Black Goats Research Articles

Effects of Copy Number Variations in the Plectin (PLEC) Gene on the Growth Traits and Meat Quality of Leizhou Black Goats

The plectin (PLEC) gene is crucial in regulating muscle development and maintaining the cytoskeleton. An abnormal expression of PLEC can lead to muscle atrophy and muscular dystrophy. In a previous study, we found that Leizhou black goats exhibit abundant structural variations in the PLEC gene. However, the genetic effects of these variations on growth traits and meat quality in goats are not fully understood. In this study, three PLEC copy number variations (CNVs) were identified in a population of 417 Leizhou black goats, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology. Population distribution analysis revealed a high abundance of various types of these three CNVs. PLEC mRNA was found to be highly expressed in muscle tissue and remained consistently high from 1 month to 24 months after birth. Specifically, the gain type of CNV-1 (chr14: 81056401-81064800) showed a significant association with PLEC mRNA expression in muscle tissue (p < 0.01). The sequence of CNV-1 in PLEC shares similarities with three domain superfamilies associated with muscle development and skin disease. Furthermore, there were significant differences in chest circumference, body weight, carcass weight, the cross-sectional area of the longissimus dorsi lumbar muscle, and shear stress between different types of CNV-1 (p < 0.05). Notably, goats with the CNV-1 gain type demonstrated better phenotypic values compared to those with loss and normal types. These findings suggest that PLEC CNV-1 could play a crucial role in the growth and muscle development of Leizhou black goats, making it a potential marker for assisted selection in goat breeding.

Impact of anthocyanins derived from Dioscorea alata L. on growth performance, carcass characteristics, antioxidant capacity, and immune function of Hainan black goats

Impact of anthocyanins derived from Dioscorea alata L. on growth performance, carcass characteristics, antioxidant capacity, and immune function of Hainan black goats

Screening the optimal housekeeping genes (HKGs) of placenta tissues by RNA-sequence and qRT-PCR throughout gestation in goat (Capra Hircus)

Selection of stable housekeeping genes (HKGs) is very important for accurate calculation of relative expression levels of target genes by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). At present, the appropriate HKGs have not been identified in placental tissues throughout the pregnancy of the goat. In our study, 20 HKGs were tentatively selected from RNA-seq data and previous reports. The cycle threshold (Ct) of HKGs was determined by qRT-PCR in trophoblast membrane and cotyledon villus collected from 38 Dazu Black goats on gestation days of 20, 25, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, and 150 (birth). The expression stability of the HKGs was analyzed by geNorm, Normfinder, Bestkeeper and Delta Ct algorithms, and comprehensively evaluated by ReFinder and ComprFinder. In addition, the optimal HKGs were further verified by placenta-specific genes (SPP1, VEGFA and PAG6). The 16 candidate HKGs (except POP4, TBP, RNF10, UBC) showed a qualified Ct value, less than 28. Among them, YWHAZ, EIF3K and PPIB showed the most stable expression in placental tissues during early, mid-late pregnancy and postpartum, but the least stable expression was B2M at early and mid-late stage, and PPIB at postpartum. After comprehensive analysis, RPLP0, EIF3K and YWHAZ were found to be the most stable placental HKGs throughout pregnancy. The classical HKGs, ACTB, GAPDH and 18S RNA have unstable expressions and even ranked at the bottom of the list from comprehensive index, suggesting an inappropriate for target gene normalization. Taken together, our study confirmed that YWHAZ, EIF3K, HMBS and RPLP0 may be the optimal HKGs in goat placenta at different stage of pregnancy, which provided a valuable reference of HKGs on functional gene expression detection for further research on placenta development and growth in ruminants.

Demonstration of SARS-CoV-2 Exposure in Korean Native Cattle and Korean Native Black Goats in Korea.

