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
Background Diets rich in starch have been shown to increase a risk of reducing milk fat content in dairy goats.While bile acids(BAs)have been used as a lipid emulsifier in monogastric and aquatic animals,their effect ...Background Diets rich in starch have been shown to increase a risk of reducing milk fat content in dairy goats.While bile acids(BAs)have been used as a lipid emulsifier in monogastric and aquatic animals,their effect on ruminants is not well understood.This study aimed to investigate the impact of BAs supplementation on various aspects of dairy goat physiology,including milk composition,rumen fermentation,gut microbiota,and BA metabolism.Results We randomly divided eighteen healthy primiparity lactating dairy goats(days in milk=100±6 d)into two groups and supplemented them with 0 or 4 g/d of BAs undergoing 5 weeks of feeding on a starch-rich diet.The results showed that BAs supplementation positively influenced milk yield and improved the quality of fatty acids in goat milk.BAs supplementation led to a reduction in saturated fatty acids(C16:0)and an increase in monounsaturated fatty acids(cis-9 C18:1),resulting in a healthier milk fatty acid profile.We observed a significant increase in plasma total bile acid concentration while the proportion of rumen short-chain fatty acids was not affected.Furthermore,BAs supplementation induced significant changes in the composition of the gut microbiota,favoring the enrichment of specific bacterial groups and altering the balance of microbial populations.Correlation analysis revealed associations between specific bacterial groups(Bacillus and Christensenellaceae R-7 group)and BA types,suggesting a role for the gut microbiota in BA metabolism.Functional prediction analysis revealed notable changes in pathways associated with lipid metabolism,suggesting that BAs supplementation has the potential to modulate lipid-related processes.Conclusion These findings highlight the potential benefits of BAs supplementation in enhancing milk production,improving milk quality,and influencing metabolic pathways in dairy goats.Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore the broader implications of these findings.展开更多
Background Milk synthesis in lactating animals demands high energy metabolism,which results in an increased production of reactive oxygen metabolites(ROM)causing an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants thereby ...Background Milk synthesis in lactating animals demands high energy metabolism,which results in an increased production of reactive oxygen metabolites(ROM)causing an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants thereby inducing oxidative stress(OS)on the animals.To mitigate OS and postpartum disorders in dairy goats and gain insight into the impact of dietary choices on redox status during lactation,a feeding trial was conducted using alfalfa silage inoculated with a high-antioxidant strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.Methods Twenty-four Guanzhong dairy goats(38.1±1.20 kg)were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments:one containing silage inoculated with L.plantarum MTD/1(RSMTD-1),and the other containing silage inoculated with high antioxidant activity L.plantarum 24-7(ES24-7).Results ES24-7-inoculated silage exhibited better fermentation quality and antioxidant activity compared to RSMTD-1.The ES24-7 diet elevated the total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC),superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxi-dase(GSH-Px),and catalase(CAT)activities in milk,serum,and feces of lactating goats(with the exception of T-AOC in milk).Additionally,the diet containing ES24-7 inoculated silage enhanced casein yield,milk free fatty acid(FFA)content,and vitamin A level in the goats’milk.Furthermore,an increase of immunoglobulin(Ig)A,IgG,IgM,inter-leukin(IL)-4,and IL-10 concentrations were observed,coupled with a reduction in IL-1β,IL-2,IL-6,interferon(IFN)-γ,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αconcentrations in the serum of lactating goats fed ES24-7.Higher concentrations of total volatile fatty acid(VFA),acetate,and propionate were observed in the rumen fluid of dairy goats fed ES24-7 inoculated silage.Moreover,the diet containing ES24-7 inoculated silage significantly upregulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2(NFE2L2),beta-carotene oxygenase 1(BCO1),SOD1,SOD2,SOD3,GPX2,CAT,glu-tathione-disulfide reductase(GSR),and heme oxygenase 1(HMOX1)genes in the mammary gland,while decreased the levels of NADPH oxidase 4(NOX4),TNF,and interferon gamma(IFNG).Conclusions These findings indicated that feeding L.plantarum 24-7 inoculated alfalfa silage not only improved rumen fermentation and milk quality in lactating dairy goats but also boosted their immunity and antioxidant status by modulating the expression of several genes related to antioxidant and inflammation in the mammary gland.展开更多
