Clinical biochemistry in sheep: A selected review

Effect of replacing Tifton 85 hay with Moringa hay (Moringa oleifera L.) on the nutrient metabolism, metabolic profile, and water balance of sheep

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing Tifton 85 hay (TH) with Moringa hay (MH) on the intake, apparent digestibility, ingestive behaviour, rumen parameters, serum attributes, nitrogen balance, water balance, and urinary attributes of sheep. Thus, 5 rams, ½ Dorper + ½ Santa Inês, that were 12 ± 4 months of age with an initial body weight of 32.8 ± 2.6 kg were distributed in metabolic cages in a Latin square design. The experiment lasted 85 days and was divided into five 17-day periods. The animals received rations with increasing replacement (0, 100, 200, 300, or 400 g/kg of dry matter in the total diet) of TH for MH. The forage: concentrate ratio of the diets was 40:60. Replacing TH with MH reduced (P < 0.05) the intake of organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fibre (NDFap), and total digestible nutrients by sheep. The apparent digestibility of NDFap and the feeding and rumination efficiencies of NDFap were reduced (P < 0.05) when MH replaced TH in the animals' diet. This replacement did not influence (P > 0.05) serum urea, total protein, creatinine, or aspartate aminotransferase in sheep. Replacing TH with MH decreased water intake and excretion (P < 0.05). In addition, nitrogen excretion via urine, urinary creatinine, and nitrogen absorption decreased (P < 0.05) when TH was replaced with MH. However, there was an increase in the sheep's nitrogen retention and urine pH. We recommend replacing 30% TH with MH in the diet of lambs because it does not compromise nutrient metabolism.

Methane emission, intake, digestibility, performance and blood metabolites in sheep supplemented with cupuassu and tucuma cake in the eastern Amazon

The use of co-products as a feed supplement for ruminants makes livestock sustainable and optimizes the use of available areas and animal performance. Furthermore, when cakes are used, the residual fat composition can influence ruminal metabolism and methane (CH4) production. This study aimed to assess the effects of a diet containing cupuassu (CUP; Theobroma grandiflorum) and tucuma (TUC; Astrocaryum vulgare Mart.) cakes on intake, digestibility, serum metabolites, performance, and CH4 emissions in confined sheep in the Amazon. Approximately 28 animals, Dorper-Santa Inês, castrated, with an average initial live weight (ILW) of 35 ± 2.3 kg, were distributed in metabolic cages, in a completely randomized design, with four treatments and seven replications: (1) Control (C40), without the addition of Amazonian cake and with 40 g of ether extract (EE)/kg of dietary dry matter (DM); (2) CUP, the inclusion of the CUP cake and 70 g of EE/kg; (3) TUC, the inclusion of the TUC cake and 70 g of EE/kg; and (4) Control (C80), without the addition of Amazonian cake and with 80 g of EE/kg of dietary DM, with roughage to concentrate ratio of 40:60. The use of the TUC cake as a feed supplement reduced the intake of DM, crude protein (CP), and EE compared to the inclusion of the CUP cake (p < 0.05); however, it increased the intake of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) by 32% (p < 0.01). The highest averages of DM (732 g/kg) and CP (743 g/kg) digestibility were presented in C40, while the highest digestibility of NDF was presented in TUC (590 g/kg). Albumin levels stayed above and protein levels were below the reference values, and the C40 diet also obtained below results for cholesterol, triglycerides and High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) (P < 0.05). Sheep fed CUP (91 g) and TUC (45 g) had lower daily weight gains (DWGs) than those fed with diets without the inclusion of cakes (C40 = 119 g; C80 = 148 g), and feed efficiency (FE) was also lower in CUP (84) and TUC (60) diets than in C40 (119) and C80 (137) diets. CH4 emissions were lower in animals fed TUC (26 L/day) and higher in C40 (35 L/day); however, TUC resulted in higher CH4 emissions in grams/body live weight (BW) gain/day (353 g/BW/day) vs. 183 g/BW/day (C40), 157 g/BW/day (C80), and 221 g/BW/day (CUP). The supplementation with cakes did not improve intake, digestibility and performance, did not compromise blood metabolites and did not reduce the enteric CH4 emission in confined sheep in the Amazon; however, the use of CUP cake showed similar results to the control treatments and did not increase CH4 emissions, as occurred with the inclusion of TUC cake.

Evaluation of Clinical and Biochemical Traits in Egyptian Barki Sheep with Different Growth Performances

The Barki sheep industry is becoming increasingly important in Egypt because of the high quality of their meat and wool. This sheep breed is also commonly known for its resistance to arid and harsh environmental conditions. Such characteristics can be exploited in solving the problematic situation of inadequate animal protein for human consumption, particularly under climatic changes. However, very few studies have investigated aspects of breeding, nutrition, and susceptibility to infectious or non-infectious diseases in Barki sheep. Herein, we propose to unravel the differences in the clinical and biochemical profiles among Barki sheep of different growth rates. We measured clinical and biochemical parameters in stunted (n = 10; test group) and in good body condition (n = 9; control group) Barki sheep. Animals subjected to this experiment were of the same sex (female), age (12 months old), and housed in the same farm with similar conditions of feeding, management practice, and vaccination and deworming regimens. Regarding clinical examination, stunted/tested sheep showed a significantly higher pulse and respiratory rate compared to sheep with a good body condition/control group. The appetite, body temperature, and digestion processes were the same in both groups. In biochemical investigations, nutritional biomarkers were reduced markedly in stunted sheep compared with the control sheep, including total protein (p = 0.0445), albumin (p = 0.0087), cholesterol (p = 0.0007), and triglycerides (p = 0.0059). In addition, the Barki sheep test group suffered from higher levels of urea and blood urea nitrogen than the control group. Consistently, growth and thyroid hormone levels were lower in stunted sheep than the control sheep, although the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). No significant differences were detected in both groups for serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and zinc (p > 0.05). To detect the reasons for emaciation, certain debilitating infections were tested. All tested sheep showed negative coprological tests for gastrointestinal parasites, and had no obvious seropositivity to brucellosis, toxoplasmosis, neosporosis, or Q fever. This study demonstrates the useful biochemical markers for monitoring growth performance in Egyptian Barki sheep and unravels the usefulness of this breed in nationwide breeding and farming.

