Thin-tailed Sheep Research Articles

Molecular mechanisms of fat deposition: IL-6 is a hub gene in fat lipolysis, comparing thin-tailed with fat-tailed sheep breeds.

Tail fat content affects meat quality and varies significantly among different breeds of sheep. Ghezel (fat-tailed) and Zel (thin-tailed) are two important Iranian local sheep breeds with different patterns of fat storage. The current study presents the transcriptome characterization of tail fat using RNA sequencing in order to get a better comprehension of the molecular mechanism of lipid storage in the two mentioned sheep breeds. Seven (Zel 4 and Ghezel 3) 7-month-old male lambs were used for this experiment. The results of sequencing were analyzed with bioinformatics methods, including differentially expressed genes (DEGs) identification, functional enrichment analysis, structural classification of proteins, protein–protein interaction (PPI) and network and module analyses. Some of the DEGs, such as LIPG, SAA1, SOCS3, HIF-1 , and especially IL-6, had a close association with lipid metabolism. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis revealed pathways associated with fat deposition, including “fatty acid metabolism”, “fatty acid biosynthesis” and “HIF-1 signaling pathway”. The structural classification of proteins showed that major down-regulated DEGs in the Zel (thin-tailed) breed were classified under transporter class and that most of them belonged to the solute carrier transporter (SLC) families. In addition, DEGs under the transcription factor class with an important role in lipolysis were up-regulated in the Zel (thin-tailed) breed. Also, network analysis revealed that IL-6 and JUNB were hub genes for up-regulated PPI networks, and HMGCS1, VPS35 and VPS26A were hub genes for down-regulated PPI networks. Among the up-regulated DEGs, the IL-6 gene seems to play an important role in lipolysis of tail fat in thin-tailed sheep breeds via various pathways such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Due to the probable role of the IL-6 gene in fat lipolysis and also due to the strong interaction of IL-6 with the other up-regulated DEGs, it seems that IL-6 accelerates the degradation of lipids in tail fat cells.

Respon Fisiologis Domba Ekor Tipis Terhadap Waktu Pemberian Pakan Yang Berbeda

This study aimed to examine the relationship of feeding time on physiological response and the effect on the behavior of Javanese thin-tailed sheep. The total population of the study was 12 sheep. The treatment in this study is feeding time in the morning (W1) and evening (W2). Parameters that had been observed were heart rate, respiration rate, rectal temperature. This research design used was a completely randomized design. Feeding at different times did not affect daily body weight gain. However, feeding at different times affects the physiological response of thin tail sheep. W1 has a higher heart rate value at daytime of 80.65 ± 3.49 but has a lower value in the afternoon at 75.26 ± 4.20. Respiration rates W1 in the morning and evening were 32.06 ± 2.69 and 51.88 ± 3.43. Rectal temperature W1 lower in the morning at 37.76 ± 0.05. Physiological response of thin tail sheep which were fed with different feeding times indicated that the heart rate, respiration rate, and rectal temperature were still in normal condition.

Quantitative proteomic analysis identified differentially expressed proteins with tail/rump fat deposition in Chinese thin- and fat-tailed lambs.

Tail adipose as one of the important functional tissues can enhance hazardous environments tolerance for sheep. The objective of this study was to gain insight into the underlying development mechanisms of this trait. A quantitative analysis of protein abundance in ovine tail/rump adipose tissue was performed between Chinese local fat- (Kazakh, Hu and Lanzhou) and thin-tailed (Alpine Merino, Tibetan) sheep in the present study by using lable-free approach. Results showed that 3400 proteins were identified in the five breeds, and 804 were differentially expressed proteins, including 638 up regulated proteins and 83 down regulated proteins in the tail adipose tissues between fat- and thin-tailed sheep, and 8 clusters were distinguished for all the DEPs' expression patterns. The differentially expressed proteins are mainly associated with metabolism pathways and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor signaling pathway. Furthermore, the proteomics results were validated by quantitative real-time PCR and Western Blot. Our research has also suggested that the up-regulated proteins ACSL1, HSD17β4, FABP4 in the tail adipose tissue might contribute to tail fat deposition by facilitating the proliferation of adipocytes and fat accumulation in tail/rump of sheep. Particularly, FABP4 highly expressed in the fat-tail will play an important role for tail fat deposition. Our study might provide a novel view to understanding fat accumulation in special parts of the body in sheep and other animals.

