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Hay K, Lambe N, Roden J, Jarvis S, Dwyer CM. Genetic analysis of a maternal assistance score in sheep. Animal 2024; 18:101265. [PMID: 39126799 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal behaviour is important for lamb survival, as ewes perform many behaviours that affect the chances of a lamb surviving. Collecting maternal behaviour data directly at lambing is time-consuming and not considered suitable for acquiring the large volumes of data that would be required for using as selection criteria within commercial breeding flocks. The aim of this study was to investigate if a simple scoring system is heritable and assesses the expression of behaviours that reduce the probability of lamb mortality. Ewe behaviour was scored on a 3-point Maternal Assistance Score (MAS): (1) the ewe shows a high level of maternal interest (assumed if no intervention required); (2) the ewe shows limited interest in her lamb; and (3) the ewe shows no interest in her lamb. A total of 19 453 MAS were collected over 12 years, across 24 farms (including both indoor and outdoor lambing systems) and 12 different breed lines that make up the Innovis breeding programme. Ewe parity, breed, number of lambs carried, flock, lambing batch, lambing day within flock and pre-mating weight all had a significant effect on MAS (P < 0.05). The maternal assistance score was shown to be heritable (h2 = 0.05) and repeatable (0.10), positively genetically correlated to lambing difficulty (rg = 0.29) and amount of assistance the lamb required to suckle from the ewe (rg = 0.88), and negatively genetically correlated with the number of lambs successfully reared (rg = 0.49). This study shows that an easy-to-measure score can be used by shepherds with large breeding flocks, based on whether the ewe requires further assistance to support her lamb rearing. The score could be used in breeding programmes to select for lamb rearing ability in the future and potentially lead to an improvement in lamb welfare through a reduction in mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Hay
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, United Kingdom; Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom; Innovis, Aberystwyth, Wales SY23 3HU, United Kingdom.
| | - N Lambe
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, United Kingdom
| | - J Roden
- Innovis, Aberystwyth, Wales SY23 3HU, United Kingdom
| | - S Jarvis
- Global Academy of Agriculture and Food Systems, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, United Kingdom
| | - C M Dwyer
- Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, United Kingdom
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Tan B, Xiao L, Wang Y, Zhou C, Huang H, Li Z, Hong L, Cai G, Wu Z, Gu T. Comprehensive Analysis of Placental DNA Methylation Changes and Fetal Birth Weight in Pigs. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7702. [PMID: 39062945 PMCID: PMC11276634 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Birth weight is a complex multifactorial trait relevant to health states and disease risks in later life. The placenta is essential for proper fetal growth and facilitates gas, nutrient, and waste exchange between the mother and developing fetus. How changes in placental DNA methylation affect fetal birth weight remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, we used whole-genome bisulfite sequencing and RNA sequencing to reveal a global map of DNA methylation and gene expression changes between the placentas of highest birth weight and lowest birth weight piglets in the same litters. The transcriptome analysis identified 1682 differential expressed genes and revealed key transcriptional properties in distinct placentas. We also identified key transcription factors that may drive the differences in DNA methylome patterns between placentas. The decrease in DNA methylation level in the promoter was associated with the transcriptional activation of genes associated with angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling, and transmembrane transport. Our results revealed the regulatory role of DNA methylation in gene transcription activity leading to the differences in placental morphological structures and birth weights of piglets. These results could provide novel clues to clarify the underlying regulatory mechanisms of placental development and fetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohua Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Liyao Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Yongzhong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
| | - Huijun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zicong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Linjun Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Gengyuan Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Zhenfang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
| | - Ting Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China; (B.T.); (L.X.); (Y.W.); (C.Z.); (H.H.); (Z.L.); (L.H.); (G.C.); (Z.W.)
