Control Goats Research Articles

Responses of serum electrolytes of goats to twelve hours of road transportation during the hot-dry season in Nigeria, and the effect of pretreatment with ascorbic acid

Twenty goats which served as the experimental group were administered ascorbic acid (AA) per os at a dosage rate of 100 mg/kg body mass, while 20 others served as controls and were given 10 ml each of sterile water. Forty minutes after the administration and loading, the goats were transported for 12 h. Handling and loading of the experimental and control groups of goats decreased (P < 0.05) the potassium and sodium serum concentrations. The concentration of serum chloride, sodium and calcium increased significantly (P < 0.05) immediately post-transportation, while potassium and magnesium decreased (P < 0.05) in the control goats. In AA-treated goats sodium and magnesium concentrations decreased abruptly (P < 0.05), while calcium increased significantly (P < 0.05) after transportation. Handling, loading and transportation adversely affected the electrolyte balance of the goats which suggested respiratory alkalosis, dehydration and muscular damage in the transported goats, and the administration of AA alleviated the adverse effects of road transportation stress on serum electrolytes.

Association of Raillietia caprae with the presence of Mycoplasmas in the external ear canal of goats

We did a descriptive study to determine whether the presence in the external ear canal of the Raillietia caprae mites and Mycoplasmas were associated. For that we sampled 360 goats slaughtered at abattoirs in the summer to identify those infested with the mite. We found only 20 infested, so used all of those plus another 47 uninfested goats selected systematically from the population negative for the isolation of Mycoplasmas. These goats came from the regions of Queretaro, Guanajuato, Sinaloa and Estado de México. Sterile swabs were taken from each ear canal of the carcass after removal of the pinna for microscopic observation of the mites and for the isolation of Mycoplasmas in both study groups. The swab samples were inoculated in Friis media for the isolation of Mycoplasmas; then, the isolates were biochemically characterized and identified serologically. We recovered isolates from the earwax of only nine of the 47 control goats, but from the earwax of 11 of the 20 infested goats; another four infested goats had Mycoplasma isolated from the mites but not from the earwax. Mycoplasma cottewii and Mycoplasma yeatsii were the only Mycoplasmas isolated from the uninfested goats, and also were the predominant (29 of 34) isolates from the infested goats and/or from the mites.

Assessment and scoring of stresses imposed on goats during handling, loading, road transportation and unloading, and the effect of pretreatment with ascorbic acid

The present study evaluated, weighted and scored the stresses induced by handling, loading and unloading of 60 adult Red Sokoto goats transported by road for 12 h. The calculated behavioural scores were validated with specified objective physiological indices of stress during the post-transportation period in experimental (administered ascorbic acid (AA) per os at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight before transportation) and control (given sterile water only) goats. The behaviours of slips, falls, and jumps and time spent on each event, and the calculated behavioural points per goat during handling were significantly ( P < 0.01) higher than the corresponding values recorded during loading and unloading. Handling was the most stressful and displayed the poorest behavioural score compared to loading and unloading. In overall, 60% of handling and loading displayed scores of 1–2 points, while 12% displayed scores of 2.1–3 points and 28% displayed scores of > 3 points. Unloading was less stressful with 90% of the goats displaying the score of 1–2 points. The behavioural scores in experimental and control goats were not different ( P > 0.05). The relationships between the behavioural scores and indices of stress were positive and very significant in the control goats, which showed that the higher and poorer the behavioural points and scores recorded during handling and loading, the higher were the values of the physiological indices of stress (rectal temperature, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and the percent liveweight loss) recorded in the post-transportation period. In AA-treated goats, the relationships were less or insignificant, and this demonstrated that AA reduced adverse effect, of the stresses imposed on the goats by the handling, loading and transportation. In conclusion, the scoring method adopted in the present study may be of value in the assessment of welfare of goats before being transported, and the risk of increase in morbidity and mortality may be reduced by adjusting transportation conditions or all together suspend the journey. If transportation is inevitable it is recommended that AA be administered to goats prior to commencement of the journey.

