Goat Tissues Research Articles

Telocytes in the hearts of Saanen goats.

Telocytes, new interstitial cells that have received significant attention in recent years, have been detected in many organs, including the heart. The distinction between telocytes and other interstitial cells can only be made based on their ultrastructural characterization and immunophenotypic features. In this study, we examined the interstitial cells in the healthy heart tissues of Saanen goats to determine whether they are telocytes or not, by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining methods. The SEM revealed oval and round telocytes with two to four telopodes. Some telopodes also had podoms. The staining for immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence methods used for CD34, c-kit (CD117), and vimentin antibodies. Positive cells were detected in the heart muscle and heart valves by immunohistochemical staining. As these antigens can also be expressed by other non-telocyte cells, we used double immunofluorescence staining with CD34/c-kit and CD34/vimentin antibodies to identify true telocytes. Telocytes were determined in the right atrium and aortic valve. While telocytes were CD34+/c-kit+ and CD34+/vimentin+, fibroblasts were CD34-/vimentin+. These results confirm the presence of telocytes in the hearts of Saanen goats.

Sequential haematological and serum biochemical changes in Black Bengal goats infected with a local isolate of peste des petits ruminants virus from Bangladesh.

BackgroundKnowledge of sequential changes in haematobiochemical parameters of infected animals helps in the formulation of appropriate supportive therapy.ObjectiveWe investigated the sequential haematological and biochemical changes in peste des petits ruminants (PPR)‐infected Black Bengal goats.MethodsGoats were either infected with PPR virus (PPRV; n = 8) or sham infected with sterile phosphate‐buffered saline (n = 4) via the intranasal route. Blood and sera were collected from both groups at different days post‐infection (dpi) and analysed. Goats were sacrificed at different dpi and the amount of PPRV RNA in different tissues was quantified by real‐time RT‐PCR.ResultsThe PPRV‐infected goats showed mild depression and scanty nasal secretions starting at 4 dpi which became severe with high fever (106°F), dyspnoea, stomatitis, profuse orinasal discharge and diarrhoea at 9–13 dpi. PPRV RNA was detected in different tissues of infected goats. Severe lymphocytic leukopenia (at 18 dpi) was observed in infected goats. Total protein and albumin decreased in infected goats starting at 10 dpi. An elevated level of enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase) and metabolites (blood urea nitrogen and urea B) were found in infected goats starting at 7–10 dpi, suggesting damages in the liver and kidneys. PPR‐infected goats showed elevated sodium and chloride ions starting at 7 dpi. The majority of infected goats were seroconverted by 14 dpi.ConclusionsAnti‐diarrheal agents, aqua solutions and other medicine to support liver and kidney functions could be considered as supportive therapy against PPRV infection.

Heavy Metals (Cd, Pb, and Zn) Residue in Selected Tissue and Organs of Slaughtered Goat-Meat randomly selected from Markets in Ayegbaju-Ekiti, Akure, and Owena

This study investigated Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), and Zinc (Zn) content of some selected organs (liver, kidney, heart, and intestine) and tissue (blood) of slaughtered goats randomly sampled from central markets in Ayegbaju-Ekiti, Akure and Owena, South-western Nigeria. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) was used to determine the level of heavy metals based on comparison with standards. The mean concentrations obtained Zn were detected in all samples investigated, but Cd was undetected in some samples, especially the liver and blood of goat from Owena. The general trend in the mean concentration of metals was Zn>Pb>Cd, in tissue and organs was kidney > liver > intestine > heart > blood, and in-market, with respect to metals, was Akure > Ayegbaju-Ekiti=Owena for Cd, Ayegbaju-Ekiti > Akure > Owena for Pb and Owena > Akure > Ayegbaju-Ekiti for Zn. All the metals in some samples of goat, especially Cd in the kidney (2.50±2.18) from Akure, Pb in the kidney (19.00±9.17 mg/kg) from Ayegbaju-Ekiti and intestine (15.00±17.35 mg/kg) from Akure as well as Zn in the heart (71.50±95.90 mg/kg) from Ayegbaju-Ekiti, had a mean concentration in excess of the permissible limits set by FAO/WHO. Some of the tissue and organs of goats sampled from the studied area were therefore polluted with all the metals investigated, and their consumption may have health implications.

