Native Goats Research Articles

The Effect of Slaughter Age on Meat Quality of Male Kids of the Polish Carpathian Native Goat Breed.

Simple SummaryThe study aimed to compare the carcass measurements and the quality and composition of meat from male kids of the Polish Carpathian native goat breed slaughtered at the ages of 9 and 12 months. A dressing percentage was higher in older kids than in younger ones, as well as final weight and cold carcass weight. The weight of valuable cuts differed between groups, and it was significantly higher in 1-year-old kids. No differences were found in basic ingredients, such as moisture, protein, ash and vitamins A and E, depending on the kids’ slaughter age. Significant differences occurred in relation to the physicochemical parameters, fatty acid profile and organoleptic properties. Roasted meat from the Carpathian kids scored high marks in the organoleptic assessment and the meat obtained from older animals was rated higher.The native breed of Carpathian goats, once abundant in the foothills of Poland, practically died out and was replaced by other, more efficient breeds. As a result of reintroduction activities and its inclusion in the genetic resources program, breeding was restored. The dynamically developing population of Carpathian goats is an extremely valuable element of biodiversity and a potential for the development of the market for its products, including goat meat. The study aimed to compare the carcass measurements and the quality and composition of meat from male kids of the Polish Carpathian native goat breed slaughtered at the ages of 9 and 12 months. Muscle samples were taken from the leg (m. biceps femoris) to determine the meat chemical composition and physicochemical and sensory parameters, as well as the fatty acid profile. The dressing percentage was higher in older kids (41.27%) than in younger ones (37.89%), as well as final weight and cold carcass weight. The weight of valuable cuts such as the loin and leg differed between groups, and it was significantly higher in 1-year-old kids. No differences were found in basic ingredients, such as moisture, protein, ash and vitamins A and E, depending on the kids’ slaughter age. The fat concentration was significantly higher in the group of younger kids. Significant differences occurred in relation to the physicochemical parameters, fatty acid profile and organoleptic properties. The findings demonstrated that the meat of older kids was characterised by darker colour and a slightly higher pH, and it contained a higher concentration of hypocholesterolemic fatty acids (DFA) and a more favourable DFA/OFA ratio. Roasted meat from the Carpathian kids scored high marks in the organoleptic assessment and the meat obtained from older animals was rated higher.

Surface texture analysis of different focal knee resurfacing implants after 6 and 12 months in vivo in a goat model.

The clinical success of osteochondral implants depends significantly on their surface properties. In vivo, an implant may roughen over time which can decrease its performance. The present study investigates whether changes in the surface texture of metal and two types of polycarbonate urethane (PCU) focal knee resurfacing implants (FKRIs) occurred after 6 and 12 months of in vivo articulation with native goat cartilage. PCU implants which differed in stem stiffness were compared to investigate whether the stem fixating the implant in the bone influences surface topography. Using optical profilometry, 19 surface texture parameters were evaluated, including spatial distribution and functional parameters obtained from the material ratio curve. For metal implants, wear during in vivo articulation occurred mainly via material removal, as shown by the significant decrease of the core-valley transition from 91.5% in unused implants to 90% and 89.6% after 6 and 12 months, respectively. Conversely, for PCU implants, the wear mechanism consisted in either filling of the valleys or flattening of the surface by dulling of sharp peaks. This was illustrated in the change in roughness skewness from negative to positive values over 12 months of in vivo articulation. Implants with a softer stem experienced the most deformation, shown by the largest change in material ratio curve parameters. We therefore showed, using a detailed surface profilometry analysis, that the surface texture of metal and two different PCU FKRIs changes in a different way after articulation against cartilage, revealing distinct wear mechanisms of different implant materials.

