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).     

Effect of melengestrol acetate (MGA) treatment or temporary kid removal on reproductive efficiency in meat goats

The use of melengestrol acetate (MGA; Summer) or temporary kid removal (4 weeks postpartum; Fall) for inducing/synchronizing estrus was evaluated in goats. In the first trial, 47 does were group-fed a commercial diet to provide 0.25 mg MGA/doe daily (n = 25) or a control diet (n = 22) for a period of 10 days. Twenty-five of the does lambing in the fall from this experiment were used in a second experiment. Beginning on day 28.1 ± 0.8 of lactation, kids from 13 does (kid removal) were removed from their dams for 2 days while kids from the remaining 12 does (control) remained with the dams. Mature bucks wearing marking harnesses were introduced for mating at the end of MGA treatment (Experiment 1) or at the time of kid removal (Experiment 2). Does fed MGA were mated approximately 2.1 days earlier (P < 0.05) than control does. The percentage of does mated (84% versus 100%), pregnancy rate (58% versus 90%), and kidding rate (58% versus 90%) was lower (P < 0.05) for the MGA-treated versus the control does, respectively. In Experiment 2, does with kids removed were mated approximately 1.3 days earlier than the control does, but the mean weaning weight of the kids (11.0 ± 0.4 kg for both treatments) was not influenced by treatment. The mean pregnancy rate, kidding rate, kid birth weight, or kid weaning weight was not influenced by treatment and averaged 73.0 and 79.0%, 3.3 ± 0.2 and 16.8 ± 0.7 kg for both treatments, respectively. Overall, although not necessary for mating, a decreased time to first mating and increased synchrony of estrus followed both MGA treatment or temporary kid removal. This may be implemented if improved estrus synchrony is desired. However, more research is needed to overcome the decreased fertility recorded following MGA use.     

Influences of the number of fetuses and levels of CP and ME in gestation and lactation supplements on performance of Spanish does and kids during suckling and post-weaning

Forty-eight mature US Spanish does (40 kg BW), from a herd selected for cashmere fiber growth, were used to investigate influences of the number of fetuses and levels of ME and CP in supplements during gestation and lactation on doe and kid performance. At 60 days of gestation, does with single or twin fetuses consumed mature Bermudagrass hay ad libitum and 1% BW (DM basis) of supplements with 18.6% or 28.5% CP (LP and HP, respectively) and 2.2 or 2.8 Mcal/kg ME (DM basis; LE and HE, respectively). The HE-HP supplement was offered at 1.5% BW (DM basis) for 15 days after birth, and does received the same supplement treatments as in gestation thereafter until weaning at 50 days after parturition. For a 50-day post-weaning period, kids consumed ad libitum the HE-LP supplement. BW at 90 days of gestation (41.4 vs 38.4 kg; P<0.10), BW before parturition (46.1 vs 41.7 kg; P<0.05), BW loss from parturition to day 21 of lactation (8.38 vs 5.25 kg; P<0.05), litter birth weight (5.47 vs 2.75 kg; P<0.05) and plasma concentrations of β-hydroxybutyrate (0.33 vs 0.29 mM; P<0.05) and NEFA (538 vs 434 mEq/l; P<0.05) were greater for does with twin vs single kids. BW at weaning was similar between single and twin kids (P>0.10; 8.31 and 7.63, respectively). Kid BW and cashmere fiber weight after the post-weaning period were affected by interactions (P<0.05) between number of fetuses and supplement ME level; kid BW was 12.3, 14.7, 14.6 and 13.2 kg (SE = 1.12 and 0.68 kg for singles and twins, respectively), and kid cashmere weight was 86, 109, 106 and 102 g (SE = 8.5 and 5.0 g for singles and twins, respectively) for single-HE, single-LE, twin-HE and twin-LE, respectively. In conclusion, effects of supplements differing in levels of ME and in ingredient composition for US Spanish does in gestation and lactation had dissimilar impacts on post-weaning BW and cashmere weight of single and twin kids. However, because of the limited number of observations and the high variability among animals in measures such as cashmere fibre growth, further experimentation concerning the potential for effects of nutritional plane of does on cashmere growth by kids is warranted.     

