Effect of high tannin grain sorghum on gastrointestinal parasite fecal egg counts in goats

The objective of three experiments was to determine the influence of high condensed tannin (CT) grain sorghum on gastrointestinal parasite fecal egg counts (FEC). Sixteen naturally infected Boer crossbred mixed-sex goats were used. Animals that were supplemented with grain daily were removed from pasture and placed in individual pens and fed treatment diets for 21 or 14 days (Experiment 3). Goats were allowed ad libitum access to water and diets containing high or low CT cracked grain sorghum. On day 0 and every 7 days thereafter, PCV, FEC and FAMACHA^® eyelid color scores (EYE; Experiment 1 only) were recorded. For Experiment 1, percentage of animals dewormed, PCV and EYE were not influenced by treatment and averaged 13.6 ± 4.5% per treatment period, 23.4 ± 0.8% and 3.2 ± 0.12, respectively, for all animals. The FEC increased after day 0 for control but not high tannin grain sorghum fed goats (treatment by day interaction, P < 0.02). As expected, EYE and PCV were negatively related (r = −0.45; P < 0.0005). For Experiment 2, there was no influence of diet on PCV or FEC, but there was an effect of day on FEC (P < 0.002) in which all goats had higher FEC on day 0 (1956 ± 219 eggs/g) than any other sampling day. For Experiment 3, there was no effect of feeding high CT grain sorghum on FEC (2992 ± 591 eggs/g) or PCV (25.1 ± 0.5%). In these studies, high CT grain sorghum did not consistently influence FEC and did not impact PCV or number of animals requiring chemical anthelmintic treatment.     

The effect of heather supplementation on gastrointestinal nematode infections and performance in Cashmere and local Celtiberic goats on pasture

A study was performed on 48 adult dry goats (16 local Celtiberic and 32 Cashmere does) at pasture and naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes to investigate the effects of heather supplementation on faecal egg count(s) (FEC) and live weight changes. The experiment was carried out in a mountain area in the north-west of Spain from June to November in 2003. Two plots of 10,550 and 9,050 m² with perennial ryegrass/white clover (Lolium perenne/Trifolium repens) pastures were established and a total of 24 goats (8 local Celtiberic does and 16 Cashmere does) were randomly allocated to each plot. The trial consisted of comparing live weight changes and FECs in goats fed heather supplement (treated group) or not (control group). A supplement of freshly cut heather was offered ad libitum to the treated group every 3 days in the morning. Cashmere does showed a significantly (P < 0.001) lower live weight decrease than the Celtiberic goats. The goats supplemented with heather showed a lower FEC than compared controls and this effect was significant (P < 0.05) in August and in the following controls (September, October and November). Two goats died before November in the control group. In conclusion, it seems that the availability of heather reduces the FEC in goats grazing ryegrass/white clover pastures and tends to improve their live weights.     

Effects of heather and oat supplementation on gastrointestinal nematode infections and performance of grazing Cashmere goats

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of tannin-containing heather (Calluna vulgaris, Erica spp.) and energy (oats, Avena sativa) supplementation, combined or not, on feed intake, gastrointestinal nematode infections and performance of goats grazing mountain grasslands. Two successive experiments were established across one grazing season on four paddocks. The first (late April to early August, Period 1) involved two treatments, i.e., supplementation with heather (+H) vs. non-supplementation (−H), each randomly allocated to two paddocks. The second (mid-August to mid-November, Period 2) consisted on four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial design, i.e., supplementation with heather and oats (+H+O), only heather (+H−O), only oats (−H+O), and no supplementation (−H−O). Results from Period 1 indicated that faecal nematode egg counts (FEC) were lower in +H goats (50% less in August), achieving more favourable live weight (LW) and body condition changes than −H goats. Total dry matter intake (DMI) in June was similar between treatments, with heather accounting for 0.21 of +H goat diets. Kids FEC and LW gains were not affected by heather supplementation. In Period 2, both heather and oat supplementation reduced FEC (45 and 61%, respectively) and improved goat performance, without an interaction between both factors. Total DMI in October was higher in +H+O compared to other treatments (48 vs. 30 g DM kg LW^−0.75 d⁻¹; P < 0.01). Rumen ammonia concentration was lower (P < 0.001) in +H than in −H goats, and in +O than in −O goats, whereas that of volatile fatty acids (VFA) was not affected by treatments, though the molar proportions of some VFA were modified. It is concluded that the combination of both supplements (tannins and energy) contributes to reduce gastrointestinal nematode parasitism and increases goat performance, allowing a lower dependence on conventional chemotherapy.     

