Baladi Goats Research Articles

Morphological and Diagnostic Imaging Studies on Pelvic Cavity of Egyptian Female Baladi Goat (Capra hircus)

This presented study is designed to provide an in-detailed anatomic reference to the pelvic cavity of the female baladi goat through the topographical anatomy, cryo-sectional anatomy, computed tomographic examination (CT) and ultrasonographic evaluation. In addition to this, recording the different diameters of the pelvis. This study was set on thirteen healthy female baladi goats weighing 20–35 kg and age range from 8-18 months. The morphology of pelvic organs was particularly detailed through many CT scans and compared by cryo-cross sectional anatomy. The cadaver was frozen. then sliced at 3cm apart after that the cryo-sections were cleaned then photographed to be matched with the closest CT image to make it easy to identify accurately different structures. CT images were used to investigate female pelvis and its related viscera (part of rectum-uterus-vagina-urethra-urinary bladder- part of ureter). The dorsal boundary of pelvic cavity was long and it continued to third caudal vertebrae. The vesicogenital pouch was longer than vesicopubic and recto genital pouches. different pelvic diameters are recorded. Two-dimensional ultrasonographic evaluation considered complementary to other diagnostic modalities in pelvic cavity configuration. Ultrasonography can easily differentiate between different soft tissue depending on its characteristic components of basic tissue. Finally, it could be proved that the different diagnostic imaging as CT and ultrasonography contribute greatly in veterinary practice as the data obtained from diagnostic imaging can be used as a diagnostic tool and baseline data for educational ,clinical and research purposes .Beside that it can be used to evaluate the female goat reproductive performance specially in prediction of dystocia through examination of the pelvis.

Follicular Dynamic in Balady Goat in Upper Egypt Using Ultrasonography

The objective is to study the Ultrasonographic appearances of the reproductive genitalia of cycling does (8 adult healthy, non-pregnant, cycling Balady does, examined daily for 6 weeks transrectal ultrasonographic examinations for two successive estrous cycles to investigate the length of cycle and as well the biometry of the ovaries, number and size of CL and follicles, size of uterus and cervix when possible). The obtained data showed that does have 3 or 4 Follicular waves. The last wave has the largest duration and the maximum follicle size (ovulatory). The characteristic features of follicular waves in does having three follicular waves denoted that the growth rates for the largest follicles of the ovulatory waves were significantly higher than first (p < 0.001) and second waves (p < 0.01). While, the characteristic features of follicular waves in doe having four follicular waves denoted that the growth rate of the largest follicles within each wave increased from the first to the fourth wave (0.49 to 0.85 mm/day respectively). The maximum diameter of the ovulatory follicles (7.83±0.51) were significantly larger than the maximum diameter of the largest follicles of the other waves (6.13±0.30 and 5.53±0.87 for third and first wave; P< 0.05), and with the second wave (5.33±0.40, p < 0.01). It is concluded that ultrasonographic examinations can be satisfactory performed in our small size local breed of Balady goats. Moreover, 3-4 follicular waves could be estimated per single cycle. However, the number of growing follicles per each wave decreased dramatically from the beginning of the wave to its end either with the anovulatory or ovulatory follicles.

Crude coriander oil in the diet of lactating goats enhanced lactational performance, ruminal fermentation, apparent nutrient digestibility, and blood chemistry

The use of safe feed additives in diets of lactating animals has gained increasing interest. The effects of feeding lactating goats on diet supplemented with crude coriander oil at different levels were evaluated. Thirty multiparous lactating Damascus × Baladi goats (27.2 ± 1.0 kg BW) were used in 3 × 3 Latin square design (3 treatments, 3 periods, and 10 does per treatment). Each experimental period lasted 30 d (comprising 20 d of treatments adaptation and 10 d of sampling). The treatments consisted of the control basal diet with no crude coriander oil, the control basal diet supplemented daily with 0.95 g crude coriander oil/kg DM feed, or the control basal diet supplemented with 1.9 g crude coriander oil/kg DM feed. Crude coriander oil supplementation linearly increased (P < 0.05) daily milk production, yields of total solids, fat and lactose, and concentration of milk fat (P = 0.022) as well as feed conversion ratio (P = 0.021). Crude coriander oil supplementation linearly enhanced (P < 0.05) the apparent digestibilities of dry matter, organic matter, non-structural carbohydrates, and fibers, while the high crude coriander oil supplementation level increased apparent crude protein digestibility. Crude coriander oil supplementation linearly decreased ruminal pH and ciliate protozoal counts, and increased the concentrations (P < 0.05) of total volatile fatty acids, acetate, propionate and valerate. Crude coriander oil supplementation linearly increased (P < 0.05) the concentration of blood glucose and linearly decreased (P < 0.05) the serum levels of alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase, while the high coriander oil treatment decreased the concentrations of total lipids (P = 0.038) and cholesterol (P = 0.021). In conclusion, crude coriander oil supplementation at 0.95 or 1.9 g crude coriander oil/kg DM feed improved nutrient utilization, milk production, and milk nutritive value. The high level of supplementation is recommended.

