Search Results (135)

The reuse of by-products from plant processing as feed for animals aligns with the principles of a circular economy. Feeding dairy ruminants agro-industrial by-products often alters the chemical composition and sensory characteristics of dairy items. A dual approach—classic with neuro-sensory techniques—was utilized to evaluate the effect of prickly pear by-products on the diets of dairy ewes. Fresh Pecorino cheeses made from the milk of two groups of sheep fed with and without prickly pear by-product silage were analyzed for chemical composition and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Furthermore, a neurosensory approach with consumers was used, combining electroencephalography (EEG) and temporal dominance of sensations techniques (TDS). Prickly pear silage in sheep diets did not alter the chemical composition of fresh cheese, but it did modify its fatty acids, with a significant increase in SFA (+2.60%) and PUFA (+0.33%), with a better n-6/n-3 ratio (−0.35%) due to higher omega-3 fatty acid content (+0.23%). The identification of VOCs revealed an increase in caproic acid (+27.27%) and n-caprylic acid (+6.47%) and a greater presence of sweet notes in the prickly pear-based cheeses, which exhibited a different aromatic complexity compared with the control cheeses. Even with a neuromarketing approach, sweetness remained the predominant sensation. Full article

The parturition season of grazing Tibetan ewes spans from October to March, a period that exacerbates the adverse impacts of nutrient-deficient herbage on milk yield, body condition, and postpartum recovery. To alleviate the weight loss of ewes during the cold seasons, we provided concentrate supplements at four levels (dry matter (DM) basis), 260 g (C1), 440 g (C2), 520 g (C3), and 610 g (C4), alongside a basal diet of grazed pasture. A total of 96 multiparous Tibetan ewes (third parity, body weight: 45.17 ± 3.69 kg (body weight (BW) were enrolled within 12–18 h postpartum and randomly allocated to four dietary groups (n = 24 ewes per group). We measured growth performance, ruminal histomorphology, fermentation parameters, and digestive enzymes. A multi-omics technique (16S rRNA gene sequencing and RNA-seq) was employed to investigate the mechanisms underlying alterations in ruminal function. The results showed that increasing the concentrate level decreased body weight loss and increased average dry matter intake (p < 0.05). Rumen morphology was significantly altered: papilla width and muscle layer thickness were greatest in the C4 group, whereas submucosal thickness was highest in the C1 group (p < 0.05). Cellulase activity was lowest in the C1 group (p < 0.05). Papilla width of lactating Tibetan ewes in the C4 group was higher (p < 0.05) than that in the C1 and C3 groups. Concentrate supplementation altered ruminal microbiota composition and diversity. Each group exhibited a distinct microbial signature: the C1 group was characterized by Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group, Candidatus_Omnitrophus, Paenibacillus, and unclassified_Oligoflexaceae; the C2 group was enriched in Papillibacter, Anaerovibrio, V9D2013_group, and unclassified_Peptococcaceae; the C3 group was characterized by unclassified_Bacteroidales_RF16_group; and the C4 group was characterized by Ruminococcus, Pseudobutyrivibrio, and Mitsuokella (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis identified differentially expressed genes (TRPA1, EPHB1, GATA3, C4, ABCG2, THBS4, and TNFRSF11B) that are predominantly involved in immune regulation, signal transduction, and nutrient digestion. The results of Spearman correlation analysis showed that Anaerovibrio was negatively correlated with propionate (r = −0.565, p < 0.05). However, it was positively correlated with the ratio of acetate and propionate (r = 0.579, p < 0.05). Moreover, Lachnospiraceae_XPB1014_group was negatively correlated with cellulase (r = −0.699, p < 0.05) and α-amylase (r = −0.514, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the increasing concentrate supplementation alleviates body weight loss in lactating Tibetan sheep by orchestrating improvements in rumen histomorphology, digestive function, altering bacteria composition, and ruminal immune and modulating host epithelial gene expression. Full article

