Ewe Weight Research Articles

Combined effects of melatonin receptor gene polymorphism and vitamin E supplementation on litter size and lambs body weight in Awassi ewes

Combined effects of melatonin receptor gene polymorphism and vitamin E supplementation on litter size and lambs body weight in Awassi ewes

Resilience to drought in semi-desert sheep: Effects of water restriction during pregnancy on placental efficiency in the Awassi breed.

Assessing the resilience of Awassi sheep to water shortages during pregnancy, thereby investigating the effects of water scarcity on gestation efficiency in animals, could provide valuable and pertinent insight into future scenarios posed by climate change risks. In this study, 40 pregnant Awassi ewes randomly allocated to free watering group (C, n=20) received water ad libitum and the water restricted group (WR) received 50% less water than the amount provided to group C. Water restriction decreased (p<.05) lambs' birth weights, placental weights (PWs), and cotyledon numbers (CNs). Placental efficiency (PE) and cotyledon efficiency (CE) were significantly higher in the WR group (p<.05). A marked difference in cotyledon weight - an increase of 12.1% - was recorded in the C group. The body weights of the pregnant ewes in the WR group decreased significantly (p<.05) by 22% during pregnancy. Significant increases (p<.05) in plasma ADH, cholesterol, Cl- , and Na+ levels were observed in the WR group ewes, indicating intense dehydration. We conclude that the Awassi breed of sheep can endure 50% water restriction during pregnancy and maintain successful parturition, a key outcome for sustainability.

SELECTION AND BREEDING WORK WITH PRODUCING STOCK OF SHEEP BREEDS REARED IN BELARUS

The structure of the original producing composition (Austrian, Hungarian, Dutch, French selection) was studied; there were 67 lines with 1718 descendants. It was determined that the progenitors of the factory lines of breeds: Merinolandshafe, Texel, EIle-de-France, Suffolk are removed from their modern descendants for 3-4 generations, and in the Romanov breed for 6-8 generations, and do not have a fixed phenotypic similarity with them. At the same time, specific features of the genealogical structure are characteristic for each line, and the rams and ewe of each separate line do not have established connections with other intra-breeding elements. In studies conducted in Breeding facility "Zherebkovichi", the future work with breed merinolandschaf (16 rams) was determined, which will allow to create and test 5 lines in the breed Merinolandshafe of the Belarusian selection. In 7 lines, there is one successor, which is planned to be used for obtaining two-breed ewes, when entering the cross with the ewes of the Ascanian, Precos, and Texel breeds. When carrying out work in Breeding facility "Vitebsk plempredpriyatie", 5 lines of Dutch selection were identified in the Texel breed, and 5 lines in the Suffolk breed. In the farm "Willia-agro" of Kobrin district, 10 lines of the Suffolk breed of Belarusian selection are allocated. It is necessary to pay special attention to the possibility of exchanging breeding material between these enterprises during further selection work with the breed. It is established that according to the characteristics of the origin and expression of the desired type (with improved meat productivity), the animals available in these sheep farms can be used to create breeding groups of sheep of the meat-wool direction of productivity with improved meat qualities. It was determined that producing rams did not meet the requirements of the standard for breeds of meat and wool direction of productivity according to body weight (minus 2.8-32.8 kg), with the exception of males of the EIle-de-France breed (plus 1.6 kg). The average indicator of body weight of ewes made (67.2±0.64 kg), which exceeds the minimum requirements for breeds by 2.2 kg: Askanian, Ile-de-France, Texel, but lower for Merinolandshafe and Suffolk breeds by 7.8 and 2.8 kg, respectively. It was determined that the following measurements were found to be the most variable in rams: height at the withers (7.5±0.63 %), girth (7.11±0.60 %) and body weight (16.3±1.38 %). Similar situation is observed for ewes: height at the withers (7.1±0.35 %), girth (8.55±0.42 %) and body weight (13.8±0.67 %). It should be noted that variation ratios are small, they indicate the evenness of the linear measurements of the producing stock, which range within 20.0 %.

