Male West African Dwarf Goats Research Articles

Correlation coefficient of live weight and body measurements of extensively reared West African Dwarf goats in south west zone of Nigeria

The study was conducted in Ejigbo Local Government Area of Osun State, a derived savanna zone of Nigeria. Body measurements and live weight were assessed in 399 West African Dwarf (WAD) goats 194 bucks and 205 does. The data were segregated based on sex and age groups to obtain detailed information for characterisation goat in the experimental area. Body measurement values increased significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with age in both sexes. Mean body weight ranged from 5.32±0.15 kg to 29.63±1.88 kg in bucks, and 5.75±0.13 kg to 30.29±1.22 kg in does. Live weight was positively and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) related with most body parameters. Body length, heart girth, rump height had highest coefficient of correlation across ages. Phenotypic values were higher in male WAD goats than the female. Conclusively, body weight and linear body measurements are economically important traits in animal genetic resources especially small ruminants like goats. Selection for increase in any of the two phenotypic variables (live weight and linear measurements) will result in an equal increase in the other. Equally, live weights, in the absence of adequate records, can be utilized to predict traits that are correlated with linear measurements.

Evaluation of Combined Effects of Vitamin E and Methylprednisolone in Ischemia and Reperfusion Injury of the Testicle Post Torsion and Detorsion in West African Dwarf Goats

Background: To investigate the protective effects of vitamin E and methylprednisolone on ischemia and reperfusion testicular injury after testicular torsion and detorsion in West African dwarf (WAD) goats. Methods: Thirty-two male WAD goats were randomly allocated into four groups (n=8); group A was treated with vitamin E, group B with methylprednisolone, group C with combo-therapy of vitamin E and methylprednisolone and group D was the control. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), total tissue protein (TTP) and catalase (CAT) were assayed while tissue biopsies were harvested for evaluation of degeneration of germinal cells, desquamation in germinal cells, interstitial edema and haemorrhage. Result: Findings revealed that Vitamin E administered immediately post ligature application significantly (p less than 0.05) decreased MDA level in groups A and C. Vitamin E monotherapy and its combination with methylprednisolone respectively ameliorated more the cellular damage and histological alterations caused by ischaemia and reperfusion injury. This study, therefor, suggests that vitamin E monotherapy and its combination with methylprednisolone is more beneficial in the management of short and long term ischemia/reperfusion injury respectively.

Morphometric characterization and differentiation of West African Dwarf goat populations in Ghana.

A study was carried out to characterize and differentiate four West African Dwarf goat populations on the basis of morphometric traits and also predict their body weights using linear body measurements. A total of 384 goats were sampled from four agro-ecological zones from the middle belt and southern part of Ghana. The morphometric traits examined for phenotypic differentiation using univariate and multivariate analysis were body weight, body length, withers height, chest girth, chest depth, shoulder point width, rump length, rump width, head length, head width, shin circumference, horn length, ear length, tail length, and hair length. Results obtained showed that agro-ecological zone and age significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the performance of most traits. The phenotypic correlations among the traits were low to high (0.06-0.67) indicating linear relationships among these traits which may be caused by both genetic and environmental factors. The regression analysis also revealed that a single trait which may be used to predict the body weight of male West African Dwarf goats of ages 1-4years is chest/heart girth and that of female counterparts is withers height. All the populations were significantly (p < 0.0001) distant (differentiated) from each other, but the largest (4.62) estimated Mahalanobis distance (D2) was between West African Dwarf goat populations in the transitional zone P1 and the rainforest P3 while the least (1.61) was observed between transitional zone P1 and semi-deciduous forest zone P2. The highest similarity between individuals within population was found in the rainforest P3 (79.76%) and the lowest in the transitional zone P1 (47.13%). The three canonical components (Can1, Can2, and Can3) explained the total (100%) between-population variation in morphometric traits. However, in partitioning of the variance, the first two canonical components (Can1 and Can2) accounted for cumulative proportion of 84.35% of between-population variance. In order of importance, tail length, head length, ear length, shin circumference, head width, and shoulder point width were the most discriminating variables responsible for the variations among the four goat populations. In conclusion, morphometric variations exist among West African Dwarf goat populations of Ghana. Yet, further studies on molecular genetic diversity of the populations are recommended to support a sustainable breed improvement strategy. Also, equations have been developed that can be used to reliably predict the body weight of WAD goats and future research should also focus on developing single variable weight estimator measuring tapes based only on either the chest girth, withers height, or body length prediction equations for farmers to use in the absence of weighing scale.

