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1
Cloete, S. W. P., S. J. Schoeman, J. Coetzee, and J. de V. Morris. "Genetic variances for liveweight and fleece traits in Merino, Dohne Merino and South African Meat Merino sheep." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 41, no. 2 (2001): 145. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea00030.
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(Co)variance estimates for weaning weight, yearling liveweight, clean fleece weight and fibre diameter at yearling age were obtained for Merino, Dohne Merino and South African Meat Merino flocks maintained on the same property. Direct additive genetic variances for weaning weight [expressed as a ratio of the total phenotypic variance (h2, direct heritability)] were estimated at 0.15 for Merinos, 0.21 for Dohne Merinos and 0.32 for South African Meat Merinos. Corresponding maternal variance ratios (m2, including direct maternal variance and permanent environmental maternal variance) were estimated at 0.15, 0.30 and 0.24, respectively. The correlation between direct and maternal variance ratios was high and negative in Dohne Merinos and South African Meat Merinos (–0.72 and –0.53, respectively). Direct heritability estimates for yearling liveweight were 0.30 for Merinos, 0.33 for Dohne Merinos and 0.45 for South African Meat Merinos. Corresponding maternal variance ratios were only significant in the latter 2 breeds, amounting to 0.13 in Dohne Merinos and 0.12 in South African Meat Merinos. For yearling clean fleece weight, h2 and m2 were estimated at 0.28 and 0.12, respectively, for both Merinos and Dohne Merinos. In the case of South African Meat Merinos, only the h2 estimate was significant, at 0.68. Maternal variance ratios for yearling fibre diameter were not significant in any of the breeds, while h2 ranged from 0.58 in Merinos to 0.75 in South African Meat Merinos. Selection progress for yearling traits seems likely in all breeds, depending on the breeding objectives being strived for.
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Rathie, KA, ML Tierney, and JC Mulder. "Assessing Wiltshire Horn-Merino crosses. 1. Wool shedding, blowfly strike and wool production traits." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 34, no. 6 (1994): 717. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea9940717.
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Wiltshire Horn-Merino (WH-M) crosses of 1/2, 5/8 and 3/4 Merino content were compared over 10 years for wool shedding, blowfly strike frequency and wool production traits. Merinos and 1/2 Merino WH-M were compared over 4 years. For wool production traits, 1/2 and 5/8 Merino WH-M ewes were compared to Border Leicester-Merino (BL-M) ewes over 2 years. Shedding increased with age for all WH-M genotypes, with 3/4 Merinos showing less shedding than 1/2 Merinos at all ages. At 1 and 2 years of age, 5/8 Merinos were intermediate between the other 2 WH-M genotypes, but at later ages they were similar to 1/2 Merinos. All genotypes showed less shedding at the belly site than the head, neck and breech as lambs, but not at older ages. Phenotypic correlations between sites on the same sheep were high, averaging 0.85. Repeatability estimates for each site ranged from 0.26 to 0.45. Shedding increased most with age in the 1/2 Merinos, and least in the 3/4 Merinos. Little or no shoulder and back wool was shed by most sheep. All 1/2 and 5/8 Merinos and most 3/4 Merinos had bare legs and points. Blowfly strike incidence was far higher in Merinos than 1/2 Merinos, in all years. Among WH-M, blowfly strike incidence increased as Merino content increased, in all years. All WH-M were far inferior to both Merinos and BL-M in total greasy wool weight and all its components, and also in clean fleece weight, with their level of inferiority increasing as their Merino content declined. Wool fibre diameter for all WH-M was coarser than for Merinos, but was a little finer than for BL-M. Fibre diameter increased in the WH-M as their Merino content declined. All WH-M had lower wool yields than the Merinos or BL-M. In some years the 314 Merinos had lower wool yields than the 1/2 and 5/8 Merinos, which were similar in all years. Shedding caused numerous genotype x age interactions in wool weight and its components, as Merinos and BL-M did not shed, and with the WH-M shedding increased most with age in the 1/2 Merinos, and least in the 3/4 Merinos. Due to preferential shedding from the belly and other low-value areas, the WH-M inferiority in total wool weight was less severe for fleece weight. Winter shearing succeeded in harvesting some wool from WH-M that would be shed before a summer shearing, but not enough to alter rankings among genotypes. All WH-M genotypes have wool too coarse, and not enough of it, to compete as a wool sheep with the Merino at current wool prices under usual Australian pastoral conditions. In areas where mustering is difficult or blowfly strike unusually severe, WH-M genotypes may find a niche.
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Ponnampalam, E. N., K. L. Butler, D. L. Hopkins, M. G. Kerr, F. R. Dunshea, and R. D. Warner. "Genotype and age effects on sheep meat production. 5. Lean meat and fat content in the carcasses of Australian sheep genotypes at 20-, 30- and 40-kg carcass weights." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 48, no. 7 (2008): 893. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea08054.
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Lean meat and fat content of Australian sheep genotypes were compared at 20-, 30- and 40-kg carcass weights. Sheep comprised Poll Dorsetgrowth × Border Leicester Merino (PDg × BLM), Poll Dorsetgrowth × Merino (PDg × M), Poll Dorsetmuscling × Merino (PDm × M), Border Leicester × Merino (BL × M) and Merino × Merino (M × M) genotypes. Lambs were raised as a mixed flock under grazing and slaughtered at 4, 8, 14 and 22 months of age with each slaughter time involving ~150 mixed sex animals. At 24 h after slaughter, chilled carcasses were halved along the backbone and the right sides were used for determination of lean, fat and ash percentages using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Within a particular age group and genotype, animals growing at faster rates and reaching heavier carcass weights had lower carcass lean meat content than slower growing animals. Merino carcasses weighing 20 and 30 kg had similar levels of lean meat to PD × M genotypes, which was greater than that from the BL × M genotype. Second-cross PD × BLM carcasses weighing 20 kg at 4 months and 30 kg at 8 months had similar carcass fat and lean percentages to 20-kg Merino carcasses at 8 months and first-cross PD × M carcasses weighing 30 kg at 14 months, respectively. At 40-kg carcass weight, 22-month-old Merinos had similar levels of leanness to carcasses from 22-month-old PD × M animals and carcasses from 14-month-old second-cross PD × BLM animals. Carcass lean meat content decreased with increasing carcass weight and first- cross BL × M animals had the lowest carcass lean across all weight categories. There was a major acceleration in carcass fatness between 14 and 22 months associated with a reduction in muscle deposition. Results indicate that age of the animal should be taken into account when carcass lean and fat contents are compared at a particular carcass weight. Merinos will achieve weight/composition specifications at least equally well to crossbreds but will take longer with a likely increase in production costs.
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Anton, I., A. Zsolnai, L. Fesús, S. Kukovics, and A. Molnár. "Survey of ß-Lactoglobulin and α<sub>S1</sub>-Casein polimorpbisms in Hungarian dairy sheep breeds and crosses on DNA level (short communication)." Archives Animal Breeding 42, no. 4 (October 10, 1999): 387–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/aab-42-387-1999.
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Abstract. Beta-lactoglobulin (LGB) and the Welsh αS1-casein (αS1-casein D) types have been determined using PCR-RFLP tests in DNA isolated from blood samples collected from four dairy sheep breeds (Awassi, British Milk Sheep, Tsigaia, Lacaune), from Hungarian Merinos and from various crossbreeds (AwassixMerino) F1, (MerinoxLanghe) F1, (MerinoxPleven Blackhead) F1, (MerinoxPleven Blackhead ) F1x Black East Friesian). The following LGBA frequency values have been obtained: Awassi 0.3478; British Milk Sheep 0.6857; Tsigaia 0.5650; Lacaune 0.4730; Hungarian Merino 0.6767; (Awassix Merino) F1 0.4694; (MerinoxLanghe) F1 0.7777; (MerinoxPleven Blackhead) F1 0.5945; (MerinoxPleven Blackhead) F1 x Black East Friesian 0.6026. The Welsh αS1-casein variant was found in the Hungarian Merino breed only (4 homozygous and 16 heterozygous ewes). Plans for studies on the possible effects of these milk protein types, on milk yield and composition as well as on cheese making properties ofmilk and cheese yields are outlined.
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Geenty, K. G., F. D. Brien, G. N. Hinch, R. C. Dobos, G. Refshauge, M. McCaskill, A. J. Ball, et al. "Reproductive performance in the Sheep CRC Information Nucleus using artificial insemination across different sheep-production environments in southern Australia." Animal Production Science 54, no. 6 (2014): 715. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an11323.