Detection and Diagnostic Methods of Multiple Influential Points in Binary Logistic Regression Model in Animal Breeding

Multiple influential points adversely affect parameter estimation in binary logistic regression models and lead to misinterpretation of results. An influential point is a data point that does not follow the overall slope of remaining data and has extreme value in terms of x. Since the presence of approximately 10% of influential points in a dataset affects parameter estimates, detection and diagnosis of these points greatly matter. Graphical (such as scatter graph and box graph) and analytical methods are adopted in the detection and diagnosis of multiple influential points. Among the commonly used diagnostic methods are Pearson residuals, Standardized Pearson Residuals (SPR), Cook Distance (CD), Hat matrix, DFFITS, and DFBETA. However, these methods mask problems and fail to diagnose if there are multiple influential points. Many statisticians have developed and proposed new diagnostic methods, such as Generalized Standardized Pearson Residual (GSPR) and Generalized Weights (GW), to overcome this problem. This study exploited a dataset containing multiple influential points (15%) for weaning weight (WW), yearling weight (YW), fleece weight (FW), and fertility rate (FR) of Romney ewes and modelled the effects of WW, TW and FW variables on FR by binary logistic regression model. This study is intended to determine the multiple influential points by graphical methods and to examine the performance of commonly used and newly developed methods in the diagnosis of these data points. As a result, it was observed that the commonly used methods mask multiple influential points and the new proposed methods competently identify these points.

PSX-2 Growth and lactating performance of ewes fed with different energy levels

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the milk production, body weight, and body condition score (BCS) of ewes fed with different energy levels. Seventy-one ewes were used and distributed in three treatments according to the metabolizable energy (ME, Mcal/kg) levels in the diet: CTL = according to the NRC (2007) recommendation for each stage (gestation and lactation); PLUS = CTL plus 10% of ME per kilogram of dry matter; LESS = CTL less 10% ME per kilogram of dry matter. Body weight and body condition score were evaluated a week before the expected date of parturition, a week after giving birth, and at weaning (60 days). Dairy production was evaluated at 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 days after giving birth by the indirect method of the two weighing. The experimental design was analyzed as randomized complete blocks. There were no differences on milk production during almost all the lactation curve. Only on day 50 (P = 0.051), CTL was still at peak, while LESS and PLUS had already decreased their production. However, at 60 days, all treatments were already with low production, justifying weaning in this period. Results of weight and BCS showed a significant difference in all periods evaluates. Ewes in the PLUS diet had greater BW and BCS. The BCS before giving birth is expected to be over 3.5 and treatment LESS was the only one that did not achieve this score (2.66, 3.37, 3.83 for LESS, CTL, and PLUS, respectively). At weaning, ewes fed PLUS and CTL had BCS of 3.51 and 2.92, respectively, but treatment LESS had only 1.82. That is prejudicial for the next mating seasonal and this animal. We concluded that LESS diet interfered with the body reserves of sheep.

Effects of nutrition plane on productive performances of Ossimi ewes and their offspring during pregnancy and lactation periods

Feeding ewes diets with higher energy and crud protein during gestation and lactation affects the performance of lambs at weaning. The objective of this study was to determine the nutrition plane supplementation during pregnancy and lactation period affects ewes and their offspring performance. from birth to weaning. Twenty four Ossimi ewes with average weight 55.67 kg and aged 2-4 years old and their offspring (n=30) were used in completely randomized design consisting of three supplementation level (high,125%ME; standrd,100% ME and low, 60% ME) of predicated metabolizable energy requirements according to NRC, 1985. The ewes were weighted and the body weights of lambs were recorded from birth to weaning. Colostrum production was recorded during the first week after parturition, the amount of milk production was estimated after that weekly until weaning. Blood samples were also collected from the ewes and analyzed to determine blood components. There was no effect of nutrition plane on live body weight of ewes during pregnancy and lactation period. Ewes were had significantly (P≤0.01) higher colostrum and milk yield compared with ewes offered medium ME or low group. The values of TMY, ADMY and colostrum yield were significantly (P≤0.01) higher in ewes fed high ME diet compared with ewes fed on medium or low ME diet. All blood constituents were not affected by nutrition plane during pregnancy except for cholesterol and glucose levels were affected significantly (P≤0.05), Likewise, during the lactation period, with the exception of cholesterol levels, which were significantly (P≤0.05) affected. There was a significant (P≤0.05 or P≤0.01) increase in body weight and daily gain for lambs resulting from ewes offered high ME diet compared ewes offered medium ME or low ME diet. In conclusion it can be said that, nutrition plane is every important of ewes during pregnancy and lactation period and feeding the ewes at high ME can improve the performance of growth and milk production without any negative effect on the blood components.

