Sheep Of Different Ages Research Articles

Prediction of Health Status of Small-Tailed Cold Sheep Based on Improved BP Neural Network

According to related research, different body temperatures, heart rates, and locomotor behaviors of small-tailed cold goats can represent the physical condition of the goats themselves and are used as direct evidence for evaluating the physical health status of small-tailed cold goats. In this paper, we designed and tested a system for predicting the health status of small-tailed cold sheep based on wearable information monitoring technology. To test the system, sheep wearable devices were worn on 36 small-tailed cold sheep of different ages and inconsistent health conditions at different time points from May to October. A SLBAS-BP neural network model for predicting the health condition of small-tailed cold sheep was established using the collected and processed data, which overcame the problem that the traditional gradient descent method in the BP neural network is prone to fall into local optimization leading to insufficient prediction ability. The correct prediction rates of the improved BP neural network for the four health conditions of healthy, sub-healthy, fever, and disease were 98.4%, 94.5%, 90.4%, and 98.7%, respectively, and the average correct prediction rate of the four conditions was 5.8% higher than that before the improvement, reaching 95.2%.

Multi-omics revealed rumen microbiota metabolism and host immune regulation in Tibetan sheep of different ages.

The rumen microbiota and metabolites play an important role in energy metabolism and immune regulation of the host. However, the regulatory mechanism of rumen microbiota and metabolite interactions with host on Tibetan sheep's plateau adaptability is still unclear. We analyzed the ruminal microbiome and metabolome, host transcriptome and serum metabolome characteristics of Tibetan sheep at different ages. Biomarkers Butyrivibrio, Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group, Prevotella, and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group were found in 4 months, 1.5 years, 3.5 years, and 6 years Tibetan sheep, respectively. The rumen microbial metabolites were mainly enriched in galactose metabolism, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and fatty acid degradation pathways, and had significant correlation with microbiota. These metabolites further interact with mRNA, and are co-enriched in arginine and proline metabolism, metabolism of xenobiotics by cytochrome P450, propanoate metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, gap junction pathway. Meanwhile, serum metabolites also have a similar function, such as chemical carcinogenesis - reactive oxygen species, limonene and pinene degradation, and cutin, suberine and wax biosynthesis, thus participating in the regulation of the body's immune and energy-related metabolic processes. This study systematically revealed that rumen microbiota, metabolites, mRNA and serum metabolites of Tibetan sheep were involved in the regulation of fermentation metabolic function and immune level of Tibetan sheep at different ages, which provided a new perspective for plateau adaptability research of Tibetan sheep at different ages.

Gastrointestinal Parasite Infections and Environmental Sustainability of the Ovine Sector: Eimeria spp. Infections and Nitrogen and Phosphorus Excretions in Dairy Sheep in Italy.

In sheep farming, gastrointestinal parasites can be responsible for significant reductions in animal health and production. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fecal excretions are the main determining factors for N2O emissions from manure management and may pose other environmental problems, such as the acidification and eutrophication of natural habitats. By using the Mini-FLOTAC technique on fecal samples from sheep of different ages and physiological status from 19 dairy sheep farms in Tuscany (central Italy), gastrointestinal parasite infections were evaluated. The animal N and P fecal contents were also assessed, with the aim of evaluating possible relationships between the identified parasites and the environmental sustainability of the examined farms. The obtained results showed that Eimeria spp. (86.36%) and gastrointestinal strongyle (54.55%) infections are prevalent in the examined farms. Moreover, significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) P and Eimeria oocyst/gram-of-feces (OPG) values were found in fecal samples from animals < 1 year of age, and a significant (p ≤ 0.05) positive correlation resulted between N content and Eimeria OPG in fecal samples from animals in the first month of lactation. The findings from this study suggest for the first time that Eimeria spp. infections may have an impact on the environmental sustainability of sheep farming.

Some Morphologic Characteristics of Central Anatolian Merino Sheep

This study aimed to investigate the body weight and some body measurements in Central Anatolian Merino sheep regarding ages and to carry out a comparative analysis between them. The study included a total of 60 animals aged 2, 3 and 4 years. The sheep were fed daily with hay, vetch, alfalfa and limited amount of concentrated feed (400 g head-1) until the pasture period, and pasture grass and mixed grass-clover hay during the pasture period. The live weights of the sheep of different ages in the farms were measured with a digital scale, and some body size were measured using a measuring tape and a measuring stick. When the live weight and chest circumference values of the 4-year-old sheep were compared with the data obtained in the other age groups (2 and 3 years old), and it was statistically significant, chest width and rump height values were found to be similar to those in the 3-age group. There were significant correlations between live weight and chest circumference, between withers height and rump height and significant correlations between live weight and chest width, body length with rump height, chest width with chest depth. In addition, significant correlations were found between live weight and chest depth, and between withers height, body length, and chest depth. Present findings revealed that the Central Anatolian Merino sheep can be beneficial in the development of meat-type sheep breeding.

