Identification and quantification of goat milk adulteration using mid-infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics.

The fraudulent adulteration of goat milk with cheaper and more available milk of other species such as cow milk is occurrence. The aims of the present study were to investigate the effect of goat milk adulteration with cow milk on the mid-infrared (MIR) spectrum and further evaluate the potential of MIR spectroscopy to identify and quantify the goat milk adulterated. Goat milk was adulterated with cow milk at 5 different levels including 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. Statistical analysis showed that the adulteration had significant effect on the majority of the spectral wavenumbers. Then, the spectrum was preprocessed with standard normal variate (SNV), multiplicative scattering correction (MSC), Savitzky-Golay smoothing (SG), SG plus SNV, and SG plus MSC, and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) were used to establish classification and regression models, respectively. PLS-DA models obtained good results with all the sensitivity and specificity over 0.96 in the cross-validation set. Regression models using raw spectrum obtained the best result, with coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and the ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) of cross-validation set were 0.98, 2.01, and 8.49, respectively. The results preliminarily indicate that the MIR spectroscopy is an effective technique to detect the goat milk adulteration with cow milk. In future, milk samples from different origins and different breeds of goats and cows should be collected, and more sophisticated adulteration at low levels should be further studied to explore the potential and effectiveness of milk mid-infrared spectroscopy and chemometrics.

Molecular characterization of Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) in sheep and goats and risk factors associated with it in selected districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa-Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) is an economically significant transboundary viral disease of sheep and goats caused by the PPRV virus, affecting annual losses of 1.45-2.10 billion US dollars globally. We designed the current study to evaluate the positive cases, molecular characterization, phylogenetic analysis, and risk factors correlated with the disease in various districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, with the aim of contributing to these strategies. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 384 samples from three selected districts, i.e., Peshawar, Charsadda and Chitral (n = 128 each), were collected, and the virus was investigated by using the sandwich ELISA, while the N gene of the virus was used as a target for molecular detection via RT-PCR. The confirmed samples were then sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis was performed. According to our findings, the highest positive cases was found in district Peshawar (50.87%), followed by Charsadda and Chitral (24.56%), respectively, while risk factor analysis showed that certain categories, such as species, sex, and age less than two years, have higher risk (P < 0.05) in contrast to their respective categories. Furthermore, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of representative samples showed that the PPRV strains in the current study clustered in lineage IV, which is circulating in the small ruminant population of Asia, the Middle East, and African countries. Comparative residue analysis highlighted the mutation by representing 242 variable sites out of 371 locations. CONCLUSIONS: PPRV has foremost importance in Pakistan because the virus was detected in a considerable number of samples, and most of which were sourced from subsidiary areas where veterinary services are not prioritized.

Influence of tailing dust contamination in drinking water on the health status of goats in subtropical Regions.

The contamination of river systems by tailing dust remains a constraint to goat productivity in communal farming systems. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate how resource-limited households in subtropical regions assessed the effects of tailing dust contamination in drinking water on the health status of goats. In a study conducted in the Ba-Phalaborwa Local Municipality, 200 households from two villages were randomly selected and interviewed using a questionnaire. Forty-eight percent (n = 96) of the households were located in contaminated areas, while 52% (n = 104) were from uncontaminated areas. The study found that poor water quality, caused by tailing dust contamination, as well as a high incidence of diseases, were key factors affecting goat productivity. Water contamination was most severe during the hot and cool dry seasons. It was also noted that goats rely on freshwater as their primary source of supplemental water during dry seasons. Urine colour, oedema of the eyelids, and kid survival were indicators for assessing the health status of goats. Nominal binary logistic regression revealed that water contamination was 2.96 more likely to be reported by youth compared to elderly members. Farmers who received informal education were 37 times more likely to report contamination than those who received formal education. High kid mortality as a health status indicator was 50 times less likely to be reported in uncontaminated areas. Intervention strategies for reducing the adverse health effects of tailing dust in contaminated areas should focus primarily on the health of goats during dry seasons.

Proteomic analysis of toxic effects of short-term cadmium exposure on goat livers.

