Small Ruminants Research Articles

Reproductive performance of local goats in Municipality of Liquica

One of the small ruminants with a lot of promise and popularity in the Municipality of Liquica are kacang goats. The purpose of this study is to determine how well the local goats in Liquica Municipality reproduce. In this study, a quantitative approach was taken. The research location was chosen using the purposive sampling method. The criterion of having at least three goats and five years of experience with them were used to choose the responders for this study. Solvin's formula was employed to ascertain the sample size. The variables that were observed were the kidding interval, size of the litter, length of pregnancy, and age at puberty. The findings demonstrated that the local goats in Tibar Village had good reproductive performance. Of the 71 respondents, they reported that the average age at puberty was 6.51 ± 0.65, the average gestation period was 5.08 ± 0.28, the average litter size was 1.08 ± 0.36, and the average calving interval was 8.86±0.59. Ulmera Village respondents, numbering seventy, stated that the local goats' puberty age was 7.84 ± 0.93, their gestation period was 5.09 ± 0.28, their litter size was 1.6 ± 0.48, and their calving interval was 8.56 ± 0.53. In Liquisa Municipality, the reproductive performance of Javanese goats is deemed satisfactory despite farmers' continued adherence to customary rearing practices.

The Development of Toxoplasma gondii Recombinant Trivalent Chimeric Proteins as an Alternative to Toxoplasma Lysate Antigen (TLA) in Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for the Detection of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) in Small Ruminants

This study presents an evaluation of seventeen newly produced recombinant trivalent chimeric proteins (containing the same immunodominant fragment of SAG1 and SAG2 of Toxoplasma gondii antigens, and an additional immunodominant fragment of one of the parasite antigens, such as AMA1, GRA1, GRA2, GRA5, GRA6, GRA7, GRA9, LDH2, MAG1, MIC1, MIC3, P35, and ROP1) as a potential alternative to the whole-cell tachyzoite lysate (TLA) used in the detection of infection in small ruminants. These recombinant proteins, obtained by genetic engineering and molecular biology methods, were tested for their reactivity with specific anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies contained in serum samples of small ruminants (192 samples of sheep serum and 95 samples of goat serum) using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The reactivity of six recombinant trivalent chimeric proteins (SAG1-SAG2-GRA5, SAG1-SAG2-GRA9, SAG1-SAG2-MIC1, SAG1-SAG2-MIC3, SAG1-SAG2-P35, and SAG1-SAG2-ROP1) with IgG antibodies generated during T. gondii invasion was comparable to the sensitivity of TLA-based IgG ELISA (100%). The obtained results show a strong correlation with the results obtained for TLA. This suggests that these protein preparations may be a potential alternative to TLA used in commercial tests and could be used to develop a cheaper test for the detection of parasite infection in small ruminants.

The Growth Performance of Yankasa Rams Fed Gamba Grass (Andropogon Gayanus) and Various Levels of Ensiled Urea Treated Groundnut Shell Meal Supplementary Diet

This study was carried out to investigate the feed intake, nutrient intake, and growth performance of Yankasa rams fed gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) and various levels of ensiled urea treated groundnut shell meal supplementary diet. A total of twenty (20) growing Yankasa rams aged between 7 and 8 months with an average body weight of 11.50 kg were used for this experiment. Five treatment groups were established, with varying levels of UTGSM supplementary diet (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). Parameters such as organic matter, crude protein, fiber, ether extract, ash, NFE (nitrogen-free extract), concentrate, and forage intake were measured. Average total weight gain and average daily weight gain were also determined. The results showed significant variations in nutrient intake among the treatment groups. The results showed that animals on T5 with 20% UTGSM inclusion in their supplementary diet had the highest feed intake, nutrients intake and growth performance compared to the other treatments. It was concluded that 20% level of UTGSM inclusion could replace maize offal 100% in the supplementary diet of Yankasa rams to improved feed and nutrients intake, and growth performance. It was recommended that livestock producers can incorporate up to 20% of UTGSM into small ruminants feed in order to reduce the cost of production especially during the dry season.