Effect of a long-term peroral supplementation with sodium selenite and selenium lactate-protein complex on selenium status in goats and their kids

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a long-term peroral selenium supplementation in the form of sodium selenite and selenium lactate-protein complex by comparing selenium concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activity in blood of goats and their kids as well as comparing selenium concentrations in goat colostrums. For the study, a total of 27 clinically healthy pregnant white shorthair goats were used. They were divided to three groups, i.e., the control group (C) without any selenium supplementation, sodium selenite group (E1) and selenium lactate-protein complex group (E2). For four months, experimental goats received 0.43 mg of selenium per animal per day in diet; goats from the control group were given 0.15 mg of selenium per animal per day. At the beginning of the experiment, goats of all groups showed an average selenium concentration of 96 &amp;mu;g/l in whole blood. On the parturition day, samples of first colostrum from goats and heparinized blood from goats and kids were taken. In the control group (C), average blood selenium concentrations of 111.4 ± 33.5 &amp;mu;g/l were observed on the parturition day. In both experimental groups, selenium concentrations were significantly higher (&lt;I&gt;P&lt;/I&gt; &lt; 0.05). Average selenium concentration in the sodium selenite group (E1) was 177.2 ± 34.8 &amp;mu;g/l and in the group supplemented with selenium lactate-protein complex (E2) 159.0 ± 28.5 &amp;mu;g/l. Average glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in blood of control goats (C) was 581.9 ± 99.2 &amp;mu;kat/l, in group E1 1 154.6 ± 156.2 &amp;mu;kat/l and in group E2 1 011.6 ± 153.6 &amp;mu;kat/l. GSH-Px activity in experimental groups was significantly higher (&lt;I&gt;P&lt;/I&gt; &lt; 0.05) as compared with the control group. Average selenium concentrations in colostrum was in the control group 40.1 ± 12.8 &amp;mu;g/l, in E1 99.0 ± 29.9 &amp;mu;g/l and in group E2 79.0 ± 17.7 &amp;mu;g/l. Colostral selenium concentrations in experimental groups were significantly higher (&lt;I&gt;P&lt;/I&gt; &lt; 0.05) as compared with the control group. No significant difference in the monitored parameters was found between experimental groups. In kids of control mothers (kC), average selenium concentrations in blood on the parturition day were 62.4 ± 22.9 &amp;mu;g/l; kids of mothers supplemented with sodium selenite (kE1) showed average selenium levels of 100.0 ± 31.2 &amp;mu;g/l, and the average selenium concentration in kids of mothers receiving lactate-protein complex was 83.4 ± 20.1 &amp;mu;g/l (kE2). Average GSH-Px activity in control kids (kC) was 402.1 ± 153.9 &amp;mu;kat/l. Kids from kE1 showed average activity of GSH-Px 806.1 ± 254.9 &amp;mu;kat/l and kids from group kE2 529.9 ± 119.8 &amp;mu;kat/l. Statistically significant difference (&lt;I&gt;P&lt;/I&gt; &lt; 0.05) was found only between kC and kE1 which showed significantly higher selenium concentration and GSH-Px activity. The results of this study confirm that both forms of selenium administered in experimental groups (i.e., sodium selenite and selenium lactate-protein complex) had similar biological effect in goats. However, results obtained in kids indicate a better effect of supplementation with sodium selenite.

Exogenous melatonin positively influences follicular dynamics, oocyte developmental competence and blastocyst output in a goat model

The role of melatonin in modulating mammalian reproduction is of particular interest; however, its effects on ovarian follicles and their oocytes still remain to be characterized. This study determined the influence of melatonin treatment on follicular growth patterns and on in vitro oocyte developmental competence. In a first experiment, the effects of melatonin supplementation on follicular dynamics were evaluated using daily transrectal ultrasonographies for 21 days, in 7 multiparous Sarda goats receiving a subcutaneous implant of 18 mg of melatonin and in 5 control untreated does. Melatonin caused more follicular waves (5.2 +/- 0.2 versus 4 +/- 0.3; P < 0.05) as the waves were shortened at around 2 days when compared with the non-melatonin treated control goats (P < 0.001). Oocyte developmental competence was evaluated in a second experiment by applying procedures for in vitro embryo production. There were no significant differences in the total number of oocytes obtained from 6 control (n = 192) and 7 melatonin-treated (n = 265) goats given follicle stimulating hormone to induce follicular development. Differences in oocyte developmental competence between the two groups became evident after in vitro fertilization and culture; melatonin increased the rate of cleaved oocytes in comparison with control animals (82.5 versus 63.4%; P < 0.001), advanced timing of embryo development and enhanced blastocyst output (31.5 versus 16.3%; P < 0.01). However, blastocyst quality, as evaluated by cryotolerance and gene expression analysis, was not found to be different between the groups. In conclusion, in vivo melatonin treatment is beneficial for increasing ovarian follicle turnover and improving oocyte developmental competence and kinetics of the blastocyst.

