Thermogenesis, blood metabolites and hormones, and growth of lambs born to ewes supplemented with algae-derived docosahexaenoic acid

Neonatal lamb mortality is a major factor affecting profitability in the sheep industry, and lamb thermogenesis is a key element in neonatal lamb survival. Increased lamb vigor has been reported when ewes were supplemented during late gestation with algae-derived docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); however, the effects of DHA on lamb thermogenesis and immunocompetence have not been investigated. Eighty twin-bearing Targhee ewes (ages 2 to 5 yr; 68.5 ± 3 kg) were assigned randomly to 1 of 2 supplement treatments to determine the effects of feeding DHA to ewes during late gestation and early lactation on lamb thermogenesis, serum metabolites and hormones, and lamb growth. Supplement treatments were 12 g·ewe(-1)·d(-1) of algae-derived DHA (DHA Gold Advanced Bionutrition Corp., Columbia, MD; algae-derived DHA); and no algae-derived DHA (control). Supplements were individually fed daily during the last 30 d (±7 d) of gestation and pen fed (6 pens/treatment with 6 or 7 ewes/pen) during the first 38 d (±7 d) of lactation. One hour after lambing and before nursing, twin-born lambs were weighed, blood sampled via jugular puncture, and placed in a dry cold chamber for 30 min (0°C), and rectal temperatures were recorded every minute for 30 min. Lambs were removed from the cold chamber, blood sampled, warmed for 15 min, and returned to their dam. Ewes were blood sampled, and colostrum samples were collected 1 h postpartum. Ewe and lamb sera were assayed for glucose, NEFA, cortisol, and leptin. Lamb rectal temperature, glucose, NEFA, cortisol, leptin, and birth weights did not differ between treatments. The BW at 38 d was greater (P = 0.03) for lambs born to control ewes than for lambs born to algae-derived DHA-supplemented ewes; however, the colostrum of algae-derived DHA-supplemented ewes had a greater specific gravity (P = 0.05) than for control ewes. Overall, despite a potentially positive effect on ewe colostral IgG concentrations, supplementation of algae-derived DHA during late gestation and early lactation had a negative effect on lamb BW and did not affect indices of lamb thermogenesis.     

Influence of body condition and lasalocid during late gestation on blood metabolites, lamb birth weight and colostrum composition and production in Finn-cross ewes

The objective of this experiment was to examine the effects of body condition (BC) and of lasalocid (L) the last 4 wk of gestation on blood metabolite profiles, lamb birth weight and colostrum composition and production. Twenty-eight 3-yr-old Finn-Targhee ewes (73 kg) were assigned randomly within BC grouping (2.5 or 3.5) and individually fed a diet of 90% alfalfa pellets and 10% of a supplement containing either no L (C = control) or L. Gestation and 24-h postlambing weights were higher (P less than .05) for 3.5 BC versus 2.5 BC ewes. Lasalocid had no effect (P greater than .05) on ewe weight. Average number of lambs born within treatment groups were similar (P greater than .05). Total kilograms of lamb born were greater (P less than .10) for 3.5 BC ewes. Body condition 3.5 ewes had greater concentrations of total protein (P less than .10) and albumin (P less than .05) the last 4 wk of gestation than those in the 2.5 BC group. Feeding L decreased (P less than .05) blood urea-N in comparison with C ewes. Colostrum composition and production were not influenced (P greater than .05) by BC, L or number of lambs born. Serum 3-hydroxybutyrate seemed to be a good indicator of energy metabolism; albumin and blood urea-N concentrations reflected dietary protein intake. Lasalocid had a minimal effect on nutrient metabolism and productivity of ewes fed in excess of the NRC (1985) protein and energy requirements.     

Winter-feeding systems for gestating sheep I. Effects on pre- and postpartum ewe performance and lamb progeny preweaning performance

