Goat Breeds Research Articles

Influence of stimulating basics on the level of iron in the blood of Saanen kids

Goat milk is becoming increasingly attractive for the food sector due to some advantages compared to cow milk: it has higher fat content, protein levels, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, cobalt, vitamins B1, B2, C, and some amino acids. The Saanen breed is the most attractive for farms since, along with the qualitative superiority of milk, this breed is characterized by increased milk yield. Currently, the main goal of research in goat breeding is to preserve and improve animals’ genetic potential under intensive exploitation conditions when any environmental factor (incredibly inadequate feeding) can negatively affect the productive qualities of animals. The period of their prenatal and early postnatal ontogenesis is especially significant. One of the critical indicators of metabolic processes in the body of young animals is iron, which enhances oxidative processes and promotes the reproduction of erythrocyte hemoglobin. The study showed the influence of the age factor on an increase in the concentration of iron in the blood and better absorption of iron in the presence of copper in the body. The effectiveness of using an iron-containing preparation in combination with protein hydrolysate, a source of protein necessary for the formation of enzymes and hormones involved in regulating iron metabolism in the body, has been noted.

A bibliometric analysis of the literature on goat breeding

Background Bibliometric analysis plays an essential role in scientific research. However, some research areas still have several gaps. This is also the case in the animal sciences. Therefore, the status of current studies can be analyzed to provide guidance for future research through scientific studies that will be conducted. The aim of this study was to perform a bibliometric analysis of goat breeding to evaluate current trends, gaps in knowledge, and future perspectives. Methods A large dataset was extracted from the Web of Science (WoS), a popular database for scientific studies. According to the WoS, we used 1000 scientific papers (1991–2023) that contained articles, book chapters, data papers, proceedings papers, meeting abstracts, and notes. All bibliometric analyses were performed using the bibliometrix package. Results and Conclusions In 2023, there were 34 studies available. Average citations per year showed that the highest average citation count occurred in 2006 (31.35). In total, 265 scientific journals in the WoS database have published goat breeding studies. Small Ruminant Research led to the remaining 145 articles. In conclusion, scientific studies on goat breeding have become popular in recent years. The authors may gravitate towards popular journals in the future.

Development and verification of a 10K liquid chip for Hainan black goat based on genotyping by pinpoint sequencing of liquid captured targets

BackgroundChina has thousands years of goat breeding and abundant goat genetic resources. Additionally, the Hainan black goat is one of the high-quality local goat breeds in China. In order to conserve the germplasm resources of the Hainan black goat, facilitate its genetic improvement and further protect the genetic diversity of goats, it is urgent to develop a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip for Hainan black goat.ResultsIn this study, we aimed to design a 10K liquid chip for Hainan black goat based on genotyping by pinpoint sequencing of liquid captured targets (cGPS). A total of 45,588 candidate SNP sites were obtained, 10,677 of which representative SNP sites were selected to design probes, which finally covered 9,993 intervals and formed a 10K cGPS liquid chip for Hainan black goat. To verify the 10K cGPS liquid chip, some southern Chinese goat breeds and a sheep breed with similar phenotype to the Hainan black goat were selected. A total of 104 samples were used to verify the clustering ability of the 10K cGPS liquid chip for Hainan black goat. The results showed that the detection rate of sites was 97.34% -99.93%. 84.5% of SNP sites were polymorphic. The heterozygosity rate was 3.08%-36.80%. The depth of more than 99.4% sites was above 10X. The repetition rate was 99.66%-99.82%. The average consistency between cGPS liquid chip results and resequencing results was 85.58%. In addition, the phylogenetic tree clustering analysis verified that the SNP sites on the chip had better clustering ability.ConclusionThese results indicate that we have successfully realized the development and verification of the 10K cGPS liquid chip for Hainan black goat, which provides a useful tool for the genome analysis of Hainan black goat. Moreover, the 10K cGPS liquid chip is conducive to the research and protection of Hainan black goat germplasm resources and lays a solid foundation for its subsequent breeding work.