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-Animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
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Bleeser T, Basurto D, Russo F, Vergote S, Valenzuela I, Van den Broucke S, Kunpalin Y, Joyeux L, Van der Veeken L, Vally JC, Emam D, van der Merwe J, Van de Velde M, Devroe S, Deprest J, Rex S. Effects of cumulative duration of repeated anaesthesia exposure on foetal brain development in the ovine model. J Clin Anesth 2023; 85:111050. [PMID: 36640704 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinane.2022.111050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anaesthesia is required in 0.4-1% of pregnant women, and prolonged and repeated exposures to anaesthesia may be required. It is unknown whether these exposures may result in foetal neurotoxicity in humans. As sheep have a gestation comparable to that of humans, the objective of this study was to analyse the neurodevelopmental outcome of ovine foetuses that had been exposed in utero to repeated and prolonged anaesthesia. DESIGN Randomized controlled preclinical study. SETTING Anaesthesia for non-obstetric surgery during pregnancy. ANIMALS Twenty-four healthy pregnant Swifter ewes. INTERVENTIONS The ewes were randomized to no anaesthesia exposure (control-group), single exposure (at gestational age 68-70 days), or repeated exposure (at gestational age 68-70 days and 96-98 days) to 2.5 h of sevoflurane anaesthesia and maternal laparotomy. All lambs were delivered at approximately term gestation (gestational age: 140-143 days). MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome was neuron density in the frontal cortex 24 h after birth for the control-group versus the repeated-exposure-group. Key secondary outcome was the time needed to achieve the milestone of standing. Secondary outcomes included other neurobehavioural assessments (e.g., motoric milestones) and histological parameters quantified in multiple brain regions (neuron density, total cell density, proliferation, inflammation, synaptogenesis, astrocytes and myelination). MAIN RESULTS Neuron density in the frontal cortex did not differ between groups (mean ± standard deviation: control-group: 403 ± 39, single-exposure group: 436 ± 23 and repeated-exposure-group: 403 ± 40 neurons/mm2, control-group versus repeated-exposure-group: p = 0.986, control-group versus single-exposure-group: p = 0.097). No significant difference was observed for the time needed to achieve the milestone of standing. Only very limited differences were observed for other histological outcome parameters and neurobehavioural assessments. CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence for foetal neuronal injury or neurobehavioural impairments after a cumulative duration of 5 h repetitive prenatal anaesthesia in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom Bleeser
- Department of Anaesthesiology, UZ Leuven, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - David Basurto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Francesca Russo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Simen Vergote
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ignacio Valenzuela
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Yada Kunpalin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Joyeux
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Paediatric Surgery, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Lennart Van der Veeken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZA, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Janine C Vally
- Department of Anaesthesiology, UZ Leuven, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Doaa Emam
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Tanta, Egypt
| | - Johannes van der Merwe
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marc Van de Velde
- Department of Anaesthesiology, UZ Leuven, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sarah Devroe
- Department of Anaesthesiology, UZ Leuven, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Deprest
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, UZ Leuven, Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steffen Rex
- Department of Anaesthesiology, UZ Leuven, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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Mialon MM, Nowak R, Falourd P, Marcon D, Lardy R, Boivin X. Are early-life lambs’ characteristics and behavioural reactivity related to later survival and growth performance during artificial feeding? Appl Anim Behav Sci 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2023.105918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
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Güngör ÖF, Ünal N, Özbeyaz C, Akçapınar H. The effects of some factors on the time to first successful stand up and sucking of native lambs after parturition. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:333. [PMID: 36180604 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03333-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to identify the effects of birth time, birth weight, and the time to first grooming on the time to first successful stand up and sucking of the pure and crossbred native lambs. Data were recorded from pure (22 B-Bafra and 20 AKK-Akkaraman) and crossbred (19 BA F1 (B × AKK) and 13 BA B1 (B × F1)) lambs during the first 3 h after delivery. The time to first successful stand up of lambs was significantly affected by the birth time (P = 0.045), the time to first grooming (P = 0.000), and the time to first successful sucking (P = 0.000). Genotype significantly affects the time to first successful stand up of the lambs born at night (P = 0.000), low birth weight (P = 0.042), the time to first grooming (short, P = 0.001, and prolonged, P = 0.019), and the time to first successful sucking (early, P = 0.041, and late, P = 0.005). Data demonstrated that the time to first successful stand up affected the time to first successful sucking. The time to first successful stand up was longer for the lambs born at night, with low birth weight, and was affected by the time to first grooming, especially for the B lambs. Consequently, it should be given particular importance to the care of lambs born at night with low weight and exposed to mismothering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ömer Faruk Güngör
- Department of Veterinary, Vocational School of Mudurnu Sureyya Astarci, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University, 14800, Mudurnu, Bolu, Türkiye.
