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Three experiments were designed to study the effects of melatonin implantation of ewes and lambs after lambing on the growth of lambs and milk quality throughout lactation. In experiment 1, 53 lambs either did (n = 28) or did not (n = 25) receive a subcutaneous 18-mg melatonin implant at the base of the left ear. In experiment 2, 55 lambs and their mothers either did (lambs: n = 28; ewes: n = 15) or did not (lambs: n = 27; ewes: n = 16) receive a melatonin implant. Milk samples were collected at 15, 30, and 45 d after lambing. In experiment 3, 16 lambs were separated from their mothers 24 h after birth, moved to an artificial rearing unit, and either did (n = 9) or did not (n = 7) receive a melatonin implant. In the three experiments, implants were inserted 24 h after lambing, and lambs were weighed (LW) weekly until weaning (for each experiment, 7, 6, and 5 wk., respectively). Average daily gains (ADG) from birth to weaning were calculated. Melatonin treatment of lambs did not have a significant effect on LW at weaning or ADG, but lambs reared by implanted ewes in experiment 2 presented higher (P < 0.05) LW (±S.E.M.) at weaning (implanted: 13.61 ± 0.51; non-implanted: 12.09 ± 0.57 kg) and ADG (implanted: 221.00 ± 10.45; non-implanted: 189.92 ± 12.44 g/d) than did lambs reared by control ewes. At day 45 of lactation, milk fat and total solid content were higher (P < 0.05) in implanted ewes than they were in control ewes. Groups did not differ significantly in the protein and lactose content of their milk. In conclusion, melatonin treatment of ewes at lambing induced a high growth rate of their lambs and increased the fat content of the milk; however, the direct treatment with melatonin of the lambs at birth did not have an effect in their growth rate.
J. A. Abecia; S. Luis; F. Canto. Implanting melatonin at lambing enhances lamb growth and maintains high fat content in milk. Veterinary Research Communications 2021, 1 -8.
AMA StyleJ. A. Abecia, S. Luis, F. Canto. Implanting melatonin at lambing enhances lamb growth and maintains high fat content in milk. Veterinary Research Communications. 2021; ():1-8.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ. A. Abecia; S. Luis; F. Canto. 2021. "Implanting melatonin at lambing enhances lamb growth and maintains high fat content in milk." Veterinary Research Communications , no. : 1-8.
Three experiments were designed to study the effects of melatonin implantation of ewes and lambs after lambing on the growth of lambs and milk quality throughout lactation. In experiment 1, 53 lambs either did (n = 28) or did not (n = 25) receive a subcutaneous 18-mg melatonin implant. In experiment 2, 55 lambs and their mothers either did (lambs: n = 28; ewes: n = 15) or did not (lambs: n = 27; ewes: n = 16) receive a melatonin implant. Milk samples were collected at 15, 30, and 45 d after lambing. In experiment 3, 16 lambs were separated from their mothers 24 h after birth, moved to an artificial rearing unit, and either did (n = 9) or did not (n = 7) receive a melatonin implant. In the three experiments, implants were inserted 24 h after lambing, and lambs were weighed (LW) weekly until weaning. Average daily gains (ADG) from birth to weaning were calculated. Melatonin treatment of lambs did not have a significant effect on LW at weaning or ADG, but lambs reared by implanted ewes in experiment 2 presented higher (P < 0.05) LW (± S.E.M.) at weaning and ADG than did lambs reared by control ewes. At day 45 of lactation, milk fat and total solid content were higher (P < 0.05) in implanted ewes than in control ewes. In conclusion, melatonin treatment of ewes at lambing induced a high growth rate of their lambs and increased the fat content of the milk; however, the direct treatment with melatonin of the lambs at birth did not have an effect in their growth rate.
José Alfonso Abecia; Silvia Luis; Francisco Canto. Implanting melatonin at lambing enhances lamb growth and maintains high fat content in milk. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleJosé Alfonso Abecia, Silvia Luis, Francisco Canto. Implanting melatonin at lambing enhances lamb growth and maintains high fat content in milk. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosé Alfonso Abecia; Silvia Luis; Francisco Canto. 2021. "Implanting melatonin at lambing enhances lamb growth and maintains high fat content in milk." , no. : 1.
A total of 160 1-day-old medium-growing male chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus) were raised for 120 days in a certified organic farming system. A total of two strains were studied (Coloryield, CY; RedBro, RB). Overall, two weather periods were considered based on the outdoor temperature, being S1 colder than S2. In total, 40 chicks per strain were assigned to each period (n = 80). Chickens were fed ad libitum with the same organic feeds. In the first month, chickens were kept indoors and, from day 30, they had access to the pasture. Slaughter live weight (LW), average daily gains, (ADG), the feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality rates did not differ between the two strains. LW was (p < 0.05) higher in the S1 and a trend (p = 0.084) was observed for ADG, which was higher in S1. No differences were found for feed intake, FCR, and mortality rates between weather periods. There were no differences for coefficient of variation (CV) between the strains studied, nevertheless, CV for LW in S2 was increased. Differences in the productive performance between these strains raised in organic production systems were slight. However, chickens raised in S1 had a better performance. It would be preferable to raise chickens in these weather conditions whenever possible.
Ainhoa Sarmiento-García; Isabel Revilla; José-Alfonso Abecia; Carlos Palacios. Performance Evaluation of Two Slow-Medium Growing Chicken Strains Maintained under Organic Production System during Different Seasons. Animals 2021, 11, 1090 .
AMA StyleAinhoa Sarmiento-García, Isabel Revilla, José-Alfonso Abecia, Carlos Palacios. Performance Evaluation of Two Slow-Medium Growing Chicken Strains Maintained under Organic Production System during Different Seasons. Animals. 2021; 11 (4):1090.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAinhoa Sarmiento-García; Isabel Revilla; José-Alfonso Abecia; Carlos Palacios. 2021. "Performance Evaluation of Two Slow-Medium Growing Chicken Strains Maintained under Organic Production System during Different Seasons." Animals 11, no. 4: 1090.
