Aardi Goats Research Articles

Interferon-stimulated Gene 15 and Interferon-1 Stimulated Gene 17 Messenger RNA-based Detection of Early Pregnancy in Aardi Goats in Saudi Arabia

Interferon-stimulated Gene 15 and Interferon-1 Stimulated Gene 17 Messenger RNA-based Detection of Early Pregnancy in Aardi Goats in Saudi Arabia

Antioxidant potential of Moringa leaves for improvement of milk and serum quality of Aardi goats

The effects of Moringa leaves as a partial replacer of alfalfa hay on oxidative status of goats' blood and milk were investigated in this study. Three dietary treatments including alfalfa (AHD), 25% Moringa oleifera Lam. (MOD) or 25% Moringa peregrina Forssk. (MPD) diets were used in this study. Thirty goats were randomly assigned into 3 experimental groups with 10 experiment units (10 goats) each using completely randomized design. The experiment consisted of 2-week adaptation and 6-week collection data. Both MPD and MOD showed higher fat, nitrogen free extract, total phenolics, antioxidant activity than AHD. Malondialdehyde concentration of milk and serum was lower in goats fed MPD and MOD. Catalase activity, vitamin C contents and total antioxidant capacity were higher in the milk and serum of goats fed diets containing MOD or MPD than that fed AHD. Replacement of alfalfa hay in goats' diet with M. oleifera or peregrina leaves resulted in reduction of serum cholesterol and glucose levels. The results suggest that utilization of M. oleifera or peregrina leaves as a non-traditional fodder could improve both animal and consumer oxidative status and immune systems through the transfer of bioactive compounds, particularly antioxidants and vitamin C from fodder to milk.

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Antioxidant biomarkers in the milk of early postpartum Aardi goats during winter

Milk concentration of thiobarbituric acid (TBARS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) biomarkers; and the composition of milk from a local breed of Saudi goats (Aardi goats) were investigated during the first four weeks postpartum. Milk TBARS was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the 2nd and 3rd weeks postpartum, compared to the 1st and 4th weeks, and it was the lowest in the 4th week. Milk TAC concentrations followed a similar trend as TBARS, and were the highest in the 3rd week postpartum and lowest in the 4th week. In contrast, SOD concentrations were the highest in the 4th week postpartum. Low milk SOD concentrations in the early postpartum period indicate lower reactive oxygen metabolites. Milk fat, lactose, total solid (TS), and total non-fat solids (SNF) decreased significantly (p < 0.05) during the four-week period, while milk protein remained approximately the same. These results provide novel information on the concentrations of TBARS, TAC, and SOD, and on the composition of milk from Aardi goats during the postpartum period. In addition, our data indicate that Aardi goats in our experiment had higher percent of milk fat, protein, and lactose when compared with those of other breeds or Aardi goats in other parts of the country. As such, we expect this study on local Aardi goats in Saudi Arabia to contribute to our understanding of this breed’s ability to respond to stresses via biomarkers in milk and changes in milk composition.

Seasonal variations in serum pregnancy associated glycoproteins during early pregnancy in Aardi goats in central Saudi Arabia

Objective: To accurately detect pregnancy in local Aardi goats of Saudi Arabia before day 30 of pregnancy by using serum caprine pregnancy associated glycoproteins (caPAG) concentrations and to evaluate the effects of heat stress on early pregnancy and on caPAG concentrations in pregnant and non-pregnant goats. Methods: This study was to confirm the reliability of our methods in different seasons of the year. A new protocol to evaluate and improve Aardi goats' reproductive performance was implemented during summer and winter months. A total of 60 healthy mature Aardi goats were used (30 and 30 in the summer and winter, respectively). All were synchronized using an ovsynch protocol and then naturally mated (NM) to mature tested bucks. Conception rates and caPAG were measured and pregnancy was verified by ultrasonography. Results: Regardless of season, however, on day 23 and 35 post-NM, caPAGs were higher in sera of pregnant (P

