Behaviour of crossbred does and their kids at parturition under extensive and intensive conditions

Data from 82 kiddings from mixed-breed (native x dairy goats) goats reared on rangeland (n = 47) or confinement (n = 35) were used to determine the influence of various factors on length of labour, standing of newborn kids and time to first suckling in pluriparous goats. Both groups were mated at the same time to bucks of the same genotype in February. During the kidding time in July, the goats were monitored for 24 h in order to register parturition traits and kid birth weight and body measurements. For all goats, blood samples were collected at parturition in order to establish the nutritional state of goats. Grazing goats had lower body weight and body condition score (P < 0.01) than pen-fed goats, as well as lower values for some blood metabolites indicative of low body energy reserves. For both grazing and pen-fed goats, the majority of kiddings (>93%) occurred during daylight hours. No kiddings were registered from 2300 to 0500 hours. No effects of height at withers, thoracic circumference and sex of kids at birth were found to influence length of labour. Labour was shorter (P < 0.01) for pen-fed does than grazing goats (10.6 ± 1.18 min vs. 15.4 ± 1.2 min; mean ± SD). The length of parturition was considerably longer (P < 0.05) for twin-bearing does than for single-bearing does (16.6 ± 1.76 min vs. 11.2 ± 0.81 min, respectively). The interval between parturition and standing of kids was shorter (P < 0.05) for kids from litters weighing >3.3 kg (entire litter) than kids from litters with <3.3 kg (22.7 ± 1.82 min vs. 31.1 ± 2.76 min). Time to first suckling was longer (P < 0.05) for kids delivered from pen-fed does than kids from grazing does (57.8 ± 7.57 min vs. 42.9 ± 3.05 min). These results confirm that, independently of type of production system (intensive or extensive), kiddings of does are concentrated during daylight hours. These results also indicate that conformation of kids does not alter duration of labour, and that nutritional stress of goats during gestation (extensive conditions) does not interfere with the neonate’s level of alertness and arousal.     

Thermoregulation and performance of British Anglo-Nubian and Saanen goats reared in an intensive system in Trinidad

Anglo-Nubian and Saanen goats were imported into Trinidad and Tobago to form the nucleus of the goat expansion and improvement programme. Thermoregulation and performance of the parent stock and the F1 were evaluated under intensive housing and management. Rectal temperature in the a.m. irrespective of breed or season ranged from 38.5°C to 38.7°C and p.m. ranged from 38.8°C to 39.0°C. After 2 h of exposure outdoors without shade, Saanen parent stock (SAPS) respiration rate (105 br/min) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than Saanen F1 (SAF1, 76 br/min), Anglo-Nubian parent stock (ANSP, 65 br/min) and Anglo-Nubian F1 (ANF1, 51 br/min). Rectal temperature over the same period showed significant differences (p < 0.042) between SAF1 (39.8°C) and SAPS (39.4°C), and ANF1 (39.4°C); the value for ANSP was 39.7°C. Age at first kidding showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between breeds or between the parent stock and the F1 generations, ranging from 638 to 686 days. The ANPS were the most prolific of all groups (p < 0.05); the mean for this group was 1.86 ± 0.07 kids/kidding. Saanen F1 was the least prolific among the group, with mean number of kids at 1.23 (±0.11) kids/kidding. Kidding interval showed no significant (p > 0.05) difference between the groups, ranging from 319 to 521 days. It was concluded that the Anglo-Nubian appears to be more suitable than the Saanen for the tropical humid environment in Trinidad as indicated by their thermoregulation, prolificacy and kidding interval.     

