Small Ruminants: Farmers' Hope in a World Threatened by Water Scarcity

Effect of alfalfa supplementary change dietary non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC) to neutral detergent fiber (NDF) ratio on rumen fermentation and microbial function in Gansu alpine fine wool sheep (Ovis aries)

Bodyweight loss and rumen microbial dysfunction of grazing sheep was a challenge for the sheep production industry during cold season, which were considered to correlated with under-roughage-feeding. Alfalfa is a good roughage supplementary for ruminants, which can improve grazing sheep bodyweight-loss and rumen microbial dysfunction during grass-withering period. This study evaluated the effects of alfalfa hay supplementary change dietary non-fibrous carbohydrate/neutral detergent fiber (NFC/NDF) ratios on rumen fermentation and microbial function of Gansu alpine fine wool sheep during extreme cold season. 120 ewes (3-4 yrs) with an average body weight of 28.71 ± 1.22 kg were allocated randomly into three treatments, and fed NFC/NDF of 1.92 (H group), 1.11 (M group), and 0.68 (L group), respectively. This study was conducted for 107 d, including 7 d of adaption to the diets. The rumen fermentation parameters and microbial characteristics were measured after the end of feeding trials. The results showed that the concentrations of sheep body weight, nitrogen components (Total-N, Soluble protein-N and Ammonia-N), blood biochemical indices (LDH, BUN and CHO) and ruminal volatile fatty acids (TVFA and propionate) significantly increased with an increase in the proportion of NFC/NDF ratios (p < .05), and the acetate and acetate/propionat ratio presented a contrary decreasing trend (p < .05). A total of 1018 OTUs were obtained with 97% consistency. Ruminococcus, Ruminococcaceae and Prevotella were observed as the predominant phyla in ruminal fluid microbiota. Higher NFC/NDF ratios with Alfalfa supplementary increased the richness and diversity of ruminal fluid microbiota, and decreased ruminal fluid microbiota beta-diversity. Using clusters of orthologous groups (COG), the ruminal fluid microbiota of alfalfa supplementary feeding showed low immune pathway and high carbohydrate metabolism pathway. In summary, the study suggested that there was an increasing tendency in dietary NFC/NDF ratio of 1.92 in body weight, ruminal fermentation, microbial community composition and fermentation characteristics through developing alfalfa supplementary system.

Metagenomics-Metabolomics Exploration of Three-Way-Crossbreeding Effects on Rumen to Provide Basis for Crossbreeding Improvement of Sheep Microbiome and Metabolome of Sheep

The objective of this experiment was to explore the effects of three-way hybridization on rumen microbes and metabolites in sheep using rumen metagenomics and metabolomics. Healthy Hu and CAH (Charolais × Australian White × Hu) male lambs of similar birth weight and age were selected for short-term fattening after intensive weaning to collect rumen fluid for sequencing. Rumen metagenomics diversity showed that Hu and CAH sheep were significantly segregated at the species, KEGG-enzyme, and CAZy-family levels. Moreover, the CAH significantly increased the ACE and Chao1 indices. Further, correlation analysis of the abundance of the top 80 revealed that the microorganisms were interrelated at the species, KEGG-enzyme, and CAZy-family levels. Overall, the microbiome significantly affected metabolites of the top five pathways, with the strongest correlation found with succinic acid. Meanwhile, species-level microbial markers significantly affected rumen differential metabolites. In addition, rumen microbial markers in Hu sheep were overall positively correlated with down-regulated metabolites and negatively correlated with up-regulated metabolites. In contrast, rumen microbial markers in CAH lambs were overall negatively correlated with down-regulated metabolites and positively correlated with up-regulated metabolites. These results suggest that three-way crossbreeding significantly affects rumen microbial community and metabolite composition, and that significant interactions exist between rumen microbes and metabolites.

