Murciano-Granadina Dairy Goats Research Articles

Pseudopregnancy in Murciano-Granadina dairy goats in Iran: prevalence, risk factors and treatment

This study was conducted in a large industrial Murciano-Granadina dairy goat farm, aiming to investigate prevalence, risk factors and cure rate of pseudopregnancy. Bred does (N = 1310) were examined by ultrasonography, around 40 days after exposure to bucks. The relationships between age, parity, milk production, season, and prevalence of pseudopregnancy were analyzed. In the second part of the study, two groups of affected does (n = 12) were treated by two intramuscular injections of cloprostenol sodium (100 µg per animal, i.m.) 11 days apart, or received the same treatment regimen together with procaine penicillin (20000 IU/kg) and dihydrostreptomycin (20 mg/kg) for three consecutive days, from the time of diagnosis. The prevalence of pseudopregnancy was 9%. The average age of the diseased goats was higher (P = 0.05) compared to non-affected does. The prevalence of pseudopregnancy varied between different age groups (P = 0.0003) and parities (P < 0.0001). A different prevalence of pseudopregnancy was found between different milk production groups (P < 0.0001). Comparing milk production between normal and diseased does showed tended significance, (P = 0.07). The prevalence of pseudopregnancy was similar in and out of the breeding season. Moreover, the cure rate in the first and second treatment group was 66.8% (8/12), and 75% (9/12), respectively (P = 0.6). In conclusion, despite higher prevalence of pseudopregnancy in certain ages and milk production groups, no significant trend by increasing age and milk production group was found. Moreover, adding antibiotic to prostaglandin treatment regimen, failed to significantly improve cure rate and post treatment pregnancy rate.Please confirm if the author names are presented accurately and in the correct sequence (given name, middle name/initial, family name). Author 1 Given name: [specify authors given name] Last name [specify authors last name]. Also, kindly confirm the details in the metadata are correct.I solenmnly confirm the authors name are presenented accurately, and in the correct sequence. Author 1:Name : [Maziar] Last name: [Kaveh Baghbadorani] Author 2:Name: [Abdolrahman] Last name [Kazemi Hasanvand]Author 3:Name: [Samad] Last name: [Lotfollahzadeh]Author 4:Name :[Hadi] Last name :[Khabazan]Author 5:Name :[Behnam] Last name [Hajmohammadi]Kerman must be substituted by Ahvaz, in the city of second author's university.

The Effect of the Season on the Time Dependent Changes in Colostrum Lactoferrin Level in Murciano-Granadina Goats in Intensive System Farming.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of postpartum day and parity season on the lactoferrin (LF), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and chemical composition of Murciano-Granadina goat colostrum during the first 96 h after kidding, and the use of the Brix refractometer to estimate IgG content. A herd of 3500 intensively managed Murciano-Granadina dairy goats (45-50 kg body weight) was used. Colostrum samples were collected from days 1 to 4 postpartum in the winter, spring, summer, and autumn. The colostrum composition was assessed using an automated infrared method; the LF and IgG concentrations were measured using an ELISA, and for the Brix percentage, we used a digital refractometer. Colostrum taken on the first postpartum day showed the highest concentrations of LF, IgG, proteins and non-fat solids (NFSs). As the postpartum days progressed, a rapid decrease in the LF, IgG, protein, and NFS contents and the Brix value was observed. In contrast, the lactose content increased steadily until the fourth postpartum day (p < 0.001). The season influenced milk yield, LF, IgG, protein, fat, and somatic cell content (p < 0.05). LF contents were significantly higher in the spring season, IgG contents were higher in autumn colostrum, and fat components were higher in the winter season. The colostrum Brix value showed a positive correlation with the ELISA colostrum LF (r = 0.716, p < 0.001) and IgG (r = 0.894, p < 0.001) determination; a 20 mg IgG/mL colostrum concentration corresponded to 18 °Brix. Our results corroborate the importance of feeding colostrum to newborns on the first day after birth, not only because of its high level of IgG but also because of its greater presence of the other bioactive protein compounds such as lactoferrin.

Obtaining Goats’ Dairy Products Enriched in Healthy Fatty Acids by Valuing Linseed or Hempseed as Dietary Ingredients

