Supplemented Organic and Inorganic Selenium Affects Milk Performance and Selenium Concentration in Milk and Tissues in the Guanzhong Dairy Goat

Trace amounts of selenium (Se) are essential for several organisms, and deficiencies therein have adverse effects on growth, development, and reproduction; this is particularly significant in animals raised for milk and livestock production. To study the effect of Se on Guanzhong dairy goats, their diets were supplemented with different sources (inorganic or organic) and Se concentrations (0.2 or 0.4 mg Se/kg). A non-Se-fortified basal diet served as a negative control, and a sixth treatment group received both inorganic and organic Se sources (0.2 mg Se/kg diet each). Dietary Se supplementation increased milk production, with organic Se being more effective than inorganic Se. Selenium supplementation also increased Se concentration and glutathione peroxidase activity in whole blood, with organic Se more effective than inorganic Se at the same Se concentration. With increasing Se in diets, the Se content in milk increased markedly, reaching a plateau value at day 30 in all groups, and organic Se (0.4 mg/kg diet) had the best effect. In addition, dietary Se sources and concentrations markedly affected Se concentrations in different tissues and organs. Thus, organic Se supplementation of a basal diet at 0.4 mg/kg is practically applicable for Se-enriched milk and meat production in Guanzhong dairy goats.     

Epidemiology of trace elements deficiencies in Belgian beef and dairy cattle herds

Selenium (Se), iodine (I), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) deficiencies in cattle have been reported in Europe. These deficiencies are often associated with diseases. The aim of the study was to assess trace element status in Belgian cattle herds showing pathologies and to compare them to healthy cattle herds. Eighty-two beef herds with pathologies, 11 healthy beef herds, 65 dairy herds with pathologies and 20 healthy dairy herds were studied during barn period. Blood and/or milk samples were taken in healthy animals. Plasma Zn, Cu, inorganic I (PII) and activity of glutathione peroxidase in erythrocytes (GPX) were assayed. In milk, I concentration was measured. Data about pathologies and nutrition in the herds were collected. According to defined thresholds, it appeared that a large proportion of deficient herds belonged to “sick” group of herds. This conclusion was supported by the mean value of trace elements and by the fact that a majority of individual values of trace elements was below the threshold. Dairy herds had mean values of trace elements higher than beef herds. More concentrates and minerals were used in healthy herds versus “sick” herds. These feed supplements were also used more often in dairy herds, compared to beef herds. Trace elements deficiencies are present in cattle herds in Belgium and are linked to diseases. Nutrition plays a major role in the trace elements status.     

Intra-Individual Double Burden of Overweight and Micronutrient Deficiencies among Vietnamese Women

Background

Vietnamese Living Standard Surveys showed that the rate of overweight and obese in Vietnamese adults doubled between 1992 and 2002, from 2% to 5.5%, respectively with no significant difference in the proportions of overweight/obesity between men and women.

Objectives

Considering the increasing public health concern over the double burden of malnutrition in Vietnam, we investigated micronutrient deficiencies among women of reproductive age according to their Body Mass Index.

Methods

A transversal study was conducted in 2010 among 1530 women of reproductive age from 19 provinces. Participating women were asked to give a non-fasting blood sample for plasma iron, vitamin A, folate, vitamin B₁₂ and zinc assessment.

Results

Although % body fat was associated with haemoglobin, ferritin, retinol and zinc concentrations, BMI category was only associated with marginal vitamin A status (19% among underweight vs 7% among overweight/obese; p<0.0001) and not with iron deficiency anemia, zinc deficiency, vitamin B₁₂ deficiency or folate status. The prevalence of iron, and vitamin B₁₂ deficiencies was respectively 11.4% and 15% among the 20% overweight/obese women; prevalence of zinc deficiency and marginal/deficient folate status was much higher, affecting respectively 61.1% and 25.8%. Intra-individual double burden of malnutrition (overweight/obesity (OW) and micronutrient deficiency) was observed among 2.0% for OW-anemia, 2.3% OW-iron deficient, 3.0% for OW-Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency, 12.2% for OW-Zinc deficiency and 5.2% for OW-marginal/deficient folate status.