The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the zoonotic SARS-CoV-2 virus. A wide range of animals that interact with humans have been investigated to identify potential infections. As the extent of infection became more apparent, extensive animal monitoring became necessary to assess their susceptibility. This study analyzed nasal swabs and blood samples collected from randomly selected Korean native cattle and Korean native black goats. The tests conducted included real-time qPCR to detect SARS-CoV-2 antigens, an ELISA to detect antibodies, and a plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) to determine the presence of neutralizing antibodies. Among the 1798 animals tested (consisting of 1174 Korean native cattle and 624 Korean native black goats), SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was detected in one Korean native cattle and one Korean native black goat. ELISA testing revealed positive results for antibodies in 54 Korean native cattle (4.60%) and 16 Korean native black goats (2.56%), while PRNTs yielded positive results in 51 Korean native cattle (4.34%) and 14 Korean native black goats (2.24%). The presence of SARS-CoV-2 antigens and/or antibodies was identified in animals on farms where farmworkers were already infected. It is challenging to completely rule out the possibility of reverse zoonotic transmission from humans to livestock in Korea, although the transmission is not to the same extent as it is in highly susceptible animal species like minks, cats, and dogs. This is due to the limited geographical area and the dense, intensive farming practices implemented in these regions. In conclusion, continuous viral circulation between humans and animals is inevitable, necessitating ongoing animal monitoring to ensure public health and safety.

Effects of Bacillus pumilus on growth performance, serum indexes and muscle development-related gene expression of weanling Jintang black goat.

Antibiotic misuse has been a severe problem in animal husbandry. It is meaningful to replace antibiotics with Bacillus, as feed additives are indeed a research hotspot. Bacillus pumilus plays a certain role in promoting the growth performance and immunological indicators of animals. There are few reports about the function of goat-derived B. pumilus in animals until now. This study aimed to investigate the effects of B. pumilus fsznc-09 on growth performance and immune function of Jintang black goats. B. pumilus-treated group was fed with 1ml freeze-dried agent of B. pumilus fsznc-09 at a concentration of 109 cfu/ml every 2 days. The growth performance, serum biochemical indexes, the expressions of muscle development and metabolism related genes of Jintang black goats were measured after 30 days. The results showed that the average daily gain and average daily feed intake were significantly increased, and feed conversion ratio was significantly decreased. The activities of total superoxide dismutase, alkaline phosphatase, immunoglobulin G and interferon-γ in serum of goats were significantly increased. However, the activity of malondialdehyde in serum was significantly decreased. The diameters and areas in longissimus dorsi fibre and gluteus fibre of goats were significantly decreased, while the densities in gluteus fibre of goats were significantly increased. The expressions of FAS, LPL, PPAR-γ, CAT, MYOD1, MYOG, MYF5 and MyHCI in longissimus dorsi and gluteus of goats were significantly improved. The expressions of TGFβ1, SREBP-1, MyHCIIb and MyHCIIx in longissimus dorsi and gluteus of goats were significantly increased. The expressions of FN1 in longissimus dorsi and MyHCIIa in gluteus of goats were significantly decreased. In conclusion, B. pumilus fsznc-09 can effectively improve the growth performance, immunological indicators and the expressions of muscle development and metabolism related genes of Jintang black goat.

Genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship estimation of Shanxi indigenous goat breeds using microsatellite markers

The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationship and population structure of five goat breeds in Shanxi, China. High genetic diversities were found in the five populations, among which, Licheng big green goat (LCBG) has the highest genetic diversity, while Jinlan cashmere goat (JLCG) population has the lowest genetic diversity. Bottleneck analysis showed the absence of recent genetic bottlenecks in the five goat populations. Genetic differentiation analysis shows that the closest genetic relationship between LCBG and LLBG (Lvliang black goat) was found, and the genetic distance between JLCG and the other four populations is the largest. The population structure of JLCG is different from the other four populations with K = 2, while LCBG and LLBG have high similarity population structure as the K value changes. Knowledge about genetic diversity and population structure of indigenous goats is essential for genetic improvement, understanding of environmental adaptation as well as utilization and conservation of goat breeds.

Genome-Wide Association Study of the Reproductive Traits of the Dazu Black Goat (Capra hircus) Using Whole-Genome Resequencing.