Review: The Effect of Protected Lemuru Fish Oil in Total Mixed Ration of Thin-Tailed Sheep

Sheep is one of the small ruminant producing red meat in Indonesia. Sheep meat contains higher saturated fatty acid compared to non-ruminant meat products. Meat consumption with high saturated fatty acid should be limited due to a higher risk of atherosclerosis (blood vein constriction) causing coronary heart disease. Strategy to reduce saturated fatty acid in the sheep meat should be conducted by increasing unsaturated fatty acid content in sheep meat. Accelerating unsaturated fatty acids can be done by feed supplementation containing unsaturated fatty acid. It can be done by protecting unsaturated fatty acids to avoid bio-hydrogenation process in the rumen. Lemuru fish oil can be utilized as an unsaturated fatty acid source. Supplementation of protected lemuru fish oil in total mixed ration (TMR) is considered to improve treatment effectivity, due to sheep is unable to choose certain feedstuffs and instead of ingesting the whole diets so that the consumed diet had balance nutrient. Supplementation of protected fat is suggested to not modify rumen fermentation, improving sheep performance, and increasing unsaturated fatty acid content of sheep meat. This review provides previous research studies with protected fat supplementation in sheep diet.

Polymorphism and Comparative Expression Analysis of THRSP Gene in Fat-Tailed and Thin-Tailed Sheep Breeds

Polymorphism and Comparative Expression Analysis of THRSP Gene in Fat-Tailed and Thin-Tailed Sheep Breeds

Genomic analysis of worldwide sheep breeds reveals PDGFD as a major target of fat-tail selection in sheep

BackgroundFat tail is a unique trait in sheep acquired during domestication. Several genomic analyses have been conducted in sheep breeds from limited geographic origins to identify the genetic factors underlying this trait. Nevertheless, these studies obtained different candidates. The results of these regional studies were easily biased by the breed structures.ResultsTo minimize the bias and distinguish the true candidates, we used an extended data set of 968 sheep representing 18 fat-tailed breeds and 14 thin-tailed breeds from around the world, and integrated two statistical tests to detect selection signatures, including Genetic Fixation Index (FST) and difference of derived allele frequency (ΔDAF). The results showed that platelet derived growth factor D (PDGFD) exhibited the highest genetic differentiation between fat- and thin-tailed sheep breeds. Analysis of sequence variation identified that a 6.8-kb region within the first intron of PDGFD is likely the target of positive selection and contains regulatory mutation(s) in fat-tailed sheep. Histological and gene expression analyses demonstrated that PDGFD expression is associated with maturation and hemostasis of adipocytes. Further retrospective analysis of public transcriptomic datasets revealed that PDGFD expression is down-regulated during adipogenesis in both human and mouse, and is higher in fat tissues of obese individuals than that in lean individuals.ConclusionsThese results reveal that PDGFD is the predominant factor for the fat tail phenotype in sheep by contributing to adiopogenesis and maintaining the hemostasis of mature adipocytes. This study provides insights into the selection of fat-tailed sheep and has important application to animal breeding, as well as obesity-related human diseases.

PENGARUH PERLAKUAN AMONIASI DAN FERMENTASI KULIT SINGKONG TERHADAP NILAI KECERNAAN PROTEIN KASAR DAN SERAT KASAR PADA DOMBA EKOR TIPIS JANTAN

This study aimed to determine the effect of ammoniation and fermentation of cassava peel on the digestibility of crude protein and crude fiber and the best effect of ammoniation or fermentation on the digestibility of crude protein and crude fiber in thin-tail sheep. This research was conducted in April-August 2019 in the sheepfold of Department of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. The research used 9 male thin-tail sheep, feedstuff, and sheepfold with 9 pens and feed bunk. This study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisted of 3 replications and 3 treatments. The treatments given were R0 (basal ration + 15% cassava peel), R1 (basal ration + 15% fermented cassava peel) and R2 (basal ration + 15% ammoniated cassava peel). Data were analyzed with analysis of variance and continued with Least Significant Difference Test (LSD) at 5% and or 1% significant level. The results showed that the effect of ammoniation and fermentation treatment of cassava peel had no significant effect (P> 0.05) on crude protein digestibility and crude fiber digestibility.
 
