Boer Goats Research Articles

A 1.1 Mb duplication CNV on chromosome 17 contributes to skeletal muscle development in Boer goats.

The Boer goat is one of the top meat breeds in modern animal husbandry and has attracted widespread attention for its unique growth performance. However, the genetic basis of muscle development in the Boer goat remains obscure. In this study, we identified specific structural variants in the Boer goat based on genome-wide selection signals and analyzed the basis of the molecular heredity of related candidate genes in muscle development. A total of 9 959 autosomal copy number variations (CNVs) were identified through selection signal analysis in 127 goat genomes. Specifically, we confirmed that the highest signal CNV (HSV) was a chromosomal arrangement containing an approximately 1.11 Mb (CHIR17: 60062304-61171840 bp) duplicated fragment inserted in reverse orientation and a 5 362 bp deleted region (CHIR17:60145940-60151302 bp) with overlapping genes (e.g., ARHGAP10, NR3C2, EDNRA, PRMT9, and TMEM184C). The homozygous duplicated HSV genotype (+/+) was found in 96% of Boer goats but was not detected in Eurasian goats and was only detected in 4% of indigenous African goats. The expression network of three candidate genes ( ARHGAP10, NR3C2, and EDNRA) regulating dose transcription was constructed by RNA sequencing. Results indicated that these genes were involved in the proliferation and differentiation of skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs) and their overexpression significantly increased the expression of SAA3. The HSV of the Boer goat contributed to superior skeletal muscle growth via the dose effects of overlapping genes.

Effects of microbial preparation on production performance and rumen microbial communities of goat

This study explored effects of microbial preparation (MIP, developed by our research team) on production performance and body health of Boer goat to reveal the function of it in goat breeding industry. Compound yeast and enzyme preparation (CYP) was used to compare the function of MIP. Healthy male Boer goats (n = 15, BW = 25.31±4.06 kg) were allocated randomly into three groups as NC (Basal diet), MI (Basal diet + MIP) and CY (Basal diet + CYP). This study lasted for 71 days including 15 days for adaptation and 56 days for growth trial. Both MIP and CYP enhanced production performance such as average daily gain of goats, MIP enhanced the level of fat synthesis such as total cholesterol level significantly on day 28. As for rumen fermentation and microbial communities of goat, MIP decreased rumen pH. PCoA analysis showed that the rumen bacterial community on day 28 was significantly separated. In conclusion, MIP increased production performance, ameliorating rumen fermentation and shifting microflora. Our findings provide the evidence for the influence of probiotics on goat production performance as well as health condition.

Estimation of body weight from morphological measurements in Boer goats with the application of artificial neural networks and some regression models

In this study, examination of the characteristics of body measurements affecting the body weight of Boer goats and the estimation of the body weight were investigated. To examine their body morphological features, 400 live animals were taken into consideration. The morphological measurements taken from the goats in the study were body weight (BW), body length (BL), heart girth (HG), withers height (WH), rump height (RH), rump length (RL), ear length (EL) and head with (HW) respectively. These animals were between 1-6 years old; 112 of them were male and 288 of them were female. Multiple regression, ridge regression and artificial neural networks (ANN) methods were applied to estimate the body weight. In the prediction of body weight as a dependent variable, the ANNs predictive model produced high predictive performance. Mean square error (MSE), mean absolute error (MAD) and mean absolute percent error (MAPE) statistics were used to determine model performance. Using the Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) Artificial Neural Network (ANN) learning algorithm, the body features that had the greatest impact on body weight were determined. Comparison of the predictive performance of the put forward model against both multiple regression and state of the ridge regression methods showed that the artificial neural networks outperformed both competing models by achieving the least values for MAD, MSE and MAPE in both training and testing data sets. The results of artificial neural networks were promising and accurate in the prediction of the body weight of goats.

