Indigenous Goat Breeds Research Articles

Comparative ultrastructural and transcriptomic profile analysis of skin tissues from indigenous, improved meat, and dairy goat breeds.

High-quality goatskins are valuable byproducts usually produced by indigenous goat breeds with poorer production performance in Asia and Africa. However, the genetic and molecular mechanisms underpinning goatskin's biomechanical properties (e.g., tensile strength) remain elusive. Mechanistic exploration of these traits could greatly aid the genetic improvement and genetic resource conservation of native breeds in these regions. To fulfill this purpose, we collected skin tissues from three goat breeds: Huai goat (HG), a Chinese native variety producing high-quality goatskins; Yudong meat goat (YDMG), a crossbreed of HG and Boer goat; Henan dairy goat (HNDG), a dairy goat breed. Scanning electronic microscopy analysis of skin tissues found that the collagen fiber diameters, collagen fibril diameters, and crimps significantly differed among the three goat breeds; however, collagen fibril diameters are similar in HG and HNDG. A sum of 230, 775, and 86 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from YDMG versus HNDG, HG versus HNDG, and YDMG versus HG, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that signaling pathways involved in fatty acid, retinol, steroid metabolisms, and GO items related to the physical properties of the skin (e.g., collagen-containing extracellular matrix) are significantly overrepresented in DEGs identified from meat versus dairy goats. Furthermore, 106 DEGs (e.g., COL1A1, COL1A2, and SPARC) showed specific expression patterns in HG and YDMG versus HNDG. Items about biophysical features of skin (e.g., extracellular matrix organization and ECM proteoglycans) are markedly enriched. Protein-protein interaction analysis suggested that two growth factors (IGF1 and PDGFD) are latent collagen and other ECM protein expression modulators. Ultrastructural analysis of goat skin tissues suggested that collagen fibril diameter is not a major factor affecting goatskin quality. Transcriptomic profiles unveiled core genes and associated biological processes potentially involved in regulating goatskin quality. These discoveries shined new light on deeper understanding the mechanisms of hide-related traits in goat and other livestock.

Genetic improvement and conservation of goats in tropic

Goats indeed have a significant historical and contemporary importance in human civilization, particularly in the realm of agriculture and food production. Their adaptability and widespread distribution have made them crucial for various societies across the world. Goats have played a central role in the Neolithic agricultural revolution, aiding in the spread of human civilization globally. Their adaptability allowed them to thrive in diverse environments, contributing to the sustenance and expansion of human settlements. Goats are highly adaptable and are found in a wide range of geographical regions. Their presence spans across continents, from tropical to temperate climates, showcasing their ability to thrive in various environmental conditions. There is diversity in the production performance of goats based on the region of the world and the specific breeds. Genetic improvement programs aim to enhance economically important traits such as milk production, growth rates and fiber production, thereby increasing productivity and income for goat farmers. Understanding the genetic parameters such as heritabilities and repeatabilities for various traits is crucial for designing effective breeding programs. These parameters provide insights into the genetic potential of goats for traits like milk production, growth and fiber quality. Heritability estimates for reproductive traits, body weight, daily gain and direct and maternal heritability are important for implementing selective breeding strategies aimed at improving overall productivity and efficiency in goat farming. Genetic improvement programs have been implemented in tropical environments to enhance milk production traits in goats. Genetic improvements have also targeted fiber production in goats, with a focus on traits such as grease fleece weight and average fiber diameter. These efforts aim to enhance the quality and quantity of fiber produced by goats for various commercial purposes. Despite the importance of conserving goat breeds with unique characteristics, planned conservation programs in tropical regions are often neglected. It’s emphasized that preserving indigenous goat breeds in their native habitats is essential for maintaining genetic diversity and ensuring future resilience in goat farming.

A Review on the Status of Genetic Characterization of Indigenous Goat Breeds in India

A Review on the Status of Genetic Characterization of Indigenous Goat Breeds in India

Polymorphism of <i>growth hormone 1</i> gene in co and Bach Thao breed goats: Is the recessive homozygous BB genotype lethal?

