Dag score is negatively correlated with breech bareness score of sheep

2008 ◽  
Vol 48 (7) ◽  
pp. 999 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. Scobie ◽  
D. O'Connell ◽  
C. A. Morris ◽  
S. M. Hickey
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Bare Area ◽  
Organic Farm ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Combining Data ◽  
Ram Lambs ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Breeding Farms ◽  
Conventional Farm

At weaning in two consecutive years, traditional Romney and composite lambs (crosses with East Friesian and Texel; n = 3254) were observed on a conventional farm and Perendale and composite lambs (crosses with Texel, Wiltshire and small numbers of Finnish Landrace; n = 2095) were observed on an organic farm. Both were ram breeding farms recording pedigree and performance, and the composite breeds were developed from, and run with, the original flock on each farm. Breech bareness was scored on the lambs between 80 and 120 days of age on a scale from 1, with wool right to the edge of the anus, to 5, where a large bare area surrounded the perineum. Dag score was recorded on a 0–5 scale where an increasing score indicated more dags. Within farms, mean dag score was more pronounced in traditional Romney (1.2) than in composite lambs (0.4), and Perendales were more daggy (1.3) than composite lambs (0.7) across both years (P < 0.001). Dag score was phenotypically correlated with breech bareness score on the Romney farm (−0.18 ± 0.02) and Perendale farm (−0.27 ± 0.03). Combining data from both flocks, heritabilities of breech bareness score (0.55 ± 0.04) and dag score (0.41 ± 0.05) were high, and a strong genetic correlation was observed between the two traits (−0.59 ± 0.07). Mean dag score of ram lambs was greater than ewe lambs (0.8 v. 0.7, P < 0.001) and lambs reared as twins were more daggy than singles (0.8 v. 0.7, P = 0.008). Composite sheep have been adopted throughout New Zealand for the advantages they deliver in lamb production, but through breech bareness they also provide an opportunity to limit dag production and thereby improve both welfare and profitability. Genetically increased breech bareness and decreased dagginess could be used in Australia as alternatives to mulesing.

A preliminary genetic analysis of breech and tail traits with the aim of improving the welfare of sheep

2007 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 161 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. R. Scobie ◽  
D. O'Connell ◽  
C. A. Morris ◽  
S. M. Hickey
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Genetic Analysis ◽  
Genetic Correlation ◽  
Genetic Correlations ◽  
Phenotypic Correlation ◽  
Linear Scale ◽  
Bare Area ◽  
Phenotypic Correlations ◽  
Tail Docking

The area of naturally bare skin around the perineum was scored at weaning in lambs (n = 2152) from a composite flock of New Zealand crossbred sheep. Breech bareness was scored on a range from 1, where wool was growing right to the edges of the anus, to 5, where a large bare area surrounded the perineum. Bareness on the under surface of the tail was measured on a linear scale at tail docking. Dag score (degree of breech soiling) was recorded at weaning, on a scale of 0–5, where an increasing score indicated more dags. Dag score was taken as a measure of the risk of flystrike in the breech. Female lambs tended to have slightly greater (P < 0.001) breech bareness score (mean score 2.7) than males (mean score 2.6), whereas mean dag score of females was lower than that of males (0.45 v. 0.53; P < 0.05). Breech bareness score had a heritability of 0.33 ± 0.06, and the length of bare skin under the tail had a heritability of 0.59 ± 0.06. The genetic correlation between breech bareness score at weaning and length of bare skin under the tail at docking was positive (0.35 ± 0.10). These 2 traits had phenotypic correlations with dag score of –0.17 ± 0.02 and –0.03 ± 0.03, respectively, and genetic correlations with dag score of –0.30 ± 0.13 and 0.03 ± 0.12, respectively; negative values indicated a favourable relationship. Tails were removed at docking, so the phenotypic correlation of about zero between tail data and dag score at weaning was of little utility. Our results suggest that selecting for these 2 bareness traits could reduce dag formation and the associated risk of breech strike.