Cutaneous apocrine adenocarcinoma in a goat

Apocrine neoplasms are rare in goats. This report describes an apocrine adenocarcinoma in a 5-year-old female Boer goat with an ulcerated, exophytic, multilobulated mass on the left dorsolateral cervical area. Histologically, the dermis was effaced and expanded by a poorly demarcated epithelial neoplasm with desmoplasia. Neoplastic cells were arranged in acini with papillary projections into the lumen and had cuboidal or columnar, eosinophilic, occasionally vacuolated cytoplasm. Nuclei were round and had finely stippled chromatin with one nucleolus. Neoplastic cells contained periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)–positive and diastase–resistant, alcian blue–positive cytoplasmic granules. There were 6 mitoses in 2.37 mm2 (equivalent to 10 FN22/40X fields). Histologic and histochemical features in the current case were consistent with a cutaneous apocrine gland adenocarcinoma.

Comparative Study of the Nutritional Value and Degradation Characteristics of Amaranth Hay in the Rumen of Goats at Different Growth Stages.

The objective of this study was to investigate the rumen degradation characteristics of grain amaranth hay (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) at four different growth stages. The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of grain amaranth hay at different growth stages by chemical composition, in vivo digestibility, and in situ degradability. Three Boer goats with permanent ruminal fistulas were selected in this study. Amaranthus hay at four different growth stages (squaring stage (SS), initial bloom stage (IS), full-bloom stage (FS) and mature stage (MS)) was crushed and placed into nylon bags. Each sample was set up with three replicates, and two parallel samples were set up in fistulas at each time point. The rumen degradation rates of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and acid detergent fibre (ADF) were determined at 0, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h. The results were as follows: (1) The concentration of CP in SS was the highest and was significantly higher than that in other stages (p < 0.05), whereas the contents of NDF and ADF gradually increased with the extension of the growing period and reached a maximum in MS; (2)The degradation of CP in the rumen at 72 h of SS and IS was more than 80%. Compared with other stages, the effective degradability of CP was highest in SS (p < 0.05) and reached 87.05% at 72 h, and the degradation rate was the lowest in MS; and (3) The effective degradability of NDF in IS was the highest (p < 0.05) and reached 69.326% at 72 h. The effective degradability of ADF in MS was the highest (p < 0.05) and reached 65.728% at 72 h. The effective degradability of DM and CP in SS was the highest. In conclusion, among the four stages, IS was superior in chemical composition and rumen degradability characteristics.

Genome-Wide Selection Signal Analysis of Australian Boer Goat by Insertion/Deletion Variants

Genome-Wide Selection Signal Analysis of Australian Boer Goat by Insertion/Deletion Variants

The Limb Kinetics of Goat Walking on the Slope with Different Angles.

The study aimed to assess the gait adjustment techniques of limbs on different slopes and investigate the relationship between forelimb and hindlimb kinetics and the center of mass (COM) during the uphill movement of a specific Boer goat using a pressure-sensitive walkway (PSW). During the uphill and downhill movements at a comfortable walking speed, we measured the ground reaction force (GRF) of the forelimbs and hindlimbs on the slope, the change in the included angle of the propulsive force direction of the forelimbs and hindlimbs, and the impulse relationship between GRF and propulsive force. According to the study, since the forelimbs of the goat were nearer the COM, they were primarily adjusted during the movement on the slope. By lowering the initial included angle of the propulsive force and the angle variation range, the forelimbs and hindlimbs could walk steadily. The forelimbs and hindlimbs exhibited completely different adjustment strategies during uphill and downhill movements. In particular, the forelimbs performed braking and the hindlimbs performed driving. In addition, we discovered that the goat altered its adjustment strategy when climbing the steep slope. All findings of this study indicate the need to understand the gait adjustment mode of the Boer goat during movement on the slope to thoroughly comprehend the driving strategy of quadrupeds with the ability to walk on specialized terrains.

Immunoprotection Efficacy of Con A-Purified Proteins against Haemonchus contortus in Goats.