Prolactin gene (C576A) polymorphism is associated with milk production performance in crossbred Anglo-Nubian dairy goats

Crossbred Anglo-Nubian goats (Anglo-Nubian × native goat breeds), are valued for exceptional milk production and adaptability. In-depth research on these goats is imperative to propel advancements in dairy goat breeds and enhance milk production efficiency within the region. The present study aims to assess polymorphism in prolactin (C576A) gene and determine the influence of different prolactin (PRL) genotypes to milk yield performance in crossbred Anglo-Nubian dairy goats raised from Awang, Opol, Misamis Oriental and Talay, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. Genomic DNA was extracted from hair follicles using commercial DNA extraction kit and PCR-RFLP was performed for the genotyping of the C576A polymorphism located in exon 5 of goats’ prolactin gene using Eco241 restriction enzyme. Genotypic frequencies of 0.56 for AA, 0.44 for AB, while allelic frequencies of 0.78 for A, and 0.22 for B were recorded. All populations followed the Hardy–Weinberg principle, except for dairy goats from Farm A located in Opol, Misamis Oriental. A two-way factorial (2 × 4) in a Randomized Complete Block Design was used to evaluate the relationship between genotypes and milk yield performance. AB genotype goats produced significantly higher milk yield traits (average daily milk yield and total milk production) than AA genotype, an indication that the polymorphism in the caprine PRL (C576A) gene influenced milk yield performance in the population of studied crossbred Anglo-Nubian goats. These results have to be validated in other dairy goat breeds.

Using Metabolomics to Understand Selective Breeding of Goats that Enables Tolerance of Plant Secondary Compounds

The objective of this study was to determine aspects of liver function in goats with a divergent propensity to consume juniper ( Juniperus spp.), a terpene -containing woody plant. Goats represent a significant contribution to sustainable food production and local economies worldwide. Climate change in arid and semiarid regions has led to a transition of grasslands to woodlands. Goats ( Capra hircus) are adapted to utilize woody plants as a food source; however, herbivory can be limited by plant secondary compounds (e.g., monoterpenes). Estimated breeding values (EBV) have been determined for domestic goats based on their propensity to consume above (H: EBV = 13.1 ± 0.2) or below (L: EBV = −14.8 ± 0.5) the herd average for proportion of juniper in the diet of free-ranging animals. To investigate the physiological and metabolic mechanisms enabling increased intake and tolerance of juniper, H and L adult male Spanish goats within young (2-yr-old) and old (3-5-yr-old) groups that spent their life grazing pastures containing juniper were randomly selected from our research herd. Twenty goats (n = 5 of each age and juniper consumption combination) were weighed and harvested. Serum samples and multiple organs (i.e., liver, kidney, heart, spleen, adrenal, testis) were collected, weighed, and preserved for analyses. With an initial focus on the liver, samples (200 mg) were submitted to Metabolon, Inc. (Morrisville, NC) to identify metabolites by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography/tandem high resolution/accurate mass spectrometry chromatography methods. Data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED procedure of Statistical Analysis System (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC). Goat body weight (BW), relative organ weight (g/kg BW), and serum constituents were analyzed using a model that included age (O, Y), treatment (H, L), and the age x treatment interaction. Animals were the experimental unit and error degrees of freedom = 16. Statistical significance was determined at P ≤ 0.05. Multiple differences in metabolites of the lipid and protein pathways were identified. For example, the relative intensity of 19 monoacylglycerol metabolites was greater (P < 0.05) in H than L goats. This report, however, focuses on the gamma-glutamyl amino acid (GGAA) pathway due to its role in diagnosis of liver dysfunction. Relative liver weight (g/kg BW) was numerically greater (P = 0.15) in H (15.80 ± 0.75) than L (14.58 ± 0.39) goats. Serum gamma glutamyl transferase (U/L) was within the clinically normal range but was greater (P < 0.0001) in H (59.2 ± 2.1) versus L (44.3 ± 2.2), and in Y (55.3 ± 2.9) versus O (48.2 ± 3.2) goats. Of the 18 GGAAs identified from the GGAA super- and sub-pathways, the relative intensities of 11 metabolites were greater (P < 0.05) in liver from H than L; 8 were greater in HY versus LY, and only 2 were greater in OH versus OL goats. The increased expression of serum and liver components of the GGAA pathway for the goats with a positive estimated breeding value for juniper consumption may be indicative of metabolic mechanisms and biomarkers associated with increased tolerance of plant secondary compounds. Texas A&M AgriLife Research. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Grading system to support the Kacang goat breeding program

This study aims to make it easier for breeders to determine which Kacang goats have advantages based on the phenotypic parameters (chest diameter). This study used a survey method using questionnaires and morphometric measurements as the basis for grading. The results showed that male Kacang goats aged 1.5 and 2 years had an average chest diameter of 63.52 ± 5.82 cm and 67.4 ± 2.8 cm, respectively, with coefficients of variance of 10.92% and 24.07%. The mean chest diameter of female Kacang goats aged 1.5 and 2 years were 70.10 ± 6.12 cm and 72.6 ± 1.85 cm, respectively, with coefficients of variance of 11.45% and 39.14%. The best chest diameters based on SNI on males aged 1.5 and 2 years were 8 and 2, respectively. Females aged 1.5 and 2 years were 20 and 5, respectively, from the total recorded data.

