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Özkan E, Boz Doğan İ, Duro S, Szara T, Jashari T, Parkan Yaramiş Ç, Spataru MC, Witkowski M. Geometric morphometric evaluation of mandibles of four sheep breeds: Bardoka, İvesi, Polish Mountain sheep and Turcana. Anat Histol Embryol 2024; 53:e13048. [PMID: 38706190 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.13048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
The enduring relationship between humans and domestic sheep has evolved over millennia, showcasing diverse uses such as meat, milk, wool, leather and fur, shaped by geographical, historical, cultural and social factors. The sheep breeds discussed include the Ivesi from Southeastern Anatolia, known for its varied animal products; the resilient Turcana breed of Romania; Kosovo's Bardoka, valued for its triple-purpose characteristics; and Poland's Polish Mountain Sheep, uniquely utilized for milk production in cheese making. Sheep, with their enduring relationship with humans and significant economic importance, have attracted scientific interest in morphometric studies of their mandibles, yielding valuable data applicable across various fields including basic anatomy, veterinary clinical anatomy, zooarchaeology and veterinary forensic medicine. Traditional morphometric studies rely on statistical methods to compare length, depth and angular ratios between anatomical formations, often highlighting differences between specific points but not fully revealing shape variations between distinct groups. Geometric morphometric analysis has emerged as a preferred method in recent years, enabling shape analyses using coordinate data from various imaging techniques, facilitating a comprehensive examination of mandibular morphometrics among sheep breeds across different countries. This study involved four sheep breeds from different countries, namely İvesi from Turkey, Bardoka from Kosovo, Polish Mountain Sheep from Poland and Turcana from Romania, with a total of 70 mandibles sourced from various veterinary faculties. Mandibular photographs were meticulously captured, focusing on the right side of mandible pairs and placing landmarks and semi-landmarks along the entire edge, enabling geometric morphometric analysis using tpsUtil, tpsDig2 and MorphoJ software. The analysis included principal component analysis, canonical variate analysis and discriminant function analysis for pairwise comparisons, facilitating a comprehensive examination of mandibular shape variations among the different sheep breeds. Using geometric morphometric methods, this study analysed mandibles from four distinct sheep breeds sourced from different countries, revealing notable variations in regions such as the ramus mandibula, angulus mandibula and incisive areas, attributed to genetic, geographical and dietary influences, highlighting the importance of continued research to better comprehend these shape differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermiş Özkan
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İlayda Boz Doğan
- Institute of Graduate Studies, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sokol Duro
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Tirana, Tirana, Albania
| | - Tomasz Szara
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Science, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tefik Jashari
- Institute of Graduate Studies, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Çağla Parkan Yaramiş
- Vocational School of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Plant and Animal Production, Horse Breeding and Trainer Training Pr., Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mihaela-Claudia Spataru
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, "Ion Ionescu de la Brad", University of Life Sciences, Iasi, Romania
| | - Maciej Witkowski
- Department of Reproduction, University Center of Veterinary Medicine UJ-UR, Kraków, Poland
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Gomes MB, Neves MLMW, Barreto LMG, Ferreira MDA, Monnerat JPIDS, Carone GM, de Morais JS, Véras ASC. Prediction of carcass composition through measurements in vivo and measurements of the carcass of growing Santa Inês sheep. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247950. [PMID: 33667260 PMCID: PMC7935253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo and carcass measurements were evaluated to predict carcass physical and chemical composition and to list the measurements that best fit the prediction of the composition of growing Santa Inês sheep carcasses. Thirty-three animals were used to measure the loin eye area by ultrasound in vivo (LEAu) and in the carcass. We used 39 animals for biometric measurement in vivo and 42 sheep for morphometric measurement in the carcass. For the physical and chemical compositions of carcasses, dissection of the half left carcass was carried out in 42 animals. The data were submitted to Pearson’s correlation analysis and t test. Simple and multiple linear regressions were performed using a stepwise procedure. All correlations between in vivo measurements and the physical and chemical compositions of carcasses (in kg) were significant, except for LEAu. Biometric measurements and hot (HCW) and cold (CCW) carcass weights were considered as predictors of the carcasses’ physical and chemical compositions. Slaughter body weight (SBW) was the variable that most influenced the equations in the assessment of in vivo measurements and HCW and CCW most influenced the equations for measurements on carcasses. Biometric measurements of Santa Inês sheep can be used together with the SBW to estimate the physical and chemical compositions of carcasses, with emphasis on body compactness index, breast width, wither height, and croup height. The morphometric measurements can be used together with carcass weight to estimate the physical and chemical compositions of carcasses, with emphasis on croup width, carcass compactness index, croup perimeter, external and internal carcass lengths, chest width, and leg length and perimeter. The HCW can be used to predict the physical and chemical composition of carcasses without affecting the accuracy of the prediction model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariléa Batista Gomes
- Department of Animal Science, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, UFRPE, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | | | - Lígia Maria Gomes Barreto
