Local Goat Breeds Research Articles

Socio-economic and Value Chain Analysis of Goat Farming in South Gujarat Region

The socio-economic and value chain study of goat farming from different herd size groups of surati and local breed was conducted in South Gujarat region of Gujarat state. The study was undertaken in randomly selected villages of Navsari, Valsad and Tapi districts of South Gujarat region. The goat keeping household of selected villages were divided into two groups maintaining surati and local breeds. The study revealed that the net income derived from different herd size groups of goats was much higher among surati breed than local breed. This clearly showed large (16 to or more goats, kids & buck) herd size group of goat keepers achieved higher profits than small (1 to 5 goats, kids & buck), and medium (6 to 15 goats, kids & buck) herd size groups in both breed of goats. The overall annual net income per goat was worked out to be `1283.51 and 994.90 in surati and local breed of goats. The annual income of surati breed of different herd size groups was higher in comparison to local breeds. This showed that the improved breed of surati goats have positive impact on the income of goat keepers. Value chain analysis indicated that there were four marketing channels found in male goat marketing in the study area. The major marketing cost components were assembling, maintenance, animal preparation, labour and transportation for sellers and market fee, labour and levy for buyers. The gross market margin was found higher in the Farmer-Farmer channel (95.89%). Therefore, this channel had turned out to be most efficient. It was found that as the number of intermediaries between producer and ultimate buyer increases, the producer’s share went on decreasing.

Assessments of breeding practices, major constraints and opportunities of sheep and goat production in Sinana district, bale zone, Ethiopia

The study was conducted in selected Rural Kebeles of Sinana District, Bale Zone of Ethiopia with the objectives to identify the breeding practices and assess the major challenges and opportunities of sheep and goat production under taken. Both primary data through structured questionnaire and secondary data from different relevant offices, published and unpublished sources were gathered. A set of semi-structured questionnaire were used to collect data from 120 farmer-owning shoats based on single-visit-interviews. To enrich the primary data, field observations and group discussions were also undertaken. The result of the study indicated that majority of the respondents kept their sheep and goat under free grazing and partly tethered management, respectively during dry and wet season. The main reason for keeping sheep and goat by majority of the farmers (81%) is as a source of money to supplement family income. Almost the entire interviewed households were practices fattening for targeted market. From interviewed respondents 33 (27.5%), 29 (24.17%) and 26 (21.67%) of respondents select animals for fattening based on body conformation, age and local ecotypes, respectively. The most type of feeding systems practices in the study area was free grazing (90.83% during dry; 79.17% during wet season). Natural pasture and crop residues were the main feed resource during the rainy season whereas natural pasture, crop residue, and local brewery by product are the main dry season feeds. Feed shortage, land scarcity, and untimely credit access were the major constraints that hinder sheep and goat productivity in the study area. About 53.9% of interviewed households declared that, sheep and goat health problem were occurred. Overall mortality rate of sheep and goat in study area were 12.9% and 14%, respectively. The highest mortality rate occurred in suckling flock (16% lambs; 16 kids %), young flock (9.6 % lambs; 13% kids) and breeding females (ewes 12% and does 14%) in all study sites. The available opportunities of sheep and goat production in the study area were feasible weather condition followed by availability of adapting local sheep and goat breed, market access and government intervention.

Genetic relationships between local Brazilian goat breeds based on mtDNA D-loop region similarity

Aim of study: Our objective was to investigate the mitochondrial DNA of local Brazilian goats to gain insights into the genetic composition of this precious genetic resource.Area of study: The study was developed in BrazilMaterial and methods: We analyzed a hypervariable region of the mitochondrial DNA of 83 goats belonging to four local Brazilian breeds, including Canindé (CAN-RN), Moxotó (MOX-CE), Marota (MAR-PI) and Azul (AZU-PE) as well as of exotic breeds raised in different states of the Federation. Sequences related to local Brazilian goats showed a dispersed distribution throughout the median-joining network, and clustering with sequences of exotic breeds occurred in some haplotypes. The obtained sequences were analyzed and compared with different haplogroups (A, B1, B2, C, D, F, and G) available on GenBank.Main results: The local Brazilian goat breeds showed significant diversity, with 16 (0.8240) haplotypes. Population structure analysis revealed substantial differences among breeds (p < 0.05). Mitochondrial lineage A was observed in Brazilian goats. Phylogeny showed European goats as the dominant stock for Brazilian goats, but there weare some haplotypes within haplogroup A, clustering with African and Asian haplotypes.Research highlights: These results could be suitable for creating a strategic conservation program, potentially benefitting future breeding programs.

