Sheep Breeds Research Articles

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

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

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

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

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

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

Treatment ineffectiveness towards Haemonchus contortus is highly prevalent in sheep and goat farms of North-Eastern Italy

BackgroundAnthelmintic resistance (AR) is a global threat to grazing livestock farming. In Italy, anthelmintic efficacy remains high compared to other European countries, but many parts of the country haven’t been investigated yet. Local veterinary practitioners from Trentino and Veneto regions reported suspected inefficacy towards anthelmintic drugs in some of their farms, prompting a study on AR in sheep and goat farms of northern Italy. The study aimed to assess anthelmintic effectiveness using genus-specific faecal egg count reduction tests (FECRT), to detect differences in treatment response among nematode genera involved in the infection.ResultsTwelve farms (6 sheep and 6 goat farms) were included based on clinical suspicion of AR. Treatments were carried out with either benzimidazoles (BZ) or macrocyclic lactones (ML) Treatment was effective in 3/6 goat trials, with reduced effectiveness to BZ in two farms and to ML the last one. In sheep farms (6/6), effectiveness was consistently and more severely insufficient. Ineffectiveness was particularly high towards Haemonchus contortus, while Oesophagostomum/Chabertia maintained susceptibility in nearly all trials. Trichostrongylus/Teladorsagia exhibited intermediate results.ConclusionsThis study reveals diminished efficacy of both BZ and ML in small ruminant farms in north-eastern Italy, an area previously lacking data on the topic, except for goats in South Tyrol. Variability in treatment responses among nematode genera support suspicions of AR, and further concerns are raised by the prevalence of treatment ineffectiveness against the highly pathogenic Haemonchus contortus. This finding underscores the urgent need for comprehensive AR monitoring in the area and improved management practices to prevent further resistance development and protect livestock health.

Genetics of Some Wool Traits in Sheep: A Review

Greasy fleece yield, staple length and fibre diameter are complex quantitative traits influenced by various genetic and environmental factors. Among non-genetic factors year of birth, gender of lamb, centre of rearing, parity and type of birth are known to influence wool traits in different sheep genetic resources. To develop effective breeding objectives and accurately evaluate genetic potential, more precise analysis of genetic parameters and correlations between growth traits is essential. However, inconsistent results were observed across breeds and studies, highlighting the need for breed-specific optimization strategies. Greasy fleece yield, fibre diameter and staple length are critical determinants of wool quality and quantity. Wool traits are moderately (20–50%) to highly heritable (≥50%), so improving quality and quantity of a wool clip can happen even after one generation. The significant variations observed among breeds underscore the need for breed-specific optimization strategies. By integrating genetic and environmental factors, sheep breeders and producers can develop effective breeding programs, improve wool production, and enhance profitability. Wool traits are moderately to highly heritable, however, very low and very high estimates have also been reported in different sheep genetic resources. The heritability estimates correspond to the genetic variation in a trait. Gene mapping has identified chromosomal regions influencing fibre quality and production, enabling more efficient selection of superior wool production. Recent studies have employed various techniques to investigate the impact of fibre-related genes, including the candidate gene approach, transcriptome analysis and genome-wide association studies. It is concluded that wool traits being quantitative in nature are governed by different genes and are influenced by genetic and different environmental factors.

Modelling the impact of increasing supplementary feed allowance on predicted sheep enterprise production, profit and financial risk across southern Australia

