Iranian Sheep Research Articles

Erratum to: Associations of POU1F1 gene polymorphisms and protein structure changes with growth traits and blood metabolites in two Iranian sheep breeds

Erratum to: Associations of POU1F1 gene polymorphisms and protein structure changes with growth traits and blood metabolites in two Iranian sheep breeds

Innocuousness of conjunctival vaccination with Brucella melitensis strain Rev.1 in pregnant Iranian fat-tailed ewes

<em>Brucella</em> <em>melitensis</em> strain Rev.1 is the most effective vaccine against brucellosis in sheep and goats. In Iran, mass vaccination is carried out all over the country in which adult animals are immunized by subcutaneous injection of reduced doses of the vaccine. However, due to antibody responses elicited by vaccination, concomitant implementation of test-andslaughter is impossible. To overcome the problem, vaccination through conjunctival route is recommended. In this study, serological responses of six pregnant Iranian fat-tailed ewes to conjunctival vaccination with standard doses of the vaccine were evaluated using modified Rose Bengal test, serum agglutination test and indirect ELISA. Besides, vaccine strain excretion in milk and vaginal discharges was also examined by microbiological culture of milk and vaginal swab samples taken one day post-parturition. Animals were vaccinated during the second half of gestation. As the results, antibody titers of five (83.3%) ewes decreased to the levels not detectable by the tests within three months after vaccination. No vaccine-induced abortions occurred and vaccinated ewes delivered healthy lambs 50.33±15.56 (mean ± standard deviation) days post-vaccination. Vaccine strain was not isolated from milk and vaginal swab samples. Generally, our study shows full doses of <em>B. melitensis</em> strain Rev.1 can be used conjunctively to vaccinate pregnant Iranian sheep during late pregnancy without abortifacient effects, prolonged antibody responses and vaccine strain excretion in milk and vaginal discharges. Nevertheless, further studies are required to determine safety and immunogenicity of the vaccine in field conditions.

Isotopic composition of sheep wool records seasonality of climate and diet.

Hair keratin is a very important material in ecological and archaeological studies because it grows continuously, can be obtained non-invasively, does not require extensive processing prior to analysis and can be found in archaeological sites. Only a few studies have examined seasonal variations in hair isotope values, and there is no published dataset examining the isotope variability recorded in the keratinous tissues of stationary (i.e., non-migrating) domestic mammals. Thirty-six Irish sheep were sampled in eight farms every three months between September 2006 and June 2007. A shearing strategy was adopted to sample only the most recently grown wool in order to represent an average of the summer, autumn, winter and spring conditions. The stable isotope ratios of the ground samples were measured using two different stable isotope mass spectrometers operated in dual-inlet (C, N) and continuous-flow (O, H) mode. Wool O isotope ratios are a good proxy for seasonal variability in climate and can be used to anchor a chronology independently of other isotope records (C, N) that are influenced by diet or physiology. By contrast, interpretation of seasonal variations in hair H isotope composition in terms of climate is more complex probably due to the influence of dietary H. The C and N isotope values of grass-fed animals varied seasonally, probably reflecting the annual cycle of seasonal variation in grass isotope values. The highest δ(13) C values were measured in summer-grown wool, while the highest δ(15) N values were measured in winter-grown wool. Supplementation of the sheep diet with concentrates was detected easily and was marked by an increase in δ(13) C values and a decrease in δ(15) N values in winter-grown wool. The present study demonstrates that time-resolved sampling and stable isotope ratio analysis of sheep wool can be used to identify short-term changes in diet and climate and therefore offer a tool to examine a wide variety of present and past husbandry practices.

