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Keywords = Mongolian sheep

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24 pages, 2226 KiB  
Article
Melatonin Implantation Improves the Reproductive Performance of Estrus-Synchronized Ewes During Seasonal Anestrus and Enhances the Antioxidant and Steroidogenic Capacities of Granulosa and Luteal Cells
by Zengyi Duan, Menghao Liu, Junjin Li, Kexiong Liu, Qi Qi, Zhixuan Yu, Hadia Akber Samoo, Chunxin Wang and Jian Hou
Antioxidants 2025, 14(7), 895; https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox14070895 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 479
Abstract
Seasonal reproduction in sheep reduces reproductive efficiency. Melatonin (MT) plays a crucial role in reproductive processes. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a 5-day MT implant pretreatment on estrus synchronization and reproductive performance in sheep during seasonal anestrus. [...] Read more.
Seasonal reproduction in sheep reduces reproductive efficiency. Melatonin (MT) plays a crucial role in reproductive processes. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a 5-day MT implant pretreatment on estrus synchronization and reproductive performance in sheep during seasonal anestrus. A total of 40 multiparous Mongolian sheep were selected and randomly divided into two groups. In the MT group (n = 20), the ewes received an MT implant for 5 days, and then, they were given a progesterone (P4)-containing vaginal sponge for 14 days with equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) administered (330 I.U. per ewe; I.M.) at sponge removal. Control (CON) ewes (n = 20) were similarly treated but did not receive MT implants. The results demonstrated that MT implantation significantly improved serum levels of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), increased post-ovulatory luteal diameter and serum P4 levels, and reduced ovarian apoptosis. Compared with the CON group, the MT group showed significantly higher pregnancy (68.23% vs. 50.59%) and lambing rates (63.53% vs. 47.06%; number of lambed ewes/number of total ewes) following cervical-timed artificial insemination. Ovarian transcriptome analysis revealed 522 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the MT group compared with the CON group, including 355 upregulated and 167 downregulated DEGs. In addition, MT significantly enhanced proliferation and inhibited apoptosis in cultured granulosa cells (GCs) and luteal cells (LCs) in vitro. Moreover, it enhanced the antioxidant capacity of GCs and LCs probably by activating the NRF2 signaling pathway as well as stimulating steroid hormone synthesis. In conclusion, MT implantation 5 days before applying the conventional P4-eCG protocol enhances ovine reproductive outcomes during seasonal anestrus. MT implantation has a beneficial role on the growth and function of ovarian cells. These findings offer novel evidence supporting the functional role of MT in mammalian reproduction, and would be informative for optimizing estrus synchronization in sheep. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Redox Regulation in Animal Reproduction)
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17 pages, 4418 KiB  
Article
Effect of Roughage Source on the Composition and Colonization of Rumen Bacteria and Methanogens in Dumont and Mongolian Sheep
by Wenliang Guo, Hongyang Liu, Yue Wang, Meila Na, Ran Zhang and Renhua Na
Animals 2025, 15(14), 2079; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15142079 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 244
Abstract
Understanding the influence of the sheep breed and roughage source on the composition of rumen bacteria and methanogens is essential for optimizing roughage efficiency. The experiment employed a 2 × 2 factorial design. Twenty-four Dumont and Mongolian sheep (initial body weight of 18.94 [...] Read more.