A Short-Term Supplementation with a Polyphenol-Rich Extract from Radiata Pine Bark Improves Fatty Acid Profiles in Finishing Lambs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a short-term supplementation with a polyphenol-rich extract from radiata pine bark (PBE) on animal performance, blood parameters, and fatty acid (FA) profiles in finishing lambs. Twenty-seven Suffolk lambs (4 months old) fed a finishing diet were randomly assigned to one of the following treatments: diet without PBE or diet supplemented with PBE on a 1 or 2% dry matter (DM) basis, for 35 d (14 d adaptation and 21 d of experimental period). Data were compared using Tukey's test and orthogonal and polynomial contrasts. The results indicated that the supplementation with PBE increased (p = 0.008) relative growth rate (RGR) and improved (p = 0.003) protein conversion (CPC), whereas weight gain, carcass characteristic, and blood parameters were unaffected (p ≥ 0.106). Total mono- and polyunsaturated FAs, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and vaccenic and oleic acids were linearly increased (p ≤ 0.016) by PBE supplementation. In contrast, total saturated FAs (ΣSFA), Σn-6/Σn-3 ratio, atherogenicity index (AI), thrombogenic index (TI), and the proportion of elaidic acid were linearly decreased (p ≤ 0.018). In conclusion, the supplementation with 1 or 2% DM of PBE improves subcutaneous FA profiles by increasing CLA and reducing ΣSFA, Σn-6/Σn-3 ratio, AI, and TI. Additionally, PBE supplementation has the potential to improve RGR and CPC, with unaffected intake, growth performance, blood parameters, or carcass characteristics.

Hazelnut Skin in Ewes' Diet: Effects on Colostrum Immunoglobulin G and Passive Transfer of Immunity to the Lambs

Passive immunity transfer has a pivotal role in newborn lambs, where the colostrum represents the primary source of immunoglobulins. This study hypothesized that the high content in polyphenolic compounds, mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamin E of hazelnut skin affects blood and colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration and related gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in sheep and their lambs. In the last 45 days of pregnancy, ewes were divided into a control (CTR) and a hazelnut skin supplemented group (HZN). Blood and colostrum were collected from ewes and lambs before the first suckling, at 24 and 48 h after birth, then IgG concentration, GGT and LDH activity levels were measured. IgG concentration in the colostrum and in lamb's serum were significantly greater in HZN than CTR. No significant difference was detected for ewe's blood. A significant positive correlation was found between IgG and GGT in lambs' serum and colostrum, between IgG and LDH, as well as between GGT and LDH in lambs' serum and colostrum. Our results suggest that hazelnut skin supplementation influences IgG colostrum concentration, with improved immune passive transfer to the suckling lambs. The transfer of maternal derived immune factors is confirmed by the GGT and LDH enzyme activity levels.

Creatinine as a Urinary Marker of the Purine Derivatives Excretion in Urine Spot Samples of Lambs Fed Peach Palm Meal

The objective was to evaluate the influence of diets on lambs using different levels of peach palm meal as a replacement for maize (0, 10, 40, 60, and 85% of diet dry matter) on the endogenous creatinine clearance (CC), urine concentration ratio of purine derivatives to creatinine (PDC index), and daily creatinine excretion (DCE) as a marker to estimate purine derivatives (PD) excretion from urinary spot samples collected at different time points (4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 h after morning feeding) compared to 24-h total urine collection. The measured parameters were voluntary intake, urinary volume, CC, DCE, the concentration of plasma creatinine, and PD and purine derivatives’ excretion (PDE). Five lambs were allocated to metabolic cages and distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square. Urine collection was taken daily on days 16 to 19 of each experimental period. The inclusion of peach palm meal linearly reduced the intake of dry matter (g kg BW−0.75, p = 0.005), crude protein (g kg BW−0.75, p = 0.010), metabolizable energy (MJ kg BW−0.75, p = 0.010) and CC (p < 0.0001). It also quadratically affected the urinary volume (p = 0.008) and DCE (p = 0.004). There was a linear decrease for PDC index (p = 0.032) and PDE (p < 0.0001) measured in the 24-h total urine with peach palm meal levels. The different times of spot urine sampling did not affect (p > 0.05) the PDC index and PDE. Peach palm meal decreases the CC thereby compromising the use of a mean value of DCE as a PDE marker in spot urine samples. There is greater accuracy when using different values of DCE obtained for each diet as markers for the PDE in spot urine samples. Unconventional foodstuffs of low palatability affecting the voluntary intake of feed change the renal function.

Effects of a Polyherbal Dietary Additive on Performance, Dietary Energetics, Carcass Traits, and Blood Metabolites of Finishing Lambs

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of a polyherbal additive (PA) containing hydrolyzable tannins, flavonoids, and essential oils on productive performance, dietary energetics, carcass and meat characteristics, and blood metabolites of lambs in their finishing phase. Twenty-eight Pelibuey × Katahdin lambs (20.52 ± 0.88 kg body weight (BW)) were housed in individual pens and assigned to four treatments (n = 7) with different doses of PA: 0 (CON), 1 (PA1), 2 (PA2), and 3 (PA3) g of PA kg−1 of DM for 56 days. Compared to the CON, lambs in PA1 treatment had higher average daily gain (p = 0.03), higher dietary energy utilization (p = 0.01), greater backfat thickness (p = 0.02), greater Longissimus dorsi muscle area (p = 0.01), and better feed conversion ratio (p = 0.02). PA supplementation did not affect (p > 0.05) dry matter intake, carcass yield, biometric measures, and meat chemical composition. All hematological and most of the blood biochemical parameters were similar in lambs of all treatments (p > 0.05). However, compared to the CON, lambs assigned to the PA3 treatment had lower serum urea concentration (p = 0.05) and higher serum albumin concentration (p = 0.03). In conclusion, low doses of PA could be used as a growth promoter in finishing lambs without affecting dry matter intake, carcass yield, meat chemical composition, and health status of the lambs. However, more in vivo research is needed to better understand the impact of bioactive compounds from PA used on productivity, metabolism, and health status of finishing lambs.

Ovarian activation delays in peripubertal ewe lambs infected with Haemonchus contortus can be avoided by supplementing protein in their diets

BACKGROUND

The ewe lamb nutritional and physiological state interfere with the ovarian environment and fertility. The lack or excess of circulating nutrients reaching the ovary can change its gene expression. A protein deficiency in the blood caused by an Haemonchus contortus abomasal infection is detrimental to the organism's development during puberty. The peripubertal period is a time of intensive growth that requires a high level of nutrients. An essential feature controlling pubertal arousal and female reproductive potential is ovarian follicle growth activation. Protein supplementation improves the sheep's immune response to helminthic infections. We aimed to determine if supplementing protein in infected ewe lambs' diet would impact the ovarian environment leading to earlier ovarian follicle activation than in infected not supplemented animals.

