Goat Flocks Research Articles

Environmental sampling coupled with real-time PCR and genotyping to investigate the source of a Q fever outbreak in a work setting.

A Q fever outbreak was declared in February 2016 in a company that manufactures hoists and chains and therefore with no apparent occupational-associated risk. Coxiella burnetii infection was diagnosed by serology in eight of the 29 workers of the company; seven of them had fever or flu-like signs and five had pneumonia, one requiring hospitalisation. A further case of C. burnetii pneumonia was diagnosed in a local resident. Real-time PCR (RTi-PCR) showed a widespread distribution of C. burnetii DNA in dust samples collected from the plant facilities, thus confirming the exposure of workers to the infection inside the factory. Epidemiological investigations identified a goat flock with high C. burnetii seroprevalence and active shedding which was owned and managed by one of the workers of the company as possible source of infection. Genotyping by multispacer sequence typing (MST) and a 10-loci single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discrimination using RTi-PCR identified the same genotype (MST18 and SNP type 8, respectively) in the farm and the factory. These results confirmed the link between the goat farm and the outbreak and allowed the identification of the source of infection. The circumstances and possible vehicles for the bacteria entering the factory are discussed.

Serological, culture and molecular survey of Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis in a goat flock in Tuscany

Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis (Map) is a pathogen which causes a chronic progressive granulomatous enteritis known as paratuberculosis or Johne's disease and it primarily affects wild and domestic ruminants. The aim of this research was to examine a flock which consisted of 294 goats and was located in Garfagnana district (Tuscany, Italy) performing ELISA tests, culture and IS900 PCR assay; direct diagnostic methods were carried out not only on bulk tank milk and cheese samples but also on individual milk and tissue specimens collected from nine subjects positive to ELISA tests. Out of 294 animals, 20 goats (6.8%) were positive to ELISA surveys. Bulk tank milk samples were negative to culture and to PCR assay carried out on the DNA extracted directly from them, while, with respect to cheese, Map was detected by culture in 2/12 (16.66%) cheeses ripened for 3-7days, and by PCR in 2/12 (16.66%) cheeses ripened for 3-7days and in 3/12 (25%) cheeses ripened for 45days. Regarding individual milk samples, Map was detected by culture in 2/9 (22.22%) specimens and by PCR in 5/9 (55.55%) samples. Furthermore, Map was isolated from the intestine in 9/9 (100%) animals, from the mesenteric lymph nodes in 8/9 (88.88%) subjects, from the liver in 4/9 (44.44%) goats, from the spleen in 5/9 (55.55%) animals, while Map DNA was found in all the tissue samples analyzed.The results demonstrated the presence of paratuberculosis in a goat flock located in Garfagnana district (Tuscany, Italy).

Investigation of the seroprevalence of BoHV-1 and CpHV-1 infections using gB/gE ELISA combination and VNT in selected goat flocks

Bu calismada, secilmis keci surulerinde BoHV-1 ve CpHV-1 enfeksiyonlarinin seroprevalansi glikoprotein B (gB)/ glikoprotein E (gE) ELISA kombinasyonu ve virus notralizasyon testi (VNT) kullanilarak arastirilmistir. Bu amacla, Bolu ilinden 546 Saanen kecisinden alinan kan serumu ornekleri ELISA ve VNT kullanilarak test edilmistir. Her iki ELISA sistemi ile test edilen orneklerin %32.05’i (175/546) CpHV-1 antikor pozitifligini yansitan gB(+)/gE(-) olarak bulunurken, % 0.73’u (4/546) BoHV-1 antikorlari yonunden pozitifligi yansitan gB(+)/gE(+) olarak belirlenmistir. VNT ile serumlarin %31.86’ si (174/546) CpHV-1, %3.29’u (18/546) BoHV-1 antikorlari yonunden pozitif olarak degerlendirilmistir. Sonuc olarak, orneklenen keci surulerinde CpHV1 enfeksiyonu prevalansi, BoHV-1 enfeksiyonundan yuksek bulunmustur. Kecilerde alphaherpesvirus enfeksiyonlarinin tanisinda gB blocking ELISA alternatif test olarak kullanilabillir bulunmus, ancak CpHV-1 ve BoHV-1 ayriminda gE blocking ELISA ve VNT kombinasyonunun kullanilmasi istatisitiksel (p<0.001) olarak uygun bulunmamistir. Bu viruslar arasindaki antijenik caprazreaksiyonlari goz onunde bulundurarak, bu testlerdeki uyumsuzluklardan dolayi, CpHV-1 ve BoHV-1 antikorlarinin belirlenmesi amaciyla daha hassas ve spesifik metotlarin gelistirilmesi onerilmektedir