Anatomic changes in the facial nucleus (FN) and surrounding area of goats after near total chronic destruction of the pre‐Botzinger complex (PBC) area

We have reported normal breathing and arterial blood gases in awake and sleeping goats after step‐wise destruction of 80 to 92% of the PBC and surrounding area (FASEB J. 2008 22:755.16). To explore possible anatomic sites of plasticity following this destruction, the cryopreserved medulla of 4 PBC lesioned goats and 4 control goats were cyrosectioned (25ìm), Nissl stained, and then we quantified the area and number of neurons 2mm caudal and rostral to the caudal boundary of the FN and the area ventral and lateral to this 4mm area. The area (mm2) of the first 2mm of the FN was nearly 75% less (P&lt;0.001) in PBC lesioned goats than in control goats. As a result, the total number of FN neurons was about 60% less (P&lt;0.001) in lesioned than in control goats. The number of neurons for 1mm caudal to the FN did not differ between lesioned and control goats. Ventral to the FN and ventral to the 2mm caudal to the FN, there was no difference in the total area (P=0.291) between lesioned and control goats but throughout this area there were about 50% more (P&lt;0.001) neurons in the lesioned than in control goats. Lateral to the FN and lateral to the 2mm caudal to the FN, there was no difference (P=0.405) in numbers of neurons between control and lesioned goats. We conclude that chronic lesions of the PBC result in anatomic change in the FN and areas caudal and ventral to the FN. Supported by NIH 25739 and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Protein profile and alpha-lactalbumin concentration in the milk of standard and transgenic goats expressing recombinant human butyrylcholinesterase

The expression of recombinant proteins of pharmaceutical interest in the milk of transgenic farm animals can result in phenotypes exhibiting compromised lactation performance, as a result of the extraordinary demand placed on the mammary gland. In this study, we investigated differences in the protein composition of milk from control and transgenic goats expressing recombinant human butyrylcholinesterase. In Experiment 1, the milk was characterized by gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry in order to identify protein bands that were uniquely visible in the transgenic milk and/or at differing band densities compared with controls. Differences in protein content were additionally evaluated by computer assisted band densitometry. Proteins identified in the transgenic milk only included serum proteins (i.e. complement component 3b, ceruloplasmin), a cytoskeleton protein (i.e. actin) and a stress-induced protein (94 kDA glucose-regulated protein). Proteins exhibiting evident differences in band density between the transgenic and control groups included immunoglobulins, serum albumin, beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin. These results were found to be indicative of compromised epithelial tight junctions, premature mammary cell death, and protein synthesis stress resulting from transgene expression. In Experiment 2, the concentration of alpha-lactalbumin was determined using the IDRing assay and was found to be significantly reduced on day 1 of lactation in transgenic goats (4.33 +/- 0.97 vs. 2.24 +/- 0.25 mg/ml, P < 0.01), but was not different from non-transgenic controls by day 30 (0.99 +/- 0.46 vs. 0.90 +/- 0.11 mg/ml, P > 0.05). We concluded that a decreased/delayed expression of the alpha-lactalbumin gene may be the cause for the delayed start of milk production observed in this herd of transgenic goats.

Effect of a single subcutaneous injection of melatonin on estrous response and conception rate in goats

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of a single subcutaneous injection of melatonin, on estrous induction and conception rate during the non-breeding season at different times of the year. In Experiment 1 the melatonin powder was dissolved in an oily vitamin A, D, E solution and injected subcutaneously randomly to goats in two dose treatment groups of 20 mg (MLT-20; n = 20) and 40 mg (MLT-40; n = 20) in January (winter). Twenty does were injected with 1 ml vitamin A and served as the control. In the MLT-20 treated goats 70% of the does were in estrus within 20.0 ± 2.0 days, whereas in the MLT-40 group 85% of the does were in estrus within 15.5 ± 2.5 days and 100% and 80% of the does, respectively, conceived on mating with the bucks. Only 10% of the untreated control does exhibited estrus, but none conceived. The breeding season was thus initiated earlier by 1–1.5 months in the treated goats. In Experiment 2, goats were treated with similar MLT-20 and MLT-40 treatments in May (spring), with 20 goats in each treatment group and 20 control goats. The proportion of goats that responded to the melatonin treatments was 80% and 90% in the MLT-20 and MLT-40 treatments, respectively, with no significant differences recorded regarding the estrous response. However, in the MLT-20 treatment group the estrous induction interval was significantly longer ( P < 0.05), compared to the MLT-40 treatment. The pregnancy rates were not significantly different for the MLT-20 and MLT-40 treatments, with melatonin resulting in significantly higher pregnancy rates than in the control (88.4% versus 33.3%) and the breeding season initiated 2 months earlier. It could be concluded that a single subcutaneous injection of melatonin can initiate the breeding season (irrespective of the season of the year) earlier by 1–2 months in goats and this could be advantageous when using accelerated breeding systems.

