Kid Survival Research Articles

Breeding objectives and economic value of important traits of Abergelle goats kept under a smallholder production system in Tigray, Ethiopia

Context In developing countries, the production of livestock can be improved by establishing a functional breeding program that involves communities in planning and implementation. Production objectives, farmers’ preferences for traits, and the economic value of the traits need to be studied and documented in designing a functional breeding program. Aim This study aims to identify production objectives, determine the preferred traits of smallholder farmers, and estimate the economic values of important traits for Abergelle goats in Tigray, Ethiopia. Methods An own-flock ranking exercise was used to identify the trait preferences of smallholder farmers. A bio-economic model was employed to estimate the economic values of important traits of Abergelle goats. Key results Abergelle goats were mainly kept for income generation followed by milk production. Appearance (size), color, libido, pedigree, and growth were the most important breeding-buck attributes, whereas milk yield, mothering ability (kid survival and growth), pedigree, coat color, kidding interval, and twinning were the important attributes for breeding does. Positive economic values of €0.25, €0.12, €0.45, €0.68, €0.17 and €2.00 per genetic standard deviation were obtained for 6-month weight, mature weight, daily milk yield, liter size, kidding interval, and pre-weaning kid survival per average doe place and year respectively. However, a negative economic value of −€0.017 per genetic standard deviation was achieved for 3–6-month average daily gain (ADG) per doe per year. Conclusions In this study, the most economically significant traits with positive economic values were pre-weaning survival, litter size, daily milk yield, 6-month weight, mature weight, and kidding interval. Implication Including these traits in the breeding goals can increase the profitability of the flock and improve the livelihood of Abergelle goat keepers.

Influence of tailing dust contamination in drinking water on the health status of goats in subtropical Regions

The contamination of river systems by tailing dust remains a constraint to goat productivity in communal farming systems. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate how resource-limited households in subtropical regions assessed the effects of tailing dust contamination in drinking water on the health status of goats. In a study conducted in the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, 200 households from two villages were randomly selected and interviewed using a questionnaire. Forty-eight percent (n = 96) of the households were located in contaminated areas, while 52% (n = 104) were from uncontaminated areas. The study found that poor water quality, caused by tailing dust contamination, as well as a high incidence of diseases, were key factors affecting goat productivity. Water contamination was most severe during the hot and cool dry seasons. It was also noted that goats rely on freshwater as their primary source of supplemental water during dry seasons. Urine colour, oedema of the eyelids, and kid survival were indicators for assessing the health status of goats. Nominal binary logistic regression revealed that water contamination was 2.96 more likely to be reported by youth compared to elderly members. Farmers who received informal education were 37 times more likely to report contamination than those who received formal education. High kid mortality as a health status indicator was 50 times less likely to be reported in uncontaminated areas. Intervention strategies for reducing the adverse health effects of tailing dust in contaminated areas should focus primarily on the health of goats during dry seasons.

Changes in the metabolomic profiles of mammary secretion in relation to dam litter size and parity number in Black Bengal goats.

The colostrum is essential for a kid's survival and development. The metabolomic profiles of mammary secretion in goats are limited. This study investigated the metabolomic profiles of mammary secretion in purebred Black Bengal goats and their relationships with litter size and parity number. 500 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance was used to analyze the metabolomic profiles of 43 colostrum and milk samples collected on delivery day and day 7 after parturition, respectively. Fifty-one metabolites were distinguished between colostrum and milk based on heatmap visualization and hierarchical cluster analysis. In colostrum, most compounds were present in significantly greater amounts than in milk. Milk of goats with multiple litter sizes had higher levels of lactose while fat, protein, total solids, solid not fat, and most of the metabolites were lower. The parity number of dams shows no difference in the composition of all components between primiparous and multiparous goats. The components in colostrum were significantly more concentrated than those in milk. The multiple litter sizes in dams led to a significant impact on the composition of lactose and other milk metabolites.