Seroprevalence of Orf virus in sheep in Basrah province, Southern Iraq

Orf which is commonly referred to as contagious ecthyma is a viral infectious disease that infects small ruminants. Little is known about the disease status in our geographical region. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Orf virus in sheep in Basrah province, southern Iraq. Serum samples were randomly collected from 380 sheep of different age and sex groups from 4 different regions in Basrah province, which were Zubair, Abulkhasib, Shatt Al-Arab, and Qurnah. The samples were tested by ELISA for the presence of IgG antibodies to the Orf virus. Out of 380 animals screened, 98 animals were found positive for ELISA, which reveals an overall prevalence of 25.7%. There was no significant difference in the seropositivity between male and female animals. On the other hand, the seropositivity was significantly higher in lambs of the age group 1-6 months in comparison with the other age groups (6-12 months and more than 12 months). This finding indicates that the virus is highly prevalent in Basrah province as confirmed by the ELISA test.

Age-related changes in blood biochemical composition of Hu sheep

The blood biochemical composition is indicative of the animal's performance and health status. This study evaluated the interaction between age and blood metabolites, immunoglobulins, hormones in Hu sheep. In total 30 male lambs between 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 months (M) old were used in this study. The lambs were kept with their dams and offered the total mixed ration at 7 days of age, while at 55 days of age; the lambs were weaned and transferred to individual pens. The data were analysed using the one-way ANOVA procedure of SPSS and the Pearson’s correlation coefficient between blood parameters was calculated. The 2M old lambs had significantly lower (p < 0.05) blood biochemical parameters than 1M old lambs. However, these parameters were higher in the adult sheep except the blood glucose (GLU). In contrast, the blood albumin/globulin ratio and beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) did not show significant differences. Moreover, positive correlations were observed between blood immunoglobulins, growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), globulin (GLB), and blood total protein (TP). In addition, BHBA had a positive correlation with GLB and immunoglobulins. In addition, blood albumin (ALB) had a significant positive correlation with TP, GH, and IGF-1. Moreover, a significant positive correlation was between GLU and insulin. The investigation of blood biochemical parameters in sheep of different ages from 1 to 12M could be a reliable method to detect the metabolism status and health condition through the early stage of life. HIGHLIGHTS The reduction of blood metabolites, immunoglobulins, hormones at 2 M old lambs compared with 1 M old lambs due to the dietary changes from liquid to solid could challenges ruminant health. The improvements of blood biochemical profile correspond with the development of rumen and immune functions. This study may extend our knowledge about the blood biochemical profile in Hu sheep.

Hydatid cyst detection by liver ultrasonography in sheep: Impact of cyst abundance, viability and location

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a major zoonosis in Morocco, common in most livestock including sheep. The objectives of this study, performed in sheep of different ages in the Middle Atlas in Morocco, were (1) to compare CE detection, CE count and cysts classification into viable and calcified by ante-mortem hepatic ultrasound (US) scanning and post-mortem macroscopic hepatic inspection and (2) to investigate post-mortem the hydatid cysts present in the liver and lungs to determine in as far hepatic US scanning would fail to detect sheep with exclusive location of CE in the lungs that are not detected on ultrasound. Among 126 examined sheep, 106 were considered as infected by CE by US scanning, whereas 108 were detected at necropsy. Whatever the diagnostic method used; the total number of cysts increased significantly in function of age (p < 0.001). Differentiation capacity between viable and calcified cysts was similar for US scanning and necropsy. Sheep considered as negative by US scanning (n = 32) were confirmed negative by necropsy, leading to a specificity of US scanning of 100% (95% CI: 90–100%) and sensitivity of 98% (IC: 92–99%). Part 2 of the study evidenced that among 97 infected sheep, 78% (IC 95%: 72–83%) presented hepatics cysts, whereas 22% (IC 95%: 17–28%) presented exclusively pulmonary cysts. 56% (IC 95%: 54–59%) of total cysts were located in the liver. Animals showing exclusively pulmonary cysts were lightly infected in comparison to sheep with liver or with liver and pulmonary cysts. Under the conditions of the Middle Atlas sheep farm, the US scan was able to detect 98% of sheep with liver cysts. The US scan therefore allows easy monitoring of the progress of the control measures and provides data on the infestation of animals without the need for autopsy.

