Young Sheep Research Articles

Small size at birth predicts decreased cardiomyocyte number in the adult ovine heart.

Low birth weight is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) hearts have fewer CMs in early postnatal life, which may impair postnatal cardiovascular function and hence, explain increased disease risk, but whether the cardiomyocyte deficit persists to adult life is unknown. We therefore studied the effects of experimentally induced placental restriction (PR) on cardiac outcomes in young adult sheep. Heart size, cardiomyocyte number, nuclearity and size were measured in control (n=5) and PR (n=5) male sheep at 1 year of age. PR lambs were 36% lighter at birth (P=0.007), had 38% faster neonatal relative growth rates (P=0.001) and had 21% lighter heart weights relative to body weight as adults (P=0.024) than control lambs. Cardiomyocyte number, nuclearity and size in the left ventricle did not differ between control and PR adults; hearts of both groups contained cardiomyocytes (CM) with between one and four nuclei. Overall, cardiomyocyte number in the adult left ventricle correlated positively with birth weight but not with adult weight. This study is the first to demonstrate that intrauterine growth directly influences the complement of CM in the adult heart. Cardiomyocyte size was not correlated with cardiomyocyte number or birth weight. Our results suggest that body weight at birth affects lifelong cardiac functional reserve. We hypothesise that decreased cardiomyocyte number of low birth weight individuals may impair their capacity to adapt to additional challenges such as obesity and ageing.

LAMB FEEDING STRATEGIES DURING THE PRE-WEANING PERIOD IN INTENSIVE MEAT PRODUCTION SYSTEMS

<p>The modern consumer of sheep meat requires uninterrupted market supply with qualitatively standardized meat, without excess fat and with high tenderness, which has encouraged producers to slaughter young sheep. A lamb’s diet during the pre-weaning phase was discussed in this review because it is of great importance for achieving success in a meat production system, given the high speed of lambs’ growth during their first weeks of life. Supplying palatable concentrate in creep-feeders from the first days of life promotes pre-stomach development and adapts the animal to a solid diet consumption; important processes for enhancing animal performance, since nutritional requirements, especially for energy, are high during this period and can only be met by milk for a short time. An early weaning technique can be adopted from 35 days old, when adequate nutritional support is provided. Unweaned lamb slaughtering combined with creep feeding and controlled feeding have superior effects to early abrupt weaning, probably by avoiding the adverse effects generated by post-weaning stress. The use of a milk replacer is seldom reported due to the difficulty in finding specific products for sheep and its high cost. Controlled suckling does not affect the performance of lambs. Further studies investigating lamb feeding strategies need to be developed during the pre-weaning period.</p>

Eficácia anti-helmíntica comparativa entre diferentes princípios ativos em ovinos jovens

The objective of the present study was to verify the efficacy of different anthelmintics in young sheep and the variation between males and females. The work was carried out between March and April 2015 in private property in the municipality of Dom Pedrito - RS. The evaluations were carried out on 180 lambs (90 males and 90 females) crossed Corriedale x Ile de France with mean age of 10 ± 2 months live weight (LW) of 26.00 ± 2.0 kg kept in intermittent grazing with fixed stocking In 20 hectares (ha) of native field. The animals were separated into three groups which received different active principles (Closantel 10% via oral; 30% oral Diophenol and 34% Nitroxinil via injectable). Each group consisted of 60 individuals 30 males and 30 females. The faeces were collected before the application of the active principle (day zero) and after 10 days for the quantification of eggs per gram of faeces (OPG). Also the cultivation of larvae (coproculture) was carried out. The efficacy test was checked according to the following formula Efficacy (E%) = [(OPG control day0 – OPG treatment day10) /OPG day0 ] x 100. All OPG averages were found to be above the maximum dosage limit (OPG> 500). The anthelmintic efficacy in the herd for Closantel dysophenol and Nitroxinil was 64% -7% 60% respectively and efficacy less than 90% is sufficient to presume the resistance of helminths to these drugs. When efficacy was observed between the sexes it was found that all drugs were considered ineffective. However it is worth noting that the efficacy of the active ingredient Nitroxinil was 72% in lambs and 33% in lambs. The population of nematodes identified in the coproculture of the herd referring to day 0 was Haemonchus spp. (45%) followed by Trichostrongylus spp. (53%) and with fewer occurrences Bonostomum spp. (2%). When identification was performed after treatments (day 10) the presence of Haemonchus spp. (43%) Trichostrongylus spp. (56%) and Bonostomum spp. (1%). Efficacy and coproculture tests should be carried out periodically in the herd in order to guide the selection of the most appropriate anthelmintic in the control of verminosis. Comprovou-se que na propriedade há resistência anti-helmíntica aos princípios ativos utilizados. Embora, fosse verificada maior eficácia nas cordeiras fêmeas tratadas com Nitroxinil em comparação aos machos do mesmo grupo, ambos foram considerados ineficazes no combate à parasitose.

