Beetal Research Articles

Haemato-biochemical and oxidative stress evaluation in Beetal goats naturally infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Sub-Himalayan region of India

Haemato-biochemical and oxidative stress evaluation in Beetal goats naturally infected with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in Sub-Himalayan region of India

Assessing genetic parameters for first parity reproductive traits for early selection in Saanen × Beetal goats of India.

The present study aimed to evaluate the genetic parameters of first parity reproductive traits. Information on 762 reproductive records on Saanen × Beetal (S × B) goats reared for approximately five decades was collected from ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana (1973-2020). For genetic analysis, single-trait and multiple-trait animal models were used. Gibbs sampler for animal model (GSAM) approach was used for estimating (co)variance components of reproductive traits. Six different single-trait animal models (with or without maternal and environmental effects) were used and the deviance information criterion (DIC) determined the best model. The least squares mean for age at first service (AFS), age at first kidding (AFK), service period (SP), dry period (DP), gestation length (GL), kidding interval (KI), litter weight (LW), number of kids born (NKB) and number of female kids born (NFKB) in first parity were 526.99 ± 4.86, 662.96 ± 5.03, 219.11 ± 6.25, 109.38 ± 6.00, 150.48 ± 0.27, 356.63 ± 4.80 days, 3.87 ± 0.05 kg, 1.27 ± 0.02 and 0.67 ± 0.03, respectively. Lower heritability estimates for these reproductive traits revealed a sparse scope for genetic improvement. Multivariate analysis using Model 1 was carried out to evaluate the genetic and phenotypic correlation of these nine reproductive traits. The genetic correlation of DP and SP was negatively with LW, NKB and NFKB, which is favourable as reduction in SP and DP can improve these economically important traits through indirect selection. Consistent efforts towards genetic improvement of these goat flock poses a promising future for meat industry owing to high prolificacy and good reproductive potential in this flock.

Effect of Duckweed as Alternate Protein Source on Rumen Fermentation and Health Status of Beetal Goats

Effect of Duckweed as Alternate Protein Source on Rumen Fermentation and Health Status of Beetal Goats

PARTIAL MASTECTOMY IN A DAIRY BEETAL GOAT AFFECTED WITH A MAMMARY TUMOR – A CASE REPORT

Mammary tumors are relatively common in dairy goats, negatively impacting production and farmers' economies. Irreversible loss of respective udder reduces milk yield or culling of the animals. In a current case report, A Beetal goat was presented at the UVAS surgery clinic with a udder tumor. After confirmation, a partial mastectomy was performed under general anesthesia and aseptic surgery. The neoplastic growth was resected, and surgery was completed. The overall health status of the animals was improved with an increase in milk yield during post-operative care and a follow-up period of 30 days. The surgical removal of udder tumor could be useful in small ruminants to restore udder health and milk production.

Perosomus elumbus fetal monster: a rare cause of dystocia in a beetal goat - a case report from Pakistan

Perosomus elumbus fetal monster: a rare cause of dystocia in a beetal goat - a case report from Pakistan

Modelling the lactation curve in Alpine × Beetal crossbred dairy goats using random regression models fitted with Legendre polynomial and B-spline functions.

