Search Results (4,683)

Recent anatomical and morphometric studies indicate that the sella turcica is a structurally informative region and a distinctive anatomical formation that can exhibit shape variation among individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate, in three dimensions, the extent to which sella turcica morphology differs among three sheep breeds (Akkaraman, Morkaraman, Zom) and between sexes. A total of 102 specimens were examined. All skulls were CT-scanned specifically for this study; the sella turcica region was reconstructed as a three-dimensional model, and 12 anatomical landmarks were manually digitized for each specimen. The findings showed that sella turcica size differed among breeds, with the Zom group exhibiting the largest sella turcica size. In contrast, no clear size difference was observed between females and males. Shape assessment also revealed differences among breeds, largely driven by the separation of Zom from Akkaraman and Morkaraman, whereas no distinct sex-related shape pattern was detected. Importantly, the breed-related shape differences persisted after accounting for size effects. Overall, these results suggest that the sella turcica carries a breed-associated morphological signal in sheep, while showing no pronounced sexual differentiation in the present sample. Full article

The study used camera traps (2946 trap days, 60 sites) to investigate the diversity, habitat use, and activity rhythms of six sympatric ungulates in a montane ecosystem of southwestern China: tufted deer (Elaphodus cephalophus), Chinese goral (Naemorhedus caudatus), Chinese serow (Naemorhedus griseus), sambar (Rusa unicolor), wild boar (Sus scrofa), and blue sheep (Pseudois nayaur). Relative abundance indices indicated that sambar were most frequent, while blue sheep and Chinese goral were least common. Species showed distinct elevational, slope, and vegetation preferences, suggesting spatial niche segregation. Kernel density estimates revealed predominantly diurnal activity, with bimodal patterns for tufted deer, sambar, and Chinese goral, and unimodal peaks for blue sheep, wild boar, and Chinese serow. Temporal overlap was highest between sambar and tufted deer, and lowest between tufted deer and blue sheep. These results demonstrate spatial and temporal partitioning as key mechanisms enabling ungulate coexistence and underscore the importance of conserving heterogeneous montane habitats. Full article

This research aimed to investigate livestock owners’ willingness to pay (WTP) for a hypothetical livestock vaccination program in southern Ethiopia. We used both primary and secondary data. The former data were collected from 377 livestock farmers. We used descriptive statistics and a seemingly unrelated bivariate probit model to analyze the data. The double-bounded contingent valuation format was used within a seemingly unrelated bivariate probit model to identify factors influencing WTP for livestock vaccination. It was found that the average WTP for sheep and goat vaccination was 0.38 USD (United States of America dollar) yearly, while for cattle and oxen vaccination, it was 0.64. Factors such as the household head’s education, sex, and age; annual income; total livestock holdings; and farm size affected farmers’ WTP for sheep and goat vaccination in both initial and follow-up scenarios. Market access, farm experience, and access to credit also influenced WTP for cattle and oxen vaccination across both bid values. We suggest that improving socioeconomic factors, such as household well-being and access to credit services, is vital because these elements directly influence a household’s capacity to invest in livestock health and productivity. Establishing clear vaccination rates, with vaccine costs aligned to the average household income, is recommended. Full article

The longitudinal study investigated the impact of age at first mating (AFM) on milk yield (MY) across the productive lifespan of Alpine goats born between 2005 and 2018. Data from 740 animals across three herds and 3200 lactations were analyzed. The AFM of the studied population ranged from 7 to 23 months. The impact of AFM on MY was estimated using a linear mixed model, accounting for the fixed effects of parity, litter size, season, herd, and suckling and milking durations, with the individual goat included as a random effect to control for repeated measures. The impact of AFM on lifetime production was estimated by regressing total milk yield (TMY) and number of lactations (TNL) on AFM, while accounting for herd effect. The study revealed a notable shift in productivity patterns across the animal’s life. Every additional month of AFM significantly increased milk yield in the first lactation (13.28 kg; p < 0.001), but this influence vanished in subsequent parities (p > 0.05). These higher initial yields were insufficient to compensate for the losses caused by a shortened productive lifespan. Specifically, each month of mating delay resulted in a loss of ~0.08 TNL and 34 kg TMY, totaling ~1 lactation and ~400 kg of milk for a 12-month delay. Results suggest that earlier mating may improve lifetime productivity under intensive production systems. Full article