Probiotic and safety assessment of Lactobacillus strains isolated from Lebanese Baladi goat milk

Microbiological and physicochemical parameters of Lebanese Baladi goat milk from six farms were evaluated and 28 Lactobacillus strains were isolated and examined in vitro for their probiotic potential. Goat milk showed a balanced physicochemical composition while variable LAB counts were observed among samples. All isolates were identified as Lactobacillus rhamnosus. They exhibited diverse susceptibility to commonly used antibiotics, none was haemolytic and showed variable antimicrobial activity towards a range of spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. All strains remained unaffected at pH 3 and in the presence of bile salts (0.5%, w/v) for 3 h exhibiting also a partial bile salt hydrolase activity. Selected strains showed low adhesion to HT-29 and Caco-2 cells. Decrease in COX2 mRNA levels and a tendency to an increase in IL10 expression in human monocytes were noticed. This is the first report about probiotic and safety features of Lb. rhamnosus strains isolated from Lebanese Baladi goat milk.

EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF DRIED CHICORY (CICHORIUM INTYBUS L.) LEAVES IN DIETS ON PERFORMANCE OF DAIRY GOATS

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of inclusion different levels of dried chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) leaves in diets of Balady goat does on nutrients digestibilities, productive performance and some blood parameters, as well as the growth performance of their offspring. Twenty four pregnant lactating Balady goats were chosen at 1 month before parturition and divided randomly into three similar groups (8 each) in a feeding trial, where the first group was served as control (R0) and fed the concentrate feed mixture (CFM) without any supplementation, while the second and third groups (R2 and R3) were fed CFM supplemented with dried chicory leaves (DCL) at rate of 1 and 2%, respectively. The basal diet was formulated from 2.5 CFM of the live body weight (LBW) of goats plus 3kg/d fresh berseem in order to covering the nutritional requirements according to NRC (1989). Results indicated that the digestibility coefficients of most nutrients and feeding values were significantly (P<0.05) higher for R1 that contained 1% DCL followed by R2 that contained 2% DCL than those of un-received one (R0). Actual milk yield was significantly (P<0.05) higher with tested ration R1 and insignificant higher with the tested ration R2 than that of control ration. Otherwise, the yield of 4% FCM was significantly (P<0.05) higher with both tested rations than that of control one, being R1 had the highest yield significantly among the experimental dietary treatments. Most milk constituents (fat, lactose, SNF and ash, %) did not affected by the dietary treatments, while only the contents of milk protein and TS were increased significantly especially with R1 than those of control (R0). Totally milk composition percentages tended to increase with DCL addition in ration R1 than the other tested rations R2 and control R0. There were significant differences in respect of feed intake among dietary treatments, where the values of DMI, TDNI and DCPI were higher in R1 and R2 compared with those of control one. The feed conversion ratio was appeared to be the best with R1 while, the poorest value was occurred with R0 and the tested ration R2 had the intermediate value. Kids in R1 ration showed the highest LBW and total weight gain at each age intervals as compared to other groups, being the lowest values were associated with R0, with no significant differences among the experimental treatments. Therefore, the results indicated that using DCL as herbal additives in the dairy goat diets at level 1% led to an improvement for nutrient digestibilities, productive performance and physiological functions of these animals.