The current study sought to genetically assess the lactation curve of Alpine × Beetal crossbred goats through the application of random regression models (RRM). The objective was to estimate genetic parameters of the first lactation test-day milk yield (TDMY) for devising a practical breeding strategy within the nucleus breeding programme. In order to model variations in lactation curves, 25,998 TDMY records were used in this study. For the purpose of estimating genetic parameters, orthogonal Legendre polynomials (LEG) and B-splines (BS) were examined in order to generate suitable and parsimonious models. A single-trait RRM technique was used for the analysis. The average first lactation TDMY was 1.22 ± 0.03 kg and peak yield (1.35 ± 0.02 kg) was achieved around the 7th test day (TD). The present investigation has demonstrated the superiority of the B-spline model for the genetic evaluation of Alpine × Beetal dairy goats. The optimal random regression model was identified as a quadratic B-spline function, characterized by six knots to represent the central trend. This model effectively captured the patterns of additive genetic influences, animal-specific permanent environmental effects (c2 ) and 22 distinct classes of (heterogeneous) residual variance. Additive variances and heritability (h2 ) estimates were lower in the early lactation, however, moderate across most parts of the lactation studied, ranging from 0.09 ± 0.04 to 0.33 ± 0.06. The moderate heritability estimates indicate the potential for selection using favourable combinations of test days throughout the lactation period. It was also observed that a high proportion of total variance was attributed to the animal's permanent environment. Positive genetic correlations were observed for adjacent TDMY values, while the correlations became less pronounced for more distant TDMY values. Considering better fitting of the lactation curve, the use of B-spline functions for genetic evaluation of Alpine × Beetal goats using RRM is recommended.

Sequence Analysis of Coding Region of Prolactin Gene in Milking Beetal Goats

Sequence Analysis of Coding Region of Prolactin Gene in Milking Beetal Goats

Morphometrical and radiographical studies on phalangeal region bones of beetal goats

Morphometrical and radiographical studies on phalangeal region bones of beetal goats

Optimizing selection strategy for enhancing reproduction efficiency in Indian crossbred goats using milk productivity as a selection criterion.

The present study was aimed at optimizing the selection strategy for enhancing reproductive efficiency and milk productivity of Alpine × Beetal crossbred goats. The data set included 2949 milk trait records across parities and 1389 milk records from first parity and corresponding reproductive traits. The traits included for analysis were 150-day milk yield (150DMY), days in milk (DIM), peak yield (PY) and total milk yield (TMY). The litter size (LS) and litter weight (LW) were used for specifically formulating selection plan using indirect selection. The least squares mean for lactation traits during the first parity were 150DMY: 195.32 ± 2.09 kg, DIM: 236.42 ± 3.04 days, PY: 1.82 ± 0.02 kg, TMY: 269.62 ± 4.52 kg. Notably, Alpine × Beetal goats demonstrated genetic superiority pan India for milk productivity as compared to other native goat breeds. The least squares mean for 150DMY across all parities was 236 ± 3.13 kg. An animal model employing average information restricted maximum likelihood was used for (co)variance component estimation to get the genetic parameters. The analysis revealed total heritability estimates for 150DMY, DIM, PY and TMY as 0.18 ± 0.06, 0.04 ± 0.04, 0.12 ± 0.06 and 0.08 ± 0.05, respectively. Repeatability estimates for 150DMY, DIM, and TMY were 0.28 ± 0.04, 0.21 ± 0.03 and 0.37 ± 0.03, respectively. Bivariate analysis of 150DMY with reproductive traits revealed heritability for LS and LW as 0.05 ± 0.01 and 0.10 ± 0.01, respectively using Gibbs sampling. Strong and positive genetic correlations of 150DMY with other production and reproduction traits was observed, such as DIM (0.72), PY (0.98), TMY (0.88), LS (0.57) and LW (0.33). Moderate heritability and repeatability estimate of 150DMY, along with its positive correlation with production and reproductive traits suggested it as a suitable selection criterion for early selection and overall genetic progress of lactation traits. The genetic trend analysis showed an overall improvement in all these traits, with observed gain of 98.4 g per year for 150DMY, 0.04 days per year for DIM, 0.5 g per year for PY and 220.5 g per year for TMY. We observed that selecting based on 150DMY would lead to a favourable indirect improvement for LW as 79 g and LS 0.04 units per generation. We, therefore, recommend employing 150DMY as the single trait selection criteria to enhance both milk productivity and reproductive potential of Alpine × Beetal goats.

Polymorphism and association study of lactoferrin (LF) gene with milk yield, milk composition, and somatic cell count in Beetal goats.

