Relationship between ewe body condition score (BCS) at mating and reproductive and productive traits in Lori-Bakhtiari sheep

Seasonal Effects on Body Condition and Characteristics of the Estrous Cycle in Captive Asian Elephants (Elephas maximus) in Thailand: A Retrospective Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of season on the body condition score (BCS), the characteristics of the estrous cycle (luteal phase [LPL], follicular phase [FPL], estrous cycle [ECL] lengths, and the start of the luteal phase [SLP] and follicular phase [SFP]), and progesterone levels (baseline and peak) of eight captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in Thailand. From 2014 to 2019, blood samples were collected weekly for serum progesterone enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). Estrous cycles (n = 70), including the luteal and follicular phases, and BCS (n = 70) were recorded. Based on the BCS, the LPL, FPL, and ECL were assigned to the following two groups: normal (BCS = 3.0-4.0, n = 38) and overweight (BCS = 4.5-5.0, n = 32). The findings demonstrated that there was no difference in LPL between the groups. However, in the normal group, the ECL was one week longer (14.9 ± 1.7 vs. 13.9 ± 1.7 weeks; p < 0.05), and the FPL also tended to be one week longer (7.2 ± 1.7 vs. 6.4 ± 1.5 weeks; p = 0.06) than in the overweight group. The mean progesterone level during the rainy, hot, and cool seasons was not statistically different. Based on the yearly averaged BCS from three seasons, the baseline and peak levels of progesterone were classified into the normal (n = 16) and overweight (n = 12) groups. Females with a normal BCS tended to exhibit higher progesterone peak levels (p = 0.08). The majority of peaks appeared during the rainy season (53.57%). The BCS was highest during the hot (4.47) and rainy (4.38) seasons, but not during the cool (4.12) season. The LPL, FPL, and ECL were not affected by the season in which the luteal phase occurred. On the other hand, the rainy season had a significant effect on the SFP, resulting in a longer LPL (p < 0.05) and ECL (p = 0.01); both were the longest during the rainy season. In conclusion, the effects of season on BCS may be related to characteristics of the estrous cycle and peak progesterone levels. Ultimately, these findings provide ground knowledge to assist elephant managers and owners in planning breeding activities using seasonal effects and BCS measurements in tropical climates.

What Do We Know and Need to Know About Weaning in Sheep? An Overview of Weaning Practises, Stress and Welfare

Artificial weaning is the separation of the mother and her lamb, involving the forced ending of suckling and milk supply by the ewes to their lambs. Artificial weaning time varies depending on the purpose of each sheep farm and the characteristics of the lambs, including age and weight of the lambs, and their ability to eat solid food. Artificial weaning is performed from 24 h postpartum until around the age of natural weaning (up to 12 mo of age). Artificial weaning results in the breaking of the ewe-lamb bond, the end of suckling and the complete replacement of milk by solid food, frequently added to changes in both the physical and social environment. It triggers behavioural, physiological and immunological changes that generate negative consequences on the health of both ewes and lambs, as well as on the growth of the lambs, rising animal welfare concerns. As artificial weaning is considered one of the most stressful situations in the life of farm mammals, it is important to consider the factors involved in those responses to develop adequate strategies and improve sheep welfare at weaning. The most frequently used method is the abrupt separation of the ewes and their lambs. However, the adaptation of the animals after weaning can be improved by alternative weaning methods (e.g., progressive, two-steps weaning and mixed regimes), hormonal treatments (e.g., administration of progesterone), and pre- and postweaning management (e.g., the use of creeping feeding, and the presence of conspecifics or humans after weaning). This review presents and summarises information on the stress response and animal welfare issues at artificial weaning in sheep and some management practises that can be used to reduce these problems. The major points included are the ewe-lamb bond at birth and during the lactation period; the stress response at weaning; the factors involved in the stress response at weaning; the different types and weaning methods and their repercussions on animal welfare; and some strategies that can be used to improve sheep welfare at weaning. Lastly, we propose directions for research needed to develop practical alternatives to minimise sheep's stress response at weaning.

