The Experts below are selected from a list of 360 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
R T Kridli - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
investigation of growth and carcass characteristics of pure and crossbred Awassi lambs
Small Ruminant Research, 2010Co-Authors: Abdullah Abdullah, Momani M Shaker, R T Kridli, Mohammad D. ObeidatAbstract:Abstract The aim of this experiment was to study the growth performance of both ram and ewe lambs, and the carcass characteristics of ram lambs of five genotypes: Awassi (A), F 1 Charollais–Awassi (CA), F 1 Romanov–Awassi (RA), B 1 Awassi–(Charollais × Awassi) (ACA) and B 1 Awassi–(Romanov × Awassi) (ARA). One-hundred lambs (50 females and 50 males) were separated into 10 groups according to sex and genotype from weaning until the end of the experiment. Birth and weaning weights were recorded for all animals; live weight was recorded for all animals on bi-weekly intervals between 2 and 8 months of age. At 8 months of age, 6 ram lambs from each genotype (a total of 30 ram lambs) were randomly chosen for slaughter. Birth weights were similar while weaning weights differed among the five genotypes being greater for the CA. Post-weaning live weights differed among genotypes and according to lamb's sex ( P P P
-
effect of methionine supplementation on performance and carcass characteristics of Awassi ram lambs fed finishing diets
Asian-australasian Journal of Animal Sciences, 2008Co-Authors: B S Obeidat, M.s. Awawdeh, R T Kridli, Abdullah Abdullah, H H Titi, Rasha I QudsiehAbstract:The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ruminally-protected methionine supplementation (0, 7, or 14 g/head/d) on nutrient intake, digestibility, growth performance, carcass, and meat characteristics of Awassi ram lambs fed finishing diets. Twenty four Awassi ram lambs (16.8±1.17 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to 3 treatment diets (8 lambs/treatment) and housed in individual pens. Lambs were given an adaptation period of 7 days before the intensive feeding period that lasted for 86 days. On day 74 of the trial, a digestibility experiment was performed. At the end of the trial (d 86), all lambs were slaughtered to evaluate carcass characteristics and meat quality. Increasing the level of methionine supplementation did not improve (p>0.05) performance nor feed conversion ratio. Nutrient intake and digestibilities were not influenced (p>0.05) by methionine supplementation. There were no differences in final weight, hot and cold carcass weights, dressing percentages or any of the measured non-carcass components. Tissues and fat depth measurements together with all meat quality attributes measured on longissimus muscle of the loin cut were not affected by methionine supplementation. The only meat quality parameters affected were redness (a*) and the hue angle being higher for the control group (p<0.05). These results suggest that methionine supplementation is not likely to produce any production benefits in nutrient digestibilities, performance or carcass characteristics of ram lambs fed a high performance diet.
-
reproductive performance and milk yield in Awassi ewes following crossbreeding
Small Ruminant Research, 2007Co-Authors: R T Kridli, Abdullah Abdullah, Mohd Momani Shaker, Nawzat M AlsmadiAbstract:Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of crossbreeding Awassi ewes with either Charollais or Romanov sires, on pre-weaning lamb production as reflected by reproductive performance and milk production in the ewes. Two hundred and five, 3- to 6-year-old multiparous ewes of three breeds were allocated to three groups [Awassi (A; n = 56), F1 Romanov × Awassi (RA; n = 78) and F1 Charollais × Awassi (CA; n = 71)]. Upon lambing, ewes and their offspring were placed in a large pen in which they remained until the end of the trial. Body weight (BW) and body condition score (BCS) of the ewes and the BW of the lambs were recorded weekly from birth to weaning at 70 days of age. Milk production was recorded weekly from parturition to weaning. Pregnancy rates were not influenced by breed-type. Multiple births and the fecundity of ewes were greater (P
-
sexual behaviour of yearling Awassi charollais Awassi and romanov Awassi rams exposed to oestrousAwassi ewes
Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2007Co-Authors: R T Kridli, A Y Abdullah, Momany M Shaker, M M MuwallaAbstract:This study was conducted to evaluate the sexual performance of 10-month-old, ram lambs of different breed groups. Eight ram lambs each of Awassi (A), F1 Charollais × Awassi (CA) and F1 Romanov × Awassi (RA) breed types were subjected to sexual performance tests by being individually exposed to two oestrous Awassi ewe lambs for four 20-min periods. Bouts of leg kicking and anogenital sniffing were similar among breed groups. Mounting frequency was greater (p < 0.05) in RA than in A and CA ram lambs. Tail-raising was greater (p < 0.05) and mating rate tended to be greater (p < 0.10) in A than in RA and CA ram lambs. The number of mounts per tail-raising (efficiency) was influenced by breed group and test day (p < 0.05). Awassi ram lambs maintained the best efficiency throughout the experiment. Efficiency in RA and CA ram lambs improved with each test day. Results of the present study indicate that RA ram lambs have greater mounting frequency than A and CA, while Awassi are more capable of mating with fat-tailed females than the CA and RA ram lambs.