Mature pregnant crossbred ewes (n = 90) were used in a randomized complete block design and assigned to 1 of 3 winter-feeding systems differing in primary feed source: haylage (HL), limit-fed corn (CN), or limit-fed dried distillers grains (DDGS). Effects of these winter-feeding strategies on ewe and lamb performance were determined. Diets were formulated to meet or exceed NRC (1985) nutrient requirements during gestation and were fed from about d 60 of gestation until parturition. All ewes were fed a common diet postpartum. Every 2 wk during gestation, BW and BCS were collected and diets were adjusted to maintain similar BW gain for ewes fed CN and DDGS vs. HL. At 80 and 122 d of gestation, jugular blood samples were collected at 0, 3, 6, and 9 h postfeeding to measure plasma glucose, insulin, NEFA, and blood urea nitrogen concentrations. At birth, 6 lambs per treatment were killed to measure body composition. At 28 ± 2 d postpartum, milk yield was measured. Lambs were weaned at 61 ± 4 d of age. During mid gestation (d 60 to 115), BW gain of ewes was similar among treatments; however, at d 115 of gestation ewes fed HL had a smaller (P = 0.04) BCS than ewes fed DDGS or CN. Plasma glucose concentrations were greater (P ≤ 0.004) in ewes fed CN than in those fed HL or DDGS just before feeding on d 80 and 122 of gestation, whereas ewes fed DDGS vs. CN or HL had greater (P ≤ 0.04) plasma insulin concentrations at 3 h postfeeding. At parturition, ewe BW was greatest for DDGS, least for HL, and intermediate for CN (P ≤ 0.003). Ewes fed CN and DDGS had greater BCS at parturition than those fed HL, but by weaning, ewes fed DDGS had greater BCS (P ≤ 0.05) than those fed CN or HL. Birth BW tended (P = 0.09) to be heavier for lambs from ewes fed CN and DDGS than from those fed HL prepartum, but there was no difference (P = 0.19) due to ewe gestation diet on lamb BW at weaning. At birth, lamb muscle, bone, organ, and fat measures were not affected (P > 0.13) by treatment. Ewe milk production and lamb preweaning ADG were also similar (P > 0.44) among treatments. Prepartum dam winter feed source did not have detrimental effects on pre- or postpartum ewe performance, but altered prepartum maternal nutrient supply during gestation, which affected birth weight but not preweaning growth or mortality.     

Evaluation of Vitamin E and Selenium Supplementation in Late Gestation on Lamb Survival and Pre-Weaning Growth

This study was conducted to evaluate vitamin E injection and Se in a mineral supplement in late gestation on lamb survival and pre-weaning growth performance. Ewes were grouped in pens based on their fetal count and BW. The feed provided to ewes in late gestation included alfalfa hay, corn, and protein supplement according to NRC (1985) recommendations. Ewes in late gestation were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments within fetal count (single, twin, and triplet + quad). Treatments were no vitamin E or 900 IU of vitamin E injected i.m. per week and 10 or 90 ppm of Se in a mineral supplement fed ad libitum. Within each pen of ewes (8 to 10 head), approximately one-half of the ewes received injectable E beginning 4 wk before the first expected lambing; the other one-half received no vitamin E. Vitamin E treatments ended at lambing time; however, ewes remained on their respective mineral sources during lactation. Lambs were provided access to creep (16% CP, 83% TDN, and fortified with 35,000 IU of vitamin E, 0.27 g of Se, and 50 g of chlortetracycline/909 kg of creep feed) initiated at an average 10 d of age to weaning. Weekly injection of 900 IU of vitamin E did not affect birth BW (BBW) of lambs. However, 90 ppm of Se fed ad libitum improved BBW of lambs (5.06 vs 4.88 kg, P<0.10) with all of the improvement occurring in lambs born to 6- to 7-yr-old ewes (P<0.01). Vitamin E increased (P<0.05) the pre-weaning performance of lambs from 1- to 2- and 6- to 7-yr-old ewes but did not improve the performance in lambs from 3- to 5-yr-old ewes. Multiple-birth lambs from ewes treated with vitamin E had increased survival in 1 of 2 experimental yr (P<0.05). Survival of single-birth lambs was not effected by vitamin E or Se treatment. These results demonstrate that supplementation of 90 ppm of Se fed ad libitum to ewes during late gestation and throughout lactation improved BBW of lambs from 6- to 7-yr-old ewes, and weekly injection of 900 IU of vitamin E to ewes during late gestation increased the pre-weaning growth of lambs from 1- to 2- and 6- to 7-yr-old ewes and may increase the survival of multiple-birth lambs.     