Sheep and goats are essential in many parts of the world, providing meat, milk, and fiber while also aiding rural and low-income communities. The cost of feeding is a major factor in the overall expenses of animal production. Therefore, it is crucial to improve nutrient utilization and accurately assess nutrient needs. Sheep and goats in different parts of the world are raised under different systems influenced by variations in environmental conditions. In tropical areas, sheep and goats often consume low-quality diets that do not meet their production requirements. These substandard diets, which include high-fiber feeds like straw or hay, are commonly provided to small ruminants and can adversely impact their feed intake, digestion, and nutrient absorption. To address these shortcomings, these feeds are usually supplemented with high-energy and protein-rich ingredients. This is achieved by enhancing low-quality feeds and employing strategies such as enriched feed blocks. However, the feeding practices and utilization of sheep and goats are influenced by various factors, including climate, breed, and production system, all of which are critical to consider when assessing their feeding needs. For example, animals that are mobile, such as those in nomadic or grazing systems, expend considerable energy on movement, which requires supplementation. Additionally, an animal’s body size, shaped by genetics, affects chewing rate, rumen pH, and bacterial composition. Meat production factors may be improved with proper use of NFs in small ruminants. This review explores the dietary needs of sheep and goats in relation to different production factors. Full article

The enzymatic coagulation of milk, crucial in cheese production, entails the hydrolysis of κ-casein and subsequent micelle aggregation. Conventional assessment standards, such as the Berridge method, depend on visual inspection and are susceptible to operator bias. Recent methods for the identification of milk-clotting time rely on optical, ultrasonic, and image-based technologies. In the present work, the composition of milk was evaluated through standard methods from ISO and AOAC. Milk coagulation time (MCT) was measured through viscosimetry, Berridge’s operator-driven technique, and a machine learning approach employing computer vision. Coagulation was additionally observed using the Optigraph, which measures micellar aggregation through near-infrared light attenuation for immediate analysis. Sheep milk samples were analysed for their composition and coagulation characteristics. Coagulation times, assessed via Berridge (BOB), demonstrated high correlation (R² = 0.9888) with viscosimetry (Visc) and machine learning (ML). Increased levels of protein and casein were linked to extended MCT, whereas lower pH levels sped up coagulation. The calcium content did not have a notable impact. Optigraph assessments validated variations in firmness and aggregation rate. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) identified significant correlations between total solids, casein, and MCT techniques. Estimates from ML-based MCT closely align with those from operator-based methods, confirming its dependability. This research emphasises ML as a powerful, automated method for evaluating milk coagulation, presenting a compelling substitute for conventional approaches. Full article

This on-farm study explored the effects of diverse pasture systems and seaweed bio-stimulants (AgriSea NZ Seaweed Products, Paeroa, New Zealand) on sheep performance, metabolic health, milk composition, and carcass characteristics. A 3 × 2 factorial design was used to compare three pasture systems; ryegrass-white clover (RW), a 23-species diverse mix (DI), and functionally diverse strip swards (ST), with (SW) or without (CO) a seaweed bio-stimulant. Ninety pregnant ewes were stratified by live weight and allocated across six treatment groups (15 ewes per treatment). Lambing occurred on treatment paddocks. At weaning, 90 lambs (15 per treatment) were selected based on body weight and sex balance to continue through to finishing. Pasture chemical composition differed among treatments: ST had lower fibre (neutral detergent fibre, NDF; acid detergent fibre, ADF) than RW and DI, while SW increased dry matter digestibility (DMD) and metabolisable energy (ME), and reduced NDF and ADF (p < 0.05). Strip pastures improved lamb average daily gain (ADG) by 17% from lambing to weaning compared to DI, and by 14% from weaning to finishing compared to RW (p < 0.05). Seaweed bio-stimulant treatment enhanced lamb ADG by up to 12% and improved carcass traits, including loin and shoulder yields (p < 0.05). Ewes and lambs on seaweed-treated pastures exhibited lower serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations (p < 0.05), indicating better energy balance. Milk from ST and/or SW treated ewes had elevated omega-6 fatty acids and essential amino acids, suggesting enhanced nutritional value. These findings demonstrate that combining botanical diversity with natural bio-stimulants can improve animal growth, metabolic health, and product quality, offering a promising strategy for sustainable and welfare-oriented sheep production systems. Full article

