Rate In Goats Research Articles

Comparison of the sequences and expression levels of genes related to follicular development and atresia between prolific and nonprolific goat breeds.

This study investigated the variations of the nucleotide sequences and ovarian expression levels of genes related to follicular development and atresia in prolific Jintang black goats and nonprolific Tibetan goats. Eight genes, FSHB, LHB, FSHR, LHCGR, ESR2, B4GANT2, BCL2 and BAX, were examined using reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and quantitative real‐time PCR. The results showed that the nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of the LHB and BAX genes were not different, but there was one base change in the FSHR genes between the two breeds. There was one base change in the FSHB gene, which resulted in one amino acid substitution; there were nine base changes in the LHCGR gene, which resulted in five amino acid substitutions; and there were six base changes in the B4GANT2 gene, which resulted in four amino acid substitutions. The expression levels of the FSHR, LHCGR, ESR2, B4GANT2, BCL2 and BAX genes in the ovaries were not different between the two breeds. The plasma concentrations of FSH were not different, but the plasma concentrations of LH, P4 and E2 were lower in prolific Jintang black goats than in nonprolific Tibetan goats (P ˂ 0.05) at 40 hr after removal of the Controlled Internal Drug Release Devices. These results provide some foundations elucidating the endocrine and molecular mechanisms controlling ovulation rate in goats, but these need to be further verified.

The Opuntia effect upon the out-of-season embryo implantation rate in goats: Corpus luteal number, corpus luteal diameter and serum progesterone concentrations

We evaluated the possible effect of targeted supplementation of protein enriched Opuntia megacantha Salm-Dyck cladodes, the flat leaf-like stem of cactus species, upon corpus luteum number (CLN), corpus luteum diameter (CLD), serum progesterone concentrations (P4) and embryo implantation rate (EIMPL) in anestrous goats exposed to sexually active males. During the non-breeding season (May-Jun, 25°LN), anestrus Alpine-Saanen-Nubian × Criollo adult goats (n = 45) homogeneous regarding live weight (LW, kg) and body condition score (BCS, units) were randomly assigned to the supplement treatments: 1). Protein-enriched Opuntia (PEO;n = 15; 43.8 ± 1.5 kg LW, 2.48 ± 0.10 BCS; 29.8% CP, 2.2 Mcal ME kg−1), 2). Non-enriched Opuntia (NEO; n = 15; 43.8 ± 1.5 kg LW, 2.47 ± 0.10 units BCS; 6.4% CP, 2.1 Mcal ME kg−1), compared with 3). Control (CONT; n = 15; 45.41 ± 1.5 kg LW, 2.54 ± 0.10 units BCS). Both NEO and PEO goats were individually supplemented with cladodes (160 g d−1; 0900–1000 h) and then goats grazed in a marginal rangeland (1000–1800 h). PEO was bio-fortified in a fermentation bioreactor (1% of Scaromices cereveciae, + 1% urea + 0.1% of ammonium sulphate). Three transrectal ultrasonographic scans (US) were performed during the supplement adaptation period (20d) to confirm the goat´s anovulatory status and then (May 20) exposed to males during a 10d breeding period. A 4th-US quantified CLN and CLD 20 d post-male introduction (PMI), while a 5th-US evaluated EIMPL (47 d, PMI); supplementation lasted up to June 30. No differences (P > 0.05) in LW and BCS occurred either at the onset (44.38 ± 1.5 kg, 2.49 ± 0.10 units) or at the end (45.03 ± 1.5 kg, 2.60 ± 0.20 units) of the experiment, neither concerning P4-average (3.73 ± 1.6 ng mL−1) nor related to the treatment x time interaction. Although no differences in the reproductive response (P > 0.05) regarding CLN, CLD and EIMPL occurred in the PEO and NEO, an amplified response (P < 0.05) was observed in the PEO-group compared to the CONT goats [CLN: 1.33, 0.71 & 0.43 ± 0.7 units; CLD: 1.66, 0.92 & 0.61 ± 0.30 mm; and EIMPL: 86, 53 & 18 ± 14%, respectively]. Targeted supplementation with protein-enriched Opuntia cladodes (i.e. the “Opuntia Effect”) during the conception-to-implantation period to anestrous goats exposed to males increased out-of-season reproductive outcomes; this strategy could be potentially important to uphold the sustainability of goat production systems under semiarid conditions.