Reproductive Performance of Ewes, Fed Flushing Diet at Different Management Feeding Program

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; There is very rare information regarding data of reproduction performance of small ruminant with different management flushing program in Asian countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation of flushing diet program containing lemuru fish oil with time management difference, by evaluating the reproductive performance of local Garut ewes. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; Twenty of garut ewes (average body weight 30.06±6.20 kg) were used in this experiment using Completely Randomized Block Design (CRBD), in four treatments with five animals of each treatment. The treatments were without flushing (F0 as control), flushing at the beginning of mating (F1 = 2 weeks pre-mating until 2 weeks just after-mating), two times flushing (F2 = F1 plus 4 weeks flushing during mid gestation) and three times flushing (F3 = F2 plus 2 weeks flushing at the end of gestation and 2 weeks after parturition). The ratio of flushing or basal concentrate to forage was 70:30. Basal concentrate was given during untreated. Nutrients consumption, body condition score (BCS), average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency ratio (FER) and reproduction parameters were evaluated. The data of sex ratio and birth type were expressed descriptively. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The results showed that the treatment had significant effect (p<0.05) on crude fat consumption, total digestible nutrients (TDN) and changes of BCS values, but had no effect on other nutrients consumptions. All treatments did not affect to total birth weight, the number of embryo, litter size, gestation period and sex ratio. The percentage of ewes pregnancy with the flushing treatment was 25% higher than the control. The flushing treatments were significantly effect on partus weight of ewes (p<0.05). &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; It was concluded that three times flushing program at early, middle and late of gestation could improve the nutritional status and reproductive performance of ewes, such as fat intake, partus weight, improved percentage of pregnancy and type of birth, but did not affect to total birth weight, litter size, pregnant period and sex ratio.

Mind the Gap: Animal Protection Law and Opinion of Sheep Farmers and Lay Citizens Regarding Animal Maltreatment in Sheep Farming in Southern Brazil

Simple Summary

Animal protection laws are written and enforced differently depending on the category of animals they are assigned to. This generates inconsistencies in the recognition of animal maltreatment. We studied sheep farmers’ and other citizens’ opinions regarding animal maltreatment by discussing the risk of sheep maltreatment in regular farming practices in Southern Brazil. We surveyed the perception of 56 farmers and 209 citizens regarding general animal and specific on-farm sheep maltreatment issues. The understanding of some key components of animal maltreatment was similar for both respondent groups: failing to provide for the basic animal needs and aggression or physical abuse towards animals. However, citizens were more sensitive than farmers to animal stress, suffering, fear and pain. More citizens than sheep farmers believed that animal maltreatment occurs in sheep farming; nevertheless, nearly half of the farmers recognized sheep maltreatment within normal production practices. Most citizens and all of the farmers were unaware of the Brazilian animal protection laws. Most citizens stated that they would not purchase products from animals exposed to maltreatment. We suggest painful procedures as the main risk of animal maltreatment in sheep farming and a priority issue. The level of cognitive dissonance in sheep farmers and contradictions between farmers and other citizens observed in our results indicate that mitigation policies are urgently needed.