 Keywords: Thin-tail sheep, Crude protein, Crude fiber, Ammoniated and fermented cassava peel, digestibility

Indigofera zollingeriana Leaf Extract Reduces Sheep Rumen Methane Production in Vitro

An experimental study aimed at assessing the reduction of gas methane production in thin-tailed sheep through the use of Indigofera zollingeriana leaf extract was conducted from May to September 2019 at Animal Nutrition and Feed Laboratory, University of Jenderal Soedirman Purwokerto. A One Way Classification of Completely Randomized Design (CRD) experiment was employed. The treatment included Indigofera zollingeriana leaf extract with levels of 0%, 0.40%, and 0.80% of feed dry matter and each treatment was repeated six times so that there were 18 experimental units. The feed provided consisted of 60% concentrate and 40% ammoniated rice straw. The concentrate consisted of coconut cake and rice bran with a ratio composition of 1:2. The material used was rumen fluid obtained from three thin-tailed sheep, sampled from the Sokaraja slaughterhouse immediately after the sheep were slaughtered. In vitro incubation was carried out for four hours. The variables measured included protozoan population, methane gas production and bacterial populations. The data obtained were then analyzed using analysis of variance and continued with the Orthogonal Polynomial test. The use of 0.80% Indigofera zollingeriana leaf extract can reduce the protozoan populations, methane gas production and can increase the bacterial populations of sheep rumen fluid.

Association Between BMP2 Functional Polymorphisms and Sheep Tail Type.

Simple SummaryWe previously detected selection markers of sheep with different tail types and found that bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) was strongly selected. We therefore predicted that BMP2 might be involved in fat deposition in sheep tails or related to sheep tail type. However, no studies have investigated the molecular mechanism of BMP2 in the formation of sheep tails. In this study, we performed flight mass spectrometry genotyping on the BMP2 gene of 533 sheep with different tail types and functionally verified our results at the cellular level. This aimed to provide basic research data for the regulation of fat deposition in sheep tails and to identify genetic markers for molecular breeding.Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) is strongly selected in both fat-tailed and thin-tailed sheep and may be a candidate gene for sheep tail type selection. However, the mechanism of action of BMP2 in sheep tail fat deposition remains unclear. This study investigated genetic variation and haplotype combinations of the BMP2 gene in sheep with different tail types, aiming to reveal the molecular mechanism of BMP2 in sheep tail fat deposition. We detected a total of three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (g.48401619 T > A, g.48401272 C > A, and g.48401136 C > T) among 533 sheep. The alleles and genotype frequencies of these SNPs were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and showed significant correlations with tail length. Linkage disequilibrium existed between the g.48401272 C > A and g.48401136 C > T sites, where CACT was the predominant genotype. At the cellular level, the expression levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) were upregulated after BMP2 overexpression; there were significantly higher levels of PPARγ than controls at 0 d and 1 d, and of LPL than controls at 1 d and 7 d. These results indicate that the BMP2 gene may participate in sheep tail fat deposition and could be used for molecular-marker-assisted selection of sheep tail type.

Effects of Cocoa Pod Fermented by Phanerochaete chrysosporium with the Addition of Mn2+ on the Performance of the Javanese Thin-Tailed Sheep

Effects of Cocoa Pod Fermented by Phanerochaete chrysosporium with the Addition of Mn2+ on the Performance of the Javanese Thin-Tailed Sheep

Prevalence of gastrointestinal worms in Wonosobo and thin-tailed sheep on the slope of Mount Sumbing, Central Java, Indonesia.