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.     

Efficacy of marbofloxacin against respiratory infections of lambs

The trial was carried out in a sheep flock with mixed Mannheimia haemolytica/Mycoplasma spp. respiratory infection; 60 lambs were included therein and allocated as follows: lambs in group MH were subcutaneously injected with marbofloxacin (3.0 mg/kg bodyweight) on two occasions, once daily 2 days apart – lambs in group ML3 were given marbofloxacin (2.0 mg/kg) on three occasion, once daily for three consecutive days – lambs in group ML2 were given marbofloxacin (2.0 mg/kg) on two occasions, 2 days apart – lambs in group T were subcutaneously injected with tilmicosin (15 mg/kg) on two occasions, 4 days apart – lambs in group C were untreated controls. The lambs were monitored before and after treatment and the clinical findings were scored; they were euthanatised 42 days after treatment for pathological examination of the lungs. Groups were similar at the start of a field trial with respect to all parameters (general clinical condition, presence of nasal discharge, presence of ophthalmic discharge, results of lung auscultation) evaluated (P > 0.05). After treatment, no systemic or local adverse reactions were observed in any lamb. Forty-two days after treatment, the median general clinical assessment score of groups MH, ML3 and T was 0, that of group ML2 was 1 and that of group C lambs was 2 (P < 0.01). Treatment with marbofloxacin was associated with improved clinical scores; the results were similar for all evaluations 14 days after treatment and subsequently. Clinical cure rate 42 days after treatment was 100, 100, 42, 100 and 0% for group MH, ML3, ML2, T and C lambs, respectively (P < 0.01). After controlling for initial weight, treatment was found to have a significant effect on carcass weight (P < 0.01). Pairwise differences in lung lesion scores between any of the four treated groups and the untreated controls were significant (P < 0.02). It is concluded that marbofloxacin is effective against respiratory infections of lambs at a dose rate of 3.0 mg/kg bodyweight given on two occasions, once daily 2 days apart or at a dose rate of 2.0 mg/kg given on three occasions for three consecutive days.     

Fatty acid profiles,growth, and immune responses of neonatal lambs fed milk replacer and supplemented with fish oil or safflower oil

Diets supplemented with long chain, n − 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have improved the health and performance of neonatal and growing animals. This study was conducted with lambs that were orphaned at approximately 1 day of age to determine whether supplementing milk replacer fed lambs with oils rich in long chain n − 3 or n − 6 PUFA would alter plasma lipid profiles and affect growth characteristics and immune functions. From days 1 to 28 of age, lambs had ad libitum access to commercial milk replacer. From days 7 to 28 of age, lambs received twice daily either 1 g of soybean oil, 1 g of fish oil, or 1 g of safflower oil per os in a gelatin capsule (n = 60 pens; 20 pens/treatment; one ewe and one ram with similar initial body weights/pen). On days 7, 14, 21, and 28 of age, lambs were weighed, and jugular blood was collected from ram lambs. Lymphocyte proliferation in vitro, differential white blood cell (WBC) counts, and weight gains were quantified. Plasma from days 7 and 28 was used for fatty acid analyses. Fish oil increased (P < 0.001) plasma total n − 3 fatty acid concentration and total n − 3:total n − 6 fatty acid ratio. Pen body weight (i.e., total lamb weight per pen) increased (P < 0.001) with day (day 7, 11.9 kg; day 14, 15.1 kg; day 21, 18.2 kg; and day 28, 21.2 kg), but oil treatment did not affect pen body weight. Neither oil treatment, day, nor oil treatment × day interaction were significant for pen body weight gains (3.5 kg), pen average daily gains (0.5 kg), pen milk intakes (19.0 kg), or pen gain:feed ratio (0.18) measured during three intervals: days 7–14; days 14–21; and days 21–28. Day, but not oil treatment, affected (P < 0.001) unstimulated, concanavalin A stimulated, and lipopolysaccharides stimulated lymphocyte proliferation: days 14, 21, and 28 proliferation > day 7 proliferation. For neutrophils per 100 WBC, the treatment × day interaction was significant (P < 0.05). Oil treatment and day affected (P < 0.01 and <0.05, respectively) lymphocyte numbers per 100 WBC. For monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, neither oil treatment, day, nor the oil treatment × day interaction were significant. Fish oil altered plasma fatty acid profiles, but it did not seem to improve measures of the performance or immune function of healthy, milk replacer fed lambs.     