Variation in instrumental meat quality among 15 muscles from 14-month-old sheep and its relationship with fibre typing

The aims of the present study were to describe intermuscular differences in meat-quality traits in 15 young-sheep muscles, and to study the associations between meat quality and fibre typing across all (pooled) muscles as well as in previously selected homogeneous contractile–metabolic groups of muscles (slow-oxidative, intermediate and fast-glycolytic muscles). Meat-quality traits (pH, colour, expressed juice, cooking losses, tenderness and sarcomere length) and fibre typing were evaluated after 24 h of slaughter in 15 muscles from five cross-bred young sheep. Across all the studied muscles, intermuscular differences in some meat-quality traits (pH24, a* and expressed juice) seemed to be mainly explained by muscle oxidative activity, while intermuscular variation in other meat-quality traits (L*, b* and Warner–Bratzler shear force) were mainly explained by differences in fibre sizes. Within fast-glycolytic muscles, larger fast-glycolytic fibres and reduced oxidative activity were generally associated with lower ultimate pH, higher L* values, lower a* values and longer sarcomeres. Within intermediate muscles, larger fast-glycolytic fibres and reduced oxidative activity were generally associated with lower ultimate pH, higher L* values, shorter sarcomeres and reduced meat tenderness. Within slow-oxidative muscles, larger fast-glycolytic fibres and reduced oxidative activity were generally associated with lower amounts of expressed juice, lower a* values and reduced meat tenderness. The present study has contributed to a better understanding of the influence of muscle fibre types on intermuscular meat-quality variation, suggesting that although muscle fibre diversity may explain, at least in part, intermuscular differences in meat quality, these associations can also slightly vary among muscle contractile–metabolic groups.

Burden of Ovine Fasiolosis in Sherka Woreda Arsi, Ethiopia

Fasciolosis is an important helminthic infection causing economic losses due to morbidity and mortality thereby contributing to loss in productivity to livestock industry in Ethiopia. A cross sectional study was, therefore, conducted from December 2015 to April 2016 to determine the prevalence of ovine fasciolosis in four peasant associations in Shirka Woreda, Arsi, Ethiopia. Sedimentation technique was employed to detect Fasciola eggs during the study. A total of 384 sheep were involved in the study amongst which 118 were found to be positive with an overall prevalence of 30.70 per cent. Zenbabahella, Hanu Jawe, Sole Ferekesa and HelaTijoSero peasant associations (PAs) accounted for 35, 30.8, 34.8 and 23.076 per cent, respectively. The prevalence of fasciolosis was associated with different variables. Young sheep (31.62%) showed higher prevalence rate than adult sheep (29.6%). Prevalence of fasciolosis by sex was 35% and 29.2% in male and female, respectively. In addition, sheep with poor body condition (34%) showed higher prevalence than their counterparts. Over all, none of the variables has shown statistical difference (p>0.05). Therefore, based on the above information ovine fasciolosis was prevalent in the studied areas and could be potential basis for economic loss in these areas. Thus strategies aimed at the parasite and its intermediate host as well appropriate grazing management practices in the study area are recommended.