Goat is one of the most popular species in Vietnamese animal husbandry. However, phenotypic selection in goats is still popular in breeding programs. Thanks to the introduction of marker-assisted selection, genetics is currently playing a vital role in choosing the elite animals for breeding. One of the molecular markers that has been widely applied in animal husbandry is the GH1 gene (growth hormone 1), which encodes for the GH protein. GH has been known for its essential role in the growth and development of animals. In goats, GH1 polymorphism is significantly associated with performance traits. In this study, we aim to investigate the GH1 frequency in two indigenous goat breeds in Vietnam: the Co and Bach Thao breeds. Our results showed that there were only two genotypes AA and AB detected in Co and Bach Thao breeds. In the Co goat breed, the frequency of AA and AB genotypes was 0.1 and 0.9, respectively. The frequency of A and B alleles was 0.55 and 0.45, respectively. In the Bach Thao goat breed, the frequency of AA and AB genotypes was 0.16 and 0.84, respectively. The frequency of the A and B alleles was 0.58 and 0.42, respectively. Chi-square values obtained from the Co and Bach Thao goat breeds revealed that there was a significant deviation from the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium in both breeds (33.47 and 32.31, respectively, with P<0.001). The lack of BB genotype led us to hypothesize that there was overdominance in three genotypes of GH1 and that the BB homozygous genotype is lethal. We suggested that phenotypic observation would be recommended to measure the superiority of the AB genotype goat compared to the AA genotype goats. The results from this study would be beneficial to goat breeders in improving the goat breeding program in Vietnam.

Selection signatures and landscape genomics analysis to reveal climate adaptation of goat breeds

Goats have achieved global prominence as essential livestock since their initial domestication, primarily owing to their remarkable adaptability to diverse environmental and production systems. Differential selection pressures influenced by climate have led to variations in their physical attributes, leaving genetic imprints within the genomes of goat breeds raised in diverse agroecological settings. In light of this, our study pursued a comprehensive analysis, merging environmental data with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variations, to unearth indications of selection shaped by climate-mediated forces in goats. Through the examination of 43,300 SNPs from 51 indigenous goat breeds adapting to different climatic conditions using four analytical methods: latent factor mixed models (LFMM), F-statistics (Fst), Extended haplotype homozygosity across populations (XPEHH), and spatial analysis method (SAM), A total of 74 genes were revealed to display clear signs of selection, which are believed to be influenced by climatic conditions. Among these genes, 32 were consistently identified by at least two of the applied methods, and three genes (DENND1A, PLCB1, and ITPR2) were confirmed by all four approaches. Moreover, our investigation yielded 148 Gene Ontology (GO) terms based on these 74 genes, underlining pivotal biological pathways crucial for environmental adaptation. These pathways encompass functions like vascular smooth muscle contraction, cellular response to heat, GTPase regulator activity, rhythmic processes, and responses to temperature stimuli. Of significance, GO terms about endocrine regulation and energy metabolic responses, key for local adaptation were also uncovered, including biological processes, such as cell differentiation, regulation of peptide hormone secretion, and lipid metabolism. These findings contribute to our knowledge of the genetic structure of climate-triggered adaptation across the goat genome and have practical implications for marker-assisted breeding in goats.

Genome-Wide Association Study of Body Conformation Traits in Tashi Goats (Capra hircus).

