动物生长轴中STAT调控胰岛素样生长因子Ⅰ 表达的研究进展

IGF-Ⅰ能够促进细胞的增殖分化和代谢过程,而其表达是受STAT介导的,该通路最终受到生长激素(GH)的调控。生长激素与生长激素受体结合激活JAK家族,使得STAT家族成员,特别是STAT5磷酸化。磷酸化的STAT5进入细胞核内,与IGF-Ⅰ基因上的STAT5结合位点结合,激活胰岛素样生长因子-Ⅰ(IGF-Ⅰ)的表达,IGF-Ⅰ再通过血液循环到达机体的局部组织,促进组织细胞的生长和分化。作者对动物生长轴中STAT和IGF-Ⅰ的组成、功能以及STAT调控IGF-Ⅰ表达的分子机理的研究进展作一综述。     

JAK/STAT信号通路在肠黏膜再生及调节辅助性T细胞应答中的研究进展

肠道是机体内外环境的交汇点，易遭受各种有毒有害物质的刺激，导致上皮结构受损、功能紊乱和微生态失调，进而造成畜禽生长性能下降，经济效益降低。位于隐窝基底部的肠道干细胞（intestinal stem cell，ISCs）驱动的肠上皮细胞更新是维持上皮结构的动力所在，也是肠道损伤修复的必要途径。ISCs活性受微环境中各种分子信号的协同调控，而Janu激酶/信号转导与转录激活子（JAK/STAT）通路是多种细胞因子信号转导的共同途径。这些细胞因子可结合细胞膜上酪氨酸激酶相关受体，激活JAK，促进STAT磷酸化并入核，引起周期相关蛋白和抗凋亡蛋白等靶基因的转录，从而控制ISCs增殖、凋亡和分化命运，维持隐窝绒毛轴的有序结构。此外，ISCs周边的辅助型T细胞（Th细胞）通过分泌白细胞介素（interleukins，ILs）和干扰素（interferons，IFNs）与ISCs胞内的JAK/STAT信号通路串联，以实现肠细胞对损伤刺激做出快速应答，加速肠道干细胞分裂，促使肠上皮再生。作者重点阐述了JAK/STAT介导ISCs维持肠上皮结构与功能完整性以及Th细胞如何调节ISCs向功能细胞分化的作用机制，介绍了某些畜禽疾病发生时该信号通路的异常变化，并指出在下一步研究中可将肠道类器官等新兴研究模型纳入动物肠道发育和疾病诊断的研究和实践中。对JAK/STAT的精准调控，有望揭示隐窝-绒毛轴更新规律，为建立科学的营养调控技术方案、改善畜禽肠道及机体健康水平提供理论依据。     

P38/MAPK介导的蓖麻毒素诱导小鼠淋巴细胞凋亡信号传导通路的研究

蓖麻毒素属于Ⅱ型核糖体失活蛋白,由具有催化活性的A链和凝集活性的B链组成,二者之间经二硫键连接。本研究旨在探讨蓖麻毒素在诱导小鼠淋巴细胞凋亡过程中信号转导通路的激活反应。通过MTS法检测蓖麻毒素的细胞毒性后,用流式细胞术分析胞内活性氧(ROS)水平,进而通过westernblot研究信号分子的表达。结果表明:在蓖麻毒素诱导小鼠淋巴细胞凋亡的过程中,胞内活性氧水平显著增高(P<0.05),伴随信号转导分子——促分裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPKs)中磷酸化c-jun氨基末端激酶(JNK1/2)和应激激活蛋白激酶(p38)的表达,另一信号分子胞外调节激酶(ERK1/2)无明显反应;加入信号分子的相应特异性抑制剂后,只有磷酸化p38的表达受到明显抑制。由此可得出:蓖麻毒素诱导淋巴细胞的凋亡极有可能通过激活p38/MAPKs通路来实现。     

