Goats In India Research Articles

Exploring body morphometry and weight prediction in Ganjam goats in India through principal component analysis.

The body conformations of 262 adult Ganjam goats were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) with 11 morphometric variables. The results were then used to predict the mature body weight of the goats. Most of the traits were positively correlated, and the correlations were statistically significant. The three main components that the PCA recovered explained 76.12% of the variation in body morphometry overall. The first component accounted for approximately 54.74% of the overall variation and described almost all the traits except ear length and tail length, as indicated by high component loadings. The second component accounted for approximately 11.48% of the variation, mostly accounting for the variation in tail length. The principal component accounted for 9.89% and mostly explained the variation in ear length. The communalities ranged between 0.557 (horn length) and 0.848 (chest circumference) for the first three extracted components. The highest percentage of variability in chest girth was explained by the first three principal components, whereas it was the lowest for the horn length. In the context of predicting body weight through stepwise regression analysis, nine primary variables accounted for 57.3% of the total variance in body weight. Conversely, utilizing the first principal component alongside six additional principal components as independent variables resulted in capturing 56.3% of the variation in the adult live weight of goats while maintaining model comparability with other pertinent parameters. PCA was used efficiently for body weight prediction from major morphometric traits of Ganjam goats addressing the multicollinearity issue.

Molecular characterization of Moniezia denticulata (Rudolphi, 1810) and its distinction from M. expansa infecting sheep and goats raised in the north and north-western regions of India.

The tapeworms of Moniezia spp. are heteroxenous parasites and their adult forms occur in ruminants' alimentary tract. They steal a significant portion of hosts' nourishment initiating monieziasis, thereby inflicting economic losses in animal rearing. Despite their high economic importance, the molecular characterization and taxonomic status of these parasites have remained poorly understood. In the present study, cestodes were isolated from the sheep and goats' intestines and were stained with Gower's carmine. Upon careful evaluation of morphological characters, 2 species Moniezia denticulata and Moniezia expansa were identified. The genomic DNA was extracted and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified targeting regions of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1), small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) and internal transcribed spacer 1–5.8S rRNA (ITS1–5.8S rRNA) genes followed by sequencing. The partial sequences of cox1, SSU rRNA and ITS1–5.8S rRNA genes of M. denticulata generated in the present study revealed that even though they share high similarities with M. benedeni (93.2% cox1; 92.6% SSU rRNA; 84.70% ITS1–5.8S rRNA) and M. expansa (88.85% cox1; 92.27% SSU rRNA; 81.70% ITS1–5.8S rRNA), they are not identical to them. In the maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees, M. denticulata and M. expansa consistently appeared as distinct species from each other. The high values of pairwise divergence between these 2 species collected in the present study confirmed their separate identity. The present study reports the first molecular characterization of M. denticulata with reference to M. expansa infecting sheep and goats in India.

Oxidative Stress in Goats with Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR)

Background: Goats in India are endangered by various disease outbreaks. A limited number of disease conditions in goats have been investigated with regard to the effect of oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an active field of research implicated in numerous disease processes including sepsis, enteritis, pneumonia, mastitis, joint diseases etc. The present work was undertaken to study the oxidative stress contributing pathological changes in naturally occurring Peste des petits ruminant virus (PPRV) in goats of Jabalpur region. Methods: A total of 30 positive PPR samples (19 plasma and 11 lung tissues) were processed for oxidative stress assessment by oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH). The oxidative stress was revealed among 30 PPR positive goats when compared with 10 healthy animals. Necropsy examination was conducted to observed gross pathology and lung tissues were collected for histopathological examination. Result: Oxidative stress was observed with decreased GSH and increased MDA concentration among PPRV positive goats in plasma and in lung tissues respectively. Nineteen PPR positive goats revealed different degree of clinical signs and were devided into three groups viz group I mild, group II moderate and group III severe. Grossly, eleven positive goat carcasses revealed pneumonic lesions. Microscopically, lung sections revealed broncho-interstitial pneumonia. These findings are suggestive of oxidative stress induces pathological changes and lead to dehydration and death of goats.

