Estrus induction in anestrous mixed-breed goats using the “female-to-female effect”

A trial was conducted during the anestrous period in female goats to determine: (a) whether estrus can be induced in anestrous goats by administration of equine chorionic gonadotropic hormone (eCG) and PGF_2α under pen conditions and (b) whether these sexually active female goats can elicit sexual arousal in sexually inactive bucks. One hundred and fifteen pluriparous, nonlactating mixed-breed female goats were randomly assigned to one of four treatment groups: (1) administration of a single dose of 240 IU of eCG, 50 μg PGF_2α i.m., and 25 mg progesterone (P₄) (eCG; n?=?30); (2) administration of P₄ and exposure to female goats treated with eCG–PGF_2α (P₄; n?=?39); (3) administration of 0.5 ml saline and P₄ (Sal; n?=?23); and (4) P₄ plus exposure to female goats treated with saline (Con; n?=?23). After hormone administration, all goats were put together with adult sexually inactive bucks for 15 days. The percentage of goats in estrus during these 15 days was similar in eCG-treated animals and untreated animals exposed to the eCG animals (97 and 95 %). Pregnancy rate was also similar (63 vs. 64 %) between these two groups. eCG-treated goats exhibited estrus earlier (P?<?0.05) than the treated goats in contact with the eCG goats. Furthermore, eCG-treated goats had larger litters (1.9?±?0.2 vs. 1.6?±?0.1, P?<?0.05) than the untreated goats in contact with the eCG goats. These results show that fertile estrus can be induced in anestrous female goats by exposing them to female goats induced to estrus with eCG. This female–female interaction triggers the stimulation cycle leading to the sexual arousal of bucks.     

Clinicopathological findings and disease staging of feline infectious peritonitis: 51 cases from 2003 to 2009 in Taiwan

Fifty-one cats histopathologically confirmed to have been naturally infected by feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), were collected to analyse the clinical and laboratory findings and to characterise disease staging. Effusive FIP was found in 33 cats, non-effusive FIP in 12 cats, and mixed-type in six cats. Highly significant decreases in haematocrit and albumin levels and an increase in total bilirubin level were noted in both effusive and non-effusive FIP, at first presentation and before death. In serial blood examinations of the effusive group, anaemia and increases in bilirubin and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were observed from 2 weeks to 0-3 days before death. The packed cell volume, bilirubin, AST, potassium, and sodium levels were established to predict disease staging and survival time. Cumulative points ranging from 0 to 4, 5 to 11 and excess of 12, indicate that the cat can survive for at least 2 weeks, less than 2?weeks and less than 3 days, respectively.     

Canine immune-mediated polyarthritis: Clinical and laboratory findings in 83 cases in western Canada (1991–2001)

A hospital-based, case-control study was used to describe clinical and laboratory findings in 83 dogs diagnosed with noninfectious, nonerosive, immune-mediated polyarthritis (IMPA) in western Canada. Case medical records were reviewed. Cases were analyzed as total IMPA cases and as subgroups [breed, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), reactive, and idiopathic] and compared with the general canine hospital population. Dogs with IMPA differed in age (P = 0.004) and weight (P = 0.01) from other hospital admissions. Idiopathic IMPA cases were older (4–10 y; P < 0.05), compared with the general canine hospital population, and their common laboratory abnormalities included the following: leukocytosis, nonregenerative anemia, increased alkaline phosphatase, and hypoalbuminemia. The SLE cases were seen more often in summer and fall (P = 0.04), raising concern of an undiagnosed etiologic agent. The hock joint appeared to be the most reliable for diagnosis of IMPA, and arthrocentesis of both hock joints may aid in case identification.     

Factors influencing the performance of an interferon-γ assay for the diagnosis of tuberculosis in goats

The interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) assay is an effective tool for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (Tb) in goats. The objectives of this study were to evaluate factors that might affect assay performance: (1) the phenol concentration of the purified protein derivative (PPD, tuberculin) used; (2) dialysis of PPD; and (3) delaying antigenic stimulation of blood samples for 8, 16 and 24h after collection. The assay was performed in duplicate with two cut-off points. Dialysis of PPD reduced test sensitivity, whereas the concentration of phenol did not significantly affect test outcome. Delaying antigenic stimulation of samples >8h resulted in a reduction in test sensitivity, compromising the capacity of the assay to detect infected animals. Performing the assay in duplicate was unnecessary, which has implications for reducing assay costs. These findings will facilitate the effective application of the IFN-γ assay as an ancillary test in Tb eradication programmes in goats.     

Documenting the absence of brucellosis in cattle,goats and dogs in a “One Health” interface in the Mnisi community,Limpopo, South Africa

Tropical Animal Health and Production - This study shows the absence of the world’s most common bacterial zoonoses caused by Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis in cattle, goats and dogs...     

