Small Ruminant Research最新文献

{"title":"Anticipating the potential distribution of Fasciola spp. in Gilan province of Iran: Insights from MaxEnt and climate change scenarios","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107370","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107370","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Fasciolosis, a parasitic disease affecting humans and animals, is uniquely influenced by climatic and environmental factors. Gilan province in northern Iran is recognized as a high-endemic area for this parasite. This study aims to assess the prevalence of fasciolosis in Gilan province during the current period and forecast the distribution pattern of the parasite in future periods by analyzing climatic variables and identifying the most critical factors impacting <em>Fasciola</em>. To evaluate the present status of fasciolosis in Gilan, we collected 189 sheep fecal samples from different parts of the province and quantified eggs per gram of feces in each sample. Meteorological and environmental data were obtained and clipped to the study area. A total of 19 presence points were used to model the habitat suitability of <em>Fasciola</em> spp. through the maximum entropy (MaxEnt) algorithm, with jackknife analysis to determine variable importance. To project the potential distribution of <em>Fasciola</em> spp. in Gilan province under future scenarios, we employed MaxEnt using current (1970–2000) and projected climatic data based on three representative concentration pathway scenarios (RCP 2.6, RCP 4.5, and RCP 8.5) to predict habitat suitability in 2030, 2050, and 2070.</div><div>The results of this study indicate the proportion of <em>Fasciola</em> spp. infection was highest in Talesh (46.37 %) and Langarud (45.7 %), while Rudsar (0 %) and Shaft (16.25 %) exhibited the lowest infection rates in Gilan province. MaxEnt modeling highlighted the significance of bioclimatic variables, particularly those associated with vegetation and temperature, such as temperature seasonality (Bio4) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The ecological niche modeling illustrated that the highest potential distribution for <em>Fasciola</em> in Gilan province is concentrated in the north-western and central regions, exhibiting an 80–100 % potential. However, projections for the future indicate a decrease to less than 20 % suitability for most of the province under all three scenarios until 2070. This study provides valuable insights into the dynamic relationship between climatic variables and <em>Fasciola</em> distribution, enabling better preparedness and control strategies for this trematode in Gilan province and other regions with similar climates.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142322819","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 diversity and evolutionary significance of Cahi-DRB1 gene in Indian goat from semi-arid regions","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107365","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107365","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Unlocking the genetic diversity of the Cahi-DRB1 gene in Indian goat breeds sheds light on their immune system's resilience. While extensive studies have elucidated MHC diversity in cattle and sheep, research on goats remains limited. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of cahi<em>-DRB1</em> across five goat breeds in India, encompassing a total of 233 individual goats. Using a PCR sequence-based typing approach, DRB1 fragments (285 bp) were amplified and sequenced. The PCR products were purified and sequenced. Amino acid variability within breeds was evaluated using the Wu-Kabat index at peptide-binding pockets. Selection analysis included assessing positive selection through relative rates of nonsynonymous and synonymous mutations, Z-test, and Tajima's test of neutrality. The findings revealed notable heterozygosity across breeds (mean: 100 %), with nucleotide content averaging 22.51 % for A, 18.62 % for T, 24.33 % for C, and 34.35 % for G. The GC content was rich (59.26 %) across breeds for the DRB1 region. The mean distance for DRB1 was highest in Barbari (0.20) and lowest in Osmanabadi goat (0.12), with a higher rate of transversions observed. The Wu-Kabat index assessments underscored substantial genetic variation within the peptide binding sites (PBS) of DRB1, with specific residues (12, 14, 33, 58, and 87) showing polymorphism relevant to antigen presentation. Positive selection pressure was evident across all breeds for the DRB1 locus (dN&gt;dS), highlighting its evolutionary significance. The rich diversity of the DRB1 gene underscores the fitness of the population and the significance of this locus for future selection programs. These results highlight