Effect of doe milking and supplementation using <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dichrostachys cinerea</Emphasis> pods on kid and doe performance in grazing goats during the dry season

Effects of supplementation and milking of Matebele does four weeks pre-partum to weaning, on milk yield, kid birth weight and growth rate were studied. Forty does were divided into four treatments: supplemented and milked (SM), supplemented and not milked (SNM), not supplemented and milked (NSM); and not supplemented and not milked (NSNM). Supplemented goats were given 200 g/doe/day of Dichrostachys cinerea pods containing 19% CP. The study was carried out in September during time of feed unavailability and animals were grazed on rangelands for seven hours before being given the supplement. Fifty-six kids were born from all the experimental animals and 24 were singles whereas 32 were twins. Milk yield was higher (P < 0.05) in supplemented than non-supplemented does. Although supplementation had no effect on kid birth weights, growth rates were higher (P < 0.05) in the SNM group (103 ± 10.1 g/day) than in the SM group (74 ± 10.8 g/day). Among the non-supplemented groups, kids from milked does had higher (P < 0.05) daily gains (85 ± 10.9 g/day) than those from non-milked does (67 ± 10.7 g/day). Weaning weights were higher (P < 0.05) in SNM does (12.8 ± 1.30 g/day) than in the SM does (10.2 ± 1.17 g/day). Among kids from the non-supplemented does, those from milked does had superior (P < 0.05) weaning weights (11.2 ± 1.23 g/day) than those from non - milked does (9.2 ± 1.27 g/day). Mortalities were also lowest in kids born from SNM does. It is concluded that pre-partum to weaning supplementation generally increases milk production which then increases kids growth rates and weaning weights, as well as reduce kid mortalities.     

Birth weight,birth type and pre-weaning survivability of West African Dwarf goats raised in the Dangme West District of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

A study was conducted on 441 West African Dwarf goat (WADG) kids born from September 1999 to August 2002 at three locations in the Dangme West District of the Greater Accra Region in Ghana to determine the effect of environmental factors on birth weight, birth type and pre-weaning survivability. The overall mean birth weight was 1.32 ± 0.01 kg. Birth weights were similar (p >0.05) between single births (1.43 ± 0.04 kg) and twins (1.34 ± 0.03 kg), but singles were significantly heavier (p < 0.05) than triplets (1.24 ± 0.05 kg). Kids born in the major wet season recorded the best mean birth weight (1.37 ± 0.04 kg). Sex, parity of does, and year of birth of kids had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on birth weight. Mean litter size was 1.93 ± 0.03. Does that kidded in the dry season had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher litter size (2.05 ± 0.06) than those that kidded in the minor wet season (1.80 ± 0.10). Litter size of first-parity kids was significantly smaller (p < 0.05) than in subsequent parities. Litter size dropped significantly (p < 0.05) from year 2 (2.03 ± 0.07) to year 3 (1.83 ± 0.07). Pre-weaning survivability was 79.1% and season of kidding had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on survivability. Survivability of quadruplets (61.8%) was significantly (p < 0.05) lower than in the other birth types.     

Estimating non-genetic and genetic parameters of pre-weaning growth traits in Raini Cashmere goat

Data and pedigree information used in the present study were 3,022 records of kids obtained from the breeding station of Raini goat. The studied traits were birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), average daily gain from birth to weaning (ADG) and Kleiber ratio at weaning (KR). The model included the fixed effects of sex of kid, type of birth, age of dam, year of birth, month of birth, and age of kid (days) as covariate that had significant effects, and random effects direct additive genetic, maternal additive genetic, maternal permanent environmental effects and residual. (Co) variance components were estimated using univariate and multivariate analysis by WOMBAT software applying four animal models including and ignoring maternal effects. Likelihood ratio test used to determine the most appropriate models. Heritability ( \texth_\texta² ) \left( {{\text{h}}_{\text{a}}^2} \right) estimates for BW, WW, ADG, and KR according to suitable model were 0.12 ± 0.05, 0.08 ± 0.06, 0.10 ± 0.06, and 0.06 ± 0.05, respectively. Estimates of the proportion of maternal permanent environmental effect to phenotypic variance (c ²) were 0.17 ± 0.03, 0.07 ± 0.03, and 0.07 ± 0.03 for BW, WW, and ADG, respectively. Genetic correlations among traits were positive and ranged from 0.53 (BW-ADG) to 1.00 (WW-ADG, WW-KR, and ADG-KR). The maternal permanent environmental correlations between BW-WW, BW-ADG, and WW-ADG were 0.54, 0.48, and 0.99, respectively. Results indicated that maternal effects, especially maternal permanent environmental effects are an important source of variation in pre-weaning growth trait and ignoring those in the model redound incorrect genetic evaluation of kids.     