METHODS

We fed 18 Santa Ines ewe lambs (Ovis aries) - bred by the same ram - with either 12% protein (Control groups) or 19% protein (Supplemented groups) in their diets. After 35 days of the diet, they were each artificially infected or not with 10,000 Haemonchus contortus L3 larvae. Following 77 days of the diet and 42 days of infection, we surgically collected their left ovaries and examined their genes expression through RNA sequencing.

RESULTS

We found that protein supplementation in infected animals led to an up-regulation of genes (FDR p-values < 0.05) and biological processes (p-value cut-off = 0.01) linked to meiotic activation in pre-ovulatory follicles and primordial follicle activation, among others. The supplemented not infected animals also up-regulated genes and processes linked to meiosis and others, such as circadian behaviour. The not supplemented animals had these same processes down-regulated while up-regulated processes related to tissue morphogenesis, inflammation and immune response.

CONCLUSION

Diet's protein supplementation of peripubertal infected animals allowed them to express genes related to a more mature ovarian follicle stage than their half-sisters that were not supplemented. These results could be modelling potential effects of the interaction between environmental factors, nutrition and infection on reproductive health. When ovarian activation is achieved in a timely fashion, the ewe may generate more lambs during its reproductive life, increasing sheep breeders' productivity.

Can roughage: concentrate ratio affect the action of red propolis extract on sheep metabolism?

The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the addition of red propolis extract (RPE), in different roughage: concentrate (R:C) ratios, influences the intake, digestibility, ruminal parameters, and serum biochemistry of sheep. We used eight Santa Inês sheep with an average body weight of 29.45 ± 1.58 kg, housed in metabolism cages for 60 days, and distributed in two simultaneous Latin square designs in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme. The factors consisted of two R:C ratios (70:30 and 30:70) with or without the addition of 15 mL/day of RPE. No interactions were found (P > 0.05) between R:C ratios and with or without RPE. Sheep fed 30:70 ratio showed higher (P < 0.05) intake and dry matter (DM) digestibility and non-fibrous carbohydrates and lower (P < 0.05) intake and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility. The addition of RPE did not influence (P > 0.05) the intake or nutrients digestibility, but the sheep that received RPE had a higher (P < 0.05) ruminal pH and longer (P < 0.05) time of rumination (min/kg DM) compared to the group without propolis. The ruminal ammonia concentration was higher for sheep fed 70:30 ratio, but the concentrations of total protein and albumin did not differ between R:C ratios. The addition of 15 mL of RPE does not influence the intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, and rumen ammonical nitrogen of sheep. There is no association between the R:C ratio and the addition of 15 mL/day of RPE for sheep.

Investigation of some trace elements and hematological and biochemical parameters in the blood of emaciated Omani goats

Background and Aim

The analysis of hematological and biochemical parameters is widely used in assessing animal health status. Limited information is available on trace element levels and their association with hematological and biochemical parameters in Omani goats suffering from emaciation. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the levels of some trace elements in emaciated Omani goats and their relationship with hematological and biochemical parameters.

Materials and Methods

Goats suffering from emaciation and muscular dystrophy (n=18) were compared with healthy goats (n=12). Venous blood samples for the hematological, biochemical, and trace element analysis were collected from the jugular vein.

Results

Emaciated goats showed significantly lower white blood cell, lymphocyte, and red blood cell counts than the healthy goats. In contrast, the percentages of monocytes and eosinophils were higher in emaciated goats than in healthy ones. In addition, emaciated goats showed higher levels of biochemical parameters alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, and total bilirubin but lower levels of albumin than the healthy goats. The results of trace element analysis revealed lower concentrations of zinc, iron, and selenium in serum from emaciated goats than in serum from healthy goats.

Conclusion

This study identified significant differences in the serum levels of some trace elements and hematological and biochemical parameters between healthy and emaciated Omani goats. The identified differences represent valuable diagnostic biomarkers for the evaluation of the health status of Omani goats.

Minimum Effects of Sampling Time on the Apparent Digestibility of Nutrients and Blood Protein Catabolites in Light Lambs

Simple Summary

Nowadays, animal nutritionists are more aware of how expensive and limited protein is in animal feedings. Understanding the role of sampling time in evaluating the nutritional status of small ruminants could be helpful to assess more efficiently dietary crude protein content. However, faeces or blood samples to analyse dietary changes are taken at indistinct times of the day, depending on the availability of the technicians. Thereby, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of sampling time (8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m.) on some apparent nutrient digestibility and blood catabolites related to nutritional status. Our findings revealed that one sample of faeces or blood in the morning enables the optimal evaluation of the impact of crude protein variations in diet formulations.

Abstract

This experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of sampling time on organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and phosphorous (P) apparent digestibility and plasma urea and creatinine concentration in growing and finishing male Ripollesa lambs fed different CP concentrations in the diet. Twenty-four male Ripollesa lambs with 14.5 kg body weight (BW) were randomly assigned to two groups differing in CP content in the growing (14 to 19 kg of BW) and finishing (19 to 25 kg of BW) phases (20% vs. 18% CP and 19% vs. 17% CP, respectively). Faeces collected from the rectum and blood samples collected from the jugular vein were taken at 8:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. During the growing period, the OM, CP and P apparent digestibility were higher in the lower CP diet (p < 0.05), but only P was affected by the sampling time, being highest at 8:00 a.m. (p < 0.05) compared to other sampling hours. During the finishing period, there were no differences in these digestibility coefficients between diets or sampling times (p > 0.05). Sampling time did not affect (p > 0.05) plasma urea concentrations either in the growing or finishing period. Plasma creatinine concentrations did not differ (p > 0.05) between lambs receiving 18% or 20% CP diets, but during the finishing period, it was lower at 4:00 p.m. in lambs fed 17% CP (p < 0.05) than those offered 19% CP. Overall, the results suggest that the collection schedule to evaluate the protein nutritional status can be shortened through one spot sample of faeces or blood in the morning.

