Breeding Method for a New Dairy Sheep Breed in Western Henan

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for breeding a new breed of dairy sheep in western Henan, belonging to the field of animal breeding technology. The invention uses the western Henan fat-tailed sheep as the maternal parent and the Lacaen sheep as the paternal parent for two generations of progressive crossbreeding. Then, the East Friesian sheep is used as the terminal paternal parent for further crossbreeding. After selection, crossbreeding is performed to fix the hybrid, resulting in a new breed of dairy sheep in western Henan. This method combines traditional breeding techniques with molecular breeding techniques, utilizing gene aggregation breeding technology to combine the superior genes of the East Friesian and Lacaen sheep, such as large size, high litter size, good milk production performance, and lean fat tail, into the western Henan fat-tailed sheep, while retaining the characteristics of the western Henan fat-tailed sheep, such as rapid growth and strong adaptability. The new western Henan dairy sheep breed bred through crossbreeding has improved body shape and appearance, possessing advantages such as large size, high lambing rate, rapid growth and development, good milk production performance, dual-purpose (milk and meat) production, and tolerance to roughage. It overcomes the disadvantages of the western Henan fat-tailed sheep, such as large tail and excessive tail fat, making it suitable for grazing or stall feeding in agricultural areas.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for breeding a new breed of dairy sheep in western Henan, belonging to the field of animal breeding technology. Background Technology

[0002] The dairy sheep industry is one of the traditional sectors of the dairy industry, and also a high-end, niche sector. The Mediterranean coast and the Middle East are traditionally advantageous production areas for dairy sheep. Globally, dairy sheep breeds exist through both long-term, planned selective breeding and crossbreeding. my country's dairy sheep industry is still in its early stages, lacking industrial clusters and its own proprietary breeds. Farmers in western Henan province have a long-standing tradition of raising dairy livestock, such as dairy goats and dairy cows. Based on local breeds, adhering to the principles of development and utilization, and simultaneously preserving and innovating, it is essential to cultivate a new dairy sheep breed adapted to local conditions. This breed should improve meat performance, milk production, lambing rate, and lamb survival rate, thereby enhancing the economic benefits of sheep farming.

[0003] The Yuxi Fat-tailed sheep is a long-tailed variety of fat-tailed sheep, a local meat-type breed from Henan Province. Yuxi fat-tailed sheep are predominantly white, with short, sturdy limbs, strong hooves, and an oval-shaped fat tail that hangs above the hock. They are relatively small, with adult rams weighing around 35 kg and ewes around 27 kg. Their meat is delicious, tender, and has a unique flavor. Yuxi fat-tailed sheep are known for their ability to tolerate roughage, strong disease resistance, heat tolerance, and rapid fattening. They are particularly good at climbing hills, making them suitable for mountain grazing. However, the lambing rate of Yuxi fat-tailed sheep is 107%. Under current large-scale farming conditions, farmers are at a competitive disadvantage in terms of breed selection. With the improvement of people's living standards, people no longer rely on tail fat as a primary food source. The large fat tail not only affects the accumulation of muscle throughout the sheep's body but also brings many inconveniences to sheep farming, such as artificial insemination.

[0004] Lacaun is the most important dairy sheep breed in France, and is a large-bodied breed. Adult ewes weigh 70-75 kg, and adult rams weigh approximately 95-100 kg. Lacaun sheep are hornless, and most of their head, legs, and abdomen are hairless, with hair covering only their backs and upper thighs. A Lacaun sheep produces about 300 kg of milk per lactation period, with a milk fat content of 7%-8% and a milk protein content of 5%-6%. Lacaun dairy sheep are a seasonal breed, generally starting estrus from early June to early July, resulting in a relatively long breeding season, making them an ideal breed for late autumn or early winter lambing. Young ewes can be bred at 7-8 months of age, with a first-parity fertility of about 140%, and multiparous adult ewes having an average lambing rate of 170%-180%.

