Sheep Skin Research Articles

Traditional medicinal knowledge and practices among the tribal communities of Thakht-e-Sulaiman Hills, Pakistan

BackgroundLittle is known about the medical material and practices of tribes in the western border areas of Pakistan. The local population has inhabited this remote and isolated area for centuries, and gained medicinal knowledge with personal experiences and knowledge learned from forefathers. Due to the geographical isolation of the communities in the Sulaiman hills of Pakistan and their unique culture, the area is of importance for exploration and assessment.MethodsA total of 116 informants were interviewed in five foothill villages and the associated migratory mountain villages during 2010–2012 and 2015. Information was gathered mainly through semi-structured interviews and freelisting. Local diseases were categorized based on symptoms and affected organs. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.ResultsDepending on the type of illness, typically a pulse diagnoser or a religious specialist is consulted. Medicinal plant knowledge and use is mostly known and advised by elders within the family. A total of 44 plant species from 32 families (588 use reports), 7 animal species and 6 minerals and other sources (384 use reports) were documented as materia medica. Among the plants, the Lamiaceae is the most dominantly used plant family, followed by Pinaceae. The most frequently reported single species was Teucrium stocksianum. The most often mentioned diseases and treatments fall into the categories of gastrointestinal, ritual, and musculoskeletal diseases. The use of goat and sheep skin as medicine was pivotal in the local medicinal system. Remedies from animal parts and other biological and non-biological sources were mainly used for musculoskeletal ailments and ritual treatments. Overall, people rely on both traditional and biomedical medication and treatments and combination of these systems.ConclusionThis paper provides insight into the pluralistic medication system of rural communities of northwest Pakistan. It highlights the materia medica most commonly in use. A considerable part of the documented materia medica and local practices is part of an oral tradition and cannot be found in written sources or scientific articles. The gaining of new medicinal knowledge in the area was the good sign of continuation of traditional medicinal practices.

The effect of androgen on wool follicles and keratin production in Hetian sheep.

To investigate the optimal androgen concentration for culturing Hetian sheep wool follicle and to detect effects of androgen concentration on wool follicle cell proliferation and apoptosis using immunofluorescence labeling and real-time quantitative fluorescence determinations of wool keratin-associated protein gene expression levels. Wool follicles were isolated by microdissection and wool follicles and skin pieces were cultured in various concentrations of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in culture medium. Next, daily lengthwise growth measurements of wool follicles were obtained using a microscopic micrometer. Cultured Hetian wool follicles were stained using the SACPIC method to reveal wool follicle structure, while sheep skin slices were used to observe cell proliferation by immunostaining and cell apoptosis using the TUNEL method. At the molecular biological level, keratin-associated protein (Kap) gene expression was studied using wool follicles cultured for various numbers of days in vitro. Effects of androgen concentrations on Hetian wool follicle growth and development were experimentally studied. EdU proliferation assays revealed that androgen promoted cell proliferation within wool follicle dermal papillae. TUNEL apoptosis detection demonstrated that androgen treatment could delay cell apoptosis. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results demonstrated that gene expression level patterns of Hetian mountain sheep super-high sulfur protein. Kap1.1, KIF1.2, Kap2.12 and Kap4.2 gene expression level of the mountainous experimental group was significantly higher than plains Hetian sheep. An androgen concentration of 100 nM can promote the growth of Hetian wool follicle cells in vitro, resulting in overexpression of some genes of the Kap family.

MiR-125b regulates the differentiation of hair follicles in Fine-wool Sheep and Cashmere goats by targeting MXD4 and FGFR2

