White Goats Research Articles

Aroma active compounds in milk from goat fed basil (Ocimum basilicum)

The study deals with the addition of basil (Ocimum basilicum) green tops into goat feeding ratio and with the effect of this addition on aroma active compounds in milk. The experiment comprised 8 goats crossbreed of White Goat and Brown Mountain Goat. These goats, which were on the second lactation, were divided into two groups – control (n = 4) and experimental (n = 4). The addition of 0.1 kg of basil green tops into goat feeding ration had no statistically significant effect on differences in total solid, fat or total nitrogen substances in milk during basil green tops feeding. However, the content of aroma active compounds (1-octanol, 1-undecanol, 2-nonanone), which were obtained by simultaneous distillation-extraction (SDE) and determined with usage GC-MS, reached statistically significant differences in days of basil green tops feeding. The amount of 1-octanol, 1-undecanol and 2-nonanone rose from 18.24 ± 0.019, 4.48 ± 0.019 and 5.37 ± 0.032 μl/100 ml of milk in days without basil green tops in feeding ration to 24.15 ± 10.398, 9.60 ± 0.118 and 23.29 ± 0.408 μl/100 ml of milk in the first day of basil green tops feeding when the increase was mostly the highest. In the next days of experiment the amount of 1-octanol, 1-undecanol and 2-nonanone was falling despite of readily goats’ acceptation of basil green tops.

Identification and characterization of microRNAs in the ovaries of multiple and uniparous goats (Capra hircus) during follicular phase

BackgroundSuperior kidding rate is an important economic trait in production of meat goat, and ovulation rate is the precondition of kidding rate. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in almost all ovarian biological processes, including folliculogenesis, follicle development, follicle atresia, luteal development and regression. To find out the different ovarian activity and follicle recruitment with miRNA-mediated posttranscriptional regulation, the small RNAs expressed pattern in the ovarian tissues of multiple and uniparous Anhui White goats during follicular phase was analyzed using Solexa sequencing data.Results1008 miRNAs co-expressed, 309 and 433 miRNAs specifically expressed in the ovaries of multiple and uniparous goats during follicular phase were identified. The 10 most highly expressed miRNAs in the multiple library were also the highest expressed in the uniparous library, and there were no significantly different between each other. The highest specific expressed miRNA in the multiple library was miR-29c, and the one in the uniparous library was miR-6406. 35 novel miRNAs were predicted in total. GO annotation and KEGG Pathway analyses were implemented on target genes of all miRNA in two libraries. RT-PCR was applied to detect the expression level of 5 randomly selected miRNAs in multiple and uniparous hircine ovaries, and the results were consistent with the Solexa sequencing data.ConclusionsIn the present study, the different expression of miRNAs in the ovaries of multiple and uniparous goats during follicular phase were characterized and investigated using deep sequencing technology. The result will help to further understand the role of miRNAs in kidding rate regulation and also may help to identify miRNAs which could be potentially used to increase hircine ovulation rate and kidding rate in the future.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-339) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Dynamical changes of basic chemical indicators and significant lipophilic vitamins in caprine colostrum

Colostrum is currently used as a food supplement. It has been sought after by an increasing number of consumers for its unique composition. Its use is supported by EU legislation that defines colostrum as an animal product for human consumption. Therefore, information on its chemical properties and the content of lipophilic vitamins are important when evaluating colostrum quality and safety. The aim of this study was to assess the dynamic changes of basic chemical properties (protein, fat, lactose, and dry matter) and the content of selected lipophilic vitamins (vitamin A and vitamin E) in white short-haired goat’s colostrum. Attention was paid to the first milk from the first hour to the sixth day after parturition as the initial milk composition changes rapidly during this period. Protein, fat, and lactose concentrations were measured by near infrared spectroscopy, vitamins were analysed simultaneously by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with detection in the ultraviolet part of the spectrum. The most significant changes in chemical indicators occurred during the first three days (P ≤ 0.01) post partum. The highest decrease was observed in protein concentrations. It was × 2 lower than in the first hour post partum. The concentration of vitamin A rapidly decreased during 36 h. In the following hours, gradual changes were observed (P > 0.05). The analysed components in caprine colostrum were similar to mature milk after 132 h post partum.