-
sexual performance and reproductive characteristics of young adult Awassi charollais Awassi and romanov Awassi rams
2006Co-Authors: R T Kridli, A Y Abdullah, Momani M ShakerAbstract:Summary This study was conducted to evaluate the reproductive performance of two-yr-old, sexually naive rams of different genotypes. Eight rams of each Awassi (A), F1 CharollaisAwassi (CA) and F 1 Romanov-Awassi (RA) genotypes were subjected to sexual performance tests by being individually exposed to two estrous Awassi ewes for five, 20-min periods. Body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), scrotal circumference (SC) and semen characteristics were recorded every 2 wk for 2 mo prior to sexual performance testing. Awassi rams engaged in more leg-kicking bouts (P < 0.01) than RA rams. Mounting frequency, raising the fat tail of females, and ejaculation rate were greater (P < 0.05) in A than in CA and RA rams. No genotype x test day interactions were detected, however, test day influenced (P = 0.05) ejaculation rate. Rams of the CA genotype had greater BW (P < 0.01) than RA and A. The CA rams had greater SC (P < 0.01) than A rams and higher BCS (P < 0.01) than RA rams. The RA rams had greater (P < 0.05) semen mass motility than A and lower (P < 0.05) percentage of abnormal spermatozoa than A and CA rams. Additionally, semen concentration tended (P < 0.10) to be greater in RA than in A and CA rams. Results of the present study indicate that RA rams tend to have better semen characteristics, while Awassi rams had better sexual performance when mated with fat-tailed females than the CA and RA genotypes, which may necessitate the use of artificial insemination during crossbreeding programs.
Elisha Gootwine - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
unveiling genomic regions that underlie differences between afec assaf sheep and its parental Awassi breed
Genetics Selection Evolution, 2017Co-Authors: Eyal Seroussi, A Rosov, Andrey Shirak, Alon Lam, Elisha GootwineAbstract:Sheep production in Israel has improved by crossing the fat-tailed local Awassi breed with the East Friesian and later, with the Booroola Merino breed, which led to the formation of the highly prolific Afec-Assaf strain. This strain differs from its parental Awassi breed in morphological traits such as tail and horn size, coat pigmentation and wool characteristics, as well as in production, reproductive and health traits. To identify major genes associated with the formation of the Afec-Assaf strain, we genotyped 41 Awassi and 141 Afec-Assaf sheep using the Illumina Ovine SNP50 BeadChip array, and analyzed the results with PLINK and EMMAX software. The detected variable genomic regions that differed between Awassi and Afec-Assaf sheep (variable genomic regions; VGR) were compared to selection signatures that were reported in 48 published genome-wide association studies in sheep. Because the Afec-Assaf strain, but not the Awassi breed, carries the Booroola mutation, association analysis of BMPR1B used as the test gene was performed to evaluate the ability of this study to identify a VGR that includes such a major gene. Of the 20 detected VGR, 12 were novel to this study. A ~7-Mb VGR was identified on Ovies aries chromosome OAR6 where the Booroola mutation is located. Similar to other studies, the most significant VGR was detected on OAR10, in a region that contains candidate genes affecting horn type (RXFP2), climate adaptation (ALOX5AP), fiber diameter (KATNAl1), coat pigmentation (FRY) and genes associated with fat distribution. The VGR on OAR2 included BNC2, which is also involved in controlling coat pigmentation in sheep. Six other VGR contained genes that were shown to be involved in coat pigmentation by analyzing their mammalian orthologues. Genes associated with fat distribution in humans, including GRB14 and COBLL1, were located in additional VGR. Sequencing DNA from Awassi and Afec-Assaf individuals revealed non-synonymous mutations in some of these candidate genes. Our results highlight VGR that differentiate the Awassi breed from the Afec-Assaf strain, some of which may include genes that confer an advantage to Afec-Assaf and Assaf over Awassi sheep with respect to intensive sheep production under Mediterranean conditions.