Physiological Responses of Baladi Goats undergoing Water Deprivation during Summer Condition

This study was assigned to evaluate the effect of water deprivation on physiological responses, liver and kidney functions, hematological parameters, serum metabolites, electrolytes and hormonal profiles of Baladi goats during summer months. A total of 12 healthy, non-pregnant and non-lactating does (1.5-2 years old) were divided into 2 groups (average body weight of 23.35±1.16 and 23.15±1.13 kg for control and the treated group (exposed to water deprivation cycles 24h, 48h and 72h /week for 3 months. Temperature-humidity index (THI) was determined. Rectal temperature (RT) and respiration rate (RR) were measured. Haematological parameters, serum hormones, metabolites and electrolytes were assayed. Results showed that RT was higher (P≤0.05) in deprived does for 48h and 72h, but 24h did not affect RT compared with control. RR reduced insignificantly, but BW decreased (P≤0.05) in deprived does. Water deprivation had no effect (P>0.05) on haematological parameters, liver and kidney functions (ALT, AST, urea, creatinine). Each of total proteins, globulin, cholesterol and triglycerides increased (P≤0.05), while albumin insignificantly increased in deprived does. Serum glucose had reduced (P≤0.05) as water deprivation progressed. Serum electrolytes differed (P≤0.05), except for Cl- . Content of Na+ and Cl- increased, while K+ decreased in deprived does (P≤0.05). Serum Aldosterone and IgG levels increased (P<0.05) in deprived does, however, no significant effect on thyroid hormones. It is concluded that Baladi goats could be adapted for unsuitable conditions of water insufficiency or drought without having harmful effects.

EFFECT OF GRAZING TIME ON DIGESTION AND ENERGY UTILIZATION OF GOAT DURING LACTATION PERIOD IN HALAIB-SHALATEEN PASTURES

Thirty lactating Balady goats were employed in a 90-day experiment to study the effect of grazing time on pasture intake, digestion, energy expenditure (EE) and energy balance (EB) throughout early and late lactation periods in Halaib - Shalateen pastures. To achieve this objective, female goats were divided into three treatments, 10 per each; the first treatment (T1) was in-door without grazing and given 1% of live body weight (LBW) concentrates feed mixture (CFM) plus berseem hay ad libitum. The second (T2) and third (T3) treatments were allowed to graze daily on Panicum turgidum as a basal range plant for 4, 8 hours, respectively and given 1% of LBW CFM. The results could be summarized as follows: The forage intake (g/ kg BW0.75) by goats was significantly (P≤0.01) higher in early lactation than that in late lactation period. Goats that grazed for 8 hours daily showed higher (P≤0.01) forage intake than those grazed for 4 hours daily, while, goats fed on berseem hay ad libitum without grazing had higher (P≤0.01) value of roughage intake compared to the two grazed groups whether in the early or late lactation period. Similar findings were observed for nutrients intakes (OM, CP and NDF). Grazed goats for 4 hr and 8 hr had higher (P≤0.01) values of DM, OM, CP, CF, NDF and digested energy (DE) than these in zero-grazing group whether in the early lactation or in the late lactation period. Goats grazed for 8 hr daily had higher (P≤0.01) values of digestible and metabolizable energy intake than those in 4 hr and zero-grazing groups whether in the early or late lactation periods. Grazed goats for 4 hr and 8 hr had higher (P≤0.01) values of heart rate (HR) and energy expenditure (EE) than that in zero-grazing group. The energy balance (EB), when expressed as kJ/kg BW0.75/day, was positive and greater (P≤0.01) for zero-grazing goats than those in grazed groups. Also, 8 hr-grazing group had greater (P≤0.01) value of EB than that 4 hr-grazing group, but it was negative for the two groups. It could be concluded that, under arid-area condition, in Halaib – Shalateen pastures, grazing of goats for 8 hours daily showed better nutritional performance represented by an increase in the pasture intake, digestion, reduction energy expenditure (EE) and therefore, energy balance (EB) was better than that grazing for 4 hours during early and late lactation periods.

