Small Ruminant Research最新文献

{"title":"Effects of mutation in myostatin exon 3 on growth and carcass characteristics of Savak Akkaraman sheep","authors":"Bulent Kar ,&nbsp;OZ Bahar ,&nbsp;Ferit Can Yazdic ,&nbsp;Altug Karaman","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107386","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107386","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The <em>myostatin</em> gene (<em>MSTN</em>) is one of the main regulatory genes involved in muscle growth and development in many animals. This study aims to determine the variations in the exon 3 region associated with <em>MSTN</em> expression in Savak Akkaraman sheep and analyze their relationship with growth characteristics. Molecular analyses (RLFP, Real-Time PCR and DNA sequencing) were performed using DNA and RNA isolations from 70 different sheep blood and meat samples. As a result of the study, exon 3 region analysis was performed using NgomIV, <em>Alu</em>I, <em>Dra</em>I, <em>Hae</em>III and <em>Msp</em>I restriction endonucleases to determine the genetic diversity in Savak Akkaraman sheep breed. Two genotypes (MM and Mm) were detected for <em>MSTN/MspI</em> and a monomorphic mm genotype indicating the conserved exon 3 region for <em>MSTN/HaeIII</em>. Additionally, four new Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected at different positions (164th, 204th, 347th, and 441th) in the working exon region. Two of these SNPs (204th T→G: isoleucine→ methionine and 347th C→A-G: proline→glutamine-arginine) caused amino acid changes. In expression studies, it was determined that <em>MSTN</em> gene expression was higher in female sheep than in male sheep (p&lt;0.05). The MM genotype (<em>MSTN/MspI</em>) was significantly associated with increased weight gain and <em>MSTN</em> expression, while TT genotype at SNP 204 and GG genotype at SNP 347 was found to be associated with meat yield and growth traits (p&lt;0.05). As a result, the genetic differences and functional effects of the new genotypes determined in this study may shed light on breeding strategies aiming to increase meat production.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"241 ","pages":"Article 107386"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142578074","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":"Evaluation of pregnancy toxemia in goats: Metabolic profile, hormonal findings, and redox balance","authors":"Murat Uzti̇mür ,&nbsp;Cennet Nur Ünal","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107385","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107385","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Pregnancy toxemia entails the development of hyperketonemia due to the negative energy balance that occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy in dairy goats. There are a limited number of studies on new diagnostic biomarkers and the pathophysiology of pregnancy toxemia in goats. This study assessed the hormones spexin and irisin and redox biomarker and metabolic profile changes in goats with pregnancy toxemia. The study included 36 hair goats, with 12 in the subclinical pregnancy toxemia (SPT) group, 12 in the clinical pregnancy toxemia (CPT) group, and 12 in the control group (CG). Spexin, irisin, and insulin hormone concentrations were determined by ELISA, while metabolic profile parameters were evaluated with an automatic chemical analyzer and redox balance by spectroscopy. In the goats with pregnancy toxemia, serum levels of spexin, irisin, insulin, and glucose were significantly lower than those of CG goats. The SPT group had significantly higher ischemia-modified albumin concentrations than CG goats, while the CPT group had significantly lower native thiol concentrations compared to CG animals. The concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyric acid and non-esterified fatty acids in the groups with pregnancy toxemia were significantly higher than those of control animals. In the diagnosis of pregnancy toxemia, spexin had sensitivity of 90 %, specificity of 95 %, and an area under the curve value of 0.988, while irisin had sensitivity of 90 %, specificity of 91 %, and an AUC value of 0.979. In this study, both spexin and irisin hormones showed excellent performance in the diagnosis of pregnancy toxemia. In addition, pregnancy toxemia was found to cause increased oxidative stress and significant changes in metabolic and endocrine metabolism in goats. Measuring these biomarkers in both healthy dairy goats and those with pregnancy toxemia may contribute significantly to the management and diagnosis of herd health.