Sahel Goats Research Articles

Profiles of local breeds of Sahelian goat and Ladem sheep and proposals for their genetic improvement in Mauritania.

Small ruminants play a significant role in Mauritanian culture and traditions. The purpose of this study was to characterize the breeding system of two locally dominant breeds, the Sahelian goat and the Ladem sheep. This characterization was based on the technical and socio-economic characteristics of the breeders, as well as the morpho-biometric features of the animals. The study was conducted between April and June 2019 and involved 45 breeders located around two small ruminant pilot farms in the Benichab and Kankoussa departments of Mauritania. A questionnaire was administered to the breeders and sixteen measurements were taken on 303 animals (185 goats and 118 sheep). Small ruminant breeding in the study sites is practiced by both men (55%) and women (45%). Breeding can be focused solely on goats (38%), solely on sheep (9%), or include both species (53%). The average herd size is 20 ± 15 for goats and 19 ± 16 for sheep. For the Sahel goat, the height at the wither ranges from 68 to 78cm in males and from 63 to 76cm in females, while the body weight ranges from 20 to 43kg. The most common morphotypes are multicolored (71%), with unicolored animals being less common (29%). As for the Ladem sheep (also known as Touabire), the height at the wither ranges from 70 to 87cm in males and from 64 to 85cm in females. The body weight ranges from 25 to 62kg. The coat is predominantly white with black spots (91%), sometimes red or grey-spotted. The survey also identified the breeding objectives of the farmers. The breeders primarily reported objectives of conformation and growth performances (68%), followed by dual-purpose milk/meat production traits (32%) for the Ladem sheep. In the case of the Sahelian goat, milk production (73%) is the predominant objective, followed by dual-purpose milk/meat production traits (27%). Based on the collected information, tailored selection schemes have been proposed for the Ladem sheep and the Sahelian goat to improve their performances, enhance their breeding, and maintain a focus on the sustainability and resilience of these two local breeds in Mauritania.

Progesterone Concentrations during Uterine Involution in Sahelian Goats

Progesterone Concentrations during Uterine Involution in Sahelian Goats

Morphological adaptation to environmental stress in small ruminants from the sahelian zones of Niger and potential associations with carcass yield

This study analyses, in the Sahelian zone of Niger, the morphological traits of sheep and goats' responses to environmental stress and the contribution of adaptive traits to herd productivity. The study utilized 2490 adult small ruminants, including 653 red and Sahelian goats and 1837 Peulh (with three varieties: Balami, Oudah and Bali-Bali) and Tuareg (Ara-ara) sheep from 13 sites with a marked aridity gradient within the country's northern latitude. Carcass yield was assessed on a second sample of 1617 adult animals, comprising 876 sheep and 741 goats. Variations in thorax auricular index (ratio of ear length to thorax depth), gracility index (which reflects the subtraction of the animal's body from the ground) and hot carcass yield, according to climate zones and breed, were subjected to an analysis of variance at the 5% risk threshold. Principal Component Analysis was used to analyze correlations between biometric and heat indices. For most breeds, the auricular thorax index and the gracility index were higher for animals in arid zones than those in humid zones. The increase in the average values of the body indices had as a result an increase in the animals' carcass yield and live weight. In all sheep and goat breeds, gracility increases with heat index. Gracility differed (p < 0.05) between breeds, with Bali-Bali and Oudah subgenetics of the Peulh sheep breed being more gracile than the Ara-ara sheep. Also, the auricular thorax index was higher (p < 0.05) in Sahelian goat than in red goat. The importance of biometric indices in terms of animals' adaptability to their environment means that we need to define important heat stress indicators specific to sheep and goats in Sahelian farming systems.

