Ewe Traits Research Articles

Rambouillet and Romanov reciprocal breed effects on survival and growth traits of F1 lambs and on reproductive traits of F1 ewes.

Objectives were to estimate reciprocal effects of Romanov and Rambouillet breeds on survival, growth, and reproductive traits of F1 progeny and direct breed effects (Suffolk and Composite - ½ Columbia, ¼ Hampshire, and ¼ Suffolk) on survival and growth traits of the subsequent terminally sired lambs. Mature Rambouillet ewes (n = 243) were exposed to 20 Romanov rams over two seasons producing 621 lambs for evaluation of growth and survival traits with 274 F1 ewes being evaluated for reproduction traits through 4 yr of age. Similarly, mature Romanov ewes (n = 116) were exposed to 20 Rambouillet rams producing 601 lambs for evaluation of growth and survival traits with 176 F1 ewes being evaluated for reproduction traits through 4 yr of age. A total of 433 of those F1 ewes produced 3,431 lambs (1,552 litters) from 1,634 exposures to terminal sires over 4 yr. Terminal sires consisted of 38 Suffolk and 44 Composite rams. Reciprocal crossbred ewe lambs were produced from dramatically different uterine and neonatal environments, with litter size at birth from Romanov dams exceeding those from Rambouillet dams by 1.52 lambs (P < 0.001) and birth weight of lambs from Romanov dams averaged 3.41 kg compared with 4.26 kg from Rambouillet dams. Differences in BW were still evident at 140 d (P < 0.001) for dam-reared lambs. However, reciprocal ewe first breeding BW of both types were similar (P = 0.38). Minimal differences were observed in performance of reciprocal cross ewes through 4 yr for productivity, longevity, or progeny growth and survival. One exception was BW at 140 d where an interaction of dam breed with terminal sire breed reached significance for both dam-reared (P = 0.05) and nursery-reared (P = 0.02) lambs. This interaction was due to the lower weight of Composite-sired lambs out of reciprocal cross ewes born from Rambouillet dams. Composite rams increased number born (P < 0.01) and number weaned (P < 0.05) of the reciprocal cross ewes. Suffolk rams increased (P < 0.001) BW and growth rates from birth to 140 d of terminal progeny. Thus, there were little cumulative differences accrued over the 4 yr and no differences were detected for cumulative kilogram of lamb generated at 140 d per ewe exposed. The practical outcome of this evaluation was that performance levels of both types of Romanov crossbred ewes was similar allowing the industry to produce the desired crossbred ewes without needing large purebred ewe flocks of the less numerous Romanov breed.

Effect of Dietary Olive Cake on Reproductive and Physiological Traits of Native Pregnant Ewes

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effect of feeding olive cake (OC) on the reproductive and physiological traits of pregnant ewes. This study was conducted on 117 pregnant ewes, 11-12 months age, with an average weight of 41.5 kg. The animals were divided into three equal groups; each group consisted of 39 ewes, given olives cake partitions representing 0, 15 and 30 % of the diet respectively. Feeding olive cake significantly (p < 0.05) increases the fertility rate and the proportion of twins, represented in an increment of ewes conceived twins (200-233%). Addition of olive cake in diets at a rate of 15 % resulted in significantly lower GOT, GPT, creatinine, urea, total lipid, cholesterol and estrogen levels. However, this led to increasing concentrations of progesterone hormone, in comparison with other groups. Thus, it can be recommended that using olive cake up to 15% in the diets of ewes has no negative effects on reproduction or physiological functions for improving twin’s percentage.

Evaluating reproductive performance of three estrus synchronization protocols in Ghezel ewes

Although estrus synchronization considered valuable management tools for improving reproductive performance of ewes, their high expenses and complicated usage prevent sheep farmers to apply these techniques. Therefore, the present study was designed to compare three protocols of estrus synchronization on reproductive performance of Ghezel ewes. For this reason, 27 Ghezel ewes were assigned to three estrus synchronization treatment groups based on a completely randomized design included: progestogen sponge for 12 days + 500 IU eCG at the time of sponge withdrawal (P4eCG group, expensive synchronization), two doses of 75 μg cloprostenol with 12 days interval (CLO group, economical synchronization), and CLO +500 IU eCG at day 12 (CLOeCG group, moderately priced synchronization). Four consecutive blood samples were also collected during the experiment to evaluate progesterone concentrations. The results of the present experiment showed that pregnancy and lambing rates of the first estrus as well as blood progesterone concentration were not affected by the treatments (P > 0.05), though total pregnancy and lambing rates were higher in both P4eCG and CLOeCG groups (P < 0.01). Accordingly, both P4eCG and CLOeCG protocols successfully improved reproductive traits of ewes, though CLOeCG protocol is an advisable technique for sheep farmers through its moderate price, simple application, and high reproductive performance.