Оптимізація характеристик функціонування цехової служби технічного обслуговування деревообробного обладнання

Представлено подальший розвиток методики оптимізації характеристик цехової служби технічного обслуговування деревообробного обладнання. Теоретичною основою слугує теорія масового обслуговування. Потік відмов деревообробного обладнання розглянуто як однорідний, стаціонарний, без післядії. Такий потік називають найпростішим або пуасонівським. Цехову службу технічного обслуговування обладнання розглянуто як систему масового обслуговування, прийнявши, що інтенсивність відмов та інтенсивність обслуговування є постійними величинами. За відомими з теорії масового обслуговування залежностями визначено: середню довжину черги на обслуговування Мо; середню кількість замовлень Nз; середня кількість вільних робітників No; коефіцієнт простою робітників Ко; коефіцієнт простою замовлень Коз; коефіцієнт зайнятості робітників Кз. За мету оптимізації прийнято мінімум простоїв обладнання. За функцію мети оптимізації прийнято суму протилежних за характером зміни складових F = Мо + Nз + No ® min. Встановлено залежності характеристик функціонування цехової служби технічного обслуговування від кількості робітників бригади ремонтників. Дослідження функції мети на екстремум дає змогу визначити оптимальну чисельність робітників. Приклад розрахунку наведено для меблевого цеху на 25 одиниць обладнання.

Genetic Diversity of Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Infection in Goats in Southwestern China.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) affects cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and other ruminants, as well as some wild animals. BVDV causes considerable economic losses every year and many countries have developed programs aimed at the eradication of this disease. The genetic diversity of BVDV in diseased goats has never been described in southwestern China. Thus, in this study, we applied antigen-capture ELISA and RT-PCR to survey the infection rate of BVDV in diseased goats in this region. Our results demonstrated that the average BVDV infection rate in goats was 17.51%, with all positive samples indicating infection by BVDV-1 and not BVDV-2, BVDV-3, or Border disease virus. The molecular characteristics of the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR) of BVDV-1 were recognized as belonging predominantly to the BVDV-1a, 1b, 1c, 1m, and 1p subtypes. BVDV-1b and 1m were the most abundant subtypes identified in this region, similar to the BVDV epidemics in cattle in other regions of China. This is the first study that describes the genetic characterization of BVDV in sick goats from southwestern China and is important for future studies and control programs.

Indications for and outcomes of limb amputation in goats and sheep.

OBJECTIVE To characterize indications for and clinical outcomes of limb amputation in goats and sheep. DESIGN Retrospective case series and observational study. ANIMALS Goats (n = 15) and sheep (7) that underwent partial or complete limb amputation at the University of California-Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from January 1, 1985, through December 31, 2015. PROCEDURES Medical records of qualifying goats and sheep were reviewed and data extracted regarding signalment, use of animal, characteristics of the amputated limb, duration of hospitalization, outcome, and surgery-associated complications. The Fisher exact test was performed to compare postsurgical complication rates between various groups. RESULTS Reasons for limb amputation included trauma (ie, fracture, dog bite, and wire-fence injury) and infectious or degenerative disease (ie, osteomyelitis and osteoarthritis). Median (range) hospitalization period for goats and sheep was 7.5 days (1 to 63 days) and 8 days (3 to 20 days), respectively. Most (7/9) of the postsurgical complications were noticed > 2 months after amputation and included uncoordinated gait, tendon breakdown and laxity of the contralateral limb, chronic lameness, surgical site infection, chronic intermittent pain, and angular limb deformity. No association was identified between postsurgical complication rate in goats and body weight category (< 20 vs ≥ 20 kg [44 lb]), age category (< 2 vs ≥ 2 years), and amputated limb type (forelimb vs hind limb). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Clinical outcomes for goats and sheep following limb amputation varied and were seemingly case dependent. Amputation should be considered when preservation of the whole limb is not possible. Veterinarians should advise owners that limb amputation may result in various complications and recommend aftercare treatment such as physiotherapy.