Erratum to: Associations of POU1F1 gene polymorphisms and protein structure changes with growth traits and blood metabolites in two Iranian sheep breeds

Erratum to: Associations of POU1F1 gene polymorphisms and protein structure changes with growth traits and blood metabolites in two Iranian sheep breeds

Determination of the presence of Babesia species in blood samples of cattle, camel and sheep in Iran by PCR

Babesia species are protozoan parasites that parasitize the erythrocytes of domestic animals and humans, causing anemia in the host. The parasites cause a zoonotic disease known as babesiosis. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has proven to be very sensitive for detecting Babesia in blood samples of affected animals, particular in ruminants. The purpose of the current study was to determine the presence of Babesia spp. in blood samples obtained from 2 cattle, camel and sheep in Iran. In addition, the study aimed at establishing a rapid, reliable, specific and sensitive molecular tool, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), for the detection of Babesia spp. in ruminants. Blood samples were collected from 372 ruminants (155 cattle, 95 sheep and 122 camel) kept at the Livestock Experimental Station. The animals came from randomly selected herds located in the important livestock-production regions of Iran of Isfahan and Chaharmahal va Bakhtiary during December 2012 to March 2013. PCR was used to detect Babesia spp. in the blood samples whereby an amplified band size of 428 bp was considered positive for Babesia spp. The results show that 7.10% (n= 155), 6.56% (n= 122) and 0.00% (n= 95) of the blood samples from cattle, camel and sheep, respectively, were positive for Babesia spp.. The findings from this study revealed that there were Babesia spp. in blood taken from cattle and camel. To our knowledge, this is the first report to show the presence of Babesia spp. in blood samples of Iranian ruminants in Chaharmahal Va Bakhtiari and Isfahan provinces by PCR. These findings justify the importance of control of and eradication plans for Babesia spp. infection in cattle and camel in Iran. As diagnosis of low-level infections by the parasite is important for epidemiological studies, our findings support the power of PCR test for Babesia spp. detection in blood samples and could be easily used for routine diagnosis.

The relationship of GH and LEP gene polymorphisms with fat-tail measurements (fat-tail dimensions) in fat-tailed Makooei breed of Iranian sheep.

Background:The present study was designed to investigate the association of GH and LEP genes’ single-nucleotide polymorphisms with fat-tail measurements (fat-tail dimensions) in Makooei sheep.Materials and Methods:DNA was extracted from whole blood samples collected from 100 sheep. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products were subjected to single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) denaturation and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Data were collected at the Makooei Sheep Breeding Station in Makoo (36°, 35′S and 48°, 22′E) of West Azerbaijan province. Climatically, this location has temperate summers and cold winters and receives a mean annual rainfall of about 400 mm. Ewes are raised in an annual breeding cycle starting in September. In general, the flock is managed under a semi-migratory system.Results:In the tested Makooei sheep population, significant statistical results were found in all traits of fat-tail measurements for GH and LEP genes. Individuals with the G4, L4 genotype of GH and LEP genes had lower tail length (rump length), fat thickness (the thick rump), and tail width (rump width) when compared to those of individuals with other genotypes (P < 0.05). In addition, the results demonstrated that individuals with the G5, L5 genotype of GH and LEP genes had superiority of tail length (rump length) and fat thickness (the thick rump) compared to those individuals with other genotypes (P < 0.05). Individuals with the G2, L2 genotype of GH and LEP genes had superiority of tail width (rump width) compared individuals with other genotypes (P < 0.05).Conclusion:These results confirmed potential usefulness of GH and LEP genes in marker-assisted selection programs of sheep breeding.

Population genetic structure analysis and effect of inbreeding on body weights at different ages in Iranian Mehraban sheep.