The sequence analysis of PCR product exhibited four novel SNPs in the promoter region of the LF gene at loci g.98T>C, g.143T>A, g.189AC>A, and g.346A>G. Each SNP yielded three genotypes; the genotypes TT (SNP1), AA (SNP3), and GG (SNP4) decreased SCC and increase milk quality traits such as density, protein, and milk yield (P < 0.01). The genotype CC (SNP2) and CA (SNP4) significantly (P < 0.01) decreased the milk quality parameters, while genotypes TC (SNP2) and GG (SNP4) showed significantly (P < 0.01) less SCC and increase lactose % in milk. Furthermore, screening of the LF promoter sequence explored the gain of four TF binding sites at locus g.98T˃C and three TF binding sites at g.346A˃G. However, the loss of four and two TF binding sites was seen at locus g.143T˃A and g.189C˃A, respectively. We can conclude from the present study that the GG, TT, and AA genotype might be utilized as genetic markers in marker-assisted selection for the breed improvement program of Beetal goats.

Effect of Partial Substitution of Conventional Protein Source with Duckweed on Digestibility and Nitrogen Retention in Beetal Goat

Effect of Partial Substitution of Conventional Protein Source with Duckweed on Digestibility and Nitrogen Retention in Beetal Goat

Explicating the genetic diversity and population structure of Saanen × Beetal goats using pedigree analysis

Explicating the genetic diversity and population structure of Saanen × Beetal goats using pedigree analysis

Investigating the impact of linseed supplementation, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, on the expression of immune genes in Beetal Goats

The present study investigated the effect of linseed supplementation on serum profiling and differential expression levels of IL-2 and TLR 2 genes involved in the immune system of lactating goats. The study was conducted on 15 lactating Beetal goats for 3 months, which were divided into three groups. Treatment group T1 was kept as a control group with no linseed supplementation, whereas treatment group T2 received ground linseed at the rate 10% of concentrate per day per animal, and treatment group T3 received 20% ground linseed. The concentration of triglycerides, cholesterol and LDL concentration were found to be significantly lower (P < 0.05) in both 10% and 20% linseed supplemented group than the control group. Whereas, HDL concentration in T2 and T3 group were found to be significantly higher than the control group. The differential expression of targeted genes comparatively revealed highest relative expression in the group that received 20% linseed supplementation. Although the study did not show a significant effect of linseed supplementation on the expression of TLR-2 and IL-2 genes in goats, it highlights the potential benefits of omega-3 PUFA supplementation on immune system modulation in animals.

Elucidating genetic diversity and population structure of Alpine x Beetal goats using pedigree analysis

Pedigree analysis is essential for effective management of the breeding program and to keep the inbreeding under acceptable limits. Alpine x Beetal is a crossbred population of goats, bred at National Dairy Research Institute (NDRI) Karnal for last five decades. This germplasm is adapted to the tropical climate and has high milk potential as well as prolificacy. Objective of this study was to elucidate the genetic diversity and population structure in the flock of the Alpine x Beetal goats. The data were collected from the Animal Genetics and Breeding Division of ICAR-NDRI, Karnal for 5656 animals from the year 1971–2021. Animals born between 2014 and 2017 were 283, considered as reference cohort. Results revealed that the average generation interval was 3.40 years for the complete pedigree. The average inbreeding coefficient and the average relatedness for the whole population were 4.77% and 7.84%, respectively, and 9.65% and 11.98% respectively, for the reference population. High inbreeding coefficient and average relatedness in the reference cohort demonstrated the impact of closed gene pool and demands immediate intervention for management of genetic diversity in the closed nucleus under study. Ancestors contributing 50% of the gene pool were 8 for the complete pedigree which illustrates that few ancestors were responsible for genetic diversity in the flock. This resulted in the decline of effective population size (51.39). Effective number of founders (fe), ancestors (fa), and founder genomes equivalents (fg) were 24, 12, and 4.17, respectively. The (fe/fa) ratio in the reference population was 2 indicating the occurrence of the bottleneck effect in the flock. To lessen inbreeding and augment genetic diversity in the flock, the use of sires with lower average relatedness and the use of appropriate mating strategies are recommended.