Variation in methane production over time and physiological state in sheep

Livestock produce 10% of the total CO2-equivalent greenhouse gases in Australia, predominantly as methane from rumen fermentation. Genetic selection has the potential to reduce emissions and be adopted in Australian grazing systems. Developing a breeding objective for reduced methane emissions requires information about heritability, genetic relationships, when best to measure the trait and knowledge of the annual production of methane. Among- and within-animal variation in methane production, methane yield and associated traits were investigated, so as to determine the optimal time of measurement and the relationship between that measurement and the total production of methane. The present study measured 96 ewes for methane production, liveweight, feed intake, rumen volume and components, and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production and composition. Measurements were recorded at three ages and different physiological states, including growing (12 months), dry and pregnant (21 months) and dry (non-pregnant, non-lactating; 28 months of age). The single biggest determinant of methane production was feed intake, but there were additional effects of age, proportion of propionate to (acetate+butyrate) in rumen VFA, total VFA concentration and CO2 flux. Rumen volume and pregnancy status also significantly affected methane production. Methane production, CO2 flux, liveweight, feed intake and rumen volume had high repeatability (&amp;gt;65%), but repeatability of methane yield and VFA traits were low (&amp;lt;20%). There were no interactions between sire and age (or pregnancy status) for methane traits. This suggests that methane could be measured at any time in the production cycle. However, because MY is reduced during pregnancy, it might be best to measure methane traits in dry ewes (neither pregnant nor lactating).

IMPACT OF EWES ON HEREDITARY AND CHANGABLE SELECTION TRAITS OF PROGENY

Organization of the system of conduct of breeding process during consolidation of the new-created types of domestic animals is not possible without application of all complex of genetic and statistic parameters, determining the condition, effectiveness and further progress of breeding work in active part of population. The special place is given to widespread use of analysis of variance, giving possibility to substantiate the results of experiments in stock-breeding and also to reveal statistically influence on changeability of a trait, which is studied, as for each factor separately and sofor their total action.&#x0D; Study wascarried out on materials of primary zootechnic and breeding accounting of sheep at "Runo" SE experimental farm of Dnepropetrovsk region. The program of researches included information about condition of basic economic-useful traits of ewes and their daughters and determination of character of their inheritance depending on condition and development of these traits at ewes.&#x0D; The analysis of variance was conducted on the basis of determination of degree of influence, as for three basic quantitative traitsin common, and so for each oneseparately, in general changeability of a trait. The importance of relationship of the investigated organized factors (live weight, length of wool, wool clip) at mothers was determined on the inheritance of the traits by their daughters by the method of three-factor analysis of variance. This method was offered by R. Fisher, its basis is decomposition of general dispersion on components consisting of the organized and casual factors.&#x0D; Primary material of researches was worked out biometrical according to methods of E. K. Merkuryeva with the use of Microsoft Ecxel and STATISTICA 6.0.&#x0D; Thearticlepresentsthe results of using different methods of statistical analysis of quantitative productive traits at the female lambs of Dnepropetrovsk type of Ascanian Meat-and-Wool breed under the influence of mothers. In terms of practical breeding it is important to know how the differences in productivity of ewes are inherited by their offspring. Analysing productivity of daughters and their mothers in coeval periods, we found significant differences. Daughter dominated their mothers significantly (live weight by 6.8-30.9 %, unwashed wool clip by 11.5-48.8 %) (P&gt; 0.999) by these productive characteristics excluding length of wool.The impact of combined effect of live weight, length and wool clip of mothers on inheritance of daughters’ live weight was determined by three-factor analysis of variance. The results showed that the total share of variance due to the influence of organized factors of mothers’genotypeswas 12.2 %, while the amount of other unaccounted factors was 87.8 %.The following results were obtained at determining the impact of factors, conditioned by maternal genotype. Thus, the total impact of the interaction of three factors of mothers on daughters’ live weight was 4.5%. The combined effect of the interaction of live weight and length wool was most significant– 77.5%, and directly the influence of live weight of mothers oninheritance of this trait in daughters was 10.2% of the total impact of factors, conditioned by maternal genes. But it should be noted that only the impact of mothers’ live weight and total effect of two factors, namely live weight and wool clip (P&gt;0.999), was significant, despite the fact that the percentage of share was 10.2% and 7.6% respectively.At the same time, the combined interaction of three factors of mothers’influence on woollength was 18 %, and of each one separately was 0-0.6 %. It is quite predictably thatthe total impact of the interaction of live weight and length wool was most significant – 50.7 % infactorialvariance and 1.7 % in general one, but the figure was below the probability (P &lt; 0.95).&#x0D; Analysis of the impact of these factors in genetic diversity of influence of motherson daughters’wool clip showed that despite the smallest percentage in the total variance ofimpact of genotypic features of mothers on the manifestation of this trait in daughters – 2% the combined interaction of three factors in factorial variance (ABC) was most significant – 30.0%. Live weight and wool clip of mothers collectively influenced most significantly on variability of wool clip, as evidenced by the high level of interactioninfluence of the above-mentioned characteristics and contributionin factorial variance – 50.6% (P&gt; 0.999).&#x0D; Thus, studies have shown ambiguous nature of the impact of maternal genes on traits expressionin daughters. The essence of this process is not linear and confirms the difficulty in the perception of inheritance as whole and for informal consideration it is clear that pleiotropic as well as polygenic effect of genes is not simply the sum of these genes. In view of the above, it can be argued that keeping in sheep breeding process should be carried out not only as the development of economically useful traits of daughters, but given their inheritance depending on the state and development of these traits in ewes.

