جستجوی مقالات مرتبط با کلیدواژه « baluchi sheep » در نشریات گروه « علوم دام »

The number of lambs per lambing is one of the most important reproductive traits in sheep. Many studies have reported that genetic mechanisms play an important role in the variation of litter size in sheep. Selection for higher litter size in sheep has led to a variation of this trait within and across different breeds. Natural and artificial selection related to adaptation and economic traits, such as litter size, results in changes at the genomic level which leads to the appearance of selection signatures. Detection of these regions provides an opportunity for a better understanding of genetic mechanisms underlying the phenotypic variation of litter size in sheep. Several tests including the linkage disequilibrium-based approach, site frequency spectrum, and population differentiation-based approach have been developed to explore the footprints of selection in the genome. This study aimed to identify selection signatures in Baluchi sheep to investigate the genes annotated in these regions as well as the biological pathways involved. For this purpose, XP-EHH and FST analyses were conducted using the genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs).

In this study, data from 96 Baluchi ewes genotyped using Illumina Ovine SNP50K BeadChip were used to identify genomic regions under selection associated with litter size in sheep. Phenotypic and pedigree data were collected at the Abbasabad Sheep Breeding Station. Based on records on different litters, ewes were divided into two groups: the case (two lambs per litter) and control (one lamb per litter).Quality control was conducted using the Plink software. The markers or individuals were excluded from the further study based on the following criteria: unknown chromosomal or physical location, call rate <0.95, missing genotype frequency >0.05, minor allele frequency (MAF) < 0.05, and a P-value for Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium test less than 10-6. To identify the signatures of selection, two statistical methods of FST and XP-EHH were used under FST and EHH software packages, respectively. We also calculated unbiased estimates of FST. Because the results were strongly correlated with the FST results, unbiased estimates have not been reported. In our study, all the SNPs ranking above 0.1 percentile of the distribution of test statistics were selected as candidates for the signature of selection. Gene ontology analysis for identified genes was performed using DAVID online database.

We used the FST and XP-EHH statistics to identify genomic regions that have been under positive selection associated with litter size in Baluchi sheep. Using FST approach, we identified 14 genomic regions on chromosomes 1 and 2 (two regions per chromosome), 3, 7, 9, 14, 18, 22, 23 (one region per chromosome), and X chromosome (three regions). Also, XP-EHH analysis identified nine genomic regions on chromosomes 2, 12, 13, and 22 (one region per chromosome), 7 (three regions), and X (two regions). Some of the genes located in identified regions under selection were associated with the number of lambs per lambing (ACVR1 and TGIF1), ovarian and follicle growth (DDX24), and fertility (FOXH1). Bone morphogenetic proteins are critical regulators of chondrogenesis during development which transduce their signals through three type I receptors namely BMPR1A, BMPR1B, and ACVR1/ALK2. TGIF1 is highly expressed in sheep ovaries suggesting that TGIF1 plays an important role in ewe reproduction. Also, TGF-β/SMAD signaling is critical in reproductive processes such as follicular activation, ovarian follicle development, and oocyte maturation. It has been evidenced that Ddx24 is highly expressed in sheep uterus affecting the development of ovaries and follicles. Foxh1 was first introduced as a transcriptional partner for Smad proteins and has been reported to play an important role in embryonic development. Results of gene ontology analysis identified two biological pathways namely defense response and cell motility which play an important role in the ovulation rate and the number of lambs per lambing. Reproductive activity and immune defenses can be mutually constraining, with increased reproductive activity limiting immune function and immune system activation leading to decreased reproductive function.

The results of this study identified candidate genes involved in the regulation of litter size in sheep suggesting that ACVR1 and TGIF1 genes can be considered as candidate genes related to the number of lambs per litter in sheep breeding programs to improve reproductive performance.

Crossbreeding as the fastest approach to take advantage of difference between breeds, can be an effective method to improve the efficiency of meat production in sheep. The aim of the present study is to compare Balochi lambs with the crossbred obtained from Baluchi ewes with Kurdi and Karakul rams.

In order to investigate the effect of crossbreeding on the weight performance of lambs up to weaning and the fattening period and carcass composition, three genetic groups including pure Baluchi (BB) lambs, Karakul × Baluchi (GB) and Kurdi × Baluchi (KB) crosses were used. The ewes were mated in groups of 50 and each group with 2 rams. The number of 27 purebred and crossbred male lambs were used in the form of three treatments with three replications and three lambs per replication. Data were analyzed using GLM procedure of SAS software.