Relationship between Rumen Microbial Differences and Phenotype Traits among Hu Sheep and Crossbred Offspring Sheep

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of three-way hybrid sheep and Hu sheep on serum indicators, rumen fermentation, rumen enzyme activity, and microorganisms in sheep. Healthy and similar birth weights from three groups (Hu, n = 11; Charolais × Australian White × Hu, CAH, n = 11; Charolais × Dorper × Hu, CDH, n = 11) were selected to be fed by the ewes until 45 days of age. Subsequently, they were weaned intensively and underwent short-term fattening for 3 months along with selected male lambs fed intensively. During this period, they were fed and watered ad libitum. Blood and rumen fluid were collected and analyzed for serum indicators and rumen fluid microorganisms, enzyme activity, and VFA, respectively, at the end of the fattening period. Compared with Hu lamb, the offspring of the three-way hybrid lamb showed significant improvements in body weight, serum lactate dehydrogenase, and creatinine content. However, there was no significant effect on serum immunity and antioxidant indices. In addition, the rumen fluid volatile fatty acid (VFA) molar concentration and microcrystalline cellulose and lipase content were significantly lower in the three-way hybrid lamb compared to Hu lamb, but β-glucosidase, amylase, pepsin, and VFA molar ratio were not significantly affected. Subsequently, 16S rRNA sequencing diversity analysis revealed that three-way hybrid lamb significantly increased rumen microbial ACE and Chao1 indices compared to Hu lamb. Meanwhile, the abundance of Verrucomicrobiota and Synergistota significantly increased at the phylum level. Correlation analysis showed that Prevotella had the highest proportion, while Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group correlated most closely with others genus. The microbial communities isovaleric acid molar concentration and proportion were strongly correlated. In addition, there were significant differences in correlations between microbial communities and isobutyric acid, butyric acid and valeric acid content, and their molar proportion, but they were not significantly correlated with digestive enzymes. From the functional enrichment analysis, it was found that hybrid progeny were mainly enriched in the pyruvate metabolism, microbial metabolism in diverse environments, carbon metabolism, and quorum sensing pathways. In contrast, the Hu sheep were primarily enriched in the cysteine and methionine, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar, and biosynthesis of secondary metabolite pathways. These results suggest that hybridization can play a role in regulating organismal metabolism and improve animal production performance by influencing the structure and characteristics of microbial communities.

Ectoparasites Infestation to Small Ruminants and Practical Attitudes among Farmers toward Acaricides Treatment in Central Region of Java, Indonesia

Ectoparasite infestations are one of the major problems affecting goat and sheep farming. Disease resulting from these infestations can cause changes in physical appearance, such as severe lesions on the skin, and economic consequences in the form of significantly reduced selling prices. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites in the Boyolali district, Central Java, Indonesia. A total of 651 sheep and goats were surveyed in this study. The parasites were collected via skin scraping, twister, or manually from clinically infected goats and sheep in traditional farms. All of the ectoparasites collected were successfully identified. The prevalence of ectoparasites in ruminants in Boyolali was 97.8% (637/651). The species make-up was as follows: Bovicola caprae 97.8% (637/651), Linognathus africanus 39% (254/651), Haemaphysalis bispinosa 3.5% (23/651), Ctenocephalides spp. 0.2% (1/651), and Sarcoptes scabiei 5.2% (34/651). The predilection sites were in the face, ear, and leg areas, and in the axillary, dorsal, abdomen, and scrotum regions of the surveyed animals. An evaluation of farmers' attitudes to ectoparasites was performed using a questionnaire. The findings of this study imply that animals in the investigated area are highly exposed to ectoparasite infestations. Given the importance of ectoparasites in both livestock and human communities, specifically in the health domain, more research into appropriate control strategies is necessary.

Understanding Circular RNAs in Health, Welfare, and Productive Traits of Cattle, Goats, and Sheep

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are unique noncoding RNA molecules, notable for their covalent closed-loop structures, which play a crucial role in regulating gene expression across a variety of biological processes. This review comprehensively synthesizes the existing knowledge of circRNAs in three key livestock species: Bos taurus (cattle), Ovis aries (sheep), and Capra hircus (goats). It focuses on their functional importance and emerging potential as biomarkers for disease detection, stress response, and overall physiological health. Specifically, it delves into the expression and functionality of circRNAs in these species, paying special attention to traits critical to livestock productivity such as milk production, meat quality, muscle development, wool production, immune responses, etc. We also address the current challenges faced in circRNA research, including the need for standardized methodologies and broader studies. By providing insights into the molecular mechanisms regulated by circRNAs, this review underscores their scientific and economic relevance in the livestock industry. The potential of circRNAs to improve animal health management and the quality of animal-derived products aligns with growing consumer concerns for animal welfare and sustainability. Thus, this paper aims to guide future research directions while supporting the development of innovative strategies in livestock management and breeding.