Cumulative reproductive performance effect on overall lifetime productivity in Merino sheep

Reproduction is an important driver of profitability in commercial sheep flocks. Historically, Merino flocks have been run with a fixed age structure, ignoring individual merit and casting for age at a specific age. More recently, research has focussed on utilising the variation within age groups by keeping productive older ewes longer and culling less productive ewes earlier. Previous studies have also examined the effect of age on reproduction and the impact of reproduction status on productivity, but little research has been conducted on cumulative effects of reproductive performance on later productivity, reproduction and health. The present study examined the impact of higher lifetime reproduction on other key production and fitness traits in older ewes run under commercial conditions. Data were collected from two commercial wool-producing properties in the South West Slopes and the Central West Plains of New South Wales during 2009–2011. Reproduction, fleece measurements, bodyweight and condition and dental health were recorded during the study. The results showed that age had a bigger effect on productivity and dental health than did cumulative lifetime reproduction. Environment and genetics determined the level of impact, with minimal loss in productivity from increased age of animals occurring in the South West Slopes flock, whereas the Central West Plains flock would appear to require closer monitoring of productivity as ewes aged. The data collected did not allow separation of the genetic and environmental influences within the study. Retaining animals with a higher reproductive performance past normal culling age does not necessarily result in reduction of productivity or ewe health, but this must be monitored.

Akkaraman Koyunlarında Gebeliği Son Döneminde Yapılan Ek Yemlemenin Kuzularda Doğum ve Çeşitli Dönemlerdeki Canlı Ağırlıklar Üzerine Etkisi