Effects of intermittent watering on water balance and feed intake in male Ethiopian Somali goats

The objective of this study was to investigate the regulation of water balance and dry matter (DM) intake of male Ethiopian Somali goats. Twenty-eight goats were grouped into four treatments; goats watered every day (W1), every 2nd day (W2), every 3rd day (W3) and every 4th day (W4) for a total period of 72 days. Plasma sodium and potassium were analyzed by flame photometry, plasma osmolality by freezing point depression, plasma protein concentration by TS refractometry, and the plasma vasopressin concentration by radioimmunoassay. Goats were fed grass hay ad libitum and were given 200 g of concentrates daily. The calculated daily water intake (ml/kg BW^0.75) of W1, W2, W3 and W4 was 128 ± 4, 86 ± 4, 88 ± 4 and 78 ± 4, respectively, (P < 0.001, W1 versus the other groups). Calculated total concentrates intake did not change, whereas Group W2 and W4 consumed less hay on days of water deprivation (W1 versus W2, P < 0.01; W1 versus W4, P < 0.001). Plasma sodium concentration of W1 was 143 ± 1 mmol/l. Intermittent watering increased plasma sodium concentration from 140 or 141 ± 1 mmol/l to 145 or 146 ± 1 mmol/l every 2nd day in group W2. In W3, it increased from 139 ± 1 to 146 ± 1 mmol/l and in W4 from 137 ± 1 to 149 ± 1 mmol/l (P < 0.001 for all) on days after watering compared to last day of water deprivation, respectively. Corresponding changes were observed in plasma osmolality. Total plasma protein concentration increased only in W3 from 65 ± 1 to 67 ± 1 mmol/l on day 3 (P < 0.01) and in W4 from 65 ± 1 to 67 and 68 ± 1 mmol/l on days 3 and 4, respectively (P < 0.05). The plasma vasopressin concentration of W1 was close to 0.80 ± 0.28 pmol/l on all days, but it increased on dehydration days in W2 (P < 0.05). In W3, the vasopressin concentration increased from 0.95 or 1.19 pmol/l the day after watering to 3.11 ± 0.28 pmol/l on day 3 (P < 0.01). In W4, it was 0.82 ± 0.31 pmol/l the day after watering and reached 6.06 ± 0.31 pmol/l on day 4 (P < 0.001). We conclude that male Ethiopian Somali goats can be watered once every 3rd days, and that longer interval is not recommended because it demands marked mobilization of water saving mechanisms and causes decreased DM intake.     

Social ranking and plasma progesterone levels in goats

Progesterone is essential for maintaining pregnancy in goats, and embryonic losses may be a consequence of the reduction in circulating progesterone levels close to the time of implantation. Some evidence exists regarding social dominance affecting the plasma progesterone levels in several species—where dominant females conceive earlier. The objective of this research was to determine whether serum progesterone levels differ in goats of different social status. A behavioural study was conducted for 10 days in a herd of 57 does and an individual success index (SI) was calculated according to the result of aggressive interactions. Goats were classified as high (SI: 1–0.67), medium (SI: 0.66–0.34) and low-ranking (SI: 0.33–0.0). Ovulation was synchronized using two injections of prostaglandin 11 days apart, and the plasma progesterone levels determined daily for a period of 20 days. The area under the plasma progesterone curve during the entire study was greater in the high than in the medium and low-ranking does (96.2 ± 5.8, 79.5 ± 5.3 and 81.3 ± 5.3 ng/ml, respectively, P < 0.05). During days 11–17 following prostaglandin synchronization, the plasma progesterone levels were higher in the high-ranking (P < 0.05), compared to the low-ranking does. Plasma progesterone levels were significantly correlated with SI at days 14 and 15 (r = 0.26; P < 0.05). Results suggest a relationship between social ranking of goats and the plasma progesterone production from the corpus luteum and other possible sources.     

Effect of administration of live Saccharomyces cerevisiae on milk production,milk composition,blood metabolites,and faecal flora in early lactating dairy goats

The effects of live Saccharomyces cerevisiae (CNCM I-1077) supplementation to 72 Saanen dairy goats in early lactation were investigated. Animals were divided into treatment and control groups balanced for parity and milk production in the first 3 weeks of lactation. Treated animals received 0.2 g/day yeast supplement (Levucell SC20) corresponding to 4 × 10⁹ cfu/day S. cerevisiae, beginning week 3 of lactation, and lasting 15 weeks. Dry matter intake (DMI), body condition score (BCS), milk production and composition were recorded to day126 postpartum. Milk samples were analysed weekly for fat, protein, lactose, urea and SCC. Blood samples were analysed monthly for glucose, BHBA, NEFA, GOT and GGT. Intestinal microflora were assessed monthly in faeces, assaying total bacteria, enterobacteria, E. coli, coliform bacteria, clostridia, lactobacilli, molds and yeast. BCS was not affected by the treatment, but treated animals had greater DMI (2.71 kg/day versus 2.35 kg/day, S.E. ±0.12, P < 0.001) and produced more (P < 0.05) milk (2.38 kg/day versus 2.08 kg/day, S.E. ±0.14) of lower fat content (P < 0.05). Plasma metabolites and liver enzymes (GOT, GGT) were similar between groups, although BHBA levels tended to be lower (P = 0.06) in treated animals. Faecal E. coli were reduced (0.72 log₁₀ cfu/g versus 2.39 log₁₀ cfu/g, S.E. ±0.38, P < 0.05) and lactobacilli increased (P < 0.05) by the treatment. Yeast faecal levels were higher (P < 0.001) in treated animals during supplementation. In this study, live yeast supplementation to early lactating dairy goats significantly increased milk production, in relation to increased DMI, without decreasing BCS. Plasma metabolites (glucose, BHBA and NEFA) were consistent with the BCS findings (no differences between groups) and in addition there was a significant reduction of faecal E. coli content together with increase in lactobacilli in the treated animals, suggesting greater stability of the intestinal ecosystem. Results suggest that the inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisae in the diet of early lactating dairy goats can be recommended under field conditions.     

