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.
Researchers found that Viagra can aid fetal development in pregnant female sheep by enhancing blood flow and supplying vital nutrients. The study's results suggest that the medication may have similar benefits for humans, particularly in preventing low birth-weight babies and related health issues.
Researchers at OSU and UGA developed a faster, easier, and less expensive test to detect Haemonchus contortus, a parasitic worm causing significant production losses in the global sheep and wool industry. The new lectin staining test allows for quick feedback on anemia status and parasite burden.
Researchers at University of California, Berkeley have discovered a new human reproductive hormone called gonadotropin inhibitory hormone (GnIH), which has the opposite effect from gonadotropin releasing hormone. GnIH may lead to the development of novel contraceptives and treatments for cancer or other diseases.
Researchers have found that transhumant sheep farming is crucial for griffon vulture conservation, as it provides an important trophic resource. The study shows that the presence of transhumant cattle in mountain passes gives vultures access to up to six times more food than local livestock.
A recent study published in Journal of Evolutionary Biology found that male bighorn sheep have distinct personalities, influencing their survival and reproductive success. Younger, more aggressive rams often reproduce but die younger, while older, more docile peers survive longer.
A team of researchers, led by University of Alberta biologist David Coltman, have been studying the personalities of bighorn mountain sheep. They found that bold individuals tend to have shorter lifespans, while those with more submissive personalities are more likely to produce multiple offspring.
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered an unusual form of a gene that prompts ewes to breed out of season and conceive at younger ages. The M allele gene, which has been correlated with out-of-season fertility, may be a boon for the sheep industry worldwide when combined with the STAR system.
A new study suggests that a 700-mile US-Mexico border wall could significantly alter wildlife movement and connectivity, threatening populations of some species. Design tweaks and technology can improve animal movement, but the impact on biodiversity is still uncertain.
Soay sheep on Scotland's Hirta island have shrunk by 5% in size and body weight due to the warmer climate. The decline is attributed to increased competition for limited resources, resulting from a longer growing season and more surviving lambs.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine finds that hair sheep blood is a perfect substitute for horse or sheep blood in microbiology tests, reducing costs and improving diagnosis in the developing world. The researchers also discovered that collecting blood in donation bags eliminates the need for defibrination, making ...
A study found that climate change is causing wild Soay sheep in Scotland to shrink in size, as milder winters make survival conditions less challenging. The 'young mum effect' also plays a role, where young ewes produce smaller offspring.
A study published in Science found that changing winter conditions are causing Scotland's wild Soay sheep to get smaller. The researchers suggest that this is an ecological response to environmental variation over the last 25 years, rather than evolutionary change.
New research identifies key factor in treatment delay: flock management philosophy. Early identification and individualized treatment of footrot can reduce lameness incidence by up to 80%. The study suggests farmers have the skills to follow best practices but may need resources to implement them.
A study found that farmers are skilled at identifying mildly lame sheep, but often neglect to treat them promptly, allowing the disease to spread. The researchers recommend that farmers inspect and treat the first mildly lame sheep in a group within one to three days of it first being lame
Researchers found 8 types of bacteria that can degrade synthetic pyrethroids in sheep dip tanks, potentially preventing soil and river contamination. These microorganisms could be added to prevent environmental pollution.
A 9-year study in sheep found that the likelihood of BSE transmission via blood transfusion was 36% for BSE and 43% for scrapie. Researchers warn that up to 4,000 people could be carrying vCJD in the UK, posing a risk through infected blood.
Researchers identified a prion protein characteristic unique to certain natural sheep scrapie cases, which may help study prion diversity and changes during cross-species transmission. The findings distinguish these isolates from bovine BSE cases.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have identified a novel genetic mechanism underlying white and black coat colors in domestic sheep. They found that the dominant white coat is caused by a duplicated agouti coding sequence, while recessive black coats harbor poorly expressed non-duplicated alleles.
A study published in BMC Veterinary Research found that lambs can contract scrapie, a fatal neurodegenerative disease, by consuming milk from infected ewes. The researchers detected the prion protein PrPd in intestinal tissues of both infected and control lambs, suggesting that the infectious agent can be shed and transmitted.
Researchers found that dark coat color is linked to genes reducing fitness, contradicting Darwin's theory. The study reveals that light-coated sheep have higher reproductive success despite being smaller.
In Cameroon's Waza National Park, people have learned to coexist with lions, weighing the benefits of closer grazing against the risk of losses. Researchers found that despite the risks, herdsmen continue to live near the park due to improved access to pastures and water.
Australian White Dorper breeders are utilizing a newly developed DNA test to identify and manage the genetic disorder dermatosparaxis, which causes extreme skin fragility. The disease has been reported in other breeds and can result in death or euthanasia if left unchecked.
Research by Dr. Paul Fowler reveals that low doses of environmental chemicals can disturb the development of ovaries in female sheep fetuses, leading to protein abnormalities and reduced egg production.
Research reveals elevated manganese levels in scrapie-infected sheep's blood before clinical symptoms appear, hinting at a new diagnostic approach. Scrapie-resistant sheep also show increased manganese levels when challenged with the disease.
A pilot study found significant correlations between copper and lead levels in sheep wool and local streams, suggesting that sheep wool can be a reliable bio-indicator of naturally occurring heavy metal concentrations. The study also revealed sex-specific differences in the accumulation of lead and copper in male sheep.
A study at Montana State University investigates a chemical that kills lice on cattle, aiming to determine its effectiveness on sheep. The research seeks to address the financial losses caused by African blue lice infestations, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies and reduced wool quality.