Semen quality and fecal microbial composition were compared between native Oula rams reared on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and Hu sheep rams introduced from lowland regions. Semen quality was analyzed in eight adult Oula rams and eight Hu rams, and fecal microbial composition was assessed via 16S rRNA sequencing. Results indicated that sperm acrosome integrity was significantly higher in Hu sheep than in Oula sheep (p < 0.001); other semen parameters showed no significant differences. Significant differences were also observed in fecal microbial communities between the two breeds. Compared with Hu sheep, Oula sheep exhibited higher microbial abundance and diversity at the phylum level, particularly Campylobacterota, Euryarchaeota, Planctomycetota, Verrucomicrobiota, Myxococcota, and Deferibacterota (p < 0.05). At the genus level, Oula sheep had significantly higher abundances of Treponema, Campylobacter, Methanobrevibacter, UCG-009, Family_XIII_AD3011_group, [Eubacterium]nodatum group, Candidatus Soleaferrea, Akkermansia, and unidentified_Ruminococcaceae (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis indicated associations between sheep semen quality and the top 30 abundant fecal microbial genera. Six genera showed significant positive correlations with acrosome integrity rate, and eight genera exhibited significant negative correlations (p < 0.05). Two genera were correlated positively with plasma membrane integrity rate (p < 0.05). Prevotellaceae_UCG-004 was positively correlated with sperm motility and Progressive Motility spermatozoa proportion (p < 0.05); Ruminococcus showed a significant positive correlation with sperm linear motility and a significant negative correlation with acrosome integrity rate (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that the microbial groups enriched in Oula sheep fecal samples and exhibiting negative correlations with acrosome integrity—including Ruminococcus, Treponema, Akkermansia, and Euryarchaeota—are associated with sperm quality through physiological adaptation mechanisms specific to high-altitude environments. Full article

Newborn sheep rely on passive transfer of immunity via colostrum as well as innate immunity for survival and adaptation to the extrauterine environment. This study examined associations between immunomodulatory constituents of colostrum, namely, immunoglobulin G (IgG), acute-phase proteins (APPs; serum amyloid A (SAA), and haptoglobin) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and their corresponding concentrations in serum of 2–3-day-old offspring in a cohort of 296 Dorper lambs across three consecutive years. It also assessed the effects of these immunological markers on average daily weight gain (ADWG) during the first four months of life. IgG, APP, and IL-6 concentrations were measured, and mixed linear regression models were used for all analyses. Colostrum and serum concentrations of IgG and IL-6 were positively associated, whereas SAA levels in colostrum were negatively associated with IgG concentrations in serum. Serum IL-6 concentration was negatively associated with colostrum concentrations of IgG and SAA. Serum IgG concentration was positively associated with ADWG, while SAA and IL-6 concentrations were negatively associated with ADWG. These results show the importance of immunomodulating factors in colostrum other than IgG and emphasize the long-term effect of the serum concentrations of these factors on growth performance. Full article

Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis are globally important intestinal protozoa causing diarrheal disease in humans and animals, with significant zoonotic potential. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, molecular diversity, and potential transmission dynamics of these parasites in humans, livestock, and environmental samples from a rural community in Türkiye using a One Health approach, and to assess their associations with gut microbiome composition. Faecal samples were collected from 124 humans, 305 livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats), and 40 environmental samples (water and mud). Parasites were detected using qPCR and nested PCR, with positive samples genotyped by sequencing. Microbiome profiling was performed using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Giardia duodenalis was detected in 12.1% of humans, 17.5% of livestock, and 2.5% of environmental samples, with assemblages A, B, and E identified, including the first detection of assemblage E in a human in Türkiye. Cryptosporidium spp. were found in 8.9% of humans, 19.3% of livestock, and 55% of environmental samples, with C. parvum as the dominant zoonotic species. Microbiome analysis revealed no significant differences in overall diversity. This study provides the first One Health assessment of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in Türkiye, emphasizing zoonotic transmission risks linked to livestock and the environment. Full article