Context Supplementary feeding may alter sheep enterprise production and profit margin, but use may vary across regions, sheep breeds and mating seasons. Supplementary feeding is a means of ensuring adequate nutrition but increases operating costs. Modelling has previously indicated the most profitable sheep enterprises optimise stocking rate and target lamb production, whereas those that minimise supplementary feeding incur the least financial risk. Aims To explore the impact of increasing supplementary feed allowance on production, profit and financial risk. Methods Seventy-two sheep farm enterprises were simulated across eight southern Australian locations, including three breeds and three mating seasons. For each enterprise a low grain allowance (LGA) of 30 kg/head.year (threshold used in previous modelling) was compared to a high grain allowance (HGA) of 35 kg/head.year and 42 kg/head.year for Merino and non-Merino ewes (current industry recommendations), respectively. The financial risk of each enterprise was determined via Conditional Value at Risk of gross margins over 30 years, exploring downside risk in the worst 20% of scenarios. Key results A HGA increased production and profit in 32% of farm enterprises, but financial risk was often increased. Merino enterprises were generally the most profitable, least risky and consumed the greatest amount of supplementary feed, followed by Composite and then Maternal enterprises. Summer and autumn mating was often most profitable, but high supplement consumption in autumn-mated enterprises increased financial risk. Conclusions Increasing supplementary feeding may improve production and profit but may also increase financial risk using the parameters examined. Implications Producers may be able to improve the production, profit and financial risk of an enterprise through increased supplementary feeding, but this will be dependent on breed, input costs, commodity prices and location.

Emergence of highly virulent and multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli in breeding sheep with pneumonia, Hainan Province, China

BackgroundSheep are a rarely raised livestock in Hainan Island, China, because of the unfavorable tropical marine climate. Here, this article reports a severe pneumonia in the sheep breeding and domestication facility caused acute mortality during the winter 2021–2022.MethodsSix sheep were clinically dissected and histopathologically observed. The bacteria were isolated and cultured by traditional methods and identified by 16S rRNA sequencing. The genotypes, serotypes, virulence genes and antimicrobial resistance genes were analyzed by PCR and whole genome sequencing. The pubMLST website was used for phylogenetic analysis of related strains. Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method was used for antimicrobial susceptibility test. The antimicrobial susceptibility test standard was referred to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The virulence of bacteria was detected by mouse infection model.ResultsEtiology and histopathology examination of the pneumonia reveled pulmonary abscess and alveolar neutrophilia and pulmonary fibrinous exudates. Escherichia coli was the only bacterial species isolated, primarily from the lungs and blood of the six dead or moribund sheep, a total of 29 E. coli strains were isolated. Antimicrobial resistance profiling shows that all the isolates were resistant to six agents (penicillin, ampicillin, cephalothin, neomycin, erythromycin, and vancomycin) belonging to five classes of antibiotics, classifying them as multi drug resistant (MDR). Furthermore, genotyping analysis revealed all strains were common with 11–17 virulence factors indicating high pathogenicity. The lab mice infection model shows that all strains severely affect the health status particularly weight loss, lethargy, pneumonia and shortly lead to death. The molecular epidemiological analysis indicated most strains share the same genotype as previously reported strains in humans and other farmed animals this suggests a high possibility of cross-species transmission (CST) of virulent and MDR isolates. This CST could be from sheep to humans and other farmed animals or from humans and other farmed animals to sheep.ConclusionTherefore, this study indicates that E. coli is an emerging threat that causes sheep pneumonia in Hainan, and the quarantine of contacts is important to control the spread of virulent E. coli and the transmission of acquired resistance genes between humans and farmed animals such as sheep.

Selection and genetic parameters of productivity of sheep (<i>ovis aries</i>) of the Trans-Baikal breed of the Khangil type