The Effect of Oxytetracycline Administration on Tissue Disposition of Diminazene Aceturate in Apparently Healthy Sahel Goats

The Effect of Oxytetracycline Administration on Tissue Disposition of Diminazene Aceturate in Apparently Healthy Sahel Goats

Topography of the Nasal Conchae of Sahel Goat ‎ ‎(Capra hircus)‎

A total of five heads of adult Sahel goat obtained from slaughterhouse was examined to elucidate the topography of the nasal conchae. The heads were fixed in 10% formalin and mid-sagittal and cross-sections were performed to examine the shape, form, and explore the internal configuration of the conchae. The cylindrical shaped nasal cavity was divided into two equal halves by a median nasal septum and further reduces into sequence of clefts and meatus by the nasal conchae. The dorsal nasal concha was spindle shaped with tapered rostral ends that blends into the straight fold. The cone shaped middle nasal concha was situated caudo-ventral to both the dorsal and ventral nasal conchae and was bounded by the caudal ethmoidal labyrinth. The ventral nasal concha was the largest and extends rostral into dorsal alar fold and ventral basal fold. These conchae are formed by delicate lamellae that presented distinct structural pattern, depending on the levels of cross-sectional planes. The dorsal, middle, and ventral nasal meatuses which defined the nasal conchae, connects with the common meatus that lie parallel to the median nasal septum.

Subclinical mastitis of lactating Sahel goats from urban smallholder herds in Maiduguri, Nigeria: Prevalence and intra-mammary infections

Subclinical mastitis of lactating Sahel goats from urban smallholder herds in Maiduguri, Nigeria: Prevalence and intra-mammary infections

Metabolic adjustments in neonatal dwarf and normal-sized goat kids: Relationship between serum metabolites and body size

The relationship between body size and metabolism of goats remains poorly studied. The study evaluated the neonatal metabolic adjustments and elucidated the relationship between serum metabolites and body size in 39 single-born dwarf and normal-sized goat kids. Body weight, length and height of kids were recorded at birth and blood samples were collected from the dwarf and normal-sized (Red Sokoto and Sahel) goats on Days 0 (birth), 3, 10 and 20, postnatal. Also, the body mass index (BMI) was calculated and the concentration of metabolic markers was determined. Results revealed that values of BMI, body weight, length and height were lowest (P &lt; 0.01) in the dwarf, followed by values in Red Sokoto kids, while the Sahel kids had the highest (P &lt; 0.01) values. Conversely, the concentration of triglyceride at birth was highest (P &lt; 0.05) in the dwarf, moderate in Red Sokoto and lowest in Sahel goats. Similarly, the Sahel goat kids had the lowest neonatal (P &lt; 0.05) concentration of serum cholesterol. Neonatal concentrations of serum albumin and urea were higher in Sahel than Red Sokoto (P &lt; 0.05) and the dwarf (P &gt; 0.05) goats. Concentration of serum albumin was lower (P &lt; 0.05) at birth, but significantly increased later, while values of serum urea concentration were higher (P &lt; 0.05) at birth, but significantly decreased in subsequent postnatal days. Unlike the BMI, birth weight showed significant negative (P &lt; 0.05) correlation with the concentration of most serum metabolites, especially triglyceride, which showed negative correlation at birth and in subsequent postnatal days. We concluded that dwarfism or small body size is associated with high serum triglyceride in single-born neonatal goats, and this is probably due to the accumulation of body energy reserve in the form of body fat to compensate for lower body tissue mass.

C-Reactive Protein and Serum Amyloid-A Response to N-butyl Cyanoacrylate-based Sutures in Sahel Goats

The use of biomaterials as suture materials triggering less acute phase response to tissue damage for cutanuous wounds closure has been the goal of numerous researchers. The introduction of Cyanoacrylate into clinical practice is of keen interest which could be an alternative to conventional suture materials. This study focused on monitoring responses to tissue damage elicited by Cyanoacrylate and Nylon based suture materials for wound closure. Ten apparently healthy male goats (Bucks) with mean age of 9.7±1.33 months and mean weight 13.2±1.31 kg were randomly separated into two groups A &amp; B of five (5) bucks each. Incisions made in Group A were closed using N-butyl Cyanoacrylate while nylon was used in group B. Blood samples were taken before the procedures and after at 0, 5, 8, 24, 48 and 72 h for estimation of serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Serum Amyloid-A (SAA). Results indicated that Nylon based suture material triggered early and significant tissue damages based on serum CRP elevated levels while serum SAA levels were comparable when nylon and N-butyl cyanocarylate were used as suture materials for wound closures.

