Healthy Goats Research Articles

Histological study of oviduct in adult Iraqi Black Goat

The present study was aimed at the light microscopic examination of the oviduct and show epithelium structure of the iraqi goat oviduct, determination of the histochemical structure of the mucus secreted by epithelial cells, and muscular layers of The oviducts of Twelve healthy adult goat constituted the material of the study. using routine histological techniques by using Hematoxylin and eosin , masson trichrom for Histochemically, it was observed by using Pas Alcian Histological observations revealed that the oviduct consists of 4 layers of mucosa, submucosa, tunica muscularis and serosa. The primary and secondary folds increase both in number and in height in infundibulum and ampulla while less in number in isthmus. Epithelium of folds was composed of simple columnar, although seems pseudostratified in some areas, and contains ciliated and secretory cells. Histomorphometric examinations of three regions demonstrated that the mean height of primary folds increase and the mean thickness of tunica muscularis in isthmus The mean thickness of mucosa-submucosa in ampulla More visibility of the ciliated cells and mucosal folds in infundibulum and ampulla the thick tunica muscularis in isthmus transports sperm cells up; and both require promoting secretory products were increased in the tip of the mucosal fold than in the base. Conclusion By using light microscopic examinations lined by pseudo-stratified columnar epithelium. Mucosal folds were maximum in number in the tubual part of infundibulum, ampulla and least in isthmus in all stages of the animal. The propria–submucosa was comprised of loose connective tissue with blood vessels, abundant amount of collagen fibres and few reticular fibers histochemical staining demonstrated by means of the PAS reaction, and it was observed that secretion increased progressively towards the isthmus.

PULM4: Silicone-Based Hollow Fiber Membrane Lungs For Long-Term Extracorporeal Respiratory Supports: Initial Results From A Pilot Study Using A Goat Model

Background: There has been an increasing demand of organs for lung transplant to save those who suffer from end-stage lung disease. However, the number of organ donations have never matched that of candidate recipients, leading to a high mortality rate on the waiting period for transplant. One potential approach to decrease the wait-list mortality is to develop an artificial gas-exchange device that can support lung function until the time of transplantation. We’ve started to develop a gas-exchange system that consists of silicone-based membrane lungs with methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC) polymer coating and tubing system for a longer-term use. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term durability, oxygenation, and pressure loss of newly developed artificial lungs using a large animal model. Materials and methods: The surface area of the membrane lung is approximately 2 m2. Central ECMO from the pulmonary artery to the left atrium was introduced to a healthy female goat via left thoracotomy under general anesthesia (N=3). Unfractionated heparin infusion was utilized for anticoagulation (target activating clotting time: 150-200 sec). After recovery from the surgery, blood gas and flow pressure before and after the artificial lung with flow rates of 1, 2, and 3 L/min were tested weekly. Daily physiological data, regular blood biochemistry and coagulation tests, and histopathological findings after autopsy were also evaluated. Thrombus adhesion to the silicone membrane was evaluated using an electron microscopy after the experiments. Results: Durations for testing the artificial lungs were 53, 58, and 100 days. The experiments were terminated due to an accidental tubing event, a sudden cardiac complication, and massive renal hemorrhage. Averages of oxygen transfer rates (ml/min) and oxygen pressure gradients (mmHg) at each flow rate were 63.3 and 466.5 at 1 L/min, 118.3 and 291.3 at 2 L/min, and 152.7 and 138.2 at 3 L/min. Averages of flow pressures through the artificial lungs at each flow rate were 21.7 mmHg at 1 L/min, 44.7 at 2 L/min, and 66.9 at 3 L/min. No significant increase of pressure loss or decrease of oxygenation was observed throughout the experimental periods. Thrombus at the inlet of the membrane was mainly observed, but those inside and near the outlet were minor, indicating the long-term antithrombotic property of the polymer coating. Electron microscopical examinations revealed minimal thrombus formation on the hollow fiber membrane inside the lung. At autopsy, although micro-infarction and thrombus were observed in the heart and kidney, native lungs were well maintained without appreciable congestion. Conclusion: The newly developed MPC polymer-coated silicone-based lungs could be used stably for more than 50 days. Improving the oxygenation in higher blood flow rates with reduced pressure loss is our ongoing subject to work on.