Parasitic nematodes are important pathogens that infect animals, causing significant economic losses globally. Current repeated treatments have led to widespread anthelmintic resistance in nematode populations, so vaccine development offers an alternative control approach. However, only one effective vaccine (named Barbervax) has been developed to protect animals against one of the most pathogenic nematodes of ruminants-Haemonchus contortus (the barber's pole worm). This vaccine contains a dominant component, Concanavalin A (Con A) purified H11 antigen, which has been shown to induce high levels (&gt;85%) of immune protection in sheep breeds, but in goat breeds, the immunoprotection test of this native protein is still lacking. Here, we evaluated the protective efficacy of low-dose Con A-purified proteins for controlling the H. contortus infection in goats. Four-month-old Boer goats were equally divided into two vaccinated groups of 5 μg and 10 μg native proteins, and one adjuvant control. Each goat was immunized subcutaneously thrice and then challenged with 7000 infective third-stage larvae (L3s). The fecal egg count (FEC), degree of anemia, antibody levels of serum and abomasum mucosa, as well as worm burdens, were detected in experimental goats. Our results showed that both 5 μg and 10 μg vaccinated groups induced the effective protection in goats, reduced mean FEC by 71.8% and 68.6%, and mean worm burdens by 69.8% and 61.6%, respectively, compared to the adjuvant control. In addition, we detected that the serum antibody responses to the Con A-purified proteins were dominated by the IgG subtype, but the mucosal antibody responses were not detected. These data demonstrate Con A-purified proteins induced effective immunoprotection in goats, and underline their significance for controlling this widespread parasite.

A genome-wide integrated analysis of lncRNA-mRNA in melanocytes from white and brown skin hair boer goats (Capra aegagrus hircus).

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in many biological processes and have been extensively researched. Nonetheless, literature focusing on the roles of lncRNA in melanocytes is limited. Melanocytes are located in the basal layer of the epidermis and determine the color of an animal's skin and hair by producing melanin. The mechanisms of melanogenesis remain unclear. Here, melanocytes from Boer goat skins were successfully isolated and verified using morphological observation, dopamine staining, silver ammonia staining, and immunohistochemical staining in vitro. Phenotypic testing revealed that melanocytes isolated from goat skins with white and brown hairs showed significant differences in proliferation, migration, and melanogenesis (** P < 0.01). RNA sequencing was performed with the isolated melanocytes, and through bioinformatic analysis, several candidate lncRNAs and mRNAs involved in stage-specific melanogenesis were identified. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that miRNA precursors and cis-regulatory effects of lncRNAs were deeply dissected using the function prediction software. Multiple lncRNA-mRNA networks were presumed to be involved in melanocyte migration, proliferation, and melanogenesis based on the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation. This research provided novel bioinformatic insights into the roles of lncRNAs in mammalian pigmentation.

18 Heritability Estimates for Boer Goat Birth Weights

Abstract Historically, the North American Boer goat industry has focused on visual appraisal for genetic improvement with little objective data recording; however, birth weight and birth type have been recognized as important in Boer goat production systems. The objective of this study was to analyze Boer goat birth weight from a private cooperator to determine the heritability and potential implementation of a genetic evaluation for the trait. A total of 1254 birth weights were recorded between 2014 and 2021 on a breeding farm in Colorado. Given the dry climate, parturitions occurred from November until May depending on the year. There were 84 different sires and 301 unique dams represented in this dataset. All birthweights not collected within 24 hours of birth were excluded from the analysis. Birth weight averaged 3.73 ± 0.86 kg, with a variance of 1.64 kg2, and minimum and maximum birth weights were 0.68 kg and 6.35 kg respectively. The data were cleaned and organized by giving each animal a unique identifier, associated with birth date, sex, and different birth types (singles, twins, triplets, etc.). This was used to create contemporary groups made up of birth year, birth type and sex. A single generation pedigree was included in the evaluation as additional ancestry is still being accumulated from written records. This was an initial genetic evaluation of the dataset; therefore, embryo transfer kids were included in the analysis with no accounting for maternal genetic effects. We acknowledge this model approach has the potential to introduce bias into the evaluation due to the fact that embryo transfer kids experience different in-utero environments and are phenotypically heavier than natural service kids. For these reasons, the maternal genetic effect on birth weight was ignored in this initial analysis. Data were analyzed using a single trait, additive genetic effects animal model and the statistical software package ASReml 3.0. Fixed effects included in the model were birth year, birth type and kid sex. Individual animal was the sole random effect. The birth weight heritability estimate was found to be 0.41 ± 0.08. Comparatively, this is a high heritability when collated to additional estimates reported for other small domestic ruminants, such as sheep. These results provide a foundation for future studies which will include additional pedigree information, the addition of a maternal genetic effect and the exclusion of data from embryo transfer kids.