Using RNA-Seq to Identify Reference Genes of the Transition from Brown to White Adipose Tissue in Goats.

Simple SummaryBrown adipose tissue (BAT) plays important roles in unique non-shivering thermogenesis. It is necessary to select reference genes during the transition process from brown (BAT) to white adipose tissue (WAT) for Quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis. In this study, CTNNB, PFDN5 and EIF3M, selected from RNA sequencing data, were the most suitable reference genes. The present study provides a detailed analysis of the expression stability of reference genes for the study of gene expression profiling during the transition process from BAT to WAT.Brown adipose tissues have unique non-shivering thermogenesis functions, can be found in newborn ruminate animals, and then are gradually replaced by white adipose tissues in adulthood. For the purpose of exploring the intrinsic mechanism underlying the conversion process from brown (BAT) to white adipose tissue (WAT), it is necessary to utilize Quantitative PCR (qPCR) to study gene expression profiling. In this study, we identified reference genes that were consistently expressed during the transformation from goat BAT to WAT using RNA-seq data. Then, twelve genes were evaluated as candidate reference genes for qPCR in goat perirenal adipose tissue using three tools (geNorm, Normfinder, and BestKeeper). In addition, the selected reference genes were used to normalize the gene expression of PGC-1α and GPAT4. It was found that traditional reference genes, such as GAPDH, RPLP0, HPRT1, and PPIA were not suitable for target gene normalization. In contrast, CTNNB, PFDN5, and EIF3M, selected from RNA sequencing data, showed the least variation and were recommended as the best reference genes during the transformation from BAT to WAT.

Inhibition of orf virus replication in goat skin fibroblast cells by the HSPA1B protein, as demonstrated by iTRAQ-based quantitative proteome analysis.

Orf virus (ORFV) infects sheep and goat tissues, resulting in severe proliferative lesions. To analyze cellular protein expression in ORFV-infected goat skin fibroblast (GSF) cells, we used two-dimensional liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry coupled with isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ). The proteomics approach was used along with quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to detect differentially expressed proteins in ORFV-infected GSF cells and mock-infected GSF cells. A total of 282 differentially expressed proteins were identified. It was found that 222 host proteins were upregulated and 60 were downregulated following viral infection. We confirmed that these proteins were differentially expressed and found that heat shock 70-kDa protein 1B (HSPA1B) was differentially expressed and localized in the cytoplasm. It was also noted that HSPA1B caused inhibition of viral proliferation, in the middle and late stages of viral infection. The differentially expressed proteins were associated with the biological processes of viral binding, cell structure, signal transduction, cell adhesion, and cell proliferation.

Nickel as an emerging environmental pollutant in goats

In this study, the levels of nickel were determined in blood and tissues of goats reared in industrial, urban and rural areas of Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. Total 67 blood, 57 liver and kidney, 16 lung and 26 muscle samples were subjected for acid digestion in microwave digester. The nickel concentration was analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Mean blood nickel level was recorded as 0.560±0.135 ppm which was higher than acceptable limit. Results reported that 8% of goats had high blood nickel level (02 to 07 ppm). Mean nickel concentration in liver, kidney, lung and muscle were 0.350±0.050, 0.494±0.053, 0.791±0.115 and 0.552±0.073 ppm, respectively. In this study, 02 liver, 02 kidney, 04 lung and 02 muscles had high nickel concentration of >1 ppm. It was concluded that there was appreciable concentrations of nickel were found in blood and tissues of goats especially from industrial areas.

Variation in the Caprine Keratin-Associated Protein 27-1 Gene is Associated with Cashmere Fiber Diameter.

Variation in some caprine keratin-associated protein (KAP) genes has been associated with cashmere fiber traits, but many KAP genes remain unidentified in goats. In this study, we confirm the identification of a KAP27-1 gene (KRTAP27-1) and describe its effect on cashmere traits in 248 Longdong cashmere goats. A polymerase chain reaction–single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis was used to screen for sequence variation in this gene, and three sequence variants (named A to C) were found. These sequences have the highest similarity (77% identity) to a human KRTAP27-1 sequence, while sharing some homology with a predicted caprine KRTAP27-1 sequence ENSCHIG00000023347 in the goat genome construct (ARS1:CM004562.1) at chromosome 1 position 3,966,193–3,973,677 in the forward strand. There were two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) detected in the coding sequence, including one nonsynonymous SNP (c.413C/T; p.Ala138Val) and one synonymous SNP (c.495C/T). The C variant differed from A and B at c.413C/T, having cytosine in its nucleotide sequence, while the B variant differed from A and C at c.495C/T, having thymine in its nucleotide sequence. Goats of the genotypes AB and BB produced cashmere fibers of higher mean fiber diameter (MFD) than goats of genotype AA, but no difference in MFD was detected between the AB and BB goats. These results suggest that B is associated with increased MFD. Expression of the caprine KRTAP27-1 sequence was predominantly detected in the skin tissue of goats but not or only weakly detected in other tissues, including longissimus dorsi muscle, heart, kidney, liver, lung and spleen.

