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.

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.

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.

Leptospirosis seroprevalence and associated risk factors in dairy goats in the Brazilian semi-arid region.

Leptospira spp. infection is a worldwide zoonosis that causes economic losses to goat rearing, mainly due to reproductive disorders. Hence, the objective of this research was to determine the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of leptospirosis in a goat milk-producing region in the states of Paraiba and Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil. The microscopic agglutination test was used as serological method and risk factor analysis was carried out using univariable and multivariable analyses. Out of the 937 animals sampled, 102 (10.9 %; 95 % CI = 8.9-12.9 %) were seropositive for Leptospira spp. and the most frequent serogroups were Ballum (41.2 %; 95 % CI = 31.6-50.7 %), Icterohaemorrhagiae (25.5 %, 95 % CI = 17-33.9 %) and Semaranga (23.5 %, 95 % CI = 15.3-31.8 %), with antibody titres ranging from 1:50 to 1:200. Thirty-four of 51 herds (66.7 %; 95 % CI = 53.7-79.6 %) had at least one seropositive animal. The risk factor identified in the multivariable two-level random effect binary logistic regression was the animal being an adult (odds ratio = 4.2; 95 % CI = 1.93-9.13; P < 0.001). Our results provide important information on the epidemiology and risk factors associated with goat leptospirosis seroprevalence in one of the main Brazilian goat milk-producing regions. Furthermore, the need for adopting sanitary control measures, especially those involving sanitary management practices, is highlighted.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

ADAR1 Promotes Myogenic Proliferation and Differentiation of Goat Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells.

As one of the most important economic traits for domestic animal husbandry, skeletal muscle is regulated by an intricate molecular network. Adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR1) involves various physiological processes and diseases, such as innate immunity and the development of lung adenocarcinoma, breast cancer, gastric cancer, etc. However, its role in skeletal muscle growth requires further clarification. Here, we explored the functions of ADAR1 in the myogenic process of goat skeletal muscle satellite cells (MuSCs). The ADAR1 transcripts were noticeably enriched in goat visceral tissues compared to skeletal muscle. Additionally, its levels in slow oxidative muscles like the psoas major and minor muscles were higher than in the fast oxidative glycolytic and fast glycolytic muscles. Among the two common isoforms from ADAR1, p110 is more abundant than p150. Moreover, overexpressing ADAR1 enhanced the proliferation and myogenic differentiation of MuSCs. The mRNA-seq performed on MuSCs' knockdown of ADAR1 obtained 146 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 87 upregulated and 59 downregulated. These DEGs were concentrated in muscle development and process pathways, such as the MAPK and cAMP signaling pathways. Furthermore, many DEGs as the key nodes defined by protein-protein interaction networks (PPI), including STAT3, MYH3/8, TGFß2, and ACTN4, were closely related to the myogenic process. Finally, RNA immunoprecipitation combined with qPCR (RIP-qPCR) showed that ADAR1 binds to PAX7 and MyoD mRNA. This study indicates that ADAR1 promotes the myogenic development of goat MuSCs, which provides a useful scientific reference for further exploring the ADAR1-related regulatory networks underlying mammal skeletal muscle growth.

Effects of nano-berberine and berberine loaded on green synthesized selenium nanoparticles on cryopreservation and in vitro fertilization of goat sperm.

After cryopreservation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) can damage sperm. Antioxidants are the primary defense against oxidative damage. Berberine is a bioactive alkaloid found in Berberis vulgaris, Curcuma longa, and Ergon grape, and is a potent antioxidant. Due to the negative effects of free radicals in oxidative stress processes, antioxidant chemicals are required to protect sperm. However, berberine has low bioavailability, making it less effective. Loading techniques on nanoparticles and nanotechnology can help overcome this limitation. Selenium nanoparticles were synthesized with barberry extract, and berberine was loaded on them. Berberine nanoparticles were then synthesized using anti-solvent precipitation with a syringe pump technique. The synthesis of nanoparticles was confirmed by EDX, UV-visible, FE-SEM, Zeta-Potential, and FTIR tests. In this experiment, we aim to investigate the impact of nano-berberine and berberine loaded on Se-NPs on goat sperm parameters after freeze-thawing. We assessed the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), in vitro fertility, and the subsequent embryo development of zygote with treated sperm after determining the optimal concentration of various chemicals on sperm parameters. The study found that all treatments had significant differences from the control group in terms of motility, viability, DNA and membrane integrity, ROS level, lipid peroxidation, in vitro fertility ability, and the capacity to develop inseminated oocytes (p < 0.05). The most significant outcomes were observed with berberine loaded on Se-NPs and the combination of selenium nanoparticles with berberine nanoparticles.

The molecular anatomy of cashmere goat hair follicle during cytodifferentiation stage.

BACKGROUND: Cashmere, named as "soft gold", derives from the secondary hair follicles (SHFs) of cashmere goat which is vital to Northwest China's economy. The cytodifferentiation stage (E120), mirroring the complete hair follicle (HF) structure of adult goats and marking a critical phase in SHF development. Therefore, this study aims to enhance the understanding of SHF development and its impact on fiber quality, informing breeding strategies. RESULTS: From the scRNA-seq data analysis, the intricate processes and transcriptional dynamics of inner layer cell differentiation of HFs were unveiled in this study. we identified nine cell populations during cytodifferentiation and key structures such as the hair shaft and inner root sheath. And we discovered three main inner layer lineages and seven subpopulations, clarifying their roles in specialization and signaling. Pseudotime mapping analysis showed cell evolution from early stage to mature stages marked by unique gene expressions, and the intermediate stage on the differentiation of each lineage was revealed. The identification and spatial localization of specific transcription factors, such as GATA3, LEF1 and PRDM1, as well as keratin genes highlight regulatory pathways involved in HF development, which was further validated by immunofluorescence. These findings suggested the potential strategies to improve fiber quality, and the discovery of diverse cell types and their developmental molecular mechanisms, particularly in this species-specific context, offered a nuanced view of the regulatory mechanisms driving HF development in cashmere goats. CONCLUSION: Overall, these findings provide a systematic molecular atlas of skin, defining three major branches and cell states of inner layer cells of HF, and determining how the branch-specific transcription factors, keratins, and signals coordinate HF morphogenesis during cytodifferentiation stage. This research not only advances skin tissue research in goats but also holds broader implications for the understanding of HF regeneration and development across various species.

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).

Unveils key proteins in Xinjiang goat muscle linked to post-mortem meat quality: A TMT-based proteomic analysis.

An extensive proteomic analysis utilizing the tandem mass tag (TMT) method was conducted to investigate the changes in protein expression in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Xinjiang goats over various post-mortem intervals: immediately after death within 0 h, 12 h, 24 h and 48 h. The investigation carefully identified around 108 proteins that showed significant changes in expression during these intervals. Among these proteins, six were highlighted for their crucial roles in muscle growth and differentiation of muscle fibers post-mortem. These proteins, namely COL12A1, MRPL46, CTNNB1, MYH1, CAPZA1, and MYL9, have a direct effect on the meat's quality attributes, such as tenderness and color. Further discuss observed a progressive increase in the expression of proteins linked with oxidative metabolism (MSRB2, ENOX1, LOC102170282, GSTM1, and AOC3) as the post-mortem aging period extended, particularly between 24 h to 48 h. These proteins are instrumental in defining the color and flavor profiles of goat meat, underscoring the importance of precise processing and storage conditions to preserve meat quality during the critical aging phase. This enhanced understanding of protein expression dynamics offers significant implications for optimizing meat quality and provides a scientific basis for post-mortem handling practices in the goat meat industry.

Influence of N- and/or P-restriction on bone metabolism in young goats.

Ruminants can recycle nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), which are essential for vital body processes. Reduced N- and P-intake in ruminants is desirable for economic and ecologic reasons. Simultaneous modulation of mineral homoeostasis and bone metabolism occurs in young goats. This study aimed to investigate potential effects of dietary N- and/or P-restriction on molecular changes in bone metabolism. The twenty-eight young male goats were fed a control diet, an N-reduced diet, a P-reduced diet or a combined N- and P-reduced diet for 6-8 weeks. The N-restricted goats had lower plasma Ca concentration and higher plasma osteocalcin (OC) and CrossLaps concentrations. The P-restricted goats had reduced plasma inorganic phosphate (Pi) concentrations and increased plasma Ca concentrations. Due to the initiation of a signalling pathway that inhibits the fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) expression, this was lower with P-restriction. Consequently, lower Pi concentrations were the main factor influencing the reduction in FGF23. The changes in mineral homoeostasis associated with P-restriction led to a reduction in OC, bone mineral content and mineral density. Simultaneously, bone resorption potentially increased with P-restriction as indicated by an increased receptor activator of NF-κB ligand/osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio and an increase in OPG mRNA expression. Additionally, the increased mRNA expression of the calcitonin receptor during P-restriction points to a higher number of osteoclasts. This study demonstrates an impairment of bone remodelling processes in young goats by N- or P-restriction. With P-restriction, bone mineralisation rate was potentially reduced and bone quality impaired, while with N-restriction, bone remodelling increased.

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.

Low Testosterone Concentration Improves Colonisation and Viability in the Co-Cultured Goat Spermatogonial Stem Cell With Sertoli Cells.

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) maintain spermatogenesis through self-renewal and differentiation. The proliferation of SSCs in culture systems can provide a valuable source of germ cells. Several studies have investigated new reproductive technologies, including the production of transgenic animals and recombinant proteins secreted from milk in goats. While studies in other species exist, research on goat SSC culture remains limited. We investigated the impact of different testosterone concentrations on the survival and colonisation of cocultured goat SSCs with Sertoli cells. Cells were isolated from immature goats using two-step enzymatic digestion and enriched by differential exclusion method. DMEM/F12 culture medium containing 1% antibiotic and 5% FBS, supplemented with GDNF (20 ng/mL), EGF, bFGF and LIF (10 ng/mL), was used with different testosterone concentrations (0, 60, 120 and 240 µg/mL) and cultured for 10 days. SC subpopulations were confirmed using PGP9.5 immunocytochemistry, and the expression of germ cell markers (ID-4, UCHL-1, THY-1, ß1-integrin, BCL6B, VASA, PLZF and OCT-4) was evaluated through RT-PCR. Alkaline phosphatase activity provided additional SSC presence. The survival rate of SSCs after isolation and the number and area of colonies on Days 4, 7 and 10 were measured using an inverted microscope. The presence of PGP 9.5 antigens and germ cell markers (ID-4, UCHL-1, THY-1, ß1-integrin, BCL6B, VASA, PLZF and OCT-4) was confirmed by immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR, respectively. According to the results, the group with 60 µg/mL testosterone had the highest number and area of colonies. The number of colonies in the 60 µg/mL testosterone group was significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed compared to other groups (p ≥ 0.05). This study suggests that a low testosterone concentration (60 µg/mL) is optimal for goat SSC colonisation and viability in coculture with Sertoli cells, potentially leading to advancements in goat reproductive technologies.