Global and regional seroprevalence of coxiellosis in small ruminants: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Coxiellosis is a neglected zoonosis for occupationally exposed people in many parts of the world. Sheep and goats are two important small ruminants that act as reservoirs for human contamination; however, there is a lack of comprehensive data on the epidemiological aspects of coxiellosis in sheep and goats at regional and global levels. The aim of this study was to systematically review the available articles on seroprevalence of coxiellosis in sheep and goats and estimate the overall seroprevalence in different regions. A systematic search strategy was performed in five electronic repositories for articles published until December 2021. Relevant data were extracted from the selected articles based on the inclusion criteria. A random effect meta-analysis model was used to analyse the data. Results are presented as the prevalence of seropositivity as a percentage and 95% confidence intervals. The global pooled seroprevalence of coxiellosis in sheep was 17.38% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.59%-19.17%). Overall, the regional level pooled prevalence estimates in sheep ranged from 15.04% (95% CI: 7.68%-22.40%) to 19.14% (95% CI: 15.51%-22.77%), depending on region. The global pooled seroprevalence of coxiellosis in goats was 22.60% (95% CI: 19.54%-25.66%). Overall, the regional level pooled prevalence estimates in goats ranged from 6.33% (95% CI: 2.96%-9.71%) to 55.13% (95% CI: 49.61%-60.65%), depending on the region. The prevalence estimates also varied significantly in both sheep and goats depending on age, sex, and rearing systems of the animals (p<0.001). Seroprevalence of coxiellosis in both sheep and goats is considerable. Routine monitoring of the sheep and goat populations is needed to prevent spillover infection in other livestock and humans.

Phylogenetic Analysis of Brucella melitensis Strains Isolated from Humans Using 16S rRNA Sequencing and Multiple Locus Variable Number of Tandem Repeats Analysis-16.

Background: Brucellosis is the most important public health problem worldwide, and the annual incidence of the disease in humans is 2.1 million. The Brucella genome is highly conserved, with over 90% similarity among species. The aim of this study was to perform species-level identification of Brucella spp. strains isolated from humans diagnosed with brucellosis and to further investigate the phylogenetic relationships using multiple locus variable number of tandem repeats analysis (MLVA)-16 and 16S rRNA sequencing analysis. Materials and Methods: Brucella spp. was isolated from the blood cultures of 54 patients who tested positive for brucellosis through serological examinations. Real-time PCR was used to identify the isolates in species, and the genus level of Brucella was confirmed with 16S rRNA. All isolates were subjected to phylogenetic analysis using variable number of tandem repeat analysis with multiple loci. Results: Subsequent analysis via real-time PCR confirmed these isolates to be of the Brucella melitensis species. The 16S rRNA sequence analysis showed 100% homogeneity among the isolates. MLVA revealed the formation of five different genotypic groups. While two groups were formed based on the 16S rRNA sequence analysis, five groups were formed in the MLVA. Conclusions: The study concluded that 16S rRNA sequence analysis alone did not provide sufficient discrimination for phylogenetic analysis but served as a supportive method for identification. MLVA exhibited higher phylogenetic power. The widespread isolation of B. melitensis from human brucellosis cases highlights the importance of controlling brucellosis in small ruminants to prevent human infections.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Lungworm Infection in Small Ruminants in Selected Districts of Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia

Among small ruminants, lungworms are important parasitic nematodes that infect the lower respiratory tract and are implicated in a high mortality and morbidity rate. However, the magnitude and its determinants of lungworm infection in the study districts are not known. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of lungworm infection and assess associated risk factors in selected districts, Wolaita Zone, southern Ethiopia. A total of 742 fecal samples collected from 443 sheep and 299 goats were examined, using modified Baermann techniques, to recover first-stage larvae from fecal samples. Lungworms were detected in 271 (36.52%) samples infecting 192 (43.34%) sheep and 79 (26.42%) goats, respectively. Lungworm species Dictyocaulus filaria, Protostrongylus rufescens, and Muellerius capillaris were recovered in 114 (15.36%), 68 (9.16%), and 57 (7.68%) fecal samples, respectively. Mixed infection by two or more above species was noted in 32 (4.31%) of the samples. Among the determinants examined, agroecological environment, management system, and season showed statistically significant differences (p&lt;0.05) with the prevalence of infection in small ruminants. On the other hand, lungworm infection among sexes, age groups, and body condition scores showed no statistically significant difference (p&gt;0.05). The present study indicated that lungworm infection was a problem for sheep and goats in this study area. Thus, measures like deworming, early treatment, and improving animal husbandry should be practiced.

