Goat Herds Research Articles

Loss of Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis Virus (CAEV) Herd Accreditation: Characteristics, Diagnostic Approach, and Specific Follow-Up Scenarios on Large Dairy Goat Farms.

The retrovirus causing caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE), a slowly progressive inflammatory disease in goats, belongs to the group of small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLVs) which cause lifelong infections that ought to be avoided for animal welfare as well as economic reasons. SRLV accreditation has been in place for forty years in The Netherlands and is based on the screening of small ruminant sera for specific antibodies. This paper evaluates 38 dairy goat herds that lost CAEV accreditation between 2012 and 2022. The characteristics of these herds are discussed, and specific follow-up scenarios, depending on desired goals, are introduced. The herd size of the participating herds varies from approximately 400 to 4600 adult dairy goats. The larger herds tended to be more prone to lose herd accreditation and had more difficulties regaining accreditation. Possible routes of introduction are lined up. The Royal GD's tailor-made approach and advice to support livestock farmers with herds that have lost CAE accreditation are discussed in detail. Specific emphasis is placed on the strategic deployment of various diagnostic tests (such as antibody ELISAs and PCR) in different media, such as (pooled) sera, (bulk)milk and tissue samples. Special attention is paid to the added value of retrospective bulk milk testing or the specific testing of groups based on housing and management, which enables the investigation of the moment of viral introduction and route of transmission into a herd. Furthermore, the prospective implementation of bulk milk and strategic pooled milk sample testing in the Dutch SRLV accreditation programs intensifies surveillance and enables the taking of swift action to prevent further transmission within and between herds. An appeal is made to share experiences to improve programs collectively, and to start research into the underlying mechanisms.

Patterns of Reproductive Management in Sheep and Goat Farms in Greece.

This paper reports findings regarding patterns of reproductive management in 325 sheep flocks and 119 goat herds throughout Greece. The objectives were to describe the patterns of reproductive management in sheep and goat farms, to highlight factors that were associated with these management patterns and the clinical application of the various reproductive management approaches in the farms and to establish potential associations with production outcomes. The median months of the start of the mating period for adult sheep and goats were May and June, respectively and for ewe lambs and replacement goats these were August and September, respectively. The median duration of the mating period was 2 months for adults and 1 month for replacements. The median ratio of female to male animals was 22:1 and 25:1 in sheep and goat farms, respectively. Control of reproduction was applied in 33.2% and 16.8% of sheep and goat farms, respectively, mostly by intravaginal progestagen sponges and less often by melatonin implants; multivariable analysis indicated five (availability of milking parlour, number of ewes in a farm, number of daily milkings, daily period spent by farmers at the farm, farming tradition in the family) and two (number of daily milkings, availability of milking parlour) predictors in sheep and goat farms, respectively. Pregnancy diagnosis ultrasonographically was performed in 36.6% and 16.8% of sheep and goat farms, respectively; multivariable analysis indicated as significant three (management system applied in farms, age of farmer, farming tradition in the family) and two (management system applied in farms, availability of milking parlour) predictors in sheep and goat farms, respectively. The control of reproduction and pregnancy diagnosis were associated with a higher number of vaccinations during pregnancy: 2.6 and 2.7, respectively, versus 2.2 and 2.1 in farms where they were not performed. The average per farm number of lambs/kids born per female animal was 1.33 ± 0.01 and 1.30 ± 0.02 for sheep and goat farms, respectively; five (control of reproduction, location of the farm, presence of working staff, collaboration with veterinary practice, breed of ewes) and two (control of reproduction, breed of female goats) predictors were identified in sheep and goat farms, respectively, for high numbers of lambs/kids. Lambs/kids were taken away from their dams at the age of 50 and 65 days, respectively. The average culling age (females, males) was 5.9 and 4.4 years and 6.9 and 4.9 years for sheep and goats, respectively. Farmers sourced animals to be used as replacements for those removed from the farm, mostly from the animals in their own farms, considering criteria related to milk production. Finally, the application of the control of reproduction was associated with increased milk production and the number of newborns, whilst an inverse correlation between the culling age of animals and milk production was seen.

