Local Goats Research Articles

Community Empowerment Through Social-Business Programs in Qurban Activities in North Sumatera

Community service activities, known as Abdimas, are executed through targeted social campaigns directed at Muslims in Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia. These individuals actively engage in the qurban program in North Sumatra, adopting the sacrificial entrustment scheme. The primary objective of this community service initiative is to empower local goat breeders and facilitate the equitable distribution of sacrificial meat within various regions of North Sumatra, encompassing Tebing Tinggi, Medan, and Deli Serdang. The employed methodology for this community service endeavor adheres to participatory action research (PAR), emphasizing active involvement from diverse stakeholders to effectively attain communal development objectives. The outcomes of the social campaign revealed the enthusiastic participation of 700 Qurbani performers, with 70% originating from Singapore and the remaining 30% hailing from Malaysia and Indonesia. The sacrificial ritual involved 700 goats, resulting in the production of approximately 7,500 packs of sacrificial meat. The subsequent distribution of qurban proceeds engaged village heads, hamlet heads, and local communities in the Tebing Tinggi, Medan, and Deli Serdang areas. This article sheds light on the positive contributions of Abdimas activities, emphasizing the empowerment of local goat breeders and the fostering of community solidarity through the support of the qurban program.

GENETIC EVALUATION OF MILK PRODUCTION TRAITS IN LOCAL GOAT

This study was conducted on 67 local doe goat, aged from 2-5 years old. The overall mean of TMY, DMY and lactation length of 1st and 2nd flocks were (130.541 ± 7.403 kg, 0.716 ± 0.033kg, and 182.432 ± 4.112 day) and (164.043 ± 8.788 kg, 0.832 ± 0.043 kg, 197.027 ± 2.650 day), respectively. The flock, age of doe, doe coat color, month of kidding and type of birth have significant effect on TMY and DMY, doe in 2nd flock production 33.502 and 0.116 kg milk/doe, respectively more than doe in 1st flock. Doe of five years old yielded (181.878 ± 10.171 kg /doe) and (0.892 ± 0.044 kg /doe/day) more milk than young doe. Doe kidding in Januarys were consistently produced high significantly (p≤0.001) more TMY (158.354 ± 7.076 kg /doe) and DMY (0.828 ± 0.033 kg /doe/day) in comparison with other groups. Doe with brown coat color produced significantly (p≤0.05) more TMY (165.205 ± 20.558 kg /doe) and DMY (0.835 ± 0.095 kg /doe/day) in comparison with other coat colors. Doe kidding twin’s kids were significantly (p≤0.05) yielded more TMY and DMY than single kids. The flock and age of doe significantly affected the lactation length, 2nd flock have higher length with 197.027 ± 2.650 day and higher lactation length recorded of doe with 5 years old with 200 ± 3.779 day. BLUP values for TMY of doe ranged from -130.65 to 224.77 kg/doe. The repeatability of DMY, fat%, protein% and lactose% in present study arrived 0.286, 0.319, 0.067 and 0.015 respectively. The MPPA value of TMY in this study ranged from 80.988 to 329.749. These results indicated the good genetic make-up of local goat for milk traits and the selection programs can play major role to increase production ability of local goat.

Prediction of birth weight using body measurements of local caprine population kids raised in a low-input breeding mode under arid environment.

The aim of this study is to establish linear measurements of local goat kids at birth and their factors of variation, as well as their possible correlations with birth weight. Additionally, the study analyses statistical models and barymetric functions to predict birth weight of kids based on their morphometric data. The database includes data on 128 goat kids born to 89 goats and 9 bucks in the experimental goat herd at the El GORDHAB station of IRA. Average BW, withers height (L1), heart girth (L2), rump height (L3), and body length (L4) of all kids were 2.45kg, 32.66cm,30.56cm, 33.41cm, and 31.21cm respectively. Results show that in general, local goat kids are small in size and weight at birth, which varies depending on sex, dam age, and type of birth. Highest and positive correlation coefficient value between birth weight and heart girth were observed (r = 0.95). The coefficient of determination (R2) for heart girth (0.78) was higher than other body measurements in single trait evaluation indicating it as the best trait for the predication of birth weight. The most appropriate combination of body measurements (R2 = 0.82) was observed between height at withers and heart girth for predication of birth weight estimation. Developing a system for recording birth weight based on easily obtainable body measurements could be a useful approach for rural areas. Result join the study objective by conceiving feasible genetic improvement plans for agropastoral herds by establishing individual phenotypes estimation even when the classical animal management does not already allowed.