Conclusions

This large, cross-sectional survey demonstrated that micronutrient deficiencies are an issue across the weight spectrum among women in Vietnam, with only vitamin A status being better among overweight than underweight women. It is therefore essential for Vietnam to actively prevent women of reproductive age from overweight/obesity and at same time to control micronutrient deficiencies in this population to limit their economic and health consequences.     

Vitamin C deficiency in Channa punctatus Bloch

The results of a series of experiments on Channa punctatus previously conditioned to a complete synthetic diet and later fed vitamin C deficient diet for 210 days followed by 30 days of recovery with fortified vitamin C ration are reported. The survival, growth, morphological abnormalities and biochemical changes in tissue ascorbic acid and cholesterol levels were studied.
Deficiency of vitamin C resulted in a mortality of up to 25% and retarded growth accompanied by anorexia and loss of weight. Marked skeletal abnormalities, viz. , lordosis, scoliosis and degenerative changes in the thoracic vertebrae were revealed by X-ray studies. Biochemical investigations showed a significant decrease in blood and kidney ascorbic acid levels within a month of feeding the deficient diet. A prolonged deficiency beyond 150 days resulted in a rapid rise in the cholesterol content of the liver. These biochemical changes were reversed when vitamin C was added to the ration.     

Application of the ferrocin containing waste of wine-making for reduction of 137Cs tansit from forage to laboratory animal organisms and cow milk

Addition to rat ration of ferrocin containing wastes of wine-making formed during the process of wine demetalization in the amount of 0.2 g per animal per day reduces the 137Cs content in organs and tissues in 1.5-7 times. Addition of the above-mentioned substance to the ration of milk cows in the amount of 10-16 g per day reduces the radionuclide content in milk 1.5-2 times in two weeks and more than 3 times in four weeks.     

Reproductive Failure in Goats in Norway: An Investigation in 24 Herds

Twenty-four flocks comprising 2370 breeding goats were examined. Threehundred-and-sixty-nine (15.6 %) of the goats either aborted or delivered dead kids at full term, or were barren. In 23 of the herds the rate of reproductive loss ranged from 2 % to 36 %, whereas in one herd all of 54 mated goats had live kids. A loss of ≥ 20 % was found in 9 herds comprising 799 goats. In 11 herds comprising 946 goats the rate of reproductive failure was ≤ 10 %. The incidence of reproductive failure was higher in older goats than in those in their first or second pregnancy. The causes were identified in only about 3 % of the goats that aborted. It is concluded that reproductive failure in many flocks probably is associated with non-infectious causes such as nutritional and environmental factors.     

Evaluating the fitness of human lysozyme transgenic dairy goats: growth and reproductive traits

While there are many reports in the literature describing the attributes of specific applications of transgenic animals for agriculture, there are relatively few studies focusing on the fitness of the transgenic animals themselves. This work was designed to gather information on genetically modified food animals to determine if the presence of a transgene can impact general animal production traits. More specifically, we used a line of transgenic dairy goats expressing human lysozyme in their mammary gland to evaluate the reproductive fitness and growth and development of these animals compared to their non-transgenic counterparts and the impact of consuming a transgenic food product, lysozyme-containing milk. In males, none of the parameters of semen quality, including semen volume and concentration, total sperm per ejaculate, sperm morphology, viability and motility, were significantly different between transgenic bucks and non-transgenic full-sib controls. Likewise, transgenic females of this line did not significantly differ in the reproductive traits of gestation length and litter size compared to their non-transgenic counterparts. To evaluate growth, transgenic and non-transgenic kid goats received colostrum and milk from either transgenic or non-transgenic does from birth until weaning. Neither the presence of the transgene nor the consumption of milk from transgenic animals significantly affected birth weight, weaning weight, overall gain and post-wean gain. These results indicate that the analyzed reproductive and growth traits were not regularly or substantially impacted by the presence or expression of the transgene. The evaluation of these general parameters is an important aspect of defining the safety of applying transgenic technology to animal agriculture.     

Curing mental retardation: searching for balance

Mental retardation (MR) occurs in 2 to 3 % of the general population and is still not therapeutically addressed. Milder forms of MR result from deficient synaptogenesis and/or impaired synaptic plasticity during childhood. These alterations would result from disequilibrium in signalling pathways regulating the balance between long term potentiation (LTP) and long term depression (LTD) in certain neurons such as hippocampus neurons. To provide mentally retarded children with increased cognitive abilities, novel experimental approaches are currently being developed to characterize signalling status associated with MR and to identify therapeutic targets that would restore lost equilibrium. Several studies also highlighted the major role played by molecular switches like kinases, phosphatases, small G proteins and their regulators in the coordination and integration of signalling pathways associated with synaptic plasticity. These proteins may therefore constitute promising therapeutic targets for a number of cognitive deficiencies.     