Sonographic changes during Postpartum Uterine Involution in Sahel Goats (Capra hircus)

The use of ultrasonography as diagnostic tool is crucial in animal reproduction especially in pregnancy diagnosis and can be useful in the assessment of postpartum uterine involution. Uterine involution in does has been described using macroscopic and histological examination post-mortem. The present study was carried out to determine the time of uterine involution in live Sahel goats by measuring the uterine diameter using ultrasonography. A total of 35 non-pregnant does were estrus synchronized using 2 intramuscular injection cloprostenol (250µg/kg) at 11 days interval. All the does that came into estrus after the second treatment were allowed to run free with five bucks. Pregnancy was determined by ultrasonography and the does were monitored until successful parturition. It was found that the diameter of the uterus decreased from 88.6-118 mm on day 1 postpartum to 80.8-88.6 mm, 55.3-80.8, 45.6-55.3, 39.0-45.6 mm and 24.0-39.0 mm diameters on days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 postpartum respectively. In conclusion, postpartum uterine involution in Sahel does was completed by day 28 postpartum. This finding suggests that breeding of Sahel does can be considered after 28 days postpartum, particularly, in circumstances where suckling of the kids is not practicable or desired.

Morphometric Characterization of Local Goat Breeds in Two Agroecological Zones of Burkina Faso, West Africa

In Burkina Faso, goats are the second most numerous ruminant livestock population, with almost exclusively indigenous breeds being reared in extensive production systems in various agroecological zones. This study was carried out to understand the morphological variation of local goat breeds in the Sudano-Sahelian and Sudanian agroecological zones. A total of 511 adult female animals belonging to two presumed populations (Mossi breed in Sudano-Sahelian zone and Djallonké breed in Sudanian zone) were sampled and body weight as well as a range of linear body measurements, following FAO guidelines, were recorded. The least squares means of body measurements of indicated that Sudano-Sahelian goats have significantly (p &lt; 0.001) larger body measurements than Sudanian goats. Furthermore, relative high variability of the two populations in morphometric traits was observed. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) suggested structure between Mossi breed on one side and Djallonké on the other side, but no strict separation was observed, suggesting that gene flow is occurring among the different populations. A dispersion map with four clusters was built based on the first two factors. The least square means of body measurements ranked the four groups from small to large body size, namely Djallonké, Mossi × Djallonké, Mossi, and Sahelian × Mossi. Gene flow from Sahelian goat into other populations of the country, based on migration of the Fulani ethnic group from the Sahel into areas with Mossi and Djallonké breeds, could explain this configuration and confirms the continuous erosion of genetic identity of these two local breeds. The sustainable use of these adapted local goat genetic resources calls for the promotion of sustainable genetic improvement using participatory breeding approaches.

INFLUENCE OF BREEDS, PHYSIOLOGICAL STATUS AND DIFFERENT FEEDS ON BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF GOATS IN BALI, TARABA STATE

The study evaluated the influence of breeds, physiological status and diets on biochemical parameters of West Africa Dwarf (WAD) and Sahel goats at the Teaching and Research farm of the Federal Polytechnic Bali, Taraba State. A total of twenty-four does and their corresponding progenies of the two breeds were used for this study. Blood samples were collected from each animal to evaluate the biochemical parameters, which lasted for 12 calendar months. The animals were fed feeds components of Gmelina and cassava peel meal, Gmelina and cowpea husk, Ficus and cassava peal meal and, Ficus and cowpea husk as treatments (T1-T4 respectively).The parameters considered were, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, chlorine, creatinine, albumin, protein, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. The data obtained was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), using (Statistix, version 8.0, 2009) statistical package. The overall results of biochemical parameters by breed, physiological status and diet were 2.044, 103.88, 5.498, 139.84mmol/l, 3.415, 33.053mg/dl, 31.327mmol/l, 45.654g/dl, 8.500, 25.0iu/l and, 51.010g/dl, for Ca, Cl, K, Na, Urea, CRT, P04, ALB, ALT, AST, and TP respectively. Base on the present findings therefore, it is concluded that, Biochemical parameters are useful measures of physiological statuses are quite variable. The study has provided useful body of information/knowledge on the reproductive biology of the two goat breeds of the study area, which hitherto was not available. These indices should therefore be used with caution for any rigorous interpretation.

