Goat Samples Research Articles

Distribution and variation in proteins of casein micellar fractions response to heat-treatment from five dairy species

Casein micelles (CMs) contribute to the physicochemical properties and stability of milk. However, how the proteome of CMs changes following heat treatment has not been elucidated. Here, changes in the proteins of CMs in samples of Holstein, buffalo, yak, goat, and camel milk following heat treatment were investigated using a LC-MS/MS approach. According to the hierarchical clustering results, Holstein, yak, and buffalo milk samples had similar CMs protein components, followed by goat and camel milk samples. Changes in lipoprotein lipase and α-lactalbumin in CMs were dependent on the intensity of heat treatment and were similar among the studied species, whereas changes in κ-casein, lactoferrin, and apolipoprotein A-I differed among different types of milk. These results provide information on the distribution and variations of the proteomes of CMs following heat treatment, which will assist in the identification of proteins that are dissociated and attached to CMs from different dairy species during heat treatment.

Cross-sectional study and genotyping of rotavirus-A infections in ruminants in Kuwait

BackgroundGroup A rotaviruses (RVA) are zoonotic pathogens responsible for acute enteritis in human and neonatal ruminants. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of RVA in ruminants (cattle, sheep, and goats) and investigate the circulating RVA genotypes in these animals in Kuwait. We conducted a cross-sectional study to detect RVA in ruminants, using an immunochromatography test (IC), direct sandwich ELISA test, and real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) assay using fecal samples.ResultsA total of 400 cattle, 334 sheep, and 222 goats were examined. The prevalence of RVA was 5.3, 1.2, and 2.3%, respectively, using IC. The ELISA test detected RVA from 4.3% of cattle, 0.9% of sheep, and 1.8% of goats. There was a significant association between the occurrence of diarrhea and the presence of RVA in bovine fecal samples (p-value = 0.0022), while no statistical association between diarrhea and the presence of RVA in fecal samples of sheep and goats was observed (p-value = 0.7250; p-value = 0.4499, respectively). Twenty-three of the IC-positive samples (17 from cattle, two from sheep, and four from goats) were tested using a RT-qPCR RVA detection assay targeting the NSP3 gene. The results showed that 21 of 23 IC-positive samples tested positive by RT-qPCR. Detection of RVA genotypes revealed that G10P[11] was the predominant strain in cattle (58.8%), followed by G8P[1] (11.7%). One sheep sample was genotyped as G8P[1]. In addition, G6P[1] and G6P[14] were detected in goat samples.ConclusionThe present study revealed that the IC was more sensitive in detecting RVA antigen in fecal samples than the ELISA test. A higher occurrence of RVA infection was observed in cattle than in sheep and goats. This study suggests that RVA might be a risk factor of diarrhea in bovine calves less than 2 weeks old. This research also demonstrates the circulation of RVA in sheep and goat populations in Kuwait. Finally, the G10P[11] RVA genotype was the most prevalent genotype identified from cattle samples.

Participatory and Transdisciplinary Studies of Brucella Infection in Humans and Animals in Yunnan Province, China-Lessons Learned.

Brucellosis is an important zoonosis occurring globally. In addition to the risk for disease in humans, the disease causes production losses, since the disease in livestock is characterized by abortion and other reproductive failures. The disease is a public health concern in China, but no information is available on knowledge, perception and awareness of potential risk groups such as farmers, butchers and animal health workers; yet successful control requires compliance of those affected groups to be effective. Following the principles of the Ecohealth approach, emphasis was given to participation of all relevant stakeholders, use of qualitative and quantitative tools, and cross-sectorial collaboration. Data collection included on-farm questionnaires (N = 192) and collection of bulk milk samples of goat (N = 40), cattle (N = 45) and buffalo (N = 41) from farms, as well as serum samples (N = 228) from humans. Milk samples were tested with an ELISA for presence of antibodies, while a serum agglutination test was used for human samples. Qualitative work included 17 focus group discussion (FGD) with villagers and 47 in-depth interviews (IDI) with village animal health workers, doctors, and butchers, focused on knowledge, perception and awareness on zoonoses including brucellosis. Results from questionnaires indicate that abortions are a common problem; cattle with abortion history are kept for further insemination and the milk still consumed or sold. Antibodies against Brucella were detected in cows’ (5/45) and goats’ (1/40) milk samples, and in human samples (5/126) in Yiliang, while in Mangshi, all buffalo (N = 41) and humans (N = 102) were negative. FGD and IDI results showed an alarmingly low knowledge and awareness on zoonoses; particularly, low awareness about brucellosis was noted, even among the professional groups. Collaboration between village animal health workers and doctors was uncommon. No confirmed brucellosis cases were found in retrospective investigation of hospital and veterinary stations. This study demonstrates the presence of brucellosis in livestock and humans in Yunnan, indicating a non-negligible risk for humans. It is also made apparent that there is a need for increased awareness among both farmers and professionals in order to reduce the risk of zoonotic transmissions.