The objective of this study was to describe the population structure and inbreeding, and to quantify their effects on weights at different ages of Mehraban sheep in Iran. The analysis was based on the pedigree information of 26990 animals and 10278 body weight records from birth to yearling age. Data and pedigree information were collected during 1994 to 2011 by the breeding station of Mehraban sheep. The population structure was analyzed using the CFC program. Inbreeding of all animals was calculated by INBUPGF90 program. All animals were grouped into three classes according to their inbreeding coefficients: the first class included non-inbred animals (F=0); and the second and third classes included inbred animals (0<F<0.05 and F≥0.05, respectively). The average inbreeding in Mehraban sheep was 1.69%. Founder equivalent (fe) values were estimated to be 4244, 3116 and 2965 during 1994-1999, 2000-2005 and 2006-2011, respectively. The effective population sizes (Ne) were 363, 5080 and 5740 during 1994-1999, 2000-2005 and 2006-2011, respectively. Generation interval was 2.15 years for this breed of sheep. Regression coefficients of birth weight, 3-month weight, 6-month weight and yearling weight on lamb inbreeding were estimated to be -6.34±0.69, -14.68±5.33, 48.00±9.43 and 98.65±15.65, respectively. Both positive and negative inbreeding effects were found in the current study. The utilization of a program for designed mating system, in the present flock, could be a suitable approach to keep the level of inbreeding under control.

Experimental gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in the sheep

Abstract The aim of the study was to investigate the nephrotoxic effects of gentamicin in adult male sheep, and to identify the earliest signs of toxicity and the extent of clinical and biochemical changes. Twenty clinically healthy yearling male Iranian fattailed sheep were injected with gentamicin sulfate at a daily dose of 80 mg/kg for 9-10 d when nephrotoxicosis was induced. Blood samples were collected weekly before and after induction of nephrotoxicosis. Gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity was characterised by increased creatinine and urea levels in serum, electrolyte imbalances, occurrence of albuminuria, and renal dysfunction. Significant elevation in respiratory and heart rates were observed one week after treatment (P &lt; 0.05). There was a noticeable increase in water consumption, lethargy, and loss of appetite in treated sheep. There were significant correlations between serum creatinine and potassium (P = 0.004, r = 0.759), sodium (P = 0.017, r = 0.501), and urea (P = 0.021, r = 0.617) levels. Additionally, significant negative correlations between serum total protein and albumin and creatinine (P = 0.023, r = -0.484) and urea (P = 0.036, r = -0.381) were found. At necropsy, the kidneys were pale, swollen, and wet on the cut surface, especially perirenal tissues and ureters were oedematous. These findings confirmed the previous reports in other species.

Associations of POU1F1 gene polymorphisms and protein structure changes with growth traits and blood metabolites in two Iranian sheep breeds.

Journal of Genetics Online Resources January – March 2015 Qu X., Cui Y., Yu T., Hu T., Wang C., Lv X. and Ma Y. 2015 Detection of αS2-casein variants in Chinese yak (Bos grunniens) by PCR-SSCP. J. Genet. 94, e1–e4. Online only: http://www.ias.ac.in/jgenet/OnlineResources/94/e1.pdf Zhang L., Lu S., Sun D. and Peng J. 2015 Genetic variation and geographical differentiation revealed using ISSR markers in tung tree, Vernicia fordii. J. Genet. 94, e5–e9. Online only: http://www.ias.ac.in/jgenet/OnlineResources/94/e5.pdf Yu D.-H., Qu N.-N. and Huang G.-J. 2015 Isolation and screening of microsatellite markers from the pearl oyster, Pinctada fucata using FIASCO method. J. Genet. 94, e10–e12. Online only: http://www.ias.ac.in/jgenet/OnlineResources/94/e10.pdf Barat A., Sahoo P. K., Kumar R., Mir J. I., Ali S., Patiyal R. S. and Singh A. K. 2015 Molecular characterization of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum, 1792) stocks in India. J. Genet. 94, e13–e18. Online only: http://www.ias.ac.in/jgenet/OnlineResources/94/e13.pdf Behere G. T., Firake D. M., Burange P. S., Firake P. D., Azad Thakur N. S. and Ngachan S. V. 2015 Utility of ITS1 as a molecular tool for reliable identification ofHenosepilachna pusillanima andH. septima (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). J. Genet. 94, e19–e23. Online only: http://www.ias.ac.in/jgenet/OnlineResources/94/e19.pdf

High level of treatment failure with commonly used anthelmintics on Irish sheep farms.

