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Tesfaye A, Asmare B, Abiso T, Wamatu J. Effect of Nutritional Flushing Using Long-Term Energy and Protein Supplementation on Growth Performance and Reproductive Parameters of Doyogena Ewes in Ethiopia. Vet Sci 2023; 10:368. [PMID: 37368754 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci10060368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The objective of the study was to establish the effect of appropriate supplementation days (days -21 to +7) using four isonitrogenous (14.7% CP) diets balanced to provide low (Lo-ME) or high (Hi-ME) metabolizable energy on the body condition score (BCS), body weight (BW) change, and reproductive performances of sheep. Thirty-five Doyogena ewes (27.71 ± 2.87 kg, 2-5 years of age, BCS of 2.0-2.5) grazing on natural pasture were randomly assigned to supplementary treatments consisting of combinations of enset leaf (EL) and commercial concentrate (CC): T0 (control), T1 (250 g EL + 500 g CC: Lo-ME), T2 (400 g EL + 500 g CC; Hi-ME), T3 (500 g EL + 400 g CC; Hi-ME), and T4 (500 g EL + 250 g CC; Lo-ME). The estrous cycle was synchronized with one intramuscular injection, 5 mg PGF2α, prior to artificial insemination. The dry matter (DM) from the pasture provided 1.10-1.46 kg/day, which corresponds to the DM requirements of the ewes until late gestation. However, the pasture provided a protein content of 9.52%, which was insufficient for breeding, mid-gestation, and gestation, requiring minimums of 16.1%, 13.1%, and 14.8%, respectively. The pasture could only provide enough energy for breeding ewes with a BW of up to 30 kg. The energy provided by pasture was insufficient for ewes weighing > 30 kg at mid-gestation and gestation, providing 6.9-9.2 MJ/day, below the requirement of 11.92-16.32 MJ/day required for mid-gestation and gestation. The energy was not sufficient for large ewes weighing > 40 kg. Supplementary diets T1-T4 provided DM in the range of 1.7-2.29 kg/day. This was sufficient for AI, mid-gestation, and gestation phases. Dietary supplements increased (p < 0.01) BW during breeding and mid-gestation. During lambing, T2 and T3 increased BW (p < 0.05) compared to T4 and T1. T4 had a similar effect (p > 0.05) on BW during lambing. T1, T2, and T3 significantly increased BCS (p < 0.05). T2 and T3 increased (p < 0.05) BCS at mid-gestation, but only T2 significantly increased BCD (p < 0.05) during lambing. All dietary supplements resulted in a shorter (p < 0.05) time to the resumption of estrous and the length of estrous (p < 0.05). T1, T2, and T3 resulted in a stronger estrous response (p < 0.05). Dietary supplements enhanced (p < 0.05) the conception rate and fecundity rate. The conception rate was highest in T2 and T3 at 85.7% and 83.3%, respectively. T2 had the highest fecundity rate at 151.7% (p < 0.05). Dietary supplementation increased the rate of lambing (LR), litter size (LS), and weight of lambs at birth (LBW). The LR for treatments T2, T3, and T4 was 100% versus 66.7% in the control. T1 and T2 significantly increased (p < 0.05) LS, but T4 had a similar LS to the control. Dietary supplements T1, T3, and T4 tended to increase (p < 0.05) LBW, but T2 increased LBW significantly (p < 0.05). Supplementation (T2, T3) with 400 g enset + 500 g CC and 500 g enset + 400 g CC are promising feed supplements to increase the reproductive capacities of Doyogena ewes in Ethiopia. Energy is as important to ewe flushing as protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asfaw Tesfaye
- Department of Animal Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar P.O. Box 5501, Ethiopia
| | - Bimrew Asmare
- Department of Animal Sciences, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar P.O. Box 5501, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Abiso
- Southern Agricultural Research Institute, Areka Agricultural Research Center, Addis Ababa P.O. Box 5689, Ethiopia
| | - Jane Wamatu
- International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Addis Ababa P.O. Box 5689, Ethiopia