The Effects of Vehicle Type, Transport Duration and Pre-Transport Feeding on the Welfare of Sheep Transported in Low Temperatures

Low temperatures can provide a risk to the welfare of sheep during transport because of increased ventilation chilling the sheep, and we examined the importance of three factors-covering the vehicle, duration of transport, and feeding prior to transport-on the welfare of sixty transported 4-month-old Dorper × Mongolian female sheep in a cold climate. Sheep in a covered vehicle had greater increases in head and ear temperatures than those in an open vehicle. Sheep transported for 2 h increased their leg temperatures, whereas those transported for 1 h had reduced leg temperatures. Increases in non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood samples during the long transport suggested that sheep had more muscular and metabolic activity, compromising their well-being. Feeding prior to transport did not affect body temperatures, but those not fed prior to transport had reduced alanine transferase, HSP and cortisol in their blood, whereas those that were fed had reduced NEFAs, LDH and creatine kinase. Prior feeding had no effect on the sheep temperature indices over a two-hour transport period. Thus, the sheep most at risk of the adverse effects of cold temperatures were those transported in open vehicles, those transported for a longer time, and those not fed before transport.

Effects of dietary supplementation with Allium mongolicum Regel extracts on growth performance, serum metabolites, immune responses, antioxidant status, and meat quality of lambs

The present study was to evaluate the effects of dried Allium mongolicum Regel (AMR) powder and its water- and fat-soluble extracts (AWE and AFE) on the growth performance, serum metabolites, immune responses, antioxidant status, and meat quality of lambs. A total of 32 male small-tailed Han lambs (5 months old; initial body weight = 34.8 ± 0.40 kg) were used in a 60-d feeding experiment after a 15-d adaptation period. The lambs were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 8) and fed a basal diet (control, CON group), the basal diet supplemented with dried AMR powder at 10 g/d per lamb (AMR group), the basal diet supplemented with AWE at 3.4 g/d per lamb (AWE group), or the basal diet supplemented with AFE at 2.8 g/d per lamb (AFE group). Blood samples were collected on d 0, 30, and 60 in the feeding experiment (n = 8). At the end of the experiment, the lambs were sacrificed and the longissimus dorsi muscles collected. Growth performance was not significantly affected by dietary supplementation of AMR, AWE and AFE (P > 0.05). However, significantly lower albumin (P = 0.006), total protein (P = 0.006), globin (P = 0.025), and blood urea nitrogen (P = 0.024) concentrations were observed in AFE group relative to CON and AMR groups. Similarly, a significantly lower lactate dehydrogenase activity (P = 0.018) was observed in AFE group relative to AWE group, but not in other groups (P > 0.05). In addition, significantly increasing trends in glutathione peroxidase (P = 0.06) in AMR, AWE, and AFE groups were observed relative to the control group. Furthermore, significantly lower drip loss (P = 0.011) across the treatment groups and cooking loss (P = 0.048) were observed in the AMR group relative to the control group. Taken together, these results indicate that AMR and its extracts had no significant effect on lamb growth performance, antioxidant status, and immune responses, but could significantly improve meat quality without the occurrence of pathological kidney and liver lesions.

Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Blood Metabolites of Lambs Supplemented with a Polyherbal Mixture

Simple Summary

Herbal products as feed supplements show beneficial effects on the productive performance and health of non-ruminants, but there is limited information about the effects in ruminants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a polyherbal mixture on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and concentration of blood metabolites in lambs during the fattening period. Polyherbal mixture supplementation improved dry matter intake and increased the live weight of lambs without affecting carcass characteristics or meat quality. Polyherbal mixture supplementation was associated with lower blood creatinine concentration suggesting beneficial effects on the renal health condition of lambs. The results suggest that the use of herbal mixtures as additives in diets of finishing lambs can improve productivity without affecting carcass characteristics and meat quality.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the supplementation of a polyherbal mixture (HM) on the productive performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality, and the profile of blood metabolites of lambs fed a high-concentrate diet. Thirty-six male Pelibuey lambs (25.21 ± 0.96 kg BW) were housed in individual pens during a 56-day feeding period and were randomly assigned to four treatments: (1) Control (CON): Basal diet without HM; (2) HM1: CON + 1 g of HM kg⁻¹ dry matter (DM); (3) HM2: CON + 2 g of HM kg⁻¹ DM; and (4) HM3: CON + 3 g of HM kg⁻¹ DM. Data were analyzed using the GLM (General Linear Model) procedure of statistical analysis system (SAS), and linear and quadratic effects were tested to evaluate the effects of the HM level. A quadratic increase was observed in the dry matter intake and in daily weight gain (p < 0.05) of lambs fed with HM2 and HM1, respectively. However, final body weight, body condition, carcass characteristics, and meat quality were similar among treatments (p > 0.05). It was observed a linear increase (p < 0.05) in the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Lymphocytes in blood from lambs supplemented with the HM1 diet increased and segmented neutrophils decreased compared to lambs receiving the CON treatment (p < 0.05). The concentration of uric acid in the blood had a linear increase (p < 0.05) and the serum creatinine level decreased (p < 0.05) as the HM dietary dose increased. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 2 and 1 g of HM kg⁻¹ of DM improves feed consumption and daily weight gain, respectively, without affecting carcass characteristics, meat quality, and health status on finishing lambs.

Slaughter Indicators, Carcass Measures, and Meat Quality of Lamb Fattened with Spelt (Triticum aestivum spp. Spelta L.)

The aim of this research was to investigate the slaughter indicators, carcass measures, and meat quality of lambs fattened with spelt. Lambs consumed various feed mixtures (1000 g day⁻¹ lamb⁻¹): I—control group; II—group with 10% dehulled spelt; III—group with 20% dehulled spelt. In the blood, the concentrations of minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and iron), biochemical parameters (urea, glucose, total proteins, albumin, globulin, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, ß-hydroxybutyrate, non-esterified fatty acids, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase), and hepatic enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, and creatine kinase) were determined. After slaughter, carcass development was measured. Samples of musculus semimembranosus were taken, of which the physical properties were analyzed. By analyzing the production properties of the lambs, we found that the slaughter characteristics of the lamb carcasses and the physical properties of the lamb meat as well as most biochemical indicators and enzymes did not significantly differ. The concentrations of albumin were increased in the groups with 10% and 20% spelt, as was the activity of alkaline phosphatase in the group with 20% spelt. The presented results indicate that spelt is an appropriate ingredient in the diet for weaned lambs.

