Rate In Goats Research Articles

Modeling the economic performance of small ruminant pastoralist flocks and financial impact of changes in reproductive performance and mortalities in Kajiado county, Kenya

This study investigated the economic performance of pastoralist small ruminant flocks in Kajiado county, Kenya, and the financial impact of mortalities and changes in performance indicators. A survey of 129 pastoralist small ruminant flocks captured production and economic data for a 12-month period via interview. Simulation models were then developed for flocks with different performance levels and trading activities. Their gross margins, and the financial impact from mortalities, were estimated. Sensitivity analyses were conducted for select performance indicators to assess their relative economic importance. On average, pastoralists who were not purchasing supplementary feed (79% of flocks) had gross margins of KSh 3,016 – KSh 3,123 per reproductive female. Goat production generated 2.43–2.51 times greater returns than sheep production. High efficiency mixed flocks achieved 2.04–2.06 times greater returns than medium efficiency flocks, and 12.19–14.25 times greater returns than low efficiency flocks. Pastoralist-only flocks had 3.82–4.01 times greater returns than pastoralist-traders. Financial losses due to mortality were on average 17.81% of the starting flock value. Fecundity and abortion rates in sheep, and parturition rate in goats, had the greatest economic impact. The developed models could support decision-making toward improving the economic performance of pastoralist flocks and the evaluation of interventions and external shocks.

Evidence for circulation of Rift Valley fever virus in wildlife and domestic animals in a forest environment in Gabon, Central Africa.

Rift Valley fever (RVF) is a mosquito-borne viral zoonosis caused by the Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) that can infect domestic and wild animals. Although the RVFV transmission cycle has been well documented across Africa in savanna ecosystems, little is known about its transmission in tropical rainforest settings, particularly in Central Africa. We therefore conducted a survey in northeastern Gabon to assess RVFV circulation among wild and domestic animals. Among 163 wildlife samples tested using RVFV-specific RT-qPCR, four ruminants belonging to subfamily Cephalophinae were detected positive. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the four RVFV sequences clustered together with a virus isolated in Namibia within the well-structured Egyptian clade. A cross-sectional survey conducted on sheep, goats and dogs living in villages within the same area determined the IgG RVFV-specific antibody prevalence using cELISA. Out of the 306 small ruminants tested (214 goats, 92 sheep), an overall antibody prevalence of 15.4% (95% CI [11.5-19.9]) was observed with a higher rate in goats than in sheep (20.1% versus 3.3%). RVFV-specific antibodies were detected in a single dog out of the 26 tested. Neither age, sex of domestic animals nor season was found to be significant risk factors of RVFV occurrence. Our findings highlight sylvatic circulation of RVFV for the first time in Gabon. These results stress the need to develop adequate surveillance plan measures to better control the public health threat of RVFV.

Effect of Short-Term Glycerin Supplementation on Follicle Dynamics and Pregnancy Rate in Goats

We investigated the effects of short-term glycerin supplementation on follicular dynamics and pregnancy rates. Twenty-five goats with synchronized estrus and follicular waves with three injections of a prostaglandin analog every 7 days were used. Two days after the second injection, 13 goats were randomly chosen to receive an oral drench of 200 mL of glycerin (glycerin group [GG], n = 13) for 6 days, whereas the remaining 12 animals received an oral drench of saline (control group [CG], n = 12). At 24 and 48 h after the third injection, the goats mated. The animals were kept in a collective stall and received the same diet. The GG had higher blood glucose levels during the supplementation period than the CG (76.4 ± 1.9 vs. 50.3 ± 0.7 mg/dL; p < 0.01). The glycemic peak was recorded 4 h after the glycerin administration (102.3 ± 5.1 mg/dL) and remained higher than that in the CG 8 and 12 h later. The GG goats had a higher rectal temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate than the CG goats and showed an increase in these parameters 4, 8, and 12 h after glycerin drenching. The GG animals also exhibited increased stress, urination, and drinking behaviors and reduced rumination. The ultrasonographic analysis showed a higher number of follicles with a diameter >4 mm (p < 0.05) and a greater follicular diameter (p < 0.01) in the waves before and after ovulation induction. The pregnancy and twinning rates and litter size at parturition were not different between the groups. Short-term supplementation with glycerin positively affects ovarian stimulation but has no effect on the reproductive response after mating.

