Angora Goats Research Articles

The effect of rangeland quality on the mohair quality of Angora goats fed on the natural rangelands

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the rangeland quality of Ankara goats fed on some natural rangeland in Ankara on the mohair quality. The research was carried out in 3 different quality natural rangelands in Ankara province. Crude protein, ether extract, Ca, Fe, N, energy contents and digestibility, in vitro gas production, and relative feed values of good quality rangeland plants were the highest compared to other rangelands, but the crude fiber, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber were the lowest (p < 0.05). In the study were used a total of 120 animals (20 males, 20 females in each farm) from 3 farms where Angora goats are raised in the region of rangelands. The mohair quality was determined in mohair samples taken from 6 month old, 1.5, and 2.5-yearold animals. Rangeland quality significantly affected mohair lengths, fineness, elasticity, tenacity, and clean mohair yield, in males and females (p < 0.05). The highest values were obtained from goats fed good quality rangeland (p < 0.05). The effect of age on these features was also important. The mohair quality (length, elasticity, tenacity) increased with increasing age (p < 0.05). The effect of the rangeland quality on the nozzle number was not significant, but the effect of age was significant. and, the nozzles number increased with increasing age. The nozzle depth was affected by the rangeland quality and age. The nozzle depth has increased due to the increase in rangeland quality and age. While the mohair Ca, Mg, S, Fe, and N content of male and female goats were higher in goats fed on good quality rangeland, these were lower in goats fed low-quality rangeland (p < 0.05). While mohair Na content positively affected rangeland quality in females (p < 0.01), was insignificant in males.

A Histochemical and Immunohistochemical Study on Glandula Mandibularis Mast Cells in Angora Goat

Mast cells are particularly in association with structures, especially the skin, respiratory, and digestive systems in proximity to surfaces that interface with the external environment. This study was carry out to demonstrate the distribution and heterogeneity of mast cells in the Angora goat glandula mandibularis by using morphological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical methods. A total of seven healthy male adult Angora goats' mandibular glands were studied. Mast cells were distinctly distinguished by their metachromatic staining in preparates stained with toluidine blue. The cells were observed in various sizes and shapes, especially round, oval, and elongate-shaped. Mast cells were seen in both intralobular and interlobular interstitium in glandula mandibularis. Many mast cells were observed in the interlobular interstitium, especially around the blood vessels. The Alcian-blue/Safranin O combined staining method was used to determine mast cell heterogeneity. In glandula mandibularis, blue-colored alcian-blue (AB) (+) and pink-red colored safranin O (SO) (+) mast cell subtypes were observed. Chymase positive mast cells were usually observed one by one in both intralobular and interlobular interstitium. As a result, the mandibular gland of Angora goat which is local species was examined; the morphology, locations, heterogeneity of mast cells, and chymase expression were specified.

Computational modelling of the Δ4 and Δ5 adrenal steroidogenic pathways provides insight into hypocortisolism

This study demonstrates the application of a mathematical steroidogenic model, constructed with individual in vitro enzyme characterisations, to simulate in vivo steroidogenesis in a diseased state. This modelling approach was applied to the South African Angora goat, that suffers from hypocortisolism caused by altered adrenal function. These animals are extremely vulnerable to cold stress, leading to substantial monetary loss in the mohair industry. The Angora goat has increased CYP17A1 17,20-lyase enzyme activity in comparison with hardy livestock species. Determining the effect of this altered adrenal function on adrenal steroidogenesis during a cold stress response is difficult. We developed a model describing adrenal steroidogenesis under control conditions, and under altered steroidogenic conditions where the animal suffers from hypocortisolism. The model is parameterised with experimental data from in vitro enzyme characterisations of a hardy control species. The increased 17,20-lyase activity of the Angora goat CYP17A1 enzyme was subsequently incorporated into the model and the response to physiological stress is simulated under both control and altered adrenal steroidogenic conditions.

Prevalence and fecal egg load of gastrointestinal parasites of Angora goats in four agro-ecological zones in Lesotho.

