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At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2026

Genome-wide association study reveals candidate genes associated with body weight and wool traits in Ordos fine-wool sheep.

BACKGROUND: The Ordos fine-wool sheep is a high-quality fine-wool breed in China, renowned for its excellent wool quality, meat production, and adaptability to the arid and semi-arid regions of Inner Mongolia. Body weight and wool traits are important economic characteristics in sheep breeding. This study aimed to identify genetic loci associated with body weight (BW), wool length (WL), and wool fineness (WF) in Ordos fine-wool sheep. METHODS: A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted in 388 Ordos fine-wool sheep genotyped using the GenoBaits® Ovine 40K SNP panel. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with BW, WL, and WF were identified, and candidate genes located near the SNPs reaching the suggestive threshold were subjected to functional annotation and enrichment analysis. RESULTS: A total of 22 SNPs were identified as potentially associated with BW, WL, and WF traits, corresponding to 27 annotated genes. Functional annotation highlighted six potential candidate genes, including LAMA2, ARHGAP18, IGFBP2, IGFBP5, CA10, and AXIN1, which may play important roles in regulating body weight and wool growth in sheep. CONCLUSIONS: The identified genes provide valuable candidate loci for BW, WL, and WF traits in Ordos fine-wool sheep. The results of this study provide preliminary references for further exploration of the genetic mechanisms of wool traits in Ordos fine-wool sheep and the development of molecular breeding markers.

GWAS↗
PubMed1976

[Variability and inheritance of behavior in fine-wool sheep. II. Character of inheritance of domesticated behavior and correlation of behavior with productivity traits in fine-wool sheep].

The results of an experimental study of the inheritance of individual behaviour in various types of crosses are presented; the phenotypic and genetic correlations between the behavior and producutivity characters in sheep and the possibility of applying behaviour characteristics to the selection process of fine-wool sheep are analysed. It is shown that the progeny from crosses between parents with the same type of behaviour inherits mainly the type of behaviour of their parents and that, in general, the inheritance has a polygenic character. A genetic relation between the type of domestic behaviour and the productive characters of fine-wool sheep is established. The genetic correlation coefficient between the behaviour and the wool productivity is 0,57, and that between the behaviour and the live weight is 0,53. It is concluded that the inheritance component contributes to the formation of the type of domestic behaviour of fine-wool sheep. Phenotypic and genetic correlations between the type of behaviour and the main productivity characters are discussed. The posibility of using behaviour characteristics as a character under selection is considered.

Animals↗
PubMed2026

Large-scale low-coverage whole-genome sequencing reveals the genetic architecture of wool and growth traits in fine-wool sheep.

Breeding sheep with superior growth performance and wool quality is essential for the sustainability of the fine-wool sheep industry. In this study, we perform low-coverage whole-genome sequencing (lcWGS) on 3842 individuals from 5 sheep breeds (4 fine-wool and 1 semi-fine wool) and generate a large genomic dataset. By comparing these breeds with coarse-wool sheep, we characterize the genomic landscape and selection signatures of fine-wool sheep. We identify several known functional genes associated with hair follicle development and skin morphology, including EGFR, KRT74, EDAR, EREG, and GLI2. Furthermore, GWAS of 19 traits identifies 156 candidate genes significantly associated with growth and wool characteristics, including LCORL for body size, EGFR for clean wool yield, and PRDM1 for fiber diameter. Notably, EGFR is detected in both GWAS and selection signature analyses, indicating its important role in phenotype formation and historical selection. Overall, our findings reveal the genetic basis of growth and wool traits in fine-wool and semi-fine wool sheep, highlight EGFR, LCORL, and PRDM1 as candidate genes, and provide valuable genomic resources and candidate markers for future functional validation and molecular breeding.

Body size↗
PubMed2006

[Correlation analysis of microsatellite DNA markers with wool traits in Liangshan semi-fine wool sheep].

Eighteen microsatellites on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 9 were studied to detect their genotypes in 206 individuals in a Liangshan Semi-fine Wool Sheep nucleus breeding population. A GLM procedure was used to analyze the effects of these 18 microsatellites on wool traits. Results uncovered 7 loci that had a significant impact on wool traits. Genotypes of that favorably affect wool traits were determined.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Effects of long-term consumption of sewage solids on reproductive performance and serum progesterone and estradiol-17beta in mature fine-wool ewes.

