Healthy Goat Kids Research Articles

Metaphylactic strategies using toltrazuril against coccidiosis in goat kids

Goat coccidiosis compromises animal welfare, reduces productivity and may cause mortality and delayed growth rates in goat kids around the weaning period worldwide. This field study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of metaphylactic treatments with two doses of toltrazuril (20 or 40 mg/kg body weight – BW, p. o.), at different timing, in kids naturally infected with Eimeria spp. A total of 97 healthy goat kids (Majorera milk aptitude breed) were divided into five groups, depending on the age of treatment (2 or 7 weeks). One group remained untreated as a negative control until the end of the study. Faecal oocyst shedding, faecal consistency, and body weight of the animals were monitored at day 0 and at weekly intervals. Counts of oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG) were determined by a modified McMaster technique. Morphometric identification of Eimeria species was carried out on individual faecal samples from each experimental group after oocyst sporulation. Goat kids treated at two weeks of age maintained OPG values close to zero during the 5 weeks post-treatment and, overall, had lower faecal oocyst counts than untreated control animals. No significant differences were observed between the two doses of toltrazuril used in two-week-old treated animals. By contrast, when treatment was carried out at seven weeks of age, the dose of 40 mg/kg BW of toltrazuril reduced oocyst levels for longer and to a greater extent than the 20 mg/kg dose. Irrespectively of the treatment and dose, toltrazuril delayed the appearance of pathogenic Eimeria species, i. e. Eimeria ninakohlyakimovae and Eimeria arloingi. As a whole, Eimeria christenseni, with a rather moderate pathogenicity, was highly predominant throughout the study period, including the untreated control group, which was probably the reason why clinical signs of coccidiosis were barely observed throughout the experiment. Under these circumstances, the positive effect of toltrazuril on body weight condition observed in some treated groups was difficult to correlate to the timing and doses. Metaphylactic treatments with 20 mg/kg BW toltrazuril given at two weeks of age are sufficient to control oocyst excretion in goat kids; whereas if administered later in 7-week-old animals, thereby coinciding with the frequently observed peak of oocyst elimination in goat kids under field conditions, a higher dose might be advisable to prevent environmental contamination with infectious oocysts.

Immuno-reactivity evaluation of Mce-truncated subunit candidate vaccine against Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis challenge in the goat models

BackgroundDetection of an appropriate antigen with high immunogenicity can be a big step in the production of an effective vaccine for control of Johne’s disease (JD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Mce-truncated protein as a subunit vaccine candidate for the control of JD in experimentally challenged goats.Materials and methodsSix healthy goat kids were immunized with Mce-truncated protein, and two goats were kept as controls. All kids were twice challenged orally with live Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis(MAP) strain and half the goats from both the categories were sacrificed at 7 and 10 months after start of challenge study. Culture of MAP was performed from all the necropsied tissues to determine the true JD infection status.ResultsMce-truncated protein only reacted with pooled vaccinated goat sera in western-blot. A significant increase in humoral immune response against Mce protein was also observed in vaccinated goats. Compared to the control group, vaccinated goats gained higher body weights and none of them shed MAP or showed histopatological lesions or colonization of MAP in their necropsy tissues.ConclusionsThe new Mce protein based vaccine provided significant immunity in goats as they could meet the challenge with live MAP bacilli. Although the vaccine used in this study showed the high potential as a new effective vaccine for the control of JD, further validation study is still required to successfully implement the vaccine for JD control program.

Early Weaning and Milk Substitutes Affect the Gut Microbiome, Metabolomics, and Antibody Profile in Goat Kids Suffering From Diarrhea.

Early weaning and milk substitutes increase the incidence of diarrhea in young ruminants, which may modify their gut microbiota, metabolism, immunity, and health. The aim of the study was to determine if early weaning and milk substitutes affect the gut microbiota, metabolism, and immunological status of goat kids suffering from diarrhea. The 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing in feces and serum metabolomics of early-weaned and artificially reared goat kids suffering from diarrhea (DK group) and healthy goat kids reared by their mothers (HK group) were analyzed. The serum biochemistry and immunoglobulin concentration were also determined. Several probiotics, such as Streptococcus and Lactobacillus, were higher in the feces of the DK group than in feces of the HK group. Ruminococcus sp. was elevated in the feces of HKs, likely being a biomarker for goat health. Taking all the carbohydrate-active enzyme (CAZyme) families into consideration, 20 CAZyme families were different between the groups. Compared with the DK group, the relative quantity of glycoside hydrolases (GH) and glycosyltransferase (GT) families in the HK group decreased. GT70 was only identified in HK kids participating in the activity of β-glucuronosyltransferase during the carbohydrate metabolism. Overall, 24 metabolites were different between the groups, which were mainly involved in protein digestion and absorption, cyanoamino acid metabolism, and cholesterol metabolism. The concentrations of immunoglobulins G and M were significantly lower in the DK than in the HK group. In conclusion, our study characterized the fecal microbiota, metabolism, and immunological status of early-weaned and artificially reared goat kids suffering from diarrhea.