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The present paper covers reproductive performance in an artificial-insemination (AI) program of the Sheep CRC Information Nucleus with 24 699 lambs born at eight locations in southern Australia across five lambings between 2007 and 2011. Results from AI with frozen semen compared well with industry standards for natural mating. Conception rates averaged 72%, and 1.45 lambs were born per ewe pregnant for Merino ewes and 1.67 for crossbreds. Lamb deaths averaged 21% for Merino ewes and 15% for crossbreds and 19%, 22% and 20% for lambs from ewes that were mated to terminal, Merino and maternal sire types, respectively. Net reproductive rates were 82% for Merino ewes and 102% for crossbreds. From 3198 necropsies across 4 years, dystocia and starvation-mismothering accounted for 72% of lamb deaths within 5 days of lambing. Major risk factors for lamb mortality were birth type (single, twin or higher order), birthweight and dam breed. Losses were higher for twin and triplet lambs than for singles and there was greater mortality at relatively lighter and heavier birthweights. We conclude that reproductive rate in this AI program compared favourably with natural mating. Lamb birthweight for optimum survival was in the 4–8-kg range. Crossbred ewes had greater reproductive efficiency than did Merinos.
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Dossybayev, Kairat, Aizhan Mussayeva, Bakytzhan Bekmanov, and Beibit Kulataev. "Analysis of Genetic Diversity in three Kazakh Sheep using 12 Microsatellites." International Journal of Engineering & Technology 7, no. 4.38 (December 3, 2018): 122. http://dx.doi.org/10.14419/ijet.v7i4.38.24336.
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The genetic structure of three Kazakh sheep breeds was examined by using 12 microsatellite loci. A total of 144 alleles were detected from the 12 STR loci, with a mean value of 12.0. The highest allele diversity was found at the locus CSRD247 (16 alleles). PIC value showed that all studied STR markers are more informative and appropriate for genetic analysis of three Kazakh sheep populations. Beside of INRA006, all markers had high level of genetic variability. As Fixation index shows, the excess of the heterozygosity was observed only in loci MAF065. Obtained number of private alleles in Edilbai, Kazakh Arkhar Merino and Kazakh Fine-wool sheep were 25, 17 and 15 respectively. Genetic diversity was higher in Edilbai population than in other two populations. The genetic variability was lower in Kazakh Arkhar Merino sheep than in the Edilbai and Kazakh Fine-wool sheep breeds. The genetic distance was the largest between Edilbai and Kazakh Arkhar Merinos. Also, the moderate differentiation was observed between Edilbai and Kazakh Arkhar Merinos.
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Gardner, G. E., D. L. Hopkins, P. L. Greenwood, M. A. Cake, M. D. Boyce, and D. W. Pethick. "Sheep genotype, age and muscle type affect the expression of metabolic enzyme markers." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 47, no. 10 (2007): 1180. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea07093.
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The objective of this study was to determine whether genotype, age (4, 8, 14 and 22 months), sex (ewe and wether) and muscle type influence ovine (n = 587) muscle metabolic characteristics. The genotypes represented were Poll Dorsetgrowth × Border Leicester Merino, Poll Dorsetgrowth × Merino, Poll Dorsetmuscling × Merino, Merino × Merino and Border Leicester × Merino. Between 4 and 22 months of age, myoglobin concentration within all muscles and all genotypes doubled, with the bulk of this response occurring between 4 and 8 months of age. Levels in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LT) and semimembranosus muscles were double those seen in the semitendinosus (ST) muscle, and Merinos had the lowest myoglobin concentrations of all genotypes. The other aerobic indicator, isocitrate dehydrogenase, had lower activity in the ST compared with the LT, was lower in 22-month-old sheep compared with all other ages, and decreased as selection for leanness increased. Both phosphofructokinase and lactate dehydrogenase activity tended to increase with age, were lower in the ST compared with the LT, and had higher activity in the Border Leicester × Merino sheep. The correlation between the percentage of total myofibre area comprising type 2X myofibres and metabolic markers was far higher for the oxidative indicators isocitrate dehydrogenase and myoglobin, which both decreased as relative area of type 2X fibres increased. However, the strongest correlations were with the relative area of type 2A myofibres, which were consistently high for both oxidative and glycolytic metabolic markers implying positive coregulation with both energy producing pathways.
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Hopkins, D. L., P. J. Walker, J. M. Thompson, and D. W. Pethick. "Effect of sheep type on meat and eating quality of sheep meat." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 45, no. 5 (2005): 499. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea03176.
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The effect of type of lambs and hoggets on eating quality was evaluated using the M. longissimus lumborum (LL) and the M. biceps femoris (BF) from 210 animals. The animals comprised 7 types as follows: Poll Dorset or White Suffolk × (Border Leicester × Merino) (second cross unweaned lambs, mixed sex, 3–5 months of age); Poll Dorset × (Border Leicester × Merino) (second cross weaned lambs, mixed sex, 9–12 months of age); Border Leicester × Merino (BLM; first cross weaned lambs, mixed sex, 9 months of age); Poll Dorset or White Suffolk × Merino (PDM; first cross weaned lambs, wethers, 12 months of age); Merino × Merino (weaned wether lambs, 9–12 months of age); Border Leicester × Merino (BLM; first cross hoggets, mixed sex, 20 months of age); and Poll Dorset or White Suffolk × Merino (PDM; first cross hoggets, wethers, 16 months of age). The animals were sourced from a number of different properties in New South Wales (NSW) (n = 120) and Victoria (n = 90). Each carcass was subjected to high voltage stimulation (700 V) within 1 h of slaughter. All meat was aged for 5 days before freezing and was subsequently tested by consumers on a 0–100 scale for a number of attributes after cooking using a grilling procedure. The LL from sucker lambs had the lightest colour (highest L* values) with the hoggets having the darkest colour in the NSW group with differences less apparent in the Victorian group. Muscle from first cross and Merino weaned lambs had consistently higher pH levels across the 3 muscles tested (LL; M. semimembranosus; M. semitendinosus) for the NSW group with no differences detected in the Victorian group. LL meat from second cross sucker and first cross (BLM and PDM) weaned lambs had the highest overall liking score, with that from second cross weaned lambs, BLM hoggets and Merino lambs scored as intermediate, while meat from the PDM hogget group had the lowest overall liking score. A similar outcome was found for the other sensory attributes with differences between types being lower for juiciness compared with overall liking scores but they were of a similar ranking. For the BF there was some re-ranking of the overall liking scores compared with the LL, with meat from suckers and first cross PDM lambs and hoggets being intermediate in score while second cross weaned lambs and first cross BLM lambs had the highest scores. The BF from hoggets (BLM) and Merino lambs were given the lowest scores. The lower juiciness score for sucker BF contributed to this change in ranking compared with the LL.
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Munn, Adam J., Yohannes Alemseged, Catharina Vendl, Mathew Stewart, and Keith Leggett. "Comparative daily energy expenditure and water turnover by Dorper and Merino sheep measured using doubly labelled water." Rangeland Journal 38, no. 4 (2016): 361. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj15083.
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Details of the energy (food) requirements of domestic herbivores are essential for predicting grazing pressures and subsequent ecological impacts on rangelands. However, these details are lacking for some of the more recently introduced sheep breeds to Australia, such as the Dorper breed sheep, which are principally meat sheep, and it is uncertain how they compare with the traditional Merino, a wool-breed, sheep. We used the doubly labelled water method to compare the field metabolic rate and water turnover rate of Dorpers and Merinos grazing together in a small holding paddock in a typical rangeland environment. We found no significant differences in field metabolic rate (Dorpers 481 ± 125 kJ and Merinos 500 ± 109 kJ kg–0.73 day–1) or water turnover rate (Dorpers 397 ± 57 mL and Merinos 428 ± 50 mL kg–0.8 day–1). As such we conclude that under controlled conditions with limited movement and ready access to feed and water, dry sheep equivalent of 1 is appropriate for Dorpers (that is, one Dorper ewe had a grazing requirement equal to one standard, dry Merino wether). However, we also found that the field metabolic rate for Merinos under these conditions was only around half that measured in published studies for animals ranging freely in a large paddock system. This suggests that more work is needed to fully appreciate the energetic and grazing impacts of Dorpers versus Merinos under more realistic grazing conditions (e.g. large paddock systems) where feed and water are more spread. It also highlights limitations of the current dry sheep equivalent rating system, which has been derived from laboratory measures of sheep metabolic rates.
