Jakhrana Goats Research Articles

Transcriptomic analysis reveals molecular insights into lactation dynamics in Jakhrana goat mammary gland

BackgroundGoat milk is gaining popularity as a superior alternative to bovine milk due to its closer resemblance to human milk. Understanding the molecular processes underlying lactation is crucial for improving milk quality and production in goats. However, the genetic mechanisms governing lactation in goats, particularly in indigenous breeds like the Jakhrana, remain largely unexplored.ResultsIn this study, we performed a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of Jakhrana goat mammary glands during early and late lactation stages. We isolated milk somatic cells and conducted RNA sequencing, followed by transcript quantification and mapping against the ARS1.2 Capra hircus reference assembly. Our analysis identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and commonly expressed genes (CEGs) across the lactation phases. Early lactation showed enrichment of genes encoding antimicrobial peptides and lubrication proteins, while late lactation exhibited heightened expression of genes encoding major milk proteins. Additionally, DEG analysis revealed upregulation of pivotal genes, such as the ABC transporter gene MRP4, implicated in modulating milk composition and quality.ConclusionOur findings provide insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying lactation dynamics in the Jakhrana goat. Understanding these mechanisms could help in improving milk production and quality in goats, benefiting both the dairy industry and consumers.

Genetic parameter estimates for litter traits in Jakhrana breed of Indian goat

The litter size and litter weight are the most important indicators of growth production system in goats as they are directly related to the survival and growth of the kids. The present attempt was made to estimate genetic parameters of litter traits such as litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), litter weight at birth (LWB) and litter weight at weaning (LWW) of Jakhrana breed of Indian goat. These traits were subjected to study variation due to direct additive genetic effects by adjusting non-genetic factors under linear mixed model. The data of litter records of 101 Jakhrana goats including pedigree information were processed and the results showed that the least-square means for LSB, LSW, LWB and LWW were 1.20 ± 0.05, 1.19 ± 0.05, 3.08 ± 0.11 and 12.11 ± 0.49, respectively. The direct heritability estimates for LSB, LSW, LWB and LWW were 0.17, 0.01, 0.001 and 0.10, respectively. The genetic (0.70–0.97) and phenotypic (0.61–0.92) correlation estimates among litter traits were high and positive. This study indicated that the additive variation among the early reproductive traits was low in range which does not provide a warrant for the improvement through selection. However, the evaluation of these traits has provided the current state of litter performance of Jakhrana goat which may be upgraded by managerial practices specially care and feeding of pregnant goats.

​Risk Factors Associated with Preweaning Mortality of Barbari, Jamunapari and Jakhrana Goat Kids

Background: High mortality of goat kids due to infectious and non-infectious diseases negatively impacts goat husbandry. Methods: To study the influence of genetic and nongenetic factors on preweaning mortality of goat kids, three years’ data (July, 2015 to June, 2018) of breeds maintained at Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute for Research on Goats (ICAR-CIRG) viz. Barbari, Jamunapari and Jakhrana was analyzed to find effect of breed, parity, birth weight, litter size, season of birth, sex and kid’s age on mortality. Postmortem findings as entered in the record have been considered to arrive at the cause of mortality. Result: A preweaning mortality rate of 2.59% was recorded in kids of all the three breeds studied. Mortality rate of Barbari, Jamunapari and Jakhrana kids was found to be 2.15%, 3.39% and 2.13% respectively. Kids birth weight, sex or age had no effect on mortality. Highest mortality was observed in kids born as triplet/quadruplet (4.49%) followed by that in twins (2.88%) and singlets (2.01%). Highest mortality was observed in kids born to primiparous dams (3.95%) followed by kids born to dams having =/ greater than 5th parity (3.01%) and least in 2nd to 4th parity (1.82%). Most of the kids died due to enteritis (38.3%) followed by pneumonia (28.3%), debility and anemia (11.7%) septicemia (10%) and others in remaining 11.7% cases.