The study was conducted to investigate the selection and genetic parameters of productivity of fine-wool sheep of the Trans-Baikal breed of the Khangil typein order to increase the efficiency of the selection process. The relationships between the selected traits (live weight, wool yield) and the exterior and constitutional features were determined using the method of correlation and regression analysis. Of the assessed parameters, the greatest variability was observed for body weight (11.9…19.4 %), wool yield (9.9…11.1 %) and latitudinal linear measurements (8.2…12.4 %). According to the constitution indices, rams differed from ewes by greater leg length, better chest development, stronger skeleton, while ewes were characterized by a more stretched, compact and massive body with a better developed back part. Live weight and wool yield of rams were more closely associated with linear measurements than those of ewes. Live weight of both males and females correlated more strongly with chest girth (respectively +0.916, p 0.001 and +0.740, p 0.001), wool yield – with chest depth in rams (+0.737, p 0.001) and hip width in ewes (+0.469, p 0.001). In Trans-Baikal breed of the Khangil type rams, with an increase in the hip width measurement by 1 cm, it is possible to predict an increase in live weight by 5.50 kg (r = 0.839; p 0.001), in ewes with an increase in chest girth by 1 cm – by 1.04 kg (r = 0.740; p 0.001). The analysis of paired regression equations shows that the live weight of Trans-Baikal breed of the Khangil type ewes is largely determined by the linear measurement of the chest girth: in rams – 83.9 %, in ewes – 54.7 %, the influence of other factors accounts for 16.1 and 45.3 %, respectively. At the same time, in the multivariate regression models, 94.3 and 74.7 % of the change in body weight is explained by the effect of a complex of linear measurements, and the remaining share is attributed to the influence of other factors.

How Food Consumption Trends Change the Direction of Sheep Breeding in China

This paper discusses how food consumption trends have influenced the direction of sheep and goat breeding, particularly concerning the shift in sheep and goat farming and the development of the Hu sheep industry in China. Historically, sheep have been bred primarily for wool production, but with the increased demand for meat, the breeding direction has begun to shift toward meat use. As a major producer and consumer of mutton and goat meat, there is room for development of the meat sheep industry in China. In this paper, we review the development of China’s sheep breeding industry before and after the reform and the change in breeding objectives through examples, summarize the factors causing breeding changes in China’s sheep breeding industry, introduce the breeding achievements of the Hu sheep after its shift to meat use, analyze the reasons as to why this breed was selected by a vast number of farmers, and reveal the current decisive traits in the development of the meat sheep industry. This article also shows the improvement in Chinese people’s consumption abilities and the change from sheep breeding to consumption, providing China’s development experience as an example for today’s regions lagging in the global livestock industry. Breeding to respond positively to changes in the economy can better cater to the consumer food market.

Host–microbe interaction-mediated resistance to DSS-induced inflammatory enteritis in sheep

BackgroundThe disease resistance phenotype is closely related to immunomodulatory function and immune tolerance and has far-reaching implications in animal husbandry and human health. Microbes play an important role in the initiation, prevention, and treatment of diseases, but the mechanisms of host–microbiota interactions in disease-resistant phenotypes are poorly understood. In this study, we hope to uncover and explain the role of microbes in intestinal diseases and their mechanisms of action to identify new potential treatments.MethodsFirst, we established the colitis model of DSS in two breeds of sheep and then collected the samples for multi-omics testing including metagenes, metabolome, and transcriptome. Next, we made the fecal bacteria liquid from the four groups of sheep feces collected from H-CON, H-DSS, E-CON, and E-DSS to transplant the fecal bacteria into mice. H-CON feces were transplanted into mice named HH group and H-DSS feces were transplanted into mice named HD group and Roseburia bacteria treatment named HDR groups. E-CON feces were transplanted into mice named EH group and E-DSS feces were transplanted into mice in the ED group and Roseburia bacteria treatment named EDR groups. After successful modeling, samples were taken for multi-omics testing. Finally, colitis mice in HD group and ED group were administrated with Roseburia bacteria, and the treatment effect was evaluated by H&E, PAS, immunohistochemistry, and other experimental methods.ResultsThe difference in disease resistance of sheep to DSS-induced colitis disease is mainly due to the increase in the abundance of Roseburia bacteria and the increase of bile acid secretion in the intestinal tract of Hu sheep in addition to the accumulation of potentially harmful bacteria in the intestine when the disease occurs, which makes the disease resistance of Hu sheep stronger under the same disease conditions. However, the enrichment of harmful microorganisms in East Friesian sheep activated the TNFα signalling pathway, which aggravated the intestinal injury, and then the treatment of FMT mice by culturing Roseburia bacteria found that Roseburia bacteria had a good curative effect on colitis.ConclusionOur study showed that in H-DSS-treated sheep, the intestinal barrier is stabilized with an increase in the abundance of beneficial microorganisms. Our data also suggest that Roseburia bacteria have a protective effect on the intestinal barrier of Hu sheep. Accumulating evidence suggests that host–microbiota interactions are associated with IBD disease progression.2GpPdtDdh9Lk52sebv8JARVideo

SMARTER-database: a tool to integrate SNP array datasets for sheep and goat breeds.

