Egyptian Association for Sheep and GoatsEgyptian Journal of Sheep and Goats Sciences2090-038614120190401The Future of Animal Production in Rain fed Areas of Egypt183258410.21608/ejsgs.2019.32584ENE. I.ShehataEmeritus Prof. - Animal Production Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center.Journal Article20190521Egyptian Association for Sheep and GoatsEgyptian Journal of Sheep and Goats Sciences2090-038614120190401Economic Performance on Small Holder Ettawah Cross Breed Goat Farming at Malang Indonesia.193255410.21608/ejsgs.2019.32554ENHari Dwi.UtamiSocial-economic Department, Faculty of Animal Science, University of Brawijaya.MukhammadDianSocial-economic Department, Faculty of Animal Science, University of Brawijaya.Journal Article20190521ABSTRACT<br />Goat production is an integral part of farming systems in Indonesia and can play an important role in improving livelihood and food security in rural households. This study aimed to assess the economic performance of goat production in Malang regency, East Java Province of Indonesia. Data were collected from a total of 42 farmers using a survey based on structured questionnaire. Indicators for the economic performance of goat production were profit (P), breakeven point (BEP), margin of safety (MOS) and revenue -cost ratio ((R/C ratio). Farmers were classified into three strata, stratum-1 (0.6-1.0 AU, n=15), stratum-2 (1.1-1.5 AU, n=14), and stratum-3 (1.6 -2.1 AU, n=13). Data included primary information (i.e. production cost, revenue) that obtained by survey method using structured questionnaire, whereas the related institution has supplied secondary data. Descriptive technique with applying economic formulation namely, profit, BEP, MOS and R/C ratio were employed to analyze the data. Results show that feed (concentrate and forage) cost shared the highest costs (expenses ranged from 59.36% to 71.15 %.) of the total production costs. Total variable costs per animal unit were lowest (69.57%) in stratum-1 than those in stratum-3 (80.51%) and stratum-2 (80.79%). Stratum-1 therefore, consider as the best BEP of IDR 346, 694/AU during one month period. The monthly revenue per Animal Unit of stratum-2 (IDR 1,038,945) was slightly different compared to sratum-3 (IDR 978,884), with the lowest one (IDR 824,765) come from stratum-1. Hence, stratum-3 ECB for goat enterprise represented as the best feasible farming with monthly profit of IDR 613,768/AU. Likewise, this farming also executed an efficient enterprise on the basis of 62.64% of MOS and 2.68 of R/C ratio. Overall, high feed cost was the major problem that affected goat economic production. Therefore, improvement of feed use efficiency is recommended.Egyptian Association for Sheep and GoatsEgyptian Journal of Sheep and Goats Sciences2090-038614120190401INFLUENCE OF SUPPLEMENTING LIVE YEAST TO RATIONS VARYIED IN ROUGHAGE TO CONCENTRATE RATIO ON PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF LACTATING ZARAIBI GOATS.11233323410.21608/ejsgs.2019.33234ENA. A.MahrousAnimal Production Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.Amal M. A.FayedAnimal Production Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.Mehrez, A.Z.Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of El-Mansoura, Egypt.Gabr, A.A.Animal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of El-Mansoura, Egypt.O. A.ZelakyAnimal Production Research Institute, Agriculture Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.Journal Article20190526ABSTRACT<br />This study was conducted to evaluate changes in productive performance, in terms of milk yield and its composition, of lactating goats, resulted of feeding two rations differ in R : C ratio, and supplemented with or without Rumi yeast (RY) supplementation. Twenty-four lactating goats, in their 2nd -3rd season of lactation, with an average age of 24-30 months, and average body weight 35.83±0. 5 kg were distributed according to their live body weight and milk production into four similar groups, (6 goats each). The experiment lasted for 120 days after the does weaned their offspring.<br />The first two groups, low roughage, were fed 30% (CS) and 70% (CFM). R1 group supplemented with 3g RYS/head/day, while R2 was without RY. The other two groups, high roughage, fed 70% CS and 30% CFM, R3 with 3g RY/head/day and R4 without RY.