| Adaptability of pregnant Merino ewes to the cold desert climate in Nevada. | |
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MedLine Citation:
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PMID: 19933439 Owner: NLM Status: MEDLINE |
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
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Grazing ability is difficult to record in animals under free-ranging conditions without sophisticated methods. Alternatively, grazing ability may be indirectly inferred from changes in BW and production characteristics during the grazing period. The present study investigated the effect of grazing on resource-limited rangelands on BW, wool characteristics, and offspring weaning weights in nine hundred five 5/8, 7/8, and fullblood Merino ewes of 2 to 7 yr of age during a grazing period of approximately 2.5 mo (between January and March). A total of 469 ewes gave birth to a single lamb, 248 to twin lambs, and 188 did not give birth. Body weights were measured and wool samples taken before and after the ewes were allowed to graze freely on the rangelands; absolute change in BW and change in BW as a percentage of initial BW were estimated. On average, grazing on resource-poor rangelands resulted in BW loss, a reduction in fiber diameter and its CV, and increased staple length. Animals with finer wool at the start of the grazing period lost phenotypically (r = -0.07, P < 0.05) and genetically (r = -0.23, P < 0.05) less BW during the grazing period and had a greater probability to carry 1 lamb (or 2) to term (P < 0.05). Animals that lost less BW produced more greasy fleece (r = 0.09, P < 0.01). Body weight change did not significantly influence offspring weaning weights. Change in BW was moderately heritable at h(2) = 0.29; fiber diameter was strongly heritable at h(2) = 0.51. Animals with the least inclusion of Merino genetics lost more BW (P < 0.01) during the grazing period and had a more uniform fiber diameter (P < 0.05) but shorter staples (P < 0.05) and less fleece (P < 0.0001) than animals with a greater level of Merino genetics. Our results indicate that animals with finer wool appeared to be better adapted to the cold Nevada desert. Thus, selection for finer wool may positively influence adaptability to resource-limited cold climate conditions; alternatively, BW change may be selected for directly. Because nutritional deficiencies during pregnancy can have adverse consequences for the offspring, indirect selection for grazing ability would foremost result in healthier ewes that can produce lambs and wool without compromising their welfare. |
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Authors:
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W M Rauw; D S Thain; M B Teglas; T Wuliji; M A Sandstrom; L Gomez-Raya |
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Publication Detail:
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Type: Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Date: 2009-11-20 |
Journal Detail:
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Title: Journal of animal science Volume: 88 ISSN: 1525-3163 ISO Abbreviation: J. Anim. Sci. Publication Date: 2010 Mar |
Date Detail:
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Created Date: 2010-02-26 Completed Date: 2010-05-17 Revised Date: - |
Medline Journal Info:
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Nlm Unique ID: 8003002 Medline TA: J Anim Sci Country: United States |
Other Details:
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Languages: eng Pagination: 860-70 Citation Subset: IM |
Affiliation:
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Department of Animal Biotechnology, University of Nevada, Reno 89557, USA. wrauw@cabnr.unr.edu |
Export Citation:
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| MeSH Terms | |
Descriptor/Qualifier:
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Acclimatization
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genetics* Animals Birth Weight / genetics, physiology Body Weight / genetics, physiology Cold Temperature Desert Climate* Feeding Behavior / physiology Female Nevada Phenotype Pregnancy Pregnancy, Animal / genetics*, physiology Quantitative Trait, Heritable Sheep / genetics*, growth & development, physiology Weaning Wool / growth & development |
From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine
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