Effects of supplementary feeding level on digestion and energy utilization by sheep and goats grazing arid-area rangelands

An experiment was implemented to examine differences between sheep and goats in the utilization of open arid-area rangelands when provided with different concentrate supplement levels. Fifty-two non-lactating females (Abu-duleik sheep, n = 26 and Balady goats, n = 26) were employed in a 90-day experimental period. Animals of each species were allocated randomly into two treatments, according to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with animal species (goats and sheep) and concentrate level (low and high) as main factors. They were grazing widely over the arid-area rangelands with a limited amount of a concentrate supplement, low (1 % BW) or high (2 % BW) (DM basis). Total energy expenditure was estimated by heart rate (HR) monitors for 48 h after its calibration by oxygen consumption with a face mask open-circuit respiratory system. However, the significant interaction between animal species and concentrate levels of supplement indicated that increasing the concentrate level had a negative effect (P < 0.05) on forage intake (22.8 vs. 17.0 ± 1.58 g/ kg BW, for goats supplemented with low or high concentrate level, respectively) and digestibility by grazing goats. The reduction in goat’s digestibility was mainly attributed to the reduction (P < 0.01) in fiber fraction digestibility (546 vs. 441 ± 24.0 g/ kg dry matter intake, respectively). The contrary was observed in sheep in which the greatest forage consumption and digestibility were observed in grazing sheep supplemented with a high concentrate level, including the fiber fraction digestibility. Total energy expenditure was similar between sheep and goats when supplemented with a low concentrate level (600 and 574 ± 24.6 kJ/ kgBW0.75, respectively), while it was significantly (P < 0.01) greater for sheep than for goats when supplemented with a high level (776 vs. 577 ± 24.6 kJ/ kg BW0.75, respectively). This was reflected in the energy balance (EB) that was negative and similar in sheep and goats at a low supplementation level (−55.2 and −64.3 ± 14.27 kJ/ kg BW0.75, respectively, while sheep reported positive (P < 0.05) and greater EB than that of goats with a high level (71.5 vs. 2.7 ± 14.27 kJ/ kg BW0.75, respectively). In conclusion, concentrate supplement is necessary to maintain animals without nutritional deterioration while grazing in the open arid-area rangelands, however, its effects on the ability to utilize a low quality forage differed between sheep and goats at a high supplementation level.

ENERGY BALANCE UNDER RESTRICTED FEEDING IN RUMINANTS

Forty-eight adult local desert non-pregnant and non-lactating females, age 4-5 yrs.; Barki sheep (n= 16 and average body weight 34.53 ±1.56 kg), Balady goats (n= 16 and average body weight 31.11 ± 1.63 kg), and Shami goats (n=16 and average body weight 28.08±0.92 kg) were used to study effects of long-term restricted feeding regime on body weight changes and balance of energy and protein. Animals of each species were allocated to two levels of feed intake; control feeding treatment (CON) where animals fed a diet at a level of feeding to meet approximately the metabolizable energy for maintenance requirement (MEm), while those on the other dietary treatment was fed almost 50% of these quantities on a BW basis, termed as the restricted treatment (restricted; RES). Alfalfa hay and concentrate feed mixture (50:50% as DM basis) were given based on requirement recommendations. The results could be summarized as follows: 1-Comparison between Balady goats (BG) and Sheep (SH): The ADG was not affected (P<0.05) by animal species (BG vs. SH), however, it was affected (P<0.01) by feed intake level where the RES animal group showed a negative ADG (-65.6 g/d) compared with the CON group that achieved positive ADG (36.4 g/d). Both of SH and BG had similar negative energy balance (EB) values (67.0 vs. 61.4 KJ/ kg0.75/d, for BG and SH respectively). Nitrogen balance (NB) was greater (P<0.01) for SH (107.64 mg/kg0.75/d ) vs. BG (89.47 mg/kg0.75/d) and was greater (P<0.01) for animals fed on CON intake (251.47 vs. 208.55 mg/kg0.75/d, respectively) than those fed on RES intake (-36.18 vs. -29.62 mg/kg0.75/d, respectively), which gave a negative NB. 2.Comparison between Balady goats (BG)and Shami goats (SG): The ADG was not affected (P< 0.05) by animal species (BG vs. SG) being corresponding values 45.1 and 40.6 g/d respectively. However, ADG was affected (P< 0.001) by feed intake level where the RES animal group showed a negative ADG (-55.6 g/d) compared with the CON group that achieved positive ADG (30.1 g/d). Under CON intake, EB was an insignificant decrease in SG compared to BG. However, under RES intake both BG and SG had a negative energy balance (kJ/kg0.75/day) and it was lower (P<0.01) in SG than that in BG. Animals fed on the CON intake level had a greater (P<0.01) value for EB compared to those fed on RES intake and the latter gave a negative balance. Nitrogen balance (NB, mg/kg0.75/day) was a trend to be greater (P<0.10) for SG vs. BG. Also, animals under the CON intake level captured more nitrogen than their counterparts, which lost a large amount of nitrogen. Also, the retention N was increased (P<0.01) in SG than BG under the CON intake level, however, all breeds were lost N under the RES intake level especially in SG (-76.37) followed by BG (-29.62). It could be concluded that with hot conditions, sheep may have an advantage in a decreased Metabolizable energy for maintenance (MEm) requirement and reduction in heat production of a magnitude adequate to maintain body weight. There is a similar rate of using the energy between sheep and goats with moderate or limited nutrition planes. It is clear that Balady goats are better than Shami goats in their ability to reduce the energy expenditure via reducing the rate of metabolism when they were fed on restricted intake.