Predicting the body weight of indigenous goat breeds from morphological measurements using the classification and regression tree (CART) data mining algorithm

Classification and regression tree (CART) is a tree-based data mining algorithm that develops a model to predict an outcome. This study purposed to create a model to predict the body weight (BWT) of Red Sokoto (RS), Sahel (SH), and West African Dwarf (WAD) goats using morphological measurements (such as body length, BL; head girth, HG; head width, HDW; face length, FAL; height at wither, HTW; rump length, RL; shoulder width, SW; rump width, RW; and rump height, RH). In total, 600 goats were used for this study (200 each of RS, SH, and WAD goats). Pearson?s Moment Correlation was used to evaluate the degree of association between BWT and each morphological measurement. Concomitantly, CART analysis was performed to estimate which independent variable (morphological measurements) played a considerable role in the BWT (dependent variable) prediction. In RS and WAD goats, a positive and statistically significant (p &lt; 0.0001) correlation was observed between BWT and each morphological measurement. However, in SH goats, both positive and negative statistically significant correlations were observed between BWT and morphological measurements. The CART analysis indicated that in RS and WAD goats, HG played a considerable role in BWT prediction, while, in SH goats, BL was considered the most critical independent variable in BWT prediction. Therefore, this study suggests that HG can be used as a prognostic index for BWT estimation in Red Sokoto and West African Dwarf, while BL can be used for Sahel goats. The SAS codes used are available via a GitHub repository (https://github.com/Soullevram/CART).

Abortions in Peste Des Petits Ruminants (PPR) infected flocks in Yola North of Adamawa and Askira Uba areas of Borno State, Nigeria

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious viral disease of sheep and goats with as high as 90% morbidity and 80% mortality rates. Although, its substantial economic consequences are reported in goats worldwide, there are currently little information regarding abortion cases in PPR endemic areas in Nigeria. This study investigated occurrences of abortion among PPR infected goats in Yola North and Askira Uba local government areas of Adamawa and Borno States respectively. The study involved analysis of clinical case records of two thousand Sahel goats (n = 2000) procured as part of a livestock restocking program by a government agency. The goats were purchased from local markets and held in quarantine for 2 weeks during which PPR infection was monitored. In the study, a fast spreading infection characterized by severe dehydration, respiratory difficulty, pyrexia, depression, anorexia, nasal and ocular discharges and death of many infected goats informed a suspicion of PPR infection. The number of abortions, mortality and age of the animals were recorded during the investigation. Data were organized in a 2×2 contingency table and analyzed using Chi-square. The overall mortality in both populations was 42% and the occurrence of abortion was 1% and 3% in Yola North and Askira Uba holding sites respectively. The proportion of abortions did not differ significantly (p &gt; 0.05) between both populations but there was a positive association indicated as r = 0.4264 and 0.4638 between the occurrence of abortion and mortality in Yola North and Askira Uba holding sites respectively. In addition, the severity in clinical manifestation of the disease appeared higher in younger goats (&lt; 1 years) than the adult ones. These findings suggest that PPR infection could be associated with abortions in goat flocks found in these PPR endemic areas.

INFLUENCES OF FEED AND SEASON ON BREED AND REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS IN WEST AFRICAN DWARF AND SAHEL BUCKS IN TARABA STATE

The study evaluated the influence of feed on the reproductive parameters of West African Dwarf and Sahel goats at theTeaching and Research farm of the Federal Polytechnic Bali, Taraba State. A total of 8 bucks from two goats breeds (West African Dwarf and Sahel) were used for the experiment. The 8 bucks were later moved to Vom, for semen collection, using electro-ejaculator. The study lasted for 12 calendar months. They were fed Gmelina and cassava peel meal, Gmelina and cowpea husk, Ficus and cassava peel meal and, Ficus and cowpea husk as experimental treatments (T1-T4), respectively. Goats according to breed were allotted to treatments randomly and treated as factorial experiments. Season had significant (P&lt;0.01) influence on buck parameters (scrotal length and semen qualities). The overall samples collected was 192 on both the breeds on the following parameters; scrotal circumference, semen volume, semen pH, sperm concentration, sperm motility and live cells and the results were 11.91cm, 0.47ml, 6.78ph, 414.92x106, 83.02% and 92.33% respectively. The result was significant for breed, season and treatment for all parameters except live and dead cells for breeds and treatment. Feeding Ficus containing diets resulted in higher semen quality values. Also, semen colour using likert scale was analyzed which resulted to three types of colour (creamy, milky and watery). The colour was evaluated under based on breed, seasons and treatment diets (feeds). The overall results show insignificant differences for all the parameters (feeds, seasons, breeds and reproductive traits) observed.&#x0D;