Scrotal Morphometric Properties of Yearling West African Dwarf Goats Fed Cashew Nut Shell Based Diets

Sixteen (16) yearling male West African dwarf goats were allotted into four (4) treatment of four goats each. The goats were fed diets containing varying levels of cashew nutshell 0% (T_{1, control}), 10%(T₂), 15% (T₃) and 20%(T₄) at 150g per goat per day and Guinea grass at 500g per goat per day for sixty three (63) days, to determine the effects of cashew nut shell based diets on the scrotal morphometric characteristics of the Goats. The scrotal morphometric measurements were taken before the commencement of the experiment and again on the last day of the experiment. The daily forage intake, and daily dry matter intake values were both significantly different, the daily supplement intake values were not significantly different. The values for final scrotal length, and circumference, were not significant. The final scrotal circumference (14.40–16-50 cm) showed significant (p<0.05) difference, the values for increase in scrotal length were slightly significant (p<0.05) and did not follow any definite trend, values for scrotal weight ranged from 48.90–66.80g and showed significant (p<0.05) differences with T₂. having the highest the right and left testicular weights were both significantly (P.<0.05) different. It was there for concluded that the diets containing cashew nut shell had better scrotal morphometric values the control, with T₂ (10% cashew nut shell) being the best. The inclusion of cashew nut shell in diets for Goats at 10% level was therefore recommended. Further research using other breeds and classes of goats as well as other species of ruminants were also recommended.

DIAGNOSIS OF ORF IN WEST AFRICAN DWARF GOATS IN UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA.

Background:Sixty (60) male West African Dwarf goats were reported with clinical signs of enlarged lymph nodes, scabs on the mouth, nose and ears. Two of the goats died and post mortem examination reveals enlarged submandibular lymph nodes and vesicular lesions on the tongue. Clinical diagnosis of Orf has been reported in Nigeria but this report is the confirmatory diagnosis of Orf in a suspected outbreak in an experimental farm in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria using molecular techniques.Materials and Methods:Scabs, spleen and lymph node samples from goats suspected to have died from Orf were collected, transported on ice to the laboratory and homogenized. The DNA was extracted using QIAmp DNA minikit (Qiagen) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Orf virus (ORFV) was amplified using published ORFVspecific primers by PCR.Results:Morbidity and mortality were 100% and 3.3% respectively, while ORFV was detected by PCR. Diagnosis of Orf was confirmed based on clinical signs of enlarged lymph nodes, scabs on the mouth, nose and ears, necropsy findings of enlarged submandibular lymph nodes and vesicular lesions on the tongue and PCR results.Conclusion:This may be the first report of molecular diagnosis of Orf in Nigeria. The 100% morbidity and 3.3% mortality rate is higher than previously reported thus Orf is becoming of greater economic importance than previously thought. It is therefore recommended that routine laboratory diagnosis of Orf be carried nationwide to determine the prevalence of Orf in Nigeria.

Interaction between &lt;i&gt;Trypanosoma brucei&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Haemonchus contortus&lt;/i&gt; infection in West African Dwarf Goats

In order to investigate the immunomodulatory influence of concurrent T. brucei and H. contortus infection in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats, 28 infected and 7 uninfected (control) of 8-9 months old male WAD goats were studied. The infected goats were separated into resistant (Class 1) and susceptible (Class 2) Faecal Eggs Count (FEC) phenotypes. They were infected with 3000 infective larvae (L3) of H. contortus and 5 x 10 6 T. brucei . Another group of these phenotypes received only the H. contortus challenge. The responses were measured by parasitological response through FEC and Worm Burden (WB), and by host immune response through IgG levels. Class 2 animals with or without T. brucei infection exhibited non-significant (P > 0.05) higher FEC compared to those of Class 1. Worm burdens were not significantly different between FEC classes but were different (P=0.038) in relation to T. brucei infection. There was an overall increase in worm burdens of T. brucei infected goats, more pronounced in Class 2 than in Class 1. There was a significant upward drift of antibody levels with time across all groups without significant interactions. However, there was a significant effect of FEC Class (P=0.017) and trypanosome infection (P=0.041) with no significant interaction. Animals in Class 1 had generally higher antibody levels than those in Class 2, irrespective of T. brucei infection. Infection status had a highly significant (P=0.0001) effect on IgG. H. contortus only infected goats had the highest antibody levels and trypanosome infection reduced this response, irrespective of FEC phenotype. There was a highly significant (P=0.001) positive correlation (r = +0.719) between FEC and total worm counts. This work showed that the two response phenotypes identified in earlier immunizing infections were still clearly recognizable following homologous challenge and dual infections. This suggests that under field conditions where repeated H. contortus challenge occurs and trypanosomosis is endemic, the phenotypes could remain unchanged. © 2016 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved. Keywords: Haemoparasite, Gastrointestinal parasite, concurrent infection, immune response, domestic animals

