[Recommendations for the husbandry and welfare of sheep and goats by the German Small Ruminant Veterinary Association. Part 2]. / Empfehlung für die Haltung von Schafen und Ziegen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für die Krankheiten der kleinen Wiederkäuer, Fachgruppe der DVG. Teil 2.

The second part of the recommendations deals with the healthcare and the regulatory framework for the husbandry of sheep and goats. The suggested concept for healthcare aims to develop an individual health plan for every flock. This health plan focuses not only on the prevention of notifiable diseases, but also on chronic and slow infections as well as on parasite monitoring. The emphasis is on early detection of diseases and prophylaxis. In conjunction with this, the handling of lameness, shearing, animal trade and quarantine as well as cleaning and disinfection in sheep and goat flocks are intensively discussed. There are detailed federal and European legal regulations concerning the transport and the physical well-being of animals. These laws are clearly presented and advice for their practical implementation is provided.

[Recommendations for the husbandry and welfare of sheep and goats by the German Small Ruminant Veterinary Association. Part 1]. / Empfehlung für die Haltung von Schafen und Ziegen der Deutschen Gesellschaft für die Krankheiten der kleinen Wiederkäuer, Fachgruppe der DVG. Teil 1.

Recommendations for the different forms of sheep and goat husbandry based on the legal regulations are summarized. These are given in particular respect to transhumance, tending, alpine farming, and indoor housing. The requirements for pasture, housing, supply of water and food, lambing, rearing of lambs, and health management are intensively discussed. The general requirements of the extensive as well as of the intensive husbandry of sheep and goats are defined. Examples of species-specific capabilities for adaption, the limits of adaption, and signs of decompensation are provided. Compliance with these recommendations should accord the animals entrusted to our care the "five freedoms (13)": 1. Freedom from hunger and thirst, 2. freedom from discomfort, 3. freedom from pain, injury, or disease, 4. freedom to express normal behaviour, and 5. freedom from fear and distress.

An ultrasonographic method to study reproductive seasonality in ewes isolated from rams.

In studies concerning the seasonality in sheep, the effect of the teaser-ram, which can by itself induce oestrus as well as the development of ovary function bodies, has not been considered. In this study, a method is developed to determine ovarian activity during the year while excluding a possible influence of the ram. The study was carried out on 10 German Blackhead Mutton ewes (GBM) and 10 German Mutton Merino ewes (GMM) and lasted for 14 months. The ewes were kept without contact with any ram, and once a week a transrectal ultrasonography was conducted to determine ovary function bodies (corpora lutea, follicles) and a blood sample was taken to analyse progesterone (P4) concentration. In both breeds, the number of ovulating ewes, the ovulation rate (OR), the size of the corpora lutea (CL) and P4-concentrations showed significant seasonal fluctuations. During the main breeding period (September-February), the OR was higher (2.0 +/- 0.4) than during the rest of the year (1.6 +/- 0.5). Outside the main breeding season (March-August), approximately 40% GBM ewes and only approximately 15% GMM ewes produced CL. The cycle and the related seasonal changes in the P4-concentration coincide with different ultrasonically diagnosed CL (developing or regressing, insufficient, no CL). Between the volume of fully developed CL and P4-concentration, correlations of 0.57 (GMM) and 0.45 (GBM), respectively, were found. On average, P4-concentration in September to February was by approximately 1.60-1.66 nmol/l in the GMM and by approximately 1.80-1.86 nmol/l in the GBM higher than in spring and summer. Considering the OR, the P4-values corresponded with the CL volumes, i.e. in the months from August to February the CL values were significantly larger than in the months March to August. The ultrasonic ovarian diagnosis is a useful method to determine the ram-uninfluenced seasonality of reproduction in sheep.

[Influencing factors on the level of the ovulation rate in sheep during the main breeding season--an ultrasonographic study]. / Einflussfaktoren auf die Höhe der Ovulationsraten beim Schaf innerhalb der Hauptzuchtsaison--eine ultrasonographische Studie.