The utility of electrocardiography and echocardiography in copper deficiency-induced cardiac damage in goats

Copper deficiency (CuD) is a common mineral disorder in ruminants, which causes histomorphological changes in the heart due to disturbances in copper-dependent metalloenzymes. However, alterations in the measurable cardiac parameters during CuD have not been studied in ruminants, especially in goats. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate longitudinally the potential role of electrocardiography (ECG) and echocardiography to detect the CuD-induced cardiac damage at different time intervals and concomitantly highlighting the impact of CuD on specific hemato-biochemical parameters and histological cardiac disruption in goats. Eight Shiba goats were included and divided into two equal groups; copper adequate (CuA) as a control and copper-deficient (CuD) that supplemented with copper-chelating agents (sulfur 3 g/kg DM and molybdenum 40 mg/kg DM). The hemato-biochemical analysis, ECG assessment at the base apex lead, and right-side echocardiography were performed just before the experimental onset (T0), and later on at two-time intervals after existing of CuD, at the fifth (T5) and seventh (T7) months. Necropsy and histopathological examination of the heart were performed at the end of the experiment. In the CuD group, the heart dimensions at T5 and T7 showed significant increase in QRS duration, ST-segment duration, the left atrial area in systole, left ventricular diameter and volume in diastole, stroke volume, and cardiac output compared with CuA (P < 0.05). Also, myocardial degeneration, necrosis, and fibrosis were evidenced with a concurrent increase of plasma creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, and cardiac troponin I (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CuD disturbs hemato-biochemical parameters and results in myocardial damage and cardiac dilatation that increases some ECG and echocardiographic parameters without development of systolic dysfunction. The ECG and echocardiography can potentially detect cardiac changes in long-lasting CuD in goats.

The effect of parity number on the metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative status of dairy sheep during the transition period

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether dairy sheep during the transition period are affected by their parity numbers with regard to (1) body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), and production performance (milk yield and composition) and (2) metabolic, inflammation, and stress biomarkers. For this purpose, 30 Sarda dairy ewes [15 primiparous (PRP) and 15 multiparous (MUP) ewes] were recruited on d 90 of gestation. Each group was homogeneous according to age, BW, and BCS. Sampling was carried out at -60, -30, -7, 0, +30, and +60 d from lambing. The MUP ewes showed a higher BW (46.32 vs. 38.71 kg) and larger litter size (1.45 vs. 1.06 kg) but a lower BCS (2.47 vs. 2.70) than the PRP ewes. Furthermore, the MUP ewes had lower concentrations of glucose (3.49 vs. 4.27 mol/L), cholesterol (1.63 vs. 1.81 mmol/L), free fatty acids (0.47 vs. 0.62 mmol/L), and triglycerides (0.22 vs. 0.25 mmol/L) compared with PRP ewes. With regard to inflammation and oxidative stress parameters, the PRP group had higher haptoglobin (0.48 vs. 0.18 g/L) and paraoxonase (187.90 vs. 152.11 U/L) activity than the MUP group. Overall, the MUP ewes were characterized by greater milk production performance and greater feed intake, resulting in a better energy balance, than the PRP ewes. Interestingly, these findings highlighted a different metabolic and inflammatory response over the transition period between PRP and MUP ewes, with the latter displaying lower concentrations of inflammatory-related biomarkers.

Inclusion of Yerba Mate (Ilex paraguariensis) Extract in the Diet of Growing Lambs: Effects on Blood Parameters, Animal Performance, and Carcass Traits

Simple Summary

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) is a plant widely used for human consumption in Latin America, with important health benefits for people. However, limited knowledge on its effects on animal health and nutrition are available. In this study, we evaluated the inclusion of yerba mate extract at levels up to 4% of the dry matter in the diets of growing lambs and its effects on blood parameters, animal performance, body metrics and carcass traits. Yerba mate extract up to 2% of inclusion had positive effects on feed intake and animal performance; however, greater inclusion rates had negative effects on feed intake and animal performance. Supplementation of yerba mate extract up to 2% also increased white blood cells and globulins, which have been closely related to a better immune response in animals.

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate levels of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) extract (YME), as a feed additive in the diets of growing lambs on serum biochemical parameters and hematological indices, animal performance, body metrics and carcass traits. Thirty-six entire (nine per treatment), male growing lambs, weighing 23.8 ± 3.7 kg, were fed the experimental diets which were treatments consisting of increasing levels of YME (0, 1, 2, and 4% inclusion on a dry matter [DM] basis) during an experimental period of 53 days. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design, which initial body weight was used as blocking factor and the results were analyzed by orthogonal contrasts (linear, quadratic, and cubic). Yerba mate extract did not change the general health status of the animals; however, inclusions of up to 2% of the extract increased globulins (p = 0.05) and white blood cell count, as segmented neutrophils (p = 0.02) and lymphocytes (p = 0.04). Additionally, inclusion of up to 2% YME increased dry matter intake, final weight gain, total and daily gain (p < 0.05), also tended to increase ribeye area and reduce fat thickness (p < 0.10); however, YME above 2% of inclusion reduced animal productive parameters (p < 0.05). In conclusion, levels up to 2% of YME were beneficial to the health and productive parameters of growing lambs.

Effect of supra-nutritional selenium-enriched probiotics on hematobiochemical, hormonal, and Doppler hemodynamic changes in male goats

In this study, the influence of supra-nutritional organic selenium (Se) supplement on hematology and plasma biochemicals, including antioxidant parameters and plasma reproductive hormones, as well as blood flow characteristics in the supratesticular and common carotid arteries (STA and CCA, respectively) were investigated. For this purpose, 15 male goats were used and classified into three equal groups according to the supplementation of the basal diet (BD): negative control (NC), probiotic (Pro), and Se-probiotic (Se-Pro) groups. Blood perfusion in the STA and CCA was assessed by Doppler ultrasonography at three different time intervals: at the experimental onset (T0), 3 weeks of dietary supplement (T3), and after 6 weeks of observation (T6). Concomitantly, blood samples were withdrawn for hematobiochemical and hormonal changes. Results revealed no evidence of clinical abnormality, with some enhanced hematological parameters and antioxidant (SOD and GPX) levels in goats of the Se-Pro and Pro groups. High concentrations of FSH were found in the Se-Pro at T6 compared to its values in other groups. Similarly, testosterone levels were elevated in the Pro and Se-Pro groups at T3 compared to other time points. There were significant increases in levels of IGF-1 in the Pro and Se-Pro groups compared to the NC group. Significant (P < 0.05) increases in the values of the blood volume within the CCA and the STA were noted in the Se-Pro group, and the highest values were observed at T6 (CCA, 427.4 ± 33 ml/min; STA, 49.9 ± 5.0 ml/min). In conclusion, supra-nutritional organic selenium improves some hematobiochemical parameters, reproductive hormones, and the blood perfusion within the CCA and STA in goats.