The code is available as open-source software under the MIT license at https://github.com/cnr-ibba/SMARTER-database.

Anatomy of the uterus of sheep of the Edilbaev breed in the age aspect

Sheep farming is one of the key branches of animal husbandry in the Russian Federation. Various measures aimed at further increasing the useful qualities in sheep breeding are based not only on breeding principles, but also on the achievements of veterinary sciences. It is quite understandable that the special attention of biological science and agricultural practice to the breed, age, and species characteristics of animals, namely to the reproduction system, allows us to scientifically and correctly raise issues in breeding, care, feeding, exploitation and reproduction. Not knowing the issues of anatomical topography, the structure of organs in animals of different age groups, it is difficult to carry out various medical manipulations in surgical or obstetric and gynecological practice. The study was conducted at the Department of Animal Anatomy of the St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine. Cadaveric material for the study was delivered to the Department of Animal Anatomy of the St. Petersburg State University of Veterinary Medicine from a farm in the Leningrad Region. Female sheep of the Edilbaev breed served as the object of the study. Three age groups were selected for the study. The study established the anatomical features of the uterus in the age aspect in sheep of the Edilbaev breed, and morphometric measurements were carried out in three age-related physiological groups (fetuses, newborns, young). Skeleto- and syntopia of all parts of the uterus was determined in different age groups. It was established that the uterus of sheep of the Edilbaevsky breed belongs to mobile organs, that is, depending on physiological conditions, it can change its topographic location points. Morphometry has determined that there is an uneven increase in the components of all parts of the uterus from the fetal period to the age stage of the young. The results of the study can be used by veterinary specialists, in particular obstetricians, surgeons to establish operative access to the uterus and in obstetric and gynecological practice in sheep breeding.

Variation in blood glucose, cholesterol, urea and calcium levels according to the physiological stage in Ouled-Djellal ewes in Algerian arid zone. Technical note

Sheep farming in arid and semi-arid regions of Algeria is confronted with large fluctuations in the availability of fodder, which is all the more restrictive for pregnant ewes whose needs are at a maximum and constitute a major obstacle to the development of this sector. This study aims to evaluate the influence of the physiological stage on the energy, nitrogen and mineral status of Ouled-Djellal ewes living in arid zones (Biskra), by determining the plasma levels of glucose, cholesterol, urea and calcium. Blood samples were taken from 40 ewes divided into two groups according to their physiological stage (pregnant and empty). The obtained results showed that the physiological stage had a significant influence only on blood glucose, being higher in empty sheep than in pregnant sheep (P<0.05), whereas for the other blood parameters: cholesterol, urea, and the plasma concentrations of calcium do not seem to be influenced by the physiological stage.

Consequences of terrestrial top predator control by Patagonian sheep farmers for coastal marine food webs

Most seabird species avoid predation by locating their breeding colonies in predator-free islands, inaccessible cliffs, capes, or on the mainland in Antarctica, the only continent without terrestrial predators. Departing from this general rule, a significant number of large Magellanic penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) colonies exist nowadays in South American Atlantic mainland shores spanning a wide latitudinal range. Based on published radiocarbon dating of colonies, along with historical and archaeological records, we postulate that the current distribution of these colonies may be a response to predator eradication by sheep farmers. This would have made breeding habitats near marine food resources accessible and may have also reduced competition with neighboring colonies. We employed stable isotope analysis to estimate the penguin contribution to the diet of four pumas responsible for killing thousands of penguins in a breeding colony located within a coastal national park. Furthermore, we used a bioenergetic model to quantify the consumption of forage fish under different population distribution and abundance scenarios. We briefly discuss the implications of our results in the context of conservation policies aimed at establishing ecosystem baselines along the Patagonian shores.