Sustainable Sheep and Goat Farming in Arid Regions of Jordan

This study examines the sustainability of livestock farming in Jordan’s arid regions, focusing on smallholder Awassi sheep and Baladi goat farming. It assesses breeders, economic factors, herd productivity, and sustainability, evaluating the vitality of these breeds by examining reproductive success through birth and survival rates. In 2021–2022, a total of 53 traditional Awassi sheep and Baladi goat farms in Northern Jordan’s Mafraq Governorate were surveyed using a comprehensive questionnaire to gather data on breeders’ information, farm economics, and herd indicators. Dry seasons in arid lands are tough on sheep and goats, with limited fodder and water availability harming their health and reproductive capacity. While wet seasons bring relief, they can also introduce diseases. Special care for these animals throughout the year is crucial to maintain healthy herds in arid regions. Linear models were employed to analyze sample data, with variance and correlation tests used to explore relationships among variables. Additionally, chi-squared analysis was utilized to assess the impact of male replacement plans on these herds. The main outcomes of this study reveal that breeder indicators pose challenges to the sustainability and growth of Awassi sheep and Baladi goat farming. Conversely, economic indicators suggest a blend of financial stability alongside obstacles related to profitability and resource ownership. Breeder age emerges as a significant factor in livestock herd management, influenced by elements such as experience, resource availability, and adherence to traditional practices. Experience notably influences breeders’ decisions regarding male insemination replacements, likely due to acquired skills. Crop cultivation is shown to reduce fodder costs, thereby enhancing profitability for each young animal sold and consequently increasing the breeders’ returns. Winter conditions elevate animal mortality rates due to cold stress, while other animals within herds contribute to increased kid mortality by facilitating disease transmission. Breeder experience significantly impacts lamb survival, underscoring its importance in ensuring proper care. Increasing ewe proportions within herds enhances lamb production and lowers lamb mortality rates. Effective ram management and yearling lamb sales further contribute to herd health and productivity. A higher proportion of goats within a herd positively correlates with the number of young yearlings sold but inversely affects breeding males and overall kid numbers, indicating a delicate balance that influences herd productivity and mortality rates. Sheep (92.5%) and goat herds (90.6%) demonstrate reproductive success, indicative of superior long-term vitality. While sheep excel in birth rates, survival, and sales, they exhibit lower ewe and lambing percentages. Goat farming demonstrates high birth rates, sales, and overall success but requires particular attention to ensuring kid survival, especially during the winter months. Improving the characteristics of the Awassi sheep and Baladi goat flocks is crucial for ensuring sustainability, achievable through proper care practices in dry lands. In conclusion, despite the challenges, there are promising opportunities to enhance sheep and goat farming in Jordan. Effective management, informed by the breeders’ experience and economics, is crucial. Empowering small-scale herders and implementing targeted interventions, like winter mortality solutions and selective breeding, is vital for sustainable growth.

Hydrogen-rich water supplementation improves metabolic profile during peripartum period in Gurcu goats and enhances the health and survival of kids

In this study, the effect of intaking hydrogen-rich water (HRW) on the metabolic profile of Gurcu goats during the peripartum period and the survival/growth performance of kids were evaluated. Twenty-three pregnant goats were divided into two groups 21–23 days before the due date. Group 1 (G1, n = 10) was given HRW from day 21 before delivery until day 21 after delivery. Group 2 (G2, n = 13) served as the control. Blood samples were weekly taken from 21 days before delivery until 21 days after delivery. Hydrogen-rich water increased serum glucose concentration on the delivery day more than in G2 (P = 0.016). Hydrogen-rich water decreased serum total cholesterol (P = 0.02) and creatinine (P = 0.05) concentration at delivery. Group effect and time effect were significant in triglyceride (P < 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively) and albumin (P < 0.001, P = 0.002, respectively) concentration. Aspartate transaminase decreased towards the delivery day in G1 (P < 0.05). Serum non-esterified fatty acids concentration was lower in G1 than in G2, but there was no significant differences (P > 0.05). Beta-hydroxybutyric acid concentration an increased in both groups during the prepartum period, although there was no significance (P > 0.05). Hydrogen-rich water did not affect the birth weight and growth performance of the kids (P > 0.05), but it increased their survival rates and overall health, although there was no significance (P > 0.05). In conclusion, HRW may have an impact on the metabolic profiles during the peripartum period and have a positive effect on lipid profiles. Additionally, intaking HRW to goats during the peripartum period may improve the health and survival of kids and reduce their mortality.