With the development of miRNAs identification technology, more and more miRNAs have been discovered, and the role of miRNAs in the development of animal hair follicles has become a focus of research on hair-producing animals. In the previous experiment, compare the microRNA (miRNA) trancriptomes of goats and sheep skin using Solexa sequencing and differentially expressed miR-125b was screened. However, the mechanism of miR-125b regulating hair follicle development is not clear. Therefore, in the present study, the expression of miR-125b, MXD4 and FGFR2 in skin tissue of Fine-wool Sheep and Cashmere goats and HEK-293T cells was examined by qPCR and Western blot. Furthermore, the correlation between miR-125b and the predicted target gene (MXD4, FGFR2) was verified using the Dual-luciferase Reporter assay. We demonstrated that the expression of MXD4 and FGFR2 in Cashmere goats was significantly higher than that of Fine-wool Sheep, and the expression was opposite to that of miR-125b. miR-125b can down-regulate the levels of MXD4 and FGFR2. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay showed that miR-125b could bind to the 3′-UTR region of target genes FGFR2 and MXD4, suggesting that MXD4 and FGFR2 were target genes of miR-125b. This study has shown that the growth and development of hair follicles in skin tissue of Fine-wool Sheep and Cashmere goats from the new regulatory levels of miRNAs, and clarified the mechanism of miR-125b and its target genes in the development of hair follicles in the skin.

A conditional multi-trait sequence GWAS discovers pleiotropic candidate genes and variants for sheep wool, skin wrinkle and breech cover traits

BackgroundImputation to whole-genome sequence is now possible in large sheep populations. It is therefore of interest to use this data in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to investigate putative causal variants and genes that underpin economically important traits. Merino wool is globally sought after for luxury fabrics, but some key wool quality attributes are unfavourably correlated with the characteristic skin wrinkle of Merinos. In turn, skin wrinkle is strongly linked to susceptibility to “fly strike” (Cutaneous myiasis), which is a major welfare issue. Here, we use whole-genome sequence data in a multi-trait GWAS to identify pleiotropic putative causal variants and genes associated with changes in key wool traits and skin wrinkle.ResultsA stepwise conditional multi-trait GWAS (CM-GWAS) identified putative causal variants and related genes from 178 independent quantitative trait loci (QTL) of 16 wool and skin wrinkle traits, measured on up to 7218 Merino sheep with 31 million imputed whole-genome sequence (WGS) genotypes. Novel candidate gene findings included the MAT1A gene that encodes an enzyme involved in the sulphur metabolism pathway critical to production of wool proteins, and the ESRP1 gene. We also discovered a significant wrinkle variant upstream of the HAS2 gene, which in dogs is associated with the exaggerated skin folds in the Shar-Pei breed.ConclusionsThe wool and skin wrinkle traits studied here appear to be highly polygenic with many putative candidate variants showing considerable pleiotropy. Our CM-GWAS identified many highly plausible candidate genes for wool traits as well as breech wrinkle and breech area wool cover.

ФОРМУВАННЯ ПОКАЗНИКІВ ЯКОСТІ ШКІР РІЗНИХ ВИДІВ ШКІРЯНОЇ СИРОВИНИ ІЗ ВИКОРИСТАННЯМ МОНТМОРИЛОНІТУ

The tanning process is important in stabilizing the collagen structure of the derma. Сhrome tanning is the traditional option. The basic chromium sulfate is used in the production of 80% of leather in use. A peculiarity of chromium tanning turns out to be an inefficient use of chromium compounds, since almost 40% of tannins remain in wastewater. Considering the disadvantages of using chromium compounds, scientific research on the replacement and use of rather eco-friendlier substances has been conducted for a long time. One of the directions of ecologization of leather manufacturing is the use of modified montmorillonite dispersions in various technological processes such as tanning, filling, dyeing, fat-liquoring, etc. Researches have been aimed at identifying the feasibility of making leather for the uppers of children’s shoes from different types of leather raw materials using modified dispersions of montmorillonite at the stage of tanning. According to the technology of making leather, cattle (medium heifer), goat and sheep skins were used for the upper of the shoes. The analysis of leather quality indicators from different types of raw materials obtained with the use of chromefree tanning. It is proved that hides from raw materials of goats and sheepskins in comparison with cattle are characterized by increased yield area by 3.5-7.2 %, thickness by 0.8-2.6 %, volume yield by 4.5-6.1 % and uniformity of quality indicators in different topographic areas. The level of indicators of physical and mechanical, hygienic properties and chemical composition of leather of different types of raw materials is almost identical within the requirements of regulatory documents. It is advisable to use for children’s shoes leather from raw goat and sheepskin given the peculiarities of the manufacture of children’s shoes, dimensional characteristics of parts, requirements for dimensional stability and shape conservation.

