Goat Production Research Articles

Constraints and Opportunities in Extensive Goat Production Systems in Agroecological Region V of Buhera and Nkayi Districts of Zimbabwe

Constraints and Opportunities in Extensive Goat Production Systems in Agroecological Region V of Buhera and Nkayi Districts of Zimbabwe

Impact of global warming on the productive and reproductive efficiency of goats

Global warming is the rise in the average temperature of Earth's atmosphere and oceans. Climate change has had an enormous impact on domestic animal production system. Thermal stress is the most prominent impact of global warming in goat production resulting in a range of physiological, metabolic and production disorders. Negative energy balance due to poor food quality and heat stress cause endocrinal disturbances: increased frequency of LH-waves (anovulatory cycles), increased diameter of dominant follicle (lower concentration of oestradiol)) and increased system or intrafollicular level of insulin–like growth factor-I (IGF-I). Glucocorticoids inhibit the release of gonadotrope hormones, which reduces fertility probably due to ovulation failure and reduced growth and maturation of follicles. A high temperature several days prior to and after mating was found to reduce conception rate, since heat stress may negatively affect oocytes, spermatozoa and embryos. Increased ambient temperature also affects animal health, reproduction and nutrition, resulting in poor reproductive performance, low product quality and quantity, or the possible outbreak of new diseases. The indirect impact of global warming is manifested in the reduced production of fodder used to feed animals due to long-term droughts or floods. In addition to decreased quantity of animal feed, the quality of fodder grown during droughts or floods is also questionable. As a result of feeding with poor quality feed and insufficient quantities, numerous metabolic and endocrine disorders occur that can significantly affect fertility and sexual performance in goats.

Impact of Socioeconomic and Demographic Factors on the Physicochemical and Microbiological Quality of Artisanal Cheeses from Northern Peru

Goat cheese offers significant nutritional benefits due to its enhanced digestibility and assimilation. In Peru, the province of Sullana stands out as the largest producer of this cheese. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the socioeconomic factors of its producers, as well as the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of the cheese. The study was developed in 3 aspects, socio-economic based on a descriptive exploratory methodology, with a mixed approach, 14 presidents of producer associations participated. Fourteen samples of fresh artisanal cheese from goat producers' associations from Marcavelica, Lancones and Salitral were stored at 4°C under aseptic conditions for physico-chemical characterisation and microbiological analysis. In relation to socioeconomic factors, the findings of the survey indicate that 42.9% were aged 56 years or older and possess only primary education. Additionally, 57.1% received Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) training, 86% reported a lack of water and drainage services, 21% reported having access to conventional electricity and 79% reported using solar panels. These make an improvement in the training of cheese producers imperative. Regarding the physicochemical properties (pH, acidity, humidity and ash content), the cheeses were within the parameters allowed in DS N° 007-2021-MINAGRI. However, it was observed that 29% and 50% of the samples exhibited a high count for aerophilic mesophiles at 24 (≥ 2.51 x 106 CFU/g) and 48 (≥ 2.34 x 106 CFU/g) hours, respectively (COVENIN 3338:1997). 79% of the samples tested positive for both total and fecal coliforms (DS N° 007-2021-MINAGRI) in which 43% exhibited a high count for E. coli (>3.6 MPN/g). Conversely, the presence of S. aureus (<10) was within the optimal parameters while Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes were not detected. The lack of adequate infrastructure for the milking process, the production, storage and transportation of cheese, is presented as the most significant aspect. These findings may pose a risk to consumers’ health, highlighting the necessity to establish projects that strengthen these aspects in order to enhance cheese production.

