„sheep“ 23 výsledků

This study was designed to compare between the effects of subcutaneous injection of ivermectin at the left neck region versus behind the left elbow on the acute behavioural and biochemical responses of sheep, with the aim of selecting the most suitable injection strategy causing the least adverse effects on the animal health and welfare. Twenty-five sheep were assigned to 5 groups: one control group (C, without injection), and two groups injected with 0.9% NaCl either at neck (SN) or elbow (SE), and two groups injected with ivermectin (IVM) at a dose of 0.2 mg kg-1 BW either at neck (IN) or elbow (IE). Results reflected that head shaking and neck scratching showed significant increases in the IN group, while standing was significantly lower in the IE group compared to the C group. Pawing was significantly higher in both SE and IE groups compared to the C group. Plasma levels of cortisol, glucose and lactate were significantly increased in both IN and IE groups. There were no obvious changes in the levels of other stress markers among the different treated groups. In conclusions, the magnitude of acute stress reactivity was not significantly different between IVM injections behind the elbow and at the neck region.

In this study, the intra- and inter-population level of genetic diversity of 26 transboundary and local sheep breeds reared in the Czech Republic was analysed. A total of 14,999 animals genotyped for 11 microsatellite markers were included to describe the gene pool of the breeds. The level of genetic diversity was derived from the proportion of heterozygous animals among and within breeds. The average polymorphic information content (0.745) and Shannon’s index (1.361) showed a high genetic variability of the applied set of genetic markers. The average observed heterozygosity (0.683 ± 0.009), as well as FIS index (-0.025 ± 0.004), pointed to a sufficient proportion of heterozygotes concerning the loss of genetic diversity. The deficit of heterozygotes was most evident in Cameroon sheep (FIS = 0.036). The Nei's genetic distances and Wright's FST indexes showed that the analysed breeds are genetically differentiated to separate clusters with Cameroon sheep as the most genetically distant breed. Individual variation accounted for 83.2 % of total diversity conserved across breeds, whereas 16.8 % of genetic similarity resulted from the inter-population reduction in heterozygosity.

The present study aimed to evaluate the performances of Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy technique to determine the chemical and the fatty acid composition of different types of cheeses. A total of 95 cheeses from sheep and goat raw milk were produced in small local dairies of Siena province (Tuscany). For each cheese, spectrum was collected in intact slices of the sample and fatty acid profile was determined in ground samples. Outliers were identified and different mathematical pre-processing treatments (SNV, MSC, baseline correction and de-trending) were applied when necessary. Considering traditional chemical analysis and raw cheese spectral data, calibration and cross-validation models were carried out using partial least squares regression (PLS). The best results were evaluated in terms of coefficient of determination in calibration and cross-validation (R2cv), and root mean square error in calibration and cross-validation, and residual prediction deviation (RPD). Moisture, protein and ash showed the best R2cv (0.89, 0.74 and 0.72, respectively) and RPD values (3.0, 2.6 and 2.1, respectively). Saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids showed R2cv which ranged from 0.75 to 0.67, and RPD <2.0. Intermediate results in terms of R2cv (0.62 as mean) were obtained for medium chain saturated fatty acids (C8:0 to C14:0), whereas for C18 series only oleic acid reached good accuracy of prediction (R2cv >0.70). Obtained results are promising and additional samples could strongly increase the predictive ability for small dairy farms.

Animal products and meat from farm animals are consumed daily and it is very good source of animal proteins, but consumer´s information about exposure to heavy metals in meat and it´s health risk is in general low. The main goal of the present work was to determine essential and toxic elements in offal and meat of sheep from two different regions of Slovakia with different environmental load. In present study 11 elements (essential elements: calcium, zinc, magnesium, selenium, iron, copper; toxic elements: arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, nickel) have been analysed. Statistically significant differences (P <0.01) were noted between the concentrations of Ca, Zn, Cu in the liver, Zn and Se in the kidneys of animals, Ca, and Mg in muscle. In the liver of sheep, statistically significant differences (P <0.05) was detected in concentration of Fe and in the case concentration of Se in the mammary gland and muscle of animals. Chemical analyses between the control and experimental group of animals indicated increased concentrations of Cd in the liver and kidney of animals in both monitored groups, which exceeded the maximum residual limit. Results of this also showed statistically significant correlations between some elements in animal tissue samples.