Understanding the influence of the sheep breed and roughage source on the composition of rumen bacteria and methanogens is essential for optimizing roughage efficiency. The experiment employed a 2 × 2 factorial design. Twenty-four Dumont and Mongolian sheep (initial body weight of 18.94 ± 1.01 kg) were randomly assigned by breed to two dietary treatment groups (AH: alfalfa hay; CS: corn straw); the experiment lasted 90 days. The results showed that sheep fed alfalfa hay diets had a higher feed intake and weight gain, and Dumont sheep had a higher feed intake than Mongolian sheep (p < 0.05). The diversity and composition of ruminal bacteria and methanogens differed between Dumont and Mongolian sheep fed either AH or CS diets. The taxonomic analysis revealed a distinct clustering pattern based on the roughage source, but not on the breed. When fed a corn straw diet, the bacterial Chao1 index of Dumont sheep increased (p < 0.05), while the diversity and richness of methanogens in Mongolian sheep increased (p < 0.05). Additionally, we have identified unique biomarkers for the rumen bacteria and methanogens of Dumont and Mongolian sheep in response to different roughage sources. The results suggest that the differences in the microbiota of the sheep were associated with the roughage source and breed. The higher growth performance of Dumont sheep might be attributed to the increase in bacterial diversity and the decrease in methanogenic bacteria diversity. Full article
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15 pages, 2738 KiB  
Article
Long-Interval Prostaglandin F Combined with GnRH Improves the Estrus Synchronization and Reproductive Performance of Sheep During the Breeding Season
by Zengyi Duan, Menghao Liu, Junjin Li and Jian Hou
Animals 2025, 15(3), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15030336 - 24 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1401
Abstract
To improve the efficiency of prostaglandin F (PG)-based estrus synchronization in sheep, this study assessed the effect of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) included in the long-interval PG treatment regimen for sheep estrus synchronization during the breeding season. In experiment 1, 30 multiparous [...] Read more.
To improve the efficiency of prostaglandin F (PG)-based estrus synchronization in sheep, this study assessed the effect of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) included in the long-interval PG treatment regimen for sheep estrus synchronization during the breeding season. In experiment 1, 30 multiparous Mongolian sheep (3–4.5 years old) were randomly divided into three groups. In the progesterone (P4)–equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) group (P4-eCG, n = 10), the ewes were synchronized with intravaginal P4 sponges for 14 days, and received an injection of 330 IU of eCG at sponge withdrawal. In the PG group (n = 10), the ewes received two doses of 0.1 mg PG with a 14 day interval. In the PG-GnRH-PG group (n = 10), the ewes were synchronized by two doses of 0.1 mg PG with a 14 day interval like that in the PG group, but received 50 μg of GnRH 7 days after the first injection of PG. It was found that, at the end of treatment, the number of corpus luteum on the ovaries and the concentration of the serum P4 in the PG-GnRH-PG group were significantly higher than that of the PG and P4-eCG groups. In experiment 2, 59 multiparous Mongolian sheep (3–4.5 years old) were assigned to three groups, like in experiment 1 (n = 20, 20 and 19 for the P4-eCG, PG and PG-GnRH-PG groups, respectively). The estrus of ewes in the PG-GnRH-PG group was more synchronous compared to the PG group. After insemination of the estrus ewes, the pregnancy rate was numerically but not significantly higher in the PG-GnRH-PG group than that in the P4-eCG and the PG groups. In a field test, 285 multiparous Hu sheep (3–4.5 years old) were randomly assigned to a P4-eCG group (n = 142) and PG-GnRH-PG group (n = 143). Timed artificial insemination showed no significant differences in the rates of pregnancy and lambing between the PG-GnRH-PG and P4-eCG groups. We conclude that the addition of GnRH in the long-interval PG protocol may improve the efficiency of PG-based estrus synchronization, and would represent a potential alternative to the conventional P4-eCG based protocol during the breeding season in sheep. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Livestock Reproduction: Reproductive Technologies in Animal Science)
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17 pages, 5269 KiB  
Article
Effects of GABA on Oxidative Stress and Metabolism in High-Glucose Cultured Mongolian Sheep Kidney Cells
by Rina Su, Longwei Chang, Tong Zhou, Fanhua Meng and Dong Zhang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(18), 10033; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms251810033 - 18 Sep 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1828
Abstract
The Mongolian sheep, emblematic of the Inner Mongolian grasslands, is renowned for its exceptional stress resistance and adaptability to harsh environments, drawing considerable attention. Recent research has unveiled the novel role of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in combating oxidative stress. This investigation examined how [...] Read more.
