肉羊专用品种--萨福克羊的类型和生产性能

萨福克是当今世界上大型肉用羊品种,现有三个类型高性能萨福克、萨福克和白萨福克.高性能萨福克成年公羊体重113～159 kg,成年母羊体重81～113 kg;宁夏畜牧所从新西兰引进、含有高性能萨福克基因的萨福克成年公羊体重138.5 kg,成年母羊体重96.8 kg;白萨福克是澳大利亚1977年开始培育.一种是利用萨福克作父本,无角陶塞特作母本;另一种是利用萨福克作父本,边区莱斯特作母本.在杂二代中剔除有黑斑个体后,逐步选育而成.1986年成立白萨福克育种协会,其育种目标同英国萨福克相同,即大胴体,低脂肪,肉用体型好,生长迅速,体重一致;不同点在於其头和四肢为白色.     

新疆伊犁地区哈萨克羊与萨福克羊感染支原体肺炎血清学调查与分析

为调查新疆伊犁地区哈萨克羊与萨福克羊感染支原体肺炎的情况，笔者使用绵羊肺炎支原体ELISA检测试剂盒，对新疆伊犁地区部分牧场的哈萨克羊和萨福克羊2个品种羊随机抽查共800份血清样本进行抗原抗体检测。结果显示，新疆伊犁地区的哈萨克羊和萨福克羊2个绵羊品种之间均存在MO感染的现象。哈萨克羊MP-Ab阳性率26.00%，萨福克羊MP-Ag阳性率7.34%；哈萨克羊MP-Ag阳性率22.91%，萨福克羊MP-Ag阳性率19.71%。血清学检测结果表明，新疆本地的绵羊品种（哈萨克羊）抗原抗体的阳性检出率均高于外来引进品种（萨福克羊）。本地绵羊品种抗体阳性率显著高于外来引进品种；不同绵羊品种抗原检测阳性率无显著差异。本试验为探究新疆伊犁地区不同品种绵羊支原体肺炎的诊治方案提供了科学依据。     

DAPI检测黄体期绵羊生殖器官中细胞凋亡的比较研究

以黄体期小尾寒羊和萨福克羊为研究对象,采用DAPI原位荧光标记技术,对高繁殖力品种小尾寒羊和低繁殖力品种萨福克羊成年母羊主要生殖器官(卵巢、输卵管、子宫)进行细胞凋亡的确认与定位。结果表明:小尾寒羊和萨福克羊卵巢中黄体细胞有凋亡现象,黄体后期萨福克羊的细胞凋亡较小尾寒羊明显;在萨福克羊黄体期输卵管各部位上皮中发现有极少数分泌细胞具有凋亡特征,而在小尾寒羊未检测到凋亡细胞,两品种羊输卵管上皮下结缔组织有少数凋亡细胞,小尾寒羊和萨福克羊子宫内膜的基质与腺体内皮中均检测到大量凋亡细胞。细胞凋亡是母羊生殖器官变化的重要调节机制,可能与造成两者繁殖力高低差异有关。     

一起不同品种羊患羊痘的诊断与防治

2010年3月，某市种羊场发生以皮肤和可视黏膜丘疹为主要特征的羊痘病。该场饲养羊品种主要有萨福克、宁夏滩羊。经过采取有效的防治措施，病情得到了有效控制。1发病情况2月19日第1只萨福克种公羊发病死亡，截至3月2日共死亡萨福克种公羊9只，本地羊无死亡现象。迅速采取治疗，病情得到了很好的控制。     