Reproductive traits are the basic economic traits of goats and important indicators in goat breeding. In this study, Dazu black goats (DBGs; n = 150), an important Chinese local goat breed with excellent reproductive performance, were used to screen for important variation loci and genes of reproductive traits. Through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), 18 SNPs were found to be associated with kidding traits (average litter size, average litter size in the first three parity, and average litter size in the first six parity), and 10 SNPs were associated with udder traits (udder depth, teat diameter, teat length, and supernumerary teat). After gene annotation of the associated SNPs and in combination with relevant references, the candidate genes, namely ATP1A1, LRRC4C, SPCS2, XRRA1, CELF4, NTM, TMEM45B, ATE1, and FGFR2, were associated with udder traits, while the ENSCHIG00000017110, SLC9A8, GLRB, GRIA2, GASK1B, and ENSCHIG00000026285 genes were associated with litter size. These SNPs and candidate genes can provide useful biological information for improvement of the reproductive traits of goats.

Genome-wide runs of homozygosity in Indian goat breeds reared under small holder production system

Small holder goat production system is often constrained by high inbreeding due to small herd size and uncontrolled breeding. Runs of homozygosity (ROH), the long stretches of homozygous genomic DNA is the most reliable measure of autozygosity. The objective of present study was to investigate the number and coverage of ROH in the genome and to estimate the genomic inbreeding coefficient (FROH) in two divergent Indian goat breeds viz; Attappady Black and Malabari goats farmed under small holder production system. The genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker data obtained by Illumina SNP50 goat BeadChip genotyping of 48 goats (24 each of Attappady Black and Malabari goats) sampled from farmers flock in their respective breeding tract was utilised for ROH detection. The ROH of > 1 Mb was defined as tracts of homozygous genotypes with at least 15 SNPs and less than five missing SNPs. The ROH detection was carried out with PLINK 1.9 version. The proportion of goats lacking ROH (per cent) was 66.67 in Attappady Black and 39.13 in Malabari goats. The mean number and length of ROH of 1 Mb or more was higher in Malabari goats (2.1304 ± 0.6369 and 6.0016 ± 0.5271 Mb) compared to Attappady Black goats (0.4583 ± 0.1343 and 4.0197 ± 0.3755 Mb). Mean ± S.E of sum of ROH coverage of genome per individual (SROH) was 1.8423 ± 0.05976 and 8.8236 ± 1.2785 Mb in Attappady Black and Malabari goats, respectively and differed among the two breeds significantly (p ≤ 0.05). Analysis of the distribution of ROH according to their length showed that majority of the detected ROH were < 8 Mb in length in both breeds with no ROH of > 8 Mb in Attappady Black goats. Mean ± S.E of genomic inbreeding coefficient (FROH≥1 Mb) in per cent was 0.519 ± 0.19 and 0.07480 ± 0.0243 in Malabari goats and Attappady Black goats, respectively. The pattern of ROH estimated in the present analysis indicates the inbreeding history of the goats farmed under small holder production system. Results of present study indicate that both breeds are less consanguineous and showed no evidence of recent inbreeding.

Pricing patterns of an indigenous goat in rural and urban communities in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Agro-pastoralism plays an important role in the livelihoods of rural communities in many parts of the world. In southern Africa, small-scale rural farmers keep various kinds of livestock like goats for additional income and to meet their household needs. The objective of the study was to determine whether small-scale goat farmers obtained better prices for their animals at auctions as opposed to sales taking place at their homesteads. We quantified sales of indigenous goats that took place at homesteads and auctions, and determined the number, colour, sex, age, and the prices at which the goats were sold. We did this by collecting data on sales from 27 homesteads in the Msinga area of KwaZulu-Natal Province of South Africa during 2017 and 2018. Similarly, we collected data on sales at three goat auctions that took place at a rural and peri-urban centre located near Msinga and at another auction located at an urban centre distant from Msinga. All four auctions occurred between 2019 and 2022. The data were analysed using generalised linear models with a gamma distribution and log-link function. Results showed that male and female goats were sold in about equal numbers among all sales while subadult goats were more represented (55%) in the sales than adult goats (45%). At a mean price of ZAR1484.22 ± 30.23, a male goat was substantially cheaper than a female goat (R1911.81 ± 65.71) among all sales. Overall, the urban auction provided the best price, followed by homestead sales and the rural auction, and lastly the peri-urban site. Most of the animals that were not sold were returned from the peri-urban site. Adult goats fetched a significantly higher price than subadult goats, but at the auctions, this was also influenced by site, i.e. significant site × age interaction. Brown-coloured goats fetched the highest price at homesteads (R2287.50 ± 493.15) and auctions (R1965.10 ± 81.74) while black goats fetched similarly low prices of R1239.58 ± 147.37 and R1237.50 ± 519.82, respectively. Taken together, these results suggest that prices of indigenous goats sold at homesteads compare favourably or better than those obtained at local level auctions. Auctions at major urban centres may fetch higher prices but this may be offset by transport costs. Farmers may benefit from auctions when they need to sell many animals in a short time.