Effects of maternal selenium supply and plane of nutrition during gestation on passive transfer of immunity and health in neonatal lambs

To investigate the influence of maternal Se supply and plane of nutrition on lamb morbidity, mortality, and passive transfer of IgG, pregnant ewe lambs were used in 2 experiments with 2 × 3 factorial treatment arrangements. Supplementation of Se began at breeding and was either adequate Se (ASe, 9.5 μg/kg of BW) or high Se (HSe, 81.8 μg/kg of BW) in Exp. 1 or ASe (11.5 μg/kg of BW) or HSe (77.0 μg/kg of BW) in Exp. 2. On d 50 or 40 of gestation for Exp. 1 or 2, respectively, ewes were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 nutritional planes: 60% (RES), 100% (control, CON), or 140% (HI) of NRC requirements. This resulted in the following treatments: ASe-RES, ASe-CON, ASe-HI, HSe-RES, HSe-CON, and HSe-HI. Upon parturition, lambs were separated from their dams and serum samples obtained. Lambs were fed artificial colostrum for the first 20 h and then placed on milk replacer and grain pellets until completion of the study (Exp. 1, 57 d; Exp. 2, 21 d). Twenty-four hours after parturition, lamb serum samples were collected for IgG analysis. All lambs were reared similarly and morbidity and mortality assessed. Main effects were considered significant when P ≤ 0.05. In Exp. 1, there was a Se × plane of nutrition interaction (P ≤ 0.01) for lamb morbidity from birth to weaning and for 24-h IgG concentration. Lambs from ASe-RES and HSe-HI ewes were treated more frequently (P < 0.01) for respiratory and gastrointestinal disease, and lambs from HSe-HI ewes had the smallest (P < 0.01) 24-h serum IgG concentration. In Exp. 1, lambs from HI ewes also had the greatest (P < 0.01) mortality rates from birth to weaning compared with lambs from CON and RES ewes. In Exp. 2, there was an effect (P < 0.01) of maternal plane of nutrition with lambs from RES ewes having increased 24-h IgG compared with lambs from CON and HI ewes. There was no effect of maternal Se supplementation on lamb 24-h IgG in Exp. 2; however, there was a Se × plane of nutrition interaction (P < 0.01) for morbidity. From birth to 21 d of age, lambs from ASe-CON ewes had fewer (P < 0.01) treatment days compared with lambs from any of the other treatment groups. There also tended (P = 0.08) to be an effect of maternal Se supplementation on lamb mortality with increased mortality observed in lambs from HSe ewes. Results from the studies show a restricted maternal plane of nutrition can increase lamb serum IgG concentration. Selenium results were not consistent between the 2 experiments and may be due to differences in maternal Se.     

Effects of supplemental safflower and vitamin E during late gestation on lamb growth, serum metabolites, and thermogenesis

Twin-bearing Targhee ewes (Exp. 1, 1 yr, n = 42) and 1,182 single- and twin-bearing whiteface range ewes (Exp. 2, n = 8 experimental units over 2 yr) were used in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to determine the effect of supplemental energy source and level of vitamin E supplement on lamb serum metabolites and thermogenesis (Exp. 1) and on lamb growth (Exp. 2). During late gestation, ewes were individually fed (Exp. 1) or group-fed (Exp. 2) a daily supplement. Supplements were 226 g/ewe of daily safflower seed (DM basis; SS) with either 350 IU/ewe daily (VE) or no added supplemental (VC) vitamin E; or 340 g/ewe daily of a barley-based grain supplement (DM basis; GC) and either VE or VC. One hour postpartum in Exp. 1, twin-born lambs were placed in a 0 degrees C dry cold chamber for 30 min. Lamb rectal temperature was recorded every 60 s and blood samples were taken immediately before and after cold exposure. In Exp. 2, lambs were weighed at birth, at turnout from confinement to spring range (32 d of age +/- 7; turnout), and at weaning (120 d of age +/- 7). Ewes were weighed at turnout and weaning. In Exp. 1, a level of vitamin E x energy source interaction was detected (P < 0.10) for body temperature and change in NEFA and glucose concentrations. Lambs from SSVC ewes had the lowest (P = 0.01) body temperature and had decreased (P = 0.08) NEFA concentration. The SS lambs tended to have decreased (P < 0.11) concentrations of blood urea N (BUN) and thyroxine at 0 min than did lambs born to GC ewes. After 30 min of cold exposure, SS lambs had increased and GC lambs had decreased BUN, triiodothyronine, and triiodothyronine:thyroxine concentrations (P < 0.10). In Exp. 2, kilograms of lamb per ewe at turnout and weaning and lamb survival at weaning were greater (P < 0.07) for GC than SS lambs. Based on the decreased body temperature in SSVC lambs at birth, the greater change in BUN during the cold exposure for SS than GC lambs, and the decreased survival rate for SS than GC lambs, SSVC-supplemented ewes appeared to give birth to lambs with an apparently decreased energetic capacity. This may compromise the ability of the newborn lamb to adapt to extreme environmental conditions.     

