Goat Production Research Articles

Deciphering the molecular drivers for cashmere/pashmina fiber production in goats: a comprehensive review.

Cashmere, also known as pashmina, is derived from the secondary hair follicles of Cashmere/Changthangi goats. Renowned as the world's most luxurious natural fiber, it holds significant economic value in the textile industry. This comprehensive review enhances our understanding of the complex biological processes governing cashmere/pashmina fiber development and quality, enabling advancements in selective breeding and fiber enhancement strategies. The review specifically examines the molecular determinants influencing fiber development, with an emphasis on keratins (KRTs) and keratin-associated proteins (KRTAPs). It also explores the roles of key molecular pathways, including Wnt, Notch, BMP, NF-kappa B, VEGF, cAMP, PI3K-Akt, ECM, cell adhesion, Hedgehog, MAPK, Ras, JAK-STAT, TGF-β, mTOR, melanogenesis, FoxO, Hippo, and Rap1 signaling. Understanding these intricate molecular cascades provides valuable insights into the mechanisms orchestrating hair follicle growth, further advancing the biology of this coveted natural fiber. Expanding multi-omics approaches will enhance breeding precision and deepen our understanding of molecular pathways influencing cashmere production. Future research should address critical gaps, such as the impact of environmental factors, epigenetic modifications, and functional studies of genetic variants. Collaboration among breeders, researchers, and policymakers is essential for translating genomic advancements into practical applications. Such efforts can promote sustainable practices, conserve biodiversity, and ensure the long-term viability of high-quality cashmere production. Aligning genetic insights with conservation strategies will support the sustainable growth of the cashmere industry while preserving its economic and ecological value.

Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae identified as the main aetiological agent of respiratory disease in goats from a case-control study in Savannakhet province of Lao PDR.

Clinical signs of respiratory disease are common in Lao goats. To identify the causative agents involved in this clinical syndrome, a matched case-control study was conducted across 70 smallholder goat holdings in Savannakhet province. Fifty paired nasal swab samples were collected from goats with respiratory signs (cases) and unaffected (control) goats from 27 goat holdings. The majority of cases (84 %) were from goats < 12 months of age. Samples were tested using quantitative PCR assays targeting possible pathogens causing respiratory disease. Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae, the cause of atypical pneumonia, was prevalent in both case (94 %) and control (76 %) groups and was identified as the principal causative agent based on odds ratio of presence (4.9) and a significantly higher pathogen load in case goats. Prolonged close contact between goats during confinement in often poorly constructed goat houses, likely facilitates transmission and progression from carrier to clinical status under the Lao goat production system. Mannheimia haemolytica was detected in 60 % of case and 52 % of control samples with no significant difference in pathogen load, while Pasteurella multocida was detected in only 2 % of control samples indicating no major role in causation for these pathogens. Mycoplasma capricolum subsp. capripneumoniae, respiratory syncytial virus and bovine parainfluenza 3 virus were not detected in any samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed no genetic variation of M. ovipneumoniae in the study samples and close similarity to recent isolates from China, US and Turkey. Improved housing conditions may be helpful in controlling atypical pneumonia in Lao goats and antibiotic treatment of goats with severe signs of respiratory disease was found to be effective.

Influência do número de ordenhas sobre a produção de leite de cabra

The main objective of this research was to evaluate the influence the number of milking sessions has on the production in dairy goats. Ten dairy goats with approximately 60 days of lactation were used. Milking was done daily, three times in the left half of the udder, at 7:00, 15:00 and 22:00, and two times on the right half, at 7:00 and 22:00. Collections were recorded once a week, for a total of 22, in order to calculate the average and variance analysis by the F test. At the end of the 22 samplings, the average production of the left half of the udder was equivalent to 696.33 grams/day, and 609.39 grams/day for the right half, which resulted in 86.97 g/d in favor of practicing three daily milking sessions, corresponding to an increase of 14% in production (P ≤ 5), significant for the F test. The results showed that a third milking increased production and points to a natural method to be applied in goat herds, including dairy herds of undefined breed in the Northeast of Brazil, the conditions in which this experiment was developed.

Detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with litter size in goats using genotyping-by-sequencing and association analysis.