Performance of different breeds of goats under semi-intensive system in eastern Himalayas

A study was conducted to compare the performance of Sirohi and Jakhrana goats and their adaptability compared to native Assam Hill goats in eastern Himalayas. The overall least squares means for body weights at birth, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age were 2.53±0.03, 9.25±0.42, 16.35±0.14, 19.73±0.42 and 24.65±0.25 kg in Sirohi goats, 2.31±0.07, 8.23±0.35, 13.49±1.14, 17.52±0.66 and 22.89±0.87 kg in Jakhrana goats and 1.82±0.31, 6.78±0.28, 9.85±0.43, 12.61±0.62 and 15.85±0.23 kg in Assam Hill goats, respectively. The age at first kidding was significantly (p<0.05) lower in Assam Hill goats (417.00±0.03 days) than Sirohi (684.61±0.75 days) and Jakhrana (568.25±0.03 days) goats. Similarly, the kidding interval was significantly (p<0.05) shorter in Assam Hill (267.00±0.61 days) as compared to Sirohi (370.61±0.38 days) and Jakhrana (311.16±0.15 days) goats. The results indicated that Sirohi breed performed better in comparison to Jakhrana in eastern Himalaya in terms of body weight at different ages. However, Assam Hill goat being a native breed performed better than both the breeds in reproductive performance as evident by earlier age at first kidding, shorter kidding interval and higher twins and triplets.

Comparative study on plasma fibrinogen and ceruloplasmin concentrations during pregnancy and postpartum period in Bulgarian native goats

The goal of this study was to determine the plasma concentrations of the acute phase proteins fibrinogen and ceruloplasmin during the pregnancy and postpartum period in goats. The experiment was carried out with six clinically healthy Bulgarian native goats, aged 4-6 years, weighing 49-56 kg, reared at the Biobase of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine – Stara Zagora. Blood samples for assay of plasma concentrations of the studied acute-phase proteins during pregnancy were collected over 7-day intervals, from the 14th to the 147th day of pregnancy. During the postpartum period, samples were obtained at 3-day intervals between the 1st and 15th postpartum day, as well as once on the 20th and 30th day after the parturition. The results indicated that throughout the first trimester of the pregnancy, the highest average plasma fibrinogen values were established on the 14th day, while significantly lower values (P&lt;0.05) were measured on the 21st day. At this period, the values of plasma ceruloplasmin were the lowest on the 28th day and significantly higher (P&lt;0.01) at the end of the first pregnancy trimester. During the second trimester of the pregnancy there was a clear tendency towards a decrease in the levels of the examined acute phase proteins. At the last pregnancy trimester, an increase in the levels of both acute phase proteins was observed. During the postpartum period there was a significant decrease (P&lt;0.05) in the levels of ceruloplasmin and fibrinogen on the 20th day, compared to the first postpartum day. The established average values of the examined acute phase proteins could be used for comparison purposes in cases of pathological conditions during the pregnancy and post partum period of goats.

Characterization of Trueperella pyogenes isolated from caseous lymphadenitis lesions in Korean native goats

Characterization of <i>Trueperella pyogenes</i> isolated from caseous lymphadenitis lesions in Korean native goats

Evaluation of Bacterial Quality of Goat’s Milk in Duhok Providence

A total of 102 samples of native goat’s milk and local Maraz goat milk were collected from the district of Summel in Duhok governorate from various farms for the period of February, 1 up to 1 May, 2016. The aim of this study was to evaluate both types of milk bacteriologically. The results showed that Native goat or black goat milk samples were contaminated with different strains of bacteria; pollution percentages for the total bacterial count, Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus aureus were (41.17, 13.72 and 21.56 %), respectively; and the same bacteria as averages were (24x107, 5.17 x 104 and 4.18x103 CFU/ml) respectively. The results of Maraz milk showed that the pollution percentages for the total of bacterial count, Enterobacteriaceae and Staphylococcus aureus were (45.09, 13.72 and 15.68%), respectively; and as average were (21.7x107, 3.4x104 and 4.1x103 CFU/ml), respectively; while there were no Salmonella bacteria presence in the studied milk samples of both local and Maraz goats. While there were different strains of Enterobacteriaceae bacteria (42.85 % of E. coli I, 14.28 % of E. coli II, 7.14 % of K. pneumonia, 14.28 % of K Pneumoniae II, 7.14 % of type K. oxtoca and 14.28 % belong to type Shigella sp). The results of Staphylococcus aureus showed that they produce plasma coagulation enzyme as 100 %, catalase enzyme as 63.15 %, lecithinase as 84.21 %, gelatinase as 73.68 % and enzyme alpha amylase as 89.47%. In conclusion all studied samples of milk were free of Salmonella, but some studied samples contained strains of Enterobacteriaceae that is a bad indicator on the human, due to make illness.&nbsp;

The Re-Addition of Seminal Plasma after Thawing Does Not Improve Buck Sperm Quality Parameters.