Associations between polymorphisms of the GFI1B gene and growth traits of indigenous Chinese goats

This study aimed to investigate polymorphisms of the eighth exon in the GFI1B gene among three indigenous Chinese goat breeds (QianBei Ma goats, GuiZhou white goats, and GuiZhou black goats). Furthermore, association analysis was conducted between these polymorphisms and growth traits. Polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP), direct DNA sequencing, and PCR-restricted fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) were applied to detect polymorphism sites, and a general linear model was used to analyze their association with growth traits. We found two consistent single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites in the eighth exon of the GFI1B gene among the three breeds: 263 bp G→T and 340 bp G→A. The fixed effects model used to analyze growth traits revealed significant differences in body weight, body length, chest depth, and chest breadth between genotypes CD, CC, and DD (P < 0.01). The 340(G/C) polymorphic sites identified here will provide a basis to further study associations between the GFI1B gene and growth traits, as well as establish a theoretical foundation to develop better feeding and genetic resources of indigenous goats.

Changes in the quality of goat meat in the production of smoked ham

The quality of fresh goat meat can be defined strictly in terms of physical and chemical properties, or in terms of consumer perception. In Serbia, there is not enough information about the quality of goat meat and goat meat products, such as smoked ham. The aim of this study was to determine differences in the basic chemical composition, colour, fatty acids composition, volatile compounds in fresh meat and smoked ham (musculus gluteus superficialis). The meat was obtained from the population of Serbian White goat, five or six years old. ISO methods were implemented in order to determine the quality of these parameters. Statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was determined between values of protein, fat, moisture, ash, pH value, fatty acids and volatile compounds determined in fresh meat and finished product (smoked ham). It is assumed that the complex chemical and biochemical processes occurring during production (growing, curing, smoking, drying) resulted in statistically significant differences between the quality parameters in fresh meat and smoked ham. There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) between the values of capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, pentadecanoic acid, pentadecenoic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, heptadecanoic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidic acid and gadoleic acid identified in the thigh meat prepared for curing and smoking in compared to value of the fatty acids identified in the final product (smoked ham).

Effect of goat breed on the meat quality

The quality of goat meat has recently become an important aspect in the marketing of goats in Serbia. The aim of this study was to compare some goat meat quality parameters of various races and to determine the differences between them. Goat breeds were Balkan goat and Serbian White goat, both female in the age of four years. Analysis of quality parameters: chemical composition (moisture, protein, total fat, ash,), pH value, fatty acids, amino acids, microelements content, tenderness, cooking loss and colour measurements were done. Statistically significant difference was found between the samples of two groups of goat meat (P &lt;0.05) in relation to: live weight (kg), water (%), fat (%), protein (%), ash (%), among 11 of 15 tested fatty acids, amino acid leucin, sensory examination of fresh meat for the palpatory evaluated firmness and in the content of copper and zinc. Statistically significant differences between the groups did not existed regarding the pH value, fatty acids eicosenoic, cis-heptadecenoic, t-elaidic, t-linolelaidic and amino acids alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, valine. Also there was no statistically significant difference in instrumental testing of the meat color, sensory evaluation of surface color, visual evaluated structure, olfactory evaluated odor and iron and manganese. These results suggest that the race of animal has an impact on meat quality.

Conservative neural symmetry of the caprine mandible

Fifteen dry dentate and complete mandible samples from the White Rasquera goat breed were studied for symmetry. Thirty-one landmarks were digitally located on the images of the lateral and medial aspects of each hemimandible. Distances between these landmarks allowed the evaluation of the whole hemimandible and also the neural mandible. In the studied samples, the mandible was rather symmetrical, especially in the medial neural part, and in general, there was no side dominance. Only the diastema differed significantly between the sides, and this was related to the rostral part (incisive arch). The incisive region was the least symmetrical region of the caprine mandible, indicating a modular structure more conservative for the neural part. If unsigned asymmetry is interpreted as a measure of developmental stability, then the studied breed presented a marked ability to develop in good fitness despite the harsh environment. The measurements presented here can also be used as a reference for researchers designing experimental studies, especially on mandibular catch-up growth, and as an aid for zooarchaeologists comparing results from dead animals with those from living goat populations.