Conjugated probiotics dispensed from birth to weaning for the survival of goat kids

&#x0D; a) Objective: To prevent morbidities, mortalities and increase weight gain and growth of kids by administering oral probiotic conjugate (PC).&#x0D; b) Design/Methodology/Approach: A randomized design comparing treatments (supplemented dose), percentage of morbidity and percentage of mortality. Goats were administered weekly from birth to 56 days of age. PC of Bifidobacterium bifidum essensis, Lactococcus lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus were dosed weekly. Treatments, TC: Control, T2: 2.0 mL PC/kg body weight (BW). T3: 3 mL PC/Kg BW. T4: 4 mL PC/Kg BW.&#x0D; c) Results: Diarrhea was present in: TC = 16%, T2 = 1%, T3 and T4 = 0% (TC vs. T2, T3, T4, P &lt;0.05). Mortality percentages: TC = 17%, T2, T3 and T4 = 0% (TC vs. T2, T3, T4, P &lt;0.05). T2 and T3 had an increase (P &lt;0.05) of 1.9 kg weight gain (WG) vs. TC. T3 was the best treatment at 56d (P &lt;0.05).&#x0D; d) Study Limitations/Implications: The doses used were defined based on other studies and experimental doses were used; the results consider that the facilities and management are optimal and in accordance with animal welfare standards.&#x0D; e) Findings/Conclusions: The most adequate dose was 1014 CFU/kg BW since it improved WG and reduced mortality. It is suggested to compare oral doses of probiotics to reduce death due to enteric diseases.&#x0D;

Reproductive performance and kid growth in Hair goats raised under farmer conditions in Adana Province of Türkiye

This study was carried out to examine the growth and survival characteristics between birth and weaning (90th day) in kids born in 2020-2022, within the scope of the "National Sheep Breeding and Improvement Project under Farm Conditions" in the villages of the districts of Adana. A total of 15200 Hair goat kids’ data were used in the study. After birth, the kid’s birth weight, sex, and date of birth were recorded, and on the 90th day, weaning weights were determined. All kids sucked their mothers in the morning and evening and stayed in the pen rest of the day. From the age of about 2 weeks, the kids were fed with oak branches and straw pulp. The kids were fed with oak branches, cotton seed and wheat straw at around two weeks of age. The average birth weight of kids was 3.10 kg in males and 2.98 kg in females; The average weaning weights were found to be 16.05 kg for females and 17.50 kg for males. In terms of live weights at birth and weaning, differences across the birth year, sex, birth type, and maternal age groups were shown to be statistically significant (P &amp;lt; 0.001). The survivability of kids was 97.20%, significant by years (P &amp;lt; 0.05), but it was not significant in terms of sex, birth type and maternal age (P &amp;gt; 0.05). As a result, it has been determined that there is a significant variation among the herds in terms of the fertility of Hair goats and the developmental characteristics of kids, and it has been determined that developmental characteristics are affected by environmental factors.

Environmental factors affecting pre-weaning mortality of Turkish Saanen kids

One of the most important problems encountered in breeding Turkish Saanen goats, the dominant dairy goat in Turkey, is the death of kids. Deaths cause serious economic losses and jeopardize the need for qualified breeders. This study aimed to determine the factors that affected the survival of kids in the period between birth and weaning, when most deaths are observed. A total of 3343 records of Turkish Saanen kids were collected in 2019. The importance and order of the effects of environmental factors, such as gender, birth type, sex, birth weight, farm, season of birth, weight at death, and maternal age at the kid’s mortality were determined by using the decision tree statistical method. As a result of this study, the farm effect was the first effective factor in the survivability of kids, and death was less common in small farms (F3), with a rate of 7.8%. The death times of kids were divided into four groups: birth–first 24 hours (M1), 1–7 days (M2), 7–30 days (M3), and 30 days–weaning (90 days) (M4). Deaths were highest in M2 with 40.1% and least in M3 with 5.7%. The death weight variable had a primary effect on deaths. This was followed by birth weight, then farm variables. Two other factors came to the forefront to increase the survivability of the kids: deaths could be greatly reduced by providing good nutrition to the mothers in the prenatal period and offering good management, especially in the first week after birth, to obtain offspring with higher birth weights.

