Korean Goats Research Articles

Korean Black Goat Extract Exerts Estrogen-like Osteoprotective Effects by Stimulating Osteoblast Differentiation in MC3T3-E1 Cells and Suppressing Osteoclastogenesis in RAW 264.7 Cells.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis, characterized by an imbalance between osteoclast-mediated bone resorption and osteoblast-driven bone formation, presents substantial health implications. In this study, we investigated the role of black goat extract (BGE), derived from a domesticated native Korean goat, estrogen-like activity, and osteoprotective effects in vitro. BGE's mineral and fatty acid compositions were analyzed via the ICP-AES method and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. In vitro experiments were conducted using MCF-7 breast cancer cells, MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts, and RAW264.7 osteoclasts. BGE exhibits a favorable amount of mineral and fatty acid content. It displayed antimenopausal activity by stimulating MCF-7 cell proliferation and augmenting estrogen-related gene expression (ERα, ERβ, and pS2). Moreover, BGE positively impacted osteogenesis and mineralization in MC3T3-E1 cells through Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation, leading to heightened expression of Runt-related transcription factor 2, osteoprotegerin, and collagen type 1. Significantly, BGE effectively suppressed osteoclastogenesis by curtailing osteoclast formation and activity in RAW264.7 cells, concurrently downregulating pivotal signaling molecules, including receptor activator of nuclear factor κ B and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 6. This study offers a shred of preliminary evidence for the prospective use of BGE as an effective postmenopausal osteoporosis treatment.

Pilot study on the distribution of caseous lymphadenitis in Korean native goats and the relationship between sex and age in disease occurrence

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is a chronic disease that affects goats. The Korean native goat (KNG) is the most popular goat breed raised in Korea. In this study, the distribution of CLA in the KNG population and the relevance of sex and age in disease development were determined. From March 2020 to February 2021, 1,177 KNGs from 110 farms were assessed. The distribution of CLA in animals was determined by a veterinary inspector who performed gross examinations of goat carcasses and confirmed diagnoses via polymerase chain reaction and bacteriological examination. The CLA detection rate in the KNG population was 19.80%, and more than half of the farms were affected by the disease (56.36%). A statistically significant difference was observed among the sex groups, with castrated males (13.98%) having the lowest detection rate, followed by intact males (22.48%) and females (24.09%), suggesting that castration has a positive effect on reducing the risk of CLA (p < 0.05). In terms of age groups, an increased detection rate of 28.16% was observed in the late adult (>2 years) group. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the RNA polymerase beta subunit-encoding gene can effectively differentiate biovar ovis from biovar equi and can be used for further epidemiological studies of C. pseudotuberculosis. This is the first nationwide surveillance study of CLA distribution to confirm the continuous occurrence of CLA in Korean goat farms. Future studies should include risk factor analyses of CLA based on herd levels to prevent and control this disease in Korea.

Recombinant Expression in Bacillus megaterium and Biochemical Characterization of Exo-Mannered Glycosyl Hydrolase Family 43 α-L-Arabinofuranosidase from the Korean Black Goat Rumen Metagenome