DUSP6通过负向调控ERK1/2通路抑制IBV的增值

为了阐明ERK(extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases)1/2通路在传染性支气管炎病毒(Infectious bronchitis virus,IBV)复制过程中的作用以及双特异性磷酸酶6(dual specificity phosphatase 6,DUSP6)对ERK的反馈性负向调控在IBV复制过程中的作用。本研究通过Western blot、Northern blot检测发现:IBV感染Vero和H1299细胞可导致ERK1/2的磷酸化水平和DUSP6表达均上调;利用MEK1/2特异性抑制剂U0126处理病毒感染的细胞后,可明显下调ERK1/2的磷酸化,同时抑制病毒的增殖;利用DUSP6的特异性抑制剂BCI抑制DUSP6的活性或者用siRNA阻断DUSP6的表达后,再感染IBV,发现ERK1/2的磷酸化水平增高,病毒蛋白的表达上调。综上,推测IBV感染细胞激活ERK1/2信号通路,有助于病毒的复制,同时,细胞通过诱导表达DUSP6,负向调控ERK1/2的磷酸化水平,抑制病毒增殖。     

MAPK信号通路在炔雌醚诱导大鼠生精细胞凋亡中的作用研究

旨在探讨MAPK信号通路在炔雌醚诱导大鼠生精细胞凋亡中的作用。将20只8周龄雄性SD大鼠随机分为4组,适应饲养1周后,按体重分别以0.00、0.01、0.10、1.00mg·kg-1腹腔注射溶解于橄榄油的炔雌醚,50μL·只-1,每天1次,连续1周。处理结束后,取睾丸并制备组织切片,通过HE染色观察睾丸组织结构的变化;通过免疫组织化学方法检测睾丸生精细胞PCNA、MAPK信号通路磷酸化ERK(p-ERK)、磷酸化JNK(p-JNK)及磷酸化P38(p-P38)蛋白表达,TUNEL法检测细胞凋亡。结果显示,炔雌醚处理后大鼠睾丸曲细精管上皮厚度下降,各级生精细胞数量显著减少,细胞皱缩,间隙增大,结构松散,管腔内成熟精子数量减少。生精细胞PCNA与pERK蛋白表达显著减少;TUNEL、p-JNK蛋白及p-P38蛋白表达则显著增加。综上表明,炔雌醚暴露通过影响MAPK信号传导通路抑制生精细胞增殖,促进细胞凋亡,最终抑制大鼠睾丸发育。     

大豆异黄酮对肥胖大鼠肠道瘦素介导Janus激酶/信号转导及转录激活因子信号转导通路的影响

本试验旨在研究大豆异黄酮(SIF)对肥胖大鼠肠道瘦素介导Janus激酶(JAK)/信号转导及转录激活因子(STAT)信号转导通路的调控作用,探讨SIF对肥胖大鼠的干预机制。选取80只5周龄SD雄性大鼠,适应环境1周后,随机分为基础饲粮组(12只)和高脂饲粮组(68只),分别饲喂基础饲粮和高脂饲粮,饲喂8周后高脂饲粮组大鼠成功建立食源型肥胖大鼠模型。将40只肥胖大鼠随机分为SIF干预低、中、高剂量组和肥胖对照组,每组10只。低、中、高剂量组大鼠分别灌胃50、150、450 mg/kg BW的SIF提取物,基础饲粮组和肥胖对照组灌胃不含SIF提取物的溶媒剂。SIF连续干预肥胖大鼠5周,监测大鼠体重,并采用免疫组织化学链霉亲和素-生物素复合物(SABC)染色法研究大鼠肠道中长型瘦素受体(OB-Rb)、Janus激酶2(JAK2)、磷酸化的信号转导与转录激活因子3(p-STAT3)、细胞因子信号3抑制因子(SOCS3)和神经肽Y(NPY)的分布和表达。结果显示:试验各时期基础饲粮组大鼠体重均极显著低于肥胖对照组(P0.01)。SIF干预5周后,与肥胖对照组相比,各SIF干预组大鼠体重均下降,并表现出剂量依赖性,其中中、高剂量组极显著低于肥胖对照组(P0.01)。各组大鼠OB-Rb、JAK2、p-STAT3、SOCS3和NPY在十二指肠、空肠、回肠、结肠和直肠均有表达;同基础饲粮组相比,肥胖对照组大鼠上述5种因子在各肠段的表达量均显著降低(P0.05);SIF干预组中OBRb、JAK2、p-STAT3和NPY的表达量在各肠段均较肥胖对照组增多,总体呈现剂量依赖性。由此得出,SIF可通过增加肠道中OB-Rb的表达,激活JAK,加速STAT的磷酸化,改善能量代谢,减弱肥胖大鼠瘦素抵抗状态,来起到减重作用。     

