Sheep and goat coccidiosis has a worldwide distribution and is an important disease on lambing farms.Infection with multiple Eimeria species can lead to severe intestinal damage in sheep/goats and economic losses on f...Sheep and goat coccidiosis has a worldwide distribution and is an important disease on lambing farms.Infection with multiple Eimeria species can lead to severe intestinal damage in sheep/goats and economic losses on farms.Disease is a serious constraint to the healthy development of small ruminant farming.Studies published on PubMed,CNKI,VIP,Wanfang and the resulting references of selected studies were included.Risk factors affecting prevalence were analyzed and stratified by geographic location and climatic variables,age,sex,feeding model,season,sample year,breeds and environment.The total prevalence of coccidia in sheep and goats reached more than 60%in most regions,in which the dominant species in sheep were mainly E.parva,E.ovinoidalis,and E.parva and E.ahsata.East China had the lowest prevalence of coccidia infection in sheep(43.24%),and the dominant species were different from those in the other regions,mainly E.bakuensis and E.gonzalezi.Southwestern China and Central China had slightly less than 40.0%goat coccidia infection,and the dominant species in goats were mainly E.arloingi,E.aligevi,E.hirci and E.ninakohlyakimovae.Sheep/goats of different ages can be infected with coccidiosis,but lambs between 1 and 3 months of age are more susceptible to the disease.When lambs become infected,the pathogen spreads rapidly throughout the herd.Spring,summer and autumn are the seasons with a high incidence of this disease.Environmental pollution may be a significant factor in the development of coccidiosis in sheep raised in large-scale housing.This study provides a comprehensive overview of the species,morphology and geographic distribution of Eimeria species in sheep and goats,summary prevalence in different regions of China,risk factors affecting prevalence,and prevention and control strategies.展开更多
Background The diverse types and processing methods of grains intricately influence the sites and digestibility of starch digestion,thereby impacting energy utilization.This study aimed to explore the impact of grain ...Background The diverse types and processing methods of grains intricately influence the sites and digestibility of starch digestion,thereby impacting energy utilization.This study aimed to explore the impact of grain variety and processing methods on the net energy(NE)in dairy goats,analyzing these effects at the level of nutrient digestion and metabolism.Methods Eighteen castrated Guanzhong dairy goats(44.25±3.59 kg BW)were randomly divided into 3 groups,each consisting of 6 replicates.The substitution method was employed to determine the NE values of the dry-rolled corn(DRC),dry-rolled wheat(DRW)or steam-flaked corn(SFC,360 g/L).Briefly,two phases were performed.Throughout the basal phase,all goats were fed the same basal diet.In the substitution phase,30%of the basal diet was replaced with DRC,DRW and SFC,respectively.Results In this study,the NE values of the DRC,DRW and SFC were 7.65,7.54 and 7.44 MJ/kg DM,respectively.Compared to the DRC group,the DRW group showed increased digestibility of starch and crude protein(CP).Similarly,the SFC group exhibited increased organic matter(OM)and starch digestibility and a trend towards higher dry matter(DM)digestibility,reduced fecal OM and starch content.Additionally,fecal volatile fatty acid(VFA)concentrations decreased in goats fed SFC.Correspondingly,digestible energy(DE)in the DRW and SFC groups tended to be higher than in the DRC group.DRW increased total VFA concentration compared to DRC,while SFC increased the proportion of propionate and decreased the acetate-to-propionate ratio in the rumen.Both the DRW and SFC diets elevated serum glucose levels.Furthermore,heat increment(HI)and gaseous energy(Gas E)related to fermentation were significantly higher in the DRW and SFC groups compared to the DRC group.Conclusion Our findings indicated that DRW and SFC increased rumen starch fermentation in goats,thereby improving total tract starch digestion and DE.However,DRW and SFC failed to improve NE value due to increased heat and gas energy production from fermentation.Therefore,excessively refined grains processing in the diet of dairy goats does not effectively improve energy efficiency.展开更多
If there’s one meat dish Ugandan people really enjoy,that’s goat meat.Across the country in restaurants,bars and clubs,the aroma of roasted goat meat wafts enticingly,attracting people at all hours of the day and ni...If there’s one meat dish Ugandan people really enjoy,that’s goat meat.Across the country in restaurants,bars and clubs,the aroma of roasted goat meat wafts enticingly,attracting people at all hours of the day and night.展开更多
Background Subacute rumen acidosis(SARA)is a common metabolic disorder in ruminants that disrupts the rumen microbiome and animal health,but diagnosis is challenging due to subtle symptoms and invasive testing require...Background Subacute rumen acidosis(SARA)is a common metabolic disorder in ruminants that disrupts the rumen microbiome and animal health,but diagnosis is challenging due to subtle symptoms and invasive testing require-ments.This study explores the potential of the buccal(oral)microbiome as a diagnostic indicator for SARA,hypoth-esizing an interaction with the rumen microbiome.Results The study involved 47 dairy goats,including 11 on a control diet and 36 on high-concentrate diets with increasing rumen-degradable starch.Animals were grouped based on dietary exposure and ruminal pH:Control,Low-RDS Tolerance/SARA(LRDST/LRDSS),and High-RDS Tolerance/SARA(HRDST/HRDSS).Transcriptomics of rumen epithelium showed heightened inflammatory pathway gene expression in SARA-susceptible goats compared to controls and tolerant groups.Alpha diversity of ruminal bacteria showed lower Shannon diversity in HRDSS goats compared to HRDST whereas buccal bacteria displayed significantly lower Chao1 diversity in LRDSS goats compared to HRDST.Beta diversity analyses revealed distinct patterns between SARA-affected goats and healthy controls in both ruminal and buccal microbiomes.Prevotellaceae_UCG-003 emerged as a candidate biomarker,with reduced abundance in SARA-susceptible goats in both rumen and buccal samples.Machine learning classifiers achieved high accuracy in distinguishing SARA-susceptible goats using this genus(rumen AUC=0.807;buccal AUC=0.779).Source tracking analysis illustrated diminished cross-population of bacteria from the buccal to rumen(2.86%to 0.25%)and vice versa(8.59%to 1.17%),signifying compromised microbial interchange in SARA-affected goats.A microbiota transplant experiment verified SARA microbiota’s ability to induce pH decline,escalate inflammation-related gene expression(MAPK10,IL17B,FOSB,SPP1),disrupt microbial transfer,and reduce Prevotellaceae_UCG-003 in recipients.Conclusion Our findings highlight SARA’s dual impact on ruminal and buccal microbiota,exacerbating epithelial inflammation gene expression.Shifts in the buccal microbiome,specifically reductions in Prevotellaceae_UCG-003,mirror ruminal changes and can be influenced by inter-compartmental bacterial transmission,thereby offering a non-invasive diagnostic approach for SARA.展开更多
Background Meat goat production is a worldwide industry with products such as meat,milk,soap,and fiber being produced.There are approximately 2.6 million meat goats in the United States.For breeding female ruminants,e...Background Meat goat production is a worldwide industry with products such as meat,milk,soap,and fiber being produced.There are approximately 2.6 million meat goats in the United States.For breeding female ruminants,early pregnancy loss is estimated to be 30%within the first month of gestation.Extracellular L-citrulline(a precursor to L-arginine)is not degraded by ruminal microbes due to the lack of uptake.L-Arginine and thus L-citrulline,have beneficial impacts on placentation and,subsequently,fetal-placental development and survival.This study aimed to determine the impact of feeding L-citrulline to meat goats during gestation to improve reproductive success.Meat goats were fed either a control(CON)or L-citrulline(CIT)supplemented diet from d 12 to 82 of gestation.Blood samples were collected and sera were subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography analyses to quantify the abundance of amino acids.Pregnancy rates were determined on d 30,61,and 90 of gestation,and litter weight,individual birth weights,and 90 d adjusted weaning weights were collected.Results The concentrations of citrulline,ornithine,and arginine were greater in CIT does compared to CON does,but there was no difference in pregnancy rates between CON and CIT does.Birth weight was greater for male kids born as singles when compared to females,but this phenotype was not observed for kids born as twins or triplets.Further,males born to CON does had greater 90 d adjusted weaning weights than females,but this was not observed in the CIT group.Female kids born to CON and CIT Boer goats had heavier 90 d adjusted weaning weights than those born to Spanish or F1 Boer-Spanish does.Conclusion This study provides proof of concept that feeding dietary L-citrulline increases concentrations of citrul-line and arginine in blood of gestating meat goats.However,further studies are needed to understand the cellular mechanisms impacted by feeding this supplement.Regardless,this study demonstrated that feeding L-citrulline has the potential to increase reproductive performance in gestating ruminants.展开更多
