Systematics and phylogeny of the sheep;Genetic aspects of domestication, common breeds and their origin; Genetics of colour and hair texture; Genetics of morphological traits and inherited disorders; Biochemical genetics; Molecular genetics of sheep; Molecular genetics of immune molecules; Genetics of disease resistance and vaccine response; Molecular biology and genetics of scrapie in sheep; Cytogenetics: physical chromosome maps; The sheep linkage map; Genetics of behaviour; Biology and genetics of reproduction; Modern reproduction technologies and transgenics; Developmental genetics; Genetic resources and conservation; Genetic improvement of wool production; Genetics of meat quality; Genetics of milk production; Genetic improvement of sheep; Standardized genetic nomenclature for sheep.

Summary In Israel, more than half of the national sheep flock is kept by Bedouin in the Negev desert. Extensive production systems co-exist besides semi-intensive systems with varying economic success. There is a constant regional demand for sheep meat, but the local supply is not able to cover it. The wide gap between the performance potential of the commonly used and environmentally adapted local Awassi and improved sheep breeds suggests an increase in economic efficiency by intensification of breeding. The choice of a suitable breed for a specific system is seen as key factor for the farm success and requires the knowledge of the animals’ adaptation. Information on the performance of Bedouin sheep flocks under the given harsh production conditions are, however, missing. The purpose of the study was thus a characterization of current production systems, the assessment of the aggregated performance of the different Awassi lines kept in those systems and the impact of socio-economic and production factors on the efficiency of Bedouin sheep production. Also breeding objectives of Bedouin sheep farmers were investigated. The role of new breeding technologies in the ongoing process of intensification of sheep farming systems was analyzed and discussed. Data collection was step-wise with repeated field surveys from January 2007 till March 2009, lasting 6 months altogether. In a first diagnostic survey 30 Bedouin households in the Negev desert, located in two different climatic zones, arid and semi-arid, and keeping a minimum flock size of 50 animals, were visited. Households were grouped into 4 tribe groups according to location and ethnical background. In a second step, 21 households of the previous sample were visited again and grouped according to the breed composition of their flocks and by their use of hormonal synchronization and/or artificial insemination. Semi-structured interviews and participative observation yielded information about the socio-economic situation of the household, function of flocks, the livestock husbandry, sheep management and production. Sheep market surveys, key person interviews and secondary data were used for verification of data. Detailed information on sheep was obtained through on-farm performance recording run in 16 sheep farms, including a total of 2420 breeding ewes. Sheep of different Improved Awassi lines were present in those experimental flocks, including the Afec Awassi, carrying the Booroola gene (BB/B+), which has a major impact on prolificacy, and the Assaf breed. In a last step, 56 sheep farmers from different parts of the Negev were asked about their selection criteria for replacement. Trait preferences were derived by a consecutive ranking technique. The data analysis incorporated descriptive statistics, general linear models and non-parametric tests performed with SAS 9.1 and SAS 9.2 software. The diagnostic survey revealed that functions of sheep flocks differed significantly between tribes: in the semi-arid area with a main focus on generating income, and in tribes of the arid zone with a higher importance of subsistence related and social purposes. The primary purpose was meat production. The dual purpose of meat and milk was still found in 57% of the farms, yet only 13% of the farms were selling milk products. The missing market access was the main reason for a strong decline in the use of milk, wool and manure during the last decade. Lamb meat, providing the main output of all farms, ranged from 13 to 58 kg of marketable live weight per ewe and year (LME). Classified according to their LME, 30% of the investigated farms followed an extensive, 47% a semi-extensive and 23% a semi-intensive management. Significant differences in meat output were found for the factors tribe group, breed composition of flocks and selling age of lambs. The gross margin per ewe and year varied between -27 € and 54 € and the net benefit per flock and year (NB) between -7,020 € and 20,993 €. Both economic parameters were positively related to the meat output. Negative NB’s were realized by 43% of the farms, belonging foremost to traditional Bedouin tribes, oriented towards subsistence and living in remote areas. Only 27% of economically successful farms generated an income comparable to that of a part-time off-farm job. These farmers regularly used veterinary services to introduce improved breeds and modern breeding technology. Their good market access facilitated a strong market-oriented production, integrating lamb fattening, which had the highest impact on the production success. During the two years of research a severe drought occurred in the study region, causing a decline in LME, due to lower lambing rates and higher mortalities. To adapt to changing conditions, farms keeping the pure local Awassi breed reduced their flock sizes stronger than farms keeping also crossbreds. Consequently, the LME and the NB decreased stronger in flocks of pure local Awassi, compared to flocks with crossbreds. The decline in the NB was 14 times lower in flocks with use of hormonal synchronization and/or artificial insemination than in flocks with the local breed kept under traditional management. The lowest decline in the NB and the benefit cost ratio (BCR) were found in flocks with more than 50% crossbreds. Yet, a high variation in performance among flocks with different degrees of crossbreeding was detected. Data analysis of flocks with permanent performance recording revealed that prolificacy was significantly affected by breed, besides farm and parity. Afec Awassi (B+) ewes had a significantly (p