Effect of Feeding Malt Sprouts on Nutrient Utilization and Growth Performance of Beetal Goat Kids

Background: Malting is the controlled germination of cereal grains, typically barley or sorghum, followed by appropriate drying to yield a usable extract. Malt extract from germinated cereal seeds leaves a residue of shoots and roots known as malted sprouts. Methods: Experimental animals (n=20) were equally divided into four groups of five animals each (average body weight 10.75±0.27 kg). C was control group fed conventional concentrate mixture, T1 group fed with concentrate containing 10% malt sprouts, T2 group fed with concentrate containing 20% malt sprouts and T3 group fed with concentrate containing 30% malt sprouts in addition to green fodder for 74 days including an adaptation period of 14 days. The body weight was recorded at fortnightly interval. Metabolic trial of 7 day duration was conducted towards the end of growth study using standard protocol. Result: The DM intake (g/d) in T1 and T2 groups was similar to C group, however, it was lowest(P less than 0.05) in T3 group.The digestibility of nutrients (DM, OM and NDF) was higher (P less than 0.05) in T1 and T2 groups having 10% and 20% malt sprouts in the concentrate mixture than T3 group (30% malt sprouts) while N balance was similar in all the groups.The average final body weight at the end of study and average daily gain (ADG) were highest (P less than 0.05) in T1 group (10% malt sprouts) and FCR was also marginally better in T1 group.

Estimation of genetic parameters and genetic change of first parity reproductive traits in Alpine × Beetal goats.

The study of reproductive traits is crucial for improving genetic potential of goats because of their significant utility in meat production. Hence, genetic analysis was conducted for reproductive traits on Alpine × Beetal goats using animal model for first parity data. Information on 1462 reproductive records were collected over five decades from ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana (1971-2021). Single-trait and multi-trait animal models were used for genetic analysis. Estimates of (co)variance components and genetic parameters were obtained using Gibbs Sampler for Animal Model due to non-normal distribution of data. Six single-trait animal models (including or excluding maternal and environmental effects) were fitted and best models were determined based on Deviance Convergence Criterion values. The prolificacy for the A × B goats for first parity data was 32%, having 68% single births, 31% twins and 1% triplets/quadruplets. The least squares mean for age at first service (AFS), age at first kidding (AFK), service period (SP), dry period (DP), gestation length (GL), kidding interval (KI), litter weight (LW), number of kids born (NKB) and number of females kids born (NFKB) in first parity were 546.15 ± 4.10 days, 679.05 ± 4.07 days, 226.51 ± 4.02 days, 67.96 ± 2.76 days, 150.74 ± 0.13 days, 362.53 ± 3.35 days, 3.99 ± 0.04 kg, 1.32 ± 0.02 and 0.64 ± 0.02, respectively. The heritability estimates obtained from best model for AFS, AFK, GL, KI, SP, and DP were 0.12 ± 0.00, 0.10 ± 0.00, 0.09 ± 0.01, 0.03 ± 0.00, 0.04 ± 0.00, and 0.05 ± 0.00, respectively. For NKB, NFKB and LW, heritability estimates were 0.16 ± 0.01, 0.03 ± 0.03, and 0.04 ± 0.00, respectively. These results imply lower heritability estimates for reproductive traits, and hence meagre scope for selection for further improvement. Maternal effects contributed significantly for traits such as GL, NKB and NFKB. Genetic correlation for number of female kids born was negative with SP and DP which is favourable. Furthermore, genetic correlation was negative for dry period and litter weight which is favourable as number of kids born and litter weight are traits of direct economic importance. Results reveal high genetic potential of this breed for meat industry owing to high prolificacy, provided consistent efforts are made for the genetic improvement of this germplasm.