The study aimed to assess the effects of including linseeds or hempseeds in the diets of late lactation Murciano-Granadina dairy goats on the nutritional quality of the milk and cheese fat, expressed by the fatty acids profile and the healthy lipid indices. Thirty-six goats were randomly distributed in 3 groups of 12 animals each, according to a 3 × 3 Latin square design, and fed three different diets: group CON (control, with sunflower meal, 11.5% DM basis); group LIN, where sunflower meal was replaced by linseed; and group HMP, where sunflower meal was replaced by hempseeds. The replacement had no effects on the milk yields and the milk protein content as no significant differences were detected among groups. The significant increase of the fat content in the case of the LIN and HMP groups was accompanied by significant decreases in saturated fatty acids concentration and very significant increases in monounsaturated fatty acids. The content of n3 and n6-PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids) increased, mainly due to a 4.1 times higher proportion of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA; C 18:3n-3) in LIN diet milk and a 1.3 times higher proportion of linoleic acid (LA; C 18:2n6c) in HMP diet milk. The conjugated linoleic acid (CLA; isomer c9, t11) was 1.9 times higher for the LIN diet and 5.05 times higher for the HMP diet. Feeding either linseed or hempseeds contributed to the reduction of the atherogenic and thrombogenic indices, increased the hypocholesterolemic: hypercholesterolemic ratio as well as the proportion of other desired fatty acids in the milk fat. The improved nutritional quality of milk, which has potentially far-reaching human health benefits, is maintained in cheese through the increase of the n3 and n6-PUFAs, especially for the LIN diet where the n6/n3 ratio decreased significantly, compared with the CON diet (3.62 vs. 6.88). The CLA concentration was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.001) for the HMP cheese compared with the CON diet (1.89% vs. 0.78%). These effects highlight the opportunity of obtaining dairy products with improved nutritional quality using local feed resources.

Long-Term Feeding of Dairy Goats with 40% Artichoke by-Product Silage Preserves Milk Yield, Nutritional Composition and Animal Health Status.

The aim of this work is to study the effect of 40% inclusion of artichoke by-product silage (AB) in dairy goat diets on milk yield, composition and animal health status during a full lactation period compared to an isoenergetic and isoproteic mixed ration based on alfalfa hay and a cereal and legume mixture. Milk yield was not affected by the dietary treatments, and neither was body weight. AB treatment reduced whey protein (0.38 vs. 0.42%, p < 0.05) and milk urea concentrations (687 vs. 773 mg/L, respectively, p < 0.001), and did not affect total true protein (3.22 vs. 3.24% p > 0.05) or other macro-composition variables. AB treatment showed higher milk concentrations of Ca (p < 0.05), Mn (p < 0.01), Cu (p < 0.01) and Zn (p < 0.001) compared to the control group (C). Slight differences were observed in milk fatty acid profile without any negative effects (p > 0.05) on the blood cholesterol and glucose of goats. The AB group reduced blood urea due to its high dietary total phenol content. However, it had a positive effect on β-hydroxybutyrate (p < 0.05) and nonesterified fatty acids (p > 0.05). It was concluded that 40% artichoke by-product inclusion in dairy goat feed for the whole lactation period (23 weeks) is a sustainable solution, reducing feeding cost by 12.5% per kg of dry matter, contributing to a better circular economy without any negative repercussions on the productivity and health of Murciano-Granadina dairy goats.

Fertility prediction in dairy goats from Murciano-Granadina breed: The role of sperm evaluation and female traits

Fertility is one of the most economically important traits in farm animals, due to the direct and indirect costs associated to low pregnancy rates. Thus, one of the priority goals in animal reproduction is to predict the performance that the semen doses will have in vivo based on the quality values obtained in laboratory assays. Attempts have been made for getting a predictive model of fertility of frozen-thawed sperm in dairy goats, but similar studies have not been conducted for chilled goat buck sperm doses that are mostly used for artificial insemination in many countries including Spain. We study how parameters of in vitro sperm quality and characteristics of Murciano-Granadina dairy goats may affect the in vivo fertility obtained after artificial insemination with semen doses chilled at 4 °C. Moreover, this information was used for obtaining predictive models of the fertility. Sixty-three ejaculates from 13 males were used to prepare chilled doses for the insemination of 495 goats over 13 sessions. Fresh and chilled sperm were evaluated for motility and plasma membrane integrity with a computer-assisted sperm analysis system and flow cytometry, respectively. Fertility was determined at parturition, according to the kidding goats. Overall fertility was 59.6%. Pearson’s correlation coefficients between in vivo fertility and quality variables of fresh sperm were not significant and were low (below 0.34 in absolute value) for chilled sperm. Females’ characteristics had a low negative impact on fertility (correlation coefficients of −0.19 with age, −0.20 with parturitions and −0.11 with total milk yield obtained in the best lactation). Fixed and mixed logistic regression procedures were used trying to explain the fertility results. None of the models accurately predicted fertility, but the best models included the percentage of total motile sperm or average path velocity from fresh semen, age of the females and the session effect (uncontrolled environmental effects). These analyses showed that primiparous goats were 2.42 times more likely to get pregnant than goats that had kidded four or more times. Our field assay data on fertility in Murciano-Granadina dairy goats highlighted the importance of making quality controls of sperm, of choosing the doses presenting high percentages of motile sperm exhibiting regular trajectories and of selecting the youngest goats for AI, after their first kidding. Efforts should continue to obtain better predictive models for improving fertility in goat dairy herds.

