Diet Of Goats Research Articles

The effectiveness of the use of the probiotic drug Plantarum in the feeding of dairy goats

Currently dairy goat breeding is one of the most promising branches of animal husbandry. The use of probiotics in the diets of farm animals makes it possible to increase the digestibility and accessibility of feed, reduce production costs, increase productivity and livability, and also get high-quality and biologically complete food products from them. However, despite the widespread practice of using probiotics in animal husbandry, the use of probiotic drugs in dairy goat breeding remains insufficiently studied, which justifies the relevance of the topic of the work. The purpose of the research was to study the effectiveness of the use of the probiotic drug Plantarum in feeding dairy goats. Research has been carried out to study the effect of the probiotic drug Plantarum, consisting of biologically active strains of lactobacilli of the genus Lactobacillus and propionic acid bacteria of the genus Propionibacterium, on the reproductive ability, milk productivity and morphological and biochemical parameters of the blood of goats in the type of Zaanen breed, as well as on the conformation and constitutional features, live weight and hematological parameters of the off spring obtained from them (young goats). The object of the study were mature goats of dairy productivity in the type of Zaanen breed at the age of 2 years and their off spring (young goats) from birth to the age of 4 months. During the experiment the effectiveness of the use of the probiotic drug Plantarum in the diets of pregnant goats and young goats at a dose of 0,6 ml/kg of body weight/day and 0,8 ml/kg/day was proved.

Plasma metabolomic profiles as affected by diet and stress in Spanish goats

The effects of high-condensed tannin (CT) diet combined with preslaughter stress have not been studied at the metabolome level in goats. This study was conducted to determine the effects of feeding sericea lespedeza (SL; Lespedeza cuneata), a high-CT legume, and transportation stress on plasma metabolome in goats. Uncastrated male Spanish goats (age = 8 months; BW = 26.0 ± 0.48 kg) were either fed ground ‘Serala’ SL hay (SER), bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay (BG), or bermudagrass hay-dewormed goats (BG-DW; Control) at 75% of intake, with a corn-based supplementation (25%) for 8 weeks (n = 12/Diet). At the end of the trial, goats were subjected to one of two stress treatments (ST): transported for 90 min to impose stress (TS) or held in pens (NTS) before slaughtering, in two replicates. Live and carcass weights, and blood samples were collected at 0, 30, 60 and 90 min of transportation or holding time (Time). The data were analyzed using MIXED procedures in SAS and metabolomics data were analyzed using the R software. When measured after ST, SER group had the lowest body weight (P < 0.05) among the three diet groups. Carcass weights were high in the BG-DW, low in SER, and intermediate in BG group. Plasma creatine concentrations decreased over Time (P < 0.01) in the TS goats in all diet groups. Meat crude protein percentages were higher (P < 0.05) in SER (22.5 ± 0.22) and BG-DW (22.3 ± 0.22) groups compared to the BG group (21.6 ± 0.22). At the metabolome level, SER group had the lowest (P < 0.05) glycine, alanine, threonine, taurine, trans-hydroxyproline, methionine, and histidine concentrations and highest (P < 0.01) lysine and citrulline concentrations among the Diet groups. Butyric acid, concentration was higher (P < 0.05) in the SER group compared to BG group. Eight medium- and long-chained acylcarnitines were higher (P < 0.05) in the BG-DW group than SER or BG groups. In general, amino acid levels decreased and acylcarnitine increased with Time (P < 0.05) in all groups. Sericea diet can be beneficial in enhancing stress coping abilities in goats due to elevated butyrate, lysine, and citrulline levels; however, SER resulted in lower energy level in goats compared to BG or BG-DW groups. Fatty acid metabolism is the main energy pathway in all groups during prolonged stress. Inclusion of certain varieties of SL in the diet must be carefully controlled to prevent possible negative effect.