Our research aimed to analyse the current state of the sheep industry in Ukraine, to highlight the geographical location of genetic resources, to describe the state of the breeding work, and to form the proposals for the development of this branch in the future. The date from the State register of breeding farms for 2005-2019 and statistical reporting were used for analysis. It is shown that over the last 14 years, the sheep industry in Ukraine has undergone significant changes: the form of ownership has changed, the number of livestock has decreased and the breed composition of sheep has changed. Currently, there are 0.7 million sheep in Ukraine, of which 26.7 thousand are registered like breeding animals belonging to 10 breeds. The largest number of sheep is concentrated in the south and west of the country, where the climatic conditions are favourable for this branch in the past. The leaders in terms of numbers are Odesa and Transcarpathia, Chernivtsi and Zaporizhia regions. Breeding pedigree animals are concentrated in Odesa and Kherson oblasts. The most numerous breeds are the Askanian meat-wool breed with crossbred wool and the Askanian Karakul breed. Taking into consideration the big potential of the sheep breeding, it is proposed to perform some steps to stimulate its development in Ukraine.

The aim of the study was to assess iodine concentration in raw sheep milk from chosen farms in Slovakia and to evaluate the factors that are involved. The assessed factors were as follows: effect of farm, iodine supplementation, farming system (conventional/ organic). The bulk milk samples were collected (June-August 2020) from seven sheep farms located in various districts of Slovakia. The analyses were carried out using the spectrophotometric method of Sandell-Kolthoff. The average milk iodine concentration of analysed bulk milk (26 samples) was 121.4±24.4 μg.l-1. The concentration of iodine in milk was significantly affected by the farm (P <0.05). There was observed large variability among the average milk iodine concentrations of samples ranging from 52.4±9.5 μg.l-1 to 511.6±48 μg.l-1. Similarly, iodine supplementation via mineral licks in farms significantly affected milk iodine concentration (P <0.01). This might be demonstrated by the lowest values in milk from the unsupplemented farm, ranging from 23.0 to 74.6 μg I.l-1, which indicate iodine deficiency. The farming system did not significantly affect the concentration of iodine in raw sheep milk. However, we observed lower milk iodine concentrations in organic farms as compared with conventional (94.4±25.9 μg.l-1 vs 131.4±32.0 μg.l-1, respectively.). To conclude, our results might suggest the important role of iodine supplementation on milk iodine concentration, as well as the significant impact of the farm as an important source of milk iodine concentration variability, which deserves attention regarding milk products and human nutrition.

The objectives of this study were to determine the relationship of oxidative product levels, using malondialdehyde (MDA) as a marker on occurrence of mastitis and its causing pathogens in two dairy flocks of ewes situated in east and north of Slovakia. The diagnosis of mastitis was performed on the basis of clinical examination of the udder, macroscopic evaluation of milk, with the evaluation of Californian mastitis test (CMT) and bacteriological analysis of individual raw milk samples. From total 537 and 444 halves ewe’s milk samples were 16.6% and 23.2% positive to CMT, respectively. The prevalence of mastitis caused by bacterial pathogenes in the monitored herds was 14.3% to 19.1%, respectively. In all monitored sheep flocks were confirmed predominantly subclinical forms (SM) of intramammary infection (IMI). The highest of etiological agents in all monitored herds had coagulase negative staphylococci and coagulase positive staphylococci especially Staphylococcus aureus. Except for staphylococci were Streptococcus uberis and Streptococcus spp. most frequently pathogens isolated from mastitic sheep. The highest MDA level was observed from clinical cases of mastitis however, increased MDA levels were detectable from subclinical cases. Bacterial isolates from mastitc halves milk samples are different in levels of MDA. In this study, we found that milk samples infected with S. aureus were higher compared to other pathogens. In conclusion, differences in both severities of IMI and mastitis pathogens were associated with differences of MDA in infected udders.