Identifying genetic markers of economically valuable traits has practical benefits for the meat goat industry. To better understand the genomic variations influencing body conformation traits, a genome-wide association study was performed on Tashi goats, an indigenous Chinese goat breed. A total of 155 Tashi goats were phenotyped for eight body conformation traits: body height, body length, chest depth, chest width, chest girth, rump width, rump height, and cannon bone circumference. Then, 100 Tashi goats were randomly selected for whole-genome sequencing and genotyped. We obtained 1676.4 Gb of raw data with an average sequencing depth of 6.2X. Clean reads were aligned to the ARS1.2 reference genome, and 11,257,923 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified. The structure analysis showed that these Tashi goats were almost not genetically related. The 109, 20, 52, 14, 62, 51, 70, and 7 SNPs were significantly associated with body height, body length, chest depth, chest width, chest girth, rump width, rump height, and cannon bone circumference. Within the ±500 kb region of significant SNPs, 183 genes were annotated. The most significantly enriched KEGG pathway was "olfactory transduction", and the most significantly enriched gene ontology (GO) terms were "cellular process", "cellular anatomical entity", and "molecular transducer activity". Interestingly, we found several SNPs on chromosomes 10 and 11 that have been identified multiple times for all eight body conformation traits located in two fragments (114 kb and 1.03 Mb). In chr.10:25988403-26102739, the six SNPs were tightly linked, the TACTAG genotype was the highest at 91.8%, and the FNTB (Farnesyltransferase, CAAX Box Beta) and CHURC1 (Churchill Domain Containing 1) genes were located. In chr.11:88216493-89250659, ten SNPs were identified with several dependent linkage disequilibrium (LD) blocks, and seven related genes were annotated, but no significant SNP was located in them. Our results provide valuable biological information for improving growth performance with practical applications for genomic selection in goats.

A Metabolomics Approach to Establish the Relationship between the Techno-Functional Properties and Metabolome of Indian Goat Yoghurt.

Goat milk has poorer fermentation characteristics due to the absence or only traces of αs1-casein, due to which goat yoghurt contains a less dense gel structure. Moreover, the fermentation characteristics of the milk vary between the breeds of the same species. Therefore, it becomes imperative to explore a few metabolites which could regulate the techno-functional properties of goat yoghurt. This study was aimed at relating the metabolite profile of yoghurt prepared from milk of Barbari, an indigenous goat breed of India, and its techno-functional properties (firmness, whey syneresis, and flow behaviour) using multivariate data analysis and regression models. Goat yoghurt was prepared with two different total solids (TS) levels (12 and 16%) and cultures, namely, commercial culture comprising a thermophilic yoghurt culture (A) and NCDC-263 comprising a mixed yoghurt culture (B). Results demonstrated a significant difference (p < 0.05) in whey syneresis with the increase in the TS level. Flow behaviour of all yoghurt samples showed a decrease in viscosity with an increase in shear rate, which confirmed its non-Newtonian behaviour and shear thinning nature, whereas frequency sweep confirmed its viscoelastic nature. Firmness was the most affected under the influence of different TS and culture levels. It was higher (p < 0.05) for 16-A, followed by 16-3B, and minimum for 12-2B. GC-MS-based metabolomics of the yoghurt revealed a total of 102 metabolites, out of which 15 metabolites were differentially expressed (p < 0.05), including 2-hydroxyethyl palmitate, alpha-mannobiose, and myo-inositol. Multivariate data analysis revealed clear separation among groups using principal component analysis and several correlations using a correlation heat map. Further, regression analysis exhibited methylamine (0.669) and myo-inositol (0.947) with higher regression coefficients (R2 values) exceeding 0.6, thus demonstrating their significant influence on the techno-functional properties, mainly firmness, of the yogurt. In conclusion, A gas chromatography-based metabolomics approach could successfully establish a relationship between the metabolome and the techno-functional properties of the yoghurt.