Analysis of the stem cell characteristics of adult stem cells from Arbas white Cashmere goat

Studies have shown that multipotent adult stem cells possess differentiation characteristics similar to embryonic stem cells and pluripotent stem cells. We aimed to explore these similarities further by examining the expression of the pluripotency and stemness biomarkers, AKP, IL-6, Nanog, Oct-4, Rex-1, Sox-2 and TERT, as well as the triploblastic biomarkers, Sox-1, Myod1 and Gata-6 in adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) and muscle-derived satellite cells (MDSCs). These were isolated from adult Arbas white Cashmere goats and cultured in vitro. Immunocytochemistry, reverse transcription quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used to analyze the protein and mRNA expression of the markers. To investigate the ability of ADSCs, BMSCs and MDSCs to differentiate and cause tumors in vivo they were injected into immunodeficient mice (NOD-SCID). All results were compared to those for mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Immunocytochemistry showed that AKP, IL-6, Nanog, Oct-4, Rex-1 and TERT were expressed in ADSCs, BMSCs and MDSCs, whereas Sox-2 was not. In ADSCs, the expression of IL-6 mRNA was relatively high, followed by Nanog and Oct-4, while Rex-1 and TERT expression were the lowest (P<0.01). In BMSCs, the expression of Rex-1 was relatively high, followed by IL-6, while Oct-4, Nanog and TERT were comparatively low (P<0.01). In MDSCs, the expression of IL-6, Nanog and Oct-4 were relatively high, while TERT was comparatively low (P<0.01). However, no expression of Sox-2 mRNA was detected in any of the three cell lines. The expression of Sox-1, Myod1 and Gata-6 was observed to different degrees in all three cell lines (P<0.01); the expression pattern in MDSCs was different from that in ADSCs and BMSCs. Western blotting indicated that no expression of Sox-2 and Rex-1 protein occurred in ADSCs, BMSCs and MDSCs, while the other five proteins were all expressed to different degrees (P<0.01); the expression pattern was consistent with the mRNA results. In contrast to the mESCs, no teratoma tissue or triploblastic differentiation appendages were formed in the immunodeficient mice after injection of ADSCs, BMSCs and MDSCs. Our results suggest that the three adult goat stem cell types are non-oncogenic and have stemness characteristics similar to embryonic stem cells. Of these, MDSCs were found to exhibit the most ESC-like properties and would make the best candidates for clinical application.

Osteometric study of the Rasquera White goat

An osteometric study was carried out on the skulls of 70 adult female goats belonging to the Rasquera White (Blanca de Rasquera) breed. A total of 38 linear measurements and 11 indices or ratios were analysed. This study provided a statistical insight into skull measurements (neuro- and viscerocranium) for this breed using the bivariate and principal components (PC) techniques. The first two PCs provide a good quantitative approach to their study. A selection of the most relevant measurements was established based on variation, allowing the number of variables to be reduced from 38 to 4. The breed exhibited a fairly low degree of individual variation, but no significant clustering was observed in any of the plots. Evaluation of all quantitative data may also be useful for comparison with other present-day and extinct goat breeds. It is recommended to use a uniform craniometric evaluation system for the assessment of all goat breeds.

