Interplay Between Stress and Reproduction: Novel Epigenetic Markers in Response to Shearing Patterns in Australian Merino Sheep (Ovis aries).

ABSTRACT: In this study, we determined the effect(s) of early shearing on Australian Merino ewes (Ovis aries) and their lambs. To test this research question, we used a suite of field and laboratory methods including GPS collars, wool cortisol, and epigenetic change between ewes and lambs identified using Illumina NovaSeq RRBS. Once shorn ewes (n = 24) were kept on their full fleece throughout the entire gestation period, whereas twice (early) shorn ewes (n = 24) had their wool shorn pre-joining. Top-knot wool sample was taken from ewes during pre-joining, day 50 (mid-gestation), and day 90 (late gestation) for laboratory analysis. Ewes were pregnancy scanned at mid-gestation to determine whether they were early or late parturition (this confirmation is provided by the pregnancy

SUBMITTER: Narayan E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9021797 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature