Wool Production Of Sheep Research Articles

Closed-Loop Agricultural Production and Its Environmental Efficiency: A Case Study of Sheep Wool Production in Northwestern Kyrgyzstan

As a country with not only significant production potential but also fragmented land ownership, the Kyrgyz Republic struggles with environmental efficiency, which is a strategic element of environmental management in agricultural production. The objective of this study was to assess the environmental efficiency of sheep’s wool when used as a fertilizer in bean production in northern Kyrgyzstan. In this study, the efficiency indicator was taken to be GHG emissions per functional unit of product, using a proprietary methodology for calculating GHG emissions to determine the true value of this material as a source of soil nutrients and organic matter. Two experimental factors were used in the experiment: fertilizer type and fertilizer rate. Fertilization with sheep wool resulted in a 15% higher bean yield compared to when fertilized with mineral fertilizers at a comparable rate, converted to pure nitrogen. By using sheep wool as a source of mineral nutrients for the plants, the carbon footprint was reduced by almost 10% compared to a facility with mineral fertilization. Therefore, the use of sheep wool as a source of plant nutrients is environmentally justified.

Raw Sheep Wool Management for Thermal Insulation Materials: The Case of Lithuania

ABSTRACT Raw sheep wool preparation processes are closely related to the use of environmentally harmful raw materials. To solve this problem, alternative ways of cleaning wool, often called environmentally friendly, are being sought. In this research, the possibilities of using Lithuanian wool for the production of thermal insulation materials were investigated. For this purpose, 4 tons of raw wool of different breeds of sheep was selected from various Lithuanian sheep breeders’ farms. Sources of impurities in wool were identified and the amount of fat in wool was assessed. After the initial re-selection, the wool was washed in different modes and with different detergents. The recycled and washed wool was supplied to the factory for the production of thermal insulation material.The aim of this work is to identify the main sources of wool impurities, analyze the quality of wool of different sheep breeds from different farms and evaluate the washing efficiency of different detergents and methods for different sheep breeds wool, and evaluate the quality of prepared wool raw material during different actual production processes. The results of the research provide preconditions for the improvement of thermal insulation materials of the sheep wool production and its quality management.

Two strongly linked blocks within the KIF16B gene significantly influence wool length and greasy yield in fine wool sheep (Ovis aries)

A previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified the kinesin family member 16B (KIF16B) as a candidate gene related to sheep wool production. In this work, DNA pool sequencing and SNPscanTM high-throughput genotyping methods were used to detect single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the sheep KIF16B gene. The correlations between the SNPs and wool length and greasy wool yield were systematically assessed. Forty-five SNPs were identified and 37 of them were genotyped, including 10 exon mutations, 26 intron mutations, and 1 promoter region mutation. Most of the SNPs were of medium genetic diversity and at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). Among them, 10 SNPs were associated with greasy wool yield and 28 SNPs impact the wool length. Five specific SNPs were found to exert significant effects on the wool length in all body parts analyzed in this study. Furthermore, linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis was conducted among SNP loci and they were found to be significantly associated with economically important traits. Two strongly linked SNP blocks were identified within these SNPs and they might exert significant impacts on the greasy wool yield and wool length. The identified SNPs exert significant effects on wool production and could be considered as potential DNA markers for selecting the individuals with superior phenotypes. How to cite: Zhao H, Hu R, Li F, et al. Two strongly linked blocks within the KIF16B gene significantly influence wool length and greasy yield in fine wool sheep (Ovis aries). Electron J Biotechnol 2021:53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2021.05.003

Practical application of bioelectric research of biologically active centers for the assessment of sheep wool productivity

The intensification of sheep wool production requires development of new methods for assessing the quality of products based on the knowledge of the functional state of the body, life support mechanisms and the formation of products in the process of its synthesis. Such functional systems include a complex of superficially localized biologically active centers (SLBACs) of animals, which serve as sensory regulatory formations involved in providing compensatory adaptive reactions of the animal organism. The research was carried out on sheep of the North Caucasian breed and the North Caucasian and the Romanov cross-breeds (3/4 R x 1/4 NC). The aim of the research was to clarify the possibility of assessing the wool productivity of sheep of different breeds according to the level of the bioenergetic potential (LBP) of their superficially localized biologically active centers. The studies were carried out on sheep of the North Caucasian breed and their crossbreeds with the Romanov breed (3/4 R x 1/4 NC). The object of the research was 6- and 8-month-old ewe hoggs and adult purebred ewes of the North Caucasian breed at the age of 2 years old. It was found out that sheep of different breeds and ages have different LBP of the SLBACs, and the value of the biopotential can be used to assess the quantitative and qualitative properties of wool in the comparable units. Based on the established dependencies, a method for determining a sheep wool classing has been developed. This method eliminates the need to use complex laboratory equipment and reduces time for the wool research.