Effect of intramuscular administration of oxytetracycline on serum kinetics of diminazene aceturate in healthy male Sahel goats

Serum kinetics of diminazene aceturate following intramuscular (IM) administration of diminazene aceturate alone at 3.5 mg/kg and its combination with oxytetracycline at 20 mg/kg were evaluated in 6 healthy male Sahel goats to ascertain the effect of oxytetracycline on serum concentration and pharmacokinetic parameters of diminazene aceturate. Two groups (A and B) of three goats each were used, and oxytetracycline was administered 30 minutes prior to diminazene aceturate administration. Blood samples were collected at various intervals (0.17 h – 72 h) post-drug administration, and diminazene serum concentrations were measured using the method of Klatt and Hadju. Kinetic determinants were calculated employing a two-compartment open model. Mean serum concentrations of diminazene aceturate of 2.43 ± 0.95 μg/ml and 1.73 ± 0.44 μg/ml at 0.17 h were measured in groups A and B, respectively. These serum concentrations were found to increase until a peak concentration of 6.91 ± 0.59 μg/ml and 7.55 ± 1.20 μg/ml were reached at 2.0 h in groups A and B, respectively. The peak concentrations subsequently decreased at 72 h post diminazene aceturate administration with serum concentrations of 0.00 ± 0.00 and 0.32 ± 0.28 μg/ml in groups A and B, respectively. Pharmacokinetics parameters like the volume of distribution (Vd), elimination half-life (T½β), concentration maximum (Cmax), absorption rate constant (α), and area under the curve from 0 to 72 h (AUC0 – 72) were significantly higher in goats treated with diminazene aceturate and oxytetracycline combination while total body clearance (Cl), and elimination rate constant (β), were significantly higher in goats treated with diminazene aceturate alone. The mean residence time (MRT) of diminazene aceturate increased from 19.70 ± 2.53 h in diminazene aceturate treatment to 25.11 ± 1.81 h in diminazene aceturate and oxytetracycline treatment. Oxytetracycline was therefore found to alter the elimination pattern of diminazene aceturate in oxytetracycline pre-treated goats.

Morphological characterization and habitat suitability modeling of the goat population of Benin under climate change scenarios

BackgroundInsufficient knowledge of the genetic and phenotypic diversity in the local Beninese goat population combined with the lack of understanding of its adaptive capacity to ongoing environmental and societal changes hampers the development of strategies for better management and genetic improvement. The objective of this study was to establish the current geographical distribution of goats in Benin based on their morphology and model the potential habitat suitability of the three known main goat phenotypes (i.e., Djallonké goat or Type I, Sahelian goat or Type II, and their Crossbreeds or Type III) under climate change scenarios. Ten qualitative and 26 linear body measurements were taken on 2114 adult female goats sampled across the three vegetation zones of the country. Fifteen ratios were generated from the quantitative variables. The data were analyzed using generalized linear model procedures followed by multiple comparisons of least-squares means and multivariate analytical methods, including canonical discrimination analysis and hierarchical ascendant classification. Each goat was then assigned to one of the three aforementioned main goat phenotypes following its morphological characteristics and according to the a priori cluster membership defined in the previous step. The Maximum Entropy algorithm was used to model the current and future distribution of the three goat phenotypes under climate change scenario using the Representative Conservation Pathways 4.5 and 8.5.ResultsAll linear body measurements varied among vegetation zones. In the discriminant function analysis, 71% of the measured individuals were correctly classified in their vegetation zone of origin by seven measured variables and three ratios. The cluster procedure analysis revealed two groups of goats subdivided into the three main phenotypes. The modeling results showed that the currently highly favorable habitats were distributed in the South for Type I, in the North for Type II, and both South and North for Type III. However, under climate change scenarios, the favorable habitats for Type I decreased while those of Types II and III increased.ConclusionsThe results of this study confirm the spatial variation of the goat population in Benin. The habitat suitability model can be used to support decision-making toward better management of goat genetic diversity in Benin.