Pharmacokinetics of robenacoxib following single intravenous, subcutaneous and oral administrations in Baladi goats (Capra hircus).

The purpose of this study was to assess the pharmacokinetics of robenacoxib (RX), a COX-2 selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, in goats after single intravenous (IV), subcutaneous (SC) and oral (PO) administrations. 5-month-old healthy female goats (n = 8) were used. The animals were subjected to a three-phase, two-dose (2 mg/kg IV, 4 mg/kg SC, PO) unblinded, parallel study design, with a four-month washout period between the IV and SC treatment, and a one-week period between the SC and PO treatment. Blood was drawn from the jugular vein in heparinized vacutainer tubes at 0, 0.085 (for IV only), 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 24 h. Plasma RX concentrations were measured using HPLC coupled to a UV multiple wavelength detector, and the data were pharmacokinetically analysed using ThothPro™ 4.3 software in a non-compartmental approach. Following IV administration, terminal elimination half-life, volume of distribution and total clearance were 0.32 h, 0.24 L/kg and 0.52 L/h/kg, respectively. For SC and PO, the mean peak plasma concentrations were 2.34 and 3.34 μg/mL at 1.50 and 0.50 h, respectively. The t1/2λz was significantly different between the IV and the extravascular (EV) administrations (0.32 h IV vs 1.37 h SC and 1.63 h PO), suggesting the occurrence of a flip-flop phenomenon. The significant difference in Vd values between IV (0.24 L/kg) and EV (0.95 L/kg SC and 1.71 L/kg; corrected for F %) routes might have also triggered the t1/2λz difference. The absolute average SC and PO bioavailability were high (98% and 91%, respectively). In conclusion, the IV administration of RX might not be suitable for goats, due to its short t1/2λz. The EV routes, however, appear to be convenient for the drug's occasional use.

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.

A serum NMR metabolomic analysis of the Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis infection in goats.

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), an infectious disease caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in small ruminants, is highly prevalent worldwide. Economic losses have already been associated with the disease, and little is known about the host-pathogen relationship associated with the disease. The present study aimed to perform a metabolomic study of the C. pseudotuberculosis infection in goats. Serum samples were collected from a herd of 173 goats. The animals were classified as controls (not infected), asymptomatic (seropositives but without detectable CLA clinical signs), and symptomatic (seropositive animals presenting CLA lesions), according to microbiological isolation and immunodiagnosis. The serum samples were analyzed using nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY), and Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill (CPMG) sequences. The NMR data were analyzed using chemometrics, and principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were performed to discover specific biomarkers responsible for discrimination between the groups. A high dissemination of the infection by C. pseudotuberculosis was observed, being 74.57% asymptomatic and 11.56% symptomatic. In the evaluation of 62 serum samples by NMR, the techniques were satisfactory in the discrimination of the groups, being also complementary and mutually confirming, demonstrating possible biomarkers for the infection by the bacterium. Twenty metabolites of interest were identified by NOESY and 29 by CPMG, such as tryptophan, polyunsaturated fatty acids, formic acid, NAD+, and 3-hydroxybutyrate, opening promising possibilities for the use of these results in new therapeutic, immunodiagnosis, and immunoprophylactic tools, as well as for studies of the immune response against C. pseudotuberculosis. KEY POINTS: • Sixty-two samples from healthy, CLA asymptomatic, and symptomatic goats were screened • Twenty metabolites of interest were identified by NOESY and 29 by CPMG • 1H-NMR NOESY and CPMG were complementary and mutually confirming.