Factors associated with small ruminant lentivirus infection in goat herds from Pernambuco state, Northeast region of Brazil

Serum samples (n = 1532) were collected between May 2011 to April 2012 from goats from 76 herds (49 from dairy farms and 27 herds for genetic improvement) from three geographical regions from the state of Pernambuco, Brazil: Zona da Mata, Agreste, and Sertão. Samples were processed using agar gel immunodiffusion test, with p28 CAEV antigen. The objective was to determine the risk factors for small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) in dairy goats and goats with high genetic value. Overall, seroprevalence was 13.7% (210/1532) [95% CI: 12–15.4%] in animals and 67.1% (51/76) [95% CI: 56.5%− 77.7%] in herds. In dairy farms the seroprevalence was 73.5% (36/49) [95% CI: 61.1%− 85.8%], and in properties with animals of high genetic value it was 55.6% (15/27) [95% CI: 36.8%− 74.3%]. Robust Poisson regression analysis adjusted by the random effect of the herd showed that risk factors were: importing bucks from another Brazilian state (prevalence ratio [PR] = 4.73 [95% CI: 2.05; 10.88]), not isolating sick animals (PR = 3.27 [95% CI: 2.24; 4.76]), and participating in fairs/animal crowding (PR = 1.52 [95% CI: 1.09; 2.11]). Prevalence results show that SRLV is present in caprine herds in the state of Pernambuco and identified risk factors are strongly related to animal transit. Considering the epidemiological situation, the first step for mitigating the consequences of this disease would be controlling animal transit.

Review: Maadi: The Making and Unmaking of a Cairo Suburb 1878–1962

Review: <i>Maadi: The Making and Unmaking of a Cairo Suburb 1878–1962</i>

Spatial Distribution of Dicrocoelium in the Himalayan Ranges: Potential Impacts of Ecological Niches and Climatic Variables

PurposeDicrocoeliosis can be an important cause of production loss in ruminants due to the cost of liver condemnation at slaughter. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of Dicrocoelium infection and to predict the ecological niches and climatic variables that support dicrocoeliosis in the Himalayan ranges of Pakistan.Methods and ResultsDicrocoelium was detected in 33 of 381 liver samples and 238 of 6060 blood samples taken from sheep and goat herds in the area. The prevalence of dicrocoeliosis was higher in sheep than in goats and highest in females aged more than 3 years. An environmental risk map was created to predict active zones of transmission and showed the highest probability values in central parts of the Chitral district in the northwest of Pakistan. Climatic variables of the mean monthly diurnal temperature range (Bio2), annual precipitation (Bio12), and normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) were found to be significantly (p < 0.05) associated with the presence of Dicrocoelium infection.ConclusionTogether, the findings of this study demonstrate the most suitable ecological niches and climatic variables influencing the risk of dicrocoeliosis in the Himalayan ranges of Pakistan. The methods and results could be used as a reference to inform the control of dicrocoeliosis in the region.

Effects of Paratuberculosis Vaccination at Different Ages in a Dairy Goat Herd: A 2-Year Follow-Up.

Vaccination could be considered as an effective method for paratuberculosis control, although controversial, with a need for investigation in some aspects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of vaccination, depending on the age of the animals, on their immune response, the reduction of paratuberculosis cases, mortality and culled animals in a commercial dairy herd. Goats from three different ages were immunized with the inactivated Gudair® vaccine. Peripheral antibody and IFN-γ output were evaluated for 21 months post-vaccination (mpv) and intradermal skin tests (IDSTs) for tuberculosis, with avian- and bovine-purified protein derivatives (PPD), were carried out at 6 and at 18 mpv to evaluate the humoral and cellular immune peripheral responses, respectively. The number of dead or culled animals, regardless of the reason, was also monitored and the causes of death determined by pathological examination. A significant increase in the production of IFN-γ was observed in all the vaccinated groups when the blood samples were stimulated with avian PPD, from 3 mpv to 18 mpv, and with bovine PPD, between 3 and 21 mpv. Moreover, serum antibody levels increased between 3 and 21 mpv in all vaccinated groups. The highest levels were found in animals vaccinated at 5 months, and the lowest in adult individuals. No positive reactants to tuberculosis were found by intradermal skin test. No animal losses associated with clinical paratuberculosis were detected in any of the groups. The number of total culled animals was significantly lower in the vaccinated than in the unvaccinated groups, especially on 1.5-month-old vaccinated kids. These results suggest that vaccination of paratuberculosis, especially in young animals, could induce heterologous protection.