Testis and Ovary development Histological study affecting by age and weight of Local Goat Kids

The study was carried out at postgraduates labs of Agriculture college, Al-Muthanna University, from 20 / 8 / 2022 to 20 / 1 / 2023 to investigated the Histological alteration of testes and ovaries structure development affected by age and weight of Local Goat Kids, A total of 60 samples (testes and ovaries), were brought from Al-Muthanna slaughters, the samples (testes and ovaries samples) were submitted to hygienic examination and Prepared in Labs by cleaned from adhesive and cut off for 4 cm samples and saved in formalin 10 % until the histological Technique performed . The results were showed the well gradually development in histological structure of Gonads (Testes and Ovaries) with age progress and weight developed in Goat Kids , The testis showed the seminiferous tubules which developed to contain all stages od Spermatogenesis , while the ovary showed as actively secreted organ contain all stage of follicular development . In conclusion , the histological structure of Gonads (Testes and Ovaries) which developed with age progressing and weight increasing with age and time and weight and can be considered as vital and active indicator for reproduction and fertility criteria .

Whole-genome resequencing reveals candidate genes associated with milk production trait in Guanzhong dairy goats.

Milk production is one of the most important economic utility of goats. Guanzhong dairy goat is a local dairy goat in Shaanxi Province of China and has high milk yield and quality. However, there are relatively few studies on molecular markers of milk production traits in Guanzhong dairy goats. In this study, we sequenced the whole genomes of 20 Guanzhong dairy goats, 10 of which had high milk yield (HM) and 10 of which had low milk yield (LM). We detected candidate signatures of selection in HM goats using Fst and π-ratio statistics and identified several candidate genes including ANPEP, ADRA1A and PRKG1 associated with milk production. Our results provide the basis for molecular breeding of milk production traits in Guanzhong dairy goats.

Impact of Age Groups on some Cellular Parameters of Male and Female Local Goats

This study was conducted to determine the effect of age groups (The first group from 4-8 months, the second group from 9-12 months, and the third group from 13-16 months), on some parameters of cellularity of male and female local goats, at College of Agriculture, Al-Muthanna University, from 1/10/2022 to 1/5/2023. Blood samples were collected from the slaughterhouses at Al-Muthanna Governorate for males and females of local goats. The results indicated that the third age group (13-16 months) led to a significant increase on WBC, RBC, HCT, MCV and MPV in the blood of local male goats, significant decrease on RBC, HCT, MCH and MCHC with a significant increase in MPV in the blood of local female goats.

Relationship of the Mutation (C2006A) in the GDF9 Gene in the Productive Performance of Local and Shami Goats

This study was conducted at the Ruminant’s Research Station, Office of Agricultural Research, Ministry of Agriculture, Iraq, For the period from 20/12/2021 to 1/9/2022, to detect GDF-9 gene polymorphism in Local and Shami goat, The genetic material was separated and nucleotide sequencing technology was used to detect mutations in the studied segment of (GDF9) gene, to determine the relationship of the resulting genotypes to the characteristics of growth, milk production and Litter size. The results of the study showed the presence of the mutation (C2006A) in the GDF-9 gene in both local and Shami goats. And it appeared with two genotypes were identified, wild (CC) and hybrid (CA), as the percentage of individuals carrying the wild genotype was (90.91, 92.31)% compared to the hybrid individuals (9.09, 7.69)% in the local and Shami samples, respectively, and the allelic frequency of the wild allele C was superior in Both strains (95, 96% balanced by the mutant allele A (4,5%). The results showed a significant effect of the polymorphism of the mutation (C2006A) in the characteristics of the weaning weight and the current weight in the local sample and in favor of the individuals carrying the hybrid genotype CA (19.25, 38.19) kg, while in the Shami goat sample, a significant effect was found for the genetic variation caused by the mutation (C2006A) in weight at birth for the benefit of individuals carrying the hybrid genotype (2.93) kg, and the results showed a significant effect of the multiplicity of genetic manifestations of the mutation (C2006A) in producing Total milk and Litter size in local and Shami goats in favor of individuals carrying the hybrid genotype CA (454.23, 497.39) kg and (1.57, 1.89) Kids/litter, compared to individuals carrying the wild genotype CC (450.10, 441.27) kg (1.21, 1.11) Kids/litter in the local and Shami samples, respectively.