多胎萨福克羊与哈萨克羊级进杂交后代生长性能、屠宰性能、肉品质及血液生理生化指标分析

【目的】了解天然放牧条件下多胎萨福克羊与哈萨克羊级进杂交羔羊的生长性能、屠宰性能和肉品质等，评估多胎萨福克羊对哈萨克羊的级进杂交改良效果。【方法】试验以3月龄体况、体型基本一致的多胎萨福克羊及其与哈萨克羊级进杂交F1、F2代和哈萨克公羊为研究对象，天然放牧条件下饲养，试验预试期10 d,正试期90 d。试验结束后选择接近组内平均体重羔羊各10只，屠宰前测定各试验羊体尺指标，屠宰后分别测定屠宰性能、肉品质、营养成分及血液生理生化指标。【结果】(1)多胎萨福克羊、级进杂交F1和F2代羔羊的体高、胸深、宰前活重、胴体重、屠宰率、肉骨比、眼肌面积均显著高于哈萨克羊(P<0.05);级进杂交F1代羔羊和哈萨克羊的背脂厚度、尾脂重显著高于多胎萨福克羊和级进杂交F2代羔羊(P<0.05)。(2)级进杂交F1代羔羊背最长肌水分含量显著高于多胎萨福克羊、级进杂交F2代羔羊和哈萨克羊(P<0.05);哈萨克羊背最长肌中铁、锌、镁和粗脂肪含量均显著高于多胎萨福克羊、级进杂交F1和F2代(P<0.05)。(3)多胎萨福克羊、级进杂交F1和F2代羔羊血液中白细胞数、嗜碱性粒细胞数、中性粒...     

山东：推广良种羊杂交改良

近年来，山东省青岛畜牧科技示范园先后从澳大利亚引进杜泊绵羊和萨福克绵羊200多只，与本地小尾寒羊和崂山奶山羊进行杂交改良。目前全市已繁育杜泊羊、萨福克羊和小尾寒羊杂交一代1300多只，取得了很好的经济效益。     

萨福克羊的性能及效益分析

长岭县十四号种畜场引进的萨福克羊，原产于英国英格兰东南部的萨福克、诺福克和艾塞克斯等地。该场于1998年11月份从澳大利亚引入萨福克种羊103只，其中种公羊lO只、基础母羊93只。经过6年的精心饲养，科学管理，生长发育良好。种羊选种选配实现了微机化管理，培育出品种良、质量优的合格种羊，种羊生产年年翻番。连续两年在长春农博会上获得金奖。     

白萨福克羔羊和特克塞尔羔羊早期生长发育的比较研究

试验对白萨福克羊(White Suffolk)和特克塞尔羊(Texel)两个肉羊品种的羔羊在6月龄以前的生长发育进行了比较研究。结果表明:白萨福克羔羊和特克塞尔羔羊初生重大,除白萨福克母羔外,其余羔羊初生重都在5 kg以上,其中白萨福克公羔的初生重最大;4月龄时,白萨福克公羔体重达到32.88 kg,显著高于特克塞尔公羔(P<0.05),极显著地高于特克塞尔母羔(P<0.01);6月龄时白萨福克公羔体重达到42.60 kg。白萨福克羔羊2月龄时的绝对生长速度最大,公羔日增重达到256.15 g,母羔达到236.67 g;特克塞尔羊从出生到1月龄,绝对生长和相对生长比白萨福克羊要高一些,但是白萨福克羊保持快速生长发育的持续期较特克塞尔羊相对较长。白萨福克羔羊从母乳到饲草饲料过渡较好,断奶后适应性要好于特克塞尔羔羊,从4月龄到6月龄的体重、体尺高于特克塞尔羔羊。在整个测定阶段,白萨福克公羔和母羔的体躯均比特克塞尔公羔和母羔的体躯长,白萨福克公羔体高比特克塞尔公羔的体高要高。     

两肉羊品种周岁期不同阶段体重、体尺对比

试验对周岁期的纯种无角陶赛特羊和萨福克羊的生长发育进行比较。试验结果表明:萨福克公母羔初生重均大于无角陶赛特公母羔,无角陶赛特公母羊的30日龄、断奶和周岁时的体重均大于萨福克公母羊。经t检验得出:两肉羊品种之间的初生重差异极显著(P<0.01),而在30日龄、断奶和周岁时的体重差异不显著(P>0.05)。     