Isolation, characterization, and expression analysis of FGF5 isoforms in cashmere goat

Fibroblast growth factor 5 (FGF5) is a secreted signaling protein which has been proved to inhibits hair growth and induces catagen in mouse hair follicle in vivo. Shaanbei white cashmere goat (SWCG), a unique genetic resource in China, was used as the subject in this study. The cDNA of FGF5 of SWCG (cgFGF5) was firstly cloned. The length of the open reading frame (ORF) in cgFGF5 was 813bp, encoding a protein of 270 amino acid residues. Our results showed that the cgFGF5 gene expressed one alternative variant, designated as cgFGF5s, which was derived from the cgFGF5 complete transcript via alternative splicing (AS). Analyses of the putative proteins sequences revealed that the same signal peptide was identified in the two transcripts, and the cleavage site was between position 20th and 21st of amino acid residues. A basic FGF domain, which is a characteristic domain of FGFs family, was found in the predictive cgFGF5, but not in the acquired cgFGF5s sequence. Homologous comparison with various species indicated that cgFGF5 gene implied good evolutional conservation in sequence. Analysis using real-time PCR showed that cgFGF5 and cgFGF5s mRNA were both detected in the 12 tissues examined (heart, subcutaneous fat, liver, muscle, spleen, brain, skin, kidney, rumen, large intestine, small intestine and lung). High expression levels of cgFGF5 mRNA were detected in brain, rumen and skin; while cgFGF5s mRNA was highly expressed in subcutaneous fat, heart and skin. In addition, the temporal expression analysis showed that expression of the two transcripts varied throughout hair growth cycle of cashmere goat: mRNA expression of cgFGF5 peaked at telogen; cgFGF5s peaked at catagen, and the lowest level of expressions were both observed at anagen. Results from the present study suggested that FGF5 gene may play a crucial role in cashmere goat hair growth cycle. This study is the first research to provide the primary foundational evidence for further insight into the role of cashmere goat FGF5 gene.

CDNA cloning and analysis of polymorphism of GFI1B gene in GuiZhou white goat

cDNA cloning and analysis of polymorphism of GFI1B gene in GuiZhou white goat

Pedigree analysis in White Shorthaired goat: First results

Abstract. Pedigree records of 1 682 animals of the White Shorthaired goat in Slovakia were investigated. The reference population was defined as the animals born from 2008 to 2011 with at least one ancestor known in the second ancestral generation (670 animals kept in eight flocks). The numbers of founders (286), ancestors (256), effective founders (73), effective ancestors (45) and founder genome equivalents (32) were assessed. Fifteen ancestors were needed to explain 50 % of genetic variability. Marginal contributions of the ten most influential ancestors varied between 5.45 % and 2.47 % and accounted for 39.8 % of genetic variability. The mean values of inbreeding and co-ancestry were 0.69 % and 1.55 %, respectively. The effective population size was assessed to consist of 182 and 142 individuals, depending whether it was calculated from the individual increase in inbreeding or the individual increase in co-ancestry. The number of maximum generations traced, fully traced generations and equivalent complete generations traced were 5.62, 1.97 and 3.04, respectively. The first, second and third ancestral generation were 100 %, 83 % and 71 % complete, respectively. The completeness decreased to as low as 35 % and 11 % in the fourth and fifth generation. To be able to keep genetic links across generations in touch, the amount of pedigree information needs to be increased. This is a serious requirement for appropriate monitoring and management of genetic relations within the population.

Establishment and Characterization of a Huanghuai White Goat Mammary Gland Epithelial Cell Line Derived During the Gestational Period

Establishment and Characterization of a Huanghuai White Goat Mammary Gland Epithelial Cell Line Derived During the Gestational Period

Identification of genes influencing formation of the Type III Brush Hair in Yangtze River Delta white goats by differential display of mRNA

Yangtze River Delta white goat is an exclusive indigenous Chinese goat breeds that can produce Brush Hair specialized in making valuable writing brush. The high-grade (Type III) Brush Hair is conical coarse hair but with a tip, which only grows in the cervical carina and back regions of Yangtze River Delta white goats. Screening of genes influencing the formation of Type III Brush Hair was conducted using differential display of mRNA technique in skin including the hair follicles of different goat groups and the differential bands were identified using reverse Northern dot blot, and the positive bands were subsequently cloned and sequenced. The results showed that 20 differentially displayed bands were obtained, seven of which were identified positive as expressed in skin. Three of these seven cDNAs were homologous to certain sequences from GenBank and the other four were respectively homologous to CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain containing 3 (CMTM3), S100 calcium binding protein A4 (S100A4), protein kinase inhibitor gamma (PKIG) and fibulin 1-D. The study would provide a new view to elucidate their roles in hair growth and hair follicle cycle and increase our understanding of the formation of Type III Brush Hair.