The genetic regulation of hair density in animals remains poorly understood.The Dazu black goat,characterized by its black coarse hair and white skin,provides a unique model for dissecting coarse hair density(CHD).Usi...The genetic regulation of hair density in animals remains poorly understood.The Dazu black goat,characterized by its black coarse hair and white skin,provides a unique model for dissecting coarse hair density(CHD).Using high-resolution micro-camera imaging,this study analyzed 905 skin images,33 skin transcriptomes,272 whole-genome sequences,and 182 downloaded transcriptomes.Morphological assessment from juvenile to adult stages revealed the thickening of hair shafts accompanied by a progressive decline in density,largely attributable to rapid surface expansion of the trunk skin.Transcriptomic comparison between high-and low-CHD individuals identified 572 differentially expressed genes(DEGs).A genome-wide association study detected 25 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms(P<9.07e-8)and mapped 48 annotated genes,with the most prominent association signal located near GJA1 on chr9.15931585-18621011.Literature review and Venn analysis highlighted six genes(GJA1,GPRC5D,CD1D,CD207,TFAM,and CXCL12)with documented roles in skin and hair biology,and three genes(GJA1,GPRC5D,and ATP6V1B1)overlapped with DEGs.Multiple-tissue transcriptomic profiling,western blotting,immunohistochemical staining,and skin single-cell RNA sequencing confirmed that GJA1 and GPRC5D were highly and specifically expressed in skin,particularly within hair follicles.Expression was localized predominantly to follicular stem cells and dermal papilla cells,suggesting a significant role in folliculogenesis and structural maintenance.Cross-validation using four public datasets further demonstrated positive correlations between GJA1 and GPRC5D expression and hair follicle density.The innovative micro-camera application allowed the elucidation of spatiotemporal patterns and genes associated with CHD,thereby addressing a significant knowledge gap in animal hair density.展开更多
Background Lactational performance depends heavily on age,health,and nutrition.L-Citrulline(Cit)is an effective precursor of L-arginine(Arg),an amino acid that has important roles in synthesis of nitric oxide(NO)and p...Background Lactational performance depends heavily on age,health,and nutrition.L-Citrulline(Cit)is an effective precursor of L-arginine(Arg),an amino acid that has important roles in synthesis of nitric oxide(NO)and polyamines.Ruminal microbes degrade extracellular Arg;however,extracellular L-citrulline(Cit)is not degraded by ruminal microbes due to lack of uptake and can be fed unencapsulated as a precursor for Arg.As NO is a vasodilator,an increase in blood flow and transport of molecules to mammary tissue may enhance lactational performance and milk composition.Increases in polyamine production may increase milk protein synthesis within mammary tissue,thus increasing milk protein content.This study determined,for the first time,effects of dietary Cit supplementation on milk production and milk composition of Alpine dairy goats.Methods Does were synchronized to estrus and bred to Alpine bucks.Parturition was induced on d 149 of gestation and does were suckled overnight allowing kid(s)to obtain colostrum before being milked 24 h later(d 1 of lactation).Does were assigned to either control(CON,n=24)or Cit(CIT,n=23)diets.The isonitrogenous control diet consisted of 97.63%basal diet and 2.37%supplement(1.37%L-alanine and 1.00%soybean hydrogenated oil).The CIT supplemented diet consisted of 97.63%basal diet and 2.37%supplement(0.5%Cit,0.5%L-glutamine,1%soybean hydrogenated oil,0.37%cornstarch).Diets were group fed ad-libitum by treatment group.Blood samples were collected on d 0 and 30 of lactation,milk volumes measured twice daily,and on d 10,20,and 40 of lactation,milk samples were collected.Results CIT-treated does had greater daily milk production(P<0.05)and there was an effect of day of lactation on daily milk production(P<0.0001).Sire had significant effect on daily milk production as well(P<0.05).Milk compositional analyses revealed Cit supplementation increased solid-non-fat(SNF;P<0.05)and protein(P<0.05)content in milk.Conclusions Our novel results indicate that dietary supplementation of Cit fed ad-libitum in Alpine does increased daily milk yield,milk SNF content,and protein content.Supplemental Cit may be a proxy for Arg in goats to enhance lactational performance.展开更多
Daytime activity budgets of feral goats （ Capra hircus ） were studied in 1981, 1982 and 2000 on the Isle of Rum, northwest Scotland. This paper analyzes the influence of key weather variables （temperature and rainf...Daytime activity budgets of feral goats （ Capra hircus ） were studied in 1981, 1982 and 2000 on the Isle of Rum, northwest Scotland. This paper analyzes the influence of key weather variables （temperature and rainfall） and seasonal variations in daylength on daytime activity budgets. This study showed that the percentage of daytime spent in feeding by feral goats on Rum Island decreased with average monthly temperature, while the percentage of daytime spent in lying increased and rainfall had no significant effects on the percentage daytime spent in feeding or lying. The daylength varied greatly from January to December with the longest daylength being in June and July, and the shortest one in December and January. The amount of daytime spent feeding decreased from summer to winter, although the percentage of daytime spent feeding increased greatly from summer to winter. The seasonal variations in daylength seem to be an important factor in constraining feral goats＇ activity, especially in the cold and wet winters when forage biomass and quality are both at their lowest level. We discuss the influence of such constraining effects on the forage intake of these goats and their winter survival rate, as well as its implication for population regulation of these goats.展开更多
[Objective] The aim was to study the effect of the muscle histological characteristics of Haimen goats on meat quality.[Method] Twelve-month-old Haimen goats and Bore × Haimen F1（♂）were used as the materials t...[Objective] The aim was to study the effect of the muscle histological characteristics of Haimen goats on meat quality.[Method] Twelve-month-old Haimen goats and Bore × Haimen F1（♂）were used as the materials to systematically research the muscle histological properties of different sexes and muscles.[Result] The results revealed that the muscle fiber area and myofibril diameter,sarcomere length,light band length,dark band length,hall band length of quadriceps femoris of Haimen female goats were extremely significantly higher than male goats（P〈0.01）;However,that of longissimus dorsi muscle was extremely significantly lower than male goats（P〈0.01）.There was significant difference（P〈0.05）or extremely significant difference（P〈0.01）between muscle microstructure and ultrastructure among the same sex and different muscles.There were a large number of mitochondria,glycogen granules and fat droplet within muscle fiber from Haimen male goats,which indicated that oxidative metabolism rate was high,water retention was good and the meat was tender,succulent and distinct.[Conclusion] The study provided theoretical basis for breeding,development and utilization of Haimen goats and variety evaluation of local goats in China.展开更多
[Objective] The paper aims to study the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of three gene loci and growth character of Haimen Goats to provide reference to promote Haimen Goat growth character and cultivate Hai...[Objective] The paper aims to study the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of three gene loci and growth character of Haimen Goats to provide reference to promote Haimen Goat growth character and cultivate Haimen Goat new strain of fast-growth.[Method] We processed analysis and related statistical analysis on three gene loci of Haimen Goats with PCR-RFLP and PCR-SSCP.[Result] The results suggested that there were two genotypes in MSTN gene IntronⅡ,GH gene exonⅠ and GH gene exonⅡ in Haimen Goats.Different genotypes of these gene loci had different effects on relative growth character of Haimen Goats.[Conclusion] This study had a significant meaning about promoting Haimen Goat avoirdupois by marker assistant option.展开更多
[Objective] This study was conducted to understand goat germplasm char- acteristics. [Method] With some 24-month-old males and females Tibet goats as experimental materials, a slaughter experiment was carried out to d...[Objective] This study was conducted to understand goat germplasm char- acteristics. [Method] With some 24-month-old males and females Tibet goats as experimental materials, a slaughter experiment was carried out to determine their slaughter performance, muscle quality and muscle nutritional components. [Result] The body weights of males and females before slaughter were （20.16±1.26） and （19.33±4.86） kg, respectively; the dressing percentages of males and females were （43.86±1.74）% and （44.08±5.46）%, respectively; the meat percentages were （32.43± 1.52）% and （32.72±3.97）%, respectively; and the meat production rates of carcass were （73.28±0.09）% and （73.16±0.85）%, respectively. There were less differences in carcass measurements, carcass segmentation, muscle quality, muscle fiber charac- teristics, muscle nutritional components, muscle mineral contents and heavy metal contents between males and females, while eye muscle area and hind leg meat weight of males were significantly higher than those of females. In muscles of males and females, 18 amino acids were detected totally, EAA/TAA values were （39.23±0.24）% and （38.70±0.15）%, respectively, and EAA/NEAA values were （64.73± 0.65）% and （63.17±0.41）%, respectively. [Conclusion] This study lays a foundation for overall understanding of germplasm characteristics of Tibetan goats.展开更多
[Objective] The aim of this study was to reveal the relationship between inihibin （INH） α precursor gene and seasonal reproduction of goats, and investigate the evolutionary conservation of INHα precursor gene. [ ...[Objective] The aim of this study was to reveal the relationship between inihibin （INH） α precursor gene and seasonal reproduction of goats, and investigate the evolutionary conservation of INHα precursor gene. [ Method] Cloning and sequence analysis of 5＇ flanking region and exon of inihibinα （INHE） precursor gene in twenty ewes between non-seasonal estrous breed （Haimen goats） and seasonal estrous breed （Anhui white goats） was analyzed in this study. [ Result] Compared with Anhui white goats, INHα precursor gene in Haimen goats had three SNP but no amino acid change, while its nucleotide homology was 99.7% and amino acid homology was 100%. The nucleotide homology of INHα precursor gene in goat, cattle, pig, person, chicken, horse, rat and dog ranged from 12.7% to 96.5%. [ Conclusion] INHα precursor gene tends to be highly conserved in species, and any change of nucleotide and amino acid maybe directly influence the function of the whole gene coding and regulation.展开更多
Background: In rumen fermentation, fumaric acid(FA) could competitively utilize hydrogen with methanogenesis to enhance propionate production and suppress methane emission, but both effects were diet-dependent. This s...Background: In rumen fermentation, fumaric acid(FA) could competitively utilize hydrogen with methanogenesis to enhance propionate production and suppress methane emission, but both effects were diet-dependent. This study aimed to explore the effects of FA supplementation on methanogenesis and rumen fermentation in goats fed diets varying in forage and concentrate particle size.Methods: Four rumen-cannulated goats were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: low or high ratio of forage particle size: concentrate particle size(Fps:Cps), without or with FA supplementation(24 g/d). Fps:Cps was higher in the diet with chopped alfalfa hay plus ground corn than in that with ground alfalfa hay plus crushed corn.Results: Both increasing dietary Fps:Cps and FA supplementation shifted ruminal volatile fatty acid(VFA) patterns toward more propionate and less acetate in goats. An interaction between dietary Fps:Cps and FA supplementation was observed for the ratio of acetate to propionate(A:P), which was more predominant when FA was supplemented in the low-Fps:Cps diet. Methane production was reduced by FA, and the reduction was larger in the low-Fps:Cps diet(31.72%) than in the high-Fps:Cps diet(17.91%). Fumaric acid decreased ruminal total VFA concentration and increased ruminal p H. No difference was found in ruminal DM degradation of concentrate or alfalfa hay by dietary Fps:Cps or FA. Goats presented a lower ruminal methanogen abundance with FA supplementation and a higher B. fibrisolvens abundance with high dietary Fps:Cps.Conclusions: Adjusting dietary Fps:Cps is an alternative dietary model for studying diet-dependent effects without changing dietary chemical composition. Fumaric acid supplementation in the low-Fps:Cps diet showed greater responses in methane mitigation and propionate increase.展开更多
Background： Exogenous melatonin could induce cashmere growth. However, induced growth of cashmere fleece by melatonin implants cannot be combined with the typical growth, resulting in earlier shedding followed by ano...Background： Exogenous melatonin could induce cashmere growth. However, induced growth of cashmere fleece by melatonin implants cannot be combined with the typical growth, resulting in earlier shedding followed by another cycle of cashmere growth. To address this issue, we examine the effects on the cashmere yield, fibre characteristics, and the growth and reproductive performance of cashmere goats of planned administration of melatonin. Methods： Eighteen half-sib, female goats were assigned to two treatments （n = 9） including a control and a treatment where melatonin （2 mg/kg BW） was implanted at the end of April and end of June. Cashmere growth and shedding were observed for approximately ] year following implantation. Fibre samples were collected monthly to determine cumulative cashmere length. Initiation and cessation dates for cashmere growth as well as the rate of cashmere growth were calculated. Cashmere yield, weight gain of dam, kidding date, litter size, and birth weight were also recorded. Results： Melatonin implantation increased cashmere yield by 34.5 % （control 553.7 g vs. melatonin 745.0 g; P〈 0.01）, cashmere length by 21.3 % （control 95.2 mm vs. melatonin 115.4 mm; P 〈 0.01）, and decreased fibre diameter by 4.4 % （control 14.6 pm vs. melatonin 14.0 IJm; P 〈 0.03）. In melatonin-treated goats, the average initiation date was earlier than in control goats （May 18, 2013 vs. July 2, 20]3; P〈 0.01） but there was a similar cessation date （March 22, 2014 vs. March 27, 2014）. Consequently, the duration of cashmere growth was longer in melatonin-treated goats than in control goats （307 vs.270 days; P 〈 0.01）. The final BW, average daily gain, kidding date, litter size, and birth weight were not influenced by melatonin implantation. Conclusions： These data indicate that melatonin implantation （2 mg/kg BW） on two occasions （late April and June） increased cashmere yield by combining the induced growth of cashmere fleece with the typical growth and decreased the fibre diameter without changing dam growth rate or reproductive performance.展开更多
The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding formic acid and corn flour supplementation to banana pseudostem silages on the nutritional quality of these silages,growth,digestion,rumen fermentation...The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding formic acid and corn flour supplementation to banana pseudostem silages on the nutritional quality of these silages,growth,digestion,rumen fermentation and cellulolytic bacterial community of Nubian black goats fed these silages.Banana pseudostem silage was prepared either conventionally without any additives(CON)or mixed with 0.6% formic acid(F),10% corn flour(C),or both(F+C).Four experimental diets containing 40% of the corresponding silages were designed with roughage to concentrate ratio of 50:50(dry matter(DM)basis).A total of 48 Nubian black castrated goats(body weight(BW),(22.64±1.82)kg;4-mon-old)were randomized into one of the four treatment groups with 12 replicates of one castrated goat per replicate for each treatment in a completely randomized design.Each group was fed on one of the four experimental diets for 40 days.A factorial arrangement of treatments of 2(formic acid levels:0 and 0.6%)×2(corn flour:0 and 10%)was adopted.Formic acid supplementation increased(P<0.05)average daily gain,as well as lactic acid,propionate and butyric acid and water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations,but decreased(P<0.05)the feed conversion rate,pH value,acetate/propionate ratio,and butyric acid concentration relative to the CON group.Corn flour supplementation increased(P<0.05)the apparent digestibility of crude protein,neutral detergent fiber,and non-fibrous carbohydrate and Fibrobacter succinogenes,Ruminococcus albus,and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens populations,but decreased(P<0.05)the Ruminococcus flavefaciens population relative to the CON group.There were no F×C treatment interactions(P>0.05)for any of the other indices except for the apparent digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrate(NFC)(P<0.05).The results demonstrated that adding 0.6% formic acid and 10% corn flour supplementation to banana pseudostem silages improved the nutritional quality of these silages and enhanced the growth performance of Nubian black castrated goats by improving apparent nutrient digestibility,and regulating ruminal fermentation and bacteria populations.展开更多