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Sergipe, Nossa Senhora da Glória, Sergipe, Brazil
| | | | | | - Guilherme Morais Carone
- Department of Animal Science, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, UFRPE, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Jasiel Santos de Morais
- Department of Animal Science, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, UFRPE, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Antonia Sherlânea Chaves Véras
- Department of Animal Science, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, UFRPE, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
- * E-mail: (MLMWN); (ASCV)
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Abebe AS, Alemayehu K, Johansson AM, Gizaw S. Breeding practices and trait preferences of smallholder farmers for indigenous sheep in the northwest highlands of Ethiopia: Inputs to design a breeding program. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233040. [PMID: 32396551 PMCID: PMC7217445 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify breeding practices and trait preferences for indigenous sheep in three districts (Estie, Farta and Lay Gayient) located in the northwest highlands of Ethiopia. Questionnaire survey and choice experiment methods were used to collect data from 370 smallholder farmers. Respondents were selected randomly among smallholder farmers who own sheep in the aforementioned districts. A generalized multinomial logit model was employed to examine preferences for sheep attributes, while descriptive statistics and index values were computed to describe sheep breeding practices. Having the highest index value of 0.36, income generation was ranked as the primary reason for keeping sheep, followed by meat and manure sources. The average flock size per smallholder farmer was 10.21 sheep. The majority of the smallholder farmers (91%) have the experience of selecting breeding rams and ewes within their own flock using diverse criteria. Given the highest index value of 0.34, body size was ranked as a primary ram and ewe selection criteria, followed by coat color. Furthermore, choice modeling results revealed that tail type, body size, coat color, growth rate, horn and ear size have shown significant influences on smallholder farmers' preference for breeding rams (P<0.01). The part-worth utility coefficients were positive for all ram attributes except ear size. For breeding ewes, mothering ability, coat color, body size, lambing interval, growth rate, tail type and litter size have shown significant effects on choice preferences of smallholder farmers (P<0.05). Moreover, significant scale heterogeneity was observed among respondents for ewe attributes (P<0.001). Overall, the results implied that sheep breeding objectives suitable for the northwest highlands of the country can be derived from traits such as linear body measurement, weight and survival at different ages, and lambing intervals. However, selection decisions at the smallholder level should not only be based on estimated breeding values of traits included in the breeding objective but instead, incorporate ways to address farmers' preference for qualitative traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiye Shenkut Abebe
- Department of Animal Production and Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
- Department of Animal Science, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
- * E-mail:
| | - Kefyalew Alemayehu
- Department of Animal Production and Technology, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Anna Maria Johansson
- Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Solomon Gizaw
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Rynkevic R, Martins P, Andre A, Parente M, Mascarenhas T, Almeida H, Fernandes AA. The effect of consecutive pregnancies on the ovine pelvic soft tissues: Link between biomechanical and histological components. Ann Anat 2018; 222:166-172. [PMID: 30580054 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pelvic organ prolapse, various types of incontinence (urinary incontinence, defecatory dysfunction), chronic cystourethritis, and sexual dysfunctions remain between the most common disorders in urogynecology. Currently, it is believed that the nature and number of births plays a major role in their development. Moreover, after these events, pelvic floor tissues may not recover to their original statuses. The close anatomical relationship among the vaginal wall, bladder and rectum often contribute to the emergence of anatomical-functional failure of adjacent organs and systems. BASIC PROCEDURES The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of consecutive pregnancies on pelvic floor soft tissues, conducting biomechanical and histological analysis. Fifteen Swifter ewes: virgins, parous and pregnant were used. Samples, for uniaxial tension tests and histological analysis, were cut out from fresh tissue. A description of the mechanical properties of native tissue was obtained from the stress-strain curve. Histological samples were stained with Miller's Elastica staining and analyzed using ImageJ software. Collagen, elastin, and smooth muscle contents (%) were analyzed along the full wall thickness of the selected organs. The links between mechanical properties of the soft tissues and histological parameters were analyzed. MAIN FINDINGS Mechanically, vaginal wall tissue and cervix of pregnant sheep were more compliant. In contrast, bladder and rectum became stiffer and had the highest total collagen content. Parous sheep rectum and bladder were stiffer, compared to virgin sheep. PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS Tensile strength appears to be linked to total collagen content. Elastin and smooth muscle show a direct influence on tissue compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Rynkevic
- University of Porto, Faculty of Engineering, Portugal; INEGI - Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Portugal,; KU Leuven, Department Development and Regeneration, Biomedical Sciences, Leuven, Belgium; Centre for Surgical Technologies, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Pedro Martins
- University of Porto, Faculty of Engineering, Portugal; INEGI - Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Portugal,.