Prevalence of ixodid ticks on goats and risk factors for tick-borne diseases in humans in the Kyasanur forest disease endemic area of Kerala, India

In India, tick-borne diseases are prevalent in many states due to the presence of tick vectors. However, information on disease-causing ticks from domestic animals and the associated risk factors for residents living in the disease-endemic area is lacking. Therefore, we conducted this study to identify ixodid ticks in goats and human risk factors in three villages of the Wayanad district of Kerala. We examined 202 goats and collected 741 ticks, of which 69.8% were ticks belonging to the genus Haemaphysalis. The maximum number of ticks was collected from Thirunelli (81.3%), followed by Noolpuzha (76.27%) and Pulpally (45.6%). Overall, H. bispinosa Neumann, 1897 (54.6%), was the most common species, followed by H. turturis Nuttall and Warburton, 1915 (38.0%), H. spinigera Neumann, 1897 (5.4%), and H. intermedia Warburton and Nuttall, 1909 (1.8%). We included 428 participants (men and women) in this study. The average age of the respondents was 43 years. We found significant associations between accessing the forest for cattle grazing and other activities and tick-borne diseases (χ2 = 9.5, p = 0.002), between workers who were bitten by ticks and tick-borne diseases (χ2 = 3.8, p = 0.05), and between number of tick bites per day > 6 and tick-borne diseases (χ2 = 12.1, p = 0.001). The high frequency of Haemaphysalis spp. found in goats highlighted the risk of tick exposure and tick-borne diseases, such as Kyasanur forest disease in humans, and the need for the development and implementation of effective measures to control ticks.

Morphophysiological Responses of the Goat Mammary Gland to Water Scarcity in Arid and Semi-Arid Environments: Are They Enough to Generate Adaptation to New Climatic Challenges?

Due to climate change, diverse territories of the planet will suffer from water restrictions. Goats are perceived as the most resilient ruminants in this scenario. So, various studies have focused on describing how a lower water intake influences milk production, especially in breeds adapted to desert environments. In water-stress situations, goats lose up to 32% of their body weight (BW), the rate of passage is reduced, and the digestibility of the feed increases. When goats consume water again, the rumen prevents hemolysis and osmotic shock from occurring. Regarding milk production, the response varies depending on the breed and the level of water restriction, maintaining the milk volume or reducing it by up to 41%. Systemically, it decreases the urinary volume and glomerular filtration rate, increasing blood osmolality and the vasopressin (ADH) concentration. Studies are scarce regarding changes in blood flow to the mammary gland, but there would be a reduction in blood flow velocity of up to 40% without changing blood pressure. New studies must be undertaken to determine which breeds or crosses are the best adapted to changing environmental conditions and to improve our understanding of the changes that occur at the morphophysiological level of the caprine mammary gland.

Effects of Increasing Levels of Total Tannins on Intake, Digestibility, and Balance of Nitrogen, Water, and Energy in Hair Lambs

This study aims to evaluate the effects of increasing tannin levels from Mimosa tenuiflora hay on the intake, digestibility, and balance of nitrogen (N), water, and energy in hair lambs. Thirty-two Santa Ines lambs, at an average age of 150 days and body weight of 26.75 ± 2.29 kg, were randomly assigned to four treatments in a completely randomized design. The treatments consisted of four diets: a control diet, tannin-free, and three diets with increasing levels of total tannin, 26.2, 52.4, and 78.6 g tannin/kg dry matter (DM). Including the total tannins in the lambs' diet led to a quadratic increase in the intake of nutrients, N-retention (g/day), water intake, water absorption and retention, energy intake, and energy excretion in feces and gases. However, the digestibility of crude protein, neutral and acid detergent fibers, and total carbohydrates decreased. It was observed that there is a correlation between the variable nutrient digestibility and N-ingested and the N-absorbed, N-urinary, and N-retained. However, the N-excreted in feces did not correlate with any of the variables studied. It is recommended to include 33 g/kg DM of total natural tannins from Mimosa tenuiflora hay in the diet of hair lambs, as it improves intake, energy balance, dietary N, and body water composition while reducing the excretion of N-urinary and gas emissions to the environment.