-
Mini review: breeding Awassi and Assaf sheep for diverse management conditions
Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2011Co-Authors: Elisha GootwineAbstract:The Local Awassi, a triple-purpose breed for meat, milk, and carpet–wool production, is a low-prolific, hardy breed that is well adapted to the unfavorable conditions of the Middle East, where it is managed under traditionally extensive to semi-extensive conditions. Breeding work with the Awassi has included within-breed selection, crossbreeding, and gene introgression. Those efforts resulted in a variety of Awassi-derived genotypes that successfully occupy semi-intensive as well as intensive production systems. Thus, within-breed selection resulted in development of the “Improved Awassi”—a dairy-type Awassi strain which, under intensive management, produces over 500 l milk/ewe annually; crossbreeding with the East Friesian breed led to the development of the Assaf dairy breed, which exceeds the Improved Awassi in prolificacy and in year-round breeding activity, and introgression of the B allele of the FecB locus into the Awassi and Assaf breeds resulted in the formation of the prolific Afec Awassi and Afec Assaf strains, with prolificacies of 1.9 and 2.5 lambs born per ewe lambing, respectively. Advanced molecular genetics tools have enabled a better understanding of how the Awassi breed was formed during domestication and have uncovered differences in its genetic structure compared to other breeds. Implementing large-scale selection schemes that implement emerging new information on the sheep genome, overcoming threats of inbreeding depression, and further breeding for high uterine capacity are the new breeding goals for the Awassi, Assaf, and their derivatives.
-
prolificacy and lamb survival at birth in Awassi and assaf sheep carrying the fecb booroola mutation
Animal Reproduction Science, 2008Co-Authors: Elisha Gootwine, Shay Reicher, Alexander RozovAbstract:Prolificacy up to the fifth parity and lamb survival at birth were investigated in >or=31/32 Awassi and >or=31/32 Assaf sheep belonging to the ++, B+ and BB genotypes at the FecB locus. In the Awassi, prolificacy of ++, B+ and BB ewes was 1.28, 1.90 and 1.92 lambs born/lambing (LB/L), respectively. In the Assaf, prolificacy of ++, B+ and BB ewes was 1.68, 2.40 and 2.55LB/L, respectively. Lamb survival at birth in the ++ Awassi and the ++ Assaf averaged 0.98 and 0.94, respectively. It declined to 0.93 and 0.86, and 0.85 and 0.78 in the B+ and BB Awassi and B+ and BB Assaf, respectively. For singles, twins, triplets, quadruplets and quintuplets, lamb survival rate at birth was 0.98, 0.92, 0.86, 0.78 and 0.65, respectively. FecB genotype-litter size interactions were not significant (P<0.05). A compilation of study results in which prolificacy of the ++ and B+ genotypes at the FecB locus were investigated in a range of breed-environment combinations revealed that the B allele has a multiplicative effect on prolificacy as B+ prolificacy was significantly (P<0.05) linearly associated with ++ prolificacy.
-
reproductive performance and milk production of assaf sheep in an intensive management system
Journal of Dairy Science, 2004Co-Authors: Geoffrey E. Pollott, Elisha GootwineAbstract:The Assaf breed of dairy sheep, a stabilized cross of the Awassi and East Friesian breeds, has replaced the Awassi as the breed of choice in its country of origin, Israel, and has spread to other Mediterranean countries. In Israel the Assaf breed is managed under an intensive production system involving weaning lambs at birth, rearing them artificially, and milking ewes after parturition. There are several breeding periods in the year when ewes are mated following hormonally synchronized estrus. Records of 18,976 lactations from 5 farms were analyzed to investigate factors that influenced Assaf milk and reproductive performance. Lactation curves were fitted to each lactation, and a range of parameters and calculated values were analyzed. Daily milk yield records also were analyzed to describe a typical Assaf lactation and compared with those of the Awassi breed. Factors affecting age at first lambing also were studied. An average Assaf ewe kept under this intensive management regimen was found to produce 334 L of milk during a 173-d lactation. Mean litter size was 1.57 lambs/ewe lambing, and lambing interval was 272 d. Milk production was affected by litter size, with twin- and triplet-bearing ewes producing approximately 20 L more milk per lactation than single-bearing ewes. Day length was the major environmental variable influencing milk yield. The difference between midsummer and midwinter day lengths accounted for a difference in daily milk yield of 0.44 L in favor of summer. Ewe lambs that were mated for the first time at later ages produced more lambs and more milk due to greater early lactation characteristics. Milk production was found to be negatively associated with subsequent reproductive performance. Comparing these results with those from an earlier study in the Awassi breed, the Assaf was found to produce less milk during a shorter lactation than the Awassi, but its greater litter size made it a more profitable breed.