| | - Antonio Andre
- INEGI - Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Portugal,.
| | - Marco Parente
- University of Porto, Faculty of Engineering, Portugal; INEGI - Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Portugal,.
| | - Teresa Mascarenhas
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Centro Hospitalar de São João-EPE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Portugal.
| | - Henrique Almeida
- University of Porto, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Experimental Biology, Portugal.
| | - Antonio A Fernandes
- University of Porto, Faculty of Engineering, Portugal; INEGI - Institute of Science and Innovation in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Portugal,.
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Valentin S, Licka TF. Spinal Motion and Muscle Activity during Active Trunk Movements - Comparing Sheep and Humans Adopting Upright and Quadrupedal Postures. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146362. [PMID: 26741136 PMCID: PMC4704739 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sheep are used as models for the human spine, yet comparative in vivo data necessary for validation is limited. The purpose of this study was therefore to compare spinal motion and trunk muscle activity during active trunk movements in sheep and humans. Three-dimensional kinematic data as well as surface electromyography (sEMG) of spinal flexion and extension was compared in twenty-four humans in upright (UR) and 4-point kneeling (KN) postures and in 17 Austrian mountain sheep. Kinematic markers were attached over the sacrum, posterior iliac spines, and spinous and transverse processes of T5, T8, T11, L2 and L5 in humans and over the sacrum, tuber sacrale, T5, T8, T12, L3 and L7 in sheep. The activity of erector spinae (ES), rectus abdominis (RA), obliquus externus (OE), and obliquus internus (OI) were collected. Maximum sEMG (MOE) was identified for each muscle and trial, and reported as a percentage (MOE%) of the overall maximally observed sEMG from all trials. Spinal range of motion was significantly smaller in sheep compared to humans (UR / KN) during flexion (sheep: 6–11°; humans 12–34°) and extension (sheep: 4°; humans: 11–17°). During extension, MOE% of ES was greater in sheep (median: 77.37%) than UR humans (24.89%), and MOE% of OE and OI was greater in sheep (OE 76.20%; OI 67.31%) than KN humans (OE 21.45%; OI 19.34%), while MOE% of RA was lower in sheep (21.71%) than UR humans (82.69%). During flexion, MOE% of RA was greater in sheep (83.09%) than humans (KN 47.42%; UR 41.38%), and MOE% of ES in sheep (45.73%) was greater than KN humans (14.45%), but smaller than UR humans (72.36%). The differences in human and sheep spinal motion and muscle activity suggest that caution is warranted when ovine data are used to infer human spine biomechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Valentin
- Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- * E-mail:
| | - Theresia F. Licka
- Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Large Animal Hospital, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Roslin, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Wang Z, Zhang H, Yang H, Wang S, Rong E, Pei W, Li H, Wang N. Genome-wide association study for wool production traits in a Chinese Merino sheep population. PLoS One 2014; 9:e107101. [PMID: 25268383 PMCID: PMC4182092 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0107101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 08/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provide a powerful approach for identifying quantitative trait loci without prior knowledge of location or function. To identify loci associated with wool production traits, we performed a genome-wide association study on a total of 765 Chinese Merino sheep (JunKen type) genotyped with 50 K single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In the present study, five wool production traits were examined: fiber diameter, fiber diameter coefficient of variation, fineness dispersion, staple length and crimp. We detected 28 genome-wide significant SNPs for fiber diameter, fiber diameter coefficient of variation, fineness dispersion, and crimp trait in the Chinese Merino sheep. About 43% of the significant SNP markers were located within known or predicted genes, including YWHAZ, KRTCAP3, TSPEAR, PIK3R4, KIF16B, PTPN3, GPRC5A, DDX47, TCF9, TPTE2, EPHA5 and NBEA genes. Our results not only confirm the results of previous reports, but also provide a suite of novel SNP markers and candidate genes associated with wool traits. Our findings will be useful for exploring the genetic control of wool traits in sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang province, Harbin, P. R. China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang province, Harbin, P. R. China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Hua Yang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural and Reclamation Science, Shihezi, P.R. China