Reduced egg shedding in nematode-resistant ewes and projected epidemiological benefits under climate change

Global livestock production is facing serious new challenges, including climate-driven changes in parasite epidemiology, and anthelmintic resistance, driving a need for non-chemotherapeutic methods of parasite control. Selecting for genetic resistance to gastrointestinal nematode infection could reduce reliance on chemical intervention and mitigate increases in parasite challenge due to climate change. Ewes of the composite Exlana breed with a range of estimated breeding values (EBVs) based on nematode faecal egg counts (FECs) were monitored during the peri-parturient period on two farms in southwestern England. Ewes with low EBVs (“resistant”) had lower FECs during the peri-parturient period than those with high EBVs (“susceptible”): the mean FEC was reduced by 23% and 34% on Farms 1 and 2, respectively, while the peak FEC was reduced by 30% and 37%, respectively. Neither EBV nor FEC were correlated with key performance indicators (estimated milk yield, measured indirectly using 8 week lamb weight, and ewe weight loss during lactation). Simulations predict that the reduced FECs of resistant ewes would result in a comparable reduction in infection pressure (arising from eggs shed by ewes) for their lambs. Furthermore, although the reduced FECs observed were modest, simulations predicted that selecting for nematode resistance in ewes could largely offset predicted future climate-driven increases in pasture infectivity arising from eggs contributed by these ewes. Selective breeding of the maternal line for nematode resistance therefore has potential epidemiological benefits by reducing pasture infectivity early in the grazing season and alleviating the need for anthelmintic treatment of ewes during the peri-parturient period, thus reducing selection pressure for anthelmintic resistance. These benefits are magnified under predicted future climate change. The maternal line warrants more attention in selective breeding programmes for nematode resistance.

Evaluation of reproductive traits of Chokla sheep under semi-arid conditions of Rajasthan

The study analysed the records of 1,172 ewes maintained at ICAR–Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute at Avikanagar and Bikaner, Rajasthan over a period of 22 years (1994-2016). Eight reproductive traits were assessed, namely age at first service (AFS; 572.39±6.59 days), age at first successful service (ASS; 635.71±9.36 days), age at first lambing (AFL; 773±8.77 days), weight at first service (WFS; 25.16±0.11 kg), weight at first successful service (WSS; 25.85±0.16 kg), weight at lambing (WL; 28.61±0.21 kg), lambing interval (LI;371±6.87days) and service period (SP; 228.31±6.62 days). The effects of period of birth of ewe, ewe’s birth weight and sire were significant for all the traits except LI and SP with an improvement of 17.47% –37.6% observed over the period of study. Season of birth of ewe had significant effect on AFL. AFS, ASS and AFL were significantly influenced by their respective covariates (WFS, WSS and WL). The statistically significant improvement over the periods suggest that through suitable selective breeding policy and good managemental measures, the reproductive performance of the flock can be enhanced. The optimization of ewe weights could reduce the age of sexual maturity and the ewe’s weight at birth may serve as an indicator for future performance in this regard. Selection of superior sires may improve the genetic potential of the flock with respect to the reproductive traits.

Development and evaluation of equations to predict body weight of Pelibuey ewes using heart girth

The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate equations to predict body weight (BW) using heart girth (HG) in Pelibuey ewes. For model develop a data set composed by 366, 3-year-old, non-pregnant and non-lactating ewes; with a mean BW of 45.7±9.16 kg and HG of 87.55± 7.93 cm was used. A linear equation was fitted: BW= -47.97 (±2.01*) + 1.07 (±0.02**)×HG (R2 = 0.86, RMSE = 3.46, , y n = 366). A second data set composed by 67 animals, with similar characteristics (BW of 38.25± 8.62 kg and HG of 80.37± 7.03 cm) was used to evaluate the developed equations. For the evaluation, the relationship between observed and predicted values of BW by linear regression, the mean squared error of prediction (MSEP) and root MSEP (RMSEP), and concordance correlation coefficient analysis were used. The proposed equation was highly precise (r2 =0.913) and accurate (Cb=0.996) with a reproducibility index of 0.95. The MEF have indicates a higher efficiency of prediction with higher proportion of the total variance of the observed values been explained by the predicted data (0.91). The partition of the MSEP have indicated a very small mean bias (0.082). The systematic bias have shown that only 1.93% of the error of prediction was associated with the slope and most of the error was explained by the random component indicating small biases with the predictions. The proposed equation accurately and precisely estimated the BW of Pelibuey ewe using HG and therefore is recommended to be used.