Influence of age on haematological and biochemical blood profiles of black Bengal goats (Capra hircus)

The study was conducted to know the effects of age on haemato-biochemical profiles in Black Bengal (BB) goats. Fifty BB goats were equally divided into five groups: group A (control, 3 years), group B (&gt;3 - 5 years), group C (2-&lt;3 years), group D (1-&lt;2 years) and group E (&lt;1 year). Most of these haemato-biochemical parameters were within the normal range of reference values, except Albumin and ALP. The significantly (P&lt;0.01) higher concentrations of RBC (17.9 ± 0.2 Million/cu mm), WBC (14.4 ± 0.3 Thousands/cu mm), Haemoglobin (9.0 ± 0.2 gm/dl) and PCV (29.9 ± 0.2%) were found in group B. The percentage of Neutrophil (35.2 ± 0.4%), Eosinophil (1.0 ± 0.0%) and Basophil (0.6 ± 0.0%) were higher in group E. Percentage of Lymphocyte (60.0 ± 0.4 %) and Monocyte (3.5 ± 0.2%) was higher in group B than other younger groups. The significantly (P&lt;0.05 and P&lt;0.01) higher concentration of total protein (74.7 ± 0.2g/L) and globulin (46.3 ± 0.5 g/L) respectively, were in Group B. Albumin (28.4 ± 0.2g/L) and ALT (22.3 ± 0.5 U/L) concentrations were significantly P&lt;0.02) higher in Group E than other groups of goat.&#x0D; Bangl. vet. 2022. Vol. 39, No. 1-2, 43–53

Recombinant Expression in Bacillus megaterium and Biochemical Characterization of Exo-Mannered Glycosyl Hydrolase Family 43 α-L-Arabinofuranosidase from the Korean Black Goat Rumen Metagenome

There is no doubt that ruminants have the capability to digest lignocellulosic compounds and to utilize them as an absorbable form of energy by tapping into enzymes produced by the microbial population in their rumens. Among the rumens of various ruminants, this study focused on Korean goat rumens because of their unique digestibility of lignocellulosic biomasses. Therefore, a novel Gene12 gene was screened and unmasked from the constructed rumen metagenomic library of a Korean black goat and expressed in a Bacillus megaterium system. The recombinant protein was distinguished as a novel α-L-arabinofuranosidase enzyme from glycosyl hydrolase family 43 (GH43) for its capability to hydrolyze the non-reducing end of α-1,5-L-arabinofuranose linkages in α-L-arabinofuranosyl groups. The enzyme can also break apart α-L-arabinofuranosidic linkages and act synergistically with other hemicellulolytic enzymes to release α-1,2- and α-1,3-L-arabinofuranosyl groups from L-arabinose-comprising polysaccharides. In silico, phylogenetic, and computational analyses proclaimed that the Gene12 gene encodes a novel carbohydrate-active enzyme possessing a V-shaped indentation of the GH43 catalytic and functional domain (carbohydrate-binding module 6). The recombinant Gene12 protein has shared 81% sequence homology with other members of the GH43 family. Enzymic synopses (optimal pH, temperatures, and stability studies) of the recombinant Gene12 enzyme and its substrate specificity (synthetic and natural substrates) profiling were considered. The recombinant Gene12 α-L-arabinofuranosidase works best at pH 6.0 and 40 °C, and it is stable at pH 4.0 to 7.0 at temperatures of 20 to 50 °C. Additionally, 5-blended β-sheets were identified through a tertiary (3D) structure analysis along with the high substrate specificity against p-nitrophenyl-D-arabinofuranoside (pNPA). The highest substrate specificity of pNPA for Gene12 α-L-arabinofuranosidase indicated its confirmation as an exo-type arabinofuronidase. The results thus propose using the Gene12 protein as an exo-mannered GH43 α-L-arabinofuranosidase (EC 3.2.1.55) enzyme.