Epidemiology and phylogeny of Haemonchus contortus through internal transcribed spacer 2 gene in small ruminants

IntroductionHaemonchus contortus (H. contortus) is a blood-feeding nematode causing infectious disease haemonchosis in small ruminants of tropical and subtropical regions around the world. This study aimed to explore the prevalence and phylogeny of H. contortus in small ruminants using the internal transcribed spacer-2 (ITS-2) gene. In addition, a comprehensive review of the available literature on the status of H. contortus in Pakistan was conducted.MethodsFecal samples were collected from sheep and goats (n = 180). Microscopically positive samples were subjected to DNA extraction followed by PCR using species-specific primers.ResultsThe overall prevalence of H. contortus was 25.55% in small ruminants. The prevalence of H. contortus was significantly associated with months and area. The highest occurrence of haemonchosis was documented in July (38.70%), whereas the lowest occurred in December (11.11%), with significant difference. The prevalence was highest in the Ghamkol camp (29.4%) and lowest in the arid zone of the Small Ruminant Research Institute (17.5%) (p = 0.01). The results of the systematic review revealed the highest prevalence of haemonchosis (34.4%) in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (p = 0.001).DiscussionPhylogenetic analysis revealed a close relationship between H. contortus and isolates from Asia (China, India, Iran, Bangladesh, Malaysia, and Mongolia) and European countries (Italy and the United Kingdom). It has been concluded that H. contortus is prevalent in small ruminants of Kohat district and all over Pakistan, which could be a potential threat to food-producing animals, farmers, dairy, and the meat industry. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that H. contortus isolates share close phylogenetic relationships with species from Asia and Europe.

The incidence of coxiella infection in Iraqi women with early pregnancy loss

Query fever is a bacterial disease resulting from Coxiella burnetii (CB) infection in animals. It is well known that small ruminants who get Q fever lose their babies. People think pregnant women may also have lousy gestation results if they get the infection or the infection comes back to life during pregnancy. This study looks at how serologic results of Q fever and early pregnancy loss (EPL) are linked. In Baghdad, including Madinat Al-Imamain Al-Kadhmain Teaching Hospital and Abu Ghraib Hospital, multicenter case-control research was conducted from September to December 2022. A total of 90 women were enrolled in this investigation. Sixty clinically suffered from early pregnancy loss by having a nonviable intrauterine pregnancy. The other 30 women were subjects of comparable age, the week of pregnancy, and the healthy subjects as controls.  Using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), serum samples were screened for antibodies against CB. Three (5%) cases tested positive for CB by ELISA. The study reveals no association between adverse gestation outcomes and positive Q fever serology. Age and abortion history were not significantly correlated with C. burnetii seropositivity, according to the findings of CB cases that tested positive results.

Cryptosporidium disease of small ruminants in the region of El Taref and Mostaghanem

In order to identify and quantify Cryptosporidium infection in small ruminants in northern Algeria, specifically in the regions of Tarf and Mostaganem, a three-year survey was conducted between 2019 and 2021. The epidemiological investigation covered several aspects of the prevalence and etiology of Cryptosporidium, including various factors suspected to contribute to the spread of the causative agent of this disease. In addition, a confirmatory study was initiated, with bacteriological and histopathological tests performed on samples collected during the survey period from the various farms examined. The results showed that the epidemic takes several aspects for its spread as well as its persistence, the bacteriological results showed a coincidence of the presence of the pathogen in a significant proportion, and the histopathological interpretation of the slides revealed the diversity of lesions at the intestinal level with the predominance and inversion of enterocytes by sporozoites, resulting in the recurrence of lesions in the different organs collected in all species studied, cattle, sheep and goats.