[0005] The East Friesian sheep originated in northeastern Germany and is currently the world's best-producing sheep breed in terms of milk production. Adult ewes produce 500-810 kg of milk at 260-300 days old, with a milk fat content of 6%-6.5%. This breed is large and has a well-structured conformation. Both rams and ewes are hornless, with white fleece, occasionally pure black individuals appearing. They have a broad, long body, a strong loin, arched ribs, a slightly sloping rump, and a long, hairless tail. The udder is well-structured, broad, and has well-developed teats. The live weight of adult rams is 90-120 kg, and that of adult ewes is 70-90 kg. The wool is homogeneous. Lambs reach puberty at 4 months of age, the estrus season lasts approximately 5 months, and the lambing rate is 200%-230%.

[0006] In recent years, due to the lagging research on the Yuxi fat-tailed sheep breed, the breed's productivity has declined, manifested in smaller body size and slower growth. Regarding its development and utilization, there have been studies on the effects of crossbreeding Yuxi fat-tailed sheep with small-tailed Han sheep for improvement. For example, Duan Jun et al. published "Experimental Report on Improving Yuxi Fat-tailed Sheep with Small-tailed Han Sheep" in *Henan Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine*, 2002, Vol. 23, No. 6. Wang Yuqin et al. published "Study on the Genetic Polymorphism of Fast-Kinetic Peptide Gene in Yuxi Fat-tailed Sheep" in the *Proceedings of the National Symposium on Sheep Production and Academic Research* in 2015, page 45. Wang Yuqin et al.'s invention patent CN101861847A discloses a method for breeding a new meat-type Yuxi fat-tailed sheep breed, using a three-way crossbreeding of Yuxi fat-tailed sheep with Poddale sheep and Dorper sheep to obtain a new meat-type Yuxi fat-tailed sheep breed. Wang Yuqin et al.'s invention patent CN103404484A discloses a method for breeding a new dual-purpose (meat and milk) sheep breed. This method involves using the Small-tailed Han sheep as the maternal line and directly crossing it with the Dongfuli sheep as the paternal line for three generations to obtain a new dual-purpose sheep breed. Existing reports differ from this invention in both technical methods and content. This invention primarily aims to "collect superior breeds, improve inferior breeds, and cultivate new breeds." Furthermore, no reports have been found regarding the use of Yuxi Fat-tailed Sheep, Lacaoen Sheep, and Dongfuli sheep to breed new dairy sheep. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a method for breeding a new breed of dairy sheep in western Henan. This method uses the western Henan fat-tailed sheep as the maternal line, employing a combination of economic crossbreeding and breeding crossbreeding. Utilizing gene aggregation breeding technology, two generations of progressive crossbreeding are performed using the Lacoun sheep as the paternal line. Then, the East Friesian sheep is used as the terminal paternal line to aggregate superior genes. Through optimal combination and crossbreeding fixation, a new breed of dairy sheep in western Henan is bred. The new breed of dairy sheep bred using this method is characterized by high prolificacy, good meat and milk production performance, a lean tail, strong adaptability, and high-quality fattened mutton, making it more suitable for large-scale stall feeding and moderate-scale grazing in agricultural areas.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0009] A method for breeding a new breed of dairy sheep in western Henan Province, comprising the following steps:

[0010] (1) Crossing the Lacaoen sheep as the male parent and the Yuxi Zhiwei sheep as the female parent to obtain the F1 generation of crossbred sheep, and selecting female sheep from the F1 generation of crossbred sheep;

[0011] (2) Select ewes from the first generation of hybrid sheep as the maternal line and Lacoun sheep as the paternal line to crossbreed to obtain the F2 generation of hybrid sheep. Select ewes from the F2 generation.