Bu çalışma, Kırşehir İlinde yetiştirilen Akkaraman ırkı koyunlarda gebeliğin son döneminde yapılan ek yemlemenin kuzularda doğum ve çeşitli dönemlerdeki ağırlıklar üzerine etkisinin belirlenmesi amacı ile yapılmıştır. Araştırma materyalini, 580 baş Akkaraman koyunu ve bunların 2015 doğum sezonunda doğurmuş oldukları 554 baş Akkaraman kuzusu oluşturmuştur. Akkaraman koyunları iki gruba ayrılmıştır. Her iki gruba da buğday samanı gebelik süresince verilmiştir. Ek yemleme grubuna (EYG), gebeliğin son döneminde buğday samanına ek kesif yem (400 gr/hayvan) verilmiştir. Kontrol grubuna (KG) ise gebelik süresince sadece buğday samanı verilmiştir. Araştırmada kuzuların çeşitli dönem canlı ağırlıkları, yaşama güçleri ve Akkaraman koyunlarının bazı döl verim özellikleri incelenmiştir. Akkaraman koyunlarında döl verim özelliklerinden kısırlık oranı, doğum oranı, ikizlik oranı, yavru atma oranı, koç altı koyun başına kuzu sayısı ve doğuran koyun başına kuzu sayısı değerleri EYG ve KG gruplarında sırasıyla %12 ve %9, %86 ve %91, %13 ve %5, %2 ve %0, 0,96 ve 0,95, 1,12 ve 1,04 olarak bulunmuştur. Kuzularda yaşama gücü 90. gün ve 120. günde EYG ve KG gruplarında sırasıyla %84, %80 ve %91, %91 olarak tespit edilmiştir. Akkaraman kuzularının doğum, 90. ve 120. günlük yaştaki canlı ağırlık ortalamaları EYG ve KG gruplarında sırasıyla 5,82±0,06 kg, 30,94±0,44 kg, 35,91±0,09 kg ve 3,43±0,05 kg, 30,17±0,39 kg, 30,84±0,39 kg olarak tespit edilmiştir. Ek yemlemenin, cinsiyet ve doğum tipine göre, doğum ağırlığı ve 120. gün yaş ağırlığı üzerine etkisi önemli bulunmuştur. 90. gün ağırlığı bakımından ise sadece doğum tipinin etkisi çok önemli bulunmuştur. Sonuç olarak, gebeliğin son döneminde yapılan ek yemlemenin kuzuların doğum ve 120. gün ağırlıklarını artırdığı tespit edilmiştir.

Estimates of genetic parameters, genetic trends, and inbreeding in a crossbred dairy sheep research flock in the United States.

For the past 2 decades, the Spooner Agriculture Research Station (ARS) of the University of Wisconsin-Madison operated the only dairy sheep research flock in North America. The objectives of the present study were to 1) obtain estimates of genetic parameters for lactation and reproductive traits in dairy ewes, 2) estimate the amount of genetic change in these traits over time, and 3) quantify the level of inbreeding in this flock over the last 20 yr. Multiple-trait repeatability models (MTRM) were used to analyze ewe traits through their first 6 parities. The first MTRM jointly analyzed milk (180-d-adjusted milk yield [180d MY]), fat (180-d-adjusted fat yield [180d FY]), and protein (180-d-adjusted protein yield [180d PY]) yields adjusted to 180 d of lactation; number of lambs born per ewe lambing (NLB); and lactation average test-day somatic cell score (LSCS). A second MTRM analyzed 180d MY, NLB, LSCS, and percentage milk fat (%F) and percentage milk protein (%P). The 3 yield traits were moderately heritable (0.26 to 0.32) and strongly genetically correlated (0.91 to 0.96). Percentage milk fat and %P were highly heritable (0.53 and 0.61, respectively) and moderately genetically correlated (0.61). Milk yield adjusted to 180 d was negatively genetically correlated with %F and %P (-0.31 and -0.34, respectively). Ewe prolificacy was not significantly ( > 0.67) genetically correlated with yield traits, %P, or LSCS but lowly negatively correlated with %F (-0.26). Lactation somatic cell score was unfavorably genetically correlated with yield traits (0.28 to 0.39) but not significantly ( > 0.09) correlated with %F, %P, and NLB. Within-trait multiple-trait models through the first 4 parities revealed that 180d MY, 180d FY, 180d PY, %F, and %P were strongly genetically correlated across parity (0.67 to 1.00). However, the genetic correlations across parity for NLB and LSCS were somewhat lower (0.51 to 0.96). Regressing predicted breeding values for 180d MY, without and with the addition of breed effects, on ewe year of birth revealed a positive genetic gain of 2.30 and 6.24 kg/yr, respectively, over the past 20 yr in this flock. Inbreeding coefficients of ewes with an extended pedigree ranged from 0.0 to 0.29, with an average of 0.07. To optimize genetic gains and avoid excessive inbreeding, the development of a national genetic improvement program should be a top priority for the growing dairy sheep industry.