Feeding mango wastes to dairy goats: Effects on diet digestibility, ruminal fermentation, and milk yield and composition

The aim of this study was to assess the potential of mango wastes (0.65:0.35 pulp:peels mixture, PP) preserved in multinutrient blocks (MMB) for goats feeding that replaced part of a commercial concentrate for dairy goats, and contained 0.29 of the mango PP. The multinutrient blocks were formulated to have similar protein content than the concentrate. In addition, soybean meal was totally replaced with sunflower meal. Two diets composed of 0.4 of alfalfa hay and either 0.6 of a commercial concentrate (control diet) or 0.4 of concentrate and 0.2 of MMB (MAN diet) were fed to two homogeneous groups of Murciano-Granadina dairy goats of 8 animals each. Feed intake, diet digestibility, milk yield, composition and fatty acid (FA) profile, ruminal fermentation parameters, and urinary excretion of purine derivatives were measured. The daily intake of MMB averaged 83.9 g dry matter (DM) per goat and was accompanied by an average daily decrease of 71.0 g in concentrate intake (P = 0.324) and 41.0 g of increase in alfalfa hay intake. However, there were no differences between groups (P ≥ 0.253) in the intake of total DM, nitrogen and gross energy. Similarly, nutrient digestibility, utilization of both nitrogen (N) and energy, and urinary excretion of purine derivatives were similar (P ≥ 0.103) for both diets. Partial replacement of concentrate with MMB did not affect (P ≥ 0.358) milk yield and composition, but the milk from MAN-fed goats had greater (P = 0.038) saturated FA and lower (P = 0.047) polyunsaturated FA proportions than the milk from goats fed the control diet. Feeding the MAN diet also resulted in greater (P = 0.003) proportions of milk FA with less than 16 carbons and lower (P = 0.009) proportions of FA with more than 16 carbons compared with feeding the control diet. Similar values (P ≥ 0.213) of ruminal pH and concentrations of NH3-N and total volatile fatty acids were registered in both groups of animals, but goats fed the MAN diet had lower (P = 0.003) acetate and greater (P = 0.029) propionate proportions than those fed the control diet. Under the circumstances of the present study, the profit of milk production (€/d) tended (P = 0.056) to be greater for the MAN diet compared with the control diet. Although multinutrient blocks seem to be a feasible option to preserve mango wastes, more studies are needed to increase the intake of MMB by goats.

Metabolic and behavior responses of lactating goats under heat stress

Heat stress (HS) negatively affects animal performance, but little is known about energetic metabolism and behavior changes in dairy goats under HS conditions. Eight multiparous Murciano-Granadina dairy goats (43.3 ± 1.6 kg BW; 2 ± 0.04 L milk/d; 81 ± 3 days of lactation) were kept in metabolism cages and randomly assigned to two treatments varying in the temperature humidity index (THI). The design was crossover (two 28-d periods), and treatments were: 1) thermal neutral (TN; 15–20C, 40–45% humidity, THI = 59–65), and 2) heat stress (HS, 12 h/d at 37°C and 40%, and 12 h/d at 30°C and 40%, THI = 86 and 77, respectively). Jugular silicon catheters were fitted, and glucose tolerance test (0.25 g/kg BW), insulin tolerance test (4.6 μg/kg BW) and epinephrine challenge (2 μg/kg BW) were conducted. Before and after each metabolite administration, blood samples were collected for the analysis of insulin, glucose, and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA). Also, behavior variables (position changes, duration of remaining standing, as well as eating and drinking bouts and duration) were observed at day 3 of each period by video cameras. Heat stress reduced (P < 0.01) feed intake (−29%), milk yield (−10%), milk fat (–12%), milk protein (–14%), and milk casein (–13%). Goats in both groups had similar blood NEFA after insulin administration, but NEFA values were greater (P < 0.05) in TN than HS goats after epinephrine infusion. The HS goats secreted lower (P < 0.05) amounts of insulin than TN goats in response to the glucose tolerance test. Additionally, TN and HS goats had similar number of eating bouts, but the duration of each bout was shorter in HS than in TN. Also, HS had greater number of drinking bouts with no differences in drinking bout durations between groups. In conclusion, body lipid tissue of HS goats became more resistant to lipolysis, making them unable to mobilize body fat reserves despite the negative energy balance. In addition, the reduction in feed intake by HS was because of the shorter time of eating bouts, whereas the greater water consumption was related to the increase in drinking bouts.

Effect of the Short-Term Incorporation of Different Proportions of Ensiled Artichoke By-Product on Milk Parameters and Health Status of Dairy Goats

The use of local agricultural by-products for animal feed is an alternative that reduces livestock production costs and allows food production of greater environmental sustainability. The aim of this experiment was to study the effect of the inclusion in the dairy goat ration of artichoke by-product silage (ABS) at three levels (25%, 40% and 60%, on a dry matter basis) on the milk yield, composition and quality, and on the metabolic profile of dairy goats. Thirty-six Murciano-Granadina dairy goats in mid-lactation were divided into four groups with homogeneous characteristics. Each group was assigned a diet: a control treatment (C) that consisted of a conventional diet of alfalfa hay and concentrate, and three other treatments that included 25, 40 and 60% ABS: ABS25, ABS40 and ABS60. Small differences were observed in the milk yield and quality and the health status of the animals. Only ABS60 presented a slightly lower milk yield (−20% compared to control group), without relevant differences in the milk composition and mineral profile. Regarding the lipid profile, ABS40 was the treatment with the best milk quality, due to a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (4.37%) and lower atherogenicity (1.90) and thrombogenicity indices (3.05), without differences from C. It was concluded that the maximum inclusion level of ABS in dairy goats’ diet should be equal to 40%.