Six rumen-cannulated lactating Guanzhong goats were used to investigate changes in ruminal fermentation pattern and the microbiota following a subacute rtmainal acidosis （SARA） inducing procedure. Induction of SARA ...Six rumen-cannulated lactating Guanzhong goats were used to investigate changes in ruminal fermentation pattern and the microbiota following a subacute rtmainal acidosis （SARA） inducing procedure. Induction of SARA was performed by increasing dietary non-fiber carbohydrate （NFC） to neutral detergent fiber （NDF） ratio from 1.02 （stage 1） to 1.24 （stage 2）, 1.63 （stage 3） and 2.58 （stage 4）. A dynamic pH monitoring system, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and conventional anaerobic culture were used to assess changes in ruminal pH and microbiota. Results indicated that rumen fermentation patterns changed significantly with increased NFC：NDF ratio. The decline in ruminal pH was caused by increased ruminal total volatile fatty acids （TVFA）, which was mainly attributed to a significant increase in ruminal butyrate, rather than the accumulation of ruminal lactic acid. In addition, in the course of SARA, the number of rumen microoganisms altered significantly, with increases in ruminal amylolytic bacteria, Lactobacilli, Streptococcus bovis and Megasphaera elsdenii, the latter particularly dramatically indicating that it may be the main factor responsible for the increase in butyrate, and decrease in protozoa.展开更多
In this study,the decay of maternal peste des petits ruminants virus(PPRV) antibodies in kids born to goats vaccinated with Asian lineage IV PPR vaccine and the efficacy of passive immunity against PPRV was assessed t...In this study,the decay of maternal peste des petits ruminants virus(PPRV) antibodies in kids born to goats vaccinated with Asian lineage IV PPR vaccine and the efficacy of passive immunity against PPRV was assessed to determine the appropriate period for vaccination in kids.Serum samples collected from kids born to vaccinated,unvaccinated and infected goats at different time intervals were tested by PPR competitive ELISA and serum neutralization test(SNT).Maternal antibodies in kids were detectable up to 6 months with a decline trend from the third month onwards and receded below the protective level by the fourth month.The kid with an SN titre of 1:8 at the time of immunization showed significant PPRV specific antibody response(percentage inhibition of 76;SN titers >1:16),when tested on 21 day post-vaccination and was completely protected from infection upon virulent PPRV challenge.Similarly,the kid with 1:8 SN titers was completely protected from PPR infection on active challenge.Therefore,PPR vaccination is recommended in kids,aged 4 months and born to immunized or exposed goats.This could be a suitable period to avoid window of susceptibility in kids to PPRV and the effort to eliminate PPR infection from susceptible populations.展开更多
The aim of this study was to compare the quality characteristics and mineral content of the fiber from male and female cashmere goats raised under different management systems. Male and female Raeini cashmere goats （...The aim of this study was to compare the quality characteristics and mineral content of the fiber from male and female cashmere goats raised under different management systems. Male and female Raeini cashmere goats （〈1.5 years of age, n=48） were selected from flocks raised at a government breeding station or raised commercially under either rural or nomadic conditions. The staple length, cashmere fiber diameter, coefficient of variation for fiber diameter, percentage of cashmere in a fleece, percentage of guard hair in a fleece and cashmere tenacity averaged 4.6 ±0.1 cm, 18.0 ±0.1 um, 20.9±0.4%, 66.1 ± 1.5%, 33.8± 1.5% and 1.8±0.2 gf/tex, respectively. The sulfur, copper and zinc content of the cashmere averaged 2.8 ± 0.1%, 0.00065 ± 0.00002% and 0.01276 ± 0.00025%, respectively. Rearing method significantly affected staple length, coefficient of variation of fiber diameter, cashmere tenacity and copper content. Males had a higher coefficient of variation of fiber diameter and cashmere tenacity than females （P 〈 0.05）.展开更多
Background: The newly proposed methanogenic order ‘Methanomassiliicoccales' is the second largest archaeal population in the rumen, second only to the Methanobrevibacter population. However, information is limite...Background: The newly proposed methanogenic order ‘Methanomassiliicoccales' is the second largest archaeal population in the rumen, second only to the Methanobrevibacter population. However, information is limited regarding the community of this new order in the rumen.Methods: This study used real-time PCR and 454 pyrosequencing to explore the abundance and community composition of Methanomassiliicoccales in the rumen of Chinese goats fed a hay(0% grain, n = 5) or a high grain(65% grain, n = 5) diet.Results: Real-time PCR analysis showed that the relative abundance of Methanomassili coccales(% of total archaea) in the goat rumen was significantly lower in the high-grain-diet group(0.5% ± 0.2%) than that in the hay-diet group(8.2% ± 1.1%, P < 0.05). The pyrosequencing results showed that a total of 208 operational taxonomic units(OTUs) were formed from ten samples at 99% sequence identity. All the sequences were identified as Methanomassiliicoccaceae at the family level, and most of the sequences(96.82% ± 1.64%) were further classified as Group 8, 9, and 10 at the Methanomassiliicoccales genus level in each sample based on the RIM-DB database. No significant differences were observed in the number of OTUs or Chao1's, Shannon's or Pielou's evenness indexes between the hay-and high-grain-diet groups(P ≥ 0.05). PCoA analysis showed that diet altered the community of Methanomassiliicoccales.At the genus level, the relative abundances of Group 10(67.25 ± 12.76 vs. 38.13 ± 15.66, P = 0.012) and Group 4(2.07 ± 1.30 vs. 0.27 ± 0.30, P = 0.035) were significantly higher in the high-grain-diet group, while the relative abundance of Group9 was significantly higher in the hay-diet group(18.82 ± 6.20 vs. 47.14 ± 17.72, P = 0.020). At the species level, the relative abundance of Group 10 sp.(67.25 ± 12.76 vs. 38.13 ± 15.66, P = 0.012) and Group 4 sp. MpT 1(2.07 ± 1.30 vs. 0.27 ± 0.30,P = 0.035) were significantly higher in the high-grain-diet group, while the relative abundance of Group 9 sp. ISO4-G1 was significantly higher in the hay-diet group(12.83 ± 3.87 vs. 42.44 ± 18.47, P = 0.022).Conclusions: Only a few highly abundant phylogenetic groups dominated within the Methanomassiliicoccales community in the rumens of Chinese goats, and these were easily depressed by high-grain-diet feeding. The relatively low abundance suggests a small contribution on the part of Methanomassiliicoccales to the rumen methanogenesis of Chinese goats.展开更多
Background: Identifying associations between genetic markers and traits of economic importance will provide practical benefits for the dairy goat industry, enabling genomic prediction of the breeding value of individu...Background: Identifying associations between genetic markers and traits of economic importance will provide practical benefits for the dairy goat industry, enabling genomic prediction of the breeding value of individuals, and facilitating discovery of the underlying genes and mutations. Genome-wide association studies were implemented to detect genetic regions that are significantly associated with effects on lactation yields of milk(MY), fat(FY),protein(PY) and somatic cell score(SCS) in New Zealand dairy goats.Methods: A total of 4,840 goats were genotyped with the Caprine 50 K SNP chip(Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA).After quality filtering, 3,732 animals and 41,989 SNPs were analysed assuming an additive linear model. Four GWAS models were performed, a single-SNP additive linear model and three multi-SNP Bayes C models. For the single-SNP GWAS, SNPs were fitted individually as fixed covariates, while the Bayes C models fit all SNPs simultaneously as random effects. A cluster of significant SNPs were used to define a haplotype block whose alleles were fitted as covariates in a Bayesian model. The corresponding diplotypes of the haplotype block were then fit as class variables in another Bayesian model.Results: Across all four traits, a total of 43 genome-wide significant SNPs were detected from the SNP GWAS. At a genome-wide significance level, the single-SNP analysis identified a cluster of variants on chromosome 19 associated with MY, FY, PY, and another cluster on chromosome 29 associated with SCS. Significant SNPs mapped in introns of candidate genes(45%), in intergenic regions(36%), were 0–5 kb upstream or downstream of the closest gene(14%) or were synonymous substitutions(5%). The most significant genomic window was located on chromosome 19 explaining up to 9.6% of the phenotypic variation for MY, 8.1% for FY, 9.1% for PY and 1% for SCS.Conclusions: The quantitative trait loci for yield traits on chromosome 19 confirms reported findings in other dairy goat populations. There is benefit to be gained from using these results for genomic selection to improve milk production in New Zealand dairy goats.展开更多
基金supported,in part,by Key Research and Development Projects of Henan,China(231111111600)the National Key R&D Program(2023YFD1801200)the China Agriculture(sheep and goats)Research System(CARS-38).
