Young Sheep Research Articles

Molecular Epidemiology and Phylogeny of Theileria ovis and Theileria lestoquardi in Sheep and Goats from Southern Punjab, Pakistan.

Background: Theileria spp. are responsible for ovine and caprine theileriosis, leading to significant morbidity and mortality in small ruminants.The present study aims to investigate Theileria spp. infections in small ruminants from Southern Punjab in Pakistan, and genetic characterize revealed Theileria spp. isolates. Methods: A total of 93 sheep and 107 goats were sampled between May and August 2022. Blood smears were examined microscopically, and PCR amplification targeting the 18S rRNA gene was performed to detect Theileria spp. Additionally, specific PCR assays targeting 18S rRNA and ms1 partial sequences were used to identify Theileria ovis and T. lestoquardi, respectively. Results: The prevalence of Theileria spp. was significantly higher using PCR (13.5%) compared to microscopic screening (5%). Sheep showed a higher prevalence rate (19.4%) compared to goats (8.4%) (p = 0.024). Young sheep aged ≤ 1 year were more commonly infected with Theileria spp. (41%) compared to older sheep (p = 0.006). The prevalence of Theileria spp. was higher in sheep-only herds (37.3%) compared to goat-only herds (18%) or mixed-species herds (8.1%) (p = 0.015). The prevalence rates of T. ovis and T. lestoquardi were 9% and 2.5%, respectively, with four animals (2 goats and 2 sheep) showing co-infection. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that our T. ovis 18S rRNA sequence clustered with previously reported sequences from sheep in Turkey, China, Spain, and goats in Tanzania. The obtained T. lestoquardi ms1 partial sequence formed a distinct cluster from other T. lestoquardi isolates in Pakistan and neighboring countries. Conclusion: Theileria spp. co-circulation in Pakistani small ruminants, particularly the presence of T. ovis and T. lestoquardi, highlights the need for attention from animal health decision-makers due to their financial and health impacts.

Live weight peculiarities of the Tsigai breed young sheep during the suckling period in connection with the terms of sheep ewes’ gestation

The correlation of the Tsigai breed ewes’ gestation period with the patterns of growth and development of the sheep growing stock during the suckling period was explored in the article. The dates of inseminations and calvings were selected for analysis to calculate the duration of ewes' gestation and indicators of live weight of young animals at birth and at weaning with subsequent calculation of correlations between these traits. The average duration of the ewes’ gestation period is 157.76 ± 0.61 days (Cv=7.6%). The single-born ewe lambs of the No. 01684 line were higher in live weight by 6.9% (р ≤ 0.001), and higher in average daily gain by 6.0% (р ≤ 0.001) than the sample averages at weaning. The single-born ram lambs the No. 80077 line have a significant advantage in terms of live weight at weaning by 9.1% (р ≤ 0.01), and in terms of average daily gains by 11.8% (р ≤ 0.05). Single-born ram lambs of the No. 01684 and No. 66796 lines with a reduced live weight at birth grow more intensively: a significant advantage in terms of live weight at weaning and average daily growth, respectively, is 12.1% (р ≤ 0.001) and 9.6 % (р ≤ 0.01) higher in comparison with the average sample values. Twin ewe lambs of the No. 80077 line with a lower live weight at birth by 0.2% and an increased weight at birth by 0.4, the difference of which is also not reliable, nevertheless have a significant advantage in average daily growth compared to the average – by 9.1% (р ≤ 0.001), while the twin ram lambs have no significant difference in the indicators of the suckling period. Milkiness is negatively associated with the duration of pregnancy of ewes and positively with the lambs live weight at weaning period. In order to establish a line for increased multiplicity, it is necessary to select ewe lambs to be used in the replacement stock from twin litters in the line No. 80077. The increased live weight of young animals from single litters is formed by the parent livestock of No. 01684, 20832, 65204 and 80077 lines. The advantage of twin ram lambs in terms of live weight over the average values has not been proven.

