Healthy Adult Goats Research Articles

Intramuscular injection of a commercially available medetomidine-vatinoxan hydrochloride mixture produces reliable sedation in sheep and goats with varying cardiopulmonary effects.

To evaluate the sedation quality of an IM injection of a commercially available medetomidine-vatinoxan combination (ZEN) in healthy goats and sheep and discern species differences in cardiopulmonary parameters. 10 apparently healthy adult university-owned research Black Bengal-crossbreed goats and 10 adult Gulf Coast native and Katahdin sheep were enrolled in this prospective experimental study from June 27 to July 27, 2023. All animals were sedated on 1 occasion with 0.06 mL of ZEN/kg, IM (0.03 mg of medetomidine/kg and 0.6 mg of vatinoxan hydrochloride/kg). Cardiopulmonary variables including heart rate, arterial blood pressure, and arterial blood gas parameters were recorded along with sedation depth and duration. Any animals still sedated after 150 minutes received 0.01 mg of atipamezole/kg. The mean ± SD of the total sedation time for sheep and goats was 102.80 ± 10.90 minutes and 133.50 ± 32.63 minutes, respectively. Profound reliable sedation was achieved in all but 1 animal. Hypoxemia was observed in sheep and goats (11 of 20 animals total). Hypotension was seen in 3 of 10 goats. In sheep and goats, ZEN at 0.06 mL/kg, IM, caused profound sedation. Total sedation time was significantly longer in goats than in sheep. In the presence of oxygen supplementation, ZEN at 0.06 mL/kg, IM, may be an acceptable sedation choice for apparently healthy Gulf Coast native and Katahdin sheep, but not goats; however, preexisting hypokalemia or pulmonary disease are contraindications for the use of ZEN in sheep.

Evaluation of a continuous glucose monitoring system in healthy dairy calves and adult goats.

To determine the accuracy of a continuous glucose monitoring system (CGMS) device by comparing glucose concentrations measured over time as determined by the CGMS to those of the chemistry analyzer (reference method). 7 healthy goats and 7 dairy calves. A randomized, crossover design with 3 treatments: control, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia. The CGMS device was applied to the neck. Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia were induced by insulin and xylazine, respectively. Glucose concentrations were measured by the chemistry analyzer CGMS, point-of-care glucometer, and intensive care unit machine at 0 (before treatment), 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 hours. Agreement between the CGMS and the chemistry analyzer was determined by Bland-Altman plots. The analytical and clinical accuracy of the CGMS was determined using the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 15197:2013 criteria and the Parkes error grid analysis. In goats, the CGMS overestimated glucose concentrations during the hypoglycemic, normoglycemia, and hyperglycemia treatments. In calves, the CGMS underestimated glucose concentrations during the hypoglycemic treatment but overestimated glucose concentrations in normoglycemia and hyperglycemic treatments. The CGMS met the ISO clinical accuracy criteria for goats and calves, with > 99% of the glucose measurements in zones A and B of the Parkes grid. However, the CGMS did not meet the ISO 15197:2013 criteria for analytical accuracy. The CGMS evaluated in our study only met the ISO 15197:2013 clinical accuracy criteria, not the analytical accuracy. Therefore, the device might be considered for clinical use.

Validation of a reference interval for symmetric dimethylarginine in healthy goats and its comparison to values in goats with obstructive urolithiasis.

Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), a sensitive biomarker for detecting renal injury, has not been characterized in goats. Obstructive urolithiasis (OU) is the most common urinary tract disease in male small ruminants. Establish an SDMA reference interval (RI) in healthy adult goats and describe SDMA concentrations in goats with OU. We hypothesize that the SDMA RI in healthy adult goats will be similar to that of other adult veterinary species and that SDMA can be utilized to assess the renal function of goats experiencing OU. Fifty-five healthy adult male and female goats from a university herd were enrolled for SDMA RI development. Twenty male and female goats from a university herd were enrolled for validation of the SDMA RI established. Thirteen male goats diagnosed with OU were enrolled. Clinical trial. Serum samples for all animals enrolled were collected and analyzed for SDMA using an immunoassay (IDEXX Laboratories, Inc); goats with OU had additional blood work analyzed (PCV, total solids, and serum biochemistry). Symmetric dimethylarginine and other values in goats with OU were analyzed and compared at specific time points. The SDMA RI for healthy, adult goats is 8.03 μg/dL (90% CI 4.81-11.04) to 25.93 μg/dL (90% CI 22.88-28.97). There was no correlation identified between serum creatinine and SDMA in goats with OU. The SDMA RI for adult goats is higher than in other adult large animal species. Use of SDMA in goats with OU is not useful in assessing their renal function.