Assessment of the adaptation of Nguni goats to water stress

The recurring drought and limited rainfall patterns occasioned primarily by climate change in sub-Saharan African countries threaten sustainable animal agriculture. The irreversibility of this natural phenomenon calls for an intensive and urgent selection of adaptable breeds that can cope but with minimal compromise on production indices. A water scarcity simulation study was conducted to assess the adaptation potential of Nguni goats to regulated watering by evaluating their growth performance, tolerance to heat and water stress and blood indices during the dry summer months. Eighteen growing Nguni goats (average age: 1 year; BW: 19.25 ± 1.6 kg) were assigned equally to three treatments: W0, without water restriction (WR); W70, WR of 70% ad libitum water intake (WI); and W50, WR of 50% ad libitum WI. The experimental trial lasted for 75 d following a 14-day acclimatisation to the housing condition. Data on growth performance, body thermal gradient, skin temperature (ST) and rectal temperatures, respiratory rate (RR), body condition scores (BCs), linear body indices and blood biochemical indices were taken. The results showed that the final BW was not affected (P > 0.05) by the water restriction levels. The daily gain, DM intake and total BW gain were similar (P > 0.05) in groups W70 and W50. Body thermal gradient and ST were not affected (P > 0.05). The RR and BCs decreased (P < 0.05) with increasing water restriction levels. The body and rump lengths and sternum height were similar (P > 0.05) for groups W70 and W50. There is an haemocentration (W0 < W70 < W50; P < 0.05) of sodium, Chloride, urea, creatinine, total protein, and cholesterol with water restriction levels. Generally, most physiological variables assayed were similar (P > 0.05) in the water-stressed groups (W70 and W50). Overall, Nguni goats showed an adaptive capacity to tolerate limited water intake.

Clinical, hematological and molecular evaluation of piroplasma and Anaplasma infections in small ruminants and tick vectors from Kurdistan province, western Iran

Tick-borne haemoparasite infections are a major challenge in small ruminant (SR) production across tropical areas. The present study evaluated the prevalence of Theileria, Babesia and Anaplasma in SRs and their tick vectors and estimated the association between pathogen prevalence with clinical hematological findings among SR populations in Kurdistan province, western Iran. In total, 250 blood samples and 250 tick species (one per animal) were collected from SR populations, along with clinical and hematological examinations. Microscopy of blood smears and molecular analysis were performed to detect potential infection with Theileria, Babesia and Anaplasma. Moreover, haemoparasites were explored in the isolated ticks using semi-nested PCR. Based on microscopy, the prevalence of Theileria, Anaplasma and Babesia infections was 91.2%, 23.2% and 2.4%, respectively. Semi-nested PCR analysis of blood samples demonstrated 86.8%, 78.8% and 14% prevalence for T. ovis, A. ovis and B. ovis, respectively. Dermacentor marginatus and Rhipicephalus turanicus were predominant isolated tick vectors from SR, while D. marginatus was the most contaminated tick in all investigated counties. There were, also, a statistically significant association between the estimated molecular prevalence rates with semi-yellow conjunctiva (A. ovis), body temperature (T. ovis and A. ovis), heart rate (T. ovis and B. ovis), mean white blood cell count (T. ovis and A. ovis), mean red blood cell count (T. ovis and B. ovis), as well as mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration in all haemoparasite infections. Future studies are recommended to reveal the epidemiology of such infections in SRs in Iran.

Embryo production and transplantation in non-breeding season of meat sheep breeds by stimulating superovulation with different follicle-stimulating hormone preparations

The objective of this study was to investigate the response of Charolais and Ile-de-France meat sheep breeds to stimulate superovulation with various follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) preparations. A total of 14 adult ewes of meat sheep breeds were used in our study as donors, including Charolais breed (n = 8) and Ile-de-France breed (n = 6). Donors ewes were randomly divided into two groups in equal numbers (first group, n = 7; second group, n = 7), every group included Charolais breed (n = 4) and Ile-de-France breed (n = 3). Ewes in the first group were treated with Folltropin-V (total dose of 200 mg per ewe, seven injections), and ewes in the second group were treated with FSH-P (total of 280 IU per ewe, six injections). Thirty-seven ewes of Edilbay breed used as recipients were divided into two groups (first group, n = 20; second group, n = 17). Our results showed that the number of corpora lutea in donor groups treated with Folltropin-V was significantly higher than in donor groups treated with FSH-P (p < .01). A greater number of embryos recovery and embryos suitable for transplantation were found in the first group compared with the second group of donors. After 30 days from transplantation, transabdominal ultrasonography showed that the presence of pregnancy in recipients groups was found in 16 recipient ewes (43.2%), in the first group of recipients were registered nine pregnant ewes of 20 recipient ewes (45.0%), and in the second group of recipients were registered seven pregnant ewes of 17 recipient ewes (41.2%). In conclusion, using Folltropin-V in Charolais and Ile-de-France meat sheep breeds is a more effective scheme for stimulating superovulation than using FSH-P.