The LOCAL project, ‘Biodiversity and enhancement of local sheep and goat genotypes with a predominant aptitude for milk production’, was developed in the Apulia region of Southern Italy. It adopted a multidisciplinary scientific approach to address the conservation of native sheep and goat breeds, and it aimed to engage a wide and diverse audience to contribute to the development of the territory. This work outlines some of the project’s objectives and, in particular, the activities relating to the historical documentation, census and morphological characteristics of four breeds: the Gentile di Puglia sheep and the Grigia del Subappennino Dauno, Capestrano Pugliese and Antica Murgiana goat breeds. The project’s results enabled the four breeds to be registered in the Regional Register of Animal Genetic Resources, paving the way for further initiatives aimed at implementing in situ and ex situ conservation of the breeds’ genetic heritage. Furthermore, the paper presents actions aimed at raising awareness of the importance of animal biodiversity and native populations, with a particular focus on education, tourism, and productive services. Full article

Sheep farming length of stay in the feedlot directly influences system profitability, mainly due to the high cost of feed. Thus, the use of predictive models based on body measurements is an important tool to define the optimal slaughter point and the ideal feedlot period. Thus, the aim was to evaluate predictive models of meat cuts and tissue carcasses concerning weight at slaughter (WS), loin eye area (LEA), and subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) obtained by ultrasound of the lumbar region of lambs. The WS and ultrasound measurements were obtained from a pre-slaughter collection of 45 lambs, divided into five groups, each weighing 15, 20, 25, 30, or 35 kg, with nine replications per group. Three regression models were evaluated: WS, LEA, and SFT (independent variables) and the cuts yield or tissue composition (dependent variable). Increasing WS resulted in greater carcass weight and commercial cuts. Above 15 kg body weight, bone weight showed little or no increase (allometric coefficient = 0.06), whereas muscle and fat tissues increased steadily, with allometric coefficients of 0.25 and 0.12, respectively. The commercial cuts showed a high and significant correlation with WS and LEA. The muscle and bone proportion of the leg had a significant (p < 0.10) correlation with SFT. For the weight of commercial cuts estimates, the inclusion of LEA and/or SFT with WS did not improve the coefficient of determination but made the predictions equivalent to the measured values. There were high determination coefficients when WS was only used to predict muscle, fat, and bone weight, but it was not efficient in predicting the muscle/fat and muscle/bone ratios and the percentage of tissues. The WS was the variable that best explained the weight and tissue content. The inclusion of LEA and/or SFT made little improvement to the predictive models. Full article

The reference genome serves as a fundamental resource for sheep genetic research and molecular breeding, and iterative improvements in assembly quality have directly driven advances in these fields. A systematic literature review was conducted by retrieving relevant studies from major scientific databases using predefined keywords related to sheep reference genomes and genome assembly technologies, followed by structured screening and comparative analysis of eligible publications. This review systematically summarizes the developmental trajectory of the sheep reference genome from early fragmented assemblies to telomere-to-telomere (T2T) genome assembly approaches. Different genome versions are comparatively analyzed from multiple perspectives, including assembly strategies, quality metrics, and functional annotation. Importantly, we propose a genome-resolution-driven analytical framework that explicitly links successive improvements in reference genome completeness with paradigm shifts in sheep genetic analysis, ranging from marker-based studies to structural variation- and multi-omics-enabled trait dissection. Particular emphasis is placed on the potential applications and biological research value of T2T genomes in assembly methodologies and multi-omics integrative analyses. Furthermore, the practical significance of different reference genome versions in genetic dissection, trait mapping, and breeding applications is reviewed, and future directions for sheep genome research are discussed. This review provides both a systematic synthesis and a forward-looking conceptual roadmap for advancing sheep molecular genetics and precision breeding in the T2T genomics era. Full article