Effect of Excessive Environmental Heat Load on Digestibility, Energy Balance, and Urea Recycling in the Mediterranean (Member) Goat

This study investigates the energy and nitrogen economy of the Mediterranean goat across diverse environmental conditions, emphasizing the influence of heat stress and shelter on animal productivity. Environmental factors such as water availability, food quality, and heat stress affect the animal's capacity to convert indigestible plant components into digestible food and sustain energy balance. In particular, heat stress causes a significant decrease in the goat's food by 27.49% and by 34.85% in alfalfa hay and wheat straw respectively, leading to a loss of body mass, even when offered high-quality food such as alfalfa hay. However, when sheltered from direct sunlight, the goat can maintain an energy balance on any diet, a significant decrease in body mass was recorded, with a reduction of 10.59% for alfalfa hay and 17.79 ± 3.0% for wheat straw. Heat stress also impairs the goat's ability to maintain a balanced nitrogen economy, reducing nitrogen loss through excretion during heat load conditions and high-protein food digestion. The study found that the average urea recycling rate in goats kept in a shelter was 36%, which was significantly higher than the rate observed in goats exposed to heat stress, which was only 19.6%. Moreover, the amount of recycled urea was also higher in the shelter at 91% compared to 69.9% in the reflected heat stress recorded when the goats were maintained on a diet of wheat straw. As the goat cannot reduce its metabolic rate, a negative energy balance occurs, resulting in body mass loss. The quality of food and heat stress are critical determinants of the goat's food consumption, with high heat load reducing appetite. This study concludes that sheltered conditions, providing protection from direct sunlight, are necessary to sustain productivity and maintain a stable body mass on any diet. Furthermore, maintaining a balanced nitrogen balance can be challenging for animals consuming low-protein food, particularly under suboptimal feeding conditions. The study's findings have implications for the broader issue of global warming, as rising temperatures could increase heat stress and reduce food consumption and productivity in animals, with potentially negative consequences for agriculture and food security. Therefore, protecting animals from heat stress through adequate shelter and management practices is essential to mitigate the negative impacts of global warming on animal productivity, Animal husbandry, and human livelihoods.

Occurrence of Abortions in Goats Reared under Different Farming Systems

Background: Abortion is a very common health problem of animals including goats and it causes heavy economic losses to the farmers. The current study was planned to assess the occurrence of abortions in goats reared under different farming systems and association of occurrence of abortions with stage of pregnancy, season and parity of the aborted goats. Methods: The data on caprine abortions from semi-intensive and free range farming systems was compiled and analysed. Occurrence of abortion in the goats reared under field conditions and at organized farms under semi-intensive management system was categorized on the basis of stage of pregnancy, season and parity of aborted goats. The statistical analysis of the abortion data was done by using Chi-Square test. Result: Abortion rates in goats reared at different management systems (semi-intensive and free range systems) differed significantly (p less than 0.01). Occurrence of the abortions was found highest in the field goats. Occurrence of the abortions in the different stages of pregnancy (early, mid and late) in the goats reared at organized farms under semi-intensive management system and field conditions differed significantly (p less than 0.01). Maximum abortions were seen in the later stage of pregnancy. Likewise, occurrence of the abortions in various seasons (rainy, winter and summer) in the goats reared at organized farms under semi-intensive system and field conditions differed significantly (p less than 0.01). Highest occurrence of abortion was noticed in winter season. Occurrence of abortion was also significantly associated with parity of pregnancy in the goats from the organised farms as well as in the field goats. The study concludes that abortion rate in goats are significantly associated (p less than 0.01) with management practices, season, parity and stage of pregnancy.