Lesions found at foot trimming of dairy goats: Baseline data for comparing lesions and locomotion scoring

Data on the foot lesions of housed dairy goats, especially those that are not lame, is sparse. In this study, visits were made to four farms for whole herd locomotion scoring after milking and to observe routine foot trimming. During trimming, the amount of trimming required for each hoof was recorded, alongside the presence of lesions. The process was repeated at the next routine foot trim on three of the four farms (on Farm 1 whole herd locomotion scoring after milking was not feasible). Across both visits, 3445 locomotion scores were recorded, alongside 3850 trimming and lesion records. There were large differences between farms and visits in the proportion of lame goats (6.7 to 25.5%) and in the proportion of goats which needed a substantial trim of all four feet (15.1–33.1%). Hoof lesions were observed in 65.5% of trimmed goats. We defined lesions by their site and presence of separation and/or granuloma, with white line separation being the most commonly recorded lesion (41.5% of goats). On all visits on the three farms which were locomotion scored, the number of goats recorded as lame was lower than the number observed with white line lesions, but the relative proportion ranged from 17% to 95.4%. Separations were much more common than granulomas, as granulomas were usually accompanied by separation. Toe lesions were much more likely to be associated with granulomas than white line lesions, with 91.5% of toe separations having granulomas but only 10.6% of white line separations. This study provides useful baseline data for comparing lesions and locomotion scoring between goat herds but also identifies areas where we need more data and more consensus.

Scenario of viral and protozoa diseases in commercial dairy goats from Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais State, Brazil

Caprine encephalitis-arthritis virus (CAEV), bluetongue virus (BTV), and the parasites Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii can be considered important infectious agents for dairy goats, causing significant losses in production. Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) and vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) can occasionally infect goats. This study assessed the prevalence and determined the risk factors for viral (CAEV, BTV, BHV-1, and VSV) and protozoan (T. gondii and N. caninum) infection; it also verifies the natural disposition of seropositive groups regarding their multivariate similarity in commercial dairy goat farms in the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Blood serum samples from 413 dairy goats from nine farms were analyzed using the virus neutralization test, agar gel immunodiffusion, and indirect immunofluorescence methods. The average prevalences found were 65% (269/413) and 47.1% (195/413) for the parasites N. caninum and T. gondii and 35% (145/413) and 24% (99/413) for BTV and CAEV, respectively. All samples were seronegative for BHV-1 and VSV. Significant risk factors were found only in T. gondii and CAEV infection. For toxoplasmosis, contact of the herd with cats (OR = 28.6; [95% CI = 5.81–140.66]) or dogs and cats (OR = 21.12; [95% CI = 6.78–65.82]), the disposal of dead animals in landfill (OR = 0.03; [95% CI = 0.01–0,10), the lack of colostrum treatment (OR = 3.75 [95% CI = 1.53–9.20]), and natural reproduction (OR = 0.28; [95% CI = 0.13–0.62]) were risk factors. For CAEV, the risk factors were contact with dogs (OR = 0.66; [95% CI = 0.49–0.90]), the disposal of dead animals in landfill (OR = 4.12; [95% CI = 1.65–10.28]), and natural suckling (OR = 0.03; [95% CI = 0.004;0.261]). Based on the PCA results, farms with higher rates of positive cases in CAEV, N. caninum, and T. gondii infection bordered the mesoregion, demonstrating the possible special interaction with the seropositivity of dairy goat herds. There is a need to implement measures to control viral and protozoal infections in this important goat milk production region in Brazil.

First genetic report of Ixodes kashmiricus and associated Rickettsia sp.

BackgroundHard ticks (Ixodidae) are hematophagous ectoparasites that transmit various pathogens to a variety of hosts including humans. Transhumant herds have been involved in the spread of ticks and associated Rickettsia spp., and studies on this neglected topic have been unexplored in many regions including Pakistan. This study aimed to investigate ticks infesting transhumant herds of sheep (Ovis aries) and goats (Capra hircus) in district Shangla, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.MethodsOf the 144 examined animals, 112 hosts (68 sheep and 44 goats) of transhumant herds were infested by 419 ticks of different life stages including nymphs (105; 25%), males (58; 14%) and females (256; 61%). For molecular analyses, DNA was extracted from 64 collected ticks and subjected to PCR for the amplification of tick 16S rDNA and ITS2 partial sequences and for the amplification of rickettsial gltA and ompA gene sequences.ResultsAll tick specimens were identified as Ixodes kashmiricus based on morphological features. The obtained 16S rDNA and ITS2 sequences showed 95.7% and 95.3% identity, respectively, with Ixodes kazakstani reported from Kyrgyzstan. In the phylogenetic tree, the sequences clustered with members of the Ixodes ricinus species complex, including I. kazakstani and Ixodes apronophorus. Additionally, rickettsial gltA and ompA partial sequences were 99.7% identical to Rickettsia sp. endosymbiont of Ixodes spp. from Panama and Costa Rica and 99.2% with Rickettsia endosymbiont from the USA. Phylogenetically, the rickettsial gltA and ompA partial sequences from I. kashmiricus clustered with various haplotypes of Rickettsia endosymbiont, which were sister cladded to Rickettsia monacensis.ConclusionsThis is the first genetic report of I. kashmiricus and associated Rickettsia sp. Large-scale tick surveillance studies across the country are needed to investigate Ixodes ticks and associated pathogens.Graphical