BackgroundIn 2013 a Technology Adoption Program for sheep farmers was established to encourage the implementation of best management practices on sheep farms in Ireland. There were 4,500 participants in this programme in 2013. As part of this programme, farmers had the option to carry out a drench test to establish the efficacy of their anthelmintic treatment.ResultsFlock faecal samples were collected before and after treatment administration and gastrointestinal nematode eggs enumerated. In total there were 1,893 participants in the task, however only 1,585 included both a pre- and post-treatment faecal sample. Of those, 1,308 provided information on the anthelmintic product that they used with 46%, 23% and 28% using a benzimidazole (BZ), levamisole (LEV) and macrocyclic lactone (ML) product respectively. The remaining farmers used a product inapplicable for inclusion in the task such as a flukicide or BZ/LEV combination product. Samples were included for analysis of drench efficacy if the pre-treatment flock egg count was ≥200 eggs per gram and the interval post-sampling was 10–14 days for BZ products, 4–7 days for LEV products and 14–18 days for ML products. These criteria reduced the number of valid tests to 369, 19.5% of all tests conducted. If the reduction post-treatment was ≥95% the treatment was considered effective. Only 51% of treatments were considered effective using this criterion. There was a significant difference in efficacy between the anthelmintic drug classes with BZ effective in only 30% of treatments, LEV effective in 52% of cases and ML effective in 76% of cases.ConclusionsGastrointestinal nematode anthelmintic treatments, as practiced on Irish farms, have a high failure rate. There was a significant difference between the efficacies of the anthelmintic classes with BZ the least effective and ML the most effective.

Evaluation of antioxidant status, oxidative stress and serum trace mineral levels associated with Babesia ovis parasitemia in sheep

Ovine babesiosis is a fatal disease characterized by severe progressive hemolytic anemia. In order to clarify the causal mechanisms implicated in anemia, this study was aimed to assess the antioxidant status and erythrocyte oxidative stress in sheep suffering from ovine babesiosis. Babesia infection was confirmed both with Giemsa's staining blood smears and semi-nested PCR amplified region of 18S rRNA gene. Thirty-eight Iranian sheep, naturally infected with Babesia spp., were considered as the infected group and divided into four subgroups according to parasitemia rates (<1%, 1–2%, 2–3% and >3%), and the same number non-infected animals were selected as the control group. Blood samples were taken and hematological parameters, activities of antioxidant enzymes including erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), median corpuscular fragility (MCF), and serum concentrations of some trace minerals (copper, iron, zinc, manganese, and selenium) were measured. In addition, as an index of lipid peroxidation, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was measured. The results revealed a significant decrease (P<0.01) in RBC count, packed cell volume (PCV) and Hb concentration as well as the activities of erythrocyte GSH-Px, SOD, CAT, G6PD, TAC, MCF and serum concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn and Se in the infected sheep. In contrast, significantly increased (P<0.01) levels of MDA and erythrocyte osmotic fragility as well as serum concentration of iron were recorded in the infected animals. Overall, the observed remarkable decrease in the antioxidant enzyme activities, median corpuscular fragility and substantial elevated levels of lipid peroxidation associated with the notable increase in parasitemia indicate high exposure of RBCs to oxidative damage in Babesia infected sheep. These results indicate that the disturbed antioxidant defense mechanisms in ovine babesiosis can promote the development of anemia.

Serum concentration of sialic acids in naturally occurring ovine babesiosis.