Effects of sex and gonadectomy on the growth and development of Southdown × Romney cross lambs. Part I. Effects on live–weight growth and components of live weight

1966 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. C. Everitt ◽  
K. E. Jury
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Growth And Development ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Live Weight Gain ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Weight Growth ◽  
Ram Lambs

The influence of sex and gonadectomy on liveweight growth and its components was examined in a comparative slaughter experiment using Southdown – Romney cross lambs run under New Zealand pastoral feeding conditions.Twenty ram lambs were castrated and 20 ewe lambs spayed at docking, at approximately 4 weeks of age. Ten ram and 10 ewe lambs were killed at this age and 5 lambs from each of the four ‘sexes’ (entire and gonadectomized, male and female) were killed 4, 8,12 and 24 weeks after docking.Live-weight gain was higher for males than females and higher for entire than gonadectomized lambs, with some evidence of a greater depression in growth associated with castration than spaying. Effects on carcass weight followed those on live weight; weights for entire rams, wethers, entire and spayed ewes were 16.92, 14.72, 14.02 and 12.46 kg. respectively at approximately 7 months of age.

scholarly journals 194 Libido and semen quality in intact and altered (short scrotum and castrated) post-pubertal male dairy sheep lambs

2019 ◽  
Vol 97 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 76-76
Author(s):  
Dahlia O’Brien ◽  
Stephan Wildeus ◽  
Susan Schoenian ◽  
Jeff Semler ◽  
Gordon David ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Behavior ◽  
Semen Quality ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Dairy Sheep ◽  
Reproductive Behaviors ◽  
Progressive Motility ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Ram Lambs ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Casa System

Abstract Short-scrotum (induced cryptorchid) rams can retain growth and performance characteristics of intact-rams while making them sterile and facilitating co-grazing with ewe-lambs. East Friesian x Lacaune male lambs left intact (n = 19; IN), rendered short-scrotum (n = 17; SS) or neutered (n = 25; WE) by 10 d of age, were used to evaluate libido and semen quality at 7-mo old. Lambs were managed as one group on a forage-based diet supplemented with a grain mixture (barley and soybean meal at 0.7 kg/d). Four CIDR-treated estrus-induced ewes were placed two/pen in adjacent 2.5x2.5 m pens for libido testing. Males were introduced individually to ewe pens for 5 min and reproductive behaviors recorded (anogenital sniffs, foreleg kicks, flehmen, false mounts, and service). Semen was collected from 6 random IN and SS lambs via artificial vaginas using estrus-induced ewes as teasers. Volume was recorded, and ejaculate extended in milk/egg yolk, packaged into straws, and stored at 5°C for analysis with a CASA system the following day. Behavior measurements were compared between types using PROC GLM. Ejaculate characteristics are presented as mean±SD due to insufficient sperm concentrations of SS ejaculates. Anogential sniffs, foreleg kicks, and mounts were similar in IN and SS, and higher (P < 0.05) than in WE (7.44 and 6.34 vs. 4.76; 1.72 and 1.60 vs. 0.17; 1.78 and 2.05 vs. 0.22; respectively). Number of services were higher (P < 0.001) in IN than SS (1.11 vs. 0.53), but time to service (112 sec) was not different. Ejaculate volume was similar in IN and SS (0.51 mL), but SS ejaculates were essentially devoid of sperm. Ejaculates from IN lambs had 0.69x109±0.48 x109 sperm, with 68.9±12.5% progressive motility, 81.8±6.1% viability and 87.1±6.1% morphologic normality. Ram lambs rendered short-scrotum by 10 d of age had reproductive behavior similar to intact post-pubertal rams, but ejaculate characteristics showed them to be sterile

Studies of the effects of the gene N on body growth and fleece development of the New Zealand Romney. I. The body growth of the N type lamb

