Head Of Goat Research Articles

Amino acid diversity on the basis of cytochrome b gene in Kacang and Ettawa Grade goats

The objectives of study were to identify and assess the amino acid diversity of Cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene, genetic marker and characteristic of specific amino acid in Kacang and Ettawa Grade goat. Nineteen heads of Kacang goat (KG) and twelve heads of Ettawa Grade goat (EG) were purposively sampled. The genomic DNA was isolated by Genomic DNA Mini Kit (Geneaid) and amplified Cyt b using PCR method with CytbCapF and CytbCapR primers and was sequenced. The results showed that there were two specific amino acids that distinguish KG and EG goat with C. hircus and C. aegagrus and four specific amino acids that distinguish KG and EG goat with C. falconeri, but there were no specific amino acids can be used as a genetic marker to distinguish between Kacang and EG goat. In conclusion, specific amino acids in Cyt b gene can be used as a genetic marker among KG and EG goat with 3 goat others comparator.

Technical contribution: evaluation of the efficacy of a non-penetrating captive bolt to euthanase dairy goat kids up to 30 days of age

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a non-penetrating captive bolt (NPCB) to euthanase previously disbudded Saanen dairy goat kids (Capra hircus) up to 30 days of age and 9 kg bodyweight. Goats were euthanased by placing the muzzle of the NPCB behind the poll between the ears with the goat's head bent so its chin was touching its chest. The NPCB was either fired once (Experiment 1; n = 30) or twice in quick succession (Experiment 2; n = 103). Immediately after application of the NPCB and every 30 s thereafter, signs of sensibility (presence of brainstem reflexes) were assessed together with the presence of cardiac activity, convulsions and rhythmic respiration, until cardiac activity ceased. In Experiment 1, 27 of the 30 goat kids were rendered immediately insensible and remained insensible until cardiac activity ceased; brainstem reflexes (the blink reflex) and rhythmic respiration remained present in three of the animals after application of the NPCB. In Experiment 2, all goat kids were rendered immediately insensible without return to sensibility prior to cessation of cardiac activity and death. In conclusion, applying the NPCB twice in close succession, behind the poll between the ears with the goat's head bent so its chin was touching its chest, reliably caused immediate and sustained insensibility followed by death in Saanen goat kids up to 30 days of age and 9 kg bodyweight.

Development of Feed and Organic Fertilizer Bioindustry Based on Cocoa-Goat Integration

The cacao farmers generally experienced problems on low cacao productivity and hence farmer’s income. The aim of this paper is to describe concept on the development of feed and organic fertilizer bioindustry based on cacao-goat integration to enhance productivity and farmer’s income. The potential cacao-goat integration covers 1.4 million hectares of cacao plantation and 7.8 million head of goats in nine provinces. Implementation of cacao-goat integration allows to use cacao biomass as feed for goats, and goat’s manure can be applied as fertilizer for cacao plantation. Bioindustry of feed is developed from 3.3 million tons biomass of cacao that consisted of 1.9 million tons of cacao pods and 1.4 million tons of cacao leaves. Bioindustry productions of solid and liquid organic fertilizer are 0.6 million tons and 344 million liters, respectively. The development of feed and organic fertilizer bioindustry is appropriate to improve cacao and goat productivities lead to increase farmer’s income.

Análise morfométrica da glândula parótida de cabras da raça Saanen

The objective of this study was to describe the anatomy of the parotid gland of Saanen goats, where twenty - six heads of domestic goats of both sexes were used, where the glands and their ducts were dissected for the measurement and determination of their morphology, as well as the path covered by the duct. Close values were found, indicating bilateral symmetry of the parotid gland in these animals, presenting a succinct "Y" format. Its duct extends from the ventral end of the gland, following the lateral to the angle of the mandible bypassing the masseter, where below the zygomatic muscle, flows into the oral cavity in the parotid papilla.

Use of semi-nested PCR and rhinoscopy for the diagnosis of oestrosis

Oestrosis is a parasitic disease, caused by larvae of Oestus ovis, which affects the nasal cavities and adjoining sinuses of sheep and goats. In this study, the usefulness of semi-nested PCR and rhinoscopy in the diagnosis of oestrosis was evaluated by applying these techniques in the heads of 184 animals (158 sheep and 26 goats) obtained from an abattoir shortly after slaughter. Gross evaluation revealed that 84.2% of the sheep and 38.5% of the goat heads were positive for oestrosis. Semi-nested PCb R yielded 100% diagnostic sensitivity and specificity in detecting oestrosis in 184 corresponding mucus samples. Rhinoscopic examination yielded 100% diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for oestrosis in goats, with 81% diagnostic sensitivity and 100% specificity in sheep. These results clearly indicate the usefulness of semi-nested PCR and rhinoscopy in the diagnosis of oestrosis.

