Goat Production Research Articles

Comparison of Beetal Goats’ Reproductive Effectiveness under Different Management Approaches

The Beetal goat or Lahori goat is a breed from the Punjab region of Pakistan and India. It is used for milk and meat production. It is similar to the Jamnapari goat and the Malabari goat. Beetal goats have been widely used for improvement of local goats throughout the subcontinent. These goats are also adapted to stall feeding, thus are preferred for intensive goat farming. The Beetal goat and the Malabari goats are usually compared for their body characteristics. The objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of beetal goat reproduction under different management techniques. Based on reproductive effectiveness and growth parameters, the results of two goat production management systems, namely (1) seasonal breeding and (2) year-round breeding, were compared. The study was performed out during a one-year period. The data was collected from two farms for this study, the 1st farm was the private farm known as Noor-Hussain Goat Farm in Raiwind and 2nd farm was Bahadurnagar Research Institute in Okara which is run by the government. Adult goats (n=72+) were collected for this study and their reproductive and productive traits were examined (2-bucks with each flock).

Pre-Weaning Growth Performance of Boerka (Boer >< Kacang) Crossbred Kids in the Difference Genotype and Birth Types

Breeding programs to promote the productivity of Indonesian local goats (i.e. Kacang Goats) in various regions have been carried out by cross-breeding with predominant breeds of meat goats in the world such as Boer Goats. Currently, considering that the various genotypes of the cross-bred goat (namely Boerka Goat) have been spread and farmed by various goat farms throughout the country, it is necessary to evaluate the increase in productivity achieved. This study aims to investigate the pre-weaning growth performance of Boerka (Boer x Kacang) Crossbred Kids at different genotypes and birth types. The study was carried out experimentally using 167 Boer x Kacang crossbred kids which was arranged in a Split-Plot Design covering 3 plots of kid genotype, namely: BK (50% Boer, 50% Kacang), BBK (75% Boer, 25% Kacang) , and KBK (25% Boer, 75% Kacang), each with 3 sub-plots of kid birth types, namely single born kid (CT), twin born kid (CK-2), and triplet born kid (CK-3), all including male and female kids. The response variable that measured on pre-weaning growth performance, was observed directly by measuring birth weight (BL), 90-day-old weaning weight (BS90), and daily body weight gain (PBBH) for pre-weaning period. The data is tabulated and analyzed using software “Genstat”. The results showed that BL, BS.90, and pre-weaning PBBH of Boer x Kacang crossbred kids were influenced by genotype (P<0.01) and birth type (P<0.05) of the kids, and differed (P<0.05) between males and females kid. Male kids showed BL, BS90, and Pre-Weaning PBBH 12.88, 9.20, and 9.24% higher than female kids, respectively. Based on the genotype and birth type of the kids, the highest pre-weaning growth performance was shown by single-born male BBK kids, with BL, BS.90 and Pre-Weaning PBBH 3.32±0.33, 13.06±3.46 and 0.114±0.020 kg, respectively.

First Molecular Identification of Babesia, Theileria, and Anaplasma in Goats from the Philippines

Goats are key livestock animals and goat raising is an income-generating venture for smallholder farmers, supporting agricultural development in many parts of the world. However, goat production is often limited by various factors, such as tick-borne diseases. Goat piroplasmosis is a disease caused by apicomplexan parasites Babesia spp. and Theileria spp., while anaplasmosis is caused by bacterial Anaplasma spp. In the Philippines, the presence of Babesia, Theileria, and Anaplasma has not been reported in goats. In this study, DNA obtained from goats were molecularly screened for Babesia/Theileria and Anaplasma. Of 396, 77.02% (305/396) and 38.64% (153/396) were positive for piroplasma and Anaplasma using PCR assays targeting the 18S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes, respectively. Similarly, Babesia ovis was detected in six samples (1.52%). Representative Babesia/Theileria sequences shared 89.97–97.74% identity with each other and were most closely related to T. orientalis, T. annulata, and Theileria spp. Meanwhile, Anaplasma 16SrRNA sequences were related to A. odocoilei, A. platys, and A. phagocytophilum. This is the first molecular identification of B. ovis, Theileria spp., and Anaplasma spp. in goats from the Philippines.