Methods, Thermodynamic Applications, and Habitat Implications of Physical and Spectral Properties of Hair and Haircoats in Cattle.

The physical properties (hair diameter, hair length, haircoat depth and haircoat density) and spectral properties (absorptivity, reflectivity, transmissivity) of the hair and haircoat of cattle are inputs to heat and moisture exchange between the skin surface and the surrounding environment, and thus play a critical role in body temperature regulation. Physical and spectral properties of haircoats also play an important role in protecting the skin against penetration of ultraviolet radiation. The focus of this review is to identify accurate and consistent measurement procedures of these properties. Additionally, the paper shows the utilization of the properties on heat exchange models and their implications on voluntary thermoregulation of cattle. To highlight the effects and benefits of haircoat color vis-à-vis solar radiation and its implication on ecological habitation, a brief explanation is provided using polar bears (white haircoat in a cold environment) and black goats in a hot desert environment.

Effects of fermented herbal tea residue on meat quality, rumen fermentation parameters and microbes of black goats

Herbal tea residue (HTR) is generally considered to be a reusable resource which has still retains considerable proportion of nutrients and active substances. This study aimed to investigate the effects of substitution of whole corn silage with fermented herbal tea residue (FHTR) on meat quality, serum indices, rumen fermentation, and microbes in Chuanzhong black goats. Twenty-two female Chuanzhong black goats (4 months old) with similar weight (9.55 ± 0.95 kg) were selected and randomly divided into two groups. FHTR was used to replace 0% (CON group) and 30% (FHTR group) of whole corn silage in the diets and fed as a total mixed ration (TMR) for Chuanzhong black goats. The adaptation feeding period was 7 days, and the experimental period was 35 days. Results illustrated that the FHTR group had higher value of a* and concentrations of DM and CP and lower rate of water loss (P < 0.05) than the CON group. For the serum indices, goats fed with 30% FHTR had higher (P < 0.05) concentration of CR on day 35. For rumen fermentation, the pH and ratio of acetic acid/propionic acid (AA/PA) in the FHTR group were significantly lower than those in the CON group (P < 0.05). In addition, we studied the goats’s rumen microbial community composition and found that the dominant phyla were Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes,and Tenericutes; and the dominant genera were Quinella, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, and Saccharofermentans. There was a significant difference in the beta diversity of the rumen microbiota between groups (P < 0.05). To sum up, the addition of FHTR can affect the meat quality, serum indices, improved rumen fermentation by adjusted the diversity and function of the rumen microbiota.

Performances of cattle and goats in some selected areas of Gaibandha district in Bangladesh

The survey was conducted to represent the livestock production scenario and to know the performances of cattle and goats in few selected rural areas of Gaibandha district. The data on productive and reproductive performances of cattle and goats were collected from 102 household within four selected village under Gobindaganj Upazila of Gaibandha district with a pretested survey questionnaire. The collected data were compiled, tabulated and analyzed by student t test. In the study area, about 59% were indigenous cattle and 41% were crossbred cattle. A total of 113 goats were found in the study area of which 82% belongs to Black Bengal goat and the remaining 18% belongs Jamunapari goat. All the livestock (100%) were managed intensively during the spring and rainy seasons. Similarly, almost all livestock (100%) are confined in shed at night, and 45.9% and 54.09% of the livestock population are confined in shed and paddock at day time, respectively. Artificial insemination (AI) is the preferred breeding method for cattle, whereas goats primarily rely on natural mating. Milk yield and lactation period of cow, and mature body weight of both male and female were significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in crossbred than indigenous cattle. Similarly, age at first kidding, lactation period and kidding interval of does, and mature body weight of buck and does were significantly higher in Jamunapari goats than Black Bengal goats. However, the conception rate and number of kids per kidding were higher in Black Bengal goats than Jamunapari goats. In conclusion, from our results, crossbred cattle and Jamunapari goats are performing better in rural conditions, whereas Black Bengal goats are efficient in producing more offspring at a given time. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (3): 78-84.