文摘Sheep and goat coccidiosis has a worldwide distribution and is an important disease on lambing farms.Infection with multiple Eimeria species can lead to severe intestinal damage in sheep/goats and economic losses on farms.Disease is a serious constraint to the healthy development of small ruminant farming.Studies published on PubMed,CNKI,VIP,Wanfang and the resulting references of selected studies were included.Risk factors affecting prevalence were analyzed and stratified by geographic location and climatic variables,age,sex,feeding model,season,sample year,breeds and environment.The total prevalence of coccidia in sheep and goats reached more than 60%in most regions,in which the dominant species in sheep were mainly E.parva,E.ovinoidalis,and E.parva and E.ahsata.East China had the lowest prevalence of coccidia infection in sheep(43.24%),and the dominant species were different from those in the other regions,mainly E.bakuensis and E.gonzalezi.Southwestern China and Central China had slightly less than 40.0%goat coccidia infection,and the dominant species in goats were mainly E.arloingi,E.aligevi,E.hirci and E.ninakohlyakimovae.Sheep/goats of different ages can be infected with coccidiosis,but lambs between 1 and 3 months of age are more susceptible to the disease.When lambs become infected,the pathogen spreads rapidly throughout the herd.Spring,summer and autumn are the seasons with a high incidence of this disease.Environmental pollution may be a significant factor in the development of coccidiosis in sheep raised in large-scale housing.This study provides a comprehensive overview of the species,morphology and geographic distribution of Eimeria species in sheep and goats,summary prevalence in different regions of China,risk factors affecting prevalence,and prevention and control strategies.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2023YFE0111800)Shaanxi Livestock and Poultry Breeding Double-chain Fusion Key Project(grant number 2022GD-TSLD-46-0501)。
文摘Background The diverse types and processing methods of grains intricately influence the sites and digestibility of starch digestion,thereby impacting energy utilization.This study aimed to explore the impact of grain variety and processing methods on the net energy(NE)in dairy goats,analyzing these effects at the level of nutrient digestion and metabolism.Methods Eighteen castrated Guanzhong dairy goats(44.25±3.59 kg BW)were randomly divided into 3 groups,each consisting of 6 replicates.The substitution method was employed to determine the NE values of the dry-rolled corn(DRC),dry-rolled wheat(DRW)or steam-flaked corn(SFC,360 g/L).Briefly,two phases were performed.Throughout the basal phase,all goats were fed the same basal diet.In the substitution phase,30%of the basal diet was replaced with DRC,DRW and SFC,respectively.Results In this study,the NE values of the DRC,DRW and SFC were 7.65,7.54 and 7.44 MJ/kg DM,respectively.Compared to the DRC group,the DRW group showed increased digestibility of starch and crude protein(CP).Similarly,the SFC group exhibited increased organic matter(OM)and starch digestibility and a trend towards higher dry matter(DM)digestibility,reduced fecal OM and starch content.Additionally,fecal volatile fatty acid(VFA)concentrations decreased in goats fed SFC.Correspondingly,digestible energy(DE)in the DRW and SFC groups tended to be higher than in the DRC group.DRW increased total VFA concentration compared to DRC,while SFC increased the proportion of propionate and decreased the acetate-to-propionate ratio in the rumen.Both the DRW and SFC diets elevated serum glucose levels.Furthermore,heat increment(HI)and gaseous energy(Gas E)related to fermentation were significantly higher in the DRW and SFC groups compared to the DRC group.Conclusion Our findings indicated that DRW and SFC increased rumen starch fermentation in goats,thereby improving total tract starch digestion and DE.However,DRW and SFC failed to improve NE value due to increased heat and gas energy production from fermentation.Therefore,excessively refined grains processing in the diet of dairy goats does not effectively improve energy efficiency.
文摘If there’s one meat dish Ugandan people really enjoy,that’s goat meat.Across the country in restaurants,bars and clubs,the aroma of roasted goat meat wafts enticingly,attracting people at all hours of the day and night.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program for International Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation between Governments(2023YFE0111800)the Shaanxi Province’s San Qin Talent Attraction Program for Regional Youth Talents.
文摘Background Subacute rumen acidosis(SARA)is a common metabolic disorder in ruminants that disrupts the rumen microbiome and animal health,but diagnosis is challenging due to subtle symptoms and invasive testing require-ments.This study explores the potential of the buccal(oral)microbiome as a diagnostic indicator for SARA,hypoth-esizing an interaction with the rumen microbiome.Results The study involved 47 dairy goats,including 11 on a control diet and 36 on high-concentrate diets with increasing rumen-degradable starch.Animals were grouped based on dietary exposure and ruminal pH:Control,Low-RDS Tolerance/SARA(LRDST/LRDSS),and High-RDS Tolerance/SARA(HRDST/HRDSS).Transcriptomics of rumen epithelium showed heightened inflammatory pathway gene expression in SARA-susceptible goats compared to controls and tolerant groups.Alpha diversity of ruminal bacteria showed lower Shannon diversity in HRDSS goats compared to HRDST whereas buccal bacteria displayed significantly lower Chao1 diversity in LRDSS goats compared to HRDST.Beta diversity analyses revealed distinct patterns between SARA-affected goats and healthy controls in both ruminal and buccal microbiomes.Prevotellaceae_UCG-003 emerged as a candidate biomarker,with reduced abundance in SARA-susceptible goats in both rumen and buccal samples.Machine learning classifiers achieved high accuracy in distinguishing SARA-susceptible goats using this genus(rumen AUC=0.807;buccal AUC=0.779).Source tracking analysis illustrated diminished cross-population of bacteria from the buccal to rumen(2.86%to 0.25%)and vice versa(8.59%to 1.17%),signifying compromised microbial interchange in SARA-affected goats.A microbiota transplant experiment verified SARA microbiota’s ability to induce pH decline,escalate inflammation-related gene expression(MAPK10,IL17B,FOSB,SPP1),disrupt microbial transfer,and reduce Prevotellaceae_UCG-003 in recipients.Conclusion Our findings highlight SARA’s dual impact on ruminal and buccal microbiota,exacerbating epithelial inflammation gene expression.Shifts in the buccal microbiome,specifically reductions in Prevotellaceae_UCG-003,mirror ruminal changes and can be influenced by inter-compartmental bacterial transmission,thereby offering a non-invasive diagnostic approach for SARA.
