Plasminogen activator urokinase interacts with the fusion protein and antagonizes the growth of Peste des petits ruminants virus.

Peste des petits ruminants is an acute and highly contagious disease caused by the Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV). Host proteins play a crucial role in viral replication. However, the effect of fusion (F) protein-interacting partners on PPRV infection is poorly understood. In this study, we found that the expression of goat plasminogen activator urokinase (PLAU) gradually decreased in a time- and dose-dependent manner in PPRV-infected goat alveolar macrophages (GAMs). Goat PLAU was subsequently identified using co-immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy as an F protein binding partner. The overexpression of goat PLAU inhibited PPRV growth and replication, whereas silencing goat PLAU promoted viral growth and replication. Additionally, we confirmed that goat PLAU interacted with a virus-induced signaling adapter (VISA) to antagonize F-mediated VISA degradation, increasing the production of type I interferon. We also found that goat PLAU reduced the inhibition of PPRV replication in VISA-knockdown GAMs. Our results show that the host protein PLAU inhibits the growth and replication of PPRV by VISA-triggering RIG-I-like receptors and provides insight into the host protein that antagonizes PPRV immunosuppression.IMPORTANCEThe role of host proteins that interact with Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) fusion (F) protein in PPRV replication is poorly understood. This study confirmed that goat plasminogen activator urokinase (PLAU) interacts with the PPRV F protein. We further discovered that goat PLAU inhibited PPRV replication by enhancing virus-induced signaling adapter (VISA) expression and reducing the ability of the F protein to degrade VISA. These findings offer insights into host resistance to viral invasion and suggest new strategies and directions for developing PPR vaccines.

Altering the competitive environment of B cell epitopes significantly extends the duration of antibody production.

Persistent immunoglobulin G (IgG) production (PIP) provides long-term vaccine protection. While variations in the duration of protection have been observed with vaccines prepared from different pathogens, little is known about the factors that determine PIP. Here, we investigated the impact of three parameters on the duration of anti-peptide IgG production, namely amino acid sequences, protein carriers, and immunization programs. We show that anti-peptide IgG production can be transformed from transient IgG production (TIP) to PIP, by placing short peptides (Pi) containing linear B cell epitopes in different competitive environments using bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugates instead of the original viral particles. When goats were immunized with the peste des petits ruminants (PPR) live-attenuated vaccine (containing Pi as the constitutive component) and BSA-Pi conjugate, anti-Pi IgG production exhibited TIP (duration < 60 days) and PIP (duration > 368 days), respectively. Further, this PIP was unaffected by subsequent immunization with the PPR live-attenuated vaccine in the same goat. When goats were coimmunized with PPR live-attenuated vaccine and BSA-Pi, the induced anti-Pi IgG production showed a slightly extended TIP (from ~60 days to ~100 days). This discovery provides new perspectives for studying the fate of plasma cells in humoral immune responses and developing peptide vaccines related to linear neutralizing epitopes from various viruses.

Facilitated introgression from domestic goat into Alpine ibex at immune loci.

Hybridization can result in the transfer of adaptive genetic material from one species to another, known as adaptive introgression. Bottlenecked (and hence genetically depleted) species are expected to be particularly receptive to adaptive introgression, since introgression can introduce new or previously lost adaptive genetic variation. The Alpine ibex (Capra ibex), which recently recovered from near extinction, is known to hybridize with the domestic goat (Capra aegagrus hircus), and signals of introgression previously found at the major histocompatibility complex were suggested to potentially be adaptive. Here, we combine two ancient whole genomes of Alpine ibex with 29 modern Alpine ibex genomes and 31 genomes representing six related Capra species to investigate the genome-wide patterns of introgression and confirm the potential relevance of immune loci. We identified low rates of admixture in modern Alpine ibex through various F statistics and screening for putative introgressed tracts. Further results based on demographic modelling were consistent with introgression to have occurred during the last 300 years, coinciding with the known species bottleneck, and that in each generation, 1-2 out of 100 Alpine ibex had a domestic goat parent. The putatively introgressed haplotypes were enriched at immune-related genes, where the adaptive value of alternative alleles may give individuals with otherwise depleted genetic diversity a selective advantage. While interbreeding with domestic species is a prevalent issue in species conservation, in this specific case, it resulted in putative adaptive introgression. Our findings highlight the complex interplay between hybridization, adaptive evolution, and the potential risks and benefits associated with anthropogenic influences on wild species.

Characterization of the domestic goat γδ T cell receptor gene loci and gene usage.