PSVI-10 Preliminary Evaluation of Small Ruminant Production Systems in Mississippi and the Southern US

Abstract An online survey was used to collect farmer-level data about farm characteristics, number of animals and species, and farmer socio-demographic information, to evaluate small ruminant production systems in Mississippi (MS) and the Southern USA. Survey data was collected from July 2021 to March 2022 (IRB-21-202), with 243 participants, using the support of MS Sheep and Goat Associations, and MS State University social media. Responses include farmers located in MS (66.3%), TN (9.8%), AL (6.3%), NC (3.4%), KY (2.9%), FL (2%), GA (2%), LA (2%), OK (2%), TX (2%), AR (1%), and VA (0.5%). Respondents were 53.1% females and 46% males with an average age of 45 and 48.9 years, respectively. Ethnic distribution was 96.5% non-Hispanics and 2.5% Hispanics. Race distribution was 90.2% White, 2.9% African American, 2.9% American Indian/Alaska Native, and 0.5% Asian. Educational level was 25.9% Bachelor, 24.4% Associate, 21.5% High School, and 20.5% Postgraduate. Farming experience was 30.7% (0 to 5 yr), 23.4% (6 to 10 yr), 20.5% (11 to 20 yr), 10.2% (21 to30 yr), 9.3% (31 to 40 yr), and 5.9% (> 40 yr). Livestock present among farms was 70% goats, 29.6% beef, 24.7% sheep, 23.4% horses, and 4.1% dairy cattle. They indicated that 44.6% had 26 to 100 animals, 27.2% had 11 to 25, 16.8% had <10 sheep/goats, 5.4% 101-150, 3.5% 151-20, and 2.5% >250. Farm size in the 39% ranged from 21 to 100 ac, 24.9% < 10 ac, 18% from 11 to 20 ac, and 18% >100 ac. These results differ from USDA (2021) by suggesting that sheep and goat producers in the Southern US are predominantly middle-aged individuals, with medium to large size farms, and low number of years of experience in farming. These findings will be used to develop future outreach and educational programs that could help producers increase production efficiency.

PSVIII-21 Modulation of Goat Plasma Proteins Using Different Preparations of Garlic

Abstract The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different garlic preparations on plasma protein concentration and Galectin secretion in goat blood. Inflammatory diseases caused by pathogens including gastrointestinal parasites impact goat gut health and productivity. Changes in plasma protein concentration are indicators of health status with application in inflammatory disease diagnosis and prognosis. Galectins (Gals) are small soluble proteins that contain one or two carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDS). ‘Prototype’ galectin-1, -2, -7, contain one CRD, Galectin 3 is chimeric, and galectin-4, -8, -9 and -12, are tandem repeat galectins with two CRDs. Galectins regulate biologic functions, immunity and disease pathogenesis and can serve as biomarkers. Garlic (Allium sativum) is a medicinal herb that has anti-parasitic and immuno-modulatory effects. Six (N=6) adult female clinically healthy Boer x Spanish goats were used. Blood was collected from the jugular vein and treated with different concentrations of fresh garlic, allicin, garlic barrier, or aged garlic (Sigma aldich). Total plasma protein secretion was evaluated using the BCA assay. Secretion of Gals 1(Prototype), Gal 3 (chimera type) and Gal 9 (tandem-repeat type) determined using commercial ELISA kits as recommended by the manufacturer. All variables were assessed using SAS analysis software (version 9.0, Sas Institute Cary, p≤0.05). Garlic treatment had a dose dependent effect on total plasma protein and Gals secretion. The protein secretion was affected by different types of garlic. Allicin (72.86μg/ml) reduced the concentration of plasma proteins. No change was observed with fresh garlic (156.334μg/ml) and garlic barrier (160.73μg/ml). Garlic barrier treatment increased protein secretion (6.3%) in goat blood. All Gals were detected (Gals 1 >9 >3), with a variable response to Garlic preparation (Garlic barrier > fresh garlic Gals secretion). Garlic modulates protein secretion. Studies are needed to determine the effect of different preparations on leukocytes and molecular targets in goat blood.