Effect of different dietary energy level intakes on efficiency of estrus synchronization and fertility in Mashona goat does

The objective of the study was to determine the effects of three dietary energy levels: 0.27 (low level: LL); 0.53 (medium level: ML), and 1.06 (high level: HL) MJ ME kg⁻¹ W^0.75 on estrus synchronization and fertility in Mashona goat does. Forty-five multiparous Mashona goat does of average bodyweight 19.9±2.5 kg were randomly allocated in equal numbers to the three dietary energy levels. The diets were made from a complete feed ration providing 9.83 MJ ME kg⁻¹ DM and 15.5% CP kg⁻¹ DM. Does were fed initially during a 60-day pre-synchronization period, and blood samples were collected twice a week for the determination of plasma progesterone concentrations to ascertain ovarian activity. Intramuscular injections of cloprostenol (100 μg each) were administered 11 days apart. Immediately after the second injection of cloprostenol, three fertile bucks were introduced to the does and were left with the does for 21 days. The does were maintained on their dietary treatments throughout gestation except for those does in the LL treatment. Pregnancy was diagnosed 90 days post-mating using an ultrasound scanner. After pregnancy diagnosis, does on the LL treatment were randomly allocated to ML (n=7) and HL (n=8) treatments. During the pre-synchronization period, does on the LL treatment lost 12.3% whereas those on ML and HL treatments gained 2.1 and 28.8% of their initial bodymasses, respectively. The proportion of does exhibiting overt estrus within 96 h after the last cloprostenol injection was significantly lower (P<0.05) for does on the LL treatment (60%) than for those on ML (93%) or HL (100%) treatments, respectively. However, based on plasma progesterone concentrations, the percentage of does on the LL treatment that exhibited ovarian cycles was numerically lower than that of does that were bred (40 versus 73%). Conception, fecundity and twinning rates were significantly lower (P<0.05) on the LL treatment than on the ML and HL treatments. These results indicate that feeding Mashona goat does 0.27 MJ ME kg⁻¹ W^0.75 compared to 0.53 and 1.06 MJ ME kg⁻¹ W^0.75 reduces the expression of estrus, conception, fecundity and twinning rates, and that feeding 0.53 MJ ME kg⁻¹ W^0.75 suffices for optimum reproduction. In addition, the results suggest that cloprostenol administration may induce ovarian cycles in reproductively quiescent does on dietary energy restriction.     

Characteristics of Korean-Saanen goat milk caseins and somatic cell counts in comparison with Holstein cow milk counterparts

Characteristics of α- and β-casein fractions in the milk of Korean-Saanen goats were compared with those of Holstein cow milk using capillary electrophoresis (CE) analysis. The αs₁-CN content of the Saanen goat milk samples varied from 2.4% to 9.3% of total proteins. Total αs-CN content of the goat milk varied from 10.1% to 17.0%. Total β-CN content containing β₁-CN and the β₂-CN varied from 49.6% to 61.0% of total proteins. Average αs-CN to β-CN ratio of the Saanen goat milk from different farms was 0.24 ± 0.04, ranging from 0.17 to 0.33. The αs-CN (αs₁-CN + αs₀-CN) to β-CN (β_A1-CN + β_A2-CN) ratio of Holstein cow milk was 0.81, which was much higher than that of Korean-Saanen goat milk. The goat milk samples having more than 1.5 million cells/ml somatic cell counts (SCC) contained higher αs-CNs (P < 0.01) and lower β-CNs (P < 0.05) contents than milks with <1.5 million SCC. This resulted in a higher αs-CN to β-CN ratio (P < 0.01) in the milk with >1.5 million SCC.     