| | - Shouzhi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang province, Harbin, P. R. China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Enguang Rong
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang province, Harbin, P. R. China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Wenyu Pei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang province, Harbin, P. R. China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang province, Harbin, P. R. China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (NW); (HL)
| | - Ning Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, Education Department of Heilongjiang province, Harbin, P. R. China
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (NW); (HL)
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Bowles D, Carson A, Isaac P. Genetic distinctiveness of the Herdwick sheep breed and two other locally adapted hill breeds of the UK. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87823. [PMID: 24489968 PMCID: PMC3906253 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
There is considerable interest in locally adapted breeds of livestock as reservoirs of genetic diversity that may provide important fitness traits for future use in agriculture. In marginal areas, these animals contribute to food security and extract value from land unsuitable for other systems of farming. In England, close to 50% of the national sheep flock is farmed on grassland designated as disadvantaged areas for agricultural production. Many of these areas are in the uplands, where some native breeds of sheep continue to be commercially farmed only in highly localised geographical regions to which they are adapted. This study focuses on three of these breeds, selected for their adaptation to near identical environments and their geographical concentration in regions close to one another. Our objective has been to use retrotyping, microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms to explore the origins of the breeds and whether, despite their similar adaptations and proximity, they are genetically distinctive. We find the three breeds each have a surprisingly different pattern of retrovirus insertions into their genomes compared with one another and with other UK breeds. Uniquely, there is a high incidence of the R0 retrotype in the Herdwick population, characteristic of a primitive genome found previously in very few breeds worldwide and none in the UK mainland. The Herdwick and Rough Fells carry two rare retroviral insertion events, common only in Texels, suggesting sheep populations in the northern uplands have a historical association with the original pin-tail sheep of Texel Island. Microsatellite data and analyses of SNPs associated with RXFP2 (horn traits) and PRLR (reproductive performance traits) also distinguished the three breeds. Significantly, an SNP linked to TMEM154, a locus controlling susceptibility to infection by Maedi-Visna, indicated that all three native hill breeds have a lower than average risk of infection to the lentivirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianna Bowles
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- The Sheep Trust, registered charity 1094514, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Amanda Carson
- The Sheep Trust, registered charity 1094514, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Isaac
- IDna Genetics Ltd, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, United Kingdom
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Porublyov VA, Meshcheryakov FA, Pozov SA. [Structure and venous vascular bed of the rectum in Stavropol breed sheep]. Morfologiia 2014; 145:34-37. [PMID: 25051798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This investigation was aimed at the study of macromorphology of the rectum, including its intramural and extraorgan venous vascular bed in 18-month-old sheep of Stavropol breed. The methods used included anatomical preparation, morphometry, contrast mass intravascular injection, separation of an intestinal wall into the individual layers and preparation of total samples. The thickness of rectal muscular coat in 18-month-old sheep was found to increase in the caudal direction which is interpreted as an adaptation of the intestine for the evacuation of condensed fecal masses through the anal canal lumen. Intramural rectal venous vascular bed included three plexuses: submucosal, muscular and subserosal. The prevalence of the veins of wide-field type with an index of 90-120 in the rectal wall of a sheep results in the deceleration of the venous blood flow in the organ. At the same time, rectal intramural venous vascular bed possesses higher adaptive capacity in the cases of occlusion of the basic roots due to the well developed collateral network located between the roots of wide-field veins. The major extraorgan venous vessel of sheep rectum is a cranial rectal vein. Presence of its terminoterminal anastomoses with caudal rectal and left colonic veins may provide a bypass rectal venous blood flow in the cases of a the obstruction of one of its major vessels of various etiology.