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"241 ","pages":"Article 107385"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142554447","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":"Estimates of genetic parameters and genetic trends for growth traits in Menz sheep under community-based breeding programs","authors":"Shanbel Besufkad ,&nbsp;Shenkute Goshme ,&nbsp;Aschalew Abebe ,&nbsp;Asfaw Bisrat ,&nbsp;Ayele Abebe ,&nbsp;Tesfaye Zewdie ,&nbsp;Chekol Demis ,&nbsp;Erdachew Yitagesu ,&nbsp;Derib Aydefruhim ,&nbsp;Zeleke Tesema ,&nbsp;Solomon Gizaw ,&nbsp;Tesfaye Getachew ,&nbsp;Barbara Rischkowsky ,&nbsp;Mourad Rekik ,&nbsp;Berhanu Belay ,&nbsp;Maria Wurzinger ,&nbsp;Johann Sölkner ,&nbsp;Aynalem Haile","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107384","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107384","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The main objectives of this study were to estimate genetic and phenotypic parameters for growth traits in Menz sheep under community-based breeding programs (CBBPs). Data used in the study were collected from five Menz CBBPs villages during 15-year period (2009–2023). Studied growth traits were birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), six-month weight (6 MW), yearling weight (YW), Average daily gain from birth to weaning (ADG1), average daily gain from weaning to six months (ADG2) and average daily gain from six months to yearling (ADG3). Fixed effects were estimated using the GLM procedure of SAS 9.4. Genetic parameters were estimated fitting different univariate animal models using Average Information Restricted Maximum Likelihood (AI-REML) procedure with WOMBAT software. The most appropriate model for each trait was determined applying likelihood ratio tests. Model including only direct additive genetic effect was the most appropriate model for BW, YW, ADG2 and ADG3, whereas model including direct additive and maternal additive genetic effect without taking into account covariance between them was the most appropriate for WW, 6 MW and ADG1. Based on the most appropriate models, direct heritability of BW, WW, 6 MW, YW, ADG1, ADG2 and ADG3 were 0.29 ± 0.01, 0.45 ± 0.01, 0.46 ± 0.02, 0.42 ± 0.02, 0.44 ± 0.01, 0.75 ± 0.02 and 0.21 ± 0.02, respectively. The estimated maternal heritability were 0.04 ± 0.01, 0.02 ± 0.01 and 0.02 ± 0.01 for WW, 6 MW and ADG1, respectively. Additive coefficient of variance were ranged from 9.53 % for BW to 33.02 % for ADG2. Moderate to higher estimates of direct heritability and additive coefficient of variation (CV_A₎ in the current study indicates higher potential for genetic improvement of studied traits through direct selection. The genetic trend for the Menz sheep's six-month weight in Molale CBBPs village reveals a promising annual growth rate of 0.20 kg. Optimizing the ongoing breeding program into specializing-sire producer groups and applying intensive selection on the sub-nucleus flock could improve the efficiency of the breeding program. Genetic correlations among the studied traits were ranged from −0.50 for ADG-ADG2 to 0.98 for WW-ADG1. Genetic correlation between 6 MW and other studied traits was positive and moderate in magnitude. To achieve optimum genetic gain, the implemented selection criteria for Menz sheep (6 MW) should be continued.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"241 ","pages":"Article 107384"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142593857","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":"Behavioural and neuroendocrine responses in alpacas (Vicugna pacos) to the shearing procedure","authors":"Monika Budzyńska ,&nbsp;Joanna Kapustka ,&nbsp;Anna Stępniowska","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107383","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107383","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Shearing is a necessary procedure which can cause stress in alpacas. Reactions to stressful situations can include behavioural and physiological changes in an animal's effort to maintain homeostasis. There has been limited investigation on stress mechanisms in terms of behaviour and physiological changes in alpacas, with a focus on heart rate and cortisol in faeces and saliva. This study aimed to determine alpaca behaviour and the concentrations of selected neuroendocrine indicators (cortisol, dopamine, noradrenaline, serotonin, thyroxine) at: pre-shearing (3 days before shearing), on the day of shearing and post-shearing (5 and 10 days after shearing). This study examined 20 alpacas. Compared with the behaviour observed before shearing, shearing performed by the standing method caused only an acute behavioural stress response on the day of shearing and no change 5 and 10 days after shearing. Higher stress activity during shearing was not strongly correlated with the intensity of their everyday reactions to the environment. In contrast, noradrenaline increased and thyroxine decreased after the shearing procedure, changes indicative of mid-term stress symptoms. There were significant correlations between some behavioural and neuroendocrine indicators, confirming the involvement of cortisol, serotonin and noradrenaline in the mechanisms of alpaca behavioural regulation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"240 ","pages":"Article 107383"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142529868","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":"Influence of additive and maternal effects on growth traits in Deccani sheep through Bayesian inference","authors":"Yogesh B. Kandalkar ,&nbsp;Yogesh C. Bangar ,&nbsp;Poonam ,&nbsp;Rakesh Nehra ,&nbsp;Ravindranath G. Nimase","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107381","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107381","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for growth traits in Deccani sheep using Bayesian inference. A dataset comprising pedigree information and growth trait records from 2590 Deccani animals, born to 127 sires and 836 dams between 2011 and 2020, was analyzed. The growth traits considered included birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WWT), and weights at six (SWT), nine (NWT), and twelve (YWT) months of age. Genetic evaluation employed six univariate animal models incorporating direct and maternal effects, implemented through THRGIBBS1F90 and POSTGIBBSF90 programs. Fixed factors adjusted in the analysis included year of birth, sex of lamb, season of lambing, and dam’s age and weight at lambing. Bayesian estimates of direct heritability, under the best model, revealed values of 0.14±0.05, 0.13±0.01, 0.20±0.04, 0.15±0.06, and 0.18±0.05 for BWT, WWT, SWT, NWT, and YWT traits, respectively. Corresponding maternal heritability estimates were 0.07±0.02, 0.08±0.01, 0.02±0.01, 0.10±0.02, and 0.17±0.06. Negative genetic correlations between additive and maternal genetic effects ranged from -0.99 to -0.70, while maternal permanent environmental influences were negligible. Positive and moderate to high genetic correlations among growth traits suggest potential relationships between them. These findings suggested selection based on WWT because it is measured early in life, and has high correlation with other body weight especially SWT trait.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"240 ","pages":"Article 107381"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142529734","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 parameters for Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae nasal DNA copy number provide progress to promote domestic and bighorn sheep coexistence on public lands","authors":"Carrie S. Wilson ,&nbsp;J. Bret Taylor ,&nbsp;Michelle R. Mousel ,&nbsp;Stephen N. White ,&nbsp;Lindsay M.W. Piel ,&nbsp;Hailey Wilmer ,&nbsp;Brenda M. Murdoch","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107382","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107382","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Discord between domestic sheep producers and bighorn sheep conservationists primarily involves concerns over the transmission of <em>Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae</em> between domestic and wild sheep. To discern if selective breeding within the Rambouillet could serve to reduce transmission, a genetic approach utilizing an existing phenotype was evaluated for additive genetic variance. The phenotype employs the measure of nasally shed bacterial DNA, or <em>M. ovipneumoniae</em> nasal DNA copy number (MONCN). Following estimation of the additive genetic variation associated with MONCN, the heritability and repeatability for this trait was calculated. The level of MONCN was measured at least three times per year at the U.S. Sheep Experiment Station (USSES) from ewes ranging from 1 to 7 years of age. Repeated measures animal models were evaluated from 320 ewes with a total of 1223 samples (mean = 3.8 per ewe). The MONCN values ranged from 0 (non-detected) to 71,654 copies per 2 μl of extracted nasal swab DNA. Four genetic models were evaluated with the categorical model having the highest heritability (0.12 ± 0.09) and repeatability (0.60 ± 0.05). Fixed effects included season/year (n = 9) and ewe age (n = 7). Outcomes from this research resulted in heritability estimates from which breeding values can be estimated to select USSES ewes and rams for reduced MONCN. This research provides a practical approach that can be immediately implemented to manage domestic sheep to be more compatible with bighorn sheep on public lands, providing positive welfare benefits for both species.