This review synthesizes advances in livestock genomics by examining the interplay between candidate genes, molecular markers (MMs), signatures of selection (SSs), and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in shaping economically vital traits across livestock species. By integrating advances in genomics, bioinformatics, and precision breeding, the study elucidates genetic mechanisms underlying productivity, reproduction, meat quality, milk yield, fibre characteristics, disease resistance, and climate resilience traits pivotal to meeting the projected 70% surge in global animal product demand by 2050. A critical synthesis of 1455 peer-reviewed studies reveals that targeted genetic markers (e.g., SNPs, Indels) and QTL regions (e.g., IGF2 for muscle development, DGAT1 for milk composition) enable precise selection for superior phenotypes. SSs, identified through genome-wide scans and haplotype-based analyses, provide insights into domestication history, adaptive evolution, and breed-specific traits, such as heat tolerance in tropical cattle or parasite resistance in sheep. Functional candidate genes, including leptin (LEP) for feed efficiency and myostatin (MSTN) for double-muscling, are highlighted as drivers of genetic gain in breeding programs. The review underscores the transformative role of high-throughput sequencing, genome-wide association studies (GWASs), and CRISPR-based editing in accelerating trait discovery and validation. However, challenges persist, such as gene interactions, genotype–environment interactions, and ethical concerns over genetic diversity loss. By advocating for a multidisciplinary framework that merges genomic data with phenomics, metabolomics, and advanced biostatistics, this work serves as a guide for researchers, breeders, and policymakers. For example, incorporating DGAT1 markers into dairy cattle programs could elevate milk fat content by 15-20%, directly improving farm profitability. The current analysis underscores the need to harmonize high-yield breeding with ethical practices, such as conserving heat-tolerant cattle breeds, like Sahiwal. Full article

With economic development and improved living standards, the demand for mutton and wool continues to grow, and improving the production performance and genetic potential of sheep breeds has become the key to promoting the high-quality development of the sheep industry. Thus, this study analyzes the influencing factors of the early production traits of Yunnan semi-fine wool sheep, optimizes the genetic evaluation model, and relies on accurate genetic parameter estimation to provide a theoretical basis for formulating a scientific and efficient breeding strategy for this breed. Data were collected from the Laishishan and Xiaohai breeding farms in Qiaojia, Yunnan, covering production records of the core flock from 2018 to 2022. Using the GLM procedure in SAS 9.4 software, this study analyzed the non-genetic influences on early production traits in Yunnan semi-fine wool sheep. Concurrently, Danish Milk Unit 5 (DMU 5) software estimated the variance components across various animal models for each trait. Employing the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and likelihood ratio test (LRT), six models were tested, incorporating or excluding maternal inheritance and environmental impacts, to identify the optimal model for deriving the genetic parameters. The results show that the birth year, dam age, sex, flock and litter size significantly affect both the Birth Weight (BWT) and Weaning Weight (WWT) (p < 0.01). Additionally, the birth month was found to exert a significant effect on Birth Weight (BWT) (p < 0.01), the weaning month has a significant effect on the Weaning Weight (WWT) (p < 0.05). No significant effects of farm location were observed on either trait (p > 0.05). The most accurate genetic evaluation model determined the heritability of the Birth Weight (BWT) and Weaning Weight (WWT) as 0.3123 and 0.3471. From a production perspective, improving lamb birth, Weaning Weight (WWT), feed composition, and maternal nutrition during gestation is vital for breeding efficiency. This study not only identified the optimal animal models for early growth traits in Yunnan semi-fine wool sheep, offering a precise basis for estimating genetic parameters but also provides theoretical guidance for genetic selection and breed improvement in this population. Full article