Changes in nutrient balance, methane emissions, physiologic biomarkers, and production performance in goats fed different forage-to-concentrate ratios during lactation.

The objective was to determine the effect forage-to-concentrate (F:C) ratio and stage of lactation on methane emissions, digestibility, nutrient balance, lactation performance, and metabolic responses in lactating goats. Twenty Murciano-Granadina dairy goats were used in an experiment divided into 3 periods: early (30 d), mid (100 d), and late (170 d) lactation. All goats were fed a diet with 35:65 F:C (FCL) during early-lactation. Then, 1 group (n = 10 goats) remained on FCL through mid- and late-lactation while the other group (n = 10 goats) was fed a diet with 50:50 F:C at mid-lactation (FCM) and 65:35 (FCH) at late lactation. A greater proportion of concentrate in the diet was associated with greater overall intake and digestibility (P < 0.05). Energy balance was negative in early-lactation (-77 kJ/kg of BW0.75, on average) and positive for FCL at mid- and late-lactation (13 and 35 kJ/kg of BW0.75, respectively). Goats fed FCM and FCH maintained negative energy balance throughout lactation. Plasma concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids at mid-lactation were greater for FCM than FCL (680 mEq/L), and at late-lactation concentrations were greater for FCH and FCL (856 mEq/L). A similar response was detected for plasma β-hydroxybutyrate. Methane emission was greater (P < 0.05) for FCM than FCH (1.7 g CH4/d). This study demonstrated that differences in F:C across stages of lactation lead to distinct metabolic responses at the level of the rumen and tissues.

Effect of Soybean Oil Supplementation on Milk Production, Digestibility, and Metabolism in Dairy Goats under Thermoneutral and Heat Stress Conditions.

Simple SummaryHeat stress (HS) not only reduces milk yield but also depresses its contents of fat and protein, which might negatively impact cheese making. Dietary supplementation with soybean oil (SBO) could increase milk fat and improve milk fatty acid (FA) profiles in dairy goats. In the present study dairy goats were exposed to thermoneutral (TN; 15 to 20 °C) or HS (12 h/d at 37 °C and 12 h/d at 30 °C) conditions. In each ambient temperature, goats were fed a control diet (CON) or the same diet supplemented with SBO. Goats in HS suffered depressed feed intake and milk production, but they had greater digestibility coefficients compared to TN goats. Regardless of the HS treatment, goats supplemented with SBO produced milk with greater contents of fat, monounsaturated FA, and conjugated linoleic acid, without any negative effects on milk protein content. In conclusion, dietary supplementation with soybean oil was a useful strategy to increase milk fat and improve its fatty acid profile. Both TN and HS goats responded to soybean oil supplementation similarly since the interaction between soybean oil supplementation and temperature treatment was not significant.In a previous work, we observed that heat-stressed goats suffer reductions in milk yield and its contents of fat and protein. Supplementation with soybean oil (SBO) may be a useful strategy to enhance milk quality. In total, eight multiparous Murciano–Granadina dairy goats (42.8 ± 1.3 kg body weight; 99 ± 1 days of lactation) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design with four periods; 21 d each (14 d adaptation, 5 d for measurements and 2 d transition between periods). Goats were allocated to one of four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Factors were no oil (CON) or 4% of soybean oil (SBO), and controlled thermal neutral (TN; 15 to 20 °C) or heat stress (HS; 12 h/d at 37 °C and 12 h/d at 30 °C) conditions. This resulted in four treatment combinations: TN-CON, TN-SBO, HS-CON, and HS-SBO. Compared to TN, HS goats experienced lower (p < 0.05) feed intake, body weight, N retention, milk yield, and milk protein and lactose contents. However, goats in HS conditions had greater (p < 0.05) digestibility coefficients (+5.1, +5.2, +4.6, +7.0, and +8.9 points for dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber, respectively) than TN goats. The response to SBO had the same magnitude in TN and HS conditions. Supplementation with SBO had no effects on feed intake, milk yield, or milk protein content. However, SBO supplementation increased (p < 0.05) blood non-esterified fatty acids by 50%, milk fat by 29%, and conjugated linoleic acid by 360%. In conclusion, feeding 4% SBO to dairy goats was a useful strategy to increase milk fat and conjugated linoleic acid without any negative effects on intake, milk yield, or milk protein content. These beneficial effects were obtained regardless goats were in TN or HS conditions.

Effects of Cold Exposure on Some Physiological, Productive, and Metabolic Variables in Lactating Dairy Goats.

