1
|
Washaya S, Ngorio U, Mudzengi CP. Effects of the breeding season, birth type and sex on growth and reproductive performances of sheep breeds. Trop Anim Health Prod 2023; 55:188. [PMID: 37133612 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-023-03575-7] [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: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The study aimed at determining the effects of breed type, breeding season, sex and type of birth on the growth and reproductive traits of lambs. Two ewe breed types (Gellaper and Swakara) and four ram breed types (Damara, Dorper, GeDo and Swakara) were used. Two lambing seasons, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), were considered. Gellaper-based lambs born in autumn had higher (P < 0.05) mean birth weight (4.58 kg) compared to spring-born lambs (3.43 kg). Ram lambs were heavier (P < 0.05) than ewe lambs at weaning and post-weaning age. Singletons were heavier than twins (P < 0.05) at birth, weaning and breeding. Single and autumn-born lambs had a higher average daily gain (ADG) than spring-born lambs (P < 0.05). Ram lambs had a higher pre-weaning and overall ADG (P < 0.05) compared with ewe lambs. Swakara-based lambs gained more from weaning to mating compared to Gellaper-based lambs (P < 0.05). The conception, lambing and annual reproductive rate were all influenced by breed type and season (P < 0.05). Swakara-based lambs had higher reproductive capabilities, while Gellaper-based lambs grew faster but take longer to breed type; autumn lambing gave rise to low birth weights but heavier lambs at weaning and post-weaning, hence suitable for mutton production.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soul Washaya
- Department of Livestock, Wildlife and Fisheries Great Zimbabwe University, P Bag, 1235, Masvingo, Zimbabwe.
| | - Uaipo Ngorio
- Kalahari Research Station RFWG+WPR, Omaseb, Namibia
| | - Clarice Princes Mudzengi
- Department of Livestock, Wildlife and Fisheries Great Zimbabwe University, P Bag, 1235, Masvingo, Zimbabwe
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kivrak MB, Aydin I. Induction of ovulation using repeated doses of sulpiride, a dopamine antagonist, in ewe lambs. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:379-386. [PMID: 36369678 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14295] [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: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to test the hypothesis that sulpiride can increase the concentration of circulating gonadotropin that can promote puberty in pre-pubertal ewe lambs. Here, 12 1-3-year-old Merino rams and 60 7-9-month-old Merino sheep were included in the study. The sheep were randomly divided into sulpiride (n = 30) and control (n = 30) groups. The sulpiride group was subcutaneously injected with 0.6 mg/kg sulpiride twice daily (morning and evening) for 9 days. During these 9 days, blood samples were taken from the sheep before drug administration and at 4 h after every drug administration. The number of ovulating animals in the sulpiride group was significantly higher than that in the control group (90% vs. 32%). No oestrous signs were observed in either group during ram release. Further, there were no differences in the levels of mean follicle-stimulating hormone in the two groups based on treatment (p = .2), time (p = .3) or treatment-by-time interaction (p = .3). After sulpiride administration, the luteinizing hormone (LH) levels of the sulpiride group rapidly increased and remained stable for a long time, whereas physiological LH fluctuations in the control group remained unchanged. Within-group changes in terms of LH concentrations were significant for both groups (p < .001), whereas LH pulse frequency was significantly different between the sulpiride group (p = .03). Therefore, it is concluded that sulpiride can be used as a non-steroidal alternative to stimulate pre-pubertal ewe lambs and sheep during anoestrus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Bugra Kivrak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Aydin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schoretsanitis G, Deligiannidis KM, Paulzen M, Spina E, de Leon J. Drug-drug interactions between psychotropic medications and oral contraceptives. Expert Opin Drug Metab Toxicol 2022; 18:395-411. [DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2022.2106214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Schoretsanitis
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Psychiatry Research, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, New York. USA
- Department of Psychiatry at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Northwell/Hofstra, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Kristina M. Deligiannidis
- The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Psychiatry Research, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, New York. USA
- Department of Psychiatry at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Northwell/Hofstra, Hempstead, NY, USA
- The Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Molecular Medicine at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York, USA
| | - Michael Paulzen
- Alexianer Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, and JARA– Translational Brain Medicine, Aachen, Germany
| | - Edoardo Spina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Jose de Leon
- Mental Health Research Center at Eastern State Hospital, Lexington, KY, USA