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Belkasmi F, Patra AK, Lourencon RV, Puchala R, Dawson LJ, dos Santos Ribeiro LP, Encinas F, Goetsch AL. Effects of the Level and Composition of Concentrate Supplements before Breeding and in Early Gestation on Production of Different Hair Sheep Breeds. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13050814. [PMID: 36899671 PMCID: PMC10000197 DOI: 10.3390/ani13050814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Female hair sheep, 27 Dorper (DOR), 41 Katahdin (KAT), and 39 St. Croix (STC), were used to determine influences of the nutritional plane before breeding and in early gestation on feed intake, body weight, body condition score, body mass indexes, blood constituent concentrations, and reproductive performance. There were 35 multiparous and 72 primiparous sheep, with initial ages of 5.6 ± 0.25 years and 1.5 ± 0.01 years, respectively (average overall initial age of 2.8 ± 0.20 years). Wheat straw (4% crude protein; dry matter [DM] basis) was consumed ad libitum and supplemented with approximately 0.15% initial body weight (BW) of soybean meal (LS) or a 1:3 mixture of soybean meal and rolled corn at 1% BW (HS; DM). The supplementation period was 162 days, with the breeding of animals in two sets sequentially, with the pre-breeding period 84 and 97 days, and that after breeding began at 78 and 65 days, respectively. Wheat straw DM intake (1.75, 1.30, 1.57, 1.15, 1.80, and 1.38% BW; SEM = 0.112) was lower (p < 0.05), but average daily gain (-46, 42, -44, 70, -47, and 51 g for DOR-LS, DOR-HS, KAT-LS, KAT-HS, STC-LS, and STC-HS, respectively; SEM = 7.3) was greater (p < 0.05) for HS than LS treatment during the supplementation period. Additionally, changes in body condition score during the supplementation period (-0.61, 0.36, -0.53, 0.27, -0.39, and -0.18; SEM = 0.058), and changes in body mass index based on height at the withers and body length from the point of the shoulder to the pin bone (BW/[height × length], g/cm2) from 7 days before supplementation (day -7) to day 162 were -1.99, 0.07, -2.19, -0.55, -2.39, and 0.17 for DOR-LS, DOR-HS, KAT-LS, KAT-HS, STC-LS, and STC-HS, respectively; (SEM = 0.297) were affected by supplement treatment. All blood constituent concentrations and characteristics addressed varied with the day of sampling (-7, 14, 49, 73, and 162) as well as the interaction between the supplement treatment and the day (p < 0.05), with few effects of interactions involving breed. Birth rate (66.7, 93.5, 84.6, 95.5, 82.8, and 100.0; SEM = 9.83) and individual lamb birth weight (4.50, 4.61, 4.28, 3.98, 3.73, and 3.88 kg; SEM = 0.201) were not affected by supplement treatment (p = 0.063 and 0.787, respectively), although litter size (0.92, 1.21, 1.17, 1.86, 1.12, and 1.82; SEM = 0.221) and total litter birth weight (5.84, 5.74, 5.92, 7.52, 5.04, and 6.78 kg for DOR-LS, DOR-HS, KAT-LS, KAT-HS, STC-LS, and STC-HS, respectively; SEM = 0.529) were greater (p < 0.05) for HS than for LS. In conclusion, although there was some compensation in wheat straw intake for the different levels of supplementation, soybean meal given alone rather than with cereal grain adversely affected BW, BCS, BMI, and reproductive performance, the latter primarily through litter size but also via a trend for an effect on the birth rate. Hence, the supplementation of low-protein and high-fiber forage such as wheat straw should include a consideration of the inclusion of a feedstuff(s) high in energy in addition to nitrogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farida Belkasmi
- American Institute for Goat Research, Langston University, Langston, OK 73050, USA
- Department of Agriculture Sciences, University Mohamed El Bachir El Ibrahimi, El Anasser 34030, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Algeria
| | - Amlan Kumar Patra
- American Institute for Goat Research, Langston University, Langston, OK 73050, USA
- Correspondence: or
| | | | - Ryszard Puchala
- American Institute for Goat Research, Langston University, Langston, OK 73050, USA
| | - Lionel James Dawson
- American Institute for Goat Research, Langston University, Langston, OK 73050, USA
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
| | | | - Fabiola Encinas
- American Institute for Goat Research, Langston University, Langston, OK 73050, USA
| | - Arthur Louis Goetsch
- American Institute for Goat Research, Langston University, Langston, OK 73050, USA
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Effects of Nutritional Plane at Breeding on Feed Intake, Body Weight, Condition Score, Mass Indexes, and Chemical Composition, and Reproductive Performance of Hair Sheep. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040735. [PMID: 36830522 PMCID: PMC9952337 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