Genetics Polymorphisms of INHA in Local Goat Populations in South-West Sulawesi Region of Indonesia

Inhibin subunit alpha (INHA) is one important gene that control reproductive characteristics of animal. The aim of this research was to identify the genetic diversity of INHA gene of Kacang and Peranakan Etawa (PE) goat as local goat breed which were maintained by farmers at goat development centers in Sulawesi region, Indonesia. DNA samples were collected from 137 heads Kacang breed from Jeneponto, South Sulawesi and 119 heads of Peranakan Etawa (PE) from Polewali Mandar regency, West Sulawesi. The PCR-RFLP technique with HaeII restriction enzyme was used to identify the genetic diversity base on the INHA gene. A and G alleles and AA, AG and GG genotypes of INHA gene were could identified in the local goat populations. Frequency of G allele, as predominant allele, were found in both populations (0.9343 of Kacang and 0.9160 of Peranakan Etawa goats). Both of local goat populations were shown low genetic diversity with average observed heterozygosity (Ho) of INHA gene were 0.13. Nevertheless, the data obtained in this study can be used as preliminary information to determine some development and improvement strategies of genetic quality of local goats that exist in this region.

Identification of mutations in BMP15 and GDF9 genes associated with prolificacy of Markhoz goats.

The Markhoz is a local goat breed in the Kurdistan region of Iran. The mohair obtained from these animals plays an important cultural role and is used for making local clothes in the Kurdistan region. This breed is a low-fecundity local goat, and searching for genes associated with fertility of these goats is important for their breeding. Moreover, this research is complementary to prior studies of candidate genes associated with fertility. The growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) and bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) are attractive candidates expressed by the oocyte and are associated with increased ovulation rate in sheep. However, there are no reports on single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with fertility of Markhoz goats. Hence, we studied these candidate genes and found two novel mutations (g.233CA and g.755TG) in GDF9 exon I and in BMP15 exon II, respectively. Furthermore, we investigated their association with prolificacy. These nucleotide changes are detectable with the PCR-RFLP method and can be used in the screening for highly fecund goats. Both of the mutations significantly increased litter size in heterozygote form for BMP15 and homozygote form for GDF9 in this goat breed. Homozygote females for the BMP15 mutation were not identified in the Markhoz breed, which is similar to the situation found in Belclare sheep, small-tailed Han sheep, and Jining Grey goats.

Effects of Breed and Stage of Lactation on Milk Fatty Acid Composition of Italian Goat Breeds.

Simple SummaryMilk fatty acid composition affects human health and dairy products flavor. In particular, some saturated fatty acids increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, whereas conjugated linoleic acid inhibits carcinogenesis and reduces atherosclerosis and diabetes. Moreover, a greater amount of some short chain fatty acids increase the goaty flavor of dairy products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the breed and week of lactation effects on milk fatty acid profile of 5 Italian local goat breeds and a cosmopolitan breed reared in the same farm. Results showed that the fatty acid profile was mainly affected by the week of lactation. Saturated fatty acids were abundant in early lactation and unsaturated fatty acids were abundant in late lactation. Local goat breeds produced milk with lower concentration of saturated fatty acids than the cosmopolitan breed. This study may contribute to valorize milk of Italian local goat breeds which seems to have a healthier profile than milk of the cosmopolitan breed.Fatty acid (FA) profile plays an important role on human health and on sensory quality of dairy products. There is few information about breed influence on milk FA profile of local goat breeds. This study aimed to characterize and compare the milk FA profile of 5 local endangered goat breeds (Garganica, Girgentana, Jonica, Maltese, and Mediterranean Red) and a cosmopolitan breed (Saanen) reared in the same farm during a complete lactation. A total of 252 milk samples were collected monthly from 42 goats (7 goats per breed) and analyzed for gross composition and FA profile. Individual FA was determined using gas-chromatography. Data were analyzed using a mixed model with repeated measures with breed and week of lactation as fixed effects. Results showed that the FA profile was significantly affected by week of lactation and only few FA by breed effect (p < 0.05). Overall, the main differences were found between Saanen and local breeds. This study contributed to the characterization of goat milk FA profile, and it may be of interest for the valorization of milk from local goat breeds which seem to have a healthier profile than milk of the cosmopolitan breed.