Seroprevalence, risk factors, and serological cross-reactivity for diagnosis of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in goats in India

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are genetically related cyst-forming protozoan parasites that cause reproductive failures in ruminants. Given the limited information on the epidemiology of these infections in goats in India, the study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence, assess antibody cross-reactivity for diagnosis, and identify associated risk factors. A total of 695 sera were evaluated for antibodies to T. gondii and N. caninum infections using Modified Agglutination Test (MAT for Toxoplasma)/Neospora agglutination test (NAT), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT for tachyzoite and bradyzoite stages). The seroprevalence rate of T. gondii and N. caninum infections was 56.9% and 10.9%, respectively. Inter-rater agreement (kappa value - κ) was calculated to assess agreements between various diagnostic assays, using the IFAT as the gold standard (for detecting both infections), the agreements for MAT/NAT (κ = 0.97) and the ELISA (κ = 0.95) were excellent. The acute infection among seropositive goats were determined using serological (IgG avidity test - measures the binding strength between IgG antibodies and parasite antigens) and molecular diagnoses (PCR for repetitive DNA sequences – Toxoplasma B1 gene: 131 bp and Neospora NC5 gene: 328 bp). Among seropositive goats ≥80% had high IgG avidity and <10% of animals had low IgG avidity antibodies for both infections. Most low IgG avidity goats were PCR positive for the TgB1 gene (94.4%) or Nc5 gene (85.7%). In the serological assays, we used different dilutions of test serum to rule out the cross-reactivity owing to similar antigenic makeup between these two parasites. When the serological cross-reactivity was analyzed using invasion assay at a serum titer of ≥200, more than 90% T. gondii positive sera showed host cell invasion of N. caninum and vice versa. Largely, the serological results indicate that cut-off serum dilution of ≥1:200 for ELISA and IFAT and ≥1:25 for MAT/NAT avoids serological cross-reactivity between T. gondii and N. caninum. Further, the Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that adult animals (>2 years), reservoir hosts, and extensive rearing systems are common risk factors for these infections. However, the history of abortion was identified as a significant risk factor for T. gondii infection. This study revealed that T. gondii and N. caninum infections are highly prevalent in this region and the use of an appropriate cut-off serum dilution is necessary to avoid cross-reactivity between these closely related parasites.

Goat Rearing Enterprise in Osmanabad District of Maharashtra: A Cost and Profitability Measures

The father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi had given a dignified position to goats in India’s rural economy and called them as “poor man’s cow”. The present study was conducted to estimate cost and return of goat rearing enterprise in Osmanabad district of Maharashtra during year 2019-20 with using a well-structured questionnaire from 32 goat rearers. The result of revealed that per flock per annum total cost incurred was ` 118905, in which share of variable cost was 72.57 per cent followed by that of fixed cost 27.43 per cent. At overall level per flock per annum gross return was ` 169583.85. At overall level the net profit in goat rearing enterprise was ` 123229. The study revealed that benefit cost (B-C) ratio for per flock of goat was 3.66. In order to turn goat rearing into profitable enterprise in Osmanabad district, the goat rearers must be given training on credit facilities, proper marketing and reduction of the middlemen will ultimately reduce the marketing cost and better income for the rearers.

Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri field isolates from goats in India

Erythromycin and Tylosin (Macrolides) followed by Tetracycline and Doxycycline (Tetracyclines) are found to be the best drugs of choice, under in-vitro antibiotic sensitivity test conducted with Disc diffusion method for the 10 Indian Mmc isolates recovered from goats. These relevant antibiotics may be recommended for use under field conditions. Although we have to keep in mind the gene exchange in Mollicutes along with other mechanisms, which may lead to the variation in their sensitivity to antibiotics in coming time.

Multilocus sequence typing of pathogenic Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri reveals the predominance of a novel clonal complex among isolates from goats in India.

Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. capri (Mmc) typically causes pneumonia, mastitis, arthritis, keratitis and septicaemia in goats. Mortality associated with Mmc in goat flocks is lower compared to Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae-associated respiratory infections. Case fatality rates associated with Mmc ranged from 9.8 to 26.8% among several states in India. Molecularepidemiology approachesaimed at genotyping help to identify the diversity of isolates involved in a disease. Ten clinical pathogenic Mmc isolates were analysed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) for studying genotypic relationships with 50 isolates available from public databases. The MLST analysis indicates high genetic diversity among Mmc isolates. From a total number of 60 isolates, 43 six sequence types (STs) were recognized comprising of six STs from India and 37 STs from other geographical regions. MLST profiles of isolates revealed none of the STs observed in Indian isolates were shared with global isolates. Some of the STs representing Indian isolates (four STs) were clustered into a novel clonal complex 1 (CC1). Maintenance of genetically related STs forming CCs among the goat population in India for longer periods indicates disease causing potentiality of these isolates. Based on various recombination analysis, weak clonal relationship among Mmc isolates were identified. The present study has enlightened further steps in disease investigations and to design future control measures by employing prevalent genotypes as vaccine candidates against Mmc infections.

