Single female offspring born to primiparous ewe-lambs are lighter than those born to adult multiparous ewes but their reproduction and milk production are unaffected

2012 ◽  
Vol 52 (7) ◽  
pp. 552 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. F. P. Loureiro ◽  
S. J. Pain ◽  
P. R. Kenyon ◽  
S. W. Peterson ◽  
H. T. Blair
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Female Offspring ◽  
Productive Performance ◽  
Single Female ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Ewe Lamb ◽  
Generation Offspring

Little is known about the long-term impacts of selecting progeny born to ewe-lambs (EL) as replacements. This study investigated whether being born to a ewe-lamb affected the liveweight, milk production and reproductive performance of the offspring to 3 years of age in comparison with those born to adult multiparous ewes. Twenty-seven and 28 single-born Romney ewe progeny (G1) were born to either EL or to adult ewes (AE), respectively. Offspring born to ewe-lambs (ELG1) were lighter (P < 0.001) at birth and up to 12 months of age compared with offspring born to adult ewes (AEG1). Reproductive performance of AEG1 and ELG1 did not differ in regards to puberty attainment, pregnancy rate and number of fetuses. First lactation milk production, fat, crude protein, total protein, casein, lactose and total solids yield did not differ (P > 0.05). The second generation offspring born to ELG1 and AEG1 did not differ in birthweight in the first parity, but it did differ in the second parity and those lambs born to ELG1 were heavier from birth to weaning compared with those lambs born to AEG1. Combined, these results indicate, in the animals used in our study that productive performance of ewes born to EL does not differ to 3 years of age to that of ewes born to AE.

scholarly journals Reproductive performance of the Antarctic tardigrades, Acutuncus antarcticus (Eutardigrada: Hypsibiidae), revived after being frozen for over 30 years and of their offspring

2019 ◽  
Vol 188 (3) ◽  
pp. 839-847
Author(s):  
Megumu Tsujimoto ◽  
Hiroshi Kagoshima ◽  
Hiroshi Kanda ◽  
Kenichi Watanabe ◽  
Satoshi Imura
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
First Generation ◽  
Dna Analysis ◽  
Term Survival ◽  
Long Term Survival ◽  
Genetic Types ◽  
Genetic Sequences ◽  
The Antarctic ◽  
Generation Offspring

Abstract Studies on the long-term survival of animals often focus on the specific instance of survival of animals only, and descriptions of subsequent reproduction are generally not reported. In this study, we recorded the reproductive performance of the first-generation offspring of the resuscitated individual (SB-1) and the hatchling of the resuscitated egg (SB-3) of the Antarctic tardigrade, Acutuncus antarcticus, after being frozen for 30.5 years. By providing further detailed description of the reproduction of SB-1 and SB-3 after revival, and then comparing the reproductive performance with that of their first-generation offspring, the possible indications of the damage accrued during the long-term preservation in SB-1 and SB-3 were more specifically detected. Additionally, the DNA analysis revealed two distinctively different mitochondrial genetic sequences of A. antarcticus between the SB strains and the LSW strain. The observed differences in some of the reproductive parameters between the two genetic types suggested a possible relationship between the life-history traits and genetic type in the species A. antarcticus. Further experiments using the SB-1 and SB-3 strains reared for a long period to exclude the instant effect of preservation are expected to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the long-term survival of animals.

scholarly journals Abortion and Lamb Mortality between Pregnancy Scanning and Lamb Marking for Maiden Ewes in Southern Australia

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 10
Author(s):  
Thomas Clune ◽  
Amy Lockwood ◽  
Serina Hancock ◽  
Andrew N. Thompson ◽  
Sue Beetson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Important Contributor ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Ewe Lamb ◽  
Overall Mortality