Assessment of the hormonal and antioxidant status of the sheep of different age groups

The purpose of the research was to study some indicators of antioxidant and hormonal status in the body of ewes and young sheep of the Romanov breed, as well as to identify correlations between the studied indicators. The experiment was carried out in the physiological yard of the L.K. Ernst Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry in spring of 2022 with stall housing, on 2 groups of ewes (30 days, n = 15 and 90 days after lambing, n = 14) and 3 groups of young Romanov breed (aged 1, n = 15, 3, n = 14 and 4 months, n = 13). Indicators of antioxidant and hormonal status were determined in the blood. Mathematical and statistical processing of the results was carried out using methods of descriptive statistics, one-way analysis of variance, and correlation analysis. The high level of total antioxidant status in the blood of ewes 3 months after lambing (2.38 mmol/l) indicates successful adaptation to oxidative stress and LPO accumulation through the use of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. In the blood of lambs upon weaning, the maximum accumulation of TBA-AP is observed compared to animals at one month of age (3.49 versus 3.21 μM/l at p≤0.05), which is compensated by the body by increasing the level of ceruloplasmin and catalase number. At an older age, the body shows adequate adaptation to post-weaning stress, which is manifested in a decrease in the level of TBA-AP by 24.93 % (p≤0.05), an increase in the concentration of ceruloplasmin, a decrease in peroxidase activity (by 28.47 % at p≤0.001 and 8.13 %, compared with the age of 1 and 3 months, respectively), increasing the TBA-AP/CP ratio. The acquired knowledge about age-related and physiological changes in LPO, AOD and hormonal status will be useful in assessing the health status and will help to provide timely preventive measures that increase the adaptive capabilities of the sheep’s body and the fullest realization of the genetic potential of productivity.

Impaired DNA Double-Strand Break Repair in Irradiated Sheep Lung Fibroblasts: Late Effects of Previous Irradiation of the Spinal Thecal Sac.

Children with cancer previously treated with radiotherapy face the likelihood of side effects that can be debilitating or fatal. This study aimed to assess the long-term effect of medulloblastoma radiotherapy on the DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair capability of primary fibroblasts derived from lung biopsies of previously irradiated young sheep. This study included biopsies from three control and five irradiated sheep. The treated sheep had previously received spinal radiotherapy at a total dose of 28 Gy, which is equivalent to pediatric medulloblastoma treatment. Lung biopsies were taken 4 years post-irradiation from high-dose (HD, >18 Gy) and low-dose (LD, <2 Gy) regions. Fifteen cell lines were extracted (six control, four LD and five HD). The cells were irradiated, and DNA DSB repair was analyzed by immunofluorescence. Clonogenic, trypan blue and micronuclei assays were performed. Both the HD and LD cell lines had a significantly higher number of residual γH2AX foci 24 h and a significant decrease in pATM activity post-irradiation compared to the control. There was no statistically significant difference in the clonogenic assay, trypan blue and micronuclei results. Our study showed that a previous irradiation can impair the DNA DSB repair mechanism of ovine lung fibroblasts.

Do sheep (Ovis aries) discriminate human emotional odors?

While sheep can detect and discriminate human emotions through visual and vocal cues, their reaction to human body odors remains unknown. The present study aimed to determine whether sheep (Ovis aries) can detect human odors, olfactorily discriminate stressed from non-stressed individuals, and behave accordingly based on the emotional valence of the odors. Axillary secretions from 34 students were collected following an oral examination (stress odor) or a regular class (non-stress odor). Fourteen female and 15 male lambs were then exposed to these odors through a habituation-dishabituation procedure. The habituation stimulus was presented four times for one minute, followed by the dishabituation stimulus presented once for one minute. Behavioral variables included spatiality relative to target odors, approach/withdrawal, ear positioning, sniffing, ingestion, and vocalization. Both female and male lambs more often positioned their ears backwards/forwards, and asymmetrically when exposed to the dishabituation stimulus, but regardless of their stress or non-stress value. They also changed their approach behavior when exposed to the dishabituation stimuli. Lambs displayed some behavioral signs of discrimination between the habituation and dishabituation odors, but regardless of their relation to stress or non-stress of human donors. In sum, this exploratory study suggests that young sheep respond negatively to the odor of unfamiliar humans, without showing any specific emotional contagion related to the stress odor. This exploratory study suggests young ovines can detect human body odor, a further step toward understanding the human-sheep relationship.