There is no doubt that ruminants have the capability to digest lignocellulosic compounds and to utilize them as an absorbable form of energy by tapping into enzymes produced by the microbial population in their rumens. Among the rumens of various ruminants, this study focused on Korean goat rumens because of their unique digestibility of lignocellulosic biomasses. Therefore, a novel Gene12 gene was screened and unmasked from the constructed rumen metagenomic library of a Korean black goat and expressed in a Bacillus megaterium system. The recombinant protein was distinguished as a novel α-L-arabinofuranosidase enzyme from glycosyl hydrolase family 43 (GH43) for its capability to hydrolyze the non-reducing end of α-1,5-L-arabinofuranose linkages in α-L-arabinofuranosyl groups. The enzyme can also break apart α-L-arabinofuranosidic linkages and act synergistically with other hemicellulolytic enzymes to release α-1,2- and α-1,3-L-arabinofuranosyl groups from L-arabinose-comprising polysaccharides. In silico, phylogenetic, and computational analyses proclaimed that the Gene12 gene encodes a novel carbohydrate-active enzyme possessing a V-shaped indentation of the GH43 catalytic and functional domain (carbohydrate-binding module 6). The recombinant Gene12 protein has shared 81% sequence homology with other members of the GH43 family. Enzymic synopses (optimal pH, temperatures, and stability studies) of the recombinant Gene12 enzyme and its substrate specificity (synthetic and natural substrates) profiling were considered. The recombinant Gene12 α-L-arabinofuranosidase works best at pH 6.0 and 40 °C, and it is stable at pH 4.0 to 7.0 at temperatures of 20 to 50 °C. Additionally, 5-blended β-sheets were identified through a tertiary (3D) structure analysis along with the high substrate specificity against p-nitrophenyl-D-arabinofuranoside (pNPA). The highest substrate specificity of pNPA for Gene12 α-L-arabinofuranosidase indicated its confirmation as an exo-type arabinofuronidase. The results thus propose using the Gene12 protein as an exo-mannered GH43 α-L-arabinofuranosidase (EC 3.2.1.55) enzyme.

Physicochemical Properties of Black Korean Goat Meat with Various Slaughter Ages

This study was conducted to analyze the physicochemical properties of black goat meat according to the slaughter age (3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36 months). The moisture content tended to decrease, whereas the fat content, pH, and free amino acid composition tended to increase with increasing slaughter age. The collagen content increased significantly with the increasing slaughter age (p < 0.05). The cooking yield showed a tendency to increase up to 12 months of age, and there was no significant difference after 12 months of age. In all mineral contents, the sample for 12 months of age showed higher values than the others. Considering fatty acid composition, the saturated fatty acid content of the 12-month sample had a lower value than the other samples. However, the unsaturated fatty acid of the 12-month sample had higher values than the other samples. Therefore, the best slaughter age for black goats occurs at 12 months of age when nutrition is excellent.

Molecular characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis isolated from skin abscesses of native Korean goats (Capra hircus coreanae).

This study aimed to investigate the molecular characterization and antimicrobial susceptibility of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis from skin abscesses of Korean native black goats (KNBG, Capra hircus coreanae) in South Korea. A total of 83 isolates were recovered from skin abscesses of KNBG. Of these isolates, 74 isolates were identified as C. pseudotuberculosis by phospholipase D (PLD) gene-based PCR assay. Each of the isolates possessed all 18 virulence genes (FagA, FagB, FagC, FagD, SigE, SpaC, SodC, PknG, NanH, OppA, OppB, OppC, OppD, OppF, CopC, NrdH and CpaE). The genetic diversity of C. pseudotuberculosis isolates was assessed by the phylogenetic analysis using the concatenated sequences (3073 bp) of five housekeeping genes (fusA, dnaK, infB, groeL1 and leuA) for investigating their genetic diversity. In the results, the isolates belonged to three groups: group 1 (67 isolates), group 2 (one isolate) and group 3 (six isolates) within biovar ovis. However, the groups exhibited low genetic diversity (0.20%-0.41%). In the antimicrobial susceptibility test, most isolates were susceptible to tetracycline, vancomycin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, enrofloxacin, cefoxitin, ampicillin, gentamycin, cephalothin and doxycycline, whereas they were not susceptible to cefotaxime, trimethoprim and streptomycin. This results suggest the involvement of relatively few clones of C. pseudotuberculosis in Korea. Further, present isolates can threaten public health due to potentially virulent strains with all 18 virulence genes and non-susceptible strains to clinically important antibiotics (CIA) and highly important antibiotics. This study is the first to investigate the genetic diversity and potential pathogenicity of C. pseudotuberculosis biovar ovis isolates from skin abscesses of KBNG in South Korea, and could provide useful information in controlling its infections.

Geographical contrasts of Y-chromosomal haplogroups from wild and domestic goats reveal ancient migrations and recent introgressions.