Enzymatic activity of alkaline protease from Bacillus cereus TD5B and its application as sheep skin dehairing agent

This study aims to determine the enzymatic activity of extracellular alkaline protease from Bacillus cereus TD5B and its potential application as a sheep skin dehairing agent. The B. cereus TD5B was screened for extracellular alkaline protease production on skim milk agar media, while its alkaline protease activity and the application were measured at 1%, 1.5%, and 2%. The application of alkaline protease from B. cereus TD5B as a sheep skin dehairing agent was observed through histological examination and physical properties measurement after chrome-tanning with lime and Na2S as control. The study was conducted in a completely randomized design, and the quantitative data were analyzed using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The results showed that a clear zone was seen surrounding B. cereus, indicating the bacteria’s proteolytic activity. The protease activity measurement showed that 2% of alkaline protease had the highest enzymatic activity at 144.75 U/mL/min. The highest tensile strength of sheep leather was obtained after dehairing at 1% alkaline protease concentration (350.26 kg/cm2), even though the highest elongation was obtained at 2% (34.92%). In contrast, different concentrations showed similar shrinkage temperatures at 90°C. This study concludes that the optimum alkaline protease concentration from Bacillus cereus TD5B as a sheep dehairing agent was 2%.

Шерсть как основное животноводческое сырье для изготовления кыргызских войлочных ковров

This article reflects the importance of wool in the life of traditional Kyrgyz society. The nomadic way of life provided them with everything they needed for daily life. Livestock, the main economic activity of the Kyrgyz, provided raw materials for livestock: wool, skins, horns, sheep skins and bones. The article describes the various characteristics and features of sheep’s wool. As a traditional knowledge of the Kyrgyz, its use in the treatment of fractures through wool, i. e. The importance of the medical aspect is established. Sheep’s wool is widely used in the manufacture of various household items, in the exterior and interior decoration of traditional yurts, and in the making of hats, clothes, and shoes. The technological method of shearing sheep to obtain high-quality wool, as well as the features of its preparation in the manufacture of Kyrgyz felt carpets (ala kiiz and shyrdak) are described in detail.

Collagen peptides with DPP-IV inhibitory activity from sheep skin and their stability to in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

Collagen is a potential precursor protein for Dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory peptides because of its high content of Pro. Collagen peptides with DPP-IV inhibitory activity were prepared and identified from sheep skin. The peptide sequences with the highest potential for DPP-IV inhibition were recognized by nano LS-MS/MS and in silico analysis. DPP-IV inhibitory activity of collagen peptides usually decreased after digestion, therefore the effect of peptides digestion on DPP-IV inhibitory activity were studied. Four DPP-IV inhibitory peptides resistant to digestive enzymes or having the possibility of generating new DPP-IV inhibitory peptides after digestion were synthesized. The activity of synthetic peptides before and after digestion were also studied. GPAGPIGPV was resistant to digestion and GPAGPOGFPG discharged DPP-IV inhibitory peptides in silico digestion, suggesting that they can maintain high DPP-IV inhibitory activity after digestion. Binding sites of the peptides with DPP-IV were studied by molecular docking, indicating the mechanism of the peptide having DPP-IV inhibitory activity. The results indicated that DPP-IV-inhibitory peptides identified from sheep skin collagen may be functional components in diabetic diet.

Effect of a Topical Formulation on Infective Viral Load in Lambs Naturally Infected with Orf Virus.