The contribution of abortions to the overall mortality of lambs born to maiden (primiparous) ewes in Australia remains unclear. This cohort study aimed to quantify abortion and lamb mortality for ewe lambs and maiden Merino two-tooth ewes. Lamb mortality from pregnancy scanning to marking were determined for 19 ewe lamb and 11 Merino two-tooth ewe flocks across southern Australia. Average lamb mortality from scanning to marking was 35.8% (range 14.3–71.1%) for the ewe lambs and 29.4% (range 19.7–52.7%) for the two-tooth ewes. Mid-pregnancy abortion was detected in 5.7% of ewes (range 0–50%) in the ewe lamb flocks and 0.9% of ewes (range 0–4.4%) in the two-tooth ewe flocks. Mid-pregnancy abortion affecting ≥2% of ewes was observed in 6/19 ewe lamb flocks and 2/11 two-tooth ewe flocks. Lamb mortality from birth to marking represented the greatest contributor to foetal and lamb mortality after scanning, but mid-pregnancy abortion was an important contributor to lamb mortality in some ewe lamb flocks. Variability between the flocks indicates scope to improve the overall reproductive performance for maiden ewes by reducing foetal and lamb losses. Addressing mid-pregnancy abortion may improve the reproductive performance in some flocks.

Effect of timing of exposure to vasectomised rams and ewe lamb body condition score on the breeding performance of ewe lambs

2012 ◽  
Vol 52 (7) ◽  
pp. 471 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. M. Cave ◽  
P. R. Kenyon ◽  
S. T. Morris
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Body Condition Score ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Breeding Performance ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Percentage Points ◽  
Condition Score ◽  
Ewe Lamb ◽  
Timing Of Exposure

The aims of this study were to examine the effects of exposing Romney ewe lambs (8–9 months of age) to vasectomised rams across three studies in the February–March period and to determine the influence of body condition score (CS) in two of the studies on their reproductive performance. In all studies, ewe lambs exposed to vasectomised rams had greater (P < 0.05) conception rates to the first 17 days of breeding by 6–12 percentage points. However, Studies 2 and 3 indicated that exposing ewe lambs to vasectomised rams did not increase (P > 0.05) the percentage of ewe lambs conceiving over a 34-day breeding period, nor did it increase the number of fetuses per ewe lamb presented for breeding. The results of Study 1 suggest that there is a limit to how early in the year ewe lambs can be exposed to vasectomised rams. In Study 2, a greater (P < 0.05) percentage of Teased CS 2.0 or 2.5+ ewe lambs conceived during the first 17 days of breeding than those which were Unteased. This effect was not observed (P > 0.05) in CS 1.5 ewe lambs. In Study 3, a greater (P < 0.05) percentage of CS 2.5+ ewe lambs conceived over the 34-day breeding period than ewe lambs of lower CS. In Studies 2 and 3, ewe lambs with a CS of 2.5+ had a greater (P < 0.05) number of fetuses per ewe lamb presented for breeding than CS 1.5 ewe lambs. In conclusion, exposing ewe lambs to vasectomised rams in the late February or March period increased the proportion of ewe lambs successfully bred in the first 17 days of breeding. Further achieving higher CS and heavier liveweights of ewe lambs at breeding should result in improved reproductive performance.

scholarly journals Performance of lactating crossbred cows on pasture supplemented with conventional urea or slow release urea

2014 ◽  
Vol 66 (5) ◽  
pp. 1487-1494
Author(s):  
D.C. Abreu ◽  
R.P. Lana ◽  
A.S. Oliveira ◽  
F.A. Barbosa ◽  
F.L. Andrade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Rainy Season ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Slow Release ◽  
Elephant Grass ◽  
Productive Performance ◽  
Slow Release Urea ◽  
Matter Basis

The effect of using conventional urea (CU) or slow release urea (SRU) was evaluated by replacing soybean meal (SBM) in concentrated supplements in levels of 2, 4 or 6% (dry matter basis) on productive performance of crossbred Holstein x Zebu lactating dairy cows (499±61kg body weight and 167 days of lactation) grazing on elephant grass (11.5% CP and 60% NDF) under rotational grazing during the rainy season. A supplement control (no urea) was used containing SBM as a protein source. A total of 21 cows were distributed an incomplete randomized block design with three periods of 21 days each (14 days of adaptation and seven days of collection). The animals entered the paddocks with a pasture height of 110-120cm and left when the grass reached the height of 40-50cm. The concentrated isonitrogenous supplements (24% crude protein, dry matter basis) were provided in the amount of 3.2kg/cow/day (fed basis). There was no effect (P>0.05) on source of crude protein (SBM vs source NPN), source NPN, level of NPN, interaction between source NPN and level of NPN on milk production (10.0kg/day), fat milk production corrected to 3.5% (10.7kg/day), levels of fat (4.01%), protein (3.66%), lactose (4.16%), total solids (12.86%) and non-fat solids (8.60%) in milk. The replacement of CU by SRU does not promote improvement in the productive performance of crossbred dairy cows grazing on elephant grass during the rainy season. Urea (CU or SRU) can be included in up to 6% of the DM concentrated supplements, replacing SBM, without affecting the productive performance of crossbred cows (Holstein x Zebu) in pasture during the rainy season.