Serum IgG,blood profiles,growth and survival in goat kids supplemented with artificial colostrum on the first day of life

The objective of this study was to compare serum IgG concentrations, blood metabolites indicative of nutritional status, weight gain and mortality rate in goat kids fed a commercial colostral supplement containing immunoglobulins against several pathogen microorganisms, prior to the ingestion of the mother colostrum, and goat kids ingesting natural colostrum only. There was no difference in serum IgG concentrations between 27 kids fed a colostrum supplement (20 g, derived from cow lacteal secretions) prior to the kids’ first meal (658 ± 703 mg dl⁻¹) and 21 kids ingesting maternal colostrum freely (1011 ± 1140 mg dl⁻¹) at 24 hours of birth. Hematocrit values, serum glucose and urea concentrations at 24 hours and 5 days of age were unaffected by treatment. Serum total proteins were 14% higher (P < 0.05) in the unsuplemented group than in the supplemented group at 5 d of age. There was no significant difference between the supplemented and unsupplemented kids in daily weight gain from birth to 70 days of age (92 ± 4.8 vs 102 ± 5.1 g day⁻¹). Mortality was 4% for kids receiving the colostrum supplement as compared with 0.0% for kids ingesting maternal colostrum only. Results suggest that, in intensively managed non-dairy goats with kiddings in summer, the supplementation of this commercial colostrum derived from cow lacteal secretions and containing antibodies against diverse pathogens organisms did not enhanced growth, survival or immunity under the farming conditions of this study.     

Characterization of Doayo and Kapsiki taurine cattle breeds of Cameroon in their natural environment

Data were collected on live weight (LW), heart girth (HG), height-at-withers (HW), trunk length (TL), age, sex, and coat color of 207 taurines cattle—122 of the Doayo (Namchi) breed and 85 of the Kapsiki (Kirdi) breed. The animals, aged 1 to 20 years, were selected from 60 herds randomly selected from villages of Poli of Faro and Mokolo of Tsanga, divisions of the North and Far North Regions of Cameroon. The data were analyzed using the SAS program with a linear model, applying standard tests. Results indicated no breed effect (P > 0.05) in the growth trends of LW, HG, HW, and TL. HG and TL were highly significantly (P < 0.0001) related to LW. The growth pattern for the two breeds was the same since the linear contrast of least square means for the traits at various age groups did not differ (P > 0.05) significantly. The breeds attained maturity as from 4 years. In the absence of breed effect (P > 0.05), a single regression equation was established for the estimation of live weight as thus LW = - 244.42 ( ±22.57 ) kg + 2.49 ( ±0.23 ) HG + 1.04 ( ±0.25 ) TL {\hbox{LW}} = - {244}.{42 }\left( {\pm {22}.{57}} \right){\hbox{ kg}} + {2}.{49 }\left( {\pm 0.{23}} \right){\hbox{ HG}} + {1}.0{4 }\left( {\pm 0.{25}} \right){\hbox{ TL}} , with HG contributing up to 70% of total variation and TL, 2%. This equation could be used to develop a measuring band useful in the rural environment for commercial and clinical veterinary purposes.     

Genetic and phenotypic parameter estimates for reproduction traits in indigenous Arsi-Bale goats

