<div><strong>Background:</strong> The development of connective tissue in the fetus during the ruminant gestation period increases the need for vitamin C, which is then further increased by the course of pregnancy and lactation. As pregnancy and lactation develop, free radicals and MDA produced as a result of oxidative stress interact with functional groups in the cell, resulting in cell damage. The oxidant/antioxidant balance at this time can be calculated using the total antioxidant status, total oxidant status and oxidative status index values. This study aimed to investigate the effect of two different doses of vitamin C on oxidative stress indicators in late gestation, early and late lactation ewes and their offspring.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> In the study, 48 ewes of the German Meat Merino and Akkaraman breeds that were developed by crossbreeding were employed. After breeding, four groups were formed from pregnant and non-pregnant ewes. Negative Pregnancy Control group was formed from non-pregnant ewes. Positive Pregnancy Control, Positive Pregnancy Practice 1 and Positive Pregnancy Practice 2 groups were formed from pregnant ewes. After the 90<sup>th </sup>day of pregnancy, ewes in the Negative Pregnancy Control and Positive Pregnancy Control groups received saline (0.9% NaCl, 2.5 ml) injections every week concurrently with the other pregnant groups until delivery. From the 90<sup>th</sup> day of pregnancy until birth, sheep participating in Positive Pregnancy Practices 1 and 2 received weekly injections of vitamin C (625 mg/CA, 2.5 ml and 1250 mg/CA, 5 ml, respectively).&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> In the study, no statistically significant difference was found in serum MDA, TAS, TOS and OSI levels between late pregnancy, lactation and born lambs. While none of the pregnant ewes in this study aborted, vitamin C injection significantly decreased postnatal lamb mortality. This showed that vitamin C helped pregnant ewes feel less stressed throughout pregnancy and helped lower postnatal lamb mortality. In pregnant ewes, AO-effective vitamin C supplementation has been shown to have possible beneficial effects on both maternal and offspring health, whereby the number of stillbirths was reduced by vitamin C supplementation, especially in Positive Pregnancy Practice 2 lambs.</div>


<p>Effect of Vitamin C at Different Doses on the Oxidant/Antioxidant System of Ewes During Late Pregnancy, Early and Late Lactation and Their Lambs</p>


<p><strong>Background:</strong> Oocyte and follicular fluid recovery and evaluation are a crucial step in assisted reproductive technologies. The aims of the current study were to evaluate the ovarian tissues and their resulting oocytes and follicular fluid of Awassi female lambs and ewes in subtropics of Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> Thirty reproductive systems of female lambs in addition to forty reproductive systems of ewes of follicular and luteal phases were collected. The ovarian tissues were evaluated through ovarian follicle numbers, oocytes recovery in addition to determination of follicular fluid (FF) metabolites. The ovarian follicles were categorized into small (&lt; 3 mm), medium (3-5 mm) and large follicles (&gt;5 mm). The medium and large ovarian follicles were aspirated for FF collection and oocytes recovery. The FF concentrations of total protein (g/dl), urea (mg/dl), glucose (mg/dl), total cholesterol (mg/dl) and triglycerides (mg/dl) were determined.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The weight of reproductive system and ovary were increased of ewes compared to female lambs.&nbsp; The number of small follicles was not differed among groups whereas the numbers of medium and large follicles increase in ewes groups. The highest number of medium follicles was found in ewes of follicular phase compared to other groups. Although the percentage of oocyte recovery increased in ewes compared to female&nbsp;lambs, the oocytes quality was not differed among groups. The total protein values were high (P&lt;0.05) in FF of ewes compared to that of female lambs. On the other, the values of urea and triglycerides were low (P&lt;0.05) in FF of ewes compared to FF of female lambs. Moreover, the values of total protein, urea and triglycerides were comparable in FF of ewes during follicular or luteal phase. Additionally, there is slight increase of glucose and slight decrease of total cholesterol values in FF of ewes compared to FF of female lambs. In conclusion, follicles of ovarian tissues, oocyte recovery and quality and follicular fluid biochemistry of female lambs and ewes showed differences. The recovered oocytes and FF are available for assisted reproductive techniques.<strong> </strong></p>


<p>Morphological Characteristics of Ovarian Tissues and Follicular Fluid Metabolites of Female Lambs and Ewes in Subtropics</p>


<div><strong>Background:</strong><em> Moringa oleifera</em> has garnered significant interest. This research evaluated the impact of different quantities of <em>Moringa oleifera</em> seed powder on certain productive and physiological characteristics in Awassi ewes. The research investigated the effects on lamb development and birth outcomes within a sheep herd managed by Rashidiyah Research Station, Agricultural Research Service, Ninawa Research Department, Mosul, Iraq.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong>&nbsp;Twenty&nbsp;ewes&nbsp;were&nbsp;divided&nbsp;into&nbsp;four&nbsp;groups&nbsp;of&nbsp;five ewes per group. Moringa seed powder was given to four groups: 0, 5, 10 and 15 (g/ewe/day). The weights of the newborns and mothers were recorded on the first day of the trial (0 days) and then the weights were taken at equal intervals of 15 days and on two consecutive days after the newborns were isolated from their mothers for 12 hours, these measurements continued the length of the trial. Blood tests were performed at the Physiology Laboratory of the Department of Animal Production Technologies at the Northern Technical University/Agricultural Technical College. cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, urea, creatinine and liver enzymes including Aspartate alanine transferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT).<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Result: </strong>Results of this study revealed that moringa seed powder supplementation (0, 5, 10, 15 g/head/day) significantly reduced feed intake for both ewes (2.087, 2.020, 1.769, 1.849 kg/ewe/day) and newborns (0.803, 0.770, 0.744, 0.758 kg/newborn/day). Ewes fed moringa also showed significant weight gains, with final weights reaching 59.6, 62, 58.6 and 57 kg across groups, compared to the control. Blood analysis showed an increase in leukocytes (20.23, 21.93, 20.97 and 16.03 &acute; 10^9/L) and lymphocytes, while granulocyte ratios remained similar. Total cholesterol significantly decreased in the moringa-fed groups (120.66, 86.54, 92.12 and 82.72 mg/100 ml), though triglycerides stayed stable (47.2-49.08 mg/100 ml). Glucose levels dropped with higher moringa doses (45.87, 45.28, 49.1 and 33.3 mg/100 ml). Urea levels decreased (46.93, 40.36, 43.44 and 47.05 mg/100 ml), while AST levels were lower in specific groups. ALT levels showed minimal change, with values between 15 and 19.2 IU/L across groups.</div>


<p>Effects of Various Proportions of <em>Moringa oleifera</em> Supplementation on Productivity and Physiological Traits of Ewes and Lambs</p>


<div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Background:</strong> The aim of this paper was to estimate the genetic parameters for the longevity of ewes and lamb survival at 30 days in a Teleorman Black Head Sheep population.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods:</strong> Data was analysed with survival model.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Result:</strong> Mean length of productive life of ewes was 673.16 days. The heritability for longevity was 0.097 and for lambs&rsquo; survival at 30 days was 0.098. The breeding value of the best sheep for longevity as productive life ranged from 0.081 months to 0.129 months and for the best lambs for survival at 30 days ranged from 0.041 days to 0.127 days. The results obtained in survival analysis are showing that the improvement of environmental conditions will increase longevity of ewes and survivability of lambs. Daily and careful monitoring of the health of sheep was performed. It was ensured administration of feed and water in a proper state of hygiene, a suckling and milking hygienic and a proper microclimate. Regarding the utility, longevity is a trait that is recommended to be used in local sheep breeding programs in Romania.</div>

<div style="text-align: justify;">Analysis of Ewe Longevity and Lamb Survival in Teleorman Black Head Sheep</div>

<div><strong>Background: </strong>In sheep,<em> Escherichia coli </em>infection can occur as asymptomatic entity to septicaemic episode. Chiefly, it causes heavy mortality in lambs and devastates the farm economy. With an objective of documenting the salient epidemiological and clinico-pathological observations in this naturally occurred outbreak of septicaemic colibacillosis, this communication is made herewith.&nbsp;<br />
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<strong>Methods:</strong> In February 2019, sudden death in lambs was observed in three flocks of sheep. Carcasses were subjected for necropsy and histopathological examination. Swab samples from heart, abomasum, intestines, liver and lung were examined for bacteriological and molecular confirmation.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The mean (&plusmn;SE) age of lambs that were affected was 11.00 &plusmn;0.49 days (n=404). Lambs of native Malpura breed (87.5%) and other two crossbred sheep were affected. Overall mortality of lambs was 23.76%. Gross pathological observations were pulmonary edema, ecchymotic lesions in lungs, congestion in kidney and liver and presence soil-mixed ingesta in abomasum. From the morbid materials including stomach and intestinal swabs, 45 <em>E. coli </em>isolates were identified and they were also confirmed on polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Consequently, virulence genes for shiga toxin (<em>stx2</em>) and intimin (<em>eae</em>) were identified from the isolates. Although antibiotics were administered, only probiotics could control the new infection rate.&nbsp;</div>


