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The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of diets containing cactus cladodes genotypes on plasma testosterone levels, testicular histopathological and histomorphometric parameters, and oxidative stress markers in lambs. Thirty-six male, intact Santa Inês lambs (22.0 ± 2.9 kg initial body weight), were to feedlot for 86 days. A completely randomized design was used with three dietary treatments (control diet with Tifton-85 hay as the only roughage; and two more diets with Miúda or OEM cactus cladodes partially replacing hay) and twelve replicates. There was no influence of the diets on the testicular weight (P = 0.414) and gonadosomatic index (P = 0.384) of lambs. The testosterone serum concentrations were almost twice as higher in lambs fed Miúda cactus cladodes compared to control treatment. There was greater incidence and severity of lesions in the testicular parenchyma of animals that received control diet: loosening of germ cell epithelium, germ cell desquamation and vacuolization of Sertoli cells. The seminiferous tubule diameter and height of the seminiferous epithelium were higher in lambs fed OEM cactus cladodes (P = 0.003). The tubular volume and Leydig cells volume were higher in animals fed with cactus cladodes (P < 0.05). The levels of malondialdehyde were higher in the lambs of control group compared to OEM group (P = 0.039) and the testicular concentration of nitric oxide was higher in control group (P = 0.009). The diet containing OEM cactus cladodes increased the levels of superoxide dismutase. Our results indicate that diets containing cactus cladodes promote antioxidant protection to the testicular parenchyma and preserve the spermatogenic process of lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Price fluctuations in the global market significantly impact the price of balanced feed; this vulnerability to the influence of foreign currency and inputs prevents adequate food sovereignty and security. Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the effect of mountain microorganisms on the productive behavior and carcass yield of growing lambs. Methods: Ten crossbred meat-type lambs were used; a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two treatments was employed, where T0 is the control group and T1 is the experimental group. Animals in T0 were fed ad libitum forage and 250 g of commercial feed, while animals in T1 were fed 175 g of commercial feed with 75 g of mountain microorganisms (MM). Results and Discussion: Group T0 recorded an average daily gain of 120 g, whereas T1 gained 100 g (P>0,05), resulting in total weight gains of 7.17 kg and 5.79 kg for T0 and T1 respectively. Additionally, the daily feed cost per animal in T0 was $593.3 compared to $449 in T1, representing a saving of $144.3. Conclusion: Lambs in group T0 reached a weight of 27.22 kg, while lambs in group T1 achieved 25.82 kg; therefore, group T0 had a significantly higher daily and total weight gain compared to T1. However, the feed cost for T1 was lower, saving 24.3% compared to T0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little information is available on carcass quality in nulliparous and primiparous ewes of different breeds and genetic groups. Objective: To evaluate the effect of genetic group, pregnancy, age and their interactions on carcass traits, meat quality and fatty acid profile in sheep. Methods: Eighty-five Santa Ines ewes and their crosses with Texel, Dorper and Ile de France, aged 12 month were bred with White Dorper rams to assess the influence of pregnancy on carcass composition and meat quality. After weaning, all ewes (nulliparous and primiparous) were fattened for slaughter at 21 months of age. A further 24 six to twenty one-month-old female lambs from the same genetic groups were included in the analysis to determine the fatty acid profile. Results: Genetic group affected muscle and fat weight as well as the eye muscle length. Fat weight, muscle and fat ratios, subcutaneous fat thickness and cooking loss were affected by pregnancy with nulliparous females being fatter. Meat purpose breeds such as Dorper, Texel and Ile de France showed better meat quality compared to the Santa Ines hair breed. Of the 19 identified fatty acids, saturated were present in greater quantities, especially stearic and palmitic. Omega-6 content was influenced by age and pregnancy. Conclusions: Younger and nulliparous females have better carcass quality in terms of fatty acid composition.