-
genetic and economic analysis of introgression the b allele of the fecb booroola gene into the Awassi and assaf dairy breeds
Livestock Production Science, 2001Co-Authors: Elisha Gootwine, A Zenu, S Yossafi, A Rosov, Geoffrey E. PollottAbstract:Abstract Selection for yield and the adoption of an intensive management system underpins the high milk production of the Improved Awassi and the Assaf dairy flocks in Israel. However, lamb production, which contributes some 40% of the income, remains relatively low at 1.2 and 1.6 lambs born/ewe lambing (LB/EL) for the Awassi and the Assaf, respectively. To increase the profitability, through improved lamb production, a breeding scheme was initiated in 1986 to introduce the B allele of the FecB (Booroola) gene to the Awassi and Assaf breeds. This led to the formation of the Afec–Awassi and Afec–Assaf strains with prolificacy of about 2.0 LB/EL. A marker assisted selection approach and the use of induced ovulation rate as selection criteria were incorporated into the breeding programs. The Awassi is the main type of sheep in the Middle East where about 80 million sheep of this breed and other related fat tail breeds are present. Distribution of the BB Afec semen or rams in those flocks, through regional breeding programs, can improve their productivity and their economics, facilitating the transition into a more intensive production system. The economic justification for launching such a breeding program depends mainly on the local lamb price.
Momani M Shaker - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
investigation of growth and carcass characteristics of pure and crossbred Awassi lambs
Small Ruminant Research, 2010Co-Authors: Abdullah Abdullah, Momani M Shaker, R T Kridli, Mohammad D. ObeidatAbstract:Abstract The aim of this experiment was to study the growth performance of both ram and ewe lambs, and the carcass characteristics of ram lambs of five genotypes: Awassi (A), F 1 Charollais–Awassi (CA), F 1 Romanov–Awassi (RA), B 1 Awassi–(Charollais × Awassi) (ACA) and B 1 Awassi–(Romanov × Awassi) (ARA). One-hundred lambs (50 females and 50 males) were separated into 10 groups according to sex and genotype from weaning until the end of the experiment. Birth and weaning weights were recorded for all animals; live weight was recorded for all animals on bi-weekly intervals between 2 and 8 months of age. At 8 months of age, 6 ram lambs from each genotype (a total of 30 ram lambs) were randomly chosen for slaughter. Birth weights were similar while weaning weights differed among the five genotypes being greater for the CA. Post-weaning live weights differed among genotypes and according to lamb's sex ( P P P
-
sexual activity and puberty in pure Awassi and crosses and backcrosses with charollais and romanov sheep breeds
New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 2007Co-Authors: Rami T. Kridli, A Y Abdullah, Momani M Shaker, Mahmoud K MasadehAbstract:Abstract The aim of this experiment was to study sexual activity, scrotal circumference and the occurrence of puberty in five breed groups of ram lambs. Awassi (A, n = 8), F1 Charollais‐Awassi (CA, n = 5), backcrossed Awassi‐Charollais‐Awassi (ACA, n = 9), F1 Romanov‐Awassi (RA, n = 9) and backcrossed Awassi‐Romanov‐Awassi (ARA, n = 8) ram lambs were randomly selected at weaning to be used in this study. Sexual activity was observed weekly by introducing two oestrous ewes into each m ale group for a period of 20 min. At the time of first expressed sexual interest in females, body weights (BW) (P < 0.05) and scrotal circumferences (SC) (P < 0.001) differed among ram breed groups, while age and testosterone concentrations were similar. Weights at puberty were similar among the ram breed groups. Puberty, however, occurred earlier (P < 0.01) in CA, RA and ACA than in A and ARA ram lambs. At puberty, testosterone concentrations were similar while SC were greater (P < 0.01) in CA, ACA and RA than in ARA ram lam...