Improving fertility is a key goal in goat production. This study aimed to detect single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with female goat reproductive performance for use in selection processes. Nine reproductive traits were evaluated, including litter size and age at the first, second, and third parities, as well as intervals between parities, in 31 female goats (2 purebred and 29 crossbred goats in various combinations of seven breeds). DNA was extracted from blood, and SNP data were obtained using the genotyping by sequencing (GBS) method. After filtering for allele depth and missing genotype data, the retained SNPs were subjected to population structure analysis and association analysis with the nine traits. For the association analysis, SNPs with false discovery rates ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. PCR allele competitive extension (PACE) genotyping assay was applied to develop genetic markers. An average of 304,852 SNPs were initially detected in the 31 female goats. After filtering, 21,665 SNPs were retained. The first two principal components obtained from individual genotypes classified the 31 goats into three clusters. In the association analysis, six SNPs on four chromosomes were significantly associated with the litter size at first parity. The most significant SNP was detected on chromosome 4, and three genes-IKAROS family zinc finger 1 (IKZF1), fidgetin-like 1 (FIGNL1), and dopa decarboxylase (DDC)-were found within 100 kb downstream and upstream of the SNP. The PACE genotyping assay confirmed genotypes at this SNP with a 96% concordance rate. SNPs significantly associated with litter size at first parity, candidate genes, and the PACE genotyping methods applied in this study can be used for selecting female goats in future genetic improvement programs. However, further study on the frequency of genetic mutation with a larger sample size and functional studies of the candidate genes are required.

ПРЕИМУЩЕСТВА РАЗВЕДЕНИЯ КОЗ В УСЛОВИЯХ ИЗМЕНЕННОГО КЛИМАТА

The purpose of the study is to analyze the benefits of goat breeding in a changing climate and show the value of goat products for human health. The characteristics of goats under deteriorating environmental conditions are identified, which can not only provide good economic returns for households and farms, but also contribute to climate change. The analysis of the literature of domestic and foreign authors was carried out using the methods of systematization and generalization. It has been established that goats are considered ideal animals due to their high heat and drought tolerance, high feed conversion efficiency resulting in lower intestinal CH4 emissions per unit of feed consumed. The natural ability of goats to survive in the presence of poor quality or limited vegetation and to maintain a balance that helps them gain access to the leaves of shrubs and trees is described, which is considered an advantage over other types of livestock. They are less susceptible and more resistant to certain diseases. Compared to other ruminants, goats have more lymphocytes than neutrophils, indicating a well-developed immune system in this species. Goats are bred mostly in natural conditions with very little use of pharmacological preparations to improve health and productivity, thus the meat and milk obtained from them can be considered natural products that are beneficial to health. Goats are prolific ruminants, which is an advantage for the production and improvement of their genetic potential. The huge increase in population is expected to further increase the already high demand for meat and milk. Goats have great potential and can play a significant role in the supply of healthy meat and milk.

Ethnoveterinary medicines used by smallholder farmers for treatment of goat ailments in Chikomba, Murewa, Gutu and Mwenezi districts of Zimbabwe: is there cultural consensus in use practices?

Zimbabwe is a key biodiversity domain in sub-Saharan Africa and ethnoveterinary medicines play an integral role in livestock health. However, knowledge on whether plants are used by only a small proportion of people or whether similar uses exist in different communities and in a more regional context is incompletely documented. Firstly, the study documented plant-based complementary medicines used for managing goat ailments. Secondly, culturally important medicinal plant species with highest use-reports (UR) as well as botanical and therapeutic consistency were computed. Thirdly, details on whether similar ethnobotanical practices exist in different communities as an indicator of information exchange were explored. A total of 200 informants from Gutu, Chikomba, Murewa and Mwenezi districts of Zimbabwe were interviewed. Plant identification was done at the National Herbarium and Botanic Gardens of Zimbabwe. Use-reports were generated and subjected to analysis using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in IBM SPSS statistical software. The impact of parasites and diseases was ranked as the major goat production constraint. A total of 160 homemade remedies were documented, 151 of which comprised a single plant species (Homemade Single Species Herbal Remedy Reports, HSHR). The 151 HSHR prepared using 75 plant species belonging to 34 families referred to 401 UR. The foremost used medicinal plant species were from the Fabaceae family (28 HSHR, 19%). Cassia abbreviata was the most cited plant species (6 HSHR, 4%). The category of ecto- and endoparasites had the highest number of UR out of a total of 9 categories (136 UR, 34%). The most frequently used plant species for this category were Solanum campylacanthum (8 UR, 6%) and Strychnos spinosa (6 UR, 4%). Almost similar numbers of UR were computed across communities for 6 disease categories. Nine different combinations (9 HR, 9 UR) comprising mostly of three plant species were reported for various ailments. Baccharoides adoensis and Terminalia sericea were often reported in these combinations for January disease. Highest levels of therapeutic consistency were computed for Aloe vera and Lippia javanica against ectoparasites (10 out of 24 local studies). Interestingly, 28 new medicinal plant species were documented for the first time in Zimbabwe. Again, these were mostly used for ecto-and endoparasites (8 plant species, 29%). Ethnoveterinary medicines play a pivotal role in management of livestock ailments in rural communities of Zimbabwe. However, attention is warranted to ensure transparency in use practices, as well as to conserve and scientifically validate culturally important medicinal plant species such as Aloe vera and Lippia javanica.

