Articles tagged with Sheep
A seven-year study found that translocating bighorn sheep in Arizona increased genetic diversity without eroding ancestral lineage. The research suggests that targeted translocations can maintain or enhance genetic outcomes, contrary to previous studies indicating 'genetic bottlenecks'.
New research by University of Alberta biologists reveals the Stone's sheep population is 20% less common than previously estimated. Genetic analysis shows significant overestimation of certain subspecies due to misclassification, leading to a more accurate estimate.
Researchers found that sheep grazing had a significant impact on the biomass of heath communities, but not on meadow or shrub landscapes. The study suggests that heath is the most attractive pastureland for sheep, leading to increased growth and nutrient input through defecation.
A promising gene therapy for visually impaired sheep has been approved for human trials, offering hope for patients with achromatopsia. The treatment has already shown success in treating affected sheep and demonstrates the potential for a cure.
A team of scientists found that big game animals like bighorn sheep and moose learn to migrate by passing cultural knowledge across generations. The researchers used GPS tracking data to show that translocated animals took decades to learn how to navigate their new habitats, and those that did became more likely to migrate.
Researchers found Tibetan sheep carry infectious Y. pestis bacteria, transmitted through fleas and rodent contact, posing health risks to humans. The study highlights the need for caution when handling under-cooked sheep meat and underscores the unique characteristics of this region's plague transmission route.
Scientists have developed a new method to study pattern formation in living systems by engineering bacteria to exhibit stochastic Turing patterns. These random patterns can be stabilized by noise, providing a potential explanation for the emergence of complex structures in biological organisms.
Research reveals that desert bighorn sheep have begun crossing Interstate 40, potentially increasing genetic diversity among populations but also risking disease transmission. The ability to cross may be attributed to individual animals discovering a new route.
Researchers have created a bioengineered heart valve that emulates native heart valves and functions well after transplantation into sheep. The tissue-engineered heart valve demonstrated improved valve mechanics and tissue structure, and remodeled itself in a similar fashion to native heart valves over time.
Research from the University of Adelaide suggests that taking folic acid in late pregnancy may increase the risk of allergies in children. This contradicts previous studies showing a protective effect against childhood allergies in offspring born with growth restriction during pregnancy. The study found that continued folic acid supple...
A team of researchers has found that Dolly's skeleton shows no signs of abnormal osteoarthritis, contrary to initial concerns. The study also revealed that the skeletons of other clones and naturally conceived sheep have similar radiographic OA patterns.
Researchers trained sheep to recognize celebrity faces and found they could identify their handler's face without prior training. The study suggests sheep have advanced face recognition abilities, comparable to those of humans and monkeys.
Scientists have mapped genes turned on and off in sheep tissues, shedding light on immunity and meat quality. The findings provide a major step towards understanding how genetic information influences physical traits.
Researchers discover wild sheep bones in Black Desert excavation site, revealing a previously unknown population of the species in eastern Jordan. The finding suggests that the region was capable of supporting a variety of resources, including wild sheep, during the Late Pleistocene.
The AI system uses machine learning techniques to estimate pain levels in sheep based on five distinct facial expressions. It can detect conditions such as foot rot and mastitis with high accuracy, enabling early treatment and pain relief.
A team of French and Argentinian scientists identified a genetic mutation responsible for fleece variation in domesticated sheep. The study mapped and functionally validated the mutation using genomic sequencing data from over 2,000 lambs, shedding light on an ancient gene mechanism that may have occurred.
Researchers have identified early biomarkers of Huntington's disease in a five-year-old HD sheep, revealing metabolic changes prior to physical symptoms. These findings suggest that the disease affects important bodily processes before they become apparent, and could lead to the development of new treatments.
Ex-Tropical Cyclone 03S has transformed into a frontal system in the Southern Indian Ocean, showing an elongated shape and strong wind shear. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has issued warnings for heavy rain and cold temperatures.
Four cloned sheep, the 'Dollies', have reached their 9th birthdays in good health, defying initial concerns about premature ageing. Long-term assessments show no detrimental effects of somatic-cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) on these animals.
Researchers used high-intensity focused ultrasound to ablate placental blood vessels in sheep, successfully occluding vessels with minimal complications. The technique shows promise for treating twin-twin transfusion syndrome and related pregnancy disorders.