Simple SummaryIn the current study the impact of cold temperatures (CT; −3 to 6 °C) on milk production and metabolism was evaluated in dairy goats. Compared to goats in thermoneutral conditions (TN; 15 to 20 °C), CT goats produced lower amounts of milk, but their milk contained more fat and protein. Consequently, the yield of energy-corrected milk did not vary between TN and CT goats. Additionally, feed intake did not vary between treatments. The CT goats mobilized body fat reserves to spare glucose and cover the increased needs for heat production under low temperatures. In conclusion, CT goats produced lower milk yield, but their milk contained greater fat and protein compared to TN goats. Furthermore, cold temperatures induced metabolic changes that included body fat mobilization without changes in blood insulin values.Low winter temperatures in some regions have a negative impact on animal performance, behavior, and welfare. The objective of this study was to evaluate some physiological, metabolic, and lactational responses of dairy goats exposed to cold temperatures for 3 weeks. Eight Murciano-Granadina dairy goats (41.8 kg body weight, 70 days in milk, and 2.13 kg/day milk) were used from mid-January to mid-March. Goats were divided into 2 balanced groups and used in a crossover design with 2 treatments in 2 periods (21 days each, 14 days adaptation and 7 days for measurements). After the first period, goats were switched to the opposite treatment. The treatments included 2 different controlled climatic conditions with different temperature-humidity index (THI) values. The treatments were: thermoneutral conditions (TN; 15 to 20 °C, 45% humidity, THI = 58 to 65), and cold temperature (CT; −3 to 6 °C, 63% humidity, THI = 33 to 46). Goats were fed ad libitum a total mixed ration (70% forage and 30% concentrate) and water was freely available. Goats were milked at 0800 and 1700 h. Dry matter intake, water consumption, rectal temperature, and respiratory rate were recorded daily (days 15 to 21). Body weight was recorded at the start and end of each period. Milk samples for composition were collected on 2 consecutive days (days 20 and 21). Insulin, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured in blood on d 21. Compared to TN goats, CT goats had similar feed intake, but lower water consumption (−22 ± 3%), respiratory rate (−5 ± 0.8 breaths/min), and rectal temperature (−0.71 ± 0.26 °C). Milk yield decreased by 13 ± 3% in CT goats, but their milk contained more fat (+13 ± 4%) and protein (+14 ± 5%), and consequently the energy-corrected milk did not vary between TN and CT goats. The CT goats lost 0.64 kg of body weight, whereas TN goats gained 2.54 kg in 21 days. Blood insulin and cholesterol levels were not affected by CT. However, values of blood glucose, NEFA, hematocrit, and hemoglobin increased or tended to increase by CT, whereas BHB and triglycerides decreased. Overall, CT goats produced less but concentrated milk compared to TN goats. Despite similar feed intake and blood insulin levels CT goats had increased blood glucose and NEFA levels. The tendency of increased blood NEFA indicates that CT goats mobilized body fat reserves to cover the extra energy needed for heat production under cold conditions.

Optimization and Validation of a Linear Appraisal Scoring System for Milk Production-Linked Zoometric Traits in Murciano-Granadina Dairy Goats and Bucks

Implementing linear appraisal systems (LAS) may reduce time, personnel and resource costs when performing large-scale zoometric collection. However, optimizing complex zoometric variable panels and validating the resulting reduced outputs may still be necessary. The lack of cross-validation may result in the loss of accuracy and value of the practices implemented. Special attention should be paid when zoometric panels are connected to economically-relevant traits such as dairy performance. This methodological proposal aims to optimize and validate LAS in opposition to the traditional measuring protocols routinely implemented in Murciano-Granadina goats. The sample comprises 41,323 LAS and traditional measuring records from 22,727 herdbook-registered primipara does, 17,111 multipara does and 1485 bucks. Each record includes information on 17 linear traits for primipara/multipara does and 10 traits for bucks. All zoometric parameters are scored on a nine-point scale. Cronbach’s alpha values suggest a high internal consistency of the optimized variable panels. Model fit, variability explanation power and predictive power (mean square error (MSE), Akaike (AIC)/corrected Akaike (AICc) and Bayesian information criteria (BIC), respectively) suggest the model comprising zoometric LAS scores performs better than traditional zoometry. Optimized reduced models are able to capture variability for dairy-related zoometric traits without noticeable detrimental effects on model validity properties.