Some reproductive, lactation, and kid growth characteristics ofKilis goats under semiintensive conditions

This study was carried out to determine some reproductive and kid growth characteristics as well as some lactation traits of Kilis goats raised under semiintensive conditions in Kilis Province in Turkey. The animal material of the study comprised 502, 698, and 753 heads of Kilis goats in 2013, 2014, and 2015, respectively. At the end of study, multiple birth rates were calculated between 31.5% and 35.7% during the years. Lactation length and lactation milk yield were determined to be between 207.1 ± 0.81 and 232.4 ± 0.65 days and between 315.7 ± 4.16 l and 375.6 ± 3.4 L, respectively during the years. Lactation characteristics of the goats changed due to lactation number. Birth and weaning weights were found as 3.6 ± 0.02 kg and 12.3 ± 0.04 kg, respectively. It was also detected that birth weight was affected by year, sex, birth type, and farm diversity while weaning weight was not affected by birth type. It was concluded that the Kilis goat has satisfactory milk yield and multiple kidding rates in semiintensive conditions in Kilis Province.

Evaluation of the efficacy of a non-penetrating captive bolt to euthanase neonatal goats up to 48 hours of age

AbstractManual blunt force trauma is a common method of euthanasia or culling of goat kids, however it is difficult to apply consistently and may vary in effectiveness. Therefore, a controlled mechanical method is needed. The overall objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a non-penetrating captive bolt (NPCB) to euthanase goats (Capra hircus) up to 48 h of age. In a pilot study (n = 27), the optimum anatomical site for placement of the NPCB was evaluated using signs of insensibility and death, and post mortem assessment of traumatic brain injury. Three different anatomical sites (frontal bone, poll or behind the poll) were evaluated. In Experiment 1 (n = 100), goats were euthanased using the optimum anatomical placement determined in the pilot study and the presence of brainstem reflexes, rhythmic respiration, convulsions and cardiac activity were recorded. In Experiment 2 (n = 7), electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded to assess awareness following application of the NPCB. Results from the pilot study showed that immediate insensibility followed by death was achieved when the muzzle of the NPCB was positioned behind the poll and the goat's head was bent so that the chin touched the chest. In Experiment 1, all goats were rendered immediately insensible without return to sensibility prior to cessation of cardiac activity. In Experiment 2, application of the NPCB resulted in the immediate onset of EEG activity which was incompatible with awareness. In conclusion, the NPCB reliably caused immediate insensibility and death in goats up to 48 h of age.

Seasonal Prevalence of Myiasis Causing Fly (Oestrus ovis) Diptera Oestridae in Goats in Kaduna State Nigeria

The survey was carried out for two consecutive dry and wet seasons to determine seasonality of Oestrus ovis (Diptera: Oestridae) infestation in goats in five Local Govemment Areas (LGAs) of Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 893 goat heads were bought from slaughter houses and market places. The heads were hand sawn vertically through the nasal cavity; forceps and pen knife were used to expose the nasal cavities, and turbinate bones and frontal sinuses. The larvae collected were preserved in 10% formalin and kept in appropriately labelled sample bottles. The average prevalence of O. ovis in goats was 18.7%; the distribution of prevalence by LGAs was 22.9%, 19.8%, 14.1%, 17.0% and 18.8% for Sabon Gari, Zaria, Kudan and Makarfi LGAs, respectively. The seasonal prevalence showed a bi-modal peak during the two year periods, each occurring between June and July of each year. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in the prevalence during the dry season of November to April(14.7%) and wet season of May to October (22.7%).

INTEGRATED FARMING MODEL OF SMALL RUMINANTS IN DELI SERDANG, NORTH SUMATRA - INDONESIA

This research was done to measure the added value of goat and sheep with cut and carry systemand influencing factors of goat/sheep productivity and to measure the added value of manure to palmproductivity. The research was done in Deli Serdang Regency by determining two districts as researcharea: Tanjung Morawa District and Bangun Purba District. Location was determined by purposivesampling technique based on population of small ruminants and area of oil palm plantation in bothdistricts. Sample consisted of 50 goat farmers and 50 sheep farmers. Results indicated that farmers have18 to 24 heads of goats or sheep. Performance of goat and sheep reproduction tended to similar togenereral performance. Amount of doe, feed from palm oil and intercropped plant, livestock type andlocation influence significantly at livestock productivity (P<0.01). Goat contributed manure 16.86% and11.26% of total palm trees in Tanjung Morawa and Bangun Purba, respectively, while sheep contributedmanure 21.49% and 22.56% of total palm trees, respectively. Therefore, it was necessary to increasepopulation of livestock, to increase technology and diversification of production. It may be done by establishing partnership with local government, animal of science office and private corporation .