In this study we observed the effect of peroral and parenteral supplementation of Selenium (Se) and vitamin E (VTE) on the selected antioxidant parameters in blood and on the incidence of mastitis in ewes after the first lambing. Of the 350 sheep of Improved Walachian and Lacaune breeds, situated in eastern Slovakia under standard zootechnical and animal hygiene conditions, we selected thirty one-year-old ewes before their first lambing. The ewes were divided into three groups according to the method of supplementation of Se and VTE. The blood samples from vena jugularis were collected on day 30 before lambing (control sampling) and on days 3 and 30 after lambing. Ewes were checked for mastitis on days 10 and 30 after lambing. On the day of the control sampling the ewes from the B1 group were perorally supplemented with 0.3 mg Se/kg/DM in the form of Na2SeO3 and 50 IU/vitamin E/kg/DM, while ewes from the B2 group were injected subcutaneously Se with VTE at a dose of 6.6 mg/Se and 1,000 IU/VTE. Changes in the concentration of Se and VTE in the blood plasma of ewes were determined only in the perorally supplemented group (B1) on day 3 after lambing. At 30 days after lambing the the incidence of mastitis in this group was half as lower (10%) as in the control group (20%).

The objective of this study was to analyse costs and incomes from milk/cheese and lamb production in dairy sheep flocks and to evaluate their economic efficiency by calculating the profit/loss that is expressed as the difference between these two economic indicators. Costs were calculated taking into account their individual item structure, revenues were calculated taking into account sales of milk/cheese and lamb production. The analysis included three-year period i.e. years 2017, 2018 and 2019. The object of investigations were twelve and thirteen dairy sheep flocks per year, respectively. Economic indicators were expressed in Eur per feeding day (costs) and/or in Eur per ewe and year (costs, sales, subsidies, profit/loss). Milk and lamb sales did not cover up costs spent on production and accounting for subsidy improved economic efficiency of dairy sheep only to a lower extent. Sheep farming thus produced with the loss. Across years, milk and lamb sales almost unchanged, whereas costs notably increased. No ability to cover up costs with revenues could become an obstacle for further survival of this livestock sector. The increase of both milk yield and lamb production is therefore needed.

The artificial insemination and the oestrus cycle synchronization are some of the most frequently used biotechnical methods of reproduction not only for sheep, but also for the other spieces of livestock. They are used mainly to achieve the shortening of the lambing period and to achieve easier breeding. An exact estimation of the lambing period is essential for the breeding process optimization, as it allows better preparation for the lambing period. This experiment monitors 48 Zwartbles sheep. Before the artificial insemination itself, the oestrus cycle of the sheep was synchronized using intravaginal sponges Ovigest and the subsequent intracervical insemination was performed using fresh, diluted and chilled semen extracted from rams of the Zbyšek and Zachari lineages. The pregnancy rates after insemination and after the subsequent breeding of the barren ewes in a harem were determined according to the pregnancy detection and the subsequent lambing times. Marking the exact date and time of insemination and lambing allowed to determine the overall pregnancy lengths in the inseminated animals. The overall pregnancy rate after insemination was 41.7% and the overall pregnancy rate after the subsequent breeding in a harem was 93.8%. The overall pregnancy period in animals after insemination varied between 141.6 and 147.8 days and the peak of lambing took place between 144.1 and 146.8 days.

The purpose of the study was to determine what changes will occur under the influence of six-week consumption of full-fat yogurt made from sheep's milk from ewes fed with iodine-enriched feed in relation to indicators of thyroid function – thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (fT3), free thyroxine (fT4), but also to selected biochemical and anthropometric parameters. The intervention group consisted of nineteen women aged 54 ±7 years. It was a hyper-cholesterolemic group with a non-atherogenic lipid profile. Six-week consumption of sheep's yogurt contributed to the intake of an important element in human nutrition, but did not cause changes in the function of the thyroid gland, nor in the state of the hormones that produce or regulate its activity. TSH decreased from 2.6 ±1.0 mlU.l-1 to 2.4 ±1.0 mlU.l-1, fT4 increased from 15.2 ±1.5 pmol.l-1 to 15.3 ±1.7 pmol.l-1, but there were no statistically significant changes (P >0.05). The value of fT3 did not change at all (4.8 pmol.l-1). The intervention had no significant negative impact either on the lipid profile or other biochemical and anthropometric parameters. Our findings indicate that the consumption of full-fat sheep's yogurt not only contributes to the intake of iodine in the diet, but in terms of fat content does not cause health complications and deterioration of the lipid profile or other biochemical or anthropometric parameters