萨福克、无角陶赛特羊在新疆的生态适应性研究

１９８９年，新疆畜牧厅从澳大利亚进口纯种萨福克和无角陶赛特羊２７０只，在玛纳斯南山牧场纯繁。经过多年的风土驯化和选育，萨福克成年公羊体重达１０２．２０ｋｇ，母羊８０．６５ｋｇ，无角陶赛特成年公羊体重达８８．４０ｋｇ，母羊７６．６３ｋｇ。萨福克羊繁殖率为１４１．７％～１５７．７％，无角陶赛特羊为１３７．５％～１７５．５％。通过五年多来对进口种羊生长发育、繁殖性能、生产性能、生理指标、抗病力等方面的研究，以及经济效益分析说明：萨福克、无角陶赛特羊已能够适应新疆的自然生态环境，其主要生产指标和繁殖性能均达到该品种在澳大利亚的相应水平，两品种在新疆的总适应能力分别达到９８．８％和９８．７％     

陕北白绒山羊繁育中心羊场绒山羊日粮的评价

试验选择陕北白绒山羊繁育中心羊场的成年健康母羊（怀孕前期）16只,育成母羊13只,育成公羊13只,空腹称重。测定每只羊1d的采食量,计算其摄入的营养成分含量,并与原苏联绒用山羊饲养标准比较,进行饲养水平评价。结果显示,与饲养标准比较,陕北白绒山羊繁育中心羊场的育成母羊代谢能高2．68MJ,粗蛋白低59．29g,钙低3．00g,磷低1．52g;育成公羊代谢能高3．47MJ,粗蛋白低81．92g,钙低4．42g,磷低2．62g;成年母羊代谢能高2．51MJ,粗蛋白低91．33g,钙低3．09g,磷低1．93g。结合羊的体况综合评价饲养水平基本合理,但尚需要按饲养标准增加粗蛋白、钙、磷等营养物质的供给量。     

Evaluation of Dorset, Finnsheep, Romanov, Texel, and Montadale breeds of sheep: II. Reproduction of F1 ewes in fall mating seasons

Objectives were to estimate effects of sire breed (Dorset, Finnsheep, Romanov, Texel, and Montadale), dam breed (Composite III and northwestern whiteface), mating season (August, October, and December), ewe age (1, 2, and 3 yr), and their interactions on reproductive traits of F1 ewes. A total of 1,799 F1 ewes produced 3,849 litters from 4,804 exposures to Suffolk rams during 35-d mating seasons over 3 yr. Ewes were weighed at breeding. Conception rate and ewe longevity (present or absent at 42 mo of age) were determined. Number born and litter birth weight were recorded, and number and weight at weaning and 20 wk of age were analyzed separately for dam- and nursery-reared litter mates. Total productivity through 3 yr of age for each ewe entering the breeding flock was calculated as the sum of 20-wk weights for dam- or nursery-reared lambs. Interactions of sire breed x mating season, sire breed x ewe age, and mating season x ewe age were generally significant, whereas interactions of sire breed, mating season, and ewe age x dam breed were seldom detected. Interactions of sire breed x mating season were often due to changes in rank as well as magnitude, indicating the importance of matching sire breed to a specific mating season. The number born to Dorset-, Texel-, and Montadale-sired ewes was not affected by dam breed; however, Finnsheep-sired ewes out of northwestern whiteface dams were more prolific than Finnsheep-sired ewes out of Composite III dams, and the opposite situation existed for Romanov-sired ewes. Least squares means of sire breeds (P < 0.001) for total productivity of dam-reared lambs were 98.5, 103.5, 106.9, 124.6, and 154.9 kg/ewe entering the breeding flock for Texel, Dorset, Montadale, Finnsheep, and Romanov, respectively. Superior reproduction of Romanov-sired ewes was due to greater conception rate and prolificacy for each mating season and ewe age, as well as greater ewe longevity. Total productivity of F1 ewes by Composite III dams (125.6 kg) was greater (P < 0.001) than for ewes born to northwestern whiteface dams (109.7 kg), and the effect of mating season increased (P < 0.001) from August to October to December. Litter weight at 20 wk of age of 2- and 3-yr-old ewes was similar but greater (P < 0.001) than for 1-yr-old ewes. Experimental results provide comprehensive information about the appropriate use of these breeds in crossbreeding systems to meet specific production-marketing objectives.     