Comparative pharmacokinetics of piroxicam in male and female West African Dwarf goats

AbstractPiroxicam is an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic drug. It is presently used for postoperative pain management in ruminants. However, female animals have been reported to be more sensitive to piroxicam. Hence its pharmacokinetic parameters were investigated in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Ten goats divided into two groups, each comprised five females and five males were administered piroxicam at predetermined dose of 5 mg/kg body weight via thigh muscle. The blood samples were collected into EDTA bottles before the treatment and thereafter at 0.08, 0.16, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168, and 192 h for analysis of piroxicam using a spectrophotometric method at 330 nm wavelength. Concentration maximum (Cmax = 543.2 ± 64.4 μg/ml), absorption rate constant (α = 1.2 ± 0.4 h), and elimination rate constant (β = 0.4 ± 0.2 h of the male WAD goats were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in comparison with Cmax (376.9 ± 61.2 μg/ml), α (0.8 ± 0.3 h) and β (0....

Serum luteinising hormone, testosterone and total cholesterol levels, libido and testicular histomorphology of male West African Dwarf goats orally or subcutaneously treated with monosodium l-glutamate

This study investigated the effects of administration of monosodium l-glutamate (MSG) on serum luteinising hormone, testosterone and cholesterol levels, libido and testicular histomorphology of male West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Thirty-two WAD goats (28 males and four females) were used for the study. The 28 males were randomly assigned to seven groups (A, BO, BS, CO, CS, DO and DS) of four goats each. Goats in groups BO, CO, and DO were given MSG orally at doses of 0.25, 0.50 and 1 g/kg body weight respectively for 28 days, while groups BS, CS and DS goats were given MSG subcutaneously at doses of 0.25, 0.50 and 1 g/kg body weight, respectively, for 28 days. Group A goats served as untreated control. The four female goats did not receive MSG, but were used to assess the levels of expression of libido by all the males. Serum luteinising hormone and testosterone were assayed prior to MSG administration (Day 0) and on Days 2, 14 and 28 of MSG administration, while serum cholesterol was assayed on Days 0, 14 and 28 of MSG administration. Libido scores and testicular histomorphology were evaluated on Days 26 and 28 of MSG administration, respectively. Results showed that on Days 14 and 28 of MSG administration the mean serum luteinising hormone, testosterone and cholesterol levels of the treated groups were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those of the control group. The mean libido scores of all the treated groups were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than that of the control. Sections of the testes of the male WAD goats that received varying doses of MSG orally or subcutaneously showed no obvious lesions; the seminiferous tubules and interstices were normal and comparable to those of the untreated control. It was concluded that MSG administration for up to 14 and 28 days led to a significant lowering of serum luteinising hormone, testosterone and cholesterol, as well as libido scores.

Assessment of Common Anaesthetic and Clinical Indices of Multimodal Therapy of Propofol, Xylazine, and Ketamine in Total Intravenous Anaesthesia in West African Dwarf Goat.

The assessment of anaesthetic and clinical indices of multimodal therapy of propofol, xylazine, and ketamine was done in West African Dwarf (WAD) goat. Sixteen healthy male WAD goats were assigned into four treatment groups, namely, control (group A) (ketamine 5 mg/kg + xylazine 0.05 mg/kg), group B (propofol 5 mg/kg + xylazine 0.05 mg/kg), group C (propofol 5 mg/kg + ketamine 5 mg/kg), and group D (propofol 2.5 mg/kg + ketamine 2.5 mg/kg + xylazine 0.05 mg/kg). All drugs were administered intravenously. The multimodal therapy decreased significantly (P < 0.05) the heart rate in groups A, B, and D. Also respiratory rate significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in groups A, B, and D but significantly (P < 0.05) increased at 20 min after induction in group C. However, temperature significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in groups A, B, and C. The induction was good and smooth in groups B and D. Surgical anaesthetic time was longer in groups B and D and shorter in group C. The quality of recovery was good in groups B and D. Side effects such as salivation and apnoea were observed in all groups. In conclusion, the multimodal therapy could be used successfully. However, group D could be the best combination considering the parameters measured.