Effects of age on quality of slaughterhouse by-products in Black Bengal goat

This study was conducted with a view to investigate the yield percentage as well as nutritional composition of slaughterhouse by-products from Black Bengal goats of Bangladesh depending on different age groups. The experiment was conducted in different markets and slaughterhouses of Mymensingh district. Data and samples were collected from 50 (fifty) goats of different ages. Treatment group were executed according to the age, namely T0= 0 permanent incisor teeth (under 1 year), T1= 2 permanent incisor teeth (1 to 1.5 year), T2= 4 permanent incisor teeth (2 years), T3= 6 permanent incisor teeth (2 to 2.5 years), T4= 8 permanent incisor teeth (more than 2.5 years). Live weight, warm carcass weight, dressing percentage, percentage and nutritional composition of different slaughterhouse by-products were measured to identify the variation among the age group. The results showed a wide variation of yield percentage and nutritional composition of edible by-products for different ages of Black Bengal goats. A significant variation (P&gt;0.01) of dressing percentage was found with the increase of age. Dressing percentage was 45.87 ± 3.23 in T0 group and 55.94 ± 2.08 in T4 group. Live weight and warm carcass weight were also increased significantly with the increase of age. No significant variation was found in the weight and percentage of different inedible by-products like skin, eye, teeth and hoof as well as edible by-products like liver, brain, kidney, lungs, heart, tongue, intestine with the increase of age. Higher percentage of dry matter and ether extract was found in the liver and heart. Crude protein was almost similar for liver, heart, kidney, lung but pH level was high at kidney. Findings of this investigation of basic properties of edible and inedible by-products of Black Bengal goat will be helpful in livestock researches. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (3): 61-68.

재래흑염소의 사육형태와 포유방법에 따른 자축의 폐사율 및 성장률 조사

재래흑염소의 사육형태와 포유방법에 따른 자축의 폐사율 및 성장률 조사

Microbiome-transcriptome analysis reveals that dietary supplementation with macleaya cordata extract alters multiple immune pathways with minimal impact on microbial structure.

As a potential antibiotic alternative, macleaya cordata extract (MCE) has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. This study was conducted to assess the impact of MCE supplementation on the gut microbiota and its interplay with the host in young goats. Thirty female black goats with similar body weight (5.63 ± 0.30kg) were selected and randomly allotted into one of three diets: a control diet (Control), a control diet with antibiotics (Antibiotics, 21 mg/kg/day vancomycin and 42 mg/kg/day neomycin), and a control diet with MCE (MCE, 3.75% w/w premix). Principal coordinate analysis of the microbial community showed that samples of Antibiotic clustered separately from both Control and MCE (p<0.001). The random forest analysis revealed that, in comparison to the Control group, the impact of Antibiotics on the microbiota structure was more pronounced than that of MCE (number of featured microbiota, 13 in Antibiotics and >6 in MCE). In addition, the pathways of significant enrichment either from DEGs between Antibiotics and Control or from DEGs between MCE and Control were almost identical, including Th17 cell differentiation, butanoate metabolism, T-cell receptor signaling pathway, intestinal immune network for IgA production, antigen processing and presentation, and ABC transporters. Furthermore, an integrative analysis indicated that significant positive correlations (p < 0.05) were observed between HEPHL1 and the featured biomarkers Atopostipes, Syntrophococcus, Romboutsia, and Acinetobacter in the MCE group. Conversely, several significant negative correlations (p < 0.05) were identified between HEPHL1 and the featured biomarkers Clostridium_XlVa, Phascolarctobacterium, Desulfovibrio, Cloacibacillus, Barnesiella, Succinatimonas, Alistipes, Oscillibacter, Ruminococcus2, and Megasphaera in the Antibiotics group. Collectively, the analysis of microbiome-transcriptome data revealed that dietary supplementation with MCE produced significant alterations in multiple immune pathways, while having minimal impact on the microbial structure.