Background: Recent studies have shown that melatonin implants administered during pregnancy reduced neonatal lamb mortality and produced high survival rates at weaning. This study was designed to quantify the effects of melatonin implantation of ewes and lambs immediately after lambing on the growth of lambs and the quality of milk throughout lactation.Results: In experiment 1, treatment with melatonin the lambs did not have a significant effect on liveweight (LW) (±S.E.M.) at weaning or average daily gain (ADG) until weaning. These results were similar in experiment 2, although lambs reared by melatonin-implanted ewes presented significantly (P<0.05) higher LW at weaning and ADG than did lambs from control ewes. The effect of melatonin implantation of the mothers was particularly evident in male lambs, so that male lambs reared by treated ewes presented significantly higher LW at week 2, 3, and 4 than did male lambs reared by control ewes. The fat content of milk was significantly (P<0.05) higher in implanted ewes than it was in control ewes at day 45 of lactation. Protein and lactose content of milk did not differ significantly between groups. In experiment 3, using artificially-reared lambs, melatonin treatment of the lambs at birth did not have a significant effect on LW at weaning, or ADG. Conclusions: Melatonin treatment of ewes at lambing induced a high growth rate of their lambs and increased the fat content of the milk; however, the direct treatment with melatonin of the lambs at birth did not have an effect in their growth rate.
José Alfonso Abecia; Silvia Luis; Francisco Canto. Implanting Melatonin at Lambing Enhances Lamb Growth and Maintains High Fat Content in Milk. 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleJosé Alfonso Abecia, Silvia Luis, Francisco Canto. Implanting Melatonin at Lambing Enhances Lamb Growth and Maintains High Fat Content in Milk. . 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosé Alfonso Abecia; Silvia Luis; Francisco Canto. 2021. "Implanting Melatonin at Lambing Enhances Lamb Growth and Maintains High Fat Content in Milk." , no. : 1.
Understanding temperament is an important part of cattle production since undesirable temperament may cause serious problems associated with aggression, maternal care, and human safety. However, little is known about how farmers define or assess temperament, especially in autochthonous cattle breeds. The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of farmers about the temperament of the Pyrenean cattle breed with special attention to beef cow-calf systems in Spain. The methodology used to obtain the information was focus group discussions (FGD). Farmers defined temperament as a behavioural response to challenging situations imposed by human handling. Specific terms used were related to active or passive reactions to fear (e.g., “strong”, “aggressive”, “nervous”, “fearful”). The speed of response to stimuli was also important. Female temperament was thought to become more docile with age while bull temperament was more variable. Maternal aggressiveness was highlighted as a potential human safety problem, but also desirable in an extensively bred animal who may need to defend calves against predators. Anatomical characteristics were seen as unreliable predictors of temperament, while behavioural indicators were more widely used, such as “alertness”, which was a general trait of the breed, and “gaze”, which, when associated with an alert expression, suggests a potential threat. Sensory acuity, such as sight and smell, were thought to be related with temperament in some FGDs but there was no overall agreement as to whether different behavioural responses were due to differences in sensory acuity. The results from the study could be useful during training programs or in the development of new genetic selection schemes and evaluation protocols involving cattle temperament.
Laura Estévez-Moreno; Genaro Miranda-De la Lama; Morris Villarroel; Laura García; José Abecia; Pilar Santolaria; Gustavo María. Revisiting Cattle Temperament in Beef Cow-Calf Systems: Insights from Farmers’ Perceptions about an Autochthonous Breed. Animals 2021, 11, 82 .
AMA StyleLaura Estévez-Moreno, Genaro Miranda-De la Lama, Morris Villarroel, Laura García, José Abecia, Pilar Santolaria, Gustavo María. Revisiting Cattle Temperament in Beef Cow-Calf Systems: Insights from Farmers’ Perceptions about an Autochthonous Breed. Animals. 2021; 11 (1):82.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLaura Estévez-Moreno; Genaro Miranda-De la Lama; Morris Villarroel; Laura García; José Abecia; Pilar Santolaria; Gustavo María. 2021. "Revisiting Cattle Temperament in Beef Cow-Calf Systems: Insights from Farmers’ Perceptions about an Autochthonous Breed." Animals 11, no. 1: 82.
This work aimed to determine the contribution of the testis and epididymis and the effect of the photoperiodic regimen on ram seminal plasma (SP). Semen was collected from 15 mature rams located in an equatorial (Colombian Creole and Romney Marsh, eight intact and two vasectomized) or a temperate climate (Rasa Aragonesa, three intact and two vasectomized). SP proteins were analyzed by Bradford, SDS-PAGE and difference gel electrophoresis (DIGE). Melatonin and testosterone concentrations were quantified by ELISA, and activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRD), and catalase by enzymatic assays. Vasectomy increased protein concentration and the intensity of high molecular weight bands (p < 0.001), with no differences between breeds. DIGE revealed the absence of six proteins in vasectomized rams: angiotensin-converting enzyme, lactotransferrin, phosphoglycerate kinase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, epididymal secretory glutathione peroxidase and epididymal secretory protein E1. Vasectomy also decreased melatonin concentrations in seasonal rams, and testosterone in all of them (p < 0.001), but did not affect antioxidant enzyme activity. Equatorial rams showed lower melatonin and testosterone concentration (p < 0.01) and catalase, but higher GPx activity (p < 0.05). In conclusion, vasectomy modifies the protein profile and hormonal content of ram seminal plasma, whereas the exposure to a constant photoperiod affects hormonal concentration and antioxidant enzymes activity.