Clinical, Pathological, and Hematological Study of Post-Injection Neuritis of the Sciatic Nerve by Alfatrim 24% Intramuscular Injection in Small Ruminants

Medication therapy through improper injection techniques into a nerve may induce neuropathy, neuritis & injury. The aim is to analyse the pattern of this nerve lesion in clinical, pathological, and hematological parameters and also to study the outcome in a conservatively treated cohort. In this study, 40 cases of sheeps and goats about 3 years old, had received Alfatrim 24%, 1 cc per 20 kg BW in the rout of intramuscular each 12 hours for 3 days. The clinical signs included loss of function in nearly all of the hind limbs, with loss of skin sensation from the lateral surface of the tibial region of the hock joint to the distal parts. The foot is dragged in a manner of pulling his leg upward and forward in each gait by contraction of the quadriceps muscles which are innervated by the femoral nerve. In hematological examination, mature neutrophils of white and black goats were 73% and 61% respectively. However, normal value of mature neutrophils is 10-59% in goats. In addition, glucose and total protein were respectively 59 mg/dl and 1 g/dl in white goat’s CSF, whereas normal value of glucose and total protein in CSF are 71 mg/dl and 0.12-0.25 g/dl respectively. Furthermore, a sort of lameness took place by neuronal origin bilaterally following Alfatrim 24% injection intramuscularly, permanent occasionally, was a common consequence for intramuscular injection. Macroscopic lesions were swelling of sciatic nerve stem, submeningeal hemorrhage, fibrinopurulent inflammation & necrosis. In microscopic lesions neuronal fibers were normal (axon & myelin sheath), but there were fibrinous lymphoplasmacytic perineuritis, subepineuronal hemorrhage. Some of cases showed recovery 4 days after receiving Ibuprofen. Further studies on the effects of Alfatrim 24% on sciatic nerve in small ruminants need to be conducted. In particular, experimental studies will assist in the understanding of Alfatrim 24% and its relation to sciatic neuritis in small ruminants.

Short Communication Polymorphisms of the myostatin gene (MSTN) and its relationship with growth traits in goat breeds

Mutations in the myostatin (MSTN) gene can inactivate its expression and result in a non-functional protein, which leads to dramatic muscularity and a "double-muscling" phenomenon in many species. Using gene sequencing and polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism methods, polymorphisms of the MSTN gene were investigated as a candidate marker for growth in 288 goats. The results showed 2 novel single nucleotide polymorphisms: DQ167575 g.197G>A and 345A>T. Three potential genotypes (AA, AB, and BB) of substitution 197G>A in the 5'-untranslated region were detected in the 2 breeds. The polymorphism (CC and CD) of substitution 345A>T in exon I was segregated. The genetic diversity analysis revealed that Boer goat and Anhui white goat possessed intermediate genetic diversity in the P1 and P3 loci. Significant associations between the genotypes of the P3 locus and body weight, body length, and body height were observed in Boer goat and Anhui white goat (P < 0.05). It could be inferred that the MSTN gene may be a major gene or linked to the major gene affecting the goat growth traits. The polymorphic site could be a molecular marker-assisted selection program for body weight.

CDNA Cloning and Analysis of Polymorphism ofGFI1BGene in Guizhou White Goat

This study mainly aimed to research the CDS sequence (coding sequence), polymorphisms of exon 1, exon 2 and part of exon 8 of GFI1B in GuiZhou white goat of indigenous Chinese goat. The cDNA of GFI1B was analysed through bioinformatics which was obtained by the reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). The polymorphisms of GFI1B gene exons region was identified whose association with growth traits was analysed by GuiZhou white goat. The results revealed that the cDNA of GFI1B which contained a complete open reading frame (ORF) was 996 bp in full length. The accession numbers on GenBank was JX627316. One new mutation sites of C347A had been determined in the eighth intron. Our results could lay the foundation for the further investigation on the role of GFI1B gene in goat growth traits.