Lifetime reproductive performance of Chokla sheep at an organized farm in semi-arid conditions

The Chokla sheep, renowned as the finest carpet wool producer of India, plays an important role in supporting the rural economy of the arid and semi-arid regions of its native state of Rajasthan. This study was carried out to assess the lifetime reproductive efficiency of Chokla ewes by analyzing the records of 1,001 ewes bearing 3,541 lambs over a period of 22 years (1994–2016) to assess five traits, namely total lambs born (TLB; 3.38±0.11 lambs), total lambs weaned (TLW; 2.97±0.11 lambs), cumulative lamb weights at birth (TLBW; 9.59±0.37 kg), weaning (TLWW; 39.59±1.68 kg) and 12 months of age (TLAW; 50.15±2.51 kg) produced by an ewe in her lifetime. Period of birth of ewe had a significant effect on all the traits whereas season of birth, inbreeding coefficient and birth weight of ewe had no influence. REML procedures were employed to estimate the genetic parameters through an animal model. Analysis revealed low heritability estimates for the lifetime reproductive traits (TLB; 0.06±0.04, TLW; 0.05±0.04, TLBW; 0.09±0.05, TLWW; 0.05±0.04 and TLAW; 0.02±0.04), suggesting greater role of environmental and managemental factors. Positive correlation among cumulative lamb weights (0.51–0.92) suggested selection for birth weights would result in higher weights at subsequent life stages of lambs. The low heritability estimates and high CV% for all the traits suggest the suitability of a management focussed approach for improvement of lifetime reproductive performance of ewes.

200 Comparison of daily rotation and slow rotational grazing on ewe performance, parasite infestation, and soil

Abstract Impact of grazing method on ewe performance, parasite infestation, and soil was examined using mature, non-lactating ewes divided into slow rotation (SR; n = 20) or daily rotation (DR; n = 20) groups. Pastures previously grazed by sheep were divided and soil sampled. Temporary electric fence provided daily pasture allocation for DR. Ewes had been adapted to temporary electric fence for two weeks. Both DR and SR were moved to new pasture at the same time. Ewes were weighed and fecal egg counts were conducted biweekly. On alternate weeks, ewes were body condition scored (BCS), FAMACHA scored, and dewormed if FAMACHA score was 4 or greater. After 10 weeks of grazing (June 1-August 10, 2018), final ewe weights and soil samples were collected. Body condition score, FAMACHA, fecal egg count, body weight, and soil test results were tested for effect of grazing group, date, and group by date interaction using procedures for repeated measures with JMP software (version 10, SAS Inst. Inc., Cary, NC). The FAMACHA scores were greatest on July 6 (P &lt; 0.0001). BCS were greater on June 8 and 22 than July 6 and August 3 (P &lt; 0.0001). Ewes were heaviest on June 1 and 15, lightest on July 27 and August 10 (P &lt; 0.0001), and DR ewes were lighter than SR ewes on July 27 and August 10 (P &lt; 0.0001). No effect of treatment, date, or treatment by date interaction on fecal egg count (P &gt; 0.23) was detected. Soil organic matter decreased over the study (P = 0.0024), but organic matter change was less in DR than SR (P = 0.0092). DR did not influence parasitism, but may enhance soil organic matter.

EFFECT OF FEEDING DIFFERENT CONCENTRATE ROUGHAGE RATIO ON GROWTH, REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND BEHAVIOR OF SHEEP

The goal of this study was to examine the influence of feeding different concentrate roughage ratios on growth, reproductive parameters and behavior of sheep. The study design involved the use of a 30 sexually mature ewes assigned to three groups consisting of three ratios of concentrate (C) to roughage (R), Group1. 80%C: 20%R, Group2. 70%C: 30%R and Group3. 60%C: 40%R. The variables of the studies were live weight changes and Body condition score (BCS) of ewes during pregnancy and postpartum till weaning and behavior of ewes in addition to the birth weight and average daily gain of neonatal lambs and subsequent changes till weaning. The conception rate of ewes and their overall reproductive performance are under investigation. The results reveled that, different ratios of concentrate and roughage feeding had no significant effect on body weight, BCS and average dry matter intake of ewes during pregnancy and postpartum till weaning. Lambs birth weight and subsequent weights till weaning and average daily gain were significantly (P≤0.05) increased by feeding on ration contain 80%C: 20% R, followed by those feeding on 70% C: 30% R and lowest in those feeding on 60% C: 40%R. Rumination was significantly increased in Group3 lambs than other groups. Higher concentrate ratios had positive effect on reproductive performance of ewes and body weight, daily body weight gain and neonatal behavior of lambs till weaning.Key words: concentrate; roughage; ewe; lamb; growth performance; behavior