Связь метаболического профиля молодняка овец разных генотипов с темпами роста

The estimation of the metabolic profile of blood serum of purebred and crossbred young sheep in the context of intensity of growth. The object of the research was five-month-old purebred bright Roma breed (P) and crossbred, received in the result of crossing ewes of the Pechora breed groups sheep breed ostfriz ( 1 / 2 П х 1 / 2 О), grown under the same conditions feeding and maintenance of the Pechora experimental station. For the experience was developed four groups of calves by 5 goals each: I ( 1 / 2 П х 1 / 2 О) is a high-energy growth; II ( 1 / 2 П х 1 / 2 О) - low; III (R) - high IV and (R) - low energy growth. Group bright low energy growth taken for control. Metabolic profile sky growing bright was characterized by the following features: the level of albumin over 45% of the total protein; A/G ratio approaches one; the average and below average (3,3 to 5,0 mmol/l) within normal level of urea; glucose + cholesterol more than five; the de Ritis coefficient is 1,8-2,2; high within the normal values of calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase. Metabolic profile slow growing bright: the level of albumin less than 45% of the total protein; A/G ratio is less than 0,85; glucose and glucose + cholesterol - the lower limit of normal; the de Ritis coefficient above 2,2. Significant differences in favor of the growing bright in intensity of protein, carbohydrate and other exchanges allow the use of biochemical parameters of blood on the early stages of ontogenesis as a marker signs to predict the growth and the assessment of adaptation to the conditions of detention.

Prevalence of Gastrointestinal Helminthes in Sheep from Bardarash District, Duhok Province

A parasitological study was conducted to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal (GI) helminth infections in sheep in different localities at Bardarash district, Duhok, Iraqi kurdistan from October 2014 to May 2015. A total of 160 faecal samples were collected for qualitative fecal examination. The study revealed that 96(60%) of examined sheep were found infested with one or more species of helminth parasites. From examined animals 11 helminth species were diagnosed, the recovered species were identified as Marshallagia marshalli , Nematodirus spp., Haemonchus contortus , Fasciola hepatica , Moniezia benedeni , Trichuris ovis , Moniezia expanza , Chabertia ovina , Bunostomum trigonocephalum , Teladorsagia circuntcincta , and Cooperia spp. Prevalence of helminths was significantly (p 2 years (61.40%) and young sheep aged >1-2 year (43.48%),while no significant relationship found between prevalence and the reproductive conditions of sheep.

A note on natural population levels of Phthirapteran species on sheep at district Rampur (U. P.), India

A look on the available literature indicated that population characteristics of Phthiraptera on Indian sheep deserved investigation. Two hundred sheep were sampled to reveal the population levels of phthirapteran species on sheep in the district Rampur (U.P.). Three phthirapteran species were recovered (Bovicola ovis Schrank, the facelouse, Linognathus ovillus Neumann and the foot louse of sheep, Linognathus pedalis Osborn). The prevalence to Phthiraptera on sheep was 26.5%, (n= 200) during 2007. The difference in the prevalence of Phthiraptera on two sexes of sheep was not found significant at 5% level. Likewise, the difference in the prevalence of phthirapteran species on young, adult and older sheep was also insignificant at 5% level. The prevalence and intensity of infestation of Phthiraptera were found significantly correlated (at 5% level) to mean monthly temperature. The correlation between prevalence and relative humidity was not found significant at 5% level. The present report provides first information on the population characteristics of phthirapteran ectoparasites infesting Indian sheep.

Concentraciones de hormona estimulante de la tiroides y tiroxina libre en ovinos jóvenes