Capripox outbreak in a mixed flock of sheep and goats in India.

Generally, capripoxvirus infections are host specific in nature and occasionally infect more than one species. In this study, an investigation was carried out from an outbreak of capripox in a mixed flock of sheep and goats which occurred in 2013 in the State of Jammu & Kashmir. The genetic analysis of P32, RPO30 and GPCR genes revealed that both goats and sheep were infected with goatpox virus.

Risk of pathogen spillover to bighorn sheep from domestic sheep and goat flocks on private land

ABSTRACTBighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) across North America have suffered population losses due to polymicrobial pneumonia typically initiated by spillover events of bacteria from domestic sheep and goats. Because vaccination or treatment of individual animals remains an elusive goal and pneumonia often persists in bighorn herds for years or decades following infection, preventing contact between domestic and wild animals is widely accepted as the best prophylactic. For the past decade, most management efforts have focused on the risks associated with commercial sheep grazing on public lands; less attention has been paid to risks to bighorns from small flocks of domestic sheep and goats managed entirely on private land. We surveyed owners of 40 sheep or goat flocks located near bighorn sheep herds in central and southeastern Washington, USA, during 2014 and 2015, to better understand their knowledge level, management practices, and willingness to reduce risks. Over one‐third of sheep or goat owners had no knowledge of the potential for pathogen spillover to bighorns, but all were interested in reducing risk of interacting with bighorns, particularly by options that did not restrict their autonomy. We also sampled nasal mucosae of 137 animals in 24 flocks for presence of Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, the bacterium most closely associated with bighorn pneumonia. M. ovipneumoniae was detected in 37.5% of sheep or goat flocks sampled, and animals had escaped their enclosures in 78% of these. Physical contact, and thus pathogen spillover from domestic sheep or goats living in small, private flocks in close proximity to bighorns is clearly a risk. We provide recommendations to agency staff on identifying, prioritizing and testing small herds, and then working with owners to reduce the risk of pathogen spillover. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.

Evidence for Circulation of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus Type 2c in Ruminants in Southern Italy.

Recently, bovine viral diarrhoea virus type 2c (BVDV-2c) was responsible for a severe outbreak in cattle in northern Europe. Here, we present the results of an epidemiological survey for pestiviruses in ruminants in southern Italy. Pooled serum samples were obtained from 997 bovine, 800 ovine, 431 caprine and eight bubaline farms, and pestiviral RNA was detected by molecular methods in 44 farms consisting of 16 cattle and one buffalo herds and of 21 sheep and six goat flocks. Twenty-nine and 15 farms were infected by BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 strains, respectively. BVDV-1 strains were recovered mainly from cattle and were heterogeneous, belonging to the subtypes 1b, 1u, 1e, 1g and 1h. In contrast, all BVDV-2 viruses but two were detected in sheep or goats and were characterized as BVDV-2c by sequence analysis of 5'UTR. These strains displayed high genetic identity to BVDV-2c circulating in cattle in northern Europe and were more distantly related to a BVDV-2c isolate recovered from a cattle herd in southern Italy more than 10years before. The circulation of a BVDV-2c in small ruminants suggests the need for a continuous surveillance for the emergence of pestivirus-induced clinical signs in southern Italian farms.