Differences in the Detailed Milk Mineral Composition of Italian Local and Saanen Goat Breeds.

Simple SummaryThis study quantified major and trace minerals in milk of five Italian local goat breeds and a cosmopolitan goat breed throughout lactation. Significant differences were detected in milk minerals composition across week of lactation, with greater concentration at the end than at the beginning of the lactation for almost all minerals, while only P, Mg and Zn milk content differed among breeds. Due to the growing interest of consumers in goat milk and derived products, the characterisation of milk mineral contents could contribute to valorise autochthonous breeds.Very little information about local breed goat milk is available, which is relevant for biodiversity preservation and local cheese production. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of breed and week of lactation on milk mineral profile of five Italian local breeds (Garganica, Girgentana, Jonica, Maltese and Mediterranean Red) and a cosmopolitan breed (Saanen). Sixty goats (10 per breed) from an experimental farm were enrolled in the study and sampled every 2 weeks for milk gross composition analysis. In addition, an individual milk sample was collected monthly from 42 goats (seven goats per breed) for mineral determination through inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Data were analysed using a mixed linear model with repeated measures, including breed and week of lactation as fixed effects. Week of lactation affected mineral contents, except for B, being lower in early than late lactation, whereas, breed affected only P, Mg and Zn. Mediterranean Red and Jonica breeds’ milk was richer in P than Maltese, and in Zn than Maltese, Girgentana and Saanen breeds. For Mg, only Saanen differed from Maltese. Such information might be useful for the valorisation of goat milk produced by autochthonous breeds.

Comparative fatty-acid profile and atherogenicity index of milk from free grazing Nguni, Boer and non-descript goats in South Africa

This study aimed to determine and compare the fatty acid composition and atherogenecity index of milk fat from Nguni, Boer and non-descript at two different sampling periods. The goats (n = 10 for each goat genotypes) were raised under an extensive system of husbandry. Milk samples were collected from each individual goat to determine fatty acids, as methyl esters, using gas chromatography. The result revealed significant differences (P < 0.05) in fatty acid profiles among the three goat genotypes for butyric, caproic, myristic, palmitic, stearic, vaccenic, linoleic, conjugated linoleic, α-linolenic, arachidic, eicosatrienoic and docosapentaenoic acids, among other milk fats. The time of milk sampling also had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on caproic, lauric, myristic, palmitic, palmitoleic, margaric, stearic, linoleic, arachidonic, docosapentaenoic and conjugated linoleic acids of milk fat. In addition, Nguni goats’ milk fat had a healthier fatty acid than those of Boer and non-descript goats, characterized by a lower content in saturated fatty acid (68.65, 73.77 and 71.73 (P < 0.05), respectively). Goat genotypes and milk sampling time had an influence on the fatty acid composition of goat milk. These findings support the fact that goat milk is an important source of health-promoting substances and support the sustainable use of animal genetic resources to improve goat milk fat quality, and hence deserve further investigation with local indigenous goat breeds.

Autochthonous dairy goat breeds showed better milk quality than Saanen under the same environmental conditions.