-
sexual performance and reproductive characteristics of young adult Awassi charollais Awassi and romanov Awassi rams
2006Co-Authors: R T Kridli, A Y Abdullah, Momani M ShakerAbstract:Summary This study was conducted to evaluate the reproductive performance of two-yr-old, sexually naive rams of different genotypes. Eight rams of each Awassi (A), F1 CharollaisAwassi (CA) and F 1 Romanov-Awassi (RA) genotypes were subjected to sexual performance tests by being individually exposed to two estrous Awassi ewes for five, 20-min periods. Body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), scrotal circumference (SC) and semen characteristics were recorded every 2 wk for 2 mo prior to sexual performance testing. Awassi rams engaged in more leg-kicking bouts (P < 0.01) than RA rams. Mounting frequency, raising the fat tail of females, and ejaculation rate were greater (P < 0.05) in A than in CA and RA rams. No genotype x test day interactions were detected, however, test day influenced (P = 0.05) ejaculation rate. Rams of the CA genotype had greater BW (P < 0.01) than RA and A. The CA rams had greater SC (P < 0.01) than A rams and higher BCS (P < 0.01) than RA rams. The RA rams had greater (P < 0.05) semen mass motility than A and lower (P < 0.05) percentage of abnormal spermatozoa than A and CA rams. Additionally, semen concentration tended (P < 0.10) to be greater in RA than in A and CA rams. Results of the present study indicate that RA rams tend to have better semen characteristics, while Awassi rams had better sexual performance when mated with fat-tailed females than the CA and RA genotypes, which may necessitate the use of artificial insemination during crossbreeding programs.
-
age at puberty and some biological parameters of Awassi and its first crosses with charollais and romanov rams
Italian Journal of Animal Science, 2006Co-Authors: R T Kridli, A Y Abdullah, Momani M Shaker, Ahmad Qasem AlmomaniAbstract:The aim of this experiment was to determine the age at puberty of both ram and ewe lambs of three genotypes: Awassi (A), Charollais x Awassi (CA), and Romanov x Awassi (RA) F1crosses. Twenty, six-month old lambs (10 from each sex) from each genotype were used. Ram and ewe lambs were kept in separate groups from the beginning until the end of the experiment. Birth weight and weaning weight were recorded for all animals. Body weights and body condition scores were recorded at monthly intervals between 6.5 and 12 months of age. Blood samples were collected weekly from ewe lambs and fortnightly from ram lambs to monitor progesterone and testosterone profiles, respectively. Semen character- istics and scrotal circumferences (SC) were evaluated fortnightly. Weight at puberty in ewe and ram lambs were not sig- nificantly different among the three genotypes and ranged around 35 kg and 42 kg, respectively. In ewe lambs, age at puberty was significantly higher (P< 0.01) in A (280±11.5 d) than in RA (232±11 d) and CA (255±11.5 d). Age at puber- ty of ram lambs was also significantly different (P < 0.01) among the three genotypes being higher in A (243±5 d) than in CA (223±5 d) and RA (226±5 d) ram lambs. Semen parameters improved with age in all genotypes. The RA ram lambs had greater semen concentration and lower abnormal spermatozoa than the other two genotypes (P< 0.05). Results of the present study indicate that crossing Awassi ewes with either Charollais or Romanov sires tends to improve reproduc- tive characteristics of the Fcrossbreds through advancing age at puberty in both ram and ewe lambs.