Laparoscopic ovarian biopsy pick-up method for goats

Biopsy pick-up (BPU) has been considered a safe method to harvest ovarian fragments from live animals. However, no studies have been reported on the use of BPU to collect in vivo ovarian tissue in goats. The goals of this study were: (i) to test different biopsy needle sizes to collect ovarian tissue in situ using the BPU method (Experiment 1), and (ii) to study ovarian tissue features such as preantral follicle density, morphology, class distribution, and stromal cell density in ovarian fragments obtained in vivo through a laparoscopic BPU method (Experiment 2). In Experiment 1, goat ovaries (n = 20) were collected in a slaughterhouse and subjected to in situ BPU. Three needles (16, 18, and 20G) were tested. In Experiment 2, the most efficient biopsy needle from Experiment 1 was used to perform laparoscopic BPU in goats (n = 8). In Experiment 1, the recovery rate was greater (P < 0.05; range 50–62%) with 16G and 18G needles than the 20G (17%) needle. The mean weight of ovarian fragments collected by the 16G needle was greater (P < 0.05) than the 18G and the 20G needle. In Experiment 2, 62 biopsy attempts were performed and 52 ovarian fragments were collected (90% success rate). Overall, 2054 preantral follicles were recorded in 5882 histological sections analyzed. Mean preantral follicular density was 28.4 ± 1.3 follicles per cm2. The follicular density differed (P < 0.05) among animals and ovarian fragments within the same animal. The mean stromal cell density in the ovarian fragments was 37.1 ± 0.5 cells per 2500 μm2, and differed (P < 0.05) among animals. Moreover, preantral follicle density and stromal cell density were associated (P < 0.001). The percentage of morphologically normal follicles was 70.1 ± 1.2, and differed (P < 0.05) among animals. The majority (79%) of the morphologically normal follicles was classified as primordial follicles, and differed (P < 0.05) among animals and between ovaries. In summary, a laparoscopic BPU method has been developed to harvest ovarian tissue in vivo with a satisfactory success rate in goats. Furthermore, this study described for the first time that goat ovarian biopsy fragments have a high heterogeneity in follicular density, morphology, class distribution, and stromal cell density.

Identification and comparative analysis of the ovarian microRNAs of prolific and non-prolific goats during the follicular phase using high-throughput sequencing

The kidding rate is one of the most important economic traits for goat production, but the genetic mechanism that is associated with ovulation rate is poorly understood. Recently, increasing evidence has suggested that microRNAs (miRNAs) influence ovarian biological processes. The present study provides the first comparison of the ovarian miRNAs of prolific Jintang black goats (JTGs) and non-prolific Tibetan goats (TBGs) during the follicular phase using RNA-Seq technology. We generated 11.19 million (M) and 11.34 M clean reads from the TBG and JTG libraries, respectively, from which a total of 389 known miRNAs were identified and 142 novel miRNAs were predicted. A total of 191 miRNAs were differentially expressed between the two breeds. Among the 10 most abundant miRNAs, miR-21-5p was defined as differentially expressed miRNA with a higher level in the JTG library than in the TBG library, but the other miRNAs were not different between the breeds. The predicted miRNA-targeted genes were further analyzed by Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway analyses. The results revealed that miR-21, miR-99a, miRNA-143, let-7f, miR-493 and miR-200b may affect follicular development. These findings will increase the current understanding of the role of ovarian miRNAs in the regulation of ovulation rate in goats.