Socio-Economic Characteristics and Composition of Sheep and Goat Farming under Extensive System of Rearing

Sheep and goat play an important role in Indian economy and source of livelihood and employment to millions of rural households. Sheep and goats in India are mostly maintained on natural vegetation on common grazing lands, wastelands and uncultivated (fallow) lands, stubbles of cultivated crops and top feeds (tree loppings). Rarely they are kept on grain, cultivated fodder or crop residue. Sheep and goat rearing is the backbone of the economy of small and landless farmers in India. The study was carried out in Tumakuru, Chitradurga, Belagavi and Kalaburagi districts of Karnataka. The results of the study revealed that majority of the sheep and goat farmers belonged to age group of above 40 years and are illiterate (50-52%). The family size of sheep and goat rearing households have medium size with 4-6 members. The maximum number of farmers were having income of less than `1 lakh per annum, who belonged to backward class, scheduled caste and scheduled tribe. The total number of sheep per household were 25, 67 and 27 under small, medium and large herd size with an overall average of 71 sheep per farm. Similarly, about 17, 29 and 43 goats were found in small, medium and large flock size of goat with an average of 30 goats per flock. Majority of the farmers were having kaccha type of shed for rearing sheep (41.66%) and goat (80%).

Effect of goat management practices on animal nutrition and the environment in Western Odisha, India

India has a shortage of forage and feed for its estimated 535 million head of livestock. Nutrition is the most limiting factor for goats in India to fulfill their genetic potential. Most Indian goa...

Hydatidosis in slaughtered sheep and goats in India: prevalence, genotypic characterization and pathological studies.

The present study determined the prevalence of hydatid cysts in different organs of slaughtered hilly 'Gaddi' breed small ruminants-sheep (n = 230) and goats (n = 197)-in Kangra Valley of the north-western Himalayas, India. Hydatid cysts were found in 12.2% (n = 28) of sheep and 10.7% (n = 21) of goats. Pulmonary echinococcosis was more prevalent in slaughtered sheep and goats (sheep 56.36%; goats 62.90%) than hepatic echinococcosis (sheep 43.64%; goats 37.10%). Fertility rates were higher in hepatic (81.25%) and pulmonary cysts of sheep (83.87%) compared to goats. Molecular identification and genotypic characterization of Echinococcus granulosus isolates were based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase 1 gene (mtCO1). The genotypic characterization identified the isolated strain to be closely related to the G7 genotype. Histopathological examination revealed a thick coat of granulation tissue, causing fibrosis and inflammatory reaction composed of fibroblasts and mononuclear cells around the cysts. In the liver, hepato-cellular degeneration was prominent at the periphery of the cysts. The present study highlights the molecular confirmation and phylogenetic analysis of E. granulosus isolates with the prevalence of hydatidosis in a naïve host species and in an unexplored region. The findings are of significant medical and veterinary importance regarding development of control measures to check dissemination of hydatidosis.

The impact of anthelmintic drugs on weight gain of smallholder goats in subtropical regions

Helminth infections are recognised as a major impediment to the productivity of goats in smallholder production systems. We used a multilevel framework to estimate the impact that administration of locally available anthelminthic drugs can have on the weight gains of goats in smallholder settings in India and Tanzania.We recruited 234 goats from 92 households from Odisha state in India and 253 goats from 15 households from Dodoma region in Tanzania. The goats were non-pregnant adult females, and from each household a minimum of two goats were recruited wherever possible. Each goat was randomly assigned to treatment with a locally available anthelminthic drug, or non-treatment. Each animal was tagged, weighed and had its body condition score (BCS) assessed. Animals were followed up after 28 and 56 days and re-weighed. To account for the local variations in exposure to helminths and for variations between households and herds, the data were analysed in a multilevel mixed model with herd in village as nested random effects.Over the 56 days of study, the non-treated goats in India had gained a mean of 30.64 g per day (a daily gain of 0.23% baseline body weight) and in Tanzania 66.01 g per day (0.33% baseline body weight). From the mixed model, the treated goats in India gained a mean of 25.22 g per day more than non-treated goats, this is significantly greater than the weight gain in non-treated goats (p < 0.001). In Tanzania treated goats gained a mean of 9.878 g per day more than non-treated goats, which is also significantly greater than non-treated goats (p = 0.007). Furthermore, in India and Tanzania, goats with a lighter weight at the baseline survey gained greater amounts of weight. In both studies the BCS of the treated goats improved by a greater amount than the non-treated goats.In this study we have demonstrated that in certain settings, the administration of anthelminthic drugs has a clear beneficial impact on goat weight.