Experimental long bone fracture healing in goats with cockle shell-based calcium carbonate bone paste

Long bone fractures are common orthopedic conditions. There are numerous ways to repair these fractures. Bone grafting becomes necessary when a broken bone has a significant gap. However, due to insufficient donor volume and donor site morbidity, substitutes are required. In veterinary orthopaedics, calcium carbonate from cockle shells could be used as a bone biomaterial. We investigated its efficacy as a bone biomaterial repair for goat femoral fractures. The study included 10 healthy adult male Black Bengal goats weighing 8 kg and aged 12–13 months. The study includes control and treatment groups. Intramedullary pinning stabilized an 8-mm right femur diaphyseal fracture in the treatment and control groups. The treated group received 2 ml of bone paste in the fractured gap, whereas the control group left it empty. We examined all goats with X-rays on the 7th, 45th, and 60th days, followed by gross and histological findings. Due to callus bridging, radiographs revealed faster bone growth in the treated group than in the control group. Gross examination demonstrates the treated group had a larger fracture callus than the control group. Histopathology showed that bone formed faster and included more osteocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and bony spicules than in the control group. The treated group had more periosteum osteoblasts, while the control group had fibroblasts. These results showed that the treated group had more osteogenic activity than the control group. This study demonstrates the potential of cockle shell-based calcium carbonate bone paste as a synthetic biomaterial for healing long bone fractures in goats.

Short communication: Goat mastitis and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)

Mastitis, an inflammation of the mammary gland affecting milk production and quality in dairy herds, is often associated with Staphylococcus spp. in goats. Neutrophils are crucial in combating infections by migrating into milk and deploying various defense strategies, including the release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) composed of DNA, histones, and bactericidal proteins. This study investigated whether NETs are released by goat neutrophils stimulated in vitro by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus warneri, two common pathogens of goat mastitis. PMNs were isolated from blood from healthy adult goats. We evaluated goat NET formation by stimulating cells with: phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) as a positive control, cytochalasin for inhibition of actin polymerization, S. aureus, and S. warneri. NET formation was observed in response to chemical stimulation and bacterial presence, effectively trapping pathogens. Variations in NET formation between S. aureus and S. warneri suggest pathogen-specific responses. These findings suggest that the formation of NETs may be an important complementary mechanism in the defense against mastitis in goats. In conclusion, this study unveils a novel defense mechanism in goats, indicating the role of NETs against S. aureus and S. warneri in mastitis.

Effects of high, sub-lethal doses of fentanyl on respiratory functions in adult female goats