Biochemical changes in the follicular fluid of the dominant follicle of high producing dairy cows exposed to heat stress early post-partum

High yielding dairy cows experience a negative energy balance (NEB) early post-partum and it was hypothesized that this may be aggravated under summer heat stress (HS) conditions. In this study, which was performed in Egypt, 20 Holstein cows were followed during summer (n = 10) and winter (n = 10) seasons. All cows were multiparous and kept at the same herd. Blood was sampled from each cow starting 1 week before the expected calving date and then at 1-week intervals until week 6 post-partum. From week 2 to 6 post-partum follicular fluid was collected through transvaginal follicular fluid aspiration at 6 days intervals. Ambient air temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) were recorded and temperature–humidity index (THI) was calculated as well. Respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), and body condition score (BCS) were recorded for each cow at the time of blood sampling. Concentrations of glucose, insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), urea and total cholesterol (TC) were measured in each blood and follicular fluid sample. All the cows showed a significantly higher RR and RT in summer (95.5 ± 1.1 and 39.88 ± 0.06, respectively) than in winter (43.89 ± 0.61 and 38.94 ± 0.07, respectively) (P < 0.001). Body condition score loss during the early post-partum period was higher in summer than in winter (1.1 ± 0.07 vs. 0.85 ± 0.06 point, respectively) (P < 0.001). The average dominant follicle diameter was significantly lower in summer than in winter during the period of negative energy balance (11.6 ± 0.7 mm vs. 15.3 ± 1.2 mm, respectively) (P < 0.01). Under summer heat stress, the concentrations of glucose (2.98 ± 0.07 and 2.19 ± 0.04 mmol/L), IGF-1 (106.7 ± 2.9 and 99.0 ± 3.4 ng/ml) and TC (137.3 ± 5.3 and 62.2 ± 5.1 mg/dl) in blood and FF, respectively, were significantly lower than winter concentrations by (0.17 ± 0.03 mmol/L, P < 0.001 and 0.26 ± 0.06 mmol/L, P < 0.001), (12.3 ± 3.6 ng/ml, P < 0.001 and 9.0 ± 2.7 ng/ml, P < 0.001) and (20.7 ± 1.8 mg/dl, P < 0.001 and 7.3 ± 1.1 mg/dl, P < 0.01), respectively. However, the concentrations of NEFA (0.68 ± 0.14 and 0.22 ± 0.02 mmol/L) and urea (9.27 ± 0.34 and 9.96 ± 0.25 mmol/L) in blood and FF, respectively, were significantly higher in summer compared to winter (0.50 ± 0.08 mmol/L, P < 0.001 and 0.20 ± 0.02 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and (8.77 ± 0.23 mmol/L, P < 0.05 and 8.96 ± 0.29 mmol/L, P < 0.001), respectively, throughout the experimental period. The results of the present study indicate that heat stress early post-partum aggravates NEB in high yielding dairy cows, reduces BCS, dominant follicle diameter and alters the biochemical concentrations in the follicular fluid of the dominant follicle which may result in inferior oocyte and granulosa cell quality and hence poorer fertility.     

Influences of short-term pre-slaughter dietary manipulation in sheep and goats on pH and microbial loads of gastrointestinal tract