| | - Necmettin Ünal
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, 06110, Altındağ, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Ceyhan Özbeyaz
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, 06110, Altındağ, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Halil Akçapınar
- Department of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara University, 06110, Altındağ, Ankara, Türkiye
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Impact of mother genetic and resource environment on her offspring's growth features in Munjal sheep. ZYGOTE 2022; 30:495-500. [PMID: 35016738 DOI: 10.1017/s096719942100085x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The present study evaluated maternal and additive influences that contribute to phenotypic variation in various growth traits in Munjal sheep. The targeted traits that pertained to 2278 records of 706 lambs were birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WT3), 6-month body weight (WT6), 12-month body weight (WT12), average daily gain (ADG1: 0-3 months; ADG2: 3-6 months, ADG3: 6-12 months of age) and their corresponding Kleiber ratios designated as KR1, KR2 and KR3. The direct heritability estimates for BWT, WT3, WT6, WT12, ADG1, ADG2, ADG3, KR1, KR2 and KR3 under animal models were 0.20 ± 0.08, 0.28 ± 0.08, 0.17 ± 0.07, 0.47 ± 0.09, 0.33 ± 0.08, 0.09 ± 0.06, 0.36 ± 0.10, 0.33 ± 0.08, 0.09 ± 0.06 and 0.32 ± 0.10, respectively. The estimates of maternal genetic effects contributed significantly and were 8% and 7% for BWT and WT3 traits, respectively, which highlighted the considerable role of maternal effects on early growth traits. Genetic and phenotypic correlations ranged from moderate to high between weaning and post-weaning traits. It was concluded that early selection that considered additive as well as maternal effects at weaning age may be delivered to the desired genetic progress in Munjal sheep.
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Shiels D, Loughrey J, Dwyer CM, Hanrahan K, Mee JF, Keady TWJ. A Survey of Farm Management Practices Relating to the Risk Factors, Prevalence, and Causes of Lamb Mortality in Ireland. Animals (Basel) 2021; 12:ani12010030. [PMID: 35011136 PMCID: PMC8749728 DOI: 10.3390/ani12010030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lamb mortality is a key factor influencing ewe productivity and profitability. The current study investigated risk factors associated with and management practices implemented on sheep farms to reduce lamb mortality. A survey consisting of 13 multiple-part questions (57 separate questions) was administered to all sheep farmers participating in the Teagasc National Farm Survey, representative of the Irish national population of sheep farms. A total of 60% of respondents identify mating or lambing date, and this practice tended to be associated with reduced lamb mortality (1.2%, p = 0.08). Individual lambing pens were used by 88% of farmers, but 26% did not clean or disinfect them. A total of 79% and 9.5% of farmers applied iodine to all lambs' navels and administered antibiotics to all lambs to treat and/or prevent diseases, respectively. Most farmers vaccinated their ewes (86%) and lambs (79%) against clostridial diseases and/or pasteurellosis; 13% vaccinated against abortion agents. Lamb mortality tended to be lower (Kruskal-Wallis (KW) = 2.749; p = 0.09) on farms that used stomach tubing, heat box, iodine, hospital, and individual pens compared with farms that do not implement all those practices. Predators, lamb birth weight, and diseases were perceived by respondents to be the three main causes of live-born lamb mortality. The gross margin is significantly higher on lowland farms by €37 per ewe compared with hill farms (Kruskal-Wallis (KW) = 4.056; p < 0.001). The combination of full-time farming and the use of hospital and individual pens improved gross margin (€18/ewe, p = 0.028). It is concluded that on-farm management practices affect both lamb mortality and flock gross margin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwayne Shiels
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Mellows Campus, Athenry, H65 R718 Co. Galway, Ireland;
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK;
- Correspondence:
| | - Jason Loughrey
- Teagasc, Rural Economy & Development Centre, Mellows Campus, Athenry, H65 R718 Co. Galway, Ireland; (J.L.); (K.H.)
| | - Cathy M. Dwyer
- Animal & Veterinary Sciences, SRUC, Roslin Institute Building, Easter Bush Campus, Midlothian EH25 9RG, UK;
| | - Kevin Hanrahan
- Teagasc, Rural Economy & Development Centre, Mellows Campus, Athenry, H65 R718 Co. Galway, Ireland; (J.L.); (K.H.)