The Application of Heztec (Heating Ozone Sterilization Technology) to Increase The Productivity of Goat’s Milk in Bayu Village, Banyuwangi

The livestock sub-sector is included in one of the new sources of growth, especially for the agricultural sector and for the national economy in general. The demand for livestock commodities as a source of animal protein has increased due to an increase in population. A field survey in one of the livestock businesses in Banyuwangi is the Etawa Rofi'I dairy goat farm from Bayu Sari Village, Songgon District, Banyuwangi Regency. Rofi'I livestock has 19 goats, one goat can produce up to 2.5 liters of milk per day. With a price per liter of Rp 15,000 (fifteen thousand Rupiah). Rafi'I farmers' lack of awareness and minimal knowledge of technology for milk processing resulted in less than optimal milk productivity. Therefore, it is necessary to apply Heztect (Heating Ozone Sterilization Technology) a milk sterilization machine/pasteurization machine equipped with ozone technology, ozone technology is a technology that can produce ozone using oxygen. This technology is known to kill microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses and can also reduce the smell of goat milk. This service activity surveyed and observed more deeply the condition of partners, to understand partner problems. Then proceed with the stages of literature study, planning, and conceptualizing activities; then followed by evaluation and refinement of the machine, and ends with socialization and mentoring. The results of the application of Heztec milk produced through Heztec had a reduction in the smell of goat milk odor from 20 respondents as well as longer milk durability and a decrease in bacteria in milk. 
 Abstrak
 Sub sektor peternakan termasuk dalam salah satu sumber pertumbuhan baru bagi perekonomian. Permintaan terhadap komoditi peternakan sebagai sumber protein hewani mengalami peningkatan akibat peningkatan jumlah penduduk. Salah satu usaha perternakan yang ada di Banyuwangi adalah peternakan kambing perah Etawa Rofi’I berasal dari Desa Bayu Sari Kecamatan Songgon. Perternakan Rofi’I memiliki 19 Ekor kambing, satu ekor kambing mampu menghasilkan hingga 2,5 liter susu perhari. Harga jual per liternya Rp 15.000 (lima belas Ribu Rupiah). Kurangnya kesadaran dan minimalnya pengetahuan peternak Rafi’I terhadap teknologi untuk pengolahan susu mengakibatkan produktivitas susu kurang maksimal. Oleh sebab itu perlu penerapan Heztect (Heating Ozone Sterilization Technology) merupakan mesin sterilisasi/ pasterisasi susu yang di lengkapi dengan teknologi ozon, Teknologi ozon adalah teknologi yang bisa memproduksi ozon dengan menggunakan oksigen. Teknologi dapat membunuh mikroorganisme seperti bakteri dan virus dan juga dapat mengurangi bau prengus susu kambing. Kegiatan pengabdian ini yaitu survei dan observasi lebih mendalam terhadap kondisi mitra untuk memahami permasalahan mitra. Kemudian dilanjutkan dengan tahapan studi literatur, perencanaan dan pembuatan konsep kegiatan; kemudian dilanjut evaluasi serta penyempurnaan mesin; serta diakhiri dengan sosialisasi dan pendampingan. Hasil dari penerapan Heztec susu yang diproduksi melalui Heztec memiliki pengurangan bau prengus dari 20 responden serta daya tahan susu lebih lama serta terjadinya penurunan bakteri pada susu.