Abstract

We aimed to study the gaps between the law and sheep farmer and citizen opinions regarding animal maltreatment by discussing the risk of sheep maltreatment in regular farming practices in Southern Brazil. We surveyed the perception of 56 farmers and 209 citizens regarding general animal and specific on-farm sheep maltreatment issues. The main themes from these two groups about the key components of animal maltreatment were similar: failing to provide for the basic animal needs (27.0%; 96 of 355 total quotes) and aggression or physical abuse (23.9%; 85/355). However, citizens (19.8%; 60/303) were more sensitive than farmers (9.6%; 5/52) to animal stress, suffering, fear, pain or painful procedures (p < 0.05). The perspective of citizens was closer than that of farmers to expert definitions for three situations: emaciation, movement restriction and tail docking without anesthetic use (p < 0.05). More citizens (71.6%; 116/162) than sheep farmers (49.0%; 24/49) believed that animal maltreatment occurs in sheep farming (p < 0.05), but nearly half of the farmers recognized sheep maltreatment within regular production practices. Most citizens (86.4%; 140/162) and all farmers (100.0%; 0/51) were unaware of any Brazilian animal protection law. Most citizens (79%; 131/167) stated that they would not purchase products from animals exposed to maltreatment. We suggest painful procedures as a major risk of animal maltreatment in sheep farming and a priority issue. With the many decades of animal protection laws and scientific recognition of animal sentience and welfare requirements, the level of cognitive dissonance and practical contradictions observed in our results indicate that mitigation policies are urgently needed.

Determining the factors affecting the gestational length in sheep

This research aimed to determine the effects of body weight, the body condition score (BCS), body measurements, birth type (single offspring or twin birth), birth weight and sex on the gestational length in sheep ( n = 111 ). Karayaka sheep raised on a private farm were used in the study. Progeny yield characteristics in sheep were also determined ( n = 139 ). Estrus was monitored daily using teaser rams from August to September 2016. According to our findings, the pregnancy rate, infertility rate, fecundity, and twin and single birth rates were 93.52 %, 6.48 %, 93.52 %, 14.62 % and 85.38 % respectively. The effect of age on the BCS in sheep at mating was found to be significant ( P < 0.05 ): BCS decreased as age increased. It was determined that there was a positive association between the BCS and live weight during the mating period ( P < 0.001 ). The chest circumference, front shin circumference and body length were found to be higher in sheep with a BCS ≥ 4.5 at mating time ( P < 0.01 ). The middle rump width was significantly affected by the BCS ( P < 0.001 ). In this study, the lowest and highest gestational lengths were found to be 148.90 and 151.41 d respectively. The gestational length in sheep was not found to be affected by age, the BCS, body measurements, sex or birth type ( P > 0.05 ); however, it was observed that the gestational lengths for male offspring and single offspring (non-multiple births) were longer. In addition, it was detected that the gestational length was different in sheep with a BCS ≥ 4.5 . The time spent in the womb is important with respect to obtaining a healthy lamb. For profitable production, a BCS of between 2.5 and 4 is recommended in sheep. It is thought that the use of body condition scoring, which is easy information for the breeder to utilize, will have a positive effect on determining the bodily reserves of sheep and the reproductive efficiency as well as on obtaining a healthy lamb. More studies on the gestational length in sheep are required.

Multi-Platform Detection of Small Ruminant Lentivirus Antibodies and Provirus as Biomarkers of Production Losses

Small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) are endemic in most areas of Europe, causing a chronic infection and a multisystemic disease affecting the udder, carpal joints, lungs, and central nervous system. Due to the lack of treatments and protective vaccination strategies, infection control is focused on the identification of infected animals through serological or molecular techniques. However, antigenic and genetic heterogeneity of SRLVs represent a clear drawback for diagnosis. Infected animals may present lower animal production parameters such as birth weight or milk production and quality, depending on productive systems considered and, likely, to the diagnostic method applied. In this study, four sheep flocks dedicated to dairy or meat production were evaluated using three different ELISA and two PCR strategies to classify animal population according to SRLV infection status. Productive parameters were recorded along one whole lactation or reproductive period and compared between positive and negative animals. SRLV was present in 19% of the total population, being unequally distributed in the different flocks. Less than half of the infected animals were detected by a single diagnostic method, highlighting the importance of combining different diagnostic techniques. Statistical analysis employing animal classification using all the diagnostic methods associated lambing size, lamb weight at birth, and daily weight gain with SRLV infection status in meat flocks. Milk production, somatic cell count, fat, and protein content in the milk were associated with SRLV infection in dairy flocks, to a greater extent in the flock showing higher seroprevalence. A multi-platform SRLV diagnostic strategy was useful for ensuring correct animal classification, thus validating downstream studies investigating production traits.