The results showed that lambs from Karakul rams had the highest birth weight and lambs from Baluchi rams had the lowest birth weight (4.80 and 3.95 kg, respectively). Lambs from karakul rams had higher daily gain (260g /day) before weaning than other lambs (p<0.05).  The highest and lowest dry matter intake were in the GB group (1250g /day) and the BB group (950 g / day), respectively. The highest daily gain in GB group and the lowest in BB group were 169.2 and 93.8 g / day, respectively (p <0.05). The genetically groups had significant effect on cold and hot carcass weights (p<0.05). The effect of crossbreeding on fat thickness, fat-tail, and shank was significant (p<0.05).

Due to the suitable reproductive performance in using Karakul ram as a paternal breeding base and optimal performance in growth rate, feed consumption, conversion ratio in the pre-weaning and post-weaning periods as well as carcass characteristics including hot and cold carcass weight and less tail compared to other crossbreds used in this study, it is probably more appropriate to use Karakul rams to produce crossbred lambs.

Quality of wool has a major impact on its consumption and ultimate use and therefore, evaluation and genetic analysis of wool characteristics is one of the most important research fields for native sheep. Considering that Iran-black sheep is a result of Baluchi and Chios crossbreeding, the present study was conducted to compare and genetic analysis of fleece characteristics of Baluchi and Iran-black sheep.

In this study, wool samples were collected from 176 Baluchi and 105 Iran-black sheep in Abbas-Abad sheep breeding center located near to Mashhad, Khorasan-Razavi province, in October 2017. Fleece characteristics, including greasy fleece weight, average fiber diameter, average staple length, hetero-type fibers (%), modulated fibers (%), and true wool fibers (%) were measured. To determine the fixed effects (breed, year of birth, type of birth and sex) affecting wool characteristics of the breeds, the GLM procedure of SAS software was used. Least square means comparisons of different fixed effects subclasses was carried out by Tukey-Kramer test at 5 percent probability levels. The components of (co) variances and genetic parameters of the studied traits were estimated using the multi-trait animal model and restricted maximum likelihood using WOMBAT software.

Results showed that the differences between the breeds were significant for average fiber diameter, hetero-type fiber percentage and true wool percentage. None of the studied traits were affected by sex of lamb except for hetero-type and true fiber percentages (P<0.05). Year and type of birth could only affect the greasy fleece weigh (P<0.05). Coefficient of variation for greasy fleece weigh (26.28 percent), hetero-type fiber (76.77 percent) and modulated fiber (99.59 percent) showed that considerable variations are there for these traits in the two studied breeds. Average fiber diameter in Baluchi (26.28 micron) was significantly lower than Iran-black breed (29.26 micron) (P<0.05). True wool percent in Baluchi (94.81 percent) was significantly higher than Iran-black breed (92.65 percent) (P<0.05). Heritability of wool traits in Baluchi breed ranged from 0.26 (modulated fiber percent) to 0.45 (hetero-type percent) and in Iran-black breed ranged from 0.28 (modulated fiber percent) to 0.34 (true fiber percent).

In general, Baluchi breed had finer wool than Iran-black and Iran-black fleece characteristics were worse than the native Baluchi parent. Moreover, moderate heritability for the studied traits in both of the breeds indicated that selection programs for improving these traits in these populations would be effective.Keywords: Baluchi Sheep, Crossbreeding, Wool, Genetic parameters

Due to the recent drought condition and rising cost of production, the productivity of any feedstuff that can be used to feed livestock has become inevitable. The use of agricultural residues, while estimating some of the needs of low-cost livestock, often faces problems such as the presence of anti-nutritional compounds such as tannins and saponins. This experiment was designed and performed to investigate the effect of saponin on fermentation, functional and metabolic parameters of Baluchi sheep.

This experiment was performed using 3 Baloch male sheep with an average live weight of 40±2 kg, which were about 9 months old, in the form of a change over design in three 21-day periods including 14 days of adaptation and 7 days of sampling period. Experimental treatments including; Different level of pure saponin in proportions of 0, 60 and 120 mg / kg dry matter were added to the feed. The ration used was adjusted based on the nutritional needs of Baluchi male sheep using SRNS software version 2007, which included a mixture of forage and concentrate in 50:50 ratios. The rations were thoroughly mixed and provided to the animals in two meals in the morning (08:00) and in the evening (20:00). The animals had free access to water and feed during the experimental period. The obtained statistical data were evaluated in the form of a change over design using SAS 9.1 software. Blood sample were harvested from jugular vein for serum blood metabolites. To collect plasma, blood samples were transferred test tubes and after 15 minutes at room temperature, centrifuged (for 15 minutes at 1509 xg) and their plasma was collected, then transferred to sterile microtubes. Serum was stored in -20 centigrade until further analysis.