Identification of genomic characteristics and selective signals in Guizhou black goat

BackgroundGuizhou black goat is one of the indigenous black goat breeds in the southwest region of Guizhou, China, which is an ordinary goat for mutton production. They are characterized by moderate body size, black coat, favorite meat quality with tender meat and lower odor, and tolerance for cold and crude feed. However, little is known about the genetic characteristics or variations underlying their important economic traits.ResultsHere, we resequenced the whole genome of Guizhou black goat from 30 unrelated individuals breeding in the five core farms. A total of 9,835,610 SNPs were detected, and 2,178,818 SNPs were identified specifically in this breed. The population structure analysis revealed that Guizhou black goat shared a common ancestry with Shaanbei white cashmere goat (0.146), Yunshang black goat (0.103), Iran indigenous goat (0.054), and Moroccan goat (0.002). However, Guizhou black goat showed relatively higher genetic diversity and a lower level of linkage disequilibrium than the other seven goat breeds by the analysis of the nucleotide diversity, linkage disequilibrium decay, and runs of homozygosity. Based on FST and θπ values, we identified 645, 813, and 804 selected regions between Guizhou black goat and Yunshang black goat, Iran indigenous goat, and cashmere goats. Combined with the results of XP-EHH, there were 286, 322, and 359 candidate genes, respectively. Functional annotation analysis revealed that these genes are potentially responsible for the immune response (e.g., CD28, CD274, IL1A, TLR2, and SLC25A31), humility-cold resistance (e.g., HBEGF, SOSTDC1, ARNT, COL4A1/2, and EP300), meat quality traits (e.g., CHUK, GAB2, PLAAT3, and EP300), growth (e.g., GAB2, DPYD, and CSF1), fertility (e.g., METTL15 and MEI1), and visual function (e.g., PANK2 and NMNAT2) in Guizhou black goat.ConclusionOur results indicated that Guizhou black goat had a high level of genomic diversity and a low level of linkage disequilibrium in the whole genome. Selection signatures were detected in the genomic regions that were mainly related to growth and development, meat quality, reproduction, disease resistance, and humidity-cold resistance in Guizhou black goat. These results would provide a basis for further resource protection and breeding improvement of this very local breed.

Variability in body weight and morphology of Uganda's indigenous goat breeds across agroecological zones.

Indigenous goat breeds in Uganda are classified based on average body size parameters and coat color. However, variations in the body size of animals may be influenced by several factors, including management and the environment. To understand the effect of the agroecological zone on the physical characteristics and live weight of Uganda's indigenous goats, this study evaluated the body size characteristics of the three indigenous goat breeds of Uganda across ten agroecological zones. The cross-sectional survey was conducted in 323 households from the ten zones, where 1020 goats composed of three breeds (Mubende, Kigezi, and Small East African) were sampled and measured for body weight, linear body size, and age. We confirmed that Mubende and Kigezi goats from the original homeland had a higher mean body weight than reported in FAO reports. In addition, Mubende appeared to perform better in pastoral rangelands, with a higher mean body weight (38.1 kg) and body size being significantly higher (P < 0.0001) compared to other zones. The mean body weight for the Kigezi breed in the original homeland (34 kg) was comparable to those from Western Savannah grasslands and pastoral rangelands and less than that initially reported by FAO (30 kg). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the linear body size characteristics of Kigezi goats in the home zone of highland ranges relative to those found in other agroecological zones (P > 0.05). Although the Small East African goats were originally found in Northwestern Savannah grassland and Northeastern dryland zones, they performed poorly regarding mean body weight and body size characteristics in the former zone. In the Northwestern Savannah grasslands, the mean body weight (23.8 kg) was even less than that reported by FAO, which ranged between 25 and 30 kg. Finally, we confirmed that Mubende and Kigezi goats are significantly heavier than small East African goats (p ≤ 0.0001). The results of this study can be useful in designing precise management strategies to improve indigenous goat productivity in different environments in Uganda.