IntroductionOrf is a highly contagious eruptive viral disease of the skin and mucosa of sheep and goats. Although vaccination with live or attenuated orf virus is the preferred option for disease control, the vaccine is unavailable in many countries. Treatment of orf lesions involves standard hygiene and in numerous cases, management of presumptive secondary infections with antibiotics, increasing risks of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The wound dressing formulation Tri-Solfen® containing two local anaesthetics (lignocaine and bupivacaine), adrenaline and an antiseptic (cetrimide) in a gel formulation was developed for pain relief in sheep undergoing surgical husbandry procedures in Australia. Recently, TS therapy was found to reduce suffering and enhance recovery in cattle and buffalo with oral and skin lesions due to foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) virus infection. It was noted that TS has a low pH and is potentially viricidal, potentially aiding disease control.MethodsOne-month-old lambs (n=14), naturally infected with orf, were recruited from a farm during a natural outbreak of the disease. The animals were selected at the early stages of the infection and randomly divided into two cohorts: Group A (n=11) treated with the topical wound gel formulation (TS); and Group B (n=3) an untreated control group. Swabs were obtained before treatment (T0) and on days one (T1), 3 (T2) and 5 (T3) post-treatment, then submitted to direct DNA extraction with real-time PCR quantification, plus incubation with primary tissue cultures from ovine skin fibroblasts (OSF) and T-immortalized goat embryonic fibroblasts (TIGEF).ResultsAlthough no significant differences were found in the clinical progression of the lesions and PCR quantification (p=0.722) between these small cohorts, there was a significant difference (p<0.05) in reduction in infective viral load between the groups when assessed in OSF cell cultures between T0 and T3.ConclusionThese preliminary findings suggest that treatment of early stage lesions with this TS may reduce the infective viral load present in orf lesions.

Exon-1 skipping and intron-1 retaining by alternative splicing of the c-KIT gene encodes a novel splice variant in the skin of Merino sheep (Ovis aries).

c-KIT, a type III receptor protein tyrosine kinase, plays an essential role in melanocyte development, migration, and survival. Mutations within the c-KIT gene are previously shown to cause the white coat color phenotypes in pigs, mice, goats, and humans. However, up so far, the splicing isoform(s), genomic architecture of c-KIT have not been characterized well in merino sheep. Reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR analysis with molecular prediction identified two basic splice variants: Transcript Variant-1, 2 for 12bp insertion coding sequences (CDS) corresponding to the four amino acids 'GNSK', respectively. Using 5' RACE, here we report for the first time a novel c-KIT 'Transcript Variant-3' from the skin of merino sheep by comparative genome analyses at exon(1)-intron(1)-exon(2) boundaries. In contrast, a single product of 795bp was characterized by 3' RACE. We also demonstrated that the c-KIT gene expression at the transcript level is not mediated via an intron-9 splicing event. Overall, beyond what was observed in other mammals, our data provide novel insights into the molecular structure of the c-KIT gene in sheep.

Topographic features of sheep skin and coat structure

Topographic features of sheep skin and coat structure

Nitrate and nitrite absorption, recycling and retention in tissues of sheep

Dietary nitrate is of increasing interest both for the pharmacological effects of its metabolites as well as its capacity to inhibit methanogenesis in the gut. A sequence of three experiments was conducted to investigate the absorption, metabolism and excretion of nitrate and nitrite through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of sheep, and to determine the fate of nitrate and nitrite in body fluids, tissues and faeces after intravenous dosing with 15N-labeled potassium nitrate (K15NO3) and with 15N-labeled sodium nitrite (Na15NO2). In Experiment 1, twelve female Merino sheep were assigned to one of two dietary treatments and adapted to the experimental diet over two weeks. Six sheep were fed a control diet of wheaten chaff mixture (600 g wheaten chaff plus 200 g wheat grain, CON) and six sheep were fed the CON diet with the inclusion of 18 g nitrate/kg DM (Nitrate). After acclimation to the diets, all sheep received a single intravenous dose of K15NO3 and were placed in metabolic cages for daily collection of total faeces and urine over 6 days. Experiment 2 studied movement of an intravenous dose of 15N in body fluids and tissues. Two sheep not adapted to dietary nitrate were dosed intravenously with K15NO3 or Na15NO2 and body fluids and tissue samples were collected 60 min after dosing. Finally, Experiment 3 was conducted to identify and quantify the major sites of nitrate and nitrite transfer within the body, focusing on absorption, partitioning and secretion into the GIT of anaesthetised sheep. A single dose of sodium nitrate (NaNO3) or sodium nitrite (NaNO2) was introduced into the rumen or abomasum or small intestine, and changes in nitrate and nitrite concentrations in other pools, including plasma, urine and saliva, were determined. Results from Experiment 1 showed that urinary recovery of 15N dose in urea after 46 h and total urinary recovery of 15N 141 h after dosing were greater in sheep fed the Nitrate diet relative to CON (P < 0.05). Recoveries of 15N in tissues indicated that nitrate and nitrite principally accumulated in the skin and muscle of sheep (Experiment 2). Finally, Experiment 3 indicated that nitrate and nitrite were rapidly absorbed from the rumen, abomasum and small intestine into the bloodstream. Nitrite was oxidized in plasma and the resultant nitrate was concentrated and recycled via saliva. Appearance of 15N in urinary urea confirmed the passage of plasma nitrate to the digestive tract, via saliva or transruminal flow to be reduced by gut biota to ammonia.

