the strategic academic leadership program “Priority 2030” on the topic “Biotechnological methods of reproduction and genomic technologies in the selection of farm animals and the conservation of the gene pool of small in number breeds”.

Dairy sheep and goats prefer the single components over the mixed ration.

Mixed rations provide ruminants with a balanced diet by aiming to prevent selective feeding. However, this is a natural behavior of sheep and goats based on their dietary needs and the nutritional properties of feedstuffs. Therefore, the present study investigates non-lactating dairy sheep's and goats' acceptance of a mixed ration when it is offered as choice next to its single components. Because all offered feeds were of comparable nutritional value, the animals were expected to not show a particular preference. Twelve pairs of sheep and goats each, were offered three different feeds simultaneously for 5 replicate days. Two feeds consisted of a single component, hay (H) or grass-silage (G) of similar nutritional value. The third feed was a mixed ration (M) including both single-feed components in a 50:50 dry matter (DM) ratio. Feeds were offered ad libitum twice daily. The animals' intake of each feed was recorded at six time points per day by weighing the leftovers. Feed preference was expressed as the natural logarithm of the ratio of the intake of the single component to the intake of M and analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. Additionally, the animals' first choices after gaining access to the feeds were recorded at each weighing event and analyzed using an item response tree generalized mixed-effects model. The sheep's average daily DM intake was 59 (±11)% G, 26 (±10)% H, and 15 (±10)% M (mean ± standard deviation). Goats consumed an average of 56 (±13)% G, 37 (±12)% H, and 7 (±6)% M daily. Both species preferred the single components to M in all observation periods. The proportions of the three feeds consumed differed throughout the day and between species. For both species, the estimated probability that an animal chooses a single component over M first was over 94% at all time points. These results show that, contrary to our expectations, non-lactating dairy sheep and goats prefer single components over a mixed ration of the same components and similar nutritional value. This might be caused by the animals seeking to diversify their feed throughout the day independent of apparent nutritional values and/or because sensory properties of the single components, indicating palatability, are relevantly reduced by mixing.

Analysis of vaccination strategy against cystic echinococcosis developed in the Province of Río Negro, Argentina: 12 years of work

SummaryCystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis caused by species of the complex Echinococcus granulosus, sensu lato in their larval stage. It is an endemic disease in the province of Río Negro, where small farmers generally have both sheep and goats. Lamb vaccination with EG95 was incorporated in 2009 with very good results: in fact, it contributed to a significant drop in prevalence of infection in both sheep and goats, when determined by necropsy and serology in 2018. In the design of the activity, it was decided not to vaccinate goats in order to minimize the operational requirements of vaccination and comments from producers about the rarity of observing hydatid cysts in goat viscera were considered. ObjectiveTo identify causes which can still generate infection in dogs, and to detect species/genotypes in circulation in the province of Río Negro. Materials and methodsIn indigenous reserves comprised within the area of lamb vaccination with 3 doses of EG95, (dose 1 in December, dose 2 in January and dose 3 in December of the year following, at the time of application of dose 1 to the new lambs). Prevalence in adult goats and sheep was determined by necropsy and serology (ELISA). Infective species/genotypes present in the work area and in the rest of the province of Río Negro were identified by Cox1 mitochondrial gene sequencing. Epidemiological analysis was completed with surveys among farmers about slaughter habits for human consumption. ResultsThrough serology and necropsy, infection rates in vaccinated and nonvaccinated sheep were significantly different (21% versus 66%). Non-vaccinated sheep and non-vaccinated goats were also significantly different in that there was less infection in goats compared to sheep (7% versus 66% for necropsy, 30% versus 61% for serology); After many years of sheep vaccination the infection positives were low, and differences between vaccinated sheep and non-vaccinated goats turned out non-significant (21% versus 7%). With reference to epidemiology and control along the period 2018–2022, PZQ dosing of dogs 4 times a year was maintained, and 2 extra deworming tasks were introduced together with dose 1 and 2 of EG95, performed by the veterinary vaccination team, ensuring the ingestion of PZQ by dogs. Assessment of animal slaughter for consumption in 41 producers showed that 21 of them slaughter a monthly average of 18 goats (an average of 0.43 goat per month per farm) and 36 in all slaughter 35 old sheep in a year (average of 0.85 sheep per month per farm). With respect to identification of species/genotypes as from 2010, genotypes G1 have been found in 11 sheep (out of which 6 belong to vaccination zone) and genotypes G7, in one pig. A goat cyst within vaccination zone turned out unfertile and it was not possible to sequence it. ConclusionDesign and implementation of a vaccine programme combined with the use of PZQ resulted as cost-effective, since it was possible to maintain the vaccine over time, with clear impact on prevalence decrease in sheep and goats.

