Small Ruminant Research最新文献

{"title":"Association analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms of LMOD3 gene and feed efficiency in sheep","authors":"Lijuan He ,&nbsp;Weimin Wang ,&nbsp;Xiaojuan Wang ,&nbsp;Deyin Zhang ,&nbsp;Yukun Zhang ,&nbsp;Yuan Zhao ,&nbsp;Xiaolong Li ,&nbsp;Liming Zhao ,&nbsp;Dan Xu ,&nbsp;Xiaobin Yang ,&nbsp;Zongwu Ma ,&nbsp;Dewen Kong ,&nbsp;Qi Zhang ,&nbsp;Xiaoxue Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107494","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107494","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Feed efficiency is a crucial target traits in livestock production. The <em>LMOD3</em> gene is involved in the assembly and stability regulation of actin fibers in muscle cells.The member related to the formation of actin filaments A is significantly associated with the high feed efficiency group. The idea of this paper was to explore the influence of the <em>LMOD3</em> gene polymorphism on the feed efficiency of Hu sheep. In this investigation, 984 male Hu sheep aged 120–140 days were meticulously evaluated for key parameters including body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The polymorphic locus of <em>LMOD3</em> gene was identified by sanger sequencing. The expression level of the <em>LMOD3</em> was measured by reverse transcriptional quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results showed that <em>LMOD3</em> was mutated from C to A at the 33976909 base of intron 1. The results of association analysis showed that the FCR of AA genotype was significantly lower than that of CC genotype (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05), and the ADG of AA genotype was significantly higher than that of CC genotype (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). qRT-PCR results revealed that the mRNA expression of <em>LMOD3</em> in muscle was significantly higher than that in other tissues, except spleen (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). The expression levels of different genotypes in muscle tissue showed that AA genotype was significantly higher than CC genotype. In short, <em>LMOD3</em> may potentially regulate the feed efficiency of Hu sheep. The findings of this research have established a theoretical framework for understanding the growth and development of Hu sheep.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"247 ","pages":"Article 107494"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143759313","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of genetic selection for increased production on fitness traits of small ruminants","authors":"Carina Visser","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107491","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107491","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Many sheep and goat breeds worldwide are subjected to high levels of selection emphasis to increase production of meat, milk and fibres. The continuous selection on a small number of traits have resulted in unintended consequences, mostly as adverse effects on the fitness of animals. Selection for increased dairy production led to an increase in mastitis incidence, while selection for increased meat yield impacted on the prevalence of <em>MSTN</em> and <em>CLPG</em> mutations. Reproduction efficiency is the single most important trait in any small ruminant production system. Selection for increased litter sizes in small ruminants has resulted in increased numbers of triplet and quadruplet pregnancies, with an associated increase in mortalities and reproductive wastage. To optimize a genetic response, a balanced approach should be followed to set breeding objectives that include some of these fitness traits. Selection for increased resilience to even one stressor (such as mastitis) could result in an improvement of overall robustness. As the accurate recording of health and welfare traits is currently a limitation, mitigation strategies should include the generation of novel phenotypes which could also be included in genomic solutions to address the current shortcomings of breeding programs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"247 ","pages":"Article 107491"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143715154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ruminal and intestinal morphometric parameters of lambs fed diets containing Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) hay replacing Buffel grass hay","authors":"Mikael Leandro Duarte de Lima Tolentino ,&nbsp;Laura Honório de Oliveira Tolentino ,&nbsp;Larissa Maria Feitosa Gonçalves ,&nbsp;Otávio Brilhante de Sousa ,&nbsp;José Morais Pereira Filho ,&nbsp;Tairon Pannunzio Dias-Silva ,&nbsp;Antonio Leandro Chaves Gurgel ,&nbsp;Marcos