The main breeding season for sheep in Germany is from the beginning of September until the end of November. The aim of this study was to determine the factors which influenced the level of the ovulation rate (o. r.) during this period. The examination was conducted over three years and included Booroola. Mutton Merino crosses [heterozygous- (F+) carriers and non-carriers of the Booroola- (FecB) fecundity gene], German Mutton Merino (GMM) and German Blackheaded (GB). In total 1326 examinations were carried out. Between the 8th to 12th day after estrous detection an ovary diagnosis was performed by transrectal scanning with a 7.5 MHz linear probe. The number of the corpora lutea per ewe (o. r.) was documented. The weight and the body condition of the ewes was also determined. During the breeding season the breed of the ewe had the main effect on the level of the o. r. (p < 0.05). This is the reason that the statistical model can only be applied for each breed. The effects of age, year of examination and day of the main breeding season were tested. The age of the ewes and the date of the examination during the breeding season had the main effect on the o. r. In GMM and GB the age influenced the o.r. with an effect of 8.3% and 4.2%. The effect of the season was vice versa (Gmm 3.2%; GB 8.2%). Non-carriers of the Booroola- (FecB) fecundity gene behaved similar like the GMM. However, only the high fecundity carriers of the FecB-gene were strongly influenced by the season. For each breed there exists a typical threshold value for the body weight above which further weight has no effect on the o. r. (GMM 65-70 kg, GB 75-80 kg, non-carriers of the Booroola-FecB gene 55-60 kg and carriers of the FecB-gene 60-65 kg). This value lies at about 80% of the highest measured weight of each breed. The results demonstrated that a balanced age structure in combination with a optimum weight influenced the level of o. r. In addition the date of the season is especially important.

The influence of the ovulation rate on ultrasonically determined ovine corpus luteum morphometry and progesterone concentrations in cyclic and early pregnant sheep.

The objective of the present study was to describe morphology and function of the Corpora lutea (CL) during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy in sheep with different ovulation rates. In total 40 Booroola. Mutton Merino crosses [heterozygous carriers (FecBFec+) and non-carriers (Fec+Fec+) of the Booroola-fecundity gene (FecB)] with ovulation rates 1 to 4 were examined. During the oestrous cycle (n = 20) and the first month of pregnancy (n = 20) blood samples were taken daily (radioimmunoassay of progesterone) and an ultrasonic ovary diagnosis was conducted. The ewes were scanned transrectally with a 7.5 MHz linear probe lying in a dorsal position. During every examination the CL could be detected. The number and the diameter of the CL were documented and the total volume of luteal tissue per ewe was calculated. The effect of the ovulation rate on CL-morphology (diameter and total volume of luteal tissue per ewe) and peripheral progesterone concentrations were assessed by one-way ANOVA. On day 6 and 7 post ovulationem in cyclic and early pregnant sheep 42% of the diagnosed CL had a cavity. On day 11 (cyclic sheep) and day 10 post ovulationem (early pregnant sheep) this number decreased to 22% (p < 0.05). Both conditions of the CL (compact or with a central cavity) are similar in function and should be regarded as appearances of the same basic process. From the third day onwards the ovulation rate influenced significantly (p < 0.05) the development of the outside diameters of the CL. However, the ovulation rate had no effect on the total volume of the luteal tissue per sheep and on the progesterone concentrations. Yet, in sheep with the ovulation rate 1 significantly lower progesterone concentrations were determined than in sheep with the ovulation rates 2 to 4. In sheep with the ovulation rates 2 to 4 the peripheral progesterone concentrations did not differ significantly. In cyclic and pregnant sheep there is a positive correlation (r = 0.75, p < 0.05) between the progesterone concentration and the total volume of luteal tissue. Considering the smaller diameters of the preovulatory follicles it seems that the development of the CL continues until a threshold-value of progesterone and/or of the total luteal tissue is exceeded. Ewes with low ovulation rates reach this threshold-value with only a few but large CL. With increasing ovulation rate the CL tend to have smaller diameters.

[Duration of pregnancy and diurnal distribution of lambing in sheep with different genotypes]. / Trächtigkeitsdauer und diurnale Verteilung der Ablammungen bei Schafen mit unterschiedlichem Genotyp.

Based on 1103 lambings the duration of pregnancy was determined for the breeds German Mutton Merino, German Blackhead Mutton and their Booroola crosses. Furthermore the influence of age and body mass of the ewes as well as number, sex and body mass of the born lambs were considered. German Blackhead Mutton have with 145/146 days on average a 4-5 days shorter duration of pregnancy than German Mutton Merino with 150 days. The examined effects influenced the pregnancy duration only insignificantly or not at all. An influence of the breed, however, was determined. In the pen with limited light during the night all genotypes lambed mostly between 9.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. During the day time 12-26% more ewes lambed than during the remaining 12 hours of the day.