Association Between Genetic Polymorphism of Mutation (G5736A) in the BMP-15 Gene with Productive Performance of Local and Shami Goats

The study was conducted at the ruminant research station of the Agricultural Research Department / Ministry of Agriculture on a sample consisting of 44 local goats and 52 Shami goats, while the laboratory part was conducted in Scientific Progress Laboratory, for the period from 12/20/2021 to 9/1/2022. The nucleotide sequencing technique was used to detect mutations in The second exon region of the (BMP15) gene to determine the relationship of the resulting genotypes to economic traits (growth, milk production and litter size). The results showed that there are two genotypes, the wild (GG) and the hybrid (GA), as the percentage of individuals carrying the wild genotype was (90.91, 67.31) % compared to the hybrid individuals (9.09, 32.6) % respectively, in the local and Shami goat samples, and the allelic frequency of the wild allele G in both groupss was (0.95, 0.66)% compared to the mutant allele A (0.05, 0.34)%. for both groupss goats, the wild type individuals were superior in birth weight and did not show any significant effect of this mutation on the rest of the growth traits (19.03, 21.0) kg, as for the characteristics of milk production, the individuals carrying the wild genotype also excelled in the characteristic of total milk production in both groupss. (467.4, 490.4) kg compared to individuals carrying the hybrid genotype GG (422.1, 457.1) kg respectively, While no significant effect of the mentioned mutation appeared in litter size for both groups.

Detection of MC4R Gene Genotypes and A Relationship SNP13 to Productive and Reproductive Performance in Iraqi Local Goats and Shami Goats

The study was conducted at the Ruminant Research Station of the Agricultural Research Department / Ministry of Agriculture, for the period from 1/12/2021 - 30/10/2022, the current study revealed the relationship between the genotypes of the MC4R gene and its relationship with the productive and reproductive traits in goats. Using 50 goats under the same breeding conditions (25 Syrian goats and 25 Iraqi goats). The results showed that the 13SNP mutation in the MC4R gene in the mothers of Shami goats showed a significant relationship, where the genotype GA was significantly (P≤0.05) superior to the genotype GG in this strain for the characteristic of the daily milk production rate (kg), as well as for the characteristic of the length of the peak of production (day), as well as the characteristic of the percentage of protein in milk (%), and the characteristic of the weight gain of the mother between birth and weaning, with an average of (541.07, 426.76), (43.01, 34.17), (3.16, 3.01), respectively. Conclusion it is the Mutations in genetic and environmental factors play an essential role in livestock animals in terms of productive and economic traits. Thus, the effects of mutations in the MC4R gene were found to have an impact on some productive and reproductive traits in goats.

Growth and economic value of goat rations supplemented with ground corn gelatinization product with urea

The aim of this study was to evaluate the growth of goats and the economic value of rations by using ground corn gelatinization products with urea as slow-release urea in ration supplements. The experiment was conducted on twelve male local goats, aged 1-1.5 years with a body weight of 12.839 ± 0.496kg. The ration was prepared with a 60:40 ratio of forage to concentrate. The basal feed was made of Gamal leaves, while the concentrate consisted of soybean meal, ground corn, rice bran, coconut meal, and ground corn gelatinization product with urea. The experimental method used in this study was a 4x3 completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments. The treatments applied were T0 (control), T1, T2, and T3. T0 was the basal feed + concentrate without ground corn gelatinization product with urea, while T1, T2, and T3 were the basal feed + concentrate with 1.5%, 2.5%, and 3.75% ground corn gelatinization product with urea, respectively. The data collected were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test. The results showed that the treatment had a significant effect (P <0.05) on total dry matter consumption, ration utilization efficiency, and economic value of rations. In conclusion, the study found that the use of ground corn gelatinization products with urea is a viable option for enhancing the quality of goat rations.

Goat hair as a bioindicator of environmental contaminants and adrenal activation during vertical transhumance.