English

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of the differentiation of goat population in Ethiopia based on husbandry, breeding practices, and morphological traits of goats. Ethiopian goats have long been known for their extensive production methods, which have been reared in all agro-ecological zones. Rather than competing for fodder with cattle and sheep, goats complement them. The major feed resources for goats were natural communal/private pasture, crop residue, local fodder trees, shrubs and browsing, road and riverside and crop aftermath. Good housing is required to protect goat from extreme temperature, disease, theft, to make management easier and controlled breeding. Selection is an important parameter in replacing parents by best performing stocks, which is one of the tools for improvement of genetics. The selection criteria for breeding buck were appearance, coat color, growth rate prolificacy and libido. However; the selection criteria of does were appearance, age at first maturity, twinning ability, milk yield, kid survival, short kidding interval and growth rate, coat color and litter size. High rate of reproductive efficiency of goat is essential for survival, as well as the production of meat, milk, and skin, and the replacement of breeding stock. The major constraints of goat were disease occurrences, feed shortage and drought. Phenotypic characterization is the first step in breeding program design and conservation strategy. This phenotypic characterization includes husbandry practice, way of breeding, reproduction traits and morphological traits. For molecular characterization and genome selection, phenotypic characterization is also used as a source of information. In conclusion goat management practiced in Ethiopia was traditional, kept primarily for income source. Key words: Conservation; goat breeding; husbandry practices, phenotypic characterization.

Sedated cesarean sections are associated with increased kid survival compared to general anesthesia in goats: retrospective cohort of 45 cases (2011-2021).

To determine whether anesthesia type (sedation or general anesthesia) affects kid survival to discharge in caprine cesarean sections (C-sections). Retrospective cohort of 99 caprine C-sections (2011-2021). All surgeries were performed via left flank laparotomy in right lateral recumbency. The number of kids alive at presentation, surgery, and discharge was recorded. Kids that were dead on presentation or euthanized intraoperatively were excluded. Goats were classified as "healthy" (American Society of Anesthesiologists status ≤ 2) or "sick" (≥ 3). Kid survival was significantly higher for C-sections performed under sedation (47/52 [90%]) than for C-sections performed under general anesthesia (16/24 [66%]; P = .004). Relative risk was 1.4 and odds ratio was 4.7. Performing C-sections in sedated goats may improve kid survival rates over those under general anesthesia.

Effects of implementing a semi-stall-feeding system on goat kid survival and farmer adoption in western Odisha

A study was conducted over an eight-month period in 2016 with the objective of implementing and evaluating a semi-stall-feeding system in comparison to the traditional grazing system on goat farms in Kandhamal district, Odisha. Sixteen households across two villages were randomly selected from a sampling frame of farmers that owned at least four adult female goats. Four households from each of the two villages were randomly assigned to the control group (C) that engaged in traditional grazing of goats and four households to the supplemented group (S) which applied semi-stall-feeding (concentrate feeding at 2% of the herd's total body weight of goats). The potential outcomes of a transition to intensive goat production system were assessed by monitoring growth, survival, and milk quality on goat farms. Farmers' input concerning technology adoption was documented. Survivability was 4.26 times greater for kids in the supplemented than control group. Adult and kid weights did not differ among the groups. Sixty-three per cent of participating farmers were interested in supplementing their goats after the project and willing to pay between 1.5 to 15.0 USD/ household per month on goat feed. Results from this study will help policymakers about the potential impact of reducing goat dependence on grazing land and tribal farmer receptivity to goat system intensification.

Maternal, Postnatal, and Management-Related Factors Involved in Daily Weight Gain and Survivability of Suckling Zaraibi Goat Kids in Egypt.