Food safety is closely related to environmental pollution. It is worth noting that the long-term accumulation of Cd, a toxic heavy metal, in animals may pose a threat to human health through food chain. Previous studies have found that Cd exposure may cause liver metabolic disorders of black goats, but the mechanism of its impact on liver proteome of goats has not been widely studied. Therefore, in this study, ten male goats (Nubian black goat × native black goat) were exposed to Cd via drinking water containing CdCl2 (20 mg Cd·kg - 1·BW) for 30 days (five male goats per group). Blood physiology and liver antioxidant indices in black goats were determined and differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the livers of Cd-exposed goats were profiled by using TMT-labelled proteomics. It was found that plasma Hb and RBC levels as well as PCV values were decreased, liver SOD, GSH-Px, T-AOC and CAT levels were decreased, and MDA level was increased in Cd-treated goats, and 630 DEPs (up 326, down 304) in the livers of Cd-treated goats. Proteomics analysis revealed that Cd exposure affected glutathione metabolism and drug metabolism-cytochrome P450. We identified GP×2, GSTM3, and TBXAS1 as potential protein markers of early Cd toxicity in goats. This study provided theoretical basis for early diagnosis of Cd poisoning in goats.

A pilot study on the epidemiology, diagnosis and characterization of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato in sheep, goats and dogs in Siirt province of Türkiye revealed remarkable adaptation of Echinococcus canadensis (G6/G7) in goats.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato (s.l.), represents one of the most significant zoonotic diseases globally, affecting both humans and animals. The objective of this study was to ascertain the prevalence of E. granulosus sensu lato in sheep and goats in a pilot region with a one-year slaughterhouse follow-up period and to determine the genetic differences and haplotypes among sheep, goat, and dog isolates. To this end, the prevalence of CE cysts was determined by monitoring the slaughter of sheep and goats at least three days a week at a slaughterhouse in the Siirt province of Türkiye during 2023. Additionally, faecal samples were collected from stray dogs and analysed using both flotation and molecular techniques. The presence of CE cysts was identified in 569 (11.12 %) of the 5119 sheep and 66 (2.31 %) of the 2860 goats after slaughtering. The highest positivity was observed in November (20.39 %), while the lowest was recorded in July (5.62 %). Of the sheep that detected positive, 25 (4.39 %) were less than one year old, while 544 (95.61 %) were older than one year. Of the infected sheep, 26 (4.57 %) were male and 543 (95.43 %) were female. 204 (35.85 %) sheep exhibited fluid-filled CE cysts, 338 (59.40 %) displayed calcification, and 27 (4.75 %) demonstrated the presence of newly developed cysts. The highest positivity was observed in December (5.83 %), while the lowest was recorded in May (0.62 %) in goats. Of the positive goats, two (3 %) were less than one year old, while the remaining 64 (97 %) were older than one year. Of the goats infected with CE cysts, 10 (15.15 %) were male and 56 (84.85 %) were female. Of the cysts, 56.1 % were fluid-filled, 42.4 % were calcified and 1.5 % were newly developed. Following DNA sequence analysis of CE cyst isolates obtained from the slaughterhouse, all 61 sheep sequences were identified as E. granulosus s.s. (G1/G3). Of the 13 goat isolates, seven were identified as E. granulosus s.s. (G1/G3), while the remaining six were classified as E. canadensis (G6/G7). The centrifugal flotation method was employed to detect the presence of Isospora spp. oocysts in eight dogs, Toxocara canis and hookworm eggs in three dogs each, and Dipyllidium caninum eggs in one dog. A total of 54 dog faeces were examined. No Taeniid eggs were observed in any of the dogs. Following PCR analysis of the mt-CO1 gene region in the dog faecal samples, four samples were positive for a 875 bp band. Only one of these bands was suitable for sequence analysis, which confirmed it as E. granulosus s.s. (G1/G3).

Effects of Chitosan-Based Additive on Rumen Fermentation and Microbial Community, Nutrients Digestibility and Lactation Performance in Goats.