文摘Background Meat goat production is a worldwide industry with products such as meat,milk,soap,and fiber being produced.There are approximately 2.6 million meat goats in the United States.For breeding female ruminants,early pregnancy loss is estimated to be 30%within the first month of gestation.Extracellular L-citrulline(a precursor to L-arginine)is not degraded by ruminal microbes due to the lack of uptake.L-Arginine and thus L-citrulline,have beneficial impacts on placentation and,subsequently,fetal-placental development and survival.This study aimed to determine the impact of feeding L-citrulline to meat goats during gestation to improve reproductive success.Meat goats were fed either a control(CON)or L-citrulline(CIT)supplemented diet from d 12 to 82 of gestation.Blood samples were collected and sera were subjected to high-performance liquid chromatography analyses to quantify the abundance of amino acids.Pregnancy rates were determined on d 30,61,and 90 of gestation,and litter weight,individual birth weights,and 90 d adjusted weaning weights were collected.Results The concentrations of citrulline,ornithine,and arginine were greater in CIT does compared to CON does,but there was no difference in pregnancy rates between CON and CIT does.Birth weight was greater for male kids born as singles when compared to females,but this phenotype was not observed for kids born as twins or triplets.Further,males born to CON does had greater 90 d adjusted weaning weights than females,but this was not observed in the CIT group.Female kids born to CON and CIT Boer goats had heavier 90 d adjusted weaning weights than those born to Spanish or F1 Boer-Spanish does.Conclusion This study provides proof of concept that feeding dietary L-citrulline increases concentrations of citrul-line and arginine in blood of gestating meat goats.However,further studies are needed to understand the cellular mechanisms impacted by feeding this supplement.Regardless,this study demonstrated that feeding L-citrulline has the potential to increase reproductive performance in gestating ruminants.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFD1300202)Collection,Utilization,and Innovation of Animal Resources by Research Institutes and Enterprises of Chongqing(Cqnyncw-kqlhtxm),Chongqing Modern Agricultural Industry Technology System(CQMAITS202413)National Training Program of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Undergraduates(S202310635040)。
文摘The genetic regulation of hair density in animals remains poorly understood.The Dazu black goat,characterized by its black coarse hair and white skin,provides a unique model for dissecting coarse hair density(CHD).Using high-resolution micro-camera imaging,this study analyzed 905 skin images,33 skin transcriptomes,272 whole-genome sequences,and 182 downloaded transcriptomes.Morphological assessment from juvenile to adult stages revealed the thickening of hair shafts accompanied by a progressive decline in density,largely attributable to rapid surface expansion of the trunk skin.Transcriptomic comparison between high-and low-CHD individuals identified 572 differentially expressed genes(DEGs).A genome-wide association study detected 25 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms(P<9.07e-8)and mapped 48 annotated genes,with the most prominent association signal located near GJA1 on chr9.15931585-18621011.Literature review and Venn analysis highlighted six genes(GJA1,GPRC5D,CD1D,CD207,TFAM,and CXCL12)with documented roles in skin and hair biology,and three genes(GJA1,GPRC5D,and ATP6V1B1)overlapped with DEGs.Multiple-tissue transcriptomic profiling,western blotting,immunohistochemical staining,and skin single-cell RNA sequencing confirmed that GJA1 and GPRC5D were highly and specifically expressed in skin,particularly within hair follicles.Expression was localized predominantly to follicular stem cells and dermal papilla cells,suggesting a significant role in folliculogenesis and structural maintenance.Cross-validation using four public datasets further demonstrated positive correlations between GJA1 and GPRC5D expression and hair follicle density.The innovative micro-camera application allowed the elucidation of spatiotemporal patterns and genes associated with CHD,thereby addressing a significant knowledge gap in animal hair density.
基金supported by funding from Texas A&M AgriLife ResearchPrairie View A&M University International Center for Goat Research。
文摘Background Lactational performance depends heavily on age,health,and nutrition.L-Citrulline(Cit)is an effective precursor of L-arginine(Arg),an amino acid that has important roles in synthesis of nitric oxide(NO)and polyamines.Ruminal microbes degrade extracellular Arg;however,extracellular L-citrulline(Cit)is not degraded by ruminal microbes due to lack of uptake and can be fed unencapsulated as a precursor for Arg.As NO is a vasodilator,an increase in blood flow and transport of molecules to mammary tissue may enhance lactational performance and milk composition.Increases in polyamine production may increase milk protein synthesis within mammary tissue,thus increasing milk protein content.This study determined,for the first time,effects of dietary Cit supplementation on milk production and milk composition of Alpine dairy goats.Methods Does were synchronized to estrus and bred to Alpine bucks.Parturition was induced on d 149 of gestation and does were suckled overnight allowing kid(s)to obtain colostrum before being milked 24 h later(d 1 of lactation).Does were assigned to either control(CON,n=24)or Cit(CIT,n=23)diets.The isonitrogenous control diet consisted of 97.63%basal diet and 2.37%supplement(1.37%L-alanine and 1.00%soybean hydrogenated oil).The CIT supplemented diet consisted of 97.63%basal diet and 2.37%supplement(0.5%Cit,0.5%L-glutamine,1%soybean hydrogenated oil,0.37%cornstarch).Diets were group fed ad-libitum by treatment group.Blood samples were collected on d 0 and 30 of lactation,milk volumes measured twice daily,and on d 10,20,and 40 of lactation,milk samples were collected.Results CIT-treated does had greater daily milk production(P<0.05)and there was an effect of day of lactation on daily milk production(P<0.0001).Sire had significant effect on daily milk production as well(P<0.05).Milk compositional analyses revealed Cit supplementation increased solid-non-fat(SNF;P<0.05)and protein(P<0.05)content in milk.Conclusions Our novel results indicate that dietary supplementation of Cit fed ad-libitum in Alpine does increased daily milk yield,milk SNF content,and protein content.Supplemental Cit may be a proxy for Arg in goats to enhance lactational performance.
文摘Daytime activity budgets of feral goats （ Capra hircus ） were studied in 1981, 1982 and 2000 on the Isle of Rum, northwest Scotland. This paper analyzes the influence of key weather variables （temperature and rainfall） and seasonal variations in daylength on daytime activity budgets. This study showed that the percentage of daytime spent in feeding by feral goats on Rum Island decreased with average monthly temperature, while the percentage of daytime spent in lying increased and rainfall had no significant effects on the percentage daytime spent in feeding or lying. The daylength varied greatly from January to December with the longest daylength being in June and July, and the shortest one in December and January. The amount of daytime spent feeding decreased from summer to winter, although the percentage of daytime spent feeding increased greatly from summer to winter. The seasonal variations in daylength seem to be an important factor in constraining feral goats＇ activity, especially in the cold and wet winters when forage biomass and quality are both at their lowest level. We discuss the influence of such constraining effects on the forage intake of these goats and their winter survival rate, as well as its implication for population regulation of these goats.
基金Supported by the Program of High Innovation Technology of Jiangsu Province(BG2006301)~~
文摘[Objective] The aim was to study the effect of the muscle histological characteristics of Haimen goats on meat quality.[Method] Twelve-month-old Haimen goats and Bore × Haimen F1（♂）were used as the materials to systematically research the muscle histological properties of different sexes and muscles.[Result] The results revealed that the muscle fiber area and myofibril diameter,sarcomere length,light band length,dark band length,hall band length of quadriceps femoris of Haimen female goats were extremely significantly higher than male goats（P〈0.01）;However,that of longissimus dorsi muscle was extremely significantly lower than male goats（P〈0.01）.There was significant difference（P〈0.05）or extremely significant difference（P〈0.01）between muscle microstructure and ultrastructure among the same sex and different muscles.There were a large number of mitochondria,glycogen granules and fat droplet within muscle fiber from Haimen male goats,which indicated that oxidative metabolism rate was high,water retention was good and the meat was tender,succulent and distinct.[Conclusion] The study provided theoretical basis for breeding,development and utilization of Haimen goats and variety evaluation of local goats in China.
基金Supported by Agricultural High-tech Project of Jiangsu Province(BG2006304)~~
文摘[Objective] The paper aims to study the relationship between genetic polymorphisms of three gene loci and growth character of Haimen Goats to provide reference to promote Haimen Goat growth character and cultivate Haimen Goat new strain of fast-growth.[Method] We processed analysis and related statistical analysis on three gene loci of Haimen Goats with PCR-RFLP and PCR-SSCP.[Result] The results suggested that there were two genotypes in MSTN gene IntronⅡ,GH gene exonⅠ and GH gene exonⅡ in Haimen Goats.Different genotypes of these gene loci had different effects on relative growth character of Haimen Goats.[Conclusion] This study had a significant meaning about promoting Haimen Goat avoirdupois by marker assistant option.