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Pajor, F., E. Láczó, O. Erdős, and P. Póti. "Effects of crossbreeding Hungarian Merino sheep with Suffolk and Ile de France on carcass traits." Archives Animal Breeding 52, no. 2 (October 10, 2009): 169–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/aab-52-169-2009.
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Abstract. In this examination, Hungarian Merino (ram n=30, ewe n=30), Hungarian Merino × Ile de France F1, and Hungarian Merino × Suffolk F1 (ram n=15, ewe n=15) lambs were used to evaluate the effect of crossbreeding on carcass characteristics and composition. We examined fattening performances and the following carcass traits: dressing percentage, weight of valuable carcass cuts, percentage of valuable meat, bone to meat ratio, and as well as meat conformation and fat cover (S/EUROP grading). In the present investigation, the weight at slaughter was fixed between 31–32 kg approximately, thus ensuring, weight would not affect carcass composition. Standardizing carcass weight allowed us to spot differences due to genotype and gender. The best results of fattening performance showed the Hungarian Merino × Ile de France F1 lambs (358 g/day). The tested crossed genotypes had not greatly influence dressing percentage and warm carcass weight, but the best percentage valuable carcass cuts had Hungarian Merino × Suffolk F1 (83.37 %). The best percentage of valuable meat presented (77.76 %) the Hungarian Merino × Ile de France F1 lambs. The best meat conformation and fat covered showed the Hungarian Merino × Suffolk F1 lambs. Hungarian Merinos showed less favourable results. To the summarising, the Suffolk and Ile de France improved the Hungarian Merino’s fattening performance, slaughter value and ability of market over 30 kg live weight, therefore there were both breeds suggest with crossing.
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Musalaev, Khanmagomed Khanmagomedovich, and Rashid Abdullabekovich Abdullabekov. "Adaptive abilities of sheep of the Artlukh merino breed." Agrarian Scientific Journal, no. 1 (February 6, 2024): 92–95. http://dx.doi.org/10.28983/asj.y2024i1pp92-95.
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The Artlukh merino breed of sheep was bred by crossing ewes of Dagestan mountain breed with breeders of two merino breeds - Stavropolsky merino in the initial stage, and at the final stage - Mmanychsky merino. The article describes the productive and adaptive qualities of sheep of the Artlukh merino breed, bred for the mining and distilling system of maintenance in the Republic of Dagestan. The new merino breed of sheep was originally developed for breeding in the foothill zone of the republic, in which the height of alpine pastures does not exceed 1800 m above sea level. In the course of subsequent studies, it was established that the sheep of the new merino breed successfully adapted to the conditions of the high-altitude zone, where summer alpine pastures are located at an altitude of up to 2800 meters above sea level. Thus, the high plasticity of sheep of the new breed has been established, that is, their ability to adapt to difficult naturally climatic conditions and produce their characteristic productivity. The live weight of experienced sheep bred in the high-altitude zone is higher by 1 kg or 1.9%, in bright by 2.0 kg or 4.4% than in peers bred in the foothill zone. The shearing of the washed wool of young sheep reared in the conditions of the high-altitude zone at the level of 1.7 - 1.9 kg, which is at the level of parameters provided for by the minimum requirements for this sex and age group of sheep of the Artlukh merino breed. The tonin of wool fibers of young merino sheep bred in the foothill and high-altitude zones is 22.1-22.5 for the sheep, 21.0 microns for the yoke; the length (natural) for the sheep is 10.4 and 10.6; for the yoke – 10.2 and 10.8 cm, that is within the breed standard. The safety of young sheep for the chop and at the end of the year, respectively, 98 and 96%, that is quite satisfactory.
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Surzhikova, E. S., O. N. Onishchenko, E. N. Chernobay, D. D. Evlagina, and A. R. Onishchenko. "Influence of the allele spectrum of Gh/HaeIII gene on the growth and development of meat and wool sheep." Glavnyj zootehnik (Head of Animal Breeding), no. 10 (September 15, 2023): 26–33. http://dx.doi.org/10.33920/sel-03-2310-03.
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In this study the PCR-RFLP method was used to study the association of GH/HaeIII gene variations in Russian meat merino breed and Manych merino breed of sheep. Comparative analysis of the allelic spectrum of the GH/HaeIII growth hormone gene in sheep of the studied breeds was represented by the diff erent frequency of occurrence of two alleles – GHA, GHB and three genotypes – GHAA, GHBB, GHAB. The frequency of occurrence of the growth hormone gene desirable for selection of the allele GHB in a sample of sheep of the studied breeds varied from 0,25 to 0,46. The analysis of the results showed that the polymorphism of the GH/HaeIII gene in sheep of Manych merino breed was represented by a low frequency of occurrence of the allele GHB – 0,25, and a high allele GHA – 0,75. In sheep of Russian meat merino breed the frequency of occurrence of these alleles was relatively the same and amounted to 0,46 and 0,54. Thus, in sheep of Russian meat merino breed the frequency of occurrence of the selectively signifi cant allele GHB of the gene GH/HaeIII was 0,46. The presence of both GHA and GHB alleles caused the presence of desirable homozygous genotypes GHAA, GHBB and heterozygous genotype GHAB in the studied sample, which were distributed as follows 28,2; 19,6 and 52,2 %. Studies have shown that GH/HaeIII is polymorphic therefore the described genotypes for the gene GH can be useful for breeding programs of sheep Russian meat merino breed and Manych merino breed. Thus, the presence of the allele GHB in the genotype of sheep can have a positive effect on their meat productivity. Based on the identified polymorphism, information was obtained on the growth rate of replacement young sheep of Russian meat merino and Manych merino breeds from birth to 4 months of age.
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Van Beem, D., D. Wellington, B. L. Paganoni, P. E. Vercoe, and J. T. B. Milton. "Feed efficiency for meat and wool production by Merino and F1 Dohne×Merino lambs fed pelleted diets of different nutritive value." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 48, no. 7 (2008): 879. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea08063.
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There is anecdotal evidence from Western Australian breeders that Dohne sheep maintain a higher level of meat and wool production than Australian Merinos. Feed efficiency, carcass and wool attributes are moderately heritable so we hypothesised there would be differences in these traits between Merino and F1 Dohne × Merino lambs. Two groups of 15 Merino and 15 F1 Dohne × Merino wether lambs (29–40 kg) were fed a pelleted diet of either moderate or high energy and protein content for 48 days. Ad libitum pellet intake and liveweight gain were measured and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) for both wool growth and liveweight were calculated. Wool growth and quality were measured and the lambs were slaughtered to measure carcass and meat quality attributes. The F1 Dohne lambs were heavier at the start of the study and grew faster than the Merinos (P < 0.05) irrespective of diet. Consequently, the carcasses of the F1 Dohne lambs were heavier than the Merinos (P < 0.001), but the differences in FCR were not significant. Merino lambs produced more clean wool of lower fibre diameter from less feed than the F1 Dohne lambs (P < 0.05). These results suggest that F1 Dohne × Merino lambs may have an economic advantage in terms of meat production, but this is traded-off against wool production.
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Haba, M. De La, A. Moreno, D. Llanes, and E. M. Tucker. "Glutathione concentrations in the red cells of Merino sheep." Journal of Agricultural Science 110, no. 2 (April 1988): 401–3. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s002185960008148x.
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Tasmanian Merino sheep show a bimodal distribution in the concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) in their red cells, 40% of sheep having GSH values of around 27 mg GSH/100 ml red cells and 60% with values of about 92 mg GSH/100 ml red cells (Tucker & Kilgour, 1972). The GSH deficiency was shown to be due to an impaired activity of γ-glutamyl cysteine synthetase (γ-GC-S), the enzyme catalysing the first step of GSH biosynthesis (Tucker, Kilgour & Young, 1976). Family data indicated that the deficiency in this strain of Merinos was under the control of a dominant gene, designated GSHL (Tucker et al. 1976). In contrast, Board, Roberts & Evans (1974) reported that a similar type of GSH deficiency in Australian Merino sheep was under the control of a recessive gene. The reasons for this apparent discrepancy remain unresolved.
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Ranilla, M. J., S. López, F. J. Giráldez, C. Valdés, and M. D. Carro. "Comparative digestibility and digesta flow kinetics in two breeds of sheep." Animal Science 66, no. 2 (April 1998): 389–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1357729800009528.
