thesis statement for lamb to the slaughter

Lamb To The Slaughter | Summary, Analysis, Themes & Meaning

“Lamb to the Slaughter,” by Roald Dahl, was first published in 1953 and later appeared in collections such as “Someone Like You” (1953) and “Tales of the Unexpected” (1979). It’s a horror story like Macbeth by William Shakespeare .

The story tells how a wife cunningly employs a frozen leg of lamb to murder her unfaithful husband, devising a plan to evade detection. Adapted for television, it showcases Dahl’s adeptness at building tension and infusing dark comedy into the narrative.

Table of Contents

Summary Of The Lamb to the Slaughter

In Setting , the murder occurs in the Maloney home’s living room and kitchen, which serve as the main settings for the narrative. Although the exact time period isn’t mentioned, it appears to be in the middle of the 20th century.

The compelling story of “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl takes surprising turns as it progresses. In the opening of the story, Mary Maloney eagerly anticipates her husband Patrick’s return from work, preparing a nice supper and looking forward to a relaxing evening together.

However, her world shatters when Patrick arrives and abruptly informs her of his decision to leave. Consumed by rage and despair, Mary impulsively retrieves a frozen leg of lamb from the freezer and strikes Patrick in the back of the head, instantly killing him.

As Mary startles herself with her own actions, a whirlwind of emotions engulfs her as she grapples with the gravity of what she has done.

Mary, who is adamant about hiding her crime, carefully plans how to get rid of the murder weapon and come up with a plausible alibi. She presents a front of normalcy and offers the investigating officers the cooked leg of lamb for dinner when they arrive at her house.

They eat, without realizing it, the same proof that Patrick was murdered. Mary plays the perfect grieving widow, feigning innocence as the police talk about the case and make assumptions regarding the whereabouts of the murder weapon.

Beneath the surface, though, is a deep sense of regret and sorrow, knowing that her life would never be the same.

thesis statement for lamb to the slaughter

Dahl skillfully addresses issues of treachery, deceit, and the unexpected potential for violence in otherwise seemingly normal people throughout the entire narrative.

He subverts social norms and conventional gender roles by providing a complex representation of female agency and empowerment through the figure of Mary Maloney.

As the novel progresses, it takes readers into a world where appearances can deceive, and distinguishing guilt from innocence becomes challenging.

Lamb to the Slaughter profoundly impresses by reminding us of the fragility of human connections and the unexpected outcomes that may arise when they are tested to the extreme.

This classic story never fails to enthrall audiences with its gripping storyline and provocative topics, encouraging contemplation on the intricacies of human nature and the effects of our actions.

Analysis Of The Lamb To The Slaughter

The engrossing story “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl explores the intricacies of human nature, providing deep understanding of themes of treachery, deceit, and the unsuspected ability for violence within seemingly normal people.

Fundamentally, “Lamb to the Slaughter” offers a terrifying depiction of treachery and its terrible results. As the story begins, Mary Maloney eagerly awaits her husband’s return home, so she is taken aback when he unexpectedly announces that he is divorcing her.

Mary experiences shock and bewilderment at this abrupt betrayal, which drives her to act violently in a desperate time. We are forced to face hard realities about the brittleness of trust and the erratic nature of human conduct as we dive deeper into Mary’s psyche.

“Lamb to the Slaughter” examines the themes of deceit and the extent people will go to in order to keep their secrets hidden in addition to betrayal.

Mary skillfully creates an alibi and gets rid of the murder weapon without raising any red flags, making her flawless cover-up of her crime a monument to the power of deception.

People frequently use the vivid metaphor “lamb to the slaughter” to represent someone who enters a risky situation without realizing it will end badly, much like a lamb brought to its fate without realizing it would end badly.

“Lamb to the Slaughter” also offers a biting assessment of the restrictions imposed on women in patriarchal civilizations, challenging conventional gender roles and cultural expectations.

As Mary transforms from a subservient housewife to a crafty killer, “Lamb to the Slaughter” challenges expectations and prompts readers to reevaluate their ideas about the agency and empowerment of women.

Dahl emphasizes the intricacies of gender dynamics and how cultural norms may influence people’s conduct through Mary’s deeds. In summary, “Lamb to the Slaughter” enthralls readers with its compelling story and provocative issues, making it a well-written piece.

The complexities of Mary Maloney’s narrative force us to face difficult realities about the nature of humanity and the limits of our own morality.

This timeless short story serves as a sobering reminder of the intricacies of human nature and the unintended repercussions of our actions because of its ageless relevance and enduring influence.

Symbolism In Lamb To The Slaughter

Meaning and context of “lamb to the slaughter”.

People frequently use the vivid metaphor “lamb to the slaughter” to represent someone entering a risky situation without realizing it will end badly, much like a lamb brought to its fate without realizing it would end badly.

Moreover, It’s a striking picture that makes you feel vulnerable and in danger. We meet Mary Maloney in this compelling story, an apparently loving wife whose life takes an abrupt and surprising change when her husband makes the shocking declaration that he is divorcing her.

Mary’s first shock soon gives way to desperation and wrath, which causes her to carry out a shocking act of violence using a leg of lamb as her preferred weapon.

The story’s background reveals layers of treachery, deceit, and the surprising ability for violence inside seemingly normal people.

Furthermore, It casts doubt on our conceptions of innocence and poses interesting queries about human nature and the extent people will go to in times of extreme need.

In addition, “Lamb to the Slaughter” criticizes social norms and conventional gender roles. Mary’s journey from obedient wife to premeditated killer subverts social mores and illuminates the nuances of human nature.

“Lamb to the Slaughter” is a provocative examination of the human condition, not merely a slogan. It compels us to consider the ramifications of betrayal and the unpredictable nature of human conduct with its compelling story and vibrant cast of characters.

The next time you hear the phrase “lamb to the slaughter,” try to recall the meaning behind it and give it some thought.

Character Dynamics In Lamb to the Slaughter

Dahl skillfully creates complex character interactions that propel the story along. The tension between Mary and the detectives, as well as Mary’s internal conflict about lying and guilt, makes the plot more complex.

Through complex character relationships, Dahl delves into themes related to morality, justice, and the fallout from betrayal. Readers are lured into a web of suspense and intrigue as Mary deals with the fallout from her crime and the detectives hunt down their suspect.

Moreover, the story’s recurring power struggles and moral uncertainty highlight the complexity of human nature and the varied ways that people react to hardship.

Mary Maloney

Mary Maloney, the story’s protagonist, is an obedient and seemingly meek woman who experiences a tremendous shift following her husband’s betrayal. Mary’s character, who was first portrayed as a loving wife, takes a stunning turn when she murders someone.

Dahl deftly captures Mary’s plunge into darkness, bringing to light the breadth of her resourcefulness and despair. Although, readers will see Mary’s inner torment and the slow erosion of her innocence as she struggles with the truth of her husband’s adultery.

She reveals layers of depth and ambiguity in her character through her deliberate acts, which range from the meticulous preparation of the murder to her cool-headedness in the aftermath.

Patrick Maloney

Mary’s husband Patrick Maloney acts as a trigger for the plot’s developments. Patrick’s character is prominent despite his brief involvement in the story because of his betrayal and the effect it had on Mary.

Although Patrick’s actions are never fully addressed, he plays a vital role in the plot since his treachery sets the setting for Mary’s dramatic actions. Readers learn more about Patrick’s personality and his relationship with Mary through Mary’s memories and the investigators’ inquiry.