Effect on the ewe and lamb of low zinc intake throughout pregnancy

Throughout pregnancy, 30 primiparous Finn cross ewes were given a low Zn (less than or equal to 1 ppm) semi-purified diet. A 100-g hay supplement was fed three to seven times/week. Supplemental Zn (20 ppm) was provided in the drinking water of 14 ewes. At parturition, lambs were removed from ewes before suckling. Viable lambs not taken for tissue analysis were given 200 ml cow colostrum and raised on an artificial feeder. Throughout gestation, unsupplemented (-Zn) ewes gained less weight and had lower plasma Zn levels than Zn-supplemented (+Zn) ewes. One -Zn ewe was not pregnant, three aborted, one resorbed, one delivered mummified twins at term and two delivered malformed lambs. Average weight of lambs born to -Zn ewes d 136 or later (excluding mummified twins and one weighing less than 20% as much as its twin) was 1.8 +/- .6 (SE) kg. Only three lambs born to -Zn ewes were vigorous enough to put on the artificial feeder; none survived. One +Zn ewe was not pregnant. Of 23 lambs born to the remaining +Zn ewes, five were used for tissue analysis, two lambs of triplets were born dead, twins born d 138 died at birth. One twin died 6 d after birth. The 14 remaining lambs were weaned in good health. Average birth weight of +Zn lambs was 3.3 +/- 1.0 kg. Increased salivation was seen in -Zn ewes after 6 wk of low Zn intake.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Organic and inorganic selenium: II. Transfer efficiency from ewes to lambs

Adequate Se transfer from ewes to lambs is important to prevent Se-deficiency diseases. To evaluate how different chemical forms of Se administered at comparative dosages to mature ewes affect Se status of their lambs, 240 ewes were divided into 8 treatment groups (n = 30 each) and drenched weekly (at an amount equal to their summed daily intake) with no-Se (controls); at recommended amounts (4.9 mg of Se/wk) with inorganic Na-selenite, inorganic Na-selenate, or organic Se-yeast; or at supranutritional amounts (14.7 and 24.5 mg of Se/wk) with Na-selenite or Se-yeast for 1 yr. Weekly drenching of Se was effective at increasing (P < 0.002) Se concentrations in ewe colostrum and milk at 30 d of lactation and in improving (P < 0.001) the Se status of lambs (whole-blood and serum-Se concentrations at birth, and skeletal-muscle Se concentrations at 14 d of age). Selenium concentrations in lacteal secretions were greater in ewes drenched with Se-yeast (colostrum: 374, 436, and 982 ng/mL at 4.9, 14.7, and 24.5 mg of Se/wk, respectively; milk: 26, 39, 64 ng/mL) compared with ewes drenched with Na-selenite (colostrum: 204, 334, 428 ng/mL; milk: 16, 21, 24 ng/mL), and were also greater (P < 0.001) in their lambs. Selenium concentrations continued to increase (P < 0.001) in lamb whole blood (558 and 695 ng/mL at 14.7 and 24.5 mg of Se/wk, respectively), serum (126, 183 ng/mL), and skeletal muscle (991, 1,696 ng/mL) with supranutritional concentrations of Se-yeast, whereas Se concentrations did not differ in whole blood (304, 332 ng/mL), serum (77, 85 ng/mL), or skeletal muscle (442, 482 ng/mg) of lambs from ewes drenched with 14.7 or 24.5 mg of Se/wk of Na-selenite. We conclude that weekly oral drenching of ewes during gestation and lactation with organic Se-yeast results in a more efficient transfer of Se (over a wide range of supplementation rates) from ewe to lamb than does inorganic Na-selenite.     

The transfer of maternal IgE and other immunoglobulins specific for Trichostrongylus colubriformis larval excretory/secretory product to the neonatal lamb