-
fattening performance and carcass value of Awassi ram lambs f 1 crossbreds of romanov Awassi and charollais Awassi in jordan výkrmnost a jatecna hodnota beranků plemene Awassi křiženců f 1 Awassi romanov a Awassi charollais v jordansku
2002Co-Authors: Momani M Shaker, A Y Abdullah, R T Kridli, J Blaha, I Sada, R SovjakAbstract:e goal of the study was to examine and evaluate the effect of lamb genotype on the growth, feed con - sumption, feed conversion and carcass value of Awassi ram lambs, F 1 crossbreds of Romanov × Awassi and Charollais × Awassi. Average daily weight gain and total weight gain during the trial were 199 ± 0.01 g and 12.33 ± 0.58 kg in pure Awassi ram lambs, 216 ± 0.01 g and 13.37 ± 0.71 kg in F 1 crossbreds A × Ch and 268 ± 0.01 g and 16.66 ± 0.58 kg in F 1 crossbreds A × R (P ≤ 0.01). Statistically significant differences between the genotypes were found in diagonal body length, rump height and chest girth (P ≤ 0.01). Evaluation of carcass by-products shows that the genotype affected the weight of full and empty digestive tracts, small intestine, heart, liver, intestinal fat, testicles, kidney and kidney fat (P ≤ 0.05 - 0.01). e highest dressing percentage (including fat tail) in warm condition was 50.93 ± 1.11% in Awassi ram lambs and if compared with F 1 crossbred A × Ch 50.34 ± 1.36% and F 1 cross- breeds A × R 49.05 ± 1.11% no statistically significant difference was found. e highest percentage ratios of leg, loin and rack, which represent the prime meat of carcass, 57.08 ± 1.72% were in F 1 crossbreds A × Ch, 54.14 ± 1.40% in F 1 crossbreds A × R and 48.99 ± 1.40% in Awassi ram lambs (P ≤ 0.001). e highest fat tail percentage 13.4 ± 1.06% was in Awassi ram lambs and the lowest 1.76 ± 1.06% in F 1 crossbreds A × R (P ≤ 0.001). In general, the results of this study demonstrated that F 1 crossbreeds A × R and F 1 crossbreds A × Ch were superior to Awassi ram lambs in daily weight gain and total weight gain, feed conversion, lower costs per 1 kg meat gain and mainly in the carcass indicators.
S K Hamadeh - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
fat mobilization in water restricted Awassi ewes supplemented with vitamin c
Journal of Arid Environments, 2011Co-Authors: Lina S Jaber, N Rawda, Abi M Said, Elie K Barbour, N Hanna, Mabelle Chedid, S K HamadehAbstract:The current study was designed to assess the effect of water restriction on fat metabolism in Awassi ewes orally supplemented with different levels of vitamin C. Experiment 1 (24 days) included four groups, four animals in each, with one group as control receiving daily water. The three remaining groups were watered once every four days, with the third and fourth groups receiving a daily oral dose of 3 g and 5 g vitamin C, respectively. Experiment 2 (21 days) was similarly designed except that the last group was administered one 10 g vitamin C oral dose at the beginning and at the middle of the experiment. Water restriction induced a reduction in feed intake and consequently weight loss in both experiments. Fat cell diameter, insulin, leptin, T3 and T4 concentrations tended to decrease in water restricted animals with or without vitamin C, while fatty acids and cholesterol increased. The observed changes reflect fat mobilization in water restricted Awassi ewes, which seemed to be correlated with insulin and leptin levels. Furthermore, fat mobilization reflected by high fatty acid and low leptin concentrations seemed to be more enhanced by daily supplementation of vitamin C than by the singular high dosages repeated twice, however further research is needed to confirm this observation.
-
physiological responses to water restriction in dry and lactating Awassi ewes
Livestock Science, 2006Co-Authors: S K Hamadeh, N Rawda, Lina S Jaber, A Habre, Abi M Said, Elie K BarbourAbstract:Abstract The effect of water restriction in Awassi ewes was assessed under two physiological conditions: lactating and dry, over a 3-week-period (August–September, 2002). Eight dry and eight lactating Awassi ewes (with their lambs) were assigned to one of two watering regimes: watered once every three days and daily watering, respectively. Weather data, body weight and rectal temperature were recorded. Venous blood was sampled on the watering day of the water-restricted group, and subjected to haematological, biochemical and electrolytes analysis. Ewes under water restriction lost more weight and had higher packed cell volume, haemoglobin, serum cholesterol, urea, creatinine, total protein and albumin as compared to daily-watered animals. However, lactation seemed to have no significant effect on these serum components. As for blood pH and electrolytes, Na + and Cl − were significantly higher under water restriction; whereas significantly lower K + and Ca ++ but higher pH and Cl − were observed in lactating animals. Finally, lower cortisol concentrations were observed in water-restricted animals, warranting further studies on the hormonal adaptation to long term water stress. It was concluded that water restriction induces similar changes in blood physiological indicators in dry and lactating Awassi ewes; while lactation beyond the first month post partum seems to mostly affect blood electrolytes.