Recently, the potential of using chitosan (CHI) as a feed additive to enhance ruminal fermentation and improve animal performance has gained increasing attention in ruminant nutrition. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with increasing doses of CHI on rumen fermentation attributes and microbial composition, digestibility and milk performance in Dhofari goats. Twenty-four lactating goats (27 ± 1.8 kg of initial live body weight) were fed a control diet comprising of Rhodes grass hay plus a concentrate feed mixture. Goats were assigned to one of three experimental treatments (n = 8 per treatment) as: (1) control diet with no supplement (CTRL), (2) control diet with 0.300 g/day CHI (CHI0.3) and (3) control diet supplemented with 0.600 g/day CHI (CHI0.6) for a 45-day experimental period. Dietary supplementation with increasing doses of CHI decreased (p < 0.05) linearly ruminal pH (p = 0.023), total short chain fatty acids concentrations (p = 0.011), acetate (p = 0.013) and butyrate (p = 0.042) proportions, acetate to propionate ratio (p < 0.001), estimated methane (CH4) production (p < 0.001), ammonia nitrogen concentrations (p = 0.003) and protozoa abundance (p = 0.003). However, the ruminal propionate proportion augmented (p = 0.002) linearly with increasing doses of CHI in the diet. Increasing doses of CHI linearly increased the abundance of the ruminal propionate-producing bacteria, while diminished acetate and CH4-producing bacteria (p < 0.05). Serum total protein (p = 0.037) and glucose (p = 0.042) levels linearly increased as CHI doses increased in the diet. However, serum UREA levels decreased linearly (p = 0.002) by 21% with increasing CHI amounts in the diet. The digestibility of organic matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre increased linearly with the increasing CHI doses (p < 0.05). Neither linear nor quadratic responses (p > 0.05) were observed in daily milk yield and feed efficiency by supplementing the diet with CHI. In conclusion, supplementing the diet with CHI at a dose of 0.600 g/day as a feed additive for dairy goats reduced estimated CH4 generation and improved fibre and protein digestion, with no influence on feed intake, milk yield or composition.

A novel cellobiose 2-epimerase from anaerobic halophilic Iocasia fonsfrigidae and its ability to convert lactose in fresh goat milk into epilactose.

BACKGROUND: Cellobiose 2-epimerase (CE) has received great attention due to its potential applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this study, a novel CE from mesophilic anaerobic halophilic bacterium Iocasia fonsfrigidae strain SP3-1 (IfCE) was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli and characterized. RESULTS: Unlike other CEs, the purified IfCE shows only epimerization activity toward ß-1,4-glycosidic linkages of disaccharides, including mannobiose, cellobiose and lactose, but not for monosaccharides, ß-1,4-glycosidic linkages of trisaccharides and α-1,4-glycosidic linkages of disaccharides. Only one epimerization product was obtained from the action of IfCE against mannobiose, cellobiose and lactose. Under optimum conditions, 31.0% of epilactose, a rare and low-calorie prebiotic sweetener with medicinal and pharmacological properties, was obtained from 10 mg mL-1 lactose. IfCE was highly active against lactose under NaCl concentrations up to 500 mmol L-1, possibly due to the excessive basic (arginine and lysine) and acidic (aspartic and glutamic acids) amino acid residues, which are localized on the surface of the halophilic enzyme structure. These residues may protect the enzyme from Cl- and Na+ ions from the environment, respectively. Under normal conditions, IfCE was able to convert lactose present in fresh goat milk to epilactose with a conversion yield of 31% in 10 min. In addition, IfCE has been investigated as a safe enzyme for human allergen. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that IfCE is a promising candidate to increase the quality and value of milk and dairy products by converting lactose that causes digestive problems in people with lactose intolerance into epilactose. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Natural hydroxyapatite-based nanobiocomposites and their biomaterials-to-cell interaction for bone tissue engineering.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is an extensively used biomaterial for dental and orthopaedic applications because of its biocompatibility and biomimetic nature. HA is extensively used as a bone-graft substitute. HA bone graft substitutes of bovine or synthetic origins have been extensively studied. However, caprine-based HA has not been explored. In this study, we aimed to determine the utilization of goat bone-derived HA for commercial applications. HA from caprine bone and teeth was isolated using thermal calcination. The developed HA can be used as a bone graft substitute. Chemical characterization of the isolated HA was carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The biocompatibility and apatite formation of isolated HA were assessed using MG-63 cells, MC3T3-E1, L929 cells, MSCs, adipose derived stem cells, human dermal tissue derived fibroblast cells and osteoblast-like cell line, The studies demonstrate that HA support cell adhesion and osteogenic properties. To improve sheep, lamp, or caprine bone-derived HA, several other composites have been developed with MgO2, ZrO2, ZnO2, and other polymeric substances. 3D printed technology was used to develop a bioink using sheep-derived HA and printed the composite scaffold as a bone graft substitute. Furthermore, the biomedical applications of sheep-derived HA been studied in terms of their antimicrobial activity, bone-forming ability, and wound healing applications. Sheep-, goat-, and caprine-derived HA are still underutilized and require further research to develop commercial possibilities and sustainable raw materials for HA-based bone graft substitutes.