Melissa Carvajal-Serna; Meriem Fatnassi; Felipe Torres-Ruda; Jaime Cardozo; Henry Grajales-Lombana; Mohamed Hammadi; Jose Abecia; Teresa Muiño-Blanco; Rosaura Pérez-Pe; Jose Cebrián-Pérez; Adriana Casao. Vasectomy and Photoperiodic Regimen Modify the Protein Profile, Hormonal Content and Antioxidant Enzymes Activity of Ram Seminal Plasma. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 2020, 21, 8063 .
AMA StyleMelissa Carvajal-Serna, Meriem Fatnassi, Felipe Torres-Ruda, Jaime Cardozo, Henry Grajales-Lombana, Mohamed Hammadi, Jose Abecia, Teresa Muiño-Blanco, Rosaura Pérez-Pe, Jose Cebrián-Pérez, Adriana Casao. Vasectomy and Photoperiodic Regimen Modify the Protein Profile, Hormonal Content and Antioxidant Enzymes Activity of Ram Seminal Plasma. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2020; 21 (21):8063.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMelissa Carvajal-Serna; Meriem Fatnassi; Felipe Torres-Ruda; Jaime Cardozo; Henry Grajales-Lombana; Mohamed Hammadi; Jose Abecia; Teresa Muiño-Blanco; Rosaura Pérez-Pe; Jose Cebrián-Pérez; Adriana Casao. 2020. "Vasectomy and Photoperiodic Regimen Modify the Protein Profile, Hormonal Content and Antioxidant Enzymes Activity of Ram Seminal Plasma." International Journal of Molecular Sciences 21, no. 21: 8063.
Kidding (n=33116) and monthly milking control (n = 96359) records of Florida goats (n = 13194) from the Spanish Florida Goat Breeders Association, collected between 2007 and 2016, were used to determine whether the presence of male co-twins affected the productive lifespan, and kid and milk production of does. The dataset included single-born (n=3727), twin-born (n=7573), triplet-born (n=1784) and quadruplet-born (n=110) goats. Information for each goat included birth date; type of birth (single, twin, triplet, or quadruplet), sex of the co-twin(s), reproductive traits of the goat throughout its productive life, and mean milk quality and quantity of the lactations. Singleton and twin-born goats had significantly longer productive lifespans than did triplet- (P<0.05) or quadruplet-born animals (P<0.01). Females born with male co-twins had a shorter (P<0.05) productive lifespan than did goats born with no male co-twins, and had more parturitions and kids born per year (P<0.05). In particular, goats that had three female littermates had the fewest kids per year (P<0.01). Does born with male littermates had a higher daily milk yield and total milk yield (P<0.01) than did goats born with no male co-twins; however, the former had the shortest on-farm longevity, which caused them to have a lower (P<0.05) lifetime milk production than did goats born with no male co-twins. In conclusion, the presence of male co-twins had a positive effect on the production traits of dairy goats; however, the shorter reproductive lifespan of these goats limited their lifetime milk production. If reproductive lifespan could be extended, possibly through management practices or by identifying the factors that reduce lifespan, goats that have male co-twins might be the most suitable candidates for replacement does. Thus, in addition to litter composition, kid body mass, or maternal milk production, the sex of co-twins might be included in selection programs.
José Alfonso Abecia; Manuel Sánchez; Francisco Arrebola. The effect of male co-twins on milk and kid production, and productive lifespan of goats during their adult life. Livestock Science 2020, 242, 104279 .
AMA StyleJosé Alfonso Abecia, Manuel Sánchez, Francisco Arrebola. The effect of male co-twins on milk and kid production, and productive lifespan of goats during their adult life. Livestock Science. 2020; 242 ():104279.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosé Alfonso Abecia; Manuel Sánchez; Francisco Arrebola. 2020. "The effect of male co-twins on milk and kid production, and productive lifespan of goats during their adult life." Livestock Science 242, no. : 104279.
The FecXR mutation is a variant of the ovine gene BMP15 in the Rasa Aragonesa breed. Information on the physiological importance of carrying the FecX polymorphism in rams is limited. The aim of this study was to compare semen quality, testicle characteristics, and fertility rate of rams that carry the FecXR allele. Rams (n = 15) were either FecXR allele carriers (n = 10) or non-carriers, wild type (++) (n = 5). FecXR rams exhibited higher mass motility (p < 0.05), proportion of rapid sperm (p < 0.05), and a lower proportion of slow sperm (p < 0.0001) than did ++ rams. The presence of the FecXR allele was not associated with mean scrotal circumference or testicular length and diameter, although season had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on these traits. Genotype (p < 0.05) and season (p < 0.01) had a significant effect on mean fertility rate, FecXR rams had a higher proportion of pregnant ewes than did ++ rams (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the FecXR allele produced high-quality semen throughout the year, and corresponded with an improvement in some sperm parameters, particularly, mass motility and the proportion of rapid sperm.
José Abecia; Ángel Macías; Adriana Casao; Clara Burillo; Elena Martín; Rosaura Pérez-Pé; Adolfo Laviña. Semen Quality of Rasa Aragonesa Rams Carrying the FecXR Allele of the BMP15 Gene. Animals 2020, 10, 1628 .
AMA StyleJosé Abecia, Ángel Macías, Adriana Casao, Clara Burillo, Elena Martín, Rosaura Pérez-Pé, Adolfo Laviña. Semen Quality of Rasa Aragonesa Rams Carrying the FecXR Allele of the BMP15 Gene. Animals. 2020; 10 (9):1628.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosé Abecia; Ángel Macías; Adriana Casao; Clara Burillo; Elena Martín; Rosaura Pérez-Pé; Adolfo Laviña. 2020. "Semen Quality of Rasa Aragonesa Rams Carrying the FecXR Allele of the BMP15 Gene." Animals 10, no. 9: 1628.