Anti-Oxidative Biomarkers in Newborn Kids of Aardi Goats

The provision of basic data about oxidative stresses on Aardi goats will be beneficial for understanding the basic physiological indices of a valuable local breed of goats under harsh desert condition. The primary aim of this study is to assess the antioxidant status of newly born Aardi kids. Eighteen newly born Aardi kids were used in this study; sampled weekly as from week 1 to 4 for the assay of the plasma Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), ThioBarbituric Reactive Substances (TBARS), and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activities. For new-born, total blood antioxidants concentrations did not change during the four weeks of life. However, TBARS increased during the 2nd and 3rd week of age (p < 0.05). The results indicated that TAC in kids from birth to 4 weeks of age tended to increase, but not significantly. Serum TBARS concentrations increased on the 2nd week and decreased significantly on the 4th week of age. Serum SOD levels did not change significantly, even though, the trend showed a decline during 1st to 3rd week of age. The small decrease in serum TBARS in the serum of kids can be considered as an indication of decreased oxidants, which in turn, resulted in a reduction in serum SOD concentration. In conclusion, this basic data could help in understanding the adaptational physiology of young local Saudi goats.

Assessment of heat tolerance and production performance of Aardi, Damascus, and their crossbred goats.

The question of whether the adaptability and production performance in goats may be enhanced using a crossbreeding program between bucks of a native and heat-tolerant breed and does of an exotic and dual-purpose breed was approached and examined herein by comparing purebred Aardi and Damascus goats and their crossbred lines (i.e., (1)/2 Aardi (1)/2 Damascus (½A½D) and (1)/4 Aardi (3)/4 Damascus (¼A¾D)) reared in a region characterized by dry and hot bioclimatic conditions. Twenty-four male 6-month-old kids randomly segregated into four groups (six replicates/group) were used for the experiment. Climatic, thermo-physiological, biophysiological, metabolic, blood hematological, and biochemical measurements were all determined. The obtained results indicated that such a program was proven to be successful. This conclusion was demonstrated by the findings that crossbred goats (i.e., (1)/2A(1)/2D and (1)/4A(3)/4D) under such bioclimatic conditions were able to show (P < 0.05) higher heat tolerance capabilities compared to purebred Damascus goats as well as manifested (P < 0.05) higher production performance compared to the purebred Aardi goats. Accordingly, these evidences could emphasize that the crossbreeding may enable these animals to display a simultaneous improvement of both traits by the possible benefits that could arise from heterosis and breed complementarity. Researches dealing with this aspect may very well improve our understanding of goat's production and welfare under harsh environmental conditions. Future studies should include an economic analysis of traits that have the potential to impact the overall profitability to a vertically coordinated system.

The influence of injectable sodium selenite on semen characteristics and testosterone concentration in Aardi goats

The objective of this study was to test the effects of sodium selenite (SS) injection on semen characteristics and testosterone plasma concentrations in male Aardi goats. Fifteen animals were assigned into three groups; control (group I, with no supplemental SS); group II; injected intramuscular with 0.1 mg/kg SS body weight; group III injected 0.05 mg/kg SS body weight. Blood samples were collected once weekly (week 0 and four weeks after treatment) in the morning (at 8 am). Semen was collected by electro-ejaculator on a weekly basis post SS supplementation. Sperm count, motility %, progressive motility characteristic; average path velocity (VAP), straight line velocity (VSL), curvilinear velocity (VCL), straightness (STR) and linearity (LIN) were analyzed. Significant differences were found between the two treated-groups and control after week four for motility and progressive motility. After five weeks, significant differences were found between groups, for motility and progressive motility. The live % showed significant differences after five weeks between treated and control groups. After five weeks, significant differences were found between the three groups, for motility and progressive motility. The live % showed significant differences after 5 weeks between different treatments. However, VAP, VSL, VCL, STR, and LIN showed non-significant differences, suggesting that bucks might already have a good motility characteristic. No significant effects of SS supplementation on testosterone plasma levels, and the reported values were 1.28; 1.35, and 1.36 ng/ml for control; group 1, and group 2; respectively. In conclusion, SS improved reproduction in goats &lt;italic&gt;via&lt;/italic&gt; the enhancement of semen quality in Aardi goats.