Selection signatures and landscape genomics analysis to reveal climate adaptation of goat breeds

Goats have achieved global prominence as essential livestock since their initial domestication, primarily owing to their remarkable adaptability to diverse environmental and production systems. Differential selection pressures influenced by climate have led to variations in their physical attributes, leaving genetic imprints within the genomes of goat breeds raised in diverse agroecological settings. In light of this, our study pursued a comprehensive analysis, merging environmental data with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variations, to unearth indications of selection shaped by climate-mediated forces in goats. Through the examination of 43,300 SNPs from 51 indigenous goat breeds adapting to different climatic conditions using four analytical methods: latent factor mixed models (LFMM), F-statistics (Fst), Extended haplotype homozygosity across populations (XPEHH), and spatial analysis method (SAM), A total of 74 genes were revealed to display clear signs of selection, which are believed to be influenced by climatic conditions. Among these genes, 32 were consistently identified by at least two of the applied methods, and three genes (DENND1A, PLCB1, and ITPR2) were confirmed by all four approaches. Moreover, our investigation yielded 148 Gene Ontology (GO) terms based on these 74 genes, underlining pivotal biological pathways crucial for environmental adaptation. These pathways encompass functions like vascular smooth muscle contraction, cellular response to heat, GTPase regulator activity, rhythmic processes, and responses to temperature stimuli. Of significance, GO terms about endocrine regulation and energy metabolic responses, key for local adaptation were also uncovered, including biological processes, such as cell differentiation, regulation of peptide hormone secretion, and lipid metabolism. These findings contribute to our knowledge of the genetic structure of climate-triggered adaptation across the goat genome and have practical implications for marker-assisted breeding in goats.

Metabolic response of endangered goats fed spineless cactus associated with Tifton-85 hay or Maniçoba hay

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacement of Tifton-85 hay by maniçoba hay, in spineless cactus-based diets, on markers of energy, protein, mineral metabolism and serum enzyme activity of Moxotó goats. Sixteen uncastrated male Moxotó breed goats, with 20 months old and initial body weight of 21.7 ± 3.92 kg were used in a randomized blocks design, using the initial weight as the criterion for the formation of blocks, with two treatments and eight replicates per treatment. The experimental treatments consisted of two diets: diets containing Miúda spineless cactus associated with Tifton-85 hay (1) or maniçoba hay (2), with roughage:concentrate ratio of 70:30. Blood samples were collected fortnightly (baseline, 15 days, 30 days and 45 days) during the feedlot period. There was a higher serum concentration of total protein and fructosamine (P < 0.05) in goats that received maniçoba hay. However, there was higher serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) enzyme activity in goats that ingested Tifton-85 hay (P < 0.05). Concerning to the profile of blood metabolites in the different fortnightly collections, it was possible to verify a significant effect for urea, fructosamine, GGT enzyme activity, K and Cl levels (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Tifton-85 hay and maniçoba hay combined with spineless cactus does not cause metabolic disorders in feedlot native goats.

Genomic Inbreeding and Runs of Homozygosity Analysis of Cashmere Goat.

Cashmere goats are valuable genetic resources which are famous worldwide for their high-quality fiber. Runs of homozygosity (ROHs) have been identified as an efficient tool to assess inbreeding level and identify related genes under selection. However, there is limited research on ROHs in cashmere goats. Therefore, we investigated the ROH pattern, assessed genomic inbreeding levels and examined the candidate genes associated with the cashmere trait using whole-genome resequencing data from 123 goats. Herein, the Inner Mongolia cashmere goat presented the lowest inbreeding coefficient of 0.0263. In total, we identified 57,224 ROHs. Seventy-four ROH islands containing 50 genes were detected. Certain identified genes were related to meat, fiber and milk production (FGF1, PTPRM, RERE, GRID2, RARA); fertility (BIRC6, ECE2, CDH23, PAK1); disease or cold resistance and adaptability (PDCD1LG2, SVIL, PRDM16, RFX4, SH3BP2); and body size and growth (TMEM63C, SYN3, SDC1, STRBP, SMG6). 135 consensus ROHs were identified, and we found candidate genes (FGF5, DVL3, NRAS, KIT) were associated with fiber length or color. These findings enhance our comprehension of inbreeding levels in cashmere goats and the genetic foundations of traits influenced by selective breeding. This research contributes significantly to the future breeding, reservation and use of cashmere goats and other goat breeds.