Studies on goat milk have mainly focused on cosmopolitan breeds and very limited information is available on local breeds, which is important for biodiversity preservation and local cheese production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the breed effect on milk yield, composition and somatic cell score (SCS) of five local Italian goat breeds (Garganica, Girgentana, Jonica, Maltese and Mediterranean Red) compared with a cosmopolitan specialized dairy breed (Saanen). A total of 60 goats (10 per breed) from an experimental farm were enrolled in the study. Milk yield, composition and SCS were recorded and analyzed every 2 weeks during the entire lactation. Data were analyzed using a mixed model with repeated measures. Saanen yielded between 0.27 and 0.62 kg day more milk than the local breeds. Among local breeds, Maltese and Jonica were the most productive, with an average of 1.28 and 1.25 kg day, respectively, while Mediterranean Red, Garganica and Girgentana produced kg day. Saanen had the highest SCS (6.81) and the lowest fat content (3.26 %). In relation to protein, Garganica showed the greatest content (3.71 %), and Saanen had a similar content to other local breeds (3.42 %) except for Maltese, which was lower (3.11 %). Saanen and Garganica had the lowest lactose percentage (4.28 % and 4.26 %, respectively). All breeds followed a similar pattern across lactation: SCS and fat and protein content peaked at the end of the lactation, whereas lactose percentage was highest at the beginning of the lactation. Differences between Saanen and the local breeds for milk yield, composition and SCS were consistent across lactation. In conclusion, local breeds produced less milk but with lower SCS and greater fat and lactose content than the Saanen cosmopolitan breed, suggesting a better milk quality.

Studying the variations in differently expressed serum proteins of Hainan black goat during the breeding cycle using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technology.

The Hainan black goat is a high-quality local goat breed in Hainan Province of China. It is resistant to high temperatures, humidity, and disease. Although the meat of this breed is tender and delicious, its reproductive performance and milk yield are low. In this study, isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technology was used to analyze the differentially expressed proteins in the serum of female Hainan black goats during the reproductive cycle (empty pregnant, estrus, gestation, and lactation). The pathway enrichment analysis results showed that most of the differentially expressed proteins between each period belonged to the complement and coagulation cascades. Analysis of the differential protein expression and function revealed seven proteins that were directly associated with reproduction, namely pre-SAA21, ANTXR2, vWF, SFRP3, β4GalT1, pre-IGFBP2 and Ran. This study revealed the changing patterns of differentially expressed proteins in the reproductive cycle of the Hainan black goat. pre-SAA21, ANTXR2, vWF, SFRP3, β4GalT1, pre-IGFBP2, and Ran were identified as candidate proteins for mediating the physiological state of Hainan black goats and regulating their fertility. This study elucidated the changes in expression levels of differentially expressed proteins during the reproductive cycle of Hainan black goats and also provides details about its breeding pattern.

474 Productive and reproductive performance of Goat Breeds of Sindh.

The study was carried out in Sindh province of Pakistan to investigate productive and reproductive performance of ten local goat breeds. The ten goat breeds included in the study were Kamori, Tapri, Bugi-Turi, Pateri, Kachan, Jattan, Lohri, Chappar, Barri, and Thari. The data were collected using a detailed survey on various productive (birth weight, weaning weight, weaning age, average daily gain, milk yield and lactation length) and reproductive (age at first heat, age at first kidding, kidding interval, service period, number of services per conception and twinning percentage) traits of goats. Up sixteen local farmers of each breed were visited by the investigators and information was recorded/collected on prescribed performas. The highest birth weight was observed in Pateri goat (2.90 ± 0.11kg). In case of weaning weight maximum was observed in Kachan (16.0 ± 0.50kg) and lowest in Thari (11.19 ± 0.40 kg). Moreover weaning age was lowest in Thari (3.0 ± 0.11months) and highest was in Bugi-Turi (8.0 ± 0.14months). The highest milk yield was observed in Tapri and Kamori (~ 3.50 kg) followed by Pateri (~2.90 kg), Bugi Tori, Kacchan, Jattan (~ 2.00 kg) and Lohri, Chapper, Barri and Theri (~1 kg). As far as reproductive traits are concerned; age at first heat was lowest in Pateri (around 7 months) while all other breeds ranged from 11 to 15 months). The maximum twining percentage at first kidding was observed in Chappar (25%). Jattan had lowest kidding interval (5.0 ± 0.16 months). On the basis of overall average pre-weaning growth rate of kids, Tapri and Thari appear to have higher growth potential followed by Kamori and Kachhan. It could be concluded that Tapri, Thari and Kamori may be utilized for meat production under existing circumstances in the order of priority. Similarly, Tapri, Kamori and Pateri may be better utilized as dairy goats as well.