Effect of diluters on frozen semen production of Black Bengal Goat

The present study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of three diluters (Triladyl, Andromed and Tris) for the production of frozen semen in Black Bengal goat and their effect on conception rate. Over the course of 6 months, data from six bucks were collected. Each collected sample was diluted with Triladyl, Andromed and Tris diluter, filled into 0.50 ml straws, sealed and equilibrated at 5℃ for freezing. The motility, viability and morphology were evaluated after dilution and in every step of cryopreservation (after equilibration, after freezing and after thawing). It became clear that motility and sperm viability of the frozen thawed semen differed significantly (p<0.05) but differed insignificantly (p>0.05) immediate after dilution among the diluters. The motility of frozen thawed semen was 42.50%±1.71, 34.67%±1.67 and 28.71%±1.55 in Triladyl, Andromed and Tris diluter, respectively. The viability of frozen thawed semen was 40.51%±1.78, 32.24%±1.52 and 26.84%±1.56 in Triladyl, Andromed and Tris diluter, respectively. In case of morphology, it differed insignificantly (p>0.05) among the diluters in every step of cryopreservation. Higher percentage of normal spermatozoa was found in Triladyl based diluter (87.11%) in frozen thawed semen. After 15 days of sample preparation, the motility of prepared sample was again checked to ensure the quality of frozen semen in liquid nitrogen (LN). It differed insignificantly (p>0.05) with frozen thawed semen after 24 hours of production. The obtained conception rate was 38% for Triladyl, 35% for Andromed and 27% for Tris diluter. The results of the study revealed that cryopreservation of buck semen revealed good results with Triladyl diluter followed by Andromed and Tris diluter. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (4): 105-113

Effect of diluters on frozen semen production of Black Bengal Goat

The present study was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of three diluters (Triladyl, Andromed and Tris) for the production of frozen semen in Black Bengal goat and their effect on conception rate. Over the course of 6 months, data from six bucks were collected. Each collected sample was diluted with Triladyl, Andromed and Tris diluter, filled into 0.50 ml straws, sealed and equilibrated at 5℃ for freezing. The motility, viability and morphology were evaluated after dilution and in every step of cryopreservation (after equilibration, after freezing and after thawing). It became clear that motility and sperm viability of the frozen thawed semen differed significantly (p<0.05) but differed insignificantly (p>0.05) immediate after dilution among the diluters. The motility of frozen thawed semen was 42.50%±1.71, 34.67%±1.67 and 28.71%±1.55 in Triladyl, Andromed and Tris diluter, respectively. The viability of frozen thawed semen was 40.51%±1.78, 32.24%±1.52 and 26.84%±1.56 in Triladyl, Andromed and Tris diluter, respectively. In case of morphology, it differed insignificantly (p>0.05) among the diluters in every step of cryopreservation. Higher percentage of normal spermatozoa was found in Triladyl based diluter (87.11%) in frozen thawed semen. After 15 days of sample preparation, the motility of prepared sample was again checked to ensure the quality of frozen semen in liquid nitrogen (LN). It differed insignificantly (p>0.05) with frozen thawed semen after 24 hours of production. The obtained conception rate was 38% for Triladyl, 35% for Andromed and 27% for Tris diluter. The results of the study revealed that cryopreservation of buck semen revealed good results with Triladyl diluter followed by Andromed and Tris diluter. Bangladesh Journal of Animal Science 52 (4): 105-113

A MULTIVARIATE LOGISTIC ANALYSIS ON FACTORS AFFECTING THE MARKET PARTICIPATION OF SMALLHOLDER INDIGENOUS GOAT FARMERS IN MAKUYA VILLAGE OF THE HAMAKUYA COMMUNITY, MUTALE LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, LIMPOPO PROVINCE

Livestock farming, particularly indigenous goat farming, is essential for rural economies, providing food and income. The demand for goat products is growing, encompassing meat, milk, fibres, and skins. Nevertheless, there's limited participation by farmers in formal markets, with most transactions happening privately. The study examined 45 smallholder indigenous goat farmers in Makuya Village, located in the Mutale Local Municipality, Limpopo Province. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and a multivariate logistic model to explore factors influencing market participation. The findings highlighted the diverse community, with a notable presence of male smallholder goat farmers. Several factors affecting market participation were identified, including the age of the farmer, the number of goats owned, distance to the market, and the source of agricultural information. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders, supporting sustainable goat farming and enhanced market engagement in rural areas.

Energetic and Monetary Analysis of Efficiency in Family-Owned Dairy Goat Production Systems in Andalusia (Southern Spain).