Sustainable agrivoltaic system for food and energy sector in Bangladesh

In South Asia, agriculture heavily relies on groundwater for irrigation. The withdrawal is nearly 250 km3 annually. Approximately, 12 million electric and 10 million diesel water extraction pumps, totaling about 22 million, are in use in this area. In contrast, while PV-powered solar irrigation pumps are becoming more popular, they take up agricultural land, increasing the competition for land resources between food and clean energy production. It is left unattended during the off-season, wasting a lot of potential solar power that could produce green electricity. To address this, an integrated farming model can be established, utilizing existing solar pump facilities for crop cultivation, rearing Black Bengal Goats, and native fish farming. This diversified approach combines sustainable energy solutions with solar irrigation, generating both agricultural products and electricity while maintaining agricultural land for cultivation and promotion of clean energy production. The proposed method has produced both agricultural products and electricity simultaneously. This integrated system offers a solution to the challenges faced in the region, balancing food production and clean energy goals effectively. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 58(3), 163-172, 2023

Population distribution and breeding practices of livestock in different districts of Bangladesh

The objectives of this study were to determine the farmers’ socio-economic characteristics, livestock population dynamics, and breeding practices followed by the farmers. Out of 1487 farmers, a major proportion (53.12%) of farmers was middle-aged. Most of the farmers (71.22%) were associated with agricultural activities and had low income per month (52.32%). Livestock keeping patterns of farmers were cattle, goats, buffalo, and combinations of these animals. Female animals were inferred to be more prevalent in different districts (cow 85.08%, doe 81.29%) than males (bull 14.92%, buck 18.71%). In case of cattle and goats, the highest number of farmers maintained a medium size herd, whereas buffalo farmers had a large herd size. In terms of breeding practices, the majority of the farmers (75.55%) performed artificial insemination (AI) in cattle and found it convenient to service their cows. When considering buffalo, and goat, the majority of the farmers (94.12% and 98.50%, respectively) practiced natural services. The findings also demonstrated that the majority of the farmers (73.8% and 82%, respectively) raised crossbreed cattle and buffalo, while just a tiny portion (26.18% and 18%, respectively) raised indigenous breeds. However, this situation was vice versa in case of goat. For choice of the breed according to the farmers, 39.17% of farmers preferred Black Bengal goat, 60.83% preferred cross breed. This study represents a comprehensive overview of livestock status and existing breeding practices employed by the farmers in different districts of Bangladesh, which may be utilized to implement relevant livestock improvement programs in Bangladesh. Asian Australas. J. Biosci. Biotechnol. 2023, 8(3), 38-48

Cassava Foliage Effects on Antioxidant Capacity, Growth, Immunity, and Ruminal Microbial Metabolism in Hainan Black Goats.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) foliage is a byproduct of cassava production characterized by high biomass and nutrient content. In this study, we investigated the effects of cassava foliage on antioxidant capacity, growth performance, and immunity status in goats, as well as rumen fermentation and microbial metabolism. Twenty-five Hainan black goats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 5 per group) and accepted five treatments: 0% (T1), 25% (T2), 50% (T3), 75% (T4), and 100% (T5) of the cassava foliage silage replaced king grass, respectively. The feeding experiment lasted for 70 d (including 10 d adaptation period and 60 d treatment period). Feeding a diet containing 50% cassava foliage resulted in beneficial effects for goat growth and health, as reflected by the higher average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG) and better feed conversion rate (FCR), as well as by the reduced serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (CRE), and triglycerides (TG). Meanwhile, cassava foliage improved antioxidant activity by increasing the level of glutathion peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and lowering malondialdehyde (MDA). Moreover, feeding cassava foliage was also beneficial to immunity status by enhancing complement 3 (C3), complement 4 (C4), immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and immunoglobulin M (IgM). Furthermore, the addition of dietary cassava foliage also altered rumen fermentation, rumen bacterial community composition, and metabolism. The abundance of Butyrivibrio_2 and Prevotella_1 was elevated, as were the concentrations of beneficial metabolites such as butyric acid; there was a concomitant decline in metabolites that hindered nutrient metabolism and harmed host health. In summary, goats fed a diet containing 50% cassava foliage silage demonstrated a greater abundance of Butyrivibrio_2, which enhanced the production of butyric acid; these changes led to greater antioxidant capacity, growth performance, and immunity in the goats.