Lead uptake into calcified and keratinized compartments of horns from a convenience sample of lead-dosed goats

ABSTRACT Hair and/or nail analyses are sometimes used in biomonitoring studies due to the convenience of sample collection, storage, and transport, as well as the potential to assess past exposures to toxic metals, such as lead (Pb). However, the validity of Pb measurements in these keratinized matrices as biomarkers of absorbed dose remains unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the uptake of Pb into horns harvested postmortem from 11 goats that received a cumulative oral dose of up to 151 g Pb acetate over a period of 1–11 years as part of a long-term blood Pb proficiency testing program. Uptake of Pb into keratinized horn was compared to the corresponding underlying bony horn core, which, as part of the bone compartment, provided a measure of absorbed Pb dose. Two complementary analytical techniques were used to assess Pb: X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Detectable amounts of Pb were found in all keratinized horn samples (0.45–6.6 µg/g) and in all but one bony core sample (1.4–68 µg/g). In both bony core and keratinized horn samples, Pb accumulation increased with dose over a low-to-moderate cumulative-dose interval, consistent with previous observations, but plateaued at higher doses. Significant associations were observed between Pb in keratinized horn and bony core samples particularly with XRF measurements, which represent the surface bone compartment. These findings provide evidence that Pb is excreted in keratinized tissues but reflects only a small fraction of the absorbed Pb dose, likely transferred from underlying bone tissue.

A one-year descriptive epidemiology of zoonotic abortifacient pathogen bacteria in farm animals in Turkey

This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of 10 suspicious pathogenic bacteria in 250 stomach contents of aborted calf, lamb, and goat foetuses in 2019. The 155 positive samples obtained from PCR consisted of 53 (58.88 %) bacteria from 90 lamb samples, 10 (43.47 %) bacteria from 23 goat samples, and 92 (67.15 %) bacteria from 137 calf samples. The five most common bacteria associated with abortions were Brucella melitensis, 52 (20.9 %); B. abortus, 13 (5.2 %); Leptospira spp., 34 (13.6 %); Campylobacter fetus, 52 (20.9 %); and Coxiella burnetii, 4 (1.6 %). The highest rate of B. melitensis (65.4 %), B. abortus (69.2 %), Leptospira spp. (67.6 %), and C. fetus (50 %) was detected in the aborted calf samples. The highest individual rate was that of C. fetus (5.2 %). The flock-herd rates of B. melitensis, B. abortus, Leptospira spp., C. fetus, and C. burnetii infections in the 29 farms studied were 34.48 %, 20.69 %, 62.06 %, 82.75 %, and 3.44 %, respectively, with a confidence level and interval of 95 %. The frequency of abortions caused by Leptospira spp. and Campylobacter fetus may be related to increasing in B. melitensis. The rates of aborted calf, lamb, and goat foetuses among the various sampling periods and regions were significantly (P < 0.01) different. In conclusion, precautions should be applied to reduce the spread of these bacterial agents in high-risk areas and to eliminate the risk of harbouring these zoonotic infections in humans. Therefore, these results must be taken into account in the development of control and protection strategies against abortions in animals.