<br />The obtained results showed that daily milk and fat corrected milk (4% FCM) yields were significantly (P<0.05) increased with R1 and R2 (high concentrate, HC) than those of R3 and R4 (high roughage, HR). Meanwhile, milk yield was significantly (P<0.05) higher with groups supplemented with RY than unsupplemented ones. Averages of DM, TDN and DCP intakes were the highest with R1, compared with the other tested rations. The groups fed HC rations with or without RY had higher conversion rate of feed to milk (0.70 and 0.60 kg milk yield/kg DMI, for R1 and R2, respectively) compared to those fed HR rations, with or without RY. The best feed conversion efficiency values expressed as (kg DCP/ kg milk) were recorded with R1 and R3, being 6.77 and 6.41 kg DCP/kg milk, respectively. Economic feed efficiency (EFE) was the best for goats fed HR supplemented with RY (R2) (165.67%). The results of blood parameters showed that groups fed R2 and R4 (URY) recorded significantly (P<0.05) higher values of total protein, albumin and globulin, compared with those fed R1 and R3 (rations with RY). Yeast supplementation slightly increased glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and urea concentrations in blood plasma of goats.<br />It could be concluded that supplementation of Rumi live yeast (RLY) at the level of 3g head/day to rations of lactating goats either with HC or HR markedly improve milk yield, milk composition and feed conversion to milk efficiency. The goats fed HR supplemented with RY (R3) had better economic feed efficiency (EFE) than those fed other tested rations. No interactions between yeast supplementation and dietary roughage: concentrate ratio were recorded.Egyptian Association for Sheep and GoatsEgyptian Journal of Sheep and Goats Sciences2090-038614120190401Impact of using Guar plant on blood biochemical parameters of Farafra male sheep113255510.21608/ejsgs.2019.32555ENDaghash, H.A.Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Production, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.Suliman, A.I.Animal Production Research Institute, Animal Nutrition Dept., Cairo, Egypt.Abd-Elati M.N.Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Production, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.M.MokhtarAnimal Production Research Institute, Animal Nutrition Dept., Cairo, Egypt.Journal Article20190521The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of partial replacing of Guar plant (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba) either as green forage (GGF) or green forage silage (GGS) to concentrate feed mixture (CFM)) on some blood metabolites and thyroxine hormones (T3 and T4) in Farafra male sheep. For this reason, twenty-four growing male lambs, aged 5 months and weighed 16.69±0.69 kg were divided into three comparable groups (8 each) according to their live body weights. Three rations were tested in the experiment. G1 (70% CFM + 30 % rice straw) and considered as a control group, G2 fed40% CFM + 40% GGF + 20 % rice straw) and G3 fed 40% CFM + 40% GGFS + 20% rice straw. The CFM and rice straw were fed to G1, G2 and G3 groups at rates3 % and 1% of live body weight, respectively. While GGF and GGFS were offered to replace part of CFM protein. The trial extended 120 days.<br />Blood samples collected from all experimental animals before morning feeding (fasting) and blood serum was separated until chemical analysis of total protein, albumin, urea N, total cholesterol, AST and ALT enzymes and thyroxine hormones (T3 and T4).<br />Results showed that levels of total protein, albumin, globulins and T3 hormone increased (P<0.05) in G3 compared to G2 and control group. The concentration of urea-N for GGF and the control diet increased significantly (P<0.05) compared to GGFS diet. The activity of AST and ALT enzymes decreased (P<0.05) in G3 compared to other groups. Regardless the treatments, concentrations of total protein and its fractions increased significantly (P<0.05), while levels of urea-N, total cholesterol, AST and ALT enzymes and T3 and T4 hormones decreased significantly (P<0.05) at the end of the trial compared to other periods. The interaction between the experimental diets and periods of the trial was significant for the levels of urea-N (p<0.01), AST and ALT activities (P<0.05) and T3 and T4 hormones (P<0.05). While no significant differences detected for total protein and its fractions and for total cholesterol.<br />The results obtained revealed that feeding lambs on rations containing GGF or GGFS as non-traditional rations partially replaced protein of CFM, up to 40%, appeared to have no harmful effect on animal health and this is evident through the normal range of all tested blood metabolites and the activity of thyroid hormones among experimental groups.Egyptian Association for Sheep and GoatsEgyptian Journal of Sheep and Goats Sciences2090-038614120190401Influence of dietary supplementation with mannan oligosaccharide on testicular histology of Saidi rams113255610.21608/ejsgs.2019.32556ENDaghash, MW.H.Faculty of agriculture, Animal production department, Assiut University, Assiut , Egypt.Journal Article20190521Eighteen Saidi rams were used in this trial to study the impact of adding mannan oligosaccharide (MOS; active MOS®) on the