Bioecological Characterization of Nematode Distribution Among Livestock in the North-Eastern Territories of the Lesser Caucasus of Azerbaijan Republic

Helminthological studies of sheep and goats were conducted in the northeastern territories of the Lesser Caucasus of the Republic of Azerbaijan in 2013-2022. The northeastern areas of the Lesser Caucasus include Ganja and Goygeli, Dashkesan, Geranboy, Naftalan, Samukh, Shamkir, Tovuz, Agstafa, Gazakh and Kadabek districts, as well as the areas around the Kura and Jeyranchel rivers, which are wintering places of livestock farms. This process plays a special role in the formation of helminth fauna of animals, as small horned livestock farms in these areas lead a nomadic and sedentary lifestyle. As a result of helminthological research 52 species of helminths, including 43 species of nematodes were identified. Of these, 7 species are indicated for the study region for the first time. All detected nematode species were registered in sheep, while only 26 species were found in goats, which are common to the sheep helminth fauna. These helminth species can be considered as permanent elements of the helminthofaunistic complex of livestock production in the studied region. It was found that young sheep and goats are relatively heavily infested with helminths. Infestation is higher in late spring — early summer and early fall. For this purpose, 957 sheep and 619 goats were examined for nematode pathogens in different landscape-ecological zones of the region by the method of complete helminthological autopsy according to K. I. Skryabin. Some species of helminths are absent in the studied animals before driving them to summer pastures but are observed in them after their return to wintering. Animals become infected by ingesting larvae or mature helminth eggs on summer pastures. -

Effects of β-carotene supplementation and age on the oxidative status, production and reproductive performance of grazing ewes

Context There is some evidence that physiological stages such as breeding, pregnancy, parturition and lactation may trigger oxidative stress. It has also been observed in several species, including sheep, that age affects their vulnerability to oxidative stress. Aims This study investigated the effects of supplemental β-carotene and age on the oxidative status of grazing ewes around breeding, pregnancy, parturition and early lactation as well as on their production and reproduction performance. Methods Hundred and four ewes were divided into two broad age groups (young = 1–3 years, and old = 4–6 years). Within age groups, ewes of similar age were randomly assigned to four treatment groups (A1, A2, A3, C) by using a completely randomised block design. The young (n = 13) and old (n = 13) sheep in Groups A1, A2 and A3 were daily drenched with 100 mg, 75 mg and 50 mg β-carotene respectively. Group C was unsupplemented (Control). Supplementation lasted 28 days before oestrus synchronisation; 14 days during oestrus synchronisation (CIDR) and hand-mating; 18 days post-hand-mating; 30 days before lambing; and 15 days after lambing. All animals were grazed on Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum). Six ewes from each group (total = 24) were sampled for blood to measure oxidative and hormonal status during the experiment. Key results Supplemental β-carotene at ≥75 mg/day may act as a pro-oxidant in ruminants under oxidatively stressed conditions such as parturition. Age did not affect the ewes’ oxidative status. The supplemental β-carotene did not affect bodyweight, oestrus parameters, corpus luteum size, conception rate and litter size. Except for a tendency of lambs from supplemented ewes to have heavier weight at 15 days old (P = 0.080), age group and supplemental β-carotene did not affect the lamb mortality rate or weight at birth or 15 days old. Older ewes showed earlier and longer duration of oestrus than did younger ewes. Conclusions Supplementation of grazing ewes with β-carotene should not be ≥75 mg/day, especially at parturition period, because it may work as a pro-oxidant. The older ewes seem to have earlier oestrus with a longer duration than do the younger ones. Implications Caution is urged when administering high doses of β-carotene to ewes during the peri-parturient period.