MiR-2284b regulation of α-s1 casein synthesis in mammary epithelial cells of dairy goats

The lactation character of dairy goats is the most important characteristic, and milk protein is an important index to evaluate milk quality. Casein accounts for more than 80% of the total milk protein in goat milk and is the main component of milk protein. Using GMECs (goat mammary epithelial cells) as the research object, the CHECK2 vector of the CSN1S1 gene and the overexpression vector of pcDNA 3.1 were constructed, and the mimics of miR-2284b and the interfering RNA of CSN1S1 were synthesized. Using PCR, RT–qPCR, a dual luciferase activity detection system, EdU, CCK8, cell apoptosis detection and ELISA detection, we explored the regulatory mechanism and molecular mechanism of miR-2284b regulation of αs1-casein synthesis in GMECs. miR-2284b negatively regulates proliferation and apoptosis of GMECs and αs1-casein synthesis. Two new gene sequences of CSN1S1 were discovered. CSN1S1-1/-2 promoted the proliferation of GMECs and inhibited cell apoptosis. However, it had no effect on αs1-casein synthesis. MiR-2284b negatively regulates αs1-casein synthesis in GMECs by inhibiting the CSN1S1 gene. These results all indicated that miR-2284b could regulate αs1-casein synthesis, thus playing a theoretical guiding role in the future breeding process of dairy goats and accelerating the development of dairy goat breeding.

A Mitochondrial DNA-based Molecular Phylogenetics Study of the Mahalli Goat as a New Animal Genetic Resource in Southern Anatolia in Turkey

Background: The Karacadağ Mountains are of extinct volcanic origin and cover a large area in the triangle between Diyarbakır (Center, Nar and Ergani districts), Şanlılurfa (Siverek and Viranşehir districts) and Mardin (Derik district). Agricultural activities are limited due to the stony structure of the region; therefore, small animal husbandry is intensively practiced in the villages of the region. Mahalli goats, which are morphologically new domestic goats, are distinguished from other domestic goats by their spiral horn structure. They are not only resistant to cold weather conditions, but also resistant to diseases. Therefore, present study aimed to determine the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of Mahalli goats in Diyarbakır region. Methods: The study was carried out at Şanlıurfa, Harran University of Agricultural Faculty, Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Molecular Genetics, in 2019-2020. Out of 24 Mahalli goats, forward and reverse primers were used to amplify the 598 bp region over the mtDNA D-loop region encompassing the 481 bp most variable region (HVR1). Analysis of goat D-loop sequences revealed 481 regions of 0.378 G+C, 97 polymorphic regions and 19 haplotypes. The phylogenetic analysis of Mahalli goats was carried out using molecular genetic techniques. Result: As a result of data analysis, both haplotype diversity (HD) and nucleotide diversity (ND) were calculated to be 1.000±0.0039 and 0.0375±0.00209, respectively. The genetic distance between the haplotypes of Mahalli goat ranged from 0.003 to 0.087 and the genetic distance between the haplotypes of Mahalli goat and other domestic goat breeds in Turkey ranged from 0.016 to 0.027. All 19 haplotypes used in this study were represented in the lineage A phylogenetic tree.

Состояние отечественной отрасли козоводства на современном этапе развития России

The article analyzes the state of the goat breeding industry in Russia from 2007 to 2022. Based on official data from the Federal State Statistics Service and data from the All-Russian Research Institute of Breeding, presented in the public domain, an assessment of the state of the goat breeding industry in Russia was carried out and the main trends and patterns were identified. As part of the study, it was revealed that goat breeding in Russia is mainly concentrated in small forms of farming and currently there are no prospects for scalability, while the number of goats is decreasing annually. The leader among federal districts in terms of livestock is the Siberian Federal District, and among the subjects of the Federation the undisputed leader is the Republic of Tyva. Dairy goat farming ranks third in the world in milk production, behind cows and buffaloes. In Russia, there is a clear trend towards increasing milk production. The leader in goat milk production is the Leningrad region. The analysis of modern domestic goat breeding made it possible to formulate the main problems that impede the effective development of the industry in the country and outline possible ways to solve them.