El objetivo de esta investigación fue establecer valores de referencia en las concentraciones de la hormona estimulante de la tiroides (TSH, del inglés Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) y tiroxina (T4) libre, para los pequeños rumiantes menores de 7 meses, analizando la influencia del sexo sobre las determinaciones. Se obtuvieron muestras de sangre de 48 ovinos en estado de ayuno (25 machos y 23 hembras menores de 7 meses de edad), las concentraciones de TSH y T4 libre se determinaron mediante inmunoensayo enzimático. Los valores de TSH para las hembras jóvenes (μUI/ml) fueron: promedio, mínimo, máximo y desviación estándar de 0,34; 0,0; 0,57; 0,15, respectivamente. Para los machos jóvenes fueron: 0,09; 0,0; 0,57; 0,15, respectivamente. El valor p del test F fue 0,147 (p ≥ 0,05), por lo cual no hay diferencia estadísticamente significativa con una confiabilidad de 95 % para la TSH en ovinos jóvenes con respecto al género. Los valores de T4 libre para las hembras jóvenes (ng/dl) fueron: promedio, mínimo, máximo y desviación estándar de 0,44; 0,13; 0,73; 0,21, respectivamente. Para los machos jóvenes fueron: 0,66; 0,31; 1,17; 0,24, respectivamente. El valor de p del test F es 0,04 (p < 0,05), lo cual evidencia diferencia significativa con una confiabilidad del 95 % para los valores de T4 libre en ovinos jóvenes. Se concluye que el sexo causa variación en la secreción de T4 libre en los pequeños rumiantes jóvenes.

Performance of Young Sheep Fed Maize Bran and Groundnut Hay Supplemented with Sodium Chloride

This study was conducted to assess the effect of common salt supplementation on the performance of young sheep fed maize bran and ground nut hay as basal diet. It covered a period of 12 weeks. A 3×3 Latin square design was employed in the experiment. The daily feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were measured during the experimental period. Results showed that the inclusion of common salt at the level of 1.0% of feed had no significant effect on feed intake (p>0.05). There was depressed feed intake as quantity of salt increased from 0.0%, to 0.5% and 1.0%. The best mean average daily weight gain of 43.45%was obtained with the 1.0% treatment. Salt inclusion up to 1.0% level in sheep ration, had no adverse effect on performance, it rather gave a more favorable weight gain and conversion efficiency. These findings are of very practical significance in sheep fattening, especially for farmers in rural setups.

Sheep carrying pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica bioserotypes 2/O:9 and 5/O:3 in the feces at slaughter

Yersinia enterocolitica is a heterogeneous species including non-pathogenic strains belonging to biotype 1A and pathogenic strains belonging to biotypes 1B and 2–5. Pathogenic strains of biotypes 2–4 carrying the ail virulence gene have frequently been isolated from domestic pigs at slaughter. In sheep, mostly non-pathogenic biotype 1A strains have been reported. In our study, the prevalence of ail-positive Y. enterocolitica was studied by PCR and culturing in 406 young sheep (<1year of age) and 139 older sheep at slaughter in Finland. When using PCR, the detection rate was 11% (45/406) in young sheep originating from 11 (18%) farms. Surprisingly, Y. enterocolitica belonging to bioserotypes 2/O:9 and 5/O:3, carrying both chromosomal and plasmid-borne virulence genes, were isolated from the fecal samples of 10 (2%) and 23 (4%) sheep, respectively. All isolates of bioserotypes 2/O:9 (19 isolates) and 5/O:3 (53 isolates) carried the chromosomal virulence genes ail, inv, ystA, and myfA, and almost all isolates (71/72) also carried the virulence genes virF and yadA located on the virulence plasmid. The isolates showed high susceptibility to tested antimicrobials and low genetic diversity by PFGE. Y. enterocolitica bioserotype 5/O:3 is a very rare bioserotype, and has earlier only sporadically been reported in European wildlife and in sheep in Australia and New Zealand. Bioserotype 2/O:9 is a common bioserotype found in humans with yersiniosis, and has sporadically been isolated in wild and domestic animals.

Betamethasone-exposed preterm birth does not impair insulin action in adult sheep.