Effect of legume hay supplementation on feed intake, growth, digestibility and volatile fatty acid production of Xhosa goats

Abstract 
 The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sex and supplementing Chloris gayana hay with either Lablab purpureus or Vigna unguiculata on growth, volatile fatty acid (VFA) production and apparent nutrient digestibility. Eighteen goats, one-year-old, of average live weight 14.13 ±0.24kg was apportioned in a completely randomized design to three diets which were iso-nitrogenous and iso-energetic. Animals were housed individually with 6 animals per treatment composed of three males and three females. Total DM intake was higher (P < 0.05) in T2 (694.8 g/head/day) and T3 (688.1 g/head/day) compared to T1 (607.8 g/head day). The goats gained at a rate of 35.0g/d; 45.0g/d and 38.3g/d for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Goats on T2 showed a non-significantly higher (P > 0.05) growth rate exhibiting total gain of 2.68kg compared to 2.08kg and 2.33kg for T1 and T3, respectively. Animals on T1 (19.16) exhibited a significantly lower FCR (P < 0.05) than T2 (15.44) and T3 (18.11). Apparent DM digestibility were significantly different (P < 0.05) among treatment diets. Sex significantly influenced DM, ADF and NDF digestibilities (P < 0.05). There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in individual VFA molar concentrations among treatment diets and due to sex for acetate, propionate, valerate, iso-butyrate and iso-valerate. However, diets significantly influenced butyrate concentration (P < 0.05) with 0.25, 0.95 and 0.25mM for T1, T2 and T3, respectively. The percentage molar concentration for acetate was 75%, 73%, and 77% while the propionate concentration was 12%, 8% and 10.7 % for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The acetate to propionate ratio was 6.2, 9.12 and 7.15 for T1, T2, and T3, respectively. In conclusion, the study demonstrated that Cowpea and Lablab forages can support growth in goats at the same level of CP as in commercial pellets.

Distribution of aflatoxin M1 during production of sheep and goat cheeses

The occurrence of Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk results from ingestion of contaminated feed with Aflatoxin B1 by dairy animals, its conversion into AFM1 and secretion in milk. The objective of this work was to investigate AFM1 fate along goat and sheep cheese production. Cheese production was carried out using spiked milk (levels between 0.08 and 0.10 μg/L). Samples were collected throughout the production and analyzed by immunoaffinity clean-up and chromatography. Higher concentration of AFM1 were always observed in curd rather than in whey, with a mean enrichment factor of 1.8. A strong and positive correlation was established between casein content and AFM1 percentage in curd. Throughout production, a significant increase in AFM1 concentration on a wet basis was observed. In turn, on a dry basis, there was no statistically significant reduction during ripening. These observations are justified by the loss of cheese moisture and the absence of AFM1 degradation.

A study on the productivity and mortality rates of native and blended goats in Dodoma, Tanzania

The focus of breeding animals such as goats has been to increase productivity and other benefits from domestic animals. A breeding programme for producing blended goats is ongoing in Mpwapwa, Dodoma, Tanzania. However, few studies have been conducted to understand the performance of the produced breed (blended goat) in comparison with local indigenous goats. This study assessed the performance of blended and local indigenous goats in terms of milk and meat productivity while taking into consideration birth type, mortality rate, diseases causing mortality, and management system used. Primary and secondary data collection methods were used in this study. The weight, length, and girth of 2-year-old kids were measured in the morning and evening, and milk production in a lactating doe was recorded. Secondary data on the weight, length, and girth of inborn between 2010 and 2020. The results showed significantly higher productivity for blended goats than for indigenous goats in terms of meat and milk production (P < 0.005). The mortality rate of indigenous goats was not significantly higher than that of blended goats (P > 0.05). Diseases significantly influence goat mortality. Breed, management system, and milking time had a significant impact on goat productivity. For instance, morning milking produced significantly more milk than evening milking (P < 0.05). It is conclusive that the blended goat performs better than the indigenous goats in terms of milk and meat productivity. We recommend and encourage the adoption of blended goats by farmers who want to maximize goat production while considering other factors such as milking time, disease intervention, and management system used.