This study is designated to assess the effect of the severity of Babesia ovis infection on sialic acid concentration in blood sera in naturally infected sheep. Infected animals (diseased group) comprised 38 Iranian fat-tailed sheep, about 1-3 years old, naturally infected with B. ovis, divided into four subgroups with respect to parasitemia rates (low 0.1-0.3 %, moderate 0.4-0.9 %, high 1-2.5 %, and very high >2.5 %). The parasitological diagnosis was confirmed using PCR analysis. As a control group, ten clinically healthy sheep reared under the same management and environmental conditions were also sampled. Hematological parameters and the concentrations of total sialic acid (TSA), lipid-bound sialic acid (LBSA), and protein-bound sialic acid (PBSA) were measured in both groups. Compared to controls, sialic acid concentrations showed significant increase (p < 0.05) in infected sheep. Parasitemia rate was positively correlated with sialic acid concentrations. This study demonstrated that B. ovis infection induced marked and persistent elevations of serum sialic acid concentrations. It seems that increase of serum sialic acid concentrations during parasitemia alter receptor-ligand interactions, which are known to play important role in immune response. Furthermore, sialic acid would indirectly inhibit the action of leukocytes and consequently promote the evasion of the immune response and persistence of the parasite in the host. This factor could influence the parasite-host cell adhesion, but further detailed biochemical investigations are needed to precisely explain the exact role of sialic acid in invasion process of the parasite to the host cells.

Association of pituitary specific transcription factor-1 (POU1F1) gene polymorphism with growth and biometric traits and blood metabolites in Iranian Zel and Lori-Bakhtiari sheep.

The pituitary-specific positive transcription factor 1 (POU1F1) gene has been the subject of many recent studies because of its important roles in growth and development of mammals. In this study, we investigated the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the third exon of POU1F1 gene and its association with growth and biometric traits and blood metabolites in two Iranian sheep breeds, Zel and Lori-Bakhtiari. Blood samples from 90 Lori-Bakhtiari and 90 Zel sheep were collected to extract DNA and the 295-bp fragment of the POU1F1 gene was amplified and the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique was adopted for genotyping. A SNP was identified in both Lori-Bakhtiari and Zel sheep breeds, which represents a non-synonymous single base mutation at restriction site for endonuclease AciI. The results revealed differential frequencies of alleles between the two studied breeds, where A allele was more frequent in Lori-Bakhtiari breed, while G allele was more frequent in Zel breed. When POU1F1 genotypes were tested, the animals with AA genotype had a higher weaning weight than those with GG genotype (p < 0.05), however there were not significant association between genotypes and birth weight, biometric traits (body length, body height, heart girth, thigh girth and abdominal girth) and blood metabolites (triglyceride and cholesterol) of the studied breeds (p > 0.05). These findings imply that the POU1F1 polymorphism may affect weaning weight, thus can be used as a molecular marker for this production trait.

Malignant ovine theileriosis: serum concentrations of some inflammatory components and adenosine deaminase activity

Theileria lestoquardi (hirci) is a tick-transmitted protozoan parasite that causes a malignant disease in sheep. The parasite invades ovine leukocytes and stimulates a variety of immune responses in the host. In order to evaluate serum adenosine deaminase activity and the status of some inflam- matory mediators, 34 fat-tailed Iranian sheep naturally infect- ed with T. lestoquardi were selected and divided into three subgroups according to their parasitemia rates ( 4 %). Fifteen non-infected sheep were sampled as controls. Blood samples were taken from jugular vein into EDTA- containing tubes for measuring haematological parameters and without anticoagulant for serum concentrations of inflam- matory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ and TNF-α) and aden- osine deaminase (ADA) activity. Remarkable decreases were seen in haematological parameters including red blood cells (RBCs), packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin in in- fected sheep. In contrast, serum levels of the measured cyto- kines and also ADA activity were significantly increased in infected animals. However, with increase in the parasitemia rate, no significant increase or decrease was observed in the levels of cytokines and ADA activity. The results showed that the infection with T. lestoquardi promotes significant changes in major inflammatory components in infected sheep. These remarkable alterations could be triggered from earlier stage of infection.