Preterm birth is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adulthood; however, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. We therefore investigated the effect of preterm birth at ~0.9 of term after antenatal maternal betamethasone on insulin sensitivity, secretion and key determinants in adulthood, in a clinically relevant animal model. Glucose tolerance and insulin secretion (intravenous glucose tolerance test) and whole-body insulin sensitivity (hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp) were measured and tissue collected in young adult sheep (14 months old) after epostane-induced preterm (9M, 7F) or term delivery (11M, 6F). Glucose tolerance and disposition, insulin secretion, β-cell mass and insulin sensitivity did not differ between term and preterm sheep. Hepatic PRKAG2 expression was greater in preterm than in term males (P = 0.028), but did not differ between preterm and term females. In skeletal muscle, SLC2A4 (P = 0.019), PRKAA2 (P = 0.021) and PRKAG2 (P = 0.049) expression was greater in preterm than in term overall and in males, while INSR (P = 0.047) and AKT2 (P = 0.043) expression was greater in preterm than in term males only. Hepatic PRKAG2 expression correlated positively with whole-body insulin sensitivity in males only. Thus, preterm birth at 0.9 of term after betamethasone does not impair insulin sensitivity or secretion in adult sheep, and has sex-specific effects on gene expression of the insulin signalling pathway. Hence, the increased risk of T2D in preterm humans may be due to factors that initiate preterm delivery or in early neonatal exposures, rather than preterm birth per se.

Performance of Young Sheep Fed Maize Bran and Groundnut Hay Supplemented with Sodium Chloride

This study was conducted to assess the effect of common salt supplementation on the performance of young sheep fed maize bran and ground nut hay as basal diet. It covered a period of 12 weeks. A 3×3 Latin square design was employed in the experiment. The daily feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were measured during the experimental period. Results showed that the inclusion of common salt at the level of 1.0% of feed had no significant effect on feed intake (p&gt;0.05). There was depressed feed intake as quantity of salt increased from 0.0%, to 0.5% and 1.0%. The best mean average daily weight gain of 43.45%was obtained with the 1.0% treatment. Salt inclusion up to 1.0% level in sheep ration, had no adverse effect on performance, it rather gave a more favorable weight gain and conversion efficiency. These findings are of very practical significance in sheep fattening, especially for farmers in rural setups.

Реакция эозинофилов в крови молодняка овец при экспериментальном диктиокаулезе и после комплексного лечения

Objective of research: The study of eosinophilic reaction in blood at experimental dictycaulosis of young sheep and after providing the complex therapy.&#x0D; Materials and methods: The research was conducted in August- September 2013at an experimental farm «Kurilovo» in Podolsk district of Moscow region. Six mongrel lambs at 4–5 months of age, free from infection, and 18 lambs experimentally infected with Dictyocaulus filarial at gtye dose of 1000 larvae per head were investigated. 30 days after invasion, lambs were divided into 3 equal groups (6 head in each) and kept under conditions excluding the possibility of spontaneous invasion. Lambs of the first group free from infection, served as controls and did not receive the drug. Infected animas of the second group were not treated and served as controls. Lambs of the third group received Alben as 20% granulated powder at the dose of 5 mg a.i./kg (0,25 g of granules per 10 kg of body weight); the fourth group of lambs received Alben at the same dose and subcutaneously T-activin at the dose of 2 mkg/kg once a day on the 1st , 3rd and 7th day of invasion, and В-activin at the dose of 5 mkg/ kg intramusculary once a day during 5 days. Before the experiment and after 7, 15, 30 and 60 days of treatment, blood samples were taken from calves. Trilon B was used as anticoagulant. Blood eosinophil levels were measured by the standard method.&#x0D; Results and discussion: Persistent blood eosinophilia was determined at experimental dictycaulosis in lambs. The level of eosinophils cannot be fully restored by dehelmintization with Alben. The full restoration of the quantity of eosinophils in blood of infected lambs occurs after the complex therapy with Alben in combination with T and В-activin.

Characterisation of a Large Animal Model of Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF)

Background: The failure of the development of treatment for HFpEF is the result of key factors: critically, HFpEF is a disease of ageing in combination with other factors including atrial fibrillation, and the effect of potential treatments for HFpEF can only be validated pre-clinically in-vivo using large animal models, to effectively prove effects on heart function. Aim: To characterise a large animal model of HFpEF and determine applicability for pre-clinical therapeutic research. Methods: Eight aged and eight young female sheep (ewes) were anaesthetised and underwent transthoracic echocardiography and were instrumented with a left ventricular pressure transducer catheter. Left ventricular biopsies were taken for histological and molecular analysis. Results: Sheep (ewes) aged >6yrs had a preserved LVEF 73 ±8% vs young, with marked LV hypertrophy, significant myocardial fibrosis compared to young animals and elevated LVEDP (aged: 10.3 ± 1.5 vs young: 3.8 ± 0.9 mmHg, p<0.05). Conclusions: This acute study has characterised a clinically relevant, large animal model of HFpEF.