-
the effect of water restriction on certain physiological parameters in Awassi sheep
Small Ruminant Research, 2004Co-Authors: Lina S Jaber, N Rawda, A Habre, Abi M Said, Elie K Barbour, S K HamadehAbstract:Abstract The effect of water restriction was studied on various physiological parameters in Awassi ewes over a 6-week-period (April–May, 2002). Fifteen dry, multiparous Awassi ewes were randomly assigned to three watering regimes of five ewes per group. Group A received water once every 4 days; Group B once every 2 days and Group C was the control, receiving water daily. Group feed intake and weather data were recorded daily, while rectal temperatures and body weight were recorded weekly. Venous blood was sampled weekly and analyzed for pH, electrolytes, packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin, serum glucose, urea, creatinine, total protein, globulin, albumin, cholesterol, and cortisol. A decrease in body weight was recorded in Groups A and B. In addition, Group A showed significantly (P
A Y Abdullah - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
-
sexual activity and puberty in pure Awassi and crosses and backcrosses with charollais and romanov sheep breeds
New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research, 2007Co-Authors: Rami T. Kridli, A Y Abdullah, Momani M Shaker, Mahmoud K MasadehAbstract:Abstract The aim of this experiment was to study sexual activity, scrotal circumference and the occurrence of puberty in five breed groups of ram lambs. Awassi (A, n = 8), F1 Charollais‐Awassi (CA, n = 5), backcrossed Awassi‐Charollais‐Awassi (ACA, n = 9), F1 Romanov‐Awassi (RA, n = 9) and backcrossed Awassi‐Romanov‐Awassi (ARA, n = 8) ram lambs were randomly selected at weaning to be used in this study. Sexual activity was observed weekly by introducing two oestrous ewes into each m ale group for a period of 20 min. At the time of first expressed sexual interest in females, body weights (BW) (P < 0.05) and scrotal circumferences (SC) (P < 0.001) differed among ram breed groups, while age and testosterone concentrations were similar. Weights at puberty were similar among the ram breed groups. Puberty, however, occurred earlier (P < 0.01) in CA, RA and ACA than in A and ARA ram lambs. At puberty, testosterone concentrations were similar while SC were greater (P < 0.01) in CA, ACA and RA than in ARA ram lam...
-
sexual behaviour of yearling Awassi charollais Awassi and romanov Awassi rams exposed to oestrousAwassi ewes
Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2007Co-Authors: R T Kridli, A Y Abdullah, Momany M Shaker, M M MuwallaAbstract:This study was conducted to evaluate the sexual performance of 10-month-old, ram lambs of different breed groups. Eight ram lambs each of Awassi (A), F1 Charollais × Awassi (CA) and F1 Romanov × Awassi (RA) breed types were subjected to sexual performance tests by being individually exposed to two oestrous Awassi ewe lambs for four 20-min periods. Bouts of leg kicking and anogenital sniffing were similar among breed groups. Mounting frequency was greater (p < 0.05) in RA than in A and CA ram lambs. Tail-raising was greater (p < 0.05) and mating rate tended to be greater (p < 0.10) in A than in RA and CA ram lambs. The number of mounts per tail-raising (efficiency) was influenced by breed group and test day (p < 0.05). Awassi ram lambs maintained the best efficiency throughout the experiment. Efficiency in RA and CA ram lambs improved with each test day. Results of the present study indicate that RA ram lambs have greater mounting frequency than A and CA, while Awassi are more capable of mating with fat-tailed females than the CA and RA ram lambs.
-
sexual performance and reproductive characteristics of young adult Awassi charollais Awassi and romanov Awassi rams
2006Co-Authors: R T Kridli, A Y Abdullah, Momani M ShakerAbstract:Summary This study was conducted to evaluate the reproductive performance of two-yr-old, sexually naive rams of different genotypes. Eight rams of each Awassi (A), F1 CharollaisAwassi (CA) and F 1 Romanov-Awassi (RA) genotypes were subjected to sexual performance tests by being individually exposed to two estrous Awassi ewes for five, 20-min periods. Body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), scrotal circumference (SC) and semen characteristics were recorded every 2 wk for 2 mo prior to sexual performance testing. Awassi rams engaged in more leg-kicking bouts (P < 0.01) than RA rams. Mounting frequency, raising the fat tail of females, and ejaculation rate were greater (P < 0.05) in A than in CA and RA rams. No genotype x test day interactions were detected, however, test day influenced (P = 0.05) ejaculation rate. Rams of the CA genotype had greater BW (P < 0.01) than RA and A. The CA rams had greater SC (P < 0.01) than A rams and higher BCS (P < 0.01) than RA rams. The RA rams had greater (P < 0.05) semen mass motility than A and lower (P < 0.05) percentage of abnormal spermatozoa than A and CA rams. Additionally, semen concentration tended (P < 0.10) to be greater in RA than in A and CA rams. Results of the present study indicate that RA rams tend to have better semen characteristics, while Awassi rams had better sexual performance when mated with fat-tailed females than the CA and RA genotypes, which may necessitate the use of artificial insemination during crossbreeding programs.