The results of the above experiment showed that the addition of saponin had no significant effect on the apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, insoluble fibers in neutral detergent (NDF) and insoluble fibers in acidic detergent (ADF). Data indicated that experimental treatments could not have a significant effect on the urea, triglyceride and blood glucose levels. The amount of cholesterol in the blood was affected by saponin so animals received 60 or 120 mg saponin had a significantly lower cholesterol than control group (p>0/05). Although ammonia nitrogen during pre-feeding and 2 or 4 h after feeding was not affected by treatments but in overall the mean ammonia was affected by saponin level, so by increasing saponin in diet trend was to decrease of ammonia nitrogen compare to control group. Accumulation of saponin in rumen cause to alter rumen environment and decrease its pH in Baluchi sheep.

The results of the present experiment showed that increasing the amount of saponin in the diet reduced the nitrogen level of ruminal urea and some blood parameters, which can have destructive effects on animal growth. Increasing saponin to levels above 60 mg / kg of dry matter in the diet has led to a significant reduction in blood cholesterol. Based on the data of this experiment and the results reported in different experiments, it is recommended that the using feed contained saponin be targeted and limited as a feed, to reduce the side effects on the animal performance and health.

The goal of nutrigenomics is to study nutrients as signals that are received by cellular receptors, which can affect the genome, gene expression and metabolite production. In this research, to investigate the effect of cannabis seed on the fold change of carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1-B (CPT1B) expression in Baluchi sheep, 12 five-month-old male lambs were divided into two groups in a completely randomized design. The groups were fed with a control diet without cannabis seed and with a diet containing 10% cannabis seed. After the fattening period of 110 days, samples were taken from the heart, liver, testis, subcutaneous back fat and Longissimus dorsi muscle. Total RNA was extracted for Real Time PCR reaction and measurement of CPT1B gene expression change between groups. The change of CPT1B gene expression in liver tissue was significant between control and treatment groups (P<0.05). The expression of CPT1B gene was 5.74 times higher in liver of lambs treated with Cannabis seed compared with the control group. The CPT1B gene expression in heart, subcutaneous back fat, Longissimus dorsi muscle, and testis decreased by 3.1, 2.36, 2.12 and 2.47 times, respectively compared to control group. Cannabis seeds contain unsaturated fatty acids and these compounds can change the fat metabolism in the liver through the expression of genes such as CPT1B. Therefore, it can be stated that, CPT1B is one of the effective genes in fat metabolism and the addition of cannabis seeds to the diet can have a beneficial effect on the animal's production performance by increasing the activity of the liver tissue.

Baluchi sheep is one of the best wool breeds in Iran, it is well-known as high tolerance breed against dry weather and lack of forage. In this study, the effects of supplementing diet with cannabis seed on NPY gene expression in heart, liver testis, back fat and longissimus muscle tissues in Baluchi sheep were investigated. NPY is one of the most important genes involved in regulating appetite and energy balance and its most notable effect is stimulating feed intake.

12 Baluchi male lambs were randomly divided into two groups. The first group was fed a control diet containing 14 percent crude protein and the second group was fed a diet containing 14 percent crude protein and supplemented with 10 percent Cannabis seed. At the end of the 110 days fattening period, the animals were slaughtered and tissue samples were collected and properly frozen for RNA extraction. Total RNA was extracted from tissues and cDNA was constructed following RNA quality and quantity control. In order to approve cDNA synthesis, PCR reaction was used to amplify a fragment of β-actin control gene with a length of 112 bp. Real Time PCR was performed to evaluate NPY gene expression. Gene expression data were analyzed by REST software.

The outcomes of statistical analysis indicated that the fold change of NPY gene expression between control and treatment group was significant for liver and back fat tissues (p<0.05).  Moreover, we found that NPY gene expression was 9.82 and 1.03 times higher in liver and heart of the lambs treated with Cannabis seed compared with the control group, respectively. In back fat, longissimus muscle and testis gene expression levels decreased 6.46, 2.73 and 1.18 times between treatment and control groups, respectively.

 It may be concluded that addition of Cannabis seed to the diet affects the lamb fattening performance through the increased liver tissue activity and modifying fat tissue metabolism. Due to the fact that the NPY gene is associated with the regulation of appetite and energy balance, the effects of cannabis on the production capacity of lambs through molecular mechanisms can play a significant biological role in liver tissue.