The aim of this study was to determine whether polymorphisms of the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene influence the age at first mating in autumn-born ram-lambs and influence the out-of-season sexual activity of adult rams. In experiment 1, 24 Rasa Aragonesa ram-lambs born in September were genotyped for their RsaI and MnlI allelic variants of the MTNR1A gene, and the date of their first mounting with ejaculation after a period of semen collection training was documented. In experiment 2, the reproductive behavior, testicle size, and plasma testosterone concentrations of 18 adult rams (6 rams for each RsaI genotype) were recorded at the beginning (March) and end (May) of the seasonal anestrus. The number of days of training to achieve the first mating with ejaculation in T/T (C/C: 85.17 ± 12.08 C/T: 86.60 ± 18.87; T/T; 26.50 ± 24.50 d; P < 0.05), and G/G ram-lambs (G/G: 51.57 ± 14.99; A/G: 95.58 ± 10.95 d; P < 0.05) was significantly fewer than it was in the other genotypes. Likewise, for the RsaI genotype, 55% of the vulva-sniffing (P < 0.001), 48% of the approaches (P < 0.01), 48% of the mountings (P < 0.05) and 49% total activities (P < 0.001) were performed by T/T rams in March, and 50% of the sexual events in May (P < 0.001). For the Mnll variant, G/G rams performed a significantly (P < 0.001) larger proportion of the vulva-sniffing (41%), approaches (46%) and total activities (40%) in March, and 52% of the vulva-sniffing (P < 0.001), 43%, of the approaches (P < 0.001), 46% of the mountings (P < 0.05), and 47% of the total activities (P < 0.001) in May. Scrotal circumference, testicular volume, and plasma testosterone concentrations did not differ significantly among genotypes. Results confirmed that the polymorphisms of the MTNR1A gene sequence can influence reproductive performance in young and adult rams. Autumn-born ram-lambs that carried the T/T or G/G genotype had an advanced ability to reproduce, and T/T or G/G adult rams exhibited the most intense reproductive behavior. Genotyping might be a useful procedure for identifying the correct and rational use of rams in modern sheep farming.
J.A. Abecia; M.C. Mura; M. Carvajal-Serna; L. Pulinas; A. Macías; A. Casao; R. Pérez-Pe; V. Carcangiu. Polymorphisms of the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene influence the age at first mating in autumn-born ram-lambs and sexual activity of adult rams in spring. Theriogenology 2020, 157, 42 -47.
AMA StyleJ.A. Abecia, M.C. Mura, M. Carvajal-Serna, L. Pulinas, A. Macías, A. Casao, R. Pérez-Pe, V. Carcangiu. Polymorphisms of the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene influence the age at first mating in autumn-born ram-lambs and sexual activity of adult rams in spring. Theriogenology. 2020; 157 ():42-47.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ.A. Abecia; M.C. Mura; M. Carvajal-Serna; L. Pulinas; A. Macías; A. Casao; R. Pérez-Pe; V. Carcangiu. 2020. "Polymorphisms of the melatonin receptor 1A (MTNR1A) gene influence the age at first mating in autumn-born ram-lambs and sexual activity of adult rams in spring." Theriogenology 157, no. : 42-47.
Colostrum is the first product secreted by the mammary gland to transfer immunity to the newborn, especially through immunoglobulins (Ig) G. Melatonin is an immunomodulatory factor and there is evidence that it has a direct effect on IgG production. To evaluate the effects of melatonin treatment during pregnancy, litter size and offspring sex on colostrum quality, sixty pregnant Rasa Aragonesa ewes were divided into three groups: one group received a melatonin implant at the third month of pregnancy (3M, n = 13), another group at the fourth month (4M, n = 18) and the remaining ewes were not implanted (Control, C, n = 29). Immediately after lambing, a sample of colostrum was collected and IgG, crude protein and fat content analysed. Timing of melatonin implantation (p < .001), and offspring sex (p < .01) had a significant effect on IgG concentration. Colostrum of treated ewes had a higher mean (±SEM) IgG concentration than that of the control ewes (55.54 ± 3.09 and 49.50 ± 4.36 mg/ml, respectively; p < .05), mainly because the concentration in the 4M group was significantly (p < .001) higher than it was in the other groups. The relationship between lamb sex and IgG (p < .01) and %CP (p < .05) was evident in singletons (ewes with a male lamb: 54.57 ± 5.37 mg IgG/ml, 15.42 ± 0.82%CP; ewes with a female lamb: 34.66 ± 4.30 mg/ml, 13.18 ± 0.73%CP). The presence of a female in the litter was associated with significantly (p < .01) lower colostrum IgG levels (litters with at least one female: 49.33 ± 3.42 mg/ml; litters with no females: 58.24 ± 4.00 mg/ml). Among 4M ewes, female foetuses had significantly (p < .01) lower IgG levels whether they carried singletons or multiple lambs. In conclusion, treatment with melatonin implants at the fourth month of pregnancy resulted in a higher colostrum quality based on IgG concentration.
José‐Alfonso Abecia; Claudia Garrido; Marianne Gave; Ana‐Isabel García; David López; Silvia Luis; José‐Antonio Valares; Luis Mata. Exogenous melatonin and male foetuses improve the quality of sheep colostrum. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 2020, 104, 1305 -1309.
AMA StyleJosé‐Alfonso Abecia, Claudia Garrido, Marianne Gave, Ana‐Isabel García, David López, Silvia Luis, José‐Antonio Valares, Luis Mata. Exogenous melatonin and male foetuses improve the quality of sheep colostrum. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 2020; 104 (5):1305-1309.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosé‐Alfonso Abecia; Claudia Garrido; Marianne Gave; Ana‐Isabel García; David López; Silvia Luis; José‐Antonio Valares; Luis Mata. 2020. "Exogenous melatonin and male foetuses improve the quality of sheep colostrum." Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition 104, no. 5: 1305-1309.