Characterization of goat fiber physical properties from indigenous Ethiopian goat breeds

This study aimed to characterize the physical properties of goat fibers from some indigenous Ethiopian goat breeds. Ethiopia has different indigenous goat breeds, which are the livelihood of Ethiopian farmers and are mainly used as a source of meat, milk, fiber, hides, etc. The fiber samples were collected from Abergelle, Central Highland, and Western Lowland indigenous Ethiopian goat breeds. After shearing, scouring was applied for the removal of some impurities using ionic and non-ionic detergents and chemicals. In this study, fiber length, fineness, tensile strength and elongation, and fiber diameter were evaluated using scientific test-standard methods. The study results showed that the average tensile strengths of goat fibers obtained from Abergelle, Central Highland, and Western Lowland were 13.38, 13.31, and 13.26 cN/Tex, respectively. Similarly, the elongation percentage values were found between 22% and 24% and 32% and 34% in dry and wet conditions, respectively. The moisture regain and moisture content values ranged from 14.04% to 14.10% and 12.61% to 12.68%, respectively. The fiber length values were between 38 and 43 mm, with a diameter ranging from 18 to 21 μm. Even though there was a slight difference in some values of physical properties, the fibers obtained from each goat breed have satisfactory mechanical properties: good strength, fineness, elongation, moisture regain, and low density. Generally, this study proved that the goat fiber obtained from some indigenous Ethiopian goat breeds is a potential source of raw material for textile manufacturers and researchers.

Effect of age on testicular biometry, sexual behaviour and semen characteristics in indigenous goat breeds

Effect of age on testicular biometry, sexual behaviour and semen characteristics in indigenous goat breeds

Reproductive Efficiencies and Productive Potentials of Female Nigerian Indigenous Goat Breeds

Purpose: The overall objective of this study was to examine the reproductive and productive abilities of three Nigerian indigenous goat breeds.&#x0D; Methodology: The study covered 108 primiparous does and nine bucks from Sahel (SH), Red Sokoto (RS), and West African dwarf (WAD) goat breeds. In different pens, the animals were bred in various combinations: RS x RS, WAD x WAD, SH x SH, RS x SH, RS x WAD, SH x RS, and SH x WAD. WAD x SH, WAD x RS. Estrus synchronization was done using prostaglandins. Mating occurred naturally when animals were on heat. Dams were given special care throughout pregnancy. The study measured dams' weights, litter size, and pre-weaning mortality rates in kids. The total kid crop and sexes were also assessed. We measured dam lactation weight loss, birth weight, and weaning weight. SPSS, ANOVA, and the Turkey statistical test were used for data analysis.&#x0D; Findings: The result showed that there was a significant (P&lt;0.05) difference in the weight of does at kidding. The weight of does at weaning varied significantly (P&lt;0.05). Litter size significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected the birth weight and weaning weight of kids. An increase in litter size per birth resulted in a significant (P&lt;0.05) rise in kid mortality rates. Breed type significantly (P&lt;0.05) affected doe production efficiency and weaning weight ratio. Although WAD x WAD goats had lower birth and weaning weights, hybrid vigour (birth and weaning weights) improved significantly (P&lt;0.05) when cross-bred with SH or RS breeds. When crossed with SH or WAD goat breeds, RS breeds had the greatest positive effect on hybrid vigour (heterosis), followed by SH breeds. Both SH x RS and RS x SH progenies recorded higher hybrid vigour than the other nine bred line progenies.&#x0D; Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: This study found that Nigerian indigenous goat breeds had great reproductive efficiency and breeding potential if properly managed. Genetic variations observed in the study could improve Kids crop, birth weight, litter size, hybrid vigour, and pre-weaning survivorship due to their broad variety. This study recommends a careful selection and crossbreeding of Nigerian indigenous goat breeds with suitable pedigree in order to increase their productivity.

