Capra Aegagrus Research Articles

Association of g.331T>C and g.1909T>C locus in KISS1 gene with fecundity traits of Kacang and Boerka goats

Abstract. Maskur, Jan R, Lestari, Rozi T, Muhsinin M. 2023. Association of g.331T>C and g.1909T>C locus in KISS1 gene with fecundity traits of Kacang and Boerka goats. Biodiversitas 24: 4870-4876. The neuropeptide kisspeptin encodes the KISS1 gene and is crucial for reproductive system signals. This study aimed to identify polymorphisms of fecundity genes by observing candidate genes for prolific traits, namely the KISS1 gene (exon 1 and intron 1), and their relationship with litter size in Kacang and Boerka goats (Capra aegagrus hircus). The total sample used was 211 female goats. The stages of the research included DNA extraction, PCR amplification and genotyping. The association of KISS1 gene genotypes with litter size traits in Kacang goats and Boerka was analyzed using the SAS 9.1.3 software with General Linear Model (GLM) procedure. The results showed that the g.331T>C locus of the KISS1 exon 1 gene was monomorphic in all Kacang and Boerka goats populations. The locus g.1909T>C of the KISS1 intron 1 gene was polymorphic in all Kacang and Boerka goats populations. The locus g.1909T>C of the KISS1 intron 1 gene found three genotypes (TT, AT, AA). The frequency of allele T (0.775 and 0.815) was higher than allele A (0.225 and 0.185) in all Kacang and Boerka goats populations. The association of TT and AT genotypes with litter size significantly differed from that of the AA genotype in the Kacang goat. Meanwhile, in the Boerka goat, the TT genotype significantly differed from the AT and AA genotypes. The goat KISS1 gene polymorphism is critical to reproductive function and may be a reproductive characteristic marker.

Wireless Node Localization Based on Wild Goats Algorithm for Industrial Internet of Things

Wireless Node Localization Based on Wild Goats Algorithm for Industrial Internet of Things

Nuevo hallazgo de arte mueble de estilo Paleolítico en el Noreste peninsular: la plaqueta grabada de les Coves del Fem (Ulldemolins, Tarragona)

This paper reports the discovery of a schist slab with 7 zoomorphic figures (deer, wild goats and/or bulls) and other engraved remains at Coves del Fem site (Ulldemolins, Priorat, Tarragona) in 2020. This find adds to the limited, although unique, repertoire of portable art of Palaeolithic style found so far in the northeastern part of the Iberian Peninsula. A detailed analysis of this piece and comparison with the artistic record known so far for the Mediterranean side of Iberia are key to establish the relative chronology of this find. The themes (a combination of animals and non-figurative motifs), the formal (simplified representations of animals with elongated bodies), technical (a schist slab with fine incised engravings filled with striated strokes) and compositional patterns of the motifs, with a complex palimpsest of figurative and non-figurative engravings distributed on both sides creating two non-scenic compositions, recall an art from the end of the Paleolithic artistic cycle. To these common elements, this slab adds certain singularities. First, two animals of different species are involved in a mirror symmetry composition,which is not unique to this site, but it is more common in older periods and with the animals distributed on both sides of a vertical axis, rather than horizontal, as in this case. Such distribution has no parallels in this final phase of the artistic sequence. Second, the microscopic analysis of the art reveals the preservation of red pigment inside the engraved grooves, showing the use of a mixed technique, involving a combination of incision and painting. This practice, used probably to enhance motifs and improve visualization, has been recorded in a limited number of Palaeolithic sites, most likely due to conservation problems. Third, the slab includes the first example of an engraved goat known in the Catalan repertoire. Overall, this find contributes to expand the repertoire of Catalan Paleolithic art, confirms the importance of the Tarragona province, concentrating most of the finds of Paleolithic portable art in Catalonia, and opens new perspectives in the study of Coves del Fem, substantially expanding the chronology of this site until the end of the Upper Paleolithic period. Finally, it brings a new example with its own peculiarities (the type of composition) for characterizing the art of the Pleistocene/Holocene transition in south-western Europe.