Abstract Background The use of agroindustrial by-products in ruminant nutrition to be an interesting alternative in order to reduce production costs and environmental impacts arising from the inadequate destination of residues. The initial step of beer production yields a large volume of wet brewer’s grains all year around, which is available at a low cost and has a high nutritional quality, and hence a big potential for animal production. Methods Twenty-four Suffolk non-castrated male lambs, from simple parturition were kept in individual spots and allocated to four treatments constituted by four levels of substitution of sorghum silage by WBG (i.e.0; 33.5; 66.5 and 100% of substitution). It was used roughage: concentrate rate of 50:50, based on dry matter. Results The ether extract intake increased while the acid detergent fiber intake decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.05). Substituion of sorghum silage by WBG did not change lambs’ feed DMI, daily weight gain and feed conversion. Conclusion The substitution of sorghum silage by WBG as roughage showed to be a viable alternative from the productive and economic point of view for finishing of feedlot lambs.

The study of the ingestion behavior is important to know the animal production performance and is a must when evaluating different feeding regimes. This work aims to evaluate the daytime ingestion behavior and the productive answer in criollo lambs receiving supplement with cotton seeds (CS) and ground corn (GC). Sixteen complete male criollo lambs were used having a starting weight of 16 ± 2 Kg. They were distributed randomly into four experimental treatments consisting in: T0 = shepherding, T1 = shepherding + 25% CS + 75% GC, T2 = shepherding + 50% CS + 50% GC, and T3 = shepherding + 75% CS + 25% GC. Using both external and internal markers, the nutritional composition of the forages and the dry mass consumption in the animals were determined, i.e., the ingestion behavior and the productive performance. The total dry mass consumption showed statistical differences (p < 0.05), with lower consumption among the control animals. Likewise, statistical differences were detected (p < 0.05) between the treatments for shepherding activities, cud, water consumption and walking regarding variables like mouthfuls per minute and total ingestion. The final weight and the weight gain in the animals receiving supplements were higher in 28.4 % and 50.3 %, respectively. The CS and GC supplements led to a greater consumption of nutrients and, therefore, improved the ovine production performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three levels of cull pinto beans (CPB) on animal performance, energy balance, and digestibility of hair ewes during pregnancy-lactation. One hundred and sixty-eight Pelibuey ewes were used (105 multiparous and 63 primiparous). Seven ewes of each type were randomly assigned to each of the 24 pens. Then, the twenty-four pens were randomly assigned to one of three treatments. Treatments were assigned on DM basis at: 0 g kg−1 of CPB in the supplement; 250 g kg−1 of CPB in the supplement; and 500 g kg−1 of CPB in the supplement. Data was analyzed by using the PROC MIXED of SAS. Lamb birth and weaning weight were also evaluated with the GLM procedure of SAS. All variables were analyzed as a completely randomized design. No differences among treatments were observed for body weight, body condition score, non-esterified fatty acids, and body weaning weight. During late pregnancy, dry matter intake was different among treatments, but it was similar during lactation. Body birth weight was different among treatments and showed a quadratic effect. At day 30 of lactation, a treatment effect was found for digestibility of dry matter (DM). At the end of lactation, digestibility of crude protein was different among treatments. In day 60 of lactation, differences among treatments were found for digestibility of neutral detergent fiber. Due to equal ewe performance among treatments of CPB and its low cost, its use is recommended in hair ewe feeding for these productive stages: 500 g kg−1 DM of the supplement during pregnancy and 400 g kg−1 DM during lactation.