This study was conducted to assess effects of the nutritional plane before and during breeding on feed intake, body weight (BW) change, reproductive performance, body condition score (BCS), body mass indexes (BMI), and body composition of three breeds of hair sheep. Twenty-five Dorper, 27 Katahdin, and 33 St. Croix ewes were allocated to groups and treatments based on initial BW and age. Supplementation treatments were soybean meal fed at 0.16% BW (LS) and a mixture of 25% soybean meal and 75% ground corn given at 0.8% BW (HS; dry matter basis) for 88 to 102 days including 17 days after breeding. Wheat straw intake (% BW) was greater (p < 0.01) for LS than for HS. Average daily gain and BCS change were similar among breeds, but both were greater for HS vs. LS. Birth rate, litter size, total litter birth weight, gestation length, and number of services were similar among breeds (p > 0.05), although individual lamb birth weight was lower for St. Croix than for Katahdin (p < 0.05). None of these reproductive variables were influenced by treatment or the breed × treatment interaction (p > 0.05). There were no breed differences in whole body concentrations of water, fat, protein, ash, or energy in week 0 or 4, but in 8 week concentrations of water, protein, and ash were greatest among breeds for St. Croix (p < 0.05) and levels of fat and energy were lower for St. Croix than for Dorper (p < 0.05). In week 8, total amounts and concentrations of fat and energy were greater for HS vs. LS and those of water, protein, and ash were less for HS (p < 0.05). There were interactions (p < 0.05) between treatment and period in blood concentrations of cholesterol and non-esterified fatty acids and between breed, treatment, and period in level of triglycerides and total antioxidant capacity. The concentration of cortisol was greater for HS vs. LS (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation did not influence reproductive performance despite differences in BW and BCS change, which may be due to the initial moderate BCS and greater wheat straw intake for the LS treatment.
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Tölü C, Yazgan N, Akbağ HI, Yurtman İY, Savaş T. Effects of Melatonin Implants on Reproductive Performance of Dairy Sheep and Dairy Goats. Reprod Domest Anim 2022; 57:665-672. [PMID: 35247006 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of melatonin implants in female and male before the breeding season on the reproductive performance of Tahirova sheep and Turkish Saanen goats. Seventy-five sheep and 53 goats (including 6 rams and 4 bucks) were used in the research. Melatonin implants (18 mg) were applied to half of the female and male animals, one to females and three to males. The rate of estrus was determined as 100% in the melatonin (M) and control (C) groups. The non-return rate, conception rate and lambing rate were close in both groups of ewes and rams groups (P>0.05). The rate of estrus was 100% in the melatonin and control groups of does and bucks groups in Turkish Saanen goats. The non-return rate in does was 75.0±9.02% in M group and 92.0±5.53% in C group (P=0.0101), the non-return rate was 83.3±6.92% in group M and 84.2±8.59% in group C for bucks (P=0.5570). For ewes, the duration from ram introduction to first estrus, conception and lambing was significantly lower in group M than in group C (P≤0.05). Litter size of M in ewe and ram groups were 1.70±0.08 and 1.59±0.09, respectively, whereas it was 1.62±0.10 and 1.74±0.10 in C group, respectively. The birth weight significantly differed between ewe groups (P=0.0017). For goats, the duration from buck introduction to first estrus, conception and lambing was similar in the groups of does and bucks (P>0.05). Litter size of M in doe and buck groups were 1.57±0.11 and 1.53±0.12, respectively, and 1.46±0.11and 1.50±0.09 in C group, respectively (P>0.05). While the live weight and body condition score (BCS) of ewes were significantly affected by melatonin implants (P≤0.05), the live weight and BCS of does were not affected. In conclusion, it might be said that melatonin implants obtained better results for reproduction in Tahirova sheep than Turkish Saanen goats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cemil Tölü
- Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Terzioğlu Campus, 17100, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Nazif Yazgan
- Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Terzioğlu Campus, 17100, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Hande Işıl Akbağ
- Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Terzioğlu Campus, 17100, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - İsmail Yaman Yurtman
- Retired Prof. Dr. from Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Terzioğlu Campus, 17100, Çanakkale, Turkey
| | - Türker Savaş
- Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, Terzioğlu Campus, 17100, Çanakkale, Turkey