基金Supported by Special Fund for Animal Husbandry Science and Technology in Sichuan Province~~
文摘[Objective] This study was conducted to understand goat germplasm char- acteristics. [Method] With some 24-month-old males and females Tibet goats as experimental materials, a slaughter experiment was carried out to determine their slaughter performance, muscle quality and muscle nutritional components. [Result] The body weights of males and females before slaughter were （20.16±1.26） and （19.33±4.86） kg, respectively; the dressing percentages of males and females were （43.86±1.74）% and （44.08±5.46）%, respectively; the meat percentages were （32.43± 1.52）% and （32.72±3.97）%, respectively; and the meat production rates of carcass were （73.28±0.09）% and （73.16±0.85）%, respectively. There were less differences in carcass measurements, carcass segmentation, muscle quality, muscle fiber charac- teristics, muscle nutritional components, muscle mineral contents and heavy metal contents between males and females, while eye muscle area and hind leg meat weight of males were significantly higher than those of females. In muscles of males and females, 18 amino acids were detected totally, EAA/TAA values were （39.23±0.24）% and （38.70±0.15）%, respectively, and EAA/NEAA values were （64.73± 0.65）% and （63.17±0.41）%, respectively. [Conclusion] This study lays a foundation for overall understanding of germplasm characteristics of Tibetan goats.
基金Supported by Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK2007561)~~
文摘[Objective] The aim of this study was to reveal the relationship between inihibin （INH） α precursor gene and seasonal reproduction of goats, and investigate the evolutionary conservation of INHα precursor gene. [ Method] Cloning and sequence analysis of 5＇ flanking region and exon of inihibinα （INHE） precursor gene in twenty ewes between non-seasonal estrous breed （Haimen goats） and seasonal estrous breed （Anhui white goats） was analyzed in this study. [ Result] Compared with Anhui white goats, INHα precursor gene in Haimen goats had three SNP but no amino acid change, while its nucleotide homology was 99.7% and amino acid homology was 100%. The nucleotide homology of INHα precursor gene in goat, cattle, pig, person, chicken, horse, rat and dog ranged from 12.7% to 96.5%. [ Conclusion] INHα precursor gene tends to be highly conserved in species, and any change of nucleotide and amino acid maybe directly influence the function of the whole gene coding and regulation.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFD0500500)Key Research and Development Program of Shaanxi Province(2017ZDXM-NY-086)
文摘Background: In rumen fermentation, fumaric acid(FA) could competitively utilize hydrogen with methanogenesis to enhance propionate production and suppress methane emission, but both effects were diet-dependent. This study aimed to explore the effects of FA supplementation on methanogenesis and rumen fermentation in goats fed diets varying in forage and concentrate particle size.Methods: Four rumen-cannulated goats were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments: low or high ratio of forage particle size: concentrate particle size(Fps:Cps), without or with FA supplementation(24 g/d). Fps:Cps was higher in the diet with chopped alfalfa hay plus ground corn than in that with ground alfalfa hay plus crushed corn.Results: Both increasing dietary Fps:Cps and FA supplementation shifted ruminal volatile fatty acid(VFA) patterns toward more propionate and less acetate in goats. An interaction between dietary Fps:Cps and FA supplementation was observed for the ratio of acetate to propionate(A:P), which was more predominant when FA was supplemented in the low-Fps:Cps diet. Methane production was reduced by FA, and the reduction was larger in the low-Fps:Cps diet(31.72%) than in the high-Fps:Cps diet(17.91%). Fumaric acid decreased ruminal total VFA concentration and increased ruminal p H. No difference was found in ruminal DM degradation of concentrate or alfalfa hay by dietary Fps:Cps or FA. Goats presented a lower ruminal methanogen abundance with FA supplementation and a higher B. fibrisolvens abundance with high dietary Fps:Cps.Conclusions: Adjusting dietary Fps:Cps is an alternative dietary model for studying diet-dependent effects without changing dietary chemical composition. Fumaric acid supplementation in the low-Fps:Cps diet showed greater responses in methane mitigation and propionate increase.
基金supported by the Program for New Century Excellent Talents in University(No.NCET-11-0489)the Key Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31470119)
文摘Background： Exogenous melatonin could induce cashmere growth. However, induced growth of cashmere fleece by melatonin implants cannot be combined with the typical growth, resulting in earlier shedding followed by another cycle of cashmere growth. To address this issue, we examine the effects on the cashmere yield, fibre characteristics, and the growth and reproductive performance of cashmere goats of planned administration of melatonin. Methods： Eighteen half-sib, female goats were assigned to two treatments （n = 9） including a control and a treatment where melatonin （2 mg/kg BW） was implanted at the end of April and end of June. Cashmere growth and shedding were observed for approximately ] year following implantation. Fibre samples were collected monthly to determine cumulative cashmere length. Initiation and cessation dates for cashmere growth as well as the rate of cashmere growth were calculated. Cashmere yield, weight gain of dam, kidding date, litter size, and birth weight were also recorded. Results： Melatonin implantation increased cashmere yield by 34.5 % （control 553.7 g vs. melatonin 745.0 g; P〈 0.01）, cashmere length by 21.3 % （control 95.2 mm vs. melatonin 115.4 mm; P 〈 0.01）, and decreased fibre diameter by 4.4 % （control 14.6 pm vs. melatonin 14.0 IJm; P 〈 0.03）. In melatonin-treated goats, the average initiation date was earlier than in control goats （May 18, 2013 vs. July 2, 20]3; P〈 0.01） but there was a similar cessation date （March 22, 2014 vs. March 27, 2014）. Consequently, the duration of cashmere growth was longer in melatonin-treated goats than in control goats （307 vs.270 days; P 〈 0.01）. The final BW, average daily gain, kidding date, litter size, and birth weight were not influenced by melatonin implantation. Conclusions： These data indicate that melatonin implantation （2 mg/kg BW） on two occasions （late April and June） increased cashmere yield by combining the induced growth of cashmere fleece with the typical growth and decreased the fibre diameter without changing dam growth rate or reproductive performance.
基金This research was supported by the China Special Fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest(Investigation on strategies of fattening and high-quality meat productive techniques for herbivores based on resources of unconventional roughage in Southern China)(201303144)the Top Talents Award Plan of Yangzhou University,China(2016,2020)+4 种基金the Cyanine Project of Yangzhou University(2020)the Technology Specialty Fund for Cooperation between Jilin Province and the Chinese Academy of Sciences,2016SYHZ0022)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2016YFD0700201)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31902180)the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province Research Project,China(BK20170488).
文摘The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding formic acid and corn flour supplementation to banana pseudostem silages on the nutritional quality of these silages,growth,digestion,rumen fermentation and cellulolytic bacterial community of Nubian black goats fed these silages.Banana pseudostem silage was prepared either conventionally without any additives(CON)or mixed with 0.6% formic acid(F),10% corn flour(C),or both(F+C).Four experimental diets containing 40% of the corresponding silages were designed with roughage to concentrate ratio of 50:50(dry matter(DM)basis).A total of 48 Nubian black castrated goats(body weight(BW),(22.64±1.82)kg;4-mon-old)were randomized into one of the four treatment groups with 12 replicates of one castrated goat per replicate for each treatment in a completely randomized design.Each group was fed on one of the four experimental diets for 40 days.A factorial arrangement of treatments of 2(formic acid levels:0 and 0.6%)×2(corn flour:0 and 10%)was adopted.Formic acid supplementation increased(P<0.05)average daily gain,as well as lactic acid,propionate and butyric acid and water-soluble carbohydrate concentrations,but decreased(P<0.05)the feed conversion rate,pH value,acetate/propionate ratio,and butyric acid concentration relative to the CON group.Corn flour supplementation increased(P<0.05)the apparent digestibility of crude protein,neutral detergent fiber,and non-fibrous carbohydrate and Fibrobacter succinogenes,Ruminococcus albus,and Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens populations,but decreased(P<0.05)the Ruminococcus flavefaciens population relative to the CON group.There were no F×C treatment interactions(P>0.05)for any of the other indices except for the apparent digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrate(NFC)(P<0.05).The results demonstrated that adding 0.6% formic acid and 10% corn flour supplementation to banana pseudostem silages improved the nutritional quality of these silages and enhanced the growth performance of Nubian black castrated goats by improving apparent nutrient digestibility,and regulating ruminal fermentation and bacteria populations.