Genomic characterization and diversity of indigenous goat breeds from Croatia

Goats have been undervalued and marginalized in the past despite their high productivity compared to other ruminants. Today, many goat breeds encounter the threat of extinction due to factors such as small population size, geographic isolation, lack of economic competition, and declining interest in breeding. In order to determine the population structure and level of diversity of Croatian goats, we conducted population-level SNP genotyping. The aim of our study was to evaluate the genetic relatedness between Croatian breeds and other European goat breeds. We genotyped a total of 44 animals representing native Croatian goat breeds, including the Croatian Colored Goat (CCG) and the Istrian Goat (CIG), with the Illumina Goat_IGGC_65K_v2. We also included publicly available goat breeds from Europe, mainly from the Mediterranean region. The two indigenous Croatian goat breeds differ in morphological and productive traits, which is reflected in their genetic diversity and breed segregation. While CCG showed clear breed separation and genetic similarity to Balkan breeds, CIG showed higher heterogeneity with genetic closenes to Austrian Alpine breeds. PCA, Admixture and TreeMix analyses did not detect any genetic influence of Boer goat on Croatian goat breeds. Despite the small effective population size of the Istrian Goat (Ne = 27), both breeds show a high degree of genetic variability with low inbreeding (FROH>2Mb = 0.054 and FROH>2Mb = 0.059, for CCG and CIG, respectively). However, the Istrian Goat requires careful conservation planning due to the small number of individuals and limited breeding area. Our results could be valuable for future conservation and breeding programmes aimed at conserving and sustainably using these important genetic resources.

Determinants of puberty and age of sexual maturity in Nigerian indigenous breeds of male goats

This study was conducted to ascertain the pubertal and sexual maturity characteristics of Nigerian native goat breeds. The research was carried out on three goat breeds; Sahel (SG), Red Sokoto (RSG), and West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Each breed was represented by eight (8) animals (n=24) and housed in separate pens based on breed type. All bucks were weighed at birth and bi-weekly using digital weighing scales until they reached puberty. Scrotal circumference measurements were taken every two weeks until the end of the study. Semen was collected immediately after preputial separation and all semen samples were labelled and placed in a thermo-flask immediately and subsequently transported to the laboratory for evaluation. The mass motility and the forward motilities of the spermatozoa were observed using a light microscope. The percentage of live, dead, and abnormal sperms were determined after staining with eosin and negrosin stains. The sperm cell concentration was determined by counting spermatozoa with a hemocytometer. Result obtained indicate that at the 14th and 16th weeks of age, the mean scrotal circumference of bucks ranged from 5.14±0.66 cm to 7.06±0.71 cm, 6.32±0.29 cm to 8.05±0.42 cm, and 5.50±0.74 cm to 7.06±0.71 cm in SG, RSG, and WAD bucks, respectively. Puberty in Red Sokoto bucks was achieved at an average age of 14 weeks, with a mean sperm concentration of (116.17±28.47 x 106), progressive sperm motility of (65.00±9.92%), and a mean body weight of 10.17±1.26 kg. Sahelian and WAD bucks reached puberty at the 16th weeks, with sperm concentrations of 106.29±25.18 x 106 and 107.60±19.99 x 106, mean sperm motility of 65.00±9.94% and 76.00±4.8%, and mean body weights of 11.29±1.59 kg and 7.78±0.70 kg, respectively. To summarise, this study revealed that breed, age, scrotal circumference and body weight at puberty played significant roles in determining sperm characteristics and sexual maturity.

Factors affecting milk yield and milk chemical compositions in Nigerian indigenous goat breeds

The present study examined the milk yield and chemical composition of three distinct Nigerian indigenous goat breeds. Specifically, the study utilized three breeds of indigenous goats, namely the Red Sokoto, Sahel, and West African Dwarf (WAD), with each breed being represented by five (5) does. The milking process involved hand stripping each doe in the morning for a period of 2-3 minutes, with milk yield being immediately weighed. The milk samples were transferred to the laboratory and kept at -200C for further proximate chemical analysis for crude protein, ash, and solid fat. The results indicated that Red Sokoto does produced the highest quantity of milk in comparison to Sahel and WAD does, although this was not statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). Moreover, milk yield decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05) with increased lactation weeks in all three breeds. However, milk yield was observed to increase with a higher number of kids per dams, which was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). The ash content of Red Sokoto goats’ milk had the highest value with 0.93% as compared to the other two breeds. The WAD showed significantly higher fat content (4.20%) in comparison to Sahel (3.22%) and Red Sokoto goats (3.05%). The Red Sokoto goats had the highest solid non-fat (13.93%) as compared to the WAD and Sahel breeds with 3.66% and 12.9% respectively. In general, the Red Sokoto goats had the highest overall total solid in milk composition, with a value of 17.22% when compared to WAD and Sahel dams having 16.09% and 15.70%, respectively. Furthermore, the WAD breed had the highest crude protein content at 4.62%, while Red Sokoto and Sahel breeds had 4.43% and 4.04%, respectively. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that milk compositions varied across these goat breeds and that milk yield was affected by the breed, lactation week, and the number of kids per dam.