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"240 ","pages":"Article 107382"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142433461","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":"Adding red propolis to the diet of Lacaune lambs: Effects on animal health, ruminal environment, performance, and meat quality","authors":"Guilherme L. Deolindo ,&nbsp;Vitor L. Molosse ,&nbsp;Bruno G.O. Cécere ,&nbsp;Fernanda Picoli ,&nbsp;Luisa Nora ,&nbsp;Charles Marcon ,&nbsp;Bruna Klein ,&nbsp;Bianca F. Bissacotti ,&nbsp;Priscila M. Copetti ,&nbsp;Luiz Eduardo L. Silva ,&nbsp;Roger Wagner ,&nbsp;Aniela P. Kempka ,&nbsp;Denise N. Araujo ,&nbsp;Aleksandro S. da Silva","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107379","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107379","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study determined the influence of red propolis ethanolic extract in lambs' diets on the ruminal environment, animal health, and growth. Two experiments were carried out to achieve these objectives. Pilot study: Twenty-four female Lacaune lambs were divided into four groups, with three replicates and two animals per replicate (pen): T0 (Control), TP1.3, TP2.7, and TP5.3, representing 0, 1.3, 2.7, and 5.3 mL of propolis extract per animal/day, respectively. The highest daily weight gain was observed in lambs that consumed 2.7 mL of propolis extract per day, and they also had the lowest feed conversion rate compared to the control. Lower total leukocyte counts were observed in lambs that consumed propolis extract compared to control due to lower granulocyte and lymphocyte counts. Ceruloplasmin and C-reactive protein levels were lower in the serum of lambs that consumed propolis compared to the control. Lambs that consumed 1.3 and 2.7 mL of propolis extract had lower TBARS levels than the control. The effect of treatment was observed for ruminal pH, which was higher in lambs that consumed propolis extract than in control. A lower concentration of short-chain fatty acids was observed in lambs that consumed propolis than the control due to lower concentrations of acetic and butyric acid. In experiment II, 36 male Lacaune lambs were selected and divided into two groups: MONENSIN (23.45 ppm of monensin per kg/dry matter (DM)) and PROPOLIS (3.8 mL of propolis per animal/day). The animals that consumed propolis extract had greater body weight, weight gain, and average daily gain. These also had a shorter time to reduce methylene blue, thus demonstrating more significant bacterial activity in the rumen. Furthermore, they had lower counts of <em>Escherichia coli</em>, total coliforms, and Enterobacteria. The meat's fatty acid profile in animals fed the red propolis extract showed higher concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids. In conclusion, adding red propolis extract to the concentrate increased weight gain, average daily gain, and oxidative balance with an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effect.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"240 ","pages":"Article 107379"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142529736","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":"Cryptosporidium and Giardia species infections in sheep from Brazil and associated risk factors","authors":"Lucas Azevedo dos Santos ,&nbsp;Eduardo Henrique Amorim Silva ,&nbsp;Iury Henrique de Freitas Melo ,&nbsp;Ivaldo Victor Mota de Siqueira ,&nbsp;Geiza Marília Paes dos Passos Felix ,&nbsp;Zullay Barros Carvalho de Souza ,&nbsp;Omer Cavalcanti de Almeida ,&nbsp;Tatiene Rossana Móta Silva ,&nbsp;Rafael Antonio Nascimento Ramos ,&nbsp;Gílcia Aparecida de Carvalho","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107380","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107380","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Cryptosporidium</em> and <em>Giardia</em> genus negatively impact the production of small ruminants. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of infection by <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. and <em>Giardia</em> spp. and to assess associated risk factors in sheep from Brazil. We collected fecal samples (n = 459) from animals aged up to twelve months old. Samples were processed using formalin-ether centrifuge-sedimentation techniques with modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining for <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. and zinc sulfate centrifuge-flotation for <em>Giardia</em> spp. We calculated the Odds Ratio (OR) to determine associations between different variables and positivity. In total, 27.45 % (n = 126/459; 95 % CI = 23.57 – 31.71) of the animals were infected by <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp., 13.29 % (n = 61/459; 95 % CI = 10.49 – 16.70) by <em>Giardia</em> spp., and in 3.05 % (n = 14/459; 95 % CI = 1.83 – 5.05) both parasites were detected. <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. (χ2 = 28.373; p &lt; 0.0001) predominated in the sheep population. Intensive farming (OR = 3.87; p &lt; 0.0001), herds with 51–80 animals (OR = 3.60; p &lt; 0.0001), no chloride water (OR = 2.0; p = 0.0167), no manure removal (OR = 3.2; p &lt; 0.0001), dirt floors (OR = 6.8; p &lt; 0.0001), and the presence of flies (OR = 2.0; p = 0.0096) were considered risk factors for <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. infection. The presence of cohabitating species (OR = 2.1; p = 0.0358) and the presence of dogs or cats (OR = 4.5; p &lt; 0.0001) were risk factors for <em>Giardia</em> spp. infections. Our data demonstrate the need to implement prophylactic actions on the evaluated properties to minimize economic losses and the impact on overall health resulting from infections by <em>Cryptosporidium</em> spp. and <em>Giardia</em> spp.