Jácome de Araújo","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107493","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107493","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study aimed to evaluate the morphometric parameters of the ruminal papillae, and intestinal villi of lambs fed diets containing <em>Mimosa tenuiflora</em> (Willd.) hay replacing Buffel grass (<em>Cenchrus ciliaris</em> L.) hay. Twenty-eight Santa Inês male lambs with initial body weight of 20.3 ± 1.49 kg were used, being distributed in a completely randomized design with four experimental treatments (0, 333, 670, and 1000 g/kg of <em>Mimosa tenuiflora</em> hay). The width of the ruminal papillae was not affected (P &gt; 0.05), while their area decreased linearly (P = 0.01) as the level of <em>M. tenuiflora</em> hay increased. In the duodenum, the height (P &lt; 0.0001) and surface area (P = 0.01) of the villi decreased linearly with increasing <em>M. tenuiflora</em> level, while the width (P = 0.0001) and area (P = 0.03) decreased quadratically, reaching minimum estimated values of 132.95 and 50,625.53 µm at 436 and 575 g/kg of <em>M. tenuiflora</em> hay, respectively, when used as a replacement for Buffel grass hay. There was a quadratic increase in the height of the jejunum villi (P &lt; 0.0001) with a maximum value of 623.22 µm at the level of 333 g/kg, while the width quadratically decreased with a minimum value of 143.33 µm at the level of 526 g/kg and the area linearly decreased (P = 0.02). The height of the ileum villi (P = 0.0003) as well as the depth of the crypts in all segments (P &lt; 0.001) linearly decreased. Therefore, it is suggested the substitution of <em>C. ciliaris</em> hay by <em>M. tenuiflora</em> hay up to 333 g/kg DM of the diet not affecting ruminal and intestinal morphometric parameters.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"247 ","pages":"Article 107493"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143748505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comprehensive survey of caseous lymphadenitis in sheep and goats flocks of Iran: Clinical, bacteriological, and molecular insights","authors":"Hossein Esmaeili ,&nbsp;Seyed Mehdi joghataei ,&nbsp;Ali Khanjari ,&nbsp;Fatemeh Haji Agha Khiyabani","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107490","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107490","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a chronic and highly contagious disease in sheep and goats caused by <em>Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis</em>, resulting in significant economic losses in the livestock industry. Despite its global prevalence, studies on CLA at the flock level in Iran remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and epidemiology of CLA in sheep and goat herds across all 31 provinces of Iran using clinical, bacteriological, and molecular diagnostic methods to inform effective control and management strategies. This cross-sectional study, conducted from 2017 to 2022, investigated CLA prevalence in sheep and goat herds across all 31 provinces of Iran. Using a stratified sampling approach, 120 herds per province were selected and categorized by size into small (&lt;70 animals), medium (70–150 animals), and large (&gt;150 animals) groups, ensuring diverse representation. Clinical examinations and microbiological analyses identified cases, while multiplex PCR confirmed the presence of <em>C. pseudotuberculosis</em>. Statistical methods assessed associations between flock size, species, and age. The study revealed distinct prevalence patterns of CLA across Iranian provinces, with low prevalence (&lt;5 %) observed in over 30 % of flocks, moderate prevalence (5–10 %) in 20–50 %, and high prevalence (&gt;10 %) in less than 15 %. Clinical signs were primarily observed in the prescapular and submandibular lymph nodes, with lesions confirmed by bacteriological and molecular methods. <em>C. pseudotuberculosis</em> was the primary causative agent, with other secondary pathogens occasionally identified. Multiplex PCR successfully confirmed <em>C. pseudotuberculosis</em> in all positive samples. This study highlights the localized prevalence of CLA across Iran, identifying areas of high prevalence that necessitate urgent intervention. The findings underscore the importance of integrating effective vaccination strategies, biosecurity measures, and early detection protocols to manage CLA and reduce its economic impact. Future efforts should prioritize developing and implementing region-specific vaccines and preventive measures in Iranian herds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 107490"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143725471","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Genetic