Thin-tailed Sheep Research Articles

IntroductionIn the evolutionary context of sheep, the development of fat tails represents an adaptive survival mechanism in response to varying food availability. Despite food resource instability, sheep store energy by accumulating tail fat to survive periods of famine. This energy storage function remains present in domesticated sheep, serving as a key evolutionary reason for the formation of sheep tail fat.MethodsHere, we conducted whole-genome resequencing of 555 sheep samples (30 samples were newly sequenced and 525 were retrieved from published data) globally to investigate selection signatures associated with fat-tailed traits using Fixation Index (FST), Nucleotide diversity (π), cross-population composite likelihood ratio (XP-CLR), and runs of homozygosity (ROH) methods.Result and discussionOur examination of selection signatures in Fat-tailed and Thin-tailed Sheep Populations identified 32 candidate genes, with 6 genes (PDGFD, BMP2, GLIS1, LIPE, MSRB3, and TBX15) implicated in fat accumulation and lipid metabolism. Notably, 8 significant Gene Ontology terms (mesenchymal cell differentiation, positive regulation of ERK1 and ERK2 cascades, hormone metabolic process, nucleocytoplasmic transport, regulation of hormone levels, response to growth factor, regulation of canonical Wnt signaling pathway, and tissue morphogenesis) may play a role in fat deposition and tail fat development. These results will provide molecular targets for low-fat sheep breeding and enhance economic returns in sheep farming.ConclusionThis study will play a crucial role in environmental adaptation and product development, comprehensively driving the development of the sheep farming industry and enhancing economic benefits.

The Eid al-Adha celebration is a major annual event that offers substantial economic opportunities for seasonal livestock traders. Among the various types of sacrificial livestock offered, thin-tailed sheep (TTS) are commonly sold. This study aimed to evaluate the production performance of TTS marketed by seasonal traders. A total of 153 TTS aged 1-1.5 years (U1) and 1.5-2.5 years (U2) were sampled from three seasonal livestock trading locations in Sleman. All animals were confirmed to be healthy and free from physical defects. Data collection included both measurement and observations, focusing on production performance indicators such as body weight, body condition score (BCS), and linear body measurements (height at withers, chest circumference, body length, scrotal circumference), along with exterior characteristics (body colour, horns presence, and eye circumference). Quantitative data were analyzed using ANOVA in SPSS version 28, while qualitative data were analyzed descriptively. The results indicated that TTS sold by seasonal traders met the basic requirement for sacrificial livestock in terms of age and condition. Significant differences (P<0.05) between U1 and U2 categories were found in body weight, height at withers, chest circumference, body length, and scrotal circumference. Most TTS sold were white, horned, and had well-developed eye circumference. Pricing was primary based on external appearance rather than measurable traits. Further studies are recommended to explore pricing strategies based on body weight and to encourage the use of standardized livestock grouping by weight and appearance. Providing official health certificates may also enhance buyer trust and selling price.

Transportation can cause stress, which leads to changes in body weight and physiological responses. Coconut water can reduce oxidative stress and improve the physiological response of sheep, as well as maintain hydration and metabolism to prevent weight loss. This study aims to analyze changes in body weight and physiological responses in thin-tailed Sheep given coconut water-based electrolyte solution. A total of 20 male thin-tailed Sheep with an average weight of 21.47 ± 1.47 kg were used in this study. The study used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments and five replications: P0 = control (400 ml of water), P1 = 100 ml of coconut water + 300 ml of water, P2 = 200 ml of coconut water + 200 ml of water, and P3 = 300 ml of coconut water + 100 ml of water. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, followed by Duncan’s test. The results showed that the administration of coconut water to thin-tailed Sheep had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on rectal temperature, but had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on body weight loss, heart rate, and respiratory rate. The administration of coconut water to thin-tailed Sheep before transportation can reduce stress and body weight loss after transportation.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of different ages on Thin-tailed Sheep (Ovis aries) on the quality of fresh semen macroscopically and microscopically. The study was conducted in July 2023 at the Teaching Farm, Animal Husbandry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung in the form of a case study with two age groups, namely 8-12 months (P1) and 13-18 months (P2) as many as 5 animals per age group. Observation variables are 1) macroscopic quality of semen (color, odor, pH, consistency, and volume of semen); 2) microscopic quality of semen (mass movement and motility of individual spermatozoa). Semen collection uses a special artificial vagina for Kruuser sheep. Assessment of color, odor, consistency of semen, and mass movement of spermatozoa through observation and quantification by scoring; pH using paper indicator strips; semen volume by looking at the numbers on the scale tube; mass movement and motility of individual spermatozoa through subjective assessment under a Leica DM750 binocular light microscope. Data for each variable between age groups are presented in the table of averages ± SD. Data analysis was performed statistically by comparing the two age treatment groups with the Independent Sample T-test statistical model at a 95% confidence level using SPSS series 24.0. The results showed no significant difference (P>0.05) between different age groups. The conclusion of the study is that Thin-tailed Sheep (Ovis aries) at the Teaching Farm of the Animal Husbandry Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung at the age range of 8-18 months produce the same fresh semen quality macroscopically and microscopically, with a tendency to produce higher fresh semen quality in the 13-18 month age group.