Comparative metabolome analysis of serum changes in sheep under overgrazing or light grazing conditions

Background

Overgrazing is a primary contributor to severe reduction in forage quality and production in Inner Mongolia, leading to extensive ecosystem degradation, sheep health impairment and growth performance reduction. Further studies to identify serum biomarkers that reflect changes in sheep health and nutritional status following overgrazing would be beneficial. We hereby hypothesize that reduced sheep growth performance under overgrazing conditions would be associated with metabolic and immune response alterations. This study used an untargeted metabolomics analysis by conducting ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) of sheep serum under overgrazing and light grazing conditions to identify metabolic disruptions in response to overgrazing.

Results

The sheep body weight gains as well as serum biochemical variables associated with immune responses and nutritional metabolism (immunoglobulin G, albumin, glucose, and nonesterified fatty acids) were significantly decreased with overgrazing compared with light grazing condition. In contrast, other serum parameters such as alanine and aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, and interleukin-8 were markedly higher in the overgrazing group. Principal component analysis discriminated the metabolomes of the light grazing from the overgrazing group. Multivariate and univariate analyses revealed changes in the serum concentrations of 15 metabolites (9 metabolites exhibited a marked increase, whereas 6 metabolites showed a significant decrease) in the overgrazing group. Major changes of fatty acid oxidation, bile acid biosynthesis, and purine and protein metabolism were observed.

Conclusions

These findings offer metabolic evidence for putative biomarkers for overgrazing-induced changes in serum metabolism. Target-identification of these particular metabolites may potentially increase our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of altered immune responses, nutritional metabolism, and reduced sheep growth performance under overgrazing conditions.

Breed-specific reference intervals of hematologic variables in Shami goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) with the possible effects of age and sex

BACKGROUND

Shami goats are an economically and sentimentally important breed of goats in the Mediterranean region. Shami goats are known for superior fecundity and productivity compared with other indigenous breeds. Shami goats also appear to be more susceptible to various infectious and production-related diseases. Therefore, the establishment of breed-specific hematologic reference intervals (RIs) is required.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to establish breed-specific RIs of some hematologic variables in Shami goats and to report the effects of age and sex on these values.

METHODS

A total of 100 Shami goats were used to determine the total red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), total whitle blood cell (WBC) count, absolute values, and the percentages of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios (N/L), using traditional manual laboratory methods.

RESULTS

Reference intervals of several variables in Shami goats were generated according to the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. Females were found to have significantly higher RBC, MCHC, and WBC values, while males were found to have significantly higher MCV values and lower neutrophil and lymphocyte numbers. Adult goats were found to have significantly higher RBC, PCV, MCV, MCH, WBC values, and neutrophil and lymphocyte numbers compared with juvenile goats.

CONCLUSION

Data presented here could be used as baseline information to evaluate the health status of Shami goats and assist in reaching a diagnosis for several pathologic diseases.

Parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos de cabras lactantes alimentadas com dietas contendo glicerina bruta oriunda da produção de biodiesel proveniente de óleo de fritura

RESUMO Objetivou-se analisar os efeitos da inclusão da glicerina bruta (GB), oriunda da produção de biodiesel proveniente de óleos residuais de fritura, sobre o consumo, e os parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos em cabras em lactação. Oito cabras com 42,06±3,5kg de peso corporal foram utilizadas, recebendo dietas contendo 0, 7, 14 e 21% de GB com base na MS total da dieta. O experimento foi conduzido em quadrado latino duplo 4×4, com duração de 80 dias, sendo quatro períodos de 20 dias, dos quais 15 para a adaptação e cinco para a coleta de dados. As amostras de sangue foram coletadas pela punção da veia jugular. Os consumos de MS, proteína bruta e matéria mineral decresceram linearmente, enquanto o de extrato etéreo aumentou quadraticamente. As concentrações do hematócrito, hemoglobina, hemácias e fósforo reduziram linearmente. Tendência quadrática foi observada para as concentrações séricas de cálcio. Não foram verificados efeitos para as concentrações de magnésio, glicose, colesterol total, triglicerídeos, proteínas plasmáticas totais, albumina, globulinas, ureia, creatinina, aspartato aminotransferase e fosfatase alcalina. Conclui-se que a GB pode ser utilizada em até 7% da MS total da dieta, sem promover problemas metabólicos.

Effects of Posidonia oceanica banquettes on intake, digestibility, nitrogen balance and metabolic profiles in sheep

BACKGROUND

The marine plant Posidonia oceanica (L.) (PO) has been demonstrated in goats to be a source of fibre. The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of introducing this marine plant as a substitute for barley straw in the feed of mature ewes, assessing the effects of its addition on intake, digestibility and ruminal fermentation and on the ewes' metabolic profiles (energy and protein). PO was used at 75 g day^-1 per ewe (15% of the total forage), 150 g day^-1 per ewe (30% of the total forage) and 300 g day^-1 per ewe (60% of the total forage).

RESULTS

Substitution of 15% of the forage with PO has no negative consequences on dry matter intake, final live weight and metabolic status in mature ewes; in addition, PO may improve the animal's nitrogen utilisation. The upper limit of substitution was 30%, where only few changes were noted without metabolic consequences. Substitution of 60% impaired performance and affects tissue functions in the animal's body.