characterization and bottleneck analysis of Molai Adu and Pallai Adu goats from Southern India","authors":"M. Seevagan ,&nbsp;T. Ravimurugan ,&nbsp;S.M.K. Karthickeyan ,&nbsp;T. Thamil Vanan ,&nbsp;T. Anna ,&nbsp;R. Rajendran ,&nbsp;P. Gopu","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107488","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107488","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Genetic characterization and bottleneck analysis of Molai Adu and Pallai Adu goats from southern India were conducted using 25 microsatellite markers recommended by the FAO (2011). Molai Adu, the only naturally polled goat breed in India, showed a total of 202 alleles, with an average of 8.08 ± 0.435 alleles per locus, while Pallai Adu, known for their prolific nature, exhibited a higher count of 219 alleles, averaging 8.76 ± 0.581 alleles per locus. Both breeds demonstrated high genetic diversity, as evidenced by the elevated number of observed alleles, Polymorphism Information Content (PIC), and expected heterozygosity values. Out of the 25 loci analyzed, only three were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, with the remaining 22 loci showing significant deviations in both goat populations. The study also revealed a genetic identity of 0.7720 between Pallai Adu and Molai Adu goats, corresponding to a genetic distance of 0.2588. Bottleneck analysis indicated no signs of recent population bottlenecks, as most loci displayed heterozygote excess and an L-shaped allele frequency distribution, suggesting stable genetic diversity. These findings underscore the genetic richness and adaptability of Molai Adu and Pallai Adu goats, highlighting their importance for conservation and sustainable breeding initiatives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"247 ","pages":"Article 107488"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143715153","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dose-response of Asparagopsis extract and diet quality effects enteric methane emissions for sheep fed high-forage diets","authors":"Charlotte Adam ,&nbsp;Frances C. Cowley ,&nbsp;Daniel Korir Sitienei ,&nbsp;Nigel Tomkins ,&nbsp;Lewis Kahn ,&nbsp;James Preston ,&nbsp;Emma Doyle","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107487","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107487","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Asparagopsis spp</em>. (Asparagopsis) receives considerable attention, due to the antimethanogenic properties it exhibits when included in diets of ruminant livestock. However, only one previous study has investigated the use of Asparagopsis in sheep <em>in vivo,</em> offered as part of a modified total mixed ration, reporting up to 80 % enteric methane (CH₄) abatement at an inclusion of 3 % (organic-matter basis). The objective of this study was to investigate the interaction of bromoform (CHBr₃) dose and basal diet quality on CH₄ abatement in sheep, when fed a high forage basal diet with supplementary pellets containing CHBr₃ extracted from <em>Asparagopsis armata</em> in oil (Asp-oil). Sixty merino wethers were used in a split plot design of five supplementary pellet treatments (100 g/d) of increasing CHBr₃ concentrations (A0, 0 mg CHBr₃/kg DM; A1, 36 mg CHBr₃/kg DM; A2, 72 mg CHBr₃/kg DM; A3, 108 mg CHBr₃/kg DM; and A4, 144 mg CHBr₃/kg DM) and fed either a high-quality (neutral detergent fibre (NDF) 40 %) or low-quality (NDF 55 %) forage basal diet. Wethers were housed in individual pens for 117 days to allow for measurements of feed intake and production parameters. Five measurements of CH₄ production (MP, g CH₄/d), 14 days apart, were conducted with open circuit respiration chambers. Wool growth (g/d), intake of basal diet and supplementary pellets (kg DMI/d), and average daily gain (kg/d) were production parameters. There was no significant interaction between diet × Asp-oil level on CH₄ yield (MY, g CH₄/kg DMI), but independently each had a significant effect. In comparison to their respective control (A0), A4 resulted in a 12 % and 19 % MY abatement for high-quality and low-quality diets, respectively. Average daily gain was significantly affected by diet (P &lt; 0.001) but not Asp-oil inclusion. Wool growth rate was affected by diet (P = 0.05) only. This study has demonstrated that feeding sheep Asp-oil can reduced MP, regardless of diet quality. However, basal diet continues to influence MY. Future grazing trials are necessary to validate the results of this animal house experiment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 107487"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143696090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and risk factors of Haemonchus contortus in