The transference of immunoglobulins from six New Zealand Romney ewes to their lambs was examined. Immunoglobulin levels were determined in ewe plasma, colostrum and lamb plasma shortly after birth and before the lambs fed, in lamb plasma 2 days after birth, and lamb plasma, ewe plasma and milk 30 days after parturition. Levels of total IgE, and IgE, IgG1, IgG2, IgM, and IgA with specificity for Trichostronglus colubriformis third stage larval secretory/excretory products (TcL3E/S) were determined. Mean levels of total IgE were three times higher in colostrum than in parturient ewe plasma while only trace amounts were detected in milk at 30 days after birth (107.7, 34.3, and 0.2U ml(-1), respectively, differences between means P< or =0.01). Mean total IgE in lamb plasma rose from being undetectable before suckling to levels comparable to those of the ewes by 2 days after birth (21.7U ml(-1)) and then declined to low levels by 30 days (0.4U ml(-1)). Total IgE levels in lamb plasma were significantly correlated with levels in ewe plasma and colostrum (r=0.91, P< or =0.01; r=0.96, P< or =0.003, respectively). The transference of TcL3E/S-specific IgE, IgG1 and IgA was substantial with mean levels of these antibodies in lamb plasma at 2 days comparable to that in parturient ewe plasma (absorbance levels in lamb plasma of 0.283, 0.537, and 0.334, respectively). Proportionally less maternal IgM and IgG2 appeared to be transferred to the lambs (absorbance of 0.112 and 0.081, respectively). Levels of TcL3E/S-specific IgE and IgG1 in lamb plasma at 2 days were significantly correlated with levels in parturient ewe plasma and colostrum (r=0.89 and 0.82, 0.85 and 0.96; all P< or =0.05, respectively). These results indicate that IgE is concentrated in ewe colostrum and that substantial amounts of maternal IgE are transferred to lambs via colostrum. Further, the results suggest that humoral immunity against gastro-intestinal nematode parasites and potentially other parasites in colostrum-fed lambs may approximate that of the ewe. The implications of the transference of humoral immunity through colostrum in ruminants for the passive protection and the development of active immunity against parasites remains to be fully explored.     

Genetic and environmental factors affecting immunoglobulin G1 concentrations in ewe colostrum and lamb serum

Presuckle colostral samples and lamb serum samples taken 36 h postpartum were assayed for immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) concentration (mg/ml) using single radial immunodiffusion. Breeds sampled included Polypay (P), Rambouillet (R), Targhee (T), Columbia (C), Finnish Landrace (F) and Finn crosses (Fx). Sources of variation examined in IgG1 concentration in colostrum (dam trait) included dam's sire breed, dam's sire, age of ewe and number of lambs born. All sources of variation were statistically significant. Least-squares means of IgG1 levels for sire breed were 80, 64, 67, 64, 72 and 69 mg/ml for P, R, T, C, F and Fx breed groups, respectively. A fetal stimulus may exist to increase the mass of IgG1 in colostrum available for multiple births (61, 69 and 77 mg/ml for single, twin and triplet, respectively). Ewe age was a significant source of variation because of a high mean concentration of IgG1 in the yearling's colostrum (100 mg/ml), whereas only slight differences occurred between the other age groups (65 to 67 mg/ml), except for the 7-yr older group (53 mg/ml). Sources of variation examined in IgG1 concentration of lamb serum at 36 h postpartum (lamb trait) included lamb's sire breed, lamb's sire, age of dam, birth type and sex, with dam's colostral IgG1 concentration and day born as covariates. Sire within breed, birth type and the two covariates were significant. Least squares means for sire breed were 36, 32, 33, 32, 31 and 32 mg/ml of serum for P, R, T, C, F and Fx groups, respectively. Lamb serum IgG1 decreased as birth type increased. The heritability of IgG1, estimated by paternal half-sib analyses, was .19 +/- .12 for colostrum and .18 +/- .06 for lamb serum.     

Improving feeding systems for sheep in a Mediterranean rain-fed cereals/livestock area of Morocco

In rain-fed cereal-producing areas of Morocco, stubble and straw from barley and wheat and forage grazed from fallow lands are important feeds for sheep. Supplementation to maintain BW of ewes pregnant while grazing stubble, methods to improve utilization of straw, annual forage legumes to complement grazing of fallow land, and by-product feeds in diets for weaned lambs have been tested in collaborative research trials. Pregnant ewes grazing cereal stubble for 10 to 12 wk at a modest stocking rate and unsupplemented, or at a heavier stocking rate and supplemented after 5 wk, gained about 3 kg; most of the gain occurred in wk 1 to 4 due to intake of residual scattered grain. Following the stubble-grazing period (coincident with late gestation), straw plus an energy supplement alone resulted in low lamb birth weight and survivability. Urea treatment increased N content of straw and holds potential. After the onset of winter rains, self-reseeding annual legume (Medicago spp.) pastures allowed lactating Timahdit ewes to gain 4 kg during 90 d postpartum. Their suckling lambs gained 260 g/d, thus doubling the weight of lamb weaned per ewe compared with those grazing unimproved fallow. Confined growing lambs fed diets with 40% sugarbeet pulp or 20% carob meal gained more than 200 g/d, reducing the time needed to reach market weight. These results demonstrate that marked improvements in performance and efficiency of sheep in Mediterranean rain-fed cereal/livestock systems are possible using locally available resources.     