Since 1999, the opioid epidemic in the United States has claimed more than 300,000 lives, and data from more recent years indicate annual increases exceeding 80,000 fatalities. Synthetic opioids like fentanyl contribute to these opioid-related deaths through multiple physiologic effects including Opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD), impairment of the alveolar to arterial oxygen gradient (A-a), and rigidity of upper airway and pump muscles causing airway dysfunction, or Wooden Chest Syndrome (WCS). We have previously shown (PMID: 37885800) that sub-lethal doses of fentanyl (25-125 μg/kg; IV) cause in healthy adult goats a transient time and dose dependent effect on breathing frequency and tidal volume, WCS and A-a which varied greatly between goats. We hypothesize that high dose fentanyl will exacerbate the effects seen in sub-lethal doses in both a time and dose-dependent manner. Adult female goats (n=3) were surgically instrumented with electromyographic (EMG) wires in both the airway (genioglossus and thyropharyngeal) and respiratory pump muscles (diaphragm, transverse abdominus and diaphragm) and the carotid arteries were relocated to a subcutaneous location. Goats were allowed 2 weeks for recovery before the onset of studies. Arterial blood samples were obtained through carotid catheters and fentanyl injections were made through acute placement of jugular venous catheters. Following a 30-minute control period, we injected saline (vehicle) or high-dose fentanyl (250-500μg/kg). In a time dependent manner, high doses of IV fentanyl injections decreased breathing frequency (FB), increased expiratory time (TE) and increased tidal volume (VT). Arterial oxygen (PaO2) decreased substantially (~35 mmHg; and arterial CO2 (PaCO2) increased to as high as 70mmHg. From about 15 to 90 minutes after fentanyl injections, the overall effect on breathing and respiratory muscle activity was consistent with a stimulatory effect of fentanyl. These data suggest high dose fentanyl increases OIRD and exacerbate life-threatening effects that cause ventilatory suppression, hypoxemia, and hypercapnia. Funded by NIH DA050571. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Studies on Echostructural Pattern of Urinary System in Adult Female Goats

Background: Ultrasonography is a second most commonly used diagnostic imaging technique in veterinary practice after radiography. The ultrasonographic examination of clinically healthy animals provides relevant information about anatomical location, echo texture, size and shape of organs. In the present study, the echo-structural pattern of urinary system of adult female goats were evaluated to find the normal structural pattern of various constituents of urinary system. Methods: B-mode ultrasonographic study of urinary system was performed in 20 healthy adult female Jamunapari goats. Mean±S.E. values of body weight and age of selected animals were 27.49±0.79 kg and 2.77±0.10 years, respectively. All twenty animals were subjected to sonographic examination after clipping the hairs from desired sites to scan the various organs of urinary system in standing position under physical restraint without using any anesthetic agent. The values of various clinico-physiological parameters including rectal temperature, heart rate, respiration rate, colour of mucous membranes were recorded to examine the health status prior to sonography. The left and right kidneys were scanned from right dorsal flank by paravertebral approach using a transcutaneous micro-convex probe at 5 MHz and a convex probe at 2.8-6 MHz frequency. A dual frequency (5-9 MHz) micro-curved array cavity probe was used to scan bladder and urethra per rectally. The renal parenchyma in healthy goats was distinctly divided into hypoechoic outer cortex and anechoic inner medulla. The hyperechoic renal sinus complex was present in center of the kidney and renal pelvis was anechoic. The renal capsule was seen as hyperechoic fine line surrounding the renal parenchyma. Pulsed wave renal color doppler ultrasound was performed in 3 healthy goats with the aim to generate reference images of renal vasculature. Result: The Mean±SE values of renal length, renal height, horizontal diameter of renal sinus, vertical diameter of renal sinus and diameter of renal pelvis for right kidney were 6.11±0.09, 3.26±0.08, 3.01±0.11, 1.32±0.03, 1.05±0.03, respectively while for left kidney these values were 6.02±0.09 and 3.35±0.07, 2.67±0.12, 1.14±0.06, 1.10±0.07 cm. The ureters could not be visualized in any of the goats. The distended bladder was seen as anechoic circular structure surrounded by a smooth echogenic wall with a mean thickness of 1.65±0.06 mm. No significant difference was observed in the measurements of both kidneys except in dimensions of renal sinus. Positive correlation was found between renal size and body weight of goats. It was concluded that ultrasound is an easy, rapid and non-invasive method to evaluate echotexture and morphometry of structures of urinary system.

Subcutaneous and intramuscular administration of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine are similarly effective in generating a humoral response in domestic goats (Capra hircus).