Moreover, he is sudden declaration of his intention to file for divorce rocks Mary’s world, deepening her spiral into despair and inspiring the unforgiveable act of violence that ensues.

The Detectives

The investigators looking into Patrick’s slaying offer an alternative viewpoint on Mary’s personality. Their suspicion and disbelief that Mary is a suspect exposes preconceptions and biases in society.

The detectives fail to recognize Mary’s intelligence and resourcefulness despite their professional manner, which ultimately prevents them from solving the case.

Readers are given hints about the detectives’ own prejudices and assumptions as they question Mary and analyze the evidence.

Moreover, their incapacity to look behind Mary’s façade highlights the shortcomings of their research strategy and offers a critique of the brittleness of human judgment.

Themes In Lamb to the Slaughter

Betrayal and revenge.

Mary’s learning of her husband’s adultery sparks her journey into darkness, highlighting the topic of betrayal. Dahl examines the effects of betrayal and the hazy boundaries between justice and retribution as Mary painstakingly prepares and carries out her retaliation.

Mary’s actions were stunning, which emphasizes the damage betrayal does to relationships and the extent people would go to in order to exact revenge.

Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Dahl deftly explores the concept of deception throughout the narrative, as Mary hides her actual motivations under an act of innocence.

In addition, the theme that looks can be deceiving is furthered by the contrast between Mary’s exterior and her inner thoughts and behaviors.

Dahl asks readers to consider their views of reality and the veracity of appearances through Mary’s deception of the truth and her ability to outwit the police.

Justice and Morality

Through Mary’s wrongdoing, Dahl challenges readers to consider the nuances of morality and justice. Even though one can perceive Mary’s conduct as morally dubious, her motivations and the circumstances of the crime raise significant ethical problems.

Moreover, Dahl invites readers to ask themselves if Mary’s actions are morally acceptable in the face of injustice and betrayal as the narrative progresses, challenging conventional ideas of good and wrong.

Gender Roles and Power Dynamics

“Lamb to the Slaughter” delves at the power dynamics and gender roles in marriage and society. Mary defies assumptions and prejudices by going from being a subservient wife to a crafty perpetrator, emphasizing the idea of empowerment.

Furthermore, Dahl gently challenges gender norms and expectations in society, implying that people might rebel against stereotypes and express their agency in novel ways.

Irony and Dark Humor

Dahl adds layers of complexity and depth to the narrative by infused the story with black comedy and irony. A sense of black comedy is produced by the ridiculousness of Mary’s crime as well as the incapacity and ignorance of the police.

Dahl draws readers into an exciting and gripping investigation of human nature and the capricious turns of fate through sardonic turns of events and shocking discoveries.

Finally, Roald Dahl’s “Lamb to the Slaughter” skillfully examines themes of treachery, deceit, and the unpredictable aspect of human nature.

In addition, the story’s compelling plot and nuanced cast of characters make readers think about the ramifications of treachery and the hazy boundaries between retribution and justice.

Furthermore, “Lamb to the Slaughter” never fails to enthrall viewers with its dark humor and surprising turns, serving as a constant reminder of Dahl’s storytelling prowess.

The phrase “Lamb to the Slaughter” means being led to a situation where one is in imminent danger or harm without realizing it.

“Lamb to the Slaughter” is a work of fiction by Roald Dahl and not based on a true story.

The story “Lamb to the Slaughter” revolves around a woman who murders her husband with a frozen leg of lamb and then cleverly conceals the crime.

The main message of “Lamb to the Slaughter” is the unpredictability of human behavior and the consequences of betrayal.

The moral lesson of “Lamb to the Slaughter” is that appearances can be deceiving, and revenge can have unexpected consequences.

Lamb to the Slaughter is not typically categorized as a horror story, but it does contain elements of suspense and dark humor.

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Literature Studies: “Lamb to The Slaughter” by Roald Dahl Essay

Patrick is a detective who punctually arrives home to his wife. She always offers him a cold drink and allows him to take it peacefully. However, on this fateful day, the unusual happened and Patrick presumably told Mary, his wife, they were going to part ways. The series of events following this announcement led to Patrick’s death and an investigation into his death. This paper looks into Mary Maloney’s nature and her controlling characteristic as narrated by Dahl.

Dahl begins the story by introducing a wife, Mary Maloney, who is in a warm room waiting for her husband (Dahl). From the onset, Mary is depicted as a dedicated and dutiful wife with much love for her spouse. Despite signs pointing to anxiety, her occasional glances at the watch, she is calm.

Mary also comes across as keen to detail, she knows exactly when her husband comes home every day. Mary is composed, loving, and meticulous. However, in all her character traits, her attention to detail appears to contribute a significant share to her overall character.

The opening paragraphs clearly inform the reader that Mrs. Maloney is observant. She knows precisely what time her husband arrives since she begins to listen for signs of Patrick’s arrival. “When the clock said ten minutes to five … a few moments later, punctually as always…” (Dahl). She is rewarded by the sound of car tires outside the house. She can also tell that the second drink Patrick made for himself is stronger by just looking at it.

Her meticulous nature is called upon when she realizes that she has killed Patrick. Mary knows that if found at the crime scene without an alibi, she would end up as the prime suspect. A possibility of being charged for murder does not frighten her. Mary’s only fear is for the unborn child she is carrying (Dahl). To protect her soon to be born baby:

“She carried the meat into the kitchen, put it into a pan, turned on the oven… she washed her hands, ran upstairs, sat down in front of the mirror, fixed her makeup, and tried to smile … That was better. Both the smile and the voice sounded better now. She practiced them several times more” (Dahl).

Heading to the grocery, she bought what she needed. Her keen eye for detail plays out above and further highlighted by her knowledge of Patrick’s favorite dessert.

After the police arrived and began a thorough investigation, they realized that Mr. Maloney died from a blow to his back. As Mary cries in the house, Dahl gives the reader a hint to her diabolical plan. By cooking the “murder weapon”, she has partially destroyed any evidence linking her to Patrick’s death. However, it is not destroyed completely yet.

First, she offers the detectives a drink, possibly alcoholic and bids her time. Jack reminds her of the oven that is still running. She feigned surprise and with a teary face gently offers the officers to eat the murder weapon. Her mission to protect her unborn child appears accomplished when the police decide to finish the lamb. The story ends with Mary laughing at the remark by a police officer that the murder weapon was probably right under their noses.

Works Cited

Dahl, Roald. “Lamb to The Slaughter.” Harper’s Magazine. 1953. Print.

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IvyPanda . (2020) 'Literature Studies: "Lamb to The Slaughter" by Roald Dahl'. 22 March.

IvyPanda . 2020. "Literature Studies: "Lamb to The Slaughter" by Roald Dahl." March 22, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/literature-studies-lamb-to-the-slaughter-by-roald-dahl/.

1. IvyPanda . "Literature Studies: "Lamb to The Slaughter" by Roald Dahl." March 22, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/literature-studies-lamb-to-the-slaughter-by-roald-dahl/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Literature Studies: "Lamb to The Slaughter" by Roald Dahl." March 22, 2020. https://ivypanda.com/essays/literature-studies-lamb-to-the-slaughter-by-roald-dahl/.