This study investigates the typology of the pastoral farming systems in the arid region of southern Tunisia, with a particular focus on the governorate of Tataouine. A field survey was conducted among 111 livestock farmers distributed across different agro-ecological zones. The typology of breeding systems was established using a Factor Analysis of Mixed Data (FAMD), which identified eleven dimensions explaining 69.74% of the total data variance. The first three dimensions accounted for 15.91%, 8.79%, and 7.67% of the variability, respectively, and were defined by herd composition, resource availability, and management strategies, including variables such as the number of goats, sheep, and camels, distance to water sources, infrastructure, reproductive practices, and workforce availability. Hierarchical clustering revealed three distinct systems: System 1, regrouping “Small Urban Farmers”, defined by small-scale operations relying on family labor, localized feed resources, and market-driven production targeting urban consumers; System 2, representing large livestock, composed of professionalized operations with improved infrastructure, hired labor, and transhumance practices to optimize resource use and productivity; and System 3, for herds with camels, characterized by extensive systems utilizing collective rangelands and camels to adapt to arid conditions and ensure ecological resilience. The results emphasize how ecological constraints, infrastructure, and spatial organization shape the diversity of these systems. This typology provides critical insights into the challenges and potential of livestock farming in arid environments and offers a foundation for designing targeted interventions to support the sustainability of pastoral systems under increasing environmental and economic pressures. Full article

This study investigates the mechanisms underlying drought adaptability in Duolang sheep, a local breed from two distinct habitats in Xinjiang—an arid southern region and a grassland northern region—aiming to identify key factors driving differential environmental adaptation. Integrated multi-omics analyses were performed, including serum biochemical assays, untargeted metabolomics of perirenal and tail fat tissues, and transcriptomic profiling of lung, liver, and kidney samples. Our results revealed notable differences: (1) serum levels of GSH-Px, IL-2, and IgG were significantly higher in the southern group (p < 0.01); (2) metabolomic analysis identified key differential metabolites, including EPA (involved in unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis), choline (glycerophospholipid metabolism), L-serine and glutathione (cofactor biosynthesis), and taurine (sulfur metabolism); and (3) transcriptomic analysis revealed significant differential expression of genes such as FGF21 (thermogenesis), CD14 and DUSP2 (MAPK signaling pathway), GOT1 (arginine biosynthesis), and AVPR2 (vasopressin-regulated water reabsorption). Integrative correlation analysis further indicated that glutathione, EPA, GOT1, and CD14 are involved in energy and lipid metabolism, while taurine, AVPR2, and DUSP2 contribute to oxidative stress resistance and immune regulation. These molecular and metabolic adjustments collectively enhance drought adaptability in southern Xinjiang Duolang sheep. In conclusion, adaptation to arid environments requires enhanced antioxidant capacity and immune function, with metabolites such as EPA supporting lipid metabolism and genes such as FGF21 regulating fatty acid oxidation to limit triglyceride accumulation. Full article

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) is a foodborne pathogen whose virulence depends on the coordinated action of multiple virulence factors. Although deletion of either LIPI-4 or inlB reduces the virulence of Listeria monocytogenes, it remains unknown whether these two factors are functionally or regulatory connected. Therefore, we constructed an inlB deletion mutant and its complemented strain in the Lm928 and ΔLIPI-4 backgrounds. We assessed bacterial growth, biofilm formation, motility, host cell interactions (adhesion, invasion, intracellular proliferation), plaque formation, mouse organ colonization. Growth curve analysis showed no significant differences among strains. qPCR revealed that LIPI-4 modulates inlB expression in a cell-type-specific manner: inlB was downregulated in ΔLIPI-4 under culture and HTR-8 infection, but upregulated during hCMEC/D3 infection—yet functional defects persisted in all cases. Biofilm assays showed that ΔLIPI-4 and the double mutant exhibited enhanced biofilm formation, with the double mutant exceeding ΔLIPI-4, demonstrating synergistic enhancement. Motility assays indicated that LIPI-4 dominates bacterial movement, with ΔLIPI-4 and the double mutant showing identical severe defects. Plaque formation analysis showed that LIPI-4 is essential for cell-to-cell spread, while inlB deletion unexpectedly enhanced plaque formation—an effect completely abolished in the absence of LIPI-4. Host cell assays across Caco-2, HTR-8, and hCMEC/D3 models revealed that LIPI-4 is the core determinant of adhesion, invasion, and intracellular proliferation, whereas inlB contributes in the context of LIPI-4 and its effects vary with the specific cellular process examined. In mice, LIPI-4 was essential for systemic colonization of the liver and spleen, with inlB acting as a co-factor, whereas inlB unexpectedly promoted higher bacterial burdens in the brain, suggesting that inlB modulates LIPI-4-mediated neuroinvasion. Overall, our results establish LIPI-4 as the central determinant of Lm virulence, with inlB acting as a context-dependent co-factor that modulates LIPI-4-mediated pathogenesis in a cell type- and tissue-specific manner. Full article

