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Scientists sequence entire sheep genome
Sheep
Sheep are an important biomedical model.
Breakthrough could lead to further research and improved economy

A team of researchers from 26 institutions in eight different countries has completed the first sequencing of the entire sheep genome.

The collaboration was led by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and included scientists from China, the United States and the UK (University of Edinburgh’s Roslin Institute).

By comparing sheep’s genes with those of humans, cattle, goats and pigs, scientists were able to:

    •    Pinpoint genetic differences that make sheep different from other animals    
    •    Show that sheep have been a separate species from goats for 4 million years
    •    Identify the genes that give sheep their fleece
    •    Uncover the features of their digestive system that make them so well suited to a diet of low quality grass

Sheep are an important biomedical model, as well as a major source of meat, milk and wool products, and this accomplishment could lead to improvements in the rural economy as well as further biomedical research into a number of conditions in humans such as sepsis and asthma.
 
CSIRO project leader Dr Brian Dalrymple, said: “Given the importance of wool production, we focused on which genes were likely to be involved in producing wool. We identified a new pathway for the metabolism of lipid in sheep skin, which may play a role in both the development of wool and in the efficient production of wool grease (lanolin).”
 
Head of genetics and genomics at The Roslin Institute, Professor Alan Archibald, said: “Sheep were one of the first animals to be domesticated for farming and are still an important part of the global agricultural economy. Understanding more about their genetic make-up will help us to breed healthier and more productive flocks.”
 
The study has been published in the journal Science.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
New guidance for antibiotic use in rabbits

New best practice guidance on the responsible use of antibiotics in rabbits has been published by the BSAVA in collaboration with the Rabbit Welfare Association & Fund (RWA&F).

The guidance is free and has been produced to help veterinary practitioners select the most appropriate antibiotic for rabbits. It covers active substance, dose and route of administration all of which are crucial factors when treating rabbits owing to the risk of enterotoxaemia.

For more information and to access the guide, visit the BSAVALibrary.