Genetic parameters for ewe reproduction with objectively measured wool traits in Elsenburg Merino flock

Reproduction is important for sustainable lamb production in Merino sheep. Data from a Merino flock maintained at Elsenburg Research Farm in the Western Cape, South Africa, were used to investigate the genetic parameters for ewe reproduction traits and their relationship with objectively measured wool traits. Traits included number of lambs born during the first lambing opportunity (NLB1), number of lambs weaned during the first lambing opportunity (NLW1), total weight of lamb weaned during the first lambing opportunity (TWW1), number of lambs born during a ewe’s lifetime (NLB3), number of lambs weaned during a ewe’s lifetime (NLW3), and total weight weaned per ewe’s reproductive life (TWW3) Fixed effects of selection line, birth type, sex, age of the dam in years, year of birth, and the sex*birth year interaction had significant effects on all bodyweight and objectively measured wool traits. Only year of birth and selection line affected ewe reproduction traits. Heritability estimates amounted to 0.10 ± 0.03 for NLB1, 0.07 ± 0.02 for NLW1, 0.10 ± 0.04 for TWW1, 0.25 ± 0.04 for NLB3, 0.12 ± 0.03 for NLW3, and 0.18 ± 0.04 for TWW3. Wool traits were moderately heritable at 0.28 ± 0.05 (staple strength) to 0.60 ± 0.03 (clean yield (CY)) and coefficient of variation of fibre diameter (CVFD). Relationships among ewe reproduction traits were high, ranging from 0.74 between TWW1 and NLB3 to 1.00 between NLW1 and TWW1. The genetic relationships of ewe reproduction traits with wool weights and staple length were positive. Fibre diameter (FD) and CY were unfavourably related to ewe reproduction traits. It seems possible to improve ewe reproduction when selecting on NLB, NLW, and TWW in Merino sheep without unwanted correlated response to selection in wool traits, with the exception of FD and CY. Keywords : Bodyweight, heritability, relationships

SYNERGISTIC EFFECT OF GINGER, PROPOLIS ADDED TO CONCENTRATED DIET ON SOME PRODUCTION AND PHYSIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE AWASSI EWES

This study was aimed to find out the synergistic effect of ginger and propolis some productivity and physiological traits of Awassi ewes. The study was conducted in field the Department of Animal Production - College of Agriculture, University of Baghdad Al-Jaderia, during 14/01/2016 - 03/27/2016, using 12 Awassi ewes with ages from 9 -11 months old ,average weight of 31 kg, The results showed a significant increase in the glucose for concentration (P &lt;0. 05) in the ginger group compared with other groups where .significant increase in the concentration of blood sugar(81.0 mg / 100 ml of blood) in the first month and continued to the second month,The level of cholesterol increase (65.90) in the second month of the group of ginger, triglycerides, Low-density lipid had significant increase in the group ginger , significant increase in propolis group with high density lipid (54.00) , total protein , albumin and GPT enzyme shows significant increased effect on the contrary GOT enzyme was increased significant in mixture group in the second month (13.00IU / liter), while the level of hemoglobin and the Packed cells volume and the total count of white blood cells and red blood cells did not show any significant differences(normal value ) , It can be conclude from this study that the addition of 25 g ginger to concentrated diet / head / day is the best treatment.

Seasonal Changes of Some Reproductive Traits in Farafra Ewes under Egyptian Environmental Condition

Seasonal Changes of Some Reproductive Traits in Farafra Ewes under Egyptian Environmental Condition

Factors explaining the incidence of breech strike in a Mediterranean environment in unmulesed and uncrutched Merino sheep