Morphology of the soft palate and palatine tonsil of the goat (Capra hyricus).

The present study was carried out to study the morphology of the goat's soft palate and palatine tonsil by gross anatomy, morphometry, light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Twelve heads of normal adult (18-24 months) apparently healthy goats of both sexes were collected from local commercial slaughterhouses in Qena Governorate, Egypt. The oral cavity was dissected, and samples were collected for both light and SEM. The soft palate of the goat formed the caudal continuation of the hard palate. It was relatively short, it extended from the level of the caudal border of the last upper molar tooth to terminate caudally against the base of the epiglottis. The oral mucous membrane of the soft palate was covered by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The lamina propria and submucosa contained connective tissue fibers, diffuse and nodular lymphatic tissue, striated muscle fibers, and a large number of mucous and serous palatine glands. By SEM, the ventral surface had several rounded openings occupied by flower-like structures. These openings represented the entrances to the palatine glands. The palatine tonsil was large and protruded from a fossa in the lateral wall of the oropharynx. It had 2-3 elongated irregular openings that lead to the underlying crypts. These crypts were well-developed and lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. The epithelium of the tonsillar crypts directly covered lymphoid tissue and was infiltrated by lymphocytes. Tonsillar glands of pure mucous type were demonstrated. In conclusion, the study provides the basic morphological features of soft palate, as well as the palatine tonsil of the goat by gross observation, light and SEM. The palatine tonsils of goat were well-developed with extensive crypt system, suggesting their essential role in the immunological response against antigens that enter through the oral cavity. The current findings may be useful to understand the role of the palatine tonsil in immunity and disease pathogenesis. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The study reported the basic morphological features of soft palate and palatine tonsil of goat. The ventral surface of the soft palate had several rounded openings occupied by flower-like structures. The palatine tonsils of goat were well-developed with extensive crypt system. The findings might help to understand the role of the palatine tonsil in immunity and disease pathogenesis.

123 Evaluating the Effect of Garlic on the Gut Health of Meat Goats

Abstract Animal production requires that disease-causing pathogens be effectively controlled. Gastrointestinal parasites are a severe threat to goat production. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of garlic extracts on fecal egg counts and gut microbiota in Twelve (n = 12) adult female clinically healthy BoerXSpanish goats were divided into 2 groups. The treatment group (n = 6) was drenched with a 10 mL garlic barrier and the control group (n = 6) was given sterile water for 30 days. Body weight, Body Condition Score, FAMACHA scores and fecal samples were collected on a weekly basis. Fecal samples were used for microbial DNA isolation and Egg per gram was evaluated using the Modified McMaster method. Microbial DNA was tested for Haemochus,6s, Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species. All variables were assessed using SAS software at P ≤ 0.05. A significant decrease (P &amp;lt; 0.037) was observed in the egg per gram in the goats treated with garlic. Treatment did not destroy Haemonchus, bifidobacteria and lactobacillus but reduced the total concentration and EPG. The reduction in the concentration of microbial DNA might be due to methanogens and coccidia. Garlic can be used as an alternative to antiparasitic drugs. It can be an economic and eco-friendly approach to modulating the gut microbiome in goats.

Determination of minimum infusion rate of propofol in combination with electroacupuncture in goats

Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) is frequently used anesthetic protocol in animals when inhalation anesthesia is not available. To date, it has not yet been known whether electroacupuncture (EA) can affect propofol-based TIVA in goats. Therefore, the present paper aims to determine the minimum infusion rate (MIR) of propofol, in combination with EA, required to preclude purposeful movement of the extremities in response to standardized noxious stimulation in goats. Twelve clinically healthy goats weighing 17.45 ± 2.15 kg were randomly allocated into two groups with six goats each. Propofol alone (P group) and propofol combined with EA (EA-P group). In the EA-P, propofol was given 30 min after EA stimulation. For induction of anesthesia, a bolus of propofol was administered at 4 mg/kg IV, and an infusion dose of 0.4 mg/kg/min was initially set for maintenance. The MIR of propofol in both groups was determined by testing for responses to stimulation (clamping on a digit with Vulsellum forceps) at 10-min intervals after inducing anesthesia until the end period of the experiment. Cardiorespiratory variables and nociceptive threshold were measured throughout anesthesia. The median propofol MIR was significantly lower in the EA-P group than the P group [0.520 (0.467–0.572) and 0.650 (0.600–0.677)], respectively; p = 0.0013). In the P group, goats anesthetized with MIR showed a significant increase in heart rate and cardiac index (p = 0.0010 and p < 0.0001, respectively), and a decrease in respiratory rate (p = 0.0001). Additionally, the EA-P showed a significant decrease in hemoglobin oxygen saturation following the initial infusion rate at 2 min (p = 0.0023) and 10 min (p = 0.0007) as compared to the P group. A significant increase in nociceptive threshold was recorded in the EA-P threshold than that of the P group (p < 0.005). EA combined with propofol provides antinociception, decreases the MIR of propofol-based TIVA, and subsequently lessens the negative cardiorespiratory consequences related to propofol anesthesia in goats.

Gross and histological study of the larynx in red sokoto goat (Capra hircus) from Sokoto, Nigeria

Small ruminants are very important in securing food security and are economically significant in the rural community especially in the west African country. The larynx serves as both airway passage and organ of vocalization, which are associated with their own pathology and diseases. In the current study, 9 specimens of larynxes from apparently healthy red sokoto goats were obtained from Sokoto Modern abattoir, dissected, and morphologically and histologically evaluated. The results showed the larynx is a firm irregular tubular structure situated in between the ramii of the mandible with the laryngeal muscles are intertwined in between the cartilages. The rostral aspect of the larynx forms the caudal border of the pharynx while the caudal end of the larynx continues as the trachea. The thyroid cartilage is the largest while arytenoids are the smallest. Histologically, the thyroid, arytenoids and cricoid are of the hyaline cartilage while the epiglottis is made up of the elastic cartilage. This research work focus on evaluating the gross and microscopic anatomy of the larynx, thus, providing information for future use in both anatomical studies and clinical applications.

Spatially multicellular variability of intervertebral disc degeneration by comparative single-cell analysis.

Previous studies have revealed cellular heterogeneity in intervertebral discs (IVDs). However, the cellular and molecular alteration patterns of cell populations during degenerative progression remain to be fully elucidated. To illustrate the cellular and molecular alteration of cell populations in intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD), we perform single cell RNA sequencing on cells from four anatomic sites of healthy and degenerative goat IVDs. EGLN3+ StressCs, TGFBR3+ HomCs and GPRC5A+ RegCs exhibit the characteristics associated with resistance to stress, maintaining homeostasis and repairing, respectively. The frequencies and signatures of these cell clusters fluctuate with IDD. Notably, the chondrogenic differentiation programme of PROCR+ progenitor cells is altered by IDD, while notochord cells turn to stemness exhaustion. In addition, we characterise CAV1+ endothelial cells that communicate with chondrocytes through multiple signalling pathways in degenerative IVDs. Our comprehensive analysis identifies the variability of key cell clusters and critical regulatory networks responding to IDD, which will facilitate in-depth investigation of therapeutic strategies for IDD.

