Hematologic values in normal pygmy goats

Pygmy goat blood was analyzed to determine hematologic base-line values. Male, female, and castrated male goats were used in this investigation. Influence of age on these variables was also studied. Most of the hematologic values of pygmy goats were similar to the reference values reported for several other ruminant species and for man. Values significantly different from reference values in man were as follows: Erythrocyte counts were slightly higher than for human beings. The relative lymphocyte count was comparable to that in infants, but significantly greater than values in adult human beings. Also, although not of statistical significance, hemoglobin levels in goats were slightly lower than in both infants and adult human beings, and the leukocyte count was just slightly higher than the usual values for infants and adult human beings. Thus, of 9 hematologic variables, only 1 was significantly different from those in man, and 2 were slightly different. The fact that pygmy goats have hematologic responses similar to those of man, and the similarity of hematologic values to reference values in man, further enhances the pygmy goat for use as an experimental animal.     

Exertional hemolysis and hematuria in a Labrador Retriever dog

A 7-y-old male Labrador Retriever dog was presented because of acute onset of dark-colored urine after a hunting session the day prior. Moderate hemoglobinemia was observed, associated with transient hemoglobinuria and hematuria with no concurrent evidence of underlying urinary tract disease. The patient’s clinical signs resolved within 36 h post-exercise without specific treatment. The concurrent occurrence of exertional hemolysis and hematuria in a dog is uncommon; these conditions are commonly reported separately in human athletes.     

CHRONIC INTERSTITIAL PNEUMONIA IN ASSOCIATION WITH A GRANULOMATOUS ENCEPHALITIS IN A GOAT

SUMMARY A 30-month-old British Alpine goat had clinical and pathological findings consistent with the diagnosis of a chronic interstitial pneumonia. The goat also had lesions in the brain similar to those described for granulomatous encephalomyelitis (GE) of goats. Lesions similar to GE were reproduced experimentally in feral goats following intracerebral inoculation of a lung homogenate from the naturally occurring case. The differential diagnosis of chronic interstitial pneumonia in goats, the differentiation of GE from viral leucoencephalomyelitis, and the possible aetiological role of retroviruses in these diseases is discussed.     

Serum biochemistry values in normal pygmy goats

Blood serum of pygmy goats (both sexes, and castrated males) was analyzed to establish biochemical reference values. Influence of age on reference values was also studied. Serum biochemical analyses were made for urea nitrogen, creatinin, bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, uric acid, and total lipids. These serum values for pygmy goats were similar to those reported for man, except as follows: Aspartate aminotransferase activities were slightly higher than those reported for man. Glucose concentrations in pygmy goats were slightly lower than in human beings, and uric acid levels were significantly lower than the values for man. Female and castrated male goats had lower total lipid concentrations than did human beings, whereas intact males had higher concentrations. Thus, of the 9 measured variables for pygmy goats, 5 were comparable to human values. This, together with other attributes, including the small size which conduces to economics of maintenance and enhances the desirability of using pygmy goats in research.     

Effect of Trypanosoma vivax infection on energy and nitrogen metabolism of west African dwarf goats

A study was conducted using 32 mature 22-kg West African Dwarf Goats to measure the effect of Trypanosoma vivax infection on energy and nitrogen metabolism. Sixteen goats were infected intravenously with 14 X 10(6) T. vivax. Sixteen control goats were sham-injected. Digestibility and metabolizability of energy and N balance were measured for each goat. Heat production and energy balances were measured per treatment group from 1 wk before infection to 6 wk after infection. Goats were fed alfalfa pellets (10% above maintenance). Treated goats had a reduced (P less than .05) packed cell volume (38 to 40% before infection vs 20 to 25% 6 wk after infection) and an increased (P less than .05) rectal temperature. Log parasitemia/ml was about 6.0 to 6.2. Parasitized goats showed increased urine creatinine excretion at wk 2 postinfection. After infection, feed intake was reduced (about 15%; P less than .05) and greater variability in intake was noted. Treated and control goats had similar N output and energy output in urine. Metabolizability of energy intake was similar at 42.7 vs 42.1% in treated vs control goats, respectively. Heat production in infected goats was increased by about 15%. Treated goats lost more weight and had a lower N balance than control goats (P less than .05). The calculated maintenance energy requirement for infected goats (464 kJ ME/kg.75) was 25% greater than for control goats (375 kJ ME/kg.75).     

IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—THE COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC APPEARANCE OF A GIANT CELL TUMOR AFFECTING THE MANDIBLE IN A PYGMY GOAT

A 3‐year‐old male neutered pygmy goat presented for evaluation of a progressive mandibular swelling and inappetence. A computed tomographic (CT) scan of the head and thorax was performed under general anesthesia. Computed tomography revealed an extensive multiloculated, markedly expansile lesion within the right hemimandible, which involved the articular surface of the temporomandibular joint. The goat was euthanased due to a poor prognosis and postmortem examination confirmed the diagnostic imaging findings. Histopathology was strongly suggestive of a multinucleated giant cell tumor, therefore this condition should be considered as a differential diagnosis in goats presenting with expansile mandibular mass lesions.     

Phosphate enema toxicosis in a pygmy goat wether

Phosphate enema toxicity was diagnosed in a 7-month-old, castrated male, pygmy goat. On presentation, clinical findings included mild depression, tachycardia, tachypnea, rumen stasis, muscle tremors, hypocalcemia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia, hyperphosphatemia, azotemia, and metabolic acidosis. Fluid diuresis and parenteral antimicrobial therapy resulted in recovery after 3 d of treatment.     

Suspected Vestia foetida poisoning in young goats

CASE HISTORY: Two crossbred, castrated male goats, a 5-month-old and an 8-month-old, were observed ingesting Vestia foetida (Solanaceae). Later, the goats were seen standing splay-legged and apparently disoriented. CLINICAL FINDINGS: When examined, both goats were in sternal recumbency and had mydriasis; the younger goat had a diminished menace response. When the goats were made to stand, they were ataxic and had muscle fasciculations of the hindquarters and face. Both had halitosis consistent with the odour of crushed Vestia leaves. The animals were treated with a mixture of vitamins and intravenous diazepam. The older goat recovered but the younger goat died and was necropsied. This animal had severe periacinar necrosis and fatty change in the liver, as well as fatty nephrosis. DIAGNOSIS: Probable Vestia foetida poisoning. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The introduction of Vestia foetida to New Zealand and the apparent palatability of the plant necessitate that veterinarians and owners be knowledgeable about its potential toxicity. Differential diagnoses for the liver lesions (in New Zealand) would include Cestrum poisoning, acute seneciosis, acute blue-green algal poisoning, and acute and chronic copper poisoning.     

山羊DGAT1基因的克隆及对前体脂肪细胞脂质沉积的调控作用研究

旨在克隆山羊DGAT1基因序列,明确DGAT1基因在山羊不同组织中的表达模式,并进一步揭示过表达DGAT1基因对山羊肌内前体脂肪细胞脂质代谢的影响。本试验以10月龄健康简州大耳公羊（n=7）为试验动物。采用RT-PCR法克隆山羊DGAT1基因序列,并对序列进行生物信息学分析;利用实时荧光定量PCR （real-time quantitative PCR,RT-qPCR）检测DGAT1在山羊不同组织中的相对表达水平;采用双酶切法构建pcDNA3.1-DGAT1真核表达载体并转染至山羊肌内前体脂肪细胞;使用RT-qPCR检测DGAT1过表达效率及脂质代谢相关基因的表达情况;通过油红O染色法观察过表达DGAT1对脂滴形成的影响,利用GPO-Trinder酶学反应检测甘油三酯含量。结果显示,获得山羊DGAT1基因序列全长1 651 bp （GenBank登录号：MT221183）,包含5'UTR 125 bp,CDS 1 470 bp,3'UTR 56 bp,编码489个氨基酸残基;山羊DGAT1基因在小肠中的表达量最高,在脾中表达量最低;RT-qPCR检测结果显示,DGAT1在细胞中过表达极显著（P<0.01）,GPAM基因的相对表达水平显著上调（P<0.05）,ADRP和ACOX1基因极显著上调（P<0.01）,而AGPAT6基因相对表达水平显著下调（P<0.05）,MLYCD和HSL基因极显著下调（P<0.01）;油红O染色结果显示,过表达DGAT1后脂滴聚积相较于对照组极显著增多（P<0.01）,甘油三酯测定结果显示,过表达DGAT1基因可极显著增加山羊肌内脂肪细胞甘油三酯含量（P<0.01）。本研究成功获得山羊DGAT1基因CDS区序列并构建了pcDNA3.1-DGAT1真核表达载体,过表达DGAT1可显著促进山羊肌内前体脂肪细胞脂质沉积,并显著影响脂质代谢相关基因的表达,这些结果为进一步阐明DGAT1对调控山羊肌内脂肪代谢的作用机制提供了重要数据。     

Congenital cystic disease of the liver and kidney in a pygmy goat.