Effect of Supplemental Selenomethionine on Growth Performance and Serum Antioxidant Status in Taihang Black Goats

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of supplemental selenomethionine (Se-Met) on growth performance and serum antioxidant status in Taihang Black goats. Fifty 16-week-old goats with an average body weight of 12.5±0.5 kg were randomly assigned to five treatments fed a basal diet (0.049 mg Se/kg DM) supplemented with 0 (control), 0.10, 0.30, 0.50 and 1.00 mg of Se/kg DM (form Se-Met) for 80 days. Average daily gain and feed efficiency were higher (p 0.05). Se-Met supplementation significantly increased (p<0.01) the activity of glutathione peroxidase enzymes (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum. The group supplemented with 0.50 mg Se/kg DM had the highest activity of GSH-Px compared with other groups (p<0.05). Serum SOD activity was higher (p<0.05) in goats supplemented with both 0.30 and 0.50 mg Se/kg DM than in control goats and goats supplemented with 1.00 mg Se/kg DM. Serum glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration were significantly decreased (p<0.05) in goats supplemented with 0.30, 0.50 and 1.00 mg Se/kg DM compared with control values. These results indicated that Se-Met supplementation markedly improved the antioxidant status in goats. Blood Se concentration increased linearly (p<0.001) and quadratically (p<0.001) as the level of supplemental Se-Met increased. The concentration of Se in the control diet (0.049 mg Se/kg DM) did not satisfy the Se requirement in goats as indicated by reduced growth rate, feed efficiency, activities of GSH-Px and SOD in serum, and blood Se concentrations. In conclusion, it is recommended that 0.30 to 0.50 mg of Se/kg DM from Se-Met (total diet Se of 0.349 to 0.549 mg/kg DM) be supplied in the diet of Taihang Black goats to enhance growth performance and improve antioxidant status.

Effect of long-term dietary supplementation with clinoptilolite on performance and selected serum biochemical values in dairy goats

To determine the effect of dietary supplementation with clinoptilolite on health and production as well as serum concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins, macroelements and trace elements, and activities of hepatic enzymes in dairy goats. 72 Saanen-cross dairy goats. Goats were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. The clinoptilolite group (n = 36) received concentrate feed, of which 2.5% contained clinoptilolite; the control group (36) received unsupplemented feed. The experiment began 8 weeks before parturition and continued to the beginning of the next nonlactating period (280 days of lactation). At the day of parturition, kids were weighed. Milk yields were recorded at day 60 of lactation and thereafter at monthly intervals. Milk percentages of fat, protein, and lactose and somatic cell count (SCC) were evaluated at the same points. Blood samples were obtained at the beginning of the experiment, the day of parturition, and thereafter at monthly intervals to measure serum concentrations of fat-soluble vitamins, macroelements and trace elements, and activities of hepatic enzymes. Birth weights of triplets and quadruplets were significantly higher in clinoptilolite-treated goats versus control goats. Milk fat percentage was significantly higher and SCC was significantly lower in clinoptilolite-treated goats, compared with respective values in control goats. However, no changes in serum concentrations of any variable were detected. In the context of this experiment, clinoptilolite supplementation of concentrate feed at 2.5% improved milk fat percentage in dairy goats, without adverse effects on the serum variables evaluated. Furthermore, the reduction of SCC achieved with clinoptilolite supplementation provided some evidence of improved milk hygiene.