The Mongolian sheep, emblematic of the Inner Mongolian grasslands, is renowned for its exceptional stress resistance and adaptability to harsh environments, drawing considerable attention. Recent research has unveiled the novel role of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in combating oxidative stress. This investigation examined how GABA impacts renal-cortex and medulla cells from Mongolian sheep exposed to high-glucose stress conditions, utilizing gene expression analysis and non-targeted metabolomics. Elevated glucose levels significantly reduced the viability of Mongolian sheep renal cells and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Conversely, the introduction of GABA notably enhanced cell viability, reduced ROS production, and stimulated the expression of antioxidant genes (e.g., Gpx, SOD, CAT) in the renal cortex. In the renal medulla, CAT expression increased, while Gpx gene expression showed mixed responses. Metabolomics analysis indicated that high-glucose exposure altered various metabolites, whereas GABA alleviated the metabolic stress induced by high glucose through modulating glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. In Mongolian sheep renal cells, GABA effectively mitigated oxidative damage triggered by high-glucose stress by upregulating antioxidant genes and regulating metabolic pathways, revealing insights into its potential mechanism for adapting to extreme environments. This finding offers a fresh perspective on understanding the stress resilience of Mongolian sheep and may provide valuable insights for research across diverse disciplines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Molecular Endocrinology and Metabolism)
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23 pages, 15222 KiB  
Perspective
Changing Asian Mountain Steppes Require Better Conservation for Endangered Argali Sheep
by Terry V. Callaghan, Irina I. Volkova, Igor V. Volkov, Alexey O. Kuzhlekov, Denis I. Gulyaev and Olga M. Shaduyko
Diversity 2024, 16(9), 570; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16090570 - 12 Sep 2024
Viewed by 2095
Abstract
We present a rare insight into the biodiversity of a remote, mountainous area of central Asia and outline challenges to conserve the critically endangered keystone argali (Ovis ammon ammon L.), the largest subspecies of mountain sheep. Existing conservation is set in the context [...] Read more.
We present a rare insight into the biodiversity of a remote, mountainous area of central Asia and outline challenges to conserve the critically endangered keystone argali (Ovis ammon ammon L.), the largest subspecies of mountain sheep. Existing conservation is set in the context of competition with livestock grazing and disturbance by local pastoralists. We suggest how this pressure would increase as pastures become degraded by a future more arid climate. Focusing on the transboundary population, migrating between the Russian and Mongolian Altai over the Sailugem Ridge, we track historical population numbers. Due to increased protection, the argali’s local population is currently growing. However, most argali populations live outside the protected areas where they are forced to compete for forage with livestock. Due to ever-increasing anthropogenic pressures, argali has almost reached the region’s environmental capacity, so the number of local populations is decreasing. Consequently, even the current situation requires more areas of protection, and climate change will accelerate pasture degradation, thereby further increasing competition with livestock. We present various ways to predict the impacts of changes in climate, e.g., the “7 M’s approach” and grazing pressure and then recommend additional conservation measures acceptable for the indigenous population of traditional pastoralists. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Restoring and Conserving Biodiversity: A Global Perspective)
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14 pages, 709 KiB  
Article
Effects of Transport Duration and Pre-Transport Fasting on Blood Biochemistry in Dorper × Mongolian Sheep
by Jin Xiao, Zhipeng Han, Xintong Li, Clive J. C. Phillips and Binlin Shi
Animals 2024, 14(10), 1482; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14101482 - 16 May 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1769
Abstract
Transport is a high-risk time for sheep, especially if the distances are long and sheep are fasted for a long time beforehand. Two experiments were conducted to compare transport durations of 1 hour (1 h) and 3 hours (3 h) and the effects [...] Read more.