Endemicity of Coxiella burnetii infection among people and their livestock in pastoral communities in northern Kenya

Background

Coxiella burnetti can be transmitted to humans primarily through inhaling contaminated droplets released from infected animals or consumption of contaminated dairy products. Despite its zoonotic nature and the close association pastoralist communities have with their livestock, studies reporting simultaneous assessment of C. burnetti exposure and risk-factors among people and their livestock are scarce.

Objective

This study therefore estimated the seroprevalence of Q-fever and associated risk factors of exposure in people and their livestock.

Materials and methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in pastoralist communities in Marsabit County in northern Kenya. A total of 1,074 women and 225 children were enrolled and provided blood samples for Q-fever testing. Additionally, 1,876 goats, 322 sheep and 189 camels from the same households were sampled. A structured questionnaire was administered to collect individual- and household/herd-level data. Indirect IgG ELISA kits were used to test the samples.

Results

Household-level seropositivity was 13.2% [95% CI: 11.2–15.3]; differences in seropositivity levels among women and children were statistically insignificant (p = 0.8531). Lactating women had higher odds of exposure, odds ratio (OR) = 2.4 [1.3–5.3], while the odds of exposure among children increased with age OR = 1.1 [1.0–1.1]. Herd-level seroprevalence was 83.7% [81.7–85.6]. Seropositivity among goats was 74.7% [72.7–76.7], while that among sheep and camels was 56.8% [51.2–62.3] and 38.6% [31.6–45.9], respectively. Goats and sheep had a higher risk of exposure OR = 5.4 [3.7–7.3] and 2.6 [1.8–3.4], respectively relative to camels. There was no statistically significant association between Q-fever seropositivity and nutrition status in women, p = 0.900 and children, p = 1.000. We found no significant association between exposure in people and their livestock at household level (p = 0.724) despite high animal exposure levels, suggesting that Q-fever exposure in humans may be occurring at a scale larger than households.

Conclusion

The one health approach used in this study revealed that Q-fever is endemic in this setting. Longitudinal studies of Q-fever burden and risk factors simultaneously assessed in human and animal populations as well as the socioeconomic impacts of the disease and further explore the role of environmental factors in Q-fever epidemiology are required. Such evidence may form the basis for designing Q-fever prevention and control strategies.

Towards Improving the Outcomes of Multiple Ovulation and Embryo Transfer in Sheep, with Particular Focus on Donor Superovulation

Considerable improvements in sheep multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET)protocols have been made; however, unlike for cattle, MOET is poorly developed in sheep, and thus has not been broadly applicable as a routine procedure. The tightly folded nature of the ewe cervix, the inconsistent ovarian response to various superovulatory treatments, and the requirement of labor to handle animals, particularly during large-scale production, has limited the implementation of successful MOET in sheep. Moreover, several extrinsic factors (e.g., sources, the purity of gonadotrophins and their administration) and intrinsic factors (e.g., breed, age, nutrition, reproductive status) severely limit the practicability of MOET in sheep and other domestic animals. In this review, we summarize the effects of different superovulatory protocols, and their respective ovarian responses, in terms of ovulation rate, and embryo recovery and transfer. Furthermore, various strategies, such as inhibin immunization, conventional superovulation protocols, and melatonin implants for improving the ovarian response, are discussed in detail. Other reproductive techniques and their relative advantages and disadvantages, such as artificial insemination (AI), and donor embryo recovery and transfer to the recipient through different procedures, which must be taken into consideration for achieving satisfactory results during any MOET program in sheep, are also summarized in this article.