Short-term supplementation with maize increases ovulation rate in goats when dietary metabolizable energy provides requirements for both maintenance and 1.5 times maintenance

This study aimed to evaluate ovarian follicular dynamics in goats submitted to synchronization of estrus and supplemented with diets that differed in the metabolizable energy source and amount of energy. The experiment was carried out using 42 does allocated into three treatments, fed for 9 days with a ration providing 1.0 times maintenance containing maize (1 MM, n = 14) or without maize (1 M, n = 14) or a ration providing 1.5 times maintenance containing maize (1.5 MM, n = 14). Estrus was synchronized with two injections of cloprostenol given 7 days apart. Does were also treated with intravaginal progesterone inserts and eCG. The number of ovulations and size of the follicles were measured using ultrasonography on Days 10, 11, and 12 after the start of the dietary treatment. The interval to estrus and duration of estrus did not differ between treatments (P = 0.382). Does fed with 1 and 1.5 MM had a similar number of ovulations but a greater number of ovulations than goats fed with 1 M (P = 0.028). The mean number of small, medium, large, and total number of follicles on Days 10 to 12 of ultrasound evaluations did not differ (P = 0.204) between treatments, but mean numbers changed over time (P < 0.001). The mean frequency and amplitude of LH pulses and concentrations of glucose, insulin, leptin, and insulin growth factor-1 in plasma were not significantly affected (P > 0.258) by any of the treatments. In summary, the inclusion of maize in the ration can stimulate ovulation rate at maintenance level. Similar results between groups fed diets that included maize and provided metabolizable energy at 1.0 and 1.5 maintenance demonstrate that to increase the ovulation rate when synchronizing estrous cycles in does, dietary supplementation with maize can be restricted to provide a maintenance level of metabolizable energy only, which would reduce dietary costs.

Maintaining bucks over 35 days after a male effect improves pregnancy rate in goats

The ovulation can be induced by the introduction of a male among a group of anovulatory goats, a phenomenon called the ‘male effect’. The objective of this study was to determine whether maintaining bucks over 35 days after the initial introduction of males, improves pregnancy rate in goats. We used sexually active bucks, which were joined (n = 2 each) with three groups of goats (n = 30 each): (i) males remained with females for 15 days (Control group); (ii) males remained with females for 35 days (same buck group); (iii) males were removed at Day 23 and replaced by other males, which were not familiar to the females and which remained with females until Day 35 (new buck group). Percentage of goats ovulating did not differ among groups at Day 19 (≥87%; P = 0.12). Pregnancy rates at Day 35 did not differ between groups (≥70%; P = 0.90). At Day 55, pregnancy rates were similar in the same and new buck groups (96%; P = 1.0), but were higher than that of the Control group (73%; P &lt; 0.05). Therefore, maintaining bucks over 35 days after the onset of the male effect improved pregnancy rate more than 20 points compared with females that remained with the same bucks for 15 days only.

Ovulation rate, prolificacy and pregnancy rate in goats treated with oral glycerol

This study tested whether the oral administration of glycerol at the time of progestin removal and in the first 6 days of the estrous cycle increased the ovulation rate, prolificacy, and pregnancy rate in goats. Intravaginal sponges impregnated with fluorogestone acetate were inserted into 129 goats for 12 days; upon sponge removal, goats were randomly assigned to one of the two following treatment groups: the glycerol group (n = 65), which received an oral drench of 100 mL of glycerol upon sponge removal and was repeated on days 0, 2, 4, and 6 following estrus (estrus = day 0), and the control group (n = 64), which did not receive glycerol. The goats in estrus were mated, and their ovulation rate was determined by ultrasonography between days 8 and 12 of the estrous cycle. Pregnancy was diagnosed by ultrasonography on day 40, and the prolificacy was determined at birth. In 6 goats treated with glycerol and 5 controls, their insulin concentrations at 0, 2, 4, 8, and 12 h after the glycerol drench were determined by radioimmunoassay. The proportion of goats with multiple ovulations (glycerol = 71 vs control = 64) and the proportion of goats with multiple births (glycerol = 52 vs control = 56) were similar (P &gt; 0.05) between treatments. Likewise, the pregnancy rate was similar (P &gt; 0.05) between treatments (glycerol = 88 vs control = 85%). The insulin concentrations tended to be higher in goats treated with glycerol (P = 0.08). In conclusion, an oral drench of 100 mL of glycerol at the time of progestin withdrawal and in the first 6 days of the estrous cycle did not increase the ovulation rate, prolificacy, or pregnancy rate in goats.