The purpose of this paper is to present the evolution of the pH values during ovine meat refrigeration/maturation. In order to achieve the proposed objectives, investigations were carried on a total number of 104 ovines (52 lambs and 52 adults) taken from the farm of Horleşti, located in the north-east of Romania, in proximity of the Iaşi municiple. The analyzed muscles are characterized by oscillatory amplitude of recorded values, following a descending trend during the first 48 h, then an ascending trend within the time span of 48-120 h, when meat maturation is stimulated. At the end of the rigidity period it is found that in muscle samples taken from the Karakul breed, the highest glycogen values are found in the Longissimus dorsi, as for Ţurcană they are found in Trapezius pars thoracica. pH values during meat maturation fit within qualitative standards for meat, avoiding undesired effects such as PSE or DFD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific investigations revealed in this research had the purpose to study some immunological aspects regarding the importance of the phagocytic indices at ovines in different physiological periods and at lambs in different periods of age. The obtained data, reflects that the cellular defense mechanisms against bacteria are performed by lymphocyte cells equipped with phagocytic macrophage functions, neutrophils, etc. This determines the importance of the phagocytic mechanisms in triggering and controlling cellular reactions. The results of the research reveal the evaluation of the cell phagocytic indices at ovines and lambs by establishing the significant values of both the phagocytic activity and the phagocytic intensity. These researches give us the possibility to conclude that the installation of the immunological reactivity of the animal body and the adaptation to changes in the environment, especially the action of the pathogens, take place. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Agro Productividad is the property of Colegio de Postgraduados and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Development of anticoccidial resistance and concerns of drug residues have prompted the evaluation of alternatives to allopathic drugs. In current study, anticoccidial effect of amprolium was compared with that of Curcuma longa and Zingiber officinale. Ninety (90) sheep, naturally infected with Eimeria spp. and having a minimum oocyst per gram (OPG) count of faeces above 5000 were randomly selected and divided into six groups of 15 animals each. Animals were supplemented with amprolium @ 62.50 mg/kg body weight (bw) (GI), turmeric @ 200 and 300 mg/kg bw (GII and GIII) and ginger @ 200 and 300 mg/kg bw (GIV and GV), orally for 7 days and GVI animals were kept as untreated infected control. Faecal samples were collected on '0' day before treatment and on 8th, 14th, 21st and 28th day after starting treatment and evaluated using Faecal oocyst count reduction test (FOCRT). The efficacy of amprolium was 93.18%, 96.82%, 95.56% and 95.80% on 8th, 14th, 21st and 28th day, after starting treatment. Turmeric @200 mg/kg b.w. showed efficacy of 41.49%, 52.37%, 61.47% and 60.08% and turmeric @ 300 mg/kg bw was 44.92%, 54.32%, 64.21% and 61.95% effective on 8th, 14th, 21st and 28th day, respectively. Ginger @200 mg/kg bw showed efficacy of 38.51%, 53.48%, 55.38% and 55.53% and ginger @ 300 mg/kg bw was 39.65%, 54.81%, 57.18% and 58.22% effective on 8th,14th, 21st and 28th day, respectively. The results justify use of amprolium for clinical coccidiosis while Curcuma longa and Gingiber officinale could be used as natural prophylactic alternatives., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The aim of this study was to investigate histology characteristics in the small intestine of Santa Ines lambs fed bovine or ovine colostrum. At 0 and 6 h of life, 12 newborn lambs received 250 ml of first milking bovine colostrum (BC) and another 12 animals received 250 ml of first milking ovine colostrum (OC). Samples of duodenum, jejunum and ileum were collected at 24 and 72 h of life. Six animals were sampled at birth, without colostrum intake (0 h). The histomorphologic analysis revealed differences between BC and OC groups in the jejunum and ileum segments. BC group had higher amounts of colostrum-filled vacuoles in the intestinal epithelium compared to OC group and the latter group had a higher number of empty vacuoles. However, at 72 h of life both groups revealed the end of the intestinal colostrum absorption. Regardless of the treatment, apical nuclei and vacuoles were mainly observed in the villi of animals at 0 and 24 h of life, and at 72 h the enterocytes had basal nuclei and cytoplasm without the presence of vacuoles. An interaction between treatment and period was observed in villus height and crypt depth in the jejunum (P < 0.05). In this segment, BC group showed the lowest villus height at 24 h of life (710.37 ± 115.79 µm) while OC group had the larger villus height (883.79 ± 207.24 µm) at 24 h than at 0 h of life (791.43 ± 129.19 µm) (P < 0.05). Lambs from BC group showed the deepest crypts at 72 h (157.15 ± 41.81 µm), followed by 24 h (100.08 ± 23.40 µm) and 0 h (84.89 ± 21.10µm), and in OC group the deepest crypts were observed at 0 h (84.89 ± 21.10 µm), without the colostrum ingestion (P < 0.0%). The effects of treatment on the crypt depth were observed in the ileum (P < 0.05), crypts in BC group were deeper than in OC group (92.67 ± 21.47 and 83.12 ± 13.85 µm, respectively). The histological changes related to the ingestion of bovine colostrum did not apparently determine any consequences for enteric physiology. Thus, the results concerning the histologic and histomorphometric aspects confirm a possibility of successfully using bovine colostrum as a substitute for ovine colostrum in newborn lambs.