Etawa Goat Business Development Strategy in Karanganyar Village Langsa City

Karanganyar Village is located in Langsa City and has prospects for Etawa goat farming (Capra aegagrus hircus). The demand for meat produced by Etawa goats (milk and meat) constantly increases. Efforts have been made to increase the livestock population, production, and productivity to meet market demand. Quantitative descriptive research was conducted to analyze the external and internal factors influencing the development of the Village-owned enterprises (BUMG) for Etawa goat farming in Karanganyar Village, Langsa Baro District, Langsa City, and to formulate a business development strategy. The research locations were purposefully chosen using the purposive method, and the respondents were selected using the purposive sampling method. The study included 5 respondents: livestock owners, managers, disease supervisors and controllers, expert lecturers, and consumers. Data was collected through a questionnaire, and the respondents were determined using purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using the EFE matrix, IFE matrix, and SWOT matrix to analyze the external factors (opportunities and threats) and internal factors (strengths and weaknesses). The results of this study indicate that to increase goat milk production. Several measures can be taken, such as increasing the goat population, increasing the number of male broodstock to accelerate breeding, using substitute feed such as tofu dregs as an additional main feed along with forage, and utilizing goat manure as organic fertilizer. Establishing strict operational standards (SOP) and supervision by relevant agencies is urgently needed to ensure the effective implementation of the policies and the success of the goat farming business in Karanganyar Village.

Re-examining poikilocytosis in goats: prevalence, type and association with age and disease.

Domestic goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) are a food, fiber and companion animal. Abnormal erythrocyte shapes (poikilocytes) are considered normal in young goats, but their association with disease is not well described. Likewise, there is little information on the significance of poikilocytosis in adult goats. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence, severity and type of poikilocytosis in young and adult goats and its association with age, sex, breed, laboratory results, and underlying disease. We retrospectively examined clinical and laboratory data from 1254 goats presented at the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from 1997 to 2019. We analyzed 313 blood smears from goats with moderate or marked (MOD-MKD) poikilocytosis on initial blood smear evaluation. Number and type of poikilocytes per 1000 red blood cells (RBCs) were enumerated. Laboratory values and primary disease categories were compared with the severity and type of poikilocytosis. Kids (<6 mos) and juveniles (>6 mos to <1 year) had a higher prevalence of MOD-MKD poikilocytosis (95/210, 45.2% kids; 27/59, 45.8% juveniles) than adult goats (≥1 year; 190/982, 19.3%) (p < 0.001). Kids had a higher percentage of elliptocytes, dacryocytes, and schistocytes and a lower percentage of polygonal and spiculated RBCs than juvenile and adult goats (p < 0.001). Of goats with MOD-MKD (vs NONE-SLIGHT) poikilocytosis, kids had lower HGB and MCH, and higher RDW (p ≤ 0.02); juveniles and adult goats had lower HCT, MCV, MCH, and albumin concentration (p ≤ 0.01), and all age groups had lower total CO2 concentration and higher PLT counts (p < 0.03). Adult goats with MOD-MKD poikilocytosis also had higher BUN:Cr ratios (p = 0.005). Gastrointestinal parasitism, Johne's disease, diarrhea/enteritis, lice, hepatic disease and renal disease (but not urolithiasis) were significantly associated with MOD-MKD poikilocytosis (p < 0.001). Goats with hepatic and renal disease had a higher prevalence and percentage of spiculated cells (p = 0.001). Goats with Johne's disease had a higher prevalence of polygonal cells (93.3%) and dacryocytes (66.7%) than other diseases, and elliptocytes predominated in a higher proportion (36.0%) of adult goats with GI parasitism vs other diseases (p < 0.05). These findings suggest that iron deficiency is an important pathophysiologic mechanism of poikilocytosis in juvenile and adult goats, and possibly in kids, whether due to iron-restricted erythropoiesis, chronic hemorrhage, functional iron deficiency, or a combination of these mechanisms. Further investigation into the detection and monitoring of iron deficiency and the value of poikilocytosis as a diagnostic marker of iron status in goats is warranted.