CONCLUSION

Moderate quantities of barley straw (between 75 and 150 g day^-1 per ewe) can be replaced by PO in feed rations for mature ewes. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Omega-3 Long-Chain Fatty Acids in the Heart, Kidney, Liver and Plasma Metabolite Profiles of Australian Prime Lambs Supplemented with Pelleted Canola and Flaxseed Oils

The objective of the study was to ascertain whether human health beneficial omega-3 long-chain (≥C20) polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LC-PUFA) content in heart, kidney and liver can be enhanced by supplementing prime lambs with graded levels of canola and flaxseed oil. Health status of the lambs, as a consequence of the supplementation, was also investigated by examining their plasma metabolites. Sixty purebred and first-cross lambs were allocated to one of five treatments of lucerne hay basal diet supplemented with isocaloric and isonitrogenous wheat-based pellets without oil inclusion (Control) or graded levels of canola oil at 2.5% (2.5C), 5% (5C), flaxseed oil at 2.5% (2.5F) and 5% (5F) in a completely randomised design. Pre-slaughter blood, post-slaughter kidney, liver and heart samples were analysed for plasma metabolite and fatty acid profiles. Summations of docosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, and total n-3 LC-PUFA were enhanced in the liver and kidney of 5F supplemented lambs with a marked decrease in n-6/n-3 ratio and significant breed differences detected. There were generally no deleterious impacts on animal health status. A combination of 5% oil supplementation and lamb genetics is an effective and strategic management tool for enhancing n-3 LC-PUFA contents of heart, kidney and liver without compromising lamb health.

Pregnant Sheep in a Farm Environment Did Not Develop Anaemia

Simple Summary

Anaemia refers to a low red blood cell count and is common during pregnancy in women. Anaemia has been reported in sheep undergoing surgery during pregnancy for biomedical research projects. The incidence and severity of anaemia during pregnancy in sheep is unknown. Three groups of sheep were established: non-pregnant; pregnant with a single lamb; and pregnant with twin lambs. The stage of pregnancy was known as the sheep were mated on a known date and pregnancy was confirmed 50 days later by ultrasound examination. During pregnancy, blood samples were collected to measure red cells in the blood and protein levels. Samples were also collected to ensure that the sheep did not have any risk factors for anaemia, such as nutritional deficiency and internal parasites. Anaemia did not occur in any sheep during the study. Anaemia did not develop during pregnancy and red cell counts and protein levels were similar between each group. All the sheep lambed as expected, except for one that was expecting twins delivered a single lamb.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to document the haematological profile of pregnant ewes throughout gestation. Sheep were divided into three groups (n = 8 per group): non-pregnant, singleton, or twin pregnancy. Blood samples were collected every 14 days from day 55 of gestation for haemoglobin concentration; packed cell volume; total protein; and albumin concentration. On days 55 and 125 of gestation blood was collected for trace element estimation: soluble copper and zinc; glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx); and methylmalonic acid (MMA). Pooled faecal samples were collected on days 55, 97, and 139 of gestation. Pasture cuts were collected on days 97 and 153 of gestation. The haematology and protein concentrations were not different between groups throughout the study. Copper concentration increased in all animals during the study (p < 0.0001). Zinc concentration was lowest in the singleton and twin pregnant sheep on day 55 of gestation (p = 0.04). GSHPx was not different between groups during the study. MMA decreased in all animals during the study (p < 0.0001), but was not different between groups. Faecal samples were consistently negative for strongyle and nematode eggs, and coccidian oocysts. The pasture was good quality. Pregnant sheep in a farm environment with normal trace element status, no parasites, and an adequate diet, did not develop anaemia (PCV < 0.27).

Influence of dietary slow-release urea on growth performance, organ development and serum biochemical parameters of mutton sheep

Eighty Dorper × thin-tailed Han cross-bred non-castrated male lambs [mean body weight (BW), 25.87 ± 1.06 kg] were randomly allocated to one of five different concentrations of slow-release urea (urea phosphate, UP). The feed consisted of an equal amount of concentrate diet and roughage; the concentrate feed was formulated to be isoenergetic and isonitrogenic and contained 0%, 1%, 2%, 4% and 8% UP (UP0.0, UP1.0, UP2.0, UP4.0 and UP8.0, respectively) as a replacement for soya bean meal. Feed intake, BW, average daily gain (ADG), feed utilisation efficiency (FUE), absolute and relative organ weights and biochemical and histopathological parameters were measured. Feed intake, BW, ADG and FUE significantly decreased in the group receiving UP8.0 (p < 0.05), but no difference was found among the other groups (p > 0.05). Quadratic equations were developed between the UP dosage in the concentrate feed and ADG or FUE (r²  = 0.973 for ADG and r²  = 0.761 for FUE) to determine the appropriate dosage of UP given the desire to maximise either ADG or FUE, the appropriate dosage (feed concentration) was calculated as 2.01% UP to achieve the greatest ADG or 2.13% UP to achieve the best FUE. The relative weight of the liver (% BW) in the UP2.0 groups was significantly greater than that of UP0.0 (p < 0.05), and the relative weight of the intestine in the UP8.0 was significantly greater than that of UP0.0 (p < 0.05); the relative weight of the carcass, heart, spleen, lung, kidney, rumen, reticulum, omasum and abomasum did not differ among treatments (p > 0.05). The UP8.0 treatment significantly increased serum phosphorus levels (p < 0.05) and decreased the levels of alkaline phosphatase, glucose and calcium (Ca) compared with the lower UP dosage (p < 0.05). No histopathological differences were found in either hepatic tissues or renal tissues among treatments. Dietary UP as a replacement for soya bean in concentrate feeds for mutton sheep should not exceed 4%, as higher dosing may cause malnutrition and mineral disorders.

Effect of multiple stress factors (thermal, nutritional and pregnancy type) on adaptive capability of native ewes under semi-arid environment

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of multiple stress factors (thermal, nutritional and pregnancy type) on two different native track breeds of ewes as reflected by their adaptive capability under semi-arid environment. The multiple stressor experiment was conducted in twenty-four ewes (12 Santa Inês and 12 Morada Nova ewes). Both heat stress and pregnancy stress was common to all four groups. However, the animals were divided into further two groups within each breed on the basis of nutrition regimen. According the groupings were: Group 1 (Six Santa Ines ewes; heat stress; nutrition at 0.5% of BW; single pregnancy); Group 2 (Six Santa Ines ewes; heat stress; nutrition at 1.5% BW; twin pregnancy); groups Group 3 (Six Morada Nova ewes; heat stress; nutrition at 0.5% of BW; single pregnancy); Group 4 (Six Morada Nova ewes; heat stress; nutrition at 1.5% BW; twin pregnancy). All the animals in the experiment were pregnant. Heat stress was induced by exposing all animals to summer heat stress in outside environment while the nutritional regimen followed was at 0.5% and 1.5% level of body weight (BW) respectively in each breed. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with two breeds, two nutritional treatments and two pregnancy types, 10 repetitions for physiological parameters and six for blood parameters, with repeated measures over time. Physiological parameters (respiratory rate, pulse rate and rectal temperature) were measured with the animals at rest in the morning and afternoon, 0600-0700 and 1300-1400h, respectively, every seven days. Blood samples were collected every 14d for determination of serum glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, urea and creatinine. We found interaction effect between breed and pregnancy type on respiratory rate and rectal temperature with greater values in Santa Inês ewes than Morada Nova ewes. However, there was no significant fixed effect of pregnancy type and supplementation level on physiological responses of breeds. Environmental factor (period of the day) had influenced the physiological responses of ewes during all gestational period. Santa Inês ewes had greater serum glucose concentration at 105d and 120d of gestation compared to the Morada Nova ewes. Morada Nova ewes had greater concentrations of triglycerides, urea at 120d, 150d and also greater cholesterol at 105d, 135d and 150d of gestation compared with Santa Inês ewes. The present result indicates that thermal condition was most important factor that modified the physiological responses of ewes in a semi-arid tropical environment.