Aim:This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) worms in Wonosobo and thin-tailed sheep from the slope of Mount Sumbing.Materials and Methods:Fecal samples (n=305) were collected directly from the rectum of Wonosobo and thin-tailed sheep during the dry and rainy seasons in Wonosobo Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia. The presence of GI helminth eggs in the fecal samples was assessed using the modified McMaster egg counting technique. The identification of the eggs or oocysts was done on the basis of their morphology and size.Results:The highest prevalence of GI worms was observed in male thin-tailed sheep (76.47%) during the rainy season, whereas the lowest prevalence was observed in female Wonosobo sheep (47.36%) during the dry season. The types of GI nematodes observed in these two types of sheep were Haemonchus contortus, Ostertagia spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Bunostomumspp., Trichuris spp., and Moniezia spp. The GI worms with the highest prevalence were of Haemonchus spp. and were observed in male thin-tailed sheep. The prevalences of the two types of sheep assessed at an altitude of 1150 m above sea level were higher than those observed at the altitude of 1586 m. The prevalence of clinical and sub-clinical parasites infestation in Wonosobo and thin-tailed sheep in Kwadungan village was significantly different (p<0.05).Conclusion:This study showed that two types of local sheep on the slope of Mount Sumbing are infected with various GI worms during the dry and rainy seasons. The highest prevalence of GI worms was found in thin-tailed sheep at an altitude of 1150 m above sea level during the rainy season, with H. contortus being the most prevalent GI parasites.

Feeding frequency effects on consumption and nutrient digestibility on thin-tailed sheep infected with Haemonchus contortus

In Indonesia, most sheep are reared by farmers on extensive rearing system. This system creates arising problem that nutrient deficiency and susceptibility to Haemonchus contortus are more prevalent. This study is a laboratory model – demonstrating the actual condition – by increasing the feeding frequency to evaluate the effect of nutrient utilization on sheep infected by H. contortus. The study used the sheep as livestock model, with age ±1 year and average body weight ±17 kg. 16 thin-tail sheep were randomly grouped into 4. Treatment on this study were different feeding frequency: A (2 times/day), B (3 times/day), C (4 times/day), and D (5 times/day). All groups were fed with field grass-based feed with no other feed supplementation. Worm infection process were carried out once a week as many as 200 H. contortus infective stage per head per infection. The egg number of H. contortus per gram of fecal egg number was observed and examined weekly for 10 weeks. According to this study, higher feeding frequency increases the consumption and digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and crude fiber (CF) (P <0.05) and increases the percentage of fecal egg number (FEN).

Komposisi Dan Karateristik Jaringan Karkas Domba Ekor Tipis Yang Diberi Ransum Berbasis Indigofera zollingeriana Pada Sistem Pemeliharaan Yang Berbeda

This study aimed to find out the compoSItion and distribution of thin-tailed sheep’s carcas tissue fed with green concentrate feed on the different breeding system. A total of 20 female thin-tailed sheep around 1 year old with an average initial weight of 18.3 ± 2.01, intenSIvely and semi-intenSIvely nurture for 119 days. Feed was given in the form of brachiaria humidicola grass and green concentrate with commercial concentrate as a control. Green concentrates and commercial concentrates are given in the morning at 07.00 and grass is given at 11.00, with a ratio of 40:60%. Concentrates were given with different nurture systems was carried out with four treatments, namely five sheep grazed for 6 hours with commercial concentrate feed (SIKK), five sheep grazed for 6 hours with green concentrate feed (SIIZ), five sheep grounded with grass feed and commercial concentrates (IKK), and five sheep are grounded with grass feed and green concentrate (IIZ). The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized factorial pattern with 2×2 treatments and 5 replications with initial weights as a correction factor. The results showed that sheep that were given green concentrates had lower weight, carcass weight, lower fat weight compared to commercial concentrates. However, with semi-intenSIve nurture it produces weight and percentage of muscle that is not much different from sheep that are given commercial concentrates.