To determine severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) serum antibody titers in domestic goats after SC and IM administration of an experimental, veterinary SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. 31 healthy adult domestic goats from 4 zoological institutions. On day 0, blood was collected for baseline serum titer before vaccination with 1 mL SARS-CoV-2 recombinant S protein vaccine SC (n = 22) or IM (n = 9). A booster vaccination was administered 21 (SC group) or 28 days (IM group) after the initial vaccine and blood samples were collected at days 21 (SC group) or 28 (IM group), 42, 90, and 180 postvaccinations. The study took place between September 27, 2021, and June 01, 2022. Seroconversion for SARS-CoV-2 was assessed by a SARS-CoV-2 virus neutralization (VN) assay. Before vaccination, no goats had detectable antibodies. On day 42, 100% of goats had detectable serum titers. Serum titers peaked at day 42 for 94% of goats vaccinated by either route of administration. There was a significant difference between SC and IM groups regarding the proportion of goats with detectable titers on day 21/28 (68% vs 0%, respectively) and day 180 (50% vs 89%, respectively), relative to day 0. The 2 vaccination protocols (SC 21 days apart and IM 28 days apart) were similarly effective in mounting serum antibody response in goats. The SC route of administration appeared to have a more rapid onset of immunity, while the IM route may have produced a longer duration of immunity. These data may be useful in determining appropriate SARS-CoV-2 vaccination schedules in ruminants.

Effects of transport stress on the oxidative index, apoptosis and autophagy in the small intestine of caprine

BackgroundIntroducing new goat breeds or transferring adult goats from farms to slaughterhouses requires transportation, which can engender adverse effects, such as oxidative stress, pathological cell apoptosis and autophagy. Current evidence suggests that malondialdehyde (MDA) is a metabolite of lipid peroxidation during oxidative stress, while superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) can alleviate injury caused by free radicals and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Meanwhile, Bcl-2, Bax, LC3B, PINK1 and Parkin are important proteins that participate in pathological cell apoptosis and autophagy. This study aimed to investigate the effects of transportation stress on oxidative stress indexes and expressions of Bcl-2, Bax, LC3B, PINK1 and Parkin in the small intestine of goats. Twelve healthy adult male goats from western Jiangxi province were randomly divided into control, 2 h transportation stress, and 6 h transportation stress groups (n = 4 per group).ResultsOur results showed that MDA in the small intestine significantly increased after transportation, while SOD and CAT activities decreased, with a significantly increased apoptosis rate of the small intestine cells. The jejunum and duodenum exhibited the highest apoptosis rate in the 2 h and 6 h transportation groups, respectively. The expression of apoptosis-related genes Bcl-2 and Bax and their corresponding proteins exhibited varying degrees of down-regulation or up-regulation, while Bcl-2 and Bax genes in the small intestine were upregulated in the 6 h transportation group. In addition, autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes were found in various parts of the small intestine by transmission electron microscopy, and autophagy-related genes LC3B, PINK1 and Parkin were significantly down-regulated in the 2 h group and up-regulated in the 6 h group.ConclusionsOur results indicate that the contents of MDA, SOD and CAT in the small intestine, the expression of pathologic apoptosis-related genes Bcl-2 and Bax, and autophagy-related genes LC3B, PINK1 and Parkin correlated with stress duration caused by transportation. Moreover, this study provides a foothold for further studies on the mechanism of transportation stress in goats and improving animal welfare.

Agglutination and hemolytic crossmatching to determine transfusion reaction differences between large and small breed goats.

Blood transfusions are performed frequently in goats, but crossmatches are rarely performed. Determine differences in the frequency of agglutination and hemolytic crossmatch reactions between large and small breed goats. Healthy adult goats, 10 large and 10 small breed. Two hundred eighty major and minor agglutination and hemolytic crossmatches: 90 large breed donor to large breed recipient (L-L), 90 small breed donor to small breed recipient (S-S), 100 large breed donor to small breed recipient (L-S). A linear mixed model with treatment group (L-L, S-S, L-S) as a fixed effect and individual crossmatch as a random effect was used to identify variations in reaction frequency among groups and individuals. Frequency of major agglutination reactions for L-L, S-S, and L-S were 3/90 (3.3%), 7/90 (7.8%), and 10/100 (10.0%), respectively. Frequency of major hemolytic reactions for L-L, S-S, and L-S were 27/84 (32.1%), 7/72 (9.7%), and 31/71 (43.7%). Individual pairings and groupings had no effect on agglutination reactions. Individual pairings had no effect on the frequency of hemolytic reactions. For major hemolytic crossmatches, pairwise comparisons identified higher frequencies of reactions when comparing L-L to S-S (P = .007) and L-S to S-S (P < .001). Goats experience increased frequencies of hemolytic reactions compared to agglutination. Significant increases in hemolysis were seen between large breed donors and small breed recipients, compared to small breed pairings. Additional studies are required to determine correlations between crossmatches and transfusion reactions.