Impacts of production conditions on goat milk vitamin,carotenoid contents and colour indices

The content, composition and variation of vitamin compounds in goat milk have been little studied. An experimental design was based on 28 commercial farms, selected considering the main feeding system (based on main forage and especially pasture access), goat breed (Alpine vs Saanen) and reproductive management (seasonal reproduction), in the main French goat milk production area. Each farm received two visits (spring and autumn) that included a survey on milk production conditions and bulk milk sampling. Milk vitamins (A, E, B₂, B₆, B₉, B₁₂) and carotenoid concentrations plus colour indices were evaluated. A stepwise approach determined the variables of milk production conditions that significantly altered milk indicators. The main forage in the diet was the major factor altering goat milk vitamin and carotenoid concentrations and colour indices. Bulk milk from goats eating fresh grass as forage was richer in α-tocopherol (+64%), pyridoxal (+35%) and total vitamin B₆ (+31%), and b* index (characterising milk yellowness in the CIELAB colour space) was also higher (+12%) than in milk from goats eating conserved forages. In milk from goats eating fresh grass, concentrations of pyridoxamine, lutein and total carotenoids were higher than in milk of goats fed corn silage (+24, +118 and +101%, respectively), and retinol and α-tocopherol concentrations were higher than in milk of goats fed partially dehydrated grass (+45 and +55%). Vitamin B₂ concentration was higher in milk of goats eating fresh grass than in milk of goats fed hay or corn silage as forage (+10%). However, bulk milk when goats had access to fresh grass was significantly poorer in vitamin B₁₂ than when fed corn silage (?46%) and in γ-tocopherol (?31%) than when fed conserved forage. Alpine goats produced milk with higher vitamin B₂ and folate concentrations than Saanen goats (+18 and +14%, respectively). Additionally, the milk colour index that discriminates milks based on their yellow pigment contents was 7% higher in milk from Alpine than Saanen herds, but milk from Saanen goats was richer in lutein (+46%). Goat milks were richer in vitamins B₂ and B₁₂ and folates, but poorer in vitamin B₆ in autumn than in spring (+12, +133, +15 and ?13%, respectively). This work highlights that goat milk vitamin and carotenoid concentrations and colour indices vary mainly according to the main forage of the diet and secondly according to the breed and season.     

Role of micronutrient elements in the metabolism of higher plants. I. Changes in oxidative enzyme constitution of tomato leaves deficient in micronutrient elements

Cell-free extracts of tomato leaves from plants grown on media individually deficient in each of the micronutrient elements showed marked changes in enzymatic constitution. Each deficiency caused an alteration in the over-all enzyme pattern which was characteristic of the micronutrient element in question. The metallo-enzymes such as polyphenol oxidase, ascorbic acid oxidase, and peroxidase lost approximately half their activity in plants deficient in the specific metal concerned. In the cases of all other metal deficiencies, however, polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase were elevated in concentration at least two to six times that of the control. Ascorbic acid oxidase was doubled in zinc- and manganese-deficient material. Glycolic acid dehydrogenase and lactic acid dehydrogenase showed smaller parallel rises averaging a one and a half fold increase in content in zinc- and manganese-deficient plants. Reduced diphosphopyridine nucleotide diaphorase was doubled by copper and manganese deficiencies and was increased to almost one and a half fold by zinc deficiency. Endogenous oxygen uptake in boron-deficient, copper-deficient, and manganese-deficient leaf homogenates was increased, and almost lacking in molybdenum-deficient material.     