Genetic characterization of cashmere goat (Capra hircus) populations in Mongolia.

Objective: Characterization studies of the phenotypic and genetic diversity of Mongolian goats are limited, despite several goat breeds being registered in the country. This study aimed to evaluate the phenotypic and genetic diversity of 14 cashmere goat populations in Mongolia, consisting largely of identified goat breeds. Methods: Body weight, cashmere quality, and coat color were the phenotypic traits considered in this study. A linear model was used to fit body weight and cashmere traits, and least squares means (LSMs) were estimated for the region and location classes. Genetic diversity and structure were assessed using a goat 50K SNP array. Results: The studied populations exhibited greater phenotypic diversity at the regional level. A very small overall differentiation index (Fst: 0.017) was revealed by Wright's Fst and a very small overall inbreeding index (F ROH1 :0.019) was revealed based on runs of homozygosity. Genetic clustering of populations by principal components showed large variances for the two goat populations of the Russian admixture (Gobi Gurvan Saikhan and Uuliin Bor), and smaller but differentiated clusters for the remaining populations. Similar results were observed in the admixture analysis, which identified populations with the highest (Govi Gurvan Saikhan and Uuliin Bor) and lowest (Tsagaan Ovoo Khar) exotic admixtures. A genomewide association study (GWAS) of body weight and cashmere traits identified a few significant variants on chromosomes 2, 4, 5, 9, and 15, with the strongest variant for cashmere yield on chromosome 4. The GWAS on coat color yielded nine significant variants, with the strongest variants located on chromosomes 6, 13, and 18 and potential associations with KIT, ASIP, and MC1R genes. These signals were also found in other studies on coat color and patterns in goats. Conclusion: Mongolian cashmere goats showed relatively low genetic differentiation and low inbreeding levels, possibly caused by the traditional pastoral livestock management system and the practice of trading breeding bucks across provinces, along with a recent increase in the goat population. Further investigation of cashmere traits using larger samples and alternative methods may help identify the genes or genomic regions underlying cashmere quality in goats.

Proteomic and Transcriptomic Profiling Revealed Vital Molecular Events in the Transition from Goat Colostrum to Mature Milk.

As an important nutrient source in large areas of the world, goat milk is favored by more and more consumers; however, the composition, nutritional value, and regulation mechanism of goat milk are not fully characterized. Mammary gland development is as important as detailed annotation of protein composition to address the physiological and nutritional values of goat milk. In the present study, 4353 colostrum and mature goat milk proteins were identified. The abundance of 118 proteins was significantly different between colostrum and mature milk proteins. Our results indicate that the milk protein changes were associated with a network of mammary gene expression changes; importantly, the prime factors include enhanced mammary growth/development, decreased protein translation, attenuated protein folding, and lower lip/carbohydrate metabolism. The present study provides insights into the changes in mammary metabolisms during the transition from colostrum to mature milk, which can help deeply explore the difference and regulation mechanism of active milk protein in colostrum and mature milk and provide references for the identification and functional study of bioactive milk proteins in colostrum.

Morphologic Examination of Ossicula Auditus in Different Ruminants.