Social Capital and Food Security amongst Women in Smallholder Farming in the Face of Climate Change in Bikita, Zimbabwe

Food insecurity is a devastating setback for vulnerable women in smallholder farming in Zimbabwe. Women’s low or limited adaptive capacity is caused by diverse factors, including , which include poverty, an unstable economy, political crisis and climate change. Adaptive strategies that differ from the conventional national and civic interventions to circumvent these factors have yielded subtle food security outcomes. As a result, there are growing calls for the adoption of social capital as an alternative grassroots-based adaptive strategy. This study examined the potential for and challenges faced by women who use social capital in adapting to food insecurity. Using in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and key informant interviews it revealed that women in smallholder farming were utilising bonding, bridging and linking capital as a means of adaptation. These three types of capital were operationalised in four projects: Food For Assets (FFA), community gardening, the Boer goat project and Fushai. It emerged that three of the projects performed better in some wards but did not do well in others. Despite its potential, the Boer goat project was riddled with challenges, which emanated from the absence of bonding capital. I therefore conclude and recommend that social capital is critical for women in food insecurity adaptation. However, it needs to be buttressed by a harmonious relationship between the three forms of social capital and all stakeholders for sustainability to be realised.

Pre-Weaning Growth Performance of Boerka (Boer &gt;&lt; Kacang) Crossbred Kids in the Difference Genotype and Birth Types

Breeding programs to promote the productivity of Indonesian local goats (i.e. Kacang Goats) in various regions have been carried out by cross-breeding with predominant breeds of meat goats in the world such as Boer Goats. Currently, considering that the various genotypes of the cross-bred goat (namely Boerka Goat) have been spread and farmed by various goat farms throughout the country, it is necessary to evaluate the increase in productivity achieved. This study aims to investigate the pre-weaning growth performance of Boerka (Boer x Kacang) Crossbred Kids at different genotypes and birth types. The study was carried out experimentally using 167 Boer x Kacang crossbred kids which was arranged in a Split-Plot Design covering 3 plots of kid genotype, namely: BK (50% Boer, 50% Kacang), BBK (75% Boer, 25% Kacang) , and KBK (25% Boer, 75% Kacang), each with 3 sub-plots of kid birth types, namely single born kid (CT), twin born kid (CK-2), and triplet born kid (CK-3), all including male and female kids. The response variable that measured on pre-weaning growth performance, was observed directly by measuring birth weight (BL), 90-day-old weaning weight (BS90), and daily body weight gain (PBBH) for pre-weaning period. The data is tabulated and analyzed using software “Genstat”. The results showed that BL, BS.90, and pre-weaning PBBH of Boer x Kacang crossbred kids were influenced by genotype (P&lt;0.01) and birth type (P&lt;0.05) of the kids, and differed (P&lt;0.05) between males and females kid. Male kids showed BL, BS90, and Pre-Weaning PBBH 12.88, 9.20, and 9.24% higher than female kids, respectively. Based on the genotype and birth type of the kids, the highest pre-weaning growth performance was shown by single-born male BBK kids, with BL, BS.90 and Pre-Weaning PBBH 3.32±0.33, 13.06±3.46 and 0.114±0.020 kg, respectively.