Maternal, Postnatal, and Management-Related Factors Involved in Daily Weight Gain and Survivability of Suckling Zaraibi Goat Kids in Egypt.

Simple SummaryA pre-weaned Zaraibi goat kid’s body weight gain and survival are complex traits affected by the maternal ability of the doe and the kid’s capability for rapid growth and survival, in addition to the management tactics and environmental variables during the postnatal period. In this study, we investigate the effect of some potential maternal, postnatal, and management-related factors, including sex, litter size, birth weight, daily milk yield, parity, kidding year, and kidding season. The effects of these factors on both the daily body weight (ADG) gain and survivability of Zaraibi (Nubian) kids during the suckling period are studied. The body weight gain for kids was influenced significantly by all the aforementioned factors, except for the kidding season. The framework of the survival analysis revealed that the male kids experienced a greater risk of death compared with the female kids. The single-born kids were at a lower risk of death compared with two or more kids born in a litter. Survival rates increased steadily along with the increase in the mother’s daily milk yield and the dam’s parity number. There was a decrease in the probability of mortality with each passing year. In practice, monitoring traits that indicate an imbalance in milk and that could lower the body weight of the kid could promote the identification of kids with a higher risk of death and the inability to achieve the required body weight gain.During the early period of an animal’s life, rapid growth and higher survival rates can provide more profits to producers by minimizing the rearing and replacement costs. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of some maternal, postnatal, and management-related factors (sex, the litter size [LS], the kid’s birth weight [KBW], the daily milk yield [DMY], and the parity order), as well as the kidding year and season on both the average daily weight gain (ADG) and survivability of suckling Zaraibi goat kids during the postnatal period. A total of 3005 kidding events were available from the herd of Zaraibi goats raised at El-Serw Experimental Station from 2008 to 2014, which belongs to the Animal Production Research Institute. Data revealed that the overall ADG was 131.14 ± 2.34, 94.22 ± 2.21, and 85.63 ± 2.33 g/day, whereas the survival rates were 94.68%, 91.81%, and 90.62% during the periods from birth to 1, 2, and 3 months, respectively. During all periods considered, the aforementioned maternal, postnatal, and management-related factors significantly affected the ADG. In males, the ADG increased compared with females. Singletons had a higher ADG compared with kids born to a litter of two or more. A higher KBW and DMY were associated with an increase in the ADG. Additionally, increasing the parity order was associated with an increased ADG. The kidding season did not have a significant effect on the ADG, whereas the kidding year showed a significant effect on the ADG. During the pre-weaning period, the hazard of death increased by 23.1% (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.231; 95% CI = 0.972–2.057) in males compared with females in terms of survival rates. A higher LS was associated with an increase in the incidence of mortality, increasing by 51.6% (HR = 1.516; 95% CI = 1.363–1.719) with each unit increase in the LS. Additionally, the KBW was an extremely important determinant of survivability, as the risk of death decreased by 62.8% (HR = 0.372; 95% CI = 0.229–0.504) with the increase in the KBW. Likewise, survival rates increased steadily along with an increase in both the DMY and parity number. The risk of death decreased by 52.7% (HR = 0.473; 95% CI = 0.376–0.808) and 38.2% (HR = 0.618; 95% CI = 0.512–1.724) with the increase in the DMY and parity number, respectively. The kidding season did not significantly affect the kid’s survivability, but with each passing year, there was a decrease of 2.8% (HR = 0.972; 95% CI = 0.952–0.991) in the probability of mortality. In conclusion, better growth and survival rates can be achieved by controlling the maternal, postnatal, and management-related factors, as well as upgrading management plans.