1959 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 387 ◽  
Author(s):  
F Cockrem ◽  
AL Rae
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Body Growth ◽  
The Body ◽  
Environment Interaction ◽  
Lower Body ◽  
Initial Weight ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Body Weights ◽  
Ram Lambs

A study has been made of the pleiotropic effects of the gene N on the body growth and the carcass of the Sew Zealand Romney lamb. Measurements of body weight and height at withers were taken from birth to about 5 months of age for lambs born in 1952 and 1953 from matings of N/+ x +/+, N/N x N/N, N/N x N/+, and N/+ x N/+ parents. In 1952, +/+ lambs grew faster than N/+ or N/N lambs and this was shown in the greater body weight of the +/+ lambs at 30 days of age. The differences in weight gains corrected for initial weight were greater for single lambs than for twin lambs. The differences in the height at withers were proportional to those in body weight except for the N/N lambs. The N/N lambs had a greater height at withers for their body weight but this could have been the result of factors other than the gene N which were associated with the N–type flock. N–type ewe lambs kept up to 18 months of age maintained lower body weights than +/+ lambs. In 1953 no differences between N/+ and +/+ lambs were found in body growth. It is suggested that a genetic-environment interaction exists for body growth and that the environmental factor is possibly one of climate. No differences were found between the carcass measurements of N/+ and +/+ ram lambs which could not be attributed to the previous differences in body growth.

scholarly journals A preliminary study of the effects of organic farming on oocyte quality in ewe lambs

Zygote ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Casao ◽  
G. A. María ◽  
J.A. Abecia
Keyword(s):  
Oocyte Quality ◽  
Organic System ◽  
Organic Farm ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Ewe Lamb ◽  
Certified Organic ◽  
Total Integration ◽  
Conventional Farm

SummaryThis study tested whether feeding Rasa Aragonesa ewes certified organic feed, from 15 days before mating until lamb weaning, improved oocyte quality and in vitro maturation (IVM) and fertilization (IVF) performances of the offspring. In a second experiment, ovaries from ewe lambs that were bred on an organic farm and were of the same breed were compared with those from conventionally bred animals. The number (± standard error of the mean) of healthy oocytes per ewe lamb did not differ significantly between organic (12.2 ± 3.3) and conventionally (13.6 ± 4.0) fed ewes. Ovaries from ewe lambs born on an organic farm had significantly (P < 0.0001) more healthy oocytes per ewe lamb (39.6 ± 5.2) than did those born on a conventional farm (25.0 ± 4.2), and higher IVM (76.5% vs. 53.1%, P < 0.0001) and IVF (97.3 vs. 91%, P < 0.05) rates. In conclusion, this preliminary approach to the study of the effect of organic procedures on the sheep oocyte quality indicates that the total integration in the complete organic system improved the oocyte quality of ewe lambs, although organic feeding alone was insufficient to improve quality.

Pathways ahead for New Zealand hill country farming

2016 ◽  
Vol 78 ◽  
pp. 73-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
F.G. Scrimgeour
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Rural Communities ◽  
New Technologies ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Farming Systems ◽  
Hill Country ◽  
The Status ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Hill Farming ◽  
The Hill

This paper provides a stocktake of the status of hill country farming in New Zealand and addresses the challenges which will determine its future state and performance. It arises out of the Hill Country Symposium, held in Rotorua, New Zealand, 12-13 April 2016. This paper surveys people, policy, business and change, farming systems for hill country, soil nutrients and the environment, plants for hill country, animals, animal feeding and productivity, and strategies for achieving sustainable outcomes in the hill country. This paper concludes by identifying approaches to: support current and future hill country farmers and service providers, to effectively and efficiently deal with change; link hill farming businesses to effective value chains and new markets to achieve sufficient and stable profitability; reward farmers for the careful management of natural resources on their farm; ensure that new technologies which improve the efficient use of input resources are developed; and strategies to achieve vibrant rural communities which strengthen hill country farming businesses and their service providers. Keywords: farming systems, hill country, people, policy, productivity, profitability, sustainability

scholarly journals An unlikely partnership? New Zealand–South Korea bilateral cooperation and Antarctic order

