Location: Range Sheep Production Efficiency Research
Project Number: 2056-31610-006-006-N
Project Type: Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Oct 1, 2015
End Date: Sep 30, 2020
Objective:
Using experimental and historic production data determine the in utero effect of sex of twin (sibling) on fetal development and subsequent lifetime productivity of a ewe.
Approach:
(1) Using historical data, determine the in utero effect of sex of twin (sibling) on ewe productivity over a lifetime. Using the USDA Agricultural Research Service Dubois sheep database, a dataset will be constructed to accomplish the objective. We will investigate and identify environmental factors (e.g., sex of sibling) that most influenced ewe lifetime productivity and product quality and how the factors may or may not exhibit generational epigenetic effects. (2) Within the current sheep breeding schedule at ARS-Dubois, conduct periodic pregnancy ultrasonography measures to identify twin embryos and fetuses and subsequently follow fetal development to lambing of twin pregnancies to determine the in utero effect of sex of twin (sibling) on fetal development. Results and products from these approaches will be promptly transferred to the industry for advancement of the profitability, quality, and competitiveness of the American sheep industry.