Sustainability of Sheep Fleece Utilization in Jordan as an Insulation Material to Decrease Environmental Pollution, Increase Farmers’ Income, and Create New Job Opportunities

This study is planned to investigate the problems associated with the wasted sheep fleece in Jordan and to suggest methods to decrease its environmental impact. Results indicate that sheep fleece in Jordan makes an excellent resource for buildings insulation material. A linear regression model is used to predict sheep number for the period (2017-2030). Based on the predicted number of Sheep an estimated annual average production of wool is found for the period (2017-2030) to be (3.586 × 103 ton). The average cost per kg of fleece produced is calculated to be 0.39 JD, and the estimated price of fleece per head, if market is available for raw fleece, is 1 JD. Average annual financial losses by farmers are calculated to be (3.743 × 106 JD) for the period 2002-2016, and they were estimated to be (9.421 × 106 JD) for the years 2017-2030. Physical characteristics of sheep-wool are presented and compared to other competitive insulation materials (polystyrene and rockwool). Sustainability of sheep-wool production to be utilized as an insulation material is found to be an excellent solution to the huge waste of wool with respect to farmers and National income and to the problems associated with environmental impact. Results can be generalized to similar cases worldwide.

La ovinocultura de lana en el extremo sur gaúcho : desafíos para la construcción de una cadena de valor


 Este artículo analiza las actividades productivas relacionadas con la producción de lana ovina, bajo la óptica de dos organizaciones localizadas en Jaguarão, extremo sur de Brasil. El objetivo fue identificar los principales desafíos enfrentados por los actores sociales desde el punto de vista organizativo, así como las estrategias de comercialización y de agregación de valor. La investigación fue efectuada a través de entrevistas con guion semiestructurado. Los desafíos que se imponen son los de cualificar a los productores para atender los mercados más exigentes y construir un espíritu de cooperación que supere la actuación individualista dominante en la región. 

Genome editing for disease resistance in pigs and chickens.

For thousands of years, humans have used selective breeding to improve desirable traits in both livestock and companion animals. In livestock, targeted breeding has been common practice since the British Agricultural Revolution of the 18th century, with measurable production traits such as feed conversion in cattle or wool production in sheep actively selected for. In the late 20th century, genomic selection was added to the livestock breeding tool box; by reading specific locations in the genome and assigning them to measurable production traits, faster improvement in livestock production efficiency has been achieved. One of the inherently difficult production traits to measure is resistance to a specific disease, as animals with less severe symptoms or pathology may simply have been exposed to less pathogen. Experimental infections guaranteeing equal pathogen exposures are expensive and require large numbers of animals for genetic association studies, making them ethically questionable. Genome editing offers new opportunities to livestock breeding for disease resistance, allowing the direct translation of laboratory research into disease-resistant or resilient animals.

Clinico-pathological responses in reproductive system and its associated lymph nodes of bucks challenged with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and its mycolic acid extract