Use of Luprostiol and Cloprostenol for Induction of Parturition in Pregnant Goats

Pregnant goats were induced to parturition on day 145 of pregnancy, with three different protocols: group Cl (n = 19) was injected intramuscularly (IM) with 75 microg of the prostaglandin analogue R-Cloprostenol; group L (n = 20) was treated IM with 7.5 mg of the prostaglandin analogue Luprostiol; group L(50) (n = 18) was injected IM with 3.75 mg of Luprostiol (IM); in addition, Group S (Control, n = 15) was injected IM with 1 ml of saline solution. Thereafter, goats were continuously observed to record the following parameters: parturition, dystocia incidence, placental delivery and kid and maternal survival. Moreover, blood sampling was performed around kidding and plasma progesterone concentrations were analyzed. The interval from injection to parturition (mean +/- SEM) was not significantly different among the experimental groups: 35.1 +/- 1.5 h, 33.3 +/- 0.9 h and 34.1 +/- 1.8 h (groups Cl, L and L(50), respectively). In the control group, time to parturition was 99.4 +/- 12.1 h (range: 34-166 h). All the goats expelled the foetal membranes within the first 2 h after the induction. The incidence of dystocia due to foetal posture was not significantly different between induced and control goats (21.1%, 20.0%, 22.0% and 20%, for groups Cl, L, L(50) and S, respectively). The percentage of live kids was practically similar between induced goats (93.9%, 94.9% and 92.1%, for groups Cl, L and L(50), respectively); in addition, there was a case of maternal mortality in control group (6.7%; 1/15), whereas there was no mortality in induced goats (0%; 0/57). Plasma concentrations of progesterone showed an intense drop (<2 ng/ml) at 24 h after induction. This study confirms the effectiveness of the luprostiol to induce the parturition in goats, within a narrow range (30-40 h) in most of the induced females (80.0%, 7.5 mg; 77.8%, 3.75 mg).

Therapeutic Effect of Blocking CXCR2 on Neutrophil Recruitment and Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis

Dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis in mice is characterized by polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) infiltration into the colonic mucosa and lumen. The mechanism by which this occurs is unclear. To begin to understand the mechanism, we determined the role of the PMN chemokine receptor, CXCR2, in DSS-induced colitis by using CXCR2(-/-) mice or by neutralizing CXCR2. DSS was administered through drinking water to CXCR2(-/-) and BALB/c mice for 5 days followed by regular water for 1 day. In the neutralization study, mice were injected with control serum or goat anti-CXCR2 antiserum. BALB/c mice receiving DSS and control serum-injected mice receiving DSS lost weight and showed considerable clinical illness. Histological observation revealed submucosal edema, PMN infiltration into the submucosa and mucosa, extensive crypt damage with abscesses, and ulceration. In contrast, both the CXCR2(-/-) and anti-CXCR2 antiserum-treated mice gained weight and had significantly lower symptom scores. Histology of these mice showed submucosal edema but relatively intact crypt architecture and very few ulcers. Significantly fewer PMNs were found in the mucosa in anti-CXCR2 anti-serum compared with control serum-injected inflamed mice, but no significant difference in eosinophil infiltration was observed between the groups. Our experiments identify a role for CXCR2 in DSS-induced colitis and suggest that antagonizing CXCR2 provides some therapeutic efficacy, possibly by impeding PMN recruitment into the mucosa. Antagonizing CXCR2 may form the basis for therapeutic drugs directed at controlling colitis.

SPARC Inhibits Adipogenesis by Its Enhancement of β-Catenin Signaling

SPARC (secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine) modulates interactions between cells and extracellular matrix and is enriched in white adipose tissue. We have reported that SPARC-null mice accumulate significantly more fat than wild-type mice and maintain relatively high levels of serum leptin. We now show that SPARC inhibits adipogenesis in vitro. Specifically, recombinant SPARC inhibited (a) adipocyte differentiation of stromal-vascular cells isolated from murine white adipose tissue and (b) the expression of adipogenic transcription factors and adipocyte-specific genes. SPARC induced the accumulation and nuclear translocation of beta-catenin and subsequently enhanced the interaction of beta-catenin and T cell/lymphoid enhancer factor 1. The activity of integrin-linked kinase was required for the effect of SPARC on beta-catenin accumulation as well as extracellular matrix remodeling. During adipogenesis, fusiform preadipocytes change into sphere-shaped adipocytes and convert the extracellular matrix from a fibronectin-rich stroma to a laminin-rich basal lamina. SPARC retarded the morphological changes exhibited by preadipocytes during differentiation. In the presence of SPARC, the deposition of fibronectin was enhanced, and that of laminin was inhibited; in parallel, the expression of alpha5 integrin was enhanced, and that of alpha6 integrin was inhibited. Lithium chloride, which enhances the accumulation of beta-catenin, also inhibited the expression of alpha6 integrin. These findings demonstrate a role for SPARC in adipocyte morphogenesis and in signaling processes leading to terminal differentiation.