BACKGROUND: The ossicula auditus is the structure that transmits vibrations from the tympanic cavity to the auris interna. This assembly is formed by three ossicles: the malleus, incus and stapes. In addition, the bone that exists as os lenticulare in humans exists as processus lenticulare in most mammals. OBJECTIVE: To our knowledge, no in-depth study has been published on the ossicula auditus of gazelles. This study aims to provide a comparative study of the morphology of the auditory ossicles in sheep, goats and gazelles. METHODS: Ossicula auditus from six adult Awassi sheep, six hair goats and six gazelles was examined and photographed under a stereomicroscope. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: It was determined that the ossicula auditus of gazelle, hair goat and Awassi sheep consisted of malleus, incus and stapes. In the species examined, it was observed that the articular surface on the caput mallei, the malleus protrusions and the distal part of the manubrium mallei differed between species. It was determined that the incus bone consists of a body and two crus. As an important morphological difference, the proc. lenticulare was found to be on the crus breve in all three species. It was determined that the stapes bone was quadrangular in the species examined, especially in goats, but this quadrangular shape, which is specific to ruminants, was not fully formed in other species. As a result, it was determined that the ossicula auditus of gazelle, hair goat and Awassi sheep showed morphologically different characteristics.

Experimental Protocol to Toxoplasma gondii Detection in Fresh Goat Milk.

Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic parasite with global distribution capable of infecting homeothermic animals. Transmission of protozoan to humans includes ingestion of water and raw food contaminated with sporulated oocysts, ingestion of raw or undercooked meat with tissue cysts, and tachyzoites' transplacental transmission. Fresh goat milk intake has already been linked to human toxoplasmosis outbreaks, but little is known about the infectious potential of this biological sample. Accordingly, the aim of the present study is to assess the survival and infectivity of T. gondii tachyzoites in fresh goat milk samples through an experimental protocol to detect this parasite via bioassay carried out with a murine model, DNA amplification, and serology. Swiss Webster mice were inoculated with fresh goat milk samples contaminated with different T. gondii RH strain tachyzoite concentrations per milliliter and stored for different refrigeration times. Animals showing clinical signs compatible to toxoplasmosis were euthanized. Milk samples contaminated with high parasitic loads and kept for a shorter refrigeration time were the most lethal ones. No significant differences were observed between mean death rates recorded for different goat milk contamination concentrations (p = 0.1888), and for the refrigeration time, contaminated milk samples were kept under (p = 0.9440). T. gondii DNA was amplified in all contaminated milk samples, but only one of the surviving mice was serologically positive. Results of the present study have shown T. gondii survival and infectivity in fresh goat milk samples, and it highlights its significant risk for public health. Therefore, molecular methods must be the tests of choice when milk samples are used to assess infection caused by protozoan in goats' dairy products.

Supporting traceability and biosecurity in the sheep and goat industries in NSW: understanding barriers to implementing electronic identification.

Efficient traceability is paramount for Australia's biosecurity system and market access. Electronic identification (eID) offers higher traceability performance than that achieved with visual and mob-based identification used for the sheep and goats National Livestock Identification System (NLIS). The current study aims to gain an understanding of the barriers and motivations of using eID for NLIS sheep and goats in New South Wales (NSW) and to provide recommendations to support the transition to eID. A social research study using a mixed-methods approach was used through semi-structured interviews and a cross-sectional epidemiological and behavioural study among sheep and goat producers. The COM-B behaviour change model based on capabilities, opportunities and motivations was used as a framework for the study. A total of 269 participants informed this study: 25 interviews were conducted with government, industry and private stakeholders, and 184 and 58 sheep and goat producers participated in the cross-sectional study, respectively. The study identified poor understanding of the purpose and importance of NLIS among producers, with over two-thirds not supporting eID implementation. The main barriers identified to the eID implementation were practical, including costs, technology quality and increased workload. Attitudinal, behavioural and knowledge barriers, such as the perception of the current system providing efficient traceability and the perceived lack of benefits of eID were also identified. This study provides an in-depth analysis of practices and perceptions of stakeholders and producers on sheep and goat traceability and recommendations to address barriers identified, based on education and appropriate behavioural and technical support.

The goat pan-genome reveals patterns of gene loss during domestication.