Distinct Stage Changes in Early-Life Colonization and Acquisition of the Gut Microbiota and Its Correlations With Volatile Fatty Acids in Goat Kids.

In livestock, a comprehensive understanding of the early-life establishment and acquisition of commensal gut microbiota allow us to develop better husbandry management operations and manipulate the gut microbiota for young animals, improving the efficiency of animal production. Here, we collected 123 microbial samples of 11 healthy goat kids and their mothers to investigate the colonization and acquisition of the gut microbiota and their correlations with volatile fatty acids (VFAs) in goat kids from birth to day 56. An age-dependent increasing and more homogeneous diversity were observed for the feces of goat kids. Overall, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Proteobacteria were the predominant phyla in the fecal microbiota of goat kids, but their relative abundance varied considerably with age. Accordingly, the colonization of the fecal microbiota in goat kids was divided into three distinct stages: newborn (day 0), non-rumination stage (days 7–21), and transition stages (days 28–56). LEfSe analysis revealed a total of 49 bacterial biomarkers that are stage-specific (LDA score > 3, P < 0.05). Significant Spearman correlations (P < 0.05) were observed between the abundances of several bacterial biomarkers and the VFA concentrations. Furthermore, a substantial difference in the fecal microbiota composition was present between 56-day-old goat kids and mothers, whereas there was a moderate difference in the rumen microbiota between them. Among four body sites (i.e., feces, oral cavity, vagina, and breast milk) of mothers, the maternal vaginal and breast milk microbiota were the major source of the fecal microbiota of goat kids in the first 56 days after birth, although their contributions decreased with age and unknown sources increased after day 28. In summary, we concluded that the gut bacterial community in goat kids after birth was mainly acquired from the maternal vagina and breast milk. Its colonization showed three distinct phases with dramatic shifts of composition mainly driven by age and diet changes. Our results provide a framework for a better understanding of the roles of the gut microbiota in young ruminants.

Evaluation of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin d3 levels in goat kids naturally infected with giardia duodenalis

The aim of this study was to determine 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 levels in diarrhoeic goat kids. For this purpose, blood sample witdrawn from 10 diarrhoeic goat kids (Group I) and 10 healthy goat kids (Group II). Diagnosis of giardiasis was performed with multiple methods including microscopic examination and rapid test kits. Mean 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 levels were determined as 33,37 ng/ml in diarrhoetic goat kids and 86,78 ng/ml in control and that is found to statistically significant (p&amp;lt;0.001). Consequently, it was convinced that giardiasis-related intestinal malabsorption may cause severe reduction in vitamin D levels and vitamin D supplement should be administered proper and sufficient doses due to anti-microbial effect with anti-giardial medication in treatment regime.

The hematological profile changes in Saanen goat kids from birth to 3 months of age

This study performed to determine hematological parameters in Saanen goats’ kids from birth until 3 months of age. The whole blood specimens were collected from 20 clinically healthy goat kids (15 females and 5 males). The blood specimens were obtained at 24-48h after birth and 10 ± 2, 28 ± 2, 56 ± 2 and 84 ± 2 days. Hematological variables were determined based on reference laboratory methods. Results showed significant age related changes for most factors (p < 0.05) except for MCHC and the number of monocytes, eosinophils, and band neutrophils. There were significant differences with first sampling time for all parameters (p < 0.01) except for the number of monocytes, eosinophils and band neutrophils. The results of the present study ould be used as reference values for proper interpretation of laboratory results.

Serum Protein Electrophoretic Pattern in Goat Kids after Colostrum Intake during the First Week of Life