Performance of different breeds of goats under semi-intensive system in eastern Himalayas

A study was conducted to compare the performance of Sirohi and Jakhrana goats and their adaptability compared to native Assam Hill goats in eastern Himalayas. The overall least squares means for body weights at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age were 2.53±0.03, 9.25±0.42, 16.35±0.14, 19.73±0.42 and 24.65±0.25 kg in Sirohi goats, 2.31±0.07, 8.23±0.35, 13.49±1.14, 17.52±0.66 and 22.89±0.87 kg in Jakhrana goats and 1.82±0.31, 6.78±0.28, 9.85±0.43, 12.61±0.62 and 15.85±0.23 kg in Assam Hill goats, respectively. The age at first kidding was significantly (p<0.05) lower in Assam Hill goats (417.00±0.03 days) than Sirohi (684.61±0.75 days) and Jakhrana (568.25±0.03 days) goats. Similarly, the kidding interval was significantly (p<0.05) shorter in Assam Hill (267.00±0.61 days) as compared to Sirohi (370.61±0.38 days) and Jakhrana (311.16±0.15 days) goats. The results indicated that Sirohi breed performed better in comparison to Jakhrana in eastern Himalaya in terms of body weight at different ages. However, Assam Hill goat being a native breed performed better than both the breeds in reproductive performance as evident by earlier age at first kidding, shorter kidding interval and higher twins and triplets.

Changes in milk and plasma progesterone and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein and their relationships with the foetal number during early pregnancy in Jakhrana goats

This study was designed to investigate milk and circulating profiles of progesterone (P4) and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (PAG) during early pregnancy and to determine their associations with the foetal numbers in Jakhrana goats. For this, milk (whole and defatted milk) and blood samplings from10 pregnant and 3 non-pregnant Jakhrana goats were continued from the day 7 until day 51 post-mating. The PAG profile in both milk and plasma increased gradually from day 26 to 51 of gestation. Whereas, circulating P4 remains unchanged during early pregnancy in pregnant goats. The P4 and PAG concentrations in blood plasma, whole milk and defatted milk were 1.30, 1.24 and 2.04, 1.98, 1.99 and 1.88 folds higher in twin foetus than the single foetus bearing does, respectively. The P4 and PAG in plasma and milk samples were positively correlated with the foetal number. However, the results of stepwisemultivariate linear regression analyses indicated milk and circulating P4 as better predictors of foetal numbers than plasma PAG. The defatting of milk samples resulted in about 2-folds decline in the P4 concentration, however, the PAG level remains unaffected. In conclusion, milk and plasma profiles of P4 and PAG were affected by the foetal number and P4 is a reliable predictor of foetal number during early pregnancy in Jakhrana goats.

Variance components and genetic parameter estimates for pre-weaning and post-weaning growth traits in Jakhrana goat

Abstract The aim of the present study was to estimate the variance components and genetic parameters for pre-weaning [weight at birth (BWT), weight at 3 months (WT3), average daily gain from birth to 3 months (ADG1) and Kleiber’s ratio (KR1:ADG1/WT30.75)] and post-weaning [weight at 6 months (WT6), average daily gain from 3 to 6 months (ADG2) and Kleiber’s ratio (KR2:ADG2/WT60.75), weight at 9 months (WT9), weight at 12 months (WT12)] traits in 300 Jakhrana kids born between 2005 to 2019 years. The parameters were estimated using the restricted maximum likelihood procedure under six animal models excluding or including maternal effects. The estimates of direct heritability for pre-weaning weights viz., BWT, WT3, ADG1 and KR1 under most suitable model were low and observed as 0.09, 0.21, 0.17 and 0.06 respectively. The maternal permanent effects for BWT was observed high as 18 % of total variation, indicating the significance of maternal environment at birth of kid. In case of post-weaning weights, high estimates of direct heritability were found for WT6 (0.53), ADG2 (0.56) and KR2 (0.42), while it was low for WT9 (0.07) and WT12(0.16). The genetic correlations were ranged medium to high among all traits. The greater genetic variability of WT6 and its positive genetic associations with other traits indicated future scope for additional genetic improvement in growth performance in Jakhrana goat through selection.

Temporal changes in circulating progesterone and pregnancy-associated glycoprotein concentrations in Jakhrana goats with failed pregnancy

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in circulating Progesterone (P4) and Pregnancy-Associated Glycoprotein (PAG) during pregnancy interrupted by abortion and to identify the better predictor of abortion risk in Jakhrana goats. Pluriparous goats (18) were involved in the study. Out of 15 pregnant goats, 3 goats were aborted during the third or fourth months of pregnancy. In the normal pregnancy, mean P4 concentration (13.96±0.27 ng/mL) remained unchanged throughout gestation whereas, the PAG level increased during early pregnancy and reached to the highest level (S-N=2.14±0.40) on day 51 of gestation. In non-pregnant goats, the P4 (0.3±0.03 ng/mL) and PAG (0.06±0.03) were significantly lower compared to the goats with maintained or failed pregnancy. In goats with the failed pregnancy, the PAG level started to decline about 12 days before the drop in P4 concentration (day 33.0±2.1 vs 21.3±3.5, before the occurrence of abortion). The mean PAG level in goats with failed pregnancy (0.33±0.03) was 4.8-folds lower compared to the animals with maintained pregnancy (1.58±0.08). In conclusion, the P4 and PAG concentrations in maternal circulation are changed by the pregnancy status and abortion. Plasma PAG is a more reliable predictor for the high risk of pregnancy failure than the P4 concentration in goats.