Cloning, nucleotide sequencing, and bioinformatics analyses of growth hormone mRNA of Assaf sheep and Boer goats reared in Egypt

BackgroundIdentification of molecular characterization of genes underlying livestock productive traits may allow applying advanced biotechnology techniques to improve animal productivity. Growth hormone (GH) controls body growth rate, milk production, reproduction as well as carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the genetic variations of growth hormone cDNA sequences between Assaf sheep (As_GH) and Boer goat (Bo_GH) that mainly used for genetic improvement in Egypt using bioinformatics analysis. Growth hormone cDNA was isolated from the pituitary gland tissue of Assaf sheep Boer goat and subcloned into pTZ57R/T cloning vector for sequencing. ResultsMolecular weight of As_GH cDNA was 665 bp and was 774 bp for Bo_GH cDNA. The complete coding sequences (CDS) of As_GH and Bo_GH were registered in the GenBank database under accession number (AC: MH128986 and AC: MG744290, respectively). High homology percentage was observed (99.5%) between AS_GH and Bo_GH protein sequences with one different amino acid in the As_GH protein sequence (Arg194). The protein sequence of As_GH has only one motif signature; Somatotropin_1 from 79 to 112 aa compared to Bo_GH protein sequences and GenBank database that had two motifs signature. The growth hormone cDNA sequence of Assaf sheep has a unique three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (A637A638G639) that encodes for arginine (Arg194); this insertion mutation (AAG) was not found in the growth hormone cDNA sequences of Boer goat in the present study and GenBank database breeds. This mutation can be used to develop SNPs markers for Assaf sheep. ConclusionsGH sequence of Assaf and Boer goat is highly conserved and the homogeny in the codon region (99.5%). The Assaf sheep GH sequence has a unique three SNPs that may be used to develop SNPs markers for such breed. Further studies are needed to investigate the genetic variations of growth hormone gene in different sheep and goat breeds in Egypt and document the relationship between these variations and the productive performance of animals.

Characterization of microRNA profiles in the mammary gland tissue of dairy goats at the late lactation, dry period and late gestation stages.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in regulating mammary gland development and lactation. We previously analyzed miRNA expression profiles in Laoshan dairy goat mammary glands at the early (20 d postpartum), peak (90 d postpartum) and late lactation (210 d postpartum) stages. To further enrich and clarify the miRNA expression profiles during the lactation physiological cycle, we sequenced miRNAs in the mammary gland tissues of Laoshan dairy goats at three newly selected stages: the late lactation (240 d postpartum), dry period (300 d postpartum) and late gestation (140 d after mating) stages. We obtained 4038 miRNAs and 385 important miRNA families, including mir-10, let-7 and mir-9. We also identified 754 differentially expressed miRNAs in the mammary gland tissue at the 3 different stages and 6 groups of miRNA clusters that had unique expression patterns. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses showed that GO terms such as mammary gland development (GO:0030879) and mammary gland morphogenesis (GO:0060443) and important signaling pathways, including the insulin signaling pathway (chx04910), hippo signaling pathway (chx04390) and estrogen signaling pathway (chx04915), were enriched. We screened miRNAs and potential target genes that may be involved in the regulation of lactation, mammary gland growth and differentiation, cell apoptosis, and substance transport and synthesis and detected the expression patterns of important genes at the three stages. These miRNAs and critical target genes may be important factors for mammary gland development and lactation regulation and potentially valuable molecular markers, which may provide a theoretical reference for further investigation of mammary gland physiology.