Feed intake, feeding behavior, growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics of goats fed pelleted total mixed rations with varying Rhodes hay levels

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary physical form and Rhodes grass hay inclusion level on growth, feeding behavior, digestibility coefficient, and carcass characteristics in fattening male goats. The experimental factors were dietary physical form (mash and pellet) and the inclusion level of Rhodes grass (150 kg/t and 250 kg/t; RG150 and RG250). Their combination formed four treatments: RG150M (mash, 150 kg Rhodes grass and 850 kg concentrate per tonne), RG250M (mash, 250 kg Rhodes grass and 750 kg concentrate per tonne), RG150P (pellet, 150 kg Rhodes grass and 850 kg concentrate per tonne), and RG250P (pellet, 250 kg Rhodes grass and 750 kg concentrate per tonne). Forty male Beetal goats (20.3 ± 1.9 kg; mean ± SD) were randomly divided into four treatments (10 bucks/treatment). After adaptation for 10 d, the animals were measured for animal performance for 91 d and digestibility coefficients for 7 d and finally slaughtered for the determination of carcass characteristics. Dry matter intake (DMI) was higher (P < 0.05) in RG250P, and average daily gain (ADG) was highest (P < 0.05) in RG250P, followed by RG150P. Goats fed mash-formed diets spent more time (P < 0.05) consuming food than those fed pellet-formed diets. The feeding rate (g/min) was higher (P < 0.05) in pelleted diets than in the mash form, and meal size (g/meal) was higher (P < 0.05) in those goats fed 150 kg/t Rhodes grass-based total mixed ration (TMR). The rumination time was higher (P < 0.05) in the mash and RG250 groups as compared to pelleted and RG150 groups. Laying time (min/d) and laying frequency were higher (P < 0.05) for goats fed TMR in pelleted than mash form. The digestibility of nutrients was higher (P < 0.05) in goats fed mash-formed TMR than those fed pelleted TMR. Nitrogen balance was not (P > 0.05) influenced by the form of the diet or hay inclusion level. The hot carcass weight and chilled carcass weight were higher (P < 0.05) in goats fed pelleted TMR than those fed the mash-formed TMR. It can be concluded that the feeding pelleted total mixed ration increases DMI, ADG, resting period, and hot carcass weight. When Rhodes grass hay is included in the pelleted diet at 250 kg/t, DMI and ADG were highest. The inclusion level of Rhodes grass at 250 kg/t also has higher rumination time, meal frequency, and drinking frequency.

Prospective effect of vitamin E and selenium supplementation on colostrum quality in Beetal goats

This study was aimed to explore whether vitamin E (Vit-E) and selenium (Se) injections improve colostrum quality in goats. Twenty-four, healthy pregnant Beetal goats were randomly allocated into control (n = 12) and treated (n = 12) groups respectively. The injectable form of Vit-E 2.5 mg/kg BW and Se 2.2 mg/kg BW was administered fortnightly, while normal saline (0.9% NaCl) was used and served as a control group. Colostrum samples were collected immediately after parturition and subjected to biochemical analysis. Colostrum enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and total soluble proteins were investigated using a spectrophotometer. Antioxidants with enzymatic activities including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidases (POD) and ascorbic acid remained significantly higher in treated animals (P <0.05) in contrast to the control group. The Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total soluble proteins (TSP) levels were noted higher (P<0.05), however; the level of MDA existed significantly lesser in the treated group (P <0.05) in comparison with the control group. Overall, results showed that parental exposure to antioxidants (Vit-E and Se) improved antioxidant status in colostrum and upgrade its quality.