The hormonal protocol is used to increase reproductive efficiency in ewes. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of two intervals of hormonal protocol (progesterone + equine chorionic gonadotropin (P4 + eCG)) for estrus synchronization in Awassi ewes. A total of 110 Awassi ewes were randomly divided into two groups. The first group (short term) (n = 45) used sponges for 7-day. The second group (long term) (n = 65) used sponges for a 14-day. At the time of sponge withdrawl, two doses of eCG injection were administrated intramuscularly (500; n = 54 and 1000 IU; n = 56) for each main group. All ewes were mated with ram following estrous sings. Transabdominal ultrasonography was used for pregnancy diagnosis on 35- and 40-days following mating. Percentage of estrus response, conception rate, fertility rate, prolificacy rate twinning rateand missing rate were calculated for each group. Estrus response, fertility rate, conception rate, and low missed rate was greater in high dose eCG comapred to low dose. Estrus response, fertility rate, conception rate, twinning rate, litter size was greater in high dose and short-term group (100%, 100%, 100%, 19.2, and 0%) comparted to other groups. The estrus response, fertility rate, conception rate, twinning rate, litter size was greater in high dose and short-term group comparted to other groups. In addition to that missed rate was the lowest on high dose and short-term group comparted to other groups. In conclusion, a short-term treatment (7 days) for the induction of estrus can be a good alternative to a traditional longer duration treatment (14 days). Short-term priming has the advantage of allowing more flexibility in the treatment protocol under field conditions.

Yogurt is considered a functional food, either in terms of the content of specific nutrients or thanks to its probiotic and other health-promoting properties. The aim of the work was to assess changes in selected anthropometric parameters related to the risk of obesity after six weeks of consumption of full-fat yogurt made from sheep's milk, depending on the pre-intervention visceral fat area (under or over 100 cm2) in twenty female participants. Significant differences were found between the groups in all anthropometric parameters (P <0.05). The group of women with over-limit values ​​of VFA had higher values ​​of all parameters. However, pre-post intervention differences and changes within groups were non-significant (P >0.05). We found that the consumption of full-fat yogurt did not significantly affect the body composition of either consumer with optimal values ​​of visceral fat area or participants with above-limit values ​​of visceral adipose tissue. No worsening of the monitored parameters was confirmed in any of the groups. In this context, we can recommend the consumption of yogurt with a natural fat content and made from sheep's milk for moderate consumption to all types of consumers.

Hormones and fatty acids play a crucial role in enhancing the yield and quality of in vitro produced embryos. The present study aimed to assess the effectiveness of leptin and linoleic acid in increasing the in vitro maturation rate of ovine oocytes and the resulting competence of embryos. Two experiments were conducted. The first experiment aimed to investigate the nuclear status of oocytes at three maturation intervals (9, 21, and 28 hours), while the second experiment aimed to examine the cleavage rates and quality of the resulting embryos. In both experiments, the oocytes were matured in six maturation treatments, primarily consisting of TCM-199 supplemented with varying concentrations of leptin and linoleic acid. The control group, without any addition, was designated as T0, while increasing concentrations of leptin and linoleic acid were added to four treatments: T1 (50 nM.ml-1 and 10 µM, respectively), T2 (75 nM.ml-1 and 100 µM, respectively), T3 (100 nM.ml-1 and 200 µM, respectively), and T4 (150 nM.ml-1 and 1,000 µM, respectively). In the last treatment (T5), only 15% fetal calf serum was added. In comparison with the control (T0) and T5 treatments, matured oocytes in the T3 treatment achieved the highest rates of M-II (88.46% at 28 hours; p <0.001), cleavage (81.27%; p = 0.001), 2–8 cells (22.55%; p = 0.001), morula (11.27%; p = 0.04), blastocyst (66.18%; p = 0.001), and Type I embryo (47.55%; p = 0.02). In conclusion, the maturation of sheep oocytes in a combination of leptin (100 nM.ml-1) and linoleic acid (200 µM) through TCM-199 resulted in the highest rates of maturation and embryonic cleavage of excellent quality.