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Gao X, Li X, Wang Z, Li K, Liang Y, Yao X, Zhang G, Wang F. l-Argine regulates the proliferation, apoptosis and endocrine activity by alleviating oxidative stress in sheep endometrial epithelial cells. Theriogenology 2021; 179:187-196. [PMID: 34883396 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
l-arginine (L-Arg) is a semiessential amino acid that plays crucial roles in the reproductive performance of animals. This research aimed to investigate the effect of supplementing L-Arg on endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) of Hu sheep. In vivo, female Hu sheep were randomly divided into three groups: control group (n = 5), nutrient-restricted group (n = 5), and L-Arg supplemented nutrient-restricted group (n = 5). Then, the effect of L-Arg on ovine endometrial growth and antioxidant capacity was assessed. We found that L-Arg supplementation promoted the growth of endometrial ductal gland invaginations (DGI), and alleviated oxidative stress in nutrient-restricted sheep. In order to investigate its mechanism, a H2O2-induced EECs oxidative stress model was established, and roles of L-Arg in EECs oxidation resistance, proliferation, apoptosis and endocrine activity were studied in vitro. Our results showed that L-Arg markedly decreased the release of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malonaldehyde (MDA), and enhanced the expression and activity of certain antioxidant enzymes in EECs challenged by the H2O2 (p < 0.05). Supplementation of L-Arg significantly reduced the effect of 200 μM H2O2 on the viability of EECs (p < 0.05). In addition, EECs treated with L-Arg significantly alleviated the G0/G1-phase cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and the inhibition of endometrial growth factors expression caused by H2O2 (p < 0.05). Overall, the results demonstrate that L-Arg performs crucial roles in maintaining the proliferation of ovine EECs, endocrine activity and inhibiting apoptosis through reducing oxidative stress. This study offers a theoretical basis for using L-Arg to improve sheep the uterine function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Gao
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaodan Li
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zhibo Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Kang Li
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yaxu Liang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiaolei Yao
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Guomin Zhang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Jiangsu Livestock Embryo Engineering Laboratory, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China; Hu Sheep Academy, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China.
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SAFDAR AMIRHOSSEINASGARI, MAGHAMI SAEEDPOURMAHDIGHAEM, NEJAD AREFEESALAT. Effect of using supplementation mineral or organic selenium with vitamin E as antioxidants in the flushing diet on the fertility of ewes. THE INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.56093/ijans.v90i8.109297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In this study, 44 Afshari ewes were investigated that were 1–4 years old with a mean weight of 54–51 kg, with a physical score of approximately three in four experimental groups. Ewes were randomly assigned into four experimental groups including Group A Control (base diet recipient), Group B (Flushing), Group C (Flushing + Vitamin E Supplement + Organic Selenium), and Group D (Flushing + Vitamin E Supplement + Mineral Selenium). Blood sampling was carried out at different intervals namely beginning of the course, 24 h prior to CIDR, 24 h after CIDR (estrus), and 21 days after mating (at the time of embryonic implantation). Blood serum hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and insulin) were measured. The results of this study showed improvement in reproductive efficiency, especially the percentage of lambing, the fertility rate in Afshari breed. The use of organic selenium supplement with vitamin E and mineral selenium with vitamin E in the flushing diet before mating increased the reproductive performance of Afshari breed sheep by increasing the number of reproductive hormones (estrogen, progesterone, and insulin). C and A treatment had the highest and lowest lambs, respectively with 14 and 10 progenies. The highest birth weight of lambs was related to C treatment with an average of 4.49 kg. The use of two Flashing factors and vitamin E and organic selenium supplementation significantly increased the estrus and fertility, and significantly reduce the non-pregnant ewes by controlling oxidative conditions and increasing sex hormones.