histological examination of testes. MOS is commercially available as BioMos®, which is a nutritional supplement manufactured by MOS ® Matrix nutrition, LLC, USA was used in this experiment. Animals were randomly divided into three equal groups. The initial average live body weight were 24.00, 24.08 and 24.17 kg for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The first group did not receive MOS and served as a control group (CO), while the second (MOS1) and third (MOS2) groups were supplemented with 2 and 4 g MOS /kg diet, respectively. At the end of the experimental period (6 months), final body weights were 44.17, 48.50 and 45.83 kg, respectively. Five animals from each experimental group were slaughtered. After slaughtering, specimens of testes were taken and prepared for histological structure. The collected samples of testes were immediately immersed in 10 % neutral buffered formalin (40% conc.) and then carefully embedded in paraffin for histological examination. The samples were sectioned into slices of 5 μm thickness using rotary microtome. Sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin (Gu and Li., 2004). Testicular sections of (Co) group revealed that convoluted seminiferous tubules were lined with sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells at different stages of development. All the experimental groups were similar to the control one except that MOS1 group showed plentiful and more apparent elongated spermatids. In addition, leydig cells in MOS2 group were more developed in comparison to other experimental groups. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with MOS to Saidi rams’ diets seems able to improve their reproduction and fertility.Egyptian Association for Sheep and GoatsEgyptian Journal of Sheep and Goats Sciences2090-038614120190401Using hormonal and non-hormonal treatments for improving reproductive efficiency of ewes.113255710.21608/ejsgs.2019.32557ENH. A,HassanDept. of Anim. Prod.,Fac. of Agric., Minia Univ., Egypt.K. M.MarzoukDept. of Anim. Prod.,Fac. of Agric., Minia Univ., Egypt.M. A.KaoudDept. of Anim. Prod.,Fac. of Agric., Minia Univ., Egypt.Journal Article20190521The objective of the present experiment was to evaluate the influence of using hormonal and non-hormonal treatments during flushing on reproductive efficiency of Ossimi ewes. The experiment was performed on thirty-three Ossimi ewes of 41.59 ± 1.05 kg average live body weight. Animals were randomly divided into four groups, G1-flushing with normal diet, G2 received salt free- diet (SFD) for 7-days followed by a salt-containing diet for another 7 days (10 g salt per ewe per day), G3 received Multi Vitamins (twofold injection of multi vitamins every 7 days ( 5 сm³ for ewes and 10 сm³ for rams), and G4 received one injection of GnRH (1 ml Receptal). All ewes and rams were fed 500g/ head/day concentrate pelleted mixture (14% crude protein) increased gradually to one kg during the flushing period (two weeks before start of breeding season and continued for two more weeks during the early stage of breeding season). Rice straw was provided. The experiment designed according to the complete randomized design (CRD). The results showed that the best effect for flushing was for G1 (control), where litter size , number of lambs weaned per ewe (at 8 wks.) and total daily gain (from birth to weaning) obtained were 1.66, 1.55 and 0.134 kg followed by G4 (hormone treated),1.25, 1.25 and 0.130 kg, respectively (P < 0.05) While, the lowest values were obtained with G2 (1.0, 1.0 and 0.120 kg) and G3 (1.0, 1.0 and 0.117 kg), respectively.. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in lambing rate, birth and weaning weights, kilograms of lambs born and weaned. It could conclude that use of normal diet for flushing succeed to improve fertility, without need to the tested treatments. Especially when considering the cost added of those treatments.Egyptian Association for Sheep and GoatsEgyptian Journal of Sheep and Goats Sciences2090-038614120190401Genetic variability among goat breeds using biochemical markers.113255910.21608/ejsgs.2019.32559ENK. M.,MarzoukDept. of Anim. Prod., Fac. Of Agric., Mini Univ., Egypt.I.AgagThe Libyan Academy, Tripoli, Libya.W. E.Abd ElnabiDept. of Biology Fac. of Science., Zawia Univ., Libya.Journal Article20190521The aim of this study was to determine biochemical genetic markers of five goat breeds’ germplasm of Libyan local goats (Mahali), Shami (Syria), Beetal (India), Gulabi (Pakistan) and Sahel (Chad)by using Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate–Polyacrylamide Gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and two isoenzymes systems (Peroxidase, Prx and Esterase, Es). SDS-PAGE analysis revealed 18 protein bands with different molecular weights, ranged from 115 to 