Role of Sulfur Metabolism Gene and High-Sulfur Gene Expression in Wool Growth Regulation in the Cashmere Goat

Sulfur, an essential mineral element for animals, mainly exists in the form of organic sulfur-containing amino acids (SAAs), such as cystine, methionine, and cysteine, within the body. The content, form, and structure of sulfur play an important role in determining the wool fiber quality. In addition, keratin-associated proteins, one of the most crucial wool fiber components, are rich in SAAs. However, sulfur metabolism from the blood to the skin and hair follicles remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed high-sulfur protein gene and sulfur metabolism genes in the cashmere goat and explored the effects of melatonin on their expression. In total, 53 high-sulfur protein genes and 321 sulfur metabolism genes were identified. We found that high-sulfur protein genes were distributed in the 3–4 and 144M regions of chromosome 1 and the 40–41M region of chromosome 19 in goats. Moreover, all year round, allele-specific expression (ASE) is higher in the 40–41M region of chromosome 19 than in the other regions. Total of 47 high-sulfur protein genes showed interaction with transcription factors and cofactors with ASE. These transcription factors and cofactors were inhibited after melatonin implantation. The network analysis revealed that melatonin may activate the sulfur metabolism process via the regulation of the genes related to cell energy metabolism and cell cycle in the skin, which provided sufficient SAAs for wool and cashmere growth. In conclusion, our findings provide a new insight into wool growth regulation by sulfur metabolism genes and high-sulfur protein genes in cashmere goats.

Wool production in Dohne Merino, Dormer, Merino and South African Mutton Merino lambs

In this study, the wool growth of Dohne Merino, Dormer, Merino and South African Mutton Merino (SAMM) lambs reared on a feedlot diet (10.62 MJ ME/ kg feed, 20.7% crude protein) was monitored from about two months old until the lambs were shorn as yearlings. The 100 cm2 patches on the left sides of the lambs were sheared monthly and the clippings were weighed to determine the wool growth rate. At approximately one year old, the lambs were shorn and the fleeces were weighed. A mid rib fleece sample was also retrieved from each lamb for quality analysis. Merino lambs presented the highest wool growth rates (12.943 g/day) and fleece weights (6.140 kg), whereas Dormer lambs exhibited the lowest values for these traits (8.487 g/day and 3.330 kg, respectively (P <0.05)). The lack of differences between Dohne Merino (9.720 g/day and 4.671 kg) and SAMM (10.553 g/day and 4.158 kg) lambs for these wool growth rate and fleece weight traits was attributed to disparities in live weight (86.8 kg and 105.2 kg, respectively (P <0.05), with heavier SAMM lambs offsetting the expected variations in fleece weight. Wool from Dohne Merino and Merino sheep had the finest fibre diameters (<21 μm), followed by SAMM wool (22–23 μm), with Dormers producing coarse wool (>27 μm). These results could be used as guidelines in sheep production to predict the income contribution of wool from these breeds.

RESULTS OF THE USE OF SUGAR BEET AND ITS PROCESSED PRODUCTS IN FEEDING LACTATING SHEEP

In the beet-growing regions of our country, when producing sugar beet as a technical crop, it is advisable to use it to replace concentrates in feeding lactating sheep in up to 1.5-2.0 kg per head per day. This helps to increase the nutritional value and sugar level in the eaten feed with a stable receipt of metabolic energy and digestible protein. The replacement of a signifi cant part of the concentrates with sugar beet has a positive eff ect on milk production and wool growth.

Modelling a Transition from Purebred Romney to Fully Shedding Wiltshire–Romney Crossbred

Considering the current low prices for coarse wool (fibre diameter > 30 µm), a grading up transition to a shedding flock may eliminate wool harvesting costs and increase sheep farm profit. This transition could be achieved by breeding non-shedding ewes with Wiltshire rams. A bio-economic system-dynamics model of a pastoral sheep farming enterprise was used to simulate this grading up transition from 2580 Romney ewes to a similarly-sized flock of fully shedding third or fourth cross Wiltshire–Romney ewes. The total annual sheep feed demand was constrained within a ±5% range to minimise disruption to the on-farm beef cattle enterprise. Wool harvesting expenses were eliminated after seven years of transition, and with reduced feed demand for wool growth, the post-transition shedding flocks had more ewes producing more lambs and achieving greater annual profit compared with the base Romney flock. The net present values of transition were 7% higher than the maintenance of the base Romney flock with a farmgate wool price of $2.15/kg. Results suggest that coarse wool-producing farmers should consider a grading up transition to a shedding flock, and the collection of data on the production of Wiltshire–Romney sheep in New Zealand would improve the accuracy of model predictions.

Whole Genome Sequencing of 5 Tibetan Sheep Breeds Identifies Selective Signatures to Adaptability at Different High-Altitude Areas in Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

ABSTRACTTibetan sheep is one of primitive Chinese sheep breeds, which achieved the divergence about 2500 years ago in Qinghai plateau region. According to different geographic conditions, especially altitudes, Tibetan sheep evolved into different breeds. In this study, we performed pooled whole genome resequencing of 125 individuals from 5 representative Tibetan sheep breeds. Comparative genomic analysis showed that they can be divided into different clades with a close genetic relationship. However, some genes with common selective regions were enriched for hypoxic adaptability in different breeds living at higher altitude, including GHR, BMP15 and CPLANE1. Furthermore, breed-specific selective regions about physical characteristics, especially wool growth, were found in genes such as BSND, USP24, NCAPG and LCORL. This study could contribute to our understanding about trait formation and offer a reference for breeding of Tibetan sheep.

Thorburn Brailsford Robertson: Brilliant Scientist, Innovator and Australia’s First Professor of Biochemistry

Thorburn Brailsford Robertson (1884–1930) was educated in Adelaide and held appointments at the University of California, Berkeley (where he completed his PhD in 1907), and the University of Toronto before taking up his appointment at Adelaide in 1919 as Australia's first Professor of Biochemistry. In his research on the biochemical basis of growth and senescence he discovered in pituitary tissue a growth factor he called Tethelin. He made important contributions to the fabric and collegiality of the University of Adelaide. Amongst his many scientific contributions he was the first person outside Canada to prepare insulin, a project taken up by the Commonwealth Serum Laboratories. In 1927 he became the first Chief of the Division of Animal Nutrition in the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, for whom he investigated sheep nutrition and wool growth.