Between-individual variability on reticulorumen digesta passage rate in goats

Identifying factors that influence an individual’s ability to utilize nutrients is a strategy for enhancing livestock sustainability. Digesta passage rate (kp) is one of the most important determinants that influence nutrient utilization. However, there is limited knowledge regarding the individual’s variability on kp. The objective of this study was to investigate between-individual variability of reticulorumen (RR) kp of solutes and particles in goats, and its relationship to total NDF digestibility (NDFd). A dataset consisting of 103 individual records from two studies of castrated male (n = 36), female (n = 34), and intact male (n = 33) growing Saanen goats fed ad libitum and slaughtered at around 16.62 ± 0.96 (n = 21), 23.09 ± 1.33 (n = 19), 30.67 ± 2.25 kg (n = 29), 38.02 ± 1.61 (n = 16), and 44.12 ± 1.95 (n = 18) kg BW was used. The RR kp of solutes and particles were measured using Cr-EDTA and indigestible NDF (iNDF), respectively. Using mixed-effect models, considering sex and BW as fixed effects and study as random effect, we aimed to identify meaningful between-individual variance of RR kp of solutes and particles. Given the characteristic of our dataset (i.e., one observation per individual), our approach focused on exploring the variance between individuals described by the residuals of our fitted models. The RR kp of solutes and particles showed significant (P < 0.05) between-individual variation (CV ≈ 27%). Only 10% of RR kp of solutes variance was explained by DM intake (DMI) (g/d and g/d and g/kg BW) and NDF intake (NDFI); g/d), while 51.8% of the variance in RR kp of particles was explained by DMI and NDFI (g/d and g/kg BW), RR wet pool size, and iNDF:NDF intake ratio. The between-individual variation of RR kp of particles explained 19.5% of the between-individual variation in NDFd (P < 0.001). However, the nutritional and individual traits cited above (i.e., DMI, NDFI, RR wet pool size, and iNDF:NDF intake ratio) explained only 51.8% of the between-individual variation of RR kp of particles, while the remaining 48.2% was attributed to the individual’s inherent characteristics, which in turn explained only 1.24% of the between-individual variation of NDFd (P = 0.146). The RR kp of particles and solutes showed meaningful between-individuals variance, which was partially related to both individual inherent characteristics and nutritional and animal traits. However, the NDFd was found to be unrelated to the inherent characteristics of RR kp of particles.

Electroencephalogram and Physiological Responses as Affected by Slaughter Empathy in Goats.

Recent advances in emotions and cognitive science make it imperative to assess the emotional stress in goats at the time of slaughter. The present study was envisaged to study the electroencephalogram and physiological responses as affected by slaughter empathy in goats. A total of 12 goats were divided into two groups viz., E-group (goats exposed to slaughter environment, n = 6) and S-group (goat slaughtered in front of E-group, n = 6). The electroencephalogram and physiological responses in male Boer cross goats (E-group) were recorded in a slaughterhouse in two stages viz., control (C) without exposure to the slaughter of conspecifics and treatment (T) while visualizing the slaughter of conspecifics (S-slaughter group). The exposure of the goat to the slaughter of a conspecific resulted in a heightened emotional state. It caused significant alterations in neurobiological activity as recorded with the significant changes in the EEG spectrum (beta waves (p = 0.000491), theta waves (p = 0.017), and median frequency MF or F50 (p = 0.002)). Emotional stress was also observed to significantly increase blood glucose (p = 0.031) and a non-significant (p = 0.225) increase in heart rate in goats. Thus, slaughter empathy was observed to exert a significant effect on the electric activity of neurons in the cerebrocortical area of the brain and an increase in blood glucose content.

Success of artificial insemination in Goats: An overview

Globally there is growing demand for small ruminant production especially, goats for meat and milk purposes to feed the ever-increasing human population. Earlier goat breeding was generally practised by natural mating; but now artificial inseminations (AI) with elite buck semen are well in demand for improving herd production. Success rates of AI in goats varied widely with type of semen used, oestrus synchronization, insemination method, region, breed etc. In goats, pregnancy rate is comparatively higher by AI with chilled liquid semen (71 to 78%) as compared to frozen-thawed semen (21 to 57%). Intracervical insemination is widely used in goats and easy to perform within 2 to 3 min with a success rate of 59.8% using chilled semen and 43.9% using frozen-thawed semen. The trans-cervical insemination is difficult to perform due to highly complex cervical anatomy of goats, hardly 78.57% using chilled semen and 53.12% success rates are achieved using frozen-thawed semen. The success rate through laparoscopy aided trans-uterine deposition of semen yields higher pregnancy rates (60 to 80%) as compared to vaginal and trans-cervical AI. But laparoscopic insemination involves elaborate equipment and special skills. Under Indian conditions, frozenthawed semen and intracervical insemination is an easier way to adopt in field conditions for AI in goats. Further, there is urgent need to standardize the semen freezing protocols and novel semen extenders which may be breed-specific to achieve higher conception rate in goats.

Effect of eCG dose on ovarian haemodynamics, hormonal profiles and prolificacy rate when oestrus was induced during low-breeding season in Beetal goats.