The aim of this study was to determine the concentrations of 10 elements – essential calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and toxic arsenic (As), nickel (Ni), antimony (Sb), strontium (Sr) and lithium (Li) in samples of milk and milk products from two farms located in regions with different environmental loads. The samples were analyzed using the inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry method. In the case of sheep‘s milk, we recorded statistically significant differences in the concentration of Mg, Fe (P <0,01). In the case of the toxic elements As and Ni, we noted a slight exceedance of the highest permissible limits set by legislation. The estimation of the risk of consumption of monitored elements revealed that the share of intake of most elements through dairy products was below 1%. However, higher values from the preliminary tolerable daily intake (PTWI) were found in the case of As with values up to 15% and in the case of a share of the tolerable daily intake (TDI) for the monitored element Sr up to 35%. The results show that the monitored dairy products can be a good source of essential elements, but it is necessary to increase their consumption in the Slovak population. Despite the low values of toxic elements, further rigorous monitoring is needed, especially of As and Sr, which may pose a certain risk to the health of the Slovak population with long-term intake.

To maintain adequate dairy productivity in sheep, it is important to focus on establishing appropriate husbandry conditions. Currently, breeders are increasingly confronted with extreme weather fluctuations during the grazing season, which significantly impact pasture quality and the milk produced. Therefore, it is crucial to seek suitable breeding systems with breed representation tailored to various climatic and geographical conditions in order to exploit their productive potential fully. This study compares the dairy productivity and milk quality of three sheep farms in the vicinity of Banská Bystrica, Slovakia, which employ different farming systems and feature different breed compositions under changing climatic conditions with increased heat stress during the summer months. Farm 1, located at 1,200 m above sea level (ASL), follows an extensive grazing system with 350 Tsigai ewes. Farm 2, situated at 500 m ASL, houses 456 Lacaune ewes in a semi-intensive system. Farm 3, at 400 m ASL, manages 470 mixed dairy and combined-breed ewes under a semi-extensive system. The results indicate that Farm 2, employing a semi-intensive system, recorded the highest milk yield (246.7 kg·ewe-1); however, it also exhibited the most pronounced decline in the lactation curve, with lower average milk production and qualitative parameters (fat, not fat solids) for the Lacaune breed during the warm months (June – August) compared to Farms 1 and 3, which focus on raising combined breeds. In conclusion, the most suitable breeding method for the climatic and geographical conditions of the observed region appears to be a semi-extensive system with combined sheep breeds, as the variability in dairy productivity parameters during the hottest months with reduced pasture quality is not as marked as it is in specialized dairy breeds.

This study investigated genetic diversity, population structure, and selection footprints across 16 local sheep breeds from the Danube region using high-density SNP data. The diversity status was derived from the overall heterozygosity and genomic-based inbreeding coefficients (FHOM and FIS). Population stratification was assessed using principal component analysis, phylogenetic networks, and admixture estimation. Selection footprints were identified based on the genome-wide Wright's fixation index (FST) distribution. Moderate observed and expected heterozygosity levels were found, with the highest values in the Improved Valachian breed (Ho = 0.44±0.10, He = 0.44±0.08) and the lowest in the East Friesian (Ho = 0.37±0.16) breed. Inbreeding coefficients aligned with heterozygosity patterns, indicating an increase in inbreeding in geographically or historically separated breeds and reduced inbreeding in recently developed composite breeds, particularly the Improved Valachian and Slovak Dairy sheep. All approaches testing population structure confirmed breed stratification corresponding to geographic and phylogenetic backgrounds, while admixture analysis revealed the highest proportion of genetic admixture in the composite breeds. A genome-wide scan revealed 24 candidate regions under selection pressure across 15 autosomes, encompassing 48 protein-coding genes, including those related to reproduction (TNP1, AMHR2) and immune response (SLC11A1, IL9, JAK3). Functional enrichment analysis identified overrepresented GO terms related to protein binding, spermatogenesis, hypoxia response, and KEGG pathways such as TGF-beta and VEGF signalling. This study provides insights into breed-specific selection pressures driven by diverse breeding goals and environmental adaptation in sheep breeds in the Danube region. The study also highlights the importance of genomic tools for preserving genetic diversity and supporting sustainable breeding strategies in local populations.