Effect of gestation-lactation diet calcium and zinc levels and of parenteral vitamins A, D and E during gestation on ewe body weight and on lamb weight and survival

Data on ewe body weights and on lamb birth and weaning weights and survival rates were recorded on a total of 557 multiparous Rambouillet, Hampshire X Suffolk and Synthetic I (composite of Finnish Landrace, Rambouillet and Polled Dorset) ewes in two experiments started after the first trimester of gestation. In Exp. 1, a 2 X 2 factorial arrangement of treatments included all combinations of low (.24% in gestation and .48% in lactation), or high (.80%) dietary Ca and low (20 ppm) or high (74 ppm) dietary Zn. No effect of dietary Ca or Zn level and no Ca X Zn interaction with respect to number of lambs born or weaned, birth weight, weaning weight or survival rate of the lambs or body weight of the ewes was shown. Mean number of lambs born was 1.63 +/- .71 with a survival rate of 85.0 +/- .3% and a weaning weight (59 d) of 19.4 +/- 4.4 kg. Experiment 2 was a repeat of Exp. 1 except that two intramuscular injections of vitamins A, D and E (d 65 and 93 of experiment) were given to one-half of the ewes in each diet group. There was no effect of dietary Ca or Zn level or of vitamin administration on ewe body weight changes, number of lambs born (1.89 +/- .55), survival rate (86.6 +/- .3%), lamb birth weight 4.6 +/- 1.5 kg) or lamb weaning weight (23.2 +/- 7.2 kg). Blood plasma Ca, inorganic P and Mg concentrations of ewes in late pregnancy were unaffected by diet or vitamin injections.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Vitamin E status in newborn lambs with special reference to the effect of dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation in late gestation

Pregnant ewes were supplemented with dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate, either as a single intramuscular dose (500 mg two weeks before lambing) or perorally (150 mg daily during 3-4 weeks before lambing). Ewes without such a supplementation were controls. The vitamin E supplemented ewes had nearly twice as high vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) concentrations as the unsupplemented control ewes at lambing both in serum and in colostrum. The vitamin E concentration in colostrum was 5-11 higher than in milk 1 week after lambing. Both supplementations somewhat increased the vitamin E serum concentration of the newborn lambs, but the increase was negligible in comparison with the effect produced by the consumption of colostrum. All lambs had very low serum concentrations at birth. The lambs from the supplemented ewes had significantly higher serum values than the control lambs 24 h after birth. The ewes had somewhat higher selenium status at birth than their offsprings when evaluated by glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the erythrocytes. It seems reasonable that nutritional muscular degeneration may arise in newborn lambs with a normal selenium status if their vitamin E status is critical, either because of an inadequate consumption of colostrum or because of a vitamin E deficient diet during pregnancy with a low vitamin concentration of colostrum as a consequence.     

Does sward height grazed by ewes in mid- to late-pregnancy affect indices of colostrum intake by twin and triplet lambs?

AIMS: To determine if sward height grazed by ewes in mid- to late-pregnancy affects subsequent indices of colostrum intake by twin and triplet lambs, and the extent of the variation in colostrum intake between twin and triplet litter-mates.

METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 75 twin and 46 triplet litters, respectively, 24–36 h after birth. Samples were not collected from lambs that died before this age. Lambs were born to ewes which had grazed one of four sward heights (2, 4, 6 and 8 cm) during mid- to late-pregnancy. Serum samples were analysed for gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities and glucose concentrations. The number of lambs present at weaning was used to determine lamb survival rate.

RESULTS: GGT activities of lambs born to ewes that grazed swards 2 cm high were lower than those born to ewes that grazed swards 4 and 6 cm high (p=0.053 and p=0.037, respectively). Glucose concentrations were higher in twin than triplet lambs (p=0.003) and in lambs born to ewes grazed on swards 6 cm high than those born to ewes grazed on swards 2 cm high (p=0.033). These differences were not evident after correction for differences in birthweight. There was significant (p<0.001) variation within litter-mates for GGT activities and glucose concentrations in both twins and triplets. The blood constituent status of lambs that died before the 24–36 h collection period is not known. However, lambs which died after this period had significantly lower GGT activities (p=0.009) and glucose (p=0.010) concentrations at the time of sampling than those which survived.