Herbivore enamel carbon and oxygen isotopes demonstrate both Homo sapiens and Neanderthals exploited similar habitats in the Zagros Mountains

ABSTRACTThe extinction of Neanderthal populations has been attributed to the onset of cold and dry climatic conditions during Marine Isotope Stage 3 or their competition with anatomically modern humans for large game resources. However, decoupling climate from competition has long proved difficult. Loess sequences and pollen cores provide regional‐scale environmental information but are less well‐suited to providing local‐scale habitat information contemporaneous with hominin habitation of occupation sites. The relationship between climate and resource availability is particularly unknown in the Zagros mountain range where archaeological evidence for both Neanderthals and Homo sapiens occupation is documented. Here, we analyse carbon (δ13C) and oxygen (δ18O) stable isotopes measured from herbivore tooth enamel carbonates recovered from the Neanderthal and modern human occupation sites of Bawa Yawan Rockshelter and Shanidar Cave to trace local‐scale floral biome dynamics and climate conditions that influence the distribution and availability of large prey targeted by both hominin species. Shared isotopic composition of herbivorous fauna, largely represented by wild goats, from both sites spanning Neanderthal and Homo sapiens occupation indicate both hominin species exploited similar habitats during climatically similar phases.

Effect of Adding Coconut Water (Cocus viridis) on Liquid Semen Quality of Kacang Goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) Stored at 4-5° C

The best semen quality is necessary for successful Artificial Insemination. Increasing population of Kacang goat, which is a native Indonesian goat breed can reach with the application of AI technology. It can support the suffice of national meat demand. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of adding coconut water (CW) in the Skim Yolk Diluent (SYD) and storage time at a cold temperature of 4-5 C on the quality of liquid semen of Kacang goat. The research material was four Kacang goats aged 1 - 1.5 years, SYD, and coconut water. The research method was an experiment with a factorial randomized block design (RBD) consisting of two factors. The first factor is the addition of coconut water in SYD (D), namely D0 = 100% SYD + 0% CW; D1= 30% SYD + 70% CW; D2= 20% SYD + 80% CW; D3= 10% SYD + 90% CW. The second factor is the storage time of liquid cement at a temperature of 4-5°C (H), namely H0 = 0 days; H1= 1 day; H2 = 2 days, and H3 = 3 days. The treatment was repeated 10 times. Data were analyzed by Anova and further test using Duncan's multiple distance test. The results showed that the combination treatment showed a significantly different interaction effect (P&lt;0.05) on the percentage of motility and abnormalities and the highly significant different interaction effect (P&lt;0.01) on the percentage of spermatozoa viability. The best mean of motility, viability and abnormality was found in the D3H0 treatment. The conclusion is that the addition of coconut water in SYD can be done up to 90% with the time storage at 4-5ºC cold for 3 days because it is still able to maintain the quality of the Kacang goat liquid semen with a motility percentage more than 40%.

Analysis of the Genetic and Phylogenetic Structure of the Mitochondrial Genome of Wild and Domestic Goat Species

Analysis of the Genetic and Phylogenetic Structure of the Mitochondrial Genome of Wild and Domestic Goat Species

Molecular Detection of Tacheng Tick Virus-1 (TcTV-1) and Jingmen Tick Virus in Ticks Collected from Wildlife and Livestock in Turkey: First Indication of TcTV-1 Beyond China.

Background: Jingmen tick virus (JMTV) and Tacheng tick virus-1 (TcTV-1) are emerging tick-borne viruses that have been recently confirmed to be etiological agents of human disease in China. However, the ecology of JMTV and TcTV-1, especially their association with ticks in wildlife and livestock, remains largely unknown in Turkey. Materials and Methods: Eight hundred thirty-two tick specimens in 117 pools were collected in Turkey between 2020 and 2022 from wildlife (Miniopterus schreibersii and Rhinolophus hipposideros; n = 10, 1.2%; Testudo graeca; n = 50, 6%) and livestock (Ovis aries and Capra aegagrus hircus; n = 772, 92.7%). The specimens were individually screened for JMTV and TcTV-1 using nRT-PCR assays targeting the partial genes. Results: JMTV was detected in one Ixodes simplex pool and two Rhipicephalus bursa pools collected from central and Aegean provinces, respectively. TcTV-1 was identified in five Hyalomma aegyptium pools collected in Mediterranean provinces. No coinfection was detected in the tick pools. Maximum likelihood analysis of JMTV partial segment 1 sequences reveal that these sequences form a separate cluster together with viruses previously characterized in Turkey and the Balkan Peninsula. The phylogenetic analysis of the TcTV-1 nucleocapsid sequences indicates that they are closely related to viruses in ticks, sheep, cattle, and humans in China, but form a separate group among themselves. Conclusion: This study provides the first molecular evidence of TcTV-1 in Hy. aegyptium in Turkey. In addion, these findings indicate that JMTV and TcTV-1 extend ticks species and geographic distributions. Thus, multiregional surveillance in livestock and wildlife is needed to evaluate potential tick vectors and the human health impact of these viruses in Turkey.