Constraints and recommendation for countrywide extension of artificial insemination in buffalo, goat and sheep

Background: The workshop aimed to identify the constraints and way forward to extend the artificial insemination in buffalo, sheep and goat countrywide. Methods: A day long workshop was organized jointly by the Coastal Vet Society Bangladesh (CVS-BD) and Grameen Jano Unnayan Sangstha (GJUS) at Bangladesh Development Society conference hall in Barishal district of Bangladesh. A total of 100 stakeholders in different aspect were joined in this workshop. Results: On the workshop, the constraints were lack of buffalo, sheep and goat breeding policy, recording systems, knowledge about the high-yielding breed, scarcity of quality feed, fodder and pasture land, lack of technical skills in reproduction and production personal, no or limited facilities to breed improvement technologies, lack of breeding infrastructure, non-availability of proven sire, no coordination among farmers, researchers, public and private organization, universities as well as other beneficiaries. The recommendations to overcome those constraints were to build up and strengthening the breeding policies and infrastructure, continuous up-gradation of native breed by high yielding breeds or varieties, adopted with assisted reproductive technologies, frequently advertise the beneficial aspects of buffalo milk and meat, development of manpower by technical training, national and international collaboration should be strengthened, private investment should be encouraged and alternative feed supply is needed to warrant. Conclusion: It is concluded that an initiative through public and private partnership or collaboration is needed to extent the artificial insemination program in buffalo, sheep and goat countrywide.

Can Sustainability and Biodiversity Conservation Save Native Goat Breeds? The Situation in Campania Region (Southern Italy) between History and Regional Policy Interventions

The Campania region has a genetic heritage, both vegetal and animal, of great scientific interest, but many genetic resources risk extinction or abandonment. Thus, from a sustainability perspective, their conservation is very important and represents an imperative to allow future generations to satisfy their needs just as we are doing today. The aims of the present paper were to describe the current consistency and importance of goat farming in Italy and in the Campania region and to study its trend from 1861 to understand whether the policies for the sector implemented over time have been sufficient to conserve goat biodiversity. To these ends, the latest available data of the national livestock register of the Italian Ministry of Health, those of the different available Italian agricultural censuses, and historical–cultural documents published over time for the livestock sector were acquired and consulted to describe the goat sector and reconstruct its temporal trend. The results showed that in Italy there are just over 1,000,000 goats (the same consistency as 60 years ago), 50% of which are distributed in the southern regions, and 50,616 farms with goats, 43% of which are extensive. In this contest, the Campania region represents approximately 5% of the national goat population. The continuous decrease in the size of the national and regional goat heritage since the 1920s is the result of the agricultural policy instruments implemented for the livestock sector over time, which have effectively excluded the goat sector. Two small increases in the number of caprines were registered: the first in 1980s, when the Italian scientific community realized that the native goat genetic types, its milk and its organoleptic and dietary qualities could constitute a wealth of endogenous resources that needed to be valorized; the second, in the last decade, due to the actions of sustainability and biodiversity conservation implemented at the national and regional level. At the same time, today the goat sector continues to have a marginal role in the national and regional agricultural economy, and the survival of native goat farming is essentially ensured by sustainable rural communities conceived as the custodians of biodiversity.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Body Conformation Traits in Tashi Goats (Capra hircus).