A preliminary report of integrating sheep farming in combination with adopting biogas technology in organic rice farming systems in upland areas in Indonesia

This study aims to understand the preliminary results of integrating sheep farming in combination with adopting biogas technology in organic rice farming (ORF) systems in upland areas. The research was conducted in upland areas in Grabag Subdistrict Magelang Regency, Central Java Province (UPL1) and Kertasari Subdistrict, Tasikmalaya Regency, West Java Province (UPL2), Indonesia. At each upland area, a demo plot with a 17 m3 digester has been established, and 120 sheep were introduced. A combination of sheep and beef cattle manure was used as a biogas substrate. The soil sample of one and three-year conversion of ORF was collected, and macro and micro minerals were analyzed. The biogas quality was analyzed, including dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N), carbon (C) and nitrogen-ammonia (N-NH3). The greenhouse (GHG) emissions, including methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), and nitrous oxide (N2O), were measured. The results indicated that C-organic content at three-year conversions of ORF in UPL1 was much lower (P<0.05) than the one-year conversion. The average CH4, CO2, and N2O contents in UPL1 were 661, 477.3, and 0.16 mg/m2/day, respectively. The average CH4, CO2, and N2O contents in UPL2 were 3328, 3038 and 2.42 mg/m2/day, respectively. In UPL1, the proportion of CH4 was 52.5 %, CO2 was 47.4 %, and N2O was 0.01 % while the proportion of CH4 was 57.9 %, CO2 was 42.0 %, and N2O was 0.01 % in UPL2. To conclude, integrating sheep farming in combination with adopting biogas technology in the ORF system improves manure management and provides organic fertilizer, which subsequently reduces the use of artificial fertilizer and avoids GHG emissions.v

Where do all the ewes go? Ewe culling and mortality in 34 sheep flocks in New Zealand

ABSTRACT Aims To describe rates of and reasons for culling and mortality of ewes between breeding and mid-lactation on New Zealand sheep farms; to investigate associations of these variables with farm demographic variables; and to describe rates of and reasons for culling of ewes at weaning. Methods Participants were a convenience sample of 34 farms from across New Zealand. Demographic data were initially collected for each farm via a questionnaire administered in-person to the flock owner or manager. During approximately 8 months from breeding to mid-lactation, ewe tally, culling and mortality data were collected and used to calculate various parameters related to flock performance and to investigate associations. During the main ewe-culling event at weaning, ewe-culling data were collected from 29/34 flocks participating in the study. Results There was considerable variation between flocks, but the between-flock mean replacement percentage was 29.2 (SD 5.0)%. Overall, a between-flock mean of 10.5 (SD 4.6)% of ewes presented for breeding were culled or dead/missing by mid-lactation and thus did not rear any lambs. Additionally, from 27 flocks that reported data on ewes’ success at rearing lambs, a between-flock mean of 3.9 (SD 2.5)% of ewes that remained alive at mid-lactation failed to rear any lambs, resulting in an overall between-flock mean loss of 23.1 (SD 6.3) potential lambs per 100 ewes. Two-thirds of ewe mortalities between breeding and mid-lactation occurred during the lambing period. Model results showed flocks with higher pregnancy scanning percentages had lower rates of culling and mortality between breeding and mid-lactation. However, apart from farm contour, from breeding to mid-lactation there were no associations for culling and mortality with farm size, flock size, number of ewes per labour unit, whether ewe hoggets (7–9 months of age) were presented for breeding, or duration of the breeding period. A between-flock mean of 16.5 (SD 8.3)% of ewes present at weaning were culled, and among mixed-age ewes, the most common reasons for culling at this time were age, incisor teeth defects and udder defects. Conclusions To reduce unnecessary ewe culling and mortality, attention should be focused on maximising conception rates, ensuring judicious culling decisions, optimising body condition score, and identifying farm-specific causes of death over the lambing period to facilitate targeted intervention strategies. Clinical relevance Identifying why and when ewes exit flocks, and comparing it with the data presented here, will facilitate the development of flock-specific interventions to reduce ewe culling and mortality. Abbreviations BCS: Body condition score; NI: North Island; SI: South Island