The objectives of the experiment were to determine the effect of two doses of equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) in a standard synchronization protocol based on a short-term progesterone (P4 ) priming on ovarian structures and haemodynamics, concentrations of steroid hormones and prolificacy rate when oestrus was induced during low-breeding season (LBS) in Beetal dairy goats. We hypothesized that inclusion of eCG in a short-term P4 priming-based synchronization protocol would increase the blood perfusion to ovarian structures leading to enhance oestrous and ovulatory responses and prolificacy rate in goats. Forty-two multiparous acyclic goats were blocked by body condition and, within block, assigned randomly to receive saline as control (CON), low eCG (L-eCG; 300 IU) or high eCG (H-eCG; 600 IU) dose. Initially, a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device was placed in the anterior vagina on d -8, followed by removal of CIDR on d -3, concurrent with the administration of PGF2α and eCG according to their respective treatments. Goats were monitored for oestrous response. B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography was performed with 12-h interval, starting from day -3 until natural breeding (day 0), and then on days 5, 10, 15 and 20 post-breeding to monitor follicular and luteal dynamics and blood flow, respectively. Blood was sampled at 0, 12, 24, 36 and 60 h after CIDR removal to quantify plasma concentrations of estradiol-17β (E2 ), whereas plasma concentrations of P4 were assayed at days 5, 10, 15 and 20 after breeding. Pregnancy and prolificacy rates were determined at day 30 and 150 after breeding, respectively. Data were analysed with mixed-effects models, and orthogonal contrasts were used to evaluate the effect of treatment [Con vs. (½L-eCG + ½ H-eCG)] and dose of eCG (L-eCG vs. H-eCG). Data are presented in sequence as CON, L-eCG, H-eCG (LSM ± SEM). The oestrous intensity score (152.9 vs. 182.7 vs. 186.5 ± 15.1; p =.02) was greater in eCG-treated goats as compared to CON. Administration of eCG reduced the intervals to standing oestrus (66.2 vs. 41.8 vs. 48.9 h ± 5.5; p =.05), breeding (70.2 vs. 44.4 vs. 45.4 h ± 4.5; p =.03) and ovulation (84.5 vs. 61.2 vs. 63.4 h ± 6.2; p =.05) compared with CON goats. The mean growth rate of pre-ovulatory follicle was greater (1.11 vs. 1.49 vs. 1.45 mm ± 0.08; p =.01) in eCG-treated goats resulting in an increased diameter of pre-ovulatory follicle (6.27 vs. 7.20 vs. 7.31 mm ± 0.07; p <.01) and corpora lutea (6.75 vs. 8.26 vs. 8.07 mm ± 0.42; p =.04) than CON. The mean follicular blood flow did not differ among treatments; however, the mean luteal blood flow was greater in L-eCG-treated goats (0.81 vs. 1.61 vs. 1.07 cm2 ± 0.12; p =.001). The mean concentrations of E2 (4.03 vs. 5.21 vs. 4.78 pg/ml ± 0.42; p =.04) and P4 (4.85 vs. 6.39 vs. 6.22 ng/ml ± 0.34; p =.04) were greater in eCG-treated goats. The twinning rate did not differ between treatments; nevertheless, prolificacy rate was greater (p =.04) in L-eCG-treated goats. Collectively, our data suggest that the administration of eCG improves the induction of oestrous and ovarian dynamics. Administration of L-eCG enhances prolificacy rate, therefore, a low dose of eCG might be practically beneficial to improve reproduction during LBS in acyclic Beetal dairy goats.

Does buck stimulation affect the reproductive performance of goats synchronized with Medroxyprogesterone Acetate (MAP) sponges?

This investigation was executed to determine effect of buck exposure on estrus response, onset of standing estrus, ovulation rate, conception rate and pregnancy rate in goats synchronized with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) sponges. Sponges were placed inside the vagina for fifteen days in buck exposed and isolated groups. Post sponge withdrawal, estrus activities were continuously observed. The interval between sponge withdrawal and the onset of standing estrus were 32.3±10 h (18-51 h) and 45.2±10.9 h (27-51h) in buck isolated and exposed group respectively (p&lt;0.05). Ovulation and conception rates were confirmed by serum progesterone level using radioimmunoassay. Ovulation rates were 100% in both groups and conception rates were 93% and 100% in buck exposed and in isolated group respectively (p&gt;0.05). Pregnancies were confirmed by ultrasound on day 35 post mating which were 93%, was and 69% in buck exposed and isolated group respectively (p&gt;0.05). Based upon the evidence, it was inference that post sponge removal sudden buck exposure cause markedly earlier estrus onset while the continuous buck exposure was unable to show significantly impact on conception and pregnancy rates compare to isolated group.

Simplified Iohexol-Based Method for Measurement of Glomerular Filtration Rate in Goats and Pigs.