饲喂高精料日粮对奶牛泌乳及相关调节因子的影响

为了解高精料日粮对泌乳奶牛乳产量的影响,选择12只健康经产奶牛,分别饲喂精粗比为40∶60(对照组)和60∶40(高精料组)的日粮,试验期12周,每周监测乳产量。试验期间每周采集血液样品用于测定外周血生长激素(GH)和胰岛素样生长因子1(IGF-1)含量;试验结束,采集瘤胃液置-70℃保存待测,肝脏和乳腺组织于液氮速冻后置-70℃保存待测。结果表明,高精料日粮的饲喂显著降低了瘤胃pH(P0.05);奶牛外周血GH含量和IGF-1含量从第7周开始显著降低(P0.05);肝脏组织中生长激素受体(GHR)、蛋白质酪氨酸激酶2(JAK2)、信号传导与转录激活子5A(STAT5A)及信号传导与转录激活子5B(STAT5B)mRNA表达水平显著下调(P0.05);乳腺组织中,胰岛素样生长因子1受体(IGF-1R)mRNA表达水平显著下调(P0.05)。结果提示,长期饲喂高精料日粮会降低血液中GH和IGF-1含量,抑制GH-IGF-1轴的基因表达及关联的JAK2-STAT5信号途径的相关基因表达,从而减少了乳产量。     

骨骼肌卫星细胞增殖与成肌分化过程中关键信号通路的作用

骨骼肌卫星细胞被认为是成体骨骼肌细胞成肌分化的唯一干细胞来源,一般处于静息状态。在受刺激后,骨骼肌卫星细胞可通过关键信号通路活化、增殖并分化成为肌细胞,从而参与骨骼肌的形成及损伤修复。信号通路普遍的介入了骨骼肌卫星细胞增殖与分化的过程。其中如Wnt和mTOR信号通路通过级联放大调节卫星细胞活动;Notch以及P38 MAPK信号通路被认为与卫星细胞静息状态关系密切;JAK/STAT信号通路能在不同阶段引起卫星细胞不同特异性反应。这些信号通路相互联系、共同作用,进而影响骨骼肌卫星细胞的生长发育及修复能力。本文拟从Wnt、Notch、P38 MAPK、mTOR、JAK/STAT等关键信号通路对骨骼肌卫星细胞增殖与分化作用的相关研究进展进行综述,为进一步研究骨骼肌形成及肌肉发育相关疾病分子机制奠定基础。     

詹纳斯激酶/信号转导蛋白转录激活因子信号通路在动物骨骼肌发育中作用的研究进展

詹纳斯激酶/信号转导蛋白转录激活因子（JAK/STAT）信号通路级联反应已被确定为肌肉发育的关键因素之一,其激活后影响骨骼肌成肌细胞的增殖、分化等。这条通路主要由3个部分组成,即詹纳斯激酶（JAK）、信号转导蛋白转录激活因子（STAT）及詹纳斯激酶受体。文章对JAK/STAT信号转导通路的基本途径及特点,以及它在动物骨骼肌修复生长过程中作用的研究进展进行总结。     

催乳素通过酪氨酸激酶2/信号传导及转录激活蛋白5信号通路促进奶牛乳腺上皮细胞乳铁蛋白合成和分泌

本试验旨在研究催乳素（PRL）对奶牛乳腺上皮细胞（BMECs）中酪氨酸激酶2/信号传导及转录激活蛋白5(JAK2/STAT5)信号通路介导的乳铁蛋白（LF）合成和分泌的影响。添加不同浓度的PRL[0（对照）、10、100、1 000 ng/mL]处理BMECs 24 h,分析PRL对LF含量和LF、催乳素受体（PRLR）以及JAK2/STAT5信号通路基因表达量和相关蛋白表达的影响。为了验证STAT5在PRL促进BMECs LF合成和分泌的关键作用,添加STAT5抑制剂匹莫齐特（Pimozide）[未添加Pimozide（对照）、10μmol/L Pimozide、100 ng/mL PRL、10μmol/L Pimozide+100 ng/mL PRL]处理BMECs 24 h,测定PRL和Pimozide对LF含量和LF、JAK2/STAT5信号通路基因表达量和相关蛋白表达以及相对荧光强度的影响。结果表明：1）与对照组相比,10、100、1 000 ng/mL PRL能够显著或极显著提高BMECs上清液中的LF含量（P<0.05或P<0.01）;Pimozide组能够极...     