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a chronic bacterial disease that causes economic losses in small ruminant throughout the world. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the causative agent of CLA characterized by large abscesses internally/externally, abortions, weight loss, and decreased wool production in sheep and goat farming. There is paucity of information on Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and its immunogen mycolic acid responses in male goat during the course of CLA. As a result, this study was designed to investigate the clinical responses and pathological changes of the reproductive tract and its associated lymph nodes in male goats following inoculation with Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and its immunogen mycolic acids. A total of 12 healthy crossbred Boer male goats aged 16–20 months were divided into three groups, 1, 2, and 3, of four in each group. Group 1 (control group) was inoculated with 2 ml of sterile phosphate-buffered solution (PBS) via intradermal route, group 2 was inoculated with 2 ml 1 × 109 colony forming unit (cfu) of C. pseudotuberculosis intradermally and group 3 was inoculated with 2 ml of mycolic acid (1 g/ml) intradermally. The bucks were observed and assessed for changes in clinical responses daily for 60 days post challenged. At the end of the experiment, animals were slaughtered and organs of the reproductive tract and lymph nodes were harvested for histopathological investigations. In this study, all experimental bucks survived throughout the study period with some evidence of clinical manifestation such as pyrexia, weight loss, and enlargement or rupture of the lymph nodes. Microscopically, C. pseudotuberculosis and mycolic acid challenged groups showed significant cellular changes in the reproductive system and lymph nodes. Group 2 showed abscessation of the lymph nodes while group 3 did not indicate any abscess formation in the lymph nodes. For mycolic acid extract, the result revealed only mild to moderate clinic-pathological responses in bucks with no abscess formation in the lymph nodes. The result obtained added knowledge in the field of CLA research in small ruminants. In conclusion, this research revealed that C. pseudotuberculosis has a negative effect on reproductive performances of bucks and affects the clinical responses and abscess formation.

Growth and wool production of sheep reared at highland of Nepal

Sheep farmers lived in high altitude of Nepal have limited options of supplying roughages in winter season which is resulting severe feed deficit in these periods. Quality roughages like hay and other dried cereal stalks are not sufficiently available in the areas to mitigate the feed deficit in dry harsh winter. Therefore, the study was conducted to evaluate the effects of commonly practiced feeding system on growth and wool production of sheep in winter season. The research was performed at Sheep and Goat Research farm, Jumla, Nepal which is located at 2700 meters above sea level. The animals were supplied with three different rations viz (i) adlibitum oat hay with concentrate feed @ 1% of body weight;(ii) adlibitum conventional hay with concentrate feed @1% of body weight, and (iii) grazing in moderate pasture with concentrate feed @ 1% of body weight. The differences among the treatments were found significant ((p<0.05) changes in terms of average daily weight gain and total weight gain, while wool length and wool production were not significantly different (p>0.05) among the treatments. The treatment of feeding oat hay with concentrate @ 1% of body weight had yielded highest body weight gain. The result of the study revealed that feeding oat hay was more profitable in comparison to conventional system of grazing and feeding conventional hay. Inclusion of oat hay on the sheep diet in dry harsh winter season could make substantial improvement in the body weight gain of the sheep in the high altitude of Nepal.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2017. 46 (3): 159-163

Structural Characterization and Association of Ovine Dickkopf-1 Gene with Wool Production and Quality Traits in Chinese Merino

Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is an inhibitor of canonical Wnt signaling pathway and regulates hair follicle morphogenesis and cycling. To investigate the potential involvement of DKK1 in wool production and quality traits, we characterized the genomic structure of ovine DKK1, performed polymorphism detection and association analysis of ovine DKK1 with wool production and quality traits in Chinese Merino. Our results showed that ovine DKK1 consists of four exons and three introns, which encodes a protein of 262 amino acids. The coding sequence of ovine DKK1 and its deduced amino acid sequence were highly conserved in mammals. Eleven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified within the ovine DKK1 genomic region. Gene-wide association analysis showed that SNP5 was significantly associated with mean fiber diameter (MFD) in the B (selected for long wool fiber and high-quality wool), PW (selected for high reproductive capacity, high clean wool yield and high-quality wool) and U (selected for long wool fiber with good uniformity, high wool yield and lower fiber diameter) strains (p < 4.55 × 10−3 = 0.05/11). Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms wide association analysis showed that SNP8 was significantly associated with MFD in A strain and fleece weight in A (selected for large body size), PM (selected for large body size, high reproductive capacity and high meat yield) and SF (selected for mean fiber diameter less than 18 μm and wool fiber length between 5 and 9 cm) strains (p < 0.05), SNP9 was significantly associated with curvature in B and U strains (p < 0.05) and SNP10 was significantly associated with coefficient of variation of fiber diameter in A, PW and PM strains and standard deviation of fiber diameter in A and PM strains (p < 0.05). The haplotypes derived from these 11 identified SNPs were significantly associated with MFD (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our results suggest that DKK1 may be a major gene controlling wool production and quality traits, also the identified SNPs (SNPs5, 8, 9 and 10) might be used as potential molecular markers for improving sheep wool production and quality in sheep breeding.