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the grade of crossbreeding (Lacaune x Manchega) and environmental factors on milk production in a commercial flock in Spain. A total of 5769 milk production records of sheep with different degrees of purity of the Lacaune breed crossed with Manchega were used as follows: 100% Lacaune (n = 2960), 7/8 Lacaune (n = 502), 13/16 Lacaune (n = 306), 3/4 (n = 1288), 5/8 Lacaune (n = 441) and 1/2 Lacaune: Manchega (n = 272). Additional available information included the number of parity (1 to 8), litter size (single or multiple), and the season of the year of lambing (spring, summer, autumn and winter). A mixed model was used to evaluate the level of crossbreeding and environmental factors on milk production. The 100% Lacaune sheep presented the highest milk production with respect to the F1 Lacaune x Manchega sheep (p < 0.01), showing that as the degree of gene absorption increases with the Manchega breed, it presents lower milk yield. The 100%, 13/16, and 3/4 Lacaune genotypes had the highest milk yields with respect to the 1/2 Lacaune/Manchega breed (p < 0.001). The Lacaune registered on average 181.1 L in a period adjusted to 160 days of lactation (1.13 L/ day). Likewise, the parity number, litter size, and season of lambing effects showed significant differences (p < 0.01). It was concluded that 13/16 and 3/4 Lacaune/Manchega ewes presented the highest milk yields with respect to the other crosses.
Lizbeth E. Robles Jimenez; Juan C. Angeles Hernandez; Carlos Palacios; José A. Abecia; Anna Naranjo; Jorge Osorio Avalos; Manuel Gonzalez-Ronquillo. Milk Production of Lacaune Sheep with Different Degrees of Crossing with Manchega Sheep in a Commercial Flock in Spain. Animals 2020, 10, 520 .
AMA StyleLizbeth E. Robles Jimenez, Juan C. Angeles Hernandez, Carlos Palacios, José A. Abecia, Anna Naranjo, Jorge Osorio Avalos, Manuel Gonzalez-Ronquillo. Milk Production of Lacaune Sheep with Different Degrees of Crossing with Manchega Sheep in a Commercial Flock in Spain. Animals. 2020; 10 (3):520.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLizbeth E. Robles Jimenez; Juan C. Angeles Hernandez; Carlos Palacios; José A. Abecia; Anna Naranjo; Jorge Osorio Avalos; Manuel Gonzalez-Ronquillo. 2020. "Milk Production of Lacaune Sheep with Different Degrees of Crossing with Manchega Sheep in a Commercial Flock in Spain." Animals 10, no. 3: 520.
The effect of the introduction of sexually active rams in spring on LH secretion in ewes after progestagen treatment has been studied. Two rams were induced into a sexually active state by exposure to 2 months of long days (16 h of light/d) from 1 January (SAR), and another 2 rams were exposed to the natural photoperiod, so that they were not sexually activated in spring (control; C). At the end of the long-day period, rams were returned to natural photoperiod conditions. Fifteen ewes synchronized in estrus by intravaginal sponges were assigned to three groups at sponge withdrawal (hour 0): SAR (n = 5), exposed to SAR rams; C (n = 5), exposed to C rams, and ISO (n = 5), kept isolated from rams. Twenty-four hours after pessary removal (hour 0), rams were introduced into the SAR and C groups. Three SAR ewes presented preovulatory LH surges; the proportion was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in this group (3/5) than in the others (C: 0/5, ISO: 0/5). SAR introduction induced a more marked (P < 0.05) increase in mean LH plasma concentrations (before rams: 1.34 ± 0.19; after rams: 6.94 ± 2.66 ng/ml) than C (before: 0.96 ± 0.29; after: 3.60 ± 1.44) or ISO (before: 1.26 ± 0.42; after: 2.14 ± 1.36) groups, and significantly (P < 0.05) higher plasma LH levels after ram introduction. In conclusion, only light-treated sexually activated rams induced LH preovulatory surges in ewes in the seasonal anestrus, when ewes are synchronized with progestagen treatment in the absence of eCG.
José A. Abecia; Matthieu Keller; Philippe Chemineau; José A. Delgadillo. Light-induced sexually active rams provoke LH preovulatory surges and enhances LH concentrations in ewes after progestagen treatment. Heliyon 2020, 6, e03529 .
AMA StyleJosé A. Abecia, Matthieu Keller, Philippe Chemineau, José A. Delgadillo. Light-induced sexually active rams provoke LH preovulatory surges and enhances LH concentrations in ewes after progestagen treatment. Heliyon. 2020; 6 (3):e03529.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosé A. Abecia; Matthieu Keller; Philippe Chemineau; José A. Delgadillo. 2020. "Light-induced sexually active rams provoke LH preovulatory surges and enhances LH concentrations in ewes after progestagen treatment." Heliyon 6, no. 3: e03529.
The continuous presence of active male small ruminants prevents seasonal anestrus in females, but evidence of the same mechanism operating from the females to the males is scarce. This study assessed the effects of the continuous presence of ewes in estrus in spring on ram sexual activity, testicular size and echogenicity, and LH and testosterone concentrations. On 1 March, 20 rams were assigned to two groups (n = 10 each): isolated (ISO) from other sheep, or stimulated (STI) by 12 ewes, which were separated from the rams by an openwork metal barrier, allowing contact between sexes. Each week, four ewes were induced into estrus by intravaginal sponges. Live weight, scrotal circumference, testicular width (TW) and length (TL) were recorded at the beginning and at the end of the experiment, and testicular volume (TV) was calculated; at the same time, testicular ultrasonography and color Doppler scanning were performed. Blood samples (March to May) were collected once per week for testosterone determinations, and at the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for 6 h at 20-min intervals for LH analysis. Rams were exposed to four estrous ewes in a serving-capacity test. Scrotal circumference, TW and TL were higher in the STI than in the ISO rams (P < 0.05) in May, and TV was higher (P < 0.05) in the STI (391 ± 17 cm3) than in the ISO rams (354 ± 24 cm3). In ISO rams, the number of white pixels was higher (P < 0.01) in May (348 ± 74) than in March (94 ± 21) and differed significantly (P < 0.01) from that of the STI rams in May (160 ± 33). In ISO rams, the number of grey pixels was higher (P < 0.05) in May (107 ± 3) than it was in March (99 ± 1). Stimulated and ISO rams did not differ significantly in mean LH plasma concentrations (0.8 ± 0.5 v. 0.9 ± 0.4 ng/ml), LH pulses (2.1 ± 0.5 v. 2.2 ± 0.2) and amplitude (2.0 ± 0.4 v. 3.2 ± 0.7 ng/ml, respectively). Stimulated rams had significantly higher testosterone concentrations than ISO rams from April to the end of the experiment. Stimulated rams performed more (P < 0.05) mountings with intromission (3.0 ± 0.4) than did ISO rams (1.5 ± 0.5). In conclusion, after 3 months in the continuous presence of ewes in estrus in spring, rams had higher TV and some testicular echogenic parameters were modified than isolated rams. Although exposed rams also had higher levels of testosterone after 2 months in the presence of estrous ewes, their LH pulsatility at the end of the study was not modified.