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AbstractA study was conducted to compare apparent digestibility and digesta flow kinetics in the whole digestive tract in two breeds of sheep (Churra and Merino) offered alfalfa hay at about maintenance. Ten mature sheep (five Churra and five Merino) each fitted with a rumen cannula were used in the study. Apparent digestibility was determined by total faecal collection. Liquid (Co-EDTA) and solid (Cr-mordanted fibre) markers were used to estimate rumen volumes and digesta flows. There were no significant differences between Churra and Merino sheep either in dry-matter or fibre apparent digestibility (P > 0·05). Liquid and solid passage rates did not differ between breeds and the estimated total mean retention times were similar for both genotypes. The volume of liquid in the rumen was proportionately 0·14 greater in Churra than in Merino sheep, although the difference was not significant. Estimated saliva secretion was greater in Churra (11·6 (s.e. 0·77) I/day) than in Merino sheep (10·5 (s.e. 0·72) I/day) but the difference did not reach statistical significance. Solid contents of the rumen did not differ between breeds. Rumen particle density was lowest at 2 h after feeding and remained stable at other sampling times, with no significant differences between breeds. There were no significant differences between breeds in the urinary excretion of total purine derivatives but urinary excretion of allantoin and microbial nitrogen supply tended to be higher in Merino than in Churra sheep (P < 0·20). This was attributed to the smaller rumen pool size of Merino (8·0 (s.e. 0·62) kg) compared with Churra sheep (9·2 (s.e. 0·63) kg). The study indicated that there were no apparent breed differences between Churra and Merino sheep in digestibility and digesta passage when they were given a good-quality forage at a low level of intake.
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Szabó, Mária, Szilvia Kusza, István Csízi, and István Monori. "The status of the Hungarian Merino sheep breed compared to the other merino breeds." Acta Agraria Debreceniensis, no. 69 (March 23, 2016): 151–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.34101/actaagrar/69/1804.
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Merino and Merino-derived sheep breeds have been widely known and distributed across the world, both as purebred and admixed populations. They represent a diverse genetic resource which over time has been used as the basis for the development of new breeds. In spite of this, their gene-pool potential is still unexplored. The Merino sheep represent the most important sheep resource of the Hungarian husbandry. It has the largest amount of individuals between both of the stock and commercial flocks. But in Europe the Merino stocks went through a drastic reduction in number. Thus these breeds became endangered in several countries as well as in Hungary. In this study we would like to present the recent status of different Merino breeds of the world to ground our further phylogenetic research with the Hungarian Merino breed.
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HARPER, PAW, and AG MORTON. "Neuroaxonal dystrophy in Merino sheep." Australian Veterinary Journal 68, no. 4 (April 1991): 152–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.1991.tb03162.x.
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GLASTONBURY, JRW, and CM VENNING. "Ameloblastoma in a Merino Sheep." Australian Veterinary Journal 76, no. 2 (February 1998): 127–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.1998.tb14545.x.
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Jolly, RD, and AC Johnstone. "Segmental axonopathy of Merino sheep." New Zealand Veterinary Journal 53, no. 1 (February 2005): 94. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2005.36484.
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Gautrais, Jacques, Pablo Michelena, Angela Sibbald, Richard Bon, and Jean-Louis Deneubourg. "Allelomimetic synchronization in Merino sheep." Animal Behaviour 74, no. 5 (November 2007): 1443–54. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.anbehav.2007.02.020.
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Forrest, JW, MR Fleet, and GE Rogers. "Characterization of Melanocytes in Wool-bearing Skin of Merino Sheep." Australian Journal of Biological Sciences 38, no. 3 (1985): 245. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/bi9850245.
Full textAbstract:
The distribution and character of melanocytes in the wool-bearing skin of Merino sheep of known genotypes were examined by light and electron microscopy. In black Merino sheep (ww, homozygous recessive), melanocytes were localized within three regions of the skin: epidermal-dermal border, outer root sheath and follicle bulb. Melanocytes within these regions were found to be actively producing melanin, had numerous dendritic extensions and were able to transfer melanin to adjacent keratinocytes. In a black Merino sheep whose fibres were white due to an experimentally induced copper deficiency the melanocytes were amelanotic. In contrast, for both WW (homozygous dominant) and Ww (heterozygous) white Merino sheep melanocytes were observed only at the epidermal-dermal border of the epidermis. The melanocytes appeared also to differ in character containing less melanin, appearing less dendritic in shape and having a reduced ability to transfer melanin to adjacent keratinocytes. The gene for white fleece (W), therefore, appears able to regulate pigmentation in Merino sheep, at least in part, by controlling the location and activity of melanocytes within the wool-bearing skin.
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Sturges, Mark. "Fleecing Connecticut: David Humphreys and the Poetics of Sheep Farming." New England Quarterly 87, no. 3 (September 2014): 464–89. http://dx.doi.org/10.1162/tneq_a_00395.
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At the turn of the nineteenth century, the importation of a Spanish breed of merino sheep to the United States led to a dramatic period of agricultural intensification. Profiling David Humphreys, who promoted merino sheep in poetry and prose, this essay interprets the merino boom as a lesson in the dangers of rhetorical and environmental manipulation.
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Hatcher, S., R. A. Foulds, R. J. Lightfoot, and I. W. Purvis. "The relative wool contamination potential of Awassi and black Merino sheep when penned together with white Merinos." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 39, no. 5 (1999): 519. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea98049.
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Fleeces, top and finished fabric processed from white Merino (fibre recipient) ewes, run in close contact for 2 weeks, with either Awassi, black Merino or white Merino control (fibre donor) ewes, were analysed for the presence of contaminant fibres (pigmented, urine stained and kemp). Kemp and pigmented fibres were transferred from Awassi and black Merino sheep into the fleeces of the recipient ewes. The concentration of kemp and pigmented fibres found in the fleeces, top and fabric of the black Merino treatment was substantially greater than the Awassi and Merino control groups which were not different from each other. Fibres transferred from the black Merino group were darker than those from Awassi sheep and thus posed a greater potential contamination threat. Contaminant fibres which are structurally different from the wool bulk (such as kemp) tend to be removed during worsted processing, while those with similar dimensions (such as pigmented Merino wool fibres) are more likely to persist in the system and appear as contaminants in worsted fabric.
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Greeff, J. C., L. Bouwer, and J. H. Hofmeyr. "Biological efficiency of meat and wool production of seven sheep genotypes." Animal Science 61, no. 2 (October 1995): 259–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1357729800013783.
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AbstractOne hundred and thirty-two ewes of the Merino (M), Finn × Merino (FLXM), Border Leicester × Merino (BLXM), Bleu de Maine × Merino (BMXM), Texel × Merino (TXM), Cheviot × Merino (ChXM) and Merino Landsheep × Merino (MLXM) were evaluated for efficiency of lamb production. Individual food intakes of every ewe and also of her lamb(s) were determined over a complete production cycle. Efficiency of lamb production (kg lamb marketed at 35 kg live mass per kg food consumed by the ewe and her lamb(s)) indicated that the FLXM was the most efficient, followed by the TXM, Merino, MLXM, BLXM, ChXM and the BMXM was the least efficient. No significant differences (P < 0·05) were found between genotypes for efficiency of lamb production for ewes producing and rearing singletons until 35 kg live mass with ewe mass included as a covariate. Efficiency of wool production of the Merino was significantly (T < 0·001) higher than that of the other crosses. These results emphasize the importance of reproduction traits in improving efficiency of lamb production.
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Wilkes, M. J., P. I. Hynd, and W. S. Pitchford. "Damara sheep have higher digestible energy intake than Merino sheep when fed low-quality or high-quality feed." Animal Production Science 52, no. 1 (2012): 30. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an11033.