Genetic Polymorphisms in HMGCS1 Gene and Its Association with Slaughter Characteristics, Meat Quality, and Organ Coefficients in Guizhou White Goats.

This study aimed to identify polymorphisms in the gene encoding the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1, HMGCS1, and analyze their association with slaughter characteristics, meat quality, and organ coefficients in Guizhou white goats. A total of 153 twelve-month-old Guizhou white goats (78 male and 75 female) were included in the study. Slaughter characteristics, meat quality, and organ coefficients were assessed. Association analyses between genotypes and phenotypic traits were conducted using a generalized linear model. Four polymorphic loci were identified, i.e., g.15523T>C, g.15530G>C, g.18413T>C, g.19711G>A in exons 5, 8, and 9 of the HMGCS1 gene. Across all polymorphic loci, males of the same genotype generally exhibited significantly better slaughter traits compared to females of the same genotype (p < 0.05). At the g.18413T>C locus, differences in shear force were observed between males and females of the same genotype and within the same sex across different genotypes (p < 0.05). Organ coefficients were significantly higher in males of the same genotype compared to females (p < 0.05). The g.15523T>C and g.15530G>C loci were found in strong linkage disequilibrium and significantly associated with intramuscular fat content (p < 0.05). Fat content in diploid Hap2/2 individuals was significantly higher than in Hap1/1 and Hap1/2 (p < 0.05). At the g.19711G>A locus, female goats with the CC genotype showed significantly higher levels of dry matter compared to male goats of the same genotype and female goats of other genotypes within the group. Organ coefficients for the liver and hooves in male goats were significantly higher than in females of the same genotype (p < 0.05). The strongly linked loci g.15523T>C and g.15530G>C were significantly associated with intramuscular fat content and could be used as molecular markers for enhancing this trait in goat breeding programs, fostering the development of goat production.

DIVERSITY AND BURDEN OF GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODES IN GOAT PRODUCTION SYSTEMS IN THE CENTRAL REGION OF VERACRUZ, MEXICO

Goat herds (Capra aegagrus hircus L.) are susceptible to various diseases. One of the most economically damaging in production systems is caused by gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs), which can alter the health, production, and welfare of the animals. The objective of this study was to determine the diversity and burden of gastrointestinal parasites in goat production systems in the central region of Veracruz, Mexico. The municipalities included in the study are located in the mountainous zone (Coatepec and Jalacingo), the highlands (Perote), and the coastal plain (Medellín). A cross-sectional study was conducted, and sampling was carried out during the period from November 2021 to May 2022. Two surveys were applied to farmers. A descriptive analysis was carried out on the characteristics of the production units (PUs). The McMaster technique was used to determine the presence of eggs, and the coproculture, Baermann, and larval identification techniques were used to determine the diversity of GINs. The analysis of the data obtained in the laboratory and the individual survey was carried out with a fixed effects model to analyze the parasite load. The independent variables were the PU, breed, physiological state, and body condition, and the dependent variables were eggs per gram of feces (Epgf) and its natural logarithm (ln (Epgf+1)). Three types of production systems were found: housed, semi-stabled, and grazing. The genera and species identified were Haemochus contortus, Teladorsagia spp., Trichostrongylus spp., Chabertia ovina, Cooperia spp., Oesophagostomum spp., Trichuris ovis, and Strongyloides papillosus. The Toggenburg breed had the highest nematode load, and all PUs had high parasite loads with counts greater than 700 Epgf. A great diversity and high loads of GINs were found in the goat PUs of the central zone of Veracruz.

Pelatihan Pengembangan Desain Bangunan dan Manajemen Pengelolaan pada Peternakan Kambing di Kota Semarang

This community service aims to improve the quality of goat farming in Semarang City, especially at Ciliwung Farm. This activity focuses on two main aspects, namely building design development training and management training. Building design training emphasizes designing pens that meet goat health, comfort and productivity standards. Aspects such as ventilation, lighting, materials and cage layout are the main focus in this training. Meanwhile, management training is aimed at improving farmers' skills in managing the sales and marketing of goat products. Training materials cover marketing strategies, product development and financial management. It is hoped that through this activity, farmers at Ciliwung Farm can improve the quality of their products, expand their marketing network, and ultimately increase their income. The results of this community service show an increase in the knowledge and skills of breeders in designing good pens and managing goat farming businesses more effectively.