The unfavorable evolution of a young ovine during hyperimmunization process with Crotalus durissus terrificus venom was investigated in order to differentiate its origin between ophidic envenomation and copper toxicosis. Clinical, laboratory, necroscopic and histological exams as well as evaluation and measurement of heavy metals (copper) in the kidneys and in the liver were carried out. Blood counts revealed anemia and serological tests showed high levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase, total bilirubin and indirect bilirubin; which indicates liver, kidney and skeletal muscle damages. At necropsy, the animal presented hepatopathy and nephropathy. Histological examination revealed renal and hepatic features that may imply copper intoxication. Copper levels were 237.8 µg/g in the liver and 51.2 µg/g in the kidneys. Although the amount of metal found in both organs was below the level that can cause death, according to the literature, anatomopathological signs were suggestive of copper intoxication. Therefore, the hypothesis of metal toxicosis during the hyperimmunization process became more consistent than the crotalic envenomation one.

The present study aims to determine the age- wise, sex- wise and month-wise prevalence along with seasonal fluctuations of Trichuris spp. in ovines and caprines slaughtered during a 12 month period in local abattoirs in Srinagar region from August 2011 to July 2012. Adult parasites were identified on the basis of morphological characters (Soulsby Helminths, arthropods and protozoa of domes- 229 ticated animals, CLBS and Bailliere Tinda, London,1982). The highest prevalence (66.6 %) was in the month of Jan, 2012 whereas prevalence was lowest in the month of August 2011. Trichuris count in ovines increased in autumn (42.02 %), reached maximum levels in winter (59.37), and then tended to decline until spring (53.22 %) and reached minimum levels in summer (30.6 %), before increasing again in mid-autumn. Thus with respect to climatic conditions of area from which exotic ovines were imported, Trichuris prevalence was more prevalent in dry season(55.5 %) than in wet season (36.36 %). Moreover, an association was observed between sex and age of the host with prevalence of Trichuris infection. Of the representative examined samples, Trichuris infection was 44.07 % in female host comparative to 38.07 % infection in males ( p > 0.05). Likewise young animals were more infected (53.8 %) than the adult ones (32.9 %) and kids (37.5 %). Moreover, Trichuris spp. were more prevalent in goats than in sheep( p < 0.05). Hence, it was concluded that prevalence of Trichuris spp. infecting ovines varied with respect to season, age and sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laboratory profile of young ovines was studied in order to evaluate and compare their antiserum production from natural and Cobalt-60 irradiated Crotalus durissus terrificus (C.d.t.) venoms. The parameters analyzed included complete blood count, and urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, total proteins, albumin and globulin serum measurements. Three groups of six animals each were used. Group 1 (G1) received natural C.d.t. venom; Group 2 (G2) received irradiated C.d.t. venom; and Group 3 (G3) was used as control and did not receive venom, only adjuvants, using seven venom inoculations. During the experimental period, animals were fortnightly weighed. According to clinical and weight evaluation, sheep in post-weaning phase showed no changes in their physiological profiles but had excellent weight gain. The parameters analyzed were not statistically different (p

Ethno-pharmacological relevance The cultural heritage of Sardinian shepherds is rapidly vanishing and survives in the memory of elderly people. The objective of our study was not only to report the usage of plants and their preparation for administration but also the use of other remedies of different origin arising from traditional ethno-veterinary knowledge, as Sardinian shepherds were used to employ plants, animals, minerals and combinations of several substances to prepare remedies for prophylaxis or therapy on their animals. Materials and methods The work was carried out in rural areas of the island of Sardinia (Italy) by interviewing shepherds and filling questionnaires in order to record ethno-veterinary practices traditionally used for animal health care. Results Ethno-veterinary remedies traditionally utilised for treatments of small ruminants against ecto-and endo-parasites, gastrointestinal diseases, viral and bacterial diseases, wounds, sprains and bruises were identified. Non herbal remedies outnumbered the herbal ones, as usually plant species were mainly used for the care of cattle