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The use of animals that are resilient to challenging environments is becoming of increasing importance in animal production systems. Interest in breeds of sheep such as the Damara for sheep meat production is increasing in Australia. Anecdotally this breed outperforms the traditionally grazed Merino in the harsh rangeland environments encountered in the Pastoral Zone of Australia, but little evidence is available to support this claim. A trial was conducted to quantify differences in the efficiency of feed utilisation and growth performance of Damara and Merino sheep under two contrasting dietary regimes. Eighteen castrate males of each breed were offered a ‘low-quality’ diet (L) (7 MJ/kg ME; 8% crude protein, as per manufacturer’s analysis) followed by a ‘high-quality’ diet (H) (11 MJ/kg dry matter and 16% crude protein, as per manufacturer’s analysis). On the L diet, Damaras had similar ad libitum feed intake as Merinos, but the digestibility of feed dry matter and energy was ~10% higher in Damaras than Merinos. Damaras also gained weight (38 g/day) on the L diet, while Merinos lost weight (28 g/day) (P < 0.002). On the H diet the Damaras consumed 14% more feed (P < 0.053) and grew 30% faster than Merinos (P < 0.002), but there was no difference in the apparent dry matter or energy digestibility of the feed. At the conclusion of the trial the Damara carcasses were 22% heavier (28.1 versus 23.1 kg), and had higher dressing percentages (53.2 versus 41.5%) than Merinos, but the proportions of carcass components did not differ. The Damaras achieved higher total digestible energy intakes than the Merinos on both diets. On the low-quality feed this was achieved through higher feed digestibility and on the high-quality feed through greater voluntary feed intake. We speculate that this arises from variation between the breeds in rumen volume, particle flow and the site of digestion, but further studies are required to confirm this contention. The ability of Damara sheep to obtain more nutrients from widely differing feed bases makes them an attractive alternative sheep breed for sheep meat production. Furthermore, the presence of such variation between genotypes offers potential for selective breeding and development of commercial lines of sheep.
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Niżnikowski, Roman, Marcin Świątek, Żaneta Szymańska, Magdalena Ślęzak, and Krzysztof Głowacz. "Polymorphism of the prion protein gene (PRNP) in Polish Merino and Suffolk sheep flocks." Roczniki Naukowe Polskiego Towarzystwa Zootechnicznego 16, no. 2 (June 30, 2016): 9–21. http://dx.doi.org/10.5604/01.3001.0014.2015.
Full textAbstract:
The aim of the study was to investigate the distribution of prion protein PRNP alleles in flocks of Polish Merino and Suffolk sheep. The research was conducted in 2012-2017 on ewes and rams kept in the Golina Wielka sheepfold (Greater Poland Voivodeship, Poland). All animals (264 ♀ and 64 ♂ Polish Merino; 98 ♀ and 73 ♂ Suffolk) were up to one year old. PRNP gene polymorphism was identified in the sheep. The frequency of scrapie alleles and genotypes was found to be highly significantly influenced by the breed and significantly influenced by the year in the case of Polish Merino sheep. Five alleles (ALRR, ALRQ, ALHQ, AFRQ and VLRQ) were detected in Polish Merino sheep, leading to the identification of 10 PRNP genotypes. In the Suffolk breed, three alleles (ALRR, ALRQ and ALHQ) and three genotypes were identified. In the Polish Merino breed, the frequency of the ALRR/ALRQ genotype was high and was the highest among all genotypes, followed by ALRR/ALRR. The level of genotypes containing valine at codon 136 was very low. In the Suffolk breed, the frequency of the ALRR/ALRR genotype was very high, and there were no alleles with valine at codon 136. In addition, in Polish Merino sheep, phenylalanine at codon 141 was detected only in the AFRQ allele, which appeared in two genotypes (in combination with ALRR and ALRQ).
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Shariflou, MR, CM Wade, PA Windsor, I. Tammen, JW James, and FW Nicholas. "Lethal genetic disorder in Poll Merino/Merino sheep in Australia." Australian Veterinary Journal 89, no. 7 (June 22, 2011): 254–59. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2011.00789.x.
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Bell, Stephen. "Aimé Bonpland and Merinomania in Southern South America." Americas 51, no. 3 (January 1995): 301–23. http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/1008225.
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As an integrating theme in the biological or ecological expansion of Europe, merino sheep were so important that one authority on their dispersal sees the nineteenth century standing as “the century of the Merino.” Merinos produce a wool of distinctive quality, one long appreciated for providing warmth without excessive weight. Guarded for centuries by Spanish monopoly, the breed's status as something of a prize outside Spain began to change in 1808 with the Napoleonic invasion of the Iberian peninsula. By around 1820, a major new phase in merino dispersal was underway with its adaptation to some of the vast grassland ecosystems in the Europeanizing peripheries. The breed was of critical importance to the settlement and development of Australia. It was also highly important in other parts of the southern hemisphere, including in the transformation of existing cattle cultures on the great grassland regions of the Río de la Plata. Here the merino formed the leading edge of rural modernization, offering real potential for ground-up development.
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McPhee, M. J., D. L. Hopkins, and D. W. Pethick. "Intramuscular fat levels in sheep muscle during growth." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 48, no. 7 (2008): 904. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea08046.
Full textAbstract:
A 5 × 4 factorial experiment was designed in which lambs representing five genotypes were slaughtered at four ages (110, 236, 412 and 662 days of age). The genotypes represented were Poll Dorsetgrowth × Border Leicester Merino, Poll Dorsetgrowth × Merino, Poll Dorsetmuscling × Merino, Merino × Merino and Border Leicester × Merino. Both sexes (ewes and wethers) were represented for each genotype and slaughter age combination. In total, 595 animals were slaughtered and the carcass composition and intramuscular fat were measured. Carcass composition [fat, ash and protein (lean)] was determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, with the intramuscular fat percentage determined using near-infrared spectroscopy following removal and weighing of the entire longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LL) muscle. Analysis revealed that the proportion of intramusular fat in the loin relative to total carcass fat decreases as animals mature, thus indicating that intramusular fat deposition occurs early in the maturation of sheep. Furthermore, as animals became heavier and older the accretion rate of intramuscular fat in the LL muscle slowed down. Both genotype (P < 0.05) and sex (P < 0.001) were found to impact on this pattern, with Border Leicester × Merino animals exhibiting the largest increase in intramuscular fat proportion in the LL muscle (4.92 and 5.50% at 22 months of age for ewes and wethers, respectively). The Poll Dorsetgrowth × Border Leicester Merino animals were found to have the greatest absolute levels of intramuscular fat in the whole LL muscle (80.95 and 97.60 g at maturity for ewes and wethers, respectively). The amount of intramuscular fat significantly increased as the sheep became older and fatter; however, these differences were quantitatively small. As such, finishing prime lambs to high levels of total carcass fatness would have little effect on any eating quality benefits associated with increased intramuscular fat proportion.
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Torekhanov, A. A., and N. K. Zhumadillayev. "ETTI MERINOS – KAZAKHSTANI EXPORT-ORIENTED MEAT BREAD." REPORTS 335, no. 1 (February 12, 2021): 146–51. http://dx.doi.org/10.32014/2021.2518-1483.21.
Full textAbstract:
Sheep breeding in Kazakhstan is a traditional branch of animal husbandry. The development of the industry is facilitated by the presence of large areas of pasture lands, as well as the existing valuable gene pool of breed resources, created by national selection and long-term work of scientists-breeders. The republic has great potential for the further development of sheep breeding industry and is able not only to meet the population's need for mutton, but also to become a major exporter. The restoration and further development of domestic sheep breeding should be based on rational use of genetic potential of animals and natural pastures of the country for the cost-effective production of high quality sheep products that meet international standards. The article deals with the development of fine-wool sheep breeding in Almaty, Zhambyl and South Kazakhstan regions, improvement of meat characteristics of the South Kazakh merino. The experience of using "etti merino" rams-producers in farms of Turkestan region showed that meat merino rams have a positive effect on meat productivity of the South Kazakh merino, and at the same time do not worsen their wool characteristics. The information on the population number of sheep of "Etti Merino" breed for 2020, the class composition of the ewes on farms, productivity of rams-producers in a number of generations, assessment of the quality of the offspring of 6-7 month old rams, wool productivity of the breeding groups of female sheep are presented.
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Efimova, N. I., S. N. Shumayenko, and A. A. Omarov. "The relationship between the main Sheep breeding traits of the Russian meat merino and Soviet merino breeding." Agrarian science, no. 12 (January 18, 2023): 71–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.32634/0869-8155-2022-365-12-71-75.
Full textAbstract:
Relevance. Breeding work in animal husbandry can be successful if in result animals with high rates of productivity, required from them economically useful features (EUF), are obtained. Obviously, it is necessary to analyze several EUFs for qualitative assessment of animals. Recently, the knowledge of the regularities of individual development of the organism and their interrelation has become more and more important, it's research is an urgent task. The study of these regularities or combinations between individual phenotypic traits will serve as the basis for the development of a better system of breeding work in sheep breeding. Methodology. The studies were carried out in the Collective stud farm named after Lenin, Stavropol Territory. The object of the research were breeding records of primary zootechnical registers for the last 5 years on elite and first-class animals of fine-wool sheep breeds – Russian meat merino and Soviet merino; their live weight, quantitative and qualitative indicators of wool productivity of different sex and age groups were studied. Results. In our researches it was established that the connection between the length of wool and the trimming both on the group of adult ewes and on the yearlings of Russian meat merino sheep was relatively big – from r = + 0.425 to r = + 0.594 and of the Soviet merino – from r = + 0.280 to r = + 0.592 with high reliability of sampling correlation coefficients in both cases (P < 0,01 and P < 0,001); the correlation of wool cutting in physical weight with indicators of pure fiber turned out to be high – equal to + 0,766 in sheeps of Russian meat merino breed.