Molecular Detection and Isolation of Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae in Pashmina and Local Goats in Five Districts of Kashmir, India

Contagious caprine pleuropneumonia (CCPP) is caused by Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. caprip-neumoniae (Mccp), which belongs to Mycoplasma mycoides cluster, a group of closely related Mycoplasmas that are pathogenic to ruminants. The clinical lesions of CCPP are restricted to alveolar tissues of infected goats, which distinguish it from other respiratory diseases of small ruminants caused by members of the Mycoplasma mycoides cluster. The outbreaks of CCPP in Pashmina goats have been reported in cold arid regions of Kashmir province, such as Leh and Kargil districts and northern parts of the Kashmir valley. In the current study, a total of 55 lung samples and 70 nasal swabs were collected from clinically sick goats showing respiratory symptoms prior to death and processed for Mccp isolation and identification. The Mccp was detected in 33 (60.0%) and 24 (34.2%) samples, respectively by PCR. All the PCR positive samples for Mccp were further processed for isolation but only five isolates were obtained due to their fastidious nature which were confirmed by typical colony morphology and DNA sequencing of 548 bp 16SrRNA gene fragment. The five isolates were isolated from lung samples of Pashmina goats of Leh district. The results of the current study reveal that Pashmina goats of Ladakh region are highly vulnerable to CCPP and is the major cause of mortality and morbidity among them particularly during the winter season. Hence, there is an immediate need to isolate and characterise the organism for the development of autogenous vaccine to combat this economically important disease of goats. This communication records the first ever report on molecular detection and isolation of Mccp from Pashmina goats in India and is the first step towards development of vaccine against CCPP.

Evaluation of antibody response to Goat Pox cell culture vaccine in goats in India

Goat Pox is an important contagious viral disease that causes serious economic loss in small ruminants. The disease causes high morbidity, mortality and trade restriction. Several outbreaks of the disease are reported in Africa and Europe. In India also, the disease has high economic significance. Present study was undertaken to estimate specific antibody response to Live Goat Pox Vaccine in goats. Thirty-five healthy goats were vaccinated with single dose and 10 goats were kept as control. Blood was collected at defined intervals and sera were separated. Virus neutralization test was performed to estimate neutralization index as marker of antibody levels in serum. The study revealed that vaccine could induce immunity against the disease within seven days of vaccination, and reached a peak at 21 days. The titre remained at protective level throughout the oneyear study. Further study can be done to estimate the total duration of immunity through extended study, and the response to challenge with virus.Bangl. vet. 2016. Vol. 33, No. 1, 23-27

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.

Estimation of Economic Loss of PPR in Sheep and Goats in India: An Annual Incidence Based Analysis

Estimation of Economic Loss of PPR in Sheep and Goats in India: An Annual Incidence Based Analysis

Identification and molecular characterization of border disease virus (BDV) from sheep in India.

Pestiviruses isolated from sheep and goats in India thus far have been bovine viral diarrhoea virus 1 (BVDV-1) or BVDV-2. During routine genetic typing of pestiviruses in the years 2009-10, border disease virus (BDV) was detected in eight Indian sheep of a flock showing clinical signs of BD by real time RT-PCR. All the samples yielded positive virus isolates in cell culture but were found negative by a BVDV antigen ELISA. A representative BDV isolate was characterized at genetic and antigenic level. Phylogenetic analysis carried out in 5'-UTR, N(pro) and E2 regions of genome typed the Indian BDV isolate as BDV-3. A more detailed analysis in N(pro) and entire region coding structural proteins showed that the N(pro) (168), C (100 aa), E(rns) (227 aa), E1 (195 aa) and E2 (373 aa) proteins were of size characteristic for BDV reference strain X818. Antigenic differences were evident between the BDV-3 isolate and previously reported BDV-1, BDV-5 and BDV-7 strains. Although origin of BDV-3 in India is not clear, the results reflect probable introduction through trade in sheep between India and other countries or BDV-3 may be more widely distributed. Additionally, this study suggests that for diagnosis of BDV infection, the commercial BVDV Ag-ELISA should be used with caution. This is the first identification of BDV in sheep in India which highlights the need for continued pestivirus surveillance and assessing its impact on sheep and goat production.