small ruminants in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Wei Wei ,&nbsp;Zhuo Lan ,&nbsp;Zhengyi Li ,&nbsp;Rui Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107486","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107486","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Haemonchosis, caused by <em>Haemonchus contortus</em>, is a major parasitic disease impacting ruminants, with serious consequences for animal health and ruminant production. Despite numerous studies on its prevalence, a comprehensive understanding of the disease in China is still lacking. To address this gap, we conducted a meta-analysis of studies examining <em>H. contortus</em> infection in sheep and goats across 17 provinces in China. A total of 52 studies were included, revealing an overall pooled prevalence of 72 %. The highest infection rate was observed in central China (71.31 %), with Henan and Liaoning provinces showing particularly high rates of 87.22 % and 85.57 %, respectively. Region, season, and climatic factors significantly influenced infection rates (P &lt; 0.05), with free-ranging small ruminants and over 6 months of age being more susceptible. Additionally, the study emphasized that goats are more susceptible to infection than sheep, with infection rates rising after 2015. These findings highlight the widespread distribution of <em>H. contortus</em> in China and the urgent need for targeted control measures. Efforts should focus on improving management practices during the autumn season, implementing rotational grazing, using anthelmintics judiciously, and ensuring adequate nutritional support to reduce infection risks and minimize small ruminants production losses, all of which are crucial for advancing the small ruminants industry and fostering broader socioeconomic development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 107486"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143681985","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ultrasonographic analyses of fetal gastrointestinal characteristics and correlations with gestational age and maturity in sheep","authors":"Jenna E. Bayne ,&nbsp;Edzard van Santen ,&nbsp;Robert C. Cole","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107485","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107485","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This observational study aimed to describe the ultrasonographic development of the fetal gastrointestinal (GI) tract in late-gestation ewes and to determine the statistical probabilities of detecting the onset and progressive changes to the GI parameters with advancing gestational age. A grading scale based on studies in other species was applied, specifically for the onset and progressive changes in intestinal wall definition, luminal content characteristics, peristalsis, and segmental dilation. Based on these characteristics, a GI score was assigned to each fetus during serial ultrasonographic examinations until term (median 148 days). With advancing gestational age, progressive maturation and increasing GI scores were observed, with probabilities greater than 90 % for detecting GI scores of 3 and 4 at term. Intestinal wall definition was well-defined with 50 % and greater than 90 % detection probabilities at days 130 and 132 of gestation, respectively. The onset of detectable motility was similar for the forestomach, abomasum, and intestines between 126 and 130 days of gestation. A greater than 90 % probability of detecting motility of the forestomach, abomasum, and intestine were present at 148-, 148-, and 138-days gestation, respectively. As gestational age advanced, intestinal luminal content changed from mixed echogenic to anechoic, and the onset of purposeful segmental dilation progressed from occasional to rhythmic in frequency. At term, there was approximately 90 % or greater probability of observing anechoic luminal content and rhythmic segmental dilation, respectively. Future studies are needed in high-risk pregnancies to determine the predictiveness of fetal GI characteristics as a measure of readiness for birth and potential correlates with neonatal morbidity and mortality in the peripartum period.