Sheep (BW = 39.9 kg, n = 16) and goats (BW = 32.8 kg, n = 16) were used in a completely randomized design to determine the effect of short-term pre-slaughter diet and feed deprivation (FD) time on pH and microbial loads in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) contents. In a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement, the main effects of species, diet, and FD time prior to slaughter and their interactions were studied. Animals were fed either a hay or concentrate diet for 4 d and then feed deprived for either 12 or 24-h prior to slaughter. The pH of rumen and colon contents as well as weight of GIT was measured. The contents of rumen and rectum were also sampled for microbial analysis. The GIT of sheep (1.82 kg) was heavier (P < 0.05) than that of goats (1.46 kg). The 12-h FD group (1.74 kg) had a higher (P < 0.05) GIT weight than the 24-h FD group (1.53 kg). Hay-fed animals had higher (P < 0.05) rumen (7.08 vs. 6.43) and colon pH values (7.02 vs. 6.56) than those of the concentrate-fed animals. The 24-h FD group (3.39 ± 0.272 log₁₀CFU/g) contained more (P < 0.05) Escherichia coli in the rumen than did the 12-h FD (2.17 ± 0.272 log₁₀CFU/g) group. The concentrate-fed animals (3.49 ± 0.289 log₁₀CFU/g) had higher (P < 0.05) coliform counts in the rumen than the hay-fed animals (2.43 ± 0.289 log₁₀CFU/g). The 24-h FD group (3.42 ± 0.289 log₁₀CFU/g) had a higher (P < 0.05) concentration of coliform than did the 12-h FD group (2.50 ± 0.289 log₁₀CFU/g). The 24-h FD group (3.31 ± 0.259 log₁₀CFU/g) also had higher (P < 0.05) Enterobacteriaceae counts in the rumen than did in the 12-h FD group (2.47 ± 0.259 log₁₀CFU/g). Goats (5.71 ± 0.158 log₁₀CFU/g) had lower (P < 0.05) total plate counts in the rumen compared to sheep (6.27 ± 0.158 log₁₀CFU/g). The concentrate-fed animals had higher (P < 0.05) E. coli (6.44 vs. 4.01 ± 0.468 log₁₀CFU/g), total coliform (6.74 vs. 4.16 ± 0.469 log₁₀CFU/g), Enterobacteriaceae (6.93 vs. 3.83 ± 0.651 log₁₀CFU/g), and total plate counts (7.79 vs. 7.28 ± 0.170 log₁₀CFU/g) in the rectum than the hay-fed animals. The results indicate that microbial loads in the GIT of small ruminants may be reduced by either feeding hay for 4 d or depriving feed for 12-h prior to slaughter.     

Diet selection and eating behaviour of lactating goats subjected to time restricted feeding in choice and single feeding system

This study was carried out to investigate diet selection and eating behaviour of lactating German Fawn × Hair Crossbred goats in different feeding methods and levels. Twenty German Fawn × Hair first backcross does (B₁) were allocated into 4 treatment groups (2 feeding methods single (TMR) and choice feeding × 2 feeding levels ad libitum and restricted) with 5 replicates. Restricted feeding was applied only 4 h feed allocation during day. Barley, corn, soybean meal, corn gluten meal, wheat bran and alfalfa hay were feed ingredients for single and choice feeding. Eating patterns, milk yield and composition were determined for 8 weeks. The following results were obtained: (1) the meal criteria for goats restricted single and choice-fed, ad libitum single and choice-fed were determined as 1.00 and 0.63, 12.88 and 10.23 min, respectively. (2) Ad libitum feeding increased meal size, meal length, intermeal interval, total eating duration and decreased eating rate and meal number, compared to restricted feeding (P < 0.01). Choice feeding decreased meal size (P < 0.05), meal length (P < 0.01) and increased eating rate and meal number (P < 0.01), compared to single feeding. Restricted fed goats decreased intermeal interval in single feeding compared to choice feeding (P < 0.01), but increased meal number in choice feeding (P < 0.01). (3) Ad libitum choice-fed does made a diet containing 12.79% corn, 35.41% barley, 13.21% wheat bran, 5.35% soybean meal, 1.28% corn gluten meal and 29.80% alfalfa meal while restricted choice-fed does made a diet having more corn (27.69%), corn gluten meal (5.62%) and wheat bran (16.17%) and less barley (14.37%) and soybean meal (4.51%). (4) Choice feeding decreased RUP intake (P < 0.05) without affecting milk protein, irrespective to feeding levels, while having a tendency to increase in milk yield (14.2%) and 4% FCM (8.8%). (5) Restricted feeding decreased DM, ME, ADF and NDF intakes (P < 0.05) with concomitant decreases in 4% FCM, total milk solid, ash and fat compositions (P < 0.05), irrespective to feeding methods. (6) Choice-fed goats changed their preferences for a possible synchronized nutrient intake during a daytime, as sorted barley, soybean meal and alfalfa hay from early morning to late afternoon.It could be concluded that choice-fed goats have the ability to make their diet to meet nutrient requirements and had a tendency to increase in milk yield. Restriction in feeding time resulted in lower feed intake and milk yield, although the animal changed their feed preference in favour of high quality ingredients and eating pattern with lower meal criterion and intermeal interval.     