Background Clostridium butyricum(CB)is a probiotic that can regulate intestinal microbial composition and improve meat quality.Rumen protected fat(RPF)has been shown to increase the dietary energy density and provide ...Background Clostridium butyricum(CB)is a probiotic that can regulate intestinal microbial composition and improve meat quality.Rumen protected fat(RPF)has been shown to increase the dietary energy density and provide essential fatty acids.However,it is still unknown whether dietary supplementation with CB and RPF exerts beneficial effects on growth performance and nutritional value of goat meat.This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary CB and RPF supplementation on growth performance,meat quality,oxidative stability,and meat nutritional value of finishing goats.Thirty-two goats(initial body weight,20.5±0.82 kg)were used in a completely randomized block design with a 2 RPF supplementation(0 vs.30 g/d)×2 CB supplementation(0 vs.1.0 g/d)factorial treatment arrangement.The experiment included a 14-d adaptation and 70-d data and sample collection period.The goats were fed a diet consisted of 400 g/kg peanut seedling and 600 g/kg corn-based concentrate(dry matter basis).Result Interaction between CB and RPF was rarely observed on the variables measured,except that shear force was reduced(P<0.05)by adding CB or RPF alone or their combination;the increased intramuscular fat(IMF)content with adding RPF was more pronounced(P<0.05)with CB than without CB addition.The pH24h(P=0.009),a*values(P=0.007),total antioxidant capacity(P=0.050),glutathione peroxidase activities(P=0.006),concentrations of 18:3(P<0.001),20:5(P=0.003)and total polyunsaturated fatty acids(P=0.048)were increased,whereas the L*values(P<0.001),shear force(P=0.050)and malondialdehyde content(P=0.044)were decreased by adding CB.Furthermore,CB supplementation increased essential amino acid(P=0.027),flavor amino acid(P=0.010)and total amino acid contents(P=0.024)as well as upregulated the expression of lipoprotein lipase(P=0.034)and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ(PPARγ)(P=0.012),and downregulated the expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase(SCD)(P=0.034).The RPF supplementation increased dry matter intake(P=0.005),averaged daily gain(trend,P=0.058),hot carcass weight(P=0.046),backfat thickness(P=0.006),concentrations of 16:0(P<0.001)and c9-18:1(P=0.002),and decreased the shear force(P<0.001),isoleucine(P=0.049)and lysine content(P=0.003)of meat.In addition,the expressions of acetyl-CoA carboxylase(P=0.003),fatty acid synthase(P=0.038),SCD(P<0.001)and PPARγ(P=0.022)were upregulated due to RPF supplementation,resulting in higher(P<0.001)content of IMF.Conclusions CB and RPF could be fed to goats for improving the growth performance,carcass traits and meat quality,and promote fat deposition by upregulating the expression of lipogenic genes of Longissimus thoracis muscle.展开更多
Cysticercus tenuicollis is a metacestode stage of Taenia hydatigena residing in the visceral organs of small ruminants and its effects cause economic losses due to condemnation of visceral organs in slaughterhouses. T...Cysticercus tenuicollis is a metacestode stage of Taenia hydatigena residing in the visceral organs of small ruminants and its effects cause economic losses due to condemnation of visceral organs in slaughterhouses. This study reports on the prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis in small ruminants slaughtered in Lira Municipal Abattoir. A total of 70 sheep and 70 goats were sampled and examined after slaughter for the presence of Cysticercus tenuicollis in the visceral organs using standard meat inspection procedures. An abattoir data collection sheet was used to record data, which was then analysed in SPSS version 20. The study revealed 51.4% of goats and 68.6% of sheep to be infested with Cysticercus tenuicollis. Following the district of origin for the small ruminants, Otuke district had the highest prevalence of the parasite (82.6%), followed by Kole (72.4%), Alebtong (66.7%), Apac (59.4%) and Lira (31.4%). Cysticercus tenuicollis was more frequently seen in the intestines (57.8%) of sheep and goats than in any other visceral organs. The liver had a prevalence of 20.7%, the lungs 17.8%, the kidneys 3.5% and the fetal sac;(15.7%) in goats and (12.9%) in sheep. Cysticercus tenuicollis was detected in 68.8% of females and 58.8% of male small ruminants. It is recommended to routinely deworm goats and sheep by farmers most especially in districts with the highest prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis infestation. The sale of the condemned parts of sheep and goats and the feeding of dogs on these contaminated materials should be stopped forthwith. It is also being suggested that a national study be carried out to determine the prevalence and economic impact of Cysticercus tenuicollis in small ruminants.展开更多