Effect of antioxidants on microscopic semen parameters,lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activities in Angora goat semen following cryopreservation

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the antioxidants glutamine and hyaluronan and the inclusion of different levels on microscopic semen parameters, lipid peroxidation and the antioxidant activities following the freeze–thawing of Angora goat semen. Ejaculates collected from three Angora goat bucks, were evaluated and pooled at 37 °C. The semen samples which were diluted with a Tris-based extender containing additives including glutamine (2.5; 5 mM) and hyaluronan (500; 1000 μl/ml), and an extender containing no antioxidants (control) were cooled to 5 °C and frozen in 0.25 ml French straws and stored in liquid nitrogen. Frozen straws were thawed individually (37 °C) for 20 s in a water bath for microscopic evaluation. Freezing extenders supplemented with 2.5 and 5 mM glutamine led to higher sperm motility and hypo-osmotic swelling test (HOST) values, compared to the control (P < 0.05) following the freeze–thawing process. The addition of 500 μl/ml hyaluronan resulted in a higher HOST percentage, compared to the addition of 1000 μl/ml hyaluronan and the control (P < 0.001). No significant difference was recorded in the percentage acrosome and total sperm abnormalities, following supplementation with antioxidants. The addition of antioxidants did not prevent malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, compared to the controls. Antioxidant treatment however decreased (P < 0.01) the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The maintenance of catalase (CAT) activity was demonstrated to be insignificant following addition of antioxidants. Further studies are required to obtain more repeatable results regarding the characterization of the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems in cryopreserved goat sperm.     

Fluctuations in energy-related metabolites during the peri-parturition period in Lori-Bakhtiari ewes

This study describes the fluctuations in serum energy-related metabolites during a period of 2 weeks before, to 2 weeks after parturition in Lori-Bakhtiari ewes. The effect of parity was also studied. Blood profiles were determined in 60 healthy pregnant ewes with single (n = 30) and twin (n = 30) lambings. Blood was collected from each ewe on days 14 and 7 prepartum, and days 7 and 14 postpartum to determine the serum non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), glucose, cholesterol, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and calcium (Ca) levels. The age of the ewes had no significant effect on the energy metabolism indicators. Serum NEFA, BHBA, glucose, BUN and calcium concentrations recorded peak levels 7 days before parturition. However, NEFA and BHBA recorded significant changes (P < 0.05) during the peri-parturition period. All metabolites changed significantly in ewes carrying twin-bearing ewes, compared to single-bearing ewes. Serum BHBA concentrations recorded positive correlations with the serum NEFA (P < 0.01) and cholesterol (P < 0.05), while blood glucose had negative correlations (P < 0.01) with NEFA, BHBA and Ca. Blood NEFA and BHBA recorded positive correlations (P < 0.05) with the BUN levels and negative correlations (P < 0.05) with Ca. The results showed that blood NEFA and BHBA levels are sensitive indicators of the energy balance during the peri-parturition period in ewes.     

Plasma levels of trace elements and exercise induced stress hormones in well-trained athletes