Sero-epidemiological survey of brucellosis in small ruminants in Hamedan province, Iran

Objective: Brucellosis is a highly contagious zoonosis with global distribution. The disease remains endemic in many countries including Iran, while its seroprevalence in endemic area is not well documented. We aimed to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in sheep and goats in Hamedan province, west of Iran. Material and methods: A total of 3,250 blood samples from 2,550 sheep and 700 goats were collected randomly. All samples were analyzed for the presence of Brucella antibodies using Rose Bengal, Wright standard tube agglutination and 2-mercaptoethanol agglutination tests. Results: The seroprevalence rate of brucellosis in animals and flock level were found in 4.6% and 13.6% of goats and 3% and 27.9% of sheep, respectively. No evidence of correlation between gender and Brucella infection rate were found in animals ( P >0.05). Statistical significant differences was seen between age groups and infection rate in goats ( P =0.033, OR=2.1); unlike to sheep ( P =0.373). Also, the infection rate in nomads population of sheep was higher than fix location animals ( P =0.003; OR=1.9); unlike to goats ( P =0.195). In animals with history of abortion and vaccination against brucellosis, seroprevalence rate was significantly lower than other ( P <0.05). Conclusion: This is the first report of brucellosis in sheep and goats in Hamedan province. The design of a comprehensive control program including vaccination, screening, and culling of brucellosis-positive animals is recommended. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2016.c179

Effects of exposure to artificial long days on milk yield, maternal insulin-like growth factor 1 levels and kid growth rate in subtropical goats.

This study was designed to determine whether any relationship exists between exposure to artificial long days, milk yield, maternal plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels, and kid growth rate in goats. One group of lactating goats was maintained under naturally decreasing day length (control group; n = 19), while in another one, they were kept under artificial long days (LD group; n = 19). Milk yield was higher in goats from the LD group than that in the control group (P < 0.05). Maternal IGF-1 levels at day 57 of lactation were higher (P < 0.05) in goats from the LD group than the levels in the control group and were positively correlated with the total milk yields per goat at days 43 and 57 of lactation (r = 0.77 and r = 0.84, respectively; P < 0.01). Daily weight gain at week 4 was higher (P < 0.01) in kids from the LD group than that in kids from the control group and was correlated with total and average IGF-1 maternal levels (r = 0.60 and r = 0.60, P < 0.05). It was concluded that submitting lactating goats to artificial long days increases milk yield, plasma IGF-1 maternal levels and the growth rate of the kids.

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

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

Effect of synchronization protocols and GnRH treatment on the reproductive performance in goats

Experiment 1 was designed to determine if the estrous response and pregnancy rates differ between two synchronization protocols (Ovsynch vs two PGF2α injections, 10 days apart), in Beetal and Dwarf does. The Ovsynch group of goats (n=14) received an intramuscular injection of a GnRH analogue (12.5μg lecirelin) on day 0 and a treatment of a PGF2α analogue (37.5μg d-cloprostenol), on day 7 – followed by a second injection of the GnRH analogue 48h later (day 9). The double PGF-treated goats (n=14) received two intramuscular injections of a PGF2α analogue 10 days apart. The estrous response did not differ significantly between the regimes (Ovsynch 71%; double PGF 100%). Further, the interval from standing estrus to ovulation (24±3.7h vs 30±2.7h), ovulatory diameter (7.1±0.2mm vs 7.0±0.2mm), pregnancy rate (60% vs 78%) and fecundity (1.6±0.5 vs 1.6±0.7) was not significantly different between the Ovsynch and PGF treatment groups. The objective of Experiment 2 was to determine if the administration of GnRH at the time of natural breeding increases the pregnancy rate in Beetal goats. Goats were randomly allocated to two groups (GnRH, n=11 and Control, n=14). The GnRH-treated does received 12.5μg lecirelin on the day of natural breeding, while the control does received no treatment. The interval from standing estrus to ovulation (31.2±2.9h vs 36.0±5.3h; P>0.05), ovulatory follicle diameter (6.7±0.1mm vs 7.2±0.5mm; P<0.05), pregnancy rate (54% vs 64%; P>0.05) and fecundity (1.5±0.5 vs 1.7±0.5; P>0.05) were evaluated for the GnRH and control does, respectively. It could be concluded that the Ovsynch treatment appeared to be similar to the double PGF protocol in terms of the reproductive response. However, this needs to be tested on a larger herd size. Furthermore, it would seem that the use of GnRH at the time of breeding also did not significantly improve the reproductive rate in goats.