| | - John F. Mee
- Animal and Bioscience Research Department, Teagasc, Moorepark Research Centre, Fermoy, P61 C997 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Timothy W. J. Keady
- Teagasc, Animal & Grassland Research & Innovation Centre, Mellows Campus, Athenry, H65 R718 Co. Galway, Ireland;
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Fuerst-Waltl B, Fuerst C. Development of a routine genetic evaluation and a total merit index for sheep breeds with focus on meat production. Small Rumin Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2021.106467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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9
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The genetics of perinatal behaviour of Merinos in relation to lamb survival and lambs weaned per ewe mated. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2021.105217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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10
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Energy Supplementation during the Last Third of Gestation Improves Mother-Young Bonding in Goats. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020287. [PMID: 33498774 PMCID: PMC7910968 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The last third of gestation is a period of high energy demand for the dam, because she needs to support the growth of fetuses and the newborn. Moreover, towards the end of gestation, maternal feed intake is reduced as the mass of the fetoplacental unit increases. The maternal diet often cannot meet nutritional requirements, compromising thermoregulatory capacity, wellbeing, and viability, and the survival of the newborn. We have shown that energy supplementation of the mother during the last third of gestation does not affect progeny birth weight but enhances mother–young bonding. Abstract We tested whether maternal energy supplementation during the last third of gestation improves birth weight, neonatal wellbeing, and mother–young bonding. Thirty-six pregnant French Alpine goats were randomly allocated among three nutritional treatments for the last third of pregnancy: (i) Control, fed alfalfa (T-0; n = 12); (ii) alfalfa + 150 g/head daily energy concentrate (T-150; n = 12); (iii) alfalfa + 300 g/head daily energy concentrate (T-300; n = 12). At birth, we collected progeny data on birth weight, birth type, sex, rectal temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, time to standing, time to udder connection, and time to first feeding. For the dams, we collected data on the duration of labor, time to clean the progeny, and time to allow first suckling. At birth, body weight, rectal temperature, heart rate, and the respiratory rate did not differ among treatments (p > 0.05). In the dams, labor duration was not affected by the treatments (p > 0.05). The T-150 dams were faster to clean the newborn and allow first suckling (p < 0.05). The T-150 progeny were faster to stand and the T-300 progeny were faster to connect to the udder (p < 0.05). We conclude that energy supplementation of the dam during the last third of gestation does not affect the birth weight of the progeny, but enhances the mother–young bonding.
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Jacobson C, Bruce M, Kenyon PR, Lockwood A, Miller D, Refshauge G, Masters DG. A review of dystocia in sheep. Small Rumin Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smallrumres.2020.106209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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12
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The expression of some maternal and offspring behaviors of two indigenous sheep and their crossbreed genotypes - II. Maternal and offspring behaviors after parturition. J Vet Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2020.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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13
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Mattiello S, Battini M, De Rosa G, Napolitano F, Dwyer C. How Can We Assess Positive Welfare in Ruminants? Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:E758. [PMID: 31581658 PMCID: PMC6826499 DOI: 10.3390/ani9100758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Until now, most research has focused on the development of indicators of negative welfare, and relatively few studies provide information on valid, reliable, and feasible indicators addressing positive aspects of animal welfare. However, a lack of suffering does not guarantee that animals are experiencing a positive welfare state. The aim of the present review is to identify promising valid and reliable animal-based indicators for the assessment of positive welfare that might be included in welfare assessment protocols for ruminants, and to discuss them in the light of the five domains model, highlighting possible gaps to be filled by future research. Based on the existing literature in the main databases, each indicator was evaluated in terms of its validity, reliability, and on-farm feasibility. Some valid indicators were identified, but a lot of the validity evidence is based on their absence when a negative situation is present; furthermore, only a few indicators are available in the domains of Nutrition and Health. Reliability has been seldom addressed. On-farm feasibility could be increased by developing specific sampling strategies and/or relying on the use of video- or automatic-recording devices. In conclusion, several indicators are potentially available (e.g., synchronisation of lying and feeding, coat or fleece condition, qualitative behaviour assessment), but further research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Mattiello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Monica Battini
- Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali - Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe De Rosa
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy.
| | - Fabio Napolitano
- Scuola di Scienze Agrarie, Forestali, Alimentari ed Ambientali, Università degli Studi della Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy.
| | - Cathy Dwyer
- Animal Behaviour and Welfare, SRUC, Easter Bush Campus, Edinburgh EH9 3JG, UK.