and equines. A total of 150 ethno-veterinary uses were documented for the treatment of 33 animal conditions, a detailed account of the formulations and their administration to sheep and goats was provided. Herbal remedies involved the use of twenty two spontaneous species and seven cultivated species. Conclusions This study identifies remedies used in ethno-veterinary practices for small ruminants care in Sardinia, the second major Mediterranean island which has agro-pastoral activities dating back to Neolithic. Moreover, the danger of losing oral traditions, and the increasing attention towards traditional remedies as potential sources of natural products for improving animal health and welfare, support the interest of our survey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 359 sheep serum samples from 15 farms were analyzed for the presence of antibodies against Maedi Visna Virus (MVV) by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Additionally, a survey was applied to the sheep owners in order to determine management measures and presence of clinical symptoms of Maedi-Visna in the flocks. Logistic regression with random effects was performed to assess risk factors to seropositivity. Seven serum samples were positive to MVV belonging to six flocks, determining low flock seropositivity (0 to 7.1%). Only one of the five regions studied was negative, determining low overall prevalence (1.95%) and low positivity by region (0.0% to 0.84%). One seropositive animal with symptoms related to MVV was sacrificed for necropsy. An enlargement of mesenteric and celiac lymph nodes was determined, histopathology of lungs revealed acute interstitial pneumonia. Analysis of organs, fluids and blood of this sheep by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to detect MVV yielded negative results. In order to confirm the serological results, serum and blood samples from two remaining seropositive animals were analyzed six months later, one resulted seronegative and the other seropositive in ELISA, but both negative in PCR. No risk factors were associated to seropositivity. Since MVV produces latency, we conclude, that the positive serological results were due to false positive reactions. Even though, 52.0% of the participating farms had introduced animals, embryos, or semen from other farms or from abroad without any sanitary certification, MVV seems to be present in Costa Rica probably in a very low prevalence. Further studies are required to implement control measures and prevent the spread of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlamydia and Chlamydia-related bacteria are known to infect various organisms and may cause a wide range of diseases, especially in ruminants. To gain insight into the prevalence of these bacteria in the ruminant environment, we applied a pan-Chlamydiales PCR followed by sequencing to 72 ruminant environmental samples from water, feed bunks and floors. Chlamydiales from four family-level lineages were detected indicating a high biodiversity of Chlamydiales in ruminant farms. Parachlamydiaceae were detected in all three types of environmental samples and was the most abundant family-level taxon (60%). In contrast, only one bacterium from each of the following family-level lineages was identified: Chlamydiaceae, Criblamydiaceae and Simkaniaceae. The observed high prevalence of Parachlamydiaceae in water samples may suggest water as the main source of contamination for ruminants as well as their environment due to spoilage. The absence of reported infections in the investigated ruminant farms might indicate that either detected Chlamydiales are of reduced pathogenicity or infective doses have not been reached. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fasciolosis is a parasitic disease with high economic impact that strikes most domestic ruminants. It is caused by two species: Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica (Trematode class), and it causes considerable economic losses to the livestock industry, particularly due to the increased costs of anthelmintic treatment and mortality, with ensuing decreased meat, wool and milk yields. The global losses caused by Fabiolosis to animal productivity are estimated in USD $ 3.200 millions a year , with a total of 600 millions animals infected in rural farms, and from commercial farmers.

Mortalities Analyses by the Ovines in Nioka (Ituri-Zaire). An analysis of the deaths of "fatty-tailed sheep" bred at the Nioka Research Centre has shown that the deaths of animals between January 89 and 31 st December 1993, were due to the wormy diarrhoea (43.8 %), the new-born deaths (19.4 %) and to unknown causes (14.28 %). The authors recommend a means to fight and to bring under control.