[0012] (3) Using the second generation of hybrid ewes as the maternal line and the East Fry sheep as the paternal line, crossbreed to obtain the F3 generation of hybrid sheep;

[0013] (4) Self-crossing of F3 generation hybrid sheep yielded a zero-generation flock of Yuxi dairy sheep;

[0014] (5) Cross-breeding and fixed selection of the zero-generation flock of Yuxi dairy sheep, that is, to breed Yuxi dairy sheep.

[0015] The method is feasible and integrates the superior genes of East Fry sheep and Lacoun sheep, such as large size, high fertility, good milk production performance, and lean fat tail, into Yuxi Fat Tail sheep. At the same time, it retains the characteristics of Yuxi Fat Tail sheep, such as rapid growth and strong adaptability, thus cultivating a new breed of dairy sheep in Yuxi.

[0016] Specifically, the selection criteria for sire Lacoun sheep include: carrying the FecB gene, large size, good body structure, hornless, white coat, wide and long body, strong waist, arched ribs, full rump, long and thin tail, and adult rams weighing 90-100kg.

[0017] The selection criteria for East Ferry rams include: carrying the FecB gene, large size, good body structure, hornless, white coat, wide and long body, strong waist, arched ribs, full rump, long and hairless tail, and adult rams weighing 90-120kg.

[0018] The selection criteria for ewes of the Yuxi fat-tailed sheep include: mainly white coat, strong limbs, solid hooves, oval fat tail that hangs above the hock, 3-month-old weaned lambs can reach a weight of 17kg, one-year-old ewes can reach a weight of 30kg, and adult ewes can reach a weight of 40kg or more.

[0019] The FecB gene is a prolific sheep gene, a major gene contributing to high reproductive performance in sheep. Selecting Lacaun sheep carrying this gene as sires helps to integrate superior genes into the Yuxi Fat-tailed Sheep. Lacaun sheep have a higher lambing rate and better milk production than Yuxi Fat-tailed Sheep. Introducing the Lacaun gene can improve the lambing rate and milk production performance of Yuxi Fat-tailed Sheep, thereby enhancing lamb development. Furthermore, the Lacaun sheep's leaner tail shape can be improved by introducing the gene into the Yuxi Fat-tailed Sheep.

[0020] Preferably, the selection criteria for F1 generation hybrid ewes in step (1) include: carrying at least one FecB gene, birth weight of more than 3.6 kg, weaning weight of more than 22 kg, and weight of more than 38 kg at six months of age.

[0021] More preferably, the selection criteria for F1 generation hybrid ewes in step (1) also include: their body shape and appearance tend to resemble the father.

[0022] Preferably, the selection criteria for F2 generation hybrid ewes in step (2) include: carrying at least one FecB gene, birth weight of more than 4 kg, weaning weight of more than 23 kg, and weight of more than 40 kg at six months of age.

[0023] More preferably, the selection criteria for F2 generation hybrid ewes in step (2) also include one, two, or three of the following: body shape and appearance tending to the father, tail shape being thinner, and tail weight being lighter.

[0024] Preferably, the selection criteria for F3 generation hybrid ewes in step (4) include: carrying at least one FecB gene, birth weight of more than 4kg, weaning weight of more than 23kg, weight of more than 40kg at six months of age, and body shape and appearance tending to the father.

[0025] Preferably, the selection criteria for each generation in step (5) include: In step (5), the selection criteria for rams in each generation are: larger body size, thinner tail, birth weight of more than 4kg, weaning weight of more than 23kg, fattening weight of more than 38kg at six months of age, weight of more than 50kg at one year of age, daily weight gain of more than 250g in the early stage, and slaughter rate of 50-55%.

[0026] The selection criteria for ewes of each generation are as follows: large body size, thin tail, birth weight of more than 3kg, weaning weight of more than 20kg, weight of more than 30kg at six months of age, weight of more than 40kg at one year of age, daily weight gain of more than 250g in the early stage, dressing percentage of 50-55%, carrying at least one FecB gene, and lambing rate of more than 200%.

