Search Results (6)

Genetic resources of small ruminants are essential for food security in arid regions; however, basic data for each breed in Saudi Arabia remain incomplete. This study establishes a comprehensive national database through a systematic survey of 104 farms, covering 21,214 heads of livestock (sheep and goats) across the kingdom’s primary agro-ecological zones between January and October 2025. Although national census data indicate that major breeds of sheep such as Naeemi, Najdi, Arabi, and Harri or goats such as Ardi exceed the FAO’s numerical thresholds for “not at risk,” our analysis reveals a fundamental paradox of “genetic vulnerability,” defined as a high risk of inbreeding depression and genetic stagnation despite high census numbers. The results show significant regional variations in prolificacy (p < 0.05), with the southern region displaying a substantial productivity gap compared to the central and eastern regions, mainly due to reliance on traditional grazing (46.7%) and limited infrastructure. This vulnerability is driven by a high risk of systematic inbreeding, with 65.7% of breeders acquiring sires from their own herds, a situation worsened by a severe 80% shortage of high-quality breeding males in the central region. Furthermore, selection criteria heavily emphasize esthetic phenotypic traits (over 80%) rather than production indicators (less than 8%), hindering genetic progress. Correlation analysis showed that higher farmer education levels were negatively associated with reproductive challenges (r = −0.216), while high feed prices remained a near-universal obstacle (97.1%). To mitigate these risks, we recommend implementing region-specific sire exchange programs to break closed breeding loops and establishing a national performance recording system to shift selection focus from phenotypic traits to measurable productivity. This study provides a vital, evidence-based framework for transitioning toward data-driven, resilient conservation and breeding strategies. Full article

This study aimed to describe the anatomical and morphological features of cranial suture joints in sixteen sheep skulls and to compare these findings with those reported in other domesticated species. The study of cranial sutures extends beyond morphology to elucidate mechanisms of skull growth, as suture patterns function as regulatory units in cranial development, highlighting the important roles in comparative and evolutionary studies, age estimation, and fracture identification, and serving as reference points in veterinary surgery and radiography. A detailed anatomical examination of sheep skulls was performed to identify and classify cranial sutures based on their morphology and anatomical location. Sutures were categorized according to their structural patterns and regional distribution within the cranium. Twenty-eight cranial sutures were identified and classified into four morphological types: serrated, plane, squamosal and foliate. These sutures were distributed across the dorsal, ventral, lateral–vertical, and internal cranial regions, reflecting the complex organization of cranial bones, indicating intraspecies diversity influenced by species-specific cranial architecture and developmental factors. The absence of certain sutures, such as the sagittal suture in sheep, was found. This study provides a detailed anatomical reference for cranial sutures in sheep. In sheep, suture morphology is closely related to the skull’s adaptation to mechanical stresses during growth, including forces generated by fighting and self-defense behaviors and high chewing mechanics. The findings offer valuable baseline data for veterinary clinicians and anatomists in distinguishing normal anatomical patterns from congenital cranial abnormalities. Full article

The quality of milk is fundamental to producing safe milk and dairy products that are suitable for consumption. The objective of this study was to determine the influence that the content of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) has on the total mixed ration (TMR) and lactation stage of milk’s composition and the fatty acid profile (FA) of the dairy Najdi breed. During the lactation period, 48 Najdi ewes used the following four treatments: traditional feed (TR) and three total mixed rations (TMR1, TMR2, and TMR3) with different PUFA content. Milk samples were taken from whole milk in the morning. The chemical composition and FA profile were analyzed. The results show that the ewes fed TMR1 with a PUFA content (25.20%) produced high-quality milk as they contained high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUSF), linoleic acid (LA), α-linolenic acid (ALA) and omega-3 (n3). On the other hand, the milk of ewes fed TMR2 with PUFA (15.06%) contained high levels of unsaturated fatty acids (USF) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and had significantly reduced hypercholesterolemia (HFA). It can be concluded that milk fat, protein, and total solids in the milk of Najdi sheep increased as lactation progressed, while lactose remained constant. Furthermore, as lactation progressed, saturated fatty acids (SFA), stearic acids, and oleic acids (OA) increased while USF and MUFA decreased. TMR diets can directly benefit the producer and livestock by producing high-quality milk while reducing its economic value. Full article

Body condition scoring (BCS) can be used to assess the energy reserves of sheep during feeding, production, and weaning. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of BCS after parturition in stages of lactation (30 and 60 days) on the milk quality of Najdi ewes. The ewes were milked in the morning after their lambs had been isolated. Milk composition and fatty acid profiles (FA) were analyzed at 30 and 60 days of lactation after assessment of the sheep’s body condition. The sheep were classified into the following body conditions: 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0. Sheep milk contained significant (p < 0.05) levels of protein at a BCS of 3.5 and on day 60 of lactation. The ewes with a BCS of 2.5 had a high milk content (p < 0.05) of unsaturated fatty acids (USFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), oleic acid (OA), vaccenic acid (VA), and LA at day 60 of lactation. This result shows that the ewes with a BCS of 2.5 were able to produce high-quality milk, and 60 days of lactation was the preferred time for producing good milk and tasty and healthy dairy products. Full article

Recently, increasing attention has been paid to sheep milk products, which are high in saturated fatty acids (SFA), and the extent of their impact on human health. This study aimed to identify SNPs for PI, PIII, and Exon 53 in the ACACα gene and their association with the MC and FA profiles in Najdi sheep milk. A total of 76 multiparous Najdi ewes were used, and they were maintained using the same feeding system. Milk and blood samples were collected during the first lactation. A genetic polymorphism analysis identified 20 SNPs: 4 SNPs on PI, 6 SNPs on PIII, and 10 SNPs on Exon 53. In PI, the SNP g.4412G > A was associated (p < 0.05) with palmitic acid (C16:0), palmitoleic acid (16:1 n-7) and linoleic acid (LA), while SNP g.4485C > G was associated with CLA and vaccenic acid (VA) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in PIII, two SNPs (g.1168A > G and g.1331G > T) were associated with milk protein (p < 0.05), while the SNP g.6860G > C in Exon 53 was associated with milk fat (p < 0.05). SNPs in the Najdi breed have been shown to be strongly related to milk fat and EFA contents. This could support a genetic selection program and the control of milk traits in the Najdi breed of high-quality dairy sheep. Full article

Water scarcity is a common phenomenon in arid and semi-arid regions, which could have tremendous effects on livestock production. This study aimed to determine the level of water restriction that lambs fed on a pelleted diet can tolerate without compromising their production performance. A total of 24 male Najdi lambs were housed individually and randomly allocated into three equal groups, namely ad libitum water intake, 33% water-intake restriction, and 67% water-intake restriction. Dry-matter intake, feed conversion ratio, and average daily gain were decreased (p < 0.05) with the increasing level of water restriction. Water restriction had also reduced (p < 0.05) nutrient digestibility. The water-conserving ability of the water-restricted lambs was manifested by the production of concentrated and lower (p < 0.05) quantities of urine and feces. Meanwhile, serum osmolality and concentrations of albumin, total protein, urea-N, glucose, and non-esterified fatty acids were increased (p < 0.05) with the increasing levels of water restriction. It is surprising that lambs subjected to 67% water restriction retained more (p < 0.05) nitrogen relative to intake and had better (p < 0.05) efficiency of nitrogen utilization. It was strongly evident that lambs could tolerate water-intake restriction of up to 33% without compromising their production performance. Full article