Influence of sexually inactive bucks subjected to long photoperiod or testosterone on the induction of estrus in anovulatory goats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of treating sexually inactive bucks with artificial long photoperiod or testosterone on the induction of estrus in anovulatory grazing goats. A total of 91 multiparous mixed-breed anestrous goats were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) joining with bucks subjected to 2.5 month of artificial long days (16 h of light/day; n=31), (2) joining with testosterone-treated bucks (n=30), and (3) joining with untreated bucks (control; n=30). There were no differences between the light-treated (100%) and testosterone-treated (93%) bucks in their ability to induce estrus in anovulatory does. On the other hand, none of the goats in contact with control bucks exhibited estrus. The interval from start of mating to estrus was shorter in goats with the light-treated bucks (37.9 ± 4.8 h) compared with does in contact with testosterone-treated bucks (58.3 ± 8.7 h). The overall pregnancy rate in goats joined with light-treated, testosterone-treated and control bucks was 84%, 77% and 0%, respectively, with no difference (P>0.05) between the first two groups. Anogenital sniffing, approaches, mounting attempts, and mounts were highest (P<0.01) in light-treated bucks and lowest in control bucks. It was concluded that testosterone-treated bucks and long-day-treated bucks were equally effective in synchronizing estrus in anovulatory goats and resulted in similar levels of fertility. Given that light-treated bucks are unviable in communal production systems of goats raised by resource-poor farmers, the sexual arousal of bucks with testosterone is a practical and reliable method to induce ovulation in anovulatory goats in pastoral goat systems in hot environments.

Roughage to concentrate ratio on milk secretion rate in goats

An experiment to evaluate the effect of concentration ratio (R:C) on milk secretion rate (g/h) in goats was carried out using a cross-over design in which each goat passed sequentially through all the treatments in random order. The treatments (R:C) were: A = 70:30; B = 50:50 and C = 30:70. In this experiment, 13 goats were fed at 5% body weight (DM basis) using fresh-cut elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and a 16.44% crude protein concentrate ratio. The goats were milked from the 6th to 9th week of lactation once a day for one week per each treatment. Data was analyzed by using the treatments as main effect with live weight and week of lactation as covariates. The overall milk secretion rate was 6.86 g/h. It was found that the treatment had a high significant effect (P < 0.001) on milk secretion rate. Treatment C gave the highest mean value followed by Treatment B. Treatment A gave the least mean value. The week of lactation and live weight of doe at time of milking had a high significant effect (P < 0.001). Milk secretion data was adjusted to 5th week of lactation and 20 kg live weight of doe, and a predictive model based on quadratic function was developed. Y = 2.27836 + 0.16588X – 0.00135X2; R2 = 0.94 where Y = milk secretion rate (g/h) and X = percent concentrate in feed ration. From the curve, the optimum roughage to concentrate ratio (R/C) was 40:60, which should yield a milk secretion rate of 7.37 g/h. Key words: Pennisetum pupureum, concentrate, goats.