A team of scientists found that endogenous retroviruses are critical during early pregnancy in sheep, supporting the development of the placenta. The study suggests these retroviruses are remnants of ancient infections and have become indispensable for pregnancy in mammals.
Researchers at ULg discovered a new kind of mutation that may contribute to the wide range of phenotypic variations observed in various species, including humans. The Patrocles database provides a comprehensive collection of these mutations, which can aid in discovering similar phenomena for other phenotypes and hereditary diseases.
A recent study found that acetaminophen is safe to use after a heart attack, but it does not offer any protection for the heart. The researchers tested the effects of acetaminophen on animals with induced heart attacks and found no significant impact on blood flow, heart muscle damage, or ventricular function.
Researchers tested genetic resistance in sheep and found PrP absorption is not blocked by gut, but rather by villi. The study suggests alternative mechanisms may exist, leading scientists to reconsider the prion hypothesis for vCJD.
A study finds that US sheep industry decline is linked to market trends, not predation losses, contradicting decades of federally subsidized predator control efforts. The study's findings suggest re-evaluation of federal funding for predator control in the sheep industry.
Researchers successfully transplanted whole ovary from frozen-thawed sheep into the same animal or another, showing long-term ovarian function. The technique could become a treatment for women facing premature ovarian failure and potentially revolutionize organ transplantation.
A study by Duke University researchers found that moderate inhalation anesthetic exposure during pregnancy may not be deleterious to the fetus. The exposure improved cerebral oxygenation in the developing fetus, suggesting a potential benefit for pregnant women undergoing general anesthesia.
Scientists at UGA Vet School found a mechanism that blocks replication of retroviruses, including the Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus, which causes ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma. The discovery provides new insights into viral life cycles and could lead to the development of novel anti-retroviral therapies.
Researchers found an irregularly shaped cluster of nerve cells in the hypothalamus of the sheep brain associated with female mate preference. The study provides clues to the processes involved in development and regulation of heterosexual and homosexual behavior.
A study published in Conservation Biology found that climate change is consistently correlated with extinction among desert bighorn sheep. The researchers identified higher temperatures and decreased precipitation as key factors contributing to the decline of these populations, which are already living on a knife's edge.
Researchers at the University of Florida found that human fetuses likely hear mostly low-frequency rather than high-frequency sounds, suggesting they hear vowels rather than consonants. The study's findings may have implications for premature babies exposed to a range of frequencies in their nursery environment.
Research reveals that sport hunting depletes genes for big horns and fast growth in bighorn sheep populations, leading to a decline in trophy quality. The study's findings suggest that wildlife managers should explore alternative strategies to minimize further deterioration of the genetic quality of bighorn sheep.
Researchers discovered that lambs born from undernourished mothers exhibit significantly shorter gestation periods compared to those from well-fed mothers. The study suggests that maternal undernutrition around the time of conception may trigger an early birth, potentially due to hormonal changes in fetal development.
Research on domestic rams reveals marked brain differences among those preferring same-sex and opposite-sex partners. The preoptic hypothalamus shows distinct variations in neurons involved in sexual behavior, shedding light on the biological basis of mate choice.
Using a unique land-based population research technique, Dr. Vaughan improved the accuracy of bighorn sheep counts in the Grand Canyon by analyzing lamb-to-ewe ratios and survival rates. The innovative method allows for helicopter counts while minimizing disruptions to wildlife habitats.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a rare genetic mutation in sheep that causes large, muscular bottoms without excess fat. The 'callipyge' gene is imprinted, meaning it's only active in the offspring of the affected parent, and its discovery could illuminate how muscle and fat are deposited in humans.
A study found that farmers with specific genetic variations in the paraoxonase gene are more likely to experience poor health after exposure to organophosphates used in sheep dip. This suggests a potential link between repeated exposure and chronic ill health.
The study predicts a range of possible future vCJD deaths from BSE exposure, with estimates between 50-150,000. Researchers suggest risk-reduction strategies to reduce current and future risk by up to 90%.
A new model developed by researchers suggests that the risk of contracting mad cow disease from infected sheep is likely to be higher than from cattle due to stricter control measures. However, implementing regulations such as slaughtering young sheep and banning animal products in feed can reduce this risk significantly.
A study by USGS researchers found that large habitat patches are crucial for bighorn sheep persistence and growth rates. Small patches with high-quality habitat can still warrant restoration efforts.
A recent CSIRO Australia trial found genetically modified lupins increased wool growth by eight percent and live weight gain by seven percent in Merino sheep. The modified protein stimulates the production of sulfur amino acids, essential for growth, making it a valuable boost to Australian wool production.
Experts argue that conservation biologists should move away from simplistic predictive models based on population size to conserve species effectively. John Wehausen analyzed California bighorn populations and found that many small populations persisted for 50 years, contradicting predictions made by a 1990 model.
A Colorado State University study has found that exposure to high-frequency vibrations can increase bone density in female sheep by up to 3% over a one-year period. This promising treatment may be an ideal alternative for older, less active women with osteoporosis.
UNESCO has issued a declaration stating that human cloning is unacceptable, citing ethical concerns and the preservation of humanity's infinite diversity. The organization's director-general has called for a world commission on ethics and science to tackle issues related to scientific developments beyond genetics.
Researchers have identified a genetic marker linked to the callipyge trait, which results in larger buttocks and leaner, less expensive meat. The discovery of the marker will aid efforts to breed sheep with heftier hindquarters using a blood test, and may also be applied to other species.