Feb 13, 2022

From Feminine to Fatal: A Feminist Approach to Roald Dahl’s “Lamb to the Slaughter”

Throughout the years, women have been overpowered, oppressed and silenced. The act of “angel of the house” was the personae that women adopted while, behind closed doors, they endured unjust and cruel treatments. Literature, mostly written by men, rarely portrays these struggles and tends to sugarcoat the harsh reality of the sexist and patriarchal societies. However, there are rare exceptions. Although Roald Dahl is known for specializing in children’s literature, he wrote a collection of shocking, mind-twisting and unforgettable short stories. This article will analyze one of these fictions, “Lamb to the slaughter”, from a feminist point of view, focusing on the central figure of the story, Mary Maloney. In this narrative, MaryMaloney starts off as the victim, but quickly become a sly, vengeful and unapologetic murderer.

To begin with, Dahl begins his story with the familiar childish tone that he employs in most of his works. Mrs. Maloney is described as a typical housewife: she spends her days doing chores, patiently waiting for her husband to come home, and, most importantly, expecting a child. When the book begins, she is sewing, a common and domestic activity for a housewife. As soon as her husband’s car enters the driveway, her mood shifts, and she excitedly attends to his every need, highlighting her submissive and obedient nature. On the other hand, he is not reciprocating her care and affection, which doesn’t seem to strike her as odd. It isn’t until he orders her to sit down for a chat that she “began to get frightened” (Dahl, 1953).This fear allows the audience to believe in Mrs. Maloney’s innocence and helplessness, making her eventual crime that much more striking.

Figure 2: Photograph of the film Lambs to the slaughter by Alfred Hitchcock (1958)

This short story is built on ironies. Starting from the very beginning of the tale, the wife is comically ecstatic with the mere presence of her husband, so her attitude mocks the social stereotypes of the devoted wife and the cold husband: “She loved to luxuriate in the presence of this man” (Dahl, 1953).However, the main irony lies in the title of Dahl’s work: the lamb leg. The reader can sense the literary comedy in the fact that a dinner, often associated with the realm of women, turns into a weapon used to fight the patriarchy. According to Jaber (2016):

There is perversity and absurdity in the way that a leg of lamb (intended to be cooked for dinner) is turned into a murder weapon and how after it becomes a murder weapon it is tuned back to be a dinner meal.(pp.1173-1174)

The lamb leg comes full circle, and disappears from existence.Furthermore, the choice of animal in the story holds a certain ironical paradox. Joshi (2015) states that “When an individual is innocent, trusting and has no clue that another is trying to take advantage of him or her, that is like leading a lamb to the slaughter”. He continues by arguing that, at first, one tends to believe that Mary is very naïve and clueless, but later the reader comes to realize that she is cleverer and stronger than she seems.

The illusion of the perfect, happily-married couple quickly vanishes as Patrick declares that he intends on leaving his pregnant wife as soon as possible. He proceeds to appease her pain and shock by assuring her that he will be financing her and their unborn child. This compensation feels frail after witnessing Mary’s attention and care towards her working husband; this offer even feels humiliating and degrading to a woman whose heart has just been shattered. Patrick’s behavior only strengthens the need of audience to sympathize with Mary and to understand her motivations. The roles here are reversed, as we pity the murderess and abhor the victim. Additionally, the feminist power of this story lies in its eventual effect on the reader: as Mary gets away with her crime and slightly “giggles”, the reader celebrates her victory and even feels relieved.

Figure 3: Oil painting of Lamb to the Slaughter by Math Metivier (n.d)

Having heard the news, Mrs. Maloney quickly goes through the stages of grief: at first, she is in complete and utter denial: “Her first instinct was not to believe any of it, to reject it all” (Dahl, 1953). However, the next stage of grief, anger, is manifested through the murder itself rather than through verbal aggression. The act itself feels rather effortless and easy, even humorous to Mary: “the funny thing was that he remained standing there for at least four or five seconds, gently swaying” (Dahl, 1953).

Mrs. Maloney has no time to bargain and, thus, skips the third stage as she quickly develops a plan to find herself an alibi to escape punishment. Even within these brief moments of panic, Mary’s maternal instincts get the best of her, as she is mostly worried about the future of her child. Her affectionate side resurfaces once more during the story as she attains the fourth stage: depression. Remembering the love she had for Patrick and his sudden death brings Mary to a brief breaking point. Here the reader witness Mary’s true feelings after several instances of fake surprise and sadness: “No acting was necessary” (Dahl, 1953). This sentence is short, but effective as it highlights the depth of her previously concealed emotions. What really stands out in this narrative is that the final stage of grief precedes the rest of them, as Mary comes to the sudden and conclusive deduction that she has killed her husband. This acceptance is what drives the plot forward, but it also portrays Mary as a strong, unconventional woman that is able to switch so quickly from a loving and caring wife to a psychopathic killer.

To sum up, Dahl’s “Lamb to the Slaughter” is a captivating short story that challenges the traditional gender norms in only a few pages. By killing her husband, Mary is seen as an unconventional, powerful and feminist woman that would not allow her spouse to walk away freely, abandoning her and their unborn child. Jaber (2016) mentions in her article that Dahl “combines horror, shock, and absurdity in a way that reinforces the effect of his work”. By using irony and dark humor, the author addresses the issues of gender inequality, patriarchy and transfer of power. References

Dahl, R. (2012). Lamb to the Slaughter (A Roald Dahl Short Story) . Penguin UK.

Jaber. (2016). The Female Avenger: Violence, Absurdity, and Black Humour in Roald Dahl's Short stories. Journal of the College of Education for Women , 27 (3).

Joshi, D. P. (2015). Portrayal of Different Shades of Marital Life in The Lost Jewels and Lamb to the Slaughter: A thematic study. European Academic Research , 3 (2).

Pictures References

Figure 1. Chia, Roxanne (2011) Kelly Reemtsen’s ladies [Digital Illustration], Flickr.

Figure 2. Hitchcock, Alfred (1958) Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Lamb to the Slaughter . [Photograph] United States, Shamley Productions, CBS Productions.

Figure 3. Metivier, Math (n.d) Lamb to the Slaughter [Oil Painting], ArtStation.

English Literature

This is disgusting. Murder is not ok. Women were not even treated that bad.

Something tells me that this article is very very feminist

Charming and beautifully creepy. The perfect woman may not exist, but the perfect crime does.

Elsa Abdallah

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Lamb to The Slaughter — Main Themes in “Lamb to the Slaughter”

Main Themes in "Lamb to The Slaughter"

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Gender roles, the fragility of appearances.

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Lamb to the Slaughter

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The room was warm and clean, the curtains drawn, the two table lamps alight—hers and the one by the empty chair opposite. On the sideboard behind her, two tall glasses, soda water, whisky. Fresh ice cubes in the Thermos bucket. Mary Maloney was waiting for her husband to come home from work.

There was a slow smiling air about her, and about everything she did. The drop of the head as she bent over her sewing was curiously tranquil. Her skin—for this was her sixth month with child—had acquired a wonderful translucent quality, the mouth was soft, and the eyes, with their new placid look, seemed larger, darker than before.

She knew he didn’t want to speak much until the first drink was finished, and she, on her side, was content to sit quietly, enjoying his company after the long hours alone in the house. She loved to luxuriate in the presence of this man, and to feel—almost as a sunbather feels the sun—that warm male glow that came out of him to her when they were alone together.

And I know it’s kind of a bad time to be telling you, but there simply wasn’t any other way. Of course I’ll give you money and see you’re looked after. But there needn’t really be any fuss. I hope not anyway. It wouldn’t be very good for my job.