Uneven distribution of recessive alleles among founder animals genomes leads to the heterogeneity of inbreeding depression among their descendants. In this study, pedigree information, birth weight, and weaning weight records of 4032 Baluchi sheep collected between 1989 to 2017 at the Baluchi sheep breeding station were used to assess the heterogeneity of inbreeding depression between founders of the population. The Wright inbreeding coefficient of the inbred animals was decomposed to the partial inbreeding of the four founder animals with the greatest contribution to the inbreeding of the population. Wright inbreeding coefficients and partial inbreeding coefficients of the founder animals were included as a covariate in the animal model, in two separate analyses. The regression coefficients of birth weight and weaning weight from Wright inbreeding were estimated to be -6.4 and -61.9 g, respectively. The effect of partial inbreeding from different founders on the studied traits was heterogeneous. The regression coefficient of birth weight on partial inbreeding of founder B was -79 g, while partial inbreeding from founder D caused an increase of 121 g in this trait. In weaning weight, partial inbreeding of founder D caused an increase of 83 g in this trait, while partial inbreeding of other founders did not affect this trait. The observed heterogeneity in the effects of partial inbreeding of the different animals can confirm the hypothesis that a few recessive alleles with major effects are contributing to the inbreeding depression of these traits. According to the results of this study, the heterogeneity of the effect of inbreeding of the founder animals should be considered in the genetic evaluation model of this breed.

In this study, the polymorphism of four microsatellite loci BMS1350, LGB, ILSTS45, and BMS1915 in chromosome 3 and their association with wool trait were investigated in Baluchi sheep. DNA extraction was performed from blood samples of 185 Baluchi sheep from Abbas Abad Breeding Station. Gene fragments of microsatellites were amplified by polymerase chain reaction with specific primers. The result shown allele E in BMS1915 locus with 0.40, Allele D in BMS1350 locus with 0.30, Allele B in LGB locus with 0.48 and Allele A in ILSTS4 locus with 0.46, had the highest frequency. The results of the Comparison of mean shown the LGB locus has the highest and ILSTS45 locus has the lowest production. Also, genotype AC in the LGB locus highest (1308 ±95.7) and genotype BC had the lowest (875 ± 54.7) of production. By comparing the coefficient of variation 4 loci founded that the greatest diversity and dispersion associated with the ILSTS45 and the lowest diversity associated with BMS1350 locus. Chi-square test (χ2) shown all of the microsatellite loci were in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P>0.05). Association analysis of polymorphism these loci shown there is no significant association between polymorphism of these loci and wool trait in Baluchi sheep (P>0.05). Statistical analysis showed there was no significant difference between loci polymorphisms and wool traits. Therefore, concluded in further research on selected studies based on molecular markers, the relationship between these loci and other traits in the Balochi sheep can be examined.

Due to the importance of conservation and preserving indigenous breeds, Baluchi sheep as the most populous breed of Iranian sheep with reliable pedigree was selected. In this study genetic variations were analyzed with 15 microsatellites markers (BM737, BM1815, BMS332, BMS995, BMS2721, KD101, LSCV36, LSCV38, McM63, McM139, McM214, McMA1, McMA10, OarVH110, TGLA231) in a population of Baluchi sheep. Whole blood samples were randomly collected from 140 sheep at Abbas Abad Breeding Station (Mashhad). After PCR reactions, McM139 locus wasn't amplified and LSCV38 locus was ignored for many null Alleles. Thirteen microsatellites loci were %100 polymorphic. Number of alleles, observed and expected heterozygosity, polymorphic information content (PIC) and Shannon index were calculated. Highest and lowest allele numbers was observed in OarVH110 locus with 12 alleles and 6 alleles in BM737, BMS332, McMA10, respectively. Effective number of allele was between 3.51 (LSCV36) to 8.66 (OarVH110). The highest and the lowest heterozygosity belonged to 0.89 (OarVH110) and 0.71 (LSCV36), respectively. OarVH110 locus indicated the highest PIC (0.873) and LSCV36 locus indicated the lowest PIC (0.669). The highest and lowest Shannon index were belonged to 2.21 (OarVH110) and 0.66 (LSCV36), respectively. These results verify high efficiency of microsatellites marker for screening of population's structure in Iranian native sheep and in future study for QTL mapping. So, presence of new alleles and allele range indicates difference between Baluchi sheep population structure with foreign Sheep breeds.