Effect of different parameters on the serum levels of MDA, NBT, and NO in Andaman local goat breeds

The present study was carried out to assess the effect of rearing systems, breeds, number of pregnancies, and frequency of multiple births on physiological oxidative stress markers (OSMs) in indigenous goat breeds of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Does (n=98) with more than one kidding record maintained in the organized goat breeding farm and at the farmer’s field were selected for the study. Pregnancy records were grouped as more than or less than three pregnancies. Breeds were grouped such as Andaman local goat (ALG) and other indigenous goat breeds. Birth frequency was grouped as single and multiple births. Oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide anions, and nitric oxide were analysed in blood serum with respect to the different experimental variables. The free radical superoxide and endogenous nitrite values concerning the breed, multiple birth frequency, number of kidding, and rearing systems were non-significant. Lipid peroxidation through TBARS and nitrate values for the breed, multiple birth frequency, and rearing system were non-significant. However, the pregnancy-wise TBARS and nitrate concentration were significant. Estimates of TBARS were significantly high in the animals with lesser pregnancies (1-3 kidding) while nitrate concentration was significant in higher pregnancies (&gt; 3 kidding). This study revealed that these experimental variables had considerable effects on OSMs in goat breeds under the hot humid tropical island ecosystem of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship estimation of Shanxi indigenous goat breeds using microsatellite markers

The objective of this study was to assess the genetic diversity, phylogenetic relationship and population structure of five goat breeds in Shanxi, China. High genetic diversities were found in the five populations, among which, Licheng big green goat (LCBG) has the highest genetic diversity, while Jinlan cashmere goat (JLCG) population has the lowest genetic diversity. Bottleneck analysis showed the absence of recent genetic bottlenecks in the five goat populations. Genetic differentiation analysis shows that the closest genetic relationship between LCBG and LLBG (Lvliang black goat) was found, and the genetic distance between JLCG and the other four populations is the largest. The population structure of JLCG is different from the other four populations with K = 2, while LCBG and LLBG have high similarity population structure as the K value changes. Knowledge about genetic diversity and population structure of indigenous goats is essential for genetic improvement, understanding of environmental adaptation as well as utilization and conservation of goat breeds.

PCR-RFLP ANALYSIS OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR-1 GENE OF KALAHARI RED GOATS

Insulin-like growth factor 1 gene (IGF-1) is associated with growth traits in different livestock, but its association with growth traits in South African indigenous goat breeds is poorly understood. The study's objective was to identify the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of IGF-1 in the Kalahari Red goat breed and their association with the growth traits. Two genotypes (KK and KM) were identified using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The frequency of genotype KK and KM was 0.56 and 0.44 respectively. The allelic frequency of allele K and M was 0.78 and 0.22 respectively. The studied Kalahari Red goat breed population was not in Hardy Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) as revealed by the Chi-square test (χ2 = 0.39). Marker-trait association indicated that the identified genotypes had no association (P &gt; 0.05) with the measured growth traits. In conclusion, the current study suggests that two identified genotypes of IGF-1 might not be used as potential genetic markers during selection to improve growth traits. Further studies need to be conducted on SNPs of IGF-1 and their association with growth traits using a larger sample, more growth traits and targeting more exons of Kalahari Red goats. Keywords: Single nucleotide polymorphisms, Body weight, Genetic markers, Hardy Weinberg equilibrium

Novel Insights to Assess Climate Resilience in Goats Using a Holistic Approach of Skin-Based Advanced NGS Technologies.