The Huang-huai sheep (Dorper × Small-tailed Han), certified in China in 2019, initially exhibited issues with genetic uniformity and meat quality. A six-year (2020–2025) breeding program was conducted at two core farms (collectively housing ~2400 breeding ewes representing 12 bloodlines) using the custom “Yuyang Muxin” 10 K SNP chip containing functional markers for reproduction (FecB), growth (CLPG, ACTC1), and meat quality (FABP3, CIDEa). Genotyping and marker-assisted selection were integrated with BLUP breeding values. After six years, favorable FecB genotype frequency increased from 68.97% to 82.58% (p < 0.05), while genetic diversity remained stable (F_IS < 0.05). Mixed model analysis accounting for farm and year random effects revealed significant genetic gains: 6-month ram body weight increased by 9.1% (58.50 to 63.80 kg, p < 0.05), dressing percentage improved from 56.02% to 57.8% (p < 0.05), and loin muscle area expanded by 9.4% (24.50 to 26.8 cm², p < 0.05). Meat quality was enhanced, with shear force decreasing by 14.1% (38.65 to 33.20 N, p < 0.05) and intramuscular fat increasing by 40.0% (2.0% to 2.8%, p < 0.05). Lambs weaned per ewe per year increased from 2.38 to 2.56 (p < 0.05). EBV trend analysis confirmed that improvements were primarily genetic. After Bonferroni correction, CIDEa expression was strongly correlated with intramuscular fat (r = 0.89, p < 0.001) and FABP3 expression with arachidonic acid (r = 0.70, p < 0.001). Nine months was identified as the optimal slaughter age. The “Yuyang Muxin” breeding chip effectively accelerated genetic improvement in Huang-huai sheep, enabling synergistic enhancement of multiple traits. Full article

Natural pasture, the primary feed source in sheep production, often provides insufficient levels of essential minerals and vitamins required for proper metabolic regulation during pregnancy and early development. This study aimed to analyze patent developments of mineral and vitamin complexes (MVCs) for pregnant ewes and lambs and to evaluate the biochemical and molecular relevance of their components based on scientific evidence. A search of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) database using the keywords “vitamins for sheep” and “minerals for sheep” identified 120 patents related to sheep feed additives, including 23 specifically formulated for pregnant ewes and lambs. Comparative analysis revealed that calcium, selenium, iron, copper, cobalt, sodium, manganese, zinc, and vitamins A, D, and E were the most frequently included components. These micronutrients play critical roles in enzymatic activity, regulation of gene expression, antioxidant defense systems, and mineral homeostasis. In particular, zinc and selenium function as structural and catalytic cofactors for antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, while vitamins A and D regulate cellular differentiation and calcium–phosphorus metabolism through transcriptional control mechanisms. Additionally, functional additives, including amino acids and plant-derived bioactive compounds, contribute to improved mineral bioavailability and modulation of metabolic pathways. The analyzed formulations demonstrate a consistent focus on correcting mineral deficiencies, enhancing antioxidant protection, and supporting metabolic adaptation during pregnancy and early postnatal development. Overall, the findings indicate that modern MVCs are rationally formulated to improve mineral utilization, physiological stability, and reproductive outcomes, highlighting their critical role in optimizing maternal health and offspring viability in sheep production systems. Full article