14 kDa (kilodaltons). These bands include 5 polymorphic, 9 monomorphic, and 4 unique (Gulabi has protein bands of 96.0 and 92.0 kDa, Shami has band of 14 kDa. and Beetal has band of 36.5 kDa). On the other hand, Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis showed six peroxidase and six esterase isozymes. These six bands suggest that there are six alleles or loci conferring peroxidase and esterase isozymes in the five goat breeds germplasm studied. The results show a variation in biochemical activity levels, as peroxidase isozyme revealed higher percentage of polymorphism (68.75%) than esterase isozyme (58.33%) and SDS-PAGE (28.75 %). It can be concluded that SDS-PAGE peroxidase and Esterase isozyme analysis which are relatively inexpensive techniques, less exposure to toxic chemicals, thus can help in comparing many enzymes to get data about different genetic loci. They have proved to be good methods for studying genetic variation in animal compared to other methods.Egyptian Association for Sheep and GoatsEgyptian Journal of Sheep and Goats Sciences2090-038614120190401BENEFITS OF BLENDING BARKI WOOL WITH POLYESTER113256010.21608/ejsgs.2019.32560ENHelal,A.I. I.Abdel-MageedA. A.I.Gad AllahE. M.Al-BetarR.AgamyS. F.MahoudaJournal Article20190521In the present study, 700 Kg of Egyptian Barki sheep wool was collected from farms of Desert Research Center, Egypt, to study the effect of subjective grading system and blending with polyester on some wool and yarn characteristics. Wool was graded subjectively into coarse, fine and raw, then polyester was added to each grade at the following percentages (0%, 15%, 25%, 35% and 45%) to make wool-polyester blends. Staple and yarn strengths were greater in both coarse and fine grades compared with raw wool. Staple elongation of fine grade reached 3 times compared with coarse grade and twice as much as raw wool grade. Also, in 100% wool blend, yarn elongation of fine grade was twice as much as both coarse and raw grades. Among different grades and blends, fine grade had the highest yarn friction followed by other grades. Generally adding polyester to coarse and fine grades leads to improve yarn strength compared with raw grade. Adding 15% polyester caused the highest improvement among other percentages. Correlations among traits were also discussed.Egyptian Association for Sheep and GoatsEgyptian Journal of Sheep and Goats Sciences2090-038614120190401Utilization of using Atriplex leucociade Boiss or Noaea mucronata as additive in dairy goat diets.113256110.21608/ejsgs.2019.32561ENFatma R.Abd ElazizCamal Research Department, Animal Production Research Institute, ARC, Egypt.Journal Article20190521Two species of desert plants, which are successfully consumed by goats, have been identified, selected and analyzed for their nutritional parameters. Aiming to study the effect of using desert plants Atriplex leucociade Boiss and Noaea mucronata for feeding goats, three diets (T1,T2 and T3 ) were formulated using concentrate feed mixture and rice straw as basal diet. The three diets differed in concentrate: roughage ( C: R ) ratios, being 25 : 75, 50 : 50 and 75:25 for T1,T2 and T3, respectively. Each experimental diet (T1 , T2 and T3 ) was incubated using in vitro technique with adding either 2 , 4 , 6 or 8 g Noaea mucronata /kg DM or 2.5, 5, 7.5 or 10 g Atriplex leucociade Boiss/kg DM. To investigate the effect of supplementing dies with the different levels of those desert plants, rumen DM and OM disappearance (IVDMD and TVOMD) were measured. The results showed significant increase ( P <0.05 ) in both IVDMD and IVMD for adding each of the two desert plants to the diet. The level 10 g of Atriplex leucociade or 15g of noaea mucronate /kg dm diet had the superiority to improve both dry matter and organic matter disappearance in the rumen. These results indicate that such desert plants can be used successfully as additives in feeding ruminant to improve rumen Dm and OM disappearance.Egyptian Association for Sheep and GoatsEgyptian Journal of Sheep and Goats Sciences2090-038614120190401Biological and Biochemical Treatments to Improve the Nutritive Values of Bean Straw (BS): 2- In Vitro Studies to Evaluate the Nutritive Values of Untreated and Treated (BS)113257010.21608/ejsgs.2019.32570ENHanan, A.M.HassanienAnimal Production Research Institute, By-products Research Department, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.Journal Article20190521This study was carried out at Sides Research Station, Ben – Suef Governorate, to study the effect of urea solution (2%, 3% and 4%) or fungi treatment of bean straw on feed intake, digestibility ecoefficiency, nutritive value, nitrogen balance and some rumen liquor and blood constituents. Thirty mature Ossimi rams were divided into five groups. The first group (control, R1) fed concentrate feed mixture (CFM) at rate 1% of body weight plus bean straw, ad libitum. The second group fed CFM at rate 1% of body weight plus bean straw treated with fungi (Trichoderma viride) (R2). The third group fed CFM at rate 1% of body weight plus bean straw treated with 2% urea solution (R3). The fourth group fed CFM at rate 3% of body weight plus bean straw treated with 4% urea solution ad. libitum. (R4). The fifth group fed CFM at rate 1% of body weight plus bean straw treated with 4% urea solution ad libitum. (R5). The digestibility trials lasted 4 weeks (3 weeks as preliminary period and one-week collection period). At the end of the experiment, blood and rumen liquor samples were collected at 0, 3 and 6 hrs.<br />Fungi and urea treatments increased crude protein content of bean straw and decreased DM, OM, CF, NFE, NDF, ADF, cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin contents than untreated bean straw. Dry matter intake (DMI) increased (P<0.05) in the groups fed bean straw treated with 4% urea and fungi than the control group. Fungi and urea treatments increased (P<0.05) digestibility coefficients of CF, ADF, NDF, ADL, cellulose and hemicelluloses than the untreated bean straw. Total digestible nutrients (TDN) of fungi and urea treatments were higher (P<0.05) than untreated bean straw. Treatment of bean straw with fungi increased (P<0.05) DCP content than treating with urea or control group. Fungi and urea treatments increased (P<0.05) DCP content than urea and control groups. Fungi and urea treatments increased (P<0.05) nitrogen intake and had a higher positive nitrogen balance than the control. The ammonia nitrogen concentration or rumen liquor of rams fed bean straw treated with fungi or urea were higher (P<0.05) than those fed untreated bean straw. The pH was not significantly lower for urea treated group than fungi treated group and the control group. Urea treated group had higher GOT and urea N concentrations, but lower GPT, while fungi treated group had intermediate value of GOT, GPT and urea N concentration. Based on the results of the study, it could conclude that ammoniation and fungi treatments of bean straw had beneficial effects on improving feeding value and N utilization by sheep but fungi treatment was more effective in all respects. In addition, fungi treatment is preferable in terms of being a biological treatment rather than the chemical treatments for better and clear environmentEgyptian Association for Sheep and GoatsEgyptian Journal of Sheep and Goats Sciences2090-038614120190401Effect of feeding Moringa oleifera forage on productive performance of growing goat kids25373323210.21608/ejsgs.2019.33232ENM. E. Sayed-AhmedAnimal Production Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.A. M.ShaarawyAnimal Production Research Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.Journal Article20190526Summary<br />A five-months experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of partial replacement of rice straw in the ration of goat kids by Moringa oleifera (MO) forage on feed intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, some blood parameters and productive performance of growing goat kids. Twenty-one growing Baladi goat kids averaged six months age and 11.20 kg live body weight (LBW) were divided into three similar groups and randomly assigned to the following dietary treatments; control group (R1) which fed 60% CFM + 40% RS, while group (R2) fed 60% CFM + 20% RS + 20% MO and R3 fed 50% CFM + 25% RS + 25% MO. The daily feed allowance of goat kids was calculated according to NRC (2007) and adjusted biweekly. The experimental rations offered twice a day at 8 am and 2 pm in equal portions up to the end of the experimental period. Body weight, feed intake and feed conversion were determined over the whole trial. At the end of the feeding trial, three digestibility trials were conducted on twelve goat kids. Results indicated that the digestibility of most nutrients of the two tested rations were significantly higher than those of control one. The highest values were recorded with 20% MO-ration (R2). The feeding values as TDN and DCP followed a similar trend to those of nutrients digestibility among dietary treatments. Growth performance in respect of final weight, total weight gain, daily gain and feed conversion efficiency were significantly superior with kids fed R2 and R3 rations compared with control ration (R1). The best values occurred with R2. Also, kids fed 20 or 25% MO-rations had significantly higher return and economic efficiency than those fed control ration (R1). Rumen function parameters and blood metabolites profile have been also investigated throughout this study.Accordingly, we could recommend for feeding the growing goat kids, supplementing