Livestock turnover and dynamic livestock carrying capacity are crucial factors for alpine grassland management: The Qinghai-Tibetan plateau as a case study

Alpine grasslands are distributed widely on high-elevated ranges and plateaus from the wet tropics to polar regions, accounting for approximately 3% of the world's land area. The Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) is the highest and largest plateau in the world, and approximately 60% of the plateau consists of alpine grassland, which is used mainly for grazing animals. Livestock structure was determined in Guinan (GN), Yushu (YS) and Maqu counties (MQ) on the QTP by interviewing 235 local pastoralists. Based on data collected from GN, the livestock carrying capacity was calculated using herbage dry matter biomass intake (LCCm) by the livestock, and the metabolizable energy yield (LCCe) and digestible crude protein (LCCp) available in pasture. The pasture area per household differed among the regions of the QTP, which was the main reason for the difference in livestock stocking rate. The householders raised the appropriate proportion of breeding females and young yaks and sheep in GN and MQ, but not in YS, to maintain a constant turnover. Most pasture in YS was used at the community level, especially in summer. The calculated carrying capacities based on metabolizable energy yield (LCCe) of the pasture and dry matter biomass (LCCm) were similar in most months except for August, when the value of LCCe was higher than LCCm. Based on the digestible protein of the pasture, the calculated livestock carrying capacity overestimated the actual carrying capacity during the herbage growing season from May to September. Appropriate practices should be taken in different regions of QTP, such as providing supplementary feed, especially protein, during the forage non-growing season. Livestock carrying capacity should be adjusted dynamically, and calculated by a number of parameters. The stocking rate should be controlled to optimize livestock production and curb or minimize grassland degradation to generate a sustainable system. This study examined the grasslands and LCC on the QTP, but the results could be applied to grasslands worldwide.

The efficiency of consumption and assimilation of nutrients of the diet feed, depending on the genotype and castration of young sheep

Relevance. As a result of the scientific and economic experience, materials were obtained characterizing the peculiarities of consumption and assimilation of nutrients in the diet of sheep, depending on genotypic affiliation and castration.Methodology. In order to perform the experiment, groups of experimental young animals were selected: I – Gypsy breed (sheep), II – ½ Tsigai × ½ edilbai (sheep), III – Tsigai breed (boulders), IV – ½ Tsigai × ½ edilbai (boulders).Results. The effect of genotype and castration on the amount of consumed and digested nutrients has been established, which in turn affects their digestibility in the body and the formation of meat products. It is enough to note that crossbred rams and boulders having the genotype ½ Qigai × ½ edilbai surpassed purebred analogues in consumption of dry matter by 237.6 g (14.5%) and 227.5 g (8.15), organic matter – by 220.4 g (14.55%) and 200.0 g (14.2%), in digestion (assimilation) dry matter by 173.0 g (16.1%) and 167.8 g (16.8%), organic matter by 158.9 g (15.5%) and 152.5 g (16.2%). At the same time, both purebred and crossbred boulders were characterized by the lowest indicators.