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has raised concerns regarding the use of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) as a pasteurization marker in non-cow milk due to compositional differences. This study investigates the thermal inactivation kinetics of ALP in six milk species (cow, sheep, goat, donkey, buffalo and camel) to assess its reliability as an indicator. The thermal inactivation of ALP in different milk types was evaluated by heating samples at 63–75 °C at various times, then measuring residual enzyme activity using a spectrophotometric method. The results revealed a sharp increase in ALP inactivation with rising temperatures, consistent with previous findings on the enzyme’s thermal sensitivity. Notably, donkey milk exhibited the highest ALP inactivation at 72 °C, probably due to lower fat content compared to the rest of milk types studied, while camel milk showed the lowest inactivation rate constant (k_T) at 75 °C, highlighting its higher heat resistance compared to bovine milk. These findings highlight potential limitations of using the ALP test to verify pasteurization in non-bovine milk, which is directly linked to microbial safety, as well as the preservation of nutritional and sensory characteristics. This study reinforces the importance of considering milk composition, particularly fat and protein structures, in optimizing pasteurization conditions for diverse milk varieties. Full article

Feeding accounts for approximately 70% of total costs in livestock production, underscoring the need for cost-effective and high-quality alternative feed sources. Almond hulls (AHs), a byproduct of the almond processing industry, represent a promising option due to their availability and potential nutritional value. Moreover, their inclusion in animal diets contributes to a reduction in environmental waste associated with their disposal. This study examined the effects of incorporating 4% sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-treated AHs into the diets of Assaf sheep (rams, ewes, and growing lambs) on feed utilization and animal performance. The experiment evaluated the chemical composition of AHs, nutrient digestibility, sexual behavior and semen quality in rams, milk composition in ewes, and the performance of growing lambs fed diets with increasing levels of inclusion of AHs. A total of 60 ewes and 21 rams were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups, receiving diets containing 0%, 20%, or 40% AHs. NaOH treatment reduced the concentrations of organic matter and fiber fractions, while increasing the crude protein concentration of AHs (p < 0.01). Diets containing AHs did not affect nutrient digestibility (p > 0.05). Feeding a diet with 40% Na-OH-treated AHs significantly improved the daily weight gain (p = 0.002) of growing lambs up to 70 days after birth, and enhanced (p < 0.05) the libido, scrotal circumference, and semen quality of mature rams. In addition, ewes fed a diet containing 40% AHs showed (p < 0.05) improved fertility, prolificacy, and milk quality. NaOH-treated AHs are a cost-effective and sustainable feed ingredient that can improve reproductive performance and milk production, thereby increasing overall livestock productivity. The 40% inclusion level yielded the most favorable outcomes across all performance parameters evaluated in rams, ewes, and lambs. Full article

Adequate management of replacement ewe lambs (F0) in dairy sheep farms during postnatal life may modify the germline cells, thus promoting transmission of intergenerational effects to the offspring (F1). To test this hypothesis, 18 newborn male lambs (F1), either born from methionine-supplemented ewe lambs (F0 ewe lambs being fed ad libitum with a milk replacer supplemented with 1 g methionine/kg DM) or not supplemented (F0 ewe lambs being fed ad libitum with the same milk replacer with no methionine added), were included in the present study. All the male F1 lambs were managed exactly in the same way along the whole lifespan in order to bring out the differences caused by methionine supplementation of F0 dams. Our data show that the methionine supplementation of dams (F0) during the suckling period did not promote significant (p > 0.05) changes on feed intake, growth rate, or feed efficiency of F1 male lambs during the fattening period. Moreover, the meat chemical composition (proximal, fatty acid profile, and volatile compounds) was similar for both groups (p > 0.05), but the meat of F1-MET lambs presented higher redness and hardness (p < 0.05) when compared to F1-CTRL lambs. The biochemical profile also highlighted significant (p < 0.05) differences in the serum creatinine and calcium content that may be at least partially related to the meat quality traits observed. Overall, all these results suggest that methionine supplementation of lambs (F0) during early postnatal life causes permanent changes in the offspring. This has positive effects, such as achieving a more attractive color of lamb meat (F1) for consumers, and negative effects, such as reduced meat tenderness. Full article