Phenotypic characterization and documentation of Gaddi dog of western Himalayan region of India

India has the privilege of having excellent dog populations, but efforts to recognize them as distinct breeds are far and wide. The present study was designed to undertake the phenotypic characterization of Gaddi dogs, in Himalayan region of the state of Himachal Pradesh, India. The approach used was to gather as much information available on Gaddi dogs from communities involved in their traditional rearing. Though, many anecdotal evidence about its origin exists, the most plausible relates it to the development of this distinct breed by Gaddi shepherds during migration in Himalayan ranges. The Gaddi dogs are predominately black with occasional white marking on the feet, tail, or trunk region. One of their main attributes is their massive, arched neck that protects them from predators. These dogs have harmonious build, medium stature, moderately long, robust muscular body. In bitches, age at first estrus ranged from 12-18 months with main breeding season from September to November. The number of whelping in a lifetime was reported to be 8-12 with a litter size of 4-8 pups. Shepherds usually do not follow a strict vaccination or deworming schedule of the dogs and housing is also not provided. The dog is primarily developed and used for the herding of sheep and goats by shepherds of the Gaddi tribe. These shepherds must be rewarded and encouraged to maintain the purity of the breed. The present study paved the way for recognition of the Gaddi dog and highlighted the headway options for its conservation and propagation.

In vitro and in vivo anthelmintic properties of Caesalpinia coriaria fruits against Haemonchus contortus

The purpose of the present study was to assay the in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic activity (AA) of Caesalpinia coriaria (Cc) mature fruits against the nematode Haemonchus contortus (Hc). The Hc infective larvae were used to assess the in vitro AA through larval mortality assay. The exposure of larvae to the different treatments was performed in 96-well microtitration plates. The treatments were as follows: hydroalcoholic extract (HA-E, at 25–100 mg/mL), aqueous fraction (Aq-F, at 12.5–50 mg/mL), organic fraction (EtOAc-F at 12.5–50 mg/mL), compounds (1, methyl gallate and 2, gallic acid at 1.25–10 mg/mL), positive control (ivermectin at 5 mg/mL) and two negative controls (distilled water and 4% methanol). After exposure, dead and live larvae were quantified and results were compared to their controls. The in vivo assay was carried out by a faecal egg count reduction test (FECRT); artificially infected goat kids (F1: Boer x Nubia) were treated with Cc ground dried fruits to assess the AA. The treatments were established as follows: G1—untreated goats (negative control), G2—goats dewormed with ivermectin (positive control), G3—goats fed with Cc mature fruits (10% of their diet). Results in both in vitro and in vivo assays were analysed using an ANOVA through random design, applying a general linear model and mixed models. The in vitro results showed an evident larvicidal effect of the HA-E, EtOAc-F from Cc, indicating that the compound responsible for the AA was gallic acid. The results of the in vivo study corroborated the anthelmintic properties of Cc, reaching 78.6% reduction in the elimination of Hc eggs per gram of faeces. This plant represents a potential natural anthelmintic for the control of haemonchosis in goats under grazing conditions. Future studies should standardise the Cc extract or dried fruits for use in the management of nematodiasis in goat herds.

Goats are able to adapt to virtual fencing; A field study in commercial goat herds on Norwegian farms

Virtual fencing technology has been developed over the last decades with the goal of giving farmers a flexible fence solution especially for remote rangeland. The latest technology is based on the use of Global Positioning System (GPS), mobile phone networks and internet applications. During the autumn of 2017 a field study was performed on eight commercial goat farms in Norway by using the Nofence virtual fencing technology. The main aim of the study was to describe the ability of goats to adapt to virtual fencing with three different sets of conditions. The first condition consisted of six groups with a total of 53 goats naïve to virtual fencing, that were introduced to and enclosed by a virtual fence. The second consisted of ten groups with a total of 92 goats already accustomed to virtual fencing being held on their regular pasture enclosed by a virtual fence. The third condition consisted of four groups with a total of 45 goats accustomed to virtual fencing that were moved to or given new rangeland areas enclosed by a virtual fence. All sets of conditions lasted for five days, and the number of audio cues and electric stimuli were automatically registered for all individual animals. A success ratio was calculated based on these measures. All variables were analyzed using a Generalized Linear Mixed Model with either a Poisson or Binomial distribution. The number of escapes were also registered. For the naïve goats, the mean number of audio cues and electric stimuli per goat were reduced from day one to day five, while the success ratio increased. On day one, 22 goats escaped whereas on day four and five no goats escaped. For the accustomed goats, the success ratio was significantly higher than that for the naïve goats, but not different from accustomed and moved. The total number of escapes in this condition was 7. For accustomed and moved, the success ratio was similar to the accustomed goats, but there was large variation across days, also in the number of audio cues. Escapes were only registered in one of the groups. We concluded that goats could adapt to and be confined by virtual fencing in commercial herds, but there were large individual variations as well as variation between groups regarding the number of audio cues and electric stimuli received.