Identifying genetic markers of economically valuable traits has practical benefits for the meat goat industry. To better understand the genomic variations influencing body conformation traits, a genome-wide association study was performed on Tashi goats, an indigenous Chinese goat breed. A total of 155 Tashi goats were phenotyped for eight body conformation traits: body height, body length, chest depth, chest width, chest girth, rump width, rump height, and cannon bone circumference. Then, 100 Tashi goats were randomly selected for whole-genome sequencing and genotyped. We obtained 1676.4 Gb of raw data with an average sequencing depth of 6.2X. Clean reads were aligned to the ARS1.2 reference genome, and 11,257,923 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. The structure analysis showed that these Tashi goats were almost not genetically related. The 109, 20, 52, 14, 62, 51, 70, and 7 SNPs were significantly associated with body height, body length, chest depth, chest width, chest girth, rump width, rump height, and cannon bone circumference. Within the ±500 kb region of significant SNPs, 183 genes were annotated. The most significantly enriched KEGG pathway was "olfactory transduction", and the most significantly enriched gene ontology (GO) terms were "cellular process", "cellular anatomical entity", and "molecular transducer activity". Interestingly, we found several SNPs on chromosomes 10 and 11 that have been identified multiple times for all eight body conformation traits located in two fragments (114 kb and 1.03 Mb). In chr.10:25988403-26102739, the six SNPs were tightly linked, the TACTAG genotype was the highest at 91.8%, and the FNTB (Farnesyltransferase, CAAX Box Beta) and CHURC1 (Churchill Domain Containing 1) genes were located. In chr.11:88216493-89250659, ten SNPs were identified with several dependent linkage disequilibrium (LD) blocks, and seven related genes were annotated, but no significant SNP was located in them. Our results provide valuable biological information for improving growth performance with practical applications for genomic selection in goats.

Goat flock abortion: a retrospective study at Abergelle Agricultural Research Center, Tigray, Ethiopia

BackgroundSmall ruminants are the principal component of livestock production in Tigray region, Ethiopia. But their productivity is affected by various factors. According to farmers and expert observation, goat abortion is among the leading causes of production losses in Tanqua-Abergelle district. However, study findings that examine the extent of distribution and economic impact of abortion cases in goats in the district are scarce. This retrospective study investigated the occurrence of abortion and its associated risk factors in three goat breed types at Abergelle Agricultural Research Center goat breeding site over a seven year period. The study included a total of does above one year old, and data were collected from a casebook that was specifically prepared for abortion cases. A thorough follow up was conducted to identify abortion cases. Additionally, a community survey was conducted in selected villages where the research center is located.ResultsThe overall abortion proportion was 29.8% in the goat farm. Begait goat breeds had the highest abortion proportion (50.9%, CI 0.36–0.64) in 2015/16. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified year, season, age and breed as major risk factors of abortion occurrence at flock level. Accordingly, the likelihood of goats experiencing abortion during the dry season (proportion = 34) was 1.87 times higher compared to those in the wet season (proportion = 22.8). Begait breeds had a higher incidence of abortion (proportion 37.5%, OR 4.87, CI 2.49–10.35) compared to other breeds. Age was negatively associated with abortion, suggesting that older goats (OR = 0.67) had a higher relative risk than younger goats (OR = 0.57). Moreover, the study noted a high incidence of abortion during the years 2014/15 to 2016/17 (proportion = 35.7–39.7). Within-breed analysis revealed that age and season were significant risk factors for Abergelle and Begait breeds, respectively by using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. A community survey indicated that 89.7% households responded their goats experienced abortion.ConclusionsThis study highlighted the high prevalence of goat abortion at Abergelle and identifies important risk factors associated with its occurrence. The findings can inform targeted interventions to reduce abortion rates and improve goat productivity in the district.

Haematological and Plasma Biochemical Parameters in Response to Natural Coccidian Infection in Barbari and Jamunapari Goat Breeds in Semi-arid Tropics

Background: Small ruminants like goats are considered the most resourceful and efficient animal all over the world. Eimeria species causes disease in goats associated with poor growth, diarrhoea and decrease in production, high morbidity and mortalities. The present study was conducted to analyse the haematological and biochemical parameters in response to natural coccidian infection in Barbari and Jamunapari goat breeds in semi-arid tropics. Methods: A total of 474 goats were examined; 96 goats were selected (48 Barbari and 48 Jamunapari) and divided on the basis of high (12 males and 12 females) and low (12 males and 12 females) oocyst per gram (OPG) counts of both Barbari and Jamunapari goats. The blood was aseptically collected from the jugular vein, using a 22-gauge needle for each animal separately in 5 ml blood for the haematological and biochemical estimations. Result: In haematological parameters of Barbari goats there were no significant (P greater than 0.05) differences in males and females. Although significantly higher values of RBC were observed in low OPG females, similar results were also observed in Hct, Mcv, Hb, MCH and MCHC. Whereas, in WBC, Lymphocyte, Monocyte and Granulocyte statistically had no significant (P greater than 0.05) differences among all the groups. In haematological parameters of Jamunapari goats no significant (P greater than 0.05) differences was seen in males and females of both the groups. The same group of Barbari goats were also selected for biochemical parameters and high OPG females had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher blood glucose values. The blood potassium concentration was found to be significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in low OPG males compared to high OPG males. The same group of Jamunapari goats were selected for biochemical parameters and ALT, total protein and globulin had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher values in high OPG females than others. A/G ratio had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher value observed in high OPG males.