[0027] The ewes selected in each generation carry the FecB gene and exhibit polyfertility; the lambing rate is over 200%, indicating that the ewes are polyfertile and can produce three lambs in two years.

[0028] More preferably, the selection criteria for each generation in step (5) also include: a wider head, denser and tighter back hair; a fuller body and better testicular development in rams; and a fuller body and better udder development in ewes.

[0029] Preferably, in step (5), the cross-breeding is carried out by the group successive breeding method, and the Yuxi dairy sheep are obtained through 3 to 4 generations of breeding.

[0030] Specifically, semen collection for the sire rams begins one month before mating, starting once a week, then twice a week, and finally once every two days. During mating, semen is collected 1-2 times daily, not exceeding 4 times, and the rams are given 2 eggs and 200 grams of soy milk powder daily. Two weeks after mating, the rams receive an intramuscular injection of 2-4 ml of a vitamin A, D, and E complex. The formulated feed contains extracts such as perilla, which enhances the flavor of the fattening sheep meat and reduces its gamey odor.

[0031] Specifically, the breeding ewes, used as the female parent, are raised from 60% to over 80% body condition in the two weeks prior to mating. Through a short-term intensive feeding program of two weeks, the protein content in the feed is increased from 8% to approximately 20%. They are also given intramuscular injections of 1-3 ml of a vitamin A, D, and E complex, 1-1.5 ml of sodium selenite and vitamin E, and 5-10 ml of dextran iron in different directions. The compound feed contains extracts such as perilla, which enhances the unique flavor of the goat milk and reduces its muttony odor.

[0032] The Yuxi dairy sheep bred by this invention has the following characteristics: good milk production performance, good meat performance, strong adaptability, better meat body shape than Yuxi fat-tailed sheep, improved tail shape, reduced tail weight, and high feed efficiency.

[0033] Rams: Large in size, with long, lean legs and a narrow rump. Their fleece is white, and their skin is thin, appearing white with a slight pinkish tinge. They are generally hornless or have only a few horn buds. At 6 months of age, they reach a fattening weight of 38-44 kg, with an early daily weight gain exceeding 250g. The lean meat yield is 50-55%, and adult rams weigh 80-90 kg.

[0034] Ewes: Large in size, with large udders and good milk production performance. The milk yield in one lactation period is 220-280kg, with a milk fat content of 5%-7% and a milk protein content of 5%-7%. The lambing rate is over 200%, with 3 lambings in 2 years. The average weight of lambs weaned at 3 months of age can reach 23kg. The weight of adult ewes is 60-70kg. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a comparative diagram of the changes in sheep tail type and hindquarters during the breeding process in Example 1 of the present invention (A is the Yuxi fat-tailed sheep, B is the Yuxi dairy sheep (undocked and docked sheep)). Detailed Implementation

[0036] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto; unless otherwise specified, all reagents, instruments and other items used in the embodiments are commercially available products.

[0037] Specific Implementation Method of Breeding a New Breed of Dairy Sheep in Western Henan

[0038] The breeding method for the new Henan western dairy sheep breed in this embodiment mainly includes the following steps:

[0039] 1. Select 2000 superior ewes from the Yuxi fat-tailed sheep breed as maternal lines and 10 superior rams from the Lacaoen sheep breed as paternal lines. Crossbreed the two breeds, and fatten all the rams in the F1 generation. Select 1000 superior ewes to form the first-generation crossbred ewe flock. Use a combination of phenotypic selection and molecular marker-assisted selection to select ideal rams and ewes, and use high-dilution fresh semen and artificial insemination techniques for crossbreeding.

[0040] The selection criteria for sires of Lacoun sheep are: selecting adult rams with the FecB gene, large size, and good body structure; hornless; white fleece; broad and long body, strong loin, arched ribs, full rump, long and hairless tail, weighing 90-100 kg.