The Dark Bordered Beauty moth is facing a severe decline due to habitat loss caused by the removal of Creeping Willow plants, which are essential for its caterpillars. Conservation efforts aim to boost Creeping Willow populations and modify grazing regimes to secure the moth's long-term future in England.
A new implantable VAD designed specifically for small children has shown encouraging results in a study using living sheep. The device, called the Infant Jarvik 2015, offers improved hemolysis profile and increased flow rate compared to its predecessor, paving the way for potential clinical trials.
The discovery of Protovis himalayensis sheds light on the origin of Ice Age mountain sheep, suggesting that the Tibetan Plateau was their ancestral home range. The fossil finds indicate a C3 diet and adaptation to high-elevation cold environments during the Pliocene.
A study of wild sheep on St Kilda island found that high levels of vitamin D are associated with improved fertility and reproductive success. Sheep with higher vitamin D levels had more lambs in the following spring, suggesting an evolutionary advantage.
A new study found that Asian sheep are genetically diverse, with two migratory waves of domestication. This diversity can help herders in developing countries preserve valuable traits for meat production.
Researchers have identified a condition called aphantasia, where individuals are born without the ability to visualize images. This affects not only memory but also sense perception, leading to difficulties in recalling experiences and emotions.
Researchers tested transgenic mice and rabbits for susceptibility to prions from various species, revealing that rabbits are susceptible to TSE after exposure to prions from other animals. The studies also showed that rabbit PRNP gene and its normal PrPC protein product do not provide absolute resistance to prion disease.
Researchers have identified over 14,000 genes in the blowfly genome, which can now be investigated for potential drug and vaccine targets. The discovery provides insights into the fly's molecular biology and its interactions with sheep, offering new avenues for combating the devastating flystrike disease.
A WCS study tracked guanacos in Karukinka Natural Park, Chile, revealing their seasonal movements and conflicts with livestock. The research suggests a limited science-based harvest may help conserve this species.
Researchers found that killing wolves increases livestock depredations, with a 4% increase in sheep deaths and 5-6% in cattle deaths after one wolf is killed. The trend continues until 25% of the wolves are killed, leading to unsustainable livestock losses.
Researchers used GPS technology to study sheepdog behavior, finding that they employ two basic rules: collecting dispersed sheep and driving aggregated ones forward. This model can be applied to various fields like livestock management, environmental cleanup, and robotics.
Researchers found that wild sheep with higher tolerance to nematode infection produced more offspring, while those with lower tolerance left fewer descendants. The study provides groundwork for boosting human and livestock resilience to infection.
Research found that early-life experiences can alter behavioral responses to pain and affect the next generation. Female sheep who had their tails docked or experienced mild simulated infections showed more pain-related behavior when giving birth.
Researchers found that competing with sheep had a far greater effect on Chamois than predicted effects of future climate change. The study reveals an alternative strategy to help threatened species adapt to climate change by restricting competitor expansion.
Scientists have developed a technique to control the population of the Australian sheep blowfly by genetically modifying female flies to require a common antibiotic to survive. This approach allows for the separation of male and female larvae, enabling the use of male-only genetic control programs to reduce blowfly populations.
A recent study found that the microbiota in livestock, particularly ruminants, play a significant role in greenhouse gas emissions. The research identified two distinct groups of methanogens responsible for high and low methane emissions in sheep. The findings suggest new targets for mitigating methane emissions at the microbiome level.
A recent study published in Science has sequenced the sheep genome, providing new insights into ruminant evolution and lipid metabolism. The researchers found a previously unrecognized gene LCE7A associated with wool formation and identified key genes involved in keratinized epidermal structure development.
The completed sheep genome sequencing has led to an advanced understanding of genes involved in making sheep unique. The study identified a new pathway for lipid metabolism in sheep skin, which may play a role in wool development and efficient grease production.
An international team has completed the first ever sequence of the sheep genome, shedding light on their specialized digestive systems and fatty acid metabolism. The study identified genes involved in wool synthesis and lipid metabolism, providing valuable insights into the species' unique characteristics.