- Biomedical Research Centre in Mental Health Net (CIBERSAM), Santiago Apostol Hospital, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dairaghi L, Constantin S, Oh A, Shostak D, Wray S. The Dopamine D4 Receptor Regulates Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neuron Excitability in Male Mice. eNeuro 2022; 9:ENEURO.0461-21.2022. [PMID: 35165199 PMCID: PMC8896547 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0461-21.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)-secreting neurons control fertility. The release of GnRH peptide regulates the synthesis and release of both luteinizing hormone (LH) and Follicle stimulation hormone (FSH) from the anterior pituitary. While it is known that dopamine regulates GnRH neurons, the specific dopamine receptor subtype(s) involved remain unclear. Previous studies in adult rodents have reported juxtaposition of fibers containing tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a marker of catecholaminergic cells, onto GnRH neurons and that exogenous dopamine inhibits GnRH neurons postsynaptically through dopamine D1-like and/or D2-like receptors. Our microarray data from GnRH neurons revealed a high level of Drd4 transcripts [i.e., dopamine D4 receptor (D4R)]. Single-cell RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry confirmed GnRH cells express the Drd4 transcript and protein, respectively. Calcium imaging identified changes in GnRH neuronal activity during application of subtype-specific dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists when GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission was blocked. Dopamine, dopamine with D1/5R-specific or D2/3R-specific antagonists or D4R-specific agonists decreased the frequency of calcium oscillations. In contrast, D1/5R-specific agonists increased the frequency of calcium oscillations. The D4R-mediated inhibition was dependent on Gαi/o protein coupling, while the D1/5R-mediated excitation required Gαs protein coupling. Together, these results indicate that D4R plays an important role in the dopaminergic inhibition of GnRH neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andrew Oh
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | - David Shostak
- Cellular and Developmental Neurobiology Section, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke/National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
De K, Kumar D, Balaganur K, Naqvi SMK. Effect of environmental factors on estrus synchronization and artificial insemination success in farmers flock in sheep under semi-arid tropical region. Reprod Domest Anim 2020; 55:777-784. [PMID: 32291822 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Environmental cues in the different seasons might influence the estrus and lambing percentages. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of environmental factors on estrus synchronization (ES) and artificial insemination success in sheep. During the period from 2012 to 2017, a total of 1,197 ewes of Kheri and Malpura breeds of 34 farms originating from 10 villages were synchronized for estrus and then fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI) was done. Oestrous synchronization was done by intravaginal progesterone sponges and eCG protocol. Fixed-time cervical insemination was performed 48 and 56 hr after sponge removal in ewes exhibiting estrus, using liquid chilled semen containing 100 million sperm per dose of Patanwadi/Malpura rams. Mean sunshine hours, maximum and minimum ambient temperatures, temperature amplitude, mean relative humidity (RH), temperature-humidity index (THI), mean temperature during sponge-in to sponge-out-12-day period, sponge-out and next day, AI day and AI to next 15 days have been calculated. The estrus response and lambing percentage were higher (p < .05) when ES and FTAI were done during hot-humid with rainfall season. Successful (p < .05) ES occur when the minimum temperature was higher in cold-humid season, and the sunshine hour was higher in hot-humid with scanty rainfall season during sponge-in to sponge-out period. The success of the lambing percentage was higher (p < .05) when maximum temperature, minimum temperature, mean temperature and THI was higher on the day of AI and the next 15-day period, irrespective of the season. The success of FTAI indicates the adaptability of the local breed to tolerate the harsh climate of the hot semi-arid region without much hindrance in lambing percentages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kalyan De
- ICAR- National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, Assam, India.,ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagr, Rajasthan, India
| | - Davendra Kumar
- ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagr, Rajasthan, India
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Łebkowska-Wieruszewskal B, Sartini I, Barsotti G, Camillo F, Rota A, Panzani D, Poapolathep A, Giorgi M. Pharmacokinetics of levosulpiride after single-dose administration by different routes in sheep (Ovis aries Linnaeus). Small Rumin Res 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2019.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
7
|
Li L, Lu S, Ma Q, Wan P, Liu C, Yang H, Yang H, Yang Y, Dai R, Shi G. The comparison of reproductive hormone receptor expressions of the sheep ovary and hormone concentrations in two Chinese breeds. Reprod Domest Anim 2019; 54:892-901. [PMID: 31002198 DOI: 10.1111/rda.13441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this research was to investigate the changes in reproductive hormone receptor expressions of the ovary and hormone concentrations between oestrous cycle pattern of two different sheep breeds in China. Ovarian tissues were collected from Chinese Merino (Junken type) and Hu sheep with different reproductive states in spring and autumn. Serum samples were assayed for oestrogen (E2), progesterone (P), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations by radioimmunoassay during spring. The ovarian expression of hormone receptors (ERα, ERβ, PR, LHR and FSHR) was analysed using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In Chinese Merino, there was no corpora lutea and ovulation point on the surfaces of ovaries in spring and low basal levels of both LH and P in serum. ERα, ERβ and FSHR were expressed significantly higher in Merino ovaries during anoestrus compared with oestrous or luteal phases of Hu sheep (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). However, both varieties of sheep exhibited a similar tendency to secrete E2 and FSH. Compared with Hu sheep, FSH levels were slightly higher in Merino serum. In Hu sheep, ERα, ERβ, FSHR, LHR and PR expressed in luteal phase ovaries during spring were significantly lower (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) than autumn. Interestingly, LHR and PR expressed in anoestrous ovaries were similar to that in oestrous phase of both sheep breeds. The above results suggest that seasonal reproductive sheep increased the expression of E2 and FSH receptors in ovary during spring may enhance the effects of E2 and FSH on follicular development. It is likely that this enhancement prevents the ovary from progressing to the luteal phase.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liangyuan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Shouliang Lu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Qiman Ma