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Parés-Casanova PM. Proximo-distal gain of asymmetry in lamb metacarpals. Ital J Anat Embryol 2014; 119:60-66. [PMID: 25345077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The ability of an organism to produce an ideal phenotype, despite the disturbances encountered during its development, is the causal mechanism of developmental stability. This ability is used to evaluate a variety of stress types and the genotypic ability to correct them. Geometric morphometric techniques were used to study the matched symmetry in form (size and shape) of right and left metacarpal bones in a sample of 48 lambs collected from abattoir facilities, on which 10 landmarks were located. Left and right metacarpal form showed statistically significant directional asymmetry, i.e. left and right body sides differed consistently from each other. The main shape differences were on the condylar reliefs of the distal part of the bone. These findings provide a reliable reference data set for future investigation on whether the morphology of the metacarpals is influenced by age and other factors such as the productive use of the animal (e.g. for meat, milk or wool).
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McCairns RJS, Merilä J. Heritability not missing—genetic basis of sexual weaponry uncovered. Mol Ecol 2011; 20:2468–70. [PMID: 21800446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
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Kunene NW, Bezuidenhout CC, Nsahlai IV, Nesamvuni EA. A review of some characteristics, socio-economic aspects and utilization of Zulu sheep: implications for conservation. Trop Anim Health Prod 2011; 43:1075-9. [PMID: 21509458 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-011-9823-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Zulu sheep are Nguni sheep of Zululand and are adapted to the harsh conditions of KwaZulu-Natal. They are used by rural farmers for economic purposes. Their numbers are declining, indicating a potential extinction threat. Knowledge of their phenotypic and genotypic characteristics is essential for conservation planning. In this review, there is a focus on the utilization, socio-economic aspects, phenotypic and genotypic characteristics as well as a proposed breeding programme. A survey has shown that rural farmers in the areas of northern KwaZulu-Natal prefer to keep this breed for its adaptability, resistance to diseases and meat quality. Zulu sheep are small-framed multi-coloured animals. Mature males weigh up to 38 kg and females up to 32 kg. Based on four morphological traits and live weight, phenotypic diversity between three populations was estimated at 48%. A genetic diversity between these three populations was estimated at 22%. Live weight of Zulu sheep can be estimated using the heart girth and wither height measurements. Scrotum circumference of young rams (up to 22 months old) is reliable for estimating the live weight. Animals that were characterized in the studies were grazed extensively and no supplements were provided. There is therefore a potential of weight increase if these animals are reared in a semi-extensive environment. An open nucleus breeding scheme is thus recommended for a sustainable use and conservation of this breed. For more conclusive results, larger numbers of phenotypic and genetic characteristics, in larger numbers of Zulu sheep populations, should be investigated.
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Botti M, Gazza F, Ragionieri L, Bo Minelli L, Panu R. Experimental study to localize the neurons projecting to the lamb retractor penis muscle. Ital J Anat Embryol 2009; 114:157-166. [PMID: 20578672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Aim of the present study was to locate the neurons projecting to the lamb retractor penis muscle, a smooth muscle associated to the penis. The retrograde neuronal tracer Fast Blue was injected into the bulbopenile portion of the left retractor penis muscle. Labelled cells were found bilaterally in the S2-S4 spinal ganglia, from the last two lumbar (L5-L6 or L6-L7) to S4 sympathetic trunk ganglia and in the hypogastric and pelvic plexuses. Fast blue-positive (FB+) neurons were also found in the intermediate gray substance in the S1-S4 segments of the spinal cord. Our research enables us to describe the organization of the innervation of the lamb retractor penis muscle, highlighting the site of the primary afferent, postganglionic efferent and presumably preganglionic parasympathetic neurons projecting to the muscle.