<div>Soil-borne Septicaemic Colibacillosis in Neonatal Lambs: Salient Observations</div>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> To know the production and reproductive performance of Nellore brown lambs under three systems <em>i.e.</em> intensive, semi-intensive and extensive system of rearing and which system of rearing was beneficial for the farmer community in terms of cost economics.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> 36 Nellore brown lambs of 3 months age from Livestock Research Station, Mamnoor, Warangal district were randomly allotted to three rearing systems <em>i.e.</em> Intensive (G1), Semi-intensive (G2) and Extensive (G3) system of each 12 animals. The body weight and ADG of lambs in the three systems were recorded fortnightly and calculated the cost economics. The reproductive parameters of ewe lambs were recorded.<br />
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<strong>Result:</strong> From 3-9 months age, the mean gain in body weight (kg) in the G1 group was significantly (P&lt; 0.01) higher followed by G2 (10.95 &plusmn; 0.18) and G3 (9.33 &plusmn; 0.09) groups. The mean ADG (gm) was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in G1 group (75.14 &plusmn; 1.56) than G2 (60.83 &plusmn; 1.02) and G3 (51.81 &plusmn; 0.47) groups. Significant (P&lt;0.05) difference was observed in the mean age at puberty of ewe lambs in the three groups. The mean age at first service was lowest in G1 (329.50 &plusmn; 6.99) followed by G2 (360.17 &plusmn; 6.56) and G3 (385.17 &plusmn; 5.60) groups. The net income (Rs.) obtained from each lamb was 1870.8, 1406.7 and 1217.3, respectively in G1, G2 and G3 groups. The cost per kilogram live weight gain was higher in the G1 group followed by G2 and G3 group.</div>


<p>​Production, Reproduction Performance and Cost Economics of Nellore Brown Lambs Reared under Different Systems of Rearing</p>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> Among the three varieties of Nellore sheep, Nellore brown was most popular among the shepherds of Telangana state. The research on the performance of the other two varieties <em>i.e.</em> Palla and Dora was done extensively in their home tract but less data was available about performance of Nellore brown under different system of rearing. The growth rate of lambs was highest from birth to weaning in their life. The system of rearing can influence both growth rate and biometrical measurements of the lamb. The performance of the lambs during this stage influence the productive and reproductive performance in the lifetime.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods: </strong>Sixty Nellore brown ewes (1.5 - 2 years) were selected from Sheep unit, Livestock Research Station, Mamnoor, Telangana for the present study.&nbsp; The lambs born in intensive (G1, lambs born N= 14), Semi-intensive (G2, lambs born N= 14) and Extensive (G3, lambs born N= 12) system of rearing were used to study the growth performance and biometry of lambs from birth to weaning.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The birth weight (kg) of lambs in G1 and G2 groups were significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher than lambs in G3 group. The weaning body weight (Kg) was significantly higher (P&lt;0.01) in G1 group as compared to weaning body weights in G2 and G3 group. The mean average ADG (gm) of lambs from birth to weaning was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher in G1 (105.4&plusmn;0.19) followed by G2 (97.9&plusmn;0.14) and G3 (92.8&plusmn;0.07) group. The mean pin shoulder length (cm) of lambs at birth in G1 group was higher than G2 and G3 group but had a significant (P&lt;0.05) difference with the only G3 group. In G1 group, the mean heart girth (cm) of lambs from15<sup>th</sup> day to weaning was significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher than G2 and G3 groups. The mean gain in paunch girth from birth to weaning in lambs of three groups was nearly 19 cm and had no significant (P&lt;0.05) difference between groups.</div>


<p>​Growth Performance and Biometry of Nellore Brown Lambs from Birth to Weaning under Different Systems of Rearing</p>


<div><strong>Background:</strong> Gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) infection represents several problems to livestock production. Control of GIN infection is usually achieved by the use of chemotherapeutic anthelmintic drugs. However, indiscriminate use of anthelmintics led to development of anthelmintic resistance. An alternative to chemical control is use of bioactive plants in animal feeds as natural anthelmintics. The objective of this experiment was to compare the effects of polyherbal additive containing high concentrations of saponins with a conventional chemical antiparasitic drug on performance and GIN counts of ewes.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods:</strong> Sixteen hair ewes (creole 19.05&plusmn;0.895 kg initial BW) fed a basal diet, were randomly assigned to one of three treatments: 1) Doramectin (0.2 mg/kg BW, as positive control); 2) Polyherbal additive, Peptasan (4 grams/lamb/day) and 3) Control group that was not dewormed. The experiment was conducted for 28 days. At 0, 14, 21 and 28 parasite infections were assessed by fecal egg counts (FEC).<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> The daily gain was positively correlated (P&lt;0.01) with herbal product (261 g/d) and Doramectin (146 g/d), in contrast with the control group (33 g/d). The number of eggs per gram of feces (EPG) was significantly (P&lt;0.01) reduced by Peptasan (90 EPG) compared to Doramectin (711 EPG) after 28 days of treatment. At the same time the EPG in control group was remained unchanged (4566 eggs/g). Infection with GIN can affect feed utilization and lamb performance and polyherbal products are alternative anthelmintics to reduce the parasitic infection in growing ewes.</div>