The family-owned dairy goat sector in Andalusia presents great diversity. Taking into account the particularities of their economic strategies, which are focused on generating net value added and a stable long-term remuneration for family labor, this work aims to expand the scarce existing knowledge on the energetic and economic profiles of the different caprine management systems in a context of climate and energy crisis. For this purpose, twenty-one farms, representatives of the four typologies of the Andalusian dairy goat system, were monitored for one year: pastoral systems, grazing systems with high feed supply, indoor systems with associated crops, and indoor systems without associated crops. Technical-economic information was obtained that allowed the calculation of energy and economic indicators. In terms of socialized output, the differences found were due to the energy derived from milk sales, which was clearly lower in pastoral systems. The higher proportion of energy output obtained from manure with respect to edible products (milk and meat) highlights the importance of the former in energetic terms. High values for external inputs are found in the intensive group (111.22 GJ LSU-1), while the lowest results correspond to the pastoral group (36.96 GJ LSU-1). The main external input is the energy proceeding from purchased feed, which accounts for over 79% of the total external energy input in all four groups. The highest energy efficiency corresponds to the pastoral group, which is also the most efficient one in the use of non-renewable energy to produce milk and meat. Additionally, the level of eco-efficiency is higher in pastoral systems. Common Agricultural Policy funds contribute to increasing the remuneration of family work in pastoral systems, assimilating it to the rest of the systems. Therefore, intensification does not imply an absolute monetary advantage in all cases, while extensification can be remunerative for family-owned dairy farming.

Effect of feeding dried leaves on growth performance, Moringa ole fera iblood biochemical status and economy of production in Barbari goats

A three-months feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of feeding leaves as Moringa ole feraireplacement to concentrate in the ration of growing goat. Eighteen female Barbari goats of uniform age and conformation (16.65 ± 1.20 kg; 11 to 13 months) were divided randomly into three groups. The animals in control group (T ) were fed basal diet consisting of roughage and concentrate in equal proportion, whereas in 1treatment groups T and T the concentrate mixture was partially replaced with dried leaves at 23Moringa oleifera 05% and 10% levels, respectively. Significantly (P&38;lt0.01) higher average daily feed intake was recorded in T 3group compared to T and T groups. Mean daily body weight gain was significantly (P&38;lt0.01) higher in T group, 123than T and T . The biochemical parameters showed significant (P&38;lt0.01) lowering in blood cholesterol in T213 and a significant (P&38;lt0.05) elevation in total protein and globulin at the end of experiment. The cost-benefit analysis of dietary treatment showed that it was 0.79, 0.83 and 1.02 for T , T and T , respectively. It was 123concluded that dried leaves could replace up to 10% of concentrate in growing goats without Moringa oleifera impairing their performance and health status, while reducing the cost of feed

Impact Evaluation of the Extension Program on Goat Production Conducted by the College of Agriculturein Calaoagan, Piat, Cagayan

Impact Evaluation of the Extension Program on Goat Production Conducted by the College of Agriculturein Calaoagan, Piat, Cagayan

Assessment the Goat Value Chain in Mid Hills of Nepal

Goat value chain development and analysis is a recently introduced activity for enabling goat production activities to link to the market network. In Nepal, goat production is repeatedly reported rather traditional than commercial. The production volume of goat is the main drawback of goat value chain development in Nepal. Despite the visible market opportunities in the meat sub-sectors, the country has been unable to take advantage of the situation for various reasons. Some of the reasons include production constraints compounded by farmers' socioeconomic and institutional issues and their relationship with the market as a driving force. The study was conducted in six districts (Rolpa, Rukum, Salyan, Pyuthan, Gulmi and Argakhachi) using participatory value chain analysis tools as well as households survey. Total 120 goat producer households survey was done in six districts whereas 30 goat collectors, 30 wholesalers’/regional traders and 30 butchers/retailers surveyed were done. Total sample size of this value chain study of goat sub-sector was 300. It was understood that goat production system in the study area was traditional and the main drawback of value chain is the smaller production volume of goat. When market situation analyzed, it was learnt that there was no systematic marketing system attained by the farmers due to smaller production volume, though the goats contributed almost half of the livestock heads per household (6-8 heads/HH). Mainly the local breeds of goat (Khari) were reared by the farmers with some sorts of crossbreeding with improved breeds such as Jamunapari in Salyan and Rukum. Moreover, the prolificacy of goat was found poor than the average of the Khari goat, where twinning was only 50% as responded by the farmers. Likewise, the grazing system was also of traditional and goats were managed under sedentary system (semi-intensive by almost 60% farmers) and frequent feeding of concentrates in small amount was customary. The natural and traditional grazing habitats such as community forests and pasturelands were used extensively. Almost 40% of the respondents were positive to raise goats in a flock size of 15-25 in a given set of circumstances of support from the agencies, obviously larger flocks might require heavy investments for a level of family income. Later the cost of production and the existing marketing system of goat subsector was analyzed and found that the farmer’s profit is dominated by the profit of the t wholesalers and butchers, even though the profit share of farmers was almost one third of the production cost (250 NPR/kg live weight). Total market margin for live weight per kg goat was found about NRP 193 from study area to national market hubs. The market margin/profit gained by the farmers was almost 41%, 20% for local collectors, 60% for regional goat traders/wholesalers and 17% to the regional/national butchers/retailers. There is a need to follow a more integrated approach by investigating challenges and opportunities from production to consumption along a value chain, while also addressing policy and institutional aspects affecting goat production.