The aim was to study the pharmacokinetics of xylazine as a stable anesthetic in goats.In this study,goats were injected with xylazine at the rate of 0.3 mL·kg-1 intramusculally,and blood samples were collected at...The aim was to study the pharmacokinetics of xylazine as a stable anesthetic in goats.In this study,goats were injected with xylazine at the rate of 0.3 mL·kg-1 intramusculally,and blood samples were collected at 1,3,5,10,20,30,45,60,90,120,180,and 240 min after administration,respectively.Xylazine was extracted by liquid-liquid extraction and separation method,and blood concentration was determined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).The pharmacokinetic characteristics of xylazine in healthy goats were analyzed by pharmacokinetic software.The results showed that the chromatographic peak time of xylazine chromatography was 9-11 min.The specificity of the method was good.The linear correlation coefficient R2 of the standard curve was 0.9982 when the concentration of xylazine was in the range of 10-1×1000 ng.The pharmacokinetic model of xylazine in goats was a one-chamber model with first-order rate absorption,distribution half-life t1/2Ka was(0.49±0.041)min,elimination half-life t1/2Ke was(23.3±2.5)min,and the peak time(Tp)of the highest concentration was(2.8±0.2)min.The total drug clearance CL/F was(0.00016±0.000016)mg·kg-1·min-1(ng·mL-1),and the minimum effective blood concentration was 56.6 ng·mL-1,which was consistent with the clinical anesthetic effect.The results showed that xylazine had the characteristics of rapid absorption,wide distribution,short peak time,slow clearance rate,and long anesthetic time in goats,which could be used as the basic drug for the development of goat complex anesthetic preparation.展开更多
[Objectives] This study was conducted to understand the biological characteristics of Duoluo goats. [Methods] With male and female Duoluo goats as the research object, related performance indexes were determined and a...[Objectives] This study was conducted to understand the biological characteristics of Duoluo goats. [Methods] With male and female Duoluo goats as the research object, related performance indexes were determined and analyzed after slaughter. [Results] The weights of one-year-old male and female Duoluo goats before slaughter were (25.68±2.37) and (24.51±1.97) kg, respectively;the dressing percentages were (43.55±3.24) % and (43.84±3.42) %, respectively;and the net meat percentages were (33.02±2.32) % and (34.19±2.46) %, respectively. (2) The cooked meat rates of male and female Duoluo goats were (65.49±1.42) % and (65.36±1.55) %, respectively;the shearing force was (5.48±1.24) and (5.65±1.02) N, respectively;and the loin-eye muscle areas were (8.95±1.72) and (8.82±1.15) cm 2, respectively. (3) The protein contents of male and female Duoluo goats were (20.07±0.42) and (19.47±1.22) g/100 g, respectively;and the fat contents were (1.30±0.80) % and (2.92±0.55) %, respectively;and the cholesterol contents were (71.76±11.47) and (74.83±2.68) mg/100 g, respectively;(4) The Ca contents of male and female Duoluo goats were (69.53±10.89) and (63.00±4.56) mg/kg, respectively;the Fe contents were (16.73±1.83) and (14.77±0.58) mg/kg, respectively;and the Zn contents were (38.47±3.68) and (31.83±2.22) mg/kg, respectively. (5) In the muscles of male and female Duoluo goats, the contents of essential amino acids were (7.44±0.24) and (7.26±0.41) g/100 g , respectively;the contents of non-essential amino acids were (11.81±0.33) and (11.42±0.67) g/100 g, respectively;and the contents of flavor amino acids were (8.79±0.27) and (8.42±0.57) g/100 g, respectively. [Conclusions] This study lays a foundation for the excavation and utilization of the resource, Duoluo 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
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
The procedure of somatic cell nuclear transfer （SCNT） is likely to affect the expression level of growth-related genes especially imprinting genes. In this study, expressions of growth-related genes including three ...The procedure of somatic cell nuclear transfer （SCNT） is likely to affect the expression level of growth-related genes especially imprinting genes. In this study, expressions of growth-related genes including three imprinting genes （H19, IGF2, and IGF2R） and four non-imprinting genes （IGF1, IGFIR, GHR, and GHSR） in adult nuclear transferred （NT） goats were investigated by real-time PCR. The expressions of these genes in adult clones were found largely normal, but IGF2R and IGFIR were more highly expressed in cloned goats than in non-NT goats （P 〈 0.01）. Analysis on mono-allelic expression pattern of imprinting genes indicated that mono-allelic expression patterns of H19 and IGF2 in cloned goats were similar to that in non-NT goats. In addition, the sequence of goat IGF2 gene and the putative amino acid sequence were obtained. The 986 nucleotide cDNA of goat IGF2 gene contained an open-reading frame of 540 nucleotides coding for 179 amino acids. Both cDNA sequence and amino acid sequence of IGF2 in goat showed their higher homology with that in sheep than in cattle; the partial cDNA fragments of H19, IGF2R, GHSR, IGFIR, and GHR in goat were also cloned and sequenced, which shared higher sequence identities with those in sheep than in cattle.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