Abstract: The objective of this study was to test five cryoprotective agents during ram epidydimal spermatozoa incubation (at 4°C), of up to 3h, typical equilibration time before the freezing step begins, in order to establish a starting point for future freezing and thawing protocols. The parameters analyzed were: progressive motility (PM), vitality, and the plasma membrane functional integrity by the hypoosmotic swelling (HOS) test. Testes and epididymides were collected immediately after death. The tail of both epididymides were isolated and spermatozoa were recovered constituting one sample (n=20). A Tes–Tris–Yolk extender was employed. The extender contained five alternative CPAs: Dimethylacetamide (DMA), Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), Ethylene glycol (EG), Glycerol (GLY) and Propylene glycol (PG) at three final concentrations: 2.5%, 5.0% and 10.0%. Control groups consisted of samples mixed only with the extender, without any CPA. All sample groups were exposed to the CPAs for 1h or 3h at 4°C. EG exposure yielded better responses in both PM and HOS test parameters compared to extender only and also the other CPAs. There was no difference among all the treatments regarding vitality. EG (with best results at 2.5%) is thus proposed as a good CPA (followed by DMA as an explorable alternative) for the implementation of forthcoming ram epididymal spermatozoa freezing protocols. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The PediaFlow pediatric ventricular assist device (VAD) is a magnetically levitated turbodynamic pump under development for circulatory support of small children with a targeted flow rate range of 0.3-1.5 L/min. As the design of this device is refined, ensuring high levels of blood biocompatibility is essential. In this study, we characterized platelet activation during the implantation and operation of a second generation prototype of the PediaFlow VAD (PF2) and also performed a series of surgical sham studies to examine purely surgical effects on platelet activation. In addition, a newly available monoclonal antibody was characterized and shown to be capable of quantifying ovine platelet activation. The PF2 was implanted in three chronic ovine experiments of 17, 30, and 70 days, while surgical sham procedures were performed in five ovines with 30-day monitoring. Blood biocompatibility in terms of circulating activated platelets was measured by flow cytometric assays with and without exogenous agonist stimulation. Platelet activation following sham surgery returned to baseline in approximately 2 weeks. Platelets in PF2-implanted ovines returned to baseline activation levels in all three animals and showed an ability to respond to agonist stimulation. Late-term platelet activation was observed in one animal corresponding with unexpected pump stoppages related to a manufacturing defect in the percutaneous cable. The results demonstrated encouraging platelet biocompatibility for the PF2 in that basal platelet activation was achieved early in the pump implant period. Furthermore, this first characterization of the effect of a major cardiothoracic procedure on temporal ovine platelet activation provides comparative data for future cardiovascular device evaluation in the ovine model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Objective: Cryptosporidium spp. are prevalent globally and sheep are an important zoonotic reservoir. Little data regarding the rates of Cryptosporidium infections in ovines in China are available. This study assessed the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp. in pre-weaned ovines from Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in the Sichuan province of China. Methods: A total of 213 fecal samples were collected from pre-weaned ovines and were examined microscopically (following modified acid fast staining). In addition, 18S rRNA genetic sequences were amplified from fecal samples by nested PCR and phylogenetically analyzed. Results: The prevalence of Cryptosporidium in the collected samples was at 14.6% (31/213) and four isolates identified by PCR belonged to the Cryptosporidium cervine genotype (Cryptosporidium ubiquitum) demonstrating that this species was the primary sheep species found in sheep in China. Conclusion: The present study suggested that the high incidence of Cryptosporidium in sheep poses a significant public health threat and that surveillance practices must be established to prevent zoonotic disease of humans. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The presence of the male effect and its importance in the reproductive management of Columbia ewes was evaluated during a comparative study between a herd of ewes subjected to an annual breeding system with services in November (AS) and another herd subjected to an intensive system with breeding periods in November, July and March (IS). The two herds were kept on intensive irrigated prairies with moderate climate: the ewes in the IS were supplemented during the lactation and rebreeding periods. Estrus expression was detected by the presence of marks on the rump left by aniline-impregnated teaser males. In addition, the concentrations of progesterone were determined in blood samples from 20 adult ewes and 5 ewe-lambs from each breeding