Evaluation of some hepatoprotective preparations in experimentally induced hepatopathy in Baladi goats

This work aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of garlic oil extract and artichoke extract with regarding to clinical, hematobiochemical alteration and oxidative stress status of induced acute hepatopathy in Baladi goats. Fifteen Baladi goats were kept for experimental induction of hepatopathy that treated orally with 0.3 ml /kg of carbon tetrachloride (CCL4)once and divided randomly into 3 groups each of five. Group A was kept as control positive. Group B and Group C were treated by garlic oil extract in dose 0.8mg/kg and artichoke extract in dose 10mg/kg for 15 days for hepatic protection before induction. Clinical and hematobiochemical examination were carried out at 1st, 3rd and 7th day after induction. Clinical examinations of CCl4 treated group at first day showed dullness, inappetence, pale mucous membranes, elevated body temperature and pulse rate and nervous manifestations. While garlic extract and artichoke extract l treated groups showed less severe clinical signs that began to disappear at 3rd day after induction. Hematobiochemical examination: induced acute hepatopathy group showed significant (P<0.05) decrease in RBCs, Hb, PCV, GPX and SOD and significant (P<0.05) increase in WBCs, ALT, AST, GGT, total and direct bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and MDA. While garlic extract and artichoke extract treated groups showed significant (P<0.05) increase in RBCs, Hb, PCV and antioxidant status with significant (P<0.05) decrease in liver damage indices of treated animals. Therefore, we concluded that garlic oil extract and artichoke extract could be used as hepatoprotective agent in Baladi goats.

Resting and field metabolic rates of Awassi sheep and Baladi goats raised by Negev bedouin

AbstractSheep are grazers and goats are intermediate feeders. By employing O2 consumption and heart rate measurements, resting metabolic rate (RMR) and field metabolic rate (FMR) were determined in four male fat-tailed Awassi sheep (44.0 ± 3.94) and four male Baladi goats (35.5 ± 5.42 kg) that were co-grazing natural pasture in the Negev Desert. There were 67.7 ± 3.75 g DM/m2 of herbaceous vegetation biomass, which was rapidly becoming senescent and more fibrous. We hypothesized that FMR of these desert-adapted ruminants would be relatively low when compared to other sheep and goat breeds, as animals in arid areas tend to have low metabolic rates. Both sheep (n = 6) and goats (n = 6) foraged 71% of the allotted 11 h free-pasture period; however, sheep grazed more than goats (P &lt; 0.001); whereas goats browsed more than sheep (P &lt; 0.001). RMR was higher (P = 0.007) in sheep than in goats (529 ± 23.5 v. 474 ± 25.4 kJ/kg0.75 BW/d), but FMR did not differ between species (618 ± 55.7 v. 613 ± 115.2 kJ/kg0.75 BW/d). In addition, the cost of activities, as a proportion of FMR, did not differ between sheep and goats; FMR increased by 89 kJ/kg0.75 BW/d or 17% in sheep and by 138 kJ/kg0.75 BW/d or 29% in goats. In comparing FMRs of sheep and goats in this study with these species in other studies, differences were inconsistent and, therefore, our hypothesis was not supported.