Transport is a high-risk time for sheep, especially if the distances are long and sheep are fasted for a long time beforehand. Two experiments were conducted to compare transport durations of 1 hour (1 h) and 3 hours (3 h) and the effects of feeding before transport using Dorper × Mongolian sheep, which are typical of the region and may be tolerant of the high temperatures in the Inner Mongolian summer. Thirty 4-month-old male sheep were randomly divided into two treatment groups, with 15 sheep/treatment in each experiment, to evaluate the effects on blood biochemical indicators, stress hormone levels, rectal temperatures, and antioxidant status of lambs in summer. In Experiment 1, the levels of triglycerides and free fatty acids after 3 h transport were significantly lower than after 1 h transport (p < 0.05). The levels of thyroxine and malondialdehyde in blood were greater after 3 h transport than 1 h transport (p < 0.05). Creatine kinase levels after 3 h transport tended to be lower than after 1 h transport (p = 0.051). In Experiment 2, the levels of urea and superoxide dismutase in the group fasted pre-transport was significantly lower than those of the group fed pre-transport (p < 0.05). The serum cortisol level in the pre-transport fed group was higher compared to the group fed pre-transport (p = 0.04). Total antioxidant capacity in the pre-transport fasted group tended to be lower compared to that in the pre-transport fed group (p < 0.0001). We conclude that the reduction in nutritional status of sheep transported for longer and without feed pre-transport suggests that transporting sheep in hot conditions in northern China after fasting for a long period should be restricted. However, a decrease in the stress induced by transport following fasting is worthy of further study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Small Ruminants)
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18 pages, 6011 KiB  
Article
A Single-Cell Atlas of an Early Mongolian Sheep Embryo
by Tingyi He, Wenrui Guo, Guang Yang, Hong Su, Aolei Dou, Lu Chen, Teng Ma, Jie Su, Moning Liu, Budeng Su, Wangmei Qi, Haijun Li, Wei Mao, Xiumei Wang, Xihe Li, Yanyan Yang, Yongli Song and Guifang Cao
Vet. Sci. 2023, 10(9), 543; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci10090543 - 28 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2750
Abstract
Cell types have been established during organogenesis based on early mouse embryos. However, our understanding of cell types and molecular mechanisms in the early embryo development of Mongolian sheep has been hampered. This study presents the first comprehensive single-cell transcriptomic characterization at E16 [...] Read more.
Cell types have been established during organogenesis based on early mouse embryos. However, our understanding of cell types and molecular mechanisms in the early embryo development of Mongolian sheep has been hampered. This study presents the first comprehensive single-cell transcriptomic characterization at E16 in Ujumqin sheep and Hulunbuir short-tailed sheep. Thirteen major cell types were identified at E16 in Ujumqin sheep, and eight major cell types were identified at E16 in Hulunbuir short-tailed sheep. Function enrichment analysis showed that several pathways were significantly enriched in the TGF-beta signaling pathway, the Hippo signaling pathway, the platelet activation pathway, the riboflavin metabolism pathway, the Wnt signaling pathway, regulation of the actin cytoskeleton, and the insulin signaling pathway in the notochord cluster. Glutathione metabolism, glyoxylate, and dicarboxylate metabolism, the citrate cycle, thyroid hormone synthesis, pyruvate metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, thermogenesis, and the VEGF signaling pathway were significantly enriched in the spinal cord cluster. Steroid biosynthesis, riboflavin metabolism, the cell cycle, the Hippo signaling pathway, the Hedgehog signaling pathway, the FoxO signaling pathway, the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, and the Wnt signaling pathway were significantly enriched in the paraxial mesoderm cluster. The notochord cluster, spinal cord cluster, and paraxial mesoderm cluster were found to be highly associated with tail development. Pseudo-time analysis demonstrated that the mesenchyme can translate to the notochord in Ujumqin sheep. Molecular assays revealed that the Hippo signaling pathway was enriched in Ujumqin sheep. This comprehensive single-cell map revealed previously unrecognized signaling pathways that will further our understanding of the mechanism of short-tailed sheep formation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics)
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11 pages, 1443 KiB  
Article
Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Spreads from Pigs and Sheep in Mongolia
by Enkhbaatar Batmagnai, Bazartseren Boldbaatar, Amarbayasgalan Sodbayasgalan, Yuko Kato-Mori and Katsuro Hagiwara
Animals 2023, 13(5), 891; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13050891 - 1 Mar 2023
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3570
Abstract
Hepatitis E is a viral infectious disease in pigs, wild boars, cows, deer, rabbits, camels, and humans as hosts caused by Paslahepevirus. Recently, it has been detected in a wide variety of animals including domestic small ruminants. Mongolia is a land of [...] Read more.