CONCLUSIONS: Farmers should ensure twin- and tripletbearing ewes in mid- to late-pregnancy are grazing at least 4 cm of herbage to ensure colostrum intake of lambs in the postpartum period is not adversely affected.     

Effects of gestational plane of nutrition and selenium supplementation on mammary development and colostrum quality in pregnant ewe lambs

To examine effects of nutritional plane and Se supplementation on colostrum quality and mammary development, individually fed, pregnant Rambouillet ewe lambs were allotted randomly to 1 of 6 treatments in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement. Main effects included dietary Se level, which began at breeding (d = 0) [adequate Se (9.5 mug/kg of BW) vs. high Se (81.8 mug/kg of BW)], and plane of nutrition, which began at d 50 of gestation [60% (RES), 100% (CON), and 140% (HIGH) of requirements]. Upon parturition, lambs were immediately separated from dams and weighed. Three hours after lambing, colostrum yield was determined, and samples were obtained for components and immunoglobulin G (IgG) analysis. Ewes were slaughtered within 24 h of parturition, and mammary tissues were collected for determination of alveolar secretory epithelial cell proliferation index and luminal area. Gestation length was reduced (P < 0.01) in HIGH ewes compared with RES and CON ewes. Although birth weights were reduced (P < 0.01) in RES and HIGH compared with CON ewes, there was little effect of diet on placental size. Mammary gland weight was reduced (P /= 0.15) on mammary gland weight, colostrum quantity, or IgG concentration in pregnant ewe lambs. Improper nutrition from mid to late pregnancy in ewe lambs altered colostrum quality and quantity and reduced offspring birth weight, which may have negative implications for lamb health and survival during the early postnatal period.     

Evaluation of ewe and lamb immune response when ewes were supplemented with vitamin E

Fifty-two Targhee twin-bearing ewes were used in a factorial arrangement of treatments to investigate the role of supplemental vitamin E (vit E); 0 (NE) vs 400 IU of vit E x ewe x (-1)d(-1) (E) and parainfluenza type 3 (PI3) vaccination; none (NP) vs PI3 vaccination (P) in immune function. Parainfluenza type 3 vaccination was used to evoke an immune response. Ewes receiving PI3 were vaccinated at 49 and 21 d before the expected lambing date. Ewes receiving vit E were orally dosed daily, 32 to 0 d before lambing. Blood was collected from ewes at the time of the initial PI3 vaccination and 4 h postpartum. Blood was collected from lambs (n = 104) at 3 d postpartum. Ewe and lamb sera were analyzed for anti-PI3 antibody titers, immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers, and vit E concentrations. Colostrum was collected 4 h postpartum and analyzed for IgG. The model for ewe and lamb analysis included the main effects of vit E and PI3, sex (lambs model only), and their interactions. No interactions were detected (P > 0.20) for any ewe or lamb variables. Serum anti-PI3 titers were greater (P < 0.01) in P ewes and their lambs than NP ewes and their lambs. Serum vit E concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) in E ewes and their lambs than NE ewes and their lambs. Colostral IgG titers and serum anti-PI3 titers did not differ (P > 0.20) between E and NE ewes. Serum IgG titers in E ewes and their lambs did not differ (P > 0.15) from IgG titers in NE ewes and their lambs. Lamb anti-PI3 titers did not differ (P = 0.76) between lambs reared by E and NE ewes. These results indicate that, although supplemental vit E to the ewe increased lamb serum vit E concentration, it had no effect on measures used in this study to assess humoral immunity in the ewe or passive immunity to the lamb.     

Does sward height grazed by ewes in mid- to late-pregnancy affect indices of colostrum intake by twin and triplet lambs?