Hematological Parameters in Hair Goats During and out of Breeding Season Hair Goats Seasonal Hematological Parameters

Background: The hair goat of Anatolia is a breed that has adapted to rugged and mountainous areas and is known to be very resistant to diseases. As the world faces the problem of climate change, we believe that knowing the hematological characteristics of hair goats will provide great benefits for goat breeding. Objectives: This study was performed to determine possible differences in the blood parameters of adult (male and female) hair goats during and out of the breeding season. Methods: For this purpose, blood samples were taken from clinically healthy adult male and female hair goats (n=36, 3-4 years old) in the spring and autumn seasons. Regarding the whole blood, white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean red blood cell volume (MCV), mean red blood cell hemoglobin (MCH), average red blood cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red blood cell distribution width (RDW) values were determined. Results: In the study, MCV values in males were not significantly (P≥0.05) different between spring and autumn, while all other parameters showed significant differences (P≤0.05). In females, WBC, RBC, Hb, Hct, and RDW blood values were higher in the autumn (estrus period) than in the spring (anestrus period), and the differences were found to be significant (P≤0.05). Comparing males and females between the estrus and anestrus seasons, WBC and MCHC were found to be significantly different (P≤0.05) between males and females in May. In contrast, the difference between other parameters was not significant. In October (estrus season), the MCV value was not significantly different between males and females; however, all other parameters were significantly different (P≤0.05). Conclusion: As a result, there were significant differences in hematological parameters of hair goats based on gender and the breeding season.

Cross Sectional Study of Small East African Goat Ovarian Morphology During Wet and Dry Seasons

Reproductive cycle of Small East African (SEA) goats in the tropics is characterized by a reduced fertility rate during the dry season. The reduced fertility rate has a negative impact on livestock sector development and the livelihood of rural communities. The current study was conducted to evaluate ovarian morphometric parameters and follicular atresia during dry and wet seasons. A total of 90 apparently healthy adult goats from Morogoro region in Tanzania brought for slaughter at Morogoro Municipal slaughterhouse were randomly selected for the study. Following the slaughter both left and right ovaries were collected for gross and histomorphological analysis. The results of morphometric analysis found that, length of right ovary was significantly higher than that of the left (p&lt;0.05). Histological analysis revealed a significant increase in the number of atretic follicles during the dry season when compared to the wet season (p&lt;0.05). These findings indicate that the reduced fertility rate in the SEA goat during the dry season could be contributed by an increased rate of follicular atresia

Haemotobiochemical changes and management of post-partum fatty liver syndrome in Malabari goats

The fatty liver syndrome was confirmed by haemotobiochemical and hepatic ultrasonographic investigations in 12 Malabari goats within six weeks after kidding. Animals were divided into two groups with six does each which received two different treatments. Ketonex bolus, which contains nicotinic acid, disodium hydrogen phosphate, and live yeast was given to the goats in Group I. The animals in Group II received syrup Bexoliv, which contains tricholine citrate, methionine, inositol, vitamin E, biotin, selenium, silymarin, iron, copper, and B12. In addition to this, animals of both groups received glycerin orally. On the fifteenth day of treatment, the animals were reevaluated. Six apparently healthy adult female goats within six weeks of kidding were selected as control. Before treatment, the neutrophil count showed a significant increase and lymphocyte and monocyte counts showed a decrease in the study groups. Blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (βHB), serum non-esterified free fatty acids (NEFA) and serum urea nitrogen (SUN) levels showed a significant increase before treatment and reduced after treatment among both groups. Hepatic ultrasonography showed hyperechogenicity of parenchyma before treatment when compared to after treatment. The animals showed improvement with both treatments.