Factors responsible for an increase in breech strike were investigated in an unmulesed Merino flock in a Mediterranean environment that were not crutched in 4 years but were crutched in the subsequent 2 years. No chemical preventative treatments such as dipping or jetting were applied in order to assess the susceptibility of the different progeny groups. The number of breech strikes for each animal was recorded from birth to hogget shearing at 17 months of age. Production traits were measured and a large number of visual wool and body conformational traits were subjectively scored to determine whether they contribute to variation in breech strike. Large differences (P &lt; 0.01) in the incidence of breech strike were found between years. A significant interaction (P &lt; 0.05) was found between year of birth and sex for breech strike to weaning, as rams had a higher strike rate than ewes in 1 year only. Across years ewes generally had a higher strike rate than rams. No consistent pattern in potential indicator traits could be found across years, as many traits each explain a small proportion of the variation in breech strike. Dags and skin wrinkle in the tail and breech area contributed most to the variation in breech strike. In uncrutched sheep, dags scored at yearling age for rams, and before hogget shearing for ewes, explained 16% and 10% of the variation in breech strike, respectively, whereas tail wrinkle scored post-weaner shearing explained 21% of the variation in breech strike in both ewes and rams. In sheep that were crutched at yearling age, about 4 months before the normal fly season, tail wrinkle was the most important indicator trait of breech strike in rams, whereas dags at yearling and dags before hogget shearing were the most important indicator traits in ewes. This research confirms that dags and wrinkles are major predisposing factors to breech strike in a Mediterranean environment and that sheep with higher dag and wrinkle scores were consistently more likely to be struck. A large proportion of variation in the incidence of breech strike remains unexplained in uncrutched and unmulesed sheep.

Effect of feeding complete feed block containing rumen protected protein, non-protein nitrogen and rumen protected fat on improving body condition and carcass traits of cull ewes.

Nutrient utilization, body condition and carcass traits of cull ewes were studied in three dietary regimens based on complete feed block (CFB) feeding to control (C) with rumen protected protein (RPP), CU [RPP + urea (6g/kg)] and CUF [RPP + urea + rumen protected fat (RPF; 40g/kg)]. The RPP component (g/kg) in C had 1% formaldehyde-treated soy flakes 50, mustard cake 50 and sesame cake 30. The mustard and sesame cakes were replaced with urea on equivalent N basis in CU and CUF. The ewes were offered adlibitum CFB composed (g/kg) of concentrate 650, roughage 300 and molasses 50. The digestibility of OM and EE was higher (p<0.05) in CUF than in CU and C, while that of NDF and ADF was lower (p<0.05). The CP digestibility was higher in both CU and CUF. Utilization of N and Ca was higher (p<0.05) in CUF compared with C and CU. Urinary purine derivatives analysis and microbial N synthesis were similar in all the groups. Blood glucose concentration improved at 90day compared with 0day. Ruminal attributes showed a higher (p<0.05) pH, total N, TCA precipitable N, entodiniomorphs and total ciliate population in CU and CUF than in the control. The CUF had higher (p<0.01) DM, digestible OM and ME intake, which resulted in higher (p<0.05) weight gain and better feed efficiency. Ewes in all the groups showed an improvement in carcass traits at 90day. The pre-slaughter weight was higher (p<0.05) and dissected and KOH bone content was lower in CUF. Thus, feeding of CFB with urea as a cheaper N source and RPF to enrich with energy supported the improved performance as evidenced from higher nutrient input, 'utilization and efficiency with enhanced carcass traits' for better marketability and returns from cull ewes.

Determination of carcass traits in Pelibuey ewes using biometric measurements

The objective of this study was to evaluate de relationship between biometric measurements (BM) and carcass traits of 28 Pelibuey ewes. The BM were obtained the day before the slaughter and included height at withers (HW), rib depth (RD), body diagonal length (BDL), body length (BL), pelvic girdle length (PGL), rump depth (RuD), rump height (RH), pin bone width (PBW), hook bone width (HBW), abdomen width (AW), girth circumference (GC), and abdomen circumference (AC). Additional measurements included shrunk BW (SBW) and empty BW (EBW). Data recorded at slaughter were weights of viscera, carcass, and internal fat and offals. The carcasses was weighed, and chilled at 1°C during 24h; then, the left half of the carcass was completely dissected into subcutaneous and intermuscular fat (carcass fat), muscle, and bone and each component weighed separately. The result indicated that the equations to predict SBW and EBW involving BM had an r2 that ranged from 0.72 to 0.91. For weights of muscle, carcass fat, and bone, the r2 ranged from 0.57 to 0.93. We concluded that using BM can improve the accuracy and precision of the predictions of carcass traits of Pelibuey ewes to selection programs and to assist decision support systems to determine optimal carcass endpoint.