J. A. Abecia; M. Carvajal-Serna; A. Casao; C. Palacios; L. Pulinas; M. Keller; P. Chemineau; J. A. Delgadillo. The continuous presence of ewes in estrus in spring influences testicular volume, testicular echogenicity and testosterone concentration, but not LH pulsatility in rams. Animal 2020, 14, 2554 -2561.
AMA StyleJ. A. Abecia, M. Carvajal-Serna, A. Casao, C. Palacios, L. Pulinas, M. Keller, P. Chemineau, J. A. Delgadillo. The continuous presence of ewes in estrus in spring influences testicular volume, testicular echogenicity and testosterone concentration, but not LH pulsatility in rams. Animal. 2020; 14 (12):2554-2561.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ. A. Abecia; M. Carvajal-Serna; A. Casao; C. Palacios; L. Pulinas; M. Keller; P. Chemineau; J. A. Delgadillo. 2020. "The continuous presence of ewes in estrus in spring influences testicular volume, testicular echogenicity and testosterone concentration, but not LH pulsatility in rams." Animal 14, no. 12: 2554-2561.
The objective of this study was to identify and exclude rams that presented signals that might indicate low fertility in a program to improve the profitability of sheep farms within a large sheep cooperative in Spain. The study involved 966 rams of 10 breeds on 45 farms, and ram examinations were performed from Sep 2017 to Jan 2019. A breeding-soundness examination (BSE) and semen collection by electroejaculation (EE) was performed on each ram. Genital alterations, morphological or pathological injuries, and minimum thresholds for semen motility, volume, and concentration were factors that led to the exclusion of a ram. Among the rams in the study, 805 (83.5%) were classified “suitable”, 130 were declared “failed” (13.5%), and 29 (3%) were deemed to be borderline case and required a re-examination. Sperm quality (substandard semen quality, total azoospermia, or necrozoospermia) was the primary reason for the exclusion of a ram (82.4%). Testicular abnormalities, were responsible for 12% of the rams excluded. Mean body condition score (BCS), ejaculate volume, and scrotal circumference (SC) did not differ significantly between suitable and failed rams; however, on average, failed rams were older, had lower sperm concentrations and mass and individual motilities than did suitable rams (P < 0.001). Farm (P < 0.001), and age, BCS, and breed of the ram (P < 0.05) were significantly correlated with ejaculate volume. Farm and month (P < 0.001), and to a lesser extent (P = 0.10) age, were significantly correlated with semen concentration. Mass and individual motilities differed significantly (P < 0.001) among farms, and SC was significantly correlated with all of the factors considered (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05 for breed). One year after eliminating the worst rams in the flocks, the mean number of delivered lambs was 1.32 ± 0.05 lambs/ewe, which was significantly (P < 0.0001) higher than the mean before the onset of the procedures (0.88 ± 0.03 lambs/ewe); i.e., 51% more lambs were delivered to the cooperative by the farmers. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that, in the medium term, the removal of subfertile rams can increase lamb production among a group of producers, and increases their economic returns.
Francisco A. Arrebola-Molina; Almudena Sánchez-Gómez; Francisco J. Querino-Santiago; Carlos Pérez-Marín; Francisco Borjas-Muñoz; José A. Abecia. Semen characteristics of a ram population in southern Spain: An on-farm program of elimination of low-fertility males diagnosed by electroejaculation. Small Ruminant Research 2019, 183, 106038 .
AMA StyleFrancisco A. Arrebola-Molina, Almudena Sánchez-Gómez, Francisco J. Querino-Santiago, Carlos Pérez-Marín, Francisco Borjas-Muñoz, José A. Abecia. Semen characteristics of a ram population in southern Spain: An on-farm program of elimination of low-fertility males diagnosed by electroejaculation. Small Ruminant Research. 2019; 183 ():106038.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFrancisco A. Arrebola-Molina; Almudena Sánchez-Gómez; Francisco J. Querino-Santiago; Carlos Pérez-Marín; Francisco Borjas-Muñoz; José A. Abecia. 2019. "Semen characteristics of a ram population in southern Spain: An on-farm program of elimination of low-fertility males diagnosed by electroejaculation." Small Ruminant Research 183, no. : 106038.