An investigation on chemical/mineral compositions, ruminal microbial fermentation, and feeding value of some leaves as alternative forages for finishing goats during the dry season

Finding new fodder resources with moderate to high nutritional value that are cheaper and available is one of the most challenges in livestock industries. Hence, the nutritive value of some tree leaves (quince, pear, olive, mirabelle plum, greengage, sour cherry, and persimmon) was investigated by different laboratories and in vitro methods. Also, partial substitution of alfalfa and corn silage (50%) with these leaves was investigated using forty-eight goats in a randomized complete block design in vivo. Highest total phenol and tannin contents were obtained in quince (p < 0.001). Greengage (146.37 g/kg DM) and persimmon (136.96 g/kg DM) exhibited the highest crude protein, respectively (p < 0.001). Calcium content (19.82 g/kg DM) was highest in persimmon leaves (p < 0.001). Greengage (66.07 mmol/L) and mirabelle plum (65.58 mmol/L) produced more total volatile fatty acids in the culture medium, respectively (p < 0.001). Potential gas production ranged from 39.65 mL for pear to 55.32 mL mirabelle plum. Sour cherry had the highest acid–base buffering capacity (183.73 mEq × 10–3, p < 0.001). Highest dry matter intake (1087 g/day) and crude protein digestibility (70.80 %) were observed in diets containing greengage (p < 0.001). Total antioxidant capacity of serum increased when olive, quince, and persimmon were considered in goats feeding (p < 0.001). Although all studied leaves can be fed in diets of goats without deleterious effects on performance, serum, and hematology parameters, in vivo and in vitro results indicated that greengage in terms of nutritive value was superior to other studied leaves.

Temporal Variations in Chemical Composition, In Vitro Digestibility, and Metabolizable Energy of Plant Species Browsed by Goats in Southern Mediterranean Forest Rangeland.

Simple SummaryMediterranean forest rangelands constitute essential feed resources for grazing goats. The objective of this study was to evaluate the temporal variations in chemical composition, in vitro digestibility, and metabolizable energy of browsed plant species by goats on forest rangelands of the Southern Mediterranean of northern Morocco. Overall, the nutritive value of the selected plant species was highest in spring and then steadily decreased through the summer and autumn. Most of the selected plant species present high levels of crude protein than the minimum required level for maintenance. This study provides a valuable and useful database to elaborate the seasonal grazing and feeding management plan for goat herds.Forest rangelands contribute largely to goat diets in the Mediterranean area. Information about browsed plant quality is essential for adequate feeding management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the temporal changes in chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of the main plant species selected by goats in the Southern Mediterranean forest rangeland during two consecutive years; these were very contrasted (dry and wet). The browsed species were composed of herbaceous, eleven shrubs, and four tree species. Overall, large variability in chemical composition, in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), and metabolizable energy (ME) was observed among species, grazing season (spring, summer, and autumn), and years within each species. Crude protein (CP) content varied from 60 to 240 g/kg dry matter (DM). The fiber fractions, except for Quercus suber, increased significantly by advancing maturity. Due to the water stress, the lignin level presented a higher value during the spring of the dry year. Condensed tannin (CT) content varied from 2 to 184 g/kg DM. CP, IVOMD, and ME showed a negative correlation with lignin and CT. Based on the results presented herein, it is concluded that the nutritive value of the browsed plant species was highest in the spring and lowest during the summer and autumn of both studied years. With a good grazing management strategy, the selected plant species by goats could guarantee high-quality feeding resources throughout the year.

Estimating digestible nutrients in diets for small ruminants fed with tropical forages

Equations to estimate energetic content of small ruminants’ diets from chemical composition, in tropical conditions, are still not available. The main objective of this study was to develop equations to predict the digestible content (ether extract (EE), non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC), crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF)), for different goat and sheep diets. True digestible nutrients and metabolic fecal contribution were the main parameters fitted (Lucas test approach), with exception for NDF, where surface law was used as the main approach. Data from 32 trials, 21 with sheep (n = 881) and 11 with goats (n = 297) were collected. Two approaches where conducted for digestible CP, which considered the nutritional entity test, or bicompartimental estimation for different fractions of CP. Two models were for digestible NDF, which considered the surface law of NDF and lignin interaction with cell wall. Nutritional entity test was also used to estimate digestive content of NFC and EE. There were no effect of species on true digestibility or fecal contribution in estimation of digestible NFC and EE (P>0.05), and only one model was fitted for goat and sheep for each nutrient. The two CP models were fitted without considering the effect of species (P>0.05), as well as NDF. A validation trial was carried from literature data, where data were collected in 50 manuscripts. This step allowed evaluating total digestible nutrients (TDN) prediction, which was made from the sum of digestible nutrients. Also, the estimated metabolic fecal contribution that could be diminished from the main TDN estimate was 4.0. There were conditions to confirm that CP, NFC and EE could be considered homogeneous nutritional entity, and sub-models were adequately applied to study nutrient digestion patterns. Equations to predict digestible CP based on the Lucas test or the surface law theory can be used to estimate the digestible content. Mathematical approaches tested to estimate digestible content of NDF were also indifferent, and both equations based on surface law theory can be used to make the summative procedure to calculate TDN. Then, results of the following equations can be summed to calculate TDN in diets for sheep and goats: dEE (%) = 0.9107 × EE (%) – 0.33; dNFC (%) = 0.9041 × NFC (%) – 3.22; dCP (%) = 0.7934 × CP (%) – 0.44 or dCP (%) = 0.98 × (CP –NDIP)+ 0.7877 × (NDIP-ADIP) - 0.44; and dNDF (%) = {0.7877 × (NDF-Lignin)+[1-(Lignin ÷ NDF) 0.85]}.