Qualitative Characteristics of Mutton Obtained from Animals with Different Bioenergy Profile

Food security is one of the components of the stable economic development. Its main criteria are: availability and safety of raw materials and products of its processing for the population. Ensuring food security in Russia is possible only on the basis of innovative development of the agro-industrial complex and introduction of new methods based on the knowledge of physiology of productive animals into practice. In this regard, a promising direction is a study of product quality assessment using a bioelectric profile of superficially localized biologically active centers on the skin of sheep. Determination of meat qualities was carried out on young sheep at the age of 6-7 months old. Topographic search and measurement of the bioelectric potential level of SLBAC was carried out with an ELAP device. As a result of the studies, it was found out that at values of the bioelectric potential level of SLBAC from 58.2 μA and higher, the quality indicators of meat content are high. The correlation dependence threshold of the bioelectric potential level of SLBAC and the meat content is from +0.12 to 1.0. The bioelectric profile level of SLBAC can serve as a test for a live-animal assessment of the qualitative composition of mutton, with sufficient information content and meat producibility assessment.

Gost project on goat skins

Currently, there is an interstate standard for sheep skins (GOST 28425-90), but there is no similar standard for goat skins. This creates certain difficulties in the procurement. In some cases, when assessing the leather productivity of goats, one can be guided by GOST 28425-90 “Raw materials of leather” which applies to the skins of cattle, buffaloes, yaks, elk, horses, camels, donkeys, mules, domestic pigs (except for boars), as well as domestic and wild goats with an area of 24 m 2 or more, intended for processing in the leather industry. However, this standard does not take into account fur and fur coat performance. In addition, one of the disadvantages of this standard is that goats with a size of more than 24 dm 2 belong to group I, and there are no requirements for groups 2, 3, and 4, unlike the skins of other animal species. In view of the above, a draft standard for goat skins has been developed with the preliminary name «Goats not dressed».

Evolution of humoral immunity effectors in four flocks of sheep with symptoms of contagious ecthyma, from Santău village, Romania

Contagious ecthyma or contagious pustular dermatitis is a debilitating condition located on the skin of sheep and goats, with a zoonotic character. Contagious ecthyma is a disease with economic and animal welfare implications, rarely being fatal if the host organism suffers from immunosuppression or if secondary infections occur. Similar to other members of the Poxviridae family, immunity to contagious ecthyma is mediated by both innate and adaptive immune responses. Following the invasion of the contagious ecthyma virus, immunoglobulins are mobilized that specifically bind to the contagious ecthyma virus to form immune complexes, which are then eliminated by defense system to protect tissues from damage. The level of circulating immune complexes and immunoglobulins can be quantified and can be an indicator of the stage of infection. In the present study we aimed to investigate whether there is a link between the individual characteristics (sex, age, severity of clinical signs) of sheep with orf symptoms and the evolution of circulating immune complexes and total immunoglobulins. In addition to these investigations, we aimed to follow the evolution of these immunological parameters compared to the evolution in clinically healthy animals. Investigations of the serum revealed that levels of these two parameters (total Ig and CIC), can be influenced by the individual characteristics of sheep affected by the contagious ectima and shows differences compared to clinically healthy animals.