Haematologic and clinical change assessment in propofol anaesthesia in combination with xylazine and ketamine in West African Dwarf goat

Assessment of propofol (P) anaesthesia at different combinations using xylazine (X) and ketamine (K) was carried out to ascertain their suitability in short-term anaesthesia in West African Dwarf (WAD) goats. Clinically healthy male WAD goats were randomly assigned into four groups treated with different anaesthetic drug combinations using P, K and X. The onset of analgesia was significantly (p < 0.05) faster in the group of goats treated with a combination of PXK. The duration of anaesthesia was significantly (p < 0.05) shorter in goats treated with PK but longer in goats treated with PXK. There was a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in heart rate in goats treated with PX, PK and PXK. There was also a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the respiratory rate in goats treated with KX, PX and PXK. While rectal temperature dropped significantly (p < 0.05) in the group of goats treated with KX and PX. The decrease in the packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, red blood cells and total white blood cells was transient. Most of these values returned to pre-induction level within 24 h post-recovery. It was concluded that propofol anaesthesia in combination with ketamine and xylazine used in this work were seen to be safe and suitable for short-term anaesthesia in WAD goats.

Testicular morphology and antispermatogenic effects of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in male West African Dwarf (WAD) goats

This study investigated the testicular morphology as well as the gonadal and extra-gonadal sperm reserves of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats exposed to graded levels of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Twenty male WAD goats of five goats per group were used for this study. Goats in groups A, B and C received low [75 mg/kg body weight (BW)], medium (100 mg/kg BW) and high (125 mg/kg BW) dose levels of 2,4-D, respectively. The group D goats served as the control. On day 112, goats in the four groups were sacrificed and the testicular and epididymal sperm reserves were determined. Histopathologic changes in the testis of the 2,4-D-exposed and control goats were also assessed. The mean number of spermatozoa in the testes and the various segments of the epididymides decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in all the treatment groups relative to the control. Combined testicular sperm reserve per millilitre for the treatment groups (group A—19.61 ± 2.63 × 108, group B—12.02 ± 1.02 × 108 and group C—9.95 ± 0.97 × 108) reduced significantly (p < 0.05) relative to the mean value (23.52 ± 4.43 × 108) of the control—group D. The total epididymal sperm reserve per millilitre in the treatment groups (group A—24.25 ± 4.19 × 108, group B—17.18 ± 2.57 × 108 and group C—17.88 ± 2.89 × 108) was also found to be significantly (p < 0.05) lower than the mean value (40.85 ± 11.24 × 108) for the control—group D. This reduction in the testicular and epididymal sperm counts of the 2,4-D-exposed WAD goats in this study suggest disruption in spermatogenic activity, which may lead to low productivity. Variable degrees of circulatory disturbances were observed in the testis sections of 2,4-D-exposed goats.

Morphometric changes, biochemical values, and kidney morphology of male West African Dwarf goats exposed to 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D)

This study investigated the morphometric changes, biochemical parameters, and kidney morphology of male West African Dwarf goats exposed to graded levels of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Four groups of five goats were used for this experiment. Goats in three of the groups were exposed to oral administration of 2,4-D as follows: group A, low dose (75 mg/kg body weight); group B, medium dose (100 mg/kg body weight); and group C, high dose (125 mg/kg body weight); every 72 h for a period of 112 days. The group D goats served as the control and received no 2,4-D treatment. Morphometric changes, biochemical parameters, and histomorphological features of the kidney of goats exposed to 2,4-D were compared with control goats. Exposing male goats to 2,4-D treatment led to reduction in mean body weights (p < 0.05), mean blood glucose (p < 0.05), and mean total serum protein (p < 0.05) concentrations. The histomorphology of the kidney sections of the 2,4-D-treated goats was that of subacute to chronic exudative glomerulonephritis; and the severity of lesions increased with higher 2,4-D concentration. It was concluded that exposing male West African Dwarf goats to varied concentrations of 2,4-D herbicide resulted in reduction in weight gain, changes in blood glucose and total serum protein concentrations, as well as glomerular, tubular, and interstitial lesions in the kidney.