Ensemble modelling the distribution and habitat suitability of wild goat Capra aegagrus in southwestern Iran

ABSTRACT Increasing anthropogenic pressures have caused drastic population decline of wild goats Capra aegagrus. The study aim was to determine habitat suitability and explore the factors influencing habitat selection and dispersal of wild goats in the Khaeiz and Sorkh protected area, southwestern Iran. We utilized ensemble modelling based on 25 replications of 10 species distribution models GLM (generalized linear model), GAM (generalized additive model), GBM (gradient boosting model), CTA (classification tree analysis), FDA (flexible discriminant analysis), ANN (artificial neural network), MARS (multivariate adaptive regression spline), RF (random forest), MaxEnt (maximum entropy), SRE (surface range envelope). Wild goat occurrence data were collected from 2019 to 2020 and related to five variables: predator distribution, slope, distance from road, distance from water resources, and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). We found that distribution of predators, slope, distance from water resources and distance from roads were the most important predictors of potential habitats for wild goats. The least important variable was NDVI. Probabilistic predictions suggest that only 5.89% of the area was highly suitable habitat, whereas 46.24% was unsuitable. Ensembling individually classified presence/absence maps further indicates that 79.72% of the study area was certainly unsuitable while only 8.06% was certainly suitable for wild goats. The results can help wildlife managers and policymakers work towards conservation and management goals and decreasing the conflicts between wildlife and humans.

The Role of Protected Areas in Safeguarding Markhor Populations

Protected areas have long been recognized as vital tools in preserving biodiversity and safeguarding endangered species. In the case of the majestic markhor, a species of wild goat found in the mountainous regions of Pakistan and neighboring countries, protected areas play a crucial role in ensuring the survival and recovery of their populations. These designated regions provide a sanctuary where markhors can thrive, free from human disturbances and threats. Understanding and strengthening the role of protected areas is essential for securing the future of markhor populations. Protected areas offer numerous benefits for markhor conservation. Firstly, these areas provide critical habitats that meet the specific needs of markhors, including suitable vegetation, adequate food sources, and safe breeding grounds. By designating protected areas, we can create an environment where markhors can engage in natural behaviors and maintain healthy population dynamics.&#x0D; Secondly, protected areas act as a shield against human activities that pose a threat to markhors, such as habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and human-wildlife conflicts. Strict regulations and enforcement within these areas deter poaching and ensure the security of markhor populations. By mitigating these anthropogenic pressures, protected areas offer a refuge for markhors to flourish and recover their numbers. Furthermore, protected areas provide opportunities for scientific research, monitoring, and conservation initiatives. Through ongoing studies, researchers can gain valuable insights into markhor behavior, population dynamics, and habitat requirements. This knowledge informs evidence-based conservation strategies, guiding efforts to ensure the long-term survival of markhors and their ecosystems.&#x0D; However, it is important to recognize that protected areas alone cannot guarantee the conservation of markhor populations. Effective management plans, community engagement, and collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and conservation organizations are crucial. Engaging local communities in conservation efforts can foster a sense of ownership, encourage sustainable practices, and mitigate conflicts between humans and markhors.&#x0D; Protected areas play a pivotal role in safeguarding markhor populations by providing them with secure habitats, protection from threats, and opportunities for scientific research and conservation initiatives. However, the success of markhor conservation relies on comprehensive management plans, community involvement, and collaborative efforts. By recognizing the significance of protected areas and strengthening their management, we can ensure the preservation of this magnificent species for generations to come. The markhor's survival is not only a testament to the effectiveness of protected areas but also a symbol of our commitment to protecting the world's biodiversity and natural heritage.