Grazing behavior, forage selection and diet composition of goats in a Mediterranean woody rangeland

The grazing behavior and the diet selection of goats are affected by numerous factors associated with animal characteristics, climate conditions and rangeland features as well as their interactions. Moreover, the special feeding behavior of goats due to their particular anatomic and physiologic characteristics, allow them to be highly selective, to consume lignified forages and to utilize woody plant species. The study of above traits is of great interest especially when goats browse in a complex Mediterranean environment with high seasonal changes. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the grazing behavior, the forage selection and the diet composition of goats browsing in a Mediterranean woody rangeland of Northern Greece. Grazing behavioral data were recorded using the direct observation method of a flock of local breed goats and the measurements were performed during three seasons (spring, summer and autumn) for two consecutive years. The purpose was to evaluate the seasonal differences taking into account not only the different seasons but also the different climate parameters within the two years. According to the results, Quercus frainetto was the most important part of the diet of goats despite the fact that they were able to utilize various nutritive resources such as herbaceous species and acorns. Goat is a particular versatile herbivore that is well adapted to the seasonality of complex Mediterranean landscape.

Detection of Mycoplasma agalactiae in Small Ruminants of Southeast Iran.

Agalactia is an infectious and contagious disease of small ruminants caused by Mycoplasma agalactiae (M. agalactiae). Although different microorganism strains contribute to this disease, M. agalactiae is known as the most prominent causative agent. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the rate of M. agalactiae involvement in contagious agalactia in the southeast region of Iran. Sampling was performed from milk, conjunctiva, ear lesions, and joints exudate of suspicious sheep and goat flocks according to the reports of Iran Veterinary Organization. The presence of Mycoplasma and its species, namely M. agalactiae, was evaluated through microbial culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. The detected microorganisms were confirmed to be Mycoplasma and M. agalactiae by the PCR amplification of 16S rRNA and lipoprotein target genes. According to the findings of present study, 14.8% and 36.0% of the samples were diagnosed as positive for Mycoplasma by culture and PCR, respectively. Moreover, the incidence of M. agalactiae was determined as 6.1% using the specific PCR method. Therefore, it is recommended to identify the other species of Mycoplasma in small ruminant samples involved with contagious agalactiae disease.

Oestrose: uma parasitose emergente em pequenos ruminantes no Nordeste do Brasil

Resumo: No período de janeiro de 2011 a dezembro de 2014 foram diagnosticados 9 surtos (A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H e I) de Oestrus ovis em pequenos ruminantes no estado da Bahia. No surto A obteve-se 0,5% (1/200); B 2,2% (2/90); C 0,8% (1/120); D 2% (2/100); E 1% (1/100); F 3% (1/33); G 0,6% (1/150); H 2,5% (5/200); I com 11,4% (8/70) em ovinos e 5% (2/40) em caprinos. Os sinais clínicos associados ao parasitismo pelas larvas nos surtos foram respiração ruidosa, espirro seguido de secreção nasal catarral, inquietação, movimentação excessiva da cabeça e andar em círculo. Macroscopicamente havia nos seios e conchas nasais hiperemia, edema da mucosa e presença de larvas. Todas as larvas coletadas dos cornetos e conchas nasais variavam desde o primeiro ao terceiro estágio de desenvolvimento. Algumas larvas L3 coletadas nas necropsias foram incubadas e o imago obtido das pupas mediram aproximadamente 10mm de cor acinzentada e abdômen escurecido. Realizada análise descritiva das condições climáticas, ano e positividade de casos de oestrose, demonstrou que a ocorrência tem tendência de crescimento com os anos (p˂0,001) e que houve casos com menor média de temperatura mínima (p˂0,001), possibilitando o desenvolvimento da mosca de O. ovis, demonstrando que houve a introdução da mosca enTtre o rebanho de ovinos e caprinos do estado da Bahia, e que as condições climáticas são ideais para perpetuação da espécie.