Oil seeds contain significant amounts of fat and fatty acids unsaturated, and

Oil seeds contain significant amounts of fat and unsaturated fatty acids, and their use in the diet affects the composition of the fatty acids in various tissues of the body and animals' performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding hemp seed (HS) in diets with low levels of crude protein on feed intake, performance, nutrient digestibility on Baluchi fattening lambs and the possibility of CP reduction in the diets due toadverse effects of unsaturated fatty acids presence in HS on protozoal population and nitrogen recyclingin the rumen.

Twenty-four Baluchi male lambs, with 24±1 kg body weight (BW) and 4-5 months of age, were used in a completely randomized design experiment. Experimental diets included: 1) control diet with 14% crude protein; 2) diet with 14% crude protein, containing 10% of HS and 3) diet with 12% crude protein containing 10% HS. The fattening period lasted 84 days after a 21-day adaptation period. Dry matter intake, daily body weight gain, cold and hot carcass weights and apparent digestibility were determined. Urine spot sampling was used to determine the purine derivatives. Rumen fluid samples were taken through esophagus-tube connected to vacuum pump before and three hours after morning feeding on the last day of experiment and then pH and ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) were determined. Data were analyzed using GLM models of the SAS software.

Diets containing HS had significant effect on dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG) and final weight of the lambs. The highest DMI and ADG were observed for lambs fed with آ with 14% crude protein. The final weight in lambs fed with HS with 14 and 12% crude protein diet were 46.11 and 43.03 kg, respectively which was higher than control group with final weight 42 kg. Diets containing HS had significant effect on apparent digestibility of DM and CP by lambs (P <0.05). The concentration of ruminal NH3-N and total protozoa and Holotricha population were significantly affected by experimental diets. The lowest number of ciliate protozoa and the lowest ruminal NH3-N concentration were observed in lambs fed with HS. Microbial protein synthess in lambs fed with HS was higher than control group (35 vs. 31 g/d).

The result of this experiment showed that higher daily body weight, final weight and the microbial protein synthesis were achieved in animals which fed 10 and 14 percent HS. Including 10% of HS to the diet and reducing 2% of CP diet did not have any negative effect on growth performance than control group. In conclusion, based on the results of ADG and final BW and higher microbial protein synthesis including 10% HS as a valuable nutritive feed in the diet of animals is recommended.

Baluchi sheep is one ofthe indigenous sheep breeds originating from the eastern part of Iran and it isadapted to the severe weather conditions. The economic efficiency of sheepbreeding is clearly related to the reproduction efficiency of the ewes. In thisstudy, twinning trait was studied as an important reproductive trait. Toidentify the genes associated with twinning trait, genome-wide association wasdone using 91 Baluchi ewes genotyped with 50k Illumina SNP chips. For thispurpose, the extended repeatability model was used. In the next step, a geneset enrichment analysis was implemented to identify the biological pathwaysassociated with the twinning. Six SNP markers on chromosomes 1, 3, 10, 15 and25 located in CTH, ANKRD13C, SRSF11, PTGER3, LDHB, LRRC40, and KCNMA1 geneswere identified. According to pathway analysis, 25 pathways were associatedwith the twinning trait. Among those pathways, the defense response biologicalpathway has an important role in the ovulation. Interferons and interleukinsare the main cytokine proteins in this pathway. These cytokines create aprocess such as inflammation that causes oocytes releasefrom the follicle into the oviductfor transport and fertilization. Cell adhesion andintercellular bridge pathways were other significant pathways. Cell junction pathwayvia the CX43 protein can affect the transfer of GDF9 effects togranulosa cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study thatreports indirect effects of GDF9 on twinning trait in Iranian sheep.