Background： Pine bark is a rich source of phytochemical compounds including tannins, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and fatty acids. These phytochemicals have potential to significantly impact on animal health and ani...Background： Pine bark is a rich source of phytochemical compounds including tannins, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and fatty acids. These phytochemicals have potential to significantly impact on animal health and animal production. The goal of this work is to measure the effects of tannins in ground pine bark as a partial feed replacement on feed intake, dietary apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, and mineral retention in meat goats. Results： Eighteen Kiko cross goats （initial BW = 31.8 ± 1.49 kg） were randomly assigned to three treatment groups （n = 6）. Dietary treatments were tested： control （0 % pine bark powder （PB） and 30 % wheat straw （WS））; ] 5 % PB and 15 % WS, and 30 % PB and 0 % WS. Although dry matter （DM） intake and digestibility were not affected （P〉 0.10） by feeding PB, neutral detergent fiber （linear; P= 0.01）, acid detergent fiber （linear; P= 0.001） and lignin digestibility （linear; P= 0.01） decreased, and crude protein （CP） digestibility tended to decrease （P=0.09） as PB increased in the diet, apparent retention of Ca （P= 0.09）, P （P=0.03）, Mg （P= 0.01）, Mn （P= 0.01）, Zn （P= 0.01） and Fe （P= 0.09） also increased linearly. Nitrogen intake and fecal N excretion were not affected （P〉 0.05） by addition of PB in the diet, but N balance in the body was quadratically increased （P〈 0.01） in the 15 % PB diet compared to other diets. This may be due to more rumen escape protein and less excreted N in the urine with the 15 % PB diet. The study showed that a moderate level of tannin-containing pine bark supplementation could improve gastrointestinal nitrogen balance with the aim of improving animal performance. Conclusion： These results suggest that tannin-containing PB has negative impact on fiber, lignin, and protein digestibility, but positively impacted on N-balance.展开更多
Reducing dietary cation-anion difference （DCAD） has been proved an effective way to prevent milk fever in dairy cows. Based on the similar physiological gastro-intestinal tract anatomy and metabolic process between ...Reducing dietary cation-anion difference （DCAD） has been proved an effective way to prevent milk fever in dairy cows. Based on the similar physiological gastro-intestinal tract anatomy and metabolic process between female goats and dairy cows, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of varying DCAD on fluid acid-base status, plasma minerals concentration and anti-oxidative stress capacity of female goats. Urinary pH, plasma Ca, P and Mg; and anti-oxidative stress indices of total superoxide dismutase （T-SOD）, hydrogen peroxide （HzO2）, glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） and malondialdehyde （MDA） were determined to evaluate the effect. Forty-eight Guizhou black female goats （（15±1.9） mon of old, （22.3±3.75） kg of BW） were randomly allocated to 4 blocks of 12 goats each and were fed 1 of 4 diets differed in DCAD level （calculated as Na＋K-C1-S, mEq kg-1 DM）. Levels of DCAD were preliminarily designed to be control （＋ 150 mEq kg^-1 DM, CON）, high DCAD （＋300 mEq kg^-1 DM, HD）, low DCAD （0 mEq kg^-1 DM, LD） and negative DCAD （-150 mEq kg^-1 DM, ND）, respectively. A commercial anionic salts （Animate） and sodium bicarbonate （NaHCO3） were supplemented to reduce and increase DCAD level, respectively. There was no difference in dry matter intake for 4 groups of goats. Urine pH was aggressively decreased （P〈0.0001） with reduced DCAD and there was a strong association between DCAD and urine pH （R2=0.793, P〈0.0001）. Compared with CON and HD feeding of LD and ND resulted in greater （P〈0.05） plasma Ca concentration. Plasma P level was increased （P〈0.05） when anionic salts were supplemented. The DCAD alteration did not affected （P〉0.05） plasma Mg level. There was no significant （P〉0.05） difference in plasma GSH-Px activity and H202, but anionic salts supplementation in LD and ND significantly increased （P〈0.05） plasma T-SOD activity and tended to reduce MDA （P〈0.1） over HD and CON. Results from this study indicated that reducing DCAD could decrease urine pH and increase plasma Ca concentration of female goats. Additionally, reducing DCAD was helpful to enhance anti-oxidative stress capability of female 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.