Variation and expression of KAP9.2 gene affecting cashmere trait in goats

Keratin-associated proteins 9.2 (KAP9.2) gene encodes one of the ultra high sulfur KAPs. Variation in KAP genes may affect the structure of KAPs and hence cashmere characteristics. In order to test the association between the polymorphism of KAP9.2 gene and cashmere trait, DNA sequencing was used to detect a novel C/T polymorphism of KAP9.2 gene from a genomic DNA pool. The mutation could be recognized by Pst I restriction enzyme. To Shanbei white cashmere goat, Inner Mongolia white cashmere goat and Guanzhong dairy goat, the genotypic frequencies of TT, TC and CC from total 1,236 animals were as follows: 0.047, 0.519 and 0.434; 0.180, 0.592 and 0.228; 0.431, 0.544 and 0.025. The allelic frequencies of T and C were 0.307 and 0.693; 0.476 and 0.524; 0.703 and 0.297, respectively, in breeds mentioned above. The frequency of C allele between cashmere and dairy goat was significant (P < 0.01). To provide support for the hypothesis that SNP 586 was responsible for KAP9.2 expression, quantitative real-time PCR analysis revealed that the expression level of KAP9.2 was reduced in individuals bearing genotype CC compared with TT individuals, suggesting that C was the nucleotide causing decreased expression of KAP9.2 or was in linkage disequilibrium with the causative SNP. The 586C/T SNP found in this study might control translation or stability of KAP9.2 mRNA, which would be beneficial for marker assistant selection in cashmere goat breeding.

Changes in the composition of goat colostrum and milk fatty acids during the first month of lactation

Changes in the composition of colostrum and milk fatty acids during the first month of lactation of ten 3-years-old White shorthaired goats fed a winter diet were investigated. Thirty-eight fatty acids (FAs) were identified in the milk fat. Saturated FAs accounted for 67.0% of the total determined FAs in colostrum and 62% at 30 days post partum. Monounsaturated FAs made up 28.2% of the total FAs in colostrum and increased with the progress of lactation at the expense of saturated FAs. The percentage of polyunsaturated FAs varied from 4.4 to 4.8%. The major FAs in colostrum and milk were palmitic and oleic acids, followed by stearic and myristic acids (30.1, 25.3, 11.8, 11.4% and 23.6, 30.3, 13.6, 8.6% in colostrum and milk 30 days post partum, respectively). The levels of palmitic and myristic acids in colostrum were higher than in mature milk, whereas the levels of capric, stearic and oleic acids were lower. The medium-chain FA (caprylic, capric, lauric) content increased from 8.7% of FAs in colostrum to 11.1% on the fourth day of lactation. These acids are efficient antimicrobials, thus may contribute to the protection of young goats from microbial pathogens. &amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;

Identification of c.483C>T polymorphism in the caprine tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1) gene

Tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1) has been shown to play a fundamental role in pigmentation both in human and mouse. In this work, we aimed to characterize the variability of the caprine TYRP1 gene and investigate its segregation in a wide array of goat breeds. By partially sequencing the coding region of the TYRP1 gene in 18 individuals from eight different breeds, we were able to identify a synonymous nucleotide substitution at exon 3 (c.483C>T). An extensive survey of Iberian and Balearic (N=175), Italian (N=99), Swiss (N=54), Asian (N=14), Canarian (N=92) and North African (N=117) goats with different coat colours was carried out. We found that the C-allele has a different distribution in European vs African breeds, being almost fixed in the latter. Moreover, the C-allele showed an increased frequency in white coated breeds (Girgentana, Grigia Molisana, Blanca de Rasquera and Saanen) when compared with those displaying a dark pigmentation (Cilentana Nera, Azpi Gorri and Murciano-Granadina). This could be due to genetic drift, migration and other factors associated with the demographic history of breeds under analysis or to a genetic hitchhiking event (c.483C>T frequencies would be shaped by a neighbouring causal mutation differentially selected in white and black goats). More refined studies will be needed to distinguish between these two alternative explanations.