At that point, Mary Maloney simply walked up behind him and without any pause she swung the big frozen leg of lamb high in the air and brought it down as hard as she could on the back of his head. She might just as well have hit him with a steel club. She stepped back a pace, waiting, and the funny thing was that he remained standing there for at least four or five seconds, gently swaying. Then he crashed to the carpet.

It was extraordinary, now, how clear her mind became all of a sudden. She began thinking very fast. As the wife of a detective, she knew quite well what the penalty would be. That was fine. It made no difference to her. In fact, it would be a relief. On the other hand, what about the child? What were the laws about murderers with unborn children? Did they kill them both—mother and child? Or did they wait until the tenth month? What did they do? Mary Maloney didn’t know. And she certainly wasn’t prepared to take a chance.

The two detectives remained, and so did the two policemen. They were exceptionally nice to her, and Jack Noonan asked if she wouldn't rather go somewhere else, to her sister’s house perhaps, or to his own wife who would take care of her and put her up for the night.

Sometimes Jack Noonan spoke to her gently as he passed by. Her husband, he told her, had been killed by a blow on the back of the head administered with a heavy blunt instrument, almost certainly a large piece of metal. They were looking for the weapon. The murderer may have taken it with him, but on the other hand he may’ve thrown it away or hidden it somewhere on the premises.

“It’s the old story,” he said. “Get the weapon, and you’ve got the man.”

“Here you all are, and good friends of dear Patrick’s too, and helping to catch the man who killed him. You must be terribly hungry by now because it’s long past your supper time, and I know Patrick would never forgive me, God bless his soul, if I allowed you to remain in his house without offering you decent hospitality. Why don’t you eat up that lamb that’s in the oven? It’ll be cooked just right by now.”

The woman stayed where she was, listening to them through the open door, and she could hear them speaking among themselves, their voices thick and sloppy because their mouths were full of meat. … “That’s the hell of a big club the guy must’ve used to hit poor Patrick,” one of them was saying. “The doc says his skull was smashed all to pieces just like from a sledge-hammer.” … “Personally, I think it’s right here on the premises. “Probably right under our very noses. What you think, Jack?” And in the other room, Mary Maloney began to giggle.

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Lamb to the Slaughter In the short story “Lamb to the Slaughter”, author Roald Dahl conveys his feelings that the troubles in life can be solved by analyzing the situation before acting, that you should appreciate what you have, and that ultimately that everyone is a lamb, all with the power to break free of their control.

To reinforce his lesson on planning out a situation, Roald Dahl uses examples of the outcomes of situations with and without rational thinking; he first begins with an example of the negative effects of rash decisions. “…Mary Maloney simply walked up behind him and without any pause…brought it down as hard as she could.” In the heat of the moment, Mary was blinded from proper judgment by her onslaught of emotions towards her husband. If Mary had stopped and thought rationally about her predicament, she most likely would not have to deal with the fact that she murdered her husband. On the other hand, Roald Dahl gives his main character a chance to redeem her previous poor decision making. “What were the laws about murderers with unborn children? Did the kill them both-mother and child?”

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Once Mary came to the conclusion that her baby’s life was on the line, she was not going to take a chance. She calculated her actions, and after thinking about the best solution, concocted a solution to her crisis. She cleverly creates an alibi for herself, demonstrating the positive outcomes of rational thinking. Also, Mary once again demonstrates the advantages of processing a situation before acting when she decides to rid herself of the murder weapon. “Please eat it…It’d be a favor to me if you’d eat it up. Then you can go on with your work again afterwards.” Knowing that the officers are searching for the weapon and she still has it, Mary develops an extraordinary plan to rid herself of the evidence. Her well thought out plan emphasize the positive outcomes of rational thinking by not only riding her of the lamb leg, but by also reinforcing the officers’ belief that she is innocent. Outline:

Thesis- In the short story “Lamb to the Slaughter”, author Roald Dahl conveys his feelings that the troubles in life can be solved by analyzing the situation before acting, that you should appreciate what you have, and that ultimately that everyone is a lamb, all with the power to break free of their control. TS1- Roald Dahl provides positive and negative example of rational thinking. CD1- “…walked up behind him…as hard as she could”.

CM1- Mary was blinded by her emotions.

CM2- If she had planned better, the situation may have gone a lot better. CD2-“What were the laws about murderers with unborn children? Did the kill them both-mother and child?” CM1- Was not going to take a chance now that her unborn baby is on the line. CM2- Thinking allows her to come up with an alibi.

CD3- “Please eat it…It’d be a favor to me if you’d eat it up. Then you can go on with your work again afterwards.” CM1- Mary realizes that she needs to dispose of the murder weapon. CM2- Rational thinking not only rids the evidence, but also solidifies the officers’ assumption that she is innocent. TS2- Roald Dahl also provides literary evidence to support that you should value the things you have. CD1- “Of course I’ll give you money and see you’re looked after. But there needn’t really be any fuss.” CM1- The thought of divorce had no weight on Mr. Maloney.

CM2- His lack of value towards his wife’s love led to his death. CD2- “And in the other room, Mary Maloney began to giggle.” CM1- She giggled because she never knew she had the strength to do something like this on her own. CM2- The newfound feeling of empowerment had not been present until she valued her own abilities. TS3- Everyone is a lamb, all with the ability to break free of control. CD1- “…he remained standing there for at least four or five seconds, gently swaying. Then he crashed to the carpet.” CM1- Patrick Maloney was simply a lamb, clueless to the fact that he was to be slaughtered. CM2- He had the power to try and work things out, but failed, resulting in his untimely death. CD2- “All right, she told herself. So I’ve killed him.” CM1- She was the lamb to be slaughtered by her controller, Mr. Maloney. CM2- She rose above and seized control from her metaphorical butcher. Conclusion: Roald Dahl uses his characters to portray his personal views that troubles in life can be solved by rationalizing the situation before making a decision, that you should appreciate what you have, and that ultimately that everyone is a lamb, all with the power to break free of their control.

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Boric Acid in Milk Replacer as a Health Enhancer and Growth Promoter for Lambs in the Suckling Period

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Published: 17 May 2024

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Soner Uysal 1 &
Mehmet Akif Yoruk 2

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This study was performed to investigate the effects of boric acid supplementation in milk replacer of lambs in the suckling period on performance, biochemical parameters, the antioxidant system, fecal culture, and expression of some genes. During the suckling period, 60 lambs (4 days old) were randomly given four levels of boric acid (0, 30, 60, and 90 mg/kg body weight) via milk replacer for 57 days. The lambs supplemented with boric acid had a higher weight gain and better feed conversion ratio. Boric acid supplementation quadratically increased serum triglyceride, total protein, alkaline phosphatase, serum antioxidant activity and oxidative stress biomarkers, and fecal flora and decreased IL1β, IL10, iNOS, NF-kB, and TNF-α gene expressions. The effect of boric acid on rumen papilla development could not be determined since the animals were not slaughtered. In conclusion, the use of boric acid to lambs in the suckling period improved the average weekly body weight gain and feed conversion efficiency, positively affected some biochemical parameters, antioxidant system, and intestinal flora, and also affected gene expressions related to the immune system. Boric acid supplementation had a beneficial effect on the health and growth of suckling lambs.