Bacteriocin Activity of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Rumen Fluid of Thin Tail Sheep

The objective of this study was to determine the activity and the stability of bacteriocin from lactic acid bacteria (BAL) isolated from rumen fluid of thin-tail sheep under the temperature (80, 100, and 121°C), pH (3, 7, and 10), and the length of storage (for 2 weeks under the temperature -8, 11, and 29°C). Lactic acid bacteria obtained by isolation, selection, and identification of thin-tailed sheep rumen fluid were used for bacteriocin production. The crude bacteriocin was partially purified using 70% ammonium sulfate, then was dialysis for 12 hours. The obtained bacteriocin then tested its inhibitory activity against E.coli (representing Gram-negative) and S. aureus (representing Gram-positive) under temperature (80, 100, and 121°C), pH (3, 7, and 10), and the length of storage (for 2 weeks under the temperature -8, 11, and 29°C). The data of bacteriocin activity based on pH, temperature, and the length of storage were analyzed with factorial, then when there was a significant difference of variable because treatment was continued with Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) test. The results showed that the bacteriocin activity of the three types of BAL against S.aureus is greater than E.coli. The highest activity was shown in pH 3, while the lowest activity was shown at pH 10 (P&lt;0.01). The highest activity was shown at a heating temperature of 100°C, while the lowest activity was shown at a heating temperature of 80°C (P&lt;0.01). The activity of bacteriocin produced by BAL 0 A, BAL 1 A, and BAL 4 C tended to be stable to the heating temperature of 80, 100, and 121°C but decreased with increasing pH value (pH 3, 7, and 10). The best of bacteriocin activity was found at pH 3 (acid), heating at 100°C, and stored at -8°C for 14 days.

Detection of copy number variation and selection signatures on the X chromosome in Chinese indigenous sheep with different types of tail.

ObjectiveChinese indigenous sheep breeds can be classified into the following three categories by their tail morphology: fat-tailed, fat-rumped and thin-tailed sheep. The typical sheep breeds corresponding to fat-tailed, fat-rumped, and thin-tailed sheep are large-tailed Han, Altay, and Tibetan sheep, respectively. Detection of copy number variation (CNV) and selection signatures provides information on the genetic mechanisms underlying the phenotypic differences of the different sheep types.MethodsIn this study, PennCNV software and F-statistics (FST) were implemented to detect CNV and selection signatures, respectively, on the X chromosome in three Chinese indigenous sheep breeds using ovine high-density 600K single nucleotide polymorphism arrays.ResultsIn large-tailed Han, Altay, and Tibetan sheep, respectively, a total of six, four and 22 CNV regions (CNVRs) with lengths of 1.23, 0.93, and 7.02 Mb were identified on the X chromosome. In addition, 49, 34, and 55 candidate selection regions with respective lengths of 27.49, 16.47, and 25.42 Mb were identified in large-tailed Han, Altay, and Tibetan sheep, respectively. The bioinformatics analysis results indicated several genes in these regions were associated with fat, including dehydrogenase/reductase X-linked, calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 F, and patatin like phospholipase domain containing 4. In addition, three other genes were identified from this analysis: the family with sequence similarity 58 member A gene was associated with energy metabolism, the serine/arginine-rich protein specific kinase 3 gene was associated with skeletal muscle development, and the interleukin 2 receptor subunit gamma gene was associated with the immune system.ConclusionThe results of this study indicated CNVRs and selection regions on the X chromosome of Chinese indigenous sheep contained several genes associated with various heritable traits.

The nutritional quality of chuck and shank meat of thin-tailed sheep supplemented with protected aldehyde in the rations

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of aldehyde supplementation, protected and without protection on the nutritional quality of chuck and shank meat of thintailed sheep. Thin tailed sheep were fattened for 3 months with 30% forage and 70% concentrate. The chuck and shank meat were obtained via carcass preparation by AMLC method. Meat samples taken from the right carcass pieces and tested for nutritional quality including moisture content, protein content, fat content and cholesterol. Feed treatments were P0 = 30% elephant grass + 70% basal concentrate; P1 = 30% elephant grass + 60% basal concentrate + 10% soybean groats without formaldehyde protected; and P2 = 30% elephant grass + 60% basal concentrate + 10% soybean groats without formaldehyde unprotected. The difference in feed treatment significantly affected the cholesterol levels of chuck and shank meat (P <0.05) and protein content of chuck meat (P <0.05). The conclusion was that chuck and shank meat of thin-tailed sheep contained lower cholesterol in thin-tailed sheep which was given protected and non-protective supplement than control. The thin-tailed sheep which were supplemented with protected and without protection containing higher protein than control.