Evaluation of Dorset, Finnsheep, Romanov, Texel, and Montadale breeds of sheep: III. Wool characteristics of F1 ewes

An experiment was designed to evaluate the effects of five sire breeds (Dorset, Finnsheep, Romanov, Texel, and Montadale), two dam breeds (Composite III [CIII] and northwestern whiteface [WF]), and three shearing seasons (December, February, and April, corresponding to August, October, and December breeding seasons) and their interactions on wool and other characteristics of F1 ewes. Fleeces were collected and characterized from six 2-yr-old F1 ewes representing each of the 90 sire breed x dam breed x shearing season x year (three) subclasses. Characteristics measured objectively were grease and clean fleece weights, clean yield, mean fiber diameter and SD, and mean staple length and SD. Visual assessments of fleece color were also made. Data collected on the F1 ewes were analyzed using a mixed model analysis of variance procedure. The model included fixed effects of year of birth, sire breed, dam breed, shearing season, six two-way interactions, and the three-way interaction of sire breed x dam breed x shearing season. The random effect of individual sire within year of birth x sire breed was also fitted. Texel- and Montadale-sired ewes produced more clean wool (P < 0.05) (approximately 0.24 kg) than Dorset-, Finnsheep-, and Romanov-sired ewes. Texel-sired ewes produced the coarsest wool (28.7 microm) (P < 0.05), whereas Romanov-sired ewes produced the finest (24.9 microm) and longest (9.12 cm) fleeces (P < 0.05). Ewes from WF dams produced more and finer wool (0.15 kg and 2.7 microm) than ewes from CIII dams (P < 0.001). Ewes shorn in December produced more, coarser, and longer wool (P < 0.05) than those shorn in February and April. This trend in wool production is opposite to that in conception rate (reported previously). Romanov-sired ewes produced the lowest percentage of white fleeces (62.6%), whereas Dorset-sired ewes produced the most (P < 0.001) white fleeces (96.3%). Estimates of heritability were calculated for grease and clean fleece weights (0.36), percentage of clean yield (0.31), average fiber diameter and SD (0.86 and 0.42, respectively), and average staple length and SD (0.49 and 0.00, respectively). Although necessary for a thorough evaluation of these 10 types of crossbred ewes, it is estimated that wool income would only constitute a small portion (1 to 5%) of overall income from sheep of this type.     

Relationships among heat production, body weight, and age in Finnsheep and Rambouillet ewes

It was the objective of this study to quantify heat production across ages of Rambouillet and Finnsheep ewes and to evaluate the previous hypothesis that breed differences can be accounted for by scaling for proportion of mature body weight. Seventy-two Finnsheep and 55 Rambouillet ewes were sampled. Heat production was estimated based on individual animal gaseous exchange, which was determined from 55 through 71 h of the feed restriction. Heat production per unit BW decreased as sheep aged, and the breed-specific functions fit the data better than the pooled functions. The rate of decrease in heat production was greater in Finnsheep ewes until 37 wk of age. The rate of growth of Rambouillet ewes was greater than that of Finnsheep ewes over the first 52 wk of age, and Rambouillet ewes reached 95% of their mature BW at an earlier age (71 wk) than did Finnsheep ewes (113 wk). At any given age, Rambouillet ewes had achieved a greater proportion of their mature BW and had a lower heat production per unit BW than Finnsheep ewes. This study demonstrated the necessity of accounting for both age and breed when estimating metabolic rate in sheep. Furthermore, this study suggested that breed and age differences in metabolic rate could be accounted for by scaling for proportion of mature BW and that daily heat production per unit BW (kcal/kg) of Finnsheep, Rambouillet, Suffolk, and Texel ewes can be described by the function /(BW, matBW) = 59.5e(-0.797(Bw/matBw)), where BW = body weight and matBW = mature body weight.     

