Archaeogenetic analysis of Neolithic sheep from Anatolia suggests a complex demographic history since domestication

Sheep were among the first domesticated animals, but their demographic history is little understood. Here we analyzed nuclear polymorphism and mitochondrial data (mtDNA) from ancient central and west Anatolian sheep dating from Epipaleolithic to late Neolithic, comparatively with modern-day breeds and central Asian Neolithic/Bronze Age sheep (OBI). Analyzing ancient nuclear data, we found that Anatolian Neolithic sheep (ANS) are genetically closest to present-day European breeds relative to Asian breeds, a conclusion supported by mtDNA haplogroup frequencies. In contrast, OBI showed higher genetic affinity to present-day Asian breeds. These results suggest that the east-west genetic structure observed in present-day breeds had already emerged by 6000 BCE, hinting at multiple sheep domestication episodes or early wild introgression in southwest Asia. Furthermore, we found that ANS are genetically distinct from all modern breeds. Our results suggest that European and Anatolian domestic sheep gene pools have been strongly remolded since the Neolithic

Effects of kefir on coccidial oocysts excretion and performance of dairy goat kids following weaning

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of kefir, a traditional source of probiotic, on coccidial oocysts excretion and on the performance of dairy goat kids following weaning. Twin kids were randomly allocated to one of two groups at weaning. Kids of the first group received 20 ml of kefir daily for 6 weeks (KEF), while kids in the control group were given a placebo (CON). Individual faecal samples were regularly (n = 18 per kid) taken to quantify the number of coccidial oocysts per gram of faeces (OpG). There were no differences between the groups in terms of body weight development (P > 0.05) and feed consumption. Kids of both groups were not able to consume enough feed to meet their nutrient requirements during the first 3 weeks following weaning. KEF had a lower frequency of OpG positive samples than CON (P = 0.043). Kefir did not affect the maximum oocyst excretion and age of the kids at the highest oocyst excretion (P > 0.05). KEF shed numerically 35% lower coccidial oocysts than the controls, which corresponded to a statistical tendency (P = 0.074) in lowering Log-OpG in comparison to CON. While KEF had a lower frequency of OpG positive samples and tended to shed lower OPG by around one-third, the frequency of diarrhea, level of highest oocyst excretion, and performance of the kids remained unaffected. Therefore, it is concluded that overall effects of kefir do not have a significant impact on sub-clinical infection and performance in weaned kids under relatively high-hygienic farming conditions

Effect of intensive group condition and sex on the oral stereotypes and some behaviour traits in fattening lambs

Oral stereotypes are a kind of the forms of behavioural abnormalities and many husbandry factors can cause the development of such behaviours in almost all domestic species. In this study, effects of housing based on group condition and also sex differences on the development of oral stereotypes were investigated in fattening lambs. Ten male and ten female Turkgeldi synthetic breed of lambs were used. Animals were assigned to sex groups at the beginning of the study and housed in pens that consisted of metal feed through and water buckets on a straw bedded floor during the experiment. Behavioural observations were taken by two observer and time sampling technique was used. Activities such as biting, licking and chewing of through, water bucket and also bars of pen were recorded as oral stereotypes, Generally, it was indicated that intensive group condition in fattening lambs causes the development of behavioural abnormalities related to nutritional origin. Activities towards the bedding material, standing, lying and wool chewing behaviours were significantly affected by sex. The male lambs showed more activities in standing and wool licking and wool chewing behaviours than the females while the lying and activity towards the bedding material observed more frequently in the female group. This finding indicated that general activity was high in the male lambs. There was no significant sex effect on the total oral stereotypes. It was concluded that lack of structural materials have an important role in the development of oral stereotypes. Ln addition some stressful conditions that caused by group housing may also resulted in the development of such abnormalities especially for the male lambs

Selective determination of copper in water samples by atomic absorption spectrometry after cloud point extraction

A preconcentration methodology utilizing the cloud point phenomenon is described for the determination of copper by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The reagent Sulfathiazolylazo resorsin was used as a complexing agent. The preconcentration factor of 25-fold was obtained. The calibration curve is linear in the range of 4-400 mu gL-1 with a limit of detection of 0.64 mu gL-1. The relative standard deviation (n=5, 12 mu gL-1) was 3.5%. The cloud point is formed in the presence of phenol at room temperature. The method was successfully applied to the determination of copper in water samples and a standard reference material

Cloud point extraction for the determination of trace copper(II) in environmental samples using a new synthesized reagent and flame atomic absorption spectrometry

Cloud point extraction for the determination of copper(II) is proposed after the formation of a complex with sulfapyridylazo resorcinol (SPAR) and later measurement by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) using Triton X-100 as a surfactant. The surfactant-rich phase was diluted with nitric acid in methanol, prior to FAAS measurement. Analytical parameters including pH, concentration of the chelating agent and surfactant, equilibration temperature and time were optimized. The effects of matrix ions on the recovery of copper ions were also studied. A detection limit of 1.64 mu g l(-1) along with an enrichment factor of 31 for Cu were achieved. The method was successfully applied to the determination of copper in tap water, stream water, rain water and a standard reference material

Archaeogenetic analysis of Neolithic sheep from Anatolia suggests a complex demographic history since domestication

Sheep was among the first domesticated animals, but its demographic history is little understood. Here we present combined analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear polymorphism data from ancient central and west Anatolian sheep dating to the Late Glacial and early Holocene. We observe loss of mitochondrial haplotype diversity around 7500 BCE during the early Neolithic, consistent with a domestication-related bottleneck. Post-7000 BCE, mitochondrial haplogroup diversity increases, compatible with admixture from other domestication centres and/or from wild populations. Analysing archaeogenomic data, we further find that Anatolian Neolithic sheep (ANS) are genetically closest to present-day European breeds, and especially those from central and north Europe. Our results indicate that Asian contribution to south European breeds in the post-Neolithic era, possibly during the Bronze Age, may explain this pattern