Serum Protein Electrophoretic Pattern in Goat Kids after Colostrum Intake during the First Week of Life The first week after birth is characterized by intense metabolic changes typical for the adaptive period influenced also by the intake of colostrum. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in the serum protein electrophoretic pattern in goat kids during the first week of life. Nine clinically healthy goat kids of the white shorthaired breed were used in this study. The first blood sample collection was performed before the colostrum intake and then at 1, 2 and 7 days of age. Serum was analyzed for total protein concentrations, and the relative and absolute values of protein fractions - albumin, alpha1-(α1), alpha2-(α2), beta-(β), and gamma-(γ) globulins. The concentrations of total proteins increased significantly 1 day after colostrum intake (P<0.001), and then were relatively stable. In the absolute concentrations of albumin, a significant decrease of values was observed 1 day after colostrum intake (P<0.01), with a subsequent gradual increase till the end of the first week. For the absolute concentrations of α1-globulins, a significant increase of values was found 1 day after the intake of colostrums (P<0.001). The absolute values of α2- and β- globulins increased significantly from birth till the end of the monitored period (P<0.001). The concentrations of γ-globulins increased significantly 1 day after colostrum intake (P<0.001), and then decreased gradually till the end of the first week. Presented results suggest that the changes in serum protein electrophoretic profile in newborn goat kids may indicate not only important neonatal diseases, but they may also be associated with physiological adaptation processes. Shift in the concentrations of albumin and globulin fractions suggests that the age is an important factor, which should be taken into consideration when interpreting serum proteins.

Effect of Zinc Supplementation on Immune Response in Goats

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of supplemental zinc (Zn) immune response in growing goats. Twenty-four healthy goat kids were randomly divided into four groups of six kids each. Kids were fed basal ration consisted of concentrate feed mixture and green berseem to meet the nutrient requirements of goats (NRC, 1981). Kids in the group one were fed basal diet which contains 33.02 mg/kg dry mater (DM) zinc from ingredient of ration without any Zn supplement in their minerals mixture. Kids in the two, three and four groups were fed the same basal diet of group one with additive 20, 50 and 100 ppm Zn (as ZnSO4) in their diets, respectively. Amounts of 50 and 100 mg Zn/kg DM have significantly higher humoral immune response at all the three intervals. Skin-fold thickness was significantly higher at 24-h post-inoculation indicating improved cellular immunity with 50 and 100 mg Zn/kg DM. The results showed that a diet containing 83.02 mg Zn/kg DM was adequate to support better cellular and humoral immune response in growing goats.

Quantitative Analysis of Fecal Flora in Goat Kids with and without Floppy Kid Syndrome

Floppy kid syndrome (FKS) affects goat kids in the first month of life and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. The condition is characterized by neurological signs that can be ascribed to increased plasma D-lactate concentrations. The source of D-lactate has not been identified conclusively, but D-lactate-producing bacteria in the large intestine are thought to be involved. To determine the number of colony-forming unit (CFUs) of certain groups of bacteria in the feces of kids with and without FKS. Nineteen goat kids with clinical signs of FKS, acidemia (pH ≤ 7.2), and plasma D-lactate concentration >7 mM and 15 healthy goat kids without acidemia (pH >7.2) and D-lactate concentration <1 mM. In this case-control study, the goat kids were examined clinically and blood was collected to measure D-lactate concentration, blood gases, and acid-base parameters. Fecal samples were collected and the total aerobic bacterial count and CFU counts of coliforms, enterococci, staphylococci, streptococci, lactobacilli, and clostridia were determined using the surface plating method. Goat kids with FKS had a mean plasma D-lactate concentration of 10.9 ± 3.7 mM compared with 0.3 ± 0.9 mM in healthy kids, and significantly greater CFU counts for enterococci, streptococci, staphylococci, and lactobacilli than healthy kids. The groups of bacteria present in greater numbers in the feces of goat kids with FKS include several D-lactate-producing species, which makes dysbacteriosis a likely cause of the increased plasma D-lactate concentration in FKS.

FLOW CYTOMETRY BASELINE ON PERIPHERAL LEUKOCYTE CELL PROFILES FOR DAIRY GOAT KIDS

Small ruminants, like goats, would make excellent animal models for not only infectious diseases in large ruminants but also analogous diseases in humans, such as human tuberculosis, Crohn’s disease, melioidosis and brucellosis. The main disadvantage for the small ruminant model is the lack of sufficient baseline data on normal, healthy goat kids. Furthermore, most reagents (antibodies and the like) were not developed for goats or sheep. It is important to demonstrate that available resources, especially from the bovine system, cross-react with the caprine and/or ovine system. Finally, potential breed differences have to be evaluated before goat or sheep studies are compared. In this study, leukocyte cell populations were defined in twenty-six dairy goat kids via flow cytometry. We report no significant differences between three breeds of dairy goat kids and demonstrate the effective use of various antibodies for caprine immune cell markers. No breed-specific differences were detected for any leukocyte cell population or for markers specific for various antigen-presenting cells or T cell populations. Interestingly, however, statistical significant differences were found for leukocyte cell populations for the two different time points two weeks apart presented in this study.