Introduction: Grazing dairy ewes are often heavily challenged by parasitic infections, which represent one of the most important concerns in sheep farming due to their impacts on dairy sheep production. Objectives: The objectives of the present study were (i) to compare the short (i.e., albendazole) and long (i.e., eprinomectin) persistent effect of these anthelmintics in reducing infections by gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in ewes and (ii) to determine these effects on milk yield and quality in naturally infected with GIN dairy ewes. Methods: On each farm, 40 selected ewes were divided into four similar groups on Day 0 based on their fecal egg counts (eggs per gram of feces; epg) as follows: Group 1—control group; Group 2—albendazole-treated group; Group 3—pour-on eprinomectin-treated group; Group 4—injectable eprinomectin-treated group. Fecal egg counts and coprocultures were performed on Days 0, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75. The milk yield and milk quality (i.e., fat and protein concentration and somatic cell counts) were estimated on the aforementioned occasions. Results: Eprinomectin outperformed albendazole in treating gastrointestinal nematode infections in dairy ewes. Both pour-on and injectable eprinomectin formulations provided long-lasting protection by reducing fecal egg counts (i.e., from 92.1% to 99.9%). Furthermore, eprinomectin-treated ewes exhibited increased daily milk yield and improved milk composition in terms of fat and protein concentrations and somatic cell counts. Conclusions: These findings highlight the benefits of long-persistent efficacy of eprinomectin as a preferred anthelmintic treatment for lactating dairy ewes, offering enhanced productivity and milk quality, while addressing parasite resistance concerns. Full article

In dairy sheep, optimum nutrition is required to maintain a positive energy and nitrogen balance, and therefore, achieve adequate performance levels. In this sense, supplemental rumen-protected methionine (RPMet) has been a nutritional strategy used to improve the availability of amino acids in sheep for milk production. The aim of the current study is to assess the effect of RPMet supplementation on the milk yield and milk composition of crossbred dairy sheep. Twenty F1 sheep (50% Pelibuey × 50% East Friesian) were randomly assigned to one of the following three treatments: C (control: 0 g/d), 3 g (3.0 g/d), or 6 g (6 g/d) of RPMet added to the basal diet from day 2 to 120 after lambing. Milk yield was significantly higher in sheep supplemented with 6 g of RPMet (p = 0.04) with a linear effect (p < 0.001). In relation to protein yield, the 6 g treatment showed the highest values (55.5 g/day) in comparison with the control (35.2 g/day) and 3 g (42.3 g/day) treatments. Also, lactose (p = 0.02) and non-fat solid yield (p = 0.03) were positively affected by the methionine supplementation. Our results suggest that methionine supplementation is an option to increase milk production, likely associated with the better availability of nutrients of dairy sheep farms using crossbred sheep in regions with an incipient dairy sheep industry. Full article

This study examined the effects of incorporating processed (hydrolysed) (POP) and unprocessed (non-hydrolysed) (UOP) orange peels into the diets of lactating ewes on the proximate composition, fatty acid profile, antioxidant properties, physicochemical characteristics, and sensory attributes of traditional sheep milk yoghurt. Thirty-six Chios breed ewes were divided into three dietary groups: POP, UOP, and a conventional control diet (Control). Yoghurt produced from the UOP and POP diets had higher protein content (5.93 and 5.53%, respectively) and fat content (6.79 and 6.24%, respectively) compared to the Control (5.42% for protein and 6.06% for fat). Additionally, there were no significant differences in the nutritional indices of yoghurt fat. The determination of antioxidant activity showed no significant differences among the groups using the ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP methods, whereas significant differences were observed when measured with the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Textural analysis revealed that UOP yoghurt had greater firmness and cohesiveness. The whiteness index of yoghurt across all treatments remained consistent during storage, maintaining the desirable visual characteristics of traditional sheep milk yoghurt. Syneresis levels were similar across all groups, indicating no negative effects on yoghurt stability. Sensory evaluation confirmed the high acceptability of yoghurt produced from both experimental diets. These findings highlight the potential of orange peels as a sustainable feed additive, with no adverse effects on the nutritional, functional, or sensory properties of dairy products, while contributing to effective waste valorisation. Full article