[0041] The selection criteria for the maternal Yuxi fat-tailed sheep are as follows: the coat color is mainly white, the limbs are relatively short and strong, the hooves are solid, the fat tail is oval and hangs above the hock, the weight of the weaned ewe lambs can reach 17kg at 3 months old, the weight of the one-year-old ewe can reach 30kg, and the weight of the adult ewe is over 40kg.

[0042] 2. Using the first-generation hybrid ewes as the maternal line and the Lacaoen sheep as the paternal line, crossbreeding was carried out. Using 13 rams, the F2 generation was obtained. 1000 excellent ewes were selected. The F2 generation contains 25% of the Yuxi fat-tailed sheep gene and 75% of the Lacaoen sheep gene. The excellent ewes of the F2 generation were used to form the second-generation hybrid ewe flock.

[0043] 3. Using a second-generation hybrid ewe flock as the maternal line, crossbreeding with East Friesian sheep as the terminal paternal line, using 15 rams, to obtain the F3 generation.

[0044] The selection criteria for East Ferry sheep sires are: to select adult rams with the FecB gene, large body size, good body structure, no horns, white wool, wide and long body, strong waist, arched ribs, full rump, long and hairless tail, and a live weight of 90-120kg.

[0045] 4. Select 1,000 excellent ewes and 18 rams from the F3 generation, and then mate them to produce the first generation of Yuxi dairy sheep.

[0046] 5. The Yuxi dairy sheep zero-generation flock is crossbred and fixed for three generations using group successive selection and molecular marker-assisted selection. Three generations are carried out over two years. The mating is done by mating the selected rams and selected ewes in the current generation. Each generation selects 1,000 ewes and 20 rams, and the selection method is the same as the zero-generation selection method. After three generations of breeding, the Yuxi dairy sheep are obtained.

[0047] During the crossbreeding process, the selection criteria for each generation are as follows: large body size, broad head, dense and glossy coat, and lean tail; rams with a plump body and well-developed testes; ewes with a plump body and well-developed udders, mostly pear-shaped; rams with a birth weight of over 4kg, a weaning weight of over 23kg, a fattening weight of over 38kg at six months of age, and over 50kg at one year of age; ewes with a birth weight of over 3kg, a weaning weight of over 20kg, a fattening weight of over 30kg at six months of age, and over 40kg at one year of age; early daily weight gain of over 250g, a dressing percentage of 50-55%, ewes carrying at least one FecB gene, and a lambing rate of over 200%.

[0048] Note: Rams not used for breeding during the dairy sheep breeding process in western Henan can be fattened.

[0049] The key feeding and management techniques for breeding rams (used as the paternal line) and ewes (used as the maternal line) during the breeding process are as follows:

[0050] (1) The rams used as the father should start collecting semen one month before mating, starting with once a week, then twice a week, and then once every two days. During mating, collect semen 1-2 times a day, not exceeding 4 times, and give 2 eggs and 200 grams of soy milk powder daily. Half a month after mating, inject 2-4 ml of vitamin ADE compound injection into the rams intramuscularly, and supplement with feed containing extracts such as perilla.

[0051] (2) The breeding ewes used as the maternal line should be raised from 60% to over 80% of their body condition in the half month before mating. Through short-term high-quality feeding for half a month, the protein content in the feed should be increased from 8% to about 20%. 1-3 ml of vitamin ADE compound injection should be injected intramuscularly in different directions. 1-1.5 ml of sodium selenite vitamin E and 5-10 ml of dextran iron should be added to the feed containing extracts such as perilla.

[0052] The performance indicators of the dairy sheep from western Henan obtained by the breeding method of this invention are as follows:

[0053] Local characteristics: Tolerant of roughage, strong disease resistance, heat resistance, quick weight gain, and strong adaptability.

[0054] Milk production characteristics: Improved milk production performance, with a milk yield of 220-280 kg per lactation period, milk fat content of 5%-7%, and milk protein content of 5%-7%.