Eighty-four mature fine-wool ewes were randomly allotted to one of three dietary treatments to examine the influence of dietary sewage solids on reproductive performance. Treatments were a basal diet or basal plus either 3.5% cottonseed meal (CSM) or 7% sewage solids. Serum progesterone and estradiol-17beta measured in blood samples collected through an estrous cycle just before the breeding season of the first and second years were not adversely influenced by sewage feeding. Progesterone concentrations quantified in weekly blood samples collected during gestation and lactation of both years did not differ (P>0.10) among treatments. During the first lambing season, lambing data showed that ewes consuming CSM produced slightly more lambs per ewe exposed (P<0.10) than either basal- or sewage-fed ewes. During the second breeding season, midventral laparotomies revealed that ovaries from ewes receiving CSM contained more (P<0.10) corpora lutea than did those from either basal- or sewage-fed animals. However, at the end of the second lambing season, no differences (P>0.10) among treatments in the number of lambs born or weaned were observed. A third year's lambing data also revealed no difference (P>0.10) among treatments for lambing rates. These data indicate that prolonged consumption of a diet containing 7% sewage solids has little, if any, detrimental effect on reproductive performance of mature fine-wool ewes.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1987

Semen characteristics, scrotal circumference and bacterial isolates of fine wool range rams.

During 1983, 887 fine wool rams were subjected to breeding soundness evaluation to determine effects of age and scrotal circumference on semen characteristics. Of rams evaluated, 94.4, 84.8, and 81.9% of young (</=1.5 yr), mature (2 to 5 yr), and old (>6 yr), respectively, were rated as satis-factory. Old rams had fewer (P < 0.05) motile cells and more (P < 0.05) abnormal cells than young rams. Among older rams there was a higher percentage (P < 0.05) with testicular lesions than among young or mature rams. Scrotal circumference was positively correlated (P < 0.01) with semen volume and percentage of motile normal cells. Motility was negatively correlated (P < 0.01) with percentage of abnormal cells. Mature and old rams with large (>/=36.7 cm) testis had more (P < 0.10) abnormal cells than those in the same age groups with smaller testis. Scrotal circumference was positively correlated (P < 0.10) to volume and motility in mature and old rams, while motility was negatively correlated (P < 0.01) to percentage of abnormal cells in all age groups. Previous semen testing reduced (P < 0.05) the percentage of mature rams with leucocytes. Vaccination against epididymitis reduced (P < 0.05) the incidence of mature rams with leucocytes and testicular lesions. Brucella ovis was recovered from 54 (67.5%) of 80 ejaculates cultured. Among rams infected with B . ovis , only three (5.6%) were vaccinated against B . ovis and had their semen tested previously.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1989

Effects of exogenous ovine growth hormone on reproduction, serum hormone profiles and milk characteristics in early-postpartum fine-wool ewes nursing single or twin offspring.

After parturition (Day 0), 31 mature spring-lambing, fine-wool ewes were randomly allotted to one of six groups. Treatments were lambs suckled (one or two) and ovine growth hormone (oGH; 0, 5 or 10 mg). Growth hormone was administered subcutaneously daily from Days 6 to 25. Milk characteristics were determined on Day 26. Ewes were observed for estrus beginning on Day 27. Serum insulin did not differ (P > 0.10) between suckling intensity before or after oGH treatment on Days 6, 15 or 25. Likewise, no difference (P > 0.10) in serum insulin was detected among ewes receiving 0, 5 or 10 mg oGH. Ewes suckling twins had higher (P < 0.05) serum growth hormone on Day 6 (before beginning oGH treatment) than ewes suckling single lambs. In ewes receiving 0, 5 and 10 mg oGH, serum growth hormone differed (P < 0.01) in a linear fashion 1 h after treatment was initiated on Day 6 and continued through Hour 6. Serum growth hormone on Days 15 and 25 differed among groups both before and after oGH was administered (P < 0.01). Suckling intensity did not affect (P > 0.10) milk or milk protein and fat yields; however, oGH increased (linear, P < 0.05) fat but did not affect milk or protein yields. Interval from parturition to estrus did not differ (P > 0.20) in ewes suckling single or twin offspring. Likewise, no differences (P > 0.20) in interval length were noted in ewes receiving 0, 5 or 10 mg oGH. Suckling intensity and oGH administration for 20 d had little effect on postpartum interval or milk characteristics during the first 30 d after lambing in fine-wool ewes.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1975

The incidence of dystocia in fine-wool Merino ewes.