This study analyzed the variation and relationship of several trace elements, metabolic substrates and stress hormones activated by exercise during incremental exercise. Seventeen well-trained endurance athletes performed a cycle ergometer test: after a warm-up of 10 min at 2.0 W kg⁻¹, the workload was increased by 0.5 W kg⁻¹ every 10 min until exhaustion. Prior diet, activity patterns, and levels of exercise training were controlled, and tests timed to minimize variations due to the circadian rhythm. Oxygen uptake, blood lactate concentration, plasma ions (Zn, Se, Mn and Co), serum glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) and several hormones were measured at rest, at the end of each stage and 3, 5 and 7 min post-exercise. Urine specific gravity was measured before and after the test, and participants drank water ad libitum.Significant differences were found in plasma Zn and Se levels as a function of exercise intensity. Zn was significantly correlated with epinephrine, norepinephrine and cortisol (r = 0.884, P < 0.01; r = 0.871, P < 0.01; and r = 0.808, P = 0.05); and Se showed significant positive correlations whit epinephrine and cortisol (r = 0.743, P < 0.05; and r = 0.776, P < 0.05). Neither Zn nor Se levels were associated with insulin or glucagon, and neither Mn nor Co levels were associated with any of the hormones or substrate metabolites studied. Further, while Zn levels were found to be associated only with lactate, plasma Se was significantly correlated with lactate and glucose (respectively for Zn: r = 0.891, P < 0.01; and for Se: r = 0.743, P < 0.05; r = 0.831, P < 0.05).In conclusion, our data suggest that there is a positive correlation between the increases in plasma Zn or Se and stress hormones variations induced by exercise along different submaximal intensities in well-hydrated well-trained endurance athletes.     

Correlations between ovarian follicular blood flow and superovulatory responses in ewes

The primary goal of this study was to employ ultrasonography to examine the ovaries of ewes undergoing superovulatory treatment for correlations between antral follicular blood flow and ovarian responses/embryo yields. Five Santa Inês ewes were subjected to a short- (Days 0–6, Group 1) and five to a long-term progesterone-based protocol (Days 0–12, Group 2) to synchronize estrus and ovulations after the superovulatory treatment. Porcine FSH (pFSH, 200 mg) was administered in 8 decreasing doses over 4 days, starting on Days 4 and 10 in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. After CIDR removal, all ewes were bred by a ram and embryos were recovered surgically 7 days later. Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography was performed the day before and on all 4 days of the superovulatory treatment. Both an arbitrary-scale [(0) non-detectable; (1) small; (2) moderate; (3) intense blood flow] and quantitative analysis of the blood flow area were used to assess the follicular blood flow in color Doppler images. There were no significant correlations between the arbitrary blood flow scores and superovulatory responses in the ewes of the present study. However, there was a positive correlation between the quantitative estimates of follicular blood flow on the final day of the superovulatory treatment, and the number (DA: r = 0.68, P < 0.05; DA/TA × 100%: r = 0.85, P < 0.05) and percentage (DA: r = 0.65, P < 0.05; DA/TA × 100%: r = 0.91, P < 0.001) of unfertilized eggs (DA: Doppler area, TA: total area of the largest ovarian cross section). This experiment presents a commercially practical tool for predicting superovulatory outcomes in ewes and evidence for the existence of follicular blood flow threshold that may impinge negatively on oocyte quality when surpassed during hormonal ovarian superstimulation.     

Characterizing the ensiling properties of sugarbeets with dry feedstuffs

A study was conducted to evaluate the ensiling characteristics of chopped sugarbeets with dry feedstuffs and the corresponding change in the nutritive composition of the silages with the addition of dry substrates. Pre-calculated amounts of each feedstuff were weighed individually to achieve desired proportions of each silage product and thoroughly mixed for 5 min. After mixing, the silage was distributed evenly into three 19-L buckets and sealed to provide an anaerobic environment. The treatments for this study were arranged in a 4 × 4 + 1 factorial design to determine the effects of DM level and source of dry feedstuff on the ensiling properties of sugarbeets following a 42-d fermentation period. Treatments were ensiled sugarbeets alone (250 g/kg) or based on (1) formulated silage DM concentrations of 275, 350, 425, and 500 g/kg and (2) the inclusion of dry feedstuffs (alfalfa hay, dry-rolled corn, wheat middlings, and wheat straw). Fermentation and nutritive characteristics of ensiled sugarbeets were influenced with the addition of dry substrates. A linear increase (P<0.001) in silage pH was observed with the addition of alfalfa, dry-rolled corn, wheat middlings, and wheat straw to ensiled sugarbeets. Lactic acid increased (P<0.001) with the addition of wheat middlings. Alfalfa addition to sugarbeet silage did not alter (P<0.001) lactate concentration. Concentration of lactate decreased (P=0.01) when corn was added, while wheat straw addition did not influence (P=0.37) lactate. A contrast was used to compare ensiling characteristics of sugarbeets alone (250 g/kg DM) to 350 g/kg DM (sugarbeets with dry substrates). Results indicated fermentative parameters were altered; pH increased (P<0.001) for all dry substrates while lactate was lower (P=0.003) for the sugarbeets ensiled with dry-rolled corn compared with sugarbeets ensiled alone. Alfalfa, wheat straw, and wheat middlings decreased (P<0.001) while dry-rolled corn did not affect (P=0.54) in vitro DM digestion. These results indicate the inclusion of dry feedstuffs with sugarbeets altered fermentation and with the exception of corn, decreased in vitro DM digestion. Nutrient composition and DM content of ensiled sugarbeets was altered with the addition of dry substrates.     