[Evaluation of PC-based radiologic diagnosis workstations]. / Evaluierung PC-basierter radiologischer Befundarbeitsplätze.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of PC based Radiology Diagnostic Workstations performed by medical users using detailed lists of functional requirements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During February 1999 and September 1999 medical users at the hospital Dresden-Friedrichstadt Germany had tested 7 types of radiology diagnostic workstations. Two types of test methods were used: In test type 1 ergonomic and handling functions were evaluated impartial according to 78 selected user requirements. In test type 2 radiologists and radiographers (3 + 4) performed 23 work flow steps with a subjectively evaluation. RESULTS: By using a progressive rating no product could fully meet the user requirements. As a result of the summary evaluation for test 1 and test 2 the following compliance rating was calculated for the different products: Rad Works (66%), Magic View (63%), ID-Report (58%), Impax 3000 (53%), Medical Workstation (52%), Pathspeed (46%) and Autorad (39%). CONCLUSIONS: As a basis for a purchasing decision a detailed functional specification an importance rating is required. Especially industrial development effort for improving the workstations is required for DICOM Supplements 33, image printing, integration teleradiology functions for compatible interoperability between different workstations, support for classroom demonstrations, system administration and data security.

Pre-ovulatory follicular characteristics and ovulation rates in different breed crosses, carriers or non-carriers of the Booroola or Cambridge fecundity gene.

Terminal follicular dynamics and ovulation rates (OR) were compared in different local breeds after introducing fecundity genes of different origin. Crossbred ewes which were carriers (F+) or non-carriers (++) of Booroola (BFec) or Cambridge genes (CFec) were included: CambridgexCambridge (CC), CambridgexSuffolk (CS), CambridgexTexel (CT), BooroolaxTexel (BT) and BooroolaxGerman Mutton Merino (BGM). The numbers of small (diameter 2-3.5 mm), medium (diameter >3.5-5.0 mm) and large (diameter >5.0 mm) growing follicles, the maximum diameter before ovulation and the regression and artesia rates of ovarian follicles >/=2 mm in diameter were studied laparoscopically and repeatedly during the last 5 days of an induced oestrous cycle. The ORs were determined one cycle before and two cycles after the repeated laparoscopy. BFec and CFec significantly enhanced the OR of all crossbreeds. Carriers of BFec or CFec did not have significantly different ORs due to any crossbreeding effect. The same observation was made for non-carriers of both Fec gene types. Whatever the crossbreed, the number of small, medium and large growing follicles were similar between carriers and non-carriers in spite of a higher number of ovulating follicles in carriers of both Fec gene types. The diameter of ovulatory follicles did not differ among crossbreds, or between carriers and non-carriers except in the BT (5.2+/-0.2 vs. 6.5+/-0.8 mm, respectively) and CC (6.6+/-0.2 vs. 5.6+/-0.3 mm) ewes.The higher OR in the presence of the Booroola gene was associated with a low atresia rate of large follicles in all crossbreeds (BT: 52+/-8% (F+) vs. 61+/-7% (++); BGM: 51+/-6% vs. 75+/-5%). The high OR of the carriers of the CFec gene seemed to be associated with a lower number of large growing follicles with a lower (P<0.05) atresia rate as compared with Booroola crossbreeds. In conclusion, follicular features were similar between purebred Cambridge and its crossbred CS and CT. In ewes carrying the BFec or CFec gene, the reduction in follicular atresia seemed to be one of the main follicular features implicated in the higher OR.

[Effect pf genotype, age of dams, litter size, birth weight and rams on morphological parameters of the placenta in sheep]. / Der Einfluss von Genotyp, Alter, Wurfgrösse, Wurfgewicht und Vatertier auf morphologische Parameter der Plazenta beim Schaf.

It is well established that especially in prolific ewes the mortality rates are high in lambs with low birth weights and that after birth the absolute growth rates are lower in the surviving light lambs than in the heavier lambs. Differences in the prenatal placental development as the feto-maternal connection could be one of the reasons for this effect. The aim of the present study was to ascertain primary data for the placenta characteristics. Therefore three different genotypes which varied in litter size and weight of all born lambs were studied. In 197 placentas the weight, the number of cotyledones, the diameter of the cotyledones and the weight of ten cotyledones were determined. The total weight of all cotyledones and surface area of the cotyledones (the feto-maternal contact area) were calculated. The effects of the breed, the age of the dams (1.5-7.5 years), the litter size (1-4), the weight of all born lambs (5 classes between 3 and 15 kg) and the ram were tested with the ANOVA/MANOVA procedure (co-variable = weight of the dams before mating). Litter size and weight of all born lambs influenced significantly the morphologicaly parameters of the placenta. In the examined genotypes the placenta weight increased from a minimum of 500 g to 1100 g and the surface of the cotyledones grew from 200 cm2 to 350 cm2 with increasing litter size and increasing weight of all born lambs. This seems to be a maternal compensation mechanism for the raising fetal requirements. With the increase of the litter size the surface area of the cotyledones for each lamb decreases because the possible placental compensation mechanism collapses. This could be a reason for low birth weights and increasing deaths of lambs. A possible influence of the genotype on the characteristics of the placentas is discussed by considering the litter size and the condition of the ewe. Paternal effects were not found.