Reproductive performance of ewe lambs: genetic correlation with weaning weight and subsequent reproductive performance

1976 ◽  
Vol 16 (80) ◽  
pp. 321 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Barlow ◽  
CJ Hodges
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Reproductive Rate ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Weaning Weight ◽  
Net Reproductive Rate ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Ewe Lamb ◽  
Selection For

The reproductive performance of Merino ewe lambs was examined in flocks with different selection histories for growth to weaning and net reproductive rate. These ewes were drawn from selection flocks maintained at the Agricultural Research Station, Trangie. There was evidence of a positive genetic correlation between weaning weight and reproductive performance of ewe lambs. Selection for weaning weight had a significant effect on the percentage of ewes lambing (P < 0.05). This appeared to be a function of a higher level of fertility (P <0.05) and a higher proportion of ewes mating (n.s.). The proportion of ewes apparently in oestrus during a 39 day teasing period, prior to joining, was significantly influenced by selection for weaning weight (P < 0.05). Simultaneous selection for increased net reproductive rate, weaning weight and clean fleece weight did not result in higher ewe lamb performance than that achieved by selection for increased weaning weight alone. No conclusion could be drawn from these data about the correlation between net reproductive rate and reproductive performance of ewe lambs.

scholarly journals Effect of Goji Berry (Lycium barbarum) Supplementation on Reproductive Performance of Rabbit Does

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1672
Author(s):  
Egon Andoni ◽  
Giulio Curone ◽  
Stella Agradi ◽  
Olimpia Barbato ◽  
Laura Menchetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Dietary Treatment ◽  
Productive Performance ◽  
Lycium Barbarum ◽  
Significant Interaction Effect ◽  
Commercial Diet ◽  
Goji Berry ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Marginal Means

Goji berry shows a wide range of beneficial properties in human health, but only a few studies evaluated its effects in livestock animals. The objective of this research was to assess the effects of goji berry supplementation on the hormonal profile, productive, and reproductive performance of does. Two months before artificial insemination, 105 nulliparous does were randomly divided into three groups (n = 35) based on the dietary treatment: commercial diet (C), or a diet supplemented with either 1% (G1), or 3% (G3) of goji berry, respectively. The results showed that receptivity was higher in G1 than in the C group (p < 0.05). Trends toward significance for differences between the G1 and G3 groups in marginal means of LH concentrations (p = 0.059), and between G1 and C in LH AUC values (p = 0.078), were evidenced. Estrogen concentrations showed a more fluctuating trend but a significant interaction effect (p < 0.001). The G1 group showed higher litter weight than C at birth (p = 0.008) and weaning (p < 0.001), as well as higher litter size at weaning (p = 0.020). The G1 group also exhibited the highest mean milk production (p < 0.01). In conclusion, goji berry influenced reproductive and productive performance, probably via modulating hormonal patterns and milk production in rabbits. However, further studies are needed to validate these preliminary results.