Temporal expression of the KISS1/GPR54 system in goats’ testes and epididymides and its spatial expression in pubertal goats

Kisspeptin, encoded by the KISS1 gene, and its receptor GPR54 are essential in puberty onset and male fertility due to their central regulatory roles. However, the roles of KISS1/GPR54 in peripheral tissues remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the temporal expression patterns of KISS1/GPR54 in goat testes and epididymides and its spatial expression patterns in pubertal goats. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that kisspeptin/GPR54 were localized in Leydig, Sertoli, and germ cells of pubertal goats’ testis, as well as in principal and basal cells of the epididymis. RT-PCR revealed a marked variation in the KISS1/GPR54 expressions in the testes and epididymides from the age of first week to adulthood. KISS1 and GPR54 mRNA levels in testes decreased from the age of first week to two months and then increased from two months to puberty and adulthood. The KISS1 and GPR54 mRNA levels in Leydig cells decreased from the age of one week to two months and increased from two months to puberty, and then decreased from puberty to adulthood. Only GPR54 mRNA levels in the epididymides increased from the age of one week to two months and puberty, and then decreased from puberty to adulthood. RT-PCR analysis showed the different spatial expression patterns of KISS1/GPR54 in pubertal goat tissues. The KISS1 mRNA level was high in the hypothalamus, moderate in pancreas, liver, epididymis and testis; and low in the other tissues. The GPR54 expression was high in the pancreas and testis; moderate in pituitary, hypothalamus and mesenteric lymph node; and low in the other tissues. In conclusion, the KISS1/GPR54 system possessed distinct temporal expression profiles in goats’ testes and epididymides, as well as different spatial expression patterns in pubertal goat tissues, which implied the possible local role of this system in goats’ testes, epididymides, and other peripheral tissues.

Integrative Analysis of Methylome and Transcriptome Reveals the Regulatory Mechanisms of Hair Follicle Morphogenesis in Cashmere Goat

Studies in humans and mice have revealed that hair follicle morphogenesis relies on tightly coordinated ectodermal–mesodermal interactions, involving multiple signals and regulatory factors. DNA methylation and long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) play a critical role in early embryonic skin development by controlling gene expression. Acting as an indirect regulator, lncRNA could recruit DNA methyltransferases to specific genomic sites to methylate DNA. However, the molecular regulation mechanisms underlying hair follicle morphogenesis is unclear in cashmere goat. In this study, RNA-seq and whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) in embryonic day 65 (E 65) and E 120 skin tissues of cashmere goat were used to reveal this complex regulatory process. The RNA-seq, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry results showed that Wnt signaling played an important role in both hair follicle induction and differentiation stage; transcriptional factors (TFs), including HOXC13, SOX9, SOX21, JUNB, LHX2, VDR, and GATA3, participated in hair follicle differentiation via specific expression at E 120. Subsequently, the combination of WGBS and RNA-seq analysis showed that the expression of some hair follicle differentiation genes and TF genes were negatively correlated with the DNA methylation level generally. A portion of hair follicle differentiation genes were methylated and repressed in the hair follicle induction stage but were subsequently demethylated and expressed during the hair follicle differentiation stage, suggesting that DNA methylation plays an important role in hair morphogenesis by regulating associated gene expression. Furthermore, 45 upregulated and 147 downregulated lncRNAs in E 120 compared with E 65 were identified by lncRNA mapping, and then the potential differentially expressed lncRNAs associated with DNA methylation on the target gene were revealed. In conclusion, critical signals and genes were revealed during hair follicle morphogenesis in the cashmere goat. In this process, DNA methylation was lower in the hair follicle differentiation compared with the hair follicle induction stage and may play an important role in hair morphogenesis by regulating associated gene expression. Furthermore, potential lncRNAs associated with DNA methylation on target genes were delineated. This study enriches the regulatory network and molecular mechanisms on hair morphogenesis.