372 Selecting Goats for Juniper Consumption Increases Pentobarbital-Induced Sleep Time

Abstract A sodium pentobarbital-induced sleep time (ST) study was conducted on intact males, Boer x Spanish goats (n = 30), selected for high (J+) or low juniper (J-) consumption with the objective to compare the Phase I detoxification system of the genetic divergent lines (EBV of 13.1 ± 0.2 and -14.2 ± 0.3, respectively). The ST study was conducted following a minimum period of 21 days on three different diets: grazing juniper infested rangeland (JIR), forage diet with no monoterpenes (M0), and forage diet with 8 g/kg added camphor, sabinene, and α-pinene monoterpenes in a ratio of 5:4:1 (M+). Fecal samples from goats on the JIR and M+ diets were analyzed for camphor and sabinene, and, when on the JIR diet, analyzed for percentage juniper in the diet using previously developed NIRS calibrations. Data were submitted to ANOVA analysis with repeated measures, assuming as significant when alpha was less than 10% (P &amp;lt; 0.10) by the F test. Percentage of juniper in the diet of J+ goats on JIP (38.6 ± 3.4%) was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.001) than J- goats (28.0 ± 3.8%). The J+ goats slept 15.1 (P = 0.02), 14.3 (P = 0.06), and 15.8 (P = 0.06) minutes longer than J- goats on JIR, M0, and M+ diets, respectively. There was no difference in ST between diets, and there was no interaction line × diet. Goats from the J+ line had higher concentrations of camphor in their feces on the JIR (P = 0.07) and M+ (P = 0.09) diets, while sabinene concentration was similar. Goats selected for juniper consumption had longer ST than J- goats which indicates a less efficient Phase I detoxification system, probably because there were less monoterpenes in the blood to be metabolized in the liver by the cytochromes P450 enzymes.

Genetic Diversity of Various Goat Breeds in East Java Based on DNA Microsatellite Markers

Information on genetic diversity using microsatellite markers was essential to formulate effective conservation and breeding strategies. This study aims to identify the genetic diversity and relationships between Kacang, Senduro, Peranakan Ettawa (PE), Boer, and Saanen goats in the East Java region, Indonesia, using 12 microsatellite markers. A total of 86 goat blood DNA samples, which consisted of Kacang (n=41), Senduro (n=23), Boer (n=13), PE (n=5), and Saanen (n=4), were used in this study. The DNA was extracted based on Genomic DNA Mini Kits protocols for analysis fragment in microsatellite DNA region using specific primer recommended by the ISAG/FAO. A total of 96 alleles were identified in this study. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.470±0.135 (Kacang) to 0.592±0.211 (PE) and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.589±0.251 (Saanen) to 0.762±0.084 (PE). F statistical analysis include inter-population inbreeding rate (Fis) 0.2583 (25.83%), inbreeding rate in population (Fit) 0.3238 (32.38%), and genetic differentiation (Fst) 0.0882 (8.82%). The 11 microsatellite markers were highly informative (PIC>0.5), except the INRA063 locus markers were quite informative (PIC 0.25-0.5). The research showed that Kacang, Senduro, and PE goats had a close genetic distance and formed a cluster. Kacang and Saanen goats showed a long genetic distance at 26.9%. In conclusion, the genetic relationship among goat breeds in East Java was divided into three clusters where Boer and Saanen goats formed their cluster.

Enteropathy and bone marrow hypoplasia associated with presumptive albendazole toxicosis in a juvenile Boer goat.

Albendazole is a widely used anthelmintic drug that is labeled for the treatment of specific nematodes and flukes in ruminants. Albendazole is approved for the treatment of liver flukes in goats (10 mg/kg PO for a single dose), but is commonly used extra-label in situations in which parasite resistance is an issue. Albendazole toxicosis has been reported in pigeons, doves, alpacas, humans, dogs, and cats. Here we report an adverse event in a 6-mo-old goat associated with extra-label use of albendazole (35.7 mg/kg PO daily for 3 d). Clinicopathologic findings included severe diarrhea and death, with small intestinal crypt necrosis and dysplasia, and severe bone marrow hypoplasia. Microbial and molecular testing and transmission electron microscopy ruled out infectious organisms. The described pathologic changes are similar to those reported in other species that have experienced toxicosis associated with albendazole. To our knowledge, bone marrow and intestinal lesions associated with albendazole use in the goat have not been reported previously. Veterinarians should be aware of potential adverse events and toxicoses associated with anthelmintic drugs, especially as parasite resistance increases, and extra-label usage, and the use of such drugs without veterinary supervision, becomes more common.

Whole-Genome Sequencing Reveals the Genomic Characteristics and Selection Signatures of Hainan Black Goat.