Animal Agriculture: Sustainability, Challenges and Innovations discusses the land-based production of high-quality protein by livestock and poultry and how it plays an important role in improving human nutrition, growth and health. With exponential growth of the global population and marked rises in meat consumption per capita, demands for animal-source protein are expected to increase 72% between 2013 and 2050. This raises concerns about the sustainability and environmental impacts of animal agriculture. An attractive solution to meeting increasing needs for animal products and mitigating undesirable effects of agricultural practices is to enhance the efficiency of animal growth, reproduction, and lactation. Currently, there is no resource that offers specific knowledge of both animal science and technology, including biotechnology for the sustainability of animal agriculture for the expanding global demand of food in the face of diminishing resources. This book fills that gap, giving readers all the necessary information on important issues facing modern animal agriculture, namely its sustainability, challenges and innovative solutions. - Integrates new knowledge in animal breeding, biotechnology, nutrition, reproduction and management - Addresses the urgent issue of sustainability in modern animal agriculture - Provides practical solutions on how to solve the current and future problems that face animal agriculture worldwide

**Selected for Doody's Core Titles® 2024 in Veterinary Medicine** Get practical answers from the only guide on the care of sheep, goats, and cervids! Authoritative yet easy to read, Sheep, Goat and Cervid Medicine, 3rd Edition covers all the latest advances in the field, including diseases and medical treatment, surgery, pain management, theriogenology, and nutrition. Clear instructions and hundreds of full-color photographs guide you step by step through common procedures including restraint for examination, administration of drugs, blood collection, and grooming. New to this edition is coverage of deer and elk medicine, reflecting the growing interest in these ruminants. Written by an expert team led by Dr. D.G. Pugh, this comprehensive reference is ideal for veterinarians and also for owners of sheep and goats. - Clear writing style and consistent organization makes the book easy to understand and use, with disease chapters including pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. - Coverage of both surgery and medicine in each body systems chapter makes it easier to choose between treatment options for specific disorders. - Superbly illustrated surgical procedures clearly demonstrate the steps to follow in performing medical and reproductive surgery. - Diverse, expert contributors include the most experienced authorities, each providing current information on the care of valuable breeding stock as well as pets. - Useful appendixes, now including veterinary feed directives, offer convenient access to information on drugs and drug dosages, fluid therapy, and normal values and conversions. - Consistent, logical format in each body systems chapter makes information easy to find by beginning with physical examination and diagnostic procedures, followed by discussions of common diseases that involve the system. - Comprehensive Feeding and Nutrition chapter covers diet evaluation, method of balancing rations, total parenteral nutrition, and examples of nutritious diets. - Explanation of the differences in normal behavior between sheep and goats shows how they are not the same, and require different methods of treatment. - NEW! Coverage of cervids has been added to chapters throughout the book, reflecting the growing popularity of deer and elk. - NEW! Thorough content updates are made throughout the book and reflect the latest research evidence. - NEW! 170 new clinical photos have been added. - NEW! Anesthesia and Pain Management chapter includes a new section on pain management strategies, reflecting the emphasis on controlling pain in small ruminants. - NEW! Expert Consult website offers an online version of the book, making it easy to search the entire book electronically. - NEW! Two new authors are respected and well-known veterinary medicine experts and educators: Dr. Misty Edmondson and Dr. Thomas Passler.