The effect of the continuous presence of sexually active Rasa Aragonesa rams on the plasma luteinizing-hormone (LH) concentrations of ewes was studied from November to May. Light-treated rams were rendered sexually active (SA rams) by exposure to 2 months of artificially long days (16 h light/8 h dark) in one of two groups from either 1 November (SAR1, n = 3) or 1 December (SAR2, n = 3). Rams (n = 6) in a Control group were kept under the natural photoperiod. Thirty ewes were ovariectomized in September and implanted with a subcutaneous implant (l = 15 mm) that contained estradiol-17β. One group of ewes (SAR; n = 10) was housed with control rams from 1 October to 15 February before being housed with SAR1 rams from 16 February to 31 March, and with SAR2 rams from 1 April to 31 May. A second group of ewes (C; n = 10) remained with control rams throughout the experiment, and a third group was kept isolated from rams throughout the experiment (ISO; n = 10). Blood samples were collected weekly from November to May, and plasma LH concentrations were measured. In the breeding season (November-February), plasma LH concentrations of ewes did not differ significantly between groups (SAR: 2.00 ± 0.34; C: 1.88 ± 0.16; ISO: 1.67 ± 0.51 ng/ml). From March to May (seasonal anestrus), however, LH plasma concentrations decreased in the C and ISO groups (1.30 ± 0.20 and 0.48 ± 0.04 ng/ml, respectively), but remained at the same level as in the breeding season in the SAR group (2.30 ± 0.17 ng/ml; P < 0.001). Significant differences (P < 0.01) between groups were observed from March onwards: LH concentrations were highest in SAR ewes (P < 0.001) and lowest in the ISO ewes. In conclusion, the continuous presence of sexually active rams prevented the seasonal decrease in plasma LH concentrations, probably by preventing the seasonal negative feedback of estradiol on LH secretion.
J.A. Abecia; M. Keller; C. Palacios; P. Chemineau; J.A. Delgadillo. Light-induced sexually active rams prevent the seasonal inhibition of luteinizing-hormone in ovariectomized estradiol-implanted ewes. Theriogenology 2019, 136, 43 -46.
AMA StyleJ.A. Abecia, M. Keller, C. Palacios, P. Chemineau, J.A. Delgadillo. Light-induced sexually active rams prevent the seasonal inhibition of luteinizing-hormone in ovariectomized estradiol-implanted ewes. Theriogenology. 2019; 136 ():43-46.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ.A. Abecia; M. Keller; C. Palacios; P. Chemineau; J.A. Delgadillo. 2019. "Light-induced sexually active rams prevent the seasonal inhibition of luteinizing-hormone in ovariectomized estradiol-implanted ewes." Theriogenology 136, no. : 43-46.
Forty autumn-born ram-lambs were used to study the effect of several rearing strategies on their sexual activity and fertility at 8 months of age. The animals were assigned to one of the following four groups (n = 10): FA, which were exposed to 2 months of long days (15 January–15 March); SAR, which were housed with three Sexually Activated adult Rams from 15 March to 20 June; NAR, housed with three Nonactivated adult Rams, and Control (C), kept isolated from adult rams throughout the experiment. In mid-June, individual and group ram serving-capacity tests were performed. Mean plasma testosterone levels (ng/ml) throughout the experiment were higher (P < 0.001) in the C (4.4 ± 0.2) and SAR (4.3 ± 0.2) groups than in the FA (3.4 ± 0.2) and NSA (3.4 ± 0.2) groups. In the serving tests, control ram-lambs executed a higher total mean number of sexual events than the other groups (P < 0.05). Fertility rates of SAR- (90%) or C-mated ewes (100%) were higher (P < 0.01) than ewes mated by the FA (50%) and NAR (40%) ram-lambs. In conclusion, autumn-born ram-lambs reared in isolation from adult congeners had the highest sexual activity and fertility at 8 months of age, which suggests that no special rearing strategy is necessary to induce puberty in these rams.
José A. Abecia; Marianne Gave; Ana I. García; Adriana Casao; Melissa Carvajal Serna; Carlos Palacios; Matthieu Keller; Philippe Chemineau; José A. Delgadillo. Long days in winter or the presence of adult sexually active rams did not influence the timing of puberty of autumn-born Rasa Aragonesa ram-lambs. Biological Rhythm Research 2019, 52, 462 -473.
AMA StyleJosé A. Abecia, Marianne Gave, Ana I. García, Adriana Casao, Melissa Carvajal Serna, Carlos Palacios, Matthieu Keller, Philippe Chemineau, José A. Delgadillo. Long days in winter or the presence of adult sexually active rams did not influence the timing of puberty of autumn-born Rasa Aragonesa ram-lambs. Biological Rhythm Research. 2019; 52 (3):462-473.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosé A. Abecia; Marianne Gave; Ana I. García; Adriana Casao; Melissa Carvajal Serna; Carlos Palacios; Matthieu Keller; Philippe Chemineau; José A. Delgadillo. 2019. "Long days in winter or the presence of adult sexually active rams did not influence the timing of puberty of autumn-born Rasa Aragonesa ram-lambs." Biological Rhythm Research 52, no. 3: 462-473.
Fifteen ewes had data-loggers affixed under the tail, programmed to record temperature (T) every 5 min, storing up to 72 h of data. Ewes were monitored to identify time of lambing (time 0). Lambing period lasted 5 d; thereafter seven ewes which yielded data for 24 h before and after lambing were selected. Mean T (±S.E.M.) was 39.03±0.02°C. Mean T in the 24 h preceding lambing (38.68±0.02°C) was lower than it was in the 24 h following parturition (39.38±0.03°C) (P< 0.0001). T was lower in the 12 h preceding lamb birth (38.56±0.10°C) than it was in the previous 12 h (−24 to −12, 38.76±0.02°C) (P<0.0001); thereafter, T was lowest precisely at parturition (mean T = 38.18±0.03°C) and increases rapidly and peaked (mean T = 39.70±0.04°C) 2 h after lambing. In the 12 h following delivery (39.28±0.02°C), T increased, especially in the window +12 to +24 h (39.51±0.03°C). In conclusion, T of ewes changed around parturition, with a reduction 12 h before lambing, followed by a rapid increase in the hours following parturition. The data-loggers used proved a high degree of sensitivity to detect physiological T changes, which confirmed that they are appropriate for use in sheep studies.
José A. Abecia; Gustavo A. María; Laura X Estévez-Moreno; Genaro C. Miranda-De La Lama. Daily rhythms of body temperature around lambing in sheep measured non-invasively. Biological Rhythm Research 2019, 51, 988 -993.