BACKGROUND: Unveiling genetic diversity features and understanding the genetic mechanisms of diverse goat phenotypes are pivotal in facilitating the preservation and utilization of these genetic resources. However, the total genetic diversity within a species can't be captured by the reference genome of a single individual. The pan-genome is a collection of all the DNA sequences that occur in a species, and it is expected to capture the total genomic diversity of the specific species. RESULTS: We constructed a goat pan-genome using map-to-pan assemble based on 813 individuals, including 723 domestic goats and 90 samples from their wild relatives, which presented a broad regional and global representation. In total, 146 Mb sequences and 974 genes were identified as absent from the reference genome (ARS1.2; GCF_001704415.2). We identified 3,190 novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using the pan-genome analysis. These novel SNPs could properly reveal the population structure of domestic goats and their wild relatives. Presence/absence variation (PAV) analysis revealed gene loss and intense negative selection during domestication and improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Our research highlights the importance of the goat pan-genome in capturing the missing genetic variations. It reveals the changes in genomic architecture during goat domestication and improvement, such as gene loss. This improves our understanding of the evolutionary and breeding history of goats.

Parasite diversity among domestic goats of tropical monsoon climatic zone in India.

Among different climatic zones in India, the tropical monsoon region comprises a diverse ecosystem characterized by the endemic nature of several parasites including certain emerging and re-emerging vector-borne pathogens of humans, whereas a systematic investigation of the occurrence of different parasites among domestic goats in this area is not yet explored. The goal of the present study is to explore the parasite diversity focusing on molecular identification of vector-borne hemoparasites and its health impacts on domestic goats reared in the tropical monsoon climate zone of Kerala, India. Among 227 goats presented to the Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex (TVCC) in the monsoon months of 2023, thirty animals were recruited for the study. The animals were screened for the presence of different hemoparasites (Anaplasma spp., Theileria spp., and Babesia spp.), ectoparasites (ticks, lice, and fleas), and gastrointestinal (GI) parasites (hookworms, threadworms, tapeworms, whipworms, and coccidia). The isolated hemoparasites were further characterized by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The correlation studies to elucidate the association between the occurrence of different parasites and clinical manifestations (hyperthermia, pallor of mucous membrane, circulatory failure, respiratory signs, neurological instability, and GI signs), blood picture (anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia), demographics (sex and age), and treatment history (hemoparasitic therapy, ectoparasiticidal application, and prophylactic deworming) were conducted. The co-infection status of these parasites was also evaluated. A substantial portion of the goats in the study group was found to be affected by vector-borne hemoparasitic diseases and their arthropod vectors or GI parasites or both. This can be attributed to the constantly warm and humid climate of the region, which is favorable for the survival and growth of different life cycle stages of these parasites and vectors. A strategic parasitic disease surveillance-cum-control program is the need of the hour for ensuring climate resilience and profitable goat farming in the region.

Goat Milk Exosomes Ameliorate Ulcerative Colitis in Mice through Modulation of the Intestinal Barrier, Gut Microbiota, and Metabolites.

Goat milk is rich in a variety of nutrients that are important for intestinal health and disease prevention. However, the role of exosomes in goat milk remains to be elucidated. This study investigated for the first time the therapeutic efficacy and molecular underlying mechanisms of mature milk exosomes (M-exo) and goat colostrum exosomes (C-exo) on dextran sodium sulfate-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in mice. The findings demonstrate that M-exo and C-exo significantly improved physiological indices, suppressed the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, and diminished oxidative stress and apoptosis in UC mice. Moreover, C-exo and M-exo restored the intestinal barrier function, remodeled the gut microbiota, and improved metabolite composition in the feces of colitis mice. In conclusion, goat milk exosomes ameliorate UC in mice, which provides a basis for the development of functional food applications for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Preliminary outcomes on phenotypic and genetic parameter estimates for body weight of indigenous Tswana goats in Botswana.