Impacts of short-term water restriction on Pelibuey sheep: physiological and blood parameters

One of the projected effects of climate change is a reduction in rainfall in certain regions of the world. Hence, the agricultural and livestock sectors will have to cope with increasing incidences of water shortage while still maintaining productivity levels to feed an ever increasing global population. This short communication reports on the effect of a 2-week water stress on Pelibuey sheep in Cuba. Three treatments were compared, viz. supply of water ad libitum, water supplied once every 3 or 6 days. Following exposure to the water stress, the results showed no changes in sheep body weight or rectal temperature. However, respiration frequency was affected with water stress causing a reduction from 23.3 to 13.3 respirations per min in control and water-deprived animals, respectively. Furthermore, there was evidence for hemoconcentration in response to water stress (levels of hemoglobin increased from 9.2 to 13.1 g L^-1 and hematocrits from 27.6 to 39.3% in the control group and animals restricted to water once every 6 days. The imposed water stress was also evident in the reduction of lymphocytes (from ±63 to 43%), and in increase of neutrophils (from approximately 38 to 54%) and leukocytes (from 3133 to 4933 per mm³). The results indicated a decline in the levels of antioxidants, i.e., SOD from approximately 13 to 10 U mg^-1 protein and CAT activity from 23 to 9 U mg^-1 protein. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the response of Pelibuey sheep to short-term water shortage stress under Cuban environmental conditions.

Fatty acid profile, oxidative stability of lipids and sensory attributes of water restricted Xhosa goat meat supplemented with vitamin C

Context Water scarcity often accompanied by limited water intake (WI) in livestock may result in pre-slaughter stress, thereby affecting meat quality parameters. Aims This study was conducted to determine the effect of vitamin C (VC) supplementations on fatty acid (FA), lipids oxidation and sensory attributes of Longissimus lumborum muscles of Xhosa goats subjected to different watering regimen. Methods In total, 42 goats were randomly assigned into seven treatments: without water restriction, WR (W0, control); WR of 70% of ad libitum WI (W70); WR of 50% ad libitum WI (W50); WR of 70% of ad libitum WI+3gVC daily (W70+); WR of 50% of ad libitum WI intake+3gVC daily (W50+); WR of 70% of ad libitum WI+3gVC and extra 5gVC given every 8 days (W70++); WR of 50% of ad libitum WI+3gVC and extra 5gVC given every 8 days (W50++). The goats were fed for 75 days and killed following standard procedures. Bodyweight changes, thaw loss, ultimate pH (pHu), thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS), moisture and fat content, sensory attributes and FA profile of the meat were evaluated. Key results Results indicated that the decreased final weight in the untreated groups (W70 and W50) was reduced (P&gt;0.05) in the treated groups (W70+, W50+, W70++, W50++). The treatment effect was not significant (P&gt;0.05) on pHu, thaw loss and TBARS values. The moisture and fat content in the water-restricted groups were lower (P&lt;0.05) than in W0. The meat sensory appearance was affected (P&lt;0.05) by WR. Regardless of VC concentration, vaccenic and docosahexaenoic acid increased (P&lt;0.05), while linolenic acid decreased as the WR levels increased. Conclusions WR of 70% and 50% of ad libitum WI, with or without VC, did not negatively affect the meat’s lipid oxidation and FA profile. Implications Limited WI reduces body weight. However, a daily dose of VC could help reduce body weight loss during water scarcity.

Stress amelioration potential of vitamin C in ruminants: a review

Ruminants, as well as other livestock, can synthesize vitamin C (VC) in their liver, and therefore, dietary requirements from exogenous supplementation are often ignored. However, metabolic demand may be exceeded, leading to a decreased endogenous synthetic capacity of VC following exposure to stressful conditions. Such conditions include high thermal load, limited water intake (induced by water scarcity), physiological status and infectious diseases. The obvious consequences are decreased performance, susceptibility to infections and increased mortality. This review discusses the potential role of vitamin C in ruminants' stress management and summarizes the in vitro and in vivo research to date. The different administration routes, comparative advantages and supplementation outcomes on growth, production parameters and physiological status were also identified. Also, areas where there was a lack of evidence or controversy, including critical literature research gaps, were identified, while the mechanism of VC's actions on significant outcomes was explained.