A novel study was conducted to elucidate heat-stress responses on a number of hair- and skin-based traits in two indigenous goat breeds using a holistic approach that considered a number of phenotypic and genomic variables. The two goat breeds, Kanni Aadu and Kodi Aadu, were subjected to a simulated heat-stress study using the climate chambers. Four groups consisting of six goats each (KAC, Kaani Aadu control; KAH, Kanni Aadu heat stress; KOC, Kodi Aadu control; and KOH, Kodi Aadu heat stress) were considered for the study. The impact of heat stress on caprine skin tissue along with a comparative assessment of the thermal resilience of the two goat breeds was assessed. The variables considered were hair characteristics, hair cortisol, hair follicle quantitative PCR (qPCR), sweating (sweating rate and active sweat gland measurement), skin histometry, skin-surface infrared thermography (IRT), skin 16S rRNA V3-V4 metagenomics, skin transcriptomics, and skin bisulfite sequencing. Heat stress significantly influenced the hair fiber characteristics (fiber length) and hair follicle qPCR profile (Heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70), HSP90, and HSP110). Significantly higher sweating rate, activated sweat gland number, skin epithelium, and sweat gland number (histometry) were observed in heat stressed goats. The skin microbiota was also observed to be significantly altered due to heat stress, with a relatively higher alteration being noticed in Kanni Aadu goats than in Kodi Aadi goats. Furthermore, the transcriptomics and epigenetics analysis also pointed towards the significant impact of heat stress at the cellular and molecular levels in caprine skin tissue. The higher proportion of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) along with higher differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in Kanni Aadu goats due to heat stress when compared to Kodi Aadu goats pointed towards the better resilience of the latter breed. A number of established skin, adaptation, and immune-response genes were also observed to be significantly expressed/methylated. Additionally, the influence of heat stress at the genomic level was also predicted to result in significant functional alterations. This novel study thereby highlights the impact of heat stress on the caprine skin tissue and also the difference in thermal resilience exhibited by the two indigenous goat breeds, with Kodi Aadu goats being more resilient.

Integration and adoption of climate resilient management practices for enhanced productivity of sheep and goats in pastoral communities of Northern Kenya

Interventions to improve productivity in pastoral livestock systems of northern Kenya focus on the management of the rangeland resources and grazing areas with few initiatives on changes related to the livestock assets. However, changing climatic conditions with high frequencies of droughts have increased the vulnerability of pastoral communities and necessitate prompt interventions in animal management practices. In 2018, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Irrigation in collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute commenced a programme to build the resilience of pastoral holdings using their animal assets rather than depending on humanitarian emergency responses. Interventions necessitated changes in management practices related to sheep and goat production. Core innovation groups (CIG) each comprising 30 pastoral households in select communities were established to model new practices for wider adoption using participatory processes in Isiolo, Marsabit and Turkana Counties. CIG members went through a 3-year phased training programme on animal management practices for more efficient, resilient and productive animals. The adoption of new practices in CIG flocks was monitored by extension personnel. Data were analysed using logistic regression techniques to assess household-level adoption of livestock breed improvement, feeding and disease control interventions. The 3 years of the programme (2018–2021) were relatively satisfactory in terms of pasture availability; hence, communities pursued strategies to enhance their flocks. All CIG adopted more than one of the introduced technologies concurrently. Prevention of diseases was the most readily adopted, followed by crossbreeding using indigenous breeds of sheep and goats from other arid areas of Kenya. Turkana County had the lowest probability of adopting any of the technologies as previous devastating droughts have resulted in an increased emphasis on animals for survival rather than productivity. The study shows that pastoral communities are open to technological interventions for animal productivity. Adoption of the technologies was enhanced by the experiential capacity development activities adapted to the education level of the different communities.