Influence of floor type on production performance and worm load in lactating Jakhrana goats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of slatted floor (SLF) over soil floor (SOF) on performance of lactating goats reared under group feeding conditions up to 120 days postpartum. Fortnightly live weight and weekly test day milk yield was recorded and milk yield was calculated for 30, 60, 90 and 120 days postpartum. Worm load of goats were assessed. Milk yield was significantly lower at 30 days, showed lower trend at 60 days and at 90 days postpartum in SLF than SOF. The overall milk yield in SLF and SOF were 1.114±0.12 and 1.358±0.12 l/goat/day, respectively. The coccidial oocysts in SLF goats were non-significantly lower, tapeworms and roundworms were similar than that of SOF goats.

Identification of mutation in TMB1M6 gene in response to heat stress in goats

ABSTRACT BAX inhibitor-1 (BI-1) gene, known as TMB1M6, is evolutionary conserved and regulates cell survival in response to various stress in animals and plants. The present study was carried out to analyse the TMB1M6 gene in relation to stress susceptible and tolerant phenotypes in different goat breeds by high resolution melting (HRM). Phenotyping of individuals were carried out basing on heart rate (HR) and respiration rate (RR) during peak heat stress period and recognized as heat stress-tolerant (HST) and heat stress-susceptible (HSS). Genotyping of TMB1M6 gene was carried out by HRM. HRM indicated four different groups in the analysed samples. Two novel mutations were observed in heat stress-tolerant and stress-susceptible individuals in analysed samples. The nucleotide polymorphisms were identified at base position 55(T>C) in heat stress-tolerant (HST) individual in Barbari goat. Similarly the mutation at base position 96 was observed in heat stress-susceptible (HSS) individual in Jakhrana goat. The nucleotide sequence analysis indicated that the percent similarity of TMBIM 6 gene fragment of goat with cattle, human and mouse was 92.2, 85.2 and 80.9%, respectively. Two SNPs were identified in heat stress susceptible and heat stress tolerant phenotype in goat.

Effect of Non-Genetic factors on average daily gain and kleiber ratio in jakhrana goats

Effect of Non-Genetic factors on average daily gain and kleiber ratio in jakhrana goats

Lipopolysaccharide-induced changes in physiological and haematological variables of Jakhrana goats

Lipopolysaccharide-induced changes in physiological and haematological variables of Jakhrana goats

Lipopolysaccharide exposure modifies salivary and circulating level of cortisol in goats

The aim of this study was to investigate response of salivary and blood cortisol level and cardinal physiological variables in presence of endotoxaemia in goats. For this, eight healthy adult male Jakhrana goats (3–4 years of age; 41.9 ± 1.9 kg BW) were adapted to experimental conditions for 10 days, after which, they were randomly assigned equally into two groups i.e. control (CON; 20 μL/kg BW i.v. physiological saline) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1 μg/kg BW i.v.; Escherichia coli 0111:B4). Recording of cardinal physiological variables [rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR) and heart rate (HR)] was done at about 10 min before (baseline) and at different time intervals (2, 4, 6, 8, 26, 32 and 48 h) after saline or LPS infusion. Immediately thereafter, matched saliva and blood samples were collected at similar time points to investigate time dependent changes in cortisol concentration after LPS administration. The results showed that cortisol concentration in both saliva and blood plasma were increased significantly (P < 0.05) at 2 h and remains elevated in both the biological fluids up to 8 h after LPS infusion. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive relationship of salivary cortisol with plasma cortisol concentration (r = 0.556, P < 0.001). After systemic LPS exposure, increased HR and RR were observed earlier (at 2 h after LPS infusion) compared to the increase in RT (at 4 h after LPS infusion) (P < 0.05). The results of the present study demonstrated that the measurement of salivary and blood cortisol level could be a practical tool for monitoring time dependent effects of LPS and for evaluating early inflammatory response to acute bacterial infection in goats.