BackgroundThe accumulation of tail fat in sheep is a manifestation of adaptive evolution to the environment. Sheep with different tail types show significant differences in physiological functions and tail fat deposition. Although these differences reflect the developmental mechanism of tail fat under different gene regulation, the situation of sheep tail fat tissue at the single cell level has not been explored, and its molecular mechanism still needs to be further elucidated.ResultsHere, we characterized the genomic features of sheep with different tail types, detected the transcriptomic differences in tail adipose tissue between fat-tailed and thin-tailed sheep, established a single-cell atlas of sheep tail adipose tissue, and screened potential molecular markers (SESN1, RPRD1A and RASGEF1B) that regulate differences in sheep tail fat deposition through multi-omics integrated analysis. We found that the differential mechanism of sheep tail fat deposition not only involves adipocyte differentiation and proliferation, but is also closely related to cell-specific communication networks (When adipocytes act as signal outputters, LAMININ and other signal pathways are strongly expressed in guangling large tailed sheep and hu sheep), including interactions with immune cells and tissue remodeling to drive the typing of tail fat. In addition, we revealed the differentiation trajectory of sheep tail adipocytes through pseudo-time analysis and constructed the cell communication network of sheep tail adipose tissue.ConclusionsOur results provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of tail fat deposition in sheep with different tail types, and provide a deeper explanation for the development and functional regulation of adipocytes.

Genomic insights into the population history of fat-tailed sheep and identification of two mutations that contribute to fat tail adipogenesis.

This study aims to determine the effect of adding cassava dregs in rations on nutrient consumption of Javanese thin-tailed sheep. This study was conducted from February to March 2024 at the Berkah Cempe farm, Baturetno district, Wonogiri Regency. The study used a completely randomized design with a one-way pattern consisting of 3 treatments and 4 replications. Treatment P1: 60% king grass + 40% concentrate + 0% cassava dregs, P2: 60% king grass + 40% concentrate + 10% cassava dregs, and P3: 60% king grass + 40% concentrate + 20% cassava dregs. The observation variables were dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility and crude protein digestibility. The results showed the highest average of dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility, and crude protein digestibility was P3 (60% king grass + 40% concentrate + 20% cassava dregs). The conclusion in this study was that the addition of cassava dregs up to 20% to Javanese thin-tailed sheep feed has a significant effect on dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility and crude protein digestibility.

Flavor and odor are important factors for consumers to consider the quality of lamb meat. The AHSG Alpha2-Heremans- Schmid Glycoprotein gene is associated with a fatty acid content and is indicated as a gene controlling flavor and odor compounds. The research aims to identify the AHSG gene polymorphism and its association with flavor and odor compounds in Indonesian lamb meat. The sample used in this study was 105 ram samples consisting of 10 Javanese Fat-Tailed Sheep (JFTS), 80 Javanese Thin-Tailed Sheep (JTTS), and 15 Jonggol sheep (JS). The AHSG gene polymorphism was validated using the PCR-RFLP technique with the EagI enzyme EagI. The association of the AHSG gene SNP (g.198655287 G>A) with odor and flavor was analyzed using the T-tests. The AHSG gene polymorphism in Indonesian lamb was polymorphic with three genotypes, i.e., GG, GA, and AA, and in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The AHSG significance was associated (P<0.05) with skatole compounds (MOA, EOA, MNA, and MI). The AA genotype is recommended for a candidate marker of flavors and odors because it associated with low compound values. The AHSG gene, specifically the SNP g.198655287 G>A, can potentially serve as a genetic marker for lamb meat production by reducing flavor and odor.

Semen Quality and Artificial Insemination Efficacy Using Sericin-Silica-Phosphate-CuO Hydrogel in Thin-tailed Sheep

Abstract This study aims to determine the effect of plant type on palatability response in thin-tailed sheep. This study used a completely randomized design. The factor is the type of plant consisting of rice (Oryza sativa), corn (Zea mays), and green beans (Vigna radiata). Each treatment was repeated 4 times. Palatability response variables measured included grasping time (seconds), consumption amount/minute (g) and consumption time/100g (minutes). Data were analyzed using Analysis of Variety (ANOVA) and differences between means were analyzed using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT). The results showed that different plant species had no significant effect (P>0.05) on grasping time and consumption time. However, mung bean hydroponic feed showed a significant difference (P<0.05) in the number of consumption/minutes compared to corn and rice. The conclusion of this study is that mung bean hydroponic feed has the best palatability, seen from the amount of consumption/minute which is 83 ± 8.12 g/minute. However, it is still necessary to further study the production capacity and price per kg as feed to achieve feed efficiency.