Evaluation of oxidative stress via total antioxidant status, sialic acid, malondialdehyde and RT-PCR findings in sheep affected with bluetongue

INTRODUCTION

Bluetongue (BT) is a non-contagious infectious disease of ruminants. The disease agent bluetongue virus (BTV) is classified in the Reoviridae family Orbivirus.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine serum malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidative stres (TAS), total sialic acid (TSA), ceruloplasmin, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), cholesterol, creatinine, albumin, and total protein levels in sheep with and without bluetongue (BT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 13 Sakiz crossbreed sheep, aged 1-4 years and usually in the last stage of pregnancy, as the BT group and a control group consisting of 10 healthy sheep. All sheep were clinically examined before collecting blood samples. Serum ALT, AST, cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin, GGT, total protein, creatinine and TAS levels were measured using commercially available kits as per manufacturer's recommendations using a Biochemistry Auto Analyzer (Sinnowa D280, China). Serum lipid peroxidation was estimated through a previously described method in which MDA reacts with thiobarbituric acid (TBA) to form a coloured complex at a maximum absorbance of 535 nm. The TSA value was measured at 549 nm using the method described by Warren (1959): sialic acid was oxidised to formyl-pyruvic acid, which reacts with TBA to form a pink product. The ceruloplasmin concentration was measured according to Sunderman and Nomoto (1970): ceruloplasmin and p-phenylenediamine formed a coloured oxidation product that was proportional to the concentration of serum ceruloplasmin. Real time RT-PCR and conventional RT-PCR were performed as described by Shaw and others (2007).

RESULTS

Biochemistry analysis of serum showed that in the BT group, TSA, MDA, triglyceride and ALT and AST were higher and that ceruloplasmin and TAS were lower than in the control group. Serum albumin, cholesterol, creatinine, total protein and GGT did not differ significantly between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum triglyceride, ceruloplasmin, TSA, MDA and TAS concentrations may prove beneficial to the diagnosis, prognosis and biochemical analysis of BT.

Trematode infections in pregnant ewes can predispose to mastitis during the subsequent lactation period

Objective was to investigate if trematode infections predispose ewes to mastitis and/or metritis. We used 80 trematode-infected ewes: primigravidae in group P-A and multigravidae in M-A remained untreated, primigravidae in P-B and multigravidae in M-B were drenched with netobimin and multigravidae in M-C were given rafoxanide. We collected faecal samples for parasitological examination, blood samples for β-hydroxybutyrate concentration measurement and uterine content, teat duct material and milk samples for bacteriological examination. We found significant differences in blood β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations between M-A, M-B and M-C during pregnancy (P ⩽ 0.002). We did not observe significant differences between groups regarding development of metritis (P>0.83). We found that for M-A, M-B and M-C ewes, respectively, median time to first case of mastitis was 5.75, 21 and 6.75 days after lambing (P = 0.003) and incidence risk of mastitis was 0.308, 0.069 and 0.222 (P = 0.047). We postulate that trematode infections predispose ewes to mastitis; perhaps, increased β-hydroxybutyrate blood concentrations adversely affect mammary cellular defences. This is the first report associating parasitic infections with mastitis in sheep.

Health management of ewes during pregnancy

The objectives of health management of ewes during pregnancy are as follows: (i) successful completion of pregnancy at term, (ii) birth of healthy and viable lambs, with optimal birth and potential weaning bodyweight, (iii) optimum milk production during the subsequent lactation and (iv) improved management in relation to drug residues in animal products. Knowledge of the physiological background of pregnancy in ewes: changes, mechanisms and interactions, during pregnancy is important for the overall health management of ewes during pregnancy. Health management of pregnant ewes includes diagnosis of pregnancy and evaluation of the number of foetuses borne, which will support strategies for subsequent management of the flock. Nutritional management of ewes depends upon the stage of lactation and specifically aims to (i) prevention of pregnancy toxaemia and other metabolic diseases during the peri-partum period, (ii) formation of colostrum in appropriate quantity and quality, (iii) production of lambs with normal future birth bodyweight and (iv) support of increased milk yield during the subsequent lactation. At the end of lactation, udder management of pregnant ewes includes its clinical examination, culling of ewes considered unsuitable for lactation and, possibly, the intramammary administration of antibiotics; objectives of that procedure are (i) to cure infections which have occurred during the previous lactation and (ii) to prevent development of new mammary infection during the dry period. Management of abortions includes the correct and timely diagnosis of the causative agent of the disorder, as well as the strategic administrations of chemotherapeutic agents, aiming to prevent abortions in flocks with confirmed infection with an abortifacient agent, especially if no appropriate vaccinations had been carried out before the mating season. During the final stage of pregnancy, health management of ewes includes administration of appropriate anthelmintic drugs, aiming to eliminate gastrointestinal helminthes (thus, increasing production output of ewes) and preventing the built-up of parasitic burdens in the environment (thus, reducing infection of lambs during their neonatal period). Vaccinations of pregnant ewes aim to protect these animals, as well as their offspring, especially against diseases which are a frequent cause of neonatal mortality (e.g., clostridial infections). Health management also aims to prevent the main metabolic disorders of pregnant ewes (i.e., pregnancy toxaemia and hypocalcaemia), as well as to monitor flocks for development of these disorders. Health management of pregnant ewes is completed with application of husbandry practices before the start of the lambing season. Finally, in some cases, health management may include induction and synchronisation of lambings, which is a management or therapeutic procedure.