Effects of prepartum melatonin treatment and suckling on postpartum reproductive performance of Beetal goats under subtropical conditions

The current study determines the effect of prepartum melatonin treatment on postpartum reproductive cyclicity, uterine involution, the onset of estrus, and ovarian activity in restricted or continuous suckled Beetal goats. Forty-six pregnant goats of 110 days gestation were either inserted with melatonin implants (M; n = 24) or left untreated (control, C; n = 22). Each group was subdivided into continuous (CS) and restricted suckling (RS) groups i.e., MCS (n = 11), CCS (n = 11), a ” ”MRS (n = 13), and CRS (n = 11) to monitor estrous response while uterine involution and ovarian activity were monitored in a subset of goats (n = 8 in each group) via transrectal ultrasonography (7.5 MHz transducer) twice a week. Blood BHBA and glucose levels were monitored 40 days before and 28 days after kidding. Data were analyzed using multifactor analysis of variance (ANOVA) designs, Chi-square, and Student’s t-test (SPSS version 20). Estrous response of goats was similar in MRS (30.8 %), CRS (45.4 %), and MCS (18.2 %) groups; however, MRS and CRS goats had better (P < 0.05) estrous response than those of CCS (0 %) goats. Between the groups, the ovulatory response and interval to 1st postpartum estrus were similar (P > 0.05). Melatonin tended to have shortened (P = 0.07) the interval to 1st postpartum ovulation and placental expulsion time (P < 0.05) in melatonin-treated than untreated goats. Melatonin or suckling treatment did not affect Gestation length, kidding time, uterine involution, and regression of caruncles (P > 0.05). BHBA levels were higher (P < 0.05) at 28 days postpartum than 40 days before kidding in all groups; however, glucose levels were similar in all groups except CCS. In conclusion, restricted suckling and prepartum melatonin treatment have more impact on postpartum reproductive performance than prepartum melatonin treatment alone in Beetal goats.

Effect of straw particle size in high grain complete pelleted diet on growth performance, rumen pH, feeding behavior, nutrient digestibility, blood and carcass indices of fattening male goats

The study aimed to elucidate the effects of straw particle size of complete pelleted diet (CPD) on feed intake, growth performance, rumen pH, feeding behavior, selected blood metabolites, nutrient digestibility, and carcass attributes of fattening male goats. Sixteen male Beetal goats, averaging 27.0 ± 2.84 kg body weight (BW) were randomly assigned to one of the following dietary treatments (n = 8 male goats /treatment); 1) S4 (CPD having oat straw ground at 4 mm); 2) S8 (CPD having oat straw ground at 8 mm). The diets were iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric with forage to concentrate ratio of 15:85, and were designed to achieve low NDF contents of 20% by adding 63% corn grains. The experiment lasted for 16 weeks; 2 weeks of receiving and diet adaptability period, 13 weeks of data collection, and last one week for nutrient digestibility. Animals were housed individually and fed the corresponding diet and water ad libitum. Feeding behavior was recorded on day 30, 60, and 90 of the study. Blood samples were collected weekly, whereas, rumen samples were collected on a bi-weekly basis. Total tract nutrient digestibility was performed at the end of the experiment. All goats were slaughtered to determine changes in the carcass attributes. Results revealed that DMI and ADG were higher (P < 0.0001) in the S8 group compared with the S4 group. The feed-to-gain ratio (F: G), however, was lower (P = 0.047) in the S8 group compared with that of the S4 group. Ruminal pH was higher (P < 0.0001) in S8 than S4 only at the beginning of the trial, with no later differences (P > 0.05). There was a significant treatment × week interaction (P < 0.05) for rumen pH during weeks 2 and 4 which remained below 6.0 in the S4 compared with the S8. The odds for diarrhea were 5 times lower in the S8 compared to the S4 male goats. Animals fed on CPD with the straw ground at 8 mm had higher (P ≤ 0.05) rumination time, DMI intake, NDF intake, and drinking time than those fed on CPD with the straw ground at 4 mm. Furthermore, the dressing percentage and marbling score was higher (P ≤ 0.05) in the S8 compared with the S4. The findings of this study suggested that the use of oat straw ground at 8 mm in a complete pelleted diet improved growth performance and carcass yield by improving the feeding behavior and stabilizing the rumen environment.