Different sheep breeds show distinct phenotypic plasticity in fat deposition in the tails. The genetic background underlying fat deposition in the tail of sheep is complex, multifactorial, and may involve allele-specific expression (ASE) mechanism to modulate allelic expression. ASE is a common phenomenon in mammals and refers to allelic imbalanced expression modified by cis-regulatory genetic variants that can be observed at heterozygous loci. Therefore, regulatory processes behind the fat-tail formation in sheep may be to some extent explained by cis- regulatory variants, through ASE mechanism, which was investigated in the present study. An RNA-Seq-based variant calling was applied to perform genome-wide survey of ASE genes using 45 samples from seven independent studies comparing the transcriptome of fat-tail tissue between fat- and thin-tailed sheep breeds. Using a rigorous computational pipeline, 115 differential ASE genes were identified, which were narrowed down to four genes (LPL, SOD3, TCP1 and LRPAP1) for being detected in at least two studies. Functional analysis revealed that the ASE genes were mainly involved in fat metabolism. Of these, LPL was of greater importance, as 1) observed in five studies, 2) reported as ASE gene in the previous studies and 3) with a known role in fat deposition. Our findings implied that complex physiological traits, like fat-tail formation, can be better explained by considering various genetic mechanisms, which can be more finely mapped through ASE analyses. The insights gained in this study indicate that biallelic expression may not be a common mechanism in sheep fat-tail development. Hence, allelic imbalance of the fat deposition-related genes can be considered a novel layer of information for future research on genetic improvement and increased efficiency in sheep breeding programs.

The Association of IGFBP7 Gene Polymorphism on Lamb Meat Quality in Javanese Thin-Tailed Sheep

Agricultural waste in the form of carrot leaves (Daucus carota L) has potential as a source of feed for thin-tailed sheep. Fermented processing of carrot leaves aims to increase feed efficiency, make it last longer and can be used within a certain time. This research aims to add information and references for readers regarding the effect of using fermented carrot leaves (Daucus carota L) in rations on the consumption of organic matter (BO), crude protein (PK), and crude fiber (SK) in thin-tailed sheep. This research was carried out for fifty-six days from December 2022 to January 2023 at Kandang Waris Mendho Farm and at the Integrated Laboratory of Tidar University. The design used was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 5 treatments and 5 replications, P1: 60% concentrate + 40% pakchong forage, P2: 60% concentrate + 10% fermented carrot leaves + 30% pakchong forage, P3: 60% concentrate % + fermented carrot leaves 20% + pakchong forage 20%, P4: concentrate 60% + fermented carrot leaves 30% + pakchong forage 10%, P5: concentrate 60% + fermented carrot leaves 40%. The research results showed that fermented carrot leaves had no effect on (P>0.05) BO consumption and PK consumption, but had a significant effect on (P<0.05) SK consumption. The highest SK consumption was in P1 with a consumption value of 102.44 ± 7.74 g. It can be concluded that fermented carrot leaves do not interfere with PK and SK consumption levels.

A study to compare the back fat thickness, rib eye muscle area, and body condition score (BCS) of young thin-tailed lambs fed various levels of carica Dieng seeds in rations. Eighteen male lambs aged 3-4 months with an initial body weight of 10.68 ± 1.30 kg were applied three feeding treatments (T) following a completely randomized design, T1 = complete feed containing 5% carica seeds, T2 = complete feed containing 12.5% carica seeds, and T3 = complete feed containing 20% carica seeds, with six replications each. At the end of 14 weeks of feeding treatment, back fat thickness and rib eye muscle area were measured using the Digital Veterinary Ultrasound Imaging System CTS-800. Yield grade value was determined using back fat thickness data, while the BCS assessment was carried out visually. The results showed that various levels of carica seeds addition to complete feed did not produce significant differences (P>0.05) in all variables measured. Back fat thickness, BCS, and rib eye muscle area in young thin-tailed sheep were 1.46 mm, 3.06, and 15.52 cm2, respectively. It might be concluded that supplementation of carica Dieng seeds up to 20% in the complete feed can still be utilized by young thin-tailed sheep.