Reducing carbon emission in the goat farms by switching from conventional goat farming to green goat farm typology

The carbon footprint of goat farms associated with the management type and the income sacrifice to switch to green goat farms are still not precise in the literature. Therefore, the objectives of this study were 1) to assess the environmental impacts of goat farming associated with management typology in Türkiye and 2) to explore the link between farm-level income sacrifice and the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction. Goat farm-level data were collected from randomly selected 284 goat farms through a questionnaire. Environmental impacts of goat farming associated with the management typology were examined using the life cycle assessment (LCA). The GHG emissions were calculated both for the whole goat farm associated with the management type and for individual goat products such as milk, meat, mohair, and replacement. The research results showed that Turkish goat farms emitted GHG emissions for the production of per kg of meat, milk, and mohair by 9.85 kg CO2-eq, 8 kg CO2-eq, and 0.28 kg CO2-eq, respectively. Goat farms in management type 1 emitted the highest GHG emission in a year, while that of goat farms in type 5 was the lowest. The research results also showed that the environmental impact and farm-level income sacrifice per kg GHG emission reduction to reach the level of environmentally friendly goat farms varied according to the management type of goat farms. Typical Turkish goat farms gained agricultural income by 2.47 USD per kg of GHG emission. The amount of agricultural income gained per kg GHG emission varied according to typology. Based on the research results, typical Turkish goat farms faced with an income sacrifice of 2.85 USD per kg GHG emission reduction to reach the level of environmentally friendly goat farms having minimum GHG emission in a year. Turkish goat farms emitted 0.49 kg CO2-eq per USD of agricultural production expenses. The study suggests switching from a conventional management type to environmentally friendly management type goat farms. Facilitating the accessibility of financial resources may enhance the switching process through benefiting investments in infrastructure, equipment, and research and development. Creating resource-efficient and environmentally friendly goat farms by subsidizing the goat farms may decrease GHG emissions.

Prevalence of Zoonotic Intestinal Parasites in Meat Goats in Southern Thailand.

Background: Intestinal parasites not only lead to poor goat health and productivity but can also affect human health. We investigated the distribution of zoonotic intestinal parasites among goats in southern Thailand to assess the human health risks. Materials and Methods: Overall, 561 fecal samples were collected randomly from goats in farms (55) in Songkhla, Satun, Pattalung, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces between January 2020 to January 2022. Parasite eggs were detected via the standard protocol formalin ether concentration technique (FECT). Results: Samples containing one or more intestinal parasites accounted for 97.33% (543/561) of the total samples, and the percentage of zoonotic parasite was 80.04% (449/561). Among the positive samples, two types of zoonotic helminths were identified, Strongylid egg type (79.32%) and Fasciola spp. (2.14%). Strongylid egg type was highly abundant in samples from Satun (84.62%), Songkhla (82.74%), Pattalung (79.31%), and Yala (77.27%). Fasciola spp. was mostly found in samples form Pattalung (13.79%) and Songkhla (1.12%). Eimeria spp. was the mostly identified protozoa 25.67%. It was mostly identified in samples from Narathiwat (75%), Pattani (41.9%), and Songkhla (31.41%). Mixed infections accounted for 40.82% of the total with 33 patterns. It was found that Strongylid egg types occurred in 28 patterns (84.85%). Strongylid egg types-Eimeria spp.-pattern was the most commonly found. Conclusion: Based on the results, zoonotic helminth infection was found together with widespread and high diversity of intestinal parasites infection in meat goats, which affect animal health and may pose a risk to human health. Mass deworming programs with a proper anthelmintic drugs and good agricultural practices need to be encouraged by the government so that people who contact with goats should practice good hygiene behavior. Farm management should be applied by intensive goat raising with pasture circulating to reduce parasite egg contamination. Moreover, fresh fertilizers from goat faces should be avoided.