Background and Aim:Goats are reared for their meat, mohair and other socio-cultural needs in Lesotho. Helminth infections are some of the major setbacks in the goat production industry due to their negative impact on animals’ health, resulting in significant losses on meat and mohair production and death. A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the prevalence, fecal egg infestation, and morphological identification of gastrointestinal parasites in goats.Materials and Methods:Fecal samples were collected from 765 goats and subjected to McMaster egg counting techniques using the flotation method. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS v.26.0).Results:The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was 94.7%, and the identified gastrointestinal parasites were nematodes (64.7%), coccidia (25.8%), and cestodes (4.2%). Haemonchus contortus was identified as the prevalent gastrointestinal nematode species found in goats. The prevalence and fecal egg count of gastrointestinal parasites were significantly higher (p<0.05) in goats located in the highlands and Senqu River Valley, while goats in the lowlands demonstrated a significantly (p<0.05) higher prevalence of H. contortus. Immature goats and kids were more significantly (p<0.05) prone to gastrointestinal parasites.Conclusion:The nematodes and coccidia infestations were prevalent in goats located in the highlands and foothills, respectively, whereas nematode and coccidia fecal egg loads were higher in goats located in the foothills and Senqu River Valley, respectively.

Fertility, Live Weight, Survival Rate, Greasy Fleece Weight, and Quality Traits of Angora Goats in Turkey

The aim of this study was to investigate the fertility, live weight, survival rate, greasy fleece weight, and quality traits of Angora goat herds in an animal breeding program in Turkey. The animals utilized in the study were from a public breeding project conducted by the General Directorate of Agricultural Research and Policy in the Ankara Province, specifically, on 25,917 goats in the Ayaş, Beypazarı, Güdül, Kızılcahamam, Nallıhan, and Polatlı districts of the Ankara Province in 2018. The average birth rate in the goats and the number of kids during birth were 87.5 % and 1.05 %, respectively. The 90th day survival rate was 78.48 % for the kids. The birth weight for the male kids was 2.45 ± 0.057 kg, and the average birth weight was 2.32 ± 0.055 kg for the female kids. Also, the birth weight on the 90th day of the experiment were 12.37 ± 3.33 kg and 10.94 ± 4.79 kg for the males and female kids, respectively. The greasy fleece weight of the Angora Goats in the Ayaş, Beypazarı, Güdül, Kızılcahamam, Nallıhan, and Polatlı districts were measured as 1.77 ± 0.62, 1.64 ± 0.83, 1.73 ± 0.57 2.06 ± 0.84, 1.78 ± 0.55, and 2.00 ± 0.58 kg, respectively. Moreover, the fiber diameter of these goats were 33.53 ± 4.95, 31.68 ± 4.50, 33.12 ± 5.18, 31.25 ± 4.11, 31.99 ± 4.50, and 32.39 ± 4.17 μ for the same districts, respectively. In the study, it was determined that the district, mother’s age, birth type, and sex affected kid birth weight (p < 0.001). While the district and age had a significant effect on the goat’s greasy fleece weight, the district, age, and greasy fleece weight significantly influenced the fiber diameter (p < 0.001). The 90th day body weight was affected by the district, mother’s age, type of birth, and sex. In line with these data, it can be concluded that the utilization of the fleece, fiber diameter, and birth weight as parameters can provide favorable results in the establishment of a breeding value index to improve the goat flocks.

Meat production traits of Angora goat 1: fattening, slaughter, and carcass characteristics of intact and castrated kids.

Fattening performance, slaughter, and carcass traits of intact and castrated Angora goat kids slaughtered at different slaughter weights were examined. A total of 96 (48 intact, I-kids, and 48 castrated, C-kids) single Angora kids were fattened, and 48 of them (24 I-kids and 24 C-kids) were slaughtered at slaughter weights (SW) of 20, 25, and 30kg. Castration negatively affected fattening performance, and the kids showed rising daily weight gain with increasing SW. While dressing percentages were not affected by castration, it caused a tendency for a decrease in offal. However, with the increase in SW, dressing percentages increased, and offal decreased. Castration increased non-carcass fat percentages and back fat depth. The proportions of individual cuts did not generally vary because of castration but changed with SW; foreleg percentages decreased (P < 0.001) while neck percentages increased (P < 0.05). Carcass composition was affected by castration; the percentages of carcass lean (P < 0.001) and bone (P < 0.01) dropped, and total fat (P < 0.001) increased. SW had an impact on carcass composition; the percentages of carcass bone (P < 0.001) declined, and lean (P < 0.001) and total fat (P < 0.001) raised as SW increased. The lean/fat ratio was affected by castration (P < 0.001) and increasing SW (P < 0.05). Castration reduced the lean percentage in all cuts. The leg showed the highest lean percentage, whereas the greatest fat ratio was found in the breast+flank in all SW groups. Consequently, castration of Angora male kids negatively affected fattening performance and altered the carcass composition, while the increase in slaughter weight improved fattening performance and slaughter and carcass characteristics.