system. These samples were taken twice per week from the time the teaser males were introduced. The conception date for each ewe was retrospectively calculated from the date of lambing. The results indicate a clear male effect in the IS group during the breeding periods of July and March, when such a male effect proved to be very important for the reproductive success of the herd. In contrast, the male effect was not apparent during November breeding periods because the animals of both herds were already cycling when the teaser males were introduced at that time of the year. It is concluded that the use of the male effect can improve the reproductive efficiency of Columbia ewes exposed to intensive breeding systems in Mexico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Analysis of electrical ventricular systole in the sheep. 1. Depolarization phenomena Over a time period from birth to one year a study was made of the ECG in sheep of the early maturing merino breed in order to determine the influence of physical maturation on the process of ventricular depolarization. The QRS complex undergoes an increase in length in the course of bodily development; the electrical potential, on the other hand, is significantly lower in the 1-year old animal. The morphological structure also seems to be involved since in V10 the Q-spike is absent in the newborn; it becomes more frequent with increasing age. The length of both the RR interval and the QT interval undergo and increase from 20 days of age; there also occurs a highly significant correlation between the two intervals. The length of ventricular activation showed, however, no significant correlation with the length of the cardiac cycle. Resumen Se han analizado ECG procedentes de ovinos de raza Merino Precoz, a lo largo de un periodo de tiempo comprendido entre el nacimiento y la edad de 1 año, con el fin de determinar la influencia de la maduración física sobre el proceso de despolarización ventricular. El complejo QRS experimenta un aumento en su duración a medida que se produce la maduración física; por el contrario, el voltaje se muestra significativamente inferior en los individuos de 1 año. También la morfología parece verse afectada ya que, en V10, la onda 'q' está ausente en los individuos recién nacidos, haciéndose más frecuente a medida que aumenta la edad. Tanto la durción del intervalo RR como del intervalo QT experimenta un incremento a partir de los 20 días de edad, obteniéndose, además, una correlación muy significativa entre ambos. Sin embargo, la duración de la activación ventricular no presenta correlación significativa con la duración del ciclo cardíaco. Zusammenfassung Analyse der elektrischen Herzkammersystole bei Schafen I. Depolarisationsphänomene Während einer Zeitperiode, die von der Geburt bis zum Alter eines Jahres geht, wurden Elektrokardiogramme untersucht, die von Schafen der Frühreifen-Merino-Rasse stammten zwecks Feststellung des Einflusses der physischen Reife auf den Prozeß der ventrikulären Depolarisation. Der QRS-Komplex erfährt einen Zuwachs in seiner Länge im Laufe der Entwicklung der körperlichen Reife; die elektrische Spannung hingegen ist signifikant niedriger bei den einjährigen Individuen. Der morphologische Aufbau scheint ebenfalls betroffen zu sein, da bei V10 die Q-Zacke bei den Neugeborenen ausblieb; sie wird häufiger mit zunehmendem Alter. Sowohl die Länge des Intervalls RR wie die des Intervalls QT erfahren einen Zuwachs ab einem Alter von 20 Tagen; dabei wird außerdem eine hochsignifikante Korrelation zwischen beiden Intervallen erzielt. Jedoch weist die Länge der ventrikulären Aktivierung keine signifikante Korrelation mit der Herzzykluslänge auf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate the effect of cull pinto beans (CPB) (Phaseolus vulgaris) on performance of feedlot lambs. Seventy-two crossbred hair-breed lambs (Dorper × Pelibuey and Kathadin × Pelibuey) were used (75±6 days old and 18.7±3.89 kg of initial body weight). Animals were fed twice daily. Diets consisted of 20% alfalfa hay and 80% concentrate based on ground sorghum grain and were formulated to contain 17.9% crude protein and 2.60 Mcal/kg metabolizable energy. Treatments were (dry matter basis): no CPB (0%), 10% CPB, and 20% CPB. Lambs were blocked by body weight and treatments and arranged in a 2 × 3 arrangement of treatments. Body weights were recorded initially and subsequently at 14-day intervals for a total 70 number of days. Dry matter intake was recorded daily. Apparent dry matter digestibility was predicted using insoluble acid detergent fiber. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design. Final body weight and average daily gain decreased linearly with increasing CPB level and were greater for males than females. A level × gender interaction was observed for dry matter and crude protein digestibility. Data for hot carcass weight and cold carcass weight decreased linearly as CPB level increased and were greater for males. Carcass yield, longissimus muscle area, and dressing percentage were greater for males. Dressing percentage quadratically increased as CPB level increased. Cull pinto beans are a suitable ingredient for feedlot hair-breed lambs, but the inclusion of more than 10% of CPB level decreases animal performance.