Simple SummaryThe Cabra Blanca de Rasquera is a native goat breed from Catalonia (Spain) facing the danger of extinction. To preserve its genetic diversity, ex situ conservation programs for semen cryopreservation and the development of a genetic sperm bank are of major importance. However, the post-thaw sperm quality in this species is still a major concern. Therefore, the aim of this research work was to establish an approach in the thawing protocol of cryopreserved sperm bank doses of this breed in order to achieve a better post-thaw sperm quality and improve reproductive outcomes through artificial insemination. Since seminal plasma has been found to provide a source of nutrients, improve sperm motility, and prevent premature activation during migration of spermatozoa in the female reproductive tract, our study proposed to assess the effect of the addition of 20% seminal plasma (SP) during a 3 h incubation period under in vitro conditions mimicking the in vivo survivability of thawed sperm, in relation to donor age, the season of collection, and melatonin implants of the males in the non-breeding season. However, the strategy of adding seminal plasma to the sperm after thawing failed to improve buck post-thawed sperm quality, thus further investigation is needed.In order to achieve a higher post-thaw buck sperm quality, an approach in the thawing protocol of cryopreserved sperm doses under in vitro capacitation conditions mimicking the in vivo female environment was studied. Therefore, functional and kinetic characteristics of buck thawed sperm from males of different ages, the season of collection, and melatonin implanted males in the non-breeding season were assessed after 3 h of incubation in an in vitro fertilization (IVF) media with 20% of buck seminal plasma (SP). Previously, fresh ejaculates were collected via artificial vagina from eight males of the Cabra Blanca de Rasquera breed during two consecutive years in breeding and non-breeding periods. Prior to semen collection in non-breeding seasons, males were split into two groups: one group was implanted with melatonin, while the other was not. In each group, semen samples were pooled, centrifuged, and diluted in an extender containing 15% powdered egg yolk and 5% glycerol before freezing. After thawing, sperm were washed and incubated in three different media: (a) control media (modified phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), (b) IVF commercial media, and (c) IVF media + 20% SP. Sperm motility was evaluated by CASA, while plasma and acrosome membrane integrity, mitochondria activity, and DNA fragmentation were analysed by flow cytometer at 0 h and after 3 h incubation. A significant reduction in motility, mitochondrial activity, plasma, and acrosome membrane integrity were observed after incubation in the presence of SP, although similar to that observed in IVF media alone. DNA integrity was not affected under in vitro capacitation conditions, regardless of SP addition. In conclusion, the addition of SP failed to improve post-thaw buck sperm quality under in vitro conditions irrespective of male age, the season of collection, and melatonin implant.

Phylogenetic study and association between prominent genotype and haplotype of KISS1 gene with FSH level in Idonesian native goat breeds

The aim of the current research was to analyze the population structure and expression of KISS1 gene associated with reproductive traits through Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) level and DNA sequencing analysis based on KISS1 gene. Genotypes of 23 goat does consist of Kacang goats (n=7), Kejobong goats (n=8) and Senduro goats (n=8) were investigated using DNA sequencing, 16 out of 23 samples were synchronized to examine their FSH level using ELISA method. The data were analyzed using MEGA X software for DNA sequences and General Linier Model (GLM) for FSH plasma level. The phylogenetic tree showed the high homology between Indonesian native goats with other species showing a gene conservatism. A significantly higher FSH plasma levels were obtained from Kacang and Kejobong than Senduro goat (P = 0.002), litter size (LS) 3 than LS 1 (P = 0.0175), further CAATGCGCAACGCT haplotype and GA genotype at g.2459 G&gt;A have a higher FSH plasma than other haplotypes and genotypes (P = 0.0027; P&lt;0.0001) and are associated with high LS (3.0±0.18). Neither sample collection times nor parities have different significantly. The current trial indicated that CAATGCGCAACGCT haplotype and GA genotype at g.2459 G&gt;A were correlated with reproductive traits.