Goats and cattle diverged 30 million years ago but retain similarities in immune system genes. Here, the caprine T cell receptor (TCR) gene loci and transcription of its genes were examined and compared to cattle. We annotated the TCR loci using an improved genome assembly (ARS1) of a highly homozygous San Clemente goat. This assembly has already proven useful for describing other immune system genes including antibody and leucocyte receptors. Both the TCRγ (TRG) and TCRδ (TRD) loci were similarly organized in goats as in cattle and the gene sequences were highly conserved. However, the number of genes varied slightly as a result of duplications and differences occurred in mutations resulting in pseudogenes. WC1+ γδ T cells in cattle have been shown to use TCRγ genes from only one of the six available cassettes. The structure of that Cγ gene product is unique and may be necessary to interact with WC1 for signal transduction following antigen ligation. Using RT-PCR and PacBio sequencing, we observed the same restriction for goat WC1+ γδ T cells. In contrast, caprine WC1+ and WC1- γδ T cell populations had a diverse TCRδ gene usage although the propensity for particular gene usage differed between the two cell populations. Noncanonical recombination signal sequences (RSS) largely correlated with restricted expression of TCRγ and δ genes. Finally, caprine γδ T cells were found to incorporate multiple TRD diversity gene sequences in a single transcript, an unusual feature among mammals but also previously observed in cattle.

Study on immunogenicity and antigenicity of a novel brucella multiepitope recombined protein.

Currently, brucellosis is a reemerged zoonotic infectious disease with an increased incidence in recent years. A simple, rapid and sensitive method for diagnosing brucellosis can help to reduce medical burden and economic loss. Previously, a multiple epitope recombinant protein was constructed based on linear B-cell epitope prediction tools. In this study, the recombinant protein was used as an antigen to study the immune response produced by immunized mice, and goat serum was used to verify its diagnostic accuracy. The production of antibodies was successfully induced in the vaccinated mice. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the percentage of CD4+, CD8+ and the CD4+/CD8+ ratios were increased by T cell subsets in mouse splenocytes, indicating that the recombinant protein induced a strong immune response had strong immunoreactivity. Using indirect ELISA, the recombinant protein correctly diagnosed positive and negative brucellosis samples. Compared with the whole bacterial antigen, the recombinant protein had a weaker sensitivity but a stronger specificity. Animal experiments showed that the recombinant protein had good antigenicity, and indirect ELISA indicates that it can be used as an antigen to diagnose brucellosis. Therefore, the recombinant protein is a potential candidate antigen for brucellosis vaccine development and serological diagnosis.

Demyelinating polyneuropathy in goats lacking prion protein.

Studies in mice with ablation of Prnp, the gene that encodes the cellular prion protein (PrPC ), have led to the hypothesis that PrPC is important for peripheral nerve myelin maintenance. Here, we have used a nontransgenic animal model to put this idea to the test; namely, goats that, due to a naturally occurring nonsense mutation, lack PrPC . Teased nerve fiber preparation revealed a demyelinating pathology in goats without PrPC . Affected nerves were invaded by macrophages and T cells and displayed vacuolated fibers, shrunken axons, and onion bulbs. Peripheral nerve lipid composition was similar in young goats with or without PrPC , but markedly different between corresponding groups of adult goats, reflecting the progressive nature of the neuropathy. This is the first report of a subclinical demyelinating polyneuropathy caused by loss of PrPC function in a nontransgenic mammal.

Short communication: Comparative estimation of colostrum quality by Brix refractometry in bovine, caprine, and ovine colostrum.

Newborn ungulates depend on the timely supply of colostrum containing sufficient immunoglobulins to obtain passive immunity against disease. Brix refractometry enables a rapid on-farm estimation of colostrum quality and has been intensively studied in bovines. However, the suitability of Brix refractometers for assessing colostrum quality in goats and ewes has been scarcely evaluated. The present study compared bovine, caprine, and ovine colostrum quality estimation using an optical Brix refractometer. In addition, between-species variations in the relationships between Brix values and colostrum constituents (IgG, fat, protein, and lactose) and the accuracy of Brix refractometry at different cutoff values were evaluated by a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. We measured the Brix value and contents of IgG, fat, protein, and lactose in 324 colostrum samples (108 cows, 116 does, and 100 ewes). Thresholds for classification of good colostrum quality (as determined by ELISA) were set at 50 mg IgG/mL in cows and 20 mg/mL in does and ewes. Bovine colostrum showed the greatest IgG concentrations compared with caprine and ovine colostrum. Fat and protein content was higher in sheep colostrum compared with the other species, whereas the highest lactose concentrations were detected in goat colostrum. Brix values ranged from 11.4 to 34.6% (22.1 ± 4.2%; mean ± standard deviation), 15.4 to 40.0% (28.5 ± 6.8%), and 8.8 to 39.8% (21.6 ± 5.3%) in bovine, ovine, and caprine colostrum, respectively. In all 3 species, Brix was highly correlated with IgG and protein concentrations (cows, r = 0.83 and 0.98; goats, r = 0.83 and 0.89; sheep, r = 0.75 and 0.87). Optimal cutoff points for greatest accuracy of Brix measurements were 19.3% Brix in cows [with 87.1% sensitivity (Se) and 100% specificity (Sp)], 20.7% Brix in does (with 53.5% Se and 100% Sp), and 26.5% Brix in ewes (with 75% Se and 91.3% Sp). In conclusion, Brix refractometry is an acceptable tool for on-farm estimations of colostrum quality in does and ewes despite distinct between-species variations in colostrum composition.