Inclusion of lemon leaves and rice straw into compound feed and its effect on nutrient balance, milk yield, and methane emissions in dairy goats

The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of incorporating lemon leaves and rice straw into the compound feed of diets for dairy goats. Ten Murciano-Granadina dairy goats (n = 5 per group) in mid-lactation were used in a crossover design experiment (2 treatments across 2 periods). Goats were fed a mixed ration with barley grain (control, CON) or CON plus lemon leaves [189 g/kg of dry matter (DM)] and rice straw (120 g/kg of DM) in place of barley grain (LRS). Soybean oil (19 g/kg of DM) was added to the LRS diet to make it isoenergetic (17 MJ of gross energy/kg of DM) relative to CON. After 14 d on their respective treatments, goats were allocated to individual metabolism cages for another 7 d. Subsequently, feed intake, total fecal and urine output, and milk yield were recorded daily over the first 5 d. During the last 2 d, ruminal fluid and blood samples were collected, along with individual gas exchange measurements recorded by a mobile open-circuit indirect calorimetry system using a head box. No differences in DM intake were detected, and ME intake in LRS was lower than in CON (1,095 vs. 1,180 kJ/kg of metabolic body weight). No differences were observed in milk production, but milk fat content was greater in LRS (6.4%) than in CON (5.6%). Greater concentrations of monounsaturated (14.94 vs. 11.96 g/100 g of milk fat) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (4.53 vs. 4.03 g/100 g of milk fat) were detected in the milk of goats fed LRS compared with CON. Atherogenicity (2.68 vs.1.91) and thrombogenic (4.58 vs. 2.81) indices were lower with LRS compared with CON. Enteric CH4 emission was lower in LRS (24.3 g/d) compared with CON (31.1 g/d), probably due to the greater lipid content and unsaturated fatty acid profile of lemon leaves and the soybean oil added in the LRS diet. Overall, data suggest that incorporating lemon leaves and rice straw into lactating goat diets is effective in reducing CH4 emissions while allowing improvements in milk fat production and milk thrombogenic index without affecting production performance. Thus, their inclusion in compound feeds fed to small ruminants appears warranted and would have multiple positive effects, as on efficiency of nutrient use, human health, and the environment.

Prenatal heat stress effects on gestation and postnatal behavior in kid goats.

Consequences of heat stress during pregnancy can affect the normal development of the offspring. In the present experiment, 30 Murciano-Granadina dairy goats (41.8 ± 5.7 kg) were exposed to 2 thermal environments varying in temperature-humidity index (THI) from 12 days before mating to 45 days of gestation. The environmental conditions were: gestation under thermal-neutral (TN; THI = 71 ± 3); and gestation under heat stress (HS; THI = 85 ± 3) conditions. At 27 ± 4 days old, female kids exposed to in utero TN (IUTN; n = 16) or in utero HS (IUHS; n = 10) were subjected to 2 tests: arena test (AT) and novel object test (NOT), the latter was repeated at 3 months of age. Additionally, 8 months after birth, a subset of IUTH and IUHS growing goats (n = 8 each; 16.8 ± 3.4 kg BW) were exposed to 2 environmental conditions in 2 consecutive periods: a basal thermal-neutral period (THI = 72 ± 3) for 7 days, and a heat-stress period (THI = 87 ± 2) for 21 days. In both periods, feeding, resting, posture, and thermally-associated behaviors were recorded. The gestation length was shortened by 3 days in GHS goats. In the AT, IUHS kids showed a lower number of sniffs (P < 0.01) compared to IUTN. In the NOT, IUHS kids also tended to show a lower number of sniffs (P = 0.09). During heat exposure, IUTN and IUHS growing goats spent more time resting and exhibited more heat-stress related behaviors such as panting and drinking (P < 0.001); however, no differences were observed between both groups. In conclusion, heat stress during the first third of pregnancy shortened gestation length and influenced the exploratory behavior of the kids in the early life. However, behavior responses to heat stress during the adulthood were not affected by the in utero thermal treatment.

Effects of Feeding Multinutrient Blocks Including Avocado Pulp and Peels to Dairy Goats on Feed Intake and Milk Yield and Composition.

Simple SummaryThe high and volatile prices of conventional ingredients for animal feeding has directed the attention of ruminant nutritionists toward local alternative resources such as agroindustrial by-products and fruits wastes. The inclusion of these resources in the diet might contribute to reducing feeding costs and environmental issues associated with both livestock production and by-products and wastes accumulation might be prevented. The global production and consumption of avocado have risen sharply in recent years, partly due to the recognition of its health-promoting potential in humans. The increased consumption of avocado and its derivatives is producing great amounts of wastes and by-products that might be reutilized in ruminant feeding. Our hypothesis was that avocado wastes (a mixture of pulp and peels) could be included in multinutrient blocks for dairy goats and improve the quality of the milk fatty acid profile without negatively affecting milk yield. However, the intake of multinutrient blocks containing 14.8% avocado wastes was low probably due to avocado lipids oxidation and rancidity. No changes were observed in milk production, but feeding blocks with avocado wastes increased milk fat content with only subtle changes in the fatty acid profile of fat milk.Twelve Murciano-Granadina dairy goats were divided into two homogeneous groups, which were fed either a control diet composed of 40% alfalfa hay and 60% concentrate or a diet based on 40% alfalfa hay, 40% concentrate and 20% multinutrient blocks, including 14.8% avocado pulp and peels (APP). Total dry matter (DM) intake was similar (p = 0.709) for both diets, but APP-fed goats had lower (p = 0.024) concentrate intake and tended (p = 0.063) to have lower fat intake compared with those fed the control diet. The average intake of blocks was low (66.4 g DM/d), which was attributed to avocado lipids oxidation and rancidity. Neither milk yield (p = 0,921) nor the efficiency of energy and nitrogen use were affected (p = 0.909 and 0. 840, respectively) by the diet, but milk fat tended to be greater (p = 0.057) in the APP-fed goats compared with the animals fed the control diet. Other milk components were similar (p ≥ 0.110) for both diets, and only subtle changes in the milk fatty acid profile were observed. In summary, the intake of blocks containing avocado wastes by dairy goats was low probably due to avocado lipids oxidation causing off-flavors and reduced palatability.