Genetic diversity and relationship analyses of the Korea native black goat line using microsatellite markers

Genetic diversity and relationship analyses of the Korea native black goat line using microsatellite markers

Polymorphism of Prolificacy Genes (BMP15, BMPR 1B and GDF9), in the Native Goat (Capra hircus) of Cameroon

The main objective was to contribute to a better understanding of molecular characteristics of the local goat in order to improve its productivity and specifically to: analyse genetic polymorphism of three prolificacy genes (BMP15, BMPR1B, and GDF9) and test the association of genetic polymorphism and prolificacy of local goats. Tissue samples were collected from 446 animals, and 24 representative female goats were selected to analyse the genetic polymorphism of the prolificacy genes. The selected goats were divided into two groups of 12 females for high prolificacy (more than three kids consecutively in four parity) and 12 females for low prolificacy (less than two kids consecutively in four parity). Chi-square was used to test the association between genetic polymorphism and prolificacy of local goat. The main results showed that BMP15 gene is monomorphic, whereas the two other genes (BMPR1B and GDF9) display polymorphism. For BMPR1B gene, the ten mutations found did not change the corresponding amino acid. Allelic and genotypes frequencies of mutations of this gene varied from one mutation to another and between the two groups of females (high and low prolificacy). Chi-square test of the polymorphism of this gene shows that C34T and A120G mutations of exon 3 are significantly associated (p &lt; 0.05) with prolificacy and can be considered as potential genetic markers for improving prolificacy in the native goat. For the GDF9 gene, three mutations were detected in exon 1 with alleles A and G1 of frequency 0.261 and 0.130 for A35G; G2 and C1 of frequency 0.696 and 0.304 for G81C; then G3 and C2 of frequency 0.696 and 0.304 for G255C. The mutations G81C and G255C appeared under BLAST and were missense mutations P27A and A85G respectively while A35G is located in the non-translated 5’ region of the gene. Chi-square test between each genotype for any site and the prolificacy was not significant (P &gt; 0.01) suggesting that these two characters are not associated. Two mutations were detected in exon 2 at C881T and A1160G sites with C and T and A and G alleles respectively. The two mutations changed the corresponding amino acid from Alanine to Valine at the position 273 in the protein and from Valine to Isoleucine at the position 397 in the protein respectively. Allelic and genotypes frequencies of mutations varied from one mutation to another and between the two groups of females (high and low prolificacy). Chi-square test of the polymorphism shows that, although C881T and A1160G mutations were not significantly associated (P &gt; 0.05) with prolificacy, the alleles responsible for the variation of amino acid increased the litter size. Therefore, further studies with increased sample size will help to verify the results.

Understanding the Role of Prevotella Genus in the Digestion of Lignocellulose and Other Substrates in Vietnamese Native Goats' Rumen by Metagenomic Deep Sequencing.