A comparative study of the fatty acid and terpene profiles of ovine and caprine milk from Greek mountain sheep breeds and a local goat breed raised under a semi-extensive production system.

The objective of this study was to compare the fatty acid and terpene profile of ovine and caprine milk from animals raised under a semi-extensive production system in commercial farms located in Northwest Greece. Regarding fatty acid profile, ovine milk had a higher percentage of conjugated linoleic acid (CLAcis-9, trans-11) as well as higher percentages of both n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in relation to caprine milk. Terpene profile analysis showed a high frequency of appearance for α-pinene, d-limonene, β-pinene in both types of milk. β-Caryophyllene was detected in the majority of the examined ovine and caprine milk samples suggesting that its presence could be used as a potential biomarker of grass feeding. The relative frequency of appearance was higher in caprine milk for the majority of identified terpenes. Ovine milk had better nutritional value in comparison to caprine milk that had an enriched terpene profile than ovine milk.

Genetic characterization of four Algerian goat breeds assessed by microsatellite markers

Genetic characterization and diversity of local goat breeds (Naine de Kabylie, Arbia, Mekatia, and M’zabite) raised in Algeria (n = 224) were investigated by eighteen microsatellite markers recommended by FAO (2011). A total of 450 alleles were detected in this study. The mean values of polymorphic information content, observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity were 0.93, 0.84, 0.94, respectively. The mean number of alleles per population ranged from 12.94 (M’zabite) to 16.39 (Arbia). The highest values of FIS, FST and FIT known as Wright F-statistics were 0.179, 0.087 and 0.219, respectively. Although a total of 118 private alleles was observed in this study, only frequency of six allele in M’zabite goat breed was greater than 5%. Mekatia and Arbia goat populations were genetically closest to each other according to dendrogram. Obtained GST value from the present study indicated that 4.00% of total genetic variation resulted from the differences between the breeds. This study indicates that the four studied Algerian native goat breeds are classified into distinct breeds with a good level of genetic diversity. Indeed, our results showed that the used microsatellite markers were adequately polymorphic and that they can be successfully used to investigate genetic diversity in Algerian goat populations.

Investigation of anatomical landmarks for paravertebral anaesthesia in West African Dwarf goats (&lt;i&gt;Capra hircus&lt;/i&gt;)

West African dwarf goats play important roles in providing meat, milk and generate income in farmers. Information on the techniques and morphometric dimensions on performing paravertebral regional anaesthesia in our local breeds of goats is scanty. The proximal and distal paravertebral nerve block postulated by Farquharson and Magda are used in caprine and ovine species by extrapolation. This study was carried out to quantitatively determine the anatomical site of the spinal nerves (T 13 , L 1 . L 2 , L 3 and L 4 ) for the standardized administration of paravertebral regional anaesthesia in West African dwarf goats. Ten adult WAD goats of either sex weighing 10-15kg were used for the study. The animals were euthanized then used for dissection to expose the spinal nerves and subsequently morphometry was carried out. The result of this study showed that the spinal nerve emerges from the intervertebral foramina and bifurcates into dorsal and ventral branches with the dorsal nerve branch passing cranially to the body of the succeeding lumbar transverse process in a caudolateral manner. While the ventral branches of the lumbar nerves each run obliquely, just below the intertransverse ligament, across the space between the transverse processes. The means of (T 13 , L 1 , L 2 , L 3 and L 4 ) were considered for the right and left sides of the WAD goats. The mean depth was 3.00±0.38cm while the mean length of nerve was 2.65±0.47cm. This study established reference anatomical landmarks of the spinal nerves 2-3cm away from the spine dorsolateral for proximal approach and 1-1.5cm for the distance of needle placement medially from the tip of the transverse process dorsal and ventral. Keywords: Land marks, Morphometry, Paravertebral anaesthesia, Spinal nerve, WAD goat