Chronic inflammation decreases arcuate kisspeptin expression in male sheep

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria induces an immune response and impairs reproduction through suppression of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), subsequently luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion. While there is evidence that acute inflammation inhibits kisspeptin, little is known about the impact of chronic inflammation on this key reproductive neuropeptide in livestock species. Thus, we sought to examine a central mechanism whereby LPS suppresses LH secretion in sheep. Twenty wethers were randomly assigned to one of five treatment groups: control (CON; n=4), single acute IV LPS dose (SAD; n=4), daily acute IV LPS dose (DAD; n=4), daily increasing IV LPS dose (DID; n=4), and chronic subcutaneous LPS dose (CSD; n=4). On Days 1 and 7, blood samples were collected every 12 minutes for 360 minutes using jugular venipuncture. Following blood collection on Day 7, all animals were euthanized, brain tissue was perfused with 4% paraformaldehyde, and hypothalamic blocks were removed and processed for immunohistochemistry. On Day 1, LH pulse frequency was significantly lower (p=0.02) in SAD (0.25 ± 0.1 pulses/hour), DAD (0.25 ± 0.1 pulses/hour), DID (0.35 ± 0.1 pulses/hour), and CSD (0.40 ± 0.1 pulses/hour) compared to CON (0.70 ±0.1 pulses/hour). On Day 7, only DID animals (0.35 ± 0.1 pulses/hour) had significantly lower (p=0.049) LH pulse frequency compared to controls (0.85 ± 0.1 pulse/hour). Furthermore, only DID animals (33.3 ± 10.9 cells/section/animal) had significantly fewer (p=0.001) kisspeptin-immunopositive cells compared to controls (82.6 ± 13.6 cells/section/animal). Taken together, we suggest that daily increasing doses of LPS is a powerful inhibitor of kisspeptin neurons in young male sheep and a physiologically relevant model to examine the impact of chronic inflammation on the reproductive axis in livestock.

Metasmart in the rations of young sheep of Kuibyshev breed

Realization of the productivity potential of sheep is possible only under the condition of balanced feeding based on the characteristics of their nutrition and metabolism. Maximum gains in live weight and high-quality wool can only be obtained as a result of adequate feeding, balanced with all currently known nutrients including amino acids. The use of synthetic amino acids in particular methionine when feeding ruminants is diffi cult, because with a lack of energy and nitrogen in the feed, protein and amino acids are partially degraded in the forestomach. Therefore, the use of synthetic amino acids as part of the ration of ruminant animals becomes less eff ective and is unjustifi ed from an economic point of view. The purpose of the research was to study Metasmart (protected methionine) in the rations of haggerels of Kuibyshev breed. The experiment was carried out on three groups of young animals (control and two experimental) from 3 to 9 months of age per 12 heads animals in each group. Scientifi c and economic experiment was divided into two periods, the fi rst period from 3 to 7, the second period from 7 to 9 months of age. For animals of the 2nd and 3rd experimental groups in the fi rst period (from 3 to 7 months of age), Metasmart was included in the feed at the rate of 1,5 and 2,0 g/head/day. In the second period (from 7 to 9 months of age) Metasmart was included in the compound feed at the rate of 2,0 and 3,0 g/head/day in the experimental groups. It was established that feeding protected methionine (Metasmart) to meat-wool young sheep helped reduce feed intake for a gain of 1 kg of live weight, which had a positive eff ect on the prime-cost of growth and meat productivity of haggerels of Kuibyshev breed. Analysis of parameters of wool productivity of haggerels showed that the inclusion of Metasmart in the compound feed in an amount of 2,0 g/head/day in the fi rst period and 3,0 g/head/day in the second period had a positive effect on the wool productivity of animals and the quality of wool.

Rearing Management and Its Impact on Caseous Lymphadenitis in Sheep.

Two surveys were conducted to assess the prevalence and risk factors of ovine caseous lymphadenitis (CL) and explore the association between its superficial and visceral forms in Sardi sheep in Settat province, Morocco. A total of 1521 sheep, including 318 lambs < 6 months, 572 young sheep aged 6-24 months, and 631 adult sheep > 24 months, were examined from 57 flocks. Superficial CL prevalence levels were as follows: 69/318 in lambs, 292/572 in young sheep, and 114/631 in adult sheep. Additionally, 2124 sheep, including 1813 young and 311 adult sheep, were inspected in slaughterhouses ante- and post-mortem. Among all infected animals, the prevalence of visceral abscesses was notably higher in adult sheep (83%, OR = 9.8, 95% CI = 5.5-17.2) compared to young sheep (35%). Data on flock size, sex, age, body condition score, rearing methods, and hygienic measures were collected. Suspected CL cases were confirmed using quadruplex-PCR. Poor barn ventilation, lack of abscess control, and younger age were identified as key risk factors for CL. Additionally, a high percentage (89%) of animals with thoracic abscesses did not display superficial lesions. While age and abscess control have been reported in previous studies, barn ventilation appears to be a new, but important, risk factor. In conclusion, the identified risk factors in Settat province are linked to breeding management practices. Implementing regular abscess control measures and improving barn ventilation are essential for CL prevention.