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Introduction

Animal products are highly significant for nutrition and food security, contributing a significant portion of global protein consumption [ 1 ]. The demand for animal products is increasing in parallel with increasing global population and income levels and it is projected that this will increase from 48 to 57% between 2005 and 2050 [ 2 ]. Sheep provide meat, milk, and wool and are considered as a significant source of animal protein [ 3 ]. Thus, it is crucial that the health of newborn lambs is improved. Today, neonatal lamb mortality remains an important global animal welfare problem [ 4 ]. Since the transfer of antibodies from the placenta of ruminants to the offspring is prevented, the immunity of newborns against pathogens depends entirely on the intestinal absorption of immunoglobulins consumed in colostrum from the mother [ 5 ]. The immune system response is one of the mechanisms developed to defend against environmental infectious challenges. Animals create an immune response by secreting cytokines (interleukin, interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor) against stress factors [ 6 ]. The development and health of neonatal ruminant animals are significantly influenced by intestinal microbes [ 7 ]. Intestinal bacterial imbalance, for instance, has been linked to mortality, diarrhea, dehydration, growth retardation, and disrupted nutritional digestion and absorption. In order to support the growth and health of pre-wean ruminants, research that focuses on the creation of an ideal gut microbiota would be helpful [ 8 ]. Pathogenic microorganisms that cause diarrhea in lambs, especially in the neonatal period, include Escherichia coli ( E.coli ) and Clostridium perfringens [ 9 ].

Known to be present in water, rocks, and soil, boron (B) is not naturally found in pure form [ 10 ]. Its most common form (96%) is boric acid [ 11 ]. Boron is described as playing an important role in the biological, metabolic, and physiological processes of plants and animals [ 12 ]. It is well recognized that boron is crucial to the immune and antioxidant defense systems as well as the metabolism of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which contribute to bone formation [ 13 ]. Eventually, owing to its complex influence on the development of numerous diseases, boron has attracted the interest of researchers [ 14 ]. In recent years, many studies have been conducted to investigate the antimicrobial and antifungal activities of boron and the effects of this mineral on the antioxidant and immune systems, as well as mineral and energy metabolisms in animals and humans [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 ]. Studies on the use of boric acid report that boric acid is an inexpensive boron derivative [ 20 ]. Available data on the lethality of boron is limited, so further studies are needed. The toxic effects of boron and its compounds on the body have not been adequately investigated, especially at the tissue level [ 11 ]. It is also reported that some boron derivatives (boric acid, borax, colemanite, and ulexite) may provide protection against the toxicity of heavy metals [ 24 ].

When determining the effect of additives used in animal nutrition on health and productivity, it is important to evaluate blood serum metabolites (liver enzymes, lipid and protein status, oxidant/antioxidant balance, etc.), fecal flora, and immune system [ 8 , 11 ]. Although there are many studies on the addition of boric acid and other boron derivatives to animal diets, no references have been found in the literature regarding its use of lambs in the suckling period. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of boric acid on animal health and productivity, performance, blood biochemistry, antioxidant system, fecal flora, and gene expressions related to the immune system to lambs in the suckling period.

Materials and Methods

Ethical approval.

This experiment was carried out in a privately owned sheep farming enterprise in Erzurum province, located in the north-east of Turkey. All processes were ethically approved by the Atatürk University Animal Experiments Local Ethics Committee.

Boric Acid and Preparation

Boric acid was supplied from a commercial company (TEKKIM, extra pure boric acid, TK.020.100.01002, Nilufer-Bursa, Turkey). The boric acid we used in the experiment was in solid form and we dissolved it thoroughly in the milk replacer (Ovilac Eurovo Milk Replacer, Societe Laitiere De Retiers À Retiers 35,240, Retiers, France) before giving it to the lambs. The boric acid levels used in the study are much lower than the LD50 levels (2660–4100 mg/kg).

Animals, Diets, and Management

In total, 60 four-day-old lambs of the Lacaune breed were randomly distributed into four groups, each of 15 lambs (7 females and 8 males). The floor space per lamb was 1.24 m 2 . The pens in which the lambs were housed were well ventilated, and the floors, feeders, and drinkers were cleaned on a daily basis. Roughage and concentrate feed were provided in separate feeders. The milk replacer consumed by the lambs was given to each animal separately in individual feeding bottles. The four groups of lambs were fed individually on different milk treatments as follows: C (control)—100% milk replacer, B30—milk replacer + 30 mg/kg body weight (BW) of boric acid, B60—milk replacer + 60 mg/kg BW of boric acid, B90—milk replacer + 90 mg/kg BW of boric acid. The boric acid doses used in the study were calculated taking into account previous studies conducted on animals [ 25 ].

The lambs consumed lamb starter (Abalioğlu Karagöz Lamb Starter Feed, Mersin, Turkey) and alfalfa ad libitum. The nutritional composition of the lamb diet is as shown in Table 1 . An amount of 125 g of milk replacer was dissolved in 1 L of water by stirring. Thereafter, the milk replacer was heated at 45–50 °C for 10–15 min with constant stirring. The milk replacers were given to the lambs after being cooled to 37 °C. Lambs consumed 10% of their daily live weight in total milk replacer until they were 60 days old. They were fed with milk replacer 5 times a day in the 1st week, 4 times a day in the 2nd and 3rd weeks, 3 times a day in the 4th week, and twice a day from the 5th week to the 60th day.

Performance

During the study, the daily feed intake (FI) of the lambs, the milk replacer consumed, and the remaining feed in the feed troughs were weighed and recorded every morning. Each lamb was weighed on a weekly basis, at 8:00 am using a digital balance with 100 g precision. After this weighing, the amount of boric acid they would consume in the next week was calculated and given accordingly. Using FI and BW, the average weekly weight gain (AWWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were computed.

Sampling and Measurements

Fecal samples were taken from all animals a total of 6 times at 10-day intervals per animal and were used for microbiological analyses. The feces were collected directly from the rectum, and the collected samples from the rectum were placed in individual sterile stool containers and stored in deep freezers at − 80 °C until being used for analysis [ 26 ].

One gram from each fecal sample was diluted up to 10 −6 in 9 mL of either sterile physiological saline to be used for the enumeration of total bacteria, C. perfringens , and total coliform bacteria. After being mixed on a vortex mixer, viable bacteria in the dilutions were inoculated onto solid media using the spread plate method (plate count agar medium, tryptose sulfite cycloserine medium, and violet red bile medium). The media were incubated for 24 h at 37 °C under aerobic conditions for total bacteria and total coliform bacteria and for 24 h at 37 °C under anaerobic conditions for C. perfringens . Typical colonies which had grown in the incubated petri dishes to an approximate diameter of 0.5 mm were counted and quantified in log10 (CFU/g).

Blood samples were collected on day 60 of the study, at 9.00 am, by jugular venipuncture into blood serum tubes (BD Vacutainer SST II Advance) to be used for serum biochemical tests. The blood samples were centrifuged for 10 min at 1000 g and 4 °C to extract serum. Serum total protein (TP), albumin, cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels were determined with the aid of a Randox RX model autoanalyzer (County Antrim, UK).

Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were determined as described by Placer et al. [ 27 ] and Sedlak and Lindsay [ 28 ], respectively. Serum total oxidant status (TOS) levels were determined using an automated technique (TOS test kit, Rel Assay Diagnostic, Gaziantep, Turkey) developed by Erel [ 29 ]. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were also determined as described by Erel [ 30 ].