Susceptibility of Moroccan sheep and goat breeds to peste des petits ruminants virus

BackgroundPeste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease of small ruminants in Asia and Africa. In 2008, a PPR outbreak was reported for the first time in Morocco and a mass vaccination campaign allowed control of the disease. In this study, the susceptibility of four Moroccan local breeds of small ruminants to PPR virus was investigated by experimental infections. The objective was to make recommendations for improved epidemiological surveillance in Morocco by evaluating the susceptibility of the dominant Moroccan small ruminant breeds. Three parameters were studied: hyperthermia, clinical scoring and virus excretion. The outcome was compared to Alpine goats, which are considered one of the most sensitive breeds.ResultsThe study showed that the local goat breed was the most sensitive breed with a susceptibility rate of 67%, followed by Timahdit, Beni Guil and Sardi sheep with 48, 29 and 26%, respectively. Serological testing including enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and viral neutralization showed that the Timahdit breed developed a stronger antibody response compared to the other breeds. Although the clinical signs observed in the sheep were mild, evidence of viral excretion was detected by means of a polymerase chain reaction assay.ConclusionsIt is recommended that effective surveillance should focus on susceptible breeds complemented with serological surveillance of the sheep population.

Variasi Genetik Gen Myostatin Ekson 3 pada Sembilan Bangsa Kambing Lokal di Indonesia

Myostatin gene plays a role in helping to control the growth and development of muscle tissue. Identification of genetic diversity in nine local goat breeds in Indonesia has done. The aim of this study was to obtain information myostatin gene diversity of exon 3 in local goats in Indonesia. The total of 10 samples was selected from 80 samples of goat's blood collected comprising each sample of the population of goats breeds, i.e., Samosir, Muara, Kacang, Costa, Peranakan Etawah, Boerawa, Gembrong, Boer, and Boerka goats. The gene diversity and nucleotide base changes were identified by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing techniques. The analysis showed that there is eight variant identified in appropriate with those found in sequencing results. Deletion variations were found in Costa and Samosir goats in T552- and G560-. Substitution variations were found in Gembrong (A7C & A11T), Peranakan Etawah (T10A & A11T), Burawa (T10A & A11T), Muara (A11T), Samosir (A11T), and Boerka (A182T, T437A, T439A, & A445G). Variations on the chromatogram peak overlapping contained in the base position to 13. Analysis of variance showed that there was a special mutation in exon 3 that affects the amino acid tyrosine into lysine. Variants were found in nine goat breeds associated with phylogenetic and genetic distance of goats, Boerka goat has the highest level of genetic variation, it indicated that Boerka goat was crossbreed

Positive selection of IL-33 in adaptive immunity of domestic Chinese goats.

The identification of the candidate genes that play key role in phenotypic variation in livestock populations can provide new information about evolution and positive selection. IL‐33 (71954) (Interleukin) gene is associated with the increased nematode resistance in small ruminants; however, the role of IL‐33 for the genetic control of different diseases in Chinese goat breeds is poorly described in scientific literature. Therefore, the current investigation was performed for the better understanding of the molecular evolution and the positive selection of single‐nucleotide polymorphism in IL‐33 gene. Fixation Index (F ST)‐based method was used for the outlier loci determination and found that IL‐33 was present in outlier area with the provisional combined allocation of mean heterozygosity and F ST. Positively selected IL‐33 gene was significantly, that is, p(Simul F ST < sample F ST = 0.98*) present in corresponding positive selection area. Hence, our study provided novel information about the nucleotide variations in IL‐33 gene and found to be nonsynonymous which may helpful for the genetic control of diseases by enhancing the immune system in local Chinese goat breeds as well as in other analyzed vertebrate species.