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Cottle, DJ. "Wool prices and sheep breeding objectives - a historical perspective." Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 45, no. 8 (1994): 1671. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ar9941671.
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An analysis of weekly wool prices for different fibre diameter market indicators from 1950 to 1993 was conducted to determine appropriate economic values for the calculation of sheep selection indices. An important determinant of breeding objectives and selection indices is the percentage increase in the value of wool for each 1 8m reduction in fibre diameter, termed index percentage (IP). From 1950 to 1981 the appropriate IP value for fine (20 8m), medium (21 8m) and strong (23 8m) wool Merinos was 5%. From 1981 to 1993 the mean weekly IP values for fine, medium and strong wool Merinos were about 20, 15 and 8% respectively. The 5 year moving average IP values in 1993 for fine, medium and strong wool Merinos were 25, 20 and 8% respectively. The distributions of weekly wool prices and IP values are not normal and are positively skewed. Therefore, a safer, more conservative approach is to calculate the median weekly IP values for any period or to use median weekly wool prices to calculate IP values. The median weekly IP values for 1981-1993 were 20, 11 and 8% for fine, medium and strong Merino wools respectively. Thus recently there has been a larger relative premium for fibre fineness which could be a permanent trend. Selection efficiencies for clean fleece weight and fibre diameter in fine and strong wool Merinos are predicted to be at least 90% when 10% and 5% indices are used respectively. Selection efficiency in medium wool Merinos when a 5% index is used is only 79% if the 'true' IP is 15%, or 90% if the 'true' IP is 10%. The 10% and 5% indices are currently calculated and made available to the ram owners who participate respectively in the N.S.W. Merino fine and medium wool sire evaluation schemes. It is suggested that there is a case for using indices with higher fibre diameter premiums (i.e. 20% and 10% respectively), than those currently provided in the fine and medium wool schemes.
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Britt, AG, CL Cotton, IH Pitman, and AN Sinclair. "Effects of the Sheep-Chewing Louse (Damalinia ovis) on the Epidermis of the Australian Merino." Australian Journal of Biological Sciences 39, no. 2 (1986): 137. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/bi9860137.
Full textAbstract:
Frozen longitudinal skin sections taken from the dorsal thoraco-lumbar region of adult Merino sheep that were infested with the sheep-chewing louse were examined by light microscopy. The epidermis of infested sheep exhibited acanthosis due to hyperplasia of the stratum spinosum, and orthokeratosis. The thicknesses of the uncornified epidermis, the stratum corneum, and the sudanophilic region were significantly greater (P < O� 005) than equivalent regions in louse-free Merinos and the results suggest that a positive correlation exists between the thickness of each region and the level of louse infestation. The results indicate that the variance in region thickness was greater in lousy than in louse-free sheep (P < 0'005).
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Fleet, M. R., M. J. Bennie, G. N. Dunsford, G. R. Cook, and D. H. Smith. "Lamb production from Merino ewes mated to Merino or Damara rams." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 42, no. 8 (2002): 1027. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea01073.
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Damara sheep have recently been imported to Australia and are being crossed with Merino ewes as a diversification from wool to fat tail sheep production for live sheep export or meat markets. A comparison was made of the lamb outputs from Merino ewes mated to 2 Merino rams and 2 Damara fat tail rams. There were more multiple litters produced in the matings with the Damara rams than from the Merino rams (P = 0.01). The 5-month weights of the crossbred lamb groups (36.3 and 38.9 kg) were higher (P<0.05) than the Merino groups (33.4 and 32.3 kg). Ram lambs were slaughtered at 7 months of age and the carcasses dissected into 'trim lamb' lean portions, fat trims, bone and other oddments. Dressing percentage at slaughter of the crossbred lambs was 3–4% higher (P<0.001), reflecting lower wool production, than the Merino lambs. After adjustment for chilled carcass weight, there were no differences (P>0.05) between rams for the total amount of lean meat. However, the crossbred groups had more external carcass fat (2.59 and 2.64 kg) than the Merino groups (2.14 and 2.15 kg) and, in addition, had fat tail weights of 0.52 and 0.36 kg.
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Ranilla, M. J., M. D. Carro, C. Valdés, F. J. Giráldez, and S. López. "A comparative study of ruminal activity in Churra and Merino sheep offered alfalfa hay." Animal Science 65, no. 1 (August 1997): 121–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1357729800016374.
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AbstractA study was carried out to compare the fermentation parameters and kinetics of digestion of a range of different foods in the rumen of two breeds of sheep (Churra and Merino). Ten mature sheep (five Churra and five Merino), each fitted with a rumen cannula, were used in this study. In situ rumen degradability of both dry matter (DM) and cell wall was greater in Churra than in Merino sheep, the breed differences being significant for most of the foods used in the study (P < 0·05). These differences were greater when the foods had a higher cell wall concentration and this could be related to differences in the ruminal environment. However, when the foods were incubated with rumen fluid their in vitro organic matter (OM) degradability was similar in both breeds. Rumen pH was higher (P < 0·05) and ammonia concentrations were lower (P < 0·05) in Churra than in Merino sheep. Rumen volatile fatty acid concentrations tended to be higher in Merino than in Churra sheep, though differences were only significant just before feeding (P < 0·05). The ratio acetate: propionate was higher in the Churra than Merino breed before and 12 h after feeding (P < 0·05). Protozoa numbers in rumen liquid were similar for both genotypes. The greater degradation of forages in the rumen of Churra sheep is discussed in relation to the possible higher activity of fibre-degrading micro-organisms and the greater buffering capacity of the rumen contents against fermentation acids, which could result in more favourable conditions for the microbial degradation of foods in the rumen.
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Putra, Widya Pintaka Bayu, Endang Tri Margawati, Herman Willem Raadsma, and Thobela Louis Tyasi. "Polymorphism of growth hormone (GH/HaeIII) gene and its association with the performance of merino cross rams." World's Veterinary Journal 14, no. 2 (June 25, 2024): 151–57. http://dx.doi.org/10.54203/scil.2024.wvj19.
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Merino cross sheep (75% Merino × 25% Garut) are introduced by the government of Indonesia for meat production purposes. The present study aimed to determine the polymorphism in the exon 2 region of the growth hormone (GH) gene (422 bp) in Merino cross rams using the PCR-RFLP technique and to analyze its relationship with body weight and body measurements of the rams. A total of 145 rams aged one-year-old with an average body weight of 29.08 ± 7.96 kg from the breeding station in West Java, Indonesia were considered as the experimental animals. It was indicated that a missense mutation of c.55G > A (p.G19S) was detected in the target sequence of the GH gene in Merino cross rams. The PCR-RFLP analysis in the GH gene of Merino cross with HaeIII restriction enzyme (GH/HaeIII) was observed in a moderate category with a polymorphic informative content (PIC) value of 0.22. Therefore, the G allele was more frequent than the A allele (0.85 versus 0.15). Furthermore, the genotype AA was not present among the sheep that were part of the study. However, the polymorphism of p.G19S was found to have no significant association with birth weight and body measurements in one-year-old Merino cross sheep. However, the GH/HaeIII gene in Merino cross rams exhibited polymorphism, primarily with two genotypes: GG (wildtype) and GA (carrier). The G allele was identified as the dominant allele in the ovine GH gene, occurring with a frequency of 0.85. Importantly, the polymorphism of the GH/HaeIII gene was significantly linked to birth weight and chest depth in one-year-old Merino cross rams. These findings provide preliminary insights that could potentially aid in the early stages of molecular selection for Indonesian Merino cross sheep.
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Niżnikowski, Roman, Artur Oprządek, Grzegorz Czub, Marcin Świątek, Dariusz Kubasik, Paweł Brzoza, Krzysztof Głowacz, and Magdalena Ślęzak. "Polymorphism of the PrP prion protein gene in Polish Merino and old-type Polish Merino from Brylewo flock." Bulletin of the Veterinary Institute in Pulawy 59, no. 2 (June 1, 2015): 321–26. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/bvip-2015-0047.