Therapeutic and Obstetrical Management of Twin Mummified Fetuses in Surti Doe: A Case Study

Fetal mummification is uncommon in small ruminants like goat and sheep. The twin mummification of fetuses confirmed by history, a clinical sign, ultrasonographical and per-vaginal examination in five year old Surti doe of fourth parity. The case was successfully managed therapeutically using intravenous administration of 3.0 ml Dexamethasone®, 20IU- Oxytocin®, 500ml-Normal saline and 30ml-Calcium magnesium borogluconate, whereas 5ml-Valethamate bromide (Epidosin®) was given intramuscularly. The goat resumed to normal appetite and appearing active and alert within a week post treatment.

First record of Damalinia caprae (Gurlt, 1843) and Linognathus africanus (Kelogg and Paine, 1911) (Insecta: Phthiraptera) in small ruminants from Cuajinicuilapa, Guerrero, Mexico

This study reports for the first time the lice species infesting small ruminants of three communities of Cuajinicuilapa, Guerrero, Mexico. The lice were manually collected from sheep and goats, deposited in vials containing 70% alcohol, and transported to the Parasitology Laboratory at the Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia N° 2. For identification, the specimens were cleared in potassium hydroxide (KOH) at 10%, dried, and mounted on slides. A total of 789 lice were collected from goats and sheep. Two lice species, D. caprae and L. africanus were identified, making D. caprae the most prevalent. No other species were identified parasitizing the sampled animals. It is suggested to do more research to determine prevalence, incidence, and affections in the productive and reproductive parameters; as well as, to determine the possible role of the identified lice in the transmission of microorganisms with medical and veterinary importance.

Therapeutic with Obstetrical Management to Deliver Live Three Male Foetuses in a Surti Doe

Dystocia is common occurrence in small ruminants like goat and sheep. A case tentatively diagnosed as a foetal dystocia due to foetal dorso-pubic position and malpostures of foetus in seven year old surti doe based on the history, clinical signs and vaginal examination. The present case described a successful delivery of three live male foetuses by obstetrical mutational approach following therapeutically intravenous administration of 20IU- Oxytocin, 30ml-calcium borogluconate and 500ml Normal saline, whereas 5ml valethamate bromide and antihistamine were administered intramuscularly. Supportive therapy various fluids, analgesic, antibiotic and intra-uterine pessaries, resulted a affected Surti doe to normal health within few days.

Exposure of small ruminants and humans to Coxiella burnetii in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil.

Q fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the obligate intracellular pathogen Coxiella burnetii, for which domestic ruminants are the primary source of infection in humans. Herein, we investigated the presence of C. burnetii in humans, sheep, and goats in the semi-arid region of northeastern Brazil. The presence of anti-C. burnetii antibodies was surveyed using indirect immunofluorescence assay, and detection of C. burnetii DNA was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Anti-C. burnetii antibodies were detected in 60% of farms, 4.8% of goats, 1.5% of sheep, and 4.5% of human samples. PCR was positive in 18.9% of blood samples, 7.7% of milk samples, and 7.7% of vaginal mucus samples. A DNA sequence of a C. burnetii DNA sample extracted from the goat vaginal mucus showed 99.2-99.4% nucleotide identity with other strains previously reported in Brazil. These results indicate that C. burnetii is present in the surveyed area, where it poses a risk to both public and animal health. These findings indicate an urgent need for educative actions to protect population, as well as better training of veterinarians to detect and report Q fever.