Chronic moderate hypercapnia suppresses ventilatory responses to acute CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; challenges.

Chronic hypercapnia (CH) is a hallmark of chronic lung disease, and CH increases the risk for acute-on-chronic exacerbations leading to greater hypoxemia/hypercapnia and poor health outcomes. However, the role of hypercapnia per se (duration and severity) in determining an individual's ability to tolerate further hypercapnic exacerbations is unknown. Our primary objective herein was to test the hypothesis that mild-to-moderate CH (arterial [Formula: see text] ∼50-70 mmHg) increases susceptibility to pathophysiological responses to severe acute CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; challenges. Three groups (GR) of adult female goats were studied during 14 days of exposure to room air (&lt;i&gt;GR 1&lt;/i&gt;; control) or 6% inspired CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; (&lt;i&gt;GR 2&lt;/i&gt;; mild CH), or 7 days of 6% inspired CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; followed by 7 days of 8% inspired CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; (&lt;i&gt;GR 3&lt;/i&gt;; moderate CH). Consistent with previous reports, there were no changes in physiological parameters in &lt;i&gt;GR 1&lt;/i&gt; (RA control), but mild CH (&lt;i&gt;GR 2&lt;/i&gt;) increased steady-state ventilation and transiently suppressed CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;/[H&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt;] chemosensitivity. Further increasing InCO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; from 6% to 8% (&lt;i&gt;GR 3&lt;/i&gt;) transiently increased ventilation and arterial [H&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt;]. Similar to mild CH, moderate CH increased ventilation to levels greater than predicted. However, in contrast to mild CH, acute ventilatory chemosensitivity was suppressed throughout the duration of moderate CH, and the arterial - mixed expired CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; gradient became negative. These data suggest that moderate CH limits physiological responses to acute severe exacerbations and provide evidence of recruitment of extrapulmonary systems (i.e., gastric CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; elimination) during times of moderate-severe hypercapnia.&lt;b&gt;NEW &amp;amp; NOTEWORTHY&lt;/b&gt; Moderate levels of chronic hypercapnia (CH; ∼70 mmHg) in healthy adult female goats elicited similar steady-state physiological adaptations compared with mild CH (∼55 mmHg). However, unlike mild CH, moderate CH chronically suppressed acute CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;/[H&lt;sup&gt;+&lt;/sup&gt;] chemosensitivity and reversed the arterial to mixed expired CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; gradient. These findings suggest that moderate CH suppresses vital mechanisms of ventilatory control and recruits additional physiological systems (i.e., gastric CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; release) to help buffer excess CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;.

Comparison of florfenicol depletion in dairy goat milk using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and a commercial on-farm test.

Florfenicol is a broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly prescribed in an extra-label manner for treating meat and dairy goats. Scientific data in support of a milk withdrawal interval recommendation is limited to plasma pharmacokinetic data and minimal milk residue data that is limited to cattle. Therefore, a rapid residue detection test (RRDT) could be a useful resource to determine if milk samples are free of drug residues and acceptable for sale. This study compared a commercially available RRDT (Charm® FLT strips) to detect florfenicol residues in fresh milk samples from healthy adult dairy breed goats treated with florfenicol (40 mg/kg subcutaneously twice 4 days apart) with quantitative analysis of florfenicol concentrations using ultra-performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). In addition, storage claims for testing bovine milk using the RRDT were assessed using stored goat milk samples. Milk samples were collected every 12 h for a minimum of 26 days. Commercial RRDT strips remained positive in individual goats ranging from 528 to 792 h (22–33 days) after the second dose, whereas, UPLC-MS/MS indicated the last detectable florfenicol concentration in milk samples ranged from 504 to 720 h (21–30 days) after the second dose. Results from stored milk samples from treated goats indicate that samples can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator and 60 days in the freezer after milking prior to being tested with a low risk of false-negative test results due to drug degradation. Elevated somatic cell counts and bacterial colony were noted in some of the milk samples in this study, but further study is required to understand the impact of these quality factors on RRDT results.