Goats have become one of the most adaptive and important livestock species distributed in developing countries in recent years. The Hainan Black goat is a native goat breed of the Hainan region that is generally well-liked by the local population and is thus raised in large numbers. However, the genomic diversity and selective signals of the Hainan Black goat have not been clearly elucidated yet. Therefore, in this study, we performed whole-genome resequencing of 16 Hainan Black goats and compared the results with those of 71 goats of 6 other breeds from different geographic regions. Principal component analysis (PCA) and phylogenetic analysis identified seven lineages for all goats. Hainan Black goats showed the most similarity with Leizhou goats and the least similarity with Boer goats. Selective sweep analysis identified candidate genes associated with various functions, including immune resistance to disease (TNFAIP2 (TNF alpha induced protein 2) and EXOC3L4 (exocyst complex component 3 like 4)), melanin biosynthetic process (CDH15 (cadherin 15), ASIP (agouti signaling protein), and PARD3 (par-3 family cell polarity regulator)), and light sensitivity (CNGB3 (cyclic nucleotide gated channel subunit beta 3) and CNBD1 (cyclic nucleotide binding domain containing 1)), underlying strong selection signatures in Hainan Black goats. The melanin biosynthetic process, circadian entrainment, regulation of cyclic adenosine 3,5-monophosphate (cAMP)-mediated signaling, and the Rap-1 signaling pathway were significantly enriched in Hainan Black and Alashan Cashmere goats. This result may be important for understanding each trait. Selection signature analysis revealed candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and genes correlated with the traits of Hainan Black goats. Collectively, our results provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of specific traits correlated with the Hainan island climate, artificial selection in certain local goat breeds, and the importance of protecting breed resources.

Genomic insights into the conservation and population genetics of two Chinese native goat breeds.

Chinese goats are an important group of goats worldwide. However, there are few studies on the conservation priority, genetic relationship, and potential gene flow between Chinese and global goat breeds. Here, we genotyped 239 goats from conservation populations of the Chinese Guangfeng and Ganxi breeds using the GoatSNP50 BeadChip. The conservation priority, population structure, selection signatures and introgression of these goats were analyzed in the context of 36 global goat breeds. First, we showed that Guangfeng and Ganxi goats had the largest effective population sizes across the global breeds 13 generations ago. Nevertheless, Ganxi goats have recently experienced a high degree of inbreeding, resulting in their conservation priority based on total gene and allelic diversities being lower than that of most other Chinese breeds (including Guangfeng goats). Population structure and admixture analyses showed that an average of 18% of Guangfeng genomic components were introgressed from Boer goats approximately 18-yr ago. Next, we reconstructed the subfamily structure of the core populations of Guangfeng and Ganxi goats, and proposed reasonable conservation strategies for inbreeding management. Moreover, a list of candidate genes under selection for fertility, immunity, growth, and meat quality were detected in Guangfeng and Ganxi goats. Finally, we identified some genes related to body development and reproduction, which were introgressed from Boer goats and may be beneficial for improving performance and productivity of Guangfeng goats. In conclusion, this study not only provides new insights into the conservation and utilization of Guangfeng and Ganxi goats but also enriches our understanding of artificial introgression from exotic goats into Chinese local goats.

Differential gene expression and identification of growth-related genes in the pituitary gland of South African goats

Growth and carcass quality are economically important traits in goat production. This study investigated differentially expressed genes from the caprine pituitary gland transcriptome of South African indigenous goat breeds of varying growth performances and carcass quality parameters. Tissues were harvested from the pituitary gland of three South African Boer goats and three village ecotype goats all raised under similar conditions simulating intensive commercial production systems. Three additional tissues were harvested from village ecotype goats that were raised extensively on village farms. Between breed differences were investigated by comparing differential gene expression among three South African Boer and three village goats that were both raised under intensive commercial production system at a research farm. Within-breed differences were investigated by comparing differential gene expression among three village goats raised under extensive conditions (on-farm in Pella, S.A. village farming community) and three village goats raised under intensive commercial production system (at ARC research farm in Pretoria, South Africa. Total RNA was isolated from the pituitary gland of 36-week-old animals (n = 9) and sequenced individually in triplicates. An average of 28,298,512 trimmed, and quality-controlled reads/animal were mapped to the goat genome (Capra_hircus.ARS1.94) using HiSat2 software. Transcript assembly and quantification yielded 104 differentially expressed genes for village goats raised under extensive system and 62 for village goats raised under the intensive production system at the false discovery rate (FRD) of ≤0.05 and a fold change of ≥2. Growth-related genes such as POU3F4 and TSHZ1 were highly expressed within breeds raised under both production systems. Conversely, growth-related genes such as FGFR2 and SMPX genes were highly expressed between breeds raised under similar production systems. Ballgown analysis revealed a high expression of GH1 and IGF1 in the intensively raised compared to extensively raised goats. Both genes were also highly expressed in the village goats when compared to the Boer. The differential gene expression data provided insights into genes and molecular mechanisms associated with growth and growth development in goats.