Effects of postmortem carcass electrical stimulation on goat meat quality characteristics

Electrical stimulation (ES) has been reported to improve meat quality, but the effects of postmortem ES have not been fully characterized in goats. This experiment was conducted to determine the effects of postmortem ES on meat quality in two breeds of goats. Uncastrated Spanish and crossbreds (Boer × Spanish females × Kiko male) yearlings (n = 10/breed, body weight 31.2 ± 2.43 kg) were transported to the slaughter facility, held overnight in pens without feed, and slaughtered on two different days. Immediately after slaughter each carcass was split into two halves along the vertebral column. The left half was subjected to a high voltage ES (580 V) at 5 s intervals during 120 s (treatment) and the right half was kept as a non-stimulated control. After 24 h of cooler storage (2 °C), the carcasses were fabricated into 2.5 cm-thick loin/rib chops. Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle pH and temperatures were recorded at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 h postmortem. The pH values of LD muscle were lower in stimulated sides than control sides (P < 0.01), and pH decreased quadratically (P < 0.01) with advancing time during the 24 h postmortem period. Treatment had no significant effect on the LD muscle temperature, and the temperature decline followed a cubic pattern (P < 0.01) during the 24 h postmortem period. Muscle glycogen concentrations immediately after electrical stimulation (0 h) were lower (P < 0.05) in the stimulated sides compared to control sides. Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values of loin chops were lower (P < 0.01) in stimulated sides (3.0 kg) compared to control sides (4.2 kg), and the chops from Spanish goats (3.9 kg) had higher (P < 0.05) WBSF values compared with crossbreds (3.3 kg). Color values (L*, a*, b*, chroma, and hue angle) and sarcomere length were not affected by ES or breed. Heated calpastatin activities were not influenced by ES, but the activities were lower at day 4 compared with day 1 of aging (P < 0.05). There were no significant effects (P > 0.05) of ES or aging time on selected myofibrillar protein concentrations (myosin heavy chain, myomesin, desmin, actin, troponin-T, and myosin light chain, P > 0.05). However, desmin concentration tended to decrease at day 4 of aging (P = 0.08). The results indicate that ES significantly accelerated postmortem glycolysis and improved tenderness of loin chops, as indicated by WBSF values.     

Serum LH peak and ovulation following synchronized estrus in goats

This study was aimed at comparing the temporal relationship between estrus, the LH peak and ovulation following estrous synchronization in goats using medroxiprogesterone acetate (MGA) or fluorogestone acetate (FGA). Twenty-four cyclic goats were randomly assigned to two treatments: MGA group (n = 12) that individually received a daily oral dose of 0.22 mg MGA for 12 days, and a FGA group (n = 12) treated for 12 days with intravaginal sponges containing 45 mg FGA. The goats from both groups were treated with a prostaglandin analogue (75 μg Cloprostenol i.m.) during the last day of their progesterone treatment. Estrous detection was carried out every 4 h after the end of the treatment, and blood samples for the determination of the serum LH concentrations collected at 2 h intervals for 24 h from the onset of estrus. Ovulation was detected with the aid of transrectal ultrasonography, performed every 4 h starting 15 h after the onset of estrus. All goats showed estrus. In the MGA group the onset of estrus occurred later and was more variable in relation to the end of treatment (86.7 ± 3.9 h), compared to the FGA group (44.4 ± 1.5 h; P < 0.01). The interval between the LH peak and ovulation was significantly (P < 0.05) longer in the MGA group (26.2 ± 1.1 h) than the FGA group (22.4 ± 0.8 h). There were no differences regarding the intervals from the onset of estrus to the LH peak (14.9 ± 1.8 and 15.3 ± 0.9 h) and to ovulation (40.1 ± 2.3 and 37.6 ± 0.5 h) for the MGA and FGA groups, respectively. The amplitude of the LH peak was not different between groups. It could be concluded that the timing of the LH peak and ovulation is not related to the end of treatment, but with the time of onset of estrus. The longer and more variable interval for estrous demonstration following MGA treatment, represents a serious limitation for its use in synchronization programs in goats, where mating is to be performed on a fixed-time basis.     

Effect of artificial vs. natural rearing on milk yield,kid growth and cost in Payoya autochthonous dairy goats