The study was conducted to evaluate reproductive performances and estimate genetic parameters for reproduction traits in Arsi-Bale goats. A total of 792 kidding records collected from 2001 to 2007 were used. Parity of dam, year, season and type of kidding were investigated as fixed effects by PROC GLM of SAS. Derivative-Free Restricted Maximum Likelihood (DFREML) method was used to estimate genetic parameters by fitting four animal models. Parity of dam and year of kidding influenced (P < 0.05) all the traits. The overall means for age at first kidding (AFK), kidding interval (KI), litter size at birth (LSB), litter size at weaning (LSW), litter weight at birth (LWB), litter weight at weaning (LWW), abortion and dystocia were 574.9 ± 8.3 days, 280.0 ± 13.7 days, 1.6 ± 0.03, 1.37 ± 0.03, 3.7 ± 0.08 kg, 9.11 ± 0.38 kg, 3.8% and 0.13%, respectively. The estimates of direct additive heritability for the traits, except for abortion and dystocia, under the best model (direct animal for AFK and repeatability model for other traits) were 0.245 ± 0.19, 0.060 ± 0.08, 0.074 ± 0.05, 0.006 ± 0.05, 0.125 ± 0.05, 0.053 ± 0.07, respectively, while the corresponding permanent environmental effects were 0.00 ± 0.00, 0.07 ± 0.07, 0.08 ± 0.05, 0.172 ± 0.06, 0.03 ± 0.04 and 0.07 ± 0.05, respectively. Repeatability estimates for KI, LSB, LSW, LWB and LWW were 0.13, 0.15, 0.18, 0.16 and 0.12, respectively. Genetic correlations between reproductive traits vary from medium to high. Arsi-Bale goats have good reproductive performance with low incidence of reproductive disorder. Except for AFK, other traits have low estimates of heritabilities with high genetic correlation among the traits. Repeated measures of the traits are needed before deciding to keep or cull the animal.     

Variability of hair coat and skin traits as related to adaptation in Criollo Limonero cattle

The variation in hair coat and skin histology traits of Criollo Limonero cattle was analyzed using 213 Criollo Limonero females. Skin biopsies were obtained from slick-haired (N = 16) and normal-haired (N = 14) animals. Measured traits included hair length (HL), color coat (CC), number of hair follicles per square centimeter (NHF), sweat glands per square centimeter (NSG), sweat glands size (SGS), sebaceous glands per square centimeter (NSBG), blood vessels per square centimeter (NBV), and thickness of epidermis (TE). Hair length differed (P < 0.001) between slick- and normal-haired animals (4.9 ± 0.12 vs 10.9 ± 0.20, respectively). Differences (P < 0.01) in CC (Bayo = 144/67.6% vs Red = 69/32.4%) and HL (slick-haired = 199/93.4% vs normal-haired = 14/6.5%) were found. Distribution of slick- and normal-haired animals differed (P < 0.01) between bayo-coated and red-coated (139/62.2% vs 9/4.2%; respectively). Most (P < 0.05) red-coated animals belonged to a single family. No differences (P > 0.05) were found between slick-haired and normal-haired animals in NHF (637 ± 164 vs 587 ± 144, respectively), NSG (556 ± 134 vs 481 ± 118, respectively), NSBG (408 ± 87 vs 366 ± 77, respectively), NBV (1628 ± 393 vs 1541 ± 346, respectively), and TE (1.24 ± 0.14 vs 1.32 ± 0.12, respectively). However, SGS was greater (P < 0.01) in slick-haired than normal-haired animals. In conclusion, Criollo Limonero cattle are predominantly bayo-coated, slick-haired, with a reduced number of hair follicles relative to Zebu cattle, sweat and sebaceous glands in proportion to hair follicle numbers, and with a high blood flow irrigating the skin. There is a sub-group of red-coated animals with yellow or cream skin, thicker epidermis, and with a higher frequency of normal-haired animals. It appears that the slick hair gene has been favored by natural selection in this breed.     

Genetic parameters for body weights,egg traits and antibody response against Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV) vaccine among two Tanzania chicken ecotypes