Metal pollution of soil, plants, feed and food in the Niger Delta, Nigeria: Health risk assessment through meat and fish consumption

This study was aimed at determining mainly the concentrations of As and other metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, V and Zn) in samples of feed, soil, plants and foods (fish, chicken, goat and cow meat) grown and consumed in six areas of Niger Delta, Nigeria (Choba, Khana, Trans Amadi, Eleme, Uyo and Yenagoa). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) models were used for identifying groups of variables (i.e., elements) based on the loadings and groups of samples (i.e., plants, soil, fish, meet, feed) according to the scores that contributed most to the environmental pollution in each Nigerian area. In Choba and Khana sites, the results showed a cluster of elements like As, Pb, V and Zn, mostly associated with samples of goat and cow meat, as well as soils, and separated from another cluster of metals composed by Cu and Hg with different origin. In Trans Amadi area, a clustering of As, Cd and V was found associated to different types of meat (chicken, goat, and cow) located in the opposite side of Cu and Hg, which correlated to plants and soil. In Eleme, the strongest loadings were obtained for V and Zn associated with soil and meat (goat and cow) samples and separated from As and Cd. Finally, in Uyo and Yenagoa, dominant elements were As, Cu, Pb and Zn, with proximity to cow and goat liver samples, while Cd and V corresponded to a different pollution pattern. Lead intake trough meat and fish consumption for adults and children were much higher than the tolerable limits set by international organizations. The results of this study should allow a better understanding of the complex phenomenon of metal pollution in the feed-to-food chain and human health in Nigeria, which should help to manage a pollution reduction strategy and give priorities of research and monitoring.

Somatic Cell Count in Goat Milk: An Indirect Quality Indicator.

A high somatic cell count (SCC) impacts dairy quality to a large extent. The goal of this work was to investigate differences in goat milk composition and technological parameters according to SCC cut-off (600, 700, 800, and 1000.103/mL). Thirty-four individual milk samples of White Shorthair goats in a similar stage of lactation were investigated. The first differences in milk quality appeared already at SCC cut-off of 600.103/mL (5.58 LSCS-linear somatic cell score), yet the most striking differences were found for SCC over 1000.103/mL (6.32 LSCS), which was expressed by lowering heat stability (126 vs. 217 s, p = 0.034), increasing protein (3.41 vs. 3.04%, p = 0.009), casein (2.80 vs. 2.44%, p = 0.034) and chloride (164 vs. 147 mg/100 mL, p = 0.004) levels, as well as non-fat dry matter (8.79 vs. 8.45%, p = 0.045). It has been shown that low levels of Staphylococcus spp. bacteria (120–1600 CFU/mL) in the mammary gland correlated with decreased lactose content (4.60 vs. 4.47 g/100 g, p = 0.022). Since our results indicate that even low SCC values may significantly affect the technological properties of goat milk, SCC should therefore be routinely screened and reported to dairy manufacturers to assure the consumer of high end-product quality.

Development of a novel multiplex PCR assay for the detection and differentiation of Plasmodium caprae from Theileria luwenshuni and Babesia spp. in goats

Intraerythrocytic parasites are traditionally identified by the microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained blood smears. However, this method does not always allow for the identification of individual species in goat's RBCs. Moreover, its unreliability in detecting low levels of parasitemia makes it unsuitable for epidemiological investigations and leaves goat farms vulnerable to potential outbreaks. In the present study, a novel multiplex PCR (mPCR) targeting the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene was developed to detect and subsequently differentiate Plasmodium caprae, Theileria luwenshuni, and Babesia spp. The specificity of each primer set was assessed both in silico and with a panel of DNA samples from the hosts themselves and other goat hemoparasites. Amplicons generated from each pair of primers were 664, 555, and 320-bp for P. caprae, Babesia spp., and T. luwenshuni, respectively. These products were further confirmed by sequencing. Our novel mPCR reactions successfully demonstrated the accurate and simultaneous amplification of the three parasites’ DNA samples. The current mPCR method showed no cross-amplification with unintended targets. The detection limit of the mPCR in this study was 108 parasites’ DNA copies per reaction. The current mPCR was able to detect the minimum parasitemia of approximately 0.001%, 0.000005%, 0.00001% for P. caprae, Babesia spp. and T. luwenshuni, respectively. The diagnostic specificity in the detection of P. caprae and T. luwenshuni ranged from 94.9 to 100 %. The mPCR was further applied to a collection of field blood samples from five provinces in Thailand to validate its reliability and applicability. The results demonstrated the successful detection of P. caprae, Babesia spp. and T. luwenshuni in goat samples with the same sensitivity levels as conventional PCR methods. This study also confirmed the presence of T. luwenshuni and Babesia spp. in Thai goats. The current mPCR method offers an alternative for the diagnosis of P. caprae, T. luwenshuni, and Babesia spp., either single or under co-infection conditions, and for large-scale surveillance.