Simple SummaryPrevotella is an abundant genus which plays an important role for lignocellulose digestion in goat rumen and is significant to the yield and quality of milk and meat in cows. In a previous study, we sequenced bacterial metagenome from Vietnamese native goat rumen to get 8.4 GB clean data and found very diverse genes related to lignocellulose degradation. However, due to the limitation in the metagenomic size, low amount of complete lignocellulase genes, and high bacterial diversity, further analysis was restricted. In this study, metagenomic deep sequencing was used to obtain 48.66 GB of reliable data, thus some lignocellulolytic enzymes were first seen and a picture of bacterial enzymes involved in lignocellulose digestion in the goat rumen was drawn. The loci for galactan-, xylan-, and arabinan-processing in Prevotella were observed for the first time. We confirm that Prevotella plays pivotal role for hemicellulose digestion and significantly participates in starch, cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin conversion in the goat rumen. A gene coding endoxylanase was expressed in E. coli. The recombinant enzyme was tolerant with some salts, detergents, and had high activity, thus is a good candidate for lignocellulose processing and as an animal feed food additive to effectively improve xylooligosaccharide production.Bacteria in rumen play pivotal roles in the digestion of nutrients to support energy for the host. In this study, metagenomic deep sequencing of bacterial metagenome extracted from the goats’ rumen generated 48.66 GB of data with 3,411,867 contigs and 5,367,270 genes. The genes were mainly functionally annotated by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) Carbohydrate-Active enZYmes (CAZy), and HMMER database, and taxonomically classified by MEGAN. As a result, 65,554 genes encoding for 30 enzymes/proteins related to lignocellulose conversion were exploited, in which nine enzymes were seen for the first time in goat rumen. Prevotella was the most abundant genus, contributing 30% hemicellulases and 36% enzymes/proteins for lignocellulose pretreatment, and supporting 98.8% of feruloyl esterases and 71.7% acetylxylan esterases. In addition, 18 of the 22 most lignocellulose digesting- potential contigs belonged to Prevotella. Besides, Prevotella possessed many genes coding for amylolytic enzymes. One gene encoding for endoxylanase was successfully expressed in E. coli. The recombinant enzyme had high Vmax, was tolerant to some salts and detergents, worked better at pH 5.5–6.5, temperature 40–50 °C, and was capable to be used in practices. Based on these findings, we confirm that Prevotella plays a pivotal role for hemicellulose digestion and significantly participates in starch, cellulose, hemicellulose, and pectin digestion in the goat rumen.

Microsatellite diversity and restriction enzyme-based polymorphisms of MHC loci in native Turkish goats

Playing a key role in immunity and autoimmunity, Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) contains microsatellite regions and polymorphisms associated with resistance to several diseases and thermo-physiologic characteristics in farm animals. The aims of this study were ı) to estimate genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships via 5 different MHC-linked microsatellite markers (BF1, BM1818, BM1258, SMHCC1 and DYMS1) and ıı) to assess restriction ezyme-based (PstI, TaqI, BsaHI and AluI) polymorphisms of MHC Class II-DRB gene in native Turkish goats. Based on MHC-linked microsatellite markers, number of alleles ranged from 8.20 (NRD) to 8.80 (HAI and KBK) across studied goat populations. Observed heterozygosity was between 0.68 (NRD) and 0.80 (KBK), whereas expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.74 (NRD) to 0.82 (KBK) in native Turkish goats. Inbreeding coefficients were 0.04, 0.13, -0.01 and 0.09 for HAI, HNM, KBK and NRD populations, respectively. A 284 bp length PCR products belonging to MHC Class II-DRB gene region were digested separately with PstI, TaqI, BsaHI and AluI restriction endonucleases to assess polymorphism status together with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in studied goat populations. P allele frequency ranged from 0.73 (KBK) to 0.95 (NRD), while p allele frequency was between 0.05 (NRD) and 0.27 (KBK) in PstI polymorphism. The highest and lowest frequency of T allele were detected in HNM (0.80) and KBK (0.49), respectively, whereas frequency of t allele was between 0.20 (HNM) and 0.51 (KBK) in TaqI polymorphism. G and A allele frequency were between 0.16 (HNM) - 0.39 (HAI) and 0.84 (HNM) – 0.61 (HAI), respectively in BsaHI polymorphism, while unexpected genotype patterns were observed in AluI polymorphism. In this study, high genetic diversity and low inbreeding were detected in native Turkish goats according to MHC-linked microsatellite markers. Additionally, presence of genotypes previously reported to be associated with tuberculosis resistance and heat tolerance were observed in native Turkish goat populations. Nevertheless, association analysis between these genotypes and tuberculosis resistance and heat tolerance should be confirmed in native Turkish goats.