Effect of Durian By-Product on Nutrition Intake, Productivity, and Physiological Conditions of Kacang Goats (Capra aegagrus hircus)

The native plant of mainland Asia, Durian, presents a considerable opportunity to be used as animal feed due to the high by-product production, with almost 70% of every durian fruit being waste. This presents an excellent opportunity to repurpose durian skin and seeds as animal feed. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the impact of durian by-product on the productivity and physiological condition of kacang goats. The research was conducted from September to November 2020 at the Experimental Cage owned by CV. Prima BREED, Palu City, Central Sulawesi Province. The research cages were stage cages, with a size of 2 x 10 m, and one animal was placed in each cage. A total of 18 Peanut goats were divided into 3 treatment levels and 6 replications according to a completely randomized design. The study found that the nutritional intake of durian by-product in the form of rind and seed flour as much as 0.5% in the feed affected the carcass percentage, the amount of red blood cell, hemoglobin level, and hematocrit value but had no effect on body weight gain, dry matter consumption, feed use efficiency, carcass weight, weight and percentage of non-edible carcasses, body temperature, respiration frequency, pulse frequency, and white blood cell count of kacang goats. This indicates that the utilization of 0.5% durian by-product (seeds and rind) in feed did not have a negative effect on the productivity and physiological condition of kacang goats, making it a viable option for animal feed.

Historical dynamics of the human-environment interactions in Cyprus during the 12th-10th millennia cal. BP: The last 30 years contributions of the Amathous area (Limassol district)

The interdisciplinary approach and analytical tools applied in the last 30 years in the Amathous region (Cyprus), especially at the sites of Shillourokambos and Klimonas, generated a huge quantity of archaeological, geoarchaeological and bioarchaeological data. They significantly contributed to document the interactions between the early Neolithic human societies and the environment and natural resources of an isolated island, during this pivotal period when both the climate and the human subsistence strategies went through radical changes. This paper briefly reviews these changes through several insights: hydrological changes and their impact on the establishment and preservation of Neolithic sites; plant and vertebrate faunal evolution, especially as a consequence of the introduction of new wild and domestic species in the island; birth and evolution of the commensal fauna (e.g. mice, cats); local domestication of wild boar and goats; adaptation and intensification of cultivation and breeding to the local environments. Altogether, these insights can provide a heuristic model at a regional scale to further understand the incipient human niche construction of the Eastern Mediterranean area.

Caprine Myostatin Gene Polymorphism in Domestic and Wild Goat Breeds in Duhok Province/Kurdistan Region of Iraq Using PCR-RFLP and SNP Markers

In Iraq generally and Kurdistan region specifically, goats are an important resource for meat and milk production. It is well known that Myostatin genes (MSTN) have the essential role in growth and development due to its crucial involvement in muscle growth. The goal of this research was to reveal the polymorphism of MSTN gene in different Capra hircus breeds (native, Shami, Meriz and Kamori goat) and in wild mountain goat (Capra aegagrus) via PCR-RFLP technique and direct seqencing The MSTN (exon 1) polymorphisms were investigated in all breeds, MSTN-Dra I/RFLP revealed three genotypes AA and BB were homozygous and AB was heterozygous. The calculated genotype frequencies were 0.270, 0.368 and 0.362 for AA, BB and AB genotype respectively. The allelic frequency was 0.451 for the A allele and 0.549 for the B allele. The average of the observed heterozygosity was 0.362 and the observed homozygosity was 0.638. The sequence data of MSTN gene of Native and Shami goats revealed 31 SNPs in nonfunctional region. In addition, in exon region there was 1 SNPs in both breed samples which did not change amino acid sequence and its silence mutation. In conclusion, the result of PCR-RFLP and SNP experiments obtained in this investigation were evaluated as very useful in genotype analysis of local goat breeds/populations. Thus, DNA polymorphisms in the Myostatin gene could be used as reliable genetic marker in breeding programs in this region.

Mountain ungulate mating systems: patterns and processes

ABSTRACTMountain ungulates of the subfamily Caprinae, including wild sheep, goats and goat‐antelopes, show remarkable interspecific diversity in habitat preferences, social organisation and morphological features. We review how this diversity relates to their mating behaviour.After introducing the ecology of mating systems and the evolution of the Caprinae, we investigate the pairwise, sequential relationships between habitat preferences, social behaviour, level of polygyny, and morphological features, and discuss the ecological processes underlying the patterns of mate monopolisation and acquisition.From forest‐dwelling, solitary, monogamous and monomorphic goat‐antelopes, to highly dimorphic, polygynous and social wild sheep and goats inhabiting open landscapes, mountain ungulates reveal a close relationship between habitat openness and sexual dimorphism, through the level of sociality and that of mate monopolisation.Although over the last few decades some information has been collected on the biology of Caprinae, our understanding of determinants of their mating systems is still hampered by limited data to estimate opportunities for sexual selection, as well as uncertainties over the occurrence and maintenance of alternative reproductive tactics, and lack of information on female mate choice.The study of mating systems and that of the factors influencing them play a key role from an evolutionary and conservation standpoint. This is relevant to the Caprinae, whose main habitat is expected to be strongly affected by the ongoing climatic change, with potential effects on the phenology of their mating systems, and whose economic value is relevant for consumptive and nonconsumptive uses. A better understanding of the diversity and ecology of mating systems will require a wealth of additional field observations on male and female behaviour, as well as genetic assessments of reproductive success.