[Ultrasonographic examinations of fetal growth of sheep between day 20 and day 50 of gestation]. / Ultrasonographische Messungen zum fetalen Wachstum des Schafes zwischen dem 20. und 50. Trächtigkeitstag.

Previous studies on embryonic and fetal growth in sheep were mostly transversal using animals killed at various stages of gestation. Until now it was difficult to monitor the development of individual embryos/foetuses during pregnancy, especially during the first and second pregnancy month. Real-time ultrasound as a non invasive method could be an appropriate method for examination of embryonic and early foetal development in sheep. The aim of this study was to determine the embryonic and foetal development of the crown-rump-length (CRL) in pregnant ewes in relation to the number of fetuses and/or the breed. Between the 20th and 50th day of pregnancy the embryos/foetuses showed an exponential growth which can be best described by the equation of the form CRL (mm) = W * exp (k * day of pregnancy). The individual variability in embryofetal growth is in part due to the number of embryos per sheep and the sheep breed.

[Real-time ultrasonographic (B-mode) pregnancy diagnosis in sheep. 4. Results of a field study in Germany]. / Die ultrasonographische Trächtigkeitsdiagnostik (B-Mode) beim Schaf. Teil 4: Ergebnisse einer Feldstudie in Deutschland.

Between January 1993 and April 1998 in a total of 27,378 sheep an ultrasonographic early pregnancy diagnosis was done. The determined pregnancy rates (mean = 82.2%) were related to the mating systems, duration of mating season and time of the year. The benefits of scanning are described. If the pregnancy rate is lower than 97% the early pregnancy diagnosis is economical to flock management. Cases of uterine and fetal pathology (fetal mortality, maceration, hydrometra, pyometra) are presented.

[Ultrasonographic examination of the placentoma development in pregnant sheep]. / Ultrasonographische Untersuchungen zum Plazentomwachstum beim trächtigen Schaf.

The aim of this study was to determine the in vivo development of the placentome diameter during the pregnancy in sheep. 32 ewes of four different breeds were involved. After the first detection of the placentomes (28 day p. c.) the ewes were scanned by transrectal ultrasound (Aloka SSD 500, 5 MHz linear probe) in a standing position every second or third day until day 50 p. c. and after the every week until parturition. The maximum diameters of 10 placentomes were measured. The placentome diameter increased rapidly until the middle of the third pregnancy month followed by a slight decrease. Between the 110th day p. c. and the parturition the diameter was nearly constant, but 40% of the animals showed a second increase at this time. The placentome diameter could be a good mark to describe the function of the placenta in sheep but it is only stipulated fit for the diagnosis of the state of the pregnancy.

[Real-time ultrasonographic pregnancy diagnosis (B-mode) in sheep. 3. Determination of the number of embryos and fetuses]. / Die ultrasonographische Trächtigkeitsdiagnostik (B-Mode) beim Schaf. Teil 3: Untersuchungen zur Erfassung der Anzahl von Embryonen und Feten.

Transrectal ultrasound examination was performed once in 1159 German Mutton Merino ewes in a standing position using a 5.0 MHz linear array transducer (group 1), 505 German Mutton Merino ewes were restrained in dorsal recumbency while scanned transrectally using a 7.5 MHz probe (group 2). Referring to actual number of lambs born the prepartal prediction of fetal number was correct in 71.8% (group 1) and 78.6% (group 2) of the ewes from days 17 to 69 p.c. The highest accuracy for determining fetal number (89.1%) was in group 1 at days 35 to 46 of gestation. In group 2 the accuracy was more consistent over the whole period of examinations and reached over 80% from as early as 29 days p.c. As litter size increased, examinations in both groups became increasingly inaccurate in determining correct litter size. A subdivision of living, underdeveloped and dead embryos or foetuses was possible by the presence or the absence of a heartbeat and the crown-rump-length of the embryos or foetuses. The percentage of ewes with embryonic or fetal loss is given.

[Ultrasonic pregnancy diagnosis (B-mode) in sheep. 2. Comparative studies using transcutaneous and transrectal pregnancy diagnosis]. / Die ultrasonographische Trächtigkeits-diagnostik (B-Mode) beim Schaf. Teil 2: Vergleichende Untersuchungen zur transkutanen und transrektalen Trächtigskeitsdiagnostik.