English

Studies to characterize goat production system and identify breeding practices and trait preferences of goat keepers were conducted in three districts (Sheko, Shey Bench and Meanit Shasha) of Bench Maji zone, southwestern Ethiopia. Semi-structured questionnaires and own-flock ranking experiments were employed for data collection. The results of the analyses revealed that the average goat flock size was 9.8±9.3. The flock structure constituted females (42.7%), intact males (19.0%), castrates (1.9%) and kids of both sex (36.5%). Goat production was rated highest for income and then as source of meat, with lowest rating as a means of saving. Most of respondents practiced selection for breeding does than bucks. Mating was predominantly uncontrolled. Twinning ability (I=0.29) for female and body size (I= 0.35) for male were the most highly rated traits at own flock ranking. The goat production system in Sheko and Shey Bench districts was characterized by mixed crop-livestock, while in Meanit Shasha, agro-pastoralism was dominant. Thus, the breeding objectives of the communities are to improve meat production and increase income through increased number of goat flocks. Key words: Agro-pastoralism, breeding objectives, breeding practices, mixed crop-livestock.

Rapid detection of novel caprine parainfluenza virus type 3 (CPIV3) using a TaqMan-based RT-qPCR

Parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3) is one of the most important respiratory pathogens for humans and many animals. A novel caprine PIV3 (CPIV3) was recently identified and isolated from Chinese goat flocks with respiratory disease. In order to develop rapid and sensitive methods for CPIV3 detection in infected goats, a TaqMan RT-qPCR was established in this study based on the primers and probe designed to amplify a 150 nucleotide-long region located within the M gene of the virus. The method was able to detect about 1.0×101 DNA copies/μL with an efficiency of 99.6% and a R2 value of 0.997. There were no cross-reaction observed using this technique against peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV), border disease virus (BDV), bluetongue virus (BTV) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). One hundred and fourteen samples, including nasal swabs, feces swabs, sera, hearts, livers, spleens, lungs, kidneys, tracheas and hilar lymph nodes (HLNs) from six challenged goats, were evaluated by this technique. Using TaqMan RT-qPCR, CPIV3 was positively detected in 51 of 114 samples (44.74%), which was higher than RT-PCR (27.19%, 31/114) and virus isolation (14.9%, 17/114), respectively. The method also gave higher positive detection rate (35%, 42/120) than RT-PCR (28.33%, 34/120) from clinical samples. These data indicated that this method could be used for faster and more accurate monitoring of viral load, disease progression and vaccination efficacy of CPIV3 in goat flocks.

Inventário e caracterização morfológica de caprinos Gurgueia no Estado do Piauí

RESUMO Objetivou-se com este trabalho realizar o inventário do ecótipo Gurgueia no Estado do Piauí, na região Nordeste do Brasil. O inventário compreendeu o levantamento histórico, com busca em literaturas, e o populacional feito a partir de visitas in loco nos rebanhos. Foi tomado em cada rebanho a localização geográfica por meio o por GPS e contagem dos animais com padrão fenotípico Gurgueia para classifica-la quanto ao risco de extinção. Observou-se a presença dos caracteres barba, chifres, brincos, os padrões de cor ruão, agouti e chocolate, e a presença de orelha reduzida que foram submetidos à análise descritivas simples. A literatura regional consultada não apresentou consistência sobre a origem do caprino Gurgueia no Piauí, mas indicaram que rebanhos instalados no vale do rio Gurgueia no Sul do Piauí, deram origem aos hoje classificados como Gurgueia. No estudo, houve a confirmação de poucos exemplares, apenas 119, dispersos em três microrregiões revelando que grupo genético Gurgueia está em situação crítica de desaparecimento. Nestes animais, observa-se alta frequência da ausência de brincos e do caráter presença de chifre (0,95). A frequência de barba foi de 0,52 e não houve ocorrência de pelos longos, indicando ausência da relação entre esses caracteres. O caráter ruão (0,96), a pelagem chocolate e padrão não-agouti (cor única) não estiveram presentes assim como a presença de orelha reduzida. O estudo pode apontar também que os caprinos Gurgueia apresentam-se em situação instável, já que a sua presença nos rebanhos está associada a outros tipos raciais.