Lactational Responses of Heat-Stressed Dairy Goats to Dietary L-Carnitine Supplementation.

Simple SummaryEndogenous carnitine synthesis is reduced by heat stress, and we hypothesized that carnitine supplementation would improve lipid metabolism and performance of dairy goats when exposed to high ambient temperature. In the current study, goats were exposed to thermal-neutral (15 to 20 °C) or heat stress (28 to 35 °C) conditions. In each environmental condition, goats were supplemented or not with rumen-protected carnitine in their diets. Goats exposed to heat stress experienced high body temperatures and respiratory rates, and reduced feed intake and milk production. Carnitine supplementation was transferred efficiently to blood, but had no effect on physiological or productive parameters in goats. We conclude that extra carnitine has no beneficial effects on goats’ performance and is not needed in thermal-neutral or heat stress conditions. Heat stress causes significant losses in milk production, and nutritional strategies are needed to alleviate its effects. Endogenous carnitine synthesis is also reduced by heat stress (HS). Carnitine plays a central role in fatty acid oxidation and buffers the toxic effects of acyl groups. We hypothesized that carnitine supplementation would make up for any carnitine deficiencies during HS and improve lipid metabolism. The objective was to evaluate rumen-protected L-carnitine (CAR) supplementation in dairy goats under thermo-neutral (TN) or HS conditions. Four Murciano-Granadina dairy goats were used in a four × four Latin square design. Goats were allocated to one of four treatments in a two × two factorial arrangement. Factors were 1) diet: control (CON) or supplementation with CAR (1 g/d); and 2) ambient conditions: TN (15 to 20 °C) or HS (0900 to 2100 h at 35 °C, 2100 to 0900 h at 28 °C). Blood free-, acetyl-, and total-carnitine concentrations increased almost three times by supplementation. Despite this efficient absorption, CAR had no effect on feed intake, milk production or blood metabolites in TN or HS conditions. Heat stress increased rectal temperature and respiratory rate. Additionally, HS goats experienced 26% loss in feed intake, but they tended to eat longer particle sizes. Compared to TN, heat-stressed goats lost more subcutaneous fat (difference in fat thickness measured before and after each period = −0.72 vs. +0.64 mm). In conclusion, supplemented L-carnitine was efficiently absorbed, but it had no lactational effects on performance of goats under thermo-neutral or heat stress conditions.

Use of orange leaves as a replacement for alfalfa in energy and nitrogen partitioning, methane emissions and milk performance of murciano-granadina goats

The objective of this experiment was to study the effects of substituting alfalfa with orange leaves on energy, nitrogen and carbon balance, methane emission, and milk performance in dairy goats. Ten Murciano-Granadina dairy goats in mid lactation (43.5 ± 3.59 kg of body weight [BW]) were selected in a crossover design experiment, where each goat received two treatments in 2 periods. One group of five goats was fed a mixed ration with 450 g of pelleted alfalfa and 550 g of pelleted concentrate/kg of dry matter (ALF diet), and the other diet replaced alfalfa with orange leaves (ORG diet). Inclusion of ORG than ALF diet reduced (P = 0.041) dry matter intake. The metabolizable energy intake was identical between treatments (901 kJ/kg of BW0.75, on average) and, the efficiency of metabolizable energy for milk production was 0.73. Retention of energy was lower (P = 0.001) in ORG diet than ALF diet. Carbon and nitrogen intake (P = 0.022 and P = 0.004, respectively) was greater for diet ALF than ORG, with no differences in milk carbon and nitrogen. The ORG diet reduced (P = 0.037) milk fat 3 g/kg, and CH4 (P = 0.001) 6 g/d. One of the milk fatty acids positively correlated with CH4 production was C16:0; it was greater (P < 0.05) in ALF than ORG diet. When CH4 was expressed over OM digestibility and milk basis, differences were preserved. Results suggest that orange leaves are effective in reducing CH4 emission without detrimental effect on nutrients balance and milk yield.

Effects of chronic heat stress on lactational performance and the transcriptomic profile of blood cells in lactating dairy goats.