Multiple ovulation and embryo transfer during the breeding season in Angora goats: A comparison of fresh and vitrified-thawed embryo transfer.

This study aimed to assess the superovulation response and pregnancy rates of fresh and vitrified-thawed embryos after transfer in Angora goats with comparing transfer at the beginning (BS) and end (ES) of the breeding season. Nine Angora goats were used as donors in both periods. Donor goats were synchronized and superovulated with the FSH and mated with five fertile bucks. At 156 hr following mating, embryos were collected surgically. Recipient Angora goats were divided into two groups at the beginning (fresh, n = 15; vitrified-thawed, n = 15) and end (fresh, n = 8; vitrified-thawed, n = 8) of the breeding season. Fresh or vitrified-thawed grade I embryos (early blastocyst/blastocyst) were transferred surgically to synchronized recipients. On the 30th, 60th and 90th day of transfer, goats were examined by ultrasonography. The number of corpora lutea (CL), total oocyte/embryo and transferable embryos obtained in BS was found to be statistically higher than ES. On the 30th day of transfer, pregnancy rates were 73.30% and 75.00% in the fresh transfer groups in both BS and ES periods; while, rates of 20.00% and 37.50% were found in the vitrified-thawed group, respectively. The embryo survival rates of fresh transfers were 55.55% and 31.25% at BS and ES, respectively. The number of CL, total oocyte/embryo and transferable embryos in the BS was higher than ES following superovulation. Also, fresh embryo transfer can be successfully carried out during the breeding season in Angora goats. Moreover, although pregnancies were obtained following the transfer of vitrified-thawed embryos, they did not sustain on the 60th and 90th days. So, further studies are needed for the vitrified-thawed embryos.

Investigations on the Light and Scanning Electron Microscopic Structure of the Lingual Papillae in the Angora Goat (Capra hircus): I. Gustatory Papillae[

Bu çalışmada Ankara keçisi dilindeki tat papillalarının yapısı ışık (IM) ve taramalı elektron mikroskobuyla (SEM) incelendi. Çalışmada dört adet erişkin dişi Ankara keçisi dilleri kullanıldı. Işık ve taramalı elektron mikroskobu için dil örnekleri, dilin üst yüzünün apex, corpus, radix ve torus lingua bölgeleri ile dil ucunun alt yüzünden alındı. Ankara keçisi dilinde papilla fungiformis ve papilla vallata olmak üzere iki tip tat papillası gözlendi. Papilla fungiformis’ler, dil ucunun altı, dilin uç ve gövde kısmının üst yüzü ile yanlarında ve torus lingua’nın her iki yan tarafında tespit edildi. Bu papillalar, yuvarlak ve mantar şeklinde olup morfolojileri bulundukları yerlere göre farklılık göstermekteydi. SEM incelemelerinde, papilla fungiformis’lerin üst yüzeyinde tat porusları görüldü. Işık mikroskobu kesitlerinde bu papillaların tepesindeki epitel tabakada tat tomurcukları mevcuttu. Papilla vallatalar, dilin torus lingua bölgesinin her iki arka yan kısmında gözlendi. Bu papillaların etrafı belirgin bir hendekle çevriliydi ve annülar pedler mevcuttu. SEM incelemelerinde, papillaların yüzeyi düzdü ve yüzeye açılan tat porusları mevcut değildi. IM incelemesinde, papilla vallata tat tomurcuklarının papillanın hendeğe bakan duvarında intraepiteliyal olarak bulundukları gözlendi. Ankara keçisi dilindeki tat papillalarının ışık ve taramalı elektron mikroskobik yapısı incelenerek diğer ruminant türleriyle olan benzerlikleri ve farklılıkları belirlenmiştir.