Viability of Goat Production and Market Participation a Comparative Analysis of Smallholder Farmers in Gwanda District, Zimbabwe

Goat production plays a significant role in improving the welfare of farmers. In Zimbabwe, goats are widely valued as important domestic livestock for their economic value, contribution to food production, and significance in traditional beliefs, especially among smallholder farmers. However, these smallholder farmers, who own 97% of the goats, face numerous challenges that significantly impact their productivity and viability. Market participation offers potential welfare gains from sales that could alleviate these challenges. The purpose of this study was to assess the viability of goat production and determine whether market participation is a viable venture for smallholder goat farmers in Gwanda District, Zimbabwe. Data was collected through questionnaires in a survey of 100 respondents, selected using the multistage sampling technique. The gross margin analysis method was employed to analyse the data. Results showed that goat production is a viable enterprise amongst farmers in Gwanda District. Moreover, market participants demonstrated a higher gross margin compared to non-market participants. The study concluded that goat production is viable, and market participation further enhances this viability. Based on these findings, it is recommended that smallholder farmers consider adopting goat production and participate in goat marketing. Future research is suggested to explore other factors affecting the viability of goat production among smallholder farmers.

Ruminal microbial responses to Moringa oleifera feed in lactating goats (Capra hircus): A metagenomic exploration.

The purpose of the current study was to explore the effects of Moringa oleifera feed on the taxonomy and function of the rumen microbial community, and further to evaluate its impact on milk yield and body weight in lactating goats. Nineteen goats were divided into moringa leaf diet (ML; n=10) and masoor straw (MS; n=9) groups. For each group fortnight milk yield and body weight was recorded. Rumen solid and liquid fraction samples were processed for metagenomic shotgun sequencing and further analysed. The pairwise comparison between the two groups showed a significant increase (p-value- <0.01) in milk yield of the ML goats after the 4th fortnight interval onwards. The metagenomic analysis revealed Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes are the most abundant phyla, with increased Bacteroidetes in response to the moringa diet. The ML group exhibited a reduction in microbial diversity, with an increase in Prevetolla and Bacteroidales populations which are positively associated with carbohydrate, protein, and VFA metabolism, and an increased proportions of Treponema sp., Ruminococcus sp., Ruminobacter amylophilus, and Aeromonas, indicating improved cellulose and nitrogen metabolism. KEGG analysis revealed significant changes in microbial gene pool and metabolic pathways, particularly in carbohydrate metabolism, propanoate metabolism, and fatty acid synthesis genes. These microbial and functional shifts are correlated with improvements in milk yield, growth rates, and potentially reduced methane emissions.This study highlighted the potential benefits of feeding moringa in the animal production system. However, furthermore experimental evidence including genetic and environmental effects is needed for a comprehensive understanding of moringa feed's impact on goat health and productivity.

Evaluation of two milk replacers in the artificial rearing of Anglo-Nubian female goat kids

Dairy goat production is an alternative for rural development in Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Artificial rearing with milk replacers allows all goat milk to be intended for milking. Although this technology is widespread in cattle, more studies are needed in goats. The aim was to evaluate the artificial rearing of Anglo-Nubian female kids, according to two milk replacers: commercial small ruminant milk replacer (MR) vs. whole cow milk powder (MP). Milk replacers were offered until week 10 of life according to a protocol, complimenting it with solid food after week three. The following were evaluated: survival (SUR), live weight (LW), daily live weight gain (DLWG), age (week) in which the kids reached 10 kg (LW10) and multiplied by 2.5 their birth weight (BWx2.5), glycemia (GLY), diarrhea incidence (DI), and cost of milk replacer per kid (COST). SUR was 100% in both treatments. Despite detecting differences in LW in week six in favor of MP, both groups reached similar LW at the end of the rearing period. Results for DLWG, LW10, BWx2.5, and DI did not differ between treatments. There was no effect of treatment on GLY; however, age affected it. COST was lower for MR. It is concluded that, although both milk replacers allow similar and adequate growth of kids, the use of a milk replacer formulated for small ruminants significantly reduces the cost of artificial rearing.