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MESH Headings
- Amidines
- Animals
- Autonomic Pathways/cytology
- Autonomic Pathways/physiology
- Copulation/physiology
- Ejaculation/physiology
- Fluorescent Dyes
- Ganglia, Parasympathetic/cytology
- Ganglia, Parasympathetic/physiology
- Ganglia, Spinal/cytology
- Ganglia, Spinal/physiology
- Ganglia, Sympathetic/cytology
- Ganglia, Sympathetic/physiology
- Hypogastric Plexus/cytology
- Hypogastric Plexus/physiology
- Male
- Muscle, Smooth/innervation
- Muscle, Smooth/physiology
- Neuroanatomical Tract-Tracing Techniques
- Parasympathetic Nervous System/cytology
- Parasympathetic Nervous System/physiology
- Pelvic Floor/innervation
- Pelvic Floor/physiology
- Penis/innervation
- Penis/physiology
- Sensory Receptor Cells/cytology
- Sensory Receptor Cells/physiology
- Sheep, Domestic/anatomy & histology
- Sheep, Domestic/physiology
- Species Specificity
- Spinal Cord/cytology
- Spinal Cord/physiology
- Sympathetic Fibers, Postganglionic/cytology
- Sympathetic Fibers, Postganglionic/physiology
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Studies about the use of sheep in surgical training and experimental otologic surgery are rare. This study intends to contribute to the knowledge on this field. AIM To study sheep inner ear structures using computerized tomography and serial cross-sections to collect more accurate morphometric data to compare sheep and human ears. MATERIAL AND METHODS This descriptive study compared the inner structures of sheep and human ears. Measurements were made using computerized tomography, and they were stored in a DICOM compact disc for later analysis and manipulation, with a program used for medical image analysis (Osíris 4.16). RESULTS Mean measures for sheep and human ears were found to be similar in this morphological study. Most structures (10 out of 15) maintained the 2/3 ratio of sheep to human ear. CONCLUSION The results of this morphometric study of sheep ear are an important contribution to the development of an animal model to be used for surgical training and experimental otologic surgeries.
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14
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Pedrosa S, Arranz JJ, Brito N, Molina A, San Primitivo F, Bayón Y. Mitochondrial diversity and the origin of Iberian sheep. Genet Sel Evol 2007; 39:91-103. [PMID: 17212950 PMCID: PMC2739436 DOI: 10.1186/1297-9686-39-1-91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2006] [Accepted: 07/11/2006] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial DNA diversity was analysed in 19 Iberian and six foreign sheep breeds. Three mtDNA lineages (B, A and C) were found in the Iberian sheep, with type B clearly predominating over the others. The results were analysed for each of the morphologically determined breed groups in Iberian sheep: Merino, Entrefino, Churro and Iberian trunks. MtDNA lineage C was found only in the Iberian trunk composed of Montesina and Ojalada. These two populations had high mtDNA variability, and in the Iberian sheep only Merino Branco had more variation. The other three Merino types studied showed moderate variability, including the most authentic Merino, the Spanish Merino. These three Merinos clustered closely in a multidimensional scaling representation of distances, while the fourth breed (Merino Branco) showed a clear separation. As for the other two trunks, breeds from the Churro group showed greater maternal uniformity while results for populations included in the so-called Entrefino trunk seemed to have a more heterogeneous maternal origin. The results obtained are discussed with available data from nuclear markers and with morphological classifications, and all this information is analysed in relation to the origin of the different Iberian sheep breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana Pedrosa
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Juan-José Arranz
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Nuno Brito
- Departamento de Ciências e Recursos Animais, Escola Superior Agrária, Istituto Politecnico Viana do Castelo, Ponte de Lima, Portugal
| | - Antonio Molina
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Yolanda Bayón
- Departamento de Producción Animal, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
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Kershaw CM, Scaramuzzi RJ, McGowan MR, Wheeler-Jones CPD, Khalid M. The Expression of Prostaglandin Endoperoxide Synthase 2 Messenger RNA and the Proportion of Smooth Muscle and Collagen in the Sheep Cervix During the Estrous Cycle. Biol Reprod 2007; 76:124-9. [PMID: 16971557 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.106.054049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of transcervical artificial insemination in sheep is limited because of the anatomy of the cervix, which restricts the passage of an inseminating pipette into the uterine lumen. There is a degree of natural cervical relaxation at estrus that enables greater penetration with an inseminating pipette. We hypothesize that this relaxation may be regulated by cervical prostaglandin synthesis and remodeling of the cervical extracellular matrix. The present study investigated the changes in prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) mRNA expression and the proportion of smooth muscle and collagen in the sheep cervix during the estrous cycle. Sheep cervices were collected at four stages of the estrous cycle: prior to the LH surge, during the LH surge, after the LH surge, and during the luteal phase. The expression of cervical PTGS2 mRNA was determined by in situ hybridization, and the proportion of smooth muscle and collagen in the cervix was investigated by Masson trichrome staining. The expression of PTGS2 mRNA in the sheep cervix was greatest prior to the LH surge, when estradiol concentrations were also greatest. The increase in PTGS2 mRNA expression was associated with an increase in the proportion of collagen in the sheep cervix. We propose that prior to the LH surge, estradiol may stimulate PTGS2 mRNA expression and hence prostaglandin E2 synthesis in the sheep cervix to regulate cervical relaxation, most likely through the rearrangement of collagen bundles within the cervical extracellular matrix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire M Kershaw