Determination of 18 amino acids in three different kinds of milk powder by ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with pre-column derivatization

近年来羊奶粉和骆驼奶粉备受消费者青睐,它们具有潜在的低致敏性,因此成为牛乳不耐受人群尤其是婴幼儿的母乳替代品,其营养价值备受关注。牛奶粉、羊奶粉和骆驼奶粉中氨基酸含量的比较研究鲜有报道。利用酸水解得到游离氨基酸,选择6-氨基喹啉-N-羟基琥珀酰亚胺氨基甲酸酯(AQC)进行柱前衍生,超高效液相色谱分离并检测,外标法定量。18种氨基酸在各自线性范围内线性关系良好,相关系数(r 2)大于0.999;以3倍和10倍信噪比(S/N)确定方法的检出限(LOD)和定量限(LOQ),分别为1.3~2.5 (mg/100 g)和3.9~7.5 (mg/100 g)。方法验证采用奶粉标准参考物质SRM 1849a,测定值符合其含量范围,6次测定值的相对标准偏差(RSD)为2.04%~3.65%。采用建立的方法分别对市售和网购的牛奶粉、羊奶粉和骆驼奶粉进行18种氨基酸成分和含量分析,旨在从氨基酸角度对这3种不同来源乳品进行对比。该方法快速,灵敏度高,准确可靠,适用于不同基质乳粉中18种氨基酸成分和含量的确定。

Incidence of helminthes infestation in small ruminants in three Local Government Areas of Plateau State, Nigeria

Sheep and goats traditionally managed are usually neglected in terms of development programmes including the determination of their parasitic loads. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the incidence of helminthes infestation in small ruminants in three Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Plateau State, Nigeria. A total of 1800 faecal samples of sheep and goats were collected from June to September, 2020 in three Local Government areas namely Shendam, Mikang and Langtang South. Two hundred (200) samples were collected from each village given a total of 600 samples per LGA. Samples were collected inside white polythene leather, location, species, sex, age and season were carefully labeled. Microscopic examinations of faecal samples were carried out using standard laboratory methods of floatation and sedimentation techniques. Data was analyzed using Chi square test. The results showed that 60.00% of the faecal samples were infested with helminthes and 40% were negative. Majority (34.60%) of the positive samples had mixed parasite infestations while 25.40% had singled infestations. Shendam LGA had the highest (p&lt;0.001) incidence (78.50%) helminthes infestation while Langtang South had the lowest (50.20%). The females’ sheep and goats were significantly infested (p&lt;0.001, p&lt;0.001, respectively) higher (61.00%) than the males (55.20%) while the adult sheep and goats (7 months and above of age) were highly significantly (p&lt;0.001 and p&lt;0.001, respectively) infested higher (57.40% and 63.70%, respectively) than the young (0-6 months of age) (50.60% and 60.20%, respectively). The sheep and goats infested in the wet season were significantly (p&lt;0.001 and p&lt;0.001, respectively) higher (76.50%) than in the dry season (43.20%). It may be concluded that 60% of the sheep and goats studied had incidence of helminthes infestation. Therefore, proper housing, feeding, grazing systems, stocking density among other management practices are recommended to improve the productivity of sheep and goats in the area

Mining the pervasiveness of surra in different animal species of Northeastern states of India: Assam, Mizoram and Tripura.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12639-021-01392-z.

CircRNA landscape of non-pregnant endometrium during the estrus cycle in dairy goats

Endometrial development is a complicated process involving numerous regulatory factors. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been known as a member of the naturally occurring non-coding RNA family, and are reportedly crucial for a variety of physiological processes. This study investigated the circRNA landscape of non-pregnant endometrium of dairy goats during estrus. Non-pregnant endometrial samples of goats at estrus day 5 (Ed5) and estrus day 15 (Ed15) were used to methodically analyze the circRNA landscape using strand-specific Ribo-Zero RNA-Seq. A total of 2 331 differentially expressed (P<0.05) circRNAs (DEciRs) between Ed5 and Ed15 were discovered in the goat endometrium. It was found that Nipped-B-like (NIPBL) and calcium responsive transcription factor (CARF) may participate in the development of the endometrium by decreasing (P<0.05) the levels of their circRNA-transcript forms. Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses of DEciR host genes (hgDEciRs) revealed that tight junctions and GTPases may be involved in endometrial development during the estrus cycle. A total of 2 331 DEciRs were discovered in the endometrium at Ed5 and Ed15. Based on GO and KEGG enrichment analyses, it could be inferred that tight junctions and GTPases are likely to play an important role in the development of goat endometrium during the estrus cycle. This circRNA study greatly enhances our knowledge of global trends in the development of non-pregnant endometrium during the estrus cycle in goats; these results help us to better understand the molecular regulation of endometrial development in dairy goats.