白术、微米白术和白术多糖对断奶仔猪生长性能和肠道形态及微生态区系的影响

试验选用96头平均体重14.82 kg左右的杜×长×大断奶仔猪,随机分成4组,每组3栏,每栏8头(公母各半)。对照组饲喂基础日粮,试验1、2、3组分别添加1%80目白术、0.2%白术多糖和1%微米白术。试验期30 d。结果表明:在生长性能方面,与对照组相比,1%微米白术添加组可显著提高日增重(P0.05)、降低饲料增重比和腹泻率,而且效果优于1%80目白术组和0.2%白术多糖组,在肠道形态和肠道微生态区系方面,与对照组相比,日粮添加1%80目白术、0.2%白术多糖、1%微米白术均可不同程度的提高十二指肠和空肠的绒毛高度,加深十二指肠和空肠的隐窝深度,并且增加肠道微生态区系的多样性,其中以1%微米白术添加组的效果最佳。     

Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia

Sissay, M.M., Uggla, A. and Waller, P.J., XXXX. Prevalence and seasonal incidence of nematode parasites and fluke infections of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia. Tropical Animal Health and Production, XXXX. A 2-year abattoir survey was carried out to determine the prevalence, abundance and seasonal incidence of gastro-intestinal (GI) nematodes and trematodes (flukes) of sheep and goats in the semi-arid zone of eastern Ethiopia. During May 2003 to April 2005, viscera including liver, lungs and GI tracts were collected from 655 sheep and 632 goats slaughtered at 4 abattoirs located in the towns of Haramaya, Harar, Dire Dawa and Jijiga in eastern Ethiopia. All animals were raised in the farming areas located within the community boundaries for each town. Collected materials were transported within 24 h to the parasitology laboratory of Haramaya University for immediate processing. Thirteen species belonging to 9 genera of GI nematodes (Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus axei, T. colubriformis, T. vitrinus, Nematodirus filicollis, N. spathiger, Oesophagostomum columbianum, O. venulosum, Strongyloides papillosus, Bunostomum trigonocephalum, Trichuris ovis, Cooperia curticei and Chabertia ovina), and 4 species belonging to 3 genera of trematodes (Fasciola hepatica, F. gigantica, Paramphistomum {Calicohoron} microbothrium and Dicrocoelium dendriticum) were recorded in both sheep and goats. All animals in this investigation were infected with multiple species to varying degrees. The mean burdens of adult nematodes were generally moderate in both sheep and goats and showed patterns of seasonal abundance that corresponded with the bi-modal annual rainfall pattern, with highest burdens around the middle of the rainy season. In both sheep and goats there were significant differences in the mean worm burdens and abundance of the different nematode species between the four geographic locations, with worm burdens in the Haramaya and Harar areas greater than those observed in the Dire Dawa and Jijiga locations. Similar seasonal variations were also observed in the prevalence of flukes. But there were no significant differences in the prevalence of each fluke species between the four locations. Overall, the results showed that Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Nematodirus, Oesophagostomum, Fasciola and Paramphistomum species were the most abundant helminth parasites of sheep and goats in eastern Ethiopia.     

Internal Parasites and Haematological Values in Cattle Slaughtered in Buea Subdivision of Cameroon

Tropical Animal Health and Production -     

Phase I evaluation of CCNU (lomustine) in tumor-bearing cats

1-(2-Chloroethyl)3-cyclohexyl-1-nitrosourea (CCNU) is an alkylating agent in the nitrosourea subclass. A prospective evaluation of CCNU was done to determine the maximally tolerated dosage of CCNU in tumor-bearing cats. Response data were obtained when available. Twenty-five cats were treated with CCNU at a dosage of 50-60 mg/m3 body surface area. Complete hematologic data were available for 13 cats. Neutropenia was the acute dose-limiting toxicity. The median neutrophil count at the nadir was 1,000 cells/microL (mean, 2,433 cells/microL; range, 0-9,694 cells/microL). The time of neutrophil nadir was variable, occurring 7-28 days after treatment, and counts sometimes did not return to normal for up to 14 days after the nadir. Based on these findings, a 6-week dosing interval and weekly hematologic monitoring after the 1st treatment with CCNU are recommended. The nadir of the platelet count may occur 14-21 days after treatment. The median platelet count at the nadir was 43,500 cells/microL. No gastrointestinal, renal, or hepatic toxicities were observed after a single CCNU treatment, and additional studies to evaluate the potential for cumulative toxicity should be performed. Five cats with lymphoma and 1 cat with mast cell tumor had measurable responses to CCNU. Phase II studies to evaluate antitumor activity should be completed with a dosing regimen of 50-60 mg/m3 every 6 weeks.     