The aims of this study were to estimate the genetic and phenotypic parameters for growth traits and evaluate genetic trends on 585 indigenous Tswana goats. The population was maintained under low input production system at the Department of Agricultural Research in Lesego ranch, Botswana, from 2005 to 2008. Data included birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), weight at 8 months (PW), yearling weight (YW), pre-weaning average daily gain (ADG) and two post weaning average daily gains (ADG2 and ADGYW). Data was analysed using general linear model of SAS to determine non-genetic effects. Estimation of genetic and phenotypic parameters were estimated using ASREML fitting an animal model that accounted for fixed effect of parity, sex, type of birth and year of birth. Least squares means for BW, WW, PW and YW were 2.88 ± 0.03, 12.15 ± 0.17, 16.52 ± 0.28 and 21.04 ± 0.32Kg, respectively, while those for ADG, ADG2 and ADGYW were 74.52 ± 1.41, 28.78 ± 1.55 and 33.66 ± 2.28 g/day, respectively. Estimates of heritability for BW, WW, PW and YW were 0.79 ± 0.11, 0.63 ± 0.14, 0.32 ± 0.13 and 0.48 ± 0.16, respectively. The genetic correlations for all the traits studied were positive and moderate to high (0.48 to 0.82) whilst phenotypic correlations ranged from 0.21 to 0.72. Positive average genetic trends of 12.32% (WW), 13.39% (PW) and 7.38% (YW) were attained. The results have demonstrated the potential of this breed to be improved through selection.

Fluctuations in somatic cell count and their impact on individual goat milk quality throughout lactation.

The somatic cell count (SCC) is used by the dairy industry as an indicator of milk quality and udder health. However, in goats, its reliability is significantly masked by non-infectious variables such as the milk secretion process and physiological lactation changes. Additionally, notable individual variability between goats might exist. This study aimed to investigate fluctuations in SCC in individual goats during an entire lactation and to examine the relationship between SCC and milk parameters such as bacterial count and chemical composition. Individual milk samples from 40 Norwegian dairy goats from the University herd were collected monthly across an entire lactation including the pasture period. The goats were categorized based on SCC levels to analyze patterns in chemical components within these groups. Notably, goats exhibited increased SCC and decreased bacterial counts when moved to summer grazing pastures. At that stage milk samples from goats with the highest SCC (>2000 ×103 cells/mL) showed a distinct decrease in individual bacterial counts (IBC). Several milk components, especially lactose, protein, and various minerals were affected by the SCC level, as well as pH. These effects were further amplified when considering the interaction with the lactation stage, influencing a broader range of variables. The results presented in this study provide new insights into the SCC's effect on milk composition and its critical role. These insights underscore the necessity for establishing lactation-specific thresholds for interpretation, as well as for making adjustments in quality payments.

Goat Milk Supplementation Modulates the Mitochondrial Metabolic Flexibility and Orexin-A Levels Influencing the Inflammatory Pattern in Rats.

Milk and its derivatives are included in a balanced diet of humans as excellent sources of proteins, vitamins, and essential minerals that are functional nutrients. Knowledge about the nutritional benefits or harms due to milk consumption has been expanding in recent years. We previously explored, in rodent models, the metabolic effects of isoenergetic intake of milk derived from cows, donkeys, or humans, while the impact of goat's milk intake has remained unexplored. The aim of this work was to investigate, in an animal model, the effects of dietary supplementation with goat's milk on energy homeostasis and inflammatory state, focusing on the modulation of mitochondrial functions in most metabolically active organs, such as skeletal muscle and the liver. In addition, we highlighted a link between nutrient intake, substrate metabolism, and the orexinergic system. Our results indicate that goat milk improves mitochondrial oxidative capacity and reduces inflammation and oxidative stress in both organs. Notably, goat milk lowers the circulating levels of Orexin-A, a neuropeptide that plays a crucial role in regulating peripheral energy balance and central nervous system mechanisms. These data provide the first evidence that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of goat milk are mediated by the modulation of mitochondrial functions and orexinergic signaling.

Caprine and Ovine Genomic Selection-Progress and Application.

The advancement of sequencing technology and molecular breeding methods has provided technical support and assurance for accurate breeding. Genomic Selection (GS) utilizes genomic information to improve livestock breeding, and it is more accurate and more efficient than traditional selection methods. GS has been widely applied in domestic animal breeding, especially in cattle. However, there are still limited studies on the application and research of GS in sheep and goats. This paper outlines the principles, analysis methods, and influential factors of GS and elaborates on the research progress, challenges, and prospects of applying GS in sheep and goat breeding. Through the review of these aspects, this paper is expected to provide valuable references for the implementation of GS in the field of sheep and goat breeding.