Differential effects of undernutrition during pregnancy on the behaviour of does and their kids at parturition and on the establishment of mutual recognition

We investigated whether undernutrition during the second half of pregnancy impaired the behaviour of does and their kids at parturition and early mutual recognition. Twenty-two control and 22 underfed mixed-breed, multiparous dairy goats were used, together with their respective kids (control, n = 31: nine singles, 16 twins and six triplets; underfed, n = 32: 11 singles, 18 twins and three triplets). Undernutrition involved limiting protein and energy intake at 70% of the nutritional requirements for maintenance and foetal growth from day 70 of pregnancy until birth. The behaviour of mothers and their two first-born kids was observed for 90 min from the birth of each kid. Maternal olfactory recognition of the kid was assessed at 4 h post partum by testing selective nursing behaviour. Non-olfactory recognition was assessed at 8 h in a two-choice test excluding olfactory cues. In kids, preference for the mother was assessed in a two-choice test at either 12 or 24 h post partum. Bodyweight of does and kids were lower in the underfed group up to 2 weeks post partum. At parturition, licking, maternal bleating frequency and latency to nursing did not differ between nutritional groups. Control kids were faster than underfed kids to stand, search for and reach the udder, but underfed kids bleated more and tended to spend more time at the udder. Both control and underfed does accepted their own kid and rejected the alien in the selectivity test at 4 h. In contrast, at 8 h post partum, only control goats showed a significant preference for their own kid in the non-olfactory recognition test. Both control and underfed kids showed a preference for their own mother at 12 and 24 h and undernutrition during pregnancy had little influence on the performance of kids. However, 12 h-old underfed kids tended to be less active than control kids and visited their own mothers less than control kids. There were no significant correlations between the behaviour of the mother or of the kid at parturition and their performance in the discrimination tests. Overall, undernutrition in the second half of pregnancy appears to be more detrimental for the behaviour of the mother than for the kid. Furthermore, it has more impact on the establishment of maternal non-olfactory recognition than on maternal care at parturition or the establishment of maternal selectivity.

Normal breathing pattern and arterial blood gases in awake and sleeping goats after near total destruction of the presumed pre-Bötzinger complex and the surrounding region

Abrupt neurotoxic destruction of >70% of the pre-Bötzinger complex (preBötzC) in awake goats results in respiratory and cardiac failure (Wenninger JM, Pan LG, Klum L, Leekley T, Bastastic J, Hodges MR, Feroah TR, Davis S, Forster HV. J Appl Physiol 97: 1629-1636, 2004). However, in reduced preparations, rhythmic respiratory activity has been found in other areas of the brain stem (Huang Q, St. John WM. J Appl Physiol 64: 1405-1411, 1988; Janczewski WA, Feldman JL. J Physiol 570: 407-420, 2006; Lieske SP, Thoby-Brisson M, Telgkamo P, Ramierz JM. Nature Neurosci 3: 600-607, 2000; St. John WM, Bledsoe TA. J Appl Physiol 59: 684-690, 1985); thus we hypothesized that, when the preBötzC is destroyed incrementally over weeks, time-dependent plasticity within the respiratory network will result in a respiratory rhythm capable of maintaining normal blood gases. Microtubules were bilaterally implanted into the presumed preBötzC of seven goats. After recovery from surgery, studies were completed to establish baseline values for respiratory parameters. At weekly intervals, increasing volumes (in order 0.5, 1, 5, and 10 microl) of ibotenic acid (IA; 50 mM) were then injected into the preBötzC. All IA injections resulted in an acute tachypnea and dysrhythmia featuring augmented breaths, apneas, and increased breath-to-breath variation in breathing. In studies at night, apneas were nearly all central and occurred in the awake state. Breath-to-breath variation in breathing was greater (P < 0.05) during wakefulness than during non-rapid eye movement sleep. However, one week after the final IA injection, the breathing pattern, breath-to-breath variation, and arterial blood gases and pH were unchanged from baseline, but there was a 20% decrease in respiratory frequency (f) and CO(2) sensitivity (P < 0.05), as well as a 40% decrease in the ventilatory response to hypoxia (P < 0.001). In subsequent histological analysis of the presumed preBötzC region of lesioned goats, it was determined that there was a 90 and 92% reduction from control goats in total and neurokinin-1 receptor neurons, respectively. Therefore, it was concluded that 1) the dysrhythmic effects on breathing are state dependent; and 2) after incremental, near total destruction of the presumed preBötzC region, time-dependent plasticity within the respiratory network provides a rhythm capable of sustaining normal arterial blood gases.