Peculiarities of the epizootic process in strongylatosis of the gastrointestinal tract of sheep and evaluation of the quality of mutton

The article is devoted to the study of the peculiarities of the epizootic process in strongylatosis of the gastrointestinal tract of sheep and the assessment of the quality of mutton in mixed helminthiasis. The work on the study of the helminthofauna of strongylates was carried out on sheep farms of the Kursk region. In order to study the spreading of strogilatoses, the re-search of helminthic and larvoscopic of feces from 1754 sheep was carried out.The abomasum and intestines of 126 sheep of different ages were subjected to the complete helminthological autopsy. The authors report that strongylatoses of the digestive tract of sheep are widely spread in the Kursk region. Up to 92% of sheep of all ages are infected with a combina-tion of strongylates of various species. 13 species of strongylates from 8 kinds have been registered on sheep farms. Representatives of the genera Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus and Nematodir dominate. It is revealed that the distribution of the number of parasites in the host population is over-dispersed, the majority of sheep are infected with an insignificant number of strongylates, and the main part of helminths is concentrated in a relatively small number of hosts. The dynamics of infection of sheep of different ages and isolation of stron-gylates eggs were studied. Data on the sex ratio of strongylates parasitic on sheep, de-pending on the season of the year, are given. The research results confirm that in recent years the tendency of infection of sheep with trichostrongilus is increased. In more than 30% of cases, mixed invasion by various types of helminthes is registered. At the same time, dicroceliotic-strongylatous invasion, fasciolous-strongylatous and combined inva-sion with strongylates and thin-necked cysticercus are of the greatest spread. Associative invasion has a pronounced negative impact on the quality of mutton. By assessing the quality of mutton, it was found that only 27.26% of sheep with mixed helminthiasis belong to the 1st category of fatness, 72.8% belong to the 2nd category. Mutton obtained from sheep with mixed helminthiasis, fresh meat, has no differences with the meat of non-invasive animals. After 72 hours of storage, mutton of the 2nd category of fatness has a dubious re-action to peroxidase and with copper sulfate, the pH indicator is in the range of 6.1-6.2. The total number of microorganisms (CFU / g) exceeds the standard by two orders of magnitude after 5 days of storage. The slaughter output of carcasses of the 1st and 2nd categories of fatness from sheep infested with different types of helminths with a high intensity of invasion by strongylates is less by 1.8% and 5.4%, respectively, than in the group of non-invasive an-imals.

Detection of Maedi-visna virus in sheep in Nineveh province

This is a primary study in detecting a specific antibody of the Maedi-visna virus (MVV) in blood samples and viral antigen in nasal swabs from sheep. Two hundred and forty nasal swabs and blood samples were collected from sheep of different ages and health statuses in Nineveh province, Iraq. Enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay was used to detect specific antibodies against MVV specific proteins gp135 and p25, Whereas Agar gel immune diffusion (AGID) was used to detect antigens from nasal swabs using specific antibodies against gp135 proteins of MVV. Serological results using ELISA showed the total prevalence of MMV 22.9% and the highest prevalence of infection in sheep less than one-year-old 36.5% when compared with older animals 8.4%. Animals that suffering from respiratory problems had a higher prevalence of infection 25.7% compared with healthy animals 6.9%. AGID showed an identical reaction between Maedi-visna viruses and specific rabbit antisera with a total infection rate of 12.9%. The highest prevalence of infection was 22.4% recorded in animals less than one-year-old, the lowest percentage of infection in animals more than two years of age was 1.4%. Animals suffering from respiratory signs also showed high prevalence of infection 13.8%, while the lowest percentage of infection were recorded in healthy animals 4.6%. It has been concluded that the high prevalence of infection rate in sheep less than one-year-old and the animals which suffered from respiratory problems had higher prevalence according to ELISA and AGID testes.