Discriminating dietary behaviour between wild and domestic goats using dental microwear texture: first results from a modern reference set and early Neolithic goat exploitation in the southern Levant

Current evidence supports the idea that animal domestication occurred in multiple loci and at different time periods throughout the Near East rather than according to a single origin. In this scenario, the southern Levant is being increasingly considered as another presumed primary centre of goat domestication, alongside eastern Anatolia and the Zagros. Assessing the status (i.e. wild or domestic) of this animal in this region, however, is hampered by the difficulty of morphologically distinguishing domestic goats from their wild relatives. Diet reconstruction is a powerful approach to address this issue since the feeding of managed animals is partially controlled by their owners, unlike free-ranging wild populations. For the first time, we propose to contribute to this question through dental microwear texture analysis (DMTA) using confocal microscopy.Characterising how the dietary behaviour of extant wild and domestic goats is reflected in DMTA is critical. For this purpose, we constructed a reference collection composed of three wild goat species (19 Capra pyrenaica from the southern Iberian Peninsula, 12 Capra ibex from the Alps and 12 Capra nubiana from the Near East) and 15 domestic goats (Capra hircus) reared in an extensive system in Mediterranean scrubland areas.The preliminary results indicate that DMTA allows discrimination of the groups of extant goats. The results obtained were used to characterise the palaeodiet of 16 goats (Capra format aegagrus) from two key Early and Middle Pre-Pottery Neolithic B sites in the southern Levant: Kharaysin (Zarqa, Jordan, ca. 8800-7500 cal BC) and Qarassa (As-Suweyda, Syria, 8700-8200 cal BCE). The higher variability in archaeological goats could be an indicator of controlled feedings. It could also support the hypothesis about diverse and experimental management systems at the first steps of animal domestication.This paper shows the potential of this tool to address the process of early animal domestication. Following this initial work, the reference collection will include a broader spectrum of livestock management strategies and the archaeological corpus will be expanded through new samples during upcoming excavations and the integration of additional sites.

Occurrence and limited zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Balantioides coli infections in free-ranging and farmed wild ungulates in Spain

Little information is currently available on the occurrence and molecular diversity of the enteric protozoan parasites Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, and Balantioides coli in wild ungulates and the role of these host species as potential sources of environmental contamination and consequent human infections. The presence of these three pathogens was investigated in eight wild ungulate species present in Spain (genera Ammotragus, Capra, Capreolus, Cervus, Dama, Ovis, Rupicapra, and Sus) by molecular methods. Faecal samples were retrospectively collected from free-ranging (n = 1058) and farmed (n = 324) wild ungulates from the five Spanish bioregions. Overall infection rates were 3.0% (42/1382; 95% CI: 2.1–3.9%) for Cryptosporidium spp., 5.4% (74/1382; 95% CI: 4.2–6.5%) for G. duodenalis, and 0.7% (9/1382; 95% CI: 0.3–1.2%) for B. coli. Cryptosporidium infection was detected in roe deer (7.5%), wild boar (7.0%) and red deer (1.5%), and G. duodenalis in southern chamois (12.9%), mouflon (10.0%), Iberian wild goat (9.0%), roe deer (7.5%), wild boar (5.6%), fallow deer (5.2%) and red deer (3.8%). Balantioides coli was only detected in wild boar (2.5%, 9/359). Sequence analyses revealed the presence of six distinct Cryptosporidium species: C. ryanae in red deer, roe deer, and wild boar; C. parvum in red deer and wild boar; C. ubiquitum in roe deer; C. scrofarum in wild boar; C. canis in roe deer; and C. suis in red deer. Zoonotic assemblages A and B were detected in wild boar and red deer, respectively. Ungulate-adapted assemblage E was identified in mouflon, red deer, and southern chamois. Attempts to genotype samples positive for B. coli failed. Sporadic infections by canine- or swine-adapted species may be indicative of potential cross-species transmission, although spurious infections cannot be ruled out. Molecular evidence gathered is consistent with parasite mild infections and limited environmental contamination with (oo)cysts. Free-ranging wild ungulate species would not presumably play a significant role as source of human infections by these pathogens. Wild ruminants do not seem to be susceptible hosts for B. coli.