Critical support for different stages of innovation in agriculture: What, when, how?

CONTEXTThe agricultural sector is undergoing several transitions through “smart-farming” technologies. To make this innovation responsible, it is critical to support technological innovation at different stages of innovation with customized strategies for the individual technology. OBJECTIVEWhat are the critical support functions at different stages of technological innovation in agriculture? METHODSFour technologies are analysed: Automated Milking Systems (AMS), a digital fencing system for the virtual herding of goats, a technology for drone-based observation and management in agriculture and forestry, and round baler silage systems. These are analysed as sociotechnical constructions of multiple stakeholders, with heterogeneous pathways to societal acceptance and practical usage on the farm. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONSTo provide information about how such technology can be created in a responsible manner, the paper suggests a Balanced Readiness Level assessment (BRLa) to highlight five dimensions for technological maturity: technological, market, regulatory, social acceptance, and organizational maturity. Through this approach, the findings show that each phase of the technological development benefits from specifically targeted support and that support functions should not be underestimated in order to get technology to a higher level of acceptance. SIGNIFICANCEAgriculture is facing challenges that demand transition of the sector. Supporting invention to stimulate innovation is important; supporting implementation is also important, but identifying the supporting functions that can have an impact at the societal level is crucial to stimulating transition of the system. This paper clarifies the variations of the supporting functions.

Terminal Crossbreeding of Murciano-Granadina Goats with Boer Bucks: Characteristics of the Carcass and the Meat.

Simple SummaryIn Murciano-Granadina-breed dairy goat farms, meat production from purebred kids is not very profitable due to its high costs, so it is proposed to cross unused dairy females to produce a replacement for the herd with a breed specialised for meat production, i.e., the Boer breed. Our previous results verified that this crossbreeding strategy improved the productive characteristics of the kids (growth and costs), so the aim of this work was to ascertain its consequences on the carcass and meat characteristics of suckling kids (9 kg weight at slaughter) of both sexes. Ninety-four kids were used. It was found that crossbred kids reached slaughter weight at a younger age, and although their carcass yield did not improve, they did show higher muscle/bone and meat/bone ratios and better meat texture (less firmness). In turn, males slightly improved the proportion of expensive cuts, but their carcasses contained a lower proportion of intermuscular fat and lower muscle/bone and meat/bone ratios than females. There were no sensory differences in any case. It is concluded that this crossbreeding also improves the carcass and meat characteristics, constituting a valid alternative to improve the economic results of Murciano-Granadina breed herds.After verifying productive improvements from the crossbreeding (MB) of Boer males with females of the Murciano-Granadina (MG) breed, the aim of this work was to determine its consequences on the carcass and meat characteristics of suckling kids (9 kg of weight at slaughter) of both sexes. A total of 94 kids (25 purebred MG males, 19 purebred MG females, 25 crossed MB males and 25 crossed MB females) were used. It was found that MB kids reached slaughter weight at a younger age (44 ± 1 vs. 63 ± 1 days, p < 0.001). For carcass yield, the interaction genotype x sex was observed, where MB females presented a higher value (51.71 ± 0.34%) than the rest of the animals (MB males 50.53 ± 0.34, p < 0.05; MG males 50.60 ± 0.34, p < 0.05; MG females 49.62 ± 0.39, p < 0.001). MB kids had greater leg compactness, (36.28 ± 0.27 vs. 34.71 ± 0.29 g/cm, p < 0.001), slightly improved expensive carcass cuts (75.93 ± 0.31 vs. 74.77 ± 0.34%, p = 0.014) and higher muscle/bone (2.93 ± 0.03 vs. 2.76 ± 0.03, p < 0.001) and meat/bone ratios (3.56 ± 0.04 vs. 3.36 ± 0.04, p < 0.001) than MG kids. They also showed a somewhat more intense red colour (8.57 ± 0.25 vs. 7.74 ± 0.27, p = 0.027), higher colour saturation (9.06 ± 0.24 vs. 8.20 ± 0.26, p = 0.016) and less meat firmness (1.95 ± 0.08 vs. 2.23 ± 0.081 kg/cm2, p = 0.021). On the other hand, males had a slightly improved proportion of expensive cuts (75.98 ± 0.31 vs. 74.73 ± 0.34, p = 0.008), but their carcass contained a higher proportion of bone (22.16 ± 0.21 vs. 21.17 ± 0.17%; p < 0.001), a lower proportion of intermuscular fat (9.54 ± 0.24 vs. 10.93 ± 0.24, p < 0.001), a higher muscle/fat ratio (5.01 ± 0.10 vs. 4.41 ± 0.10, p < 0.001) and lower muscle/bone (2.80 ± 0.03 vs. 2.89 ± 0.03%, p = 0.016) and meat/bone ratios (3.36 ± 0.04 vs. 3.56 ± 0.04%, p < 0.001) than females. There were no sensory differences in any case. It is concluded that this crossbreeding strategy also improves the carcass and meat characteristics, making it a valid alternative to improve the productive results of MG dairy goat herds.