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Effects of l-arginine on endometrial estrogen receptor α/β and progesterone receptor expression in nutrient-restricted sheep. Theriogenology 2019; 138:137-144. [PMID: 31352175 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2019.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the effects of l-arginine (L-Arg) supplementation on steroid hormone receptors in non-pregnant ovine endometrium. All experimental ewes were randomly assigned to either a control group (n = 6), a nutrient-restricted group (n = 6), or an L-Arg supplemented nutrient-restricted group (n = 6). The effects of L-Arg on estrogen receptor α/β (ERα/β) and progesterone receptor (PGR) expression in the ovine endometrium were assessed. Our results showed that levels of ERβ and PGR expression were significantly increased by nutrient restriction, but L-Arg counteracted the effect of nutrient restriction on ERβ and PGR expression (p < 0.05). Also, expression of endometrial ERα was substantially increased (p < 0.05) by L-Arg supplementation. Furthermore, ERα/β and PGR were mainly detected in the endometrial luminal epithelium and glandular epithelium. Therefore, we isolated and identified endometrial epithelial cells (EECs) from sheep. Different concentrations of L-Arg were added to investigate the effects on ERα/β and PGR in EECs. The expression levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, ERβ, and PGR were significantly increased in response to low-concentration (200 μmol) L-Arg supplementation, which subsequently decreased with a high concentration (800 μmol) (p < 0.05). Otherwise, ERα expression was remarkably increased at both L-Arg concentrations in EECs (p < 0.05). Overall, the results indicated that L-Arg performed crucial roles in the regulation of ovine steroid hormone receptor expression in the endometrium. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis and technical means for the normal function of endometrium in response to low nutrient levels.
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Gao XX, Li XH, Zhang QF, Zhu M, Guo YX, Deng KP, Zhang GM, Wang F. Effects of l-arginine on endometrial microvessel density in nutrient-restricted Hu sheep. Theriogenology 2018; 119:252-258. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2018.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 07/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Pokharel K, Peippo J, Honkatukia M, Seppälä A, Rautiainen J, Ghanem N, Hamama TM, Crowe MA, Andersson M, Li MH, Kantanen J. Integrated ovarian mRNA and miRNA transcriptome profiling characterizes the genetic basis of prolificacy traits in sheep (Ovis aries). BMC Genomics 2018; 19:104. [PMID: 29378514 PMCID: PMC5789708 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-017-4400-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The highly prolific breeds of domestic sheep (Ovis aries) are globally valuable genetic resources for sheep industry. Genetic, nutritional and other environmental factors affect prolificacy traits in sheep. To improve our knowledge of the sheep prolificacy traits, we conducted mRNA-miRNA integrated profiling of ovarian tissues from two pure breeds with large (Finnsheep) vs. small (Texel) litter sizes and their F1 crosses, half of which were fed a flushing diet. RESULTS Among the samples, 16,402 genes (60.6% known ovine genes) were expressed, 79 novel miRNAs were found, and a cluster of miRNAs on chromosome 18 was detected. The majority of the differentially expressed genes between breeds were upregulated in the Texel with low prolificacy, owing to the flushing diet effect, whereas a similar pattern was not detected in the Finnsheep. F1 ewes responded similarly to Finnsheep rather than displaying a performance intermediate between the two pure breeds. CONCLUSIONS The identification and characterization of differentially expressed genes and miRNAs in the ovaries of sheep provided insights into genetic and environmental factors affecting prolificacy traits. The three genes (CST6, MEPE and HBB) that were differentially expressed between the group of Finnsheep and Texel ewes kept in normal diet appeared to be candidate genes of prolificacy traits and will require further validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kisun Pokharel
- Green Technology, Natural Resources Institute of Finland (Luke), Myllytie 1, Jokioinen, Finland
| | - Jaana Peippo
- Green Technology, Natural Resources Institute of Finland (Luke), Myllytie 1, Jokioinen, Finland
| | - Mervi Honkatukia
- Green Technology, Natural Resources Institute of Finland (Luke), Myllytie 1, Jokioinen, Finland
| | - Arja Seppälä
- Eastman Chemical Company, Tammasaarenkatu 1, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Nasser Ghanem
- Green Technology, Natural Resources Institute of Finland (Luke), Myllytie 1, Jokioinen, Finland
- Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Tuula-Marjatta Hamama
- Green Technology, Natural Resources Institute of Finland (Luke), Myllytie 1, Jokioinen, Finland
| | - Mark A. Crowe
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Magnus Andersson
- Department of Production Animal Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Meng-Hua Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Animal Ecology and Conservation Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
| | - Juha Kantanen
- Green Technology, Natural Resources Institute of Finland (Luke), Myllytie 1, Jokioinen, Finland