基金funded by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant number 32072761,32102570)Shaanxi Livestock and Poultry Breeding Double-chain Fusion Key Project(grant number 2022GDTSLD-46-0501)the fellowship of China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(grant number 2021M702691).
文摘Background Diets rich in starch have been shown to increase a risk of reducing milk fat content in dairy goats.While bile acids(BAs)have been used as a lipid emulsifier in monogastric and aquatic animals,their effect on ruminants is not well understood.This study aimed to investigate the impact of BAs supplementation on various aspects of dairy goat physiology,including milk composition,rumen fermentation,gut microbiota,and BA metabolism.Results We randomly divided eighteen healthy primiparity lactating dairy goats(days in milk=100±6 d)into two groups and supplemented them with 0 or 4 g/d of BAs undergoing 5 weeks of feeding on a starch-rich diet.The results showed that BAs supplementation positively influenced milk yield and improved the quality of fatty acids in goat milk.BAs supplementation led to a reduction in saturated fatty acids(C16:0)and an increase in monounsaturated fatty acids(cis-9 C18:1),resulting in a healthier milk fatty acid profile.We observed a significant increase in plasma total bile acid concentration while the proportion of rumen short-chain fatty acids was not affected.Furthermore,BAs supplementation induced significant changes in the composition of the gut microbiota,favoring the enrichment of specific bacterial groups and altering the balance of microbial populations.Correlation analysis revealed associations between specific bacterial groups(Bacillus and Christensenellaceae R-7 group)and BA types,suggesting a role for the gut microbiota in BA metabolism.Functional prediction analysis revealed notable changes in pathways associated with lipid metabolism,suggesting that BAs supplementation has the potential to modulate lipid-related processes.Conclusion These findings highlight the potential benefits of BAs supplementation in enhancing milk production,improving milk quality,and influencing metabolic pathways in dairy goats.Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and explore the broader implications of these findings.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. U20A2002)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (No. 2023T160284)recipient of a research productivity fellowship from CNPq (National Council of Scientific and Technological Development) in Brazil
文摘Background Milk synthesis in lactating animals demands high energy metabolism,which results in an increased production of reactive oxygen metabolites(ROM)causing an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants thereby inducing oxidative stress(OS)on the animals.To mitigate OS and postpartum disorders in dairy goats and gain insight into the impact of dietary choices on redox status during lactation,a feeding trial was conducted using alfalfa silage inoculated with a high-antioxidant strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum.Methods Twenty-four Guanzhong dairy goats(38.1±1.20 kg)were randomly assigned to two dietary treatments:one containing silage inoculated with L.plantarum MTD/1(RSMTD-1),and the other containing silage inoculated with high antioxidant activity L.plantarum 24-7(ES24-7).Results ES24-7-inoculated silage exhibited better fermentation quality and antioxidant activity compared to RSMTD-1.The ES24-7 diet elevated the total antioxidant capacity(T-AOC),superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione peroxi-dase(GSH-Px),and catalase(CAT)activities in milk,serum,and feces of lactating goats(with the exception of T-AOC in milk).Additionally,the diet containing ES24-7 inoculated silage enhanced casein yield,milk free fatty acid(FFA)content,and vitamin A level in the goats’milk.Furthermore,an increase of immunoglobulin(Ig)A,IgG,IgM,inter-leukin(IL)-4,and IL-10 concentrations were observed,coupled with a reduction in IL-1β,IL-2,IL-6,interferon(IFN)-γ,and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αconcentrations in the serum of lactating goats fed ES24-7.Higher concentrations of total volatile fatty acid(VFA),acetate,and propionate were observed in the rumen fluid of dairy goats fed ES24-7 inoculated silage.Moreover,the diet containing ES24-7 inoculated silage significantly upregulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2 like 2(NFE2L2),beta-carotene oxygenase 1(BCO1),SOD1,SOD2,SOD3,GPX2,CAT,glu-tathione-disulfide reductase(GSR),and heme oxygenase 1(HMOX1)genes in the mammary gland,while decreased the levels of NADPH oxidase 4(NOX4),TNF,and interferon gamma(IFNG).Conclusions These findings indicated that feeding L.plantarum 24-7 inoculated alfalfa silage not only improved rumen fermentation and milk quality in lactating dairy goats but also boosted their immunity and antioxidant status by modulating the expression of several genes related to antioxidant and inflammation in the mammary gland.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFD1301105)the earmarked fund for CARS(CARS-36)+2 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province(YQ2021C018)the Postdoctoral Foundation of Heilongjiang Province(LBH-Z21100)the Open Project Program of International Joint Research Laboratory in Universities of Jiangsu Province of China for Domestic Animal Germplasm Resources and Genetic Improvement(IJRLD-KF202204).