Hepatitis E is a viral infectious disease in pigs, wild boars, cows, deer, rabbits, camels, and humans as hosts caused by Paslahepevirus. Recently, it has been detected in a wide variety of animals including domestic small ruminants. Mongolia is a land of nomadic people living with livestock such as sheep, goats, and cattle. Due to how Mongolian lifestyles have changed, pork has become popular and swine diseases have emerged. Among them, Hepatitis E disease has become a zoonotic infectious disease that needs to be addressed. The HEV problem in pigs is that infected pigs excrete the virus without showing clinical symptoms and it spreads into the environment. We attempted to detect HEV RNA in sheep which had been raised in Mongolia for a long time, and those animals living together with pigs in the same region currently. We also conducted a longitudinal analysis of HEV infection in pigs in the same area and found that they were infected with HEV of the same genotype and cluster. In this study, we examined 400 feces and 120 livers (pigs and sheep) by RT-PCR in Töv Province, Mongolia. HEV detection in fecal samples was 2% (4/200) in sheep and 15% (30/200) in pigs. The results of ORF2 sequence analysis of the HEV RT-PCR-positive pigs and sheep confirmed genotype 4 in both animals. The results suggest that HEV infection is widespread in both pigs and sheep and that urgent measures to prevent infection are needed. This case study points to the changing nature of infectious diseases associated with livestock farming. It will be necessary to reconsider livestock husbandry and public health issues based on these cases. Full article
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15 pages, 2043 KiB  
Article
Accumulation of Metals in the Environment and Grazing Livestock near A Mongolian Mining Area
by Bayartogtokh Bataa, Kodai Motohira, Delgermurun Dugar, Tsend-Ayush Sainnokhoi, Lkhamjav Gendenpil, Tserenchimed Sainnokhoi, Bolormaa Pelden, Yared Beyene Yohannes, Sumiya Ganzorig, Shouta M. M. Nakayama, Mayumi Ishizuka and Yoshinori Ikenaka
Toxics 2022, 10(12), 773; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics10120773 - 10 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3441
Abstract
The Mongolian economy is supported by rich deposits of natural resources, such as copper, coal, and gold. However, the risk of heavy metal pollution to livestock and human have been recently discussed. This research collected various samples from soil and animal (sheep, goat, [...] Read more.
The Mongolian economy is supported by rich deposits of natural resources, such as copper, coal, and gold. However, the risk of heavy metal pollution to livestock and human have been recently discussed. This research collected various samples from soil and animal (sheep, goat, horse, cow, and camel), blood and organs (kidney and liver) in the Mongolian countryside. These samples were processed, and the concentration of metals was quantified using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP/MS). As previously reported, arsenic was found at high levels of accumulation in soil. Selenium is another concern, as median concentration in one area exceeded the maximum allowable level. Cadmium and selenium were found to be highly accumulated in animal kidney. This research revealed the current pollution level in Mongolia based on evaluation of soil and animals. The concentration in animals could not indicate that animals had severe effects because of heavy metal exposure. However, kidney is eaten in Mongolia, and so there is a direct connection to human health, and this research suggested the possible risks posed by each edible animal. In particular, evaluation of metals in livestock is rare in Mongolia. This result can contribute to animal and human health in Mongolian communities. Full article
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10 pages, 466 KiB  
Article
Physiological, Immune Response, Antioxidant Capacity and Lipid Metabolism Changes in Grazing Sheep during the Cold Season
by Yanmei Zhang, Yabo Zhao, Changqing Li, Li Wang, Feng Tian and Hai Jin
Animals 2022, 12(18), 2332; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12182332 - 7 Sep 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2438
Abstract
Mongolian sheep are characteristically cold-tolerant. However, their cold adaptive processes, such as the physiological feedback adjustments that occur during the cold season, remain unexplored. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the physiological adaptations of Mongolian sheep in cold plateau environments. A comparative [...] Read more.
Mongolian sheep are characteristically cold-tolerant. However, their cold adaptive processes, such as the physiological feedback adjustments that occur during the cold season, remain unexplored. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the physiological adaptations of Mongolian sheep in cold plateau environments. A comparative analysis of the serum biochemical parameters, immune response, antioxidant capacity, and glucose and lipid metabolism of grazing Mongolian sheep in the cold and warm seasons was conducted. The results showed that in the cold season, the glucose and lipid metabolism and thermogenesis of the grazing Mongolian sheep were notably enhanced. Moreover, the immune responses were stimulated by increased levels of cytokines, such as IL-2, IL-1β, and IL-6, during the cold season. However, the antioxidant defense system was damaged; this damage was mainly characterized by decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes and an increased level of MDA during the cold season. Overall, glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, thermogenesis, and immune responses were stimulated to meet the requirements of organismal metabolic regulation to enable grazing Mongolian sheep to physiologically adapt to cold climatic conditions. Full article
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16 pages, 3679 KiB  
Article
The Experimental Infection of Goats with Small Ruminant Morbillivirus Originated from Barbary Sheep
by Milovan Milovanović, Klaas Dietze, Sunitha Joseph, Ulrich Wernery, Ajith Kumar, Joerg Kinne, Nissy Georgy Patteril and Bernd Hoffmann
Pathogens 2022, 11(9), 991; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens11090991 - 30 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2635
Abstract
Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a transboundary contagious disease in domestic small ruminants. Infections with the small ruminant morbillivirus (SRMV) were regularly found in wildlife, with unknown roles in PPR epidemiology. In order to access infection dynamics and virulence, we infected German [...] Read more.
Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is a transboundary contagious disease in domestic small ruminants. Infections with the small ruminant morbillivirus (SRMV) were regularly found in wildlife, with unknown roles in PPR epidemiology. In order to access infection dynamics and virulence, we infected German Edelziege goats intranasally with a SRMV isolate that originated from Barbary sheep from an outbreak in the United Arab Emirates. Six goats were infected with cell culture-isolated SRMV, and two goats were kept in contact. Goats were daily monitored, and clinical score was recorded. EDTA blood, nasal, conjunctival and rectal swab samples were collected for the detection of SRMV genome load and serum for serological analysis. Short incubation period in infected (4 to 5 dpi) as well as in contact goats (9 dpi) was followed by typical clinical signs related to PPR. The highest viral load was detectable in conjunctival and nasal swab samples with RT-qPCR and rapid pen-side test. Specific antibodies were detected at 7 dpi in infected and 14 dpi in contact goats. In general, high virulence and easy transmission of the virus originated from wildlife in domestic goats was observed. The virus isolate belongs to Asian lineage IV, genetically related to Chinese and Mongolian strains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Research of Emerging Viral Pathogens in Humans and Animals)
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14 pages, 2343 KiB  
Article
Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria-Inoculated Corn Silage on Bacterial Communities and Metabolites of Digestive Tract of Sheep
by Hongyan Han, Chao Wang, Zhipeng Huang, Ying Zhang, Lin Sun, Yanlin Xue and Xusheng Guo
Fermentation 2022, 8(7), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation8070320 - 8 Jul 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4075
Abstract
Silage is widely used as ruminant feed all over the world. Lactic acid bacteria inoculants are commonly applied in silage production to improve preservation efficiency. To investigate the effects of lactic acid bacteria-inoculated silage on the bacterial communities and metabolites of the digestive [...] Read more.
Silage is widely used as ruminant feed all over the world. Lactic acid bacteria inoculants are commonly applied in silage production to improve preservation efficiency. To investigate the effects of lactic acid bacteria-inoculated silage on the bacterial communities and metabolites of the digestive tract, twenty-four local hybrid rams (a hybrid of Small Tail Han sheep and Mongolian sheep with an average initial BW 27.8 ± 3.05 kg) were randomly divided into four groups fed with corn stalk (S), corn stalk silage, corn stalk silage treated with Lentilactobacillusplantarum (P), or corn stalk silage treated with L. buchneri (B). The results showed that compared with the control and B groups, the inoculant with P significantly increased silage dry matter (DM) content, while the pH value was significantly higher than that in group B, and the aerobic stability was significantly lower than that in group B. Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the two dominant phyla of digestive tract microbiota in sheep. Compared with corn stalk, sheep fed with corn stalk silage showed a higher relative abundance of Prevotella. P-treated silage decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes at the phylum level in rumen fluid. Silage treated with P or B increased the relative abundance of Prevotella, Ruminococcus, and Fibrobacter at the genus level in the rumen. A total of 498 differential metabolites in the rumen were detected when comparing the corn stalk and corn stalk silage groups. A total of 257 and 141 differential metabolites were detected when comparing the untreated silage and silages treated with P and B, respectively. These metabolites in the sheep rumen were correlated with bacterial communities, especially Butyrivibrio, Fibrobacter, and Prevotella. In conclusion, the addition of P and B during ensiling could change the fermentation and metabolites in the rumen by influencing the bacterial community. The change induced by these inoculants might be beneficial for animals’ performance and the health of ruminants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Microbial Metabolism, Physiology & Genetics)
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12 pages, 2192 KiB  
Article
Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Patterns of Muscle and Tail-Fat in DairyMeade Sheep and Mongolian Sheep
by Rongsong Luo, Xuelei Dai, Li Zhang, Guangpeng Li and Zhong Zheng
Animals 2022, 12(11), 1399; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12111399 - 29 May 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2880
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the genome-wide DNA methylation differences between muscle and tail-fat tissues of DairyMeade sheep (thin-tailed, lean carcass) and Mongolian sheep (fat-tailed, fat-deposited carcass). Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) was conducted and the global DNA methylation dynamics were mapped. Generally, CGs [...] Read more.