Effect of Nigella Sativa seeds, Royal jelly and Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophine on Some Reproductive Traits of Ossimi Ewes

ABSTARCTForty-eight Ossimi ewes aged 2-4 years and averaged 41±2.5 kg body weights were randomlyassigned into four equal groups (12/ each). All ewe groups were synchronized for estrous by intra -vaginal progesterone-releasing sponges.Sponges were inserted and remained in situ for 12 days before removal (as estroussynchronization protocol). Control group not drenched anything. First group (T1) daily drenched orally100 mg Nigella Sativa seeds (NSS) powder/kg/head for 12 days starting at the time of sponge insertionuntil the time of sponge withdrawal. The second group (T2) drenched orally fresh Royal jelly (RJ) 500mg per day/for 12 days, starting at time of sponge insertion until sponge withdrawal. Royal jelly (RJ)was kept into natural drug capsules. The third group (T3) was intramuscularly injected at time of spongewithdrawal, with 750 IU of Pregnant Mare Serum gonadotropin (PMSG).A fertile, Ossimi ram ran with the ewes immediately following sponge removal at (day 0). Ewesobserved three times daily to identify and detect estrus for 3 days. Ultrasound scanner apparatus wasused to count number of corpus luteum and diagnose of pregnancy. Detection of pregnancy dependedon presence of embryos and/or embryonic fluid that filled the uterus.The results indicated that the response of ewes to estrus synchronization did not differ amongthe four groups. The response of the four groups was 100%. At the same time treatments led to increasepercentage of occurred estrus in the first 24 hr and also the estrus duration increased in the control group.Ovulation rate at 8±1 days post mating as indicated by number of corpus luteum (CLs) recorded (p<0.01 ) the higher values in T3 followed by T2, T1 and then control group for single or twin pregnantewes. The percentages of improvement in ovulation rate were 150%, 130% and 105% for T3, T2 andT1, respectively compared to the control group (100%). Regardless of treatments, progesterone levelsat 8±1 or at 34±1 days were higher in twining pregnant ewes compared to single pregnant ones. Also,percentages of conception rate were higher in T2 and T3 (91%), while the lowest value was recorded incontrol group. Litter size per ewe at birth increased as a result of treatment effect. The highest valuesrecorded in T3 (1.63) flowed by T2 (1.54) and T1 (1.50), while the lowest values were recorded incontrol group (1.22).According to the net profit percentages, it could conclude that the best and more beneficial effects are occurred with PMSG. However, from the practical point of view, treatment with Nigella Sativa seeds could be preferred and effectively applied as it showed the lowest cost.

Effect of Nigella Sativa Seeds, Royal Jelly and Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophine on Some Reproductive Traits of Ossimi Ewes

Effect of Nigella Sativa Seeds, Royal Jelly and Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotrophine on Some Reproductive Traits of Ossimi Ewes

P5058 The Ovar-DRB1 *0404 haplotype is associated with growth and lifetime prolificacy ewe traits

P5058 The Ovar-DRB1 *0404 haplotype is associated with growth and lifetime prolificacy ewe traits

Relationships between prenatal ewe traits, milk production, and preweaning performance of twin lambs.

There is limited information on factors affecting twin lamb growth before weaning, which limits the options available to farmers to actively manage lamb growth. Data from 2 multiyear experiments involving 402 twin-bearing Romney ewes were used to evaluate the effects of prenatal ewe traits (live weight at mating and set stocking and BCS at mating and set stocking) and combined twin lamb birth weight on ewe milk production and lamb growth from birth to weaning as well as the proportion of variation in twin lamb growth that could be explained by these variables. Additionally, the effect of accumulated ewe milk yield over a 42-d period (MY; Days 0 to 42) and accumulated milk components (protein, fat, and lactose) on twin lamb growth were investigated. The effects of prenatal variables on MY, birth weight, and combined twin lamb live weight gain from Day 0 to 42 (LWG) were inconsistent across the 2 experiments. In addition, prenatal ewe traits ( < 0.05) explained less than 30% of the variation in MY and lamb growth from birth to weaning in both experiments. Combined twin lamb birth weight was positively ( < 0.001) correlated with MY ( = 0.34 and = 0.43 in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively). Combined twin lamb LWG was dependent on ewe MY ( = 0.43 for Exp. 1 and = 0.30 for Exp. 2). Lactose, fat, and milk CP yields explained 47 and 42% of the variation in lamb LWG in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. Lactose and milk CP yield positively affected ( < 0.05) LWG in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. Fat yield had a positive relationship with LWG in Exp. 1 and a negative relationship with LWG in Exp. 2. In conclusion, the measured prenatal ewe traits had a minimal effect on milk yield and twin lamb growth to weaning. Milk yield and composition explained the greatest proportion of variation in LWG. This suggests that farmers should select ewes with higher milk yields to maximize twin lamb growth to weaning. However, less than 50% of the variation in LWG and weaning live weight was explained by the measured ewe and lamb parameters. Therefore, further studies are required to determine additional ewe or lamb variables that control variation in twin lamb growth.