Detection of QTL for greasy fleece weight in sheep using a 50K single nucleotide polymorphism chip.

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have introduced an influential tool in the search for quantitative trait loci (QTL) influencing economically important traits in sheep. To identify QTL associated with greasy fleece weight, a GWAS with 50K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was performed in a Baluchi sheep population. Association with greasy fleece weights was tested using the software Plink. The results of our GWAS provided three novel SNP markers and candidate genes associated with greasy fleece weight. A total of three chromosome-wide significant associations were detected for SNP on chromosomes 17 and 20 affecting greasy fleece weight across the four shearing. One of the significant SNP markers was located within ovine known genes namely FAM101A. Further investigation of these identified regions in validation studies will facilitate the identification of strong candidate genes for wool production in sheep.

Revalorización de las aptitudes laneras de los biotipos ovinos de la región central argentina

En la zona central de la República Argentina, existen explotaciones ovinas que poseen individuos con denominaciones raciales heterogéneas, cuya producción se orienta a un propósito carnicero, generando lana de calidad diversa, correspondiente en su mayoría al tipo gruesa, mayor a 28 micras. Se debería pensar en la posibilidad de realizar mezclas de lana para resaltar virtudes que las habilita para utilidades como la industria tapicera y la confección de alfombras, dicha industria requiere determinadas características en las variables de calidad de lana, tal como la voluminosidad, para que la misma sea utilizada de manera eficiente. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar la producción de lana en ovinos de la región central argentina, respecto de sus variables de calidad de lana, ponderando la voluminosidad y determinar la influencia de otras variables en función de la misma. Se relevaron ovinos de la región central de la República Argentina, utilizando la técnica de muestreo denominada bola de nieve. Se empleo la metodología demográfica denominada estructura poblacional. Se alcanzo un total de 1741 ovinos en 18 unidades productivas. Se realizó una sujeción de los animales aplicando las técnicas semiológicas propias para la especie ovina. Se estableció como denominación a la apariencia general del individuo en correspondencia con características propias de estándares raciales. Durante la esquila, se pesó el vellón de cada ovino. Se tomaron en forma individual muestras de lana, en las que se determinaron, color, tipo de mecha, largo de mecha, rizos por centímetro, rinde al lavado, diámetro medio de fibra y voluminosidad. Para este estudio se dispuso de datos de 1329 ovinos. En el análisis estadístico se utilizaron medidas de resumen, frecuencias absolutas y relativas, gráficos de distribución empírica de las variables, análisis de varianza, correlación y regresión lineal múltiple. Dentro del total de lana existente el 63,94% es gruesa (˃ 28 μm), de esta el 81,29% presenta voluminosidad ˃25 cm3/g, que es el 52% del total de los ovinos relevados. Se infiere que la voluminosidad está relacionada con otras variables además del diámetro medio. En la región central argentina la producción ovina aporta lana en mayor proporción gruesa, la mayor parte de esta con caracteres que le confieren una voluminosidad ˃25 cm3/g, que es una característica requerida por la industria textil de tapicería. El recurso lanar existente, posee condiciones aptas para su aplicabilidad en la industria textil de tapicería y confección de alfombras, revalorizando así su producción, pudiéndose incrementar la misma a través de métodos simples de selección e incorporación de animales con mayor voluminosidad.