Genital myiasis of a sheep by Wohlfahrtia magnifica, in Ghamsar, Kashan, Iran

Obligatory myiasis is invasion of vertebrate live tissue by fly larvae. This is a case report of genital myiasis caused by Wohlfahrtia magnifica in a sheep from Ghazaan village, near Ghamsar, in south of Kashan town, Iran. A sheep separated from its flock during grazing because of anorexia. Physical exam revealed genital myiasis in animal. Larvaes of fly had caused a deep wound in genital organ of this sheep. All the larvaes were removed from wound and transported to Entomology laboratory of Environmental Health Group, Kashan Medical Sciences University. Laboratory tests determined that larvaes belongs to Wohlfahrtia magnifica species. This is the first report of genital myiasis of sheep in Iran. After removing larvaes, the wound was washed with Betadine a few times, and topical antibiotics were administrated. The wound improved after a few days. The collected larvaes were cultivated in a culture medi-um with fresh meat, reached their maturity, and transformed to pupa. Pupa amounted in laboratory temperature after 5 days. Adult fly was mounted on a stereomicroscope and diagnosed as Wohlfahrtia magnifica. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.15451 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.332-335

Prevalence of Cryptosporidium Infection in Sheep in Iran

Cryptosporidium is an important zoonotic parasite in humans and animals worldwide. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection in Iran. Fecal samples (n=1.749) were collected randomly in asymptomatic sheep from different rural regions of Iran in 2011 to 2012. All samples were examined by using the cold modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique. Oocysts of Cryptosporidium was found in 11.3% (198/1749) of samples (9.8 < CI 95% < 12.8). There was a statistical differences among Cryptosporidium infection, age groups (p < 0.0001), and gender (p=0.02). This study is the first report of Cryptosporidium infection in sheep in different regions of Iran. Therefore, further comprehensive molecular studies in sheep to identify the source of contaminations (animals or humans) and designing control strategies is highly recommended.

Population structure and inbreeding effects on body weight traits of Guilan sheep in Iran

The objective of the present study was to describe the population structure and inbreeding to quantify their effects on body weights at different ages in Guilan sheep. The analysis was based on the pedigree information of 28,944 animals. Traits included were birth weight (BW, n=14,549), 3-month weight (3MW, n=13,109) and 6-month weight (6MW, n=10,141). Data and pedigree information used in this study were collected during 1994–2011 by the Agriculture Organization of Guilan Province in Iran. All the animals were grouped into three classes according to the inbreeding coefficients obtained by their pedigree: the first class included non-inbred animals (F=0%); and the second and third classes included inbred animals (0<F≤5% and F>5%, respectively). The inbreeding depression was expressed as a partial linear regression coefficient estimated via a single trait animal model including fixed and random effects. The results of this study showed that the inbreeding coefficient of this population was very low (0.15%). The average relatedness was 0.000144572 and the generation interval was 2.385 years. The regression coefficients of BW, 3MW and 6MW on lamb inbreeding for a change of 1% in inbreeding were estimated to be −5.499±0.66 (P<0.0001), −28.406±4.831 (P<0.0001) and 20.078±5.968 (P<0.01), respectively. The utilization of a program for designed mating system, in the present flock, could be a suitable approach to keep the level of inbreeding under control.

Detecting novel SNPs and breed-specific haplotypes at calpastatin gene in Iranian fat- and thin-tailed sheep breeds and their effects on protein structure