Native animals are part of the national capital and strategic reserves of any country which their diversity is very important. Mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) in sheep is 16.58 Kbp. MtDNA has a region named D-loop or control region with no coding gene. Rate of nucleotide mutation in this region is 10 times the nucleus DNA. D-loop has promotors to regulate mtDNA transcription. This region is consisted of HVR1 and HVR2 sites. As the mtDNA is haploid and no meiosis occurs in it, so D-loop region of the mitochondrial genome is a powerful and applicable tool to determine the level of genetic diversity, to study the phylogenetic relationship between the populations and species as well as study the origin and dispersion of animal species. Baluchi sheep breed is one of the important Iranian sheep breeds which has a major role in production of red meat. Due to high strength and resistance to water scarcity it has been able to adapt with hot and dry weather conditions in East and South East of Iran. Due to the high diversity of species and subspecies, the importance of maintaining the purity of native breeds and incomplete information on sheep domestication in Iran, this study was performed to investigate the variation in Baluchi sheep breed and phylogenetic analyzes of mitochondrial D-loop region.
Material and Blood samples collection was done randomly from 27 non relative sheep which were kept in Animal Breeding center of Northeast of Iran (Abbasabad breeding station). DNA extraction was done using Diatom DNA Prep kit. DNA quality and quantity were checked using 8% agarose gel and spectrophotometer Nano drop ND-200, respectively. Primers were designed using Primer Premier5 software to amplify 1180 bps fragment of D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA. Primers specificity was checked in BLASTPrimer of NCBI. To Sequence the amplified region, samples were send to Bioneer Company. To enhance the accuracy of sequencing, each sample was sequenced from both sides. Nucleotide sequences were edited with Chromas Lite 2.01 software. After proofing the quality of sequences they were reformatted from ab1 to FASTA. Then homology of the sequences with registered sequences of the same gene in NCBI and with the sequences themselves was determined using BLASTN in NCBI database and CLC Main workbench 5.5 software, respectively. To draw the phylogenetic tree of Baluchi sheep breed, 15 sequences from each 4 haplogroups were identified and along with consensus sequence from samples were used. To draw the phylogenetic tree with 1000 iterations, the Neighbor-Joining method of MEGA5 software was used and to determine the genetic distance the Create Pairwise Comparison procedure of CLC Main workbench 5.5 software was used.
Eight haplogroups were observed. The frequencies of haplogroups were 7.40, 7.40, 14.81, 11.11, 18.51, 14.81, 11.11 and 14.81. Haplogroups 2 and 7 had the highest difference between the nucleotides (10 nucleotides) with 99.15 percent genetic similarity, and haplogroups 1 and 4 had the highest genetic similarity (99.83 percent) with 2 nucleotide difference. The present genetic diversity among the 27 samples was estimated 0.0131±0.005. This level of diversity is in the average range of nucleotide diversity which is reported in eukaryotes. The Phylogenetic analysis in this study showed that Baluchi sheep breed is located in the A haplotype.
Since the origin of haplotype A is from Asia and Middle East, and according to the results of earlier studies on native Iranian sheep breeds shuch as Moghani, Shal, Sangsari and Afshari it can be concluded that the Baluchi sheep was in the mentioned haplotype therefore the placement of this breed in this haplotype is justifiable.

Genetic improvement in reproductive and growth traits is major goal in sheep breeding. In this study, we performed a genome wide association study for detection of quantitative trait loci affecting reproductive traits in Baluchi sheep. For this purpose, blood samples were collected from a total of 96 ewes and data on their reproductive traits including total litter weight at birth (TLWB), litter mean weight per lamb born (LMWLB), total litter weight at weaning (TLWW), litter mean weight of lambs at weaned (LMWLW) and number of lambs alive at six months (NLA6m) in four parity. After DNA extraction, samples were genotyped using the Illumina Ovine SNP 50K BeadChip assay. Using PLINK software, a GWA study was performed in linear (GLM) and logistic regression analyses with a model included SNPs effect and sex and number of parities as fixed effects. A total of eight SNPs were found on chromosomes 1, 4, 10, 15 and 17 at the 5% chromosome-wise significance level (P

Selective signatures in whole genome can help us to understand the mechanisms of selection and to identify the genomic regions that have been under natural or artificial selection during long years. The objective of this study was to identify the genomic regions that have been under artificial and natural selection in Baluchi and Zel sheep breeds. 143 sheep from Baluchi (N=96) and Zel breeds (N=47) have been genotyped using the Illumina ovine SNP50 BeadChip. Unbiased method of Weir and Cockerham’s FST (Theta) was used to detect the selection signatures in the R package. The results revealed seventeen genomic regions on 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 18 and X chromosomes. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that some of these genomic regions overlapped with reported genes included in the development of the skeletal system and tail, cytology cells, immune system, sugar and energy metabolism and reproduction traits such as RPS6KA3, HOXB9, ESPL1, AAAS, FNDC3A genes. The results of the present study and the identified genomic regions can play an important role in study of the effect of the selection on population differentiation in two Baluchi fat-tailed and Zel thin-tailed breeds and subsequently, would direct us to identify the genomic regions associated with traits differentiate these breeds.