51 Determining the Best Indicators for Targeted Selective Treatment Against Gastrointestinal Nematodes in Sheep and Goats in Mississippi

Abstract Successful Targeted Selective Treatment (TST) against gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in small ruminant farms require the accurate measurement of phenotypic indicators of the animals. Specific indicators to predict the GIN burden include the age of the animal (A, years), bodyweight (BW, lbs), FAMACHAÓ (score from 1 to 4), body condition score (BCS, score from 1 to 5), and fecal egg count (FEC, eggs per gram of feces or EPG). Objective: Determine the indicator(s) that will more accurately contribute to TST for sheep and goats in the state of Mississippi (MS). Five (05) sheep and five (05) goat herds were used for data collection during fall 2021, the indicators of ewes (n=182) and does (n=197) were individually measured and FEC was determined using a modified McMaster technique. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistix for Windows v. 8.0., and two by two contingency tables were used to evaluate the association between FAMACHA and EPG, and BCS and EPG. The average indicators for sheep and goats sampled were, respectively, for A 2.91 and 2.98 years (P&amp;gt;0.05); BW 137.99 and 89.69 lbs. (P=0.0000); FAMACHA 2.53 and 2.99 (P=0.0000); BCS 3.25 and 2.98 (P=0.0000); FEC 510.05 and 487.56 EPG (P=0.0001). The correlations of FEC and FAMACHA for both species were positive 0.1753 (P=0.0006). Negative correlations were found for FEC and BCS of -0.1517 (P=0.0031) and for FAMACHA and BCS of -0.2945 (P=0.0000). The 2x2 contingency tables showed that goats with FAMACHA 4-5 had 37% chances to have &amp;gt;500 EPG compared to goats with FAMACHA 1-3 (28.2%) (P &amp;gt;0.05). Meanwhile, the BCS 1-2 resulted in 1.01-2.73 times more goats with &amp;gt;500 EPG (45.8% vs. 27.7%; P&amp;lt; 0.05). That effect was more evident for sheep, where 62.6% of animals with BCS 1-2 had &amp;gt;500 EPG vs. 15.8% with BCS 3-5, but the sample size was insufficient to assign statistical significance.

Generalized tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium caprae in a red fox phylogenetically related to livestock breakdowns

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) due to Mycobacterium caprae is endemic in goat herds and free-ranging wild boars in Spain, causing infections in other livestock or wild animals to a lesser extent. TB infection in foxes is infrequently reported and they are usually considered spillover hosts of TB.Case presentationA blind, depressed and severely emaciated red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was admitted to a rehabilitation center. After clinical examination it was humanely sacrificed. At necropsy, generalized TB lesions were observed that were subsequently confirmed by histopathology along with a co-infection with canine distemper virus. M. caprae was isolated from mycobacterial culture and spoligotype SB0415 was identified. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of the isolated M. caprae was carried out and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were compared with other sequences of M. caprae isolated from livestock and wildlife of the same area throughout the last decade.ConclusionsThis is the first reported case of TB due to M. caprae in a fox in the Iberian Peninsula. WGS and SNP analysis, together with spatial-temporal investigations, associated this case with recent M. caprae outbreaks in cattle and goat herds of the area. The results indicated transmission of M. caprae between livestock and the fox, suggesting that this species may occasionally play a role in the epidemiology of animal TB.