CHARACTERIZATION AND ANTIBIOGRAM STUDY OF CLOSTRIDIUM CHAUVOEI ISOLATED FROM FIELD CASES OF BLACK LEG IN CATTLE

Clostridium chauvoei is the etiological agent of black quarter (BQ), an infectious disease affecting mainly young cattle and sheep. The present study was designed with a view to isolate and identifies Cl. chauvoei from field cases. A total of 4 clinically suspected samples were collected during the period from January 2013 to November 2013 from Monohardi, Narshindi (n=1); Sujanagar, Pabna (n=1) and Veterinary Clinic of Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh (n=2). The samples were processed and were cultured anaerobically on blood agar. Gram stain and hanging drop techniques were performed with the cultured bacteria. Biochemical properties of the isolates were studied, and antibiotic sensitivity test was done by disk diffusion method. In Gram stain, all isolates showed numerous short, thick, straight, round-ended, gram positive rod occurs singly or in short chains. The spores of the organism were elongated, oval, sub terminal or terminal and wider than the cell, giving a typical pear-shaped appearance. All the Cl. chauvoei isolates fermented dextrose, maltose, lactose and sucrose and produced acid and gas. In case of mannitol fermentation, only acid was produced. Catalase, oxidase, methyl red, Voges-Proskauer and indole tests were found to be negative. All isolates were resistant to oxytetracycline, amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin, whereas the isolates were sensitive to penicillin and gentamicin. In conclusion, penicillin and gentamicin can be the drugs of choice for effective treatment of BQ in cattle of Bangladesh.

Placental restriction in multi-fetal pregnancies increases spontaneous ambulatory activity during daylight hours in young adult female sheep.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) has adverse effects on metabolic health and early life, whereas physical activity is protective against later development of metabolic disease. Relationships between birth weight and physical activity in humans, and effects of IUGR on voluntary activity in rodents, are mixed and few studies have measured physical activity in a free-ranging environment. We hypothesized that induced restriction of placental growth and function (PR) in sheep would decrease spontaneous ambulatory activity (SAA) in free-ranging adolescent and young adult progeny from multi-fetal pregnancies. To test this hypothesis, we used Global Positioning System watches to continuously record SAA between 1800 and 1200 h the following day, twice during a 16-day recording period, in progeny of control (CON, n=5 males, 9 females) and PR pregnancies (n=9 males, 10 females) as adolescents (30 weeks) and as young adults (43 weeks). PR reduced size at birth overall, but not in survivors included in SAA studies. In adolescents, SAA did not differ between treatments and females were more active than males overall and during the day (each P<0.001). In adults, daytime SAA was greater in PR than CON females (P=0.020), with a similar trend in males (P=0.053) and was greater in females than males (P=0.016). Adult SAA was negatively correlated with birth weight in females only. Contrary to our hypothesis, restricted placental function and small size at birth did not reduce progeny SAA. The mechanisms for increased daytime SAA in adult female PR and low birth weight sheep require further investigation.

Renal Nitric Oxide Deficiency and Chronic Kidney Disease in Young Sheep Born with a Solitary Functioning Kidney.