Rumen Parameters, Nutrients Digestibility and Milk Production of Lactating Boer Goats Fed Diets Containing Clay Minerals.

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; The inclusion of clay minerals in dairy nutrition is getting attention owing to their proven beneficial effects. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of three different clay minerals (bentonite, zeolite and humic acid) on the performance of lactating Boer goats. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; Twenty lactating Boer goats (having an average body weight ~42.7 kg) were divided into four groups (5 animals each) by using a completely randomized design (CRD). Each group was fed with one of four dietary treatments: Control group with basal ration R1: Consisting of concentrate feed mixture (CFM) and clover hay (50:50%, C:R) on a dry matter (DM) basis, R2: Basal ration plus 1% bentonite, R3: Basal ration plus 1.25% zeolite and R4: Basal ration plus 0.5% humic acid. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The results revealed that bentonite and humic acid increased (p<0.05) the nutrient digestibility and nutritive values compared to zeolite and control groups. Ruminal ammonia and total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) contents increased (p<0.05) with supplementation of bentonite. No effect of clays supplementation was observed on plasma total protein, urea and creatinine, however, it increased (p<0.05) the albumin concentration and albumin/globulin ratios compared to the control while decreasing the plasma globulin contents. Supplementation of humic acid increased (p<0.05) the AST concentrations. Bentonite supplementation recorded the highest milk yield (p<0.05) and composition, while the zeolite group had the lowest values. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; The present study indicated that the inclusion of clay minerals particularly bentonite (at 1%) can positively affect the performance of lactating Boer goats.

Carcass Traits of Growing Meat Goats Fed Different Levels of Hempseed Meal.

Simple SummaryIndustrial hemp is currently being investigated as a potential new crop in the U.S. after the passage and approval of the 2014 and 2018 Farm Bills. Hemp plants grow efficiently, and its seeds are used in the production of hemp oil, leaving hempseed meal (HSM) as a byproduct, which is reported to be rich in crude protein (CP) around 30–38% on a dry matter basis and fiber, making it a possible feedstuff and a protein source for ruminants. However, limited work has been carried out to evaluate the effects of utilizing HSM as feedstuffs for goats on their carcass characteristics. This study aims to investigate the effects of feeding various levels of HSM on the carcass traits of the crossbred Boer goats. Results suggest that including up to 30% of HSM in the diet of growing meat goats has no adverse effects on their carcass traits and meat quality. These results might be encouraging for the hemp industry as HSM could potentially be marketed and used as an alternative protein source for livestock.Hempseed meal (HSM) is the byproduct of hemp seeds and is rich in crude protein and fiber, making it an ideal candidate as a feedstuff for ruminants. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effects of feeding different levels of HSM on the carcass traits of crossbred Boer goats. Forty castrated goat kids (approximately six months, 25.63 ± 0.33 kg) were assigned to one of four treatments (n = 10) in a completely randomized design. Goats were fed pelleted diets (50% forage and 50% concentrate) with additional supplementation of HSM: control with 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% of the total diets. Goats were harvested and processed after a 60-day feeding trial. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) in the mean values of dressing percentages, carcass weights, body wall thickness, and ribeye area among treatments. Marbling scores and percentages of moisture, fats, proteins, and collagen in the muscles showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) among the treatments. Results suggest that including up to 30% of HSM in the diet of growing meat goats does not affect their carcass traits.