Genetic parameters were estimated for production traits and primary antibody response (Ab) against Newcastle diseases virus (NDV) vaccine among two Tanzania chicken ecotypes viz. Kuchi and Tanzania Medium (Medium). Production traits studied were body weights at 8 (Bwt8), 12(Bwt12), 16(Bwt16), and 20 (Bwt20) weeks of age, age at first egg (AFE), egg number in the first 90 days after sexual maturity (EN-90), egg weight (EW), egg shell thickness (STH), and egg shape index (ESI). Heritability estimates for Bwt8, Bwt12, Bwt16, Bwt20, AFE, EN-90, EW, STH, ESI and Ab for Kuchi chicken were 0.38 ± 0.10, 0.41 ± 0.07, 0.44 ± 0.08, 0.45 ± 0.09, 0.42 ± 0.10, 0.31 ± 0.05, 0.43 ± 0.08, 0.53 ± 0.11, 0.48 ± 0.13 and 0.27 ± 0.06, respectively. Corresponding estimates for Medium ecotype were 0.39 ± 0.09, 0.43 ± 0.10, 0.42 ± 0.08, 0.43 ± 0.07, 0.52 ± 0.11, 0.32 ± 0.06, 0.50 ± 0.07, 0.61 ± 0.13, 0.52 ± 0.10 and 0.29 ± 0.05, respectively. Genetic (r _g) and phenotypic (r_p) correlations in both ecotypes were highest among body weights (i.e. r_g = 0.60 to 0.93 and r_p = 0.54 to 0.78), and were lowest (around 0.10 and below, ranging from positive to negative) among primary antibody response against NDV vaccine and production traits, and among eggshell thickness, egg shape index and other production traits. The magnitudes of heritability estimates obtained in this study indicate good prospects of improving these traits in both ecotypes through selection.     

Age- and sex-dependent regression models for predicting the live weight of West African Dwarf goat from body measurements

The relationships between live weight and eight body measurements of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats were studied using 211 animals under farm condition. The animals were categorized based on age and sex. Data obtained on height at withers (HW), heart girth (HG), body length (BL), head length (HL), and length of hindquarter (LHQ) were fitted into simple linear, allometric, and multiple-regression models to predict live weight from the body measurements according to age group and sex. Results showed that live weight, HG, BL, LHQ, HL, and HW increased with the age of the animals. In multiple-regression model, HG and HL best fit the model for goat kids; HG, HW, and HL for goat aged 13–24 months; while HG, LHQ, HW, and HL best fit the model for goats aged 25–36 months. Coefficients of determination (R ²) values for linear and allometric models for predicting the live weight of WAD goat increased with age in all the body measurements, with HG being the most satisfactory single measurement in predicting the live weight of WAD goat. Sex had significant influence on the model with R ² values consistently higher in females except the models for LHQ and HW.     

Effect of supplementation with corn oil on postpartum ovarian activity,pregnancy rate,and serum concentration of progesterone and lipid metabolites in F<Subscript>1</Subscript> (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Bos taurus</Emphasis> × <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bos indicus</Emphasis>) cows

The aim was to evaluate the effect of corn oil supplementation during postpartum anoestrus on ovarian activity, pregnancy rate, progesterone (P₄), and lipid metabolites (cholesterol, CHO; low and high density lipoproteins; LDL and HDL, respectively) concentrations in blood of F₁ (Bos taurus × Bos indicus) grazing cows. Cows were randomly assigned to an experimental group, fed with a supplement containing 4% corn oil on dry matter basis (OG, n = 11), and a control group with the same supplement without corn oil (CG, n = 12). Both supplements contained equivalent amounts of crude protein and metabolizable energy and were fed for 34 days continuously. All cows were induced to estrous 12 days after beginning of supplementation by using a synthetic progestagen and artificially inseminated 56 h after retiring the implants. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by transrectal palpation 45 days after insemination, evaluating simultaneously ovarian activity. P₄ and lipid metabolites (CHO, HDL, LDL) concentrations were determined in blood samples collected at 3-day intervals, from the beginning of corn oil supplementation and up to 10 days after artificial insemination. Ovarian activity was affected by treatment (p < 0.05), finding ovarian structures in 72.7% of OG cows and in 50% of CG cows. Concentration of P₄ and CHO was higher for OG with respect to CG (2.52 ± 0.65 vs 1.88 ± 0.62 ng/ml and 117.79 ± 11.57 vs 85.71 ± 12.11 mg/dl, respectively), whereas pregnancy rate and blood concentrations of HDL and LDL were not affected by treatment (p > 0.05). Addition of corn oil to the supplement stimulated ovarian activity and increased serum concentrations of progesterone and cholesterol in grazing B. taurus × B. indicus cows with low body condition score showing postpartum anoestrus.     