An Outbreak of Ovine Listeriosis in Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia: Epidemiological, Clinical and Treatment Outcomes

This study was carried out to describe the epidemiological, clinical and treatment outcomes of an outbreak of listeriosis in a sheep flock at Qassim Region, central of Saudi Arabia during January 2020. The flock consisted of 700 sheep of different age and sex. The overall morbidity rate was 57.14%, while the mortality rate was 50% and the case fatality rate was 87.5%. The morbidity rate was statistically lower (P=0.0001) in sheep having age less than 6 months (16.66%) than those over 6 months (74.48%). On the contrary, the case fatality rate was not statistically different (P=0.9) in young sheep (97.14%) compared to adult animals (86.57%). The clinical signs observed were acute deaths, nervous manifestation in the form of staggers, ataxia, head tilt and circling. Initial diagnosis was made on the basis of the typical clinical signs, while confirmatory diagnosis was made on the basis of bacteriological examination. Treatment using penicillin as antibiotic in addition to flunixin meglumine as anti-inflammatory gave good results in case of early intervention whereas late-stage treatment gave bad prognosis. So, early intervention is the key to treatment success.

Prevalence and Faecal Egg Counts of Gastrointestinal Parasites of Merino Sheep in Lesotho

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of the agroecological zone, host age, and gender on the prevalence and faecal egg load of gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs) for six months (July to December) in the Maseru and Quthing districts, Lesotho. A total of 1919 faecal samples were examined using the McMaster technique. The data were analyzed through generalized estimating equations (GEE) under the binary logistic regression model to determine the significant differences for the GIPs prevalence. Moreover, faecal egg counts (FEC) data were analyzed for repeated measures using GEE. In total, three types of GIPs, namely nematodes, coccidia, and cestodes were identified in this study. The overall prevalence rates of nematodes, coccidia, and cestodes were 53.9%, 46.5%, and 4.3% in the Maseru district, respectively. Furthermore, the Quthing district indicated the prevalence rates of 65.0%, 38.2%, and 0.9% for nematodes, coccidia, and cestodes, respectively. In the Maseru district, the overall faecal egg counts for nematodes, coccidia, and cestodes were within the ranges of 0-20.3, 0-90, and 0-600 eggs per gram, respectively. Additionally, the faecal egg counts in the Quthing district ranged from 0 to 8.000, 6.700, and 2.000 eggs per gram for nematodes, coccidia, and cestodes, respectively. The majority of the Merino sheep (&gt;69%) in both districts had lower faecal egg counts (100-800) per gram. The agroecological zone affected the nematode infestation in both districts. Coccidia in the Quthing was higher in the mountain areas. In the Maseru district, the nematode infestation was not age-dependent; however, in the Quthing district, the prevalence was higher in juveniles, compared to adults. Age and gender did not affect the prevalence and faecal egg counts of nematodes and coccidia. The coccidian faecal egg loads were higher in females, compared to males. Merino sheep in Lesotho are mostly infected with gastrointestinal nematodes and protozoal coccidia, which could have a tremendous impact on their health and productivity. It is, therefore, of significant importance to develop the deworming strategy for sheep of different age and gender groups in different agroecological zones.

Determination of Serum Nesfatin-1 Level in Healthy Sheep

Nesfatin-1 is a peptide hormone first documented in studies with rats. It affects appetite control, hunger, fat storage, obesity, water intake, and body temperature. It also plays a role in the regulation of sleep. The lack of knowledge on the level of nesfatin in sheep prompted this study to estimate serum nesfatin concentrations in healthy sheep of different ages and both sexes. Nesfatin values were found to be significantly lower in females than in males. The following differences were observed between the groups: In the female group, the nesfatin level amounted to 5.23 ±1.13 ng/mL in ewes and 3.14 ±0.59 ng/mL in lambs. In the male group, the nesfatin level was 14.31 ±3.94 ng/mL in adults, but higher in male lambs, at 28.83 ±1.72 ng/mL. This preliminary study of serum nesfatin levels in healthy sheep of different ages and both sexes is relevant for future studies and may guide further research on this topic.