Body condition status at mating affects gestation length, offspring yield and return rate in ewes

Abstract. The present study was planned to determine the effect of ewe body condition score (BCS) and parities on fertility, return rate, gestation length, fecundity, litter size and lamb birth weight. Data were collected from 284 heads of ewes with first to fifth parity and raised at a state farm for three consecutive (2002–2004) years. Teaser rams were used to monitor estrus twice daily in the morning and in the evening from September to October. BCSs and body weights (BWs) were recorded at mating and postpartum. The ewes, at mating time in breeding season and within first 6 h after the expulsion of fetal membranes, were divided into four groups on the basis of their BCS: thin (BCS = ≤ 2.0; n=70; 38), medium (BCS = 2.5–3.0; n=122; 142), fat (BCS = 3.5–4.0; n=72; 59) and very fat (BCS = ≥ 4.5; n= 20;17). BCSs and BWs of ewes at postpartum were highly correlated with lamb birth weight (R=0.486, P < 0.01, and R=0.130, P < 0.05, respectively). BCSs and BWs of ewes at postpartum had positive effects on lamb birth weight (Y=3.43 ± 0.10 + 0.130 + 0.047 ewe body condition score (EBCS), P < 0.01; Y= 2.92 ± 0.42 + 0.018 ± 0.009 ewe body weight (EBW), P < 0.05 kg of lamb birth weight per BCS and kilogram of ewe live weight, respectively). The fertility rate, litter size and fecundity were higher in the medium and fat groups than thin and very fat groups (χ2= 10.607, P < 0.01). The BW and BCS at postpartum affected gestation length positively (P < 0.05). Return rate or number of coitus for conception were higher (P < 0.05) in thin and very fat groups than medium and fat groups. The data revealed that the ewes with medium and fat body condition (BCS = 2.5–4.0) scores were profitable.

The effect of ewe body condition at lambing on growth of lambs and colostral specific gravity

Abstract. This study was carried out on 60 Norduz ewes to determine the effect of ewe body condition at lambing on growth of lambs and colostral specific gravity. Body condition score (BCS), ranging from 2.5 to 3.5, had no effect on lamb live weight at birth, 30, 60, 90 and 120 days of age (P  >  0.05). The average colostral specific gravity determined as 1.049 was not affected by body condition of ewes. A moderate positive correlation (r  =  0.436) was observed between condition score and live weight of ewes (P  <  0.001). The results of this study suggest that BCS is not a reliable estimator of live weight for Norduz ewes.

Mutual relationships among body condition score, live weight, and back tissue development in meat sheep

Body tissue development and proportion affect predisposition to optimum functioning of production attributes, health, and fertility of sheep. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine relationships among indicators of mature ewes’ nutritional status documented by the body condition score and live weight using ultrasonic evaluation of backfat thickness and depth of musculus longissimus lumborum et thoracis. The monitoring was carried out in Suffolk sheep (n = 942) for a period of 2 years. A significant increase (P < 0.05 to P < 0.01) of all the evaluated indicators was detected corresponding to an increase of the body condition score from 1 to 5 points. The differences in ewes’ live weights depending on particular condition scores reached up to 31.04 kg with the lowest value (58.71 kg) in 1 point and the highest (89.75 kg) in 5 points. The variability of backfat thickness and muscle depth depending on individual condition scores was up to 352.08% (11.02 mm) in backfat thickness and up to 50.10% (12.83 mm) in muscle depth (P < 0.05 to 0.01) compared to the lowest condition score of 1 point. Strong positive linear relationships were also detected between the live weight and back tissues development in ewes (P < 0.001). This study innovatively determinates mutual relationships among growth indicators and body tissue development performed on intensive meat-purpose sheep in vivo. Results of the present study could serve in flock management as a tool for evaluation of the current nutritional status as well as a basic ground for further research focused on development of sheep fattiness and carcass traits evaluation.