Small ruminant lentivirus variants and related clinical features in goats from southeastern Brazil

Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) is a multisystem infectious disease caused by a small ruminant lentivirus that is widely disseminated in the goat flock of southeastern Brazil. Little information about its variants is available in Brazil. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on the sequences of 14 clinical isolates of CAEV that obtained from mammary glands, lung, brain, milk and blood of goats with any clinical form of the disease in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. Part of the pol gene of CAEV was amplified by nested-PCR and sequenced. These sequences were compared with 42 reference strains previously described and commonly used in phylogenies. The sequences derived from this study were more related to caprine strains than to ovine strains. Additionally, subtype B of the CAEV group was detected in different clinical samples with distinct clinical symptoms. Subgroup B1 was the predominant genotype. A subgroup C-like was isolated from animals that presented interstitial indurative mastitis. Animals from which the sequences belonged to this subgroup presented interstitial mastitis induration, chronic arthritis and chronic interstitial pneumonia. Subgroup C sequences have not been reported in Brazil previously, while circulating subgroup B1 variants were already known to be present in the country. This study provides new information about CAEV variants in Brazil, since we isolated and reported the subgroup C-like. A variant from B1 subgroup was the predominant genotype. More studies are necessary in order to confirm the presence of CAEV genotype C or even a new genotype. CAEV is an important disease of goat production and all knowledge is necessary to understand its epidemiology and, prevent this illness.

Description of production system and on-farm phenotypic characterization of Central Highland and Woyto-Guji goat breeds in Ethiopia

SummaryThe study examines phenotypic characterization of Central Highland and Woyto-Guji goat breeds at Meta Robi and Konso districts of Ethiopia. Purposive and random sampling techniques were employed to select sample villages and respondent. For administration of semi-structured questionnaire and phenotypic characterization, a total of 240 households and 601 adult animals, respectively, were selected. The average goat flock size (31.25 ± 22.46) owned per household of Konso was significantly (P&amp;lt; 0.01) higher than Meta Robi (12.73 ± 8). In Konso, natural pasture was the most frequently mentioned feed source during wet season, while hay was the most important feed source during dry season. On the other hand, in Meta Robi, natural pasture was the most frequently mentioned feed source during wet and dry seasons. Coat colour type, horn shape, ear orientation, wattle and beard were found to differ highly significantly (P&amp;lt; 0.001) among the two goat breeds. Goat breed had a significant effect (P&amp;lt; 0.001) on body weight and other body measurements except pelvic width (P&amp;gt; 0.05). The least-square means of body weight, body length, height at wither, chest girth, chest width, ramp length, horn length, ear length and pelvic width of Central Highland female goats were 29.5 ± 0.2 kg, 62.2 ± 0.2 cm, 67.5 ± 0.2 cm, 72.9 ± 0.2 cm, 13.4 ± 0.1 cm, 19.7 ± 0.1 cm, 12.8 ± 0.2 cm, 14.6 ± 0.1 cm and 13.5 ± 0.1 cm, respectively. The corresponding values for Woyto-Guji female goats were 24.8 ± 0.3 kg, 57.4 ± 0.2 cm, 61.9 ± 0.2 cm, 68.3 ± 0.2 cm, 12.1 ± 0.1 cm, 17.3 ± 0.1 cm, 10 ± 0.2 cm, 13 ± 0.1 cm and 13.4 ± 0.1 cm, respectively. The observed variations in production system and morphological traits among the sample populations coupled with their adaptive traits would indeed justify the need for designing breed improvement programme for both breeds.