Prediction of Live Body weight of Sudanese Goat Kids from Body Size Measurements

This study was conducted to bring out a formula that will be used in predicting live body weight (LBW) of goat kids. Seventy-eight Sudanese indigenous local breed of goats bought from markets in Khartoum State with body weights between 8-15 kg and the ages of 4-8 months were used in this study. The parameters used includes measurements of heart girth (cm), height at withers (cm), height at back (cm) and body length (cm). The study revealed that heart girth measurements could be useful in estimation of live weight of goat kids in markets. The regression analysis of body weight on heart girth had highest coefficient of determination (R2) followed by wither height. The prediction of body weight of goats kids in the markets can be based on y=0.002 x 2.85, where y and x are body weight and heart girth respectively. Equations presented here can be used to predict live body weight (LBW) of goat kids of Sudanese indigenous local breed in Khartoum State markets or field studies.

Anti-Oxidative Biomarkers in Newborn Kids of Aardi Goats

The provision of basic data about oxidative stresses on Aardi goats will be beneficial for understanding the basic physiological indices of a valuable local breed of goats under harsh desert condition. The primary aim of this study is to assess the antioxidant status of newly born Aardi kids. Eighteen newly born Aardi kids were used in this study; sampled weekly as from week 1 to 4 for the assay of the plasma Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), ThioBarbituric Reactive Substances (TBARS), and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activities. For new-born, total blood antioxidants concentrations did not change during the four weeks of life. However, TBARS increased during the 2nd and 3rd week of age (p < 0.05). The results indicated that TAC in kids from birth to 4 weeks of age tended to increase, but not significantly. Serum TBARS concentrations increased on the 2nd week and decreased significantly on the 4th week of age. Serum SOD levels did not change significantly, even though, the trend showed a decline during 1st to 3rd week of age. The small decrease in serum TBARS in the serum of kids can be considered as an indication of decreased oxidants, which in turn, resulted in a reduction in serum SOD concentration. In conclusion, this basic data could help in understanding the adaptational physiology of young local Saudi goats.

Goat Breeds Performance under Different Farming Systems and Conditions of Water Availability in the Karak Governorate , Jordan = أداء سلالات الماعز تحت نظم الزراعة المختلفة و ظروف توافر المياة في محافظة الكرك ، الأردن

This study aims to evaluate the productive performance of local goat breeds under different production systems and conditions of water availability in the Karak Governorate of Jordan. Data collection methods comprised a survey applied to 120 purposively selected goat keepers (59 in mountain zone, MZ and 61 in semi-desert zone, SDZ), group discussions, on-farm measurement of body weight (BW) and evaluation of body condition score (BCS) of goats. Goat keepers perceived Mountain Black (MB) and Dhaiwi (DW) goats to have higher water tolerance than Damascus goats and their crosses (CB). BW of adult does was significantly affected by age (P<0.001), interaction between system and breed (P<0.05) and between age and breed (P<0.01). BCS of adult does was significantly affected by age (P<0.01), breed (P<0.01) and season (P<0.01). BW of growing kids was significantly affected by age (P<0.001), breed (P<0.01), sex (P<0.05), feeding intensity (P<0.01) and interaction between age and sex (P<0.001). In contrast, only the age (P<0.001) of growing kids and watering frequency (P<0.05) significantly affected their BCS. CB does had higher BW and BCS than MB does whereas CB growing kids had lower BW than MB growing kids. The BW of CB for adult does in transhumant system was higher than BW of MB. BCS of adult does was significantly higher during the mid of dry season compared to that during end of dry season. The BCS of growing kids was higher at farms where goats drank once or twice a day than where goats were watered three times or had free water access. It could be concluded that water availability did not limit the body weight development of neither of the breed groups. Further investigations on the direct effects of water deficiency on performance of goat breeds under more extensive production system are recommended.