ration with Moringa oleifera forage especially those containing poor quality roughage like rice straw, since it improve daily gain, digestibility. feed efficiency, and economic efficiency. The recommended replacement rate with Moringa is for 20 or 25% of rice straw.Egyptian Association for Sheep and GoatsEgyptian Journal of Sheep and Goats Sciences2090-038614120190401Feasibility of utilizing advanced reproductive technologies for sheep breeding in Egypt. Part 1. Genetic and nutritional resources.39523323510.21608/ejsgs.2019.33235ENA. G.ElshazlyIowa State University, Department of Animal Science, 2356B Kildee Hall, 806 Stange Rd, Ames, Iowa 50011-1178 USA.C. R.YoungsIowa State University, Department of Animal Science, 2356B Kildee Hall, 806 Stange Rd, Ames, Iowa 50011-1178 USA+2Corresponding author:VOICE: 1-515-294-5541; FAX:1-515-294-4471Journal Article20190526SUMMARY<br />Sheep are a valuable livestock species because of their ability to convert forages, as well as feedstuffs not suitable for human consumption, into meat and milk that are important sources of human dietary protein. Sheep are the most abundant ruminant livestock species in Egypt, and great opportunity exists to enhance their productivity though implementation of a genetic improvement program utilizing the advanced reproductive technologies of artificial insemination and embryo transfer. These two reproductive technologies permit the production of more offspring from genetically superior animals in a shorter amount of time than would be possible through conventional breeding. It will be important to match the appropriate breeds of sheep with the proper nutritional and production environments that will enable animals to express their full genetic potential for enhanced production of meat, milk and fiber.Egyptian Association for Sheep and GoatsEgyptian Journal of Sheep and Goats Sciences2090-038614120190401Effect of synchronizing estrus with intravaginal progestagen sponges or prostaglandin F2α on estrus behavior, ovarian structures, estradiol-17β and progesterone levels of Ossimi ewes under subtropics.53603323610.21608/ejsgs.2019.33236ENGamal B.MahmoudAnimal Production Department, Agriculture Faculty, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.W.SenosyTheriogenology Department, Veterinary Medicine Faculty, New Valley University, El Kharga, Egypt.Journal Article20190526ABSTRACT<br />This study was designed to determine the effect of estrus synchronization by either intravaginal progestagen sponges or prostaglandin F2α on estrus behavior, follicular growth patterns and concentrations of estradiol-17β (E2) and progesterone (P4) hormones in blood of Ossimi ewes. A total of 14 Ossimi ewes were randomly divided into two groups, 7 ewes each, balanced for body weight and parity. The first group, G1 synchronized by intravaginal progestagen impregnated sponges (40-mg fluorogestone acetate) for 14 days. While, the second group, G2, was synchronized by injecting two doses of 12.5 mg PGF2α (Dinoprost) 10 days apart. Estrus was observed after removing the vaginal sponges in G1 or after the 2nd PGF2α dose using two trained teaser rams and the ovaries were examined using ultrasonography technique to detect follicles ≥2 mm and corpus luteum (CL). Blood samples were collected via jugular vein to determine E2 and P4 concentrations in peripheral blood.<br />Estrus displaying time after the end of treatment, duration, ovulation time and estrous cycle length were significantly shorter (P<0.05) in G1 than G2. Moreover, diameter of ovulatory follicles and CL were larger in G1 (p<0.05). Ewes in G2 showed higher (P<0.05) number of preovulatory follicles than G1.Ovulation rate was similar in the two groups. E2 level was higher (P<0.05) in G1 during day 0 and P4 level during days 10 and 14 of the estrous cycle than that in G2.<br />In conclusion, ewes synchronized by intravaginal progestagen sponges improved estrus expression and ovulation time, in addition to that the estrus duration were shorter. The diameter of ovulatory follicles and CL were larger but the number of the preovulatory follicles was less and not affected on ovulation rate when compared with ewes synchronized by PGF2α.Egyptian Association for Sheep and GoatsEgyptian Journal of Sheep and Goats Sciences2090-038614120190401Comparison between productive and reproductive performance of Barki and Ossimi ewes under Egyptian conditions61823257310.21608/ejsgs.2019.32573ENEl-Malky, O.M.Animal Production Research Institute, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.Mostafa, T.H.Animal Production Research Institute, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.Ibrahim, N.H.Animal and Poultry Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Beni-Suef University, Egypt .Younis, F.E.Animal and Poultry Production