Physiological response of WAD sheep fed different combinations of Guinea grass and ensiled Alternanthera brasiliana (L.) O. Kuntze based diets: Intake, haematology and serum biochemical indices

Animal feed shortages characterize the long dry season in most Sub-Saharan African countries. Studies exploring alternative feedstuffs with similar or complementary nutritional efficacy to the conventional ones are seriously canvassed. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of feeding West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep with different combinations of guinea grass and ensiled A. brasiliana based diets on their intake, haematology, and biochemical indices. A total of 30 growing female WAD sheep (BW =10.5 ± 0.92 kg; mean  ± SD), 12–18 months of age were allocated to five dietary treatments containing different inclusion levels of ensiled A. brasiliana (0%, 30%, 45%, 60% and 90%) in a trial that lasted for 90 days. Intakes were estimated daily and body weight changes taken weekly. Blood concentrations of haemoglobin, packed cell volume, white blood cells, differential white blood counts (lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils), red blood cells, total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine and cholesterol were also determined. The total dry matter intake (DMI) increased (P < 0.05) with increasing inclusion levels of A. brasiliana. While the feed conversion ratio decreased (P < 0.05), the final weight and average daily gain significantly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels ensiled A. brasiliana. The red blood cell, creatinine, globulin, cholesterol, white blood cell and its differentials were not affected (P > 0.05) by the inclusion levels of A. brasiliana. However, the total protein and albumin were influenced (P < 0.05) by inclusion levels of A. brasiliana. The inclusion levels of A. brasiliana up to 90% promote growth and were not harmful to the ewes.

Whole-Genome SNP Characterisation Provides Insight for Sustainable Use of Local South African Livestock Populations

Local cattle and sheep populations are important for animal production and food security in South Africa. These genetic resources are well adapted to the diverse climatic conditions and hold potential to be utilized in production systems subjected to climate change. The local beef breeds are well integrated into commercial livestock production systems with access to performance recording and genetic evaluations, while local sheep breeds are mainly utilised in smallholder and communal systems. The GeneSeek^® Genomic Profiler™ Bovine 150 K SNP genotyping array was used to evaluate the diversity and inbreeding status of four indigenous (Boran, Drakensberger, Nguni, Tuli), two composite (Bonsmara and Beefmaster) and two exotic (SA Hereford and Charolais) beef breeds. The Illumina^® Ovine 50 K SNP BeadChip was used to investigate five indigenous (Black Head Persian, Damara, Fat tail, Namaqua Afrikaner, Pedi) and three commercial (Dorper, Dohne Merino and SA Merino) populations. Although ascertainment bias was indicated by the low MAF (the autosome-wide proportion of SNPs with MAF< 0.05 ranged from 6.18 to 9.97% for cattle, and 7.59–13.81% for sheep), moderate genomic diversity was observed (mean H_o ranged from 0.296 to 0.403 for cattle, and 0.327 to 0.367 for sheep). Slightly higher levels of ROH-based inbreeding were calculated for cattle (F_ROH range: 0.018–0.104), than for sheep populations (F_ROH range: 0.002–0.031). The abundance of short ROH fragments (mean proportion of <4 Mb fragments: 0.405 for cattle, and 0.794 for sheep) indicated ancient inbreeding in both species. The eight cattle populations were categorized into indicine, taurine or Sanga subspecies based on principal component, model-based clustering and phylogenetic analyses, with high levels of admixture observed within the Drakensberger, Nguni and Tuli breeds. Within the sheep populations, a clear distinction could be seen between the dual-purpose breeds, the meat breed and the indigenous breeds. Despite directional selection practiced in the cattle breeds, genomic diversity was moderate with low inbreeding. The non-commercialized, indigenous sheep populations are more vulnerable with small effective populations. These results emphasise the value of genomic information for effective management to exploit the potential contribution of local genetic cattle and sheep resources in a changing environment.

Systematic Review of Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens of Small Ruminants in Pakistan

Ticks and tick-borne diseases (TTBDis) are a major constraint to the health and production of small ruminants in Pakistan. Despite being the subject of intermittent studies over the past few decades, comprehensive information on the epidemiology and control of TTBDis is lacking. Herein, we have systematically reviewed the current knowledge on TTBDis of small ruminants in Pakistan. Critical appraisal of the selected 71 articles published between 1947 to 2020 revealed that morphological examination had been the most widely used method for the identification of TTBDis in Pakistan. Tick fauna comprise at least 40 species, mainly belonging to Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma and Rhipicephalus. The prevalence of ticks is the highest in summer (June–September) and it is also higher in goats than sheep. Anaplasma, Babesia and Theileria spp. are the major tick-borne pathogens (TBPs), and their prevalence is usually higher in sheep than goats. Spatio-temporal distribution, genetic diversity and control of ticks and TBPs of small ruminants as well as the competence of tick vectors for various TBPs remain to be explored. Therefore, coordinated and focused investigations are required to fill knowledge gaps in these areas to maximise the health, production and welfare of small ruminants and minimise economic losses associated with TTBDis in Pakistan.