Meat quality in goats as influenced by dietary protein and energy levels,and postmortem aging

The objectives of this study were to determine effects of different dietary treatments and postmortem aging on meat quality characteristics in goats. Twenty castrated dairy goats (BW = 30.7 ± 6.80 kg, age 10 months) were subjected to one of four dietary treatments for 82 days (treatment): (i) 2.5 Mcal/kg DM DE and 12% CP, (ii) 2.5 Mcal/kg DM DE and 18% CP, (iii) 2.9 Mcal/kg DM DE and 12% CP, or (iv) 2.9 Mcal/kg DM DE and 18% CP. At the end of the feeding trial, the animals were slaughtered to evaluate meat quality. Longissimus muscle pH and temperature were measured at 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 h postmortem (time). Sarcomere length (1.65 μm), total collagen (4.17 mg/g), and heated calpastatin (44.7 units) measured at 24 h postmortem were not influenced by treatment (P > 0.05). Warner–Bratzler shear force values, collagen solubility, and cooking losses of loin/rib chops (2.5 cm thick) aged for 1, 3, or 6 days postmortem were not influenced by treatment (P > 0.05) or aging time (P > 0.05). Postmortem sampling time affected muscle pH and temperature decline (P < 0.01), but there was no effect of treatment. There was a trend toward a treatment × time interaction (P < 0.06) in muscle pH. Temperature and pH declines followed cubic (P < 0.01) and linear (P < 0.01) trends, respectively. Average muscle temperature declined rapidly and reached 14.5 ± 2.0 °C at 3 h postmortem, while the pH was still high (6.60 ± 0.087). In conclusion, diet did not influence meat quality characteristics, and shear force values of chevon did not decrease due to postmortem aging. Rapid heat dissipation from goat carcasses during too rapid chilling may have caused cold shortening of muscles resulting in meat that did not respond to aging.     

Effect of water restriction on productive performance and blood parameters in comisana sheep reared under intensive condition

The effect of water restriction on milk yield and composition, feed intake, body weight and blood parameters was evaluated in Comisana sheep reared under intensive condition. The experiment, lasted 40 days, was performed on 26 lactating ewes subdivided into three treatment groups; the control T group received water ad libitum (W-100) and Group 1 (W-80) and Group 2 (W-60) were watered, respectively, with 80 and 60% of the water consumed by the control T group. Water was supplied in the morning once a day while feed twice. Milk quality analysis was performed every 10 days for pH, fat, total protein, lactose and somatic cell content. Serum samples, performed at days 0, 13, 26 and 40, were analyzed for glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, total proteins, albumin, sodium, potassium, calcium and chloride. Compared to W-100, W-60 was significantly different (P < 0.05) for body weight and serum potassium levels and showed an increase (P < 0.01) in serum concentrations of triglycerides, albumin, total proteins and cholesterol (P < 0.05). Total proteins, triglycerides and sodium levels increased (P < 0.05) in W-80. Body weight showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) only in W-60 if compared to W-100. No significant differences were observed in milk yield, milk composition and feed intake across the treatment groups.     