By their paternal transmission, Y-chromosomal haplotypes are sensitive markers of population history and male-mediated introgression. Previous studies identified biallelic single-nucleotide variants in the SRY, ZFY and DDX3Y genes, which in domestic goats identified four major Y-chromosomal haplotypes, Y1A, Y1B, Y2A and Y2B, with a marked geographical partitioning. Here, we extracted goat Y-chromosomal variants from whole-genome sequences of 386 domestic goats (75 breeds) and seven wild goat species, which were generated by the VarGoats goat genome project. Phylogenetic analyses indicated domestic haplogroups corresponding to Y1B, Y2A and Y2B, respectively, whereas Y1A is split into Y1AA and Y1AB. All five haplogroups were detected in 26 ancient DNA samples from southeast Europe or Asia. Haplotypes from present-day bezoars are not shared with domestic goats and are attached to deep nodes of the trees and networks. Haplogroup distributions for 186 domestic breeds indicate ancient paternal population bottlenecks and expansions during migrations into northern Europe, eastern and southern Asia, and Africa south of the Sahara. In addition, sharing of haplogroups indicates male-mediated introgressions, most notably an early gene flow from Asian goats into Madagascar and the crossbreeding that in the 19th century resulted in the popular Boer and Anglo-Nubian breeds. More recent introgressions are those from European goats into the native Korean goat population and from Boer goat into Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and Zimbabwe. This study illustrates the power of the Y-chromosomal variants for reconstructing the history of domestic species with a wide geographical range.

Molecular Identification of Borrelia afzelii from Ticks Parasitizing Domestic and Wild Animals in South Korea.

Lyme borreliosis is one of the most prevalent tick-borne infectious zoonotic diseases caused by spirochetes of the Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato group. The present study assessed the risk factors and prevalence of Lyme borreliosis in ticks parasitizing domestic and wild animals. A total of 589 ticks (329 tick pools) collected from animals were identified as Haemaphysalis longicornis, (85.7%), H. flava (10.0%), and Ixodes nipponensis (4.3%) using morphological and molecular methods in South Korea. In this study, the 5S–23S gene sequences of B. afzelii (6/329, 1.8%) were detected in ticks taken from mammals, including ticks from horses (2/147 pools, 1.4%), wild boar (1/19 pools, 5.3%), native Korean goats (NKG, 2/34 pools, 5.9%), and Korean water deer (1/129 pools, 0.8%). Unfortunately, ospA, pyrG, and flagellin genes were not able to be amplified in the present study. To our knowledge, our results are the first inclusive data available for B. afzelii circulation in several tick species taken from NKG, horses, and wild boar in South Korea. We believe that the current findings extend our knowledge of the distribution and possible vector spectrum of Borrelia spp. We recommend continuous evaluation of the potential public health threat posed by Borrelia infected ticks.

Molecular and Phylogenetic Analysis of Tick-Borne Pathogens in Ticks Parasitizing Native Korean Goats (Capra hircus coreanae) in South Korea.

Tick-borne pathogens (TBPs) are considered zoonotic re-emerging pathogens, with ticks playing important roles in their transmission and ecology. Previous studies in South Korea have examined TBPs residing in ticks; however, there is no phylogenetic information on TBPs in ticks parasitizing native Korean goat (NKG; Capra hircus coreanae). The present study assessed the prevalence, risk factors, and co-infectivity of TBPs in ticks parasitizing NKGs. In total, 107 hard ticks, including Haemaphysalis longicornis, Ixodes nipponensis, and Haemaphysalis flava, were obtained from NKGs in South Korea between 2016 and 2019. In 40 tested tick pools, genes for four TBPs, namely Coxiella-like endosymbiont (CLE, 5.0%), Candidatus Rickettsia longicornii (45.0%), Anaplasma bovis (2.5%), and Theileria luwenshuni (5.0%) were detected. Ehrlichia, Bartonella spp., and severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus were not detected. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report CLE and T. luwenshuni in H. flava ticks in South Korea. Considering the high prevalence of Candidatus R. longicornii in ticks parasitizing NKGs, there is a possibility of its transmission from ticks to animals and humans. NKG ticks might be maintenance hosts for TBPs, and we recommend evaluation of the potential public health threat posed by TBP-infected ticks.