Calpastatin has been introduced as a potential candidate gene for growth and meat quality traits. In this study, genetic variability was investigated in the exon 6 and its intron boundaries of ovine CAST gene by PCR-SSCP analysis and DNA sequencing. Also a protein sequence and structural analysis were performed to predict the possible impact of amino acid substitutions on physicochemical properties and structure of the CAST protein. A total of 487 animals belonging to four ancient Iranian sheep breeds with different fat metabolisms, Lori-Bakhtiari and Chall (fat-tailed), Zel-Atabay cross-bred (medium fat-tailed) and Zel (thin-tailed), were analyzed. Eight unique SSCP patterns, representing eight different sequences or haplotypes, CAST-1, CAST-2 and CAST-6 to CAST-11, were identified. Haplotypes CAST-1 and CAST-2 were most common with frequency of 0.365 and 0.295. The novel haplotype CAST-8 had considerable frequency in Iranian sheep breeds (0.129). All the consensus sequences showed 98–99%, 94–98%, 92–93% and 82–83% similarity to the published ovine, caprine, bovine and porcine CAST locus sequences, respectively. Sequence analysis revealed four SNPs in intron 5 (C24T, G62A, G65T and T69-) and three SNPs in exon 6 (c.197A>T, c.282G>T and c.296C>G). All three SNPs in exon 6 were missense mutations which would result in p.Gln 66 Leu, p.Glu 94 Asp and p.Pro 99 Arg substitutions, respectively, in CAST protein. All three amino acid substitutions affected the physicochemical properties of ovine CAST protein including hydrophobicity, amphiphilicity and net charge and subsequently might influence its structure and effect on the activity of Ca2+ channels; hence, they might regulate calpain activity and afterwards meat tenderness and growth rate. The Lori-Bakhtiari population showed the highest heterozygosity in the ovine CAST locus (0.802). Frequency difference of haplotypes CAST-10 and CAST-8 between Lori-Bakhtiari (fat-tailed) and Zel (thin-tailed) breeds was highly significant (P<0.001), indicating that these two haplotypes might be breed-specific haplotypes that distinguish between fat-tailed and thin-tailed sheep breeds.

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis Varlığının Dondurulmuş Boğa Semen Örneklerinde ve Sığır, Koyun ve Deve Kan Örneklerinde Nested-PCR İle Taranması

Summary Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is an obligate, Gram positive, acid-fast bacterium in the genus Mycobacterium. It is the causative agent of Johne’s disease in some animals and perhaps the human disease Crohn’s disease. The aim of this study was to use nested- PCR as an exact and fast technique to trace MAP in cattle, camel and sheep from each samples. Blood samples were collected from 144 cattle, 110 sheep and 95 camels and 83 frozen semen samples were obtained from bulls were obtained and DNA was extracted. At that time, nested-PCR was performed by specific primers for IS900 gene of MAP. The PCR products with 230 bp length were estimated as a positive. The occurrence of MAP detected in 8 of the 83 (9.638%) frozen semen samples of bull’s that used for artificial insemination, and was detected in 11 of the 144 (7.638%), 7 of the 95 (7.368%) and 16 of the 110 (14.545%) blood samples of cattle, camel and sheep in Iran, respectively. The results of this study were displayed nested-PCR is a good technique with high efficiency for detection of intracellular bacteria such as MAP in cattle, camel and sheep samples. Consequently, more attention to Johne’s disease in cattle, camel and sheep to find MAP quickly is essential.

Relationship of TNF-α Gene Polymorphism with fat-tail Measurements (fat-tail dimensions (and wool weights in fat-tail Makooei breed of Iranian sheep

The assay of applicant genes, based on physiological results, is a notable tool to detect genes to be effected in marker-assisted choice methods. The current assay was planned to determine relation TNF-α gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) and with fat-tail Measurements (fat-tail dimensions) and wool weights in makooei sheep. DNA was extracted from whole blood samples collected from 100 sheep. PCR products were subjected to SSCP denaturation and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. In the measured makooei sheep populace, definitive calculational outcomes were determined in Fat thickness as well as wool weight in one year characteristics. Estimate of associations genotypes with fat-tail calculations also wool weights were appeared with 100 samples Individuals with the T1 and T3 genotype of TNF-α gene Individuals with the T1and T3 genotype of TNF-α gene had dominance Fat thickness (The thick rump) and wool1 when contrasted to those of individuals with difference genotypes respectively (P <0.05). These consequences displayed that TNF-α gene could be a genetic position, or bound to a major gene that definitively influences growth as well as the fore-mentioned eco- nomic characteristics in sheep.