Simple SummaryTo improve the treatment of patients with kidney disease, new therapies are being developed. Before being used on humans, such therapies need to be tested on animals with kidney disease because reduced kidney function may influence the safety and efficacy of the treatment. Using large animals for this purpose is important because they tolerate frequent blood sampling, which allows for repeated monitoring. Goats seem particularly suitable for the evaluation of novel hemodialysis therapies since they are docile, have easily accessible neck veins to obtain blood access and body weights comparable with humans. Currently, no simple method is available to measure kidney function in goats (with or without impaired kidney function). Therefore, we developed a simple method to measure the kidney function in goats and pigs, which is based on a single injection of iohexol and requires three blood samples. Subsequently, kidney function can be calculated using a formula derived from pharmacokinetic modelling. The measurement of kidney function using our simplified method is relatively easy to perform, reduces total blood sampling and eliminates the need for an indwelling bladder catheter as compared to existing methods that require continuous infusion of a substance and timed urine collection.The preclinical evaluation of novel therapies for chronic kidney disease requires a simple method for the assessment of kidney function in a uremic large animal model. An intravenous bolus of iohexol was administered to goats (13 measurements in n = 3 goats) and pigs (23 measurements in n = 5 pigs) before and after induction of kidney failure, followed by frequent blood sampling up to 1440 min. Plasma clearance (CL) was estimated by a nonlinear mixed-effects model (CLNLME) and by a one-compartmental pharmacokinetic disposition model using iohexol plasma concentrations during the terminal elimination phase (CL1CMT). A simple method (CLSM) for the calculation of plasma clearance was developed based on the most appropriate relationship between CLNLME and CL1CMT. CLSM and CLNLME showed good agreement (CLNLME/CLSM ratio: 1.00 ± 0.07; bias: 0.03 ± 1.64 mL/min; precision CLSM and CLNLME: 80.9% and 80.7%, respectively; the percentage of CLSM estimates falling within ±30% (P30) or ±10% (P10) of CLNLME: 53% and 12%, respectively). For mGFRNLME vs. mGFRSM, bias was −0.25 ± 2.24 and precision was 49.2% and 53.6%, respectively, P30 and P10 for mGFR based on CLSM were 71% and 24%, respectively. A simple method for measurement of GFR in healthy and uremic goats and pigs was successfully developed, which eliminates the need for continuous infusion of an exogenous marker, urine collection and frequent blood sampling.

Luteogenesis and Embryo Implantation Are Enhanced by Exogenous hCG in Goats Subjected to an Out-of-Season Fixed-Time Artificial Insemination Protocol.

Simple SummaryIn temperate and subtropical ecosystems, goats are classified as seasonal-polyestrous, generating a seasonality in their products (i.e., milk, meat). In order to abolish or reduce this reproductive seasonality, exogenous hormones, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), have been used to stimulate the development of ovarian follicles, triggering ovulation, corpus luteum formation, while increasing serum progesterone levels, fetal growth, prolificacy, and kidding rate. We tested the possible effect of two doses of hCG (i.e., 100 vs. 300 IU) in the improvement of the luteal function and embryo implantation in anovulatory goats subjected to an estrus induction protocol, and then, to a fixed-time artificial insemination protocol (FTAI). The highest values for fecundity rate, corpus luteum area, as well as embryonic efficiency index 1, were favored in goats treated with 300 IU hCG 14 days post-artificial fertilization. The embryonic efficiency and the index embryonic implantation efficiency were favored in goats treated with 300 IU hCG 7 and 14 days post-artificial insemination. This work contributes to explore the most suitable use of exogenous hormones that favor the out-of-season reproductive outcomes in goats and to boost the embryo implantation efficiency.The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effect of two doses of hCG (100 and 300 IU) applied at two different times (7 and 14 d) after a fixed-time artificial insemination protocol (FTAI) upon some variables involved in the embryonic implantation rate in goats during the natural deep anestrous season (April, 25° north). The experimental units considered crossbred, multiparous, anovulatory goats (n = 69, Alpine, Saanen, Nubian x Criollo), with average body weight (43.6 ± 5.7 kg) and body condition score (1.86 ± 0.28 units) located in northern–semiarid Mexico (25° N, 103° W). Once the goat’s anestrus status was confirmed, goats were subjected to an estrus induction protocol. Upon estrus induction confirmation, goats (n = 61) were subjected to a FTAI procedure. Immediately after the FTAI, the goats were randomly distributed to five experimental groups: (1). G100-7 (n = 13) 100 IU, hCG 7 d post-FTAI, (2). G100-14 (n = 12) 100 IU hCG, 14 d post-FTAI, (3). G300-7 (n = 12) 300 IU, hCG, 7 d post-FTAI, (4). G300-14 (n = 12) 300 IU hCG 14 d post-FTAI, and (5). Control group, CONT (n = 12) 0.5 mL saline, 7 and 14 d post-FTAI. The response variables conception rate (39.36 ± 0.23), fertility rate (27.96%), prolificacy rate (1.1 ± 0.29 kids), ovulation rate (0.74 ± 0.20 corpus luteum) corpus luteum diameter (10.15 ± 0.59 mm), embryo number (1.58 ± 0.20), and embryo implantation rate (48.96%), did not differ between treatments. However, while the variables fecundity rate (67%), embryo efficiency index-1 (33.99 ± 0.20%), and embryo efficiency index-2 (27.94 ± 0.30%) were favored by the G300-14 treatment, the corpus luteum area was favored (p < 0.05) by both G300-7 (113.30 ± 0.19 mm2) and G300-14 (103.04 ± 0.17 mm2). Such reproductive strategy emerges as an interesting approach, not only to enhance the out-of-season reproductive outcomes, but also to boost one of the main rulers defining the global reproductive efficiency of a heard, namely, the embryo implantation efficiency.