The physiological values of SCC in sheep's milk are still under discussion. The aim of study was to describe the frequency of distribution of ewes on the basis of their individual SCC. The ewes were divided into the five SCC groups (somatic cell count) on the basis of individual SCC (G1 = SCC <200×103 cells.ml-1, G2= SCC between 200-400×103 cells.ml-1, G3 = SCC between 400-600×103 cells.ml-1, G4= SCC between 600-1000×103 cells.ml-1 and G5 = SCC >1000×103 cells.ml-1). Totally 771 samples were collected from 90 ewes throughout both milking periods from one experimental herd with minimum four milking records per year in 2016 and 2017. On the basis of SCS throughout lactation the most ewes were in the first two SCC groups (below 400×103 cells.ml-1) in 2016 and 2017 (78.89% and 83.33%, respectively). 13 animals (8 SD-Slovak dairy sheep, 5 LC-Lacaune) and 12 animals (4 SD, 8 LC) were in SCC groups over >600×103 cells.ml-1 in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Our results significantly contribute to the possible consideration of physiological limits for sheep milk because of the highest percentage of ewes was with less than 400×103 cells.ml-1.

The effort to achieve the sustainable farming system in arable soil led to the intensive search for a new solution but an inspiration can also be found in the application of traditional methods of soil fertility improvement as it is shown in numerous examples in history. Recently many scientific teams have focused their attention on the evaluation of biochar effects on soil properties and crop yields. Since there are a lot of knowledge gaps, especially in explanations how biochar can affect soil organic matter (SOM) and humus substances, we aimed this study at the solution of these questions. Therefore, the objective of the experiment was to evaluate the impact of two biochar substrates (B1 – biochar blended with sheep manure, and B2 – biochar blended with sheep manure and the residue from the biogas station) at two rates (10 and 20 t ha-1) applied alone or in combination with mineral fertilizers (Urea was applied in 2018, at rate 100 kg ha-1, and Urea at rate 100 kg ha-1 + AMOFOS NP 12-52 at 100 kg ha-1 were applied in 2019) on the quantity and quality of SOM and humus of sandy soil (Arenosol, Dolná Streda, Slovakia). The results showed that application of the biochar substrates together with mineral fertilizers (MF) had more pronounced effect on the organic matter mineralization in the sandy soil which resulted in low accumulation of soil organic carbon (Corg) and labile carbon compared to biochar substrates treatments without MF. The share of humic substances in Corg significantly decreased by 16, 50, 16 and 24% in B1 at 10 t ha-1, B1 at 20 t ha-1, B2 at 10 t ha-1 and B2 at 20 t ha-1 treatments, respectively, compared to the control. A similar tendency was observed for biochar substrates treatments + MF, compared to MF control. The carbon content of humic substances (CHS) was equal to 4.40 – 5.80 g kg-1 and the biochar substrates had statistically significant influence on CHS content. On average, there was a smaller decrease of CHS in B1 at rate 10 t ha-1 than at rate 20 t ha-1 and no effect of B2 compared to control. The carbon content of fulvic acid (CFA) was 9% higher in B1 at 10 t ha-1, and 20 t ha-1, 47% higher in B2 at 10 t ha-1 and 17% higher in B2 at 20 t ha-1 compared to control. As a result of biochar substrates + MF application, the reduction in CFA was observed. The results showed a decrease of CHA:CFA ratio with association to biochar substrates alone application compared to control on one hand, and a wider of CHA:CFA ratio in biochar substrates + MF treatments in comparison to MF control on the other hand. Humus stability was increased in biochar substrates alone treatments compared to control, on the other hand, compared to MF control, the application of biochar substrates + MF resulted in a lower humus stability.