Identification of novel genetic variants for KAP1.1, KAP1.3 and K33 genes in some of indigenous goat breeds of Turkey

The animal fibres such as mohair, cashmere and cashgora have a complex structure and affected by genetic variation of keratin associated protein genes as KAP 1.1 (Keratin Associated Protein 1.1, formerly known as B2A), KAP1.3 (Keratin Associated Protein 1.3, formerly known as B2C) and K33 (Keratin Intermediate Filaments Type I, formerly known as KRT1.2). Keratin-associated proteins play a significant role in identifying structural and mechanical properties of the hair and wool fibres. This study was conducted to detect genetic variation at the KAP1.1, KAP1.3 and K33 genes in indigenous Turkish goat populations using DNA sequencing method. The DNA of 100 individuals selected from 5 different native goat breeds (Hair, Honamlı, Kilis, Norduz, and Angora) that reared different regions of Turkey were used as materials. A total of 59 nucleotide variations and indels (insertion/deletion) of KAP1.1 gene, 15 nucleotide variations and indels of KAP1.3 gene, 16 nucleotide variations of K33 gene were determined in the studied samples. These nucleotide variations and indels have been causing changes in the number and sequence of amino acids. It is necessary to determine the relationships with mohair yield, quality and polymorphisms that are determined in KAP1.1, KAP1.3 and KRT1.2 genes.

PSXII-24 Effects of feeding levels on digestibility, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites of growing Korean native goats (Capra hircus coreanae)

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding levels on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites of growing Korean native goats. Five growing bucks (19.5±1.4 kg) with an average age of 5 months were randomly allocated to one of five feeding levels [maintenance (M), 1.1 x M, 1.2 x M, 1.4 x M, and 1.6 x M]. The experimental design was 5 × 5 Latin square design and all animals were housed individual pens (1.2 m × 0.9 m) for an adaption period of 2 weeks and collection period for 1 weeks. Rumen samples were collected before morning feeding using oral stomach tube. Nutrient digestibility increased linearly in goat as feeding level increased (P &amp;lt; 0.01), but body weight did not differ among feeding levels. Rumen pH and ammonia nitrogen concentration showed no significantly differences among feeding levels. The total and individual volatile fatty acids concentration increased linearly (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and quadratically (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with increased feeding levels. Blood metabolites did not differ among feeding levels. The fecal energy loss was not influenced by feeding levels, but digestible energy was increased linearly (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and quadratically (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with increased feeding levels. The metabolizable energy requirement was estimated using quadratic line model and ranged from 154 to 163 kcal per metabolic body weight based on average daily gain and ME intake. These results suggest that higher feeding levels of growing goat increases digestibility and nutrient utilization efficiency in the rumen. These results serve as a basis for the establishment of goat feeding programs at the farm scale in the Republic of Korea.

PSXI-30 Effects of feeding levels on digestibility, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites of fattening Korean native goats (Capra hircus coreanae)

Abstract The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding levels on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation and blood metabolites of fattening Korean native goats. Five Korean native goat (Capra hircus coreanae) bucks (38.0±1.7 kg) with an average age of 2.4-year-old were randomly allocated to one of five feeding levels (maintenance [M], 1.1 x M, 1.2 x M, 1.4 x M, and 1.6 x M). The experimental design was 5 × 5 Latin square design and all animals were housed individual pens (1.2 m × 0.9 m) for an adaption period of 2 weeks and collection period for 1 weeks. The average daily gain (P &amp;lt; 0.05) and nutrient digestibility (P &amp;lt; 0.01) were increased linearly in goat as feeding level increased. Rumen pH showed no significantly differences among feeding levels. Total volatile fatty acid, acetate and propionate concentrations were increased linearly (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and quadratically (P &amp;lt; 0.01) with increased feeding levels. Butyrate and ammonia nitrogen concentrations were linearly increased with increased feeding levels (P &amp;lt; 0.01), but valerate concentration did not differ among feeding levels. Blood metabolites did not differ among feeding levels except for albumin concentration which was linearly increased with increased feeding levels (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The fecal energy loss was not influenced by feeding levels, but digestible energy was increased linearly (P &amp;lt; 0.01) and quadratically (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with increased feeding levels. The metabolizable energy requirement was estimated using quadratic line model and ranged from 153 to 161 kcal per metabolic body weight based on average daily gain and ME intake. These results found that the increased feeding level might be improve an average daily gain and ruminal fermentation of Korean native goats in fattening phase. These results may also serve as a basis for the establishment of feeding standard of goats in Republic of Korea.