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Effect of supplementing a diet with monensin sodium and Saccharomyces Cerevisiae on reproductive performance of Ghezel ewes. Anim Reprod Sci 2018; 188:93-100. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Asgari Safdar AH, Sadeghi AA, Chamani M. Effects of different fat sources (saturated and unsaturated) on reproductive performance and biological indices of ewes during flushing period. Trop Anim Health Prod 2017; 49:1447-1453. [PMID: 28687939 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-017-1346-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding different sources of fat during flushing period on the reproductive performance, lambing percent, and twin numbers of Afshari ewes. A total of 84 ewes (mean weight 48 ± 3 kg; age: 3-4 years) were divided into seven groups of 12 animals and received flushing-specific rations for 5 weeks. The control group just received a basic ration (non-flushing). Lipid sources were calcium salt of palm oil (CaP), pure palm oil (PO), calcium salt of flaxseed (CaFL), calcium salt of sunflower oil (CaSF), flaxseed oil (FLO), and sunflower oil (SFO). Estrous cycles were synchronized in all ewes using 14-day CIDRs followed by 400-IU PMSG injection at the time of CIDR removal. Fertility and lambing percent were higher in ewes fed with diets containing calcium salts of flaxseed and SFO, as compared to other treatments. Total number of lambs in flushing treatments was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.01). Serum cholesterol and progesterone levels were significantly greater in omega-3 (CaFL) and omega-6 (CaSF) treatments relative to other treatments (p < 0.01). It was concluded that supplementing the flushing diet with calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) increased blood metabolites and hormones related to reproductive performance; and improved fertility, lambing rate and ewes of CaFL treatment have the highest number of lambs (16 lambs) between different groups. Using saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, especially in their CSFA forms during flushing period, could improve the reproduction problems induced by progesterone deficiency, lack of durability of the fetus due to hormonal instability, and abortion control factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Asghar Sadeghi
- Department of Animal Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Chamani
- Department of Animal Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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12
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Effects of diet and arginine treatment during the luteal phase on ovarian NO/PGC-1α signaling in ewes. Theriogenology 2017; 96:76-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2017.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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13
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Oraon T, Singh DK, Ghosh M, Kullu SS, Kumar R, Singh LB. Allelic and genotypic frequencies in polymorphic Booroola fecundity gene and their association with multiple birth and postnatal growth in Chhotanagpuri sheep. Vet World 2016; 9:1294-1299. [PMID: 27956784 PMCID: PMC5146313 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2016.1294-1299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Chhotanagpuri breed of sheep reared for mutton in Jharkhand, India, having problem of low litter size and body weight. The response of genetic improvement for traits with low heritability through traditional selection method is time-consuming. Therefore, marker-assisted selection based on a polymorphism study of suitable candidate gene can response quickly. Thus, this study was aimed at identification of different allelic and genotypic frequencies of Booroola fecundity (FecB) gene and its association with multiple birth and postnatal growth in Chhotanagpuri sheep. MATERIALS AND METHODS DNA isolation and gene-specific amplification of FecB gene was performed from blood samples of from 92 Chhotanagpuri lambs maintained under similar feeding and management conditions. Custom nucleotide sequencing and single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis were performed to identify different genotypes with respect to the target gene. Statistical analysis was performed for determination of allelic and genotypic frequencies of FecB gene polymorphisms and its association with multiple birth and postnatal growth of lambs from birth to 52 weeks age. RESULTS "AA," "AB," and "BB" genotypes were found at locus-1 as it is polymorphic for FecB gene while locus-2 was found to be monomorphic for FecB gene. Higher frequency of "A" allele at locus-1 was found in single born lambs, whereas "B" allele was predominant among multiple born lambs. The lambs having "BB" genotype weighed significantly (p≤0.01) heavier than those of "AB" and "AA" genotype at 52 weeks of age. CONCLUSION "BB" genotype has emerged as favored genotype for multiple births and better growth indicator. Therefore, homozygous lambs for "B" allele should be selected and utilized in breeding program for better growth rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanesh Oraon
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Ranchi Veterinary College, Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - D K Singh
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Ranchi Veterinary College, Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Mayukh Ghosh
- Department of Veterinary Biochemistry, Ranchi Veterinary College, Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - S S Kullu
- Department of Animal Nutrition, Ranchi Veterinary College, Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Veterinary College, Pookode, Lakkidi, Kerala, India