The objectives of this study are to assess the role of small ruminants (sheep and goats) in the food production systems of developing countries, examine their advantages and disadvantages, analyze the constraints limiting their further contribution to the welfare of small farm/low income rural producers, prescribe measures for overcoming these constraints, and make recommendations related to potential donor involvement in support of the development of sheep and goat production. Small ruminants are viewed as an integral, but not dominant component of complex agricultural systems. Particular emphasis is placed on sheep and goats in mixed herds grazing dry rangelands and in small mixed farm systems in medium to high rainfall areas. An analysis of major constraints -- ecological, biological, policy, and socio-economic -- leads to recommendations on the need for a balanced production system approach for research, training and development programs, and for a combination of support activities such as herd health programs, and formulation of favorable credit, marketing and pricing policies for small ruminants and their products.

Consumers demand quality milk with a reasonable shelf-life, a requirement that can be met more successfully by the milk industry through use of improved processes and technologies. Guaranteeing the production of safe milk also remains of paramount importance. Improving the safety and quality of milk provides a comprehensive and timely reference to best practice and research advances in these areas. Volume 1 focuses on milk production and processing. Volume 2 covers the sensory and nutritional quality of cow's milk and addresses quality improvement of a range of other milk-based products.The health aspects of milk, its role in the diet and milk-based functional foods are the focus of the opening section of Volume 2. Part two reviews essential aspects of milk quality, including milk microbial spoilage and chemical deterioration, sensory evaluation, factors affecting milk vitamin and mineral content and the impact of packaging on quality. Chapters in part three look at improving particular products, such as organic milk, goat milk and sheep milk. The impact of milk on the quality of yoghurt and cheese is also covered.With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, volume 2 of Improving the safety and quality of milk is an essential reference for researchers and those in industry responsible for milk safety and quality. - Examines the sensory and nutritional quality of cow's milk and addresses quality improvement of a range of other milk-based products - Reviews the health aspects of milk and its role in the diet, as well as the essential aspects of milk quality, including microbial spoilage and chemical deterioration, sensory evaluation and factors affecting milk vitamin and mineral content - Discusses various application requirements of milk such as milk quality requirements in yoghurt-making, cheesemaking, infant formulas and applications of milk components in products other than foods

The current analysis was conducted to evaluate the potential of nutritional, manure and animal husbandry practices for mitigating methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) - i.e. non-carbon dioxide (CO2) - GHG emissions from livestock production. These practices were categorized into enteric CH4, manure management and animal husbandry mitigation practices. Emphasis was placed on enteric CH4 mitigation practices for ruminant animals (only in vivo studies were considered) and manure mitigation practices for both ruminant and monogastric species. Over 900 references were reviewed; simulation and life cycle assessment analyses were generally excluded

Addressing principles associated with breeding animals for enhanced health and resistance to specific diseases, this book provides a review of the field illustrated with examples covering many diseases of importance to livestock production, across all major livestock species. Authored by experts in the field, this updated edition covers techniques and approaches, viruses, TSEs, bacteria, parasites, vectors, and broader health issues seen in production systems, including metabolic diseases. The book will be an essential reference for professionals in the field, scientists and researchers, students, breeders, veterinarians, agricultural advisors and policy makers.