AIMS: To determine if sward height grazed by ewes in mid- to late-pregnancy affects subsequent indices of colostrum intake by twin and triplet lambs, and the extent of the variation in colostrums intake between twin and triplet litter-mates. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 75 twin and 46 triplet litters, respectively, 24-36 h after birth. Samples were not collected from lambs that died before this age. Lambs were born to ewes which had grazed one of four sward heights (2, 4, 6 and 8 cm) during mid- to late-pregnancy. Serum samples were analysed for gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activities and glucose concentrations. The number of lambs present at weaning was used to determine lamb survival rate. RESULTS: GGT activities of lambs born to ewes that grazed swards 2 cm high were lower than those born to ewes that grazed swards 4 and 6 cm high (p=0.053 and p=0.037, respectively). Glucose concentrations were higher in twin than triplet lambs (p=0.003) and in lambs born to ewes grazed on swards 6 cm high than those born to ewes grazed on swards 2 cm high (p=0.033). These differences were not evident after correction for differences in birthweight. There was significant (p<0.001) variation within litter-mates for GGT activities and glucose concentrations in both twins and triplets. The blood constituent status of lambs that died before the 24-36 h collection period is not known. However, lambs which died after this period had significantly lower GGT activities (p=0.009) and glucose (p=0.010) concentrations at the time of sampling than those which survived. CONCLUSIONS: Farmers should ensure twin- and triplet-bearing ewes in mid- to late-pregnancy are grazing at least 4 cm of herbage to ensure colostrum intake of lambs in the postpartum period is not adversely affected.     

Intrauterine transmission of ovine progressive pneumonia virus

Ovine fetuses, newborn lambs, and ovine colostrum were examined for ovine progressive pneumonia virus. The lambs and colostrum were also examined for specific antibody. Virus was isolated from 1 fetus, from 2 newborn lambs, and from most samples of colostrum. The fetus was about 100 days old and was carried by a seronegative ewe in contact with seropositive sheep. Both newborn lambs were carried by seropositive ewes. One lamb was dead at birth; the other lamb was normal and had not nursed. Antibody specific for the virus was present in the colostrum of 12 of 14 seropositive ewes and in the serum of 8 of 11 lambs that had nursed seropositive ewes, but not in the serum of lambs that had not nursed.     

Colostral transmission of maedi visna virus: sites of viral entry in lambs born from experimentally infected ewes

Maedi visna virus (MVV) vertical transmission in sheep via infected colostrums is a very important route of infection in lambs. To verify colostral transmission and to study early viral entry in lambs, colostrum samples, and small intestine and mesenteric lymph nodes of lambs born from experimentally infected ewes were examined by histopathology, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and in situ hybridisation (ISH) studies. In particular, newborn lambs were naturally fed maternal colostrum and humanely killed at 10, 24, 48, 72, 96 h and 7 and 10 days after birth; two caesarian-derived lambs served as uninfected controls. No lesions suggestive of MVV infection were found, but marked immunoreactions for MVV capsid antigen (CA, p28) were detected in lambs fed maternal colostrum and in macrophages cultured from colostrum. IHC results in lambs suggest an initial viral absorption by intestinal epithelial cells at the tip of the villi, passage to mononuclear cells in the lamina propria and involvement of ileum Peyers' patches and mesenteric lymph nodes, with different staining patterns depending on infection times. ISH on intestinal sections of the 72 h lamb revealed the presence of proviral DNA in epithelial cells at the tip of the villi, suggesting a role for these cells in early MVV replication. The results contribute to knowledge about the pathogenesis of ovine lentivirus infection suggesting that the small intestine and mesenteric nodes are the sites of entry and propagation of MVV in lambs fed colostrums from infected ewes.     

Effects of maternal undernutrition during early pregnancy on growth, muscle cellularity, fiber type and carcass composition in lambs

Seventy-two Rambouillet ewes were fed one of two different levels of energy and protein during gestation to determine the effects of maternal undernutrition on growth and development in their offspring. Levels of energy and protein for the two groups of ewes were: 70% of National Research Council (NRC) requirements 30 d prior to breeding and the first 100 d of gestation and then alfalfa hay fed at 70% of the average consumed by group 2, and 100% of NRC requirements 30 d prior to breeding and throughout gestation. Dissection data from the leg and muscle characteristics were recorded for each lamb. Neither dissected muscle and fat percentages nor proximate analyses of dissected muscles was influenced by ewe undernutrition during early pregnancy. However, the reduced conception rate, increased embryonic/fetal mortality, decreased birth weights and increased lamb mortality resulted in a severe reduction in kilograms of lamb per ewe bred. Feeding ewes 70% of NRC requirements during gestation resulted in lambs with heavier semitendinosus muscle weights, larger muscle fiber diameters and shorter sarcomere lengths than in lambs from adequately fed ewes. No influence of ewe diet, birth type or sex was observed for proportions of muscle fiber type (beta R, alpha R or alpha W). Therefore, low level feeding of ewes during early gestation had no detrimental effects on the carcass or muscle fiber characteristics of their lambs at slaughter.