Effects of Biuret Supplementation of Low Quality &lt;i&gt;Panicum maximum&lt;/i&gt; Hay Ration on the West African Dwarf Goat

Growth and digestibility trial was carried out to study the effect of varying levels of biuret intake on the feeding value of low quality Panicum maximum hay (5.7%CP, 46.8%CF) in the West African Dwarf (WAD) goat. Sixteen (16) male WAD goats (4-6 months old) with average initial live weight of 8.9±2.64kg were divided into four equal groups in a completely randomized design. Each group was fed Panicum maximum hay ad libitum supplemented with 0, 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0g/goat/day biuret that was carried in 50g ground maize. Dry matter intake was higher (P JARD Vol. 3 2004: pp. 21-26

The Effects of Supplementing Legume Crop Residue with &lt;i&gt;Faidherbia albida&lt;,/i&gt; Pods for Goat Feeding in the North East Nigeria

The effect of Faidherbia albida pods inclusion (groundnut hay and maize offal) on dry matter intake, digestion and live weight change was studied using 12 male West African dwarf goats aged between 15 to 18 months and weighing 29 ± 1kg. The goats were randomly allotted to three treatments with four goats per treatment. The treatments compared were control (To) diet without Faidherbia albida pod, treatment (T1) with 10% Faidherbia albida pods and treatment (T2) which contained 20% Faidherbia albida pods. Dry matter intake, water intake, dry-water digestibility and live weight changes were measured. The dry matter intakes of 1.15, 1.10 and 1.14kg/head/day were recorded for the control, treatment T1 and treatment T2 respectively. The weight gain values of 0.179, 0.180, and 0.97kg/head/day were obtained for treatments To, T1 and T2 respectively. There was significant (P

Nitrogen utilisation and nitrient digestibility of west African dwarf goats fed combinations of dry leaves of &lt;i&gt;Cynodon nlemfuensis, Spondias mombin&lt;/i&gt; or Gmelina arborea&lt;/i&gt; and pap processing waste meal

An experiment to evaluate and compare the nitrogen utilization and nutrient digestibility of goat fed a pasture species ( Cynodon nlemfuensis ) or browse plant leaves ( Spondias mombin or Gmelina arborea ) based diets was conducted with fifteen (15) growing male West African Dwarf goats aged 7 – 7.5 months and weighing between 6.67 – 7.02 Kg. The animals were randomly divided into three groups of approximately equal mean live weight in a completely randomized design and each group was assigned to one of the experimental diets (A, B and C). The cynodon nlemfuensis based diet served as the control (diet A) while Spondias mombin and Gmelina arborea based diets served as dietary treatments B and C respectively. Each animal was later kept in a metabolism cage equipped with feed and water troughs. Feed (0.40 kg/head/day) was offered at 08.00hrs and water provided ad libitum . Faeces and urine were collected during the sixth week of the experiment and analysed chemically. The dry matter intake (40.25 g/day/W 0.75 kg) of goats fed diet C was significantly higher (P 0.75 kg). Animals on diet C recorded the highest Nitrogen intake (4.15 g / head/day) and nitrogen retention (0.44 g /day/W 0.75 kg). Goats on diet C also recorded highest values for the digestibility of DM, CP and OM. Although goats on diet B recorded a higher nitrogen intake (2.90 g/head/day) as against that of diet A (2.27 g/head/day), the least nitrogen retention value (0.12 g/day/W 0.75 kg) was obtained from them. The nitrogen retention value for goats on diet A was 0.17 g/day/W 0.75 kg. The low DM intake and nitrogen retention recorded for goats on diet B was attributed to low palatability / availability of nitrogen due to the presence of high tannin content. Keywords: Cynodon , Spondias , Gmelina , nitrogen utilization, WAD goats, tannin Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and the Social Sciences Vol 3(1) 2005: 89-96

The effect of level of energy intake on rectal temperature and maintenance requirements of West African dwarf goats.

In two separate experiments, the digestible organic matter intake (DOMI) of adult male West African Dwarf goats was measured. Thirteen animals had unrestricted access to feed and 13 others a restricted diet of pelleted lucerne, ranging from 50% up to 140% of maintenance requirements. Four animals received ad libitum grass hay and four others had ad libitum grass straw. Every morning rectal temperature (RT) was measured before feeding. Plotted against DOMI, rectal temperature yielded the following equation as estimated for all animals (s.e.m. in brackets): RT=37.56 (+/- 0.11)+ 0.025( +/- 0.003)*DOMI, n=34, r.s.d.=0.21, R2=0.67. RT was not significantly (P>0.2) influenced by experiment, diet type or system of feeding, but was by the energy intake. The lower RT in animals with low DOMI may be related to a decrease in maintenance requirements of these animals.