Total RNA isolation was performed on blood serum samples from all lambs of experimental and control groups with QIAzol Lysis Reagent (Qiagen, Cat: 79,306, Hilden, Germany) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After total RNA isolation, the RNA concentration was measured by using a NanoDrop spectrophotometer (Epoch Microplate Spectrophotometer, Radnor, PA). Later on, the quality of total RNA samples was assessed regarding DNA contamination by using gel electrophoresis. cDNA synthesis was performed using QuantiTect Reverse Transcription (Qiagen, Cat: 330,411, Germany) from total RNA according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

In the measurement of selected genes (IL 1β, IL6, IL10, iNOS, NF-kB, TNF-α), the master mix was prepared using SYBR Green in real-time PCR experiments as follows: SYBR Green 2X Rox Dye Mastermix (Qiagen), forward and reverse primers, cDNAs as templates, and nuclease-free water. After the master mixes were prepared, the samples were placed in the RT–qPCR (Bio-Rad, Hercules, CA) device and the results were evaluated according to the 2 −ΔΔC T method [ 31 ] and thus the expression values of the genes were calculated. The primer sequences of the relevant genes are given in Table 2 .

The performance and biochemical and microbiological data were first tested for normality using the Shapiro–Wilk test. Log transformation was performed for the microbiological data. The data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance by applying the mixed model (Proc. MIXED) of the Statistical Analysis System package program (SAS, 2002). In the linear model,

showing the impact of boron supplementation on the investigated variables; y is a parameter, µ is the population mean, B is the boron level, T is the time, and e is the experimental error, as a repeated measures. Lamb within the group was the random term. Statistical analyses included the biological response to presence and increased boric acid supplementation, control vs. boron assessment with the orthogonal contrast option, and the linear and parabolic effects with the polynomial contrast option. Differences between the group means were determined with the least significant differences (LSD) test. Differences arising from boron supplementation were considered significant at the P ≤ 0.05 level.

The effects of dietary supplementation with boric acid on the growth performance of lambs in the suckling period are summarized in Table 3 . The results show that there was a quadratic effect on AWWG due to very high gains in the B60 group ( P < 0.05). In addition, it was determined that FCR of the groups supplemented with 60 and 90 mg/kg BW of boric acid was better than that of the control group ( P < 0.005).

Blood Biochemistry

Some serum biochemical parameters of lambs in the suckling period were affected by boric acid supplementation (Table 4 ) ( P < 0.05). There was a quadratic effect on TP with the B60 treatment being substantially lower than other treatments ( P < 0.05). In addition, there was a significant quadratic effect of boric acid on serum ALP in that all boric acid treatments were elevated above the control ( P < 0.05).

Antioxidant System

The effects of boric acid on the serum antioxidant activity and oxidative stress biomarkers of lambs in the suckling period are summarized in Fig. 1 . As can be seen from the figure, there are statistical differences between the TAS of the groups ( P < 0.05). The serum TAS levels, from the greatest to the lowest, were determined in groups B60, B30, B90, and C, respectively. According to the results obtained, it was determined that the TOS was lower in the groups where boric acid was used compared to group C ( P < 0.05). Significant differences were observed between the control group and the groups that received dietary boric acid for serum MDA levels. Lower MDA levels were observed particularly in group B60 ( P < 0.05). In addition, the results showed that serum GSH levels were higher in group B60 than in group C ( P < 0.05).

The effect of dietary supplementation with boric acid (mg/kg BW) on serum antioxidant activity and oxidative stress biomarkers in suckling lambs. Letters above error bars (a–d) indicate statistical significance

Fecal Flora

The effects of boric acid supplementation on the total fecal bacterial counts of lambs in the suckling period are summarized in Table 5 . As can be seen in the table, dietary supplementation with boric acid affected in terms of bacteria examined and total bacterial load. Total coliform bacteria counts decreased with increased levels of boric acid in the diet ( P < 0.05). Similarly, clostridial counts decreased with increased boric acid levels ( P < 0.05). In addition, the results showed that the number of total bacteria in the feces was higher in the groups that received dietary boric acid supplementation, compared to group C.

Gene Expressions

The effects of boric acid supplementation on the immune system-related gene expressions of lambs in the suckling period are summarized in Table 6 . The results of the study showed that IL1β, IL6, IL10, iNOS, NF-kB, and TNF-α gene expressions were generally lower in the boric acid-treated groups compared to group C ( P < 0.05).

The most difficult period in the lives of lambs is undoubtedly the suckling period. During this period, lambs are especially vulnerable to unsuitable environments and pathogens, and their defense mechanisms are not yet sufficiently developed. Since lambs are exposed to an environment full of new and pathogenic microorganisms from the sterile uterine environment at birth, they have to adapt to this environment as soon as possible in order to survive [ 32 , 33 ]. It has been proven by studies conducted in various animal species such as laboratory animals, cattle, broiler chickens, laying hens, pigs, and fish that boron supplements have important functions in the organism. However, in the literature review, no study was found regarding the use of boron in suckling lambs. In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of boric acid, a cheap boron source, on various systems during the suckling period, which is important for lambs.

Previous studies on the use of boric acid in various animals have demonstrated a varying effect on the performance of animals. It was determined that the groups significantly differed for AWWG. When compared to the control group, especially group B60 had a better AWWG. Additionally, it was observed that FCR was better in the B60 and B90 groups compared to the other groups. In a previous study on the use of sodium borate in 5 to 6-month-old lambs fed on a low-calcium diet, it was reported that boron had no effect on slaughter weight, but affected body weight gain [ 34 ]. In another study on the addition of different levels of boric acid (0, 100, 200, and 400 mg/L) to the drinking water of broiler chickens, it was determined that body weight gain was negatively affected in groups that received > 100 mg/L of boric acid [ 35 ]. It has been reported that the effects of boron on the feed conversion ratio vary in goats [ 36 ], broilers [ 17 ], laying hens [ 37 ], quails [ 38 ], pigs [ 39 ], and fish [ 40 , 41 ].

It was determined that while the serum triglyceride level of group B30 was lower than that of the control group, there was no difference between groups B60 and C. Serum triglyceride levels increased with increased dietary boric acid levels. In a previous study conducted in dairy cows in the periparturient period, it was reported that serum triglyceride levels decreased with dietary sodium borate supplementation [ 42 ]. In a study on the effects of dietary boric acid in broiler chickens, it was determined that the serum triglyceride levels of the control subjects and the animals that received boric acid supplementation did not differ [ 19 ].

The highest TP level was observed in group C. In particular, the total protein level of group B60 was found to be significantly lower than that of group C. This result could be interpreted as groups C and B90 having been affected more severely by stress after birth, and the addition of 30 mg/kg BW and 60 mg/kg BW of boric acid to the milk replacer appeared to reduce stress. In a previous study on the effects of dietary boric acid supplementation on biochemical parameters in broiler chickens, it was reported that the TP levels were lower in the groups supplemented with boron, compared to the group that did not receive supplementation [ 43 ]. On the other hand, in a study conducted in female rabbits, it was reported that TP levels were high in the groups supplemented with boric acid, and this was associated with an increase in the globulin level [ 44 ].

ALP is known to be found at higher levels in young ruminants, compared to adults, due to osteoblastic activity [ 45 ]. In the present study, in which the effect of boric acid was investigated of lambs in suckling period, it was determined that serum ALP levels were higher in group B30 than in group C. It has been reported that boron has positive effects on Ca and P metabolism and improves bone health [ 46 , 47 , 48 ]. In a previous study on the effects of dietary sodium tetraborate on serum biochemical parameters in buffaloes, it was determined that serum ALP levels increased with dietary boron supplementation [ 49 ]. As indicated above, previous research on the effects of boron on serum ALP levels suggest that this effect may be related to osteoblast health and Ca-P metabolism.