High rumen degradable starch decreased goat milk fat via trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid-mediated downregulation of lipogenesis genes, particularly, INSIG1

BackgroundStarch is an important substance that supplies energy to ruminants. To provide sufficient energy for high-yielding dairy ruminants, they are typically fed starch-enriched diets. However, starch-enriched diets have been proven to increase the risk of milk fat depression (MFD) in dairy cows. The starch present in ruminant diets could be divided into rumen-degradable starch (RDS) and rumen escaped starch (RES) according to their different degradation sites (rumen or intestine). Goats and cows have different sensitivities to MFD. Data regarding the potential roles of RDS in milk fat synthesis in the mammary tissue of dairy goats and in regulating the occurrence of MFD are limited.ResultsEighteen Guanzhong dairy goats (day in milk = 185 ± 12 d) with similar parity, weight, and milk yield were selected and randomly assigned to one of three groups (n = 6), which were fed an LRDS diet (Low RDS = 20.52%), MRDS diet (Medium RDS = 22.15%), or HRDS diet (High RDS = 24.88%) for 5 weeks. Compared with that of the LRDS group, the milk fat contents in the MRDS and HRDS groups significantly decreased. The yields of short-, medium- and long-chain fatty acids decreased in the HRDS group. Furthermore, increased RDS significantly decreased ruminal B. fibrisolvens and Pseudobutyrivibrio abundances and increased the trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and trans-10 C18:1 contents in the rumen fluid.A multiomics study revealed that the HRDS diet affected mammary lipid metabolism down-regulation of ACSS2, MVD, AGPS, SCD5, FADS2, CERCAM, SC5D, HSD17B7, HSD17B12, ATM, TP53RK, GDF1 and LOC102177400. Remarkably, the significant decrease of INSIG1, whose expression was depressed by trans-10, cis-12 CLA, could reduce the activity of SREBP and, consequently, downregulate the downstream gene expression of SREBF1.ConclusionsHRDS-induced goat MFD resulted from the downregulation of genes involved in lipogenesis, particularly, INSIG1. Specifically, even though the total starch content and the concentrate-to-fiber ratio were the same as those of the high-RDS diet, the low and medium RDS diets did not cause MFD in lactating goats.

Development and Characterization of Liposomal formulation for ophthalmic delivery of Prednisolone Acetate

Liposomal vesicular drug carriers for ocular delivery have earned a wide potential nowadays. Prednisolone Acetate liposome as ocular drug carriers have been demonstrated to be a useful mode to ameliorate bioavailability and patient abidance. Liposome was prepared by lipid extruder method. Liposome were characterized for entrapment efficiency (EE %), vesicle size, surface morphology and in vitro drug release. An ex vivo corneal permeation study was performed to determine the level of drug in the external eye tissue of goat and an ocular irritation assessment was done by Hen’s Egg Test - Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM) method. The optimized formulation of liposome had shown acceptable viscosity (1.21 ± 0.03 cps), refractive index (1.47±0.001), osmolarity (303 ± 3 mOsm) and pH measurement (7.12 ± 0.09). Liposome as drug delivery carriers were evidenced to be a anticipating impendent to enhance corneal contact and penetration as well as retention time in the eye ensuing in a prolonged action and enhanced bioavailability. The results of stability study exhibited stable profile of developed liposomes.

Genome\u2011wide integrated analysis demonstrates widespread functions of lncRNAs in mammary gland development and lactation in dairy goats

BackgroundThe mammary gland is a unique organ for milk synthesis, secretion and storage, and it undergoes cyclical processes of development, differentiation, lactation and degeneration. At different developmental periods, the biological processes governing mammary gland physiology and internal environmental homeostasis depend on a complex network of genes and regulatory factors. Emerging evidence indicates that lncRNAs have arbitrarily critical functions in regulating gene expression in many organisms; however, the systematic characteristics, expression, and regulatory roles of lncRNAs in the mammary gland tissues of dairy goats have not been determined.ResultIn the present study, we profiled long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) expression in the mammary gland tissues of Laoshan dairy goats (Capra hircus) from different lactation periods at the whole-genome level, to identify, characterize and explore the regulatory functions of lncRNAs. A total of 37,249 transcripts were obtained, of which 2381 lncRNAs and 37,249 mRNAs were identified, 22,488 transcripts, including 800 noncoding transcripts and 21,688 coding transcripts, differed significantly (p ≤ 0.01) among the different lactation stages. The results of lncRNA-RNA interaction analysis showed that six known lncRNAs belonging to four families were identified as the precursors of 67 known microRNAs; 1478 and 573 mRNAs were predicted as hypothetical cis-regulation elements and antisense mRNAs, respectively. GO annotation and KEGG analysis indicated that the coexpressed mRNAs were largely enriched in biological processes related to such activities as metabolism, immune activation, and stress,., and most genes were involved in pathways related to such phenomena as inflammation, cancer, signal transduction, and metabolism.ConclusionsOur results clearly indicated that lncRNAs involved in responses to stimuli, multiorganism processes, development, reproductive processes and growth, are closely related to mammary gland development and lactation.