Untargeted metabolomics and lipidomics to assess plasma metabolite changes in dairy goats with subclinical hyperketonemia

Subclinical hyperketonemia (SCHK) is the major metabolic disease observed during the transition period in dairy goats, and is characterized by high plasma levels of nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB). However, no prior study has comprehensively assessed metabolomic profiles of dairy goats with SCHK. Plasma samples were collected within 1 h after kidding from SCHK goats (BHB concentration >0.8 mM, n = 7) and clinically healthy goats (BHB concentration <0.8 mM, n = 7) with similar body condition score (2.75 ± 0.15, mean ± standard error of the mean) and parity (primiparous). A combination of targeted and untargeted mass spectrometric approaches was employed for analyzing the various changes in the plasma lipidome and metabolome. Statistical analyses were performed using the GraphPad Prism 8.0, SIMCA-P software (version 14.1), and R packages (version 4.1.3). Plasma aminotransferase, nonesterified fatty acids, and BHB concentrations were greater in the SCHK group, but plasma glucose concentrations were lower. A total of 156 metabolites and 466 lipids were identified. The analysis of untargeted metabolomics data by principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis revealed a separation between SCHK and clinically healthy goats. According to the screening criteria (unpaired t-test, P < 0.05), 30 differentially altered metabolites and 115 differentially altered lipids were detected. Pathway enrichment analysis identified citrate cycle, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, and phenylalanine metabolism as significantly altered pathways. A greater concentration of plasma isocitric acid and cis-aconitic acid levels was observed in SCHK goats. In addition, AA such as lysine and isoleucine were greater, whereas alanine and phenylacetylglycine were lower in SCHK dairy goats. Dairy goats with SCHK also exhibited greater oleic acid, acylcarnitine, and phosphatidylcholine and lower choline and sphingomyelins. Acylcarnitines, oleic acid, and tridecanoic acid displayed positive correlations with several lipid species. Alanine, hippuric acid, and histidinyl-phenylalanine were negatively correlated with several lipids. Overall, altered metabolites in SCHK dairy goats indicated a more severe degree of negative energy balance. Data also indicated an imbalance in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, lipid metabolism, and AA metabolism. The findings provide a more comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of SCHK in dairy goats.

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.

Prospective effect of vitamin E and selenium supplementation on colostrum quality in Beetal goats

This study was aimed to explore whether vitamin E (Vit-E) and selenium (Se) injections improve colostrum quality in goats. Twenty-four, healthy pregnant Beetal goats were randomly allocated into control (n = 12) and treated (n = 12) groups respectively. The injectable form of Vit-E 2.5 mg/kg BW and Se 2.2 mg/kg BW was administered fortnightly, while normal saline (0.9% NaCl) was used and served as a control group. Colostrum samples were collected immediately after parturition and subjected to biochemical analysis. Colostrum enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and total soluble proteins were investigated using a spectrophotometer. Antioxidants with enzymatic activities including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidases (POD) and ascorbic acid remained significantly higher in treated animals (P <0.05) in contrast to the control group. The Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total soluble proteins (TSP) levels were noted higher (P<0.05), however; the level of MDA existed significantly lesser in the treated group (P <0.05) in comparison with the control group. Overall, results showed that parental exposure to antioxidants (Vit-E and Se) improved antioxidant status in colostrum and upgrade its quality.

Epidemiology of bluetongue virus infection among small ruminants in Turkey: Seroprevalence and associated risk factors.