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 107485"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143642217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Runs of homozygosity and selection signature in Santa Inês sheep: A genomic analysis","authors":"Tamires de Sousa Silva ,&nbsp;Fábio Barros Britto ,&nbsp;José Lindenberg Rocha Sarmento ,&nbsp;Ana Paula Soares e Silva ,&nbsp;Dayane Pereira de Castro ,&nbsp;Fabiana Cristina Belchior de Sousa ,&nbsp;Gislayne Souza do Nascimento ,&nbsp;Gleyson Vieira dos Santos ,&nbsp;Natanael Pereira da Silva Santos","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107478","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107478","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Runs of homozygosity (ROH) and selection signatures are the results of selection processes in livestock species that have been shown to affect several traits in farm animals. The objective of this study was to investigate runs of homozygosity, identify selection signatures and the genes involved, in Santa Ines sheep. The genotype file contained 390 animals and 52,744 SNP markers. The ROH and selection signature analyses were conducted using the detectRUNS tool and PLINK software. The ROH analyses identified a selection signature for the five genetic groups on chromosome 16. When the level of similarity (90 %) within the genetic groups was increased, 8 selection signature regions were found on chromosomes 2, 3, 6, 7, 12, 16, and 18. The genes found in regions with selection signatures are related to several functions of great productive and adaptive interest, such as immunity (MYD88, NFKB1), growth (IGFBP2, IGFBP5, SKP2) and meat and milk quality (IL7R, RANBP3L). Chromosome 16 stands out because it concentrates genes associated with milk, meat and fat production, evidencing its importance for economic traits in the Santa Inês breed. On the other hand, the absence of genes annotated in specific regions, such as chromosome 12, suggests the need for additional studies to identify biological processes that have not yet been characterized. These results reinforce the relevance of exploring selection signatures and associated genes in genetic improvement programs, aiming to optimize the productivity and adaptability of Santa Inês sheep.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 107478"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143601361","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of soybean molasses on ruminal fermentation pattern, performance and meat quality of feedlot sheep","authors":"Sérgio A.G. Pereira-Junior ,&nbsp;Juliana A. Torrecilhas ,&nbsp;Rayanne V. Costa ,&nbsp;Edivilson S. Castro Filho ,&nbsp;Maria Carolina G. Arruda ,&nbsp;João Pedro A. Bertoco ,&nbsp;Andresa L. Feliciano ,&nbsp;Julia L. Rodrigues ,&nbsp;Rosemary L. Galati ,&nbsp;Angélica C. dos Santos ,&nbsp;Marcos R. Chiaratti ,&nbsp;Ricardo P. Nociti ,&nbsp;Flavio V. Meirelles ,&nbsp;José Bento S. Ferraz ,&nbsp;Márcia H.M.R. Fernandes ,&nbsp;Eric H.C.B. van Cleef ,&nbsp;Marco Túlio C. Almeida ,&nbsp;Jane M.B. Ezequiel","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107477","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2025.107477","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study sought to assess the impact of substituting cracked corn grain with soybean molasses (SM) on ruminal degradation patterns in sheep (Exp 1), as well as the performance and meat quality of feedlot-finished male lambs (Exp 2). In Exp 1, nine rumen-cannulated crossbred (Santa Inês × Dorper) male sheep (18 months old; 73.3 ± 2.5 kg BW) were assigned to a triple 3 × 3 Latin square design to assess rumen parameters (pH, ammonia N and SCFA) and <em>in situ</em> degradability of diets containing different levels of SM: CON (0 g kg⁻¹ SM) SM15 (150 g kg⁻¹ SM) and SM30 (300 g kg⁻¹ SM), with a roughage concentrate ratio of 40:60. In Exp 2, twenty male lambs (Santa Inês × Dorper, 98 days old; 21.13 ± 0.92 kg BW) were assigned to randomized block design with two experimental diets: CON (0 g kg⁻¹ SM) and SM20 (200 g kg⁻¹ SM), consisting of 16 % roughage and 84 % concentrate. The animals were evaluated for carcass traits, meat quality (physical and chemical analysis), and muscle transcriptome profile. The inclusion of SM in the diet decreased (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01) ruminal ammonia concentration and increased (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01) ruminal pH, while enhancing DM and CP solubility (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.01). No differences were observed in performance, carcass, or meat parameters, but elevated expression was observed in the transcripts involved in fructose metabolism (GO-0006000; <em>P</em> = 4.56 × 10⁻⁴) and insulin signaling pathway (hsa04910; <em>P</em> = 0.003), supported by higher triglycerides in blood plasma (<em>P</em> = 0.04) and subcutaneous adipocyte diameter (<em>P</em> = 0.01). Replacing corn with SM in sheep’s diets improved the rumen environment and modulated muscle energy metabolism, making it a promising feed alternative for small ruminants.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"246 ","pages":"Article 107477"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143549397","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}