Evaluation of Dorset, Finnsheep, Romanov, Texel, and Montadale breeds of sheep: V. Reproduction of F1 ewes in spring mating seasons

Objectives were to estimate effects of sire breed (Dorset, Finnsheep, Romanov, Texel, and Montadale), dam breed [Composite III (CIII) and northwestern whiteface (WF)], mating season (March and May), and their interactions on reproductive traits of mature F1 ewes in spring mating seasons. A total of 1,099 F1 ewes produced 1,754 litters of 2,995 lambs from exposures to Suffolk rams during March and May mating seasons in 1995 through 1999. Fertility rate and ewe longevity were measured. Number born and litter birth weight were recorded, and number and weight at weaning and 20 wk of age were analyzed separately for dam- and nursery-reared litter mates. Total productivity from 4 to 6 yr of age for each ewe entering the breeding flock was calculated as the sum of 20-wk weights for dam-reared lambs and separately for nursery-reared lambs. Interactions of sire breed x mating season, ewe age x mating season, and ewe age x dam breed were often significant. Interactive effects of sire breed and mating season on fertility rate (P < 0.001) were primarily due to differences in magnitude. Fertility rates of sire breeds for March and May matings, respectively, were 92 and 89% for Romanov, 91 and 72% for Finnsheep, 90 and 52% for Texel, 88 and 52% for Montadale, and 83 and 62% for Dorset. Sire breed x mating season also affected number born (P < 0.03); March and May values were 2.12 and 2.05 for Romanov, 2.00 and 1.94 for Finnsheep, 1.39 and 1.41 for Texel, 1.37 and 1.51 for Montadale, and 1.37 and 1.55 for Dorset, respectively. Interaction of sire breed x dam breed on fertility rate (P < 0.01) was due to change in rank as well as magnitude. Romanov- and Dorset-sired ewes out of CIII dams had greater fertility rates than Romanov- and Dorset-sired ewes out of WF dams. The opposite situation existed for ewes by Finnsheep, Texel, and Montadale sires. Differences between dam breeds (CIII and WF) in total productivity of dam-reared lambs were not detected, whereas ewes exposed in March (78 kg) were more productive (P < 0.01) than those exposed in May (68 kg). Means of sire breeds for total productivity of dam-reared lambs were 47, 65, 70, 70, and 111 kg for Texel, Montadale, Dorset, Finnsheep, and Romanov, respectively (P < 0.001). Superior reproduction of Romanov sired ewes was primarily due to greater fertility rate and prolificacy at each mating season and ewe age. Use of Romanov-crossbred ewes would increase fertility during spring mating, an important constraint of the sheep industry.     

Relative resistance of Dorper crossbred ewes to gastrointestinal nematode infection compared with St. Croix and Katahdin ewes in the southeastern United States

A study was conducted to evaluate relative resistance of Dorper crossbred (DO), Katahdin (KA), St. Croix (SC), and Hampshire (HA) ewes to natural and experimental gastro-intestinal (GI) nematode infection over a 20-month period. The objective of Experiment 1 was to evaluate breeds for resistance to infection acquired naturally from mixed grass pastures. In Year 1 (May-December 2000) de-worming of ewes occurred during wet, hot conditions in July and during late pregnancy in December. In Year 2 (January-December 2001), ewes were de-wormed after fecal egg count (FEC) for a breed group rose above 1000 eggs per gram (epg) or after blood packed cell volume (PCV) of an individual ewe fell below 20. FEC was determined every 28 days and PCV every 14-28 days. In both the years, ewes were pastured together, except during the 28-days breeding periods, on tall fescue, bermudagrass, or ryegrass, and rotated among pastures dependent on forage availability. Ewes were in good or excellent condition (body condition score of 3-4 out of 5) throughout the study. The objective of Experiment 2 was to evaluate the breeds for relative resistance to an experimental infection with Haemonchus contortus infective larvae. Both PCV and FEC were determined every 7 days from 14 to 42 days after inoculation with 30000 infective larvae per ewe. In Experiment 1, Year 1, FEC was slightly greater and PCV was lower from July to September in DO ewes (breed x time, P<0.001). In Year 2, de-worming occurred 14 days later in DO ewes compared with other breed types. Otherwise PCV and FEC were similar among the hair breeds and higher and lower, respectively, compared with HA ewes (breed x time, P<0.001). In Experiment 2, FEC and PCV were similar among hair breeds; FEC was lower and PCV higher in hair breeds compared with that of HA ewes (P<0.01). Relative resistance of mature Dorper crossbred ewes was comparable to that of Katahdin and St. Croix ewes and superior to that of Hampshire ewes.     