Ectoparasites Infestation to Small Ruminants and Practical Attitudes among Farmers toward Acaricides Treatment in Central Region of Java, Indonesia

Ectoparasite infestations are one of the major problems affecting goat and sheep farming. Disease resulting from these infestations can cause changes in physical appearance, such as severe lesions on the skin, and economic consequences in the form of significantly reduced selling prices. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ectoparasites in the Boyolali district, Central Java, Indonesia. A total of 651 sheep and goats were surveyed in this study. The parasites were collected via skin scraping, twister, or manually from clinically infected goats and sheep in traditional farms. All of the ectoparasites collected were successfully identified. The prevalence of ectoparasites in ruminants in Boyolali was 97.8% (637/651). The species make-up was as follows: Bovicola caprae 97.8% (637/651), Linognathus africanus 39% (254/651), Haemaphysalis bispinosa 3.5% (23/651), Ctenocephalides spp. 0.2% (1/651), and Sarcoptes scabiei 5.2% (34/651). The predilection sites were in the face, ear, and leg areas, and in the axillary, dorsal, abdomen, and scrotum regions of the surveyed animals. An evaluation of farmers’ attitudes to ectoparasites was performed using a questionnaire. The findings of this study imply that animals in the investigated area are highly exposed to ectoparasite infestations. Given the importance of ectoparasites in both livestock and human communities, specifically in the health domain, more research into appropriate control strategies is necessary.

Haematological and Plasma Biochemical Parameters in Response to Natural Coccidian Infection in Barbari and Jamunapari Goat Breeds in Semi-arid Tropics

Background: Small ruminants like goats are considered the most resourceful and efficient animal all over the world. Eimeria species causes disease in goats associated with poor growth, diarrhoea and decrease in production, high morbidity and mortalities. The present study was conducted to analyse the haematological and biochemical parameters in response to natural coccidian infection in Barbari and Jamunapari goat breeds in semi-arid tropics. Methods: A total of 474 goats were examined; 96 goats were selected (48 Barbari and 48 Jamunapari) and divided on the basis of high (12 males and 12 females) and low (12 males and 12 females) oocyst per gram (OPG) counts of both Barbari and Jamunapari goats. The blood was aseptically collected from the jugular vein, using a 22-gauge needle for each animal separately in 5 ml blood for the haematological and biochemical estimations. Result: In haematological parameters of Barbari goats there were no significant (P greater than 0.05) differences in males and females. Although significantly higher values of RBC were observed in low OPG females, similar results were also observed in Hct, Mcv, Hb, MCH and MCHC. Whereas, in WBC, Lymphocyte, Monocyte and Granulocyte statistically had no significant (P greater than 0.05) differences among all the groups. In haematological parameters of Jamunapari goats no significant (P greater than 0.05) differences was seen in males and females of both the groups. The same group of Barbari goats were also selected for biochemical parameters and high OPG females had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher blood glucose values. The blood potassium concentration was found to be significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in low OPG males compared to high OPG males. The same group of Jamunapari goats were selected for biochemical parameters and ALT, total protein and globulin had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher values in high OPG females than others. A/G ratio had significantly (P less than 0.05) higher value observed in high OPG males.

Editorial: Environmental and genomic strategies for conservation and selection in small ruminants

Editorial: Environmental and genomic strategies for conservation and selection in small ruminants

Animal Exposure Model for Mapping Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus Emergence Risk.

To estimate the determinants of spatial variation in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) transmission and to create a risk map as a preventive public health tool, we designed a survey of small domestic ruminants in Andalusia, Spain. To assess CCHFV exposure spatial distribution, we analyzed serum from 2,440 sheep and goats by using a double-antigen ELISA and modeled exposure probability with environmental predictors by using generalized linear mixed models. CCHFV antibodies detected in 84 samples confirmed low CCHFV prevalence in small domestic ruminants in the region. The best-fitted statistical model indicated that the most significant predictors of virus exposure risk were cattle/horse density and the normalized difference vegetation index. Model validation showed 99.7% specificity and 10.2% sensitivity for identifying CCHFV circulation areas. To map CCHFV exposure risk, we projected the model at a 1 × 1-km spatial resolution. Our study provides insight into CCHFV ecology that is useful for preventing virus transmission.