植物适应长期缺钾——积累叶片膜脂、维持根膜脂组成不变

环境对植物的胁迫可能是短期快速的、也可能是长期而缓慢的,而植物应对这两种胁迫的策略可能不同。膜脂组成变化是植物响应环境胁迫的主要手段之一,其响应长期胁迫和短期胁迫的样式也可能不同。植物膜脂组成对短期缺钾胁迫的响应已经有报道,但是对长期缺钾的响应如何尚且未知。我们设置了4种（51,051,0051和0mmol·L-1）不同的钾浓度,比较了拟南芥（Arabidopsis thaliana）及其生长于贫钾生境中的近缘种须弥芥（Crucihimalaya himalaica）长期缺钾后（18天）的生理和生化变化,发现须弥芥具有耐受贫钾的能力。我们进一步运用脂类组学的方法检测比较了拟南芥和须弥芥在长期缺钾胁迫下脂类组成的变化,发现：(1) 两种植物叶片中总脂以及几乎所有脂类的含量明显上升;(2) 两种植物都是地上部分膜脂的变化幅度大于根部膜脂的变化幅度;(3) 地上部分膜脂变化幅度,须弥芥的大于拟南芥的;地下部分的膜脂变化幅度,须弥芥的小于拟南芥的;(4) 拟南芥叶片和根中PA的含量显著上升,与PA相对应的是PE含量的显著下降,由此我们推测拟南芥中PA的积累主要来自于PE的水解。上述结果提示,在细胞水平上,植物主要通过积累叶片膜脂和维持根部膜脂组成基本不变来适应长期缺钾。     

The influence of cobalt/vitamin B12 deficiency as a "stressor" affecting adrenal cortex and ovarian activities in goats

Twenty 1.5 to 2-year old goats were made vitamin B12 deficient by feeding them cobalt-deficient diets for 23 weeks in order to determine the effects of a progressive deficiency on ovarian and adrenal cortex activities. At 1-day intervals, blood samples were collected for haematological study and plasma for vitamin B12, progesterone and corticosteroid radioimmunoassays. At 23 weeks, the adrenal cortex was taken for histological measurement and the pituitary gland and corpus luteum for LH and progesterone determinations, respectively. The regularity of the oestrous cycles was studied using teaser bucks. The goats receiving a cobalt-deficient diet presented irregular oestrous cycles (22.6 +/- 0.8 days; maximum deviation: 12 to 38 days), while those of the controls were 18 +/- 0.3 days (maximum deviation: 16 to 21 days). Low vitamin B12 concentration led to macrocytic and normochromic anaemia. The concentration of plasma progesterone augmented, but it decreased during the third and subsequent cycles in cobalt-deficient goats as compared to the controls. Plasma corticosteroids were persistently high in cobalt-deficient goats as compared to the controls, and pituitary LH was low in the deficient goats. It is suggested that an erratic endocrinological control mechanism led to irregular cycles, the action site being located in the hypothalamo-pituitary axis.     

The Effect of Phosphorus and Potassium Deficiencies on Transpiration in Tea (Camellia sinensis)

The effect of phosphorus and potassium deficiencies on transpiration in tea (Camellia sinensis L. Clone DT 1) was studied. The plants were grown in sand culture, and measurements were made after the plants showed phosphorus or potassium deficiency symptoms. The overall growth of plants was reduced by potassium deficiency but not by phosphorus deficiency. Both deficiencies reduced stomatal aperture and increased leaf water potential. Stomatal density decreased in phosphorus deficient leaves and it increased in potassium deficient leaves. The transpiration of whole plants was reduced by both deficiencies. The relative sensitivity of transpiration to water stress was increased by potassium deficiency but not by phosphorus deficiency.     

Aspects of trace element interactions during development

The origins of nutritional trace element deficiencies are summarized. Inadequate intake results in primary deficiency, whereas secondary or conditioned deficiencies can arise in several ways including trace element interactions. Evidence is presented and discussed for interactions of essential trace elements during prenatal and early postnatal development. Diets of widely different zinc and copper concentrations and ratios were fed to pregnant rats. Analysis of fetal outcome and copper and zinc concentrations of maternal and fetal livers showed that although there is an interaction between these metals it occurs only at levels of dietary copper deficiency. Iron and manganese interact so that high levels of one depress absorption of the other. Mice fed iron-supplemented diets had liver manganese concentrations lower than those of unsupplemented mice. Iron supplements at high but not low levels also depressed absorption of zinc. Conversely, zinc deficiency in pregnant rats caused higher than normal concentrations of iron in maternal and fetal liver. Trace element analyses of proprietary infant formulas indicate that in some, concentrations and ratios of these trace elements may be incorrect. The effects of essential trace element interactions during development should be further investigated. Caution is urged in considering levels of trace element supplements during pregnancy, lactation, or early childhood.     