[0055] Other features:

[0056] 1. Tail shape and tail weight of dairy sheep in western Henan have improved. (See attached image) Figure 1 As shown, it does not have a large fat tail, has good meat production performance, and high feed efficiency.

[0057] 2. The ewe carries at least one FecB gene, is prolific and has a lambing rate of over 200%, and produces 3 lambs in 2 years.

[0058] 3. The average weight of weaned lambs at 3 months of age can reach 23kg, and the fattening weight at 6 months of age can reach 38-44kg. Adult rams weigh 80-90kg, and adult ewes weigh 60-70kg. The daily weight gain in the early stage can reach more than 250g, and the net meat rate is 50-55%.

[0059] Table 1 shows a comparison of the performance indicators of the Yuxi dairy sheep bred with those of the other breeds bred.

[0060] Table 1. Comparison of performance indicators of dairy sheep in western Henan with those of participating breeds

[0061]

[0062]

[0063] The above embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the structure, features and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for breeding a new breed of YuXi milk sheep, characterized in that: It comprises the following steps: (1) crossbreeding with the Lacon sheep as the male parent and the fat-tail sheep in the west of Henan as the female parent to obtain F1 hybrid sheep, and selecting and retaining female sheep from the F1 hybrid sheep; the selection and retention standards of the F1 hybrid female sheep include: carrying at least one FecB gene, birth weight of 3.6 kg or more, weaning weight of 22 kg or more, six-month-old weight of 38 kg or more, and body appearance tending to the male parent; (2) crossbreeding with the selected and retained female sheep of the first hybrid generation as the female parent and the Lacon sheep as the male parent to obtain F2 hybrid sheep, and selecting and retaining female sheep from the F2 generation; the selection and retention standards of the F2 hybrid female sheep in step (2) include: one or two or three of the following: body appearance tending to the male parent, thin tail type, and light tail weight; (3) crossbreeding with the selected and retained female sheep of the second hybrid generation as the female parent and the Dongfuri sheep as the male parent to obtain F3 hybrid sheep; (4) self-crossing the F3 hybrid sheep to obtain the zero-generation flock of the milk sheep in the west of Henan; the selection and retention standards of the F3 hybrid female sheep include: carrying at least one FecB gene, birth weight of 4 kg or more, weaning weight of 23 kg or more, six-month-old weight of 40 kg or more, and body appearance tending to the male parent; (5) crossbreeding and fixed selection of the zero-generation flock of the milk sheep in the west of Henan, i.e. cultivating the milk sheep in the west of Henan.

2. The breeding method according to claim 1, characterized by: The selection and retention standards of the F2 hybrid female sheep in step (2) are: carrying at least one FecB gene, birth weight of 4 kg or more, weaning weight of 23 kg or more, and six-month-old weight of 40 kg or more.

3. The breeding method according to claim 1, characterized by: In step (5), the selection standards of the male sheep of each generation include: larger body size, thinner tail type, birth weight of 4 kg or more, weaning weight of 23 kg or more, six-month-old fattening weight of 38 kg or more, one-year-old weight of 50 kg or more, early daily weight gain of 250 g or more, and dressing percentage of 50-55%; The selection standards of the female sheep of each generation are: larger body size, thinner tail type, birth weight of 3 kg or more, weaning weight of 20 kg or more, six-month-old weight of 30 kg or more, one-year-old weight of 40 kg or more, early daily weight gain of 250 g or more, dressing percentage of 50-55%, carrying at least one FecB gene, and lambing rate of 200% or more.

4. The breeding method according to claim 3, characterized by: The selection standards of each generation in step (5) further include: wider head, denser and tighter back hair; the male sheep has fuller body shape and better testicular development; the female sheep has fuller body shape and better breast development.

5. The breeding method according to claim 1, characterized by: In step (5), the crossbreeding and fixed selection adopts the group successive generation selection method, and the milk sheep in the west of Henan is obtained after 3-4 generations of selection.

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