Indonesian Efforts to Conserve Gembrong Goats

Gembrong goat are mainly found in eastern part of Bali Island, especially in the village of Tumbu, Karangasem. Throughout Indonesia these goats are found no more than 50 heads. This condition puts Gembrong goat in a critical status that indicates the need of emergency and quick action. The present study was carried out to assess the characteristic of this breed and to preserve it through some proposed action plan. Information was obtained by personal observation and discussion with the leader of farmer group. Body weight (BW) and various body measurement were taken from 15 head of Gembrong goat. In general, the color of Gembrong goat body is white, or partly brown or solid brown. The average body weight is of 23.2 kg for females and 30.7 kg for males. The averages Body length of males is 60 cm, height 58.2 cm, and 14.4 cm ear length in males, and in females body length is 56.2 cm, height 55.1 cm and ear length 14.2 cm. To preserve Gembrong goat population from extinction collaborative activities is needed, namely: (1) multiplication of existing Gembrong goat population, (2) Rescuing animal genetic material and (3) up-grading female Kacang goat with Gembrong male goat as to achieve 99% Gembrong goat genetic composition.

A comparative study on patient specific absolute dosimetry using slab phantom, acrylic body phantom and goat head phantom

Purpose: To compare the results of patient specific absolute dosimetry using slab phantom, acrylic body phantom and goat head phantom. Methods: Fifteen intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plans already planned on treatment planning system (TPS) for head-and-neck cancer patients were exported on all three kinds of phantoms viz. slab phantom, acrylic body phantom and goat head phantom, and dose was calculated using anisotropic analytic algorithm (AAA). All the gantry angles were set to zero in case of slab phantom while set to as it is in actual plan in case of other two phantoms. All the plans were delivered by linear accelerator (LA) and dose for each plan was measured by 0.13 cc ion chamber. The percentage (%) variations between planned and measured doses were calculated and analyzed. Results: The mean % variations between planned and measured doses of all IMRT quality assurance (QA) plans were as 0.65 (Standard deviation (SD): 0.38) with confidence limit (CL) 1.39, 1.16 (SD: 0.61) with CL 2.36 and 2.40 (SD: 0.86) with CL 4.09 for slab phantom, acrylic head phantom and goat head phantom respectively. Conclusion: Higher dose variations found in case of real tissue phantom compare to results in case of slab and acrylic body phantoms. The algorithm AAA does not calculate doses in heterogeneous medium as accurate as it calculates in homogeneous medium. Therefore the patient specific absolute dosimetry should be done using heterogeneous phantom mimicking density wise as well as design wise to the actual human body.

Stereotaxic atlas of the goat brain for an accurate approach to the hypothalamic nuclei

While the external acoustic meatus of mice, rats and cats are at right angles to the side of the head, they are angled forward in ruminants. Because of this, the coordinates of stereotaxic atlases created using the same methods as for small animals were not suitable for practical use and made it very difficult to place electrodes in hypothalamic nuclei. The aim of this study was to produce a highly accurate stereotaxic atlas for goats that enables precise placement of electrodes in the hypothalamic nuclei. A method of fixing the head in place so as to maintain the basis cranii interna in a horizontal position was established allowing right angled three dimensional axes to be superimposed in the brains of Japanese Saanen goats. This research attempted to establish a new landmark alternative to the external acoustic meatus. The new landmark is the extremitas posterior clivus presphenoidale (EPCP) at the base of cranial bone. This landmark can easily be visualized through lateral radiography. This enabled the AP (anterior–posterior) and H (height) coordinates of the position to be fixed at 30 and 5, respectively. The A30 and H5 coordinates of the serial frontal, sagittal, and horizontal stereotaxic atlases in the present experiment were set to coincide with the position of the EPCP. In order to clarify whether the deviation of the stereotaxic brain coordinates due to inconsistent immobilization the goat's head was eliminated, the AP and H coordinates of the extremitas anterior fossa hypophysialis and the extremitas posterior fossa hypophysialis were measured using the corrected axes. In the three dimensional stereotaxic atlas created using the new landmark, it became possible to approach the hypothalamic nuclei of goats accurately. This method significantly differentiates the stereotaxic atlas from its predecessors.

