litter size is one of the most important economical traits in sheep breeding industry. in addition to minor genes, litter size is under the influence of major genes. bone morphogenetic protein 15 (bmp-15), a member of the transforming growth factor beta (tgf-ß) superfamily, which is specifically expressed in oocytes, plays a dramatic role in sheep prolificacy. reported mutations in this gene ca...

The control of seasonal reproductive activity in sheep and goats in open sheds, needs extra-light (E) during the photosensitive phase (equivalent to long days, LD), followed by treatment with melatonin (equivalent to short days, SD). In autumn-born Ile-de-France or Lacaune ram lambs, 2 months of E followed by decreasing daylength for 90 days, advanced onset of the first breeding season by allow...

Leptin is secreted by adipose tissue and plays a pivotal role in regulating both body energy homeostasis and reproductive function in rodents. Among livestock, sheep is a seasonal breeder whose reproductive period is initiated by short daylength. We show that plasma leptin and leptin gene expression in perirenal adipose tissue were decreased when ovariectomized Lacaune ewes were exposed to shor...

The common practice of artificially rearing lambs from prolific meat breeds sheep constitutes a welfare issue due to increased mortality rates and negative health issues. In this multidisciplinary study, we investigated the possible short- mid-term advantages feeding fresh ewe's milk instead commercial replacer on lambs' growth, welfare. Romane were either separated their mothers D3 fed with La...

Late pregnancy is accompanied by dramatic changes in the metabolism of sheep, which nutrient requirements increase and metabolic capacity ewes under severe stress due to rapid foetal growth development mammary gland. The blood profile can be used monitor these alterations, lead disorders such as toxaemia. However, data available on serum parameters sheep do not consider physiological state. The...