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Abstract The study was conducted on Polish Merino (143♀ and 39♂) and old-type Polish Merino sheep (176♀ and 61♂) in Brylewo flock (Wielkopolskie Province). The examined sheep were at the age of one year. Prion protein (PrP) genotype was determined in all animals. In both breeds four alleles (ARR, ARQ, AHQ, VRQ) were found. Highly significant effect of breed and insignificant impact of gender within breed was observed in regard to the frequency of occurrence of alleles and genotypes susceptible to classical scrapie in the sheep. Eight different PrP genotypes in Polish Merino and nine genotypes in old-type Polish Merino were identified. Very high frequency of ARR/ARR genotype in old-type Polish Merino and high frequency of ARR/ARQ genotype in Polish Merino were found, with relatively significant frequency of occurrence of the genotypes containing VRQ allele. In old-type Polish Merino, three animals (of both genders) had VRQ/VRQ genotype. Breeding work involving elimination of animals encoding valine at codon 136, and introduction of rams with ARR allele to the population increased the frequency of occurrence of ARR/ARR genotype and ARR allele in the population of old-type Polish Merino. To improve the distribution of the genotypes genetically resistant to scrapie in the flock of Polish Merino only rams with ARR/ARR genotype were left. This guarantees an increase in the frequency of occurrence of genotypes genetically resistant to scrapie in the offspring.
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Ruoss, Chantelle, Amanda Tadros, Tim O'Shea, Jim McFarlane, and Ghanim Almahbobi. "Ovarian follicle development in Booroola sheep exhibiting impaired bone morphogenetic protein signalling pathway." REPRODUCTION 138, no. 4 (October 2009): 689–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.1530/rep-09-0190.
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The role of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in the regulation of ovarian function has been extensively investigated but the mechanism of regulation is not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mutation in the BMP receptor in Booroola sheep on the number of primordial follicles and rate of follicle recruitment in comparison with that in normal merino sheep in vivo. Whole sheep ovaries at the time of birth, 1.5 and 5 years old were collected and processed for the follicle quantification, using computerised stereological methods and statistical analyses. At birth, the total number of primordial follicles in Booroola sheep was significantly lower than in merino sheep. At 1.5 and 5 years, a reversed pattern in favour of Booroola ewes was seen with significantly more primordial follicles than merino. In parallel, the rate of primordial follicle recruitment to developing cohort was substantially lower in Booroola ewes with only 51 and 66% of primordial follicle consumption at 1.5 and 5 years respectively compared to 92 and 97% in merino ewes. On other hand, the mean numbers of developing primary follicles were smaller in Booroola sheep at the time of birth, yet, Booroola ewes possess more primary follicles than merino at 1.5 years. These findings suggest that attenuation of the intraovarian signalling pathway of BMPs may in fact be a successful means of rationalising follicle consumption, preventing unnecessary loss of follicles from the initial primordial follicle pool, hence increasing reproductive longevity and fertility.
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MUSALAYEV, KH KH, R. A. ABDULLABEKOV, and P. M. MAGOMEDOVA. "MERINO SHEEP BREED RAISED UNDER MOUNTAIN BREEDING SYSTEM." Izvestiâ Timirâzevskoj selʹskohozâjstvennoj akademii, no. 3 (2020): 81–93. http://dx.doi.org/10.26897/0021-342x-2020-3-81-93.
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Dagestan is the leading Republic of Russia in terms of the number of sheep and sheep breeding products. The zoned target sheep breed in Dagestan is the Dagestan mountain breed. However, this breed produces thin but non-merino wool. Developing the Merino sheep breed suitable for mountain breeding is an urgent problem. The new Merino sheep breed was developed for the foothill zone of Dagestan, where summer Alpine and winter low-lying pastures are located at a distance of no more than 150 km from each other, and summer Alpine pastures are located at an altitude of up to 3000 meters above sea level. The research and stock breeding work was carried out at the farm production enterprise “Krasniy Oktyabr’”, the Kazbek district, in the period between 2005 and 2019. The work resulted in the development of the Arthlukh Merino sheep breed. (Patent for selection achievement No. 10112 “State Commission of the Russian Federation for Selection Achievement Tests and Protection”). The breed was developed by crossing the Stavropol sheep rams with the Dagestan mountain sheep, with the subsequent improvement of crossbreeds by the Manych Merino breed. A distinctive feature of the new Merino breed from the basic herdmates of the Dagestan Mountain breed is the high live weight, which is 15.3–16.5% higher in different sex and age groups. Besides, the amount of washed wool shorn is 16.2–26.0% higher. The ewes’ wool fineness is 22.9 microns (19.4–23.0) – 64 qualities. That of adult rams amounts to 23.3 microns (19.9–23.3) and has 60 qualities. The difference of the wool fineness on the side and thigh does not exceed one quality. The coat length on the side of ewes is not less than 9.0 cm, rams – 9.5 cm, gimmers (young ewes) – 9.5 cm and replacement rams – 10.0 cm. The wool strength is 7.0 cN/Tex. The belly wool cover is good. The suint is stable, of a white and light cream color. The average yield of washed wool excluding the lowest grades is 64%. The fertility of ewes ranged from 125% to 135%.
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Dmitrik, I. I., and A. A. Omarov. "Histological indicators of sheep skin of different directions of productivity." Glavnyj zootehnik (Head of Animal Breeding), no. 8 (July 20, 2023): 35–43. http://dx.doi.org/10.33920/sel-03-2308-04.
Full textAbstract:
The purpose of the research was to study the histological indicators of sheep skin of different directions of productivity and to identify the effectiveness of using sheep of foreign breeds on the breeding stock of domestic fine-wooled sheep of the meat-wool direction of productivity. An analysis of histological indicators of sheep skin in diff erent areas of productivity, including the histostructure of the skin of sheep breeds of foreign selection such as Poll Dorset, Charolais and Ile de France, sheep breeds of domestic selection Stavropol, Manych merino and Dzhalginsky merino has been presented in the article. The study of the mechanism of growth and development of wool fi bers is one of the main tasks of increasing the quantity and improving the quality of wool. In studying the morphology of the skin, it is important to establish the breed and age features of the structure of the root, glandular systems, collagen structures that ensure the quality of sheep skin and wool fi bers. Thus, in sheep of Poll Dorset breed the total skin thickness was 10,3 and 3,6 % higher than in Charolais and Ile-de-France animals, respectively. At the same time, the thickness of the epidermis was almost 1,0 % of the total thickness of the skin, while the pilar layer averaged 61,8 %, the reticular layer 37,23 %, which is consistent with the breed parameters. The biggest density of follicles was observed in sheep of Ile-de-France and Charolais breeds. The superiority over animals of Poll Dorset breed was 17,5 and 10,0 %, respectively. By the ratio of secondary follicles/primary follicles animals of Poll Dorset and Ile-de-France breeds had superiority over Charolais breed by an average of 12,4 and 11,2 %. Sheep of domestic selection had an advantage in skin thickness in animals of Manych merino breed. They surpassed their herdmates of Stavropol breed by 5,2 % and Dzhalginsky merino breed by 11,2 %. In terms of the total density of follicles, animals of Stavropol breed had a slight advantage. The animals of Manych merino breed were 3,2 % inferior to them and Dzhalginsky merino by 1,4 %. There was no diff erence between the breeds by the ratio of secondary follicles/primary follicles.
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Horton, B. J., R. Corkrey, and A. K. Doughty. "Sheep death and loss of production associated with flystrike in mature Merino and crossbred ewes." Animal Production Science 58, no. 7 (2018): 1289. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/an16153.
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In eight well-managed Australian Merino and crossbred sheep flocks the adult ewes were monitored frequently for flystrike. Occurrences of flystrike and severity of strike scores were recorded, whereas bodyweights and condition scores were recorded regularly across two wool production and reproduction cycles. In these unmulesed flocks, 17% of Merino and 5% of crossbred ewes were struck, with 2% of those struck dead within 7 days of detection of the strike. For those adult ewes that survived the immediate period of the strike, the rate of loss over the following year was slightly greater than for ewes that were never struck, particularly for those with a high severity strike. Flystrike also contributed to losses of up to 2.7 (Merino ewes) and 5.2 (crossbred ewes) kg of bodyweight, and 0.3 condition score units at the time of the strike. Bodyweights were still 2 kg lower by 3 months after the strike occurred for Merinos, although condition scores returned to average levels. For ewes struck between mating and lambing, flystrike was associated with significant losses of lambs. Flystrike at severity level 1 (light) had only minor effects on wool production, but severity score 3 (heavy) reduced clean fleece weight.