Efficacy of anthelmintic towards gastrointestinal nematode infection in thin-tailed sheep at smallholder farms in Sukomulyo Village, Malang Regency

Intensive anthelmintic administration was estimated to cause drug resistancy. Research was conducted to determine the efficacy of albendazole and levamisole anthelmintic in thin-tailed sheep infected with gastrointestinal nematode at smallholder farms in Sukomulyo Village, Malang Regency. A total of 65 sheeps naturally infected with nematode worms were administered albendazole (35 tails) and levamisole (30 tails). Observation of egg per grams (EPG) was conducted using modified McMaster method. To determine treatments’ efficacy, EPG was conducted before and 2 weeks after treatments’ administration. The results showed that in farms that routinely given albendazole, mean treatment efficacy was 83.73% meanwhile in farms that were never receive albendazole was 92.23%. There were no farms that ever receive levamisole before. Mean treatment’s efficacy for levamisole was 95.84%. In conclusion, albendazole and levamisole still effective as anthelmintic towards gastrointestinal nematode infection in thin-tailed sheep. However, the possibility of drug resistance needs to be carefully observed, especially for albendazole.

Identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism and Association Analysis of Alpha 2-Heremans Schmid Glycoprotein (AHSG) Gene Related to Fatty Acid Traits in Sheep

Fatty acid (FA) composition of meat is regulated by many genes. The aim of this study was to identify Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) of Alpha 2-Heremans Schmid Glycoprotein (AHSG) gene and analyze its association with fatty acid (FA) traits in lambs. The study used a total of 67 rams of 12 months with average body size of 25-30 kg, consisted of 20 heads of Javanese Fat-Tailed (JFT) sheep, 17 heads of Javanese Thin-Tailed (JTT) sheep, 10 heads of Composite Garut (CG) sheep, 10 heads of Compass Agrinak (CA) sheep and 10 heads of Barbados Black Belly Cross (BC) sheep. Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) were used to identify the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of AHSG gene. Association of AHSG genotypes with fatty acid traits was performed using General Linear Model by SAS 9.4 program. The SNP of AHSG gene was polymorphic with three genotypes (GG, GA and AA). In combined population, the genotype frequency of GG, GA and AA were 0.25, 0.13 and 0.62, respectively. The Chi-square test revealed that the locus of AHSG (g. 198655287 (G&gt;A) was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, except in Composite Garut (CG), Compass Agrinak (CA) and Barbados Black Belly Cross (BC) sheep breeds. The g.198655287 (G&gt;A) SNP of AHSG gene was significantly associated (P&lt;0.05) with saturated fatty acid, including &lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capric_acid"&gt;capric acid (C10:0)&lt;/a&gt;, palmitic acid (C16:0), heptadecanoic acid (17:0), &lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arachidic_acid"&gt;arachidic acid (C20:0)&lt;/a&gt;, heneicosylic acid (C21:0), &lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Behenic_acid"&gt;behenic acid (C22:0)&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tricosylic_acid"&gt;tricosylic acid (C23:0)&lt;/a&gt;, &lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lignoceric_acid"&gt;lignoceric acid (C24:0)&lt;/a&gt;; with monounsaturated fatty acids, including &lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palmitoleic_acid"&gt;palmitoleic acid (C16:1)&lt;/a&gt;; oleic acid (C18:1n9c); eicosenoic acid (C20:1); nervonic acid (C24:1) and with polyunsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid (C18:2n6c); γ-Linolenic acid; α-Linolenic acid; &lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eicosadienoic_acid&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1"&gt;eicosadienoic acid (C20:2)&lt;/a&gt;; dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid; arachidonic acid; &lt;a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Docosadienoic_acid&amp;action=edit&amp;redlink=1"&gt;docosadienoic acid(C22:2)&lt;/a&gt;; eicosapentanoic and docosahexaenoic acid. The SNP g. 198655287 (G&gt;A) of AHSG gene may be a useful marker for selecting and producing sheep meat having desirable fatty acids.