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"240 ","pages":"Article 107380"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142441462","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":"Physiological responses, ethology, and ingestive behavior of Anglo-Nubiana goats submitted to different air temperatures","authors":"Tiago Gonçalves Pereira Araújo ,&nbsp;Dermeval Araújo Furtado ,&nbsp;Jordânio Inácio Marques ,&nbsp;Patrício Gomes Leite ,&nbsp;Nítalo André Farias Machado ,&nbsp;Neila Lidiany Ribeiro","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107378","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107378","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological parameters and ingestive behavior of Anglo-Nubian goats as a function of air temperature, as well as the correlation of these variables. Six male goats were distributed in a completely randomized design in a climate chamber. The treatments consisted of four different controlled AT (20, 24, 28 and 32 °C). The physiological responses: heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) were collected at three different times of the day (8 am, 12 pm and 4 pm). The behavioral responses evaluated were: lying inactive, standing inactive, feeding, standing ruminating and lying ruminating. The feed intake decreased linearly in the hours of 4–7 AM, according to the increase in AT. The time spent in the lying ruminating activity decreased linearly (P&lt;0.05) with the increase in AT. The intake and the rate of dry matter intake decreased linearly (P&lt;0.05) with the increase in AT and the water intake increased linearly (P&lt;0.05). The overall results provide information that can be used in heat tolerance studies, helping livestock farmers around the world to plan and make decisions. In addition to contributing to the development of strategies, national and international guidelines for mitigation and accurate assessment of thermal stress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"240 ","pages":"Article 107378"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142427469","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":"A review of cashmere fiber phenotypes: Production, heritabilities, and genetic correlations","authors":"Elizabeth A. Dressler ,&nbsp;Jennifer M. Bormann ,&nbsp;Robert L. Weaber ,&nbsp;Roger C. Merkel ,&nbsp;Megan M. Rolf","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107369","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107369","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cashmere is one of the softest, most expensive animal fibers and is produced from the down hair of goats. Cashmere production originated in Asia but now occurs across the world in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Wool Products Labeling Act of 1939, cashmere goat associations, and textile processors have standards for fiber to qualify as cashmere. One of the main qualifying traits for cashmere is mean fiber diameter, usually finer than 19 µm. Additional fiber traits are important to cashmere producers such as down length, down weight, and down yield. Currently, phenotypic selection is one of the only tools available for cashmere producers in many countries to make improvements to these economically relevant fiber traits because most countries do not currently have a national genetic evaluation for cashmere production. Estimation of variance components and genetic correlations from analyses of cashmere fiber traits is limited in literature. Most published genetic analyses were completed in Australia, New Zealand, and Asian countries. Fiber trait definitions and phenotype collection and measurement highly varied between studies, highlighting the need for more standardization. Heritabilities reported in literature for important fiber traits are moderate to high. An antagonistic genetic correlation may exist between mean fiber diameter and other fiber traits such as down yield, down weight, and down length. Because of these potential antagonisms, producers likely need additional tools, such as a properly weighted selection index, to make informed selection decisions. However, heritabilities and genetic correlations reported in literature are dated and often limited to countries outside of the United States. New research initiatives are necessary to upgrade and enhance the current breeding tools available to producers who strive to improve cashmere production, especially in countries which do not currently have a national evaluation for cashmere traits.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":"240 ","pages":"Article 107369"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142427976","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}