A survey on the prevalence of some ectoparasite species infesting sheep and goats in Kalar district, Kurdistan region, Iraq

Tamed small ruminants such as sheep and goats are deemed important sources of people livelihood in Garmian area including Kalar district. Sustainability and prosperity of livestock resources are vigorously influenced by the heavy infestation of small ruminants with ectoparasites owing to the enormous economic loss caused by them, particularly in under-developed countries including Iraq. Hence, the present survey, carried out from March, 2019 to February, 2020 in Kalar district, intended to investigate the rampancy of external parasites among sheep and goats being reared in the aforementioned district. To meet the requirements of the survey, a total of 1700 sheep and 400 goats were arbitrarily sampled. The overall rate of ectoparasitosis in this study was 53.09%, in that, the infestation rate in goats (95%) was significantly higher than that of sheep (43.23%). Regarding sheep pediculosis, two species of lice; Linognathus (L.) africanus (35.58%), Damalinia (D.) ovis (24.11%), and two species of ticks; Hyalomma (H.) anatolicum (2.94%), Rhipicephalus (R.) turanucus (4.41%), in addition to the nasal bot fly, Oestrus ovis (12%) were identified. On the other hand, two species of lice; D. caprae (80%), L. africanus (30%), and two species of ticks; H. anatolicum (7.5%) and R. turanucus (3.75%) were detected in goats. Co-infections were significantly higher in sheep as compared to goats in this survey. Some of the aforementioned external parasites are known to transmit zoonotic diseases since sheep and goats are reared in close cohabitation with humans. For that reason, sustainable control of ectoparasitosis especially, tick infestations in domestic livestock is compulsory to prevent both economic loss and transmission of some serious diseases.

The ratio of roughage to concentrate on milk secretion rate in goats fed Stylosanthes ha mata hay

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of roughage to concentrate ratio (R:C) on milk secretion rate (g/h) in goats using a cross-over design in which each goat passed sequentially through all the treatments in random order. The treatments (R: C) were: A = 70 percent roughage : 30 percent concentrate; B = 50 percent roughage : 50 percent concentrate e and C = 30 percent roughage : 70 percent concentrate. In the experiment, seven goats were milked once a day, from the 2nd to 8th week of lactation, thrice per week for 2 weeks per treatment. The animals were fed at 4 percent body weight (DM basis). The feed consisted of Stylosanthes hamata hay (S. hamata hay) and a 17.2 percent CP concentrate ration. Data were analysed using the treatments as main effect with live weight and week of lactation as covariates. There was no significant treatment effects on mülk secretion rate (P&gt;0.05). Overall milk secretion rate was 5.23gh. Week of lactation also had no significant effect (P&gt;0.05). However, live weight of doe at time of milking had a highly significant effect (P&gt;0.001) with milk secretion rate increasing by 0.41g/h per kilogram live weight. The R2 values for the predictive mathematical relationship for goats fed Stylosanthes hamata hay at 4 percent body weight in the dry season was R2 = 0.888. It can therefore be deduced that for a ladating doe in the 5th week of lactation at 20kg body weight fed at 4 percent with Stylosanthes hamata hay to concentrate ratio at 70 percent roughage : 30 percent concentrate would give a milk secretion rate of 6.717g/h while at 50 percent roughage : 50 percent concentrate it would give 6.662 g/h and 30 percent roughage : 70 percent concentrate level would give 7.054 g/h.&#x0D; Keywords:,,,

Kajian Metode Aplikasi Sinkronisasi Birahi menggunakan PGF2α pada kambing terhadap kualitas estrus, konsentrasi progesterone dalam darah dan tingkat kebuntingannya