Adaptation to the environment and the establishment of physiological balance both induce oxidative stress. Thus, the immune system weakens in lambs during the suckling period. During this period, it is beneficial to provide lambs with supplements to support their antioxidant system [ 50 ]. In the present study, it was determined that boric acid (B30, B60, and B90), a boron derivative with antioxidant properties, significantly increased TAS levels of lambs in the suckling period, compared to group C. TOS levels were found to be lower in the groups that received boric acid, compared to group C. The group with the highest TAS level and the lowest TOS level was group B60. In a study investigating the protective effect of boric acid on ethanol-induced kidney damage in rats, it was reported that TOS levels decreased and TAS levels increased with boric acid administration [ 51 ]. In another study on the effectiveness of boric acid against ischemic kidney damage in rats, it was reported that while TAS levels increased with increasing doses of boric acid (200 mg/kg), TOS levels were lower in rats given 50 and 100 mg/kg of boric acid [ 14 ]. Based on literature reports and the results of the present study, we suggest that dietary supplementation with boric acid may have positive effects on the antioxidant system of lambs in suckling period.

In the present study, serum MDA levels were compared and the highest were determined in group C. It is vital that the oxidant-antioxidant balance is in favor of antioxidants in pre-weaned lambs, as they are faced with many stress factors during the suckling period and damage that occurs during this period can negatively affect. In previous research, boron has been reported to show positive effects on the antioxidant system [ 52 , 53 ]. In a study on the antioxidant levels of rats supplemented with boric acid and sodium tetraborate as different boron sources in their diets, it was reported that boron derivatives improved serum and tissue MDA levels, compared to the control subjects [ 52 ]. In another study on the effect of boric acid on the antioxidant system in rats, it was determined that serum MDA levels were lower in the group supplemented with boric acid against cisplatin toxicity, compared to the group not supplemented against cisplatin toxicity [ 53 ]. Based on literature information and the results of the present study, we hypothesize that MDA-induced cellular damage and lipid peroxidation can be reduced of lambs in the suckling period with dietary boric acid supplementation.

Literature review demonstrated that there is no previous study on the effect of boric acid supplementation on serum GSH levels of lambs in the suckling period. In the present study, in which boric acid was added to the milk replacer feed of lambs during the suckling period, it was shown that GSH levels had significantly increased ( P < 0.05) in groups B30, B60, and B90, compared to group C. To date, studies on the effect of boric acid and other boron derivatives on GSH levels have been conducted mostly in laboratory animals [ 14 , 54 , 55 ]. In some of these studies, it was reported that GSH levels increased in response to the effect of boric acid [ 14 , 55 ]. However, in a study conducted in rats, lower GSH levels were detected in groups with necrotic enterocolitis compared to the controls [ 54 ]. Based on literature reports and the results of the present study, we suggest that the addition of boric acid to the milk replacer feed of lambs during the suckling period may increase serum GSH levels and may provide benefits against stress associated adverse events effects caused by intense stress during this period.

The intestinal microbiota, the largest and most complex mammalian ecosystem, serves as a bridge between nutrients and animals and regulates body health [ 56 ]. It is closely related to the normal physiology of the animal, such as nutritional status, behavior, and stress [ 57 ]. Bacterial enteritis in lambs is a serious disease that affects weight gain and causes economic losses [ 58 ]. Diarrhea is one of the most commonly reported diseases in newborn ruminants. Studies have shown that the main pathogenic bacterial species responsible for diarrhea is Escherichia coli ( E.coli ), which belongs to the group of coliform bacteria [ 59 ]. Another bacterial pathogen that impairs intestinal health in lambs and sheep is C. perfringens . Clostridia are among the first bacterial communities to settle in the intestines of newborn animals [ 60 ]. Most of the enteric C. perfringens infections are referred to as enterotoxemia and cause serious losses in lambs and sheep. They multiply rapidly in the intestines under adverse conditions and produce toxins [ 61 ]. In the present study, the effect of boric acid on the fecal culture was one of the parameters investigated. Total coliform bacteria, Clostridium , and total bacteria counts were made in the collected fecal samples. According to the results obtained, there were significant differences between group C and the groups that received dietary boric acid for total coliform bacteria counts in parallel with the increase in the dose of dietary boric acid given. While the total coliform bacteria count was highest in group C, the lowest total coliform bacteria count was detected in group B90. This indicates that boric acid may have an inhibitory effect on the proliferation of total coliform bacteria. Differences were also observed between the study groups for the Clostridium counts in the fecal samples of the lambs. While the highest Clostridium count was determined in group C, the lowest Clostridium count was determined in groups B60 and B90. These results show that boron may be a candidate for use as a feed additive in protection studies against enterotoxemia. To the authors’ knowledge, there is no previous study on the effectiveness of boric acid supplementation on the fecal culture in lambs, and available studies have been conducted mostly in pet and laboratory animals and humans. In a study investigating the effectiveness of boric acid in the prevention of skin infections in dogs, it was reported that there was no significant difference between the group cleaned with boric acid-containing cleaning cloths and the control group [ 62 ]. In a laboratory study aimed at determining the antimicrobial activity of boron against E. coli , it was reported that E. coli counts decreased with the use of boric acid [ 16 ]. Literature review showed that there is no previous study on the effect of boron derivatives, especially boric acid, against clostridia. In the present study, which investigated the effect of boric acid on the fecal culture of lambs in the suckling period, it was determined that the coliform bacteria ( E. coli ) and Clostridium ( C. perfringens ) counts were reduced by boric acid. However, the total number of bacteria was increased by boric acid treatment. It was determined that the total number of bacteria had increased, and the highest numbers of bacteria were determined in groups B30, B60, and B90.

Closely related cytokines, such as TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and iNOS, play a role in the immune response. The stimulation of the immune system activates these cytokines [ 63 ]. These cytokines in the organism are always in relationship with each other. These cytokines, which increase in cases of stress and inflammation in the body, can prevent the damage of reactive oxygen species. The suckling period is one of the stressful periods in the lives of lambs. These stress conditions can trigger TNF-α production in the body and cause activation of NF-κB and iNOS [ 64 , 65 ]. In response, the body increases the expression of genes such as IL-1β and IL-6. These cytokines were expressed less in the groups supplemented with boric acid compared to those in group C, and it can be said that boron has a positive effect against stress during the suckling period. According to the data obtained, the expression of these genes was statistically increased in group C, compared to the boric acid-treated groups. The differences observed between group C and boric acid treatments for the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, iNOS, NF-kB, and TNF-α were statistically significant. As is the case with many of the other parameters investigated in the present study, to the authors’ knowledge, there is no previous study on the effect of boric acid and other boron derivatives on the expression of genes of lambs in the suckling period. Available studies have been conducted mostly in laboratory animals. In a study on lymphocyte proliferation in the mouse spleen, it was reported that boric acid increased the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and iNOS [ 66 ]. In another study conducted in rats with calcium deficiency, it was stated that the expression of TNF-α increased due to the effect of boron [ 21 ]. It has also been reported that sodium borate supplementation increased TNF-α expression in cattle vaccinated against bovine herpes virus type 1 and that expression did not change by the 4th day after vaccination [ 67 ]. On the other hand, in a study on photoaging in rats, COX-2, IL-8, NF-kB, IL-6, and TNF-α expressions were determined to have decreased by the effect of sodium perborate tetrahydrate [ 68 ]. Given that the gene expressions of the boric acid-treated groups were lower than those of group C suggests that boron reduces inflammation under conditions of stress.