Serological evidence of caprine arthritis–encephalitis virus (CAEV) infection in indigenous goats in the Sultanate of Oman

Caprine arthritis encephalitis (CAE) is a chronic debilitating disease of goats caused by a lentivirus responsible for economic losses as a result of a drop in milk production and weight loss. The objective of the study was to determine if indigenous goats from five different regions in the Sultanate of Oman exhibit serological evidence of exposure to CAEV using a competitive-inhibition ELISA technique. Blood samples were collected from slaughtered goats (N = 1,110) and from the National Serum Bank (n = 528). In total, 83 (5.1%) of screened samples were classed as seropositive. The results provide the first serological evidence for the presence of CAEV in Oman.     

The value of Leucaena leucocephala bark in leucaena—grass hay diets for Thai goats

The study assessed the value of Leucaena leucocephala bark in leucaena—grass hay diets fed to Thai goats. Thai goats in metabolism pens were fed diets containing leucaena leaf (55%) + pangola grass hay (hay, 45%); leucaena leaf (48%) + leucaena bark (9%) + hay (43%); leucaena bark (57%) + hay (43%); and hay only. Feed percentages are expressed on a dry weight basis. The digestibilities of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) were measured for the four diets. Leucaena bark had lower CP concentration than the leaf (11.7 vs. 25.9), and the leucaena bark + hay diet had lower DM and CP digestibility than the other diets. The calculated bark digestibilities of DM and CP of 44.1% and 38.2%, respectively, were much lower than the values for the leucaena leaf of 62.9% and 89.1%, respectively. The lower than expected CP digestibility was attributed to higher tannin levels in the bark compared to the leaves. Despite this, the bark was well accepted by the goats and was often preferred to the hay. Stripping of the bark by goats also results in stems that dry quicker and have higher calorific value as fuel. However, if leucaena branches are fed as a sole diet, the goats may consume up to 30% of bark on a DM basis and this would reduce nutritive value and animal productivity.     

Progesterone milk residues in goats treated with CIDR-G(®) inserts

Progesterone (P4)-impregnated intravaginal controlled internal drug-releasing devices (CIDRs) have been used worldwide for estrus synchronization in ruminants. CIDRs serve to place all treated animals in the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. The objectives of this study were to compare P4 concentrations in milk from normal reproductively cycling, CIDR-treated, and pregnant goats. CIDRs were placed in treatment goats on day 0 and removed on day 19. Milk was collected daily from day 0 to day 21 from control and CIDR-treated goats and for 5 consecutive days between 40 and 60 days of gestation from pregnant does. Milk P4 was plotted against time (in days) for each individual, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated as an estimate of total milk P4. The AUC(day 0-21) for control and CIDR-treated goats were 29.5 ± 11.9 and 33.7 ± 6.6 d·ng/mL, respectively (P = 0.77). The highest single-day and highest 5-day average P4 values for each animal were also compared among groups. Single-day peak P4 levels were 4.8 ± 1.5, 4.0 ± 1.0, and 6.0 ± 0.4 ng/mL for control, CIDR-treated, and pregnant goats (P = 0.42). The highest 5-day average P4 concentrations were 3.6 ± 1.3, 2.9 ± 1.8, and 4.2 ± 0.3 for control, CIDR-treated, and pregnant goats (P = 0.56). The results of this study show that intravaginal P4 CIDR devices inserted for 19 days in healthy goats resulted in milk P4 levels similar to or less than those endogenously produced during diestrus or pregnancy.     

Prevalence and larval burden of oestrus ovis (Linné 1761) in sheep and goats in northern mediterranean region of France

A slaughterhouse survey to determine prevalence and larval burden of Oestrus ovis larvae in sheep and goats was performed monthly during one year in Pézenas, South of France, northern mediterranean region. A total of 1303 sheep and goat heads were selected at random. O. ovis larvae were found in 274 sheep out of 631 (43.4%), and the prevalence rate varied from 14.3% in February to 65% in October. The mean number of larvae in infected sheep heads was 10.86 with 9.24 L1, 0.91 L2 and 0.71 L3. One hundred and ninety-one goats out of 672 were infected (28.4%), and the prevalence rate varied from 6.25% in September to 47.1% in April. In infected goat heads, the mean parasitic burden was 5.35 with 4.04 L1, 0.73 L2 and 0.58 L3. These results confirm worldwide observations indicating that the prevalence and the parasitic burdens are less in goats than in sheep.     

Effects of ecotrofin™ on milk yield,milk quality and serum biochemistry in lactating goats

A nutritional supplement (Ecotrofin™, by Vetoquinol Italia S.r.l) recommended in ruminants feeding to strengthen the physiological condition and improve digestive performance was tested in 20 pluriparae grazing goats divided in two groups (control and treated) to assess its possible effects on milk yield and quality and to assess eventual adverse effects. Animals from both groups also received 400 g/day of corn meal, and the treated group was supplemented with 20 g/head/day of the nutritional supplement. At the doses suggested by the manufacturer, despite a transient increase after 30 days of supplementation, Ecotrofin™ did not show significant effects on milk yield and, although some changes were found in the fatty acids profile, no significant improvement of MUFA and PUFA, as well as of omega-6:omega-3 ratio and CLA content were seen. Therefore, in our experimental conditions the supplementation of diet with Ecotrofin™ did not appear useful to improve goat's performance. A significant effect on kidney health markers (27 vs. 22.5 for urea and 0.83 vs. 0.76 for creatinine, p < 0.05) suggested a beneficial effect on renal function but, since levels fell in the normal ranges in both groups, such hypothesis would need further studies to be addressed.     