The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic trend and genetic parameters of survival traits in Baluchi sheep using survival records from 27978 Baluchi sheep, which were collected by the Animal Breeding Center of Iran during1979 to 2009. Genetic parameters of lamb survival from 1 to 400 days of age and from 1 to the last recording date. Traits were estimated using animal model (with or without permanent environment of dam) for right censored data assuming an exponential distribution via Gibbs sampling. Effect of year and month of birth, sex, litter size and herd were assumed as fixed. The posterior mean of direct heritability for survival from 1 to 400 days of age and from 1 to the last recording date in first and second model ranged from 0.135- 0.158 and 0.085- 0.168, respectively. Posterior mean permanent variance ratio was 0.076 for survival from 1 to 400 days of age and 0.144 for survival from1 to last recording date. The genetic trend for these traits was −0.0005 and −0.001, respectively. Heritability for survival trait suggested that genetic selection for this trait would be effective in the breeding programs.

Introduction The mating of related individuals produces an inbred offspring and leads to an increased homozygosity in the progeny, genetic variance decrease within families and increase between families. The ration of homozygosity for individuals was calculated by inbreeding coefficient. Inbred individuals may carry two alleles at a locus that are replicated from one gene in the previous generations, called identical by descent. The inbreeding coefficient should be monitored in a breeding program, since it plays an important role at decreasing of homeostasis, performance, reproduction and viability. The trend of inbreeding is an indicator for determining of inbreeding level in the herd. Inbreeding affects both phenotypic means of traits and genetic variances within population, thus it is an important factor for delimitations of genetic progress in a population. Reports showed an inbreeding increase led to decrease of phenotypic value in some of the productive and reproductive traits.
Materials and Methods In the current study, the pedigree data of 14030 and 6215 records of Baluchi and Iranblack lambs that collected from 1984 to 2011 at the Abbasabad Sheep Breeding Station in Mashhad, Iran, 3588 records of Makoei lambs that collected from 1994 to 2011 at the Makoei sheep breeding station and 6140, records of Zandi lambs that collected from 1991 to 2011 at the Khejir Sheep Breeding Station in Tehran, Iran were used to estimating the inbreeding coefficient and its effects on lamb survival in these breeds. Lamb survival trait was scored as 1 and 0 for lamb surviving and not surviving at weaning weight, respectively. Inbreeding coefficient was estimated by relationship matrix algorithm (A=TDT') methodology using the CFC software program. Effects of inbreeding coefficient on lamb survival were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood (REML) method under 12 different animal models using ASReml 3.0 computer programme. Coefficient of inbreeding for each lamb added to models as a covariate. The most appropriate model for this trait was determined by Akaike’s Information Criterion (AIC) test.
Results and Discussion The number of survival records for Baluchi, Iranblack, Makoei and Zandi sheep breeds were 10793, 4826, 3588 and 6140, respectively. The inbred individuals were 17.63, 58.25, 4.88 and 36.32 per cent for Baluchi, Iranblack, Makoei and Zandi sheep, respectively, (2473, 3620, 175 and 2230 head respectively). The mean of inbreeding coefficient for whole and inbred populations for Baluchi lambs were 0.66 and 3.73 per cent, respectively, for Iranblack lambs were 4.59 and 7.90 per cent, respectively, for Makoei lambs were 0.25 and 4.86 per cent, respectively and for Zandi lambs were 1.22 and 3.61 per cent, respectively. Maximum of inbreeding coefficient for Baluchi, Iranblack, Makoei and Zandi lambs was 31.25, 34.70, 25.00 and 31.35 per cent, respectively. The mean of lamb survival in Whole and inbred population for Baluchi lambs were 89.11 and 88.30 per cent, respectively, for Iranblack lambs were 84.44 and 83.84 per cent, respectively, for Makoei lambs were 90.40 and 86.95 per cent, respectively and for Zandi lambs were 87.37 and 86.90 per cent, respectively. The average of inbreeding coefficient for 4 breeds was increased. The estimation of positive inbreeding coefficient trend for Baluchi, Iranblack, Makoei and Zandi were 0.035±0.012, 0.31±0.03, 0.010±0.012 and 0.020±0.012 per cent on each year, respectively. The most suitable model for survival in Baluchi, Iranblack, Makoei and Zandi breeds was 7, 12, 2 and 1, respectively. The regression coefficient of inbreeding on lamb survival were -0.26±0.11, -0.35±0.11, -0.25±1.83 and -0.04±0.20 per cent for Baluchi, Iranblack, Makoei and Zandi sheep, respectively.
Conclusion The levels of inbreeding below 5% in whole population, or annual rates of inbreeding under 1% unlikely result in substantial reduction of performance and economic income in sheep production and serious genetic variation in the population. Inbreeding depression was observed for survival trait although the levels of inbreeding coefficient were acceptable in all of the breeds investigated in this study. Therefore, the general policy in the flocks should be continued to avoid mating between close relative parents and use of enough sires and dams selected per annum. Estimated inbreeding coefficients for Baluchi and Iranblack breeds showed high degree of close mating in these herd and due to the significant effect of inbreeding on survival, it is suggested that this breeding stations should use a breeding plan to avoid mating of close relative animals.

