Pharmacokinetic variables of phenolsulfonphthalein (PSP) were determined in sheep after rapid IV injection and IV infusion to steady state. In Suffolk wethers, an average of < 75% of an IV administered dose was eliminated in urine, indicating that measures of systemic clearance overestimate renal clearance in this species. Furthermore, PSP elimination from plasma was more rapid in Suffolk than Rambouillet wethers and, in Suffolk ewes, systemic clearance decreased from mean +/- SD 7.8 +/- 0.3 ml/min/kg of body weight to 4.7 +/- 1.1 ml/min/kg at steady-state plasma concentration of 2.4 +/- 0.3 and 151.3 +/- 31.8 micrograms/ml, respectively. These observations indicate that, similar to that in other species, systemic clearance of PSP in sheep is concentration-dependent and that significant differences may exist between breeds.

An intramammary device (IMD) was adapted for use in ewes; this device was made of abraded poly. ethylene material (1.7 mm in diameter, 47 mm long) and formed a 15-mm-diameter loop in the gland cistern. The IMD was inserted in 1 gland in each of 43 ewes. A significant (P < 0.0001) increase in milk somatic cell count (SCC) was observed in glands provided with an IMD. This increase was attributable to an increase in neutrophil numbers and was observed during the first 12 weeks after insertion. The IMD had a protective effect against experimentally induced staphylococcal mastitis (Staphylococcus aureus and S epidermidis), although different milk SCC were required for protection from each bacterial species in most ewes (10(6) and 2 X 10(5) cells/ml, respectively). Histologic studies revealed that the IMD induced local squamous metaplasia in the glandular part of the lactiferous sinus. Erythrocytes were found in milk from glands provided with an IMD throughout the studied period (35 days of the 45-day lactation) and, in some cases, blood clots were observed during the first 2 weeks of lactation. Glands with IMD also had lower milk production and quality at 30 and 32 days of lactation. Eight ewes with IMD were studied throughout a subsequent lactation. Milk from the IMD-containing glands had an increase in SCC, as in the previous lactation period; did not contain blood clots or erythrocytes; and had normal composition (similar to that in glands without the IMD).

International audience | Twelve rams were used to confirm whether rams sexually activated in spring by light treatment increase social and sexual activities of non-treated rams in the presence of ewes. Males were divided into 2 groups: light-treated rams (group L, n = 6), which were exposed to artificial long days (16 h light) for 2 months (1 Nov-31 Dec), or non-exposed, control rams (group C, n = 6), exposed to the natural pho-toperiod. At the end of the long-day period, light-treated rams were returned to the natural photoperiod, groups isolated from each other. In mid-Feb, 3 rams from each group were put together such that 4 ex-perimental groups were created: the remaining light-treated rams (L, n = 3), the remaining control rams (C, n = 3), and the other treated (L-mixed n = 3) and non-treated (C-mixed, n = 3) rams, exposed to 30, 30, and 60 ewes, respectively, in 3 separate paddocks. To identify each ram, large (30-cm-high) numbers were painted on the sides and rump of the males with washable sheep spray paint. Behaviors were doc-umented by 4 video cameras using 6 30-minute segments from 1600 to 1800 h the following day (27 hours). C rams presented the lowest proportion of activities ( P < 0.01), and C-mixed rams exhibited pro-portions similar to L and L-mixed rams. C rams exhibited the fewest fight attempts ( P < 0.001), fighting ( P < 0.05), pushing ( P < 0.001), and sniffing another ram. The groups differed significantly ( P < 0.001) in pushing, pawing, flehmen, and attempt mounting, and C rams had the fewest interactions. In conclusion, rams exposed to 2 months of long days at late-autumn early-winter increased social and sexual activities of unexposed rams. These observations can be explained by a "ram-to-ram effect", which can enhance the endocrine activity of rams in sexual rest if they are joined with rams who have been made sexually active by a photoperiodic treatment. These findings suggest that socio-sexual interactions could be used to restrict out-of-season reproduction in this species.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the vitamins, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and minerals in the supplement Toryum administered before and during oestrus synchronisation on some fertility parameters of ewes during the non-breeding season. The experimental animals were clinically healthy Pirlak ewes, 55–75 days postpartum, aged 2–4 years and weighing 40–50 kg. A sponge was inserted into the vagina for 10 d (G1, n = 30; G2, n = 30) or 14 d (G3, n = 30; G4, n = 30) for oestrus synchronisation, and on the day of removal, 400 IU equine chorionic gonadotropin was injected. Toryum soft capsules were administered individually (1 capsule/ewe p.o.) to G1 and G3 ewes seven days before the sponge was inserted and on the day it was removed. Oestrus detection was started 12 h after sponge removal. Pregnancy was diagnosed by transrectal ultrasonography on the 30ᵗʰ day after mating. The pregnancy rate was statistically different between G1 and G4 (P < 0.05). The onset of oestrus was statistically different (P < 0.001) between the 10-d groups (G1 and G2) and the 14-d groups (G3 and G4). The litter size and oestrus, conception, lambing, multiple birth, and survival rates were not significantly different between the groups (P > 0.05). Toryum administered to Pirlak ewes during progesterone-based oestrus synchronisation protocols during the non-breeding season may increase pregnancy rates. The relationship between Toryum and fertility parameters in ewes would be better understood by comprehensive studies.