Sezonowe migracje pasterzy na Bałkanach: charakter, historia, transformacje

W trakcie długiego okresu historycznego głównym rodzajem pasterstwa na Półwyspie Bałkańskim były migracje sezonowe pasterzy z wielkimi stadami owiec (lub, w mniejszym stopniu, kóz) między letnimi a zimowymi pastwiskami. Podczas lata wypasano swoje stada na pastwiskach w wysokich górach, podczas gdy jesienią owce zaganiano do ciepłych nizin nadmorskich oraz do ciepłych kotlin i dolin rzek, w których było na tyle dużo trawy, że owce mogły przetrwać do wiosny i kolejnego okresu wegetacyjnego w górach. Działalność pasterska tego rodzaju ciągle ulegała zmianom. Był to długi, kilkuwieczny proces, który przechodził przez różne etapy i rozwijał się różnie w poszczególnych częściach Półwyspu Bałkańskiego (w zależności od konkretnych geograficznych, społecznych i politycznych warunków i okoliczności). Mimo wszelkich zmian, których doświadczyły w średniowieczu i podczas kilku stuleci rządów osmańskich na Bałkanach, wielkie sezonowe migracje pasterzy trwały aż do XX wieku. W zredukowanej i zmodyfikowanej formie istnieją do dziś. W niniejszej pracy rozważane są następujące kwestie: wpływ zmian politycznych od końca XVIII do początku XX wieku na sezonowe migracje pasterzy na Bałkanach; świadectwa podróżników i badania dotyczące Bałkanów związane z sezonowymi migracjami pasterzy; niedawne (reliktowe) strefy sezonowych migracji pasterzy na Bałkanach; charakter migracji sezonowych pasterzy na Bałkanach; organizacja społeczna i status pasterzy wołoskich na Bałkanach w średniowieczu oraz zmiany statusu i sposobu organizacji migracji sezonowych w okresie osmańskim. W związku z tym konieczne jest również wyjaśnienie pojęcia Półwysep Bałkański/Bałkany.

Sezonowe migracje pasterzy na Bałkanach: charakter, historia, transformacje

Over a long period of history the predominant type of livestock raising in the Balkans was based on seasonal movements of people and their large sheep or (to a lesser extent) goat flocks between summer and winter pastures. During the summer livestock was grazed on high pastures in the mountains, and in the autumn it was driven to warm coastal plains, dales or river valleys where there was enough grass until the next spring vegetation season in the mountains. This type of animal husbandry was subject to constant change in a centuries-long process which saw different phases and took different courses in different parts of the Balkans (depending on the concrete geographical, social and political circumstances). For all changes it had undergone during the medieval period and a few centuries of Ottoman rule, the practice of large-scale seasonal livestock migration continued until the twentieth century. The practice still survives, though on a considerably reduced scale and in a modified form. This paper discusses the following questions: the influence of political changes on seasonal livestock movements in the Balkans from the end of the eighteenth century to the beginning of the twentieth century; information about seasonal livestock movements in the Balkans provided by travellers and scholars; recent zones of seasonal livestock movements in the Balkans; the social organization and status of Vlach herders in the Balkans in the middle ages; changes in the status and mode of organization of seasonal herders in the Ottoman period. In this connection, the term “the Balkan Peninsula/the Balkans” has been clarified.