文摘Background Clostridium butyricum(CB)is a probiotic that can regulate intestinal microbial composition and improve meat quality.Rumen protected fat(RPF)has been shown to increase the dietary energy density and provide essential fatty acids.However,it is still unknown whether dietary supplementation with CB and RPF exerts beneficial effects on growth performance and nutritional value of goat meat.This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary CB and RPF supplementation on growth performance,meat quality,oxidative stability,and meat nutritional value of finishing goats.Thirty-two goats(initial body weight,20.5±0.82 kg)were used in a completely randomized block design with a 2 RPF supplementation(0 vs.30 g/d)×2 CB supplementation(0 vs.1.0 g/d)factorial treatment arrangement.The experiment included a 14-d adaptation and 70-d data and sample collection period.The goats were fed a diet consisted of 400 g/kg peanut seedling and 600 g/kg corn-based concentrate(dry matter basis).Result Interaction between CB and RPF was rarely observed on the variables measured,except that shear force was reduced(P<0.05)by adding CB or RPF alone or their combination;the increased intramuscular fat(IMF)content with adding RPF was more pronounced(P<0.05)with CB than without CB addition.The pH24h(P=0.009),a*values(P=0.007),total antioxidant capacity(P=0.050),glutathione peroxidase activities(P=0.006),concentrations of 18:3(P<0.001),20:5(P=0.003)and total polyunsaturated fatty acids(P=0.048)were increased,whereas the L*values(P<0.001),shear force(P=0.050)and malondialdehyde content(P=0.044)were decreased by adding CB.Furthermore,CB supplementation increased essential amino acid(P=0.027),flavor amino acid(P=0.010)and total amino acid contents(P=0.024)as well as upregulated the expression of lipoprotein lipase(P=0.034)and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorγ(PPARγ)(P=0.012),and downregulated the expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase(SCD)(P=0.034).The RPF supplementation increased dry matter intake(P=0.005),averaged daily gain(trend,P=0.058),hot carcass weight(P=0.046),backfat thickness(P=0.006),concentrations of 16:0(P<0.001)and c9-18:1(P=0.002),and decreased the shear force(P<0.001),isoleucine(P=0.049)and lysine content(P=0.003)of meat.In addition,the expressions of acetyl-CoA carboxylase(P=0.003),fatty acid synthase(P=0.038),SCD(P<0.001)and PPARγ(P=0.022)were upregulated due to RPF supplementation,resulting in higher(P<0.001)content of IMF.Conclusions CB and RPF could be fed to goats for improving the growth performance,carcass traits and meat quality,and promote fat deposition by upregulating the expression of lipogenic genes of Longissimus thoracis muscle.
文摘Cysticercus tenuicollis is a metacestode stage of Taenia hydatigena residing in the visceral organs of small ruminants and its effects cause economic losses due to condemnation of visceral organs in slaughterhouses. This study reports on the prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis in small ruminants slaughtered in Lira Municipal Abattoir. A total of 70 sheep and 70 goats were sampled and examined after slaughter for the presence of Cysticercus tenuicollis in the visceral organs using standard meat inspection procedures. An abattoir data collection sheet was used to record data, which was then analysed in SPSS version 20. The study revealed 51.4% of goats and 68.6% of sheep to be infested with Cysticercus tenuicollis. Following the district of origin for the small ruminants, Otuke district had the highest prevalence of the parasite (82.6%), followed by Kole (72.4%), Alebtong (66.7%), Apac (59.4%) and Lira (31.4%). Cysticercus tenuicollis was more frequently seen in the intestines (57.8%) of sheep and goats than in any other visceral organs. The liver had a prevalence of 20.7%, the lungs 17.8%, the kidneys 3.5% and the fetal sac;(15.7%) in goats and (12.9%) in sheep. Cysticercus tenuicollis was detected in 68.8% of females and 58.8% of male small ruminants. It is recommended to routinely deworm goats and sheep by farmers most especially in districts with the highest prevalence of Cysticercus tenuicollis infestation. The sale of the condemned parts of sheep and goats and the feeding of dogs on these contaminated materials should be stopped forthwith. It is also being suggested that a national study be carried out to determine the prevalence and economic impact of Cysticercus tenuicollis in small ruminants.