Effects of supplemental lipoic acid on selected antioxidant and mineral in transportation-stressed goats

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of supplemental lipoic acid (LA) on body weight, rectal temperature, vitamin C and E, and plasma copper and zinc status in different breeds of Saudi goats subjected to road transportation. Twenty-four apparently healthy goats (12 from each breed, Aardi and Hejazi) were used in experiment. The experiment was conducted, when the ambient temperature was about 16–24°C. The conditions of transport for all goats were identical. Half on goats will be treated intravenously with LA (25 mg per ml) prior transportation, and the rest with placebo. Goats were transported for 12 hours, and blood samples were collected on prior transportation, at unloading, 12 and 24 hrs post transportation,. Transportation stress caused a significant reduction in vitamin C, E, and plasma copper and zinc in both breeds, with higher reduction of all measured variables in Hejazi compared to Aardi goats. Supplemental LA reduces the negative impact of transportation. Such finding seems important in animal production and welfare, especially under harsh conditions. In conclusion, further studies are required to extend the work on LA during hot conditions in Saudi Arabia.

Diagnostic reliability of enzymatic-immunoassayed serum pregnancy-associated glycoproteins in detecting early pregnancy compared to other screening measures in Aardi goats (Capra hircus) in saudi arabia

Despite proven ability of pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) for early detection of pregnancy in several livestock, studies on its diagnostic reliability in Aardi goats are lacking. Thirty-two healthy mature Aardi does, managed under an intensive condition, were screened for pregnancy at 1, 7, 15, 23, 35 and 60 days post natural mating (NM) to evaluate the ability of utilizing caprine pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (caPAGs) compared to other methods frequently applied -but have several setbacks- in screening goats for early pregnancy diagnosis. According to the enzymatic-immunoassay data, our results indicated that pregnant Aardi does had higher (P 0.05) between the sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and accuracy of serum caPAGs and other methods as early as day 23 post NM. Moreover, both serum caPAGs and US technique were proven to give higher (P y diagnosis in Aardi goats. In conclusion, the obtained results herein clearly demonstrated that enzymatic-immunoassayed serum caPAGs, as a direct, simple, accurate, inexpensive, practical and fast screening measure, was greatly feasible for distinguishing pregnant from non-pregnant as early as day 23 post NM, which is crucial to treat fertility problems early and efficiently.

Effect of injectable sodium selenite on the level of stress biomarkers in male aardi goats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of sodium selenite (SS) injection on plasma concentrations of selenium (Se), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px); Malondialdehyde (MDA), and cortisol. A total of twenty seven male Aardi goats were randomly divided into three equal groups; group I (control, fed selenium deficient diet), II (injected with 0.01 mg SS/kg body weight) and III (injected with 0.05 mg SS/kg body weight). Plasma selenium levels differed significantly between treatment and control groups from week one to week three. Level of GSH-Px also differed significantly between the groups. Cortisol varied according to selenium supplementation in week one, two and three. Sodium selenite injection significantly increased Se levels in plasma of Aardi goats as compared with the control group. In conclusion, sodium selenite treatment to Aardi goats minimized the stress level in male Aardi goats, and it was difficult from the experimental design to recommend one of the two doses as therapeutic or preventive anti stress protocols.

Thermoregulation of female Aardi goats exposed to environmental heat stress in Saudi Arabia

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of heat stress on the thermoregulation in Aardi goat. The present study was conducted for 35 days in summer and 35 days in winter. Ambient temperature (Ta), relative humidity (RH) inside the pens were recorded continuously every 6 hours (4 time/day) and temperature humidity Index (THI) was calculated. Ten healthy Aardi does, aged 6–7 months were used. The experiment started in summer, followed by winter (control). The thermoregulation of animals under heat stress was evaluated every five days for 35 days in summer (n= 8) and in winter (n= 8) from 10:00–11:00 am. Measurements, including skin temperature (Tskin), coat temperature (Tcoat), rectal temperature (Trectal), vaginal temperature (Tvaginal), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), were recorded. In addition, triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxin (T4) and Cortisol serum concentration were calculated. The results revealed that Ta, THI, TCoat, TSkin, TVaginal, TRectal, HR, RR and serum cortisol concentration values were significantly (P< 0.0001) higher in summer than in winter, while average RH, T3 and T4 were significantly (P< 0.0001) lower in summer than in winter. In conclusion, Aardi goats are exposed to heat stress during the summer season in Saudi Arabia and are adopted to its environment, which might explain its survivability and potential as a milk and meat-producing animal.