The study included a sheep flock comprising five genetic groups. The ELISA was applied to perform constant monitoring (every six months) for the infection of ewes with small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV). The research results demonstrated a negative effect of SRLVs infection on lamb rearing that, depending on the genetic group, proved to be lower 1.3%-1.4% compared to the seronegative mothers. At relatively equal fertility (94%-100%) and more differentiated prolificacy (179%-198%) in all the examined groups (except the Suffolk breed), a rearing index was higher in the seronegative animals 6.8%-24.1% compared to the seropositive mothers. The Suffolk breed proved to be the genetic group most susceptible to SRLV infection. A prolificacy of infected ewes was 10% lower, a lamb rearing rate was 13% lower , and a general reproductive performance was 18% lower in comparison to healthy ewes.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of the vitamins, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid and minerals in the supplement Toryum administered before and during oestrus synchronisation on some fertility parameters of ewes during the non-breeding season.

A mini-study of 20 raw milk samples was conducted to examine the spectrum of fungal metabolites in sheep milk from the first spring milking. Samples were collected from randomly selected ewes in two animal flocks from the Bieszczady Mountains and analysed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Out of ~700 bacterial, fungal, and plant metabolites tested for, only one mycotoxin – Enniatin B – was detected in sheep milk samples (18/20; 0.0055–0.0121 μg/kg; 0.0078 μg/kg average). The results indicated that there was no high-level exposure to fungal metabolites via consumption of raw sheep milk during the sample collection period.

Introduction: The ovarian follicular dynamics, vaginal electrical resistance (VER), progesterone (P4) and oestrogen (E2) profiles were investigated during the oestrous cycle in four indigenous ewes.

Introduction: The ovarian follicular dynamics, vaginal electrical resistance (VER), progesterone (P4) and oestrogen (E2) profiles were investigated during the oestrous cycle in four indigenous ewes. Material and Methods: Daily VER values were recorded with a heat detector. The follicles were observed and measured by trans-rectal ultrasonography. Blood was collected daily for hormonal profiles. Results: A significant variation in VER values (P < 0.05) in oestrus by ewes and position in the sequence of cycles was observed. Trans-rectal ultrasonography of ovaries revealed the presence of 2–4 waves of follicular growth. Study of hormonal profiles by ELISA revealed a positive correlation between E2 concentration and development of follicles and a negative correlation between P4 concentration and their development. The concentrations of oestradiol increased in oestrus and then decreased to a basal level. Follicular growth was accompanied by a rise in the concentration of serum oestradiol. Inversely, when follicles received the stimulation for ovulation, concentration of progesterone started to fall, but after ovulation, it climbed back to its peak and remained at this state until next ovulatory follicle reached its maximum diameter. Conclusion: This study could help to set up a manipulative reproductive technique for improving genetic values in indigenous sheep.