Simple SummaryA pre-weaned Zaraibi goat kid’s body weight gain and survival are complex traits affected by the maternal ability of the doe and the kid’s capability for rapid growth and survival, in addition to the management tactics and environmental variables during the postnatal period. In this study, we investigate the effect of some potential maternal, postnatal, and management-related factors, including sex, litter size, birth weight, daily milk yield, parity, kidding year, and kidding season. The effects of these factors on both the daily body weight (ADG) gain and survivability of Zaraibi (Nubian) kids during the suckling period are studied. The body weight gain for kids was influenced significantly by all the aforementioned factors, except for the kidding season. The framework of the survival analysis revealed that the male kids experienced a greater risk of death compared with the female kids. The single-born kids were at a lower risk of death compared with two or more kids born in a litter. Survival rates increased steadily along with the increase in the mother’s daily milk yield and the dam’s parity number. There was a decrease in the probability of mortality with each passing year. In practice, monitoring traits that indicate an imbalance in milk and that could lower the body weight of the kid could promote the identification of kids with a higher risk of death and the inability to achieve the required body weight gain.During the early period of an animal’s life, rapid growth and higher survival rates can provide more profits to producers by minimizing the rearing and replacement costs. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of some maternal, postnatal, and management-related factors (sex, the litter size [LS], the kid’s birth weight [KBW], the daily milk yield [DMY], and the parity order), as well as the kidding year and season on both the average daily weight gain (ADG) and survivability of suckling Zaraibi goat kids during the postnatal period. A total of 3005 kidding events were available from the herd of Zaraibi goats raised at El-Serw Experimental Station from 2008 to 2014, which belongs to the Animal Production Research Institute. Data revealed that the overall ADG was 131.14 ± 2.34, 94.22 ± 2.21, and 85.63 ± 2.33 g/day, whereas the survival rates were 94.68%, 91.81%, and 90.62% during the periods from birth to 1, 2, and 3 months, respectively. During all periods considered, the aforementioned maternal, postnatal, and management-related factors significantly affected the ADG. In males, the ADG increased compared with females. Singletons had a higher ADG compared with kids born to a litter of two or more. A higher KBW and DMY were associated with an increase in the ADG. Additionally, increasing the parity order was associated with an increased ADG. The kidding season did not have a significant effect on the ADG, whereas the kidding year showed a significant effect on the ADG. During the pre-weaning period, the hazard of death increased by 23.1% (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.231; 95% CI = 0.972–2.057) in males compared with females in terms of survival rates. A higher LS was associated with an increase in the incidence of mortality, increasing by 51.6% (HR = 1.516; 95% CI = 1.363–1.719) with each unit increase in the LS. Additionally, the KBW was an extremely important determinant of survivability, as the risk of death decreased by 62.8% (HR = 0.372; 95% CI = 0.229–0.504) with the increase in the KBW. Likewise, survival rates increased steadily along with an increase in both the DMY and parity number. The risk of death decreased by 52.7% (HR = 0.473; 95% CI = 0.376–0.808) and 38.2% (HR = 0.618; 95% CI = 0.512–1.724) with the increase in the DMY and parity number, respectively. The kidding season did not significantly affect the kid’s survivability, but with each passing year, there was a decrease of 2.8% (HR = 0.972; 95% CI = 0.952–0.991) in the probability of mortality. In conclusion, better growth and survival rates can be achieved by controlling the maternal, postnatal, and management-related factors, as well as upgrading management plans.

Non-genetic factors affecting pre-weaning growth and survival rate in Barbari kids under semi-intensive management system

The effect of non-genetic factors on pre-weaning growth and survival performance in Barbari kids was assessed to maximize pre-weaning growth and survival rates. Performance records of 10,013 Barbari goats maintained at ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Goats, Makhdoom, Mathura, India, from 1995 to 2020 were analyzed for non-genetic factors. The effect of period and season of birth, type of births, sex of kids, parity of doe and dam’s 90- days milk yield were significant on birth weight and pre-weaning growth. Kids born in spring and winter had higher birth weight than those born in summer, monsoon and autumn, and maintained their superiority up to weaning. Male and single-born kids at birth were heavier than their counterparts and maintained superiority up to weaning. Significant linear association was observed in body weight at birth, 3 months and average daily weight gains with the increase in doe’s milk yield. Multiparous does produced kids with higher birth weight than primiparous does. Kidding in inclement seasons such as the peak of monsoon, summer and winter was associated with higher mortality. Autumn-born kids had the lowest pre-weaning mortality followed by the spring season. Higher mortality incidences were obtained in multiple-born kids, kids with low birth weight (&lt;1.5 kg) and doe’s with low milk yield. The results suggest that to obtain higher growth and survival of kids, breeding should be planned to obtain maximum kidding during the spring and autumn seasons. Adequate care should be given to kids born from does with lesser milk yield, triplet or less birth weight, and for first 15 days of birth.