Breeding and milking managements and Goat production constraints in Siltie Zone SNNPR, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in three agroecology of the Siltie Zone and assessed Breeding practice, Milking practice, and Goat Production Constraints in Siltie Zone SNNPR, Ethiopia. Multistage sampling techniques were followed during determining the study area where finally 384 respondents (128 from each agroecology) were selected to administer questionnaires. Primary data was collected through field observation, interviews, pretested questionnaires, and discussion with Focus Group Discussion. Collected data was organized into Microsoft Excel 2010 and analyzed using SPSS 21. The current study indicated respondents reared goats for multiple purposes, among which income generation (index = 0.38), followed by meat and breeding (index = 0.24) and milk (index = 0.19) ranked 1st, 2nd, and 3rd respectively. Phenotypically breeding bucks were selected primarily based on large body size, Body confirmation, and coat color whereas breeding does were selected based on Udder size, milk yield, litter size, and body confirmation. The current study shows that the Majority (59.90 %) of the bucks utilized for breeding purposes originated from respondents' flocks while government and neighbor-sourced contribute 22.40 % and 18.49 % respectively. Lowland goats were comparably potential milk yielders (0.655 ± 0.18) and larger in litter size (LS). As understood from this study, Feed shortage (index = 0.14), water shortage (index = 0.11), and land shortage (index = 0.10) were dry season and feed shortage (index = 0.26), land shortage (index = 0.19) and Productive Breeds (index = 0.07) were rainy season constraints distressing goat production in Siltie Zone. The current study points out that farmers should be aware of flock separation practice and its importance and supported by a Selection-based breeding program to handle only productive buck to improve goat productivity and reproductive performance. Furthermore facilitating access to improved forage, using hay and crop residue were options suggested to overcome feed shortage.

Long-Term Feeding of Dairy Goats with 40% Artichoke by-Product Silage Preserves Milk Yield, Nutritional Composition and Animal Health Status.

The aim of this work is to study the effect of 40% inclusion of artichoke by-product silage (AB) in dairy goat diets on milk yield, composition and animal health status during a full lactation period compared to an isoenergetic and isoproteic mixed ration based on alfalfa hay and a cereal and legume mixture. Milk yield was not affected by the dietary treatments, and neither was body weight. AB treatment reduced whey protein (0.38 vs. 0.42%, p < 0.05) and milk urea concentrations (687 vs. 773 mg/L, respectively, p < 0.001), and did not affect total true protein (3.22 vs. 3.24% p > 0.05) or other macro-composition variables. AB treatment showed higher milk concentrations of Ca (p < 0.05), Mn (p < 0.01), Cu (p < 0.01) and Zn (p < 0.001) compared to the control group (C). Slight differences were observed in milk fatty acid profile without any negative effects (p > 0.05) on the blood cholesterol and glucose of goats. The AB group reduced blood urea due to its high dietary total phenol content. However, it had a positive effect on β-hydroxybutyrate (p < 0.05) and nonesterified fatty acids (p > 0.05). It was concluded that 40% artichoke by-product inclusion in dairy goat feed for the whole lactation period (23 weeks) is a sustainable solution, reducing feeding cost by 12.5% per kg of dry matter, contributing to a better circular economy without any negative repercussions on the productivity and health of Murciano-Granadina dairy goats.

DNA methylation of GDF-9 and GHR genes as epigenetic regulator of milk production in Egyptian Zaraibi goat

BackgroundDNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that takes place at gene promoters and a potent epigenetic marker to regulate gene expression.ObjectiveThe study aimed to improve the milk production of Zaraibi goats by addressing the methylation pattern of two milk production-related genes: the growth hormone receptor (GHR) and the growth differentiation factor-9 (GDF-9).Methods54 and 46 samples of low and high milk yield groups, respectively, were collected. Detection of methylation was assessed in two CpG islands in the GDF-9 promoter via methylation-specific primer assay (MSP) and in one CpG island across the GHR promoter using combined bisulfite restriction analysis (COBRA).ResultsA positive correlation between the methylation pattern of GDF-9 and GHR and their expression levels was reported. Breeding season was significantly effective on both peak milk yield (PMY) and total milk yield (TMY), where March reported a higher significant difference in PMY than November. Whereas single birth was highly significant on TMY than multiple births. The 3rd and 4th parities reported the highest significant difference in PMY, while the 4th parity was the most effective one on TMY.ConclusionThese results may help improve the farm animals' milk productive efficiency and develop prospective epigenetic markers to improve milk yield by epigenetic marker-assisted selection (eMAS) in goat breeding programs.