Characteristics of ASTM A36 steel mechanical properties in pack carburizing with carburizing agent coconut shell charcoal and goat bone powder mixed

In the study the specimens were ASTM A36 low carbon steel pack carburizing at 950℃, soaking time variations of 1, 2 and 3 hours. The carburizing agent is a mixture of coconut shell charcoal and goat bone powder (Capra aegagrus hircus). The size of the powder is 100 mesh, with variations in weight percentage between goat bone powder and coconut shell charcoal: 10%:90%, 20% : 80%, and 30% : 70%. Furthermore, the impact test, hardness, microstructure test and composition test were carried out, to determine the mechanical properties of the specimens. The results of the study show, soaking time and the composition of the carburizing agent affect the mechanical properties of the specimen The lowest impact toughness of 0,0576 joules/mm2 was obtained by the specimen at a soaking time of 1 hour, the composition of the carburizing agent (% wt goat bone powder: coconut shell charcoal) 20% : 80%. The highest surface hardness value was 854.734 Kg/mm2 at 3 hours soaking time with 10%:90% carburizing media composition. The results of microstructure observations showed that in specimens treated with pack carburizing ferrite structure, pearlite turned into martensite.

Scanning electron microscopic characterizations of the tongue of the Nubian goat (Capra aegagrus hircus): A specialized focus on its papillary system adaptation to Egyptian environmental conditions.

The current investigation was focused on describing the gross and scanning electron features of the Nubian goat (Capra aegagrus hircus) tongue, with new insights into its papillary adaptation to the Egyptian environment. The elongated tongue had a rostral free and the caudal fixed. The ventral apical surface is classified into the smaller rostral papillary region on the tip and the larger non-papillary region by the U-line of filiform papillae. Functionally, there are two papillary types: mechanical (filiform, conical and lentiform in addition to the longitudinal row of large conical papilla on the lateral of the body) and gustatory (fungiform and circumvallate). Filiform papillae were densely distributed on the dorsal surface of the apex and body, and on the lateral apical border and lateral surface of the body and root, in addition to the ventral surface of the tip. This filiform papillary system gives a raspy appearance to the dorsal surface. The conical and lentiform papillae were limited to the torus linguae. Circumvallate papillae are surrounded by an annular groove and slightly vallum. The lingual root was devoid of any papillae. Lingual papillary subtypes are filiform papillae (elongated and triangular), conical papillae (elongated and oval) and fungiform papillae (round and ovoid). The investigated Nubian goat may have developed a specialized papillary system due to regional differences in the distribution, structure and subtypes of the system, allowing it to adapt to the dried grasses and leaves of trees and bushes that are available in Upper Egypt's dry, hot climate.

Dynamics of collective motion across time and species.

Most studies of collective animal behaviour rely on short-term observations, and comparisons of collective behaviour across different species and contexts are rare. We therefore have a limited understanding of intra- and interspecific variation in collective behaviour over time, which is crucial if we are to understand the ecological and evolutionary processes that shape collective behaviour. Here, we study the collective motion of four species: shoals of stickleback fish (Gasterosteus aculeatus), flocks of homing pigeons (Columba livia), a herd of goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) and a troop of chacma baboons (Papio ursinus). First, we describe how local patterns (inter-neighbour distances and positions), and group patterns (group shape, speed and polarization) during collective motion differ across each system. Based on these, we place data from each species within a 'swarm space', affording comparisons and generating predictions about the collective motion across species and contexts. We encourage researchers to add their own data to update the 'swarm space' for future comparative work. Second, we investigate intraspecific variation in collective motion over time and provide guidance for researchers on when observations made over different time scales can result in confident inferences regarding species collective motion. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue 'Collective behaviour through time'.