The reproductive performance of goats in a South African semi-arid savanna

The dry season coupled with large group size may negatively affect reproductive success of group living mammals in semi-arid environments. We determined the reproductive success of goats between seasons and herd sizes in a semi-arid savanna at Msinga, South Africa. To do this, we used 17 herds to count the number of adult females, kid births and mortalities in the wet and dry seasons of 2017–2018. We found that small and large herds had a significantly greater reproductive performance in the wet than dry season, and this was greater in small than large herds. Kid mortalities (44.0%) for both herds across seasons resulted in decreased kidding success. Abortions (7.0%) in both herds across seasons also contributed negatively to kidding success. Ultimately, kidding success was 80.0 and 14.0% in small herds and 65.4 and 39.8% in large herds in the wet and dry seasons, respectively. Our results indicate that goats in semi-arid environments have a poor reproductive performance which may be exacerbated by effects of the dry season. The provision of supplementary feeds may improve the poor survival of kids in semi-arid areas.

Optimizing breeding structures and related management in community-based goat breeding programs in the Borana pastoral system of Ethiopia

The study simulated different potential breeding programs to design the optimal breeding structure and operational management structure for Borana goat. It evaluated different scenarios using ZPLAN+ software to maximize the genetic gain, discounted profit and to determine the optimum size of the base population for a community-based breeding program (CBBP) nucleus. The study analyzed the different combinations of objective traits in the index, assessed the effect of changing the breeding buck to doe ratio, evaluated the impact of improved kid survival, and determined the optimum size of the base population for a CBBP. A two-tier breeding program based on 577 does in the CBBP and 1,006 does in the surrounding base flocks was assumed, where selected CBBP bucks were disseminated to the base populations. Combining the weight of kids at six months (SMWT) and the lactation milk yield of dams (LMY) in the selection index resulted in a genetic gain doe−1 generation−1 of 0.13 kg, 0.58 kg, 0.02 and 0.004 for SMWT, LMY, the number of kids that survived to market age (NKS) and the number of kids born (NKB), respectively. This also generated a total discounted profit of US$5.76 doe−1 over 10 year investment period. This result was 30 percent higher than when LMY was evaluated separately and 225.7 percent higher than when SMWT was evaluated separately. The addition of NKB and NKS traits in the selection index did not significantly change the genetic progress and the profit. However, further optimization of the combined SMWT and LMY by improving mating ratio only, and a combined improvement in mating ratio and kid survival rate resulted in a substantial increase in profit to US$11.13 doe−1 and US$15.58 doe−1, respectively over 10 year investment period. The maximum discounted profit was attained when the base population size was 3,579 breeding does. This resulted in accumulated total profit of US$14,776 over the 10 year investment period. A two-tier dispersed CBBP with a unit size of about 577 does in the nucleus and 3,579 does in the base is recommended. In Borana goat community-breeding program, breeding buck need to be selected using an index combining at least own live weight and dam milk yield performance. Essential requirements for ensuring the sustainability of such programs are also discussed in the paper.

Influence of pre and postpartum maternal body condition score on the growth of Neuquén Criollo kids