Genome-Wide Variation, Candidate Regions and Genes Associated With Fat Deposition and Tail Morphology in Ethiopian Indigenous Sheep.

Variations in body weight and in the distribution of body fat are associated with feed availability, thermoregulation, and energy reserve. Ethiopia is characterized by distinct agro-ecological and human ethnic farmer diversity of ancient origin, which have impacted on the variation of its indigenous livestock. Here, we investigate autosomal genome-wide profiles of 11 Ethiopian indigenous sheep populations using the Illumina Ovine 50 K SNP BeadChip assay. Sheep from the Caribbean, Europe, Middle East, China, and western, northern and southern Africa were included to address globally, the genetic variation and history of Ethiopian populations. Population relationship and structure analysis separated Ethiopian indigenous fat-tail sheep from their North African and Middle Eastern counterparts. It indicates two main genetic backgrounds and supports two distinct genetic histories for African fat-tail sheep. Within Ethiopian sheep, our results show that the short fat-tail sheep do not represent a monophyletic group. Four genetic backgrounds are present in Ethiopian indigenous sheep but at different proportions among the fat-rump and the long fat-tail sheep from western and southern Ethiopia. The Ethiopian fat-rump sheep share a genetic background with Sudanese thin-tail sheep. Genome-wide selection signature analysis identified eight putative candidate regions spanning genes influencing growth traits and fat deposition (NPR2, HINT2, SPAG8, INSR), development of limbs and skeleton, and tail formation (ALX4, HOXB13, BMP4), embryonic development of tendons, bones and cartilages (EYA2, SULF2), regulation of body temperature (TRPM8), body weight and height variation (DIS3L2), control of lipogenesis and intracellular transport of long-chain fatty acids (FABP3), the occurrence and morphology of horns (RXFP2), and response to heat stress (DNAJC18). Our findings suggest that Ethiopian fat-tail sheep represent a uniquely admixed but distinct genepool that presents an important resource for understanding the genetic control of skeletal growth, fat metabolism and associated physiological processes.

Comparative Transcriptome Profiling of mRNA and lncRNA Related to Tail Adipose Tissues of Sheep.

The Lanzhou Fat-Tail sheep (LFTS, long fat-tailed sheep) is an endangered sheep breed in China with a fat tail compared to the traditional local varieties, Small Tail Han sheep (STHS, thin-tailed sheep) with a small tail, and Tibetan sheep (TS, short thin-tailed sheep) with a little tail. However, little is known regarding how tail fat deposition is regulated by long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). To evaluate the lncRNA and mRNA associated with tail fat deposition and development among these breeds, high-throughput RNA sequencing of three individuals each of LFTS, STHS, and TS were performed and analyzed in this study. RNA sequencing data from these three groups revealed 10 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 37 differentially expressed lncRNAs between the LFTS and STHS groups, 390 DEGs and 59 differentially expressed lncRNAs between the LFTS and TS groups, and 80 DEGs and 16 differentially expressed lncRNAs between the STHS and TS groups (p-value < 0.05 and fold change ≥ 2), respectively. Gene Ontology and pathway analysis of DEGs and target genes of differentially expressed lncRNAs revealed enrichment in fatty acid metabolism and fatty acid elongation-related pathways that contribute to fat deposition. Subsequently, the expression of 14 DEGs and 6 differentially expressed lncRNAs was validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Finally, two co-expression networks of differentially expressed mRNA and lncRNAs were constructed. The results suggested that some differentially expressed lncRNAs (TCONS_00372767, TCONS_00171926, TCONS_00054953, and TCONS_00373007) may play crucial roles as core lncRNAs in tail fat deposition processes. In summary, the present study extends the sheep tail fat lncRNA database and these differentially expressed mRNA and lncRNAs may provide novel candidate regulators for future genetic and molecular studies on tail fat deposition of sheep.