Relationship with gamma glutamyl transferase activity and glutaraldehyde coagulation test of serum immunoglobulin G concentration in newborn goat kids

The importance of blood serum immunoglobulin (IgG) concentration, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity and glutaraldehyde coagulation test (GCT) duration was compared to assess passive transfer status in healthy goat kids. Twenty-one Saanen goat kids (0–15 days old) were used. Blood samples were collected from kids presuckling (day 0, baseline), and on the 1st, 4th, 7th and 15th days. Serum IgG concentration, GGT activity and GCT duration were measured on these days. It was observed that serum IgG concentration and GGT activity significantly increased on the 1st, 4th and 7th day of the experiment. However serum GCT duration was decreased significantly in kids on the 1st, 4th, 7th and 15th days. It was observed that passive transfer status was sufficient when 10% GCT solution clotted serum within 10 and 15 min in up to 7-day-old and 8–15 days old suckling kids, respectively. Thus, GCT as an indicator of GGT activity is useful, practical, and cheaper than GGT in assessing passive transfer status in goat kids.

SOME ANAESTHETIC AND PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF THIOPENTONE SODIUM IN GOAT KIDS

A total of six healthy goat kids were used in this investigation to study some physiological and anaesthetic effects of Thiopentone sodium at doe level of 10 mg/kg i/v in animals premedicated with acepromazine or diazepam or xylazine and non premedicated animals. Usages of premedication lead to smoother induction of anaesthesia rather than non premedicated animals. Apnoea occurred in the different groups used in this study with significant prolongation in the group anaesthetized with Thiopentone sodium with Xylazine. Respiratory rate, heart rate and rectal temperature were affected to different limits. Usage of the three different premedication drugs especially Xylazine hydrochloride lead to improvement of Thiopentone sodium anaesthetic effects.

Floppy Kid Syndrome Caused by D‐Lactic Acidosis in Goat Kids

Background: Goat kids with floppy kid syndrome have metabolic acidosis, muscle weakness, and depression but no dehydration. Hypothesis: D‐Lactate is the major component of acidemia in goat kids with floppy kid syndrome. Animals: Fifty‐five goat kids with floppy kid syndrome (group F) and 35 clinically healthy goat kids (group C). Methods: Clinical, biochemical, microbiologic, virologic, parasitologic, and pathologic examinations. Results: The animals in group F had a blood pH of 7.13 ± 0.11 and a base excess of ‐17.8 ± 3.8 mM, which were both lower than the values in the control animals (pH, 7.32 ± 0.31; base excess, ‐0.1 ± 2.7 mM; P &lt; .001). Floppy kids had a significantly larger anion gap than healthy kids (31.2 ± 3.7 versus 21.5 ± 8.5 mM; P &lt; .001). The concentration of L‐lactate was lower in floppy kids than in healthy kids (0.67 ± 0.49 versus 1.60 ± 1.02 mM), but the concentration of D‐lactate was higher in floppy kids (7.43 ± 2.71 versus 0.26 ± 0.24 mM; P &lt; .001). Intravenous and oral administration of sodium bicarbonate in floppy kids resulted in a significant increase in blood pH and base excess and a decrease in the anion gap (P &lt; .001). In addition, the concentration of L‐lactate increased (P= .039). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Metabolic acidosis in goat kids with floppy kid syndrome is caused by an increase in the plasma concentration of D‐lactate.

Floppy Kid Syndrome Caused by D-Lactic Acidosis in Goat Kids

Goat kids with floppy kid syndrome have metabolic acidosis, muscle weakness, and depression but no dehydration. D-Lactate is the major component of acidemia in goat kids with floppy kid syndrome. Fifty-five goat kids with floppy kid syndrome (group F) and 35 clinically healthy goat kids (group C). Clinical, biochemical, microbiologic, virologic, parasitologic, and pathologic examinations. The animals in group F had a blood pH of 7.13 +/- 0.11 and a base excess of -17.8 +/- 3.8 mM, which were both lower than the values in the control animals (pH, 7.32 +/- 0.31; base excess, -0.1 +/- 2.7 mM; P < .001). Floppy kids had a significantly larger anion gap than healthy kids (31.2 +/- 3.7 versus 21.5 +/- 8.5 mM; P < .001). The concentration of L-lactate was lower in floppy kids than in healthy kids (0.67 +/- 0.49 versus 1.60 +/- 1.02 mM), but the concentration of D-lactate was higher in floppy kids (7.43 +/- 2.71 versus 0.26 +/- 0.24 mM; P < .001). Intravenous and oral administration of sodium bicarbonate in floppy kids resulted in a significant increase in blood pH and base excess and a decrease in the anion gap (P < .001). In addition, the concentration of L-lactate increased (P = .039). Metabolic acidosis in goat kids with floppy kid syndrome is caused by an increase in the plasma concentration of D-lactate.