基金support from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30960252)the earmarked fund for Modern Agro-Industry Technology Research System of China
文摘Six rumen-cannulated lactating Guanzhong goats were used to investigate changes in ruminal fermentation pattern and the microbiota following a subacute rtmainal acidosis （SARA） inducing procedure. Induction of SARA was performed by increasing dietary non-fiber carbohydrate （NFC） to neutral detergent fiber （NDF） ratio from 1.02 （stage 1） to 1.24 （stage 2）, 1.63 （stage 3） and 2.58 （stage 4）. A dynamic pH monitoring system, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR and conventional anaerobic culture were used to assess changes in ruminal pH and microbiota. Results indicated that rumen fermentation patterns changed significantly with increased NFC：NDF ratio. The decline in ruminal pH was caused by increased ruminal total volatile fatty acids （TVFA）, which was mainly attributed to a significant increase in ruminal butyrate, rather than the accumulation of ruminal lactic acid. In addition, in the course of SARA, the number of rumen microoganisms altered significantly, with increases in ruminal amylolytic bacteria, Lactobacilli, Streptococcus bovis and Megasphaera elsdenii, the latter particularly dramatically indicating that it may be the main factor responsible for the increase in butyrate, and decrease in protozoa.
基金Project Directorate on Animal Disease Monitoring and Surveillance(PD_ADMAS)
文摘In this study,the decay of maternal peste des petits ruminants virus(PPRV) antibodies in kids born to goats vaccinated with Asian lineage IV PPR vaccine and the efficacy of passive immunity against PPRV was assessed to determine the appropriate period for vaccination in kids.Serum samples collected from kids born to vaccinated,unvaccinated and infected goats at different time intervals were tested by PPR competitive ELISA and serum neutralization test(SNT).Maternal antibodies in kids were detectable up to 6 months with a decline trend from the third month onwards and receded below the protective level by the fourth month.The kid with an SN titre of 1:8 at the time of immunization showed significant PPRV specific antibody response(percentage inhibition of 76;SN titers >1:16),when tested on 21 day post-vaccination and was completely protected from infection upon virulent PPRV challenge.Similarly,the kid with 1:8 SN titers was completely protected from PPR infection on active challenge.Therefore,PPR vaccination is recommended in kids,aged 4 months and born to immunized or exposed goats.This could be a suitable period to avoid window of susceptibility in kids to PPRV and the effort to eliminate PPR infection from susceptible populations.
基金the Agricultural Research Center of Kerman for their financial support
文摘The aim of this study was to compare the quality characteristics and mineral content of the fiber from male and female cashmere goats raised under different management systems. Male and female Raeini cashmere goats （〈1.5 years of age, n=48） were selected from flocks raised at a government breeding station or raised commercially under either rural or nomadic conditions. The staple length, cashmere fiber diameter, coefficient of variation for fiber diameter, percentage of cashmere in a fleece, percentage of guard hair in a fleece and cashmere tenacity averaged 4.6 ±0.1 cm, 18.0 ±0.1 um, 20.9±0.4%, 66.1 ± 1.5%, 33.8± 1.5% and 1.8±0.2 gf/tex, respectively. The sulfur, copper and zinc content of the cashmere averaged 2.8 ± 0.1%, 0.00065 ± 0.00002% and 0.01276 ± 0.00025%, respectively. Rearing method significantly affected staple length, coefficient of variation of fiber diameter, cashmere tenacity and copper content. Males had a higher coefficient of variation of fiber diameter and cashmere tenacity than females （P 〈 0.05）.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China(31301999,31101735)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(KYZ201412)
文摘Background: The newly proposed methanogenic order ‘Methanomassiliicoccales' is the second largest archaeal population in the rumen, second only to the Methanobrevibacter population. However, information is limited regarding the community of this new order in the rumen.Methods: This study used real-time PCR and 454 pyrosequencing to explore the abundance and community composition of Methanomassiliicoccales in the rumen of Chinese goats fed a hay(0% grain, n = 5) or a high grain(65% grain, n = 5) diet.Results: Real-time PCR analysis showed that the relative abundance of Methanomassili coccales(% of total archaea) in the goat rumen was significantly lower in the high-grain-diet group(0.5% ± 0.2%) than that in the hay-diet group(8.2% ± 1.1%, P < 0.05). The pyrosequencing results showed that a total of 208 operational taxonomic units(OTUs) were formed from ten samples at 99% sequence identity. All the sequences were identified as Methanomassiliicoccaceae at the family level, and most of the sequences(96.82% ± 1.64%) were further classified as Group 8, 9, and 10 at the Methanomassiliicoccales genus level in each sample based on the RIM-DB database. No significant differences were observed in the number of OTUs or Chao1's, Shannon's or Pielou's evenness indexes between the hay-and high-grain-diet groups(P ≥ 0.05). PCoA analysis showed that diet altered the community of Methanomassiliicoccales.At the genus level, the relative abundances of Group 10(67.25 ± 12.76 vs. 38.13 ± 15.66, P = 0.012) and Group 4(2.07 ± 1.30 vs. 0.27 ± 0.30, P = 0.035) were significantly higher in the high-grain-diet group, while the relative abundance of Group9 was significantly higher in the hay-diet group(18.82 ± 6.20 vs. 47.14 ± 17.72, P = 0.020). At the species level, the relative abundance of Group 10 sp.(67.25 ± 12.76 vs. 38.13 ± 15.66, P = 0.012) and Group 4 sp. MpT 1(2.07 ± 1.30 vs. 0.27 ± 0.30,P = 0.035) were significantly higher in the high-grain-diet group, while the relative abundance of Group 9 sp. ISO4-G1 was significantly higher in the hay-diet group(12.83 ± 3.87 vs. 42.44 ± 18.47, P = 0.022).Conclusions: Only a few highly abundant phylogenetic groups dominated within the Methanomassiliicoccales community in the rumens of Chinese goats, and these were easily depressed by high-grain-diet feeding. The relatively low abundance suggests a small contribution on the part of Methanomassiliicoccales to the rumen methanogenesis of Chinese goats.
基金funded by the Dairy Goat Co-operative,New Zealand。
文摘Background: Identifying associations between genetic markers and traits of economic importance will provide practical benefits for the dairy goat industry, enabling genomic prediction of the breeding value of individuals, and facilitating discovery of the underlying genes and mutations. Genome-wide association studies were implemented to detect genetic regions that are significantly associated with effects on lactation yields of milk(MY), fat(FY),protein(PY) and somatic cell score(SCS) in New Zealand dairy goats.Methods: A total of 4,840 goats were genotyped with the Caprine 50 K SNP chip(Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA).After quality filtering, 3,732 animals and 41,989 SNPs were analysed assuming an additive linear model. Four GWAS models were performed, a single-SNP additive linear model and three multi-SNP Bayes C models. For the single-SNP GWAS, SNPs were fitted individually as fixed covariates, while the Bayes C models fit all SNPs simultaneously as random effects. A cluster of significant SNPs were used to define a haplotype block whose alleles were fitted as covariates in a Bayesian model. The corresponding diplotypes of the haplotype block were then fit as class variables in another Bayesian model.Results: Across all four traits, a total of 43 genome-wide significant SNPs were detected from the SNP GWAS. At a genome-wide significance level, the single-SNP analysis identified a cluster of variants on chromosome 19 associated with MY, FY, PY, and another cluster on chromosome 29 associated with SCS. Significant SNPs mapped in introns of candidate genes(45%), in intergenic regions(36%), were 0–5 kb upstream or downstream of the closest gene(14%) or were synonymous substitutions(5%). The most significant genomic window was located on chromosome 19 explaining up to 9.6% of the phenotypic variation for MY, 8.1% for FY, 9.1% for PY and 1% for SCS.Conclusions: The quantitative trait loci for yield traits on chromosome 19 confirms reported findings in other dairy goat populations. There is benefit to be gained from using these results for genomic selection to improve milk production in New Zealand dairy goats.