Ultrasonography screening of hepatic cystic echinococcosis in sheep flocks used for evaluating control progress in a remote mountain area of Hejing County, Xinjiang

BackgroundAlthough ultrasonography (US) has been widely used in the diagnosis of human diseases to monitor the progress of cystic echinococcosis (CE) control, the screening method for hepatic CE in sheep flocks requires adjustment. In this study, we used a US scanner to screen sheep flocks and evaluated the efficacy of dosing dogs once a year with praziquantel for 7 years from 2014 to 2021.MethodsAll sheep in the three flocks were screened using an ultrasound scanner in 2014 and compared with the prevalence of infection in 2021 in Bayinbuluke, Xinjiang, China. Sheep age was determined using incisor teeth. Cyst activity and calcification were determined using US images. The dogs were dewormed with praziquantel once a year to control echinococcosis in the community.ResultsThree flocks had 968 sheep in 2014, with 13.22%, 22.62%, 18.7%, 27.27%, 11.88%, and 6.3% of sheep aged 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and ≥ 6 years old, respectively. US scanning revealed that the overall CE prevalence was 38.43% (372/968), with active cysts and calcified cysts present in 9.40% (91/968) and 29.02% (281/968) of the sheep, respectively. For the young sheep aged 1 and 2 years, the prevalence of active and calcified cysts was: 1.56% and 0.91%, and 10.94% and 18.72%, respectively. Approximately 15.15% and 16.52% of the 4- and 5-year-old sheep, respectively, harbored active cysts. There was no significant difference in the infection rates of sheep between 2014 and 2021 (P > 0.05).ConclusionsUS is a practical tool for the field screening of CE in sheep flocks. One-third of the sheep population in the flocks was 1–2 years old, and these sheep played a very limited role in CE transmission, as most of the cysts were calcified. Old sheep, especially culled aged sheep, play a key role in the transmission of CE. Dosing dogs once a year did not affect echinococcosis control.

Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Haemonchus contortus in Sheep Slaughtered at Bahir Dar Municipal Abattoir, Ethiopia.

Haemonchus contortus is a blood sucking parasite resulting a massive economic loss in tropical and subtropical sheep rearing areas. A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of haemonchosis and its predictors at Bahir Dar municipal abattoir, northwestern Ethiopia, from December 2022 to April 2023. A total of 378 abomasum of sheep were taken by using systematic random sampling and inspected according to standard procedures. Accordingly, the findings of this study revealed an overall prevalence of 34.40% (30/378) (95% CI: 29.75-39.35). The presence of H. contortus in female sheep (46.41%) was significantly higher than in male (23.35%) (P < 0.001). The same is true; prevalence of haemonchosis in young (<1 year) sheep was 43.33% significantly (P < 0.001) higher than that of adult (≥1 year) which was 26.26%. Based the origin of the animals in the current study, it was nonsignificant variation (P = 0.386). The current study depicted that H. contortus infection is a common parasitic disease and requires remarkable attention to the prevention and control of haemonchosis at the study area.

Influence of fasting on the efficacy of anthelminthics in naturally infected sheep

The aim of this study was to verify the effect of fasting on the anti-helminthic efficiency of ivermectin-albendazole-levamisole (IAL) combination (first stage) and the closantel and albendazole (second stage) in sheep naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes. To this end, fecal samples from young (4 to 6 months), male and female sheep were evaluated seven and 14 days after the treatments, using the Egg count Per Gram of feces (EPG) and the Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT). In the first stage of the experiment, the mean EPG of the animals treated and fasted beforehand was lower than the mean EPG of the animals treated, but not fasted 14 days after treatment. Moreover, the group of fasted animals exhibited a better reduction in fecal egg count rate. In the second stage, there was no significant decrease in the mean EPG of the animals in any group (closantel and albendazole) and the efficiency calculated by FECRT was low for the closantel group and zero for the albendazole group. However, the decrease in EPG in animals treated with closantel after fasting was 326.8% greater than the decrease in EPG in animals treated without prior fasting. It was evident that fasting had a positive influence on the reduction of the genera Haemonchus, Cooperia, Trichostrongylus and Oesophagostomum in the animals treated with closantel. The anthelminthic effect of closantel, albendazole and ivermectin-albendazole-levamisole (IAL) combination in sheep was significantly enhanced by previous fasting. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to withhold solid food for a minimum of 12 hours before administering these treatments.