Polar Record ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrick Flamm
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
South Korea ◽  
World Politics ◽  
Global Power ◽  
Political Interests ◽  
Vested Interests ◽  
The Status ◽  
Bilateral Cooperation ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Cold War

Abstract While the Antarctic Treaty System intended to keep Antarctica an area of international cooperation and science free from militarisation and international conflict, the region has not been completely shielded from global power transitions, such as decolonisation and the end of the Cold War. Presently, emerging countries from Asia are increasingly willing to invest in polar infrastructure and science on the back of their growing influence in world politics. South Korea has also invested heavily in its Antarctic infrastructure and capabilities recently and has been identified as an actor with economic and political interests that are potentially challenging for the existing Antarctic order. This article first assesses the extent and performance of the growing bilateral cooperation between South Korea and one of its closest partners, New Zealand, a country with strong vested interests in the status quo order. How did the cooperation develop between these two actors with ostensibly diverging interests? This article finds that what may have been a friction–laden relationship, actually developed into a win-win partnership for both countries. The article then moves on to offer an explanation for how this productive relationship was made possible by utilising a mutual socialisation approach that explores socio-structural processes around status accommodation.

Effects of the percentage of Texel or Rouge de ľOuest genes in lambs on carcass characteristics and meat quality

1999 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-92 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. F. Carson ◽  
B. W. Moss ◽  
R. W. J. Steen ◽  
D. J. Kilpatrick
Keyword(s):  
Meat Quality ◽  
Subcutaneous Fat ◽  
Carcass Characteristics ◽  
Live Weight ◽  
Fat Content ◽  
Carcass Weight ◽  
Ewe Lambs ◽  
Bone Content ◽  
Intermuscular Fat ◽  
Ram Lambs

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of the percentage of Texel or Rouge de l’Ouest (Rouge) genes in lambs (0, 50, 75 or 100%; the remainder being Greyface (Border Leicester × Scottish Blackface)) on lamb carcass characteristics and meat quality. Ewe lambs were slaughtered at 34, 40, 46 and 52 kg and ram lambs were slaughtered at 40, 46, 52 and 58 kg live weight. Dressing proportion increased (P < 0·001) by 0·53 and 0·27 g carcass weight per kg live weight for each 1% increase in Texel or Rouge genes respectively. Carcass conformation classification increased (P < 0·001) by 0·016 and 0·007 units (on a five-point scale) for each 1% increase in Texel or Rouge genes respectively. Carcass fat depth measures were reduced by Texel and Rouge genes such that at a constant fat depth end point, carcass weight could be increased by 0·029 and 0·023 kg for each 1% increase in Texel or Rouge genes. Carcass lean content increased (P < 0·001) by 0·99 and 0·27 g/kg for each 1% increase in Texel or Rouge genes. Subcutaneous fat content was reduced (P < 0·001) by 0·36 and 0·29 g/kg for each 1% increase in Texel or Rouge genes. Intermuscular fat content was reduced (P < 0·01) by 0·38 g/kg per 1% increase in Texel genes, whereas Rouge genes had no effect. Similarly, bone content was reduced (P < 0·01) by Texel genes only (0·31 g/kg per 1% increase in Texel genes). Warner-Bratzler shear force values showed a quadratic effect with increasing Texel and Rouge genes, with an initial decrease from 0 to 50% followed by an increase to 100%. Cooking loss increased (P = 0·05) as the percentage of Rouge genes in lambs increased. Increasing the percentage of Texel or Rouge genes significantly increased L* values (P < 0·01 and P < 0·05 respectively), b* values (P = 0·05 and P< 0·05 respectively) and H° values (P < 0·001).

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