Intrathecal adenosine enhances the antinociception of Xylazine in goats

BackgroundThe role of adenosine (AD) in neuromodulation of nociceptive signaling at the level of the spinal cord has been established in both preclinical and clinical models. Recently, the signaling pathway that involves adenosine 5-monophosphate activated protein kinase has been reported to mediate the antinociceptive effects of xylazine (XYL). The objective of this study was to investigate the antinociceptive, cardiorespiratory and hematological effects of intrathecal administration of combined XYL-AD in goats as compared to XYL alone. Six clinically healthy adult goats weighing 25 ± 2 kg were randomly assigned to one of three groups in a cross-over design. Goats were sedated with XYL (0.05 mg/kg, IM) in all groups. Ten min later, 0.9% saline solution [SAL group], XYL (0.05 mg/kg) [XYL group] or a combination of XYL (0.05 mg/kg) and AD (2000 µg) [XYL-AD group] was injected intrathecally. Antinociception scores and both cardiorespiratory and hematological parameters were measured before XYL sedation and intrathecal injection (baseline), and at 5, 10, 15, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 min thereafter.ResultsThe XYL-AD group showed significantly earlier onset of antinociception [5 (5–7) min] than XYL [13 (12–14.25] min (P = 0.031). The duration of complete antinociception in goats that received XYL-AD was significantly longer (P = 0.031) than that received XYL alone [65 (58.75–66.25) and 47.5 (43.75–51.25) min, respectively]. In both XYL and XYL-AD groups, heart rate (HR), arterial blood pressure (SAP, MAP and DAP) were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) compared to the baseline. Compared to the SAL group, a statistically significant reduction in HR from 10 to 150 min (P < 0.05) was detected in the XYL group contrary to the XYL-AD group. Differences in the hematological parameters among different groups were insignificant.ConclusionsAD injected intrathecally interacts synergistically with XYL to promote antinociception in goats. This discovery supports the use of AD in combination with XYL in clinical trials.

Pharmacokinetic profiles of three dose rates of morphine sulfate following single intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous administration in the goat.

This study aimed to evaluate pharmacokinetic profiles of morphine in goats following a single dose administered intravenously, intramuscularly, or subcutaneously at 0.1mg/kg, 0.25mg/kg, and 0.4mg/kg. Study population included eight healthy adult goats in a randomized cross-over study. Serial plasma samples were collected and morphine was quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Data fit a two-compartment model following intravenous administration and a non-compartmental model following both intramuscular and subcutaneous administration. Plasma elimination half-life was 2.88±1.13h (0.1mg/kg), 2.30±0.49h (0.25mg/kg), and 2.67±0.82h (0.4mg/kg) following IV morphine. Intramuscular Cmax values were 13.4±2.77ng/ml (0.1mg/kg), 34±11.50ng/ml (0.25mg/kg), and 68.9±24.5ng/ml (0.4mg/kg). Intramuscular Tmax f(h) or IM dosing (in hrs) was 0.19±0.14 (0.1mg/kg), 0.24±0.24 (0.25mg/kg), and 0.21±0.24 (0.4mg/kg). Subcutaneous Cmax values were 9.88±3.31ng/ml (0.1mg/kg), 28.5±11.6ng/ml (0.25mg/kg), and 39.4±14.3ng/ml (0.4mg/kg). Subcutaneous Tmax (h) values for SC dosing were 0.36±0.21 (0.1mg/kg), 0.31±0.17 (0.25mg/kg), and 0.4±0.13 (0.4mg/kg). Intramuscular bioavailability values were 153.77±12.60% (0.4mg/kg), 104.8±25.12% (0.25mg/kg), and 100.7±29.57% (0.1mg/kg). Subcutaneous bioavailability values were 130.58±19.07% (0.4mg/kg), 116.6±27.03% (0.25mg/kg), and 111.6±23.24% (0.1mg/kg). No adverse effects were observed. Assuming plasma concentration required to induce analgesia is 16±9ng/ml in goats, as demonstrated in humans, it is suggested to administer morphine intramuscularly at 0.4mg/kg every 3-4h or SC every 2-3h. This is a speculative conclusion therefore further studies evaluating pharmacodynamics and plasma analgesic threshold in goats is recommended.