The Morlachs of Dalmatia: A Glimpse on Damages Caused by Morlach Shepherds in Rural Dalmatia during the 15th and 16th Centuries

The Morlachs of Dalmatia, as referred to in Venetian documents from the 15th-century onwards, were a heterogeneous and extremely mobile population of Vlach origin. Even if they were to be found also as merchants, soldiers, thieves, criminals, immigrants, etc., the principal occupation of the late medieval Dalmatian Morlachs remained the traditional sheep breeding. When analysing this latter aspect of Morlach life, we have to keep in mind that the lifestyle of the Morlach shepherds from Dalmatia was strongly connected with that of other Vlachs communities from the Balkans. Together with this, the Morlachs` commercial practices and the ubiquitous presence of Morlach sheep flocks in the agricultural space of the Dalmatian hinterlands in the 15th and 16th-century, contributes equally to the larger topic of the life in border areas. Against this background, this paper exams the crop damages caused by the Morlach shepherds in Dalmatia`s fields and vineyards. These damages reveal information about the legal status of Morlach shepherds in Dalmatian communes, about privileges, concessions, agreements, rental contracts, and also about diplomatic negotiations. Moreover, representative examples of crop damages will be used to study the relation and (partially) cross-cultural interaction of Morlachs shepherds with the great regional powers, particularly Venice’s reaction to the disruptive Morlachs and its consequences at the diplomatic level with the authorities of the Ottoman Empire.

Deep ancestral introgressions between ovine species shape sheep genomes via argali-mediated gene flow.

Previous studies reveal 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 6 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 ca. 3.08-3.35 Mya and hybridized with the ancestor of Pachyceriforms (e.g., bighorn sheep and snow sheep) at ∼1.56 Mya. Previous studies show apparent introgression from North American Pachyceriforms into the Bashibai sheep, a Chinese native sheep breed, despite 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.

Fecundity Booroola Gene (FecB) Polymorphism in some Indigenous Sheep Breeds in Iraq

Fecundity Booroola Gene (FecB) Polymorphism in some Indigenous Sheep Breeds in Iraq

Lameness in Adult Sheep and Goats in Greece: Prevalence, Predictors, Treatment, Importance for Farmers.

The present study refers to an extensive investigation of lameness performed countrywide in Greece, on 325 sheep and 119 goat farms. The specific objectives of this work were to present data on the occurrence of lameness on sheep and goat farms and to identify variables (including variables related to climatic factors) associated with the disorder on the farms. Farms were visited and animals on the farm were assessed for the presence of lameness; further, an interview was carried out with the farmer to obtain information regarding practices applied on the farm. Climatic variables at the location of each farm were derived from NASA research. The within farm prevalence rate varied from 0.0% to 25.0% in sheep flocks and from 0.0% to 30.0% in goat herds. The mean ± standard error (median (interquartile range)) within farm prevalence rate among sheep farms was 1.9% ± 0.2 (0.0% (0.0%)); among goat farms, it was 2.6% ± 0.5% (0.0% (0.0%)). Multivariable analysis for within farm prevalence of lameness revealed three significant predictors in sheep farms: application of vaccination against foot-rot, increased precipitation at the farm location and longer annual grazing period for sheep, and one in goat farms: increased precipitation at the farm location. Treatment of lameness involved mostly administration of antibiotics (on 104 farms); the antibiotics administered most often were lincomycin (on 69 farms) and oxytetracycline (on 33 farms). There was a tendency for higher median within farm prevalence of lameness among farms where no antibiotic administration was practiced. Finally, 6.2% of sheep farmers and 4.2% of goat farmers considered lameness as an important health problem for the animals, specifically the third and fifth most important problem on the respective farms.