Exposure to Brucella spp. in Goats and Sheep in Karenga District, Uganda Diagnosed by Modified Rose Bengal Method

A retrospective study was conducted in 2022 to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis and its risk factors among goat and sheep herds in the Karenga district, Karamoja region, Uganda. Sera from 332 goats and 81 sheep from 20 kraals in all seven administrative units of the district were tested using the modified Rose Bengal test (mRBT). It was determined that brucellosis was present in 20% of the small ruminant herds in the Karenga district, with an overall animal level seropositivity of 3.39% (CI: 1.87–5.62%; n = 14/413). Higher seropositivity was recorded in goats (3.92%, CI: 2.1–6.6%) than sheep (1.23%, CI: 0.03–6.69%). Similarly, seropositivity was higher in females (3.95%, CI: 2.12–6.66%) than males (1.19%, CI: 0.03–6.456), and also higher in goats and sheep more than two years old (4.15%, CI: 2.09–7.31%) than those one to two years old (1.98%, CI: 0.24–6.97%) or those less than one year old (2.13%, CI: 0.05–11.29%). Only herd size was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05) as a risk factor for exposure to brucellosis in the Karenga district. Although the prevalence of brucellosis among goats and sheep in the Karenga district is low, there still exists a risk to the pastoralists who closely interact with the animals and also practice risky behaviours such as consumption of uncooked or unpasteurised goat milk. There is need to expand herd health messaging in Karenga to include risk communication on brucellosis and other zoonotic diseases.

Determinants of smallholder farmers' membership in co-operative societies: evidence from rural Kenya

PurposeDespite the potential for co-operatives to improve smallholder farmers' livelihoods, membership in the co-operatives is low. This study examines factors that influence smallholder farmers' decisions to join agricultural co-operatives.Design/methodology/approachThis study involved a survey of 1,274 smallholder chicken farmers. The data were analysed through a two-sample t-test of association, Pearson's Chi-square test and binary probit regression model.FindingsThe results suggest that farming as the main source of income, owning a chicken house, education attainment, attending training or accessing information, vaccination of goats and keeping a larger herd of goats are the key factors which significantly influence co-operative membership. However, gender, age, household size, distance to the nearest agrovet, vaccinating chicken and the number of chickens kept do not influence co-operative membership.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey did not capture data on some variables which have been shown to influence co-operative membership. Nevertheless, the results show key explanatory variables which influence membership in co-operatives.Practical implicationsThese findings have implications for development agencies that seek to use co-operatives for agricultural development and improvement of smallholder farmers' livelihoods. The agencies can use the results to initiate interventions relevant for different types of smallholder farmers through co-operatives.Originality/valueThis study highlights the influence of smallholder farmers' financial investments in farming and the extent of commercialisation on co-operative membership. Due to low membership in co-operatives, recognising the heterogeneity of smallholder farmers is the key in agricultural development interventions through co-operative membership.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2022-0165.

Field evaluation of the tuberculin skin test for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex infection in communal goats (Capra hircus) in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

In South Africa, animal tuberculosis (TB) control programs predominantly focus on domestic cattle and African buffaloes (Syncerus caffer) despite increasing global reports of tuberculosis in goats (Capra hircus). Left undetected, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) infected goats may hinder TB eradication efforts in cattle and increase zoonotic risk to humans. Since the publication of animal TB testing guidelines in 2018, prescribing the use of the tuberculin skin test (TST) for goats in South Africa by the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development (DALRRD), there have been no published reports of any field application of the prescribed test criteria in goat herds. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of these DALRRD guidelines using the single intradermal cervical tuberculin test (SICT) and the single intradermal comparative cervical tuberculin test (SICCT). Between October and December 2020, 495 goats from communal pastures of Kwa-Zulu Natal (KZN), where M. bovis infection has been identified in cattle and where cattle and goats cohabitate, were tested using the SICT and SICCT (M. bovis-exposed group). Additionally, 277 goats from a commercial Saanen dairy herd, with no history of M. bovis, were also tested (M. bovis-unexposed group). Estimated apparent prevalence of TST positive goats was determined based on published test interpretation criteria as described by DALRRD. When proportions of test-positive goats were compared between different DALRRD criteria, the ≥ 4 mm cut-off criterion for the SICCT resulted in the lowest proportion of positive results in the presumably uninfected group (1/277 positive in the unexposed group). The apparent prevalence of TB in the exposed group was estimated at 3.0% (95% CI: 1.7–4.9%), which is similar to previous reports of M. bovis prevalence in cattle from this area (6%). The detection of a significantly greater proportion of SICCT positive goats in the M. bovis-exposed group compared to the unexposed group suggests that MTBC infection is present in this population. Further investigations should be undertaken, in conjunction with confirmatory molecular tests, mycobacterial culture, and advanced pathogen sequencing to establish whether MTBC infection in domestic goats is a true under-recognized threat to the eradication of animal TB in South Africa.