Therapeutic Effect of Balanites Aegyptiaca Fruit’s Ethanol Extract in Egyptian Baladi Goats Experimentally Infected with Haemonchus Contortus: Blood Serum Biochemical, Oxidative Stress Markers and Pathological Studies

The therapeutic effect of Balanites aegyptiaca fruit’s ethanolic extract (BAF-EE) in goats experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus (H. contortus) was evaluated. Serum biochemical parameters, tissue oxidative stress status and pathological changes were investigated. Twelve goats were divided into 4 equal groups, G1 (infected-untreated), G2 (infected-BAF-EE treated), G3 (infected-albendazole treated) and G4 (uninfected-BAF-EE treated). Infection was conducted at 0-time, whereas treatment with BAF-EE and albendazole was given in the 5th week post infection (PI). Blood samples were drawn on 0-time, 3rd week PI and then biweekly till the 9th week for serum biochemical analyses. At the end of experiment, all animals were slaughtered to estimate oxidative stress markers and histopathological alterations in the abomasal and hepatic tissues. Serum biochemistry of infected animals showed significant depression of total serum proteins, albumin, albumin/globulin ratio, total antioxidant capacity and calcium levels. The activity of AST, ALT and γGT and the cholesterol, urea and creatinine levels were significantly elevated in the serum of infected animals. Glutathione peroxidase values decreased significantly in tissue homogenate of G1 and G3 goats than those in G2 and G4 goats. Malondialdehyde followed a reverse course. Abomasa of infected animals in G1 revealed inflammation, necrosis, petechial hemorrhages and cellular infiltration. Liver showed bile duct hyperplasia, degeneration of hepatocytes and cell infiltration. Intensity of alterations were lower in infected–treated animals. In conclusion, BAF-EE has hepatoprotective effect and can improve serum biochemical alterations and oxidative stress status in goats infected with H. contortus, justifying its use as a safe natural anthelmintic agent.

Impacts of Chromium and Selenium-E on Cortisol Levels, Reproductive and productive Efficiency of Baladi Female Goats under Subtropical Conditions.

The present study was conducted during estrous cycle and pregnancy period in Baladi female goats to study the effect of chromium and selenium with vitamin E on blood serum cortisol concentration. Seventy-two of mature Baladi does with age ranged from 2 to 3 years old and the mean body weight was 25.1±1.5 kg was used under two conditions of winter and summer seasons (36 animals/season). The animals were randomly divided into three groups, the 1st group was kept as control and the 2nd group was supplemented by chromium (chromium chloridetrivalent), 0.8 mg/head/day. The 3rd group was intramuscularly injected twice a week with 2ml viteselen®, contained 0.5 mg selenium and 10.7 IU vitamin E (Se-E). Serum cortisol levels were assessed in the three experimental goats during the estrous and pregnancy periods. The results demonstrated that Goats supplementation with Cr or Se-E significantly decreased (P<0.05) serum cortisol concentrations than control during estrous cycle. In addition, Cr mostly lowered (P<0.05) cortisol than control, but Se-E thoroughly increased it during pregnancy. However, under mild season at pro-estrus phase Cr treatment increased cortisol significantly (P<0.05) than control. Also, during pregnancy period Cr decreased cortisol at Mid-Pregnancy and Late-Pregnancy periods; however, Se-E increased cortisol at the Late-Pregnancy period than the control group. Under hot season, Cr treatment decreased (P<0.05) cortisol during estrous cycle, pregnancy period. However, injection of Se-E decreased cortisol during estrous cycle and showed a contrary effect during pregnancy period. On the other side, Reproductive traits of female goats showed that, under mild season conditions Cr or Se-E supplementations did not have any effect on goat’s reproductive traits, in terms of conception rate, kidding rate, fertility rate, prolificacy and fecundity compared to control group. Under hot season conditions, Cr and Se-E improved both of fertility and conception rate, as well as, increased fecundity percentage more than control. Cr group had lowest prolificacy, however; Se-E had the highest one compared to control. Chromium group had significantly (P<0.05) higher birth weight of kids than control and Se-E either at mild or hot season. However, injection of Se-E did not affect litter birth weight under mild and hot conditions.So,It can be concluded that Cr and Se-E supplementation can enhanced the reproductive and productive traits of female Baladi goats under hot season.