Safety and efficacy of an attenuated heartwater (Ehrlichia ruminantium) vaccine administered by the intramuscular route in cattle, sheep and Angora goats

Heartwater is an economically important tick-borne disease of ruminants in Africa. The current commercial vaccine uses live Ehrlichia ruminantium from blood of infected sheep, requires antibiotic treatment during infection, needs to be administered intravenously and does not protect against all South African isolates. An attenuated tissue culture vaccine not requiring antibiotic treatment and effective against different field strains in small groups of goats and sheep was reported previously. The objective of the present study was to test safety and efficacy of this vaccine administered by intramuscular (i.m.) inoculation in larger groups of sheep, Angora goats and cattle. Animals were vaccinated via intravenous (i.v.) and i.m. routes and received E. ruminantium homologous challenge by feeding of infected ticks or by i.v. inoculation of infected blood. For vaccine titration in sheep and goats, the optimum safe and efficacious dose was determined using 2 ml equivalent of 102–105 culture-derived live elementary bodies (EBs). Similarly, the vaccine was titrated in cattle using 5 ml containing 105–107 EBs. Seventy percent of i.v. vaccinated and 9.7% of i.m. vaccinated Angora goats receiving 105 EBs, developed severe reactions to vaccination and were treated. These treated animals and the remaining 90.3% of i.m.- vaccinated goats showed 100% protection against i.v. or tick challenge. Sheep and Angora goats vaccinated i.m. with 104 EBs had no vaccination reactions and were fully protected against i.v. or tick challenge. Similarly, vaccinated cattle (dose 106 EBs) did not react to vaccine inoculation and were fully protected against i.v. or tick homologous challenge. Control non-vaccinated animals reacted severely to challenge and required oxytetracycline treatment. This successfully demonstrated that Angora goats, sheep and cattle can be safely vaccinated with the attenuated E. ruminantium Welgevonden vaccine via the i.m. route, with no clinical reactions to vaccination and 100% protection against virulent i.v. and homologous tick challenge.

Genetic analysis of reproduction, body weight and mohair production in South African Angora goats

Abstract Genetic parameters for South African Angora goats were estimated from body weight, mohair production and reproduction data collected from birth on ram and ewe kids, as well as on the adult ewes in three herds from 2000 to 2015. Medium heritabilities were estimated for body weight from birth until 12-month of age and adult body weight, while a high heritability was estimated for 16-month body weight. Heritability for fibre diameter and spinning fineness was high, while a low heritability was estimated for standard deviation of fibre diameter along the length of the staple and for staple length. Medium heritabilities were estimated for fleece weight and the remainder of the fibre traits. Low heritabilities were estimated for all reproductive traits. Heritability estimates of lifetime number of kids born and weaned were higher than the heritability estimated on the individual records. Expressing lifetime number of kids weaned per kidding opportunity further increased the heritability. There were favourable significant genetic correlations of total weight of kids weaned (TWW) with adult body weight and fibre diameter, but significant unfavourable genetic correlations of TWW with adult fleece weight. Fleece weight was, however, unfavourably correlated with fibre diameter. Early fleece weights were genetically favourably correlated with all the adult traits, except with adult fibre diameter. The opposite is true for early fibre diameter, which were genetically unfavourably correlated with all the adult traits, except with adult fibre diameter. Early body weights were also genetically favourably correlated with all the adult traits, except with adult fibre diameter. Maiden ewe reproductive performance at the first parity was favourable genetically correlated with lifetime reproductive performance. Different selection strategies are proposed for ram and ewe selection, where ewe selection should focus on improving reproduction, while the fleece traits should be accommodated under ram selection. Selection of young ewes should be based on early body weight and TWW at the first parity. Too much selection pressure on early fleece weight and fibre diameter should be avoided in the selection of young ewes.

Angora goat gastrointestinal parasite knowledge and control practices among Lesotho farming communities.