The mean incidence of dystocia in 1,510 fine-wool Merino ewes over a ten-year period was 4.1% of ewes lambing. In the 10 year period, 10% of all neonatal mortality was attributed to dystocia and in only 23% of dystocias was lamb presentation abnormal. The incidence of dystocia was not related to age of ewe. Significantly more ewes experienced dystocia at spring than winter (P less than 0.05) or summer (P less than 0.01) lambings. The mean birth weights of dystocic single and twin born lambs were 4.19 and 3.38 kg respectively. The corresponding birth weights of lambs that did not experience dystocia were 3.69 and 3.00 kg. More ewes experienced dystocia when stocked at 12 or 16 per ha than at 8 per ha (P less than 0.05). Fifty per cent of recorded dystocias occurred in ewes stocked at 16 per ha, 40 per cent at 12 per ha and 10 per cent at 8 per ha. Ewe body weight pre-lambing was not related to the incidence of dystocia but it would appear that weaker ewes are more likely to have a difficult birth than ewes that are stronger and in better condition.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Growth response, reproductive activity, and serum growth hormone in fine-wool ewe lambs treated with triiodothyronine.

Forty-four 6-mo-old, fine-wool ewe lambs were randomly allotted to one of three triiodothyronine (T(3)) treatment groups (14 or 15 ewe lambs/group). Treatments (0, 200, and 400 mug T(3)) were administered daily by subcutaneous injection during a 30-d treatment period in September. Following the treatments, ewe lambs were allowed to mate with Debouillet rams during a 34-d breeding season. Animal weights did not differ (P > 0.10) among treatment groups throughout the study. However, ewe lambs receiving 400 mug T(3)/d gained less (P < 0.05) during the treatment period than did those receiving 200 mug T(3)/d or controls. Grease fleece weights (6-mo clip) were similar (P > 0.10) among treatment groups. Serum growth hormone (GH) values in blood samples collected on Days 7 and 28 of the 30-d treatment were similar (P > 0.10) before treatments were administered and on Day 7 after treatments were administered. However, on Day 28 after treatments were administered, serum GH was lower (P < 0.01) in ewe lambs receiving 400 mug T(3)/d (1.5 ng/ml) than in those receiving 200 mug/d (2.1 ng/ml) or controls (2.2 ng/ml). Ovarian cyclicity was determined by monitoring serum progesterone. Forty percent of control ewe lambs were determined to have cycled during treatment compared with 20% of those receiving 200 mug T(3)/day and none of those receiving 400 mug T(3)/d (P < 0.10). Pregnancy rates were lower (P < 0.10) in ewe lambs receiving 400 mug T(3)/d (29%) compared with those receiving 200 mug T(3)/d (60%) or controls (66.7%). Day of conception, lambs born/ewe exposed, lambs born/ewe lambing, and lambs weaned/ewe lambing did not differ (P > 0.10) among treatments. Preweaning performance of offspring was not altered by maternal treatment with 200 or 400 mug T(3)/d (P > 0.10). These data indicate that 200 and 400 mug T(3)/d will not enhance GH production or improve reproductive performance of ewe lambs.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1986

Reproductive responses, progesterone profiles and ovarian characteristics of cycling, fine-wool ewes treated with an inhibitor of progesterone synthesis (epostane).

In Exp. 1, 45 fine-wool ewes received (sc) either 0, 50 or 100 mg epostane (3-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor) to examine effects on return to estrus and conception rates. Treatments were imposed on d 10 of an estrous cycle (estrus = d 0) and jugular blood samples were collected once daily on d 8 and 9, twice daily on d 10 through 13 and once daily from d 14 until first post-treatment estrus or d 20 (15 ewes/treatment). Intensive samples were obtained hourly for 6 h after treatment (d 10; five ewes/treatment). Serum progesterone (P4) before treatment was similar among groups; but by 2 h after treatment, epostane-treated ewes had lower (P less than .10) values than controls. By 6 h post-treatment, serum P4 in ewes receiving 50 (1.0 ng/ml) and 100 (.9 ng/ml) mg epostane was well below control values (3.2 ng/ml). By 7 d after treatment, 93.3% of ewes treated with 50 mg epostane had recycled compared with 66.7 and 33.3% of those receiving 100 and 0 mg, respectively (P less than .10). Similarly, 93.3, 53.3 and 26.7% of ewes receiving 50, 100 or 0 mg epostane, respectively, lambed to breeding within 7 d of treatment (P less than .05). Overall conception rates during a 34-d breeding season were similar among groups. Preweaning performance of offspring did not differ among maternal treatments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Androstenols↗
PubMed2026

Integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics reveals the molecular landscape of sperm maturation driven by regional differentiation in the epididymis of Guizhou-Guiqian semi-fine wool sheep.