Autochthonous breeds of livestock are considered a pivotal genetic resource for agriculture, rural development, and food and nutrition security. In the Italian Alps, local livestock breeds are maintained using the traditional alpine farming system based on vertical transhumance, with the use of alpine pastures from late spring to autumn and indoor housing with a hay-based diet for the remaining part of the year. Because of their tight link with the territory of origin, local breeds could be used to biomonitor environmental contaminations. Moreover, animal welfare should also be monitored during transhumance in animals, which are exposed to a sudden farming system change and different types of stressors. For these reasons, this investigation hypothesized that the content of trace elements, heavy metals, and cortisol in the hair of goats changes during vertical transhumance, possibly reflecting different dietary contents and activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This study aimed to assess the response of an Italian local goat breed to the change from indoor housing to alpine pasture in summer in terms of hair concentrations of (i) trace elements and heavy metals and (ii) cortisol. The regrown hair of Frisa goats was monthly collected for 2 consecutive years (n = 10 for heavy metals and trace elements and n = 6 for cortisol in 2021, n = 17 for both analyses in 2022), once before vertical transhumance and twice after that event. Hair was then analyzed for trace elements, heavy metals, and cortisol by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrophotometer (ICP-OES) and enzyme immunoassay (EIA), respectively. Data were analyzed by multilevel models. The results showed an increase in As content during alpine pasture (p < 0.01), probably reflecting the soil and water As contents of the grazing area, while Mg, Zn, and Al (p < 0.01) followed the opposite trend, decreasing in the second month after vertical transhumance. Hair cortisol concentrations increased during 2 months of alpine pasture (p < 0.001), indicating an increase in the activation of the HPA axis, in agreement with previous studies. Future investigations can consider a longer study period and the development of ad hoc animal welfare indicators.

Whole-genome SNP genotyping unveils ancestral and recent introgression in wild and domestic goats.

After the domestication of goats around 10,000 years before the present (BP), humans transported goats far beyond the range of their wild ancestor, the bezoar goat. This brought domestic goats into contact with many wild goat species such as ibex and markhor, enabling introgression between domestic and wild goats. To investigate this, while shedding light on the taxonomic status of wild and domestic goats, we analysed genome-wide SNP data of 613 specimens from 14 taxonomic units, including Capra hircus, C. pyrenaica, C. ibex (from Switzerland, Austria, Germany and Slovenia), C. aegagrus aegagrus, C. a. cretica, C. h. dorcas, C. caucasica caucasica, C. c. severtzovi, C. c. cylindricornis, C. falconeri, C. sibirica sibirica, C. s. alaiana and C. nubiana, as well as Oreamnos americanus (mountain goat) as an outgroup. To trace gene flow between domestic and wild goats, we integrated genotype data of local goat breeds from the Alps as well as from countries such as Spain, Greece, Türkiye, Egypt, Sudan, Iran, Russia (Caucasus and Altai) and Pakistan. Our phylogenetic analyses displayed a clear separation between bezoar-type and ibex-type clades with wild goats from the Greek islands of Crete and Youra clustered within domestic goats, confirming their feral origin. Our analyses also revealed gene flow between the lineages of Caucasian tur and domestic goats that most likely occurred before or during early domestication. Within the clade of domestic goats, analyses inferred gene flow between African and Iberian goats. The detected events of introgression were consistent with previous reports and offered interesting insights into the historical relationships among domestic and wild goats.

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.

COMBINED EFFECT OF FLUSHING AND HORMONAL TREATMENT ON REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF LOCAL GOAT.

This study was aimed to investigate the combined effect of flushing and hormonal treatment on reproductive aspects of local goats, 60 adult does were divided equally into two groups, the first was fed concentrate plus grazing commencing 3 weeks prior to mating and continue for 4 weeks post mating (flushed) F, whereas the 2nd group was raised on pasture only (P). All does were synchronized using impregnated with 40 mg medroxy acetate for 14 days. Following sponges withdrawn, the flushed and non- flushed does were then sub-divided in to four equal groups, the 1st flushed does were injected with 250 i.u hCG (T1), the 2nd only flushed (T2), the 3rd was only injected with hCG (T3) and the 4th was the control (T4). Results revealed that estrus response was significantly higher in T1 (100%), followed by T3 and T4 (86.66%) and T2 (80%). Fertility rate was significantly (P˂0.01) higher in T1 (80%) followed by T3 (73.33%), T4 (66.66%) and T2 (60.0%). Highest kidding rate (120.0%) and litter size (1.50) was noticed in T1, while the lowest kidding rate (86.66%) were found in T2 and T4. Insulin level was significantly higher in flushed does (6.04) compared to non-flushed does (2.81 uIU/ML).