High temperature is a major stress that negatively affects welfare, health, and productivity of dairy animals. Heat-stressed animals are more prone to disease, suggesting that their immunity is hindered. Although productive and physiologic responses of dairy animals to heat stress are well known, there is still limited information on the response at the transcriptome level. Our objective was to evaluate the changes in performance and blood transcriptomics of dairy goats under heat stress. Eight multiparous Murciano-Granadina dairy goats in mid-lactation were assigned to 1 of 2 climatic treatments for 35 d. Treatments and temperature-humidity index (THI) were: (1) thermal neutral (TN: n = 4; 15-20 °C, 40-45%, THI = 59-65), and (2) heat stress (HS: n = 4; 12 h at 37 °C-40%, THI = 86; 12 h at 30 °C-40%, THI = 77). Rectal temperature, respiratory rate, feed intake and milk yield were recorded daily. Additionally, milk composition was evaluated weekly. Blood samples were collected at d 35 and RNA was extracted for microarray analyses (Affymetrix GeneChip Bovine Genome Array). Differences in rectal temperature and respiratory rate between HS and TN goats were maximal during the first 3 d of the experiment, reduced thereafter, but remained significant throughout the 35-d experimental period. Heat stress reduced feed intake, milk yield, milk protein and milk fat contents by 29, 8, 12, and 13%, respectively. Microarray analysis of blood revealed that 55 genes were up-regulated, whereas 88 were down-regulated by HS. Bioinformatics analysis using the Dynamic Impact Approach revealed that 31 biological pathways were impacted by HS. Pathways associated with leukocyte transendothelial migration, cell adhesion, hematopoietic cell lineage, calcium signaling, and PPAR signaling were negatively impacted by HS, whereas nucleotide metabolism was activated. In conclusion, heat stress not only negatively affected milk production in dairy goats, but also resulted in alterations in the functionality of immune cells, which would make the immune system of heat-stressed goats less capable of fending-off diseases.

Effect of lemon leaves on energy and C-N balances, methane emission, and milk performance in Murciano-Granadina dairy goats.

The objective of this experiment was to find out the effect of lemon leaves on energy and C-N balances, methane emission, and milk performance in dairy goats. Lemon leaves were used to replace alfalfa as forage in a diet for Murciano-Granadina goats. Ten Murciano-Granadina dairy goats (44.1 ± 4.47 kg of BW) in late lactation (185 ± 7.2 d) were selected in a crossover design experiment, where each goat received 2 treatments in 2 periods. One group was fed a mixed ration with 450 g of pelleted alfalfa per kilogram of DM (ALF diet) and, the other group replaced alfalfa with 450 g of pelleted lemon leaves per kilogram DM (LEM diet). The concentrate was pelleted, being the same for the two groups (forage to concentrate ratio was 45/55). The goats were allocated to individual metabolism cages. After 14 d of adaptation, feed intake, total fecal and urine output, and milk yield were recorded daily over a 5-d period. Then, gas exchange measurements were recorded individually by an open-circuit indirect calorimetry system using a head box. Higher dietary lipids in LEM diet reduced DMI (200 g/d) and energy intake (251 kJ/kg of BW0.75), although no differences between treatments were observed for ME intake (998 kJ/kg of BW0.75, on average) and oxidation of nutrients (64% and 25% for carbohydrates and fat oxidation, respectively, on heat production from oxidation basis). Greater (P < 0.05) milk fat values for C18:2n6t and CLA 9c11t + 9t11c were found in LEM compared with ALF diet. Goats fed LEM diet produced significantly fewer CH4 emissions than ALF diet (18%). Likewise, the use of lemon leaves as forage reduced the amount of CH4 in 2.7 g/kg of milk. Results suggest that lemon leaves are effective in reducing CH4 emission without detrimental effect on milk yield.

Parasite prevalence in Mycobacterium spp. infected dairy goats in the region of Murcia (south-east Spain).

Eighty-four Murciano-Granadina dairy goats slaughtered in the region of Murcia (South-East Spain) were necropsied to evaluate parasitic infections. The majority of the animals (94.0%) were parasitised and multiple infections were present. Twenty-one parasite species were found, including 18 nematode species (Muellerius capillaris, Dictyocaulus filaria, Neostrongylus linearis, Cystocaulus ocreatus, Teladorsagia circumcincta, T. occidentalis, T. trifurcata, Marshallagia marshalli, Camelostrongylus mentulatus, Trichostrongylus capricola, Nematodirus abnormalis, N. filicollis, N. spathiger, T. vitrinus, T. colubriformis, Trichuris spp., Chabertia ovina and Skrjabinema ovis); one trematode species (Dicrocoelium dendriticum); one arthropod species (Oestrus ovis); and one protozoa genus (Eimeria spp.). Additionally, 17.85% of the animals were Mycobacterium spp. positive. Therefore, comparison between parasite prevalence, intensity and abundance in tuberculosis-positive and -negative animals was performed. Statistically significant differences between the prevalence of lungworms and gastrointestinal nematodes in Mycobacterium spp. infected and free goats were found. The paper discusses this co-infection between Mycobacteriaceae and endoparasites.