Prevalence of subclinical diabetes in a commercial flock of dairy goats in India and its interaction with milk quality

Blood plasma concentrations of random glucose, fasting glucose, intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) glycated haemoglobin, fructosamine, cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin were measured 5 times in 379 goats in 5 different days in order to evaluate the prevalence of subclinical diabetes in the commercial flock of dairy goats. Milk composition and milk antioxidant capacity was also evaluated after screening. Of the 379 goats that were screened for diabetic biomarkers, 45 animals had abnormal levels of the above mentioned indices. 16 animals out of the 45 had normal values on subsequent tests and in 5 animals out of the 45, only one or two diabetic biomarkers slightly elevated at a particular measurement; hence these goats were considered as normal. 24 animals (6.3%) were diagnosed a subclinical diabetic, based on the clinicopathological findings and subsequent monitoring: these goats had significantly higher levels of random glucose, fasting glucose, IVGTT, glycated haemoglobin, fructosamine and lower levels of insulin in all measurements. Milk of the subclinical diabetic goats had higher milk fat and lactose concentrations in comparison to non-diabetic goats (P<0.05). No significant difference between subclinical diabetic goats and non-diabetic goats (P≥0.05) in solid not fat, protein, total solids and ash contents were found. A positive and significant correlation (P<0.05) was found between fat content in milk and plasma concentrations of fructosamine (r=0.794) and triglycerides (r=0.715), and between milk lactose and plasma triglycerides (r=0.669). The antioxidant capacity of milk was lower in subclinical diabetic goats than in non-diabetic goats and the content of lipid peroxides was higher in subclinical diabetic goats than in non-diabetic goats (P<0.05). Our study revealed the prevalence of subclinical diabetes in commercial flock of dairy goats and showed that it is associated with impairment of milk quality, which was most likely associated with oxidative stress.

Development of PCR-based technique for detection of purity of Pashmina fiber from textile materials.

Pashmina fiber is one of major specialty animal fiber in India. The quality of Pashmina obtained from Changthangi and Chegu goats in India is very good. Due to restricted availability and high prices, adulteration of natural prized fibers is becoming a common practice by the manufacturers. Sheep wool is a cheap substitute, which is usually used for adulteration and false declaration of Pashmina-based products. Presently, there is lack of cost-effective and readily available methodology to identify the adulteration of Pashmina products from other similar looking substitutes like sheep wool. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based detection method can be used to identify origin of animal fiber. Extraction of quality DNA from dyed and processed animal fiber and textile materials is a limiting factor in the development of such detection methods. In the present study, quality DNA was extracted from textile materials, and PCR-based technique using mitochondrial gene (12S rRNA) specific primers was developed for detection of the Pashmina in textile blends. This technique has been used for detection of the adulteration of the Pashmina products with sheep wool. The technique can detect adulteration level up to 10 % of sheep/goat fibers in textile blends.

Prevalence of Peste-des-petits-ruminant virus antibodies in cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats in India

The present study describes the prevalence of Peste-des-petits-ruminant virus (PPRV) antibodies in cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats carried out during the period 2011 using the serum samples randomly collected from different villages of five states of India. A total of 1,498 serum samples [n=605 (cattle); n=432 (buffaloes); n=173 (sheep); n=288 (goats)] were collected from 52 districts in five states (Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra and Rajasthan) of India and were screened for PPRV-specific antibodies by using PPR monoclonal antibody-based competitive ELISA kit. Analysis of 1,498 samples indicates that an overall seroprevalence of 21.83% with 11.07% in cattle, 16.20% in buffaloes, 45.66% in sheep and 38.54% in goats. This report presents the results of PPRV-specific antibodies in situations where the subclinical, inapparent or nonlethal or recovery of infection was suspected in cattle, buffaloes, sheep and goats. The presence of PPRV antibodies demonstrate that bovines are exposed to PPRV infection and it implies the importance of cattle and buffaloes as subclinical hosts for the virus besides widespread presence of the disease in sheep and goats. Further, the study showed that the prevalence of PPRV antibodies in apparently healthy livestock under natural situation, 21.83% of the animals were protected from PPRV re-infection. This inturn help in the implementation of disease control strategies such as vaccination in that particular geographical area.

Comparative immunogenicity of two peste des petitis ruminants (PPR) vaccines in South Indian sheep and goats under field conditions

Peste des petitis ruminants (PPR) is an economically important endemic viral disease of sheep and goats in India, where several different homologous PPR vaccine candidates have been developed. We evaluated the serological response to two vaccine strains, Arasur/87 and Sungri/96, in South Indian cross-bred and native sheep and goats reared under organized and unorganized settings. Animals seronegative (percent inhibition or PI <40) by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (c-ELISA) were immunized with either of the vaccine strains or placebo. Sera collected on 21, 60 and 90days post-vaccination were subjected to c-ELISA and serum neutralization test (SNT). Seropositivity (PI >40), seroconversion (fourfold increase in SNT titres) and seroprotection (SNT titre of ≥8 deemed to be protective) ranged from 66.7 to 84.0%, 56.0 to 69.2%, and 60.0 to 76.0%, respectively. However, no significant difference was observed between responses to the two vaccine strains. These results support the premise that the two vaccine strains are equally efficacious.