دراسة اقتصادیة لوضع المجترات الصغیرة فى مصر مع الإشارة إلى محافظة شمال سیناء

Animal production is a major agricultural activities' in Egypt, where it contributed to about 33.2% of the value of agricultural inputs amounting to about L.E 76.6 billion in 2012. The limited research problem in decreasing the number of sheep and goats, especially after the application of the food aid in North Sinai governorate. The research aims to identify the status for small ruminants in Egypt, referring North Sinai. To achieve the objectives of the research method descriptive and quantitative analysis were adopted, Find the data received from the Dept. Agric. and Econ. Affairs Sector at the Minist. Agric. and Land Reclam., as adopted, and the CAPMAS. And the current status of the development of small ruminants in Egypt indicated results the average number of sheep heads has reached about 5235 thousand head, and is growing annually by a statistically significant amount, about 65.1 thousand head, and annual growth rate of about 1.2%. And the average number of goats around 3971 thousand head stood, growing annually by a statistically significant amount, about 60.10 thousand head, with an average annual growth rate of about 1.5%. And the average amount of sheep wool production amounted to about 10,243 tons. And increasing by a statistically significant amount of about 227.17 tons, with an average annual growth rate of about 2.2%. The approximately 10,243 tons for the average amount of the production of goat hair stood. And increasing by a statistically significant amount of about 227.17 tons, with an average annual growth rate of about 2.2%. The results also confirmed that the average number of Slaughtered sheep has reached about 375 thousand head. And decreasing by a statistically significant amount, about 8.93 thousand head, with an annual growth of about decreasing 2.4%. And the average and number slaughtered for goats has reached about 20 thousand head. And it decreased by a statistically significant amount, about 0.63 thousand head, with an annual growth of about decreasing 3.2%. The results showed that the average number of sheep skins has reached about 367 thousand pieces of leather. And it decreased by a statistically significant amount, about 11.34 thousand pieces skins. Annual growth decreasing at a rate of about 3.1%. As about 18 thousand pieces of leather from goats stood. And it decreases by not significant statistically. With respect to the current situation in north Sinai for small ruminants. The results indicated that the average number of goats in the administrative centers of El-Arish, Bir Al-Abed, Sheikh Zoweid, Rafah, Hasana, Nakhl about 33,818 head of 0.15688 head 0.18422 head 0.2537 head 0.16531 head 0.7557 head, respectively, during the period (2000-2014), and it decreased by a statistically significant amount, about 4.8 thousand head 0.2359 header .838 head 0.3233 header .398 head. Annual growth declining rate stood at 14.1%, 12.8%, 8.8%, 19.5%, 5.3% and then to the center of El-Arish and Sheikh Zoweid and Rafah and good and Nakhl. And The average number of sheep heads, about 16,663 head of 0.8874 head 0.16874 head 0.9778 head 0.16824 head 0.4628 top to the center of El-Arish and Bir Al-Abed and Sheikh Zoweid and Rafah and good and palm trees stood. Decreasing by a significant statistically amounted to about 1.8 thousand head 0.1831 header 0.921 head 0.3475 header 0.248 head, an annual growth declining rate stood at 10.6%, 10.9%, 9.4%, 20.7%, 5.4% and that of the centers of El-Arish and Sheikh Zoweid and Rafah and good and sift respectively. And the relative importance of small ruminants in the North Sinai Governorate shows increasing numbers of warheads from 72.3 thousand heads in 2010 to 83 thousand head in 2014 during the period (2010-2014).

Association of methionine synthase gene polymorphisms with wool production and quality traits in Chinese Merino population.

Methionine synthase (MTR) plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis of intracellular methionine, folate, and homocysteine, and its activity correlates with DNA methylation in many mammalian tissues. Our previous genomewide association study identified that 1 SNP located in the gene was associated with several wool production and quality traits in Chinese Merino. To confirm the potential involvement of the gene in sheep wool production and quality traits, we performed sheep tissue expression profiling, SNP detection, and association analysis with sheep wool production and quality traits. The semiquantitative reverse transcription PCR analysis showed that the gene was differentially expressed in skin from Merino and Kazak sheep. The sequencing analysis identified a total of 13 SNP in the gene from Chinese Merino sheep. Comparison of the allele frequencies revealed that these 13 identified SNP were significantly different among the 6 tested Chinese Merino strains ( < 0.001). Linkage disequilibrium analysis showed that SNP 3 to 11 were strongly linked in a single haplotype block in the tested population. Association analysis showed that SNP 2 to 11 were significantly associated with the average wool fiber diameter and the fineness SD and that SNP 4 to 11 were significantly associated with the CV of fiber diameter trait ( < 0.05). Single nucleotide polymorphism 2 and SNP 5 to 12 were weakly associated with wool crimp. Similarly, the haplotypes derived from these 13 identified SNP were also significantly associated with the average wool fiber diameter, fineness SD, and the CV of fiber diameter ( < 0.05). Our results suggest that is a candidate gene for sheep wool production and quality traits, and the identified SNP might be used in sheep breeding.