Sweet potato and Green panic as sole fodder for stall-fed lactating White Fulani cows and growing calves

Three sweet potato varieties (TIS-87/0087; TIS-8164; TIS-2532.OP.1.13) and Green panic (Panicum maximum) were evaluated for forage quality in a completely randomized design (CRD) using 12 sole-fed lactating White Fulani cows for 21 days, and 12 growing White Fulani and White Fulani x Brown Swiss calves for 77 days. Dry matter intake of cows ranged (p < 0.05) between 131 g/W_kg ^0.734 in TIS-87/0087 and 152 g/W_kg ^0.734 in TIS-8164. Daily milk yields increased (p < 0.05) in TIS-87/0087 (2%) and TIS-8164 (5%), but decreased in TIS-2532.OP.1.13 (5%) and Green panic (19%). Mean (±SEM) milk total solids (13.16 ± 0.05 g/100 g), ash (0.78 ± 0.01 g/100 g), protein (3.79 ± 0.07 g/100 g), fat (3.98 ± 0.06 g/100 g), and lactose (4.62 ± 0.14 g/100 g) were significantly different (p < 0.05) among treatments. The White Fulani x Brown Swiss calves recorded about 10, 25 and 29% higher birthweight, milk intake and bodyweight gains respectively, but about 3% lower dry matter intake than the purebred White Fulani calves. The rumen degradation rates were similar (p > 0.05), while the rest rumen dry matter degradation characteristics were lowest (p < 0.05) for Green panic. Sweet potato forage could be used as sole feed or supplement for dry-season Green panic.     

Reproductive Performance and Milk Production of Damascus Goats Fed Acacia Shrubs or Berseem Clover Hay in North Sinai,Egypt

Thirty-three adult Damascus does (29±1.1 kg BW) were fed 0.6 kg per head per day of a concentrate diet plus ad libitum rice straw (Oryza sativa, control, R), or green acacia (Acacia saligna, A) or berseem clover hay (Trifolium alexandrinum, B). All treatment groups had free access to underground saline water containing 3600 ppm TDS. The DM intake was lower (p<0.05) for the R group but did not differ between the other two groups. The DM intake of acacia was 0.64 kg per head per day (1.98% BW) during pregnancy and 0.93 kg per head per day (2.95% BW) during lactation. The drinking water differed (p<0.05) between the three dietary treatments; group B had the highest mean intake and group A had the lowest. The percentage kidding and the litter weight at birth did not differ significantly between the groups. However, the number of kids weaned/doe kidding and the weight of the kids weaned/doe kidding were significantly higher for group B. The mean body weight of the kids at birth and at weaning were significantly lower for group R. The total milk yield over 10 weeks and the milk composition (total solids, fat and protein percentages) were significantly different between the three groups; group B having the highest means and group R the lowest. These results suggest that supplemental feeding is required to enhance the productivity of goats in arid or semi-arid environments and Acacia saligna should not be used fresh in excessive quantities for extended periods.     

Relationship of age to body weight,scrotal circumference,testicular ultrasonograms,and semen quality in Sahiwal bulls

The objective of the present study was to determine the relationship of age to body weight (BW), scrotal circumference (SC), number of pixels of testicular ultrasonograms (NP), and semen quality in Sahiwal bulls. The study was based on 128 Sahiwal bulls of different age groups (from 0 to >100 months of age). Bulls were evaluated for SC, BW, and NP. Semen was evaluated once a week for five consecutive weeks from regularly collected donor bulls (n = 86) ranging in age from 25–30 to >100 months. Ejaculate volume, sperm motility, sperm concentration, sperm morphology, percent live sperms, sperm plasma membrane integrity, and normal acrosome were compared among different age groups. Mean SC and BW increased (P < 0.05) in a curvilinear manner from birth to >100 months of age. Mean NP of testicular ultrasonograms increased (P < 0.05) from 0 to 24 months and then plateaued until >100 months of age. Body weight, SC, and NP were positively correlated with age from birth until >100 months (r = 0.91, 0.87, and 0.40, respectively). Ejaculate volume (5.7 ± 0.2 vs. 4.6 ± 0.09 ml) and sperm concentration (1,281.6 ± 17.7 vs. 1,115.8 ± 55.9 × 10⁶/ml) increased (P < 0.05) in mature bulls compared to younger ones. However, motility (68.6 ± 0.3%), plasma membrane integrity (50.8 ± 1.0%), and normal acrosome (74.8 ± 0.5%) remained insignificant due to age. In six of eight age groups studied, morphological abnormalities were well within the range (18.1 ± 0.3%). In conclusion, the BW, SC, and NP of testicular ultrasonograms, ejaculate volume, and concentration increased with age. Moreover, semen quality is fairly independent of age except volume and concentration in Sahiwal bulls.     