A novel 23 bp indel mutation in PRL gene is associated with growth traits in Luxi Blackhead sheep

Prolactin is a highly versatile pituitary hormone with multiple biological functions. PRL expression is regulated by POU1F1 and the prophet of POU1F1 (PROP1). The aim of this study was to investigate the indel variations in ovine PRL and the directly related (PROP1 and POU1F1) genes, and their associations with growth traits in Luxi Blackhead (LXBH) sheep. A monomorphism in PROP1 and POU1F1 genes, and one novel 23-bp insertion mutation in the PRL gene, were identified in LXBH sheep. The 23 bp insertion mutation within PRL gene was significantly associated with several body measurements (e.g., body weight, body height) in sheep of different ages (p < 0.05). Ram lambs (p = 0.036) of genotype insertion/insertion (II) had significantly higher body weights. Weaners (p = 0.018) of genotypes insertion/insertion (II) and insertion/deletion (ID) also had significantly higher body weights compared with male sheep of deletion/deletion (DD) genotype. Moreover, among ewe lambs, individuals of genotype insertion/insertion (II) had a higher paunch girth compared to those with other genotypes (p = 0.044). These findings indicate that a 23 bp indel variant of the ovine PRL gene is correlated with body measurements in LXBH sheep. The findings have potential utility for sheep breeding programs based on marker-assisted selection.

WOOLLEN PRODUCTIVITY AND WOOL QUALITY INDICATORS IN THE SEMI-COARSE-WOOLED SHEEP OF ZUGALAY-TYPE AGINSKY BREED

The authors explored wool production and quality of wool of Aginsk zugalay breed sheep of different age and sex in the pedigree-breeding unit of Lenin agricultural cooperative located in Mogoituiskiy district of Trabs-Baikal region. The results obtained show that untrue unwashed wool of medium-wool breed varied ranged from 1.91±0.06 kg in the case of firsts to 3.92±0.07 kg in the case of producers in output of washed wool untrue 74.13-81.81%. The average thickness of rams’ wool is 32.82±1.27 mkm, ewe - 28.39±0.95, ram hogs - 28.21±0.95 and gimmer - 26.60±1.06 mkm when the strength was 10.89; 10.72; 9.21 and 9.00 cH/tex. Zugalay sheep have high concentration of wool, which varies from 66.61 to 81.72%, and rough beard hair (59.10-72.42 mkm). The highest content of wool was observed in young animals. Untrue wool of all sheep in different age and sex groups is 21.40-23.51 mkm (60-64th quality). The length of woolen fibers of the lower tier was 8.20-8.44, beard hair was 14.74-15.04 cm. The highest amount of fat and sweat was observed in servicing sheep and replacement ram hogs (Р˂0,05). The authors found out high correlation between the body weight and washed wool untrue in the sheep of all age and sex groups, especially in young sheep (0.629 in ram hogs and 0.717 in gimmers), as well as between wool thickness and its length (r=0.273-0.668) and between wool thickness and beard hair (r=0.306-0.687).

Challenges on the Follow-Up Experimental Leptospiral Infection in Sheep

Background: Leptospirosis is currently a source of significant economic losses in the agribusiness; as such, experimental studies on this infection are required to develop a better understanding of the pathogenesis, treatment, and immunoprophylaxis of the disease. Sheep may represent a good model for ruminants in such models. Despite the extent of the studies that has been conducted thus far, researchers have yet to reach a consensus on the experimental practices to apply for leptospirosis in this animal species, and several gaps in understanding remain. To bridge these gaps, the present study aimed to assess the usage of several tools for the monitoring of experimental leptospirosis in sheep.Material, Methods &amp; Results: Twelve Santa Ines sheep of different ages were each allocated to one of four groups (A, B, C, and D). The subjects in groups A, B, and C received different doses of Leptospira interrogans serogroup Icterohemorrhagiae by intraperitoneal route, 1x102, 1x105, and 1x108 respectively. Group D was the control. Hematological, biochemical and clinical parameters were evaluated daily. Serology by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and PCR were performed to evaluate the infection status. The most remarkable clinical signs were fever (41ºC) and dehydration, and acute pain (cub). Two animals from Group C presented leukocytosis. Only those in Group C exhibited positive results according to serology, while positivity in PCR was observed in animals in groups A and C. The results of the experiment indicated that sheep may be experimentally infected and can, therefore, be used as a model for leptospirosis in ruminants. Clinical signs cannot be considered to represent a reliable parameter for evaluating the development of leptospirosis in experimentally infected sheep. We recommend the use of urine PCR and serology to confirm the infection in experimentally infected animals and daily complete blood count (CBC) as a follow-up tool.Discussion: It was observed that the clinical signs cannot be considered as a reliable parameter to evaluate the pathogenesis in experimentally infected ewes, being important to emphasize that the age of the animals does not seem to alter their susceptibility to the infection. This finding is in agreement with other experimental studies, which report that leptospirosis infection in ruminants occurs asymptomatic and subclinical. Hematological and biochemical tests proved to be adequate tools to monitor the experimental infection. Studies have shown that the complete blood count has been used to monitor the acute phase of leptospirosis and is effective in detecting anemia and leukocytosis with neutrophilia in ruminants. Despite the lack of clinical signs, the serological and molecular results confirmed the experimental infection. PCR has been used as an important tool in the diagnosis of leptospirosis. In addition, the current study is the first of its kind to use PCR to detect the carrier status in experimentally infected ewes. Despite this limitation, PCR was very effective in confirming the infection and should be considered for use in experimental studies. Sheep have been used as a good experimental model in several studies, sheep are relatively small compared to other ruminants and can be easily allocated in smaller pens and pens, facilitating the management of research and minimizing the costs of experimentation. In this context, we suggest that sheep represent a good model for the study of leptospirosis in ruminants and therefore a reliable protocol for experimental infection by leptospirosis is necessary.