Determination of nitrogen balance in goats fed a meal produced from hydrolyzed spent hen hard tissues

To provide an economically viable and environmentally sound method for disposing of spent laying hens, we manufactured a proteinaceous meal from the hard tissue fraction of mechanically deboned laying hens (primarily feathers, bones, and connective tissue). We hydrolyzed the hard tissue and coextruded it with soybean hulls to create a novel feather and bone meal (FBM) containing 94.2% DM, 23.1% CP, 54.5% NDF, and 7.3% fat (DM basis). We evaluated the FBM in supplements for meat goats in which it provided 0, 20, 40, or 60% of the N added to the supplement compared with a negative control supplement with no added N source. The remainder of the N was contributed by soybean meal (SBM). Supplementation of N resulted in greater DMI than the negative control (P = 0.005), and DMI changed quadratically (P = 0.11) as FBM increased in the supplement. Digestibility of DM was similar in all diets, including the negative control (P > 0.10). Fiber digestibility increased linearly as dietary inclusion of FBM increased (P = 0.04 for NDF, P = 0.05 for ADF), probably as a result of the soybean hulls in the FBM. Nitrogen digestibility declined linearly from 60.5% with 0% FBM to 55.6% with 60% FBM (P = 0.07), but N retention changed by a quadratic function as FBM replaced SBM (P = 0.06). Negative control goats had less N digestibility (P < 0.001) and N retention (P = 0.008) than N-supplemented goats. Feather and bone meal had a greater proportion of ruminally undegradable B(3) protein than SBM (23.1 vs. 0.3% of CP, respectively). Ruminal VFA and pH were unaffected by replacing SBM with FBM, but supplying no source of N in the concentrate resulted in reduced total VFA in ruminal fluid (P = 0.04). Ruminal ammonia concentration increased quadratically (P = 0.07) as FBM increased, reflecting increased intake, and it was much less in unsupplemented goats (P < 0.001). Serum urea had less variation between 0 and 4 h after feeding in goats receiving 40 or 60% of added N as FBM in comparison with those receiving only SBM or 20% FBM. Feather and bone meal promoted a more stable rumen environment, possibly because of reduced rates of protein degradation within the rumen. A palatable by-product meal for ruminants can be made from spent laying hen hard tissue, one that supports N metabolism similar to that of traditional protein sources.

Use of a commercial probiotic supplement in meat goats1

Sixty-three Boer crossbred goats were used in 5 separate experiments (Exp. 1 to 5) to evaluate the effects of a commercial probiotic supplement on growth performance (Exp. 1 to 4), diet digestibility (Exp. 5), carcass traits (Exp. 3), and fecal bacterial populations (Exp. 4). Goats were either fed a commercially pelleted concentrate diet and supplemented with a commercial probiotic (PRO) that had shown anecdotal positive effects on goat growth and performance according to local goat producers, or they remained as controls. The dose of PRO used was within the labeled dose for sheep for all studies. For Exp. 1, goat BW and feed intake were measured and G:F was calculated every 7 d for 56 d. For Exp. 2 to 4, BW and feed intake were measured and G:F was calculated every 14 d. The first day of supplementation was considered d 0. Carcass traits were also collected at slaughter on d 57 for Exp. 3, and fecal samples were collected every 14 d for microbial culture for Exp. 4. For Exp. 5, which was a digestibility trial that lasted for 10 d, animals were placed in metabolic pens for collection of feces and orts. Growth performance of goats was not affected by probiotic supplementation, with the exception of performance in Exp. 2, in which ADG and G:F were improved (P < 0.03) in PRO goats compared with control goats on d 56 only (treatment x day interaction; P < 0.05), averaging 0.21 +/- 0.02 kg/d for PRO goats and 0.11 +/- 0.02 kg/d for control goats for ADG and 0.17 +/- 0.02 for PRO goats and 0.10 +/- 0.02 for control goats for G:F. Carcass weights and weights of fabricated cuts (shoulder, loin, leg, rack, shank, and total parts) as well as carcass length, leg circumference, loin eye area, and backfat were not influenced by PRO supplementation. Apparent digestibilities of OM, DM, NDF, ADF, CP, and GE (on a DM basis) were similar for the PRO and control treatments. Fecal culture analysis of Escherichia coli and coliforms, Lactobacillus, and Bifidobacterium populations were not influenced by the PRO treatment. Overall, although the PRO treatment affected goat ADG and G:F in Exp. 2, no PRO treatment effects were noted on growth performance for Exp. 1, 3, and 4. Furthermore, the PRO treatment did not affect diet digestibility, carcass traits, or fecal microbial populations in goats. In conclusion, no consistent benefits were noted from supplementing healthy, growing meat goats with PRO.