Replacement of grain maize with spineless cactus in the diet of dairy goats.

Spineless cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera) is widely used in animal feed in semi-arid regions, due to the adaptive characteristics to such conditions and for having high levels of soluble carbohydrates. This research article describes the effect of replacing grain maize with spineless cactus in the diet of dairy goats on dry matter intake, water intake, milk yield, milk physicochemical characteristics and diet production costs. Eight multiparous Anglo Nubian goats were fed diets in which grain maize was replaced with spineless cactus at four levels (0, 33, 66, and 100%) in a double 4 × 4 Latin square design. Milk yield was measured and samples collected in the last three days of each period for physicochemical analysis and for determining nutrient intake. Diet production costs were also determined. Replacing maize with spineless cactus did not influence dry matter intake. Water intake via the drinker decreased linearly in response to the increasing levels of spineless cactus in the diet. The replacement of maize with spineless cactus did not change milk yield or physicochemical parameters. Total feed cost and the percentage of revenue losses from feed decreased with the replacement. Therefore, spineless cactus can fully replace grain maize in the diet of dairy goats, as it does not change dry matter intake or milk yield, but rather reduces feed costs and the drinking-water intake of goats.

English

The aim of this trial was to compare the influence of supplementing diets with extruded linseed and oregano on growth parameters and meat qualitative traits in Grigia di Potenza breed suckling kids. Twenty-four male kids, exclusively fed milk from their dams, were assigned to the following diets: C) group control fed without any supplement; L) group fed control feed containing 3% extruded linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.); and LO) group fed control diet with 0.6% dried oregano (Origanum vulgare) and 3% extruded linseed. Growth performance as well as slaughtering traits and meat cuts of kids were not significantly influenced (P &gt; 0.05) by dietary treatments. Conversely, kids in linseed group reported the lower (P &lt; 0.05) percentage of dissectible fat in leg and loin. The meat from Longissimus lumborum and Semimembranosus muscles of kids in linseed diet had the lowest (P &lt; 0.05) cooking loss percentage, whereas the proximate chemical composition of both meat muscles did not vary among treatments (P &gt; 0.05). The experimental diets partially modulated the kid meat fatty acid composition in both muscles, where feeding linseed and oregano improved (P &lt; 0.05) the content of DPA and reduced MUFA. Based on the current findings, it can be concluded that linseed and oregano supplementation can be used in goat diet as no significant detrimental effects on productive performance and meat quality of suckling kids were observed. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Effect of the inclusion of lemon leaves and rice straw by-products in the diet of dairy goats on the quality characteristics of milk and matured cheeses

The effect of the dietary inclusion of lemon leaves and rice straw by-products on the quality characteristics of goats’ milk and cheese was evaluated. Twenty-six Murciano-Granadina goats were used in a crossover design experiment; milk from each experimental group was collected to produce 60-days matured cheeses. Fat and dry matter content was higher in milk and cheeses from the diet containing by-products; medium-chain fatty acids and total free fatty acids were lower. Triangle tests revealed significant differences in the organoleptic characteristics of the cheeses between diets. However, when sensory attributes differentiating cheeses were evaluated individually, differences did not become significant. The inclusion of lemon leaves and rice straw in balanced diets with soya oil could be beneficial, as it does not appear to adversely affect the quality of milk and related mature cheeses, contributing to the reduction of the cost of the diet and the recycling of agricultural by-products.