Smallholder Angora goat farming is widespread throughout Lesotho, resulting in the country being ranked second in global mohair production. The Lesotho landscape across which Angora goats are produced is divided into lowlands, foothills, mountains, and the Senqu river valley agro-ecological zones (AEZs). Husbandry practices, including those related to the control of gastrointestinal parasites (GIPs), are assumed to be influenced by the AEZ-determined farmers' lifestyles. This study assessed how the AEZ of the Angora goat farming communities influences farmers' demographic and socio-economic profiles, GIP knowledge, and goat management practices. Interviews were conducted with farmers from Maseru and Quthing districts selected from four areas that represent the AEZs. Our findings indicate that middle-aged males dominate goat farming in all AEZs. Also, most farmers only reached primary education, hence rely on experience for goat production. Familiarity with parasites differed among farmers from different AEZs although most viewed the GIP impact on goat health as high. Many farmers from all AEZs except the lowlands believed that diarrhoea, a common GIP symptom, is associated with their goat mortality. GIP control measures used include anthelmintics and traditional herbal medicines with differing frequency of administration. More than 80% of farmers reported offering supplemental feeds although other recommended goat management practices like shelter and sanitation were not commonly observed. All farmers reported reliance on communal grazing and many considered rangelands as sources of GIP infections. It is concluded that most husbandry practices are common across AEZs and that many of these are inadequate in controlling GIPs.

Polymorphisms in the ASMT and ADAMTS1 gene may increase litter size in goats

Prolificacy of most local goat breeds in China is low. Jining Grey goat is one of the most prolific goat breeds in China, it is an important goat breed for the rural economy. ASMT (acetylserotonin O‐methyltransferase) and ADAMTS1 (ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif) are essential for animal reproduction. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ASMT and ADAMTS1 genes in the highly prolific breed (Jining Grey goats), medium prolific breed (Boer goats and Guizhou White goats) and low prolific breeds (Angora goats, Liaoning Cashmere goats and Inner Mongolia Cashmere goats) were detected by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing. Two SNPs (g.158122T>C, g.158700G>A) of ASMT gene and two SNPs (g.7979798A>G, g.7979477C>T) of ADAMTS1 gene were identified. For g.158122T>C of ASMT gene, further analysis revealed that genotype TC or CC had 0.66 (p < 0.05) or 0.75 (p < 0.05) kids more than those with genotype TT in Jining Grey goats. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was found in litter size between TC and CC genotypes. The SNP (g.158122T>C) caused a p.Tyr298His change and this SNP mutation resulted in changes in protein binding sites and macromolecule‐binding sites. The improvement in reproductive performance may be due to changes in the structure of ASMT protein. For g.7979477C>T of ADAMTS1 gene, Jining Grey does with genotype CT or TT had 0.82 (p < 0.05) or 0.86 (p < 0.05) more kids than those with genotype CC. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was found in litter size between CT or TT genotypes. These results preliminarily indicated that C allele (g.158122T>C) of ASMT gene and T allele (g.7979477C>T) of ADAMTS1 gene are potential molecular markers which could improve litter size of Jining Grey goats and be used in goat breeding.

Genetic structure of breeds of goats bred in Slovakia

Article Details: Received: 2019-12-16 | Accepted: 2020-03-24 | Available online: 2020-06-30 https://doi.org/10.15414/afz.2020.23.02.49-50 The genetic structure of five goat breeds bred in Slovakia was characterized using a visible genetic profile and biochemical polymorphic systems. Tree dairy goat breeds – White Shorthaired, Brown Shorthaired and Alpine goats – and two wool goat breeds – Angora and Cashmere goats – were evaluated. Calculated were the heterozygosity and the effective number of alleles for each locus based on the allele frequencies of eight genes determining type traits and biochemical polymorphic systems, as well as their average values as indicators characterizing the genetic variability of each breed. The genetic differences between breeds were also determined. Keywords: Goats, White Shorthaired, Brown Shorthaired, Alpine, Angora Cashmere, genetics, Slovakia References ORAVCOVÁ, M. (2013). Pedigree analysis in White Shorthaired goat: First results. Archiv Tierzucht, 56, 547–554.