Effect of Lactic Acid Bacteria on Nutritional and Sensory Quality of Goat Organic Acid-Rennet Cheeses

The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of selected Lactobacillus strains, previously isolated from spontaneously fermented foods, as starter cultures in the production of organic dairy products—acid-rennet goat’s cheeses under industrial conditions. The basic composition and the effect of starter cultures on the physicochemical, microbiological, sensory as well textural properties during the production and storage of goat’s cheese were evaluated. Lactic acid bacteria count in cheese samples was at a high level of about 8 log CFU/g. The cheeses made with Levilactobacillus brevis B1 and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum Os2 bacterial cultures additions have showed more favorable Lipid Quality Indices than for the control one with the addition of acid whey. The time of ripening of the cheeses significantly (p &lt; 0.005) changed their consistency—they became softer and more elastic and less moist. It is possible that the selected cultures of L. brevis B1 and L. plantarum Os2 isolated from traditional cheeses can be successfully applied to goat’s milk cheese production. The strain L. brevis B1 is highly recommended as a starter culture for goat’s milk cheese production, taking into account the good microbiological and sensory quality as well as the chemical composition.

UTILIZATION OF CARBOHYDRATE POTENTIAL IN VARIOUS KINDS OF BANANA COB FLOUR BANANA IN KACANG GOATS

The objective of this research was to observe the productivity in kacang goats which were given a complete feed containing flour of various types of banana plant weevils. The material studied in this study was six complete types of feed. Complete feed containing weevil flour from 5 banana plant varieties. Complete feed is prepared with a complete feed composition. The cattle used were 18 male bean goats, mean initial body weight, 15.42 ± 1.98 kg (CV: 13.73%) aged 10-15 months. Livestock is given complete feed containing banana weevil flour for 60 days. The cage is 12 m x 6m in size, construction has a floor platform as high as 140 cm, the enclosure is 1 x 1 m in size and 130 cm in height, equipped with a drinking area. The treatment was in the form of 6 complete types of feed with different formulations, consisting of CF0, CF1, CF2, CF3, CF4, and CF5 containing banana weevil flour with different varieties and control treatment (CF0). The research design used was a completely randomized design with five treatments of complete feed formulas containing hump flour of various banana varieties.The results of the research that the complete feed formulation containing Batu banana hump flour (CF2) and Kapok (CF3) produced the best productivity and performance response of Kacang goat. compared to treatment; CF0 CF1; CF4 and CF5.

Genomic insights into the conservation and population genetics of two Chinese native goat breeds.

Chinese goats are an important group of goats worldwide. However, there are few studies on the conservation priority, genetic relationship, and potential gene flow between Chinese and global goat breeds. Here, we genotyped 239 goats from conservation populations of the Chinese Guangfeng and Ganxi breeds using the GoatSNP50 BeadChip. The conservation priority, population structure, selection signatures and introgression of these goats were analyzed in the context of 36 global goat breeds. First, we showed that Guangfeng and Ganxi goats had the largest effective population sizes across the global breeds 13 generations ago. Nevertheless, Ganxi goats have recently experienced a high degree of inbreeding, resulting in their conservation priority based on total gene and allelic diversities being lower than that of most other Chinese breeds (including Guangfeng goats). Population structure and admixture analyses showed that an average of 18% of Guangfeng genomic components were introgressed from Boer goats approximately 18-yr ago. Next, we reconstructed the subfamily structure of the core populations of Guangfeng and Ganxi goats, and proposed reasonable conservation strategies for inbreeding management. Moreover, a list of candidate genes under selection for fertility, immunity, growth, and meat quality were detected in Guangfeng and Ganxi goats. Finally, we identified some genes related to body development and reproduction, which were introgressed from Boer goats and may be beneficial for improving performance and productivity of Guangfeng goats. In conclusion, this study not only provides new insights into the conservation and utilization of Guangfeng and Ganxi goats but also enriches our understanding of artificial introgression from exotic goats into Chinese local goats.