Epididymal regionalized differentiation is crucial for sperm maturation. However, little is known about the synergistic remodeling mechanisms of different epididymal segments at the transcriptional and metabolic levels during sexual maturation in ruminants (especially sheep). We investigated the caput, corpus, and cauda epididymidis of pre-pubertal (2-month-old) and post-pubertal (7-month-old) Guizhou-Guiqian semi-fine wool sheep using histology, RNA sequencing, and metabolomics. Post-pubertal tissues exhibited increased luminal diameters, cilia lengths, and abundant cauda spermatozoa. Transcriptomic analysis revealed increasing differentially expressed genes (DEGs) along the caput-corpus-cauda axis (4642, 6103, and 7698 DEGs, respectively). Metabolomics detected 786 unique differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs). Region-specific analysis showed that in the caput, up-regulated pathways (fructose/mannose metabolism; HK2, ALDOA, HKDC1) provide energy and substrates for initial sperm motility. In the corpus, down-regulated genes associated with extracellular matrix and tight junctions suggested epithelial barrier remodeling to establish an immune-tolerant microenvironment. The cauda specifically up-regulated the pentose phosphate pathway (FBP1, GPI) and glutathione metabolism, maintaining redox homeostasis for long-term sperm storage. Additionally, glycerophospholipid metabolism was enriched across all segments, where PEMT, AGPAT5, and LCAT likely regulate sperm plasma membrane fluidity. In conclusion, during sexual maturation, the caput drives energy metabolism and glycosylation, the corpus establishes immune tolerance, and the cauda maintains antioxidant homeostasis. The glycerophospholipid network throughout the across all epididymal segments synergistically remodels sperm membrane. This study reveals the underlying multi-omics regulatory mechanisms of epididymal functional differentiation, providing a theoretical basis for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of sperm maturation in this breed and for the molecular breeding of early reproductive performance in rams.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

[Microsatellite markers for paternity testing of Liangshan semi-fine wool sheep].

The usefulness of multiplex polymerase chain reaction was evaluated and fluorescent detection with 20 microsatellites was used for paternity testing of Liangshan semi-fine wool sheep. The results in Cervus 2.0 indicated that the combined exclusion probability was 0.998666 when parents were both unknown. If father was known, combined exclusion probability was 0.999994, with confidence level of 95%. Finally, the biological parents of 215 individuals in offspring were found from 8 candidate fathers and 147 candidate mothers, and a mixed pedigree was constructed. It is useful for linkage analysis of sheep chromosomes and QTL location, also for the study of population structure, history, and diversity.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Production of fine-wool ewes on yearlong rangeland in West Texas. I. Effects of season, stage of production and supplemental feed on intake.

Effects of season, reproductive stage and supplemental feed on fecal output, forage intake and digestible organic matter intake (DOMI) were determined in fine-wool ewes on rangeland. Fecal output was highest during winter and was not affected by supplemental feed level. Forage intake was similar across seasons, but DOMI was higher during spring because of the higher digestible organic matter (DOM) concentration in the diet. Lactating ewes consumed 35 to 40% more forage and DOM compared with nonlactating ewes. Nonlactating nonpregnant and pregnant ewes had similar intakes. Forage intake and DOMI during summer were intermediate to those observed during winter and spring. Supplemental feed tended to decrease forage intake and slightly increase DOMI, suggesting a substitution effect. It is suggested that intake was limited during winter by maximum passage of undigested residues. Other mechanisms are proposed for limiting intake during spring and summer. Comparison of intake data with National Research Council standards indicates that energy intake was low during most of the year under the conditions of this study.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed1989

Growth response, endocrine profiles and reproductive performance of fine-wool ewe lambs treated with ovine prolactin before breeding.