Development and growth of mohair fleeces from birth and relationships between skin follicle populations, mohair physical properties, animal size and fleece value

Abstract Knowledge of associations between skin follicle development in Angora goats and development of mohair fleeces is limited. These associations were investigated using data from a controlled nutrition experiment which had 3 levels of mid pregnancy nutrition (MPN) × 2 levels of postnatal nutrition during lactation (PNN), with single and twin litters. Skin biopsies were taken (birth, 114, 180, 420 days of age). Mid-side fibre growth and physical properties were determined 6 times between birth and 180 days of age. Birth coats were visually scored (1, straight; 5 curly). Fibre diameter distribution histograms were analysed at these ages. Skin area was measured. Total number of follicles and fibre growth per day determined. Fleeces were harvested at 7, 13 and 19 months of age and tested. Average fleece-free live weight (AvFFLwt) during fleece growing periods was determined. Data were analysed for treatment effects, correlations between attributes and multiple linear regression analysis performed to determine relationships between mean fibre diameter (MFD) at different ages with variables. AvFFLwt over the study within shearing intervals ranged from 5.8 to 37.6 kg. Density of secondary follicles (Ds) at 180 days of ranged from 10.8 to 34.0 mm−2, ratio of secondary to primary skin follicles (S/P) at 420 ranged from 4.8 to 14.1. Total fibre growth/day was related to the surface area (size) of kids, as surface area increased proportionally with live weight0.73. Smaller kids (female, twin reared) grew respectively 15–23% less fibre than larger male and 13–16% less than single reared goats. MFD was 27.8 μm at birth, then declined before increasing after 2 months of age. PNN had small effects on fibre diameter CV which was high at birth before declining rapidly during the first three months of life. There were negative correlations between both Ds and S/P ratio with: MFD; and the incidence of medullated fibres (patch fibre growth and fleeces at 13 and 19 months). The magnitude of these correlations increased with age. Birth coat score was negatively associated with fleece value. Predictions of MFD at shearing were related to log10AvFFLwt during the growth period, either Ds or S/P ratio, sex of kid, and a covariate term for the dam MFD. Greater Ds and S/P ratios greater than 9 were associated with finer mohair and more valuable fleeces.

Energy requirements for maintenance and growth of young pre-ruminant Angora goats

Abstract There is little information available on the nutrient requirements of suckling Angora kids weighing less than 10 kg which has resulted in nutrition recommendations being based on older, heavier and weaned goats. This experiment determined the energy intake of suckling Angora kids to estimate maintenance ME requirement (MEm) and ME required for growth (MEg) for 8 and 21 day old kids. Does were housed in individual pens in an outdoor feedlot from day 47 of pregnancy. Pregnant does experienced a range of controlled nutrition treatments providing a range in live weight and body condition at kidding. From 4 days postpartum treatments were: ad libitum (AL) to allow maximum ME intake resulting in doe live weight gain; or Restricted (R) to 70% of AL, resulting in doe live weight loss until week 10 of lactation. Doe milk production was determined at days 8 and 21 of lactation, and ME intake of milk, kid liveweight change and fibre growth rate were determined. ME intake (kJ/kg0.75day) was then related to daily liveweight gain (g/kg0.75day) using multiple linear regression analysis. At 8 days of age, MEm = 1199 kJ/kg0.75day and MEg = 35.6 kJ/kg0.75day (P = 0.002). At 21 days of age, MEm = 700 kJ/kg0.75day (NS) and MEg = 24.0 kJ/kg0.75day (P

A Section from the Story of Losing the Angora Goats

A Section from the Story of Losing the Angora Goats

Selection signatures in goats reveal copy number variants underlying breed-defining coat color phenotypes.