Chemotaxis of macrophage in inflammation

Our particular attention in this article was given to natural mediators for macrophages isolated from the sites of tissue injury. A number of chemotactic factors, which may satisfy many criteria making them acceptable as inflammatory leucocyte chemotactic factors, has been separated. Among them, our laboratory has isolated three macrophage (monocyte) chemotactic factors (MCF-a, -b and -c). Their purification, characterization and functional specificity are discussed.     

Furosemide continuous rate infusion in the horse: evaluation of enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects

Continuous rate infusion (CRI) of furosemide in humans is considered superior to intermittent administration (IA). This study examined whether furosemide CRI, compared with IA, would increase diuretic efficacy with decreased fluid and electrolyte fluctuations and activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) in the horse. Five mares were used in a crossover-design study. During a 24-hour period, each horse received a total of 3 mg/kg furosemide by either CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h preceded by a loading dose of 0.12 mg/kg IV) or IA (1 mg/kg IV q8h). There was not a statistically significant difference in urine volume over 24 hours between methods; however, urine volume was significantly greater after CRI compared with IA during the first 8 hours ([median 25th percentile, 75th percentile]: 9.6 L [8.9, 14.4] for CRI versus 5.9 L [5.3, 6.0] for IA). CRI produced a more uniform urine flow, decreased fluctuations in plasma volume, and suppressed renal concentrating ability throughout the infusion period. Potassium, Ca, and Cl excretion was greater during CRI than IA (1,133 mmol [1.110, 1,229] versus 764 mmol [709, 904], 102.7 mmol [96.0, 117.2] versus 73.3 mmol [65.0, 73.5], and 1,776 mmol [1,657, 2.378] versus 1,596 mmol [1,457, 1,767], respectively). Elimination half-lives of furosemide were 1.35 and 0.47 hours for CRI and IA, respectively. The area under the excretion rate curve was 1,285.7 and 184.2 mL x mg/mL for CRI and IA, respectively. Furosemide CRI (0.12 mg/kg/h) for 8 hours, preceded by a loading dose (0.12 mg/kg), is recommended when profound diuresis is needed acutely in horses.     

Y‐chromosomal variation of local goat breeds of Turkey close to the domestication centre

Genetic variations in chromosome Y are enabling researchers to identify paternal lineages, which are informative for introgressions and migrations. In this study, the male‐specific region markers, sex‐determining region‐Y (SRY), amelogenin (AMELY) and zinc finger (ZFY) were analysed in seven Turkish native goat breeds, Angora, Kilis, Hair, Honaml?, Norduz, Gürcü and Abaza. A SNP in the ZFY gene defined a new haplotype Y2C. All domestic haplogroups originate from Capra aegagrus, while the finding of Y1A, Y1B, Y2A and Y2C in 32, 4, 126 and 2 Turkish domestic goats, respectively, appears to indicate a predomestic origin of the major haplotypes. The occurrence of four haplotypes in the Hair goat and, in contrast, a frequency of 96% of Y1A in the Kilis breed illustrate that Y‐chromosomal variants have a more breed‐dependent distribution than mitochondrial or autosomal DNA. This probably reflects male founder effects, but a role in adaptation cannot be excluded.     

Changes in proportion of canine urinary calculi composed of calcium oxalate or struvite in specimens analyzed from 1981 through 2001