the highly polymorphic nature of the DRB1 locus in Indian goat breeds, emphasizing its crucial role in modulating immune responses. Consequently, our study offers valuable insights for developing targeted breeding strategies to enhance disease resistance in goats, thereby providing practical implications for sustainable livestock management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142311299","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":"Investigating the impact of a novel GHRHR gene variant on growth traits in Damascus goats","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107366","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107366","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigates the genotype and allele frequencies of three novel SNP loci (c.4218 T&gt;G, c.2203 T&gt;C, and c.7966 A&gt;C) in the GHRHR gene within the Damascus goat breed and their associations with growth traits. The genotype frequencies for c.4218 T&gt;G were 0.65 (TT), 0.15 (TG), and 0.20 (GG), with allele frequencies of 0.73 (T) and 0.27 (G), showing a significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). The c.2203 T&gt;C locus had genotype frequencies of 0.75 (TT) and 0.25 (CC), and the c.7966 A&gt;C locus had 0.81 (AA) and 0.19 (CC), both consistent with HWE. Association analysis revealed significant correlations between the c.4218 T&gt;G SNP and body weight and rump width, with the TT genotype showing the highest averages for both traits. The c.2203 T&gt;C SNP was significantly associated with body weight and chest width, with the TT genotype again showing higher averages. The c.7966 A&gt;C SNP was associated with chest depth and body length, with the AA genotype displaying lower averages for these traits. In silico predictions using multiple computational tools indicated that the identified missense SNP (p.31Ile&gt;Ser) is novel and likely deleterious to the GHRHR protein's function and stability. Molecular docking demonstrated that the wild-type GHRHR binds more effectively with G protein alpha compared to the mutated form, predicting a mechanism through which this variant reduces the interactions of GHRHR with its cognate proteins. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic factors influencing growth traits in Damascus goats and highlight the potential impact of the p.31Ile&gt;Ser SNP on GHRHR functionality. This research underscores the importance of incorporating genetic markers in breeding programs to enhance growth traits and overall productivity.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142168852","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":"Greenhouse gases measurement time reduction in Portable Accumulation Chambers with grazing sheep evaluated morning and afternoon","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107364","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107364","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Portable Accumulation Chambers (PAC) represent an important tool for quantifying greenhouse gases (GHG) in small ruminants. The objectives of the study were to evaluate to reduce the PAC time evaluation in sheep without compromising the GHG, methane (CH₄) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) measurements and to evaluate the PAC methodology, considering the variability of gaseous emissions in the day. Four times the animals spent in the PAC (10, 20, 30 and 40 minutes) and two collection times during the day (morning and afternoon) were tested for two consecutive days. The sheep used in the study came from a field experiment where they were subjected to different grazing feeding systems (only Italian ryegrass, Italian ryegrass in a mixture of legumes (Persian clover (<em>Trifolium resupinatum</em> L.) and White clover (<em>Trifolium repens</em> L.)) pasture and lambs grazing Italian ryegrass and consuming an energetic supplement (RyeG + Sup)). The gas samples collected at PAC were analyzed for CH₄ and CO₂ concentration on a gas chromatograph. There was no interaction in CH₄ and CO₂ measurements between times, shifts and grazing feeding systems (p &gt; 0.05). CH₄ emission between times did not differ (p &gt; 0.05), while CO₂ emissions were higher in the first 10 minutes of measurement and lower in the remaining times, fitting the non-linear regression model, with a reduction until 27.7 minutes. In relation to shifts, there was a difference for CH₄ (p &lt; 0.01), and CO₂ (p = 0.01) with the highest emissions of CH₄ (21.7 ± 4.3 g/day) and CO₂ (1282 ± 332 g/day) found in the afternoon. The results of this study indicate that 27.7 minutes of sheep staying in the PAC is enough to evaluate CH₄ and CO₂ emissions and to improve the estimate of the gas emissions, evaluations should be carried out in the morning and afternoon.