Clinical case of internal caseous lymphadenitis in a native Korean goat (Capra hircus coreanae)

Clinical case of internal caseous lymphadenitis in a native Korean goat (Capra hircus coreanae)

A survey of major infectious causes of abortion in native Korean goats (Capra hircus coreanae) in Jeonnam province, Korea

A survey of major infectious causes of abortion in native Korean goats (Capra hircus coreanae) in Jeonnam province, Korea

전북지역 염소에서 Coxiella burnetii 감염실태 조사

전북지역 염소에서 Coxiella burnetii 감염실태 조사

Detecting Positive Selection of Korean Native Goat Populations Using Next-Generation Sequencing.

Goats (Capra hircus) are one of the oldest species of domesticated animals. Native Korean goats are a particularly interesting group, as they are indigenous to the area and were raised in the Korean peninsula almost 2,000 years ago. Although they have a small body size and produce low volumes of milk and meat, they are quite resistant to lumbar paralysis. Our study aimed to reveal the distinct genetic features and patterns of selection in native Korean goats by comparing the genomes of native Korean goat and crossbred goat populations. We sequenced the whole genome of 15 native Korean goats and 11 crossbred goats using next-generation sequencing (Illumina platform) to compare the genomes of the two populations. We found decreased nucleotide diversity in the native Korean goats compared to the crossbred goats. Genetic structural analysis demonstrated that the native Korean goat and crossbred goat populations shared a common ancestry, but were clearly distinct. Finally, to reveal the native Korean goat’s selective sweep region, selective sweep signals were identified in the native Korean goat genome using cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity (XP-EHH) and a cross-population composite likelihood ratio test (XP-CLR). As a result, we were able to identify candidate genes for recent selection, such as the CCR3 gene, which is related to lumbar paralysis resistance. Combined with future studies and recent goat genome information, this study will contribute to a thorough understanding of the native Korean goat genome.

Evidence of Anaplasma spp. exposure in native Korean goats (Capra hircus coreanae)

Anaplasmosis in animals is caused by Anaplasma spp. including A. phagocytophilum, A. marginale, A. centrale, A. ovis, and A. bovis, which are obligate intracellular rickettsial pathogens transmitted by ticks. Infection in animals is considered an important constraint on livestock production. In Korea, the prevalence of Anaplasma spp. has been investigated in several species, including cattle, dogs, and rodents, but there are no available data on anaplasmosis in goats. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of Anaplasma spp. in native Korean goats (Capra hircus coreanae) using a commercial competitive ELISA which specifically detects antibodies against A. marginale, A. centrale, and A. ovis. A total of 36 (6.6%) of 544 goat serum samples tested seropositive for Anaplasma spp. With regard to age, 4.9% (7/144), 9.5% (27/283), and 1.7% (2/117) of samples tested seropositive in the young (< 1 year), adult (≥ 1 year), and unknown age groups, respectively, with significant differences among groups (P < 0.05). The seroprevalence by region was 1.7% (2/121), 2.6% (2/77), and 9.2% (32/346) in the northern, central, and southern regions, respectively, with significant differences among regions (P < 0.05). With regard to the season of sample collection, 3.3% (4/122) and 7.6% (32/422) samples tested seropositive during the cold and warm seasons, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first known study reporting the seroprevalence of Anaplasma spp. in native Korean goats. Despite the relatively low prevalence of Anaplasma spp. in native Korean goats compared with that in animals from other countries, these results should not be disregarded because infection with Anaplasma spp. in animals has long been recognised, and the potential for horizontal transmission cannot be excluded.

Serology and clinical relevance of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis in native Korean goats (Capra hircus coreanae).