Energy, nitrogen partitioning, and methane emissions in dairy goats differ when an isoenergetic and isoproteic diet contained orange leaves and rice straw crop residues

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of incorporating rice straw and orange leaves into the diets for goats. Ten Murciano-Granadina goats at mid lactation weighing 45 ± 0.3 kg were used in a crossover design. Two isoproteic and isoenergetic diets (180 g/kg DM and 17 MJ/kg DM, respectively) with alfalfa hay as forage source (33% of DM) were fed. A control diet (CON) incorporated barley as energy source and soy hulls as fiber component. The experimental diet (ORG) replaced barley and soy hulls with orange leaves (19% on DM basis), rice straw (12%, on DM basis) and soya oil (2%). Peas and horsebeans were the protein source in both diets. Each goat received the 2 treatments in 2 periods. Goats were fed the experimental diets and after 14 d on their respective treatments moved to individual metabolism cages for another 7 d. Subsequently, feed intake, total fecal and urine output and milk yield were recorded daily over the first 5 d. During the next 2 d ruminal fluid and blood samples were collected, and then individual gas-exchange measurements were recorded by a mobile open-circuit indirect calorimetry system using a head box. No differences in dry matter intake were detected, and apparent total-tract digestibility was greater in CON than ORG. Efficiency of metabolizable energy intake for milk and maintenance also was lower in response to ORG (0.65 vs. 0.63), with energy balance being negative (-12 kJ/kg of BW0.75) due to mobilization of fat (-16 g/animal vs. 68 g/animal for ORG and CON, respectively). Although actual milk yield was lower in goats fed ORG (2.32 vs. 2.06 kg/d, respectively), energy-corrected milk did not differ (2.81 kg/d on average). In terms of milk quality, milk fat content, and concentrations of monounsaturated (18.54 vs. 11.55 g/100 g milk fat) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (5.75 vs. 3.99 g/100 g milk fat) were greater in goats fed ORG. Based on various indices, the milk produced by ORG would be less atherogenic and thrombogenic than CON milk. Compared with CON, enteric CH4 emission was lower due to feeding ORG (reduction of 38 g CH4/kg milk fat). Data suggest that greater fat mobilization in goats fed ORG might have been due to the apparent lack of synchrony between degradable protein and carbohydrate and the lipogenic nutrients associated with the lower cereal content of the ORG diet. Thus, goats fed ORG seemed to rely more on fat depots to help meet energy requirements and reach optimal performance. As such, the lower content of glucogenic nutrients in ORG did not favor body fat deposition and partitioning of ME into body tissue. Overall, responses in terms of CH4 emissions and milk quality suggest that inclusion of rice straw and orange leaves in diets for small ruminants could be a valuable alternative to reuse, recycle and revalue agricultural by-products.

EFFECT OF SUPPLEMENTATION OF DRIED CHICORY (CICHORIUM INTYBUS L.) LEAVES IN DIETS ON PERFORMANCE OF DAIRY GOATS

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of inclusion different levels of dried chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) leaves in diets of Balady goat does on nutrients digestibilities, productive performance and some blood parameters, as well as the growth performance of their offspring. Twenty four pregnant lactating Balady goats were chosen at 1 month before parturition and divided randomly into three similar groups (8 each) in a feeding trial, where the first group was served as control (R0) and fed the concentrate feed mixture (CFM) without any supplementation, while the second and third groups (R2 and R3) were fed CFM supplemented with dried chicory leaves (DCL) at rate of 1 and 2%, respectively. The basal diet was formulated from 2.5 CFM of the live body weight (LBW) of goats plus 3kg/d fresh berseem in order to covering the nutritional requirements according to NRC (1989). Results indicated that the digestibility coefficients of most nutrients and feeding values were significantly (P<0.05) higher for R1 that contained 1% DCL followed by R2 that contained 2% DCL than those of un-received one (R0). Actual milk yield was significantly (P<0.05) higher with tested ration R1 and insignificant higher with the tested ration R2 than that of control ration. Otherwise, the yield of 4% FCM was significantly (P<0.05) higher with both tested rations than that of control one, being R1 had the highest yield significantly among the experimental dietary treatments. Most milk constituents (fat, lactose, SNF and ash, %) did not affected by the dietary treatments, while only the contents of milk protein and TS were increased significantly especially with R1 than those of control (R0). Totally milk composition percentages tended to increase with DCL addition in ration R1 than the other tested rations R2 and control R0. There were significant differences in respect of feed intake among dietary treatments, where the values of DMI, TDNI and DCPI were higher in R1 and R2 compared with those of control one. The feed conversion ratio was appeared to be the best with R1 while, the poorest value was occurred with R0 and the tested ration R2 had the intermediate value. Kids in R1 ration showed the highest LBW and total weight gain at each age intervals as compared to other groups, being the lowest values were associated with R0, with no significant differences among the experimental treatments. Therefore, the results indicated that using DCL as herbal additives in the dairy goat diets at level 1% led to an improvement for nutrient digestibilities, productive performance and physiological functions of these animals.