A 1-month-old pygmy goat was presented with abdominal distension and hematuria. Anemia, leukocytosis, and increased bilirubin and blood urea nitrogen levels suggested renal and hepatic disease. Radiographs revealed bilateral renomegaly, and ultrasound confirmed bilateral hydronephrosis. Necropsy findings determined that the renomegaly was due in part to edema and marked cystic tubular distension. Similarly, intrahepatic bile ducts were ectatic. The character and distribution of the gross and histologic lesions were consistent with a polycystic disorder, presumably congenital, affecting the liver and the kidney.     

河南及重庆、安徽部分地区山羊球虫感染情况与种类调查

采用饱和蔗糖溶液漂浮法对河南省的8个地区、重庆市的云阳县和安徽省的合肥市共1126份山羊粪便样品进行检查,发现1070份球虫阳性样品,总感染率95．03％。对813份阳性样本中的球虫卵囊进行形态学鉴定,共发现12种艾美耳球虫,分别为阿普艾美耳球虫、阿氏艾美耳球虫、艾丽艾美耳球虫、斑点艾美耳球虫、苍白艾美耳球虫、家山羊艾美耳球虫、柯察艾美耳球虫、克氏艾美耳球虫、妮氏艾美耳球虫、山羊艾美耳球虫、羊艾美耳球虫和约奇艾美耳球虫。山羊最多可同时感染9种球虫,多数为2-4种,混合感染率78．7％;6月龄以下、6-12月龄和1岁以上山羊球虫感染率分别为93．3％、97．1％和96-3％,平均OPG值分别为5282．77、3550．71和1507．88;除奶山羊外,不同品种山羊球虫感染无明显差异;舍饲和放牧山羊球虫感染率分别为95．7％和92．8％,平均OPC值分别为3744．35和1028．62。跟踪调查显示,舍饲山羊球虫感染无明显季节性,但夏秋季节球虫感染强度高于冬春季节。     

Suspected Vestia foetida poisoning in young goats

CASE HISTORY: Two crossbred, castrated male goats, a 5-month-old and an 8-month-old, were observed ingesting Vestia foetida (Solanaceae). Later, the goats were seen standing splay-legged and apparently disoriented.

CLINICAL FINDINGS: When examined, both goats were in sternal recumbency and had mydriasis; the younger goat had a diminished menace response. When the goats were made to stand, they were ataxic and had muscle fasciculations of the hindquarters and face. Both had halitosis consistent with the odour of crushed Vestia leaves. The animals were treated with a mixture of vitamins and intravenous diazepam. The older goat recovered but the younger goat died and was necropsied. This animal had severe periacinar necrosis and fatty change in the liver, as well as fatty nephrosis.

DIAGNOSIS: Probable Vestia foetida poisoning.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The introduction of Vestia foetida to New Zealand and the apparent palatability of the plant necessitate that veterinarians and owners be knowledgeable about its potential toxicity. Differential diagnoses for the liver lesions (in New Zealand) would include Cestrum poisoning, acute seneciosis, acute blue-green algal poisoning, and acute and chronic copper poisoning.     