Detection of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in liver of slaughtered cattle, sheep and goats by PCR and culture

The presence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) in tissues other than intestines and associated lymph nodes is a potential public health concern. Therefore, the presence of MAP in the liver of slaughtered cattle, sheep and goats with unknown Johne’s disease status was evaluated. Liver samples were collected randomly from 470 mature animals including 200 cattle, 135 sheep and 135 goats. The existence of MAP DNA from obtained liver samples was determined using PCR, thereafter PCR-confirmed samples were cultured. Based on liver PCR results, IS900 genes were detected in 11/200 (5.5%), 3/135 (2.2%), 2/135 (1.48%) liver samples of cattle, sheep and goats, respectively. In cattle, sheep and goats, 6 (54.5%), 1 (33.3%) and 1 (50%) PCR-positive samples showed positive results in culture, respectively. Our results revealed that MAP can be detected and cultured from the liver of slaughtered cattle, sheep and goats with unknown Johne’s disease status. Hence, given concerns about a potential zoonotic role for MAP, there is a crucial need to detect animals with MAP disseminated infection in the liver before slaughter.

Triple lectin staining of trichostrongyle eggs from naturally infected small ruminants

Trichostrongyle nematodes can be a major threat to the profitability of small ruminant producers depending of the species and intensity of trichostrongyles parasitizing their herd. Haemonchus contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta, and Trichostrongylus colubriformis are typically the most common and clinically important species. Three lectins (PNA, LCA and AAL) have been reported to bind specifically to eggs from these three genera and therefore could be used to quantify the intensity of each species in individual animals. Peanut agglutinin (PNA) has been the most commonly tested lectin because it selectively binds intensely to eggs of the most pathogenic species, H. contortus. Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA) and Aleuria aurantia agglutinin (AAL) have shown specificity to T. circumcincta and Trichostrongylus spp. respectively, however, these lectins have only been evaluated using eggs harvested directly from adult females, and not from fecal samples. The purpose of the present study is to describe a method to sequentially stain H. contortus, T. circumcincta and Trichostrongylus spp. fecal eggs with PNA, LCA and AAL, and then evaluate the resultant staining patterns seen with eggs collected from a naturally infected goat shown with PCR to contain H. contortus, T. circumcincta, Ostertagia leptospicularis, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Trichostrongylus axei eggs. These results were also compared with patterns observed with eggs stained with single lectins and double combinations of lectins. The various patterns were then compared to those seen with egg samples collected from an ewe shown to only contain H. contortus. PNA bound intensely and uniformly to all eggs from samples containing only H. contortus eggs; however, some eggs additionally bound LCA and AAL in localized patches of varying size, and a few eggs exhibited intense and uniform binding of all three lectins. Single PNA-staining of goat samples containing the five trichostrongyles species identified most eggs as H. contortus, and triple-staining showed patterns consistent with those seen for H. contortus. Binding of AAL to non-Haemonchus eggs was uniform but showed significant variations in intensity. Lesser staining eggs tended to also stain intensely with LCA, which is consistent with published binding pattern for T. circumcincta. Most eggs that AAL bound intensely to did not bind with LCA, which is consistent with published binding pattern for Trichostrongylus spp. Autofluorescence was observed with the DAPI filter-cube among most non-Haemonchus eggs. This study demonstrates the need for additional field studies to further validate the specificity of these three lectins for use in identifying eggs from the three species of trichostrongyles.