Effect of selenium and vitamin E dietary deficiencies on chick lymphoid organ development

Diets specifically deficient in selenium (Se) and/or vitamin E or adequate in both nutrients were fed to chicks from the time of hatching. Lymphoid organs (bursa, thymus, and in some instances, spleen) were collected from chicks 7-35 days of age. Growth of the chicks fed these diets was monitored over the experimental period as was lymphoid organ growth. The development of the primary lymphoid organs was further assessed by histological techniques and the organ contents of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) and Se were determined. Specific deficiencies of either Se or vitamin E were found to significantly impair bursal growth as did a combined deficiency. Thymic growth was impaired only by the combined deficiency diet. Severe histopathological changes in the bursa resulted from the combined deficiency and these were detectable by 10-14 days after hatching. These changes were characterized by a gradual degeneration of the epithelium and an accompanying depletion of lymphocytes. Similar changes, although slower to develop and less severe, were observed in the thymus as a result of the combined deficiency. When both serum and tissue levels of vitamin E and Se were monitored, it was observed that these were rapidly and independently depleted by the specific deficiency diets. These data suggest that the primary lymphoid organs are major targets of Se and vitamin E dietary deficiencies and provide a possible mechanism by which immune function may be impaired.     

Pseudopregnancy and aseasonal breeding in dairy goats: genetic basis of fertility and impact on lifetime productivity

Until recently, the main selection focus in UK dairy goats has been on milk yield. To develop a selection index suitably weighted for a variety of traits, it is important to understand the genetic relationships between production, health and fertility traits. This study focussed on three aspects of reproduction that are of interest to goat breeders. (1) Out of season (OOS) kidding ability: goats are highly seasonal breeders so achieving consistent, year-round dairy production presents a challenge. It may be possible to select for extended or shifted breeding cycles, however, there are no published studies on the genetic basis of seasonal kidding ability, and a genetic correlation with milk production in dairy goats; (2) age at first kidding (AFK): a reduced AFK offers the opportunity for more rapid genetic improvement, as well as reducing the amount of time and resources required to raise the animals to producing age; (3) pseudopregnancy (PPG): as it is difficult to diagnose pregnancy within 30 days of mating, high herd levels of PPG could add a significant delay in breeding replacement animals, or commencing a new lactation. Using records from 9546 goats, the objective of this study was to investigate the genetic relationships between the reproductive traits described above, and the production traits 520-day milk yield (MY520), lifetime milk yield (MYLife) and lifetime number of days in milk (DIMLife). The ‘out of season’ phenotype was defined as week of kidding relative to the 4 weeks of the year where the highest average number of births occur. Incidences of PPG that occurred during the first lactation were used as cases, while goats with none were assigned as controls. Relevant fixed and random effects were fitted in the models. In line with other reproduction traits, heritability estimates were low ranging from 0.08 to 0.11. A negative genetic correlation was found between AFK and MY520 (−0.22±0.10), whereas a positive genetic correlation was found between PPG and DIMLife (0.58±0.11). Pseudopregnancy and OOS were positively genetically correlated (0.36±0.15). All other genetic correlations were very low. The results of this study indicate that selection for the reproductive traits analysed is feasible, without adversely affecting MYLife.     

核型异常的两性畸形山羊2例报告

本文报道2例两性畸形的山羊,它们均具雌雄两套生殖器官,染色体组型分析显示它们均为性染色体嵌合体,核型为60,XX/XY,两头畸形山羊的XX细胞系的比例分别为42%和54%,XY细胞系的比例分别为58%和46%。 Abstract:We herein report two cases of goats with sexual deformity.They had two systems of reproductive organs and the karyotype analysis showed mosaicism for their sex chromosomes,i.e.,60,XX / XY.The proportion of XX cell line was 42% and 54%,while XY cell line was 58% and 46%,respectively,in the two abnormal goats.     