Division, Desert Research Center, Mataria, Cairo, Egypt.Abd El-Salaam, A.M.Animal Production Research Institute, Dokki, Giza, Egypt.Tag El–Din, H.A.Animal Health Research Institute – Chemistry Department, Dokki , Giza , Egypt.Journal Article20190521Abstract<br />This study aimed to determine the influence of breed and physiological status on productive and reproductive performance, blood metabolic profile, and concentration of some hormones in blood of Barki and Ossimi ewes. Investigations were carried out on 40 healthy ewes belonging to the Bedouin flocks in pastoral areas of Burj Al Arab region, animals aged 3-5 years and weighed 35.0-40.0 kg. Animals were assigned in two equal groups (20 ewes/each) according to their breed (Barki and Ossimi ewes). Ewes were grazed on the natural pasture (Acacia saligna and Atriplex halimus plants) and supplemented with concentrate feed mixture. Results showed a significant (P<0.05) difference in live body weight between the two breeds (38.83 and 37.35 kg for Ossimi and Barki ewes, respectively). Milk yield, fat, lactose, ash and total solid were not significantly affected by type of breeds.<br />The effect of breed was significant on RBCs, MCV and MCH, while, physiological status had highly significant effect on RBCs, Ht % and MCH. No significant differences were found between the two breeds in biochemical blood parameters except total lipids. Effect of physiological status was highly significant on albumin/globulin ratio and alkaline phosphatase. For the hormonal pattern, Ossimi ewes had higher level (p<0.05) of insulin concentration than Barki ewes especially during post-partum period. The breed type and physiological status had significant (P<0.05) effects on thyroid hormones, especially thyroxin, as Ossimi ewes showed higher concentration of T3 and T4 (1.76 and 40.14 ug/dl) than Barki ewes (1.67 and 38.20 ug/dl), respectively.<br />Ossimi ewes showed higher (P<0.05) plasma leptin concentration than Barki ewes during different physiological status. Also, in the same trend, Ossimi ewes showed higher leptin concentration in milk than that found in Barki ewes during postpartum days and the differences were significant (P<0.05).<br />Ossimi ewes showed improve of reproductive performance than Barki ewes, represented in estrus duration, estrus rate, onset of estrous, day of estrous, non-return rate, dominant follicle diameter, CL diameter, conception rate, fecundity, kidding rate, reproductive ability, kids born per ewes joined, ewes aborted/ewes conceived, twining frequency and kids weaned/kids kidded compared to Barki ewes. While, the type of breed insignificantly affected fertility. Analysis of variance showed significant variations (P<0.05) in pregnancy duration due to the type of breed. The differences in P4 concentration between breeds after mating were significant (P<0.05).Egyptian Association for Sheep and GoatsEgyptian Journal of Sheep and Goats Sciences2090-038614120190401Principal components analysis of body measurements of Sohagi sheep in Upper Egypt83923257910.21608/ejsgs.2019.32579ENRedaElsaidDepartment of Sustainable Development, Environmental Studies and Research Institute (ESRI), University of Sadat City, Menofyia, Egypt, P. Code 32897.A.ElnahasAnimal Production Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Sohag University, Egypt.Journal Article20190521SUMMARY<br />The current study was conducted to evaluate 383 Sohagi sheep in Sohag governorate, Egypt using a multivariate approach. Data were divided into two age groups of 294 young animals less than 10 months old (147 for each sex) and 89 adults animals from 10 months old and above (9 males and 80 females). Body weight (BW) and four body measurements (heart girth (HG), height at withers (HW), height at rump (HR) and body length (BL)) were measured through the period 2017 and 2018. In young and adult sheep, two factors (principal components) were extracted and accounted for 89.2% and 57.8% of the total variance, respectively. The first factor explained 46.4% and 30.6% of the total variance and the higher positive loading was observed for HW, RH and BL in young sheep whereas the higher positive loading was for HW and RH in adult sheep. The second factor accounted for 42.8% and 27.2% of the total variance and the higher positive loading was obtained for BW and HG in young sheep while was influenced by BW, HG and BL in adult sheep. The use of principal components was more proper than the use of original associated traits to explain body measurements in this study. Thus, extracted factors could be useful in breeding programs with enough decrease in the number of measurements traits to be registered to interpret the body conformation. Also, these principal components could be used as factor scores to predict body weight of Sohagi sheep.