Understanding the genetic background behind fat-tail development in sheep can be useful to develop breeding programs for genetic improvement, while the genetic basis of fat-tail formation is still not well understood. Here, to identify genomic regions influencing fat-tail size in sheep, a comprehensive selection signature identification analysis was performed through comparison of fat- and thin-tailed sheep breeds. Furthermore, to gain the first insights into the potential use of RNA-Seq for selection signature identification analysis, SNP calling was performed using RNA-Seq datasets. In total, 45 RNA-Seq samples from seven cohort studies were analyzed, and the FST method was used to detect selection signatures. Our findings indicated that RNA-Seq could be of potential utility for selection signature identification analysis. In total, 877 SNPs related to 103 genes were found to be under selection in 92 genomic regions. Functional annotation analysis reinforced the hypothesis that genes involved in fatty acid oxidation May modulate fat accumulation in the tail of sheep and highlighted the potential regulatory role of angiogenesis process in the fat deposition. In agreement with most previous studies, our results re-emphasize that the BMP2 gene is targeted by selection during sheep evolution. Further gene annotation analysis of the regions targeted by the sheep evolution process revealed that a large number of genes included in these regions are directly associated with fat metabolism, including those previously reported as candidates involved in sheep fat-tail morphology, such as NID2, IKBKG, RGMA, IGFBP7, UBR5, VEGFD and WLS. Moreover, a number of genes, including BDH2, ECHS1, AUH, ERBIN and CYP4V2 were of particular interest because they are well-known fat metabolism-associated genes and are considered novel candidates involved in fat-tail size. Consistent with the selection signature identification analysis, principal component analysis clustered the samples into two completely separate groups according to fat- and thin-tailed breeds. Our results provide novel insights into the genomic basis of phenotypic diversity related to the fat-tail of sheep breeds and can be used to determine directions for improving breeding strategies in the future.

Performance of Thin-Tailed Sheep Fed Cassava Peel Silage-Based Diet with Different Protein Supplements

Association of INHA Gene Polymorphisms with Litter Size Trait in Indonesian Thin-Tailed Sheep

As meat-producing livestock, sheep are a benchmark for communities seeking quality and healthy meat. The CYP2A6 gene has emerged as a potential tool for improving lamb meat quality. This study investigated the genetic variability of the CYP2A6 gene and its association with key determinants of lamb meat quality. The research involved 140 male sheep from five breeds: Javanese thin-tail sheep (JTTS), Garut sheep (GS), Jonggol sheep (JS), Barbados cross sheep (BCS), and Compass agrinak sheep (CAS). PCR-RFLP was employed to identify CYP2A6|BsmAI gene polymorphism and the general linear model (GLM) was used to analyze the gene's association with meat quality. The results showed a polymorphism in the CYP2A6 gene (SNP g.49170107 G>T), presenting two genotypes: GG and GT. The analysis results demonstrated that the CYP2A6 gene (P<0.05) significantly correlates with carcass characteristics (live weight, hot carcass weight, carcass percentage, cold carcass weight), commercial cuts, physical meat quality, and cholesterol content. The GT genotype exhibited superior meat quality to the GG genotype, suggesting that the CYP2A6 gene could serve as a valuable genetic marker for enhancing lamb meat quality.

Analyzing the expression of the transcriptome in adipose tissue of fat- and thin-tailed sheep

<p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Objective:</strong> This research aimed to find out the VFAs profile and methane gas production in fat-tailed sheep that fed rice straw ammoniated with commercial urea (T1), and rice straw ammoniated with urine (T2). Eight thin-tailed sheep aged 1.5 with an average body weight of 20 kg were used in this study. All the object studies were placed in individual metabolism cages. The feed concentrate used in this study was 2.3 % from the body weight of livestock, rice straw was ammoniated and water was given ad libitum, and feed was given twice a day at 7.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Concentrate were given first, then 1 hour later the ammoniated rice straw was given. The drinking water was provided ad libitum.</p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This research was conducted in three stages, 1) total collection, 2) measure methane gas production, and 3) rumen fluid collection. A completely randomized design with 2 treatments and 4 replications was used in this study. After all data was collected, then it was analyzed using the Independent T-test using IBM SPSS Statistics 21 software.</p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> The results show no significance (P > 0.05) on rice straw ammoniated with commercial urea (T1), and rice straw ammoniated with urine (T2) for methane gas production (1,328.68±349.56 vs 1,463.95±215.41), VFA Total (40.74±13.09 vs 34.79±6.34), NH<sub>3</sub> production (9.17±3.67 vs 8.78±2.94). It indicates that ammoniated using commercial urea or urine does not interrupt rumen fermentation.</p><p class="MDPI17abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> It could be concluded that crude protein digestible, methane gas production, and VFAs profile especially the fermentation conditions in the rumen are not affected by ammoniation from commercial urea or urine.</p>