A comparative thermophysiological study on water-deprived goats and camels

This study aimed to characterise and compare the thermophysiological adaptation of goats and camels to water deprivation under hot environmental conditions. A total of five male Aardi goats (25±3.2 kg BW; 10±2 months old) as well as five male Majaheem camels (340±16.6 kg; 22±2 months old) were used in this study. This study was performed during summer season and lasted for 6 weeks. During the De-hydration period, water was withheld for 72 hours. The results revealed that core body temperature (T c) of both species had monophasic circadian rhythms with a rhythm's oscillation of 0.67°C in goats and 0.45°C in camels during the Eu-hydration period. Water deprivation accompanied with heat stress affected the circadian rhythm of T c in both species, but the effect was delayed in camels compared to goats. In addition, camels exhibited smaller oscillation of T c rhythm (0.98oC) than goats (1.53oC), which might indicate a better thermoregulatory system of camels. Water deprivation for 72 hours increased most of the measured haematological and biochemical parameters in both species, but camels exhibited smaller percentage changes compared to goats. These results demonstrate the greater capability of camels, compared to goats, to tolerate water deprivation under hot environmental conditions.

Water requirements and body water distribution in Awassi sheep and Aardi goats during winter and summer seasons

SUMMARYWater requirements, total body water (TBW) and water distribution were evaluated in Awassi sheep and Aardi goats of Saudi Arabia. Ten non-pregnant and non-lactating females from each species were individually housed in shaded pens during winter and summer seasons. Each experimental period lasted for 2 weeks; the first week was an adaptation period, followed by an evaluation period of 1 week. Feed and water intake together with body weight were recorded daily. Five animals from each group were used for determination of body water, extracellular fluid (ECF) and plasma volume (PV) using dilution techniques. Urea and sodium thiocyanate were used for the estimation of body water and ECF, respectively, and Evans blue for PV determination. Intracellular fluid (ICF) and blood volume (BV) were calculated. Feed intake was not affected by either season or species. During the winter season, Aardi goats had lower water intake in comparison with Awassi sheep, but water intake increased in all animals during summer. TBW increased during summer in all animals, but with higher values in the Aardi goats. During summer, ECF tended to increase in Aardi goats. PV, expressed as a proportion of body weight, was not affected by season, but it was maintained at higher levels in the Aardi goats irrespective of season. It could be concluded that Aardi goats used water more economically when the ambient temperature was lower but, during the summer when ambient temperatures were higher, they increased their water intake and BW content to a greater extent and stored more water in the ECF compartment compared to Awassi sheep.

Effect of water restriction on lactation performance of Aardi goats under heat stress conditions

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of water restriction on lactation performance in Aardi goats. The experiment divided into 3 periods each of 6 days; control, water restriction and rehydration. Nine lactating Aardi goats in early lactation were divided into two groups. One group ( n = 5) received 50% and the other group ( n = 4) received 25% restriction of drinking water relative to their consumed water during control period. Both groups exhibited a fall in dry matter intake with almost a similar rate. Live weight loss during water restriction was similar in both groups (8 and 6% in 50 and 25% water restriction, respectively). Milk production was also reduced by 20 and 18% with 50 and 25% water restriction, respectively. Milk fat percentage was lower in goats that received 25% restriction while it was maintained unchanged in the 50% restriction group. Total solids of milk tended to decrease in goats with 25% water restriction without any change in milk osmolality. Whereas, milk osmolality increased without any alterations in total solids of milk with 50% water restriction. It could be concluded that lactating Aardi goats possess a high capacity of withstanding water restriction when it was coupled with higher environmental temperature.

Physiological responses, feed intake, urine volume and serum osmolality of aardi goats deprived of water during spring and summer

Physiological responses, feed intake, urine volume and serum osmolality of aardi goats deprived of water during spring and summer