The aim of this study was to check the earliest time for the ultrasonic pregnancy diagnosis in flock management of sheep after finishing the mating season. Therefore a transcutaneous pregnancy diagnosis (5 MHz) took place on a total of 1060 German merino-mutton sheep between day 10 and 90 after mating (a.m.) and a transrectal diagnosis (5 MHz) took place on a total of 1442 German merino-mutton sheep between day 10 and 70 a.m. At the beginning of the third week a.m. the accuracy of transrectal diagnosis was over 95% and increased to 100% on day 35 a.m. At that time the accuracy of transcutaneous diagnosis was 80% and reached 100% on day 60 a.m. Considering the reached accuracies the pregnancy diagnosis should not take place before day 35 after the end of the breeding season. After day 35 a.m. it is advisable to combine the transcutaneous and the transrectal pregnancy diagnosis. That means that at first all animals are examined by transcutaneous sonography and in the second step the so-called "non-pregnant sheep" are checked by transrectal ultrasound. From the beginning of the third month a.m. a single transcutaneous pregnancy diagnosis is sufficient.

[Real-time ultrasonic pregnancy diagnosis (B-mode) in sheep. 1. Frequent examinations during the first month of pregnancy]. / Die ultrasonographische Trächtigkeitsdiagnostik (B-Mode) beim Schaf. Teil 1: Verlaufsuntersuchungen im ersten Trächtigkeitsmonat.

Transrectal ultrasonography was performed on 63 ewes (four breeds) to determine the earliest day at which pregnancy, the first embryo, the number of embryos, the embryonal heartbeat and placentoms could be detected. The ewes were examined at intervals of two to three days on day 12/13 to 30 post breeding. An Aloka SSD 500 ultrasound unit was used with a 5-Mhz probe. The diagnosis of the pregnant ewes took place on day 17.6 +/- 1.8 p.c. The first embryo was detected on day 20.5 +/- 1.9 p.c., but not all of the embryos were counted accurately until day 26. The heartbeat of the embryos was detected on day 22.9 +/- 2.9 p.c. and placentoms on day 27.6 +/- 2.4 p.c. The influence of the breed on the results will be discussed. The proportion of sheep with a loss of embryos was 24.6% (partial loss of embryos 18.0%, total loss of embryos 6.6%). In conclusion, transrectal ultrasound is a good method to describe the early pregnancy in sheep.

[Optimization of embryo transfer programs in ewes by transrectal ultrasonographic ovary diagnosis (B-mode) in superovulated donors]. / Die Optimierung von Embryotransferprogrammen beim Schaf durch die transrektale ultrasonographische Ovardiagnostik (B-Mode) bei superovulierten Donoren.

The aim of this study was to check the accuracy of transrectal ultrasonography for the ovary diagnosis in superovulated sheep during the estrus (n = 10) and on the day 8 after estrus (n = 10). The results were checked by laparoscopic ovary diagnosis. The real-time ultrasound unit CS-9100 OCULUS was used with a linear 7.5 MHz rectal probe. Transrectal ultrasonography was performed at sheep lying in their dorsal position. In 90% of the sheep it was possible to find both ovaries during the estrus and in 60% on the 8th day of the estrus cycle. Correlation for the number of follicle (diameter > or = 4 mm) per ovary during the estrus counted at ultrasonography and laparoscopy were 0.62 (p < 0.05) and for the number of corpora lutea per ovary on day 8 after estrus 0.97 (p < 0.05). The results suggest, that the ultrasonographic ovary diagnosis is an appropriate method to check the results of superovulation in embryo transfer programs. Non-responding or poorly responding donors can be selected.

[Gynecologic laparoscopy in sheep. 2. Applications]. / Die gynäkologische Laparoskopie beim Schaf. 2. Mitteilung: Einsatzgebiete.

The gynaecological laparoscopy is basical for the correct diagnosis of the ovaries and the uterus in sheep. Physiological (follicles, corpora lutea) and pathological findings (follicle cysts) are described and illustrated. Further, application techniques of the laparoscopic intrauterine insemination as well as of the embryo recovery and embryo transfer in embryo transfer programs are explained.

[Gynecological laparoscopy in sheep. 1. Foundations]. / Die gynäkologische Laparoskopie beim Schaf 1. Mitteilung: Grundlagen.

Laparoscopy is a gentle and safe method for diagnosis and manipulation of the genital tract in female sheep. After a short history outline the equipment and the fundamental principles of the laparoscopy in sheep are described. Possible laparoscopic incidents and their treatment are explained.