Testosterone and progesterone levels during different reproductive stages in Jakhrana goats

A study was conducted on 18 healthy Jakhrana goats, maintained under semi-intensive management system at ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Mathura (UP). Serum testosterone levels in males and progesterone in females were studied during three reproductive stages (pre-pubertal, pubertal and sexually mature) in 12 goats. In addition, serum progesterone levels were determined during pregnancy and on the day of kidding in 6 does. Blood samples from goats (6 of each sex) at 10–12 months (pre-pubertal), 13–14 months (pubertal) and 15–16 months of age (sexually mature) were collected at fortnightly intervals. Similarly blood samples from six pregnant does were collected at 30, 60, 90, 120 days of pregnancy and on the day of kidding. The mean serum testosterone levels in male goats during the pre-pubertal, pubertal and sexually mature stages were 2.55±0.31, 2.80±0.21 and 4.11±0.14ng/ml, respectively and differed significantly (P 0.05) between stages. Progesterone level remained elevated and almost identical during pregnancy with minor fluctuations at different stages of pregnancy (5.04±0.25, 5.21±0.22, 5.01±0.24 and 4.78±0.14 ng/ml, respectively). Its level then sharply declined on the day of kidding (0.67±0.14 ng/ml). Progesterone level on the day of kidding was significantly lower (P<0.05) as compared to its level during pregnancy. The results of this study will form the basis for management of reproductive processes for further enhancement of productive efficiency of goats.

Factors affecting growth traits of Jakhrana goats in semi-arid region of India

Data on 499 Jakhrana kids, maintained at the ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Uttar Pradesh from 2005 to 2009, were analyzed to study the influence of various environmental factors on body weights at different ages in Jakhrana goats. The average body weights at birth, 15, 30, 45, 60 and 75 days were 2.70±0.05, 3.99±0.07, 5.07±0.09, 5.94±0.12, 6.97±0.14 and 7.92±0.17 kg, respectively. The average body weights of kids at 3 (weaning) and 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 11 and 12 months of age were 8.93±0.18, 9.91±0.22, 10.56±0.26, 11.66±0.28, 12.58±0.31, 14.33±0.43, 15.39±0.50, 16.34±0.58, 17.97±0.72 and 21.89±0.71 kg, respectively. The differences in weights from birth to 45 days of age between kids born in the first parity and in later parities (ages) were significant; however, parity effect was non-significant at subsequent ages. Season of kidding had significant (P<0.05) effect on some of body weights at the preweaning, weaning and post-weaning stages. Single-born kids had distinct advantage in body weight over those born in multiple births from birth to 4 months of age. The study showed that higher body weights at different ages can be obtained by minimizing the effects of these environmental factors through better management practices.

Investigation of an outbreak of caseous lymphadenitis in goats

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) is a chronic and sub-clinical disease of sheep and goats with high prevalence in domestic animals. It is caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis biovar ovis. An outbreak of CLA in superficial and visceral forms was observed in Barbari and Jakhrana goat herds maintained at ICAR-CIRG, Makhdoom (UP) in July, 2016. A total of 147 goats was affected by the infection of external lymph nodes and two cases in Barbari goats showed internal abscess on necropsy. Biopsy pus samples were collected and identified the organism after Gram's staining. All biopsy samples were inoculated to blood agar and subjected to biochemical (catalase, oxidase and nitrate) tests. Isolation of DNAfrom culture and 16S rRNAgene-based PCR for C. ovis was carried out for confirmatory diagnosis. Gross and histopathological studies were conducted in cases of internal abscess. Antibiotic sensitivity tests were conducted for all the isolates obtained during the study. External lymph nodes were predominantly affected involving pre-scapular and post-scapular (94), pre-femoral (44) and mandibular lymph nodes (9). After incising abscesses, white thick pus oozed out. In Grams ’stained smears, the organism was pleomorphic rods arranged in Chinese letters. On blood agar, round, raised, greyish colonies were observed and biochemical examination showed catalase positive and oxidase negative. The 16S rRNA genebased PCR confirmed the presence of C. ovis. In two cases, visceral abscess was observed with oozing pus from affected lungs. Histopathology of affected lung tissue showed infiltration of inflammatory cells including neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages within infected tissue and concentric fibrous layers separated by inspissated caseous exudate. Based on morphology, biochemical tests and PCR, causal organism was confirmed as C. ovis and based on 16 antibiotics tested for sensitivity, ciprofloxacin was the only antibiotic found to be effective against isolates.

Effect of non-genetic factors on milk production in Jakhrana goats

Effect of non-genetic factors on milk production in Jakhrana goats

Progesterone profile and ultrasonographic scanning of uterus during post partum period in Jakhrana goats

It is evident from our findings that oestrous cyclicity was not resumed during 60 days pp in Jakhrana female goats, as progesterone level remained at basal level (£ 1.00 ng/ml) during this period. The ELISA results were further supported by ultrasonographic examination which revealed that post partum uterus regained pre-gravid stage by day 45 pp. Transrectal ultrasonography was confirmed as a reliable tool to determine uterine involution in goats. Thus, the results suggest the possibility of sustaining next pregnancy in Jakhrana goats after 60 days pp. Moreover, based upon these findings, it is clear that interventions are possible by advocating hormonal therapy in order to induce and synchronize oestrus/ovulation at or after 60 days pp from the perspective of augmenting reproductive efficiency.