Goat Livestock Business Potential Viewed from Population and Production in Indonesia

Judging from the development aspect, the goat livestock business is very potential, easy to cultivate, both daily and commercially. Goats have several advantages and economic potential, their bodies are relatively small, they reach maturity quickly, and they are easy to maintain. Goat farming business is very easy, does not require large areas of land, relatively small business capital investment, easy to market and business capital rotates quickly.This paper aimed to determine the potential for goat farming in terms of the population and production of goats in Indonesia. This paper examines quantitative data from the last 5 years. The results show that the demand for goat meat in Indonesia is quite high because goats are one of the most consumed livestock by the people of Indonesia, the high level of demand is inseparable from the function of goat farming.

PSVII-2 The Impact of Genomic Information Inclusion on Breeding Value Prediction for a Novel Parasite Resistance Indicator Trait in Brazilian Anglo-Nubian Goats: a Pilot Study

Abstract Infection by Haemonchus contortus is the gastrointestinal parasitosis of greatest economic and social importance in the production of goats, being the leading cause of mortality in the Brazilian goat industry. Genetic selection for resistance to parasites in Anglo-Nubian goats has proven to be a viable alternative to traditional methods of controlling gastrointestinal nematodes, producing animals genetically superior in resistance to parasites. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of including genomic information on the estimation of variance components, genetic parameters, and predictive accuracy of genetic values for the new trait Parasitic Resistance (PR) in Anglo-Nubian goats. The PR is generated by measuring Body Condition Score, FAMACHA chart (ranging from 1 to 5), and Fecal Egg Count on a regular scale. These three traits were used as input variables in the CAPRIOVI software, which uses fuzzy logic to create the PR score, ranging from 0 to 10. Animals with lower scores are more likely to be parasitized and require treatment, while animals with higher scores are less likely to be infected. We used information from 352 animals, totaling 3,855 repeated measurements of PR over the years (2001 to 2020) and 1,500 animals in the pedigree. Animals with less than three measurements for any of the three input traits were removed from the dataset. Contemporary groups were built from information from the year of birth, data collection season, birth season, and physiological stage of the animal, considered as fixed effects, and age at the time of data collection as a covariate in an animal repeatability model. A total of 89 animals were genotyped using the Bead Chip Goats SNP50. After quality control, the remaining 38,659 SNPs (Table 1) were used to build the hybrid matrix (H). The variance components (VC) were estimated using the Bayesian Gibbs Sampling method, and breeding values were predicted using the Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) and single-step Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (ssGBLUP) methods. The additive genetic variance and heritability estimation ranged from 0.13 to 0.14 and 0.04 to 0.05, respectively (Table 2). The accuracies obtained for PR with BLUP and ssGBLUP were 0.12 and 0.14, respectively, representing a gain of 16.7%. The genomic information (25 % of all animals with phenotypes) with the repeated records improved the predictive model capability based on accuracy. It also improved the VC estimation for PR in Anglo-Nubian goats raised in the Brazilian semi-arid region. These results highlight the positive impact of genetic evaluation of goats for PR, even with few phenotypes and genotyped animals. In addition to elucidating the additive genetic influence of parasite resistance, it can be a great source of information on the selection and production of Anglo-Nubian goats.

PSXIII-25 The Effect of Adding Rumalato on Enteric Methane Production in Goats

Abstract Livestock production significantly contributes to anthropogenic greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions, one of the main sources being enteric methane (CH4) produced during rumen fermentation. Recent metanalysis have shown that the use of specific CH4 inhibitors represents the nutritional strategy with most potential. However, despite the extensive research conducted in the last years, the number of products available for the livestock sector is still very limited. The objective of this work was to assess the impact of using a rumen modulator additive (Rumalato) on enteric CH4 emissions. Twelve adult non-pregnant goats (45.2 kg BW) were allocated to either control (CTL) or Rumalato (RUMA) included at 12 g/d in a completely randomized design. Both groups were fed a diet consisting of 60 % concentrate and 40 % alfalfa hay. Goats were adapted to the treatments for two weeks before going into respirometry chambers for 3 consecutive days to measure CH4. The three days of measurement per animal were averaged. Data were statistically analyzed by variance analysis with Proc GLM procedure of SAS studio (methane emission = block + treatment + average + error). The average daily dry matter intake (DMI) did not differ between CTL and RUMA treatments. The CH4 yield, CH4 emission per kg of DMI was 15% less in the case of RUMA (22.2 vs 26.1 L/kg DMI, for RUMA and CTL respectively, P = 0.044). In conclusion, the dietary supplementation with Rumalato showed potential to reduce enteric CH4 production without compromising feed intake.