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Matheson SM, Walling GA, Edwards SA. Genetic selection against intrauterine growth retardation in piglets: a problem at the piglet level with a solution at the sow level. Genet Sel Evol 2018; 50:46. [PMID: 30227828 PMCID: PMC6145367 DOI: 10.1186/s12711-018-0417-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In polytocous livestock species, litter size and offspring weight act antagonistically; in modern pig breeds, selection for increased litter size has resulted in lower mean birth weights, an increased number of small piglets and an increased number of those affected by varying degrees of intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR). IUGR poses life-long challenges, both mental, with morphological brain changes and altered cognition, and physical, such as immaturity of organs, reduced colostrum intake and weight gain. In pigs, head morphology of newborn piglets is a good phenotypic marker for identifying such compromised piglets. Growth retardation could be considered as a property of the dam, in part due to either uterine capacity or insufficiency. A novel approach to this issue is to consider the proportion of IUGR-affected piglets in a litter as an indirect measure of uterine capacity. However, uterine capacity or sufficiency cannot be equated solely to litter size and thus is a trait difficult to measure on farm. Results A total of 21,159 Landrace × Large White or Landrace × White Duroc piglets (born over 52 weeks) with recorded head morphology and birth weights were followed from birth until death or weaning. At the piglet level, the estimated heritability for IUGR (as defined by head morphology) was low at 0.01 ± 0.01. Piglet direct genetic effects of birth weight (h2 = 0.07 ± 0.02) were strongly negatively correlated with head morphology (− 0.93), in that IUGR-affected piglets tended to have lower birth weights. At the sow level, analysis of the proportion of IUGR-affected piglets in a litter gave a heritability of 0.20 ± 0.06, with high and negative genetic correlations of the proportion of IUGR-affected piglets with average offspring birth weight (− 0.90) and with the proportion of piglets surviving until 24 h (− 0.80). Conclusions This suggests that the proportion of IUGR-affected piglets in a litter is a suitable indirect measure of uterine capacity for inclusion in breeding programmes that aim at reducing IUGR in piglets and improving piglet survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M Matheson
- Agriculture, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK.
| | - Grant A Walling
- JSR Genetics, Southburn, Driffield, East Yorkshire, YO25 9ED, UK
| | - Sandra A Edwards
- Agriculture, School of Natural and Environmental Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
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Ghavi Hossein-Zadeh N, Noori R, Shadparvar AA. Genetic analysis of longevity and lamb survival from birth to yearling in Moghani sheep. JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL RESEARCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/09712119.2018.1511432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Reza Noori
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
| | - Abdol Ahad Shadparvar
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
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Abdul-Rahman II, Bernard A. Vigour in West African Dwarf kids within the first 24 h post-partum. Trop Anim Health Prod 2017; 49:547-553. [PMID: 28110365 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-017-1226-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 01/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
One hundred and fifty West African Dwarf (WAD) kids were tested at the National Goats Breeding Station to determine the effects of some neonatal factors on their vigour levels within the first 24 h post-partum. The kids were also tested to establish the relationship between maternal weight, rectal temperature, times of first standing and sucking, sucking period and vigour. The distance covered (in meters) by a kid towards its mother during a 5-min test period was considered as vigour trait. Vigour levels increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increasing age within the first 24 h post-partum. Kids born to second parity mothers had higher (p < 0.05) vigour than those born to first parity mothers. Similarly, high birth weight kids had higher (p < 0.05) vigour levels than low birth weight kids. Weak positive and negative correlations (p < 0.05), respectively, were found between vigour and rectal temperature, and vigour and the time of first successfully standing. However, there was moderate positive correlation (p < 0.01) between vigour and sucking period. The time it took for the newborn kid to stand up for the first time also correlated weakly and negatively (p < 0.01) with the duration of sucking by the newborn within the first 5 min of accessing the teat. Vigour within the first 24 h post-partum in WAD kids increased with increasing age, parity and birth weight and might be responsible for the earlier and longer sucking time and periods, respectively, in high birth weight kids and those dropped by multiparous does.