Seventy full lactations of Payoya dairy goats were used to study the effect of two different kid-rearing systems, natural or artificial, on milk yield, composition, hygiene-sanitary quality, kid growth and rearing cost. Two animal groups were established, one with goats under natural rearing (NS) and the other under artificial rearing (AR). In the NS group, the kids had free access to goat milk 18–20 h a day and were suckled up to 5 weeks of age and then the dams were milked twice daily. Dams in the AR were separated from their kids at 48 h post-partum; then, kids were reared artificially, and the dams were milked twice daily. The number of animals used in each type of rearing system was 35 (23 goats giving birth to twins and 12 goats giving birth to a single kid). Each week during suckling phase the volume of milk produced was measured, and individual samples were taken. From 5th week and until 210 days lactation, test-day yields recorded at intervals of 30 ± 3 days were obtained. The chemical composition of the milk, the bacteriology, and the somatic cell count was analyzed. The kids of both sexes were assigned to two groups, natural suckling (NS, n = 58) and ad libitum artificial rearing (AR, n = 58). Within each treatment, two groups of kids were formed depending on prolificacy: first group with kids from single birth (n = 12) and the second with twin kids (n = 46). Birth weight and weight every week upto the 4th week of life were recorded. During the 5 weeks of lactation the total milk yield per goat was higher for the NS group (140.2 L vs. 95.4 L; P < 0.001), although the total amount of marketable milk was greater for the AR group, with a difference of some 21 L (P < 0.05). Throughout the entire lactation the milk yield was higher in the group of natural rearing (total yield of 508 L vs. 400 L; P < 0.05). Although a significant effect of prolificacy was found during suckling phase (P < 0.001), during 30 weeks of lactation this factor did not affect milk yield (P > 0.05). For the milk composition and hygiene-sanitary quality there were no effects on the type of rearing system or the type of birth (P > 0.05). No significant effect was observed either for the feeding system or the sex or the prolificacy on the live weight of the kids at 28 days and the postnatal growth rate from birth to 28 days (P > 0.05). Natural rearing system had higher cost per kid comparing with artificial rearing system (€18.63/kid vs. €14.70/kid, respectively). However, when comparing total incomes during a full lactation, goats with natural rearing system had a higher income because of increment of total milk production (€29.95/kid).     

Utilization of poultry litter pellets in meat goat diets

Forty-eight crossbred meat goats were used to determine if poultry litter pellets could be used as a protein source in the diets of growing meat goats. Goats were fed one of three 19–21% CP diets containing 0 (CON; n = 18), 20% (20PL; n = 12) or 40% poultry litter pellets (40PL; n = 18). In Experiment 1, 38 animals (n = 13 CON; n = 12 20PL; n = 13 40PL) were used. Goats were allowed a 23-day adjustment period and body weight (BW) and feed intake were measured every 7 days for 42 days. In Experiment 2, 10 males fed CON or 40PL (n = 5 per diet) were used in two metabolism trials at 93.7 ± 0.9 (Trial 1) and 121.7 ± 0.9 d of age (Trial 2). Goats were placed in metabolism crates and after a 3-day adjustment period, feed intake and fecal and urine output were measured and sampled daily for 7 days to determine diet digestibility. In Experiment 1, ADG (79 ± 8 g) and feed efficiency (130 ± 12 g per kg) were not influenced by diet. In Experiment 2, for both trials, organic matter and CP digestibility were similar between diets (80 ± 1 and 70 ± 3% for Trial 1, respectively and 63 ± 2 and 75 ± 7% for Trial 2, respectively). Dry matter digestibility was greater (P < 0.05) for CON (81 ± 1 and 82 ± 1% for Trials 1 and 2, respectively) when compared to 40PL (77 ± 1 and 75 ± 1% for Trials 1 and 2, respectively). The ADF (41 ± 4% for CON and 67 ± 4% for 40PL) and NDF (48 ± 4% for CON and 71 ± 4% for 40PL) were greater (P < 0.01) for 40PL compared to CON diet in Trial 1 only. Digestibility (GE) was higher (P < 0.05) for 40PL (83 ± 0.3%) compared to CON (82 ± 0.3%) in Trial 2 only. The poultry litter pellets may be used effectively as a short-term feedstuff for meat goats.     

Effect of feeding sericea lespedeza (Lespedeza cuneata) on growth performance,blood metabolites,and carcass characteristics of Kiko crossbred male kids

Twenty-four high percentage Kiko crossbred male kids (body weight (BW), 27.8 ± 2.2 kg) were stratified by BW and randomly allocated to one of four experimental treatment groups (n = 6). Diets contained different levels of the condensed tannin (CT) containing forage sericea lespedeza (SL, Lespedeza cuneata) dried meal replacing alfalfa (Medicago sativa) pellets (ALF). Experimental treatments included: the control diet – 0% SL and 30% ALF; 10% SL and 20% ALF; 20% SL and 10% ALF; or 30% SL and 0% ALF as fed. Sericea lespedeza whole plant dried meal, incorporated in the grain mix portion of the diet and the mix was fed daily at 70% of total feed offered, with the remaining 30% consisting of bermudagrass (Cynodon doctylon) hay (BGH). Animals were fed once a day and the intake was adjusted every 3–4 days so that a 4–6% was refused (grain mix/SL and hay). Body weights were taken at the beginning, mid, and end of the study and blood was collected twice, at the beginning and at the end of the study, for complete analysis. The performance period lasted 63 days and at the completion of the study, goats were harvested and carcass characteristics measured. There was no difference in initial or final BW of goats; however, average daily gain (ADG) was higher (quadratic, P = 0.01) in goats consuming either all ALF or SL diets. Average daily dry matter (DM) and CT intake increased (linear, P = 0.04 and P < 0.0001, respectively) as the level of SL increased in the diet; however, body weight gain:feed (G:F, kg/kg dry matter) was lower for 10 or 20% SL diets (quadratic, P = 0.002). Scrotal circumference tended to decrease (quadratic, P = 0.07) in goats fed 10 or 20% SL and height at withers decreased (linear, P = 0.05) with addition of SL. Adjusted body fat thickness decreased (linear, P = 0.02) with added SL. Dressing percentages were low and ranged from 37.6 to 39.1 ± 1.5 for all diets. White blood cells decreased (linear, P = 0.05) and lymphocytes % increased (linear, P = 0.05) with added SL. Serum creatinine kinase and alanine aminotransferase increased (linear, P = 0.01 and P = 0.001, respectively) and serum amylase decreased (linear, P = 0.01) as the level of SL increased. In conclusion, addition of SL up to 30% or CT up to 22.2 mg/kg DM in the diet did not adversely affect growth performance of goats, and it produced lower fat in the carcass.     