Impact of stages of lactation on the minerals of Jakhrana goat milk under field and farm rearing condition

Goat milk as a source for minerals nutrition is an often overlooked benefit of this dairy treat. In fact, when it comes to calcium, potassium and selenium, goat milk is a real champ. It seems, however, that the amount of mineral is not the only nutritional factor. The study was conducted at the central institute for research on goats, Makhdoom, Mathura; under the division nutrition feed resources and products technology for the study of farm rearing condition. Milk samples were collected from Jakhrana goat under the farm and field rearing condition. Field samples were collected from different villages. The overall average calcium content was 0.146±0.0019 per cent. Phosphorus percentage in the milk of Jakhrana goat breed under field and farm rearing conditions in early, middle and late lactation 0.122±0.0011 and 0.124±0.0010 and 0.124±0.0012 and 0.126±0.0011 and 0.126±0.0010 and 0.128±0.0011 per cent, respectively. The potassium content in the milk of Jakhrana goat breed under field and farm rearing samples in early, middle and late lactation was 0.112±0.0006 and 0.113±0.0009, 0.111±0.0009 and 0.112±0.0008 and 0.110±0.0009 and 0.111±0.0008 per cent, respectively. The overall average magnesium per cent in all above samples either field or farm rearing conditions in all stage of lactation was 0.0146±0.00015. Chloride content in Jakhrana goat breed indicated that the effect of stage of lactation under field and farm rearing condition was found to be 0.100±0.00058 and 0.103±0.00050 and 0.104±0.00059 and 0.107±0.00054 and 0.114±0.00061 and 0.114±0.00054 in early, middle and late lactation, respectively. The selenium percentage in the milk of Jakhrana goat breed under field and farm rearing conditions in early, middle and late lactation was found to be 0.01681±0.000053 and 0.01641±0.000058, 0.01695±0.000055 and 0.01666±0.000060 and 0.01709±0.000057 and 0.01690±0.000060, respectively. The overall average selenium content was a 0.01667±0.000058. Stages of lactation had conspicuous effects on milk quality of goats under study.

Genetic polymorphism in Jakhrana goats and their comparison with other Indian goat breeds through RAPD

RAPD markers were used to estimate the genetic variability of Jakhrana breed with other extant goat breeds, and to evaluate genetic relationship between them. Adult females, 15 from each breed (Jakhrana, Barbari, Sirohi, Black Bengaland Jamunapari), were randomly selected. Polymorphic random primers OPM-12, OPM-18, OPM- 14, OPA-01, OPM-05, OPP-08, OPP-02 were used for analysis. The estimates were based on band sharing proportion and based on the band frequency. When pooled over the primers, based on band sharing, Black Bengal (0.890) showed minimum while Jakhrana showed maximum (0.994) within-breed genetic similarity. Similar trend was observed based on band frequency where Black Bengal (0.800) showed minimum and Jakhrana showed maximum (0.890) within breed genetic similarity. For between-breed similarities, based on band sharing, genetic similarity was observed minimum between Jamunapari and Jakhrana (0.846) while maximum was observed between Sirohi and Jakhrana (0.994), based on band frequency, the minimum was observed between Jamunapari and Sirohi (0.985), while Black Bengal and Barbari showed maximum genetic similarity of 0.999. These results can be utilized to upgrade and improve the breeds which are genetically close through a common breed improvement program.

Genetic Diversity in Milk Production of Jakhrana Goats Based on Rapd Markers

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique was applied to detect diversity in milk production in Jakhrana goats. Out of 20 random primers screened using DNAsamples of high milk producing (HP) and low milk producing (LP) goats, only 7 primers could detect polymorphism in HP and LP lines. The band sharing estimates for within line genetic similarity in LP and HP lines ranged from 0.900 to 1.000 and from 0.890 to 1.000, respectively. Similarly, the within line genetic similarity estimates based on band frequency in LP and HP lines ranged from 0.850 to 1.000 and from 0.810 to 1.000, respectively. The distance between genetic line based on band sharing and band frequency ranged from 0.000 to 0.080 and was from 0.154 to 0.510, respectively. Study suggests that RAPD markers can be used as a tool to estimate the genetic diversity and relationship between high and low milk producing Jakhrana goats.