Performance, heat tolerance response, and blood metabolites of water-restricted Xhosa goats supplemented with vitamin C

Water restriction in small ruminants is usually accompanied by a drop in feed intake, body weight, and disturbances in the normal internal milieu. However, attempts to lessen the burden of water stress with vitamin C (VC) supplementation have been greeted with conflicting reports. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of single and/or multiple VC supplementations in water-restricted Xhosa goats by evaluating their performance, heat tolerance, and blood metabolites. In total, 42 does, 12 mo old and with an average weight of 15.92 ± 2.12 kg were evaluated for 75 d. The does were distributed according to a complete randomized design into seven groups of six comparable animals: W0, without water restriction (control); W70, water restriction of 70% of ad libitum water intake (WI); W50, water restriction of 50% ad libitum WI; W70⁺, water restriction of 70% of ad libitum WI plus 3 g VC daily; W50⁺, water restriction 50% of ad libitum WI plus 3 g VC daily; W70⁺⁺, water restriction of 70% of ad libitum WI plus 3 g VC and extra 5 g VC given every eighth day; and W50⁺⁺, water restriction of 50% of ad libitum WI plus 3 g VC and extra 5 g VC given every eighth day. Goats under the W50 group were the most affected (P < 0.05) and the effect was more pronounced in their body condition scores (BCs). Weight loss due to water restriction was reduced by VC supplementation in treated groups. Changes in body thermal gradient, rectal temperature, cholesterol, and bilirubin were similar (P > 0.05) across the various experimental groups. The attenuation effect of VC was significant (P < 0.05) in responses to respiratory rate, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻, Ca²⁺, and urea. Supplementation of VC (either single or multiple) did not significantly (P > 0.05) improve the effect of water restriction on BCs, FAMACHA, glucose, globulin, alanine aminotransferase, and high-density lipoprotein. The additive effect of multiple VC significantly influenced (P < 0.05) Na⁺ and Mg²⁺. Limited WI affects growth and other physiological parameters in Xhosa goats. However, supplementation of VC may be beneficial at modulating the stressful stimuli imposed by water stress.

Replication of Influenza D Viruses of Bovine and Swine Origin in Ovine Respiratory Explants and Their Attachment to the Respiratory Tract of Bovine, Sheep, Goat, Horse, and Swine

Bovine is considered the main reservoir of influenza D virus (IDV), however, low levels of seropositivity in other farmed species suggest a wide range of potential hosts. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether this scenario is the result of rare spillover events upon contact with bovines, or a lack of adaptation of IDV to these hosts. Among these species, sheep represents a crucial component of the rural economy in many developing countries, but little is known about its role in the ecology of the disease. To evaluate the susceptibility of sheep to IDV viruses of different origin, we used ovine respiratory tissues as an ex vivo model and investigated the infective phenotype of two IDV strains isolated from either bovine (IDV-BOV) or swine (IDV-SW). For translatability purposes, we included a parainfluenza type 3 virus, as positive control, given its known respiratory tropism in sheep. We performed a timed evaluation of the viral infectivity, cell tropism and the associated histopathology, by means of tissue culture infectious dose assays on supernatants and histological/immunohistochemical analyses on explanted tissues, respectively. To further investigate differences in the phenotype of these two strains and to identify the potential targets of replication in the most commonly land-based farmed mammalian species, we carried out virus binding assays on histological sections of the respiratory tract of bovine, caprine, ovine, horse and swine. Our results demonstrated that IDV successfully replicates in nasal, tracheal and lung ovine tissues, suggesting a moderate susceptibility of this species to IDV infection. Interestingly, despite the high genetic identity of these strains, IDV- BOV consistently replicated to higher titers than IDV-SW in all respiratory tracts, suggesting IDV viruses might display considerable levels of variability in their phenotype when crossing the species barrier. Virus binding assays confirmed a superior affinity of the IDV viruses for the bovine upper respiratory tract, and a preference for the pharyngeal epithelium of small ruminants, indicating possible targets to improve the sensitivity of virological sampling for diagnostic and post-mortem purposes. Further pathogenesis and cross-species transmission studies will be necessary to elucidate the ecology of IDV and eventually allow the design of cost-effective surveillance strategies.