PSV-25 Effect of Garlic on Galectin 3 in Goats

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the effect of garlic extracts on expression of Galectin 3 in goats. Inflammatory diseases such as mastitis and gastrointestinal parasitic diseases cause significant problems for goat production. Galectins (Gal) are a family of highly conserved mammalian carbohydrate-binding proteins that can regulate inflammation. Galectin-3 is the only member of the lectin family with a chimeric structure. It is a potential therapeutic target to regulate the activity of inflammatory cells. Garlic extracts are natural anti-inflammatory agents that are being evaluated for use in goat management. Twelve adult female clinically healthy Boer X Spanish goats were divided into 2 groups. The treatment group (n = 6) was drenched with a 10 mL garlic (Garlic barrier) and the control group (n = 6) was given sterile water for 30 days. Blood was collected weekly from the jugular vein using acid citrate dextrose as an anticoagulant. Blood was centrifuged to separate cells and plasma. Galectin 3 secretion in plasma was determined using goat specific commercial ELISA kits (My-BioSource). Total RNA was isolated from the cell pellet using Trizol and it was then converted into cDNA. Primers specific for goat Gal 3 specific and the housekeeping genes RPLP0 and UCHL5 (Eurofins Genomics) were used in Real-time PCR to evaluate the gene expression. Fold change was calculated using the Livak method. All variables were assessed using SAS Statistical analysis software version 9.4 (SAS Institute) at P &amp;lt; 0.05. Treatment had an effect over time and a significant increase (P &amp;lt; 0.0141) was observed in the GAL- 3 concentrations. Gal-3 was expressed in greater amounts in treatment group animals compared with the control group with a fold change of 1.15. Garlic may be used to modulate Gal 3 expression and secretion in goat blood. It is important to consider the impact of garlic on Gal 3 modulation. Studies needed to define possible impacts on immune function and goat health.

Genetic parameters for milk production and type traits in North American and European Alpine and Saanen dairy goat populations

The development of an across-country genomic evaluation scheme is a promising alternative for enlarging reference populations and successfully implementing genomic selection in small ruminant populations. However, the feasibility of such evaluations depends on the genetic similarity among the populations, and therefore, high connectedness and high genetic correlations between the traits recorded in different countries or populations are needed. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of performing an across-country genomic evaluation for milk production and type traits in Alpine and Saanen goats from Canada, France, Italy, and Switzerland. Variance components and genetic parameters, including genetic correlations between traits recorded in different countries, were calculated using combined phenotypes, genotypes, and pedigree datasets. The (co)variance component analyses were performed within breed, either based only on pedigree information or also incorporating genomic information. Across-country genetic parameters were calculated for 3 representative traits (i.e., milk yield, fat content, and rear udder attachment). The heritability estimates ranged from 0.10 to 0.50, which are consistent with previous estimates reported in the literature. The genetic correlations for rear udder attachment ranged from 0.75 (between France and Italy, for the Alpine breed without genomic information) to 0.95 (between Canada and France, for the Saanen breed with genomic information), whereas for fat content, between France and Italy, they ranged from 0.75 in the Alpine breed without genomic information to 0.78 in the Alpine breed with genomic information. However, genetic correlations for milk yield were only estimable between France and Italy, with a moderate value of 0.45 for the Alpine breed with or without genomic information, and of 0.22 and 0.26 in the Saanen breed with and without genomic information, respectively. These low genetic correlations for milk yield could be due to several factors, including the trait definition in each country and genotype-by-environment interactions (GxE). The high genetic correlations found for fat content and rear udder attachment indicate that these traits might be more standardized across countries and less affected by GxE effects. Thus, an international genomic evaluation for these traits might be feasible. Further studies should be performed to understand the surprisingly lower genetic correlations between milk yield across countries. Furthermore, additional efforts should be made to increase the genetic connection among the Alpine and Saanen goat populations in the 4 countries included in the analyses.