基金the Natural Science Foundation of Heilongjiang Province(LH2023C025,YQ2023C015)。
文摘The aim was to study the pharmacokinetics of xylazine as a stable anesthetic in goats.In this study,goats were injected with xylazine at the rate of 0.3 mL·kg-1 intramusculally,and blood samples were collected at 1,3,5,10,20,30,45,60,90,120,180,and 240 min after administration,respectively.Xylazine was extracted by liquid-liquid extraction and separation method,and blood concentration was determined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC).The pharmacokinetic characteristics of xylazine in healthy goats were analyzed by pharmacokinetic software.The results showed that the chromatographic peak time of xylazine chromatography was 9-11 min.The specificity of the method was good.The linear correlation coefficient R2 of the standard curve was 0.9982 when the concentration of xylazine was in the range of 10-1×1000 ng.The pharmacokinetic model of xylazine in goats was a one-chamber model with first-order rate absorption,distribution half-life t1/2Ka was(0.49±0.041)min,elimination half-life t1/2Ke was(23.3±2.5)min,and the peak time(Tp)of the highest concentration was(2.8±0.2)min.The total drug clearance CL/F was(0.00016±0.000016)mg·kg-1·min-1(ng·mL-1),and the minimum effective blood concentration was 56.6 ng·mL-1,which was consistent with the clinical anesthetic effect.The results showed that xylazine had the characteristics of rapid absorption,wide distribution,short peak time,slow clearance rate,and long anesthetic time in goats,which could be used as the basic drug for the development of goat complex anesthetic preparation.
基金Supported by Sichuan Provincial Mutton Sheep Innovation Team(CXTD2019-14)Special Fund Factor Method Transfer Payment Project of Sichuan Science and Technology Program(220017)。
文摘[Objectives] This study was conducted to understand the biological characteristics of Duoluo goats. [Methods] With male and female Duoluo goats as the research object, related performance indexes were determined and analyzed after slaughter. [Results] The weights of one-year-old male and female Duoluo goats before slaughter were (25.68±2.37) and (24.51±1.97) kg, respectively;the dressing percentages were (43.55±3.24) % and (43.84±3.42) %, respectively;and the net meat percentages were (33.02±2.32) % and (34.19±2.46) %, respectively. (2) The cooked meat rates of male and female Duoluo goats were (65.49±1.42) % and (65.36±1.55) %, respectively;the shearing force was (5.48±1.24) and (5.65±1.02) N, respectively;and the loin-eye muscle areas were (8.95±1.72) and (8.82±1.15) cm 2, respectively. (3) The protein contents of male and female Duoluo goats were (20.07±0.42) and (19.47±1.22) g/100 g, respectively;and the fat contents were (1.30±0.80) % and (2.92±0.55) %, respectively;and the cholesterol contents were (71.76±11.47) and (74.83±2.68) mg/100 g, respectively;(4) The Ca contents of male and female Duoluo goats were (69.53±10.89) and (63.00±4.56) mg/kg, respectively;the Fe contents were (16.73±1.83) and (14.77±0.58) mg/kg, respectively;and the Zn contents were (38.47±3.68) and (31.83±2.22) mg/kg, respectively. (5) In the muscles of male and female Duoluo goats, the contents of essential amino acids were (7.44±0.24) and (7.26±0.41) g/100 g , respectively;the contents of non-essential amino acids were (11.81±0.33) and (11.42±0.67) g/100 g, respectively;and the contents of flavor amino acids were (8.79±0.27) and (8.42±0.57) g/100 g, respectively. [Conclusions] This study lays a foundation for the excavation and utilization of the resource, Duoluo 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.
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.
文摘The procedure of somatic cell nuclear transfer （SCNT） is likely to affect the expression level of growth-related genes especially imprinting genes. In this study, expressions of growth-related genes including three imprinting genes （H19, IGF2, and IGF2R） and four non-imprinting genes （IGF1, IGFIR, GHR, and GHSR） in adult nuclear transferred （NT） goats were investigated by real-time PCR. The expressions of these genes in adult clones were found largely normal, but IGF2R and IGFIR were more highly expressed in cloned goats than in non-NT goats （P 〈 0.01）. Analysis on mono-allelic expression pattern of imprinting genes indicated that mono-allelic expression patterns of H19 and IGF2 in cloned goats were similar to that in non-NT goats. In addition, the sequence of goat IGF2 gene and the putative amino acid sequence were obtained. The 986 nucleotide cDNA of goat IGF2 gene contained an open-reading frame of 540 nucleotides coding for 179 amino acids. Both cDNA sequence and amino acid sequence of IGF2 in goat showed their higher homology with that in sheep than in cattle; the partial cDNA fragments of H19, IGF2R, GHSR, IGFIR, and GHR in goat were also cloned and sequenced, which shared higher sequence identities with those in sheep than in cattle.