In vivo analysis of trypanocidal drug resistance in sahelian goats infected by Trypanosoma vivax strains collected in northern Togo

Trypanosoma (T.) vivax is one of the animal trypanosomes species causing calf mortality and economic losses in Togo. Despite its importance as the most widely distributed trypanosome species, T. vivax has received little attention because it is difficult to cultivate most field isolates in rodents. No molecular diagnostic tools for the identification of drug-resistant in T. vivax are currently available. Herein, four field isolates of T. vivax from Togo were cryopreserved and assessed for susceptibility to diminazene aceturate (DA) and isometamidium chloride (ISM) in goats. For field isolate preparation, 1 ml of blood from an infected goat was diluted in 111 µl of phosphate-buffered-saline and stored in liquid nitrogen. The in vivo experiment drug test was performed using twenty Sahelian goats with six-month of age and weighing 14.5 ± 1.6 kg. These experimental goats were purchased from a tsetse free-area Dori, a Sahelian region of Burkina Faso. The cryopreserved T. vivax isolates with unknowns, DA, and ISM sensitivity was inoculated to five goats and one goat was used as control. Each animal was inoculated by intravenously route 1 × 105 trypanosomes from the donor goat. Relapses were earlier in the first phase of treatment (14.85 ± 1.08 days) compared with the second phase (20 ± 3.39 days). The overall mean PCV of the control group decreased from 32% to 17% at day-60 (P-value < 0.001). Three isolates were phenotypically resistant to 0.5 mg per kg body weight (BW) ISM and one for 3.5 mg per kg BW of DA. There were no relapses with the 7 mg per kg BW dose DA. This study shows the resistance of T. vivax to two main trypanocidal drugs in different villages of Mango. The results suggest the extension of surveillance strategies to remote villages in Togo and will guide the veterinarian or herder in choosing a mass treatment strategy. Further studies will be needed to better understand the molecular basis of the observed resistance.

Endogenous and seasonal factors influencing circulating thyrotropin concentration in Red Sokoto and Sahel goats

Through regulating thyroid physiology, thyrotropin influences the activities of thyroid hormones, including thermogenesis and adaptation to ambient thermal challenges. This study aimed at evaluating the influences of some endogenous factors (breed, sex, age and body mass index; BMI) and season on circulating thyrotropin concentration in Red Sokoto and Sahel goats. A total of 120 goats were sampled, comprising Red Sokoto (n = 20) and Sahel (n = 20) goats in each season during the peak of the cold-dry (CDS), hot-dry (HDS) and rainy (RAS) seasons in a tropical Savannah climate. Results revealed that among Red Sokoto goats, bucks had significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) circulating thyrotropin concentration than does during the HDS, while adults had significantly higher values than kids during the RAS. Significant (P&lt;0.05) breed difference was only observed during the HDS, with the Red Sokoto goats having higher values among adult bucks and doelings but lower values than Sahel goats among buck-kids and adult does. Significant (P&lt;0.05) seasonal variation was observed only in male Sahel goats with buck-kids having lower values during RAS as compared with CDS and HDS, while adult bucks had higher values during the RAS as compared with the HDS. A significant positive correlation (r = 0.29; P&lt;0.001) was observed between thyrotropin concentration and BMI in the overall population. It was concluded that circulating thyrotropin concentration was higher in male and adult goats, and the effects of season and breed were sex and age-dependent. Moreover, the direct relationship between thyrotropin concentration and BMI may reflect the role of thyrotropin in the accumulation of body energy reserve in the savannah goats.

Semen Characteristics of Crossbred Bucks Anglo-Nubian × Sahelian Goats in Mali

Semen Characteristics of Crossbred Bucks Anglo-Nubian × Sahelian Goats in Mali

Changes in foetal fluid volume, weight of gravid uterus, and histology of the uterus and placenta in Sahel goats during different trimesters of pregnancy

Changes in foetal fluid volume, weight of gravid uterus, and histology of the uterus and placenta in Sahel goats during different trimesters of pregnancy