Murciano-Granadina Goat Performance and Methane Emission after Replacing Barley Grain with Fibrous By-Products

The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of substituting dietary barley grain with orange pulp or soybean hulls on energy, nitrogen and carbon balance, methane emission and milk performance in dairy goats. Twelve Murciano-Granadina dairy goats in midlactation were selected and divided into three groups based on similar body weight (42.1 ± 1.2 kg) and milk yield (2.16 ± 0.060 kg/goat/day). The experiment was conducted in an incomplete crossover design where one group of four goats was fed a mixed ration of barley grain (BRL), another group of four goats replaced barley grain with orange pulp (OP) and the last group of four goats with soybean hulls (SH). After adaptation to diets, the goats were allocated to individual metabolism cages and intake, faeces, urine and milk were recorded and analysed. Then, gas exchange measurements were recorded by a mobile open-circuit indirect calorimetry system using a head box. Dry matter intake was similar for all three groups (2.03 kg/d, on average). No influence of the diet was observed for energy balance and the efficiency of use of metabolizable energy for milk production was 0.61. The OP and SH diets showed greater (P < 0.05) fat mobilization (-42.8 kJ/kg of BW^0.75, on average) than BRL (19.2 kJ/kg of BW^0.75). Pentadecanoic acid (15:0) and heptadecanoic acid (17:0) were potential biomarkers of rumen function because the higher contents found in the milk of OP and SH goats than BRL suggest a negative impact of these diets on rumen bacterial metabolism; probably linked to the lower nitrogen supply of diet OP to synthesize microbial protein and greater content of fat in diet SH. Replacement of cereal grain with fibrous by-products did not increased enteric methane emissions (54.7 L/goat per day, on average). Therefore, lactating goats could utilize dry orange pulp and soybean hulls diets with no detrimental effect on milk performance.     

Recurrent aphthae: treatment with vitamin B12, folic acid,and iron.

A series of 130 consecutive outpatients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis were screened at the oral medicine department, Glasgow Dental Hospital, for deficienciesin vitamin b12, folic acid, and iron. In 23 patients (17.7%) such deficiencies werefound; five were deficient in vitamin B12, seven in folic acid, and 15 in iron. Four had more than one deficiency. Out of 130 controls matched for age and sex 11 (8.5%) were found to have deficiencies. The 23 deficient patients with recurrent aphthaewere treated with specific replacement therapy, and all 130 patients were followed up for at least one year. Of the 23 patients on replacement therapy 15 showed complete remission of ulceration and eight definite improvement. Of the 107 patientswith no deficiency receiving local symptomatic treatment only 33 had a remission or wereimproved. This difference was significant (P less than 0.001). Most patients withproved vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency improved rapidly on replacement therapy;those with iron deficiency showed a less dramatic response. The 23 deficient patientswere further investigated to determine the cause of their deficiencies and detect the presence of any associated conditions. Four were found to have Addisonian perniciousanaemia. Seven had a malabsorption syndrome, which in five proved to be a gluten-induced enteropathy. In addition, there were single patients with idiopathic proctocolitis, diverticular disease of the colon, regional enterocolitis, and adenocarcinoma of thecaecum. We suggest that the high incidence of deficiencies found in this series andthe good response to replacement therapy shows the need for haematological screening of such patients.     

Gynecological examination and pregnancy diagnosis in small ruminants using bimanual palpation technique: a review

A palpation technique using both hands was developed by the author and used for examination of internal reproductive organs, pregnancy diagnosis, and assessment of approximate stages of gestation in small ruminants. The study was conducted in 4 stages on 87 female goats and 30 slaughterhouse source ewes First, 20 doelings and 15 does with no recent history of insemination were examined by two hand method for palpability and structural integrity of internal reproductive organs. Next 52 goats (28 doelings and 24 does) were examined at 28 to 30 d post insemination for pregnancy. Among those diagnosed pregnant, 20 goats were examined at 15 d intervals to assess the palpable changes of pregnancy. Preslaughter palpation followed by post-slaughter verification of the findings were performed in 30 ewes. The two hand method was effective for palpating the reproductive tract in the nonpregnant goats irrespective of parity status. Gross palpation of the ovaries was possible in 83% of the goats. Of the 52 goats examined for pregnancy at 28 to 30 d, 29 (56%) had clear distension of uterus while 23 (44%) did not. The results were confirmed by kidding date or returning to service. Changes of the reproductive tract were monitored in 20 goats at biweekly intervals and the findings categorized by the stage of gestation. Post slaughter verification of preslaughter findings based on two handed palpation indicates that this technique can be used for early pregnancy diagnosis and assessment of the stage of gestation in goats and ewes.