Comparison of ovarian oestradiol and progesterone secretion, in vitro, between ewe lambs and ewes

2005 ◽  
Vol 2005 ◽  
pp. 149-149
Author(s):  
M. A. Younes ◽  
N. F. G. Beck ◽  
M. T. Rose ◽  
B. Davies
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Steroid Hormone ◽  
Corpora Lutea ◽  
Ovarian Hormone ◽  
Hormone Production ◽  
Previous Evidence ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Progesterone Secretion ◽  
Ewe Lamb

Reproductive performance of ewe lambs is lower than that of adult ewes (Quirke 1979). This is mainly the result of preimplantation losses, which can exceed 50% of fertilised eggs. Previous evidence from this laboratory suggests that these losses may be associated with abnormal ovarian hormone production (Davies and Beck 1993). Khan (1999) demonstrated that blood progesterone levels during the oestrous cycle and pregnancy were lower in ewe lambs than in ewes. Furthermore, both progesterone and oestradiol concentrations were lower in ewe lambs, than in ewes, following gonadotrophin stimulation (Khan, Beck and Khalid 1999). These results suggest that ewe lamb corpora lutea and follicles secrete less progesterone and oestradiol, respectively, than those of ewes. The aim of this study was to determine whether there is a difference in vitro steroid hormone production by corpora lutea and follicles, from ewe lambs and ewes.

A comparison of ovulation rate and late embryonic mortality in ewe lambs and ewes and the rôle of late embryo loss in ewe lamb subfertility

1996 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 79-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. F. G. Beck ◽  
M. C. G. Davies ◽  
B. Davies
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Significant Contribution ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Embryonic Mortality ◽  
Ovulation Rate ◽  
Embryo Survival ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Ewe Lamb ◽  
Late Embryo

AbstractAn investigation was conducted to compare late embryonic losses in ewe lambs and ewes and to determine the effect of inducing embryonic mortality on day 15 of pregnancy on reproductive function in ewe lambs. Ovulation rate and embryo survival were determined, at 15 and 30 days after mating, in a total of 83 ewe lambs and 67 ewes. Ovulation rate was lower, at spontaneous oestrus, in ewe lambs (1·07) than in ewes (1·25; P < 0·05). There was no difference in embryo survival at day 15, as 79% of ewe lambs and 80% of ewes contained expanded conceptuses. However, embryo survival was lower in ewe lambs (69%) than ewes (88%) at day 30 (P < 0·05). Embryonic mortality was induced in an additional 18 ewe lambs with an intrauterine injection of colchicine on day 15 post mating. Four of these animals had normal length oestrous cycles, six had inter-oestrus intervals ranging from 22 to 35 days and eight did not return to oestrus. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that low ovulation rate and late embryonic losses make a significant contribution to subfertility in ewe lambs. Moreover, conceptus death is associated with luteal persistence, which may reduce reproductive performance by preventing remating.

scholarly journals Productive performance and composition of milk protein fraction in dairy cows supplemented with fat sources

2010 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 845-852 ◽  
Author(s):  
José Esler de Freitas Júnior ◽  
Francisco Palma Rennó ◽  
Marcos Veiga dos Santos ◽  
Jefferson Rodrigues Gandra ◽  
Milton Maturana Filho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Milk Production ◽  
Crude Protein ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Milk Protein ◽  
Milk Composition ◽  
Productive Performance ◽  
Protein Nitrogen ◽  
Calcium Salts ◽  
Lactating Cows ◽  
True Protein

The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of fat sources in rations for lactating cows on the productive performance and composition of milk protein fraction. Twelve Holstein cows were used, grouped in three balanced 4 × 4 Latin squares, fed with the following rations: control; refined soybean oil; whole raw soybean; and calcium salts of unsaturated fatty acid (Megalac-E). Dry matter and nutrient intake, and daily milk production were evaluated. The samples used to analyze milk composition were collected in two alternate days and were obtained from two daily milking. Milk composition and total nitrogen, non-protein nitrogen and non-casein nitrogen ratios were analyzed. The casein, serum protein and true protein ratios were obtained by difference. Dry matter and nutrient intakes were lower when cows received the diet containing calcium salts of fatty acids, in relation to the control diet. Among the diets with fat sources, the one with whole raw soybean and calcium salts decreased milk production. There was no effect of fat sources added to the diet on crude protein, non-protein nitrogen, non-casein nitrogen, true protein, casein, casein/milk true protein ratio and serum protein. Similarly, the experimental diets did not influence the protein fractions when expressed in percentage of milk crude protein. The utilization of fat sources in diets changes milk production and composition of lactating cows, but does not influence the composition of milk protein fractions.

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