Experiences with Duddingtonia flagrans administration to parasitized small ruminants

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the nematophagous fungus Duddingtonia flagrans applied orally to small ruminants in a field study in Germany. 20 female, pure breed goat kids and 20 female, pure breed lambs, all naturally infected with GIN, were kept on pasture and fed additionally with concentrates amended by 5 × 10 5 spores of D. flagrans per kilogram bodyweight daily for 3 months during pasture season. The equally sized control groups got the concentrate without spores. Every fortnight data of body weight, eggs per gram faeces and larval development in faecal cultures and on pasture were collected. Following 3 months of spore feeding the control goats showed arithmetic mean faecal egg counts of 1235 (±533) eggs per gram (epg) faeces, in comparison to 517 (±671) epg in the fungus-fed group ( p < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between the two sheep groups. The maximum in larval reduction in faeces was found at the end of the fungus-feeding period (81.3% in the sheep groups and to 67.9% in the goat groups), but without statistical significance. At the end of the study the mean body weight gain in the fungus-treated groups tended to be higher than in the control groups, but not showing statistically significant differences. Only regarding the first-year-grazing-goats, the bodyweights of the post-feeding period revealed significant ( p < 0.05) differences between fungus-fed and control group. However, no statistically significant differences were observed in qualitative faecal cultures, pasture larvae counts, serum pepsinogen-level and PCV. In the study presented here, no clear effect of fungus could be observed. Furthermore, climatic conditions during the study period may have demonstrated how vulnerable the fungus application is to such parameters.

Short‐term transportation in a small vehicle affects the physiological state and subsequent water consumption in goats

ABSTRACTWe investigated the physiological effects on goats of transportation for one hour in a small truck. We also investigated food and water consumption after transportation. Eight adult goats (four castrated males and four ovariectomized females) were used. Plasma levels of cortisol, glucose and free fatty acids increased significantly within 15 min of the start of transportation, and these higher levels were maintained throughout transportation. These results indicate that transportation in a small truck activates the hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system in goats. Despite activation of the sympathetic nervous system, heart rate (HR) in subjected animals during transportation did not differ from during the control animals, which were housed in their usual pen. However, after the transportation had ended and the goats started to eat fodder, HR increased significantly. There was no difference in the amount of food consumption between the control and transported goats. Water consumption in the first three hours after transportation was significantly lower in the transported goats than in the controls for the equivalent period. In the subsequent three hours, however, the transported goats consumed more water than the controls. Consequently, the total water consumption of the transported goats did not differ from that of the controls during the six hours after transportation. In conclusion, short‐term transportation with a small vehicle activated the HPA axis and the sympathetic nervous system in goats. HR was not increased during transportation, but after the transportation had ended HR in transported goats was higher than that in control goats. After transportation, goats had consumed the same amount of food as control goats, but water consumption during three hours after the transportation was lower than that of control goats.

Effect of feed restriction on compensatory growth response of young male goats.

Summary Forty eight 8-month-old male goats were divided into three groups. In each group, eight goats were feed- restricted for 45, 60 or 75 days, and eight goats served as the control. Restricted groups were fed with a maintenance ration, and the control goats were fed with a ration supporting 50 g of daily weight gain. At the end of restriction period, the restricted goats were offered the same ration as the control goats. When the average weight of the 75-day restricted goats approached that of the control, the goats were slaughtered. The carcass, several organs, carcass cuts and dissectible (trimmed) fat were weighed, and the chemical composition of the meat was determined. Feed restriction decreased the proportion in live weight of the dissectible fat, internal fat, liver and testis weight, meat dry matter and fat content, but the proportion of intestinal and splenic weights, and meat protein content were increased. Re-alimentation after 75 days of restriction was associated with a greater daily gain and less internal fat. Other measurements were not different from the control. Data showed that 8-month-old native kids are capable of considerable compensatory growth after 75 days of feed restriction without any deleterious effect on carcass composition.