Domestication and human selection have formed diverse goat breeds with characteristic phenotypes. This process correlated with the fixation of causative genetic variants controlling breed-specific traits within regions of reduced genetic diversity, so called selection signatures or selective sweeps. Using whole genome sequencing of DNA pools (pool-seq) from 20 genetically diverse modern goat breeds and bezoars, we identified 2,239 putative selection signatures. In two Pakistani goat breeds, Pak Angora and Barbari, we found selection signatures in a region harboring KIT, a gene involved in melanoblast development, migration, and survival. The search for candidate causative variants responsible for these selective sweeps revealed two different copy number variants (CNVs) downstream of KIT that were exclusively present in white Pak Angora and white-spotted Barbari goats. Several Swiss goat breeds selected for specific coat colors showed selection signatures at the ASIP locus encoding the agouti signaling protein. Analysis of these selective sweeps revealed four different CNVs associated with the white or tan (AWt), Swiss markings (Asm), badgerface (Ab), and the newly proposed peacock (Apc) allele. RNA-seq analyses on skin samples from goats with the different CNV alleles suggest that the identified structural variants lead to an altered expression of ASIP between eumelanistic and pheomelanistic body areas. Our study yields novel insights into the genetic control of pigmentation by identifying six functionally relevant CNVs. It illustrates how structural changes of the genome have contributed to phenotypic evolution in domestic goats.

The effect of anti-müllerian hormone and progesterone concentrations on superovulation response and embryo yield in goats

We aimed to evaluate the relationship of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and progesterone concentrations with superovulation response in goats and to determine donors exhibiting better superovulation response by measuring AMH concentrations. For this, blood samples were collected from multiparous Angora goats (n = 24) for measuring the progesterone and AMH concentrations on the day the synchronization protocol was initiated (Day 0), on the day of the first FSH administration (Day 9), on the day the progesterone source was removed (Day 11), and on the day of uterine flushing. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, median, minimum value, maximum value, and percentile) were given for superovulation response and embryo yield. To compare the differences between the two groups, the Student’s t-test was used. The relationship between two continuous variables was assessed by the Pearson Correlation Coefficient. The AMH cutoff values in superovulation responses were evaluated by ROC analysis on the day the synchronization protocol was initiated. A strong positive correlation was found between the AMH concentrations measured on the day the synchronization protocol was initiated (Day 0), on the day of the first FSH administration (Day 9), and on the day of removal of the progesterone source (Day 11) and the count of total corpus luteum (CL), total oocyte/embryo, transferable embryo, and Code I quality embryo (P < 0.05). Furthermore, AMH concentration increased on the day the synchronization protocol was initiated, the donor’s superovulation response increased as well. The cutoff value was 4.74 ng/ml, as assessed by the ROC curve analysis conducted for selecting donors exhibiting better superovulation responses. The sensitivity and specificity of the selected cutoff value were found to be quite high (P < 0.01). However, a positive correlation was noted between the progesterone concentrations measured on the day of uterine flushing and total CL count, total oocyte/embryo count, transferable embryo count, and Code I quality embryo count (P < 0.01). In conclusion, it was determined that an increase in AMH concentrations in goats led to an increase in the total CL count, embryo count, and embryo quality and that AMH measurement could be used to identify donors that responded better to superovulation. Additionally, a positive correlation was found between the progesterone concentration measured on the day of uterine flushing and the total CL count, transferable embryo count, and embryo quality.

Application of the Electrical Impedance Analysis Method, Combined With Measurments Heat Resistence and Breaking Strength on The Comparison of Natural Wool Fibers of Selected Species of Animals with Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) Fiber

ABSTRACT The production of clothing in recent years is mainly based on synthetic materials. Synthetics such as polyacrylonitrile fiber (PAN) significantly reduce the costs of clothing production. PAN fiber requires considerably more water than natural fibers in the treatment process, which has a negative impact on the environment. This is quite different in the case of natural fiber wool, which is a biodegradable material. Due to the high quality of its products, wool is also a material highly appreciated by the textile industry. Differences between the materials were determined by testing electrical properties (resistance and impedance), which may represent differences at the molecular level. As the use of the proposed method is at the preliminary stage, measurements of fiber diameter, heat resistance, and breaking stress were also performed to supplement the results. The electrical characteristic tests showed a higher resistance of wool compared to PAN fiber, which indicates that wool is a better dielectric than PAN fiber. The breaking stress tests showed that PAN fiber was the weakest of the assessed fibers. The measurements have also shown that the heat resistance of the samples of wool from alpaca were higher than those of PAN fiber. The wool samples from angora goats were characterized by the lowest heat resistance.

Productive and physiological characteristics of West African dwarf goats fed cassava root sieviate-cassava leaf meal based diet

Productive and physiological characteristics of West African dwarf goats fed cassava root sieviate-cassava leaf meal based diet