Molecular Detection and Genotyping of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in Slaughtered Goats in Central China.

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections can cause reproductive failure in animals, including goats, and toxoplasmosis is one of the most important foodborne diseases. However, information on the molecular prevalence and genetic characterization of T. gondii and N. caninum in the tissues of goats in China is limited. In this study, brain samples of 422 slaughtered goats were collected from slaughterhouses in Henan and Anhui provinces, Central China, and examined for the presence of T. gondii and N. caninum by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on B1 and NC5 genes, respectively. The prevalence of T. gondii and N. caninum DNA was 5.2% and 2.8%, respectively. No significant differences were found between the prevalences of two parasite infections and animal age, sex, and region (p > 0.05). Two of 22 T. gondii-positive samples were completely genotyped at 11 genetic markers (SAG1, [3' + 5'] SAG2, alternative SAG2 [alt. SAG2], SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, and Apico) using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism, and were identified as genotype ToxoDB no. 225, which has not been previously reported in goats in any country worldwide. For N. caninum, two different sequences at the ITS1 region, three genotypes at the MS5 microsatellite locus, and one genotype at the MS8 locus were identified. This study showed that T. gondii and N. caninum are moderately prevalent in goats in Central China; however, it should be emphasized that T. gondii prevalence in goats poses a potential health threat for consumers in the investigated areas. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the genetic characterization of N. caninum isolates from goats in China. Our results have important implications for a better understanding of the genetic diversity of these parasites in China.

Summer season induced changes in quantitative expression patterns of different heat shock response genes in Salem black goats.

Research efforts of elucidating the molecular mechanisms governing heat shock response which imparts thermo-tolerance ability to indigenous breeds are very scanty. Therefore, a study was conducted with the primary objective to determine the impact of heat stress on the expression pattern of different heat shock response genes in the hepatic tissues of indigenous Salem Black goat. The study was conducted for a period of 45days in twelve 1-year-old female Salem Black breed goats. The animals were randomly allocated into two groups of six animals each, C (n = 6; Salem Black control) and HS (n = 6; Salem Black heat stress). The C animals were maintained in the shed in comfort condition while HS animals were exposed outside to summer heat stress between 10:00h to 16:00h during experimental period. The animals were slaughtered at the end of study and their liver samples were collected for assessing the different heat shock response genes. Based on the results obtained from the study it was established that the heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), HSP90, super oxide dismutase (SOD), nitrous oxide synthase 1 (NOS1) genes were significantly (P < 0.05) down regulated. However, heat stress did not influence the expression pattern of heat shock factor-1 (HSF1) gene. The lower level of expression of all heat shock response genes may be due to less magnitude of heat stress in the study to induce cellular stress response in Salem Black goats.

Evaluation of mucoadhesive property and the effect of Boswellia carteri gum on intranasal vaccination against small ruminant morbillivirus infection (PPR)

ABSTRACTA study was conducted to evaluate mucoadhesive property and immunomodulatory effect of phytogenic gums from Boswellia frereana, Boswellia carteri andCommiphora myrrha on intranasal Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) vaccination in goats and sheep in an ex-vivo and in-vivo situations. Plant gums were purified, dried and compressed into 500gm tablets. Modified shear stress measurement technique was used on freshly excised trachea and intestine tissues of goat to measure peak adhesion time. Forty eight animals (24 goats and 24 sheep) were divided into eight groups (of 3 goats and 3 sheep) and immunized intranasally with gum-vaccine combinations in two ratios (1:1, 1:2). Antibody against PPR virus was measured on day 14, 28, 42 and 56 post vaccination using H-based PPR bELISA. The peak adhesion time of the different gums was transient. PPR virus antibodies were detected in all immunized goats and sheep but not in unvaccinated control. The best percentage inhibition was recorded for Boswellia carteri-vaccine combination group at a ratio of 1:1. Administration of Boswellia carteri-PPR vaccine combination through intranasal or subcutaneous route, elicited similar antibody titre, implying that the intranasal route may be used as a non-invasive alternative delivery in PPR vaccination of small ruminants.