Bluetongue (BT) is an endemic disease of small ruminants in Turkey, and it has substantial socio-economic impact at national level. To reduce this impact, vaccination has been used for the control of BT but sporadic outbreaks have been reported. Although sheep and goat farming plays an important role in rural communities, little is known about the BT epidemiological situation in small ruminants in Turkey. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the seroprevalence of the bluetongue virus (BTV) and to identify the potential risk factors associated with BTV seropositivity in small ruminants. This study was conducted in the Antalya Province in the Mediterranean region of Turkey, from June 2018 to June 2019. A total of 1026 blood samples, from clinically healthy goats (n=517) and sheep (n=509), obtained from randomly selected unvaccinated flocks (n=100) were tested for BTV anti-VP7 antibodies by using a competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay test. A questionnaire was administered to the flock owners to obtain data related to sampled flocks and animals. At the animal level, the true prevalence of BTV antibodies was 74.2% (n=651/1026, 95% CI = 70.7-77.7) with 85.3% (n=370/509, 95% CI = 80.6-89.9) seropositive sheep and 63.3% (n=281/517, 95% CI = 58.2-68.4) seropositive goats. The true flock-level seroprevalence of BTV was higher in goats (100.0%, 95% CI = 92.8-100.0) than in sheep (98.8%, 95% CI = 86.6-100.0). The intra-flock seroprevalence within seropositive flocks varied between 36.4% and 100%, with a mean value of 85.5% and 61.9% in sheep and goat flocks, respectively. The logistic regression model revealed that odds of seropositivity for sheep were significantly higher in female animals (OR: 1.8, 95% CI = 1.1-2.9), animals older than 24 months old (OR: 5.8, 95% CI = 3.1-10.8), Pirlak breed (OR: 3.3, 95% CI = 1.1-10.0) and Merino breed (OR: 4.9, 95% CI = 1.6-14.9), whereas for goats, it was higher in female animals (OR: 1.7, 95% CI = 1.0-2.6), animals older than 24 months old (OR: 4.2, 95% CI = 2.7-6.6) and Hair breed (OR: 5.6, 95% CI = 2.8-10.9). The use of insecticides was identified as a protective factor. The present study revealed that BTV infection is widespread in sheep and goats in the Antalya Province. It is recommended to implement biosecurity measures in flocks and use insecticides to mitigate the spread of infection and contact between hosts and vectors.

Selected hematological parameters and oxidative stress in red blood cells (RBCs) after accidental cases of nitrate toxicity in the goat fed cabbage

ABSTRACT Nitrate poisoning due to the consumption of cabbages was diagnosed in a small goat flock, in Qena city, Egypt. The methylene blue 1% antidote (1 mg/kg BW) was given intravenously to the poisoned goats. Nitrate poisoning was confirmed in blood plasma, saliva, urine, and cabbage dry matter samples. The dark brown blood and methemoglobin fraction were 47.25 ± 0.58%. Green cabbage containing 7.1% nitrate on dried materials was fed to the goats. The nitrate concentration in the saliva was (59.50 ± 4.67), compared to the healthy goats reared in the same area and tested positive in the plasma and urine of intoxicated goats. Intoxication induced a significant decline in the Red Blood Cells count, hemoglobin concentration, and HCT % (P < 0.001), while the WBC count (P < 0.001), neutrophils (P < 0.001), and monocyte percentage were elevated (P < 0.002) in intoxicated goats, while the lymphocyte % (P < 0.01) significantly decreased when compared to the control. For the oxidative stress in the red blood cells, nitrate toxicity caused a significant elevation in the concentration of Malondialdehyde, (P < 0.001) while Superoxide Dismutase, Glutathione, and Glutathione S-Transferase levels were significantly reduced (P < 0.001) compared to the control. In this current report, the ingestion of goat to cabbage containing a high level of nitrate exhibited nitrate-nitrite intoxication.

Individual Genomic Loci and mRNA Levels of Immune Biomarkers Associated with Pneumonia Susceptibility in Baladi Goats

The effectiveness of breeding for inherent disease resistance in animals could be considerably increased by identifying the genes and mutations that cause diversity in disease resistance. One hundred and twenty adult female Baladi goats (sixty pneumonic and sixty apparently healthy) were used in this study. DNA and RNA were extracted from blood samples collected from the jugular vein of each goat. SLC11A1, CD-14, CCL2, TLR1, TLR7, TLR8, TLR9, β defensin, SP110, SPP1, BP1, A2M, ADORA3, CARD15, IRF3, and SCART1 SNPs that have been previously found to be associated with pneumonia resistance/susceptibility were identified via PCR-DNA sequencing. The pneumonic and healthy goats differed significantly, according to a Chi-square analysis of the discovered SNPs. The mRNA levels of the studied immune markers were noticeably greater in the pneumonic goats than in the healthy ones. The findings could support the significance of the use of immune gene expression profiles and nucleotide variations as biomarkers for the susceptibility/resistance to pneumonia and provide a practical management technique for Baladi goats. These results also suggest a potential strategy for lowering pneumonia in goats by employing genetic markers linked to an animal's ability to fend off infection in selective breeding.