Crossbreeding of Hair goats with Alpine and Saanen bucks: Production and reproduction traits of Native Hair goats in supplementary feeding in different physiological stage in natural pasture-based system

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive, growth traits, milk quantity, quality and somatic cell count (SCC) traits of Hair goat flocks, raised in supplementary feeding in different physiological stage in natural pasture-based system. Data were collected from 1982 Hair goats, which were mated with Hair, Alpine or Saanen bucks during 2009 and 2013. Except for kidding time (P < 0.01) the reproductive performance rates of Hair goats mated with Hair, Alpine or Saanen bucks were not significant found (P> 0.05). However, Alpine × Hair F1 (AHF1) kids exhibited superior birth weight than Hair kids, while Hair kids had significantly higher weaning weight than Saanen × Hair F1 (SHF1) kids (P < 0.01). Average, lactation milk yield (LMY), daily milk yield (DMY) and lactation length (LL) of Hair goats were 212 days, 103.2 kg and 488 g respectively. Average contents of the milk were 5.24 % fat, 3.78 % protein, 5.39 % lactose, 10.01 % non-fat solids and 15.25 % total solids. However, excluding the effect of age on density and freezing point; age, flock and year had significant effects on milk production (P < 0.01) and physical and chemical compositions of the milk (P < 0.05). SCC value increased as stage of lactation and age progressed (P < 0.01). It is concluded that the high variation in milk yields among Hair goats could be the result of genetic variation. Therefore, the milk yield characteristics of Hair goats could be increased by selection or cross-breeding improved by better modelling of environmental variations that are suitable for agricultural-ecological diversity.

Growth and Slaughter Characteristics of Weaning Male Kids of Turkish Native Goat Breeds.

Simple SummaryThe carcass characteristics of Turkish native goat breeds are affected by the rearing conditions after weaning. This study aimed to compare the growth, slaughter, and carcass characteristics of male kids from Angora, Hair, Honamlı, and Kilis breeds at weaning age to eliminate the impact of rearing conditions. Honamlı kids had higher birth weight, daily weight gain, carcass weights (hot–cold), and yields (hot–cold) than those of other breeds (p < 0.05). Therefore, the Honamlı breed could be used as a fattening material genotype due to its superior carcass characteristics compared to other Turkish native breeds.There is little knowledge about the carcass potential of Turkish native goat breeds raised under different rearing conditions. It is necessary to compare the carcass characteristics of these breeds to minimize the effect of the rearing conditions. Therefore, this study aims to compare the growth, slaughter, and carcass characteristics of male kids at weaning age to eliminate the impact of rearing conditions. Kids born to Angora (n = 6), Hair (n = 6), Honamlı (n = 6), and Kilis (n = 6) Turkish native goat breeds, ranging in age from 2–3 years, were slaughtered at 90 days of weaning age and carcass characteristics were determined immediately. There were differences (p < 0.05) among breeds in terms of birth weight (BW) and daily weight gain (DWG) from birth to weaning age. Honamlı kids had higher BW and DWG than those of other breeds (p < 0.05). Similarly, carcass weights (hot–cold) and yields (hot–cold) of Honamlı kids were higher compared to kids born to other breeds (p < 0.05). Additionally, Honamlı and Hair kids had higher longissimus-dorsi (LD), and semitendinosus (ST) muscle weights compared to Kilis and Angora kids. Interestingly, Kilis kids had lower BW and DWG than those of other breeds (p < 0.05). There were significant differences (p < 0.05) among breeds in terms of non-carcass parts and organ weights. Positive correlations were calculated between cross-sectional area and weight (r = 0.793; p < 0.01), length and weight (r = 0.723; p < 0.01), and depth and weight (r = 0.698; p < 0.01) in LD muscle of all kids. A similar correlation trend was calculated for the ST muscle (cross-sectional area and weight; r = 0.699; p < 0.01, length and weight; r = 0.751; p < 0.01, and depth and weight; r = 0.528; p < 0.05) in all kids. In conclusion, the present study results showed that Honamlı kids could be used for fattening material due to their good carcass quality compared to other native breeds.