Dose and time response of dietary supplementation with Schizochytrium sp. on the abundances of several microorganisms in the rumen liquid of dairy goats

Microalgae rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as Schizochytrium sp., can be used in ruminant diets as feed additives to modify the rumen microbiome. However, limited in vivo studies exist dealing with their impact on the cellulolytic, methanogenic, and amylolytic microbes in the goat rumen. To address this gap, twenty-four goats were divided into four homogenous subgroups (n = 6 per group). The concentrate of the control group (CON) had no microalgae, while those of the treated groups were supplemented daily with 20 (ALG20), 40 (ALG40), and 60 (ALG60) g Schizochytrium sp./goat. The results showed a significant decline in the relative abundances of Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus in the rumen fluid of ALG40-fed goats; while Fibrobacter succinogenes and Streptococcus bovis were significantly decreased in the ALG60 group compared to the CON group. The relative abundances of Methanobrevibacter spp. were significantly decreased in microalgae-fed goats. The relative abundances of Methanobacterium formicicum and Archaea showed a significant reduction in ALG40 and ALG60 groups, while methanogens and Methanomassiliicoccales portrayed a tendency to decrease (P<0.10) in ALG20 and ALG40 groups compared to the CON group. In contrast, the relative abundance of Methanomicrobium mobile was significantly increased in the rumen of ALG60 goats. In conclusion, the supplementation of goat diets with 20 g Schizochytrium sp. might be considered an efficient nutritional strategy for methanogen inhibition in the rumen fluid, since selected methanogenic microbes were decreased, while rumen bacteria involved in feed fermentation were not considerably altered.

Elaboration of goat cheese with increased content of conjugated linoleic acid and transvaccenic acid: Fat, sensory and textural profile

Goat`s milk and its dairy products have been commonly related to important nutritional and health benefits. In fact, fat fraction is one of the most important components of goat’s milk regarding its value, as lipids are involved in cheese yield, firmness, color and flavor of goat dairy products. The aim of this study was to evaluate the modification in the lipid and sensory profile of cheeses elaborated with goat milk, through diet inclusion of sunflower oil (SFO). The main objective was to elaborate Danbo Type cheeses with increased content of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and transvaccenic acid (TVA), and at the same time decrease the proportion of saturated fat, and evaluate these values during the shelf life of the cheeses. The study was conducted with 60 Saanen goats separated into two homogeneous groups and supplemented for 18 days with one of two concentrates: without added oil (control, C) or enriched with sunflower oil (SFO). Cheeses were elaborated using goat milk, collected after desirable changes in its lipid profile were achieved. Physicochemical, microbiological, and fatty acid composition together with the sensory profile were evaluated. In SFO cheeses fat content increased, without affecting protein content, microbiological, sensory profile and consumer acceptability. Also, the content of TVA increased from 2.4 to 4.4 % (p < 0.01), while CLA presented an increase from 0.8 to 1.3 % (p < 0.01). A decrease in the saturated/unsaturated ratio was observed resulting in a decrease in the atherogenic index. Therefore, inclusion of SFO in the diet of goats could be a viable alternative to increase the contribution of fatty acids with beneficial effects for health in cheeses.