Twenty-four 6-mo-old ewe lambs received one of two ovine prolactin (oPRL) treatments 28 d before fall breeding. Beginning on the first day of treatment (Day 0), 12 lambs received a subcutaneous injection (12 ml) of a carrier vehicle (0 mg oPRL) on alternate days for 28 d while 12 lambs received injections containing 5 mg oPRL. On Days 0 and 28, jugular blood was collected from six lambs in each group before treatment and at 30-min intervals for 6 h thereafter. Neither feed intake, efficiency of gain nor animal weights differed (P > 0.20) between groups. One hour after treatment on Day 0, ewe lambs receiving 5 mg oPRL had greater (P < 0.10) serum PRL levels than did controls (121.9 and 61.5 +/- 24.7 ng/ml, respectively). Differences in serum PRL persisted throughout remaining sampling intervals on both Days 0 and 28. Serum samples obtained on alternate days during the 28-d treatment period revealed no differences (P > 0.20) in PRL concentrations between control (48.3 +/- 5.3 ng/ml) and oPRL-treated (55.7 +/- 5.3 ng/ml) ewes. Neither serum insulin nor growth hormone responded (P > 0.05) to exogenous oPRL on either Day 0 or 28. No difference (P > 0.30) in percentage of ewe lambs cycling during treatment or breeding was detected between groups. Subsequent lambing percentages were similar (P > 0.30), with 36.4% of control and 25.0% of oPRL-treated ewes producing offspring. Administering 5 mg oPRL on alternate days for 28 d before breeding did not enhance growth and(or) reproductive performance in virgin ewe lambs.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1989

Ovarian cyclicity and serum progesterone and luteinizing hormone in fine-wool ewes supplemented with alfalfa or pinto beans.

Effects of season and supplementation on the incidence and rate of ovulation and hormone profiles in multiparous, nonlactating ewes were investigated under range and drylot conditions during anestrus (February through August). Ninety ewes received one of six nutritional treatments: 1) range forage, 2) range forage plus 0.33 kg.hd(-1).d(-1) pinto beans, 3) 0.45 kg.hd(-1).d(-1) alfalfa pellets, 4) dry lot plus 1.33 kg.hd(-1).d(-1) prairie hay only, 5) pinto beans or 6) alfalfa pellets at rates used on the range and prairie hay. Supplemented ewes were heavier (P < 0.05) than ewes fed range forage or prairie hay during most of the study. Seasonality of ovulation, in terms of incidence and rate, was not affected (P > 0.40) by supplementation in range ewes. The ovulation rate tended to be highest in prairie hay plus pinto bean drylot ewes in February (P = 0.21) and in prairie hay plus alfalfa pellet and prairie hay plus pinto bean ewes in March (P = 0.13) compared with prairie hay ewes. Generally, seasonality of ovulation was not influenced by supplementation (P > 0.40). The incidence of ovulation approached zero for drylot ewes in April, May, June and July, while it was 43, 27, 35 and 21% for range ewes, in those same months. Supplementation did not affect serum progesterone during the estrous cycle. Luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations were similar (P > 0.50) among drylot treatment groups before a 50-ug gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) challenge. Pinto bean supplementation enhanced serum LH response to GnRH (P < 0.10).

Journal Article↗
PubMed1983

Production of fine-wool ewes on yearlong rangeland in West Texas. II. Effects of supplemental feed and breeding frequency on reproductive rate.

Reproductive rate was compared in once-a-year and accelerated lambing ewes given various winter supplemented feed treatments during a 4-yr study. The study involved 165 commercial Rambouillet ewes. The accelerated lambing ewes had a lower attrition rate (P = .20) and final weight (P less than .05) and produced more lambs (P less than .01), lighter weight lambs at birth (P less than .05) and weaning (P less than .01), a lower frequency of twins (P less than .05) and an equal total weight of weaned lamb (P greater than .25) compared with once-a-year lambing ewes. Significant effects of feeding were detected only in a higher attrition rate in fed vs control ewes (P less than .02) and in a higher twinning frequency in fed vs control ewes (P less than .05). It is suggested that attrition rate is positively associated with twinning frequency. Accelerated lambing failed to substantially increase total lamb production, primarily because fall-lambing ewes failed to rebreed for summer lambs in spite of supplemental feed and as a result, continued in a fall lambing pattern.

Animal Feed↗