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Affiliation(s)
- I I Abdul-Rahman
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University for Development Studies, Nyankpala Campus, P. O. Box TL 1882, Tamale, Ghana.
| | - A Bernard
- Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University for Development Studies, Nyankpala Campus, P. O. Box TL 1882, Tamale, Ghana
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17
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Hazard D, Bouix J, Chassier M, Delval E, Foulquié D, Fassier T, Bourdillon Y, François D, Boissy A. Genotype by environment interactions for behavioral reactivity in sheep1. J Anim Sci 2016; 94:1459-71. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2015-0277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Abstract
Neonatal mortality in small ruminant livestock has remained stubbornly unchanging over the past 40 years, and represents a significant loss of farm income, contributes to wastage and affects animal welfare. Scientific knowledge about the biology of neonatal adaptation after birth has been accumulating but does not appear to have had an impact in improving survival. In this paper, we ask what might be the reasons for the lack of impact of the scientific studies of lamb and kid mortality, and suggest strategies to move forward. Biologically, it is clear that achieving a good intake of colostrum, as soon as possible after birth, is crucial for neonatal survival. This provides fuel for thermoregulation, passive immunological protection and is involved in the development of attachment between the ewe and lamb. The behaviour of the lamb in finding the udder and sucking rapidly after birth is a key component in ensuring sufficient colostrum is ingested. In experimental studies, the main risk factors for lamb mortality are low birthweight, particularly owing to poor maternal nutrition during gestation, birth difficulty, litter size and genetics, which can all be partly attributed to their effect on the speed with which the lamb reaches the udder and sucks. Similarly, on commercial farms, low birthweight and issues with sucking were identified as important contributors to mortality. In epidemiological studies, management factors such as providing assistance with difficult births, were found to be more important than risk factors associated with housing. Social science studies suggest that farmers generally have a positive attitude to improving neonatal mortality but may differ in beliefs about how this can be achieved, with some farmers believing they had no control over early lamb mortality. Facilitative approaches, where farmers and advisors work together to develop neonatal survival strategies, have been shown to be effective in achieving management goals, such as optimising ewe nutrition, that lead to reductions in lamb mortality. We conclude that scientific research is providing useful information on the biology underpinning neonatal survival, such as optimal birthweights, lamb vigour and understanding the importance of sufficient colostrum intake, but the transfer of that knowledge would benefit from an improved understanding of the psychology of management change on farm. Developing tailored solutions, on the basis of adequate farm records, that make use of the now substantial body of scientific literature on neonatal mortality will help to achieve lower neonatal mortality.
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20
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Gavojdian D, Budai C, Cziszter LT, Csizmar N, Javor A, Kusza S. Reproduction Efficiency and Health Traits in Dorper, White Dorper, and Tsigai Sheep Breeds under Temperate European Conditions. ASIAN-AUSTRALASIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCES 2015; 28:599-603. [PMID: 25656193 PMCID: PMC4341111 DOI: 10.5713/ajas.14.0659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Revised: 11/02/2014] [Accepted: 11/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the current pilot study was to evaluate the reproductive performance and health indicators in Dorper, White Dorper, and Tsigai breed ewes managed semi-intensively under European temperate conditions. A total of 544 ewe-year units were observed, with ewes (ranging from 1.5 to 8 years of age) managed under identical rearing conditions for a period of two consecutive production cycles (2012 through 2013 and 2013 through 2014). In general, significant (p≤0.001) genotype-related disparities were found in occurrence rates for all health parameters taken into study. Clinical mastitis incidence was significantly lower (p≤0.05) in Dorper (9.4%) and White Dorper (10.8%) breeds compared to that of Tsigai ewes (17.4%). Significant differences (p≤0.05) for lameness were found between Dorper and Tsigai breeds, with occurrence rates of 8.0% and 2.9%, respectively. Incidence for pneumonia and abortion was not influenced (p>0.05) by the ewes’ genotype. Litter size was significantly lower (p≤0.05) in White Dorper breed than for Dorper and Tsigai ewes, of 1.21, 1.40, and 1.45, respectively. Conception rates and lambs survival were not affected (p>0.05) by genotype. Results suggest that South African Dorper and White Dorper sheep breeds have adapted well to the specific rearing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Gavojdian
- Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine 'King Michael I of Romania', Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, Timisoara 300645, Romania
| | - C Budai
- Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine 'King Michael I of Romania', Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, Timisoara 300645, Romania
| | - L T Cziszter
- Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine 'King Michael I of Romania', Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, Timisoara 300645, Romania