Differential gene expression and identification of growth-related genes in the pituitary gland of South African goats

Growth and carcass quality are economically important traits in goat production. This study investigated differentially expressed genes from the caprine pituitary gland transcriptome of South African indigenous goat breeds of varying growth performances and carcass quality parameters. Tissues were harvested from the pituitary gland of three South African Boer goats and three village ecotype goats all raised under similar conditions simulating intensive commercial production systems. Three additional tissues were harvested from village ecotype goats that were raised extensively on village farms. Between breed differences were investigated by comparing differential gene expression among three South African Boer and three village goats that were both raised under intensive commercial production system at a research farm. Within-breed differences were investigated by comparing differential gene expression among three village goats raised under extensive conditions (on-farm in Pella, S.A. village farming community) and three village goats raised under intensive commercial production system (at ARC research farm in Pretoria, South Africa. Total RNA was isolated from the pituitary gland of 36-week-old animals (n = 9) and sequenced individually in triplicates. An average of 28,298,512 trimmed, and quality-controlled reads/animal were mapped to the goat genome (Capra_hircus.ARS1.94) using HiSat2 software. Transcript assembly and quantification yielded 104 differentially expressed genes for village goats raised under extensive system and 62 for village goats raised under the intensive production system at the false discovery rate (FRD) of ≤0.05 and a fold change of ≥2. Growth-related genes such as POU3F4 and TSHZ1 were highly expressed within breeds raised under both production systems. Conversely, growth-related genes such as FGFR2 and SMPX genes were highly expressed between breeds raised under similar production systems. Ballgown analysis revealed a high expression of GH1 and IGF1 in the intensively raised compared to extensively raised goats. Both genes were also highly expressed in the village goats when compared to the Boer. The differential gene expression data provided insights into genes and molecular mechanisms associated with growth and growth development in goats.

Farklı Çiftliklerden Elde Edilen Keçi Sütlerinde Sütün Bileşimi ve Mikrobiyolojik Özelliklerinin Belirlenmesi

Goat milk has a great importance for human nutrition considering its nutrient content. In addition, the demand for goat milk and products derived from goat milk has increased in recent years. However, the microbiological properties of milk can directly affect human health. In this study, it was aimed to determine the nutrient content and some microbiological properties of goat milk obtained from different farms. In the study, hand milking farms were determined. After milking, a sufficient amount of milk sample was taken and brought to the laboratory at +4°C. In the milk samples, the composition of the milk, the total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, the number of yeast-mold and coliform bacteria were determined. The highest protein, lactose and solids ratio (%) was obtained in milk samples taken from farms 2 and 4. The highest fat content in milk was determined in the sample taken from farm 4. It was observed that the milks of farms 2, 3 and 4 had similar mineral substance amounts. Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (PCA) count (191×104), yeast-mold (PDA) count (42×103) and coliform bacteria (VRBA) count (710×102) were determined in farm 2. As a result, in terms of some milk components were determined statistical differences between farms. The main difference is in terms of milk hygiene. However, it was determined that the milk showed significant changes in terms of microbiological properties according to the farms from which they were obtained. It can also be said that these changes may affect the health of people who directly or indirectly consume these milks.

Women's empowerment and intra-household gender dynamics and practices around sheep and goat production in South East Kenya.