Texel sheep are more resistant to natural nematode challenge than Suffolk sheep based on faecal egg count and nematode burden

Limited information is available on differences between sheep breeds with respect to helminth resistance under temperate conditions. The present study was designed to confirm and extend preliminary findings on observed breed differences in resistance to naturally acquired gastrointestinal nematodes in Suffolk and Texel sheep. Three trials were carried out. In trial 1 (1999-2003) lambs co-grazed from birth were faecal sampled at various time points up to 17 weeks of age. Worm burden was assessed at 17 weeks of age from a minimum of six lambs per breed in each of the 3 years. In trial 2, faecal egg count (FEC) was determined on six farms with co-grazed Suffolk and Texel purebred lambs. In trial 3 (2001-2003), ewes were faecal sampled at winter housing. In all three trials, an influence of breed on resistance to naturally acquired trichostrongyle infection was demonstrated. In trial 1, significantly higher FEC and worm burden was observed in Suffolk compared with Texel lambs following natural challenge. In trial 2, FEC recorded in lambs from six farms confirmed the breed differences previously observed. A breed difference in resistance to GI parasites was also observed in older ewes. In both breeds, an age effect on the FEC was observed with younger ewes having greater FEC than older ewes.     

A mail survey of factors affecting performance in 627 selected sheep flocks in south-eastern Norway

Abstract

Factors influencing rate of barren ewes, number of lambs born per pregnant ewe, and autumn live weight of the lambs were studied in 627 Norwegian sheep flocks based on herd level data from the Norwegian Sheep Recording System and a mailed questionnaire to the sheep farmers. The following factors were significantly associated (P<0.05) with rate of barren ewes: breed, herd average lambing date, type of production/age of farmer, routines for treatments for parasites, and housing type. Number of lambs born per pregnant ewe was significantly associated with rate of barren ewes, herd average lambing date, breed, percentage grass silage of total roughage, and no separation of gimmers during the housing period. Corrected autumn live weight of the lambs was significantly associated with breed, flock size, lambs born per pregnant ewe, no separation of gimmers during the housing period, and type of summer pasture.     

Differences in choice of diet between sheep breeds grazing mountain pastures in Norway

In the present study, the foraging behaviour of ewes from three common Norwegian sheep breeds; the long-tailed Dala sheep, and the two short-tailed breeds Spæl sheep and Norwegian Fur sheep was studied. Based on difference in body size and digestive anatomy, we expected the lighter short-tailed ewes to browse more on woody plants than the Dala ewes. The experiments were conducted during two consecutive summers within the flocks’ usual grazing areas, and we sampled the proportion of grazing time that ewes spent feeding on woody plant species. We tested the hypothesis by applying generalized linear mixed models to the feeding behaviour data. As predicted, the short-tailed ewes spent substantially more of their grazing time browsing on trees, bushes and heather compared to the Dala ewes. We discuss the results in the context of maintaining the, now threatened, pastoral landscapes of mountainous regions of Norway; short-tailed breeds should be more effective than the Dala breed in reducing tree and bush encroachment, but more detailed studies are needed to quantify the breed differences in this respect.