| | - N Csizmar
- Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine 'King Michael I of Romania', Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, Timisoara 300645, Romania
| | - A Javor
- Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine 'King Michael I of Romania', Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, Timisoara 300645, Romania
| | - S Kusza
- Banat's University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine 'King Michael I of Romania', Faculty of Animal Science and Biotechnologies, Timisoara 300645, Romania
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Hazard D, Moreno C, Foulquié D, Delval E, François D, Bouix J, Sallé G, Boissy A. Identification of QTLs for behavioral reactivity to social separation and humans in sheep using the OvineSNP50 BeadChip. BMC Genomics 2014; 15:778. [PMID: 25204347 PMCID: PMC4171556 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-15-778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Current trends in sheep farming practices rely on animals with a greater level of behavioral autonomy than before, a phenotype that actively contributes to the sustainability of animal production. Social reactivity and reactivity to humans are relevant behavioral traits in sheep, known for their strong gregariousness and weak tolerance to handling, which have previously been reported with moderate to high heritabilities. To identify loci underlying such behaviors, we performed a genome study in Romane lambs. Results The experiment was carried out on 934 male and female lambs allocated into 9 half-sib families (average of 103 lambs per family) and reared outside. After weaning, all the lambs were individually exposed to 4 standardized behavioral tests combining social isolation, exposure to humans or handling, confinement and novelty (i.e. arena test, corridor test, isolation box test, shearing test). A broad range of behaviors including vocalizations, locomotion, vigilance and flight distance, as well as the cortisol response to handling, were collected. All lambs were genotyped using the Illumina OvineSNP50 BeadChip. QTL detection was performed by linkage, association and joint linkage and association analyses using the QTLmap software. Five main QTL regions were identified on sheep chromosomes (Ovis Aries Region, OAR) 12, 16, 19, 21 and 23 among many other QTLs with small to moderate effects. The QTLs on OAR12, 16 and 21 showed significant associations with social reactivity. The QTLs on OAR19 and 23 were found to be associated with reactivity to humans. No overlapping QTLs were identified for the different traits measured in the behavioral tests, supporting the hypothesis that different genetic factors influence social reactivity and tolerance to humans. Conclusion The results of this study using ovine SNP data suggest that in domestic sheep the behavioral responses to social separation and exposure to humans are under polygenic influence. The most relevant QTLs reported in the present study contain interesting candidate genes previously described to be associated with various emotional and social behaviors in mammals. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-778) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Hazard
- INRA, UMR1388 Génétique, Physiologie et Systèmes d'Elevage, F-31326 Castanet-Tolosan, France.
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Maternal behaviour and lamb survival: from neuroendocrinology to practical application. Animal 2014; 8:102-12. [DOI: 10.1017/s1751731113001614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Brien FD, Cloete SWP, Fogarty NM, Greeff JC, Hebart ML, Hiendleder S, Edwards JEH, Kelly JM, Kind KL, Kleemann DO, Plush KL, Miller DR. A review of the genetic and epigenetic factors affecting lamb survival. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2014. [DOI: 10.1071/an13140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Poor lamb survival pre-weaning is a major source of reproductive inefficiency in Australian sheep flocks. While nutrition and management options have been extensively researched and promoted to improve lamb survival, the present review focuses on the prospects for obtaining genetic gain and helps identify selection strategies for boosting such gains to improve overall reproductive efficiency in the Australian sheep industry. Estimated heritability for lamb survival using linear model analysis is low, although use of threshold models suggests that heritability could be higher, which, if true, could help explain the substantial genetic gains obtained in long-term selection experiments. Epigenetic mechanisms may hinder selection and quantitative trait-loci identification through confounding and/or masking genetic variances and co-variances. With sufficient information, these effects could be considered in genetic evaluations by identifying those components that are amenable to selection. Regarding indirect selection, finding effective criteria for improving lamb survival has proved elusive. Most measures of maternal behaviour, temperament and lambing difficulty researched are poorly correlated genetically with lamb survival. Of lamb behaviours and thermo-genic indicators studied, latency to bleat following handling by humans is moderately genetically correlated with lamb survival, as is neonatal rectal temperature. Industry application remains to be adequately explored for the more promising of these measures. Finally, in lieu of direct selection for lamb survival, there is merit in selecting for multiple-rearing ability or its equivalent, possibly with additional selection criteria for lamb survival and reproductive efficiency.
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