Blood chemistry of West African dwarf goats fed treated maize cob- and maize husk-based diets with mixture of microorganisms

BackgroundTwenty-four West African Dwarf (WAD) goats with average weight of 6.57 ± 0.56 kg were used in investigating the effect of microbial-treated maize cob and husk diets on blood profile. The goats were assigned to six dietary treatments replicated four times in a completely randomized design. Chopped maize cobs and husks were sterilized for 60 min to eliminate any form of contamination and then inoculated with mixture of 15 ml each of Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Neurospora crassa and incubated anaerobically for 5 days and then air-dried. The treated maize cob and husk were incorporated in the diets at the rate of 0% (diet), 20% (diet B), 30% (diet C) [maize cob diets], and 0% (diet D), 20% (diet E), 30% (diet F) [maize husk diets], respectively. The animals were acclimatized for two weeks while the experimental period lasted for 56 days. A completely randomized design was adopted.ResultsThe results showed that the dietary treatments significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the erythrocyte sedimentation rate which ranged from 0.50 to 1.00 mm/hr. Significant (P < 0.05) differences were observed in the globulin (28.16 g/dl diet A—59.26 g/dl diet B), aspartate aminotransferase (48.00 u/l diet E—128. 25 u/l diet C) and alanine aminotransferase (8.20 u/l diet A—33.33 u/l diet D). Serum electrolytes values were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by dietary treatments.ConclusionBased on the findings of this study, microbial-treated maize cob and husk diets supported erythropoiesis did not induce any liver damage and the serum electrolytes of the animals were improved. Hence, microbial-treated maize cob and husk can be a suitable alternative feed source at 30% incorporation in a complete diet for WAD goats as adverse implications on the health of the animals was not observed.

Feeding a Negative Dietary Cation-Anion Difference to Female Goats Is Feasible, as Indicated by the Non-Deleterious Effect on Rumen Fermentation and Rumen Microbial Population and Increased Plasma Calcium Level.

Simple SummaryDiets with a lower dietary cation-anion difference could prevent hypocalcemia, enhance health, and extend the economic life of transition mammary animals. However, there is less information on rumen fermentation, cellulolytic bacteria populations, and microbiota for female goats fed a negative dietary cation-anion difference diet. We speculate that a negative dietary cation-anion difference would not affect the rumen fermentation parameters. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of a negative dietary cation-anion difference diet on rumen pH, buffering capability, volatile fatty acids of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, total volatile fatty acid and acetic acid/propionic acid profiles, ruminal cellulolytic bacteria populations, and microbiota. These results provide a further evaluation on the feasibility of feeding a negative dietary cation-anion difference diet to goats.The dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) has been receiving increased attention in recent years; however, information on rumen fermentation, cellulolytic bacteria populations, and microbiota of female goats fed a negative DCAD diet is less. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of feeding a negative DCAD diet for goats with emphasis on rumen fermentation parameters, cellulolytic bacteria populations, and microbiota. Eighteen female goats were randomly blocked to 3 treatments of 6 replicates with 1 goat per replicate. Animals were fed diets with varying DCAD levels at +338 (high DCAD; HD), +152 (control; CON), and −181 (low DCAD; LD). This study lasted 45 days with a 30-d adaption and 15-d trial period. The results showed that the different DCAD levels did not affect the rumen fermentation parameters including pH, buffering capability, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, sum of acetic acid, propionic acid, and butyric acid, or the ratio of acetic acid/propionic acid (p > 0.05). The 4 main ruminal cellulolytic bacteria populations containing Fibrobacter succinogenes, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, and Ruminococcus albus did not differ from DCAD treatments (p > 0.05). There was no difference in bacterial richness and diversity indicated by the indices Chao, Abundance Coverage-based Estimator (Ace), or Simpson and Shannon, respectively (p > 0.05), among 3 DCAD levels. Both principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) weighted UniFrac distance and unweighted UniFrac distance showed no difference in the composition of rumen microbiota for CON, HD, and LD (p > 0.05). At the phylum level, Bacteroidetes was the predominant phylum followed by Firmicutes, Synergistetes, Proteobacteria, Spirochaetae, and Tenericutes, and they showed no difference (p > 0.05) in relative abundances except for Firmicutes, which was higher in HD and LD compared to CON (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the relative abundances of 11 genera were not affected by DCAD treatments (p > 0.05). The level of DCAD had no effect (p > 0.05) on growth performance (p > 0.05). Urine pH in LD was lower than HD and CON (p < 0.05). Goats fed LD had higher plasma calcium over HD and CON (p < 0.05). In summary, we conclude that feeding a negative DCAD has no deleterious effects on rumen fermentation and rumen microbiota and can increase the blood calcium level, and is therefore feasible for female goats.