Molecular detection of food fraud targeting mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene sequencing

Food adulteration is a current socioeconomic crisis all over the world. Therefore, the current study aimed to use the molecular sequencing of 12S rRNA to detect food fraud in the most consumed meat cuts in the Egyptian markets. After sequences’ trimming, the fragments’ lengths were 389-395 bp for B. bubalis, B. taurus O. aries, and C. hircus. The results detected species substitution in the analyzed meat cuts. Particularly, buffalo and goat samples were replaced by cattle and buffalo. Finally, molecular methods are accurate and sensitive for the authentication of meat and are crucial in establishing the quality and authenticity of meat‐based food products.

Sero-epidemiology and associated risk factors of brucellosis among sheep and goat population in the south western Nepal: a comparative study

BackgroundBrucellosis is a zoonotic disease caused by Brucella spp. In Nepal, the presence of brucellosis in small ruminants, namely sheep and goats, has impacted farmers’ livelihood and the food safety of consumers. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Rupandehi district of Nepal during January to March 2020 to investigate the seroepidemiology and associated risk factors of brucellosis in the sheep and goat population. Altogether, 19 sheep and 60 goat farms in the district were visited. Owners were interviewed to get information on animals, including their management and movement patterns. Three hundred fifty-seven samples (80 sheep and 277 goat samples) were collected proportionately based on farm sizes. Each serum sample was tested with Rose Bengal Test and ELISA to estimate the seropositivity of brucellosis. Logistic regression was carried out to calculate corresponding odds ratios of each variable associated with detection of brucellosis.ResultsAt the farm level, 31.6% (6/19; 95% CI: 12, 54%) of sheep farms and 3.3% (2/60, 95% CI: 0.9, 11.4%) of goat farms were seropositive to brucellosis. Out of 80 sheep serum samples, 12 (15%; 95% CI: 8.79–24.41%) and out of 277 goat serum samples, three (1.1%; 95% CI: 0.37–3.14%) were seropositive to brucellosis. Age greater than 1.5 years (OR = 5.56, 95% CI: 1.39, 29.38; p = 0.02) and herd size of greater than 100 (OR = 4.74, 95% CI: 1.23, 20.32, p = 0.03) were identified as significant risk factors for seropositivity of brucellosis in the sheep population. While in the goat population, none of the variables was identified as a significant risk factor.ConclusionThe study provides evidence that the older sheep and the sheep from the large herds were at higher risk of brucellosis. A control program should be put in place immediately in the sheep population because they may transmit infections to other livestock as they were regularly moved for grazing and selling purposes. Also, strict biosecurity measures should be implemented among pastoralists to prevent brucellosis transmission in them. We suggest further one health-based study to reveal the transmission dynamics of brucellosis between animals and humans.

Discrimination of goat, buffalo, and yak milk from different livestock, regions, and lactation using microelement contents

This study aims at investigating whether the livestock, lactation stage, or geographical origin of specialty milk in China could be classified by the elemental contents. Samples of goat, buffalo, and yak milk were collected from main production provinces in China and the contents of nine elements in milk from different livestock, regions, and lactation stages were determined. Statistical analysis indicated that the contents of Mn, Cu, As, Se, Cs, and Mo in mature milk were significantly different between the three livestock (p<0.05). The trends of Mn and Cs contents of the goat milk and buffalo milk increased first and then decreased gradually during lactation. The contents of Se, Cs, Ba, and Mo in mature milk of three livestock were significantly different between the three regions (p<0.05). The result of linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and partial least squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA) showed that the total correct classification rates in different livestock for mature milk reached 86.7 and 90%. For goat milk, the total correct classification rates of different lactations and regions reached 88.9 and 77.8% for LDA (100 and 87.5% for PLS-DA), and followed by yak milk of different regions which achieved 88.9% for LDA (88.9% for PLS-DA). In summary, the microelements in milk showed a significant correlation with livestock, region, and lactation of goat, buffalo, and yak milk. The elemental fingerprints combined with the LDA could be potential for classifying the livestock, lactation stage, and geographical origin of milk. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: According to study the contents of miroelements in milk from different livestock, regions, and lactation stages, provide evidence and support for classifying the livestock, lactation stage, and geographical origin of milk.