EFFECT OF ADDING GINGER POWDER OR GINGER OIL ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF EWES DURING LACTATION PERIOD

This experiment was carried out at Research Station of Maryout belonging to Desert Research Center to assess the effect of ginger forms (Zingiber officinale) on productive performance, rumen and blood parameters of Barki ewes. Forty Barki ewes at last pregnant stage, aged 3-4 year and average weighed 40.47 kg ± 0.99, were fed concentrate mixture and alfalfa hay (as traditional ration) and divided into four equal groups. 1st group (T1) fed traditional ration without any supplementation as control group, the 2nd (T2) and 3rd (T3) groups fed control ration with 3 or 6 gm. Ginger powder (GP)/head/day, respectively. The 4st (T4) fed control ration plus 2 ml/head/days of ginger oil (GO). Rations offered were adjusted according to ewe's weight and nutrient requirements. Results revealed that treatments had no significant effect on live body weight changes and total dry matter intake. Milk yield affect significantly (P<0.05) of adding ginger forms. T2 (Low GP) recorded the highest (P<0.05) value of milk production compared to experimental groups and control which recorded the lowest value. Experimental treatments significantly (P<0.05) affect milk fat and total soiled percentage. Ewes in T2 (3 gm. GP/h/d.) group recorded the highest values of milk component except fat. Feeding ewes on experimental treated rations led to decrease saturated fatty acids (C 12:0 and C16:0), While, the experimental groups (except T2) insignificantly increased milk unsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids. Treatments of ginger forms insignificantly affect pH and total volatile fatty acids. While, T4 decreased (P<0.05) ammonia concentration and protozoa population compared to other groups. Results of blood biochemical were differ significantly (P<0.05) as affected by experimental treatments. T3 recorded the highest values of total proteins and globulin as compared to other groups. Total lipids and triglyceride values were higher for T4 than other groups. Data of lamb's performance showed that birth and weaning weights of kids didn’t appear any significant differences among groups. On the other hand, T3 and T2 lambs recorded the highest (P<0.05) daily gain. Finally, T3 was better economic evaluation than other groups, where recoded the best feed conversion and net revenue for farmers.

Effect of body weight of ewes and milk yield in productive performance of lambs, milk yield and components of Awassi sheep

Effect of body weight of ewes and milk yield in productive performance of lambs, milk yield and components of Awassi sheep

Effect of non-genetic factors on growth traits of Avikalin sheep

Avikalin is a synthetic sheep selected over the years for higher growth and fleece yield. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the growth performance of Avikalin over 4 decades in light of several non-genetic factors for better management decisions. The data on 7274 Avikalin sheep born to 2418 dams and 409 sires spread over a period of 41 years (1976–2016) maintained at the Animal Genetics and Breeding Division, ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute (CSWRI), Avikanagar, were used for study using least squares analysis. The least squares mean (LSM) with standard error (SE) for birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WWT), 6-month weight (6WT) and 12-month weight (12WT) were 2.98 ± 0.01 kg, 14.42 ± 0.06 kg, 21.21 ± 0.09 kg and 27.07 ± 0.12 kg, respectively. Average daily gains from birth to weaning (ADG1), weaning to 6 months (ADG2) and 6 months to 12 months (ADG3) were, 126.52 ± 0.65 g, 72.90 ± 0.72 g and 32.70 ± 0.72 g, respectively. Corresponding Kleiber ratio (KR) from birth to weaning (KR1), weaning to 6 months (KR2) and 6 months to 12 months were 16.8 ± 0.04, 7.1 ± 0.06 and 2.7 ± 0.06, respectively. Regression of the ewe weight was highly significant on all growth traits except ADG3 and KR3. Thus, it was found essential to care the ewes with less weight for heavier lamb production. The effect of sex and period on all the growth traits was highly significant. The effect of season and parity was significant on early growth traits. It was observed that the lamb’s birth weight has a quadratic relationship with the parity. Ewes in 3rd to 5th parity gave birth to heavy lambs as compared to ewes in their 1st parity and ≥7th parity. The study revealed improvement in the growth traits over the period due to selection and also negative impact of sudden change in management decision on growth of lambs. Understanding the decisive factors and adopting corrective steps can help harvest better growth of lambs.