In order to study the effect of pistachio by-product (PB) in diets with or without canola seed on digestibility and plasma metabolites in Baluchisheep, four Baluchi rams (40±2 kg body weight) were used in a duplicated 4×4 Latin square design with 4 periods. Each period included 14 days of adaptation and 7 days of sample collection. Treatments were: 1) 30% alfalfa- 20% straw- 50% concentrate, 2) T1+5/5% canola seed in concentrate 3) 30% PB-20% straw- 50% concentrate 4) T3+ 5/5% canola seed in concentrate. Apparent digestibility of DM, OM, NDF and ADF, blood glucose concentrations, total protein and activity of liver enzymes were not significantly affected by the treatments, but CP digestibility and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations were lower in diets containing PB. Blood triglyceride was significantlyhigher in canola seed diets. The results demonstrated that 30% PB in sheep diet although shows negative effect on CP digestibility, because of no significant effect on other nutritional parameters, it could be replaced with part of diet alfalfa.

In this research, a data set comprising 35,511 pre-weaning growth records belonging to 11,837 lambs (6,030 males and 5,807 females) resulted from 300 rams and 3,694 ewes and collected during 1986-2008 from two flocks of Abbas Abad Breeding Centre, Mashhad was used. Based on inclusion of direct additive genetic (model 1), direct additive genetic and maternal permanent environment (model 2), two above components along with maternal additive genetic and without covariance (model 3), and with taking account of covariance (model 4), genetic parameters were estimated. Based upon the best model, C2, direct and maternal heritabilities for birth weight were 0.081, 0.104 and 0.072, respectively. The corresponding figures for weaning weight were 0.073, 0.063 and 0.025, respectively and for daily gain were 0.068, 0.046 and 0.014, respectively. Genetic trends for the traits were found to be 2.688 (±0.104), 7.208 (±0.359) and 0.069 (±0.004) g per year, respectively and statistically significant (P<0.01) indicating that positive favorable changes have been resulted from selection in the population under consideration.

In this research, a total of 11,837 weight records of Baluchi lamb (6,030 males and 5,807 females) representing 300 rams and 3,694 ewes of Baluchi collected during 1978- 2008 from Abbas Abad breeding centre, Mashhad were utilized for investigating inbreeding trend and its effect on pre-weaning weight traits. The traits under consideration were birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW) and pre-weaning daily gain (PWDG). Inbreeding coefficient of all animals was computed using CFC software. A linear model was applied for analyzing the data using SAS software. Among the animals, 8,903 (75.21%) were inbred. Average (standard deviation) of inbreeding coefficient were found to be 3.17 (3.94) and 4.22 (4.02) % for whole and inbred populations, respectively. Minimum and maximum inbreeding coefficients were 0 and 33.23 %, respectively. In whole population, average (standard deviation) of inbreeding coefficients were 3.20 (3.92) and 3.14 (3.95) % for male and female lambs,respectively. The corresponding figures were 3.07 (3.89) and 3.32 (4.00) % for single and twin lambs, respectively. Inbreeding depression was detected for BW, WW, W3 and PWDG in single male and single twin lambs and for BW in twin male lams (P<0.05). Annual trends of inbreeding coefficient were 0.117 and 0.022 % for whole and inbred animals which were found to be statistically significant (P<0.0001).

A total number of 116،984 weight records belonging to 12،397 Baluchi lambs reared in Abbas Abad breeding station during years 1978-2008 were used for phenotypic evaluation of maximum daily growth (MDG) and analysis of environmental factors affecting this trait. The initial data were performed by FOXPRO program and then Gompertz non-linear model was fitted on the weight records of individual lambs using non-linear procedure of SAS software. MDG was estimated for each lamb. The analysis of environmental factors on the trait was carried out by a linear mixed model consisting of effects of year and month of birth، lamb sex، birth type، covariates of dam age and birth weight، interaction between year and sex، year-birth type، birth type-sex، and random effect of lamb’s sire. All factors had significant effect on MDG. A non significant phenotypic trend (0. 092±0. 043 g/y) was revealed for MDG.