Chemical, nutritional and sensory characteristics of milk and cheeses obtained from autochthonous, cosmopolitan, and crossbred goats

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyse the milk parameters and the chemical, nutritional, and sensory characteristics of cheeses made from the milk of three groups of goats: native Carpathian goat, Anglonubian and crossbred goats (Saanen × Alpine). For this study, milk was collected three times during the grazing season and was processed into rennet semi-hard cheeses according to a traditional recipe in a pre-farm cheese dairy. Samples of the milk were subjected to physicochemical analyses. The chemical composition, vitamin, macronutrient content, and fatty acid profile of the cheeses were determined. The cheeses were also subjected to organoleptic evaluation. The results showed that the factors studied, such as breed and month of milking, had a significant effect on the physicochemical properties and chemical composition of goat milk. The month of milking affected all the milk characteristics studied, with September having the highest values of acidity, dry matter, fat and protein content. The month did not affect the level of basic components in the cheeses, but it influenced the content of vitamins and macronutrients; the cheeses produced in September had significantly higher levels of Mg, K, and vitamin E. The month of milking had, as did the breed of goat, a significant effect on the profile of most fatty acids in the cheeses. As for the breed factor, it affected both the chemical composition and sensory value of the cheeses. Cheeses made from the milk of the native Carpathian goat had the best health-promoting properties: a more favourable fatty acid profile, the lowest PUFA-6/3 ratio, and the lowest atherogenic index. According to the panellists, cheese from the milk of Carpathian goats also had the most distinctive aroma, typical for goat cheese. The research shows that the cheeses made from the milk of the native Carpathian goat had the best health-promoting properties, which confirms the need for further popularisation of the breed and can be the basis for marketing more products.

Neurological complications following spinal anaesthesia in a goat

AbstractA 2‐year‐old, female, mixed breed goat presented for an abdominal hernia repair. After anaesthetic induction, spinal anaesthesia at the level of the lumbosacral junction was performed with preservative‐free morphine. After extubation, the patient developed neurological symptoms, which included extensor rigidity in the hindlimbs, twisting and bending at the thoracolumbar junction, and horizontal nystagmus. The patient also began vocalising and had hypersalivation. Three hours after the completion of anaesthesia, the patient was able to rise on its own. Two days after general anaesthesia, the patient collapsed unexpectedly. The postmortem examination revealed spinal haemorrhage and pulmonary thrombosis. Pulmonary thrombosis might have led to the death of the goat; however, a definitive conclusion was not reached regarding the cause of the pulmonary thrombosis and spinal haemorrhage. Veterinarians should be aware of possible complications with spinal anaesthesia, although rare; the evident cause for the neurological symptoms in this case remains unclear.

Increasing The Ability And Adoption Of Goat Breeding Technology In Mitra Sepakat Farmer Group Kabupaten Sijunjung

Goat rearing in Kenagarian Palaluar Kecamatan Koto VII Kabupaten Sijunjung is carried out extensively with field grass feed. This causes the potency of goat kacang is not optimal. There are no practical and health-qualified livestock cages, forage cultivation gardens, feed preservation, handling of sick livestock, or untapped livestock waste to reduce pollution. If the potential of kacang goat farming can be optimized, it can improve the economy of farmers. The purpose of this activity is to improve the ability of goat farming Mitra Sepakat farmer group through the adoption of technology and goat farming management. This activity began in 2020 starting with: the selection and cultivation of forage animal feed, demonstration plots of effective goat cages and selection breed goats; in 2021, feed management, fermentation feed manufacturing, concentrate manufacturing, reproduction management, and business analysis; in 2022, this was continued by the activity of making fermented feed, managing goat livestock waste into manure and evaluating the application of goat breeding science and technology that had been given. Based on the evaluation of the implementation of service activities that have been carried out from two years ago have been: a) changes in goat breeding patterns from (15 people) 100% extensive to 8 people (53) % intensive and intensive breeding patterns have been able to implement 100% transfer of Science and technology provided. The results of the evaluation conducted still found some problems faced by farmers such as the calf mortality rate being quite high, which became the plan for the next service for the next service activities.