Influence of calcium (0.6 or 1.2%) and phosphorus (0.3 or 0.6%) content and ratio on the formation of urolithogenic compounds in the urine of Boer-cross goats fed high-concentrate diets

The population of meat goats in the U.S. increased dramatically between 2002 and 2007. With this increase has come an increase in the number of cases of obstructive urolithiasis being seen by veterinarians. Since this condition is often associated with imbalances in dietary Ca and P, the goal of this project was to investigate the influence of concentration and ratio of Ca and P in diets for meat goats on the formation of urolithogenic precursors. Using 8 Boer-cross, wether goats in replicated Latin squares, 4 diets containing either 0.3 or 0.6% P, 0.6 or 1.2% Ca, 0 or 2% added salt, and Ca:P ratios of 1:1 or 2:1 were offered (0.3% P, 2:1; 0.6% P, 1:1; 0.6% P, 2:1; and 0.6% P, 2:1 + salt). Serum, urine, and feces were collected in conjunction with water and feed intake measurements. All treatment groups had similar dry matter intakes (DMI; 838–887 g/d, P = 0.19) and N retention rates (6.2–7.0 g/d, P = 0.54). Water consumption per unit DMI was similar for goats eating both Ca:P = 2:1 diets without 2% added salt (2.06 g/g DMI and 1.89 g/g DMI for 0.6% P and 0.3% P, respectively). Water consumption was also similar for goats receiving the Ca:P = 1:1 (2.50 g water/g DMI) and 2% added salt diet (2.79 g water/g DMI); and, these levels were higher than those for the lower salt, 2:1 diets (P = 0.0002). Serum Ca, PO₄, Mg, K, Na, Cl, HCO₃, and anion gap all fell within normal ranges throughout the trial, as did serum urea N and glucose. Fecal DM was 10% lower in goats consuming 0.6% P, 1:1 than when other diets were offered (32% vs. 42%, P < 0.0001), possibly the result of changes in Na and water absorption in the gastrointestinal tract caused by high P and Ca:P imbalance. Goats consuming the 0.3% P, 2:1 diet had similar urinary crystal density scores (2.47 out of 3) to goats receiving the 0.6% P, 1:1 diet with Ca:P = 0.81 (2.31 out of 3). The 0.6% P, 2:1 diets without and with 2% added salt also had similar, but lower crystal density scores (1.50 for 0.6% P, 2:1 and 1.06 for 0.6% P, 2:1 + salt; P = .002). Goats with high crystal density scores had higher urinary P, Mg, or both. Our results suggested that the formation of urolithogenic compounds is highly complex and is the result of an interrelationship between multiple minerals in the diet, not only Ca and P. Mineral concentrations may interact with mineral imbalance to impact overall mineral and water absorption from the intestines. We also demonstrated that urolithogenic precursor crystals may easily be observed using light microscopy and suggested that the crystal precursors may provide a useful predictor of which goats may be prone to developing clinical urolithiasis.     

Antioxidant effects of clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum) extract used with different extenders on ram spermatozoa during cryopreservation

Clove bud (Syzygium aromaticum) extract was added at concentrations of 0, 35, 75, and 115 μg/ml to ovine semen extenders in order to investigate the antioxidant activities of clove bud extract and its effects on semen quality parameters after cryopreservation of ram spermatozoa. The basic extender was composed of Tris, egg yolk, and glycerol. Two other extenders were prepared by substitution of egg yolk with either LDL or egg yolk + SDS. The DPPH inhibition test was employed to assess the antioxidant activity of clove bud extract. Results showed that, compared to vitamin E, clove bud extract had a higher antioxidant activity. Better sperm motility and movement characteristics (P < 0.05) were observed in the semen diluted with medium containing egg yolk + SDS than in that containing egg yolk and LDL. Progressive motility and movement characteristics of the sperm were significantly improved (P < 0.05) by adding 35 and/or 75 μg/ml of clove bud extract to semen extenders. Sperm viability and plasma membrane integrity were also higher (P < 0.05) in the semen exposed to medium containing egg yolk + SDS and 75 μg of clove buds extract after cryopreservation processes. Higher levels of clove bud extract, however, had adverse effects on all the sperm quality parameters and significantly reduced (P < 0.05) the motility, movement parameters, viability, and plasma membrane integrity of ovine sperm. It was concluded that the clove bud extract had an antioxidant potential that makes it useful for addition to semen extenders and that the best results are obtained with a maximum clove bud extract of 75 μg/ml. Moreover, the combination of egg yolk and a detergent was found to improve sperm quality after the cooling and freeze–thawing processes.     