Detection of Melanocortin Receptor Type 4 (MC4R) Gene in Semen of Etawah Crossbreed and Senduro Goats

Etawah crossbreed and Senduro goats as superior local goats and biological genetic resources that must be preserved in Indonesia. Melanocortin receptor type 4 (MC4R) is the primary gene that regulates food intake and energy balance which can be used as a candidate marker for livestock selection genes. This study aimed to analyze the comparison of cement quality and detect the profile of the MC4R gene in Etawah crossbreed and Senduro goat semen. The samples of this study were Etawah crossbreed and Senduro goat semen. Macroscopic examination of cement includes the evaluation of volume, consistency, odor, color, and pH. Microscopic examination of semen includes motility, abnormalities, and spermatozoa concentration. Examination of motility was performed in the condition of fresh semen, after the addition of diluents, and post-thawing of frozen straw. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method was performed to amplify specific fragments of the MC4R gene. There was a decrease in spermatozoa motility before freezing and post-thawing frozen semen compared to fresh semen. The quality of frozen straw post-thawing Etawah crossbreed and Senduro goat was still worth using for artificial insemination and in vitro embryo production. The MC4R gene can be detected in liquid and frozen semen from Etawah crossbreed and Senduro goats using a PCR test in the form of a single band along 642 bp.

Genome-Wide Association Study of the Reproductive Traits of the Dazu Black Goat (Capra hircus) Using Whole-Genome Resequencing.

Reproductive traits are the basic economic traits of goats and important indicators in goat breeding. In this study, Dazu black goats (DBGs; n = 150), an important Chinese local goat breed with excellent reproductive performance, were used to screen for important variation loci and genes of reproductive traits. Through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), 18 SNPs were found to be associated with kidding traits (average litter size, average litter size in the first three parity, and average litter size in the first six parity), and 10 SNPs were associated with udder traits (udder depth, teat diameter, teat length, and supernumerary teat). After gene annotation of the associated SNPs and in combination with relevant references, the candidate genes, namely ATP1A1, LRRC4C, SPCS2, XRRA1, CELF4, NTM, TMEM45B, ATE1, and FGFR2, were associated with udder traits, while the ENSCHIG00000017110, SLC9A8, GLRB, GRIA2, GASK1B, and ENSCHIG00000026285 genes were associated with litter size. These SNPs and candidate genes can provide useful biological information for improvement of the reproductive traits of goats.

Relationship of the CYP17 gene (T2231A) to milk production and its components in goats

The experiment was conducted at the Ruminant Research Station of the General Authority for Agricultural Research / Ministry of Agriculture on a sample of 53 goats of two breeds (26 Shami goats and 27 local goats), as well as the Scientific Progress Laboratory specialized in biotechnology and genetic material analysis. In order to determine the genotypes and allelic repeats of the CYP17 gene in goats to determine its relationship to milk production and its components, after the completion of the PCR polymerase chain reaction, the results were sent to the Humanizing Genomics Macrogen Company in South Korea to detect the genotypes of the studied area using the sequencing technology, Two genotypes TT and TA were obtained at the site (T2231A), and the percentage of TT genotype was 26.92% for Shami goats. The percentage of TA genotype was 73.08, and the relationship between them was significant (P≥0.05). The allelic frequency of the T allele was And A 0.63 and 0.37, respectively, where the results showed a significant relationship (P≥0.05) between the genotypes and the amount of total milk production and the percentage of solids that are not fatty. The animals carrying the TT genotype recorded the highest amount of production than those carrying the TA genotype, 571.08 ± 48.69 and 432.24 ± 50.56, respectively. Also, the animals carrying the TT genotype outperformed the animals carrying the TA genotype in the percentage of solid non-fat components, which scored 12.79 ± 1.66, and they scored 9.89 ± 1.63. The percentage of TT genotype for domestic goats was 40.74%, and the percentage of genotype TA was 59.26. the relationship between them was significant (P≥0.05), and the allelic frequency of the T and A alleles was 0.70 and 0.30, respectively. The results also showed a significant relationship (P≥0.05) between the genotypes and the amount of total milk production of the local goats, where the animals carrying the TT genotype recorded the highest amount of production than the animals carrying the TA genotype, and it scored 548.15 ± 72.06 and 350.10 ± 47.94, respectively. Thus, the CYP17 gene can be used in genetic improvement programs. Keywords: Goats; CYP17 Gene; Genotype; Milk Production.