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142168854","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":"Effect of essential oils, monensin sodium, and calcium malate on in vitro gas production, in vivo nutrient digestibility, and growth performance of finishing lambs","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107363","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107363","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Rumen modifiers play a crucial role in minimizing dietary energy loss for finishing lambs. This study endeavors to assess nutrient digestibility, <em>in vitro</em> gas production, productive performance, and carcass characteristics in finishing lambs through the incorporation of three rumen fermentation modifiers (monensin sodium, calcium malate, and essential oils). Thirty-five four-months-old Pelibuey lambs of 23.6 kg ± 3.2 were assigned to a completely randomized block design to evaluate five diets: control (CON, without rumen modifier), monensin sodium (MON, 25 g/t); calcium malate (MAL, 2.5 kg/t), essential oils (EO, 150 g/t); and EO (150 g/t) plus MON (25 g/t). Daily feed intake, average daily weight gain, feed conversion ratio, dorsal fat thickness, rib eye area, ruminal pH, and chewing time did not differ among the diets. Notably, feed efficiency trend to be superior (P = 0.07) in the EO lambs, showing a 15.31 % and 17.28 % increase <em>versus</em> CON and MON diets, respectively. Dry matter intake in g/kg^0.75 was highest (P &lt; 0.05) in MAL lambs by 23 % higher than lambs fed on diets added with EO and MON. The control diet (<em>i.e.,</em> CON) exhibited the lowest (P &lt; 0.05) <em>in vivo</em> dry matter digestibility compared to all other diets. Additionally, there was a trend (P = 0.056) towards reduced crude protein digestibility in CON diet. The inclusion of EO led to a higher (P &lt; 0.05) proportion of ruminal acetic acid and a decrease (P &lt; 0.05) in propionic acid <em>versus</em> the CON diet. The observed effects can be attributed to the antimicrobial activity of EO, specifically their secondary metabolites, which demonstrate antimicrobial properties. This underscores their potential in addressing concerns related to antibiotic use. Compared to MON, dietary inclusion with EO improves feed efficiency, with no notable effects on average daily gain, final weight, or the investigated carcass characteristics. The EO supplementation emerges as a practical alternative to antibiotic ionophore monensin for enhancing feed efficiency in finishing feedlot lambs.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142168853","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":"Comparison of methodologies for estimating enteric methane emission factors from sheep in smallholder systems in Africa: A case study from Ethiopia","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107362","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107362","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In Ethiopia, enteric methane emissions from sheep contribute around 7 % to the national greenhouse gas (GHG) budget. This study examined the gross energy intake (GEI) and enteric methane emission factors (EFs) of sheep in smallholder systems in North Shewa, Ethiopia, using locally derived data via household surveys. The surveys encompassed two agroecological zones (AEZs) and analyzed various sheep classes across seasons. The study followed the Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) Tier 2 methodology, which had previously been used in Kenya, and compared the results with those derived from the 2019 Refinement to the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (IPCC Tier 2) methodology. The EFs from the two Tier 2 methodologies were compared with IPCC default Tier 1 EF. The ranges of GEI and EF estimated for the different sheep classes showed similarity with larger variations observed for IPCC Tier 2 estimates. The estimated GEI for the various sheep classes ranged from 11.1 to 13.8 MJ day⁻¹ (‘CSIRO’ Tier 2) and 10.2–14.7 MJ day⁻¹ (IPCC Tier 2). The estimated EFs ranged from 4.8 to 5.9 kg CH₄ animal⁻¹ year⁻¹ (‘CSIRO’ Tier 2) and 4.5–6.5 kg CH₄ animal⁻¹ year⁻¹ (IPCC Tier 2). The flock-level EF was computed by aggregating the EFs of the different sheep categories. The flock level EF estimated by the IPCC Tier 2 (6.0 ± 0.1 kg CH₄ animal⁻¹ year⁻¹) was significantly higher compared to both the 'CSIRO' Tier 2 and IPCC Tier 1 methods. Based on the findings, we can say that variations in EF values emphasize the significance of taking different Tier 2 approaches into account when evaluating and comparing CH₄ emissions estimates in smallholder sheep farming systems. However, there is a need for further investigations to compare the two Tier 2 methodologies against actual intake and emission measurements to decide which methodology is better.