In Neuquén Criollo goat production systems, the sale of goat kids for slaughter is the main source of income. Marketing kids weighing at least 14 kg live weight before 90 days of age improves economic returns due to better meat quality, while also reducing doe lactation requirements and subsequent pressure on grazing land. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of body condition score (BCS) in does from the Neuquén Criollo breed during the last third of gestation and lactation, on subsequent kid survival, birth weight and growth rate. Thus, two groups of does were penned and fed at two distinct nutritional levels during the last third of gestation and lactation period: High Condition Score (BCS3) and Medium Condition Score (BCS2), to maintain a BCS of 3 and 2, respectively. Kids remained with their dams without nutritional supplementation from birth to weaning. The results indicated that BCS of the dam contributed substantially in the kids’ live weight (LW) in different stages: at birth (BW), at slaughter (50 days of age = 50D) and at weaning, (90 days of age = 90D) and these differences were maintained during rearing (220 days of age = 220D). The single and twin male goat kids of the BCS3 group reached slaughter weight (15.16 ± 0.08 and 14.15 ± 0.51 kg, respectively) at 50 days of age (50D), whereas male kids from the BCS2 group did not reach slaughter weight in an equivalent timeframe. Furthermore, the single and twin female goat kids born from BCS3 group between 50 and 90 days of age doubled in weight compared to those born from the BCS2 group. Consequently, single and twin female kids born from BCS3 group only reached 17.52 ± 0.12 kg and 15.52 ± 0.43 L W, respectively, in the first breeding season (220D). Results highlight the need for supplementation management strategies to increase does’ BCS during gestation and lactation; in order to improve kids’ BW, reduce kid mortality and to ensure target slaughter weights are achieved before 2 months of age. Developing early supplementation strategies in the last stage of lactation before weaning and in the rearing period post-weaning may increase survival and anticipate the reproductive age of female kids.

Disentangling demographic effects of red deer on chamois population dynamics.

Investigating the impact of ecological factors on sex‐ and age‐specific vital rates is essential to understand animal population dynamics and detect the potential for interactions between sympatric species. We used block count data and autoregressive linear models to investigate variation in birth rate, kid survival, female survival, and male survival in a population of Alpine chamois Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra monitored over 27 years within the Stelvio National Park, Central Italian Alps, as function of climatic variables, density dependence, and interspecific competition with red deer Cervus elaphus. We also used path analysis to assess the indirect effect of deer abundance on chamois growth rate mediated by each demographic parameter. Based on previous findings, we predicted that birth rate at [t] would negatively relate to red deer abundance at year [t − 1]; survival rates between [t] and [t + 1] would negatively relate to red deer abundance at year [t − 1] and to the interactive effect of winter precipitation at [t + 1] and chamois density at [t]. Our results showed that birth rate was positively related to spring–summer precipitation in the previous year, but this effect was hampered by increasing red deer abundance. Kid and female survival rates were negatively related to the combined effect of chamois abundance and winter precipitation. Male and female survival rates were negatively related to lagged red deer abundance. The path analysis supported a negative indirect effect of red deer abundance on chamois growth rate mediated by birth rate and female survival. Our results suggest that chamois population dynamics was largely explained by the synergistic effect of density dependence and winter harshness, as well as by interspecific competition with red deer, whose effects were seemingly stronger on the kid–female segment of the population.

Heat stress affects the expression of key genes in the placenta, placental characteristics, and efficiency of Saanen goats and the survival and growth of their kids

Heat stress is detrimental during gestation; however, the effects of heat stress on goat placental characteristics and kid survival remain unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of heat stress at final gestation on cortisol concentration, placenta characteristics, and the expression of genes related to placenta. Forty-six primiparous and multiparous Saanen goats were subjected to control (CT; under a thermoneutral environment: air temperature between 12°C and 25°C and the relative humidity from 45 to 73%, n = 23) or heat stress (HS; under a climatic chamber: air temperature at 37°C and the relative humidity at 60 to 70% from 0800 to 1600 h, n = 23) from the last 60 d of pregnancy until the first colostrum suckling. The heat challenge imposed on HS goats during the prepartum period increased their rectal temperature, respiratory frequency, and cortisol levels in plasma and amniotic fluid versus CT goats. In the placenta, HS treatment also increased the expression of the HSPA1A gene. Heat-stressed goats also showed significantly lower expression of HSD11B2 and greater expression of MC2R and NR3C1 than CT goats, suggesting that heat stress decreased the effectiveness by which the HSD11B2 enzyme converts cortisol to cortisone and increased placental responsiveness to cortisol. The HS goats took longer to release the placenta with lighter placental cotyledons, and HS goats had a lower ratio between the kid's weight at birth and placenta weight than CT goats. There was no treatment effect on the kids' survival or weights at birth, but the kids from goats subjected to HS presented lesser cortisol concentration and greater mortality rates at weaning than kids from CT goats. Finally, the overexpression of HSPA1A by HS goats suggests a protective response of placenta. However, the heat stress negatively affected the placenta's expulsion length, placental cotyledons number, weight and area, the ratio between kid's weight and placenta weight, and cortisol signaling. Indeed, the upregulation of MC2R and NR3C1 and downregulation of HSD11B2 on placenta caused by heat stress were associated with greater cortisol concentrations in the amniotic fluid of HS goats. Although HS and CT kids had adequate weights and survival rate during the first weeks of life, the heat stress increased the mortality at weaning of HS kids versus CT kids, suggesting that the heat stress effect persists and can change the ability of kids to respond to weaning challenge.