Effects of feeding system on carcass and non-carcass composition of Churra Tensina light lambs

Thirty-eight single male lambs (3.6 ± 0.08 kg live weight at birth) were used to study the influence of feeding system on carcass and non-carcass composition of Churra Tensina light lambs. Treatments: indoor (IND), lambs housed indoors consuming concentrate ad libitum until weaning at 53 days of age, and ewes grazing 8 h a day without their offspring and receiving a supplement of barley meal after grazing; grazing (GR), ewes and lambs grazed continuously without concentrate and lambs were unweaned. When lambs reached 22–24 kg live weight they were slaughtered. Carcass and non-carcass composition was recorded. GR lambs displayed higher carcass shrink (P < 0.05) and lower dressing percentage (P < 0.01) than concentrate-fed lambs. IND lambs had more body fat mainly due to the heavier kidney (P < 0.001) and subcutaneous (P < 0.001) fat depots. Total non-carcass weight was not affected by treatment (P > 0.05), but red organ (heart, lung and trachea, thymus, liver, spleen, kidney, diaphragm, pancreas, gall bladder, bladder, and testicles and penis), digestive tract (stomach, small intestine and large intestine) and head, skin, and feet (HSF) weights differed between treatments (P < 0.05). IND lambs had heavier red organs and HSF (P < 0.05) although this difference disappeared when expressed as a percentage of empty body weight. Small intestine weight in grazing lambs was heavier (P < 0.001) and, consequently, the total digestive tract differed similarly (P < 0.01). Treatment influenced the weights (P < 0.05) of all joints except leg (P > 0.05), showing heavier joints for IND carcasses. The feeding system had a greater effect on subcutaneous fat (P < 0.001) than on intermuscular fat (P < 0.05) in most of the standardized joints. IND carcasses produced a greater proportion of muscle/bone in all joints, except neck, whereas GR produced a greater proportion of muscle/total fat due to the lower amount of fat recorded in this treatment. The percentage of fatty acids was not affected by treatment (P > 0.05) although the percentage of C18:3 was greater and the ratio of C18:2/C18:3 was lower in grazing-fed lambs. The absence of any effect of treatment on the fatty acid percentages may be influenced by the short raising period and by the similar amount of intramuscular fat in both treatments. It is concluded that light lambs reared under grazing conditions can produce carcasses of acceptable quality, due to the lower percentage of subcutaneous fat, but with a similar intramuscular fat content.     

Behavioural responses of sows and piglets from two genotypes to recorded nursing grunts played throughout lactation

The impact of playbacks of recorded sow nursing grunts on the development of nursing behaviour in sows from two genotypes was studied. Yorkshire × Landrace (YL; n = 16) and 25% Meishan (MH; n = 16) gilts were equally divided in two groups: (1) no playback, and (2) playbacks of recorded sow nursing grunts at 35-min intervals. Recordings were played from day 110 of gestation until day 27 of lactation. Sow behaviour was videotaped for 24 h every 4 days, from days 6 to 26 of lactation. Playbacks decreased nursing intervals in MH (34.9 min versus 38.2 ± 1.1 min) without altering it in YL (37.9 min versus 36.5 ± 1.1 min; breed × treatment, P < 0.05), although this effect in MH was likely due to the increased frequency of non-productive nursings seen on days 6, 10 and 14 (P < 0.05) in sows subjected to playbacks. In both breeds, the interval between nursings increased (P < 0.01) from day 6 (33.7 ± 0.8 min) to 26 (40.8 ± 0.8 min) of lactation, the interval between non-productive nursings (NPN) remained similar (P > 0.1) and sows, compared to piglets within a litter, ended more nursings as lactation advanced (P < 0.01). More nursings were terminated by sows in MH than in YL (P < 0.01) whereas more nursings were terminated by piglets from YL than MH sows (P < 0.05). Playbacks or genotype did not alter the amount of time over a 24 h period that sows spent standing, sitting, lying on the belly or lying with the udder exposed (P > 0.1), but sows spent more time sitting, standing and lying on the belly and less time lying with the udder exposed as lactation advanced (P < 0.01). Posture changes were more frequent for MH than YL sows (P < 0.01) and increased as lactation advanced in both genotypes (P < 0.01). In conclusion, the effects of playbacks on nursing behaviour differed between genotypes: playbacks decreased nursing intervals in MH sows only, although this was likely due to an increase in NPN.     

The effect of the absence or presence of a corpus luteum on the ovarian follicular population and serum oestradiol concentrations during the estrous cycle in Sanjabi ewes

The aim of this study was to determine if the presence or absence of a corpus luteum (CL) during estrous synchronization in ewes can affect the ovarian follicular population and the serum oestradiol concentrations. The estrous cycles of 197 Sanjabi ewes were synchronized using a 12-day treatment with intravaginal progestagen sponges (Chronogest^®). Estrus was detected in 144 ewes, 27–39 h after sponge removal. Blood samples were taken daily from day 2 and continued for 19 days and analyzed for serum oestradiol concentration. Nine ewes were slaughtered on each experimental day (days 1–16 after estrus) for ovary collection. The ovaries per ewe were classified as those without, or with one or two CL's, for each slaughter day. Visible follicles on the surface of the ovaries were classified, based on their diameter, into (i) very small (<2 mm), (ii) small (2–3.4 mm), (iii) medium (3.5–5 mm) and (iv) large (>5 mm) categories, and the respective numbers recorded. Results indicated, the number of ovarian follicles to decrease (P < 0.01) from days 1 to 5 of the cycle and showed a significant increase on day 7. Numbers were high again on day 11 and decreased (P < 0.01) on day 16 of the estrous cycle. The serum oestradiol concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the double than in the single ovulating animals (one or two CL's, respectively) on days 2–0. However serum levels were also significantly higher (P < 0.001) in single, than twin ovulating animals on days 4–5 and 12–16 of the estrous cycle. There were no significant differences in the total number of very small follicles between animals without and those with two CL's. The number of small, medium and large follicles in ewes, with or without a CL on the ovary was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than ewes with two ovulations at certain stages of the estrous cycle. The present study provides evidence of differences in the follicular ovarian population in ovaries without CL's and double ovulations. The existence of an intraovarian effect of the CL numbers on follicular population is demonstrated.     

Assessment of alterations in X-ray irradiation-induced DNA damage of glioma cells by using proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Glioma is one of the most common types of brain tumors. DNA damage is closely associated with glioma cell apoptosis induced by X-ray irradiation. Alterations of metabolites in glioma can be detected noninvasively by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. To noninvasively explore the micro mechanism in X-ray irradiation-induced apoptosis, the relationship between metabolites and DNA damage in glioma cells was investigated. Three glioma cell lines (C6, U87 and U251) were randomly designated as control (0 Gy) and treatment groups (1, 5, 10, 15 Gy). After X-ray exposure, each group was separated into four parts: (i) to detect metabolites by 1H NMR spectroscopy; (ii) to make cell colonies; (iii) to detect cell cycle distribution and apoptosis rate by flow cytometry; and (iv) to measure DNA damage by comet assay. The metabolite ratios of lactate/creatine and succinate/creatine decreased (lactate/creatine: C6, 22.17–66.27%; U87, 15.93–44.56%; U251, 26.27–74.48%. succinate/creatine: C6, 14.41–48.35%; U87, 22.03–70.62%; U251, 17.33–60.06%) and choline/creatine increased (C6, 52.22–389.68%; U87, 56.15–82.36%; U251, 31.87–278.62%) in the treatment groups compared with the control group (each P < 0.05), which linearly depended on DNA damage. An increasing dose of X-ray irradiation increased numbers of apoptotic cells (P < 0.01), and the DNA damage parameters were dose-dependent (P < 0.05). The colony-forming rate declined (P < 0.01) and the percentage of cells at G1 stage increased when exposed to 1 Gy X-ray (three cell lines, P < 0.05). Metabolite alterations detected by 1H NMR spectroscopy can be used to determine DNA damage induced by X-ray irradiation. 1H NMR spectroscopy is a noninvasive method to predict DNA damage of glioma cell at the micro level.     

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.