Serologic and molecular evidence of Brucella ovis infection in ovine and caprine flocks in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

BackgroundBrucella ovis infection is one of the leading causes of sub fertility and infertility in ovine, been characterized mainly by epididymitis, orchitis and testicular atrophy in rams. This study aimed to determine the frequency of B. ovis positivity in rams and goats flocks in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, by agarose gel immunodiffusion (AGID), ELISA, Rose Bengal, PCR and bacteriological isolation as diagnostic tools.FindingsSerum and urine samples were collected from properties with sheep or goat flocks, or from properties with mixed flock. Out of 50 sheep flocks, 6 % (3/50) were seropositive by AGID while 4 % (2/50) were positive by urine PCR for B. ovis. Out of five goat farms, 20 % (1/5) were seropositive for B. ovis by AGID. Mixed flock farms had 11.1 % (2/18) of positivity by AGID. By ELISA, 19.5 % (8/41) of sheep properties and 61.1 % (11/18) of the properties with mixed flocks were positive for B. ovis. No samples were positive in the test of Rose Bengal, ruling out exposure to smooth LPS Brucella species (particularly Brucella melitensis) and indicating that the positive in the ELISA was associated with Brucella spp. LPS rough (presumably B. ovis). No urine sample from sheep or goat was positive by bacteriological isolation.ConclusionsOur results demonstrate serologic or molecular evidence of B. ovis infection in several rams and billy goats from meso-regions of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Also, this study report the indirect ELISA as an important tool for the diagnosis of B. ovis infection, as indirect ELISA in this study demonstrated to be the most sensitive diagnostic method adopted.

Leather quality of some Sudan desert sheep and goats

Leather quality of some Sudan desert sheep and goats

Seed dispersal capacity of sheep and goats in a near-coastal dry grassland habitat

Our aim was to investigate the influence of seed dispersal via sheep and goats on the biodiversity of the characteristic plant community and endangered plant species in near-coastal dry grasslands. We examined epi- and endozoochory by sheep and goats, grazing with a shepherd in a protected dry grassland area in northern Germany. We recorded the species and density of seeds trapped in fur and excreted in faeces of sheep and goats. These two ungulates dispersed seeds of 44% of all the species from the study site. These included seeds from 31 locally endangered plant species. The diversity and number of seeds were higher in fur and faeces of sheep compared to goats. This pattern was also found for the occurrence of seeds from plants characteristic to this habitat and Red List species. Extrapolation of these observations to the whole flock of sheep (n=630) and goats (n=20) suggests that there are about 357,000 seed transported in the fur whereas up to 1,500,000 seeds are dispersed via endozoochory. These observations underline the importance of free-ranging sheep and goats in shaping the biodiversity of plant species in dry grasslands.

Prevalence and risk factors for gastrointestinal parasitism in traditionally maintained goat flocks of South Gujarat.

A total of 360 faecal samples of goat belonging to Ahir community were collected randomly from eight villages on monthly basis. On same day, collected samples were subjected to qualitative faecal examination and positive samples were categorized into mild, moderate and heavy infected groups. The risk factors considered for study were age, pregnancy, lactation, seasons, wet land grazing and hygiene in housing. Overall 41.11% animals were found positive for helminth eggs and among them 24.17, 10.56 and 6.39% of goats were mildly, moderately and heavily infected, respectively. The helminths recorded were strongyles (26.9%), amphistomes (18.1%), Trichuris spp. (8.1%) and Nematoidirus spp. (3.9%). Similarly, 72 (20%) animals were found positive for presence of coccidia oocysts in which 13.06, 4.17 and 2.78% were having mild, moderate and heavy infection. The Chi square test revealed that the housing quality, seasons and body condition scores (BCS) were having significant effects on helminths prevalence. The Chi square values indicated that age, hygiene of houses, seasons and BCS have significantly associated with prevalence of coccidiosis. The helminths prevalence was having significant positive correlation with lactation status and housing quality whereas it was significantly negatively correlated with prevalence of coccidia. Kendall's Correlation coefficients among various risk factors reveals that age and housing quality has significant negative correlations with coccidia infection. The gastro-intestinal (GI) parasites incidence was significantly high during the monsoon than the summer/winter season. The correlation of GI- parasitic prevalence with pregnancy status and age was not found.