Pharmacokinetics of cefquinome in goats after intramuscular administration alone and with meloxicam

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics are commonly prescribed together. We aimed to study the kinetic profile of cefquinome (2 mg/kg b.wt.) following intramuscular administration of it alone and co-administered with meloxicam (0.2 mg/kg b.wt.) in goats.Methods: Five Egyptian Baladi goats, each goat was injected intramuscularly at the dose rate of 2 mg/kg b.wt. Cefquinome into the deep gluteal muscle of hindquarter alone and then after fifteen days washout period, these animals also injected intramuscularly at the dose rate of 2 mg/kg b.wt. Cefquinome preceded with meloxicam at the dose rate of 0.2 mg/kg b.wt. The serum concentrations of cefquinome were detected by high performance liquid chromatography, two compartment model.Results: Following a single dose intramuscular administration of cefquinome alone, peak plasma concentration (1.71±0.0189 μg/ml) was obtained at 1.59±0.0038 h. The absorption half-life (t1/2ab), total body clearance (Cltot), elimination half-life (t1/2el) and area under curve (area under concentration (AUC(0-inf)) of cefquinome were 0.4±0.0028 h, 0.068±0.78 l/h/kg, 9.21±0.178h and 29.36±0.78 µg.h.ml-1, respectively. Following a single dose intramuscular co-administration of cefquinome and meloxicam, peak plasma concentration (1.60±0.0124 μg/ml) was obtained at 1.49±0.0092 h. The absorption half-life (t1/2ab), total body clearance (Cltot), elimination half-life (t1/2el) and area under curve (AUC(0-inf)) of cefquinome were 0.396±0.006 h, 0.094±0.25 l/h/kg, 6.5±0.221 h and 21.38±0.696 µg/h/ml, respectively. Non significant alters were reported in the parameters following co-administration of Cefquinome with meloxicam.Conclusions: From our results, may be concluded that intramuscular administration of meloxicam may be successfully co-administrated with cefquinome for combating bacterial infections with an inflammatory condition in goats without any antagonistic effect.

Surveillance of Baladi Goat Feeding Behavior in Response to a Mediterranean Natural Rangeland Evolution

The Lebanese Baladi goat dairy production sector suffers from food availability problems due to the dependence on natural rangelands and the scarcity of crop residues and forage pastures, leading to lower production. Thus, the nutritional values of the pastures were evaluated in an observational study where 48 Baladi lactating goats were selected and kept within a farm in Qâa er Rîm located in the region of Zahleh, Lebanon. Animal responses in feeding behavior were measured on four different circuits of natural rangelands (NR1, NR2, NR3, and NR4) surrounding the farm site, during a period of ≈75 d (from April to mid-June). Observations and measures consisted of evaluating the rangeland’s botanical composition, selective feeding and analysis of forage nutritional values, recording of daily foraging dynamic, and estimation of daily intake. Natural rangelands revealed a large botanical diversity that changed according to season and altitude: From NR1 to NR4, as summer season advanced and animals were moved to higher altitudes, bushes increased, whereas grasses retreated. In parallel, mean diet nutritional value decreased; dry matter (DM) content increased, as well as acid detergent fiber and neutral detergent fiber contents, while crude protein levels decreased. The animals, however, adapted their feeding dynamics on the rangelands accordingly: With the advancement of summer time, total duration of grazing day was increased in order to compensate for longer resting periods at noon and longer walking periods in higher altitudes, without a decrease in total feeding duration. On the other hand, animals were able to adjust their feeding regimen to the available plant species by increasing their daily intake of 0.56 kg/d between NR1 and NR3 and by substituting grasses with shrubby species; a shift from 25% to 28% to 53% to 54% DM in the animals’ diet. These adaptive behavioral responses explain the capacity of Baladi goats to survive in their harsh environment and even tolerate feeding perturbations.

Fattening performance and carcass traits of Baladi and Shami-Baladi kids.