Evaluation of clinical pathology parameters in fecal PCR-positive or PCR-negative goats for Johne’s disease

Tropical Animal Health and Production - Johne’s disease (JD) is an economically important infectious disease of ruminants caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP). This...     

Milk yield and composition of crossbred Sahelian × Anglo-Nubian goats in the semi-intensive system in Mali during the preweaning period

The aim of this study was to evaluate milk yield and its composition during the preweaning period for Sahelian goats (SG) and Anglo-Nubian (AN) crossbred depending on some factors. The experiments were conducted from January to December 2008 for 44 suckled and hand-milked does, randomized, and divided into two equal groups: SG (n?=?22) and F₁ Anglo-Nubian × Sahelian goats (1/2AN; n?=?22). The does and their offsprings were kept in a pen where they stayed indoors for 45 days before they were allowed outdoors when the weather was suitable. Each category received supplemental feeds depending on the season (rainy season, dry cold season, and dry hot season). The average daily milk yield was recorded weekly from parturition to 100 days of age. Individual milk samples were taken for chemical analysis in connection with the yield measurements twice per month from the fourth week of lactation throughout the different seasons (rainy, cold dry, and hot dry). The daily milk yield differed between breed types (P?=?0.001) during the preweaning, while the effect of kids' sex on daily milk production was not significant. Litter size affected milk yield up to day 60 (P?=?0.032) where does with twins producing more milk than those with single kid. However, at day 100, both groups had similar (P?=?0.001) milk production. Total milk yield at weaning increased by 103 % in 1/2AN over SG. The highest concentration of total solids of milk was (12.76 %) recorded in the hot dry season. The results of this study indicate that crossbreeding native Sahelian goats with high potential Anglo-Nubian buck improved milk production and its composition.     

Microsatellite diversity of the Nordic type of goats in relation to breed conservation: how relevant is pure ancestry?

In the last decades, several endangered breeds of livestock species have been re‐established effectively. However, the successful revival of the Dutch and Danish Landrace goats involved crossing with exotic breeds and the ancestry of the current populations is therefore not clear. We have generated genotypes for 27 FAO‐recommended microsatellites of these landraces and three phenotypically similar Nordic‐type landraces and compared these breeds with central European, Mediterranean and south‐west Asian goats. We found decreasing levels of genetic diversity with increasing distance from the south‐west Asian domestication site with a south‐east‐to‐north‐west cline that is clearly steeper than the Mediterranean east‐to‐west cline. In terms of genetic diversity, the Dutch Landrace comes next to the isolated Icelandic breed, which has an extremely low diversity. The Norwegian coastal goat and the Finnish and Icelandic landraces are clearly related. It appears that by a combination of mixed origin and a population bottleneck, the Dutch and Danish Land‐races are separated from the other breeds. However, the current Dutch and Danish populations with the multicoloured and long‐horned appearance effectively substitute for the original breed, illustrating that for conservation of cultural heritage, the phenotype of a breed is more relevant than pure ancestry and the genetic diversity of the original breed. More in general, we propose that for conservation, the retention of genetic diversity of an original breed and of the visual phenotype by which the breed is recognized and defined needs to be considered separately.     

Hepatozoon spp.: report of some cases in dogs in Brasília, Brazil

Canine hepatozoonosis is a disease caused by the tick-borne protozoan Hepatozoon spp. It has been reported in the United States, southern Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Far East. In Brazil, canine hepatozoonosis is an emerging protozoal tick-borne disease, and is characterized by distinct clinical signs. The objective of this study was to analyze the laboratory findings of some hepatozoonosis cases in dogs in Brasília, Brazil, and their clinical signs. The animals of this experiment showed low parasitemia, similar to H. americanum, but the clinical signs presented were similar to H. canis. According to our observations and in agreement with O'Dwyer et al. [Vet. Parasitol. 94 (2001) 143], the Brazilian Hepatozoon appears more to resemble the species found in the eastern Hemisphere than with H. americanum of North America, or could be caused by a new species. Our data revealed that hepatozoonosis could be considered endemic in Brasília.     

Prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in goats slaughtered in the public slaughterhouse of Patos city, Paraíba State, Northeast region of Brazil

The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii and anti-Neospora caninum antibodies was investigated in goats slaughtered in the public slaughterhouse of Patos, State of Paraíba, Northeast region of Brazil, and possible associations between sex of the animals and antibody prevalence were verified. Three-hundred six blood samples from goats collected before slaughter by jugular venopuncture were used. For the serologic diagnosis of T. gondii and N. caninum, the indirect fluorescent-antibody test (IFAT) with cut-off values 64 and 50, respectively, was carried out. The prevalence of anti-T. gondii antibodies was 24.5% [95% CI=19.8-29.7%] with titers ranging from 64 to 4096, and anti-N. caninum antibodies was 3.3% (95% CI=1.6-5.9%) with titers ranging from 50 to 400. There were no associations between sex of animals and prevalence of anti-T. gondii and anti-N. caninum antibodies.