Phenotypic and Genomic Characterization of the Comune di Sicilia Goat: Towards the Conservation of an Endangered Local Breed.

The Comune di Sicilia, a local goat breed from Sicily (Italy), is currently undergoing recognition as a distinct breed. This study aims to characterize the population both phenotypically and genomically to advance its recognition process. A total of 78 subjects from two locations were enrolled, and their phenotypic data, including qualitative traits and morphometric measurements of adult animals, were recorded and statistically analyzed. The goats were genotyped using the Illumina 50 k Goat SNPchip, comparing them with 473 goats from 15 Italian breeds. Population structure, phylogenetic relationships, admixture, and genomic inbreeding were analyzed. Additionally, subjects with different morphological traits were compared using FST and runs of homozygosity, leading to the identification of potential candidate genes associated with anotia and wattle presence in goats. The Comune di Sicilia breed exhibited distinctive genomic and phenotypic features, setting it apart from other breeds in the same region. However, moderate variability, possibly influenced by selection practices, was also observed. To ensure the breed's preservation and prevent excessive inbreeding, a comprehensive approach considering both morphology and genomic background is recommended. This study contributes valuable insights into the genetic peculiarities of the Comune di Sicilia goat, supporting its recognition as a unique and valuable breed.

Colostrum Quality in Different Goat Breeds Reared in Northern Italy.

This study aimed to characterize the colostrum quality in three different local goat breeds of Northern Italy (i.e., Frisa Valtellinese, Orobica, and Lariana) and a cosmopolitan one (i.e., Camosciata delle Alpi) (n = 30 per breed), reared under traditional semi-extensive and intensive systems, respectively. Lariana showed the highest percentage of fat (10.18 ± 3.14%) and total solids (30.73 ± 4.89%) but the lowest percentage of lactose (1.87 ± 0.82%; p < 0.05); Orobica had the lowest percentage of fat (7.13 ± 2.48%), total solids (24.11 ± 5.48%), and protein (10.77 ± 4.53%) but the highest percentage of lactose (3.16 ± 0.73%; p < 0.05). This suggests that breeds which have a more pronounced meat aptitude (i.e., Frisa and Lariana) have a higher concentration of components than breeds with more dairy aptitude (i.e., Orobica and Camosciata). Uni- and multivariate analyses showed that IgG is the parameter that best differentiates local breeds from cosmopolitan ones (p < 0.01). Colostrum from Frisa goats showed the highest IgG concentration (100.90 ± 8.11 mg/mL), while the lowest concentration was in the Camosciata breed (74.75 ± 20.16 mg/mL). Finally, the highest lactoferrin concentration was in Frisa (1781.3 ± 892.6 µg/mL) and the lowest in Camosciata and Lariana (763.1 ± 357.9 and 1148.0 ± 858.6 µg/mL, respectively; p < 0.05). Differences between Camosciata and local breeds could be due to the different farming systems, in addition to the genetic characteristics. The higher quality of colostrum produced by some local goats could be an adaptive characteristic that helps the growth and survival of the kids.

Analysis of inbreeding of the Latvian local goat breed

The objective of this study was to perform an analysis of the pedigree of the Latvian Old-Type Local Goat (LVKVT) breed to estimate the levels of inbreeding and effective population size using pedigree data. The study was based on the pedigree data of 1596 goats that were alive at the time of data selection in 2019. During the last ten years, the average generation interval for male goats was 4.40 ± 0.20 years, for female goats – 4.34 ± 0.16 years. Pedigree information on the LVKVT goats from the 1st to the 6th generation was available from 1989. For animals born in 2006 and later, the completeness of the pedigree for the first generation was from 83.9 % and in 2019 reached 100 %. Starting from 2014, the completeness of the second and third generations of pedigree exceeded 80 %. During the last decade, the average inbreeding level in population varied from 3.05 % in 2012 to 2.30 % in 2019. However, the number of inbred animals in the LVKVT population has increased and in 2019 the number of inbred animals was 109 with an average rate of inbreeding of 5.94 %. The rate of inbreeding is increased and in 2019 was 0.56. The effective population size based on the rate of inbreeding is decreased and 2019 was 89, and it is not below of recommended FAO effective population size – 50 animals. However, the breeding organization of goats must be monitored the effective population size of LVKVT breed every year to provide the development of strategies for breeding programs which would promote preserve genetic diversity.