Previously, we demonstrated that renal hemodynamic responses to nitric oxide (NO) inhibition were attenuated in aged, hypertensive sheep born with a solitary functioning kidney (SFK). NO is an important regulator of renal function, particularly, in the postnatal period. We hypothesized that the onset of renal dysfunction and hypertension in individuals with a SFK is associated with NO deficiency early in life. In this study, renal and cardiovascular responses to L-NAME infusion (Nw-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester) were examined in 6-month old lambs born with a SFK, induced by fetal unilateral nephrectomy (uni-x). Renal responses to L-NAME were attenuated in uni-x sheep with the fall in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and urinary sodium excretion (UNaV) being less in the uni-x compared to sham lambs (%ΔGFR; −41 ± 3 vs −54 ± 4: P = 0.03, %ΔUNaV; −48 ± 5 vs −76 ± 3, P = 0.0008). 24 hour-basal urinary nitrate and nitrite (NOx) excretion was less in the uni-x animals compared to the sham (NOx excretion μM/min/kg; sham: 57 ± 7; uni-x: 38 ± 4, P = 0.02). L-NAME treatment reduced urinary NOx to undetectable levels in both groups. A reduction in NO bioavailability in early life may contribute to the initiation of glomerular and tubular dysfunction that promotes development and progression of hypertension in offspring with a congenital nephron deficit, including those with a SFK.

Perfluoroalkylated substances in edible livers of farm animals, including depuration behaviour in young sheep fed with contaminated grass

Perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs) present a potential health risk for consumers. In animals these compounds are known to accumulate in livers. In order to determine potential PFASs contamination in commercially available livers, samples from farmed sheep, horses, cows, pigs and chicken were collected from the Dutch market. PFOS was the only detectable PFAS and its concentration was higher in free ranging animals like cows and sheep. The detected levels of PFOS in the liver samples were very low (up to 4.5 ng g−1 ww).To further study the kinetic behaviour in foraging animals, samples from a study in which sheep were fed with grass obtained from a river floodplain, were examined. PFOS was the only detectable PFAS in the contaminated grass pellets, showing a level of about 0.5 μg kg−1. Young blackhead sheep were fed with either clean or contaminated grass for a period up to 112 days. A time-dependent increase in liver PFOS concentrations was observed from 2.4 to 10.9 ng g−1 ww after 8 and 112 days respectively. A time-dependent depuration was observed in livers of animals switched to clean grass after 56 days of exposure, from 9.2 to 4.7 ng g−1 ww after 64 and 112 days respectively. The percentage of PFOS ingested from the grass and retained in the liver was estimated to be 12% at day 56, and decreased gradually to 6% after 56 days on clean grass, showing that the decrease in levels is not only caused by an increase in liver weight.Levels detected in commercial livers but also those in the sheep study would not lead to exceedance of the current TDI for PFOS set by EFSA. Therefore, it can be assumed that they do not present a risk for human health.

Comparison of Leptospira interrogans infection in the goats and sheep

Background: Most leptospiral infections in sheep and goat are asymptomatic but may result in high fever, abortion, stillbirth, agalactiae. There is a different foraging behavior between sheep and goat that may cause the different prevalence of Leptospira interrogans infection in sheep and goats. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to compare the prevalence of L. interrogans antibodies in sheep and goats. METHODS: Blood samples were taken from 246 sheep and 210 goats in 12 herds from 8 areas of Ahvaz where the animals were kept together. Sera were initially screened at dilution of 1:100 against 8 live serovars of L. intrrogans: pomana, canicola, hardjo, ballom, ictrohaemorrhagiae, grippotyphosa, tarasovi and australis using the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). RESULTS: The prevalence of leptospiral infection was 8.53% in sheep and 10.95% in goats. The highest reacting leptospira in both species was L.i. Pomona with a reactor rate of 68.18% in sheep and 56% in goats, followed in descending order by ictrohaemorrhagiae (18.8%), canicula, hardjo and grippotyphosa (each of them 4.54%), in sheep and ictrohaemorrhagiae (28%), canicula (16%) in goats. Statistical analysis showed that were no significant differences between sheep and goat (P=0.428). There were no significant differences among age groups in sheep (p=0.301) and goats (p= 0.363), but there was a tendency in adults sheep and goats (≥3years) to be more seropositive than young sheep and goats. Seroprevalence of leptospiral infection among various areas in sheep (p= 0.464) and goats (p= 0.710) was also not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that there is no difference between sheep and goats in terms of leptospiral infection when they are kept together in the same herd and husbandry condition.