Investigating early husbandry strategies in the southern Caucasus: intra-tooth sequential carbon and oxygen isotope analysis of Neolithic goats, sheep, and cattle from Göytepe and Hacı Elamxanlı Tepe

The beginning of agriculture marks major changes in food acquisition technology in human history. In the southern Caucasus, agricultural villages emerged around 6000 cal. BC, 2000 to 3000 years later than in the Fertile Crescent despite their geographical closeness to each other. This study aims to provide isotopic evidence indicative of animal herding strategies in the early farming communities in the southern Caucasus. To analyze intra-individual sequential carbon and oxygen isotope variations, we used tooth enamel of five goats, four sheep, and three cattle from the Neolithic settlements, Göytepe and Hacı Elamxanlı Tepe (Azerbaijan). The analyses also included reference samples of modern domestic goat and sheep that are known to have grazed in the vicinity of the sites. As a result, the sequential carbon and oxygen isotope variations of the modern goat and sheep samples showed large amplitude and a synchronous pattern during the whole enamel maturation period. The same pattern was observed in some of the Neolithic goat and sheep samples, suggesting they may have grazed in the vicinity of the lowland site throughout the year. Other Neolithic goat and cattle samples exhibited relatively small amplitudes and inverse cyclical variation patterns. While these patterns may have been caused by multiple factors, such as drinking water and food/fodder, vertical transhumance has also been proposed for the similar isotope patterns. Despite the difficulty in specifying exact causes for the observed isotopic patterns, their diversity within/among the species implies multiple pastoral strategies that may have had adaptive advantages in new agricultural frontiers in the southern Caucasus.

Molecular Identification of Mycoplasma agalactiae in Iran Based on P30 Gene.

Mycoplasma agalactiae (M. agalactiae) is known as the main etiological agent of contagious agalactia (CA). The CA is a disease affecting dairy sheep and goats, the main characteristics of which include keratoconjunctivitis, arthritis, and mastitis. This pathogen results in milk production reduction and suppression, thereby leading to serious economic loss. In the present study, 125 sheep and goat samples were collected from 15 provinces of Iran. Cultural and molecular methods were used for sample characterization. After extracting genomic DNAs using the phenol/chloroform method, the PCR technique was employed to detect Mycoplasma genus in 163bp fragment of 16S rRNA gene (M-PCR) and M. agalactiae in 800bp fragment of conserve and specific P30 lipoprotein gene (P30-PCR) in cultural and clinical samples. Finally, to validate the experimental approach, a 375 bp amplicon of P80 lipoprotein was amplified using the MA-PCR. Out of 125 samples under investigation, 43 cases were positive, and Mycoplasma colonies were observed in the pleuropneumonia-like organisms agar culture. Based on the results of the M-PCR method, 61 specimens (out of 125 samples) were scored positive for Mycoplasma presence. Furthermore, 20 samples were positive according to the P30-PCR data. It should be mentioned that the MA-PCR was performed based on the P80 gene on 125 total samples to furtherverify the results for M.agalactiae detection. Based on the obtained data, P30 and P80 genes were presented and amplified in all Iranian M. agalactiae isolates (n=20). Our results indicated that the P30 gene was conserved and specific to all Iranian M. agalactiae isolates and this new P30-PCR method (as an MA-PCR technique) might be useful in the detection of this pathogen.

GGVD: A goat genome variation database for tracking the dynamic evolutionary process of selective signatures and ancient introgressions

Understanding the evolutionary history and adaptive process depends on the knowledge that we can acquire from both ancient and modern genomic data. With the availability of a deluge of whole-genome sequencing data from ancient and modern goat samples, a user-friendly database making efficient reuse of these important resources is needed. Here, we use the genomes of 208 modern domestic goats, 24 bezoars, 46 wild ibexes, and 82 ancient goats to present a comprehensive goat genome variation database (GGVD). GGVD hosts a total of ∼41.44 million SNPs, ∼5.14 million indels, 6,193 selected loci, and 112 introgression regions. Users can freely visualize the frequency of genomic variations in geographical maps, selective sweeps in interactive tables, Manhattan plots, or line charts, as well as the heatmap patterns of the SNP genotype. Ancient data can be shown in haplotypes to track the state of genetic variants of selection and introgression events in the early, middle, and late stages. For facilitating access to sequence features, the UCSC Genome Browser, BLAT, BLAST, LiftOver, and pcadapt are also integrated into GGVD. GGVD will be a convenient tool for population genetic studies and molecular marker designing in goat breeding programs, and it is publicly available at http://animal.nwsuaf.edu.cn/GoatVar.