Modeling the retention of rumen boluses for the electronic identification of goats

We constructed a regression model to estimate the retention of electronic boluses in goats. With this aim, 2,482 boluses were administered to goats from dairy (Murciano-Granadina, n=1,326; French Alpine, n=381) and meat (Blanca de Rasquera, n=532) breeds. A total of 19 bolus types made of materials (ceramic, plastic tubes filled with concrete or silicone, and ballasts) differing in their specific gravity (SG) were used, thereby obtaining a wide variation in bolus features: diameter (9 to 22mm), length (37 to 84mm), weight (5 to 111g), volume (2.6 to 26mL), and SG (1.0 to 5.5). Each bolus contained a half-duplex glass encapsulated transponder (32 × 3.8mm) and was administered using adapted balling guns. Murciano-Granadina and Blanca de Rasquera goats also wore 2 visual plastic ear tags: V1 (double flag, 5.1g) and V2 (flag-button, 4.2g). No data on ear tags in French Alpine goats was available. Bolus and ear tag retention [(retained/monitored) × 100] was recorded for at least 1 yr. Dynamic reading efficiency [(dynamic reading/static reading) × 100] was also evaluated from 1,496 bolus readings. No administration incidences or apparent negative behavior or performance effects were observed for any bolus type. Static reading efficiency of retained boluses was 100%, except for the prototypes with metal ballasts, which yielded a 93.3% reading efficiency. Retention of metal-ballasted boluses was confirmed using x-ray equipment. Excluding ballasted boluses, a 99.5% dynamic reading efficiency was obtained. Ear tag losses were 6.5% for V1 and 3.7% for V2, ranging from 3.2 to 7.8% depending on ear tag type and goat breed. Bolus retention varied (0 to 100%) according to their physical features. Obtained data allowed the fitting of a logistic model of bolus retention rate according to bolus volume and weight (R2 = 0.98); the SG was implicitly considered. Estimated weight and SG to produce medium- (15mL) and standard-sized (22mL) boluses for 99.95% retention rate in goats were 73.0 and 94.1g, and 4.87 and 4.28, respectively. Mini-boluses are not recommended, as none of the available radio translucent materials reach the required SG. In conclusion, increase of SG was fundamental to optimize bolus retention. Medium-sized boluses (10 to 15mL; SG 5.8 to 4.9) for early administration and efficient retention in adult goats could be produced, thereby addressing the problem of using proper boluses for goat identification.

AEROBIC BACTERIA ASSOCIATED WITH ENDOMETERITIS OF SLAUGHTERED SHEEP AND GOATS IN KAFR EL-SHEIKH GOVERNORATE

This study was done at Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate on uteri of bothslaughtered sheep (100) and goats (100) in the abattoir during December2008 and January 2009 and post-mortem was operated to examinethese obtained uteri, those divided into two groups (non purulent andpurulent uteri) the uterine swabs were collected from (40) sheep and(40) goats and cultivation on specific and selective media to isolate theaerobic bacterial microorganisms associated with endometritis ofthese animals. The incidence of non-purulent and purulent uteri were85% and 15% in sheep and 80% an 20% in goats, respectively.Also, this study illustrated that the incidence of bacterial isolates sheep(40) and goats (40) which had non purulent and purulent uteri was62.5%, 37.5% and, 50% and 50%, respectively.The incidence of bacterial strains was 50% (Staphilococcus aureus),12.5% (Streptococcus viridans), 2.5 (Campylobacter fetus), 50%(Escherichia coli), 2.5% (Proteus vulgaris) 5% (Pseudomonasaeruginosa) in sheep, but in goats this incidence was 25% (Staph.aureus), 12.5% (Strept. viridans), 12.5% (Campylobacer fetus), 37.5%(E. coli) and 12.5% (Proteus vulgaris). The rate of the isolated bacterial strains was 22.99% (Staph. aureus),7.46% (Strept. viridans), 14.93% (Campylobacter fetus), 22.39% (E.coli), 11.40% (Proteus vulgaris) and 2.99% (Pseudomonas aeruginosa)in non purulent uteri sheep while in purulent uteri of sheep this ratewas 7.46% (Staph. aureus), 0% (Strept. viridans) 0% (Campylobcterfetus), 7.46% (E. coli), 2.99% (Proteus vulgaris) and 0% (Ps. aeruginosa).Also, this rate in goats was 20% (Staph. aureus), 12.5% (Strept.viridans), 12.5% (Campylobacter fetus), 25% (E. coli), 10% (Proteusvulgaris), and 0% (Ps. aeruginosa) in non purulent uteri while it was5% (Staph. aureus) 0% (Strept. viridans), 0% [Campylobacter fetus),12.5 (E. coli), 2.5% (Proteus vulgaris) and 0% (Ps. aeruginosa).This study revealed that all isolates of Staph. aureus and Strept.viridans were more sensitive to erythromycin, chloromphenicol, gentamycin,streptomycin, neomycin, oxytetracyclin and enerofloxacin, butcampylobacter fetus isolates were sensitive to gentamycin, streptomycinand enerofloxacin, while, isolates of E. coli and Proteus vulgaris wereonly sensitive to gentamycin and enrofloxacin. On the other hand, theisolates of Ps. aeruginosa were only sensitive to enerofloaxcain andresistant to remained used antibiotics in this work.