广西丰肉型新品系黑山羊产肉性能与肉品质指标特性研究

以6月龄和12月龄广西本地黑山羊为对照,研究广西丰肉型新品系黑山羊的产肉性能和肉品质,综合测定和分析其屠宰性能、肉质、化学成分和风味影响因子。结果表明:6月龄和12月龄广西丰肉型新品系黑山羊与广西本地黑山羊两者相比较,胴体重、屠宰率、净肉率、胴体净肉率、眼肌面积指标差异极显著(P<0.01),且前者大于后者;肌肉中肉质的肉色和大理石纹指标差异极显著(P<0.01),前者大于后者;嫩度剪切值差异显著(P<0.05,6月龄)和极显著(P<0.01,12月龄),前者小于后者;化学成分方面,粗蛋白、脂肪和磷测定指标两者差异显著(P<0.05),且前者大于后者;粗纤维指标两者差异显著(P<0.05),前者小于后者;风味影响因子方面,氨基酸总量、谷氨酸两者差异极显著(P<0.01),前者大于后者,其余种类氨基酸含量(除12月龄试验羊甘氨酸含量外)两者差异不显著(P>0.05);脂肪酸中饱和脂肪酸和不饱和脂肪酸含量两者差异显著(P<0.05),前者大于后者;胆固醇含量两者差异不显著(P>0.05),但均低于羊生产学推荐值;硫胺素和肌苷酸两者相比差异显著(P<0.05),前者大于后者。综合以上测定结果可以得出,广西丰肉型新品系黑山羊产肉性能高,营养成分全面,可提供丰富的蛋白质、氨基酸;且肉质鲜嫩多汁,膻味小,口感好,风味独特;其羊肉中胆固醇含量低,富含不饱和脂肪酸。广西丰肉型新品系黑山羊是适合南方地区生产高端黑山羊的首选品种,开发潜力巨大。     

Laterally luxating patella in a goat

A laterally luxating patella causing progressively worsening hind limb lameness was discovered in an 18-month-old cross-bred goat. The luxation was believed to be congenital in origin. Surgical correction was accomplished via subchondral trochlear sulcoplasty, capsular imbrication, and lateral relieving desmotomy. Surgical correction of an unusual orthopedic problem in goats can be accomplished by use of routine canine orthopedic techniques.     

乐至黑山羊与营山黑山羊杂交改良效果初探

本试验利用乐至黑山羊(父本)杂交改良营山黑山羊(母本)以提高生产性能。分别测定了两品种羊及乐×营杂交一代羊6月龄的体高、体长、胸围、胸宽和管围以及2月龄、6月龄、12月龄和24月龄的体重,结果表明:杂交一代羊的所有指标明显高于营山黑山羊(P0.05),其中6月龄杂交一代公羊的体高、体长、体重、胸围和胸宽较营山黑山羊分别提高23.3%、25.2%、18.39%、38.9%和27.7%(P0.01);母羊体高、体长、体重、胸围和管围分别提高19.3%、21.7%、22.72%、26.4%和13%(P0.01),胸宽提高6.2%(P0.05)。说明杂交改良效果显著。     

促性腺激素释放激素受体(GnRHR)基因多态性及其与山羊产羔数的相关性分析

本研究采用候选基因法对与繁殖性能有关的遗传标记进行筛选,旨在为山羊高产仔数的标记辅助选择提供确切的遗传依据。参考牛的促性腺激素释放激素受体(Gonadotropin releasing hormone receptor,GnRHR)基因序列设计4对引物,采用聚合酶链式反应-单链构象多态性(PCR-SSCP)技术检测GnRHR基因在波尔山羊以及我国西南地区9个地方山羊品种中的单核苷酸多态性(Single nucleotide polymorphism,SNP),同时在川东白山羊、古蔺马羊和贵州白山羊3个群体中研究该基因多态性与山羊产仔数之间的相关性。结果显示,4对引物中只有引物P1扩增片段检测出多态性。对于P1的扩增片段,在不同的山羊品种中检测到AA、GG和AG 3种基因型,测序分析表明GG与AA型相比有一处单碱基突变(154G→A)。AA基因型个体在3个群体中产羔数最小二乘均值都显著高于GG和AG基因型个体(P<0.05),GA基因型个体在古蔺马羊中的产羔数显著高于GG型个体(P<0.05),而在其它2个品种中差异不显著(P>0.05)。本研究结果初步表明山羊GnRHR基因的突变与其繁殖性能有关,可能是影响山羊繁殖率的一个因素。     

Brucellae through the food chain: the role of sheep, goats and springbok (Antidorcus marsupialis) as sources of human infections in Namibia