Small ruminant production facets like decision-making, ownership, labour allocation, access to- and control over assets are gendered. This study investigates intra-household gender dynamics and practices around sheep and goat production among smallholder farmers in South East region of Kenya. A quantitative study was conducted on 358 dual-headed (married) households to generate gender-disaggregated data on ownership, decision-making and labour allocation around small ruminant production. Qualitative data was collected through focused group discussions to bring out the community perspectives. From the findings, the average number of small ruminants owned by the households as reported by men was slightly higher than women. The average number of small ruminants solely owned by men was significantly higher than by women. Men reported a relatively higher number of jointly owned small ruminants compared to women. More women than men reported that they could give as a gift, sell-off and slaughter jointly owned small ruminants without consulting their spouses. Small ruminants were considered the most important livestock asset in supporting a household’s livelihood by relatively more women than men. Men had more decision-making autonomy over jointly owned small ruminants compared to women. Production tasks around small ruminants such as feeding, watering, selling milk and cleaning housing structures were mostly performed by the women. Qualitative data identified men as the de facto owners of small ruminants with a higher power position in making the important production decisions. The study offers three implications on the design of livestock interventions to empower women, the interventions should ensure that; 1) women are not just owners of livestock assets but also share power and decision-making rights in all aspects of production, 2) production labour is shared equitably between men and women and, 3) women access benefits from livestock production even when animals are owned by men.

Dietary inclusion of anthocyanin-rich black cane silage treated with ferrous sulfate heptahydrate reduces oxidative stress and promotes tender meat production in goats.

Pre-treating anthocyanin-rich black cane with ferrous sulfate heptahydrate (FSH) produces high-quality silage with anthocyanin and nutritional losses. However, it's unclear how to apply this to studies on how FSH-treated silage affects animal performance and meat quality. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a standard total mixed ration (TMR) containing anthocyanin-rich black cane silages either with or without dilutions of FSH on animal performance, blood biochemical indices, rumen fermentation, microbial community, and carcass characteristics in meat goats. Forty healthy crossbred Thai-native Anglo-Nubian male goats (14.42 ± 1.4 kg) were used to compare the feasibility of using anthocyanin-rich black cane silage (ABS) as a functional feed resource as opposed to anthocyanin-rich black cane treated with 0.030% commercial FSH silage (ABSF). All goats received a 90-day routine feeding of two isocaloric and isonitrogenous experimental diets: the control group received TMR containing 50% anthocyanin-rich black cane silage (ABS; n = 20), and one group received TMR containing 50% FSH-treating anthocyanin-rich black cane (ABSF; n = 20). As performance indicators, average daily weight gain (ADG) and dry matter intake (DMI) were measured. Samples of meat, blood, and rumen were taken at the end of the experiment. There were no differences in final body weight, ADG, DMI, or ADG/DMI between the two groups. The ABSF group did not differ from the ABS group in terms of rumen pH, but the ABSF had a tendency to lower rumen ammonia N levels, and to higher total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations. Individual VFA concentrations differed, with the ABSF group having more Ruminococcus albus and the ABS group having more methanogenic bacteria. Blood biochemical indices differed, with the ABSF group having lower TBARS concentrations and the ABS group having lower TAC, SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and GSH-Rx concentrations. In comparison to goat meat from the ABS group, goat meat from the ABSF group contained more intramuscular fat and was more tender. The current results indicate that the feeding of a TMR containing 50% anthocyanin-rich black cane, along with FSH pre-treatment prior to ensiling, reduces oxidative stress and promotes the production of tender meat without affecting animal performance.

Vocational Agricultural Education for Self-Reliance Through Goat Production

Vocational Agricultural Education for Self-Reliance Through Goat Production

Improvement of Adaptive Saanen Goat Milk Production and Reproduction Fed Diet Supplemented with Indigofera zollingeriana Leaf Meal