Abortion outbreak in pregnant goats and cows with coinfection of ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos’ and HoBi-like pestivirus

New emerging diseases, including ‘Candidatus Mycoplasma haemobos’ (‘Ca. M. haemobos’) and HoBi-like pestivirus in central China has been a huge challenge for ruminant production. From July to September 2022, an abortion outbreak affected 14 goat farms and 11 cattle farms in this area. To investigate whether the two pathogens are associated with the disease, samples were collected: Group 1 included 55 goat blood samples with foetal tissue samples and ticks on the skin; Group 2 included nine healthy goat blood samples; Group 3 included 36 cow blood samples with foetal tissue samples and ticks on the skin; and Group 4 included seven healthy cow blood samples. Then, these samples were analysed by serology, PCR, sequence analysis, and identification. A total of 339 Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus and 61 Haemaphysalis longicornis ticks were identified in Group 1 and Group 3. By molecular detection, 32 ‘Ca. M. haemobos’-positive amplicons, and 27 HoBi-like pestivirus-positive amplicons were amplified from goats in Group 1; meanwhile, 20 ‘Ca. M. haemobos’-positive amplicons, and 18 HoBi-like pestivirus-positive amplicons were amplified from foetuses. Statistical significance (P = 0.002) and association (OR=7.556) between the ‘Ca. M. haemobos’ PCR results of foetus and goat samples were observed, and statistical significance (P = 0.017) and association (OR=4.271) between the HoBi-like pestivirus PCR results of foetus and goat samples were observed. These significances and associations were also observed in Group 3. In addition, coinfections were detected in Group 1 and Group 3. ‘Ca. M. haemobos’ was detected in both tick species. Further serological results revealed that the frequency of HoBi-like pestivirus was 20.0 % (11/55) in Group 1 % and 30.6 % (11/36) in Group 3 in central China. No ticks, pathogens, or neutralizing antibodies were observed in Group 2 or Group 4. This is the first molecular evidence of ‘Ca. M. haemobos’ and HoBi-like pestivirus natural coinfections in goats and cows with abortion in China. HoBi-like pestivirus and ‘Ca. M. haemobos’ can be transferred from goats/cows to their foetuses.

English

The current study assessed the anticoccidial efficacy of chitosan nanoencapsulated bromelain (CNB) against coccidiosis in goats. Bromelain was extracted from the pineapple peels using standard methods while oral solution of CNB was prepared using standard manufacturing methods. The in vivo study was done on fifteen healthy male goats naturally infected with coccidia. The goats were divided into three groups consisting of three treatment groups (90 and 270 mg/Kg CNB, Diclazuril, 5 mg/Kg). The drugs were administered orally for 3 days. Fecal Oocyst Counts (FOC) determined using the modified McMaster technique. The goats were observed for clinical signs on daily basis while body weight was recorded weekly. The level of packed cell volume (PCV), aspartate aminotransferases (AST), alanine aminotransferases (ALT), urea, and creatinine were assessed weekly. At the end of the study, goats were euthanized and gross pathology and histopathology conducted. The results showed that at day 28 post-treatment there was a significantly reduction of FOC of 98.42 and 82.30% for Diclazuril and 270 mg/Kg treatment groups, respectively. The reduction of FOC percentage was significantly higher (p &le; 0.01) in Diclazuril group than that in 270 mg/Kg. During the monitoring period, there was no mortality or clinical signs observed in the goats. The PCV, AST, ALT, creatinine and urea were in normal ranges for goats. There were no pathological lesions on the goat organs. In conclusion, CNB had high anticoccidial efficacy and was safe for use in goats. Strategies to improve the efficacy of this potential drug should be further investigated. &nbsp; Key words: Anticoccidial efficacy, bromelain, chitosan, goat, nanoencapsulation.

