Polycerate sheep in Nigeria

A genome-wide association study identifies a genomic region for the polycerate phenotype in sheep (Ovis aries)

Erratum: A genome-wide association study identifies a genomic region for the polycerate phenotype in sheep (Ovis aries)

Horns are a cranial appendage found exclusively in Bovidae, and play important roles in accessing resources and mates. In sheep (Ovies aries), horns vary from polled to six-horned, and human have been selecting polled animals in farming and breeding. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study on 24 two-horned versus 22 four-horned phenotypes in a native Chinese breed of Sishui Fur sheep...

Abortion due to Brucella abortus in sheep in Nigeria.

This paper reports on a sporadic, naturally acquired infection of sheep with Brucella abortus on a privately owned farm in Toro near Bauchi, Nigeria. The abortions, which occurred in a flock of 28 Yankassa sheep, involved five ewes at the third month of gestation. Serum and milk samples from the flock were examined for Brucella antibodies by the Rose Bengal plate test, serum agglutination test ...

Occipital condylar dysplasia in a Jacob lamb (Ovis aries)

Jacob sheep (Ovis aries) are a pedigree breed known for their "polycerate" (multihorned) phenotype. We describe a four-horned Jacob lamb that exhibited progressive congenital hindlimb ataxia and paresis, and was euthanased four weeks post-partum. Necropsy and CT-scan revealed deformity and asymmetry of the occipital condyles, causing narrowing of the foramen magnum and spinal cord compression. ...

Serological Investigation of Akabane Virus Infection in Cattle and Sheep in Nigeria

Akabane virus (AKAV) is recognized as an important pathogen that causes abortions and congenital malformations in ruminants. However, it has not received adequate attention in Nigeria. Therefore, in investigating this disease, serum samples from 184 (abattoir and farm) head of cattle and 184 intensively reared sheep from two states in southwest Nigeria were screened for antibodies against AKAV ...