The relationship between trace mineral concentrations of amniotic fluid with placenta traits in the pregnancy toxemia Ghezel ewes

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to investigate the trace mineral concentrations (Mg, Se, Zn, Cu and Fe) in amniotic fluid (AF) in 40 pregnancy toxemia Ghezel ewes at the time of parturition phase and its association with placental traits. MethodsAnimals were treated with controlled internal drug release for 14 d and injected 400 IU pregnant mare serum gonadotropin at the time of controlled internal drug release removal. After the detection of estrus by use of teaser rams, ewes were hand-mated. Ewes were classified as having subclinical pregnancy toxemia on the basis of beta-hydroxy butyrate (BHBA) results (BHBA > 0.86 mmol/L). ResultsThe overall mean AF traces of mineral concentrations were 3.13 ng/mL, 22.1 μg/dL, 134.7 μg/dL, 122.5 μg/dL and 166.6 μg/dL, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between placental efficiency and Zn concentration in AF ewes (r = 0.633, P < 0.01), while the relationship was significantly negative between total volume of amniotic fluid and Fe concentration in AF ewes (r = −0.717, P < 0.01). In this research, no relationship between Se, Mg and Cu trace minerals was observed in AF ewes with placental traits ewes. Results of laboratory analyses demonstrated no relationship between BHBA concentrations and placental traits (P > 0.01), except for placental weight (r = 0.808, P < 0.01). Also, no significant correlation was detected between BHBA with the above trace minerals. ConclusionsOverall, determinations of these trace minerals in the AF ewes could have been used to obtain information on nutritional and reproductive status for the diagnosis of pregnancy toxemia in Ghezel ewes.

Effect of parity and type of lambing on performance and udder traits of Bandirma ewes

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of parity and lambing type on body condition score (BCS), live weight of ewes (LWE), daily milk yield (DMY), lambs growth performance and udder measurement of ewes during first 3 months of lactation in Bandirma ewes. Bandirma ewes (78) with healthy udders and their lambs (117 heads) were used. BCS of ewes was affected significantly by lambing types at first and third months of lactation, while lambing types were not significant in second month of lactation. Parity of ewes did not significantly affected BCS except third month of lactation which was significantly affected by parity. Effects of lambing types and parity of ewes were significant on BCS at first and third month of lactation. Live weight change of ewes was affected significantly by parity, while lambing types were not significant at first 3 months of lactation. There was a significant effect of parity on average daily milk yield at early lactation stage. Also lambing type had significant effect on DMY at first 2 months of lactation. DMY at third month of lactation were not affected by lambing types. Parity affected lambs growth performance in the first three months of lactation. No significant differences between lambing type and parity of ewes in udder measurement, except udder circumference (UC) measure which was significantly affected by parity and lambing types. The effects of parity of ewes were significant on udder circumference and udder width while the other udder traits were not significant. The effects of birth type of ewes were significant on udder width while the other udder traits were not significant. The positive and significant correlations were observed between udder circumference and udder width and daily milk yield in Bandirma sheep. Significant positive phenotypic correlations were determined between lambs live weight (LLW) and LWE, BCS and DMY, LLW and LWE, DMY and LWE. The results suggested that early stage of lactation of ewe’s can be feed supplemented with high energy or high protein for increasing milk production. The control of these physiological stages of ewe may be improved BSC and DMY, also growth performance of lambs. Hence, we recommend that early stage of lactation performance and udder measurements of ewes are to be taken into consideration for selection programme of Bandirma sheep.