Effects of partial substitution of rosemary distillation residues to oat hay on digestive aspects, milk production, and metabolic statute of Tunisian local goats.

In the Mediterranean area, the by-products of medicinal and aromatic plant distillation became very attractive as additive and/or alternative feedstuff. Subsequently, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of distilled rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) leaves (RDL) on digestion and ruminal aspects, metabolic statutes, and milk yield of the Tunisian native goat breed. Thirty-six adult goats were divided into three homogeneous groups (C, RDL20, and RDL40) receiving daily (per head) 0.5kg of concentrate and 1kg of roughage composed of 100% of oat hay for C group, 20% of RDL and 80% of oat hay for RDL20 group, and 40% of RDL and 60% of oat hay for RDL40 group. Milk yield and composition, and goats' and kids' BW were measured weekly; also measurement of the diet digestibility, nitrogen balance, rumen fermentation, and blood metabolites was carried out. Dry matter intake was significantly (P < 0.001) higher for the RDL40 group while the dry matter and crude protein digestibility was similar among groups. The goats' milk yield, milk composition, and blood metabolites were not affected by the dietary treatments. The results of this study indicate that RDL can partially substitute oat hay without negative effects on animal productivity.

Prevalence of coccidiosis in Andaman local goat and its metaphylaxis in tropical island ecosystem

This study reports the prevalence of coccidiosis in Andaman local goat, a native goat breed of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. The duration of study was one year. Maximum oocyst output was seen in kids of &lt;6 months of age in month of March followed by in November, July, August, October, September, December, May and April. More oocyst count in kids of &lt; 6 months of age compared to those of older goats may be attributed towards higher susceptibility towards this infection. Increase of oocyst output from the month of July was due to increase in relative humidity due to high rainfall. Onset of clinical cases of caprine coccidiosis with high oocyst count was due to fodder crisis in March which imposed stress in animals. Four species of Eimeria were detected and most prevalent species in pooled sample was E. arloingi (48%), followed by E. faurei (20%) and E. pallida and E. parva (16% each) and among them E. arloingi has been seen to be associated with clinical coccidiosis of goats. Amprolium, a potent thiamine antagonist, was used to treat the infected animals with high oocyst count and the compound was found effective @ 50 mg/kg body weight which was evaluated on the basis of oocyst count, improved body weight and clinical recovery. The report is the seminal information on prevalence of coccidiosis, species richness, metaphylaxis and its effect in Andaman local goat from Andaman and Nicobar islands, an isolated insular region of India.

Somatic Cell Number, Physicochemical, and Microbiological Parameters of Raw Milk of Goats During the End of Lactation as Compared by Breeds and Number of Lactations.

This study was aimed for the evaluation of somatic cell count (SCC), physicochemical, and microbiological parameters during the end of lactation in the raw milk of Alpine and native Red goat breed. In the experiment, 102 milk samples from Alpine and native Red goats were included. Two different groups within the same breed were analyzed: a group consisting of animals in their first lactation and the second group consisting of animals from the fifth lactation. The milk samples were individually and daily collected during late lactation for three consecutive weeks, and milk fat, protein, lactose, SCC, and total bacteria with enterobacteria were assessed. Fresh milk of goats from late lactation period had a number of somatic cells (SC) within the expected value with log10 of 5.8–6.18 cells/ml for the compared groups. In both breeds, the total mesophilic bacteria were fewer in numbers, however, in the native Red goat, a larger population of such bacteria was enumerated. The number of coliforms and enterobacteria was below 100 cfu/ml. In the current study, we were able to show a significant difference among the studied breeds depending on lactation and season for fat (p = 0.002), but not for lactose and protein content. A positive correlation for total protein (TP), lactose, and fat as well as for lactose and SCC was found in the native Red goat breed. In the Alpine goat breed, a strong positive correlation (0.821**) was found for lactose and enterobacteria count (EC). In conclusion, these findings evaluate different goat milk parameters during late lactation period and provide an indirect measure to monitor goat mammary gland health for both breeds.