| | - L B Singh
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Ranchi Veterinary College, Birsa Agricultural University, Kanke, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
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14
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Characterization of MTNR1A gene in terms of genetic variability in a panel of subtemperate and subtropical Indian sheep breeds. J Genet 2016; 94:715-21. [PMID: 26690527 DOI: 10.1007/s12041-015-0587-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Seasonality of animals is an important adaptive trait for successful survival and production during limited food availability and extreme environmental conditions. Photoperiodic changes in day length are utilized by these seasonal animals as an important environmental cue for regulating their annual rhythms of reproduction cycles. Melatonin is an important hormone which is secreted by the pineal gland in proportion to darkness and its effect is mediated by melatonin receptor subtypes, principally MTNR1A. In the present study, polymorphism in the coding sequence at two important SNPs (C606T and G612A),known to be markers for out of season breeding in sheep were studied by PCR-RFLP in a panel of four breeds of sheep from subtemperate and subtropical arid conditions, respectively. The frequencies of 'G' and 'A' alleles with reference to G612A SNP did not differ considerably among all the breeds of sheep. Frequency of 'T' allele of the C606T SNP was found to be dom inantly higher in subtemperate sheep breeds in comparison to subtropical sheep breeds. Identified SNPs in the coding region were mostly synonymous and did not lead to any change in conformation of the MTNR1A receptor protein.
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15
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Aleena J, Pragna P, Archana P, Sejian V, Bagath M, Krishnan G, Manimaran A, Beena V, Kurien E, Varma G, Bhatta R. Significance of Metabolic Response in Livestock for Adapting to
Heat Stress Challenges. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.3923/ajas.2016.224.234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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16
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Effect of water restriction on physiological responses and certain reproductive traits of Malpura ewes in a semiarid tropical environment. J Vet Behav 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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17
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Saxena VK, De K, Kumar D, Naqvi SMK, Krishnaswamy N, Tiwari AK. Induction of ovulation in anestrus ewes using a dopamine receptor antagonist. Theriogenology 2015; 84:1362-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2015.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Revised: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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18
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Ideal proportion of roughage and concentrate for Malpura ewes to adapt and reproduce in a semi-arid tropical environment. Trop Anim Health Prod 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11250-015-0889-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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19
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Daghigh Kia H, Asgari Safdar AH. Effects of calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) with different profiles (ω3 and ω6) during the flushing period on reproductive performance of ‘Afshari’ ewes. Small Rumin Res 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2015.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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20
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Effect of FecB status on the allometric measurements and reproductive performance of Garole × Malpura ewes under hot semi-arid environment. Trop Anim Health Prod 2015; 47:1089-93. [PMID: 25911004 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-015-0831-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The study was conducted with the primary objective to establish the influence of FecB gene mutation on the growth and reproductive performance of Garole × Malpura ewes. The duration of the study was for 5 months involving 97 adult Garole × Malpura (GM) ewes. These 97 animals were segregated based on FecB genotype and the animals were divided into three groups as group I (FecB(BB) ; n = 13), group II (FecB(B+); n = 65), and group III (FecB(++); n = 19). All the animals were kept under semi-intensive management system by subjecting the animals to grazing during day time and housing them in the night. Apart from grazing, ewes were provided with concentrate mixture at the rate of 150 g/day/ewe. The ewes in estrus after 12 h of onset of estrus were hand mated twice at 12-h intervals with a ram of proven fertility in the morning and evening. The pregnancy was confirmed by real time B-mode transabdominal ultrasonography. The experiment was continued until lambing. Under the treatments of different FecB genotype, the ewe's growth and reproductive parameters were assessed. FecB genotype significantly (P < 0.05) influenced body weight, heart girth, pin shoulder length, height at wither, lambing percentage, litter size, twinning percentage, and birth weight of lambs. From this study, it can be concluded that breeding Galore and Malpura breed shall help insure an economically viable production system.