Impacts of climate-smart crop varieties and livestock breeds on the food security of smallholder farmers in Kenya

This paper analyses the impact of climate-smart agriculture (CSA) technologies on household dietary diversity and food insufficiency as indicators of food and nutrition security in Kenya. Using a combination of Propensity Score Matching and endogenous treatment effect approaches, we found that adoption of stress-tolerant varieties of several crops (such as bean, pigeon pea, cowpea, maize and sorghum) improved household dietary diversity score by 40% and reduced food insufficiency by 75%. Adoption of improved and resilient livestock breeds (including Red Maasai sheep and Galla goats) improved household dietary diversity by 38% while reducing household food insufficiency by 90%. We also found that stress-tolerant crop varieties were more effective in improving food security outcomes among households with large landholdings and with more educated and younger to middle-age heads. Effects of resilient livestock breeds on household food security were much stronger for households with large landholdings and with young and/or much older heads that have low levels of education. Given the large, demonstrated benefits from the use of the CSA technologies, policies and programs aimed at their promotion should apply appropriate targeting to ensure wider uptake of the technologies and maximum returns on investment.

Assessment of the efficacy of the feed additive consisting of Saccharomyces cerevisaeCNCM I-1077 (Levucell®SC) for dairy cows, cattle for fattening, minor ruminant species and camelids (Lallemand SAS).

Following a request from the European Commission, EFSA was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the re‐evaluation of the authorisation of the feed additive containing Saccharomyces cerevisae CNCM I‐1077 (Levucell® SC) as a zootechnical additive for ruminants. The additive is already authorised for use in dairy sheep and dairy goats, lambs and horses, calves, all minor ruminant species (for rearing) other than lambs and camelids (for rearing) and dairy cows. The additive is intended for use in complete feed for dairy cows, minor ruminant species for milk production and all camelids at the minimum dose of 4 × 108 CFU/kg and for cattle for fattening and minor ruminant species for fattening at the minimum dose of 5 × 108 CFU/kg. In a previous opinion, the FEEDAP Panel concluded that the additive has a potential to improve the performance of cattle raised for fattening, minor ruminant species and camelids raised for meat production but could not conclude on the efficacy of Levucell® SC for dairy cows or extrapolate to minor dairy ruminant species or dairy camelids. The applicant has provided supplementary information to support efficacy of the additive in dairy cows. Based on the data provided, the FEEDAP Panel is not in the position to conclude on the efficacy of the additive for dairy cows or other dairy ruminants under the proposed conditions of use.

Thinning the thickets: Foraging of hardy cattle, sheep and goats in green alder shrubs

Abstract Green alder shrubs Alnus viridis increasingly overgrow European mountain pastures but hinder natural forest succession. This nitrogen‐fixing, autochthonous invasive species has numerous negative effects including the loss of biodiversity and landscape aesthetic, eutrophication of soils and downstream waters, and greenhouse gas emission. Over centuries, A. viridis encroachment was impeded by grazing livestock, particularly goats. However, in modern agriculture, livestock numbers decreased on remote mountain pastures and goat farming became unprofitable. A grazing experiment tested if hardy breeds of the more economically attractive livestock species, cattle and sheep can replace goats as A. viridis antagonists. On a subalpine pasture heavily encroached by A. viridis, space use and debarking (bark foraging) by Dexter cattle, Engadine sheep and Pfauen goats were analysed using GPS tracking and vegetation mapping. Dexter cattle used space least evenly (Camargo evenness: cattle = 0.39; sheep = 0.52; and goats = 0.47) and preferred flat slopes and open pastures. They spent least time foraging in A. viridis stands (relative presence while foraging: cattle = 0.55; sheep = 0.76; and goats = 0.80). Dexter cattle did not debark any A. viridis, but damaged shrubs by trampling. Engadine sheep visited A. viridis stands nearly as often as goats, but preferred flat slopes, short vegetation and shrub edges more clearly than goats. This sheep breed debarked significantly more A. viridis branches (average 244 branches per paddock; 7.4% of all A. viridis branches) than goats (45; 0.8%). Goats preferred mountain‐ash shrubs Sorbus aucuparia covering only 2% of the shrub layer. Synthesis and applications. Green alder shrubs, controlled by goats traditionally, overgrow valuable mountain pasture ecosystems today. Cattle, kept instead of goats, may slow down but not hinder shrub encroachment, because they avoid shrub stands and do not debark green alder. However, this study is the first to show that Engadine sheep are even better suited for green alder clearance than goats. Moreover, if management goals include forest re‐establishment, Engadine sheep outperform goats, because they debark green alder (which hinders forest regeneration), but do not destroy elderberry—a valuable forest pioneer. Hardy breeds are an important tool to maintain biodiverse, open pastures, restore natural mountain forests and mitigate the negative environmental effects of shrub encroachment.