The results of the current study showed that the use of boric acid improved AWWG and FCR in lambs. In addition, in this study, it was observed that the use of boric acid had positive effects on the antioxidant system, fecal flora, and immune system-related gene expressions. In enterprises where milk replacer/milk is given to animals via feeding bottles or multiple feeding systems, boric acid can be easily added to the milk replacer and offered for consumption by the animals. More studies are needed to determine the effects of boric acid and other boron derivatives on the gastrointestinal system of lambs in the suckling period.

Data Availability

The data that assist the results of the study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Mehmet Gul (Prof.), Fatih Mehmet Kandemir (Prof.), Seyda Cengiz (Assoc.), Selçuk Ozdemir (Assoc.), Cihan Oz (Asst.), Ayse Uysal (Asst.), and Emre Yilmaz (Asst.), who do not have authorship rights in the manuscript, for providing help at different stages of the thesis and/or allowing the use of their laboratories.

Open access funding provided by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK). This study was supported by the Scientific Research Projects Fund of Ataturk University under Grant number TDK-2021–9092. Open access funding provided by the Scientifc and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK).

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Soner Uysal, Mehmet Akif Yoruk: conceptualization, investigation, data curation, writing—original draft preparation, formal analysis, supervision, writing—review and editing, methodology, investigation, visualization; Soner Uysal: supervision, visualization. All authors reviewed the results and approved the final version of the paper.

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The experimental protocols were reviewed and approved by the Animal Ethics Committee of Ataturk University, Turkey (No. 2020–12–177, approval date: 30 November 2020).

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Uysal, S., Yoruk, M.A. Boric Acid in Milk Replacer as a Health Enhancer and Growth Promoter for Lambs in the Suckling Period. Biol Trace Elem Res (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-024-04214-4

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In essence, "Lamb to the Slaughter" is a short story penned by Roald Dahl, chronicling the transformation of a conventional marital relationship marred by the husband's decision to abandon his wife. Mary Maloney initially assumes the role of a submissive spouse, only to metamorphose into a mastermind behind her husband's murder.
Literature Studies: "Lamb to The Slaughter" by Roald Dahl Essay
After the police arrived and began a thorough investigation, they realized that Mr. Maloney died from a blow to his back. As Mary cries in the house, Dahl gives the reader a hint to her diabolical plan. By cooking the "murder weapon", she has partially destroyed any evidence linking her to Patrick's death.
Lamb to the Slaughter Themes
Much of "Lamb to the Slaughter" is occupied with eating and food. At the beginning of the story, food is closely linked to domesticity and marriage. Mary 's repeated attempts to feed Patrick demonstrate not only her affection for her husband but also the role she plays as homemaker and housewife. Similarly, Patrick's refusal to eat Mary ...
Lamb to the Slaughter by Roald Dahl
Roald Dahl's "Lamb to the Slaughter" is a black comedy short story. Despite being known for his children's books, Dahl's story is a famous example of black comedy, a humorous portrayal of an ...
Lamb to the Slaughter: Discussion Questions and Annotation Tools
Yes, and I think a can of peas.". Q 5. The man turned and reached up behind him on the shelf for the peas. "Patrick's decided he's tired and doesn't want to eat out tonight," she told him. "We usually go out Thursdays, you know, and now he's caught me without any vegetables in the house.".
Theme of Lamb to The Slaughter
Overall, "Lamb to the Slaughter" is a thought-provoking and engaging story that adds a unique twist to the traditional crime genre, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature and the unpredictability of life. This essay was reviewed by. Dr. Charlotte Jacobson. More about our Team.
From Feminine to Fatal: A Feminist Approach to Roald Dahl's "Lamb to
The lamb leg comes full circle, and disappears from existence.Furthermore, the choice of animal in the story holds a certain ironical paradox. Joshi (2015) states that "When an individual is innocent, trusting and has no clue that another is trying to take advantage of him or her, that is like leading a lamb to the slaughter".
Main Themes in "Lamb to The Slaughter"
Central to the narrative of "Lamb to the Slaughter" is the theme of deception. Mary Maloney, the protagonist, initially appears as a dutiful and loving wife. When her husband abruptly informs her of his decision to leave her, however, she undergoes a drastic transformation. Dahl skillfully portrays Mary's ability to deceive both the characters ...
Lamb to the Slaughter Quotes
Lamb to the Slaughter Quotes. The room was warm and clean, the curtains drawn, the two table lamps alight—hers and the one by the empty chair opposite. On the sideboard behind her, two tall glasses, soda water, whisky. Fresh ice cubes in the Thermos bucket. Mary Maloney was waiting for her husband to come home from work.
Lamb to the Slaughter Thesis + 1
In the story "Lamb to the Slaughter" by Roald Dahl, a man named Patrick Maloney informs his wife that he desired a divorce. In the 1950's at the Maloney Household, Patrick Maloney arrives homefrom his work as a policeman. Patrick Maloney was married to Mary Maloney. Mary Maloney was pregnant with Patrick Maloney's child.
Lamb to the Slaughter Thesis + 1 Analysis
CM1- Patrick Maloney was simply a lamb, clueless to the fact that he was to be slaughtered. CM2- He had the power to try and work things out, but failed, resulting in his untimely death. CD2- "All right, she told herself. So I've killed him.". CM1- She was the lamb to be slaughtered by her controller, Mr. Maloney.
Thesis and Body Paragraph
In Roald Dahl's "Lamb to The Slaughter", Mary Maloney is portrayed as a bipolar complex character. Throughout the story, Mary goes through a very dramatic and noticeable shift in the way she acts towards her husband. Dahl makes the shift very apparent through his use of diction, irony, and foreshadowing. Mary Maloney experiences a significant shift in persona as the story continues ...
Lamb to the Slaughter Themes
The main themes in "Lamb to the Slaughter" are gender, identity, and justice and complicity. Femininity and gender performance: Roald Dahl satirizes mid-century American gender norms, with ...
Analysis of 'Lamb to the Slaughter': Study Questions &
AgentExploration20152. 5/20/2024. View full document. "Lamb to the Slaughter" Study Questions (15 marks) 1.List three descriptive words that describe your first impressions of Mary Maloney. (3) So basically Mary is 6 months pregnant, she is a housewife, she is married to Patrick who is a police detective. Mary is quite pleasant.
Boric Acid in Milk Replacer as a Health Enhancer and Growth ...
Today, neonatal lamb mortality remains an important global animal welfare problem . ... it was reported that boron had no effect on slaughter weight, but affected body weight gain ... This manuscript is a summary of the Ph.D. thesis of the first author from Ataturk University, Institute of Health Sciences, and it was presented at the 5th ...
How would you conclude an essay on "Lamb To The Slaughter"?
Another theorizes that the weapon is probably ''right under our very noses.''. Dahl double meaning with the title '' Lamb to the Slaughter ,'' reflect aspects of human perversity ...
The Silence of the Lambs (film)
The Silence of the Lambs is a 1991 American psychological horror thriller film directed by Jonathan Demme and written by Ted Tally, adapted from Thomas Harris's 1988 novel of the same name.It stars Jodie Foster as Clarice Starling, a young FBI trainee who is hunting a serial killer named "Buffalo Bill" (), who skins his female victims. To catch him, she seeks the advice of the imprisoned Dr ...
Lamb to the Slaughter
The body paragraphs might shape up this way: Body Paragraph 1: Explain how Mary is devoted to her husband, meeting his every need as soon as he returns home. Explain how she seems to anticipate in ...