Productive Performance of Sheep in Irrigated and Rainfed Areas in Krishna District of Andhra Pradesh, India

A study was conducted on the sheep of 250 shepherds selected through multistage stratified random sampling technique in irrigated and rainfed areas in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. Productive parameters like body weight, body length, height at withers, chest girth and punch girth of sheep of different ages (2 teeth, 4 teeth, 6 teeth and 8 teeth) for both male and females were recorded in irrigated and rainfed areas in Krishna district of Andhra Pradesh. Statistical analysis revealed that there was a significant difference in the body weights and other body measurements between the sheep of two areas. Sheep in the irrigated area have better body measurements that of the rainfed area. Males were significantly heavier than females at all ages in both areas.

Вміст і склад ліпідів найдовшого м’яза спини молодняку овець різного віку за умов інтенсивної відгодівлі

Вміст і склад ліпідів найдовшого м’яза спини молодняку овець різного віку за умов інтенсивної відгодівлі

&lt;b&gt;Carcass and cut traits in nulliparous and lambed female sheep of different ages and genetic groups

&lt;b&gt;Carcass and cut traits in nulliparous and lambed female sheep of different ages and genetic groups

Carcass and cut traits in nulliparous and lambed female sheep of different ages and genetic groups

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the influence of genetic group, pregnancy and animal age on the carcass traits and commercial cut patterns of sheep carcasses. In the first experiment, the effect of pregnancy and genetic group were evaluated on 61 eleven month old Santa Ines ewes and their crosses with Texel, Dorper and Ile de France. Experiment 2 was carried out with 132 Santa Ines nulliparous or lambed ewes slaughtered with ages ranging from 6 to 48 months to evaluate the influence of age on carcass traits. For both experiments, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, carcass yield, cold carcass yield and carcass length were measured, as well as the yields and percentages of shoulder, neck, loin, belly, ribs, leg and leg length and perimeter. In experiment 1, the Santa Ines breed presented similar carcass and cut traits compared to the others genetic groups evaluated, except for fasting body weight. Lambed animals had lower body condition score than nulliparous females. In experiment 2, fasting body weight, loin, rib and leg weights, as well as the leg perimeter, presented a quadratic effect with increasing age. Ideal slaughter age is before 16 months to obtain more expensive cuts.

Investigation of ticks infecting sheep and seasonal changes of their population in Eyvan city

&lt;p&gt;Ticks are arthropods that are the most important pests in the veterinary industry, which transmit important and dangerous diseases of humans and animals. Eyvan city located in the northern half of Ilam province and one of the most important centers of agriculture and animal husbandry is the province of Ilam. Hence, it is essential to identify the correct method for struggle tick and study the season's abundance and type of host. This study was carried out at the level of shambles in the city of Eyvan and from the first of April of 2016 to March of 2017. From the 1,500 sheep of different age, 220 viruses (14.66%) were infect with ticks. The average number of ticks in infected sheep was 2.9 ticks per sheep. The results showed that in sheep, 220 (38.66%) were male and 350 (61.40%) were female ticks. The tick identified on the sheep was related to 5 species and 3 ticks. The most frequency was related to the hyalomma genus, which includes &lt;em&gt;Hyalomma asiaticum asiaticum&lt;/em&gt; (34.21%), &lt;em&gt;Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum&lt;/em&gt; (19.30%), also, the highest infection rate was in sheep in the city of Eyvan in June. In general, the prevalence and severity of infection were low but a relatively high species diversity was observed.&lt;/p&gt;