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The effects of diet and arginine treatment on serum metabolites and selected hormones during the estrous cycle in sheep. Theriogenology 2014; 83:808-16. [PMID: 25498518 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2014.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Revised: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 11/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of diet and arginine (Arg) treatment on serum concentrations of selected metabolites and metabolic and reproductive hormones in nonpregnant ewes. Sixty days before the onset of estrus (Day 0), Rambouillet ewes were randomly assigned to one of three dietary groups: maintenance control (C; N = 16; 100% National Research Council requirements), overfed (O; N = 16; 2 × C), or underfed (U; N = 16, 0.6 × C) to achieve and maintain three different body conditions during their estrous cycle(s). At Day 0, ewes from each nutritional group were randomly assigned to receive one of two treatments: saline (Sal) or Arg (L-Arg-HCl; 155 μmol Arg per kg of body weight [BW]; intravenous), which was administered three times per day for 21 or 26 days. Blood samples were collected on Days 0, 6, 10, 12, 16, 21, and 26 of Sal or Arg treatment for evaluation of Arg, nitric oxide metabolite, cholesterol, glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1, leptin, and progesterone. For a time-response trial, blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 7 hours after Sal or Arg treatment at the mid-luteal phase to determine serum Arg concentrations. During the 11-week study, C maintained body weight, O gained 9.6 ± 0.7 kg, and U lost 13.9 ± 0.1 kg. Overall, serum concentrations of Arg, glucose, insulin, insulin-like growth factor 1, leptin, and progesterone were greater (P < 0.05) in O ewes than C and/or U ewes and were not affected by Arg treatment. Serum Arg concentration increased at 1 and 2 hours and decreased to basal level at 4 and 7 hours after Arg treatment. These data reinforce the importance of diet in regulation of metabolic and endocrine functions, and demonstrated that the dose and duration of Arg treatment used in this study does not alter serum metabolites or hormones in nonpregnant ewes of various nutritional planes.
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Hristov AN, Ott T, Tricarico J, Rotz A, Waghorn G, Adesogan A, Dijkstra J, Montes F, Oh J, Kebreab E, Oosting SJ, Gerber PJ, Henderson B, Makkar HPS, Firkins JL. SPECIAL TOPICS — Mitigation of methane and nitrous oxide emissions from animal operations: III. A review of animal management mitigation options1. J Anim Sci 2013; 91:5095-113. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2013-6585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- A. N. Hristov
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802
| | - T. Ott
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802
| | - J. Tricarico
- Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, Rosemont, IL 60018
| | - A. Rotz
- USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit, University Park, PA 16802
| | | | | | - J. Dijkstra
- Wageningen University, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - F. Montes
- Plant Science Department, Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802
| | - J. Oh
- Department of Animal Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park 16802
| | - E. Kebreab
- University of California–Davis, Davis 95616
| | - S. J. Oosting
- Wageningen University, 6700 AH Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - P. J. Gerber
- Agriculture and Consumer Protection Department, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - B. Henderson
- Agriculture and Consumer Protection Department, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 00153 Rome, Italy
| | - H. P. S. Makkar
- Agriculture and Consumer Protection Department, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 00153 Rome, Italy
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