AMA StyleJosé A. Abecia, Gustavo A. María, Laura X Estévez-Moreno, Genaro C. Miranda-De La Lama. Daily rhythms of body temperature around lambing in sheep measured non-invasively. Biological Rhythm Research. 2019; 51 (6):988-993.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosé A. Abecia; Gustavo A. María; Laura X Estévez-Moreno; Genaro C. Miranda-De La Lama. 2019. "Daily rhythms of body temperature around lambing in sheep measured non-invasively." Biological Rhythm Research 51, no. 6: 988-993.
Indoor environmental conditions in intensive pig farms are influenced by both the outdoor air temperature and humidity, and the heat, moisture and gas exchanges between the animal and the air. As ventilation rate in pig facilities is usually estimated in temperature, moisture and even CO2 balances, estimation of heat losses or gains, and moisture and CO2 production from the animal is needed, but the contribution of other sources of the barn, such as slurry or wet surfaces have also to be taken into account. Some recent studies have been conducted to update total heat and moisture production at farm level, showing that current, historical standards of latent heat transfer are consistently lower than those reported recently at facility level, for both adult and growing animals. Also, CO2 production needs to be updated by including an estimation of its release from slurry. These new values will help with updating the standards for ventilation rate recommendations and design of the modern intensive pig buildings.
Fernando Forcada; José Alfonso Abecia. How Pigs Influence Indoor Air Properties in Intensive Farming: Practical Implications – A Review. Annals of Animal Science 2019, 19, 31 -47.
AMA StyleFernando Forcada, José Alfonso Abecia. How Pigs Influence Indoor Air Properties in Intensive Farming: Practical Implications – A Review. Annals of Animal Science. 2019; 19 (1):31-47.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFernando Forcada; José Alfonso Abecia. 2019. "How Pigs Influence Indoor Air Properties in Intensive Farming: Practical Implications – A Review." Annals of Animal Science 19, no. 1: 31-47.
Melatonin is a natural hormone synthesised in the pineal gland, the activity of which is regulated by day–night perception and dictates seasonal rhythms in reproduction in ovine species. Exogenous melatonin, administered via subcutaneous implants, is used to prolong the breeding season of ewes and can increase the proportion of pregnant ewes (fertility rate) and litter size. The increased proportion of ewes that become pregnant and the number of lambs born per lambing among melatonin-treated sheep may be caused by increased embryo survival, through enhanced luteal function, reduced antiluteolytic mechanisms, or improved embryo quality. This review focuses on the effects of melatonin on embryo viability and summarises the processes by which this hormone affects the ovary, follicle, oocyte, corpus luteum and embryo. Moreover, the effects of melatonin on the mechanisms of invivo maternal recognition of pregnancy in sheep and the protective action that it appears to have on the invitro procedures that are used to obtain healthy embryos are reviewed.
José-Alfonso Abecia; Fernando Forcada; María-Isabel Vázquez; Teresa Muiño-Blanco; José A. Cebrián-Pérez; Rosaura Pérez-Pe; Adriana Casao. Role of melatonin on embryo viability in sheep. Reproduction, Fertility and Development 2019, 31, 82 -92.
AMA StyleJosé-Alfonso Abecia, Fernando Forcada, María-Isabel Vázquez, Teresa Muiño-Blanco, José A. Cebrián-Pérez, Rosaura Pérez-Pe, Adriana Casao. Role of melatonin on embryo viability in sheep. Reproduction, Fertility and Development. 2019; 31 (1):82-92.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJosé-Alfonso Abecia; Fernando Forcada; María-Isabel Vázquez; Teresa Muiño-Blanco; José A. Cebrián-Pérez; Rosaura Pérez-Pe; Adriana Casao. 2019. "Role of melatonin on embryo viability in sheep." Reproduction, Fertility and Development 31, no. 1: 82-92.
The aim of this work has been to determine the levels of lactoferrin and IgG in ovine milk during the two first months of lactation and to compare with some milk quality parameters. Milk samples were collected from ewes of an Assaf flock. The levels of lactoferrin were determined by radial immunodiffusion. For this purpose, lactoferrin was isolated from ovine milk by chromatographic methods and polyclonal antibodies against it were obtained in rabbits. IgG levels were determined by a commercial sandwich ELISA. The mean concentration value of lactoferrin at the first day of lactation was 0.74 mg/ml and that for IgG of 9.25 mg/mL. The levels dropped sharply during the first three days of lactation and at the third week of lactation, the concentration in mature milk was of 0.07 mg/ml and 0.25 mg/ml for lactoferrin and IgG, respectively. There was no correlation between the levels of lactoferrin and IgG concentrations in ovine milk samples with those of total protein and bacterial count. A low positive correlation between lactoferrin and somatic cell counts (SCC) was found, which was more evident when samples were classified according to SCC levels. However, no significant differences were found with respect to IgG levels in milk samples, for high or low levels of SCC. Consequently, it seems that only high lactoferrin levels could be used as an indicator of subclinical mastitis.
Fanny Navarro; Patricia Galan-Malo; María D. Pérez; José-Alfonso Abecia; Luis Mata; Miguel Calvo; Lourdes Sánchez. Lactoferrin and IgG levels in ovine milk throughout lactation: Correlation with milk quality parameters. Small Ruminant Research 2018, 168, 12 -18.
AMA StyleFanny Navarro, Patricia Galan-Malo, María D. Pérez, José-Alfonso Abecia, Luis Mata, Miguel Calvo, Lourdes Sánchez. Lactoferrin and IgG levels in ovine milk throughout lactation: Correlation with milk quality parameters. Small Ruminant Research. 2018; 168 ():12-18.
Chicago/Turabian StyleFanny Navarro; Patricia Galan-Malo; María D. Pérez; José-Alfonso Abecia; Luis Mata; Miguel Calvo; Lourdes Sánchez. 2018. "Lactoferrin and IgG levels in ovine milk throughout lactation: Correlation with milk quality parameters." Small Ruminant Research 168, no. : 12-18.