Characterization of Maasai Goats in Extensive Production System in Northern Tanzania: Description of Phenotype, Reproductive and Productive Performance

The study was designed to offer information on phenotype, reproductive and productive features of Maasai goats for amelioration in breeding programs utilizing these animals. Live measurements and qualitative traits were collected from 75 bucks and 165 does. A detailed survey was used to acquire information on reproductive and productive traits. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and General Linear Model procedures for age and sex as main effects. The results revealed that body weight, heart girth, chest depth, rump width, head length, head width and horn length differed (p &amp;lt; 0.05) among age groups. Body weight increased from young to old age and ranged from 25.83 kg to 30.34 kg. Body length, heart girth, head length, head width and cannon bone length were significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05) higher in bucks than does. Plain white was the foremost coat color manifested. Nearly, 76% of bucks and 78.2% of does had straight short hairs. Beards were in 80% of bucks and 9.1% of does. All goats had short and erect ears; whereas, more than 88% had horns, 48% of the horns were curved, 33.1% lateral and 18.1% straight. Almost 76% and 83.6% of the horns in bucks and does, respectively, were pointing backward. In both sexes, facial profile was mainly concave, back profile was straight and wattles were absent. Twinning rate, age at sexual maturity, age at first kidding, kidding interval and lactation length were averaged at 8.7%, 11 months, 16.7 months, 7.7 months and 82.3 days; whereas, pre weaning kid survival rate was 77.1% and 79.9% for dry and rainy season, respectively. The strain was comparatively similar to most African indigenous goat populations. Thus, the strain can be utilized through selection for the traits preferred for the arid and semi-arid tropics.

21 Comparison of Savanna, Kiko, and Spanish Sires for Meat Goat Doe-Kid Traits

Abstract Savanna sires were evaluated for kid preweaning and doe reproductive traits over six years. Savanna (n = 17) and Kiko (n = 13) sires were bred to Kiko-base does producing 600 kids. Savanna (n = 17) and Spanish (n = 11) sires were bred to Spanish-base does producing 456 kids. Doe traits were evaluated on 536 Kiko and 441 Spanish doe exposures. Kids were weighed at birth and when weaned at 3 mo of age. Non-genetic factors sex and litter size influenced (P &amp;lt; 0.05) kid performance traits as expected. Birth weights of kids from Kiko does were heavier (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for Savanna sires than Kiko sires (3.11 vs. 2.83 ± 0.08 kg). Birth weights of kids from Spanish does were heavier (P &amp;lt; 0.01) for Savanna sires than Spanish sires (3.05 vs. 2.76 ± 0.09 kg). Sire breed did not affect (P &amp;lt; 0.05) weaning weight from Kiko does (15.0 vs 14.8 ±0.6 kg). Savanna sires generated heavier (P &amp;lt; 0.05) weaning weights than Spanish sires (14.2 vs. 13.3 ± 0.6 kg) from Spanish does. Sire breed did not affect ADG or kid survival rates in either doe group. Non-genetic factors litter size and age of dam affected (P &amp;lt; 0.05) doe performance traits in both doe groups. Savanna sires produced heavier litters (P &amp;lt; 0.01) at birth compared to Kiko sires on Kiko does (10.7 vs. 9.7 ± 0.4 kg) and compared to Spanish sires on Spanish does (9.4 vs. 8.3 ± 0.5 kg). Service sire breed did not affect kidding or weaning rate, number of kids born or weaned, or litter weaning weight in either doe group. Savanna sires consistently increased birth weight values. Sire breed did not consistently affect weaning weight values and did not influence other preweaning kid traits or doe reproductive traits.