- College of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Pengcheng Wan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Changbin Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Hanyulu Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Hua Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Yonglin Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Rong Dai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| | - Guoqing Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,State Key Laboratory of Sheep Genetic Improvement and Healthy Production, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Sciences, Shihezi, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Miguel-Cruz EE, Mejía-Villanueva O, Zarco L. Induction of fertile estrus without the use of steroid hormones in seasonally anestrous Suffolk ewes. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2019; 32:1673-1685. [PMID: 31010969 PMCID: PMC6817781 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.18.0769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the efficacy of treatments based on GnRH, GnRH-PGF2α, and/or intense exposure to novel rams to induce fertile estrus without the use of steroid hormones in seasonally anestrous Suffolk ewes. Methods In the first experiment, ewes were treated with one injection of GnRH, two injections of GnRH administered 7 days apart, or a sequence of GnRH-PGF2α-GnRH. In the second experiment anestrous ewes were exposed, for 36 days starting on the day of weaning, to groups of four rams of three different breeds that were alternated every day. Besides exposure to the males, the ewes were injected with saline solution (ME group, n=20), with GnRH (ME-GnRH group, n=20) or with a sequence of GnRH-PGF2α-GnRH (ME-GPG group, n=20). The rams used for male-effect were fitted with aprons to prevent mating, and ewes detected in estrus were bred to selected fertile rams. Ovarian activity was monitored by progesterone determinations in both experiments. Results In the first experiment sustained induction of ovarian activity was not achieved and no ewe was detected in estrus. In the second experiment induction of sustained ovarian activity was achieved in all groups. Most of the ewes were detected in estrus, 76.7 % of the ewes were mated during a 36-d breeding period and 71.7 % of all the ewes became pregnant during that period. No significant differences between groups were found for any of these variables. However, estrus detection efficiency was higher in the ME-GnRH group than in the ME group (p<0.05). Conclusion An intense male-effect, that included the continuous presence and frequent alternation of several rams of different breeds, was sufficient to induce ovarian activity and fertile estrus in Suffolk ewes during the period of deep anestrus without the use of hormones, although addition of GnRH improved the efficiency of estrus detection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erika Elizabeth Miguel-Cruz
- Ovine Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Tres Marias, Morelos 62515, Mexico
| | - Octavio Mejía-Villanueva
- Ovine Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Tres Marias, Morelos 62515, Mexico
| | - Luis Zarco
- Ovine Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, National Autonomous University of Mexico, Tres Marias, Morelos 62515, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Posbergh CJ, Thonney ML, Huson HJ. Genomic Approaches Identify Novel Gene Associations with Out of Season Lambing in Sheep. J Hered 2019; 110:577-586. [DOI: 10.1093/jhered/esz014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Sheep are seasonally polyestrous, traditionally breeding when the day length shortens in the autumn. The changing photoperiod stimulates reproductive hormones through a series of chemical pathways, ultimately leading to cyclicity. Some breeds of sheep, such as the Polypay and Dorset, have been selected for reduced seasonality and can lamb year-round. Despite this selection, there is still variation within these breeds in the ability to lamb out of season. The identification of out of season lambing quantitative trait loci has the potential to improve genetic progress using genomic selection schemes. Association studies, fixation index (FST), and runs of homozygosity (ROH) were evaluated to identify regions of the genome that influence the ability of ewes to lamb out of season. All analyses used genotypic data from the Illumina Ovine HD beadchip. Genome-wide associations were tested both across breeds in 257 ewes and within the Dorset and Polypay breeds. FST was measured across breeds and between UK and US Dorsets to assess population differences. ROH were estimated in ewes to identify homozygous regions contributing to out of season lambing. Significant associations after multiple testing correction were found through these approaches, leading to the identification of several candidate genes for further study. Genes involved with eye development, reproductive hormones, and neuronal changes were identified as the most promising for influencing the ewe’s ability to lamb year-round. These candidate genes could be advantageous for selection for improved year-round lamb production and provide better insight into the complex regulation of seasonal reproduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Heather J Huson
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
De K, Kumar D, Balaganur K, Gulyani R, Naqvi SMK. Effect of breeding season on fertility of sheep following estrus synchronization and fixed-time artificial insemination under field conditions in semi-arid tropical region. BIOL RHYTHM RES 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/09291016.2016.1197497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|