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support from the European Union through a Marie Curie Initial Training Network(PITN-GA-2011-289377,LegumePlus)
文摘Background： Pine bark is a rich source of phytochemical compounds including tannins, phenolic acids, anthocyanins, and fatty acids. These phytochemicals have potential to significantly impact on animal health and animal production. The goal of this work is to measure the effects of tannins in ground pine bark as a partial feed replacement on feed intake, dietary apparent digestibility, nitrogen balance, and mineral retention in meat goats. Results： Eighteen Kiko cross goats （initial BW = 31.8 ± 1.49 kg） were randomly assigned to three treatment groups （n = 6）. Dietary treatments were tested： control （0 % pine bark powder （PB） and 30 % wheat straw （WS））; ] 5 % PB and 15 % WS, and 30 % PB and 0 % WS. Although dry matter （DM） intake and digestibility were not affected （P〉 0.10） by feeding PB, neutral detergent fiber （linear; P= 0.01）, acid detergent fiber （linear; P= 0.001） and lignin digestibility （linear; P= 0.01） decreased, and crude protein （CP） digestibility tended to decrease （P=0.09） as PB increased in the diet, apparent retention of Ca （P= 0.09）, P （P=0.03）, Mg （P= 0.01）, Mn （P= 0.01）, Zn （P= 0.01） and Fe （P= 0.09） also increased linearly. Nitrogen intake and fecal N excretion were not affected （P〉 0.05） by addition of PB in the diet, but N balance in the body was quadratically increased （P〈 0.01） in the 15 % PB diet compared to other diets. This may be due to more rumen escape protein and less excreted N in the urine with the 15 % PB diet. The study showed that a moderate level of tannin-containing pine bark supplementation could improve gastrointestinal nitrogen balance with the aim of improving animal performance. Conclusion： These results suggest that tannin-containing PB has negative impact on fiber, lignin, and protein digestibility, but positively impacted on N-balance.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (30901038, 31160468)the State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, Ministry of Science and Technology, China (2004DA125184F1115)the Key Technology Research and Development Program of Guizhou Province, China ([2009]3085)
文摘Reducing dietary cation-anion difference （DCAD） has been proved an effective way to prevent milk fever in dairy cows. Based on the similar physiological gastro-intestinal tract anatomy and metabolic process between female goats and dairy cows, this study was conducted to evaluate the effects of varying DCAD on fluid acid-base status, plasma minerals concentration and anti-oxidative stress capacity of female goats. Urinary pH, plasma Ca, P and Mg; and anti-oxidative stress indices of total superoxide dismutase （T-SOD）, hydrogen peroxide （HzO2）, glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） and malondialdehyde （MDA） were determined to evaluate the effect. Forty-eight Guizhou black female goats （（15±1.9） mon of old, （22.3±3.75） kg of BW） were randomly allocated to 4 blocks of 12 goats each and were fed 1 of 4 diets differed in DCAD level （calculated as Na＋K-C1-S, mEq kg-1 DM）. Levels of DCAD were preliminarily designed to be control （＋ 150 mEq kg^-1 DM, CON）, high DCAD （＋300 mEq kg^-1 DM, HD）, low DCAD （0 mEq kg^-1 DM, LD） and negative DCAD （-150 mEq kg^-1 DM, ND）, respectively. A commercial anionic salts （Animate） and sodium bicarbonate （NaHCO3） were supplemented to reduce and increase DCAD level, respectively. There was no difference in dry matter intake for 4 groups of goats. Urine pH was aggressively decreased （P〈0.0001） with reduced DCAD and there was a strong association between DCAD and urine pH （R2=0.793, P〈0.0001）. Compared with CON and HD feeding of LD and ND resulted in greater （P〈0.05） plasma Ca concentration. Plasma P level was increased （P〈0.05） when anionic salts were supplemented. The DCAD alteration did not affected （P〉0.05） plasma Mg level. There was no significant （P〉0.05） difference in plasma GSH-Px activity and H202, but anionic salts supplementation in LD and ND significantly increased （P〈0.05） plasma T-SOD activity and tended to reduce MDA （P〈0.1） over HD and CON. Results from this study indicated that reducing DCAD could decrease urine pH and increase plasma Ca concentration of female goats. Additionally, reducing DCAD was helpful to enhance anti-oxidative stress capability of female goats.