Oestrus ovis larval infestation among sheep and goats of Green Mountain areas in Libya

Heads of sheep (n=180) and goats (n=120) slaughtered at four regions (Labraq, Shahat, Elbeida, and Masa) of Green Mountain areas in Libya were investigated for the presence of larvae of Oestrus ovis. The animals were divided into sex and age groups. The heads were cut along longitudinal and sagittal axes, and the larvae (L1, L2, and L3) were collected. The infestation rate was significantly higher in sheep (51.66%; n=93/180) as compared to goats (28.33%; n=34/120). In sheep, the rate was higher during May (100%), while in goat, it was higher during August (70%). The incidence of L1 peaked in April (90%) for sheep and October (100%) for goats, while L2 reached to maximum in May for sheep (26.95%) and goats (75%). L3 reached to peak in February (50%) for sheep, and June (25%) for goats. Mean intensity of larval burden was higher in sheep than goat, reaching to peak in June (9.1 larvae/head) for sheep and March (3.5 larvae/head) for goats. The infestation rate was significantly higher in males than females. The older animals were mostly affected as compared to younger animals. Highest infestation rate was recorded in Masa (45.83%), and the lowest rate was found in Labraq (40.27%). In conclusion, these findings may be used in designing the control strategies of myiasis in Libya.

Animal health constraints to livestock exports from the Horn of Africa.

The Horn of Africa (Djibouti, Ethiopia, Somalia, Eritrea) is home to the largest population of livestock in Africa and is the historic centre of the livestock trade to the Middle East and northern Africa. The recent resumption of livestock exports from the region has resulted in the handling of over one million head of cattle, sheep, goats and camels at one quarantine facility during a single year. Several of the importing countries for which the facility operates have differing hygiene requirements for the same diseases. Most of the animals handled in the facility come from pastoralist areas, which lack state Veterinary Services. The pathological conditions encountered during one year of monitoring were recorded and the impacts of some of the endemic diseases are discussed, together with particular import-limiting hygiene requirements on this trade.

Improved Dissection Efficiency in Teaching Upper Respiratory System of Goat Using Normal Cross-Sectional Anatomy and Computed Tomography Techniques

Two heads of adult goats of native breed and of both sexes (one horned male and one unhorned female) clinically healthy goats, aging one and three years, were used for the present study. The appropriate samples were frozen then cut by an electric saw to cross-sections at the same distance 2cm thick slabs and were perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of preserved specimens. Cross-sectional anatomy and computed tomography of the head of goat were prepared, photographed, and compared with each other. Both shape and topography of the respiratory organs were demonstrated. This work included several successive images with their declaration of the upper respiratory system of nostrils, nasal cavity and their contents. The anatomical features of the respiratory organs were identified by both CT and cross-section images and denoted with the aid of anatomical texts. The obtained results explained that, both the cross sections and the CT images provided a good anatomical view and recent educational tool for study the respiratory organs of the goat.

Physical characteristic and palatability of biscuit bio-supplement for dairy goat.

The objective of this study was to apply the physical characteristic and palatability of biscuit bio-supplement for dairy goat. This research was conducted at Laboratory of Feed Industry, Faculty of Animal Science, Bogor Agricultural University, Indonesia and the palatability test was conducted on the dairy goat farm at Leuwiliang, Bogor, Indonesia on March-July 2012. Twenty heads of dairy goat were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments (four heads of goat/treatment). Experimental design used Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The treatments were biscuit bio-supplement composition i.e., R1 = biscuit bio-supplement of Indigofera sp., R2 = biscuit bio-supplement of Sauropus androgynus L. Merr leaf, R3 biscuit bio-supplement of Carica papaya L. leaf, R4 = biscuit bio-supplement of Sauropus androgynus L. Merr leaf and Indigofera sp., R5 = biscuit bio-supplement of Carica papaya L. leaf and Indigofera sp. The variables measured were moisture, water activity, water absorption, density and palatability of dairy goat. The results of this research indicated that the treatments of biscuit bio-supplement gave significant effect (p<0.05) on water content, water absorption, density and palatability, but had not significant effect on water activity. Palatability of R1 was 76.38±7.92, R2 was 23.81±6.08, R3 was 40.25±3.54, R4 was 29.56±4.77 and R5 was 95.63±7.36 g/head. Biscuit bio-supplement of Carica papaya L. leaf and Indigofera sp., (R5) had the best value of palatability for dairy goat and had the best crude protein (36.65%), also had lowest water activity, highest density than the other biscuits.

Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus: An Emerging Threat to Goat Farming in Pakistan

Pakistan at present is having more than 60 million head of goats, which consist of about 37 well-recognized breeds found in different regions of the country. Although the goat farming on commercial level is escalating in Pakistan, there are threats, which result this initiative into a loss. Among these threats, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) outbreaks are causing huge economic damages. In this study, three outbreaks of PPR were confirmed at three different commercial farms in various regions of Punjab province and their economic impact on small ruminants farming was calculated. The disease started after 1-2 months of the establishment of these farms as the animals were purchased from different livestock markets. Disease started with sudden onset of respiratory and enteric clinical signs and spreads quickly. Disease caused mortality and morbidity of 10-15% and 20-40%, respectively, within a time period of 01-03 weeks. At these three farms, 116 of 365 animals exhibited the clinical disease, with an overall morbidity rate of 31.78%. A total of 43 animals died with mortality rate of 11.78% (43/365) causing a direct financial loss of $4300 (Pakistan Rupees 430,000/-), while the indirect cost due to treatment, loss of animal body condition, reduction in market value, increase veterinary services and labour was $7911 (Pak Rs. 791,100/-). Taken together, the results demonstrate that there is an urgent need to assess the economic impact of the disease throughout the country and to give proper emphasis for controlling PPR in sensitive regions where it is discouraging the investment in goat farming.

Radiation dose verification using real tissue phantom in modern radiotherapy techniques

In vitro dosimetric verification prior to patient treatment has a key role in accurate and precision radiotherapy treatment delivery. Most of commercially available dosimetric phantoms have almost homogeneous density throughout their volume, while real interior of patient body has variable and varying densities inside. In this study an attempt has been made to verify the physical dosimetry in actual human body scenario by using goat head as “head phantom” and goat meat as “tissue phantom”. The mean percentage variation between planned and measured doses was found to be 2.48 (standard deviation (SD): 0.74), 2.36 (SD: 0.77), 3.62 (SD: 1.05), and 3.31 (SD: 0.78) for three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) (head phantom), intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT; head phantom), 3DCRT (tissue phantom), and IMRT (tissue phantom), respectively. Although percentage variations in case of head phantom were within tolerance limit (< ± 3%), but still it is higher than the results obtained by using commercially available phantoms. And the percentage variations in most of cases of tissue phantom were out of tolerance limit. On the basis of these preliminary results it is logical and rational to develop radiation dosimetry methods based on real human body and also to develop an artificial phantom which should truly represent the interior of human body.

An investigation on forage yield capacity of kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.) and grazing planning of Mediterranean maquis scrublands for traditional goat farming.

This study investigated grazing capacities of maquis scrubland and preparation principles of grazing management in forest resources. Kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.), which is widespread as a main shrub species in maquis vegetation in Turkey, and pure hair goats (Capra hircus L.) feeding on shoots and leaves of this shrub were selected for study. The study was conducted in two stages. Green leaf and shoot samples were taken from kermes oaks in the first stage and the amount of green herbage yield (g∗m−1) and dry matter yield (kg∗ha−1) that may be obtained per unit area from these samples was identified. The considered amount of dry matter consumed by pure hair goats daily and the number of goats being fed within 1 year on land of 1 ha according to different land coverage rates of kermes oaks (goat head∗ha∗yr) were calculated. In the second stage, grazing capacities of sample areas where kermes oak spread were identified and compared with the grazing plan prepared by the forestry administration for this area. Forage yield variance according to land coverage rates of maquis scrublands should be considered when determining optimum animal numbers for grazing per area for sustainable goat farming.

TRANSFERRIN POLYMORPHISM IN FOUR LOCAL BREEDS OF GOAT IN CENTRAL JAVA, INDONESIA

The objectives of this study were to determine the gene frequency and individual heterozygosity oftransferrin in four local breeds of goat in Central Java-Indonesia. The number of blood samples weretaken from 96 heads of goat, in which each of breeds were 24 samples, those were Kejobong(Purbalingga regency), Ettawa Grade (Purworejo regency), Kacang (Grobogan regency) and Jawarandu(Pemalang regency). Polyacrilamide Gel Electrophoresis was performed to detect the bands of bloodplasm protein. Gen frequency was calculated using general formula of population genetics. Estimatedheterozygosity and individual heterosizygosity were calculated to analysis the equilibrium condition oftransferrin. Result showed there was two allele of transferrin, namely TfA and TfB. Gene frequency ofTfA was higher than that of TfB. Transferrin gene and genotypes were in disequilibrium of Hardy-Weinberg Law.