A confirmed case of human brucellosis motivated an investigation into the potential source of infection in Namibia. Since domestic animals are principal sources of Brucella infection in humans, 1692 serum samples were screened from sheep, goats and cattle from 4 presumably at-risk farms and 900 springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) serum samples from 29 mixed farming units for Brucella antibodies by the Rose-Bengal test (RBT) and positive cases confirmed by complement fixation test (CFT). To assess the prevalence of human brucellosis, 137 abattoir employees were tested for Brucella antibodies using the standard tube agglutination test (STAT) and by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cattle and sheep from all 4 farms were negative by RBT and CFT but 2 of the 4 farms (Ba and C) had 26/42 and 12/285 seropositive goats, respectively. Post mortem examination of seropositive goats revealed no gross pathological lesions typical of brucellosis except enlarged mesenteric and iliac lymph nodes seen in a single buck. Culture for brucellae from organs of seropositive animals was negative. None of the wildlife sera tested positive by either RBT or CFT. Interviews revealed that besides the case that prompted the investigation, a family and another person from other farms with confirmed brucellosis shared a common history of consumption of unpasteurised goat milk, home-made goat cheese and coffee with raw milk and prior contact with goats, suggesting goats as the likely source of infection. All 137 abattoir employees tested negative by STAT, but 3 were positive by ELISA. The 3 abattoir workers were clinically normal and lacked historical connections with clinical cases. Although goats are often associated with B. melitensis, these studies could not explicitly implicate this species owing to cross-reactivity with B. abortus, which can also infect goats. Nevertheless, these data reinforce the need for a better National Control Programme for brucellosis in Namibia.     

Echocardiographic diagnosis of an anomaly of the tricuspid valve in a male pygmy goat.

A 3-year-old male pygmy goat was evaluated because of a grade III/V plateau pansystolic murmur that was auscultated over the tricuspid valve area and a grade II/V plateau pansystolic murmur that was auscultated over the left heart base. Echocardiography revealed a large right atrium and ventricle, an atrial septal defect, and a dysplastic tricuspid valve displaced apically into the right ventricle. Contrast echocardiography and color-flow Doppler echocardiography revealed flow from right to left through the atrial septal defect and severe tricuspid regurgitation. A diagnosis of tricuspid valve dysplasia and severe tricuspid regurgitation was made. This anomaly (Ebstein's anomaly) of the tricuspid valve should be considered in goats that have systolic, with or without diastolic, murmurs over the tricuspic valve. Two-dimensional echocardiography can confirm the diagnosis of the anomaly. The associated tricuspid regurgitation and interatrial right-to-left shunt flow can be detected and semiquantitated by use of contrast, continuous wave, and color-flow Doppler echocardiography.     

天府肉羊FSH β基因SNPs及其与产羔数的关联分析

本试验选取334只天府肉羊、波尔山羊和成都麻羊为试验材料,对山羊FSH β基因进行了PCR扩增,采用PCR-SSCP和SNP技术分析了该基因在山羊中的多态性。结果表明,试验羊FSH β基因5′调控区存在第712位A→G突变,形成了AA、AB和BB 3种基因型。适合性检验和最小二乘分析结果显示,山羊FSH β基因不同基因型的平均窝产羔数存在显著差异;天府肉羊和成都麻羊的FSH β多态位点处于Hardy-Weinberg平衡状态（P＞0.05）,波尔山羊极显著偏离了Hardy-Weinberg平衡（P＜0.01）。由此推测,FSH β基因可能对于山羊繁殖性能具有较大影响或与控制繁殖性能的主基因连锁,可以尝试将其作为一个重要的分子标记用于山羊的育种实践。     

崂山奶山羊脂肪间充质干细胞系的建立及鉴定

旨在建立崂山奶山羊脂肪间充质干细胞系并对其进行初步鉴定.采集崂山奶山羊脂肪组织,在Ⅰ型胶原酶的分解消化作用下,将脂肪组织中的单核细胞进行分离并扩增培养;测定其生长曲线,利用Real time RT-PCR技术对其表达的干细胞因子进行鉴定;将传至第3代的脂肪间充质干细胞进行成骨诱导分化,利用茜素红染色进行鉴定.结果显示,崂山奶山羊脂肪间充质干细胞形态为长梭形、星形等成纤维细胞样细胞形态,但比成纤维细胞饱满,第3代细胞生长至3 d左右时细胞进入指数生长期,生长至6~7 d时进入平台期;经成骨诱导分化后,经茜素红染色可见骨结节被染成深红色.综上提示,崂山奶山羊脂肪间充质干细胞具有诱导分化潜能.