This study was conducted to assess the seroprevalence and clinical relevance of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, which is the causative agent of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), in native Korean goats (Capra hircus coreanae). A total of 466 native Korean goats from 40 herds (11 to 12 samples per herd) were randomly selected throughout the nation and evaluated by direct palpation, bacterial isolation, ELISA, and PCR. In serological examinations, 267 (57.3%) of the goats tested were positive against C. pseudotuberculosis. When seroprevalence was analyzed according to age, region, and season, statistically significant differences were observed in relation to all three parameters (P < 0.05). For clinical examination, the superficial lymph nodes of all goats were palpated to diagnose CLA. Pus samples taken from superficial abscesses were used for bacterial isolation. Among the 466 goats tested, 34 (7.3%) were presumptively diagnosed with CLA, and C. pseudotuberculosis was isolated from 24 goats (70.6% of goats with CLA lesions) whose infections were confirmed by PCR. Considering the high seroprevalence and bacterial isolation rate from most of the superficial CLA lesions, it is suspected that many internal CLA lesions exist in this goat population. These results suggest that C. pseudotuberculosis infection is widespread in native Korean goats, and appropriate control programs need to be established.

경북지역 재래염소의 Coxiella burnetii 항체보유율

Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella (C.) burnetii and affects wild and domestic animals worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in native Korean goat (Capra hircus coreanae) in Gyeongbuk province, Korea, using ELISA. A total of 256 goat blood samples from 56 farms in Gyeongbuk province were collected between May 2012 and March 2013. Among them, 22 (8.6%) samples from 10 (17.9%) farms were seropositive for C. burnetii by ELISA. According to regional analysis, the seroprevalences among goat farms in eastern, western, southern, and northern areas of Gyeongbuk province were 0%, 18.2%, 36.8%, and 6.3%, respectively, showing the highest seroprevalence in the southern region. Among 22 counties in Gyeongbuk province, 10 (45.5%) counties had one or more farms positive to C. burnetii antibody. Accordingly, the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in high-risk humans and animals are constantly demanded by regional investigation.

Evidence of Neospora caninum exposure among native Korean goats (Capra hircus coreanae)

Neospora caninum is a protozoan parasite that causes abortion in ruminants, including goats. The objective of the present study was to determine the seroprevalence of N. caninum in native Korean goats (Capra hircus coreanae). A commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit was used to analyse 464 serum samples for the presence of N. caninum antibodies. Four samples (0.9%, 95% confidence intervals &amp;ndash; CI: 0.0&amp;ndash;1.7) were found to be positive for N. caninum antibodies. The seroprevalence was analysed according to age (less than to one year, young; more than or equal one year, adult; and unknown), sampling season (April to September, warm; October to March, cold), and region (northern, central, and southern). However, there were no statistically significant differences in seroprevalence according to age, season, and region (P &amp;gt; 0.05). This is the first report on the seroprevalence of N. caninum in native Korean goats. The results of this study indicate a nationwide distribution of N. caninum among goats, with a relatively low prevalence. Therefore, the implementation of integrated control strategies as well as measures for prevention and control of N. caninum infection among goats is recommended.

Molecular and serologic detection of Coxiella burnetii in native Korean goats (Capra hircus coreanae)

The occurrence of Q fever in native Korean goats (Capra hircus coreanae) was investigated for the first time in the country using ELISA and PCR. A total of 597 blood samples were collected from goats belonging to five different provinces of Korea. To detect Coxiella burnetii, sera were separated from the whole blood and analysed by ELISA; DNA was extracted directly from the whole blood and analysed by PCR. Overall, 114 (19.1%, 95% C.I.=16.1–22.4) and 57 goats (9.5%, 95% C.I.=7.5–12.2) tested positive for C. burnetii in the ELISA- and PCR-based screening, respectively, while 18 goats (3.0%, 95% C.I.=1.9–4.7) tested positive in both the assays. There was a significant difference between the number of ELISA- and PCR-positive goats (P<0.05). The seroprevalence of Q fever was significantly higher among the adult goats (≥1y, 22.0%) than among the young goats (<1y, 13.8%) (P<0.05). While the results of the serologic analysis showed no seasonal variation, data from the PCR-based assay indicated that there were a higher number of positive cases during the cold seasons. Because Q fever infection has high rates of prevalence in native Korean goats, further studies on humans at a high risk of contracting this disease should be conducted. The PCR-based assay used in this study is a useful method for the direct detection of C. burnetii in blood samples from small ruminants.