This study aimed to explore the genome-wide DNA methylation differences between muscle and tail-fat tissues of DairyMeade sheep (thin-tailed, lean carcass) and Mongolian sheep (fat-tailed, fat-deposited carcass). Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) was conducted and the global DNA methylation dynamics were mapped. Generally, CGs had a higher DNA methylation level than CHHs and CHGs, and tail-fat tissues had higher CG methylation levels than muscle tissues. For DNA repeat elements, SINE had the highest methylation level, while Simple had the lowest. When dividing the gene promoter region into small bins (200 bp per bin), the bins near the transcription start site (±200 bp) had the highest CG count per bin but the lowest DNA methylation levels. A series of DMRs were identified in muscle and tail-fat tissues between the two breeds. Among them, the introns of gene CAMK2D (calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II δ) demonstrated significant DNA methylation level differences between the two breeds in both muscle and tail-fat tissues, and it may play a crucial role in fat metabolism and meat quality traits. This study may provide basic datasets and references for further epigenetic modification studies during sheep genetic improvement. Full article
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16 pages, 2219 KiB  
Article
The Effects of Vehicle Type, Transport Duration and Pre-Transport Feeding on the Welfare of Sheep Transported in Low Temperatures
by Francesca Carnovale, Jin Xiao, Binlin Shi, Tanel Kaart, David Arney and Clive J. C. Phillips
Animals 2021, 11(6), 1659; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061659 - 2 Jun 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5538
Abstract
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 [...] Read more.
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. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Animal Welfare)
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13 pages, 1240 KiB  
Article
Whole Genome Sequencing Reveals the Effects of Recent Artificial Selection on Litter Size of Bamei Mutton Sheep
by Yaxin Yao, Zhangyuan Pan, Ran Di, Qiuyue Liu, Wenping Hu, Xiaofei Guo, Xiaoyun He, Shangquan Gan, Xiangyu Wang and Mingxing Chu
Animals 2021, 11(1), 157; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11010157 - 12 Jan 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3837
Abstract
Bamei mutton sheep is a Chinese domestic sheep breed developed by crossing German Mutton Merino sheep and indigenous Mongolian sheep for meat production. Here, we focused on detecting candidate genes associated with the increasing of the litter size in this breeds under recent [...] Read more.
Bamei mutton sheep is a Chinese domestic sheep breed developed by crossing German Mutton Merino sheep and indigenous Mongolian sheep for meat production. Here, we focused on detecting candidate genes associated with the increasing of the litter size in this breeds under recent artificial selection to improve the efficiency of mutton production. We selected five high- and five low-fecundity Bamei mutton sheep for whole-genome resequencing to identify candidate genes for sheep prolificacy. We used the FST and XP-EHH statistical approach to detect the selective sweeps between these two groups. Combining the two selective sweep methods, the reproduction-related genes JUN, ITPR3, PLCB2, HERC5, and KDM4B were detected. JUN, ITPR3, and PLCB2 play vital roles in GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone), oxytocin, and estrogen signaling pathway. Moreover, KDM4B, which had the highest FST value, exhibits demethylase activity. It can affect reproduction by binding the promoters of estrogen-regulated genes, such as FOXA1 (forkhead box A1) and ESR1 (estrogen receptor 1). Notably, one nonsynonymous mutation (p.S936A) specific to the high-prolificacy group was identified at the TUDOR domain of KDM4B. These observations provide a new opportunity to research the genetic variation influencing fecundity traits within a population evolving under artificial selection. The identified genomic regions that are responsible for litter size can in turn be used for further selection. Full article
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