Physical-chemical and microbiological quality of milk and cheese of goats fed with bidestilated glycerin

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing corn with bidistilled glycerin from the biodiesel industry on the physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory quality of milk and goat cheese. Twelve Saanen multiparous goats weighing 40 ± 6 kg and 30 ± 5 days of lactation were used. The physicochemical parameters analyzed were: fat (%), non-fat solids (%), protein (%), lactose (%), salts (%), relative density at 15/15 °C (gmL-1), index cryoscopic (°C), electrical conductivity (mScm-1), pH and acidity. The milk from each treatment was used to make the rennet cheese. The physicochemical variables: pH, lipids, ESD, and cheese yield had a significant effect (P < 0.05) for the increasing use of bidistilled glycerin in the goat feeding. The pH, acidity, EST, ESD, and yield variables presented linear regressive effect and lipids quadratic regressive effect. The softness sensory attribute had a significant effect (P < 0.05) for the increasing levels of bidistilled glycerin in the goat diet; the softness decreased as the glycerin level increased. Bi-distilled glycerin, when inserted in the diets of dairy goats at increasing levels, promotes a reduction in the lipid content of milk, consequently affecting the cheese yield and the sensory softness parameter.

Babassu Cake in Goat Diet Improves Growth Performance and Quality and Fatty Acid Profile of Meat

AbstractBabassu cake (BC) is a byproduct from oil extraction from babassu palm kernels. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of including BC levels (0%, 6%, 12%, and 18% on a dry matter basis) in the diet of 28 kids (n = 7 per treatment) on productive performance, and quality and profile of fatty acids (FA) of meat (loin). The inclusion of BC in the diet increases dry matter intake (P = 0.0005), average daily gain (P = 0.0222), slaughter body weight (P = 0.0424) of goats, and increased fat (P = 0.0424), unsaturated fatty acids (P = 0.0041), monounsaturated fatty acids (P = 0.0163), and isomers of conjugated linoleic acid (rumenic acid; P = 0.0002) content and polyunsaturated fatty acids:saturated fatty acids ratio (P = 0.0430) of meat. However, there are reductions in the levels of stearic acid (P &lt; 0.0001) and saturated fatty acids (P = 0.0041) and in the thrombogenicity index (P = 0.0219) of meat. The inclusion of BC in the goat diet improves its growth performance and the quality and fatty acid profile of meat.

Effects of palm kernel cake in high-concentrate diets on carcass traits and meat quality of feedlot goats

This study was conducted to examine the effects of including palm kernel cake (0, 120, 240, and 360 g kg−1) in high-concentrate diets for feedlot goats on carcass traits and meat quality. Thirty-two non-pregnant, mixed-breed goats (average age: 1 year; initial body weight: 24.70 ± 3.72 kg) were evaluated in a completely randomized experimental design. Hot (P = 0.007) and cold (P = 0.008) carcass weights responded quadratically, with maximum values of 16.4 and 16.3 kg estimated at the palm kernel cake inclusion levels of 125.0 and 116.7 g kg−1, respectively. Loin eye area (P = 0.042), subcutaneous fat thickness (P = 0.013), fatness score (P = 0.014) and the morphometric measurements of external length (P = 0.009) and chest width (P = 0.013) decreased, whereas chest circumference (P = 0.037) responded quadratically to the increasing inclusion levels. The diets did not influence (P > 0.05) the physicochemical characteristics or proximate composition of goat meat. Principal component analysis of sensory attributes resulted in the separation of the meat samples. The inclusion of up to 115.0 g kg−1 of palm kernel cake in high-concentrate diets for feedlot goats provides heavier carcasses and increases consumers’ acceptance of goat meat.