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, North Mymms, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL9 7TA, United Kingdom
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16
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Gelez H, Fabre-Nys C. Neural pathways involved in the endocrine response of anestrous ewes to the male or its odor. Neuroscience 2006; 140:791-800. [PMID: 16650943 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.02.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2005] [Revised: 02/23/2006] [Accepted: 02/27/2006] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
During the non-breeding season, anestrous ewes do not experience ovarian cycles but exposure to a ram or its odor results in the activation of the luteinizing hormone secretion leading to ovulation. The aim of our work was to identify the neural pathways involved in this phenomenon. Using Fos immunocytochemistry, we examined the brain areas activated by the male or its fleece, in comparison with ewes exposed to the female fleece or the testing room (control group). In comparison with the control group, the male or its odor significantly increases Fos neuronal expression in the main and accessory olfactory bulbs, anterior olfactory nucleus, cortical and basal amygdala, dentate gyrus, ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, piriform and orbitofrontal cortices. The main olfactory bulb, the cortical amygdala and the dentate gyrus are specifically more activated by the male odor than the female odor. Using a procedure of double labeling for Fos and gonadotropin-releasing hormone, we also compared the number of gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons activated in the four groups of females. The male or its odor significantly increases the number and the proportion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone cells expressing Fos-immunoreactivity in the preoptic area and the organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, whereas no such induction of Fos-immunoreactivity was found in gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons of ewes exposed to the female odor or the testing room. These findings emphasize the role of the main olfactory system in the detection and the integration of the ram odor, and also suggest the participation of the accessory olfactory system. Numerous structures widely distributed seem involved in the processing of the male olfactory cue to reach the gonadotropin-releasing hormone neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Gelez
- Station de Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR 6175 INRA/CNRS, Université de Tours, Haras Nationaux 37380 Nouzilly, France.
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17
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Cornish RJ, Wilson DF, Logan RM, Wiebkin OW. Trabecular structure of the condyle of the jaw joint in young and mature sheep: a comparative histomorphometric reference. Arch Oral Biol 2005; 51:29-36. [PMID: 15950172 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2005.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2005] [Accepted: 04/17/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Much of the literature regarding arthrotic changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is based on the assumption, rather than the demonstration, that joint degeneration is pathologically and biochemically similar to that which has been described for other arthrodial joints. Understanding such changes is axiomatic of an understanding of the specific histomorphometric structure of the normal TMJ, in particular the condyle. Unfortunately, very little has been established about the trabecular bone patterns in the mandibular condyle as it develops. As a consequence of the obvious practical difficulties in investigations of the human TMJ, the sheep has been variously used as an animal model. In order to augment a fuller characterisation of this animal model, this study focuses on the quantitative histomorphometries of the trabeculae in the mandibular condyles of young and mature sheep. Quantitative histomorphometric analyses of condylar trabeculae were performed on histological sections prepared from mature and young sheep condyles. Lateral, central and medial sagittal sections, and anterior and posterior coronal sections of the condyle were analysed using a Quantimet 500MC image analysis system that had been programmed to provide structural index values of trabecular bone volume, surface, thickness, separation and number. Analysis of histoquantitation data revealed a significant concordance in bone structural index values between lateral, central and medial regions in young and mature sheep as well as anterior and posterior regions in young sheep. Moreover, there was little significant variation between similar regions in the respective age groups. This study provides the first comparative histomorphometric quantitative analysis of the trabeculae in the mandibular condyle of both young and mature sheep. The findings of this study reinforce the appropriateness of the sheep TMJ as a model in previous experimental studies of the bony architecture of the condyle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Cornish
- Department of Oral Pathology, Dental School, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Australia
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Przespolewska H, Kobryń H. A point scale in the study of excavated osseus remains of the domestic sheep (Ovis ammon f. aries). Folia Morphol (Warsz) 2003; 62:187-9. [PMID: 14507045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
On the basis of the standard measurements of 1277 long appendicular bones of the domestic sheep, a universal point scale has been elaborated. The bones examined were obtained from European, Asian and African archaeological sites dating from 4500 BC to 1500 AD. A comparative analysis of the metapodial bones of the domestic sheep from Central Europe (Poland, Germany and Hungary) has been undertaken, using this scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Przespolewska
- Department of Morphological Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University, Warszawa, Poland.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Bürstel
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 15, D-30559 Hannover, Germany
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