<p>​Effect of a Polyherbal Additive on Performance and Parasite Infection of Hair Creole Ewes</p>


<div style="text-align: justify;">The present study was aimed at characterizing carcass and meat quality traits in Bandur/ Mandya ram lambs. Eighteen ram lambs were slaughtered at the age of six months by Halal method. The pre-slaughter weight (PSW), hot carcass weight (HCW) and dressing percentage based on PSW recorded were 13.49 &plusmn; 0.26 kg, 6.44 &plusmn; 0.14 kg and 47.77 &plusmn; 0.70 per cent, respectively. The mean loin eye area was 15.43 &plusmn; 0.64 cm2. The mean primal cut weights for leg, loin, rack, chuck, and breast and fore shank were 2.090 &plusmn; 43.35, 0.675 &plusmn; 29.40, 0.646 &plusmn; 28.82, 2.036 &plusmn; 47.35 and 0.601 &plusmn; 23.97 kg, respectively. The highest proportion of meat was recorded in leg (25.06%) and chuck (23.23%). The meat quality traits viz., pH, water holding capacity, Warner-Bratzler Shear Force value, cooking loss and back fat thickness were 6.35 &plusmn; 0.05, 49.74 &plusmn; 3.33 per cent, 3.75 &plusmn; 0.14, 26.01 &plusmn; 2.19 per cent and 0.26 &plusmn; 0.02 cm, respectively. The mean percentage values for proximate principles viz., moisture, crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, and total ash were 72.10 &plusmn; 0.38, 19.76 &plusmn; 0.34, 0.24 &plusmn; 0.03, 7.23 &plusmn; 0.47 and 1.01 &plusmn; 0.04 per cent, respectively. Compared to earlier reports higher loin eye area measurement was observed in the present study indicating higher muscular development in Bandur ram lambs.&nbsp;</div>

Carcass and meat quality characteristics of Bandur ram lambs

<div style="text-align:justify"><strong>Background: </strong>The difference in the maternal behavior expression of sheep can affect the early growth and development as well as the survival of lambs. The characteristics of maternal behavior in primiparous and multiparous ewes were observed to reveal the expression of maternal behavior in Chinese Hu sheep and its effects on early lamb survival and body weight.<br />
<br />
<strong>Methods: </strong>In total 527 pregnant ewes with delivery were selected, including 246 primiparous ewes and 281 multiparous ewes. The observation record of maternal behavior began from 10 days before delivery to 3 days after delivery by video recording. The behaviors of ewe to the lamb included licking, suckling, seeking lambs, denial of suckling after delivery, butting and trampling lambs, abandoning lambs, and stealing lambs. Body weight of lambs were recorded including newborn, 7-day-old, 14-day-old and 35-day-old (weaning).<br />
<br />
<strong>Result:</strong> There were significant differences in the incidence rate in lamb abandonment and stealing between primiparous and multiparous ewes (P&lt;0.05), namely the primiparous ewe group had the higher incidence of undesirable behaviours. However, there were no significant differences in seeking, licking and trampling behaviors between two groups (P&gt;0.05). Lamb survival within 7 days after delivery of multiparous ewes was greater than primiparous ewes (P&lt;0.05). The body weights of newborn and 7-day-old lambs in the multiparous ewe group were significantly higher than the primiparous group (P&lt;0.05). This study demonstrates that limited significant differences exist between primiparous and multiparous ewes in several aspects of maternal behavior in Chinese Hu sheep. Ewe behavioral expression associated with the birth and care of the neonatal lambs are essential for the survival and growth of the offspring.</div>


Effect of Vitamin C at Different Doses on the Oxidant/Antioxidant System of Ewes During Late Pregnancy, Early and Late Lactation and Their Lambs

Morphological Characteristics of Ovarian Tissues and Follicular Fluid Metabolites of Female Lambs and Ewes in Subtropics

Effects of Various Proportions of Moringa oleifera Supplementation on Productivity and Physiological Traits of Ewes and Lambs

Analysis of Ewe Longevity and Lamb Survival in Teleorman Black Head Sheep

Soil-borne Septicaemic Colibacillosis in Neonatal Lambs: Salient Observations

Production, Reproduction Performance and Cost Economics of Nellore Brown Lambs Reared under Different Systems of Rearing

Growth Performance and Biometry of Nellore Brown Lambs from Birth to Weaning under Different Systems of Rearing

Effect of a Polyherbal Additive on Performance and Parasite Infection of Hair Creole Ewes

Carcass and meat quality characteristics of Bandur ram lambs

The Expression of Maternal Behavior in Chinese Hu Sheep and its Effects on Lamb Survival and Body Weight