Effect of a single subcutaneous injection of melatonin on estrous response and conception rate in goats

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of a single subcutaneous injection of melatonin, on estrous induction and conception rate during the non-breeding season at different times of the year. In Experiment 1 the melatonin powder was dissolved in an oily vitamin A, D, E solution and injected subcutaneously randomly to goats in two dose treatment groups of 20 mg (MLT-20; n = 20) and 40 mg (MLT-40; n = 20) in January (winter). Twenty does were injected with 1 ml vitamin A and served as the control. In the MLT-20 treated goats 70% of the does were in estrus within 20.0 ± 2.0 days, whereas in the MLT-40 group 85% of the does were in estrus within 15.5 ± 2.5 days and 100% and 80% of the does, respectively, conceived on mating with the bucks. Only 10% of the untreated control does exhibited estrus, but none conceived. The breeding season was thus initiated earlier by 1–1.5 months in the treated goats. In Experiment 2, goats were treated with similar MLT-20 and MLT-40 treatments in May (spring), with 20 goats in each treatment group and 20 control goats. The proportion of goats that responded to the melatonin treatments was 80% and 90% in the MLT-20 and MLT-40 treatments, respectively, with no significant differences recorded regarding the estrous response. However, in the MLT-20 treatment group the estrous induction interval was significantly longer ( P < 0.05), compared to the MLT-40 treatment. The pregnancy rates were not significantly different for the MLT-20 and MLT-40 treatments, with melatonin resulting in significantly higher pregnancy rates than in the control (88.4% versus 33.3%) and the breeding season initiated 2 months earlier. It could be concluded that a single subcutaneous injection of melatonin can initiate the breeding season (irrespective of the season of the year) earlier by 1–2 months in goats and this could be advantageous when using accelerated breeding systems.

Short-term Betacarotene Supplementation Positively Affects Ovarian Follicular Development and Ovulation Rate in Goats

Arellano-Rodriguez, G., Meza-Herrera, C.A., Rodriguez-Martinez, R., Velazquez-Mendez, G., Mellado, M., Salinas, H., Perez-Razo, M.A. and Sanchez, F. 2007. Short-term betacarotene supplementation positively affects ovarian follicular development and ovulation rate in goats. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 32: 177–180. This study evaluated the effect of short-term betacarotene supplementation in goats upon ovarian activity. Adult goats (n=22, 34 mo.) were randomly assigned to one of the two experimental groups: 1) Betacarotene (BETA, n=10) and 2) Control (CONT, n=12). Once estrually synchronized with P4-vaginal sponges, the BETA group received 50 mg of betacarotene on a daily basis during 35 d pre- and 17 d post-ovulation. Once ovulation occurred, towards the end of the late luteal phase (d 18), transrectal ultrasonographic scanning was performed in all animals to evaluate total follicles (FT), corpus luteum number (CLT) and total ovarian activity (TOA). The BETA group goats had higher ovarian activity (P=0.07). Results suggest that betacarotene supplementation positively affected ovarian activity in goat.