Lactogenic effects of the leaf’s powder of Spondias mombin L. on West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep performance and serum prolactin level in Republic of Benin

Twenty four (24) dairy ewes at the 4th stage of lactation were used to assess the milk production and serum prolactin level of ewes treated with leaf’s powder of Spondias mombin. The lactating ewes were selected and divided into 4 groups of 6 ewes per group: control group (no fed powder of Spondias mombin), Galactin group (no fed powder of Spondias mombin but treated with lactogenic drug) and groups treated with powder of Spondias mombin (group single dose and group double dose). The parameters measured include daily milk production, body weight of lambs and ewes. The resulted outcomes indicate that ewes that received powder of S. mombin and Galactin produced more milk than controls. The average daily increases in milk production were 9.92%, 14.25% and 18.88% in single dose, double dose and Galactin groups, respectively compared to control group. Lamb weight gain was also significantly higher than that in the control group. The treatments did not influence body weight of ewe. The daily weight gain of 93.12; 97.47; 99.07; 86.76 g/day were found in single dose, double dose, Galactin and control groups, respectively. The results of the blood analysis of hormone showed that serum prolactin levels increased in the group treated with powder and Galactin compared to control group.

The impact of feeding corn dried distillers grains with solubles on milk yield and composition in lactating Awassi ewes and digestibility and N partitioning in Awassi ewe lambs

The effect of corn dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) on milk yield, milk composition and body weight (BW) and digestibility were evaluated by using lactating ewe (Exp. 1) and Awassi ewe lambs (Exp. 2). Dietary treatments were (1) no DDGS (CON), (2) 200 gkg−1 DDGS (DDGS200) or (3) 300 gkg−1 DDGS (DDGS300) of dietary dry matter (DM). In Exp. 1, 30 lactating Awassi ewes were randomly assigned to the corresponding diets. Nutrient intakes were determined daily throughout the experiment which lasted for 8 weeks. Body weights of ewes and lambs were measured on days 0, 28 and 56 of the study whilst milk yield and composition were recorded on days 18, 36 and 54. Ewe BW changes were similar amongst treatments. Ewes consuming the DDGS diet showed increased milk production (p<.045) over those provided the CON diet. Cost of diets and milk production reduced (p=.01) in DDGS-containing diets compared with the CON diet. In Exp. 2, 18 Awassi ewe lambs were randomly assigned into the same dietary treatments and fed their diets for 21 days. Digestibility of DM and ADF was lower (p<.017) for the CON diet than for the DDGS diets. Digestibility of CP and NDF increased (p<.036) in the DDGS200 diet than the CON diet. Results indicate DDGS has the potential to be included up to 300 gkg−1 of dietary DM of DDGS in Awassi ewes’ diets with no negative effects on production parameters whilst being cost effective.HighlightsCost of feed and milk production decreased in DDGS diets.Milk production increased in DDGS diets.Milk composition was similar among diets.

Average daily gain and kleiber ratio in Bharat merino sheep

To investigate the effect of non-genetic factors on average daily gain (ADG) and Kleiber ratio (KR) and to estimate their genetic parameters in Bharat Merino flock, a study was conducted using records of 6931 animals (from 1986 to 2015) maintained in semi-arid region at ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar (Rajasthan) and in sub-temperate region at Southern Regional Research Centre, Mannavanur (Tamil Nadu). The overall least squares means of ADG from 0–3M (ADG1), 3–6M (ADG2) and 6–12M (ADG3) were 158.19±0.53, 68.91±0.55 and 40.95±0.44 g, respectively. Kleiber ratios from 0–3M (3WTKR) and 3–6 months (6WTKR) were 17.97±0.02 and 6.19±0.04, respectively. Location, year, season and sex of birth had significant effect (P<0.01) on all the traits. The effect of ewe's weight was significant (P<0.01) on ADG1, 3WTKR and 6WTKR. The heritability estimates for ADGs and corresponding KRs ranged from 0.14 to 0.18. The estimates of genetic and phenotypic correlations among the traits ranged between-0.28 (ADG2 and ADG3) to 0.96 (ADG2 and 6WTKR) and-0.31 (ADG1 and 6WTKR) to 0.95 (ADG2 and 6WTKR) respectively. Selection for any of the studied traits of Bharat, Merino sheep would be expected to have a large effect on the other growth traits as a result of their moderately positive genetic correlations.