Financial Management for MSMEs and Farmer Groups in the District of Kamang Magek

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and farmer groups are a source of the community's economy in Kamang Magek District. SMEs are engaged in various fields such as food and processed products, crafts and carvings, furniture, agricultural and animal husbandry products, while farmer groups in Kamang Magek District also vary from horticultural crops, food crops and plantation crops. In the Livestock sector, there are also poultry livestock, both broiler and laying eggs, small and large ruminants as well as processed agricultural and livestock products. Several SMEs and farmer groups in the Kamang Magek sub-district raised the local wisdom of Kamang Magek, such as kamang crackers, kamang coffee, Kamang duck, Kamang mangosteen, embroidery, and kamang special furniture. Currently, SMEs and Farmer Groups are experiencing difficulties in developing their businesses due to business capital constraints and most of them are even trapped in loans with high interest rates. SMEs have not been able to determine the amount of working capital they need for business development, they do not take into account the size of the loan with their production capacity or business results, so the amount of loans made does not match the actual funding or working capital needs. This has resulted in the amount of the loan submitted being too large in excess of requirements or the amount of the loan being too small so that it is not sufficient for business needs. To overcome this problem, it is necessary to provide counseling to SMEs and farmer groups regarding financial management.

استكشاف سلاسل القيمة في قطاع المجترات الصغيرة: مراجعة موجزة للأدبيات

The current study was conducted in order to deepen the understanding of how small ruminants fit into the economy and enhance the competitiveness of live animals and value-added products. This study focuses on previous efforts to understand what value chains mean in the small ruminant sector, what it really means to deliver value to customers, understand the links between production, marketing, etc. activities of products and services in an effective manner, and the role of value added in providing wealth to all stakeholders who participated. Previous literature was reviewed in detail especially for that included a case study and detailed analysis of the five value chain elements, identification of actors and promoters, horizontal and vertical links, flow mapping through the chain, identification of marketing channels, key challenges and opportunities and review the possible interventions within vertical and horizontal interactions and management structure according to this literature. It was found that strategies for good breeding, improving health care, providing credit, improving markets, improving pasture productivity and rehabilitating them, in addition to the involvement of potential actors and the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders; It will increase the productivity of small ruminants and improve product/market development and thus have sustainable value chains for small ruminants.

The Taxonomıc Research of the Prımıtıve Blood Parasıtes and Transmıttıng Ixodıdae Tıcks of the Small Ruminants in the Shırvan-Salyan Economıc Regıon of Azerbaıjan

The primitive blood parasites - piroplasmids are pathogens transmitted to the agricultural animals by the ticks and caused the death and serious economic damage. In Azerbaijan, in the economic regions where the animal husbandry is developed, the systematic investigation and epizootology of these parasites in small ruminants, were researched by us for the first time. For this purpose, the research work was conducted in the Shirvan-Salyan economic region. For this purpose, researches were conducted on the taxonomic study of primitive blood parasites and their transmitters - Ixodidae ticks of small ruminants in the Shirvan-Salyan economic region. Out of 887 sick and suspected diseases sheep, 483 heads (54.5%), and 125 heads (27.4%) of 456 goats had positive results of peripheral blood smear samples attributed to primitive blood parasites. Babesia ovis and Anaplasma ovis parasites were detected in the erythrocytes of sick sheep, and the infection was mostly associated. A.ovis parasite was detected in sero samples of goats. The organs of 56 sheep and 31 goats that died of high fever - spleen, kidney, liver - were examined for primitive blood parasites. The results of the classical examination method in the diagnosis of A.ovis and B.ovis parasites were compared with the effectiveness of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). 2,875 sheep and goats (1,786 sheep, 1,089 goats) were examined for ectoparasites in livestock farms, 63.8 percent of sheep and 53.6 percent of goats were intensively infected with ticks. Tick infestation was mostly covered in spring, summer and autumn with high intensity. Rhipicephalus bursa ticks were dominant in sheep and Hyalomma plumbeum ticks in goats. In order to determine transovarial and transstadial transmission of disease agents, smears made from internal organs (salivary gland, ovary, intestine) and eggs of ticks were studied for A.ovis and B.ovis parasites.