Effect of grazing and homeopathy on milk production and immunity of Merino derived ewes

The effect of grazing and homeopathic therapy on sheep immune response and milk production was investigated on 40 multiparous Merino derived ewes. Twenty animals were housed in an indoor-bedded pen (P), whereas 20 others were allowed to graze on pasture for 9 h/d (G). P and G animals were fed an equivalent diet in terms of dry matter intake, crude protein percentage and energy concentration. In each group, 10 animals were subjected to unicistic homeopathic treatments (H), while 10 ewes were kept as a control and treated with conventional medicine when necessary (C). The grazing rearing system had a marked positive effect on in vivo cellular immune response (delayed-type hypersensivity to PHA, P < 0.001). Grazing animals produced more milk than the penned ones (1048.00 ± 75.61 kg versus 853.04 ± 67.78 kg, P < 0.05), with increased content of milk fat (7.69 ± 0.15% versus 7.25 ± 0.14%, P < 0.05). Accordingly, blood levels of triglycerides (P < 0.01), urea (P < 0.001) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in group G. The homeopathic treatments produced limited effects on the milk production and immune response. However, such treatments reduced the risk of contamination of the products with medicinal traces, as H group received no allopathic treatment.     

Plasma prolactin,blood metabolites and milk production in bromocryptine-treated crossbred goats

To determine the effect of bromocryptine on plasma prolactin, metabolites and milk production, six healthy crossbred goats in their second or third lactation were selected from the institute’s goat herd. The goats were injected with bromocryptine @ 5 mg per day intramuscularly for a period of 5 days during 55–60 days of lactation (period I) and treatment was repeated after 14 days for an additional 5 days (period II). Blood samples were collected for 5 consecutive days before, during and after administration of bromocryptine during both periods of the study. Milk samples were collected on days coinciding with the days of blood sampling. During period I, bromocryptine administration decreased (P < 0.01) milk yields by 27.4%. After withdrawal of bromocryptine the yields increased (P < 0.01); however, during period II, bromocryptine treatment did not decrease milk yields. During period I bromocryptine treatment suppressed prolactin level (P < 0.01) which coincided with decrease in milk yield, but in period II such decreases in prolactin did not coincide with changes in milk yields. Fat content increased (P < 0.01) after bromocryptine administration in both periods. A decrease (P < 0.01) in protein and lactose content indicated a possible role of prolactin in the synthesis of these constituents by the mammary gland cell in goats. Blood glucose and NEFA were not affected by bromocryptine in period I but in period II an increase in blood glucose with a simultaneous decrease in NEFA was observed (P < 0.01).From this study it is concluded that prolactin has a role in the maintenance of milk secretion through protein synthesis by the mammary gland. However, it does not seem to have any direct role on milk fat synthesis.     

Retinopathy is a Strong Determinant of Atherosclerosis in Type 2 Diabetes: Correlation with Carotid Intima Media Thickness

ObjectiveWe investigated the correlation between the severity of diabetic retinopathy (DR) and carotid intima media thickness (IMT) as a marker of atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsThe study group consisted of 140 normo-tensive Egyptian patients (68 males and 72 females) with type 2 diabetes and DR. Carotid IMT was evaluated using high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. DR was assessed and graded using colored fundus photography and fundus fluorescein angiography, as either nonproliferative DR (NPDR) or proliferative DR (PDR).ResultsCarotid IMT was greater in patients with PDR compared to those with NPDR (1.094 ± 0.142 mm vs. 0.842 ± 0.134 mm; P < .001). Carotid IMT showed positive correlation with diabetes duration (P < .01), systolic blood pressure (P < .001), diastolic blood pressure (P < .01), fasting blood glucose (P < .01), postprandial blood glucose (PPBG) (P < .001), glycated hemoglobin (P < .01), total cholesterol (P < .01), triglycerides (TGs) (P < .001), and DR (P < .0001). No significant difference was found between males and females in any of the studied parameters. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the determinants of carotid IMT in the studied group were age (P < .01), PPBG (P < .01), TGs (P < .001), and DR (P < .0001).ConclusionOur study proves that both NPDR and PDR are strong determinants of carotid IMT and atherosclerosis in patients with type 2 diabetes. (Endocr Pract. 2015;21:226-230)