A study of the application method of estrus synchronization with prostaglandin 2 alpha (PGF2α) preparations in local goats in Yogyakarta to determine the effectiveness of estrus synchronization based on the quality of estrus, the concentration of the hormone progesterone in the blood and the level of pregnancy have been done. The low pregnancy rate in goats is caused by a short time of heat and mating behavior that is not clear, resulting in low reproductive performance. The application of lust synchronization technology is expected to solve this problem. Prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) is commonly applied in Indonesia intramuscularly (IM), while other methods have no known scientific data on the effectiveness of this method. This study used two methods, namely intramuscular (IM) as a control and intravaginal sponge (IS) method. The IM method is a standard method that is commonly used in synchronizing goat estrus, while the IS method with a smaller dose has never been studied scientifically and in detail. This study was to determine the effective dose required in the IS administration of PGF2α hormone in influencing the quality of estrus, progesterone hormone profile, and pregnancy and compared with IM application as a control. This study used 24 goats that had given birth, were not pregnant, aged 3-5 years, had an average weight of 40 kg and were healthy, divided into 3 treatment groups. Group 1 IM PGF2α hormone (8.25 mg / head), group 2 IS PGF2α hormone (5.5 mg / head) and group 3 IS PGF2α hormone (2.75 mg / head). Estrus detection was carried out by visual observation, mating using a trained male, testing progesterone levels with an ELISA kit and pregnancy examination with ultrasound. The results were analyzed using ANOVA and T-Test. The results showed that there was no difference in estrous quality (P&gt; 0.05) at the peak of estrus in each group. Progesterone levels in the IS group with a dose of PGF 5.5 and 2.75 mg / head indicated that the dose of 5.5 mg / head was lower than that in the 2.75 mg / head group. The pregnancy rate of the IM group was not significantly different from the IS group. The conclusion of this research is that synchronization of estrus using PGF2α by IS would to be effectively produce the quality of lust, the level of progesterone in the blood and pregnancy which are not different from the IM administration. The IS method can be applied to synchronization of goats in Indonesia at a lower cost, but the level of efficiency and effectiveness is not different from the IM method which uses a higher dose.

Effects of immunization against inhibin α-subunit on ovarian structures, pregnancy rate, embryonic and fetal losses, and prolificacy rate in goats where estrus was induced during the non-breeding season

The objectives of the study were to determine the dose-dependent effects of active immunization against inhibin α-subunit (AIINHA) on ovarian dynamics, concentrations of progesterone (P4), pregnancy rate (PR), embryonic and fetal losses (EFL), and prolificacy during the non-breeding season when there was imposing of a progestin-based treatment regimen to induce estrus in Beetal goats. Goats (n = 30) were randomly assigned into following groups: 1) saline (G-CON-0 mg; n = 10), 2) small dose (G-AIINHA-0.5 mg; n = 10), and 3) large dose (G-AIINHA-1 mg; n = 10). The primary administration of inhibin immunogen was administered at Day -48, followed by another administration at Day -20, and subsequently there was induction of estrus using a progestin based treatment regimen that included a single administration of progestin-containing sponge and PGF2α at Day -8. The sponge was removed, and GnRH was administered at Day -3 followed by breeding (Day 0) at standing estrus. Results indicated mean diameter of the follicles, size of pre-ovulatory follicles and corpora lutea, and post-breeding P4 concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in the goat does of the G-AIINHA-0.5 than G-CON-0 group. The PR, and EFL, however, did not differ (P> 0.05) among groups, whereas prolificacy rate was greater (P = 0.04) in goat does of the G-AIINHA-0.5 than G-CON-0 groups. The data from this study indicate G-AIINHA-0.5 is the recommended dose of inhibin immunogen to enhance the reproductive performance during non-breeding season in Beetal goats when estrus is induced using a progestin-based treatment regimen.