Fermented milk products, such as yogurt, undergo significant changes in their physicochemical, sensory, textural, and rheological properties based on fermentation time and storage. This study investigated how different fermentation times (4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 h) and storage durations (1, 7, 14, and 21 days) influenced the characteristics of probiotic yogurt made from sheep milk, cow milk, and a blend of both. Using 2% of each of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Streptococcus thermophilus, fermentation was conducted at 40 °C. The results demonstrated that fermentation time and storage had a significant impact on pH, acidity, total bacterial count (TBC), water-holding capacity (WHC), syneresis, and sensory attributes. Probiotic yogurt made from sheep milk, when fermented for 6 h and stored for 1 day, exhibited the highest acidity (109.42 °T), total bacterial count (TBC) (592.41 × 10⁶ cfu/g), water-holding capacity (WHC) (658.42 g/kg), and sensory score (8.62), with a final pH of 4.25. In contrast, cow milk yogurt, fermented for 5 h and stored for 14 days, had the lowest acidity (81.76 °T), TBC (305.75 × 10⁶ cfu/g), and sensory score (6.24), with a pH of 4.44. The blended yogurt, fermented for 6–7 h and stored for 1 day, showed intermediate values, with an acidity of 89.55 °T, TBC of 284.33 × 10⁶ cfu/g, and a sensory score of 7.24. Syneresis varied from 18.06 to 19.67, with cow milk yogurt, fermented for 6 h and stored for 1 day, exhibiting the highest level. These findings highlight the impact of fermentation time and storage on yogurt quality, with optimized conditions enhancing texture, stability, and sensory appeal. These variations in yogurt properties highlight the critical role of fermentation time and storage conditions in defining texture and stability. Notably, the optimal fermentation times for achieving desirable physicochemical and sensory properties were found to be 6 h for sheep milk yogurt, 5 h for cow milk yogurt, and 6–7 h for the blend. The findings emphasize the importance of milk composition and fermentation conditions in optimizing probiotic yogurt quality. Furthermore, the study underscores the potential of sheep milk in producing yogurt with superior sensory and textural characteristics, offering promising opportunities for the development of high-quality functional dairy products. Full article

The objective of the study was two-fold and is as follows: (i) to investigate genotype-by-environment (G × E) interactions for milk yield and composition in purebred Lacaune sheep reared intensively in Greece and semi-extensively in France, and (ii) to estimate the potential genetic gain of selection based on genetic evaluations jointly calculated in both countries compared to each country separately. A total of 1658 Lacaune ewes from 4 intensive farms in Northern Greece and 4859 Lacaune ewes from 186 semi-extensive farms in Southern France were used. Ewes in the two countries were daughters or granddaughters of the same rams (6 common sires and 11 common grandsires). Individual ewe milk yield was recorded monthly, and milk samples were collected to assess their chemical composition. The total milk yield and milk component content were calculated. Results showed a strong genetic correlation for milk yield (0.86 ± 0.13, p < 0.05) and protein content (0.88 ± 0.12, p < 0.05) between the two countries, suggesting no strong evidence of G × E interaction. In the case of fat content, a moderate correlation was found (0.59 ± 0.21, p < 0.05) indicating some degree of sire re-ranking. Results suggest that a joint genetic evaluation and selection of Lacaune sheep in Greece and France is feasible. Simulations showed that selection across countries is estimated to increase genetic gain up to 68.17% and 0.16% in Greece and France, respectively, as compared to selection within a country. Full article