Incidence and effects of diseases in sheep in Uttar Pradesh

The present study was undertaken to analyze the incidence and effects of diseases in Sheep. The prevalence of specific diseases (42.0%) (FMD 11.7% and HS 30.30%) were more prominent followed by parasitic diseases (18%) digestive diseases (18%) and respiratory diseases (18.0%). while reproductive and other diseases (enterotoxaemia, skin infections) were also prevalent at lower morbidity rate (2.0%) in the study area. Lambs were highly affected by parasitic diseases (41.67%). In young stocks the highest proportional morbidity rate was observed due to digestive diseases (26.32%) while in adults other diseases (4.0%) had high morbidity. Males were affected more by specific diseases (48.72%) followed by parasitic diseases (23.08%). But in females, highest proportional morbidity rate was observed due to respiratory diseases (22.95%). The highest mortality was due to specific diseases (41.86%) followed by parasitic diseases (20.93%) and digestive diseases (20.93%). The analysis of the data on the effect of disease on wool yield in sheep did not reveal any significant difference in wool reduction due to pasturellosis and circling diseases. Overall wool reduction due to both diseases was (44.88%) but pasturellosis had higher effect (44.94%) than circling disease (44.76%) on wool production in sheep.

SHEEP WOOL PRODUCTION IN ALBANIA

Actually, 1853 thousand sheep (1378 thousand milked sheep) are farmed in Albania. About 28 % of the sheep population are the Tsygaia breed and its crossbreeds, 9.2 % are the Merino breed and its crossbreeds, 12 % are crossbreeds with other different imported breeds, local sheep named Rrecka present about 23 % of the total sheep population and other autochthonous sheep breeds, like Ruda, Bardhoke, Shkodrane, Baca – located in the North and North East/West, and Syka of Mati, Lara of Polisit in central regions of Albania consist of 27.5 %. The imported breeds like Il de France, Chios, Awasi constitute about 0.3 %. The annual sheep wool production evaluates about 3.8 thousand ton. The structure of wool quality is 15.7 % thin wool (merinos and their crosses), 27.1 % half thin wool (Ruda, Tsigaia and their crosses) and 57.2 % harsh wool (local breeds). The most part of wool produced by local sheep breeds is the coarse type. Only the wool of the Ruda sheep breed is of the half thin type, with 12-–14 cm hair length and 30– 33 micron diameter of hair. Most of the Albanian wool is sold for export very cheaply, direct after shearing (not graded, not washed), some is simply incinerated. The farmers get a smaller part of their own wool carded. Afterwards it is hand spun and used for weaving or knitting. The coarse wool is used for kelims and carpets. The finer wool is used for knitting. In Albania it is a tradition carding, dyeing, hand spinning, weaving and knitting the wool to be done in small enterprises and home conditions. The elder generation knows how to handle the wool, but it is a dwindling tradition. Only a small and decreasing market for traditional wool products, such as traditional Albanian hats, kelims and knotted carpets exists. The support of farmers community to build up a market for modern wool production as small or medium scale enterprises and home production, then selling the products from specialized shops in bigger towns, and especially for the bigger enterprises, to end up with export is one of the important objectives of the Albanian National Action Plan for conservation and sustainable economic use of FAnGR. According to the National Action Plan to develop wool processing into finished end-products for sale, is necessary to look into small issues as sheep breeding at a farm level, development of breeding strategies, training farmers in sheep husbandry practices, grading the wool, scouring the wool, support to SMEs working with wool processing, training men/women in wool processing, design of products, marketing and bookkeeping.