Cardiorespiratory Effects of Three Infusion Doses of Adenosine in Conscious Goats: A Preliminary Study

Adenosine (AD) has been implicated in human healthcare as an endogenous signaling nucleotide in both physiologic and pathologic states. The effects of AD on cardiorespiratory parameters in ruminants has not yet been studied. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cardiac and respiratory changes that resulted from an intravenous AD infusion in goats. Six clinically healthy adult goats weighing 28 ± 2 kg were randomly assigned to one of four treatments in a crossover design with a seven day washout period. The goats received a 0.9 % saline solution (SAL treatment) and three AD treatments (AD 50, 100 and 200) intravenously at a dose rate of 50, 100 and 200 μg/kg/min. Cardiorespiratory and key cardiac parameters were measured before the treatment (baseline), during the infusion (dInf) and at 1, 3, 5 and 10 min after each infusion was discontinued. The AD 100 produced a significant increase in HR (p = 0.001) and the AD 200 resulted in significant rises in HR (p = 0.006) and RR (p = 0.001) compared with the baseline. This study concluded that the AD infusion could trigger an increase in HR and RR in a dose-dependent manner in healthy goats.

Preliminary results in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with the uncovertebral joint fusion cage in a goat model

ObjectiveTo preliminarily evaluate the safety and efficacy of the uncovertebral joint fusion cage in a goat model of cervical spine interbody fusion.MethodsTwenty-four healthy adult goats were randomly assigned to one of the two following groups: Group A, goats were implanted with an uncovertebral joint fusion cage combined with a local autograft and Group B, goats were implanted with a non-profile cage filled with a local autograft. The goats were prospectively evaluated for 24 weeks and then were sacrificed for evaluation. X-rays, CT and micro-CT scanning, and undecalcified bone histological analysis were used for the evaluation of fusion.Results75.0% (9/12) of the goats in Group A were evaluated as having fusion at 12 weeks, compared to 41.7% (5/12) in Group B. 83.3% (10/12) of the goats in Group A were evaluated as having fusion at 24 weeks compared to 58.3% (7/12) in Group B. The fusion grading scores in Group A were significantly higher than that in Group B both at 12 weeks and 24 weeks (P < 0.05). Micro-CT scanning and undecalcified bone histological analysis showed that new bone formation can be obviously found in the bilateral uncovertebral joint. The bone volume fraction (BV/ TV) in Group A (23.59 ± 4.43%) was significantly higher than Group B (16.16 ± 4.21%), with P < 0.05.ConclusionsPreliminary results of this study demonstrated that uncovertebral joint fusion cage is effective for achieving early bone formation and fusion without increase of serious complications.

A Histochemical and Immunohistochemical Study on Glandula Mandibularis Mast Cells in Angora Goat

Mast cells are particularly in association with structures, especially the skin, respiratory, and digestive systems in proximity to surfaces that interface with the external environment. This study was carry out to demonstrate the distribution and heterogeneity of mast cells in the Angora goat glandula mandibularis by using morphological, histochemical, and immunohistochemical methods. A total of seven healthy male adult Angora goats' mandibular glands were studied. Mast cells were distinctly distinguished by their metachromatic staining in preparates stained with toluidine blue. The cells were observed in various sizes and shapes, especially round, oval, and elongate-shaped. Mast cells were seen in both intralobular and interlobular interstitium in glandula mandibularis. Many mast cells were observed in the interlobular interstitium, especially around the blood vessels. The Alcian-blue/Safranin O combined staining method was used to determine mast cell heterogeneity. In glandula mandibularis, blue-colored alcian-blue (AB) (+) and pink-red colored safranin O (SO) (+) mast cell subtypes were observed. Chymase positive mast cells were usually observed one by one in both intralobular and interlobular interstitium. As a result, the mandibular gland of Angora goat which is local species was examined; the morphology, locations, heterogeneity of mast cells, and chymase expression were specified.