The objective of this report was to characterize 20-year changes in proportion of calcium oxalate (CaOx) calculi and struvite calculi in dogs, and associations with breed, age, and sex. In this retrospective study, results of analysis of urinary calculi from dogs were reviewed for specimens received between July 1, 1981, and December 31, 2001. Breed, sex, age, year of submission of the specimen, and mineral type(s) were analyzed statistically. CaOx or Struvite or both were contained in 18,966 of 20,884 (91%) specimens. For both sexes, a 20-year statistically significant increase was observed in the proportion of calculus specimens that contained CaOx. The increase in this proportion was greater in females (1% to 31%) than in males (18% to 82%). From 1998 to 2001, when proportions may have plateaued, the odds of specimens containing CaOx were markedly higher in 18 breeds, markedly lower in 5 breeds, and not significantly different in 13 breeds compared with crossbreds. For both sexes, a 20-year statistically significant decrease was observed in the proportion of calculus specimens that contained struvite. This decrease in proportion was greater for males (79-16%) than for females (97-68%). From 1998 to 2001, when proportions plateaued, the odds of calculi containing struvite were markedly lower in 20 breeds, markedly higher in 1 breed, and not significantly different in 15 breeds when compared with crossbreds. Breed, age, and sex were associated statistically with CaOx or struvite urolithiasis. In conclusion, there appears to have been a long-term increase in the proportion of specimens of canine urinary calculi that contain CaOx as well as a long-term decrease in the proportion of specimens of calculi that contain struvite for both male and female dogs. The rate of change appeared to begin leveling off in the period 1998 to 2001. The recent proportion of dogs with either CaOx- or struvite-associated urolithiasis may depend on breed, age, and sex, and on interactions among these 3 factors.     

The Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Nematodes of Dairy Cattle in Central Kenya

The epidemiology of H. placei and of other gastrointestinal nematodes in yearling dairy cattle was examined on two farms in Kiambu District, central Kenya during each of 13 one-month periods from April 1993 to April 1994. On each farm, 32 newly weaned dairy calves were given a single dose of albendazole and then placed on experimental pastures. Twelve of the animals were designated for bi-monthly slaughter (n = 2) and analysis of worm population characteristics and 20 were designated for blood and faecal collection and for weighing. Two parasite-free tracer calves were grazed alongside the weaner calves each month throughout the study period and were also slaughtered for analysis of worm populations. Faecal egg counts, haematological and serum pepsinogen determinations, herbage larval counts, and animal live weight changes were recorded monthly. The study revealed that Haemonchus placei, Trichostrongylus axei, Cooperia spp. and Oesophagostomum radiatum were responsible for parasitic gastroenteritis and that H. placei was the predominant nematode present in the young cattle on both farms. Faecal egg counts from resident cattle and necropsy worm counts revealed that pasture larval levels were directly related to the amount of rainfall. The total worm burdens in the animals were highest during the rainy season (March–June and October–December) and lowest during the dry seasons (July–September and January–February). The very low recovery of immature larvae of H. placei from the tracer calves indicated that arrested development is not a feature of the life cycle of this parasite in central Kenya. The maintenance of the parasite population depended on continuous cycling of infection between the host and the pasture. The agroclimatic conditions of the study area were such that, in general, favourable weather conditions for the development and survival of the free-living stages of gastrointestinal nematodes existed all year round.     

Diversity of Ectoparasites in Sheep Flocks in Sa~o Paulo,Brazil

The occurrence of ectoparasites in sheep flocks is frequently reported but seldom quantified. Sheep production used to be a predominantly family activity in the state of Sa~o Paulo (Brazil), but it began to become a commercial activity in the past decade. Thus, information about the ectoparasites existing in sheep flocks has become necessary. The present data were obtained by means of questionnaires sent to all sheep breeders belonging to the `Associaça~o Paulista de Criadores de Ovinos' (ASPACO; Sa~o Paulo State Association of Sheep Breeders). Response reliability was tested by means of random visits paid to 10.6% of the respondents. Most of the properties (89.5%) reported the presence of one or more ectoparasites. Screw-worm (Cochliomyia hominivorax) was the most frequent ectoparasite (72.5%), followed by bot fly larvae (Dermatobia hominis, 45.0%), ticks (Amblyomma cajennense) and Boophilus microplus, 31.3%) and finally lice (Damalinia ovis, 13.8%). Combined infestations also occurred, the most common one being screw-worm with bot fly larvae (36.0%) followed by bot fly larvae with ticks (13.9%), screw-worm with ticks (9.3%), bot fly larvae with lice (6.9%), and ticks with lice (5.0%). The most common triple combination was screw-worm, bot fly larvae and ticks (12.8%). Breeds raised for meat or wool were attacked by bot fly larvae and ticks more often than other breeds. Lice were only absent from animals of indigenous breeds. The relationships among these ectoparasites are discussed in terms of sheep breeds, flock size, seasonality and the ectoparasitic combinations on the host.