Productivity of the ewe's lambs Romanov breed when using a complex of mineral and vitamin supplements in diets

Relevance. It is known that the mineral composition of the feeds of the Republic of Bashkortostan used in animal diets, in terms of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, cobalt and sulfur, does not meet the needs of animals. The deficiency of minerals is especially high in growing young animals.In this regard, the development and scientific justification of the use of a complex mineral and vitamin feed additive (hereinafter CMVFA) in the diets of growing young sheep, which stimulate digestion and digestibility of nutrients in the diet, thereby increasing productivity, is of particular importance.Methods. To study the effectiveness of feeding KMVKD in the diets of the Romanov breed yarok on the indicators of body weight gain in peasant farming conditions, 4 groups of yarok were formed on the principle of pairs of analogues (10 heads each). Yarki of the control group received in addition to the main diet at the rate of 20 g of monocalcium phosphate and 15 g of premix per head (P81-1-89). The yarks of the experimental groups of KMVKD were introduced into the composition of crushed grain mixtures: made according to recipes No. 1 — for the first, No. 2 — for the second, No. 3 — for the third (35 g per head per day).Results. With a small difference in the intake of substances between the groups, the use of UMVD of 35 g per head per day had a significant impact on body weight gain. During the experiment period, the average daily weight gain in animals of the control group was 165 g, and in the experimental groups, respectively, 174.75 g, 183.52 g and 190.68 g, or more by 5.91%, 11.22% and 15.56% compared with the control. The level of profitability of production in the experimental groups increased by 10.60%, 16.03% and 20.54% compared with peers from the control group.

Exploratory Study on the Relationship Between Age, Reproductive Stage, Body Condition Score, and Liver Biochemical Profiles in Rembi Breed Ewes

Background: The Rembi sheep breed is renowned for its exceptional meat quality and significant economic profit. Nevertheless, there is a gap in research on the hepatic parameters of this breed in Algeria despite the considerable value of the liver in the Algerian population’s diet. Objectives: The research aimed to determine the impact of physiological factors (age, physiological stage, and body condition score) on biochemical sheep liver parameters. Methods: Sixty clinically healthy female Rembi breed sheep, aged between 3 months and 7 years, raised at the Technical Institute of Livestock (ITELV) Ksar Chellala Farm in Tiaret Province, Algeria, were selected for biochemical analysis and assessing aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), albumin (ALB), and total protein (TP). Results: The concentrations of AST, ALP, and GGT increased significantly (P≤0.001) in young sheep, while ALT and TP levels decreased (P≤0.05). However, a high level of GGT (P&lt;0.001) was also observed in lactating ewes, and during pregnancy, females have a low level of ALP (P&lt;0.001). Furthermore, the body condition score does not affect any of the measurements. Conclusion: Considering the animal’s age and physiological stage is critical before interpreting the results.