The effect of whole sesame seeds on milk chemical composition, fatty acid profile and antioxidant status in goats

Whole sesame seeds (WSS), although rich in linoleic acid, have not been studied for their impact on the milk fatty acid (FA) profile. Twenty-four goats were divided into three homogeneous subgroups. A control (CON) group and treated groups, in which WSS were incorporated in the concentrates of the CON at 5% (WSS5) and 10% (WSS10), respectively, by partial substitution of both soybean meal and corn grain, were evaluated. Significant increases in the milk fat and total solids contents of goats fed the WSS10 diet compared with the CON were found. In the milk of WSS10-fed goats, the proportions of long-chain fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) were increased, while those of medium-chain fatty acids and saturated fatty acids (SFAs) were decreased compared with those of the CON group. Significant decreases in the proportions of short-chain fatty acids, in the SFA/UFA ratio and in the atherogenicity index value in milk of treated goats were observed. The proportions of C15:0 and C17:0 FAs in the blood plasma of WSS10-fed animals compared with CON-fed animals were reduced significantly. Superoxide dismutase and catalase activities increased significantly in the blood plasma of WSS10-fed goats compared with CON-fed goats. Additionally, in the treated goats, the protein carbonyls (PC) in blood plasma and both PC and malondialdehyde contents in milk declined significantly. A significant enhancement in the total antioxidant capacity [measured by the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP)] in the milk of WSS10-fed goats compared with the CON was found. Similarly, an increase in the FRAP value of milk of WSS5-fed goats compared with CON-fed goats was observed. In conclusion, the highest inclusion level of WSS (WSS10) in goat diets improves the FA profile and the oxidative stability of milk and improves the organism's antioxidant status.

Meat goat diet supplementation with crude glycerine: Ruminal fermentation metabolism, blood chemistry profile, animal performance and carcass traits.

The objective of this experiment was to determine the effects of feeding varying levels of crude glycerine (CG) on dry matter intake (DMI), animal performance, carcass traits and rumen volatile fatty acids (VFA) concentration in meat goats. Twenty-four intact male Boer goats (23.9±1.0kg initial BW and 4-5months of age) were randomly assigned to one of four experimental diets (n=6) containing 30% bermudagrass hay plus 70% concentrate mix with 0, 5, 10 or 15% CG in the diet on an as-fed basis, substituted for the corn portion of the concentrate. Feed offered and refusals were monitored daily for 84days. Goats were weighed at 28-days interval. Blood and rumen samples were collected on day 84. At the end of the 84-days feeding period, goats were harvested, and carcass characteristics measured. Feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), gain-to-feed ratio (G:F), carcass traits and VFA concentrations were analysed as a completely randomized design. The CG did not influence animal body weight (BW) changes, ADG and G:F ratio but tended to (p=0.06) decrease DMI. Molar per cent propionic acid increased linearly (p<0.05) with increasing CG. The acetate: propionate (A:P) ratio decreased (p<0.05) with increasing amounts of CG in the diet. The CG addition tended to increase (p=0.09) the longissimus muscle (LM area) in meat goats. In conclusion, CG can replace corn in diet for growing meat goats when fed up to 15% of diet, improving ruminal propionate concentration, but decreasing A:P ratio without affecting animal performance and carcass traits.

Valorization of Caesalpinia coriaria Fruit Waste to Enhance the Ruminal Mitigation of Greenhouse Gases Production

The use of fruits waste from tanniniferous trees represents a new technology that aims to solve or mitigate greenhouse gases emission, and to increase the production of food of animal origin in an ecofriendly manner. This study aims to evaluate the production of methane and carbon dioxide, degradability by in vitro ruminal fermentation in goats diet supplemented with nuts (Caesalpinia coriaria Jacq. Willd.) for adoption by livestock farmers. Condensed tannins (CT) of C. coriaria inclusion rates were 0 (CT0 or control, no CT), 1.5 (CT1.5), 3.0 (CT3), 4.5 (CT4.5) and 6.0% (CT6) of the total mixed ration. All CT treatments reduced (linear, quadratic and cubic; P = 0.001) CH4, CO2 and H2 gases, and had some increasing effect on total biogas production. However, CT3 reduced greenhouse gases and had the highest biogas production. Addition of tannins from cascalote fruit waste (C. coriaria Jacq. Willd.) to goats diet at CT3 level reduced methane production, improved fermentation and ruminal degradability in vitro and has potential to be used as ecofriendly feed or feed additive.