Study on the Degreasing of Sheep Skin Using Subcritical Fluid Extraction

Degreasing is one of the important processes for the production of leather and fur. This study aimed to develop a degreasing method using subcritical n-pentane. Sheep skin was chosen as raw skin for this investigation. The best possible combination of degreasing parameters was found using single factor experiment and response surface methodology. The effects of temperature and pressure on the degreasing efficiency were evaluated further with histological analysis. The results showed that the optimum degreasing parameters were a degreasing time of 58 min, pressure of 0.45 MPa, temperature of 41.0°C and thus yielded a degreasing rate of 52.46％ theoretically and 51.46% experimentally. Histological sections showed that the degreasing effect of subcritical n-pentane was quite significant and the lipid droplets around the hair follicles were dramatically reduced. It has been proven that subcritical n-pentane degreasing is an effective technique for sheep skin degreasing.

Immunohistochemical Expression of Keratins in Normal Ovine Skin and in Chronic Dermatitis due to Sarcoptes scabiei

Hyperproliferation of epidermal keratinocytes is a major histopathological feature of chronic Sarcoptes scabiei dermatitis. We investigated the immunohistochemical expression of several keratins in scabietic dermatitis in sheep and in the skin of healthy sheep, using a panel of commercially available anti-human antibodies for keratins. Keratins AE1/AE3 and 34BE12 were expressed in all epithelial structures in healthy skin. Keratin MNF116 was expressed in the stratum basale and in the three lowest layers of the stratum spinosum, in follicular epithelium and in apocrine glands. Keratin K5/6 expression was seen in the stratum basale, in the two lowest cell layers of the stratum spinosum, in the outer root sheath of hair follicles and in myoepithelial cells of apocrine glands. K14 expression was observed in the stratum basale, in locally extensive regions of the two lowest cell layers of the stratum spinosum, in the outer root sheath of hair follicles and in sebaceous glands. Immunolabelling of K19 antigen was confined to apocrine glands. In scabietic skin, immunolabelling of keratin 34BE12 was seen in all layers of hyperplastic stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum but was restricted to some locally extensive regions in hyperkeratotic and parakeratotic stratum corneum. Keratin MNF116 was widely labelled in all layers of hyperplastic stratum spinosum and stratum granulosum. There was expansive labelling of K5/6 keratin in all layers of hyperplastic stratum spinosum and in locally extensive regions of stratum granulosum, as well as in hyperkeratotic or parakeratotic stratum corneum. Expansive labelling of K14 keratin was detected in all layers of hyperplastic stratum spinosum and in the layers of the hyperplastic stratum granulosum. K5/6 and K14 keratins were also labelled in the inner root sheath of occasional hair follicles.

Microbiome analysis of the skin of sheep that are resistant or susceptible to breech flystrike

Context Breech strike is a serious disease for wool sheep. Skin wrinkle and dags are known predisposing factors for breech strike; however, a large part of the variation among sheep is unknown. Aims We studied the natural diversity and difference in microbial populations in the skin around the breech area in Merino sheep genetically resistant and susceptible to breech strike, by using 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. Methods The sheep were from the breech strike flocks at the Mount Barker research station in Western Australia and from the CSIRO research station near Armidale in New South Wales. Skin samples were collected from the breech of all 2013-born progeny in both flocks before they were struck. Yearling ewes and rams were then naturally exposed to challenge by Lucilia cuprina blowflies. Breeding values for breech strike were estimated and used with phenotypic data to identify breech strike-resistant and -susceptible sheep. Skin samples of 78 unstruck and 73 struck sheep were selected, their microbiomes were analysed using 16S rRNA meta-barcoding, and operational taxonomic unit counts were analysed. Results The diversity analyses showed that the two flocks in the different environments had different microbiome profiles, but no difference was found between sexes or between breech strike-resistant and -susceptible sheep in either flock. Conclusions The results indicated that microbial differences on the skin of sheep are not associated with differences in susceptibility to breech strike. Implications Microbial differences do not offer opportunities to manage breech strike in Merino sheep.

ОТЛИЧИТЕЛЬНЫЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ РАЗВИТИЯ ТОЛЩИНЫ КОЖИ И ЕЕ СЛОЕВ У ГРУБОШЕРСТНЫХ ОВЕЦ С ВОЗРАСТОМ

Very specific requirements are imposed on the coat of sheep of the Romanov breed, which are associated with the structure of the skin, in addition, the study of the age characteristics of the structure of the skin gives us additional data on the adaptive characteristics of animals in new breeding conditions, and in our case, in the conditions of the foothill zone of the North Caucasus. Life-time observations carried out on the same animals open up the possibility of understanding the properties of the skin in connection with changes in the body under the influence of the environment. Purpose - to study postembryonic changes in the skin of young sheep of the Romanov, Tushin and Ossetian breeds in the first year of their life. To achieve this goal, three groups of bright breeds - Romanov, Tushin and Ossetian breeds - were formed in JSC "Saniba" of the Prigorodny District of North Ossetia-Alania. The test subjects were weighed at birth and at 4, 8 and 12 months of age, and skin samples were taken at the same ages for examination. The preparation of skin preparations and their study was carried out according to the method of N.A. Diomidova and others. It was found that Ossetian lambs in live weight both at birth and at subsequent ages significantly exceeded the Romanov peers. The Romanovs' brighta at the age of 12 months surpassed the Ossetian and Tushin peers in the thickness of the pilar layer by 17.3 and 28.7%, respectively, and in the total thickness of the skin - by 6.6 and 14.4%, yielding to them in the thickness of the epidermal layer by 5 , 1 and 10.6%, and in terms of the thickness of the reticular layer - Tushino by 10.1%, Ossetian - 13.5%. Calculations showed that the Romanovs' brighta in the relative thickness of the pilar layer are superior to the Tushino and Ossetian peers, yielding to them in terms of a similar indicator of the epidermis and the reticular layer.

Fleece rot and dermatophilosis (lumpy wool) in sheep: opportunities and challenges for new vaccines

During prolonged wetting of the fleece, proliferation of bacterial flora often dominated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Dermatophilus congolensis can induce dermatitis and fleece damage termed fleece rot and dermatophilosis respectively, which predispose sheep to blowfly strike. A large research effort in the 1980s and 1990s on vaccines to control fleece rot and dermatophilosis met with limited success. This review examines theoretical and technological advances in microbial ecology, pathogenesis, immunology, vaccine development and the characterisation of microbial virulence factors that create new opportunities for development of vaccines against these diseases. Genomic technologies have now created new opportunities for examining microbial dynamics and pathogen virulence in dermatitis. An effective vaccine requires the combination of appropriate antigens with an adjuvant that elicits a protective immune response that ideally provides long-lasting protection in the field. A clinical goal informed by epidemiological, economic and animal welfare values is needed as a measure of vaccine efficacy. Due to dependence of fleece rot and dermatophilosis on sporadic wet conditions for their expression, vaccine development would be expedited by in vitro correlates of immune protection. The efficacy of vaccines is influenced by genetic and phenotypic characteristics of the animal. Advances in understanding vaccine responsiveness, immune defence in skin and immune competence in sheep should also inform any renewed efforts to develop new fleece rot and dermatophilosis vaccines. The commercial imperatives for new vaccines are likely to continue to increase as the animal welfare expectations of society intensify and reliance on pharmacotherapeutics decrease due to chemical resistance, market pressures and societal influences. Vaccines should be considered part of an integrated disease control strategy, in combination with genetic selection for general immune competence and resistance to specific diseases, as well as management practices that minimise stress and opportunities for disease transmission. The strategy could help preserve the efficacy of pharmacotherapeutics as tactical interventions to alleviate compromised welfare when adverse environmental conditions lead to a break down in integrated strategic disease control. P. aeruginosa and D. congolensis are formidable pathogens and development of effective vaccines remains a substantial challenge.