Growth hormone stimulates the in vitro development and establishment of Haemonchus contortus in sheep

The physiologic increase in some sex hormones has been associated with an increase in the parasite load caused by Haemonchus contortus in ewes, especially prolactin. In lambs that are especially susceptible to hemonchosis, the levels of sex hormones are low; in contrast, the levels of another pituitary hormone, growth hormone (GH), which is structurally very similar to prolactin, are high. In this study, the in vitro and in vivo effects of GH on H. contortus larvae development and establishment were evaluated. The addition of 20 ng/mL GH for 5 and 10 days to cultures of H. contortus larvae induced an enlargement (p<0.01) and an L3/L4 molting rate (p<0.03) greater than that of untreated larvae or those treated with other concentrations of the hormone. Flow cytometry showed that 3.8% of the largest and most complex cells of newly obtained larvae of H. contortus were positive for the GH receptor, and by immunofluorescence with confocal microscopy, it was observed that these receptors are located in the intestinal region larvae. In the in vivo assay, the administration of recombinant GH to gonadectomized lambs produced an increase in FEC (p<0.03), the number of female adult worms in the abomasum (p<0.05) and the levels of specific antibodies (p<0.04) in relation to the control lambs; however, it did not affect the fertility of H. contortus females. Although many factors affect the development and implantation of H. contortus in the abomasum of sheep, the results of this study strongly suggest that GH participates in the development and establishment of the parasite in sheep, mainly in young sheep.

Feed additive “Amylocin” and its infl uence on the metabolism and productivity of the wether hogs of Kalmyk fat-rumped breed

The purpose of the work was to scientifically and production substantiate the possibility of using the new generation probiotic feed additive “Amilocin” in feeding young sheep of the meat-fat type of productivity and to study the effect of its various dosages on the metabolism, meat and wool productivity of wether hogs of Kalmyk fat-rumped breed. Under the conditions of the arid zone of Southern Russia, the possibility of using the probiotic feed additive “Amylocin” in the rations of young sheep of Kalmyk fat-rumped breed was experimentally substantiated. The optimal dose of its introduction into the ration of wether hogs, the effect on the digestibility and use of nutrients in the ration, growth energy, meat and wool productivity, hematological parameters, as well as on the eff ectiveness of use in rations have been established. It was established as a result of the research that among the various dosages of the probiotic feed additive “Amylocin” studied in rations, the optimal and eff ective dose was 10 g/head/day. The inclusion of the probiotic “Amylocin” in the optimal amount in the ration of wether hogs ensured their more stable and intensive growth by 8,1 %, and contributed to better formation of meat and wool productivity in animals by 10,9 and 9,0 %, respectively. The use of the probiotic feed additive “Amylocin” in the ration of the wether hogs in an amount of 10 g/head/day improved the morphological composition of the carcasses; the amount of meat in them signifi cantly increased by 11,2 % and the weight of the fat tail by 15,2 %. The use of the probiotic feed additive “Amylocin” in the rations of wether hogs of Kalmyk fat-rumped breed in optimal dosages was economically beneficial, which helped reduce feed intakes by 15,2 % and generate additional profit in the amount of 355,9 rubles from each realized head.

Long Time No Hear, Magnificent Wohlfahrtia! Morphological and Molecular Evidence of Almost Forgotten Flesh Fly in Serbia and Western Balkans.

The "beautiful viviparous fly", Wohlfahrtia magnifica, may have a magnificent appearance due to its striking morphology; however, it is a potentially deadly agent of obligate traumatic myiasis in humans and animals, with a serious impact on welfare and economics. The fly is found across the Palearctic realm, including the Western Balkan region, with reports from former Yugoslavian countries from the first half of the 20th century. In this paper, a recent case of wohlfahrtiosis recorded in Northern Serbia is evidenced using morphological and molecular techniques. Larvae were collected from two adult sheep with severe hoof myiasis and two young sheep with genital and interdigital myiasis. Morphological identification was performed for adults bred from the infested vulva and third-stage larvae (L3) collected from the hoof wounds, supported with barcoding sequences of the COI gene obtained from larval pairs from the hoof wounds of older and the genitalia of younger sheep. W. magnifica was identified according to the appearance of male fly terminalia and the morphology of L3, which was confirmed after the comparison of representative sequences of the COI gene (deposited in GenBank™ under accession numbers MT027108-MT027114) to those available in GenBank™. This finding represents the first reported case of wohlfahrtiosis in the Western Balkans in 80 years, highlighting the need to re-inform relevant stakeholders to achieve adequate disease control.