Characterization and typology of goat production systems in the Southern Highlands of Peru

Characterization and typology of goat production systems in the Southern Highlands of Peru

Assessing climate change effects on fodder species: implications for goat production in Northern Ghana

Assessing climate change effects on fodder species: implications for goat production in Northern Ghana

Dairy Goat Production Systems: A Comprehensive Analysis to Reframe Their Global Diversity.

This review aims to emphasize the important role that goats and dairy goats play for many small-scale rural families worldwide, as well as to introduce a proposal for categorizing the main dairy goat production systems (DGPSs), using a multifactorial approach but emphasizing rainfall and nutritional supplementation level, as the focal categorization factors. The main DGPSs were divided into two metasystems based on available resources, each consisting of three production subsystems. In the first metasystem, the three subsystems have limited water, biotic, and economic resources, whose main economic rationality is based on reducing risk rather than maximizing outputs. In contrast, the three subsystems of the second metasystem usually have increased biotic, economic, and water resources, whose main emphasis involves maximizing product yield rather than reducing risk. The first metasystem involves DGPSs with a very limited or null nutritional supplementation: (a) subsistence, (b) extensive, and (c) agro-silvopastoral. The second metasystem includes those DGPSs with different levels of nutritional supplementation: (d) semi-extensive, (e) semi-intensive, and (f) intensive. There are numerous significant global initiatives focused on scientific collaboration and sharing information regarding nutrition, reproductive, and genetic technologies related to the safety and nutraceutical quality of goat milk and products while contextualized in different DGPSs. Hence, such scenarios should create additional opportunities for researchers, producers, policymakers, and development workers to come together and align interests and needs and exchange knowledge on effective goat farmer support strategies, environmental management, and consumer education. Undoubtedly, it is essential to reevaluate the DGPSs in the world since millions of producers and their families-most of them poor and marginalized-need this species, society needs their products, most of the worldwide arid and semi-arid lands need their recovery, and all of us should encourage the fulfillment of the sustainable development goals.

Dairy Goat Production: Socioeconomic, Environmental, and Cultural Importance Across Time (1970–2022) and Possible Scenarios (2050)

Inequality, malnutrition, poverty, and environmental degradation are some of the global challenges facing humanity. These are aggravated in the context of climate change (CC), envisioning as a utopia to guarantee food security without risking sustainability. Considering the increase in scientific attention on dairy goat production (DGP), we aimed to carry out an exhaustive analysis regarding the evolution of DGP to determine both its socioeconomic and cultural importance during the period 1970–2022 and its possible scenarios for 2050. Over the last half century (1970–2022), dairy goats (DG; 214.01 million heads) have shown an inventory growth of 182%, and this is estimated to increase by 53.37% over the next 28 years (2023–2050). While DGP increased 196% during 1970–2022, it is projected to increase around 71.29% by 2050. Notably, however, the economic value of DGP almost quadrupled (+375%) during 1991–2022, and the same trend is estimated for 2023–2050. Historically, Asia has excelled in both goat inventory and goat milk production volume. This research highlights the crucial role of both goats and DG in the socioeconomic issues in various regions of the world, as they most often represent the only source of income for millions of smallholder families, particularly in developing countries. In the face of CC challenges, goats in general, and DG in particular, show an exceptional potential to be considered the “animal of the future” due to their refined and sophisticated ethological, adaptive, and physiological plasticity under generally clean, green, and ethical production schemes, mainly in marginal contexts in the arid and semi-arid zones of the world.

Seasonal dynamics of forage nutrition in smallholder goat production systems in Malawi

Forage and browse are a valuable natural resource in Malawi that can be used to support livestock production which, in turn, can contribute towards delivering income and nutrition to households and communities. However, the quality and quantity of forages can be poor, especially during the dry season. The objective of this study was to assess the nutritional composition of naturally available forages across smallholder livestock systems in Malawi, with particular focus on seasonal differences in quality and quantity. Samples of herbaceous forages and browse were collected over 17 months, across four sites (30 farms/smallholders) in central Malawi. Forages underwent nutritional analysis for crude protein, fibre and ash/organic matter. NDVI obtained from satellite imagery was used as a proxy for forage availability. Forage nutrition and availability were most adequate in the wet season, with higher concentrations of crude protein and a greater availability of herbaceous plants. There were significant differences in low-digestibility fibre fractions between locations, likely due to local factors such as soil and hydrology. The fall in crude protein concentrations from the wet season to the dry season along with a reduction in forage biomass represents a seasonal nutritional feed gap that may impact productivity within livestock systems.