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921448824001688/pdfft?md5=ce8e0b15982b2aab22dc0ed13c3ffa1b&pid=1-s2.0-S0921448824001688-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142241261","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":"Investigation of chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) extract supplementation to extender on post-thawing ram sperm parameters and genes-related antioxidant capacity","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107345","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107345","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Ram semen cryopreservation is not so widely used compared to bull semen. This study was carried out to explore the potential of methanolic chia seed extract (MCSE) in ram semen extender on kinematics, acrosome, apoptosis, antioxidant capacity, genes-related antioxidants, and caspase-3 in post-thawing ram semen. Semen from Rahmani rams (n=5) was collected, pooled, and diluted with Tris-extender (15 % egg yolk, 1 % soybean lecithin and 5 % glycerol) supplemented with MCSE (0, 125, 250, 375, and 500 µg/mL). MCSE had 67.5 % linolenic acid, 17.99 % linoleic acid, total phenolic, and flavonoid compounds. MCSE had higher antioxidant activity by DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) and FRAP (Ferric-reducing antioxidant power) assays. MCSE (500 µg/mL) significantly improved sperm motility (43.6 vs. 30.0 %), vitality (44.0 vs. 30.7 %), and membrane integrity (43.1 vs. 31.3 %) as well as sperm velocity parameters and acrosome integrity (53.4 vs. 36.2 %) after thawing. MCSE at a level of 500 µg/mL increased viability, total antioxidant capacity level, and decreased apoptotic spermatozoa and malondialdehyde levels in post-thawed semen. MCSE at levels of 250, 375, and 500 µg/mL decreased caspase-3 level to 42.8, 35.6, and 30.0 % compared to control (54.6 %) after thawing, and resulted in a clear up-regulation of antioxidant-related genes of superoxide dismutase 1, catalase, glutathione peroxidase 1, and GA-binding protein transcription factor subunit beta-1 (GAPP1). The highest impact was observed for MCSE on GAPP1 as compared to other profiles as well as for MCSE at 500 µg/mL as compared to with other levels. All MCSE levels decreased Caspase-3 mRNA by about 44, 51, 61, and 61 %, respectively. In conclusion, MCSE had higher anti-oxidative activity. Tris-soya bean lecithin extender supplemented with MCSE at a level of 500 µg/mL, as a natural antioxidant, has a vital role in maintaining the freezing ability of ram spermatozoa after cryopreservation.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142122682","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":"Flow cytometry evaluation of Dalagh ram post-thaw semen incorporated with curcumin-loaded niosomal nanocarriers","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107346","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107346","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Optimization of cryopreservation media to attenuate oxidative damage on post-thaw spermatozoa is crucial. This study aimed to assess the antioxidant functionality of curcumin-loaded niosomal nanocarriers (CurLNN) on the quality of cryopreserved ram spermatozoa. Semen samples (n=16) of four Dalagh rams were extended with different concentrations (10 or 20 μL) of curcumin (Cur) or CurLNN and then cryopreserved using a standard protocol. The findings indicated that sperm cells exposed to curcumin, specifically CurLNN at a concentration of 20 μL, displayed increased levels of total and progressive motility, greater lateral head displacement and linearity values, improved plasma membrane function, and reduced abnormality (P &lt; 0.05). Viability and plasma membrane functionality increased by supplementing cryopreservation medium with Cur20 and CurLNN (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05). A significant decline (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) in malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations was observed by supplementing cryopreservation medium with both curcumin and its nano-sized. There was a significant (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) increase in the percentage of spermatozoa with mitochondrial activity when the cryopreservation medium was incorporated with CurLNN. Spermatozoa treated with CurLNN demonstrated higher viability and lower late apoptosis (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.05) compared with other groups. There were no differences among groups in terms of the percentage of necrotic and early apoptotic spermatozoa. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrated that nano-sized curcumin, particularly at a 20 µL concentration, had a higher antioxidant potential, leading to improved sperm functional quality by mitigating oxidative damage during cryopreservation.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142098861","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":"Follow-up investigation revealed that sheep may play an important role in the transmission of Leptospira spp. infection in Caatinga biome field conditions","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107344","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107344","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p><em>Leptospira</em> spp. is poorly studied in sheep raised in field Caatinga biome conditions. We conducted a follow-up investigation for <em>Leptospira</em> spp. infection in sheep reared in field conditions in the Caatinga biome. Serum, urine and vaginal fluid samples were collected from adult sheep over five collection periods in rainy and dry seasons. Serological diagnosis was performed using the microscopic agglutination technique (MAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied to urine and vaginal fluid samples. Overall, 45 sheep were monitored during the five collections: July 15, September 30 and November 27 of 2020 and March 3 and June 25 of 2021. The frequencies of seropositive animals at MAT (cut-off 25) per collection were 13.3 %, 15.6 %, 31.1 %, 20 % and 35.6 %, respectively. The most frequent serogroups in all collections were Autumnalis, Ballum, Icterohaemorrhagiae and Pyrogenes. PCR of urine and vaginal fluid carried out for the first two collections detected an average of 28.1 % and 48.1 % positive animals, respectively. In the other three collections, there was no PCR positivity for either urine or vaginal fluid. Two samples of vaginal fluid from the first collection were sequenced and showed 99 % similarity to <em>L. interrogans</em> and <em>L. santarosai</em>. The occurrence of <em>Leptospira</em> spp. genital carrier sheep may be important in the spread of infection in the Caatinga biome field conditions, where the environment is often unfavourable and challenges the adaptability of <em>Leptospira</em> spp., forcing the agent to seek alternative routes of transmission and highlighting the public health exposure risk, mainly in people who are at occupational risk.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142021565","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":"Transhumance in Sierra de Segura (Spain): A resilient traditional grazing system","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107343","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.smallrumres.2024.107343","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Transhumance is tending to continuously decline globally, despite persisting in certain regions. Due to marked lack of knowledge about this practice and its cultural, economic, and environmental significance, our study aimed to identify the factors that contribute to the persistence of transhumance. We focused on ruminant herds of a transhumant community in the Santiago-Pontones municipality in Sierra de Segura, Spain. We processed official data from ruminant livestock enterprises and incorporated insights gained as observer-participants during seven transhumant displacements from 2016 to 2023. The census included 55042 ruminant heads and 118 herds, and 70 % of animals and 61 % of herds practiced transhumance. These herds wintered in pastures located within a range from 33 to 176 linear kilometers from their respective origins that span 15 municipalities. Significant differences were observed between sedentary and transhumant farm sizes (363 vs. 533 heads, respectively). Transhumance correlated significantly with herd size, number of sheep, percentage of female goats and number of ruminant species in herds. Women owned 19 % of ruminant enterprises, with no differences in herd structure or displacement type compared to those owned by men. Of the transhumant herds, 66 % traveled on foot, with no significant differences in herd structure parameters or distances based on their transport system, except that on-foot transhumant herds commenced their displacements earlier than those using trucks. In conclusion, our study outlines an active transhumant community in southeast Spain, whose resilience is a noteworthy asset that deserves recognition and safeguarding.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":21758,"journal":{"name":"Small Ruminant Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2024-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0921448824001494/pdfft?md5=d567bd890d74e335210cea03fa19c2f0&pid=1-s2.0-S0921448824001494-main.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142044695","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}