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Kukovics, S., A. Molnár, M. Ábrahám, T. Németh, and I. Komlósi. "Effects of udder traits on the milk yield of sheep." Archives Animal Breeding 49, no. 2 (October 10, 2006): 165–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/aab-49-165-2006.
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Abstract. In order to determine the possible effects of udder traits on milk yield and milk composition a serial of experiments were carried out on five different sheep farms, between 1998–2000. Ten breeds and genotypes were included in these experiments: Merino, (Merino x Pleven Blackhead) F1, Pleven F1 x Black East Friesian, Lacaune, (Merino x Lacaune) F1, British Milksheep, (Merino x British Milksheep) F1, Awassi, (Merino x Awassi) F1, Milking Tsigai. The udder traits (type, size, teat size) were determined individually at the time of the first test milking, within two weeks after the weaning in each year. Milk yield was measured in every four weeks (morning and evening). Data collected were processed using LSLMW and MIXMDL (HARVEY, 1990) program. Differences among and within the genotypes in udder characteristics were summarised and presented in tables and figures.
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Ponnampalam, E. N., D. L. Hopkins, K. L. Butler, F. R. Dunshea, and R. D. Warner. "Genotype and age effects on sheep meat production. 2. Carcass quality traits." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 47, no. 10 (2007): 1147. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea07001.
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The present study examines carcass quality traits in different genotypes of Australian sheep slaughtered at 4, 8, 14 and 22 months of age. Poll Dorsetgrowth × Border Leicester Merino (PDg × BLM), Poll Dorsetgrowth × Merino (PDg × M), Poll Dorsetmuscling × Merino (PDm × M), Merino × Merino (M × M) and Border Leicester × Merino (BL × M) genotypes were compared. Sires were selected on the basis of growth (PDg, M and BL) and muscle (PDm) using estimated breeding values (EBVs). Approximately 150 mixed sex animals were slaughtered at each age (595 in total for the four slaughters) and carcass quality traits, including hot carcass weight, loin and semitendinosus (ST) muscle weights, GR fat, fat C, rump fat depth and eye muscle area (EMA), were determined at 45 min to 3 days postslaughter. With age, all carcass quality traits increased in magnitude. Merinos produced the lightest and leanest carcasses (P < 0.01) with lowest values in nearly all the carcass quality traits. At 4 and 8 months of age carcass and loin weights, EMA and GR fat measures were greater (P < 0.01) in second-cross PDg × BLM sheep than all other genotypes. However, traits related to muscle content were similar between first- and second-cross Poll Dorset genotypes at 14 and 22 months of age. The BL × M genotype had lower values than the PD × M genotypes for these traits, at all ages. Traits related to carcass fatness showed that sheep with Border Leicester genetics tend to deposit more fat (P < 0.001) in the carcass than those with Merino or Poll Dorset genetics from 14 months of age onwards. Most carcass quality traits did not differ (P > 0.05) between first-cross Poll Dorset genotypes selected for growth or muscling (PDg × M v. PDm × M). Sires with high muscling EBVs are associated more with shorter carcass length than low muscling EBVs. From ~8 months of age, wethers had greater values (P < 0.05) than ewes of the same age for most carcass quality traits related to size and muscle development, but no effect was present for carcass quality traits that were related to fat deposition. It was clear that the carcass weight of M × M at 8 and 14 months were similar to that observed in PDg × BLM at 4 and 8 months, respectively. Loin weights of M × M and BL × M at 13 and 8 months were similar to that weights observed in PDg × BLM at 8 and 4 months of age, respectively. Animals slaughtered to a muscle weight specification will reach the target at a younger age when they have more Poll Dorset than Border Leicester background genetics. Alternatively animals slaughtered at a specified fat score (using fat C or rump fat depth) will reach the specification at a younger age when they have more Border Leicester than Poll Dorset genetics.
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Zinovieva, Natalia, Marina Selionova, Elena Gladyr, Milan Petrovic, Violeta Caro-Petrovic, Dragana Ruzic-Muslic, and Milan Petrovic. "Investigation of gene pool and genealogical links between sheep breeds of southern Russia by blood groups and DNA microsatellites." Genetika 47, no. 2 (2015): 395–404. http://dx.doi.org/10.2298/gensr1502395z.
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To study the gene pool and the establishment of genealogical relationships between breeds of sheep of different directions productivity bred in Russia, were used two classes of genetic markers - blood and DNA microsatellites. The included sample sheep are fine-wool Merino breeds: Grozny (GR), Caucasian (CA), Manychskij merino (MM), the Soviet Merino (SM), Stavropol (ST) and coarse wool breeds: Edilbaevskaya (ED), Karakul (CR) and Romanov (RO). For the study of erythrocyte, were selected antigens (blood group) in 1159 samples from 11 breeding farms. For microsatellite DNA study - 598 from 10 breeding farms. Microsatellite analysis revealed that the most polymorphic were Stavropol breed sheep that have identified an average of 18.27 alleles per locus were relatively conservative Romanov breed sheep - 9.7 alleles per locus. The minimum genetic distances established between Grozny and Soviet Merino - 0.0569 (for microsatellites) and 0.0741 (blood groups - later in the same sequence). The rocks of the Stavropol - Grozny were 0.0861 and 0, 0810. Whereas Stavropol and Soviet Merino 0.0861 and 0.1094. Also relatively close between Grozny - Edilbaevskoy , Grozny - Karakul, Edilbaevskoy - Karakul: 0.1364 and 0.0851, respectively; 0.1620 and 0.1208; 0.1875 and 0.1192. The highest genetic distances were between Stavropol and Karakul - 0.2664 and 0.1804, as well as between the Romanov and all studied species - 0.2491 ... 0.3211 and 0.1734 ... 0.2235.
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Hatcher, S., S. Hatcher, R. J. Lightfoot, R. J. Lightfoot, I. W. Purvis, and I. W. Purvis. "Previous Awassi grazing on a paddock or grazing in the same or adjoining paddock,does not cause fibre contamination of fleeces of Merino sheep." Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture 40, no. 3 (2000): 379. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea98180.
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The fleeces of Merino wethers grazed either in common or adjacent paddocks with Awassi rams were analysed for the presence of contaminant fibres (pigmented, urine-stained and kemp). In addition, the effect of previous grazing history of the paddock (i.e. whether or not that paddock had been previously grazed by Awassi sheep) on the level of fibre contamination was also investigated. Under extensive grazing conditions, very few Awassi contaminant fibres were transferred into the Merino fleeces. In fact, there was no significant difference between the control group, grazed outside the quarantine facility, and any of the treatment groups grazing within the quarantine area. The previous grazing history of the paddock had no effect on the number of contaminant fibres transferred, suggesting that even if contaminant fibres fall onto the paddock, they do not contaminate the fleeces of Merino sheep that subsequently graze that paddock. Upto 100% of the contaminant fibres transferred into the Merino fleeces were lost within 4 weeks after the removal of the Awassi rams from the paddocks. Therefore, withholding shearing of Merino sheep for 4weeks after any contact with Awassi sheep would be sufficient for the level of contaminant fibres in the greasy fleece to fall to below commercially acceptable limits for dark fibres in worsted processing.
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NEGOVORA, V. F. "UNIQUE PROPERTIES OF MERINO SHEEP WOOL." Sheep, goats, woolen business, no. 1 (2021): 52–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.26897/2074-0840-2021-1-52-53.
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Parsons, Y. M., D. W. Cooper, L. R. Piper, Y. M. Parsons, and D. W. Cooper. "Genetic variation in Australian Merino sheep." Animal Genetics 27, no. 4 (April 24, 2009): 223–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2052.1996.tb00482.x.
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COOK, RW, RD JOLLY, DN PALMER, I. TAMMEN, MF BROOM, and R. McKINNON. "Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis in Merino sheep." Australian Veterinary Journal 80, no. 5 (May 2002): 292–97. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.2002.tb10847.x.
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Morera, L., D. Llanes, M. Barbancho, and A. Rodero. "Genetic polymorphism in Spanish Merino sheep." Animal Blood Groups and Biochemical Genetics 14, no. 2 (April 24, 2009): 77–82. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2052.1983.tb01064.x.
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GLASTONBURY, J. R. W., R. I. WALKER, D. J. KENNEDY, P. A. GILL, K. W. McDOUGALL, and A. G. SHARROCK. "Dieldrin toxicity in housed Merino sheep." Australian Veterinary Journal 64, no. 5 (May 1987): 145–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-0813.1987.tb09665.x.
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