Effect of semen collection frequency on seasonal variation in sexual behaviour,testosterone, testicular size and semen characteristics of tropical hair rams (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ovis aries</Emphasis>)

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of day length on seminal characteristics, testicular size, sexual behaviour and testosterone (T4) concentration in Pelibuey rams subjected to different semen collection frequencies. Eighteen intact males were assigned randomly to one of two semen collection frequencies: in the high rate (HR) treatment, two ejaculations per week were obtained from each ram; one ejaculation every two weeks was collected under the low rate (LR) treatment. All animals were housed individually in contiguous 5 m × 5 m wire mesh pens and evaluated over a 12-month period. At the beginning of the experiment rams were 20 months old and 40–50 kg in weight. All rams ejaculated and produced semen throughout the year. Semen volume, sperm per ejaculation, testicular circumference and testicular volume were significantly (p < 0.05) greater during short days in all rams, regardless of the semen collection frequency, with the exception of sperm concentration, for which no variation was found in HR individuals, and reaction time and T₄ levels, for which no variation was found in LR males. Rams subjected to HR collection were more affected by the short-day photoperiod than rams collected twice per week, exhibiting greater reduction (p < 0.05) in time to achieve their first ejaculation and in sperm per ejaculation, as well as greater increases (p < 0.05) in T₄ concentration than LR rams (14.65 ± 1.22 vs 23.53 ± 5.34 s, (3.37 ± 0.17) × 10⁹ vs (3.52 ± 0.20) × 10⁹ sperm and 8.68 ± 0.44 vs 6.85 ± 0.74 ng/ml, respectively). It was concluded that: (a) the magnitude of the seasonal effects was not sufficient to prevent the rams being used for breeding throughout the year, and (b) seasonal variation within variables was affected differently between semen collection frequencies.     

Coagulation profile,haematological and biochemical changes in kids naturally infected with peste des petits ruminants

The aim of this study was to examine the coagulation profile in peste des petits ruminant (PPR) in kids. Five kids from a group of 150 animals (72 goats and 78 kids) were brought to the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital from a farm in Burdur province (Turkey) with nasal and ocular discharges and diarrhea. Fifteen goats and 41 kids had died due to diarrhea and three kids were presented to the Department of Pathology for diagnosis. Blood samples were taken from 12 ill animals (infected group) for haematological and biochemical analysis. In addition, five healthy kids were examined from another healthy flock (control group). Leukocyte and lymphocyte numbers of infected group showed significant declinations in comparison to control group (≤0.001). Haemorrhages in all organs of digestive system and small haemorrhagic areas in liver were caused to decrease in erythrocyte and haematocrit values (p ≤ 0.001) in infected group. Concentrations of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (p ≤ 0.01) and creatinine (p ≤ 0.001) in infected group were significantly higher than control group. Compared to control group, significant increases were determined in serum concentrations of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (p ≤ 0.01), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p ≤ 0.001) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p ≤ 0.001) in the infected group. No significant differences were observed between the infected and control groups for serum gamma glutamyl-transferase (GGT) concentration value. In our study, thrombocytopenia (p ≤ 0.001) together with prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT; p ≤ 0.01) and prothrombin time (PT; p ≤ 0.001) may show that disseminated intravascular coagulopathy which can occur in kids with PPR.     