Dietary supplement increases anagen hair rate in women with telogen effluvium: results of a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Background: Dietary supplements are traditionally used over-the-counter products for the treatment of hair loss. Objectives: We aim to examine the effect of a specific L-cystine, medicinal yeast, pantothenic acid complex-based dietary supplement (Pantogar ® ) on telogen effluvium in healthy women. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled study was conducted over 6 months in 30 healthy women suffering from telogen effluvium. The efficacy of the supplement was evaluated by means of digitalized epiluminescent microscopy (TrichoScan) performed before treatment and after 3 and 6 months. Additionally, global photographs were taken and evaluated by independent investigators. Results: Active compound led to a statistically significant improvement and normalization of the mean anagen hair rate within 6 months of treatment (p = 0.003), while there was no significant change in the placebo group (p = 0.85). These changes of the anagen hair rates were significantly different (p = 0.008). The appearance of hair growth in the global photographic assessment was judged better in the active compound than in the placebo group. Conclusions: This is the first study performed combining epiluminiscence microscopy with digital image analysis to demonstrate that a dietary supplement influences hair growth. The mode of action is not known, although it seems to result from an induction of anagen. Dietary supplements are traditionally used overthe-counter (OTC) products for the treatment or prevention of hair loss. Typically, they are based on a combination of L-cystine and vitamins, usually of the B-complex group, including pantothenic acid and p-aminobenzoic acid (PABA). The rationale for the use of L-cystine for the treatment of hair loss is based on the biochemistry of cystine metabolism, clinical observations in disorders of cystine metabolism and cystine deficiency and results of animal and human studies. L-cystine, a natural, aliphatic amino acid, is a constituent of keratin. Accordingly, hair contains a high proportion of L-cystine (15.9%). In trichothiodystrophy, there is a deficiency of sulfur-containing amino acids in the hair, resulting in increased brittleness. In homocystinuria, the hair is thin and hypopigmented. In HIV trichopathy, disorders of the cystine-dependent amino acid metabolism and glutathione-dependent detoxification mechanisms lead to dry, fragile hairs, hair loss and premature graying. In the 1960s, the role of L-cystine in the production of wool was investigated and it was found that enrichment of even what appeared to be a normal diet with sulfurcontaining amino acids increased wool production in sheep [1–3]. When considering which dietary supplements could be used for improving hair growth in humans, L-cystine was therefore a candidate. In the early 1990s, studies on the effect of dietary supplements containing L-cystine, in combination with B-complex vitamins and medicinal yeast, a rich natural source of B-complex vitamins, were published, demonstrating improvements in the trichogram (hair pluck test), in hair swelling as a criterion for hair quality and in the tensile strength of the hair fiber [4–6].

Prenatal programming of postnatal productivity and health of livestock: a brief review

Human epidemiological evidence has suggested that metabolic perturbations during fetal life may increase predisposition to cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity in later life. A growing number of controlled experiments on sheep and other large animal species are adding to the already large body of experimental evidence from rat studies in supporting the ‘fetal origins’ hypothesis. Of particular practical relevance are findings that maternal undernutrition in late pregnancy can predispose lambs to glucose intolerance and increased adiposity in early adulthood. This effect may be exacerbated by high energy intakes and limited capacity for muscle growth in undernourished or growth-retarded lambs during early postnatal life. Recent Australian studies have demonstrated the effects of prenatal nutrition on postnatal growth and meat production in beef cattle, and on quantity and quality of wool production in sheep.

Economics and profitability of sheep and goat production under new support regimes and market conditions in Central and Eastern Europe

The study presents changes and tendencies in sheep and goat production from 1990 to 2004 in Central and Eastern Europe. Aspects considered are numbers of animals and potential of milk, meat, skin and wool production in sheep and goats. Moreover, the paper describes the production systems and the organization of sheep and goat production as well as the supporting schemes, profitability of production and perspectives of breeding of small ruminants in this region. A significant revival in this production sector in Central and Eastern Europe can be expected in those countries which joined the European Union in 2004.

Nomadic pastoralism in the Aru basin of Tibet's Chang Tang

Nomadic pastoralists live at the northern extent of human habitation within the ca. 5000 m elevation Aru basin, in the nortwestern part of the Chang Tang Nature Preserve, Tibet. These nomads herd primarily sheep and goats, a lesser number of yaks, and a few horses. Goats are increasing in importance because of the value of cashmere wool in national and international markets. Although sheep wool production is greater per animal than for the cashmere goats, the price obtained for its wool is much lower. Still, households keep more sheep than goats, primarily because sheep meat is preferred for consumption and sheep wool is important for the nomads' own use. The Aru nomads have traditionally depended on hunting to compensate for livestock lost to predators and unpredictable climatic phenomena such as blizzards. The prohibition of hunting in the reserve from 1993 has apparently resulted in a lowering of their standard of living, even with an overall rise in cashmere prices. According to the nomads, without hunting they have thus lost a safety measure important during years with heavy livestock losses. Conservation related development initiatives in the reserve should address this issue.