Clinical Application Of Intrauterine Laparoscopic Insemination In Zaraiby Goats Using Different Concentrations Of Zaraiby And Boer Bucks’ Frozen Semen

This study aimed to determine the proper sperm dose per laparoscopic intrauterine insemination (LAI) in Zaraiby goats. Thirty-six Zaraiby goats, two Zaraiby and two Boer bucks were used in the study. Does were divided into six groups; the first three groups were inseminated laparoscopically with frozen-thawed Zaraiby semen either at doses of 10 x 106 (GP1), 20 x 106 (GP 2), or 40 x 106 (GP 3). The other three groups were inseminated with Boer semen's same doses (GP 4, 5 &6). Results showed that goats laparoscopically inseminated with 20 x 106 Zaraiby spermatozoa or 10 x 106 Boer sperm cells both had the highest (P ≤0.05) pregnancy rate (about 70% & 60%, respectively). The multiple birth rate in goats inseminated by Boer buck’s spermatozoa were generally higher than those inseminated with Zaraiby buck’s spermatozoa (66.67 to 100.00% vs. 25.00 to 40.00%, respectively). In conclusion, the LAI is an efficient means of achieving high fertilization rates in goats. The recommended minimum necessary dose for laparoscopic artificial insemination in Zaraiby is 10 ×106 and 20×106 motile Boer and Zaraiby buck’s spermatozoa, respectively.

Effects of abundances of OCT-4 mRNA transcript on goat pre-implantation embryonic development

Unlike in mice, the function of pluripotent markers in early embryonic development of domestic animals remains to be elucidated and this may account for the failure to establish embryonic stem cell lines for these species. To study the functions of the OCT-4 protein which has important actions in maintenance of pluripotent and self-renewal processes during early embryonic development, there was induced reduction in relative abundance of OCT-4 mRNA transcript during goat early embryonic development by using RNA interference techniques. The injection of OCT-4 siRNA into goat IVF presumptive zygotes resulted in a decrease in the relative abundance of OCT-4 mRNA transcript; however, there was development of these embryos to the blastocyst stage at the same rate as there was in the control group. The blastocysts from the treated groups had a similar number of TE, ICM, and total cells compared to those from the control group. Although there was a greater relative abundance of NANOG, REX1, and CDX2 mRNA transcript in the embryos injected with siRNA at the 8–16 cell stage, the relative transcript abundances were similar for the control and treatment groups at the blastocyst stage. The relative abundance of SOX2 mRNA transcript was similar for the treatment and control group. It, therefore, is concluded that inhibition of abundances of OCT-4 mRNA transcript to about 20 % of that of the untreated control group did not affect blastocyst formation rate in goats. The functions of OCT-4 in maintaining ICM and TE integrity, however, remains to be assessed.

A molecular prevalence survey on Anaplasma infection among domestic ruminants in Khartoum State, Sudan

This study was conducted in Khartoum State, Sudan to determine the prevalence and the risk factors associated with Anaplasma and Ehrlichia species infections in domestic ruminants. Blood samples were collected from a total of 594 animals from 32 different farms distributed in the three provinces of Khartoum State. Among the 196 cattle, 200 sheep, and 198 goats examined using PCR, 13.27%, 32.50%, and 35.86% were infected with Anaplasma spp., respectively, with an overall prevalence of 27.27%. Cattle were infected with A. marginale (10.71%), A. centrale (2.04%), and A. ovis (0.51%), while sheep and goats were infected with A. ovis being significantly higher compared with cattle. No Ehrlichia spp. was detected in domestic ruminant in Khartoum State. Prevalence rates of Anaplasma infections were highly associated with breed, location, season, and sex. The prevalence rates of Anaplasma infection were significantly higher in exotic goat breeds compared with indigenous, and the infection in sheep and cattle was significantly higher in summer and in autumn in goats. The Anaplasma spp. infection rate in goats was significantly higher in females. The infection rate was also significantly higher in Khartoum North in both sheep and goats. It could be concluded that Anaplasma infection is prevalent in small and large ruminants in Khartoum State. Therefore, further studies on the epidemiology of anaplasmosis, possible tick, lice, and flea vectors and reservoirs in Sudan are important.

Studies on morbidity pattern in Pantja goat under range conditions in Tarairegion of Uttarakhand

A study was conducted to collect the base line information on various factors affecting morbidity pattern in goats with special reference to Pantja breed under village conditions of Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital districts of Tarai region of the Uttarakhand during a period of two years (April, 2015 to March, 2017) under All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Goats (Pantja field Unit), Department of livestock Production and Management, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. The results of present study revealed that the overall morbidity among (9023 goats) surveyed population was 27.96 per cent. The results also indicated that Coccidiosis (29.69%), infectious-enteritis (16.43%), miscellaneous (16.47%), pneumonia (13.58%), toxaemia/ acidosis (10.53%), general weakness (7.88%), predation (3.60%) and putrefied (1.82%) were the common causes of morbidity. Among the total morbidity of goat flock faced heavy morbidity was found to be in kids (69.24%) followed by young age (13.66%) and adult (17.10 %). The Chi-square analysis of overall morbidity rate in goats with respect to district showed that the district had significant (p<0.01) effect on morbidity rates in goats.