Detection and determination of Toxoplasma gondii seroprevalence in native Korean goats (Capra hircus coreanae).

Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic protozoan pathogen that causes serious illness in immunocompromised humans and infection in animals worldwide. The current study was conducted for detection of T. gondii infection and determination of the seroprevalence of the pathogen in native Korean goats (Capra hircus coreanae). Analysis of a total of 610 sera samples collected from 60 herds between 2009 and 2011 were performed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for detection of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies. Among the animals tested, 5.1% (31/610) showed seropositivity for anti-T. gondii antibodies, and 38.3% (23/60) of the herds were seropositive. The prevalence rates between young (<1 year) and adult (≥1 and ≤3 years) goats were 7.0% and 4.1%, respectively, without statistical significance (p>0.05). Likewise, the prevalence rates observed during cold season (October-March) and warm season (April-September) were 2.9% and 5.5%, respectively, without statistical significance. Seroprevalence rates observed in the northern, central, and southern regions were 7.9%, 3.8%, and 4.2%, respectively. In conclusion, we report for the first time on the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in native Korean goats (Capra hircus coreanae). The results of this study also indicate that there is a nationwide distribution of T. gondii infection among goats. Therefore, the implementation of integrated control strategies as well as measures for prevention and control of T. gondii infection within goats is recommended.

Serologic detection of antibodies against Fasciola hepatica in native Korean goats (Capra hircus coreanae

The purpose of this study was to determine a nationwide seroprevalence of Fasciola hepatica in native Korean goats (Capra hircus coreanae). A total of 464 blood samples were collected from the three geographical regions (northern, central and southern regions) of the country between November 2009 and August 2011. Sera were separated from whole blood following standard procedures and analysed with an ELISA to detect antibodies against F. hepatica. The positive samples were further classified as mildly, moderately and strongly positive. Out of 464 goat sera samples assessed, five (1.1%) were seropositive. From these, three (0.6%) were mildly positive, two (0.4%) were moderately positive while no samples were observed to be strongly positive. All the five positive animals were adults (&amp;ge; 2 year old) rather than young goats (&amp;lt; 2 year old). There was no significant difference in seropositivity between age and regions. In conclusion, this study determined for the first time the seroprevalence of F. hepatica infection in native Korean goats. The findings also provide an update on the status of F. hepatica infection and can serve as a foundation for future investigations on the significance of this parasite in Korea.

Characterization of Cellulolytic and Xylanolytic Enzymes of Bacillus licheniformis JK7 Isolated from the Rumen of a Native Korean Goat.

A facultative bacterium producing cellulolytic and hemicellulolytic enzymes was isolated from the rumen of a native Korean goat. The bacterium was identified as a Bacillus licheniformis on the basis of biochemical and morphological characteristics and 16S rDNA sequences, and has been designated Bacillus licheniformis JK7. Endoglucanase activities were higher than those of β-glucosidase and xylanase at all temperatures. Xylanase had the lowest activity among the three enzymes examined. The optimum temperature for the enzymes of Bacillus licheniformis JK7 was 70°C for endoglucanase (0.75 U/ml) and 50°C for β-glucosidase and xylanase (0.63 U/ml, 0.44 U/ml, respectively). All three enzymes were stable at a temperature range of 20 to 50°C. At 50°C, endoglucanse, β-glucosidase, and xylanase had 90.29, 94.80, and 88.69% residual activity, respectively. The optimal pH for the three enzymes was 5.0, at which their activity was 1.46, 1.10, and 1.08 U/ml, respectively. The activity of all three enzymes was stable in the pH range of 3.0 to 6.0. Endoglucanase activity was increased 113% by K+, while K+, Zn+, and tween 20 enhanced β-glucosidase activity. Xylanase showed considerable activity even in presence of selected chemical additives, with the exception of Mn2+ and Cu2+. The broad range of optimum temperatures (20 to 40°C) and the stability under acidic pH (4 to 6) suggest that the cellulolytic enzymes of Bacillus licheniformis JK7 may be good candidates for use in the biofuel industry.