A gene study has identified the genetic differences that distinguish sheep from other animals, including humans, cattle, and pigs. The findings could aid in developing DNA testing to improve livestock breeding programs.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that bighorn sheep became extinct on Tiburón Island in the Gulf of California between the 6th and 19th centuries. The research uses ancient DNA analysis to confirm the extinction, challenging conventional wisdom about the species' presence on the island.
Genetic analysis of fossilized feces on Tiburón Island in Mexico suggests the island was once home to a native bighorn sheep population. The discovery raises questions about the species' extinction and potential rewilding efforts.
A new study reveals Herdwicks contain a 'primitive genome' from ancient founder flocks in Sweden, Finland, and the Orkney Islands. The research also found that these breeds have lower risk of infection to Maidi Visna virus, providing potential genetic traits for future sheep farming.
Sheep producers may benefit from genetic selection as an alternative strategy to control helminth infections, which can reduce economic losses and minimize the use of chemicals. This approach aims to breed sheep with natural resistance traits, improving overall health and reducing production costs.
New research published in The FASEB Journal found that dieting prior to or at conception can be detrimental, leading to poor metabolic consequences for the offspring. Epigenetic damage might have already been done, even if weight loss occurs just before conception.
Research suggests prenatal BPA exposure causes increased inflammation in fat tissues after birth, leading to obesity and metabolic syndrome. The study found that prenatal BPA exposure interacts with postnatal diet to modulate inflammatory mechanisms in fat deposits.
A study in Montana found that grazing sheep during fallow seasons can improve soil chemistry, increasing calcium, sulfur, and electrical conductivity. Grazing also had no negative effects on soil organic matter and crop yields, with the sheep returning phosphorus and potassium to the soil through their feces and urine.
Sheep and goats can be trained to avoid eating olive leaves and grapevines through conditioned taste aversion, which simulates toxic components found in plants. This method reduces the need for pesticides and farming equipment while providing a nutrient-rich agricultural resource.
Researchers use GPS-enabled backpacks to study flocking sheep and a herding dog, confirming the selfish herd theory by tracking individual animal movements. The findings show that under threat, sheep move towards the center of the flock while the rest moves away from the danger.
Deer hinds in dominant positions select nutrient-rich foods, outperforming subordinates with lower-quality options. The study demonstrates preferential access to high-energy food sources, improving body condition and milk production.
A study mapping sheep ancestry over 11,000 years reveals vast genetic diversity and adaptability to diverse environments. The research provides insights into the evolution of selective breeding for traits such as coat color and body size.
Researchers have shown a 5-fold reduction in lameness from one in ten to one in fifty sheep with proper management and antibiotic injection. This breakthrough treatment has the potential to tackle endemic disease affecting 9 million ewes and lambs annually.
Geneticist Tad Sonstegard and his team identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to gastrointestinal nematode parasites in African native sheep. The study found significant QTL on chromosomes 3, 6, 14, and 22 that can improve production of grazing animals.
A new study published in the Journal of Zoology found that the Tasmanian tiger's weak jaws made it unlikely to catch large prey like sheep. The research suggests that its inability to kill large prey may have hastened its extinction, highlighting the vulnerability of large predators with specialized diets.
Research in southern Norway found that sheep browsing had a significant impact on tree ring widths, with temperatures still visible in the records. The study highlights the importance of considering herbivore densities when estimating past climatic conditions.
Research by Dr Annette Baudisch reveals that pace and shape of ageing are distinct factors in species longevity. Humans age strongly but have a slow pace of ageing, while robins live fast but have a steep shape of ageing.
A Princeton University study found that wild Scottish sheep with stronger immunity lived longer, but were less fertile, and vice versa. The research suggests a balance between strong and weak immune responses in the population.
Scientists have developed a new method to detect transmissible spongiform encephalopathies, progressive and fatal neurological diseases, in cattle and humans. The technique uses fluorescence technology to identify distinct differences in the fluorescence signatures of retinas from infected animals.
Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture's Animal Diseases Research Unit have discovered the viral life cycle of malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), a leading cause of disease in American bison. The virus undergoes several changes inside the animal's body, targeting specific cell types at different stages of its own life cycle.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have found a way to use the sleeve-like cover on bone to heal serious bone injuries faster and more simply than current methods. They developed an artificial sleeve that spurs fast healing when a car wreck, bomb blast or disease leaves too little cover.