Background and Aim:Goat is considered very important ruminant animals that are raised in Jordan; however, the production of the local breeds is low to moderate, and thus, some genetic improvement programs could have a positive effect on the performance of the local breeds. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of crossing Baladi (BB) goat with Shami.Materials and Methods:A total of 30 newly weaned goat kids (15 BB and 15Shami-Baladi [SB] kids) were evaluated for growth performance and carcass traits. The trial lasted for 77 days (7 days for adaptation and 70 days for data collection). Feed intake was measured on a daily basis; body weight of kids was measured at the beginning of the study and biweekly thereafter. At the end of the trial, kids were slaughtered to examine carcass traits.Results:Dry matter intake, initial weight, final weight, and average daily gain (ADG) were not affected by kid’s breed type. In addition, breed type of kids showed no significant effect on feed efficiency (feed:gain). Hot and cold carcass weight and dressing percentage were also not affected by kid’s breed type. Kid breed type had no significant effect on shoulder, rack, and legs percentages. However, SB kids had a higher loin cut percentage compared to BB kids. In addition, Musculus longissimus depth was higher for SB kids.Conclusion:Results of this study indicate that crossing SB goat breeds did not have a significant effect on either growth performance or carcass traits. Further studies using reciprocal cross may reveal different results.

Fertility Improvement of Baladi Goats Using Dexamethasone and GnRH-dependant Protocols

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dexamethasone and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) on improvement of the fertility of Baladi goats. To accomplish this study, twenty does were synchronized for estrus using PGF-2α agonist. Then, they were divided into four groups randomly (5/ each). Group-I was injected with dexamethasone, while, group-II was injected by three doses of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH). Group-III, was injected by dexamethasone and GnRH, while group-IV was injected with saline to be used as control group. The fertile bucks were allowed to mount the does for fertilization. Ovarian response to the treatment and diagnosis of pregnancy were monitored using ultrasonography. Results revealed that compared to control group, all the treatment protocols have a significant intensifying and improving effect on the appearance of signs of estrous, the day of mount, day of pro-estrus, day of ovulation and day of mature corpus luteum formation. However, the treatment with dexamethasone seems to have more effect over the other treatment protocols. Also, the number of the detected mature corpora lutei was significantly increased upon application of the treatment protocols as compared to control group but this effect was more obvious in group I. Finally, the treatment protocols tend to have no significant effect on the number of the formed mature follicles, weights of feti at birth or their weights after 60 days, on the other hand the treatments protocols has proved to decrease the percent of fetal losses when compared to control group.

Effect of Cellulases Supplementation on Milk Yield and Feed Utilization by Baladi Goats in Early Lactation

Effect of Cellulases Supplementation on Milk Yield and Feed Utilization by Baladi Goats in Early Lactation

The Effects of Live Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and Chitosan on Digestion Coefficient and Molecular Biology of Main Cellulolytic Bacteria in Male Balady Goat

The present study throw lights on the comparing influence of dietary supplementation of live dried yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and chitozan on digestion coefficient and molecular biology of some cellulolytic bacteria in male Balady goats. A total number of 12 castrated adult male Balady goats aged one-year-old were allocated into three groups (4 males each). Concentrates were offered at rate of 3% of body weight. Experimental groups were control group fed on basal diet con‌sists of concentrate mixture without any feed additives; Saccharomyces cerevisiae group fed on basal diet with feed additive of S. cerevisiae at rate of 0.3% (3 Kg/ ton concentrate); chitosan group fed on basal diet with feed additive of chitosan at rate of 0.2% (2 kg/ ton concentrate). The obtained results revealed significant increases (p< 0.05) in nutrient digestibility of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), nitrogen free extract (NFE), and Ash and a significant (P≤0.05) up regulation of genes expression level in S. cerevisiae and chitosan groups when compared with the control except in EE showed non significant increase in chitosan group comparing with the control group. Thus, it is recommended to use S. cerevisiae to improve feed efficiency of diet, growth and multiplication of ruminal microbes.

The Effects of Live Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and Chitosan on Rumen Fermentation Function and Rumen Development in Male Balady Goats

The present study aimed at comparing the influence of dietary supplementation of live dried yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and chitosan on rumen fermentation and rumen development in male Balady goats. A total number of 12 castrated adult male Balady goats (bucks) aged one year old were allocated into three similar groups (4 males each). Concentrates were offered at rate of 3% of body weight. Experimental groups were control group fed on basal diet con‌sists of concentrate mixture without any feed additives; S. cerevisiae group fed on basal diet with feed additive of S. cerevisiae at rate of 0.3% (3Kg/ ton concentrate); chitosan group fed on basal diet with feed additive of chitosan at rate of 0.2% (2kg/ ton concentrate). The obtained results showed a significant (p 0.05)