IMPACT OF USING CHAMOMILE FLOWER AS A FEED ADDITIVE ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF FARAFRA EWES DURING HEAT STRESS CONDITIONS

This work was carried out to investigate the effects of Chamomile flower supplementation as a feed additive on reproductive performance and physiological responses of ewes during heat stress conditions. Forty-five healthy fertile Farafra ewes aged 2.0-4.0 years with an average body weight of 42.1 ± 0.92 kg were equally divided into three groups (15 ewes each), control group: received basal diet with no additives, T1: received basal diet + 0.5 gm chamomile flower /10 kg L.B.W/ day and T2: received basal diet + 1.0 gm chamomile flower /10 kg L.B.W/ day. The experiment lasted through a season of mating till parturition during the summer season. Body weight of ewes was improved at the end of pregnancy and after lambing in both supplemented groups (T1 & T2) compared to the control group. Concerning reproductive performance, the number of ewes exhibited estrus inChamomile supplemented groups (T1, T2) was higher than those in the control group. Also, supplemented ewes exhibited estrus earlier than control ones, especially in T2. Conception rate was improved by Chamomile supplementation, it was 93.3% in T2 followed by 80.0% in T1 and the lowest one was in the control group (73.3%). Also, the numbers of total and alive lambs born were higher in supplemented groups compared to control. In addition, Chamomile supplementation increased birth weight of lambs, this increase was significant (P<0.05)between T2 versus control (4.02 vs. 3.32 kg) however, it was not significant between T1 and control. Rectal and skin temperatures values were lower in both Chamomile supplemented groups compared to control. At the same time, respiration rate was decreased significantly in treated groups (32.5 in T1 and 32.8 in T2) than the control group (40.6). However, opposite trend of results was obtained in gas volume/minute and tidal volume. Metabolic rate (MR) and heat production (HP) were significantly (P<0.05) higher in T2 compared to both T1 and control groups. Serum total protein, albumin, and globulin tended to insignificantly increase with chamomile supplementation. In addition, serum urea, creatinine, AST and ALT concentrations did not significantly differ among groups and all values of these investigated blood metabolites were within the normal range of sheep. In conclusion, supplementation of chamomile flowers as a herbal feed additive had a beneficial effect on reproductive performance of ewes and the better improvement was observed with the high level of supplementation (1.0 gm chamomile flower /10 kg L.B.W/ day). Moreover, the investigated physiological responses during heat stress were improved by the supplementation with no adverse side effects on blood metabolites.

Direct and maternal variance components and genetic parameters for average daily body weight gain and Kleiber ratios in Nellore sheep.

The objective of the present study was to estimate variance components and genetic parameters for average daily gain from birth to weaning (ADGa), birth to 6months (ADGb) and 3 to 6months (ADGc) and corresponding Kleiber ratios (Ka, Kb, and Kc) in Nellore sheep. Data were collected from the records maintained at Livestock Research Station, Palamaner, for analysis and the data spread from 1993 to 2016 (23years). Lambing year, sex of lamb, season of lambing, and parity of dam were included in the model as fixed effects, and ewe weight was kept as a covariate. Six animal models were fitted with various combinations of direct and maternal genetic effects using restricted maximum likelihood procedure. The Akaike's information criterion was employed to determine the best model for each trait. Direct heritability estimates obtained in the study for ADGa, ADGb, ADGc, Ka, Kb, and Kc were 0.37, 0.41, 0.34, 0.48, 0.46, and 0.37, respectively, and their corresponding maternal heritabilities ranged from 0.11, 0.21, 0.11, 0.24, 0.22, and 0.11, respectively. (Co)variance among the direct and maternal effects were found to be negative in all the traits. Direct genetic correlations among the studied traits were positive with few exceptions, and they ranged from - 0.03 (Ka-Kc) to 0.99 (ADGa-Ka); similarly, the phenotypic correlations ranged from low to high - 0.18 (ADGa-Kc and Ka-Kc) to 0.95 (ADGa-Ka). These results indicated the importance of maternal effects in affecting the growth rate and efficiency of feed utilization traits and also suggested the possibility of moderate genetic progress for these traits through selection.