The objective of this research was to examine the effect of the addition of Indigofera zollingeriana leaf meal (IZLM) in diets on milk production and fermentation products of adaptive Saanen goat. The research was conducted at Balai Besar Pembibitan Ternak Unggul dan Hijauan Pakan Ternak (BBPTUHPT) or or the Center for Superior Animal Breeding and Forage Animal Feed, Baturraden, Central Java. A total of 18 first lactating adaptive Saanen goats with a body weight of 34.83±7.13 and aged 20-24 months were used in this study. The goats were kept in individual pens and grouped into 6 groups based on body weight and each group were randomized to receive three kinds of concentrate substitution with IZLM of 0%, 10% and 20 % of dry matter (DM) concentrates, for A, B and C treatments, respectively. Therefore, this research was designed according to randomized block design. Dry matter intake (DMI) of each goat was 4.5% of live weight with dry matter (DM) ratio of forage and concentrate were 60:40. The variables measured were DMI, partial volatile fatty acid (VFA), energy conversion efficiency of glucose into VFA (ECEVFA), methane gas, total protozoa, milk production and the first estrus after kidding. Analysis of variance showed that the treatment had a significant effect (P &lt;0.05) on propionate, milk production and fat, but no significant effect (P&gt; 0.05) on consumption of DM, acetate, butyrate, EKVFA, methane gas, lactose and protein milk. Increasing the IZLM substitution level enhanced linearly (P&lt;0.05) on production of milk and milk fat, while the propionate concentrate responded to quadratic (P&lt;0.05). Milk production increased at IZLM level of 20%, while goat in this group resulted only 16.70% estrous after birth compared to goat group received 10% IZLM level resulting 50% of estrus goat. The results of this study concluded that the recommended level of using IZLM as a concentrate substitute was only 10%.

Urbanization and Habitat Characteristics Associated with the Occurrence of Peste des Petits Ruminants in Africa

As a highly contagious viral disease, peste des petits ruminants (PPR) can cause severe socio-economic impacts in developing countries due to its threat to sheep and goat production. Previous studies have identified several risk factors for PPR at the individual or herd level. However, only a few studies explored the impacts of landscape factors on PPR risk, particularly at a regional scale. Moreover, risk factor analyses in Africa usually focused on sub-Saharan Africa while neglecting northern Africa. Based on regional occurrence data during 2006–2018, we here explored and compared the risk factors, with a focus on factors related to ruminant habitats, for the occurrence of PPR in sub-Saharan and northern Africa. Our results demonstrated different risk factors in the two regions. Specifically, habitat fragmentation was negatively correlated with PPR occurrence in sub-Saharan Africa, while positively correlated with PPR occurrence in northern Africa. Moreover, urbanization showed a positive association with PPR occurrence in sub-Saharan Africa. Our study is among the first, to our knowledge, to compare the risk factors for PPR in sub-Saharan and northern Africa and contributes to a better understanding of the effects of habitat characteristics on PPR occurrence at a regional scale.

Bamboo leaf as quality fodder supplement for goat production in the dry semi-deciduous forest zone of Ghana

Limited access to fodder with fair nutritive characteristics especially during dry periods is a challenge to livestock farming. However, it is envisaged that evergreen bamboo with year-round litter production and high nutritive characteristics, may provide a valuable supplementary source of feed. In Ghana, bamboo use as fodder is largely unknown and efforts to promote its use will require an understanding of base feed quality and results disseminated. Therefore, a field fodder quality experimentation using twenty Djallonké kids (juvenile goats) of 1-year-old with a mean initial weight of 13.77 ± 1.16 kg for the trial and allotted to four dietary treatments in a completely randomized block design with five replicates per treatment was conducted. The study sought to assess the effect of leaves of two bamboo species (Oxytenanthera abyssinica and Bambusa balcooa) as a feed supplement to goats fed on basal diets of Pennisetum purpureum and Brachiaria decumbens. The fodder quality results indicated that nutrient composition and in vitro gas production of the treatments varied significantly among the grasses and the bamboo supplement. The highest crude protein and in vitro gas production was observed in O. abyssinica. Besides, O. abyssinica diets recorded the highest daily gain and the lowest feed-to-gain ratio. The treatment effect was significant on blood variables measured. Bamboo leaves are a viable feed supplement for goats as shown by their nutrient profile and positive influence on the growth performance of goats. Hence, the leaves of any of the bamboo species could be used as supplemental feed for goats.