Copy number variation of CADM2 gene revealed its association with growth traits across Chinese Capra hircus (goat) populations.

Copy number variations (CNVs) are the wide structural variations ranging from 50bp to several Mb at genome which can affect gene expression and further impacting growth and development traits of livestock. Comparing with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), CNVs can better explain the genetic and phenotypic diversity, are increasingly important in biological research. As a member of immunoglobulin super-family, cell adhesion molecule 2 (CADM2) plays a vital role in cancer development and metabolic regulation. Here, we tested the CNV of CADM2 gene in 443 goats across five breeds (Guizhou white goat, GZW; Guizhou black goat, GZB; Africa Nubian goat, AN; Boergoat ×Huai goat, BH; Boer goat, BG) and detected its association with phenotypic traits. Subsequently, we analyzed the CADM2 gene expression level in different tissues of NB goats (n=3, Nubian×Black) and the transcriptional expression in lung is much higher than others. The results showed that the CNV of CADM2 has a significant association with withers height and body length in GZB goat (P<0.01), in which individuals with type of deletion were superior to those with duplication or normal type in term of body hight and body length (P<0.01). In summary, this study confirmed the association between CNV of CADM2 gene and growth traits, and our research data indicated the CADM2-CNV may considered as a prospective candidate for the molecular marker-assisted selection breeding of goat growth traits, which conducived to accelerating the genetic amelioration in Chinese goats.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry based sensitive analytical approach to detect and quantify non-polar pesticides accumulated in the fat tissues of domestic animals.

A fast and simple technique is proposed for the detection and quantitative determination of six non-polar pesticides including pyrethroids (cypermethrin, deltamethrin), organochlorines (hexachlorobenzene, α-hexachlorocyclohexane) and organophosphorus (chlorpyrifos, fenitrothion) accumulated in fat tissues of local cattle, sheep and goats. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry detection (GC–MS) adapted to cleanup procedures based on solid-phase extraction from QuEChERS method was adopted. The work was performed for quantitative affirmation of most customarily used pesticides in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq and also the impact of boiling (100 °C, 30 min) and broiling (176 °C, 20 min) on chosen pesticides was evaluated. Among the results of 150 fat samples presented, the dominant compound in cattle samples was hexachlorobenzene (0.236 mg kg−1); while, in sheep and goats it was deltamethrin (0.248 and 0.122 mg kg−1 respectively). Boiling reduced pesticide concentration significantly (P < 0.05) and the most reduced group was pyrethroids in both techniques. Good responses for the six analytes were obtained at validation level of 0.01–0.1 mg kg−1. The linear coefficient was between 0.9997 and 0.9999 and limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) ranged 0.0052–0.014 mg kg−1 and 0.015–0.044 mg kg−1 respectively. Acceptable recoveries (81.5–98.6%) and relative standard deviation (0.3–9.3%) were obtained in different spiked levels. The validation results confirmed that the proposed GC–MS technique can be utilized as a dependable screening apparatus for the quantitative screening of studied pesticides in fat tissues with accuracy and sensitivity, if deployed along with solid-phase extraction based QuEChERS method.

Immunohistochemical detection of &lt;i&gt;Brucella melitensis&lt;/i&gt; antigens in lungs tissues of sheep and goats diagnosed with different diseases at necropsy

Brucellosis is one of the world most common zoonotic diseases and infected animals are often the source of human infection. The prevalence of Brucellosis in cases presented to the necropsy unit of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia from 2007 to 2012 was unknown. In a retrospective study, the presence of B. melitensis antigen in 107 formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded lung tissue blocks of small ruminants were investigated using immunohistochemistry (IHC) technique. Sample blocks from year 2007 to 2012 were collected from postmortem archive in necropsy unit of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia. A total of 10 tissue samples with positive immunoreactivity to B. melitensis antigen were detected. Out of the 10 positive tissue samples, one was from sheep and the rest were from goats. The prevalence of B. melitensis in post-mortem cases for the six year period was 9.4%. Statistical analysis revealed there were no difference between breed, gender and age among the 10 positive samples. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that Brucella antigen could be present in small ruminant species which had died of other diseases and this could pose significant public health risk, especially among staff and students while conducting post-mortem examinations. Strict protective measures should be emphasized before carrying out postmortem examination Keywords: Brucella melitensis , Immunohistochemistry, Post mortem, Small ruminant