-
age at puberty and some biological parameters of Awassi and its first crosses with charollais and romanov rams
Italian Journal of Animal Science, 2006Co-Authors: R T Kridli, A Y Abdullah, Momani M Shaker, Ahmad Qasem AlmomaniAbstract:The aim of this experiment was to determine the age at puberty of both ram and ewe lambs of three genotypes: Awassi (A), Charollais x Awassi (CA), and Romanov x Awassi (RA) F1crosses. Twenty, six-month old lambs (10 from each sex) from each genotype were used. Ram and ewe lambs were kept in separate groups from the beginning until the end of the experiment. Birth weight and weaning weight were recorded for all animals. Body weights and body condition scores were recorded at monthly intervals between 6.5 and 12 months of age. Blood samples were collected weekly from ewe lambs and fortnightly from ram lambs to monitor progesterone and testosterone profiles, respectively. Semen character- istics and scrotal circumferences (SC) were evaluated fortnightly. Weight at puberty in ewe and ram lambs were not sig- nificantly different among the three genotypes and ranged around 35 kg and 42 kg, respectively. In ewe lambs, age at puberty was significantly higher (P< 0.01) in A (280±11.5 d) than in RA (232±11 d) and CA (255±11.5 d). Age at puber- ty of ram lambs was also significantly different (P < 0.01) among the three genotypes being higher in A (243±5 d) than in CA (223±5 d) and RA (226±5 d) ram lambs. Semen parameters improved with age in all genotypes. The RA ram lambs had greater semen concentration and lower abnormal spermatozoa than the other two genotypes (P< 0.05). Results of the present study indicate that crossing Awassi ewes with either Charollais or Romanov sires tends to improve reproduc- tive characteristics of the Fcrossbreds through advancing age at puberty in both ram and ewe lambs.
-
fattening performance and carcass value of Awassi ram lambs f 1 crossbreds of romanov Awassi and charollais Awassi in jordan výkrmnost a jatecna hodnota beranků plemene Awassi křiženců f 1 Awassi romanov a Awassi charollais v jordansku
2002Co-Authors: Momani M Shaker, A Y Abdullah, R T Kridli, J Blaha, I Sada, R SovjakAbstract:e goal of the study was to examine and evaluate the effect of lamb genotype on the growth, feed con - sumption, feed conversion and carcass value of Awassi ram lambs, F 1 crossbreds of Romanov × Awassi and Charollais × Awassi. Average daily weight gain and total weight gain during the trial were 199 ± 0.01 g and 12.33 ± 0.58 kg in pure Awassi ram lambs, 216 ± 0.01 g and 13.37 ± 0.71 kg in F 1 crossbreds A × Ch and 268 ± 0.01 g and 16.66 ± 0.58 kg in F 1 crossbreds A × R (P ≤ 0.01). Statistically significant differences between the genotypes were found in diagonal body length, rump height and chest girth (P ≤ 0.01). Evaluation of carcass by-products shows that the genotype affected the weight of full and empty digestive tracts, small intestine, heart, liver, intestinal fat, testicles, kidney and kidney fat (P ≤ 0.05 - 0.01). e highest dressing percentage (including fat tail) in warm condition was 50.93 ± 1.11% in Awassi ram lambs and if compared with F 1 crossbred A × Ch 50.34 ± 1.36% and F 1 cross- breeds A × R 49.05 ± 1.11% no statistically significant difference was found. e highest percentage ratios of leg, loin and rack, which represent the prime meat of carcass, 57.08 ± 1.72% were in F 1 crossbreds A × Ch, 54.14 ± 1.40% in F 1 crossbreds A × R and 48.99 ± 1.40% in Awassi ram lambs (P ≤ 0.001). e highest fat tail percentage 13.4 ± 1.06% was in Awassi ram lambs and the lowest 1.76 ± 1.06% in F 1 crossbreds A × R (P ≤ 0.001). In general, the results of this study demonstrated that F 1 crossbreeds A × R and F 1 crossbreds A × Ch were superior to Awassi ram lambs in daily weight gain and total weight gain, feed conversion, lower costs per 1 kg meat gain and mainly in the carcass indicators.