Effect of weaning method on body weight,testicular growth,sexual behavior,age of puberty,and testosterone concentration of Beetal bucks

The current study evaluates the effects of early (8th week) and late (16th week of age) weaning of male goat kids on their body growth, testicular growth, sexual behavior, plasma testosterone concentration, and pubertal age. Early (n = 6) and late (n = 7) weaned Beetal bucks were weekly monitored from 18th to 38th week for their body weight, scrotal circumference, testicular volume, testicular echogenicity (via ultrasonography), sexual activities, and plasma testosterone concentration. In comparison to early-weaned, late-weaned bucks showed a marked increase (p < .05) in body weight (11.4 ± 0.8 vs. 13.7 ± 0.6kg), testicular volume (44.1 ± 7.2 vs. 79.8 ± 18.7cm³), scrotal circumference (10.7 ± 0.6 vs. 12.8 ± 0.7cm), and testicular echogenicity (28.3 ± 2.7 vs. 38.3 ± 2.1) from 18th, 28th, 21st, and 24th week onward, respectively. Sexual activities started earlier in late- than early-weaned bucks (22nd vs. 25th week, respectively). Moreover, the sexual behavior index was better (p < .05) after the 34th week in late than early-weaned bucks. The plasma concentration of testosterone (at 39 weeks of age) was relatively more and the onset of puberty was 2–3 weeks earlier (p < .05) in late than early-weaned bucks. In conclusion, age-based early weaning of male kids impairs their testicular growth, sexual behavior, and age at puberty compared to conventional weaning.     

Relevance of the variability of kidding day in Creole goats in Guadeloupe

The results of 5732 records of kids born between 1985 and 1996 at Gardel Agricultural Experiment Station (INRA) in Guadeloupe, were used in order to estimate the effect of kidding day (KD) on individual preweaning growth performances, total productivity of Creole goats and litter size. The flock was subjected to a restricted mating season for a long time, by using male effect. The results of the fixed linear model showed a highly significant (P<0.001) effect of KD on growth rate and total productivity of does. Live weights of kids born around the 21st day of the kidding period (KP) was 4% to 7% higher than those of kids born the first day of the KP. For total productivity of does, this ratio did not reached more than 4%. The optimum at 70 days of age occurred around 14th day of the KD with 3% of improvement of total productivity. No effect was observed upon litter size. The genetic (co)variance components were estimated by six different Individual Animal Models. The heritability (h²) estimated from the best model, was h_D²=0.25±0.05 for genetic direct effect; h_M²=0.09±0.04 for genetic maternal effect and the genetic correlation between direct and maternal effects was −0.86±0.12. The use of KD could be highly recommended in a breeding program in this population of Creole meat goats, since it is quite easy to record under commercial conditions as a character related to reproductive performance.     

Implementation of herd health program to improve survival of Boer goats in Malaysia

A Boer goat breeding farm with 800 heads of breeder females, 50 breeder males, and 400 growing goats of various ages in Sabah, Malaysia was selected to study the effect of implementing herd health program. This included vaccination program against pneumonic mannheimiosis; fecal monitoring for helminthiasis, coccidiosis, and colibacillosis; and introduction of modified feeding regime comprised of day-time grazing and feeding of cut grass and supplemented feed. The herd health program was implemented in September 2007 and the impact was observed on body weight gains, body scoring, and annual mortality among adults and kids. It was found that implementation of herd health program significantly (p < 0.05) increased the average body weight gains in both adults and kids from 1.8 g per kid and 0.6 g per adult in 2006 to 3.7 g per kid and 2.2 g per adult in 2008. The percentage of adults with body scoring of <3 was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced from 82.3% in 2006 to 77.6% in 2007 and 4% in 2008. Similarly, the annual mortality rate was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced from 6.5% among kids and 58.2% among adults in 2006 to 12.1% among kids and 10.4% among adults in 2007, and to 9.1% among kids and 1.1% among adults in 2008. Therefore, it was concluded that implementation of herd health program significantly improved the survival and performance of goats.