Species-Specific Humoral Immune Responses in Sheep and Goats upon Small Ruminant Lentivirus Infections Inversely Correlate with Protection against Virus Replication and Pathological Lesions.

Maedi-Visna-like genotype A strains and Caprine arthritis encephaltis-like genotype B strains are small ruminant lentiviruses (SRLV) which, for incompletely understood reasons, appear to be more virulent in sheep and goats, respectively. A 9-month in vivo infection experiment using Belgian genotype A and B SRLV strains showed that almost all homologous (genotype A in sheep; genotype B in goats) and heterologous (genotype A in goats; genotype B in sheep) intratracheal inoculations resulted in productive infection. No differences in viremia and time to seroconversion were observed between homologous and heterologous infections. Higher viral loads and more severe lesions in the mammary gland and lung were however detected at 9 months post homologous compared to heterologous infection which coincided with strongly increased IFN-γ mRNA expression levels upon homologous infection. Pepscan analysis revealed a strong antibody response against immune-dominant regions of the capsid and surface proteins upon homologous infection, which was absent after heterologous infection. These results inversely correlated with protection against virus replication in target organs and observed histopathological lesions, and thus require an in-depth evaluation of a potential role of antibody dependent enhancement in SRLV infection. Finally, no horizontal intra- and cross-species SRLV transmission to contact animals was detected.

Sodium butyrate attenuated iE-DAP induced inflammatory response in the mammary glands of dairy goats fed high-concentrate diet.

BACKGROUND: Long-term high-concentrate (HC) diet feeding increased bacterial endotoxins, which translocated into the mammary glands of dairy goats and induced inflammatory response. γ-d-Glutamyl-meso-diaminopimelic acid (iE-DAP), bacterial peptidoglycan component, triggered inflammatory response through activating nucleotide oligomerization domain protein 1 (NOD1) signaling pathway. While dietary supplemented with sodium butyrate (SB) relieved inflammatory response and improved animal health and production. To investigate the effects and the mechanisms of action of SB on the inflammatory response in the mammary glands of dairy goats fed HC diet, 12 Saanen dairy goats were randomly assigned into HC group and SB regulated (BHC) group. RESULTS: The results showed that SB supplementation attenuated ruminal pH decrease caused by HC diet in dairy goats resulting in a decrease of proinflammatory cytokines and iE-DAP plasma concentration and the mRNA expression of NOD1 and other inflammation-related genes. The protein levels of NOD1, NF-κB p65 and NF-κB pp65 were decreased by the SB supplementation. The expression of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) was also inhibited by the SB supplementation. Meanwhile, the chromatin compaction ratios and DNA methylation levels of NOD1 and receptor-interacting protein 2 (RIP2) of BHC group were upregulated. CONCLUSION: Collectively, the SB supplementation mitigated the inflammatory response in the mammary glands of dairy goats during HC-induced subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) by inhibiting the activation of the NOD1/NF-κB signaling pathway through the decrease of the iE-DAP concentration in the rumen fluid and plasma and HDAC3 expression. DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling also contributed to the anti-inflammatory effect of SB. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Kinetics of IgA and eosinophils following a low-dose, predominantly Haemonchus contortus infection of Boer goats.