CLINICAL, HEMATOBIOCHEMICAL AND RADIOGRAPHICAL STUDIES OF CAPRINE PNEUMONIA

Fever, dullness, tachypnea, bilateral nasal discharge, cough, dyspnea, and abnormal lung auscultation were all symptoms of pneumonic goats. To evaluate the hematological, biochemical and pulmonary function changes in 45 pneumonic goats compared with 10 apparently healthy ones, whole blood and serum samples were collected. The results revealed that pneumonic goats had significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) RBCs, Hb, and PCV levels than healthy goats. A decrease in lymphocyte count and an increase in WBCs and neutrophils were found to be significant (P&lt;0.05) in pneumonic goats compared to healthy ones. Blood pH and pO2 were significantly reduced (P&lt;0.05) while pCO2, tCO2, and HCO3 were significantly elevated (P&lt;0.05) in pneumonic goats compared to healthy ones. Biochemically, K, MDA, Hp and SAA showed significant (P&lt;0.05) increase, whereas Cl and TAC showed a significant (P&lt;0.05) decrease in the pneumonic goats compared to control group. The echotexture of the pneumonic consolidation on ultrasound resembles that of the liver. The chest x-ray showed increased opacity with a cotton-wool-like look that may be more grey or white. According to the findings, the diagnostic techniques mentioned above are helpful in diagnosing goat pneumonia. So, this study aimed to evaluate some selected biochemical parameters and different diagnostic methods including ultrasonography and radiography in pneumonic goats.

Clostridium butyricum alleviates LPS-induced acute immune stress in goats by regulating bacterial communities and blood metabolites.

The mitigation and prevention of acute immune stress are essential for livestock production. Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) has shown positive effects in stabilizing intestinal microbiota disorders, improving immune function and inhibiting disease development, but its effects on ruminants are unclear. Therefore, the current trial hypothesized that C. butyricum could improve goats' immune function and antioxidant capacity by regulating bacterial communities and blood metabolism and effectively alleviating the acute immune stress induced by Lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Sixteen healthy goats were fed C. butyricum for 70 days, and the goats were challenged with LPS on day 71. Blood and feces were collected at 0h and 6h after the challenge to evaluate the effects of C. butyricum on their intestinal microbiota, immune function, antioxidant function, and plasma metabolites. The results showed that C. butyricum had no significant effect on plasma biochemical parameters at the beginning of the LPS challenge. However, supplementation with C. butyricum increased plasma levels of IgA, IgG, T-SOD, and T-AOC (P < 0.05), but TNF-α, IL-6, and MDA were decreased (P < 0.05). In contrast, IL-10 showed an increasing trend (P < 0.10). Rectal microbiota analysis showed that C. butyricum significantly increased the relative abundance of Epsilonbacteraeota at the phylum level of goats; at the genus level, the relative abundances of Campylobacter and Anaerorhabdus]_furcosa_group were also significantly increased (P < 0.05). Christensenellaceae_R-7_group as the dominant microbiota also showed a significant increase in their abundance values, while Clostridium and Lachnospiraceae_UCG-001 were significantly lower (P < 0.05). When the LPS challenge continued up to 6h, dietary supplementation with C. butyricum still resulted in significantly higher plasma concentrations of IgA, IL-10, and T-SOD in goats than in the control group, reducing TNF-α levels (P < 0.05). In addition, plasma levels of T-CHOL and LDL were significantly reduced, and the expression of d-proline was significantly upregulated according to metabolomic analysis (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with C. butyricum helped optimize the expression of bacterial communities and plasma metabolites to enhance the ability of goats to alleviate acute immune stress.