Assessment of Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Carbon Sequestration in Dairy Goat Farming Systems in Northern Extremadura, Spain.

Livestock farming is an activity closely linked to the environment, directly affecting its surrounding ecosystem while utilizing the natural resources it provides. Accordingly, it is essential to study these production systems in order to implement more sustainable models that allow for a balance between socioeconomic and environmental factors. The main objective of this study was to analyze the environmental impact of nine different dairy goat production systems located in northern Extremadura, Spain. The selected farms ranged from extensive and organic production models to more intensive ones. The methodology used was a life cycle assessment (LCA) to calculate the carbon footprint, following the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) guidelines. A comprehensive evaluation of emissions was conducted, considering the different global warming potentials (GWPs) established by the IPCC for the main gases associated with livestock farming. In addition, carbon sequestration (Cseq) was incorporated into the analysis to assess the contribution of goat farming to climate change mitigation based on its production management. CH4 emissions were the main source (44-67%) of GHGs, followed by CO2 from inputs (20-48%), and finally N2O (7-13%). A trend was observed linking increased CH4 emissions to more extensive and less productive livestock systems. However, the significant role of soil as a carbon sink was highlighted, as it greatly offsets the emissions produced, demonstrating its potential mitigation due to Cseq, particularly in more extensive models. The importance of this factor suggests that it should be taken into account in such studies to provide a realistic view of the final impact of each production system.

Impact of Feeding Practices on the Reproductive Performance of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Kirdimi&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Goats in the Department of Tandjilé-Center, Chad

The objective of this study was to determine the reproductive parameters of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Kirdimi&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; goats in relation to feeding practices in the department of Tandjilé-Center, in southern Chad. The study was conducted between April 2022 and January 2023 by monitoring 107 goats on 35 farms. The choice of animals was made according to the type of feeding practices implemented by the agro-pastoralists and are concerned, as the goats have given birth at least once. Reproduction data are collected once a month by the monitoring officer using an individual goat monitoring sheet and have been used to calculate a few reproduction parameters including: the interval between farrowing, the farrowing rate, the prolificacy rate and the pre-weaning mortality rate. The XLSTAT software (1.9.6) was used to analyze the data. The results indicate that calving occurs year-round with peaks in October and February; Births were single (50.50%), double (42.57%) and triple (6.98%). The mean farrowing rate is 72.27±44.98%, the prolificacy rate is 154.94±63.70%, the pre-weaning mortality rate is 15.56 ±33.40% and the interval between births is 266.164 ± 100.70 days. The reproductive performance of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Kirdim&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;i goats was interesting and feeding practices combining feed supplements had positive effects on reproductive parameters. However, improvements need to be made in rationing and breeding management in order to promote better goat productivity in the department.

Sero- Epidemiological Survey on Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia (CCPP) in the Pastural Area of Borana Zone, South West Oromia, Ethiopia

Contagious caprine pleuro-pneumonia, or CCPP, is a highly contagious respiratory disease of goats that is considered one of the most severe diseases for this species. Infected animals become very sick, and most will die. The bacteria Mycoplasma capricolum subspecies capripneumoniae causes the disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four districts (Yabello, Elwaye, Dubuluk, and Moyale) between September 2022 and November 2023 G. C. The goal was likely to be to assess the prevalence and distribution of CCPP in this important livestock-rearing region. Sero-epidemiological surveys involve testing blood samples using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (cELISA) to detect the presence of antibodies against Mycoplasma capricolum, subsp. Capripneumoniae, which indicates prior exposure and infection. Goats that are infected usually show signs including a high fever, coughing, dyspnea, and nasal discharge. The most popular techniques for diagnosis are bacterial isolation from clinical samples, such as lung tissues or nasal swabs, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, and the serological method. A multi-phase random sampling technique was employed, and 1007 samples from non-immunized goats were collected. The overall seroprevalence of CCPP was 39% (393/1007) at the individual animal levels. A multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that there was no significant correlation between sero-positivity by age category or sex, with odd ratios of OR (95% CI) 0.6 (0.6–9) and 1.3 (.7–2.3), respectively. This type of survey can provide insights into the overall disease burden and dynamics within a population. A study of this nature in the Borana pastoral area would be valuable for understanding the CCPP situation and informing disease control efforts in that region. Pastoralist communities heavily dependent on goat production would be greatly impacted by outbreaks of this economically-important livestock disease. The disease can be effectively reduced by a variety of control methods, including immunization, restricted movement, quarantine, and culling of sick animals.