AIMS: Most breeds of goat are more susceptible to nematode infection than sheep, and this appears to be a consequence of less effective immune responses. Several papers have considered the effectiveness of eosinophils and immunoglobulin A (IgA) in goats but differences in the induction of responses have not been studied in the same detail. The aim of this study was to look at the induction of eosinophil and IgA responses in Boer goats reared indoors under intensive conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS: The goats were experimentally infected with a low dose of 2400 Haemonchus contortus, Trichostrongylus spp. and Oesophagostomum spp. at a 6:1:1 ratio. Faecal egg counts (FEC), packed cell volume (PCV), IgA activity against third-stage larvae and peripheral eosinophilia were measured twice a week for eight weeks. The infection generated an IgA response but did not significantly increase peripheral eosinophilia in the 25 infected kids compared with the 4 control animals. FEC was not associated with IgA activity or eosinophilia. CONCLUSION: A detailed analysis of IgA and eosinophil responses to deliberate nematode infection in Boer goats showed that there was an increase in nematode-specific IgA activity but no detectable eosinophil response. In addition, there was no association between increased IgA activity or eosinophilia with egg counts and worm burdens. These suggest that IgA and eosinophils do not act to control nematode infection in goats.

Proteomic analysis revealed T cell hyporesponsiveness induced by Haemonchus contortus excretory and secretory proteins.

Haemonchus contortus has evolved highly integrated and sophisticated mechanisms to promote coexistence with hosts. The excretory-secretory (ES) products generated by this parasite contribute to the regulation of the host immune response to facilitate immune evasion and induce chronicity, but the proteins responsible for this process and the exact cellular mechanisms have yet to be defined. In this study, we identified 114 H. contortus ES proteins (HcESPs) interacting with host T cells and 15 T cell binding receptors via co-immunoprecipitation and shotgun liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Based on bioinformatics analysis, we demonstrated that HcESPs could inhibit T cell viability, induce cell apoptosis, suppress T cell proliferation and cause cell cycle arrest. Furthermore, the stimulation of HcESPs exerted critical control effects on T cell cytokine production profiles, predominantly promoting the secretion of interleukin (IL)-10, IL-17A and transforming growth factor-ß1 and inhibiting IL-2, IL-4 and interferon-γ production. Collectively, these findings may provide insights into the interaction between ES proteins and key host effector cells, enhancing our understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying parasite immune evasion and providing new clues for novel vaccine development.

Anti-goat antibodies as a rare cause of high gonadotropin levels during menopausal transition.

Objective: To understand the origin of extremely high gonadotropin levels in a perimenopausal woman.Methods: A 52-year-old woman with a 2 months of amenorrhea followed spontaneous menstrual cycles recovery was referred to our outpatient clinic with elevated follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH, 483 mUI/ml), luteinizing hormone (LH, 475 mUI/ml) and prolactin (PRL, 173 ng/ml). She was known to take levosulpiride. The gonadotropin levels did not fit with the clinical features.Results: A gonadotroph tumor was ruled out. Further analysis confirmed constantly high FSH, LH and PRL levels. The measurements were repeated using different analytical platforms with different results. After serial dilutions, nonlinearity was present suggesting an immunoassay interference. After post-polyethylene glycol recovery, hormone levels appeared in the normal range. Anti-goat antibodies were recognized in the serum of the patient.Conclusions: This case report shows a case of falsely abnormal high gonadotropin and PRL levels in a woman during menopause transition. In the clinical practice the evaluation of gonadotropin profile is not recommended at this age, but the abnormal levels stimulated further evaluation. An interference in the assay due to anti-goat antibodies resulted in abnormally high level of FSH and LH. A strict collaboration between clinicians and the laboratory is needed, when laboratory findings do not correspond to clinical findings.

Validation of Brix refractometers and a hydrometer for measuring the quality of caprine colostrum.

On-farm assessment of caprine colostrum quality is important for goat farmers; the ability to quickly recognize whether colostrum is suitable to feed to kids helps achieve successful passive transfer of immunity. The study compared the use of optical and digital Brix refractometers and a hydrometer against the international gold standard radial immunodiffusion (RID), using both fresh and frozen samples. A locally available ELISA methodology was included for comparison. A total of 300 samples were collected from 2 farms (farm 1: n = 157, collected by research staff within 24 h of parturition; farm 2: n = 143, collected by the farmer within 12 h of parturition). Farm 1 provided doe age for a subset of samples (n = 86). Samples were tested fresh and then frozen for shipment and repeated testing. Specific gravity was measured using a hydrometer in a subset of samples (n = 22) from farm 2. Because no gold standard thresholds are currently available for caprine colostrum, RID-derived values of 30, 40, and 50 g/L IgG were used as potential "good quality" thresholds. Pearson (ρ) and Lin's concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) were calculated for comparison of methods. Optimum thresholds were established maximizing the Youden index and minimizing the "distance closest to the top left corner" of the receiver operator characteristic curves. Brix values were correlated with RID (optical Brix, fresh: ρ = 0.73; digital Brix, fresh: ρ = 0.71; digital Brix, frozen: ρ = 0.76) and with each other (range: ρ = 0.93 to 0.99; CCC = 0.91 to 0.99). Specific gravity measured by the hydrometer yielded a strong relationship with RID (ρ = 0.83) and with Brix values (range: ρ = 0.88 to 0.90). The ELISA method was not correlated with Brix methods (range: ρ = 0.02 to 0.09) or RID (ρ = 0.20). Depending on the colostrum IgG threshold, the hydrometer yielded high Youden indices (range: 0.78 to 0.93) and low distance closest to the top left corner criteria (0 to 0.05) at a threshold of 1.047 specific gravity. For all RID IgG thresholds, the best Brix threshold (regardless of type or whether the sample was fresh or frozen) was 18 or 19%, with the highest Youden indices (range: 0.47 to 0.61) and lowest distance to the top left corner criteria (range: 0.09 to 0.16); however, we recommend 19%, because this reduces the potential of feeding poor-quality colostrum. The ELISA method was the poorest predictor of colostrum concentration. Age was not found to affect colostrum quality; however, the sample size of this subset was small. Hydrometers are inexpensive and easy to use, whereas Brix methods use only a small amount of colostrum; we suggest that either method could be used on-farm.

Gastrointestinal nematode infections in goats: differences between strongyle faecal egg counts and specific antibody responses to Teladorsagia circumcincta in Nera di Verzasca and Alpine goats.

Strongylida are gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) of greatest importance in small ruminants throughout the world. Differences in resistance and resilience to GIN among goat breeds were reported. This study aims to investigate the mechanism underlying the breed-associated differences using a cosmopolitan (Alpine, AB) and an autochthonous (Nera di Verzasca, NV) goat breed. At first, fifteen goats from the same herd (NV = 7, AB = 8) at day 0 were infected with infective larvae (L3) of mixed GIN. From the 15th day post-infection (DPI), individual parasite egg excretion (faecal egg counts, FEC) was performed on all goats, once per week, until the 63rd DPI. Afterwards, in goats under field conditions (30 AB and 30 NV reared on the same farm), individual faecal and blood samples were collected; FEC-specific antibody and PCV levels were explored. In goats with experimental GIN infection, mean eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) values were consistently lower in NV goats. In goats with natural GIN infection, EPG and prevalence values showed high variability in both breeds; among individual variables, breed had a significant influence on EPG. Further, PCV and anti-T. circumcincta IgA levels were influenced by the breed. Lower PCV values were also associated with higher strongyle EPG in AB goats, and anti-T. circumcincta IgA levels were influenced by both strongyle EPG and breed, with IgA levels being higher in AB vs. NV goats and positively associated with EPG. Neither EPG nor breed had any influence on IgE levels. Both studies on experimental and natural infection confirmed that goats of NV are more resistant to infection with gastrointestinal nematodes.

Use of glycerol and propylene glycol as additives in heat-treated goat colostrum.

This experiment aimed to evaluate the suitability of glycerol and propylene glycol to reduce microbial count and preserve immune properties in heat-treated goat colostrum. Colostrum samples from 11 goats were each divided into 9 aliquots. Different concentrations (2, 6, 10, and 14%; vol/vol) of either glycerol or propylene glycol were added to the aliquots. Phosphate buffer solution was added to one aliquot, which was set as the control (CG). After the respective additions, all colostrum samples were heat treated at 56°C for 1 h. After cooling, aerobic mesophilic bacteria were cultured. The samples were frozen until free fatty acid, IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations and chitotriosidase activity were measured. No differences were found in aerobic mesophilic bacteria counts between either 10 or 14% glycerol and propylene glycol additives. These additions reduced bacterial count to a greater extent than CG, and 2 or 6% additions. Colostrum IgG concentration was not affected by either of the additives or their concentrations. The propylene glycol additive reduced IgA and IgM concentrations and chitotriosidase activity, compared with CG. Conversely, glycerol did not affect any of the studied immune variables. In conclusion, glycerol addition to goat colostrum before heat treatment is suitable to enhance bacterial reduction, whereas colostrum immune properties were not affected.

Short communication: Recombinant mammary serum amyloid A3 as a potential strategy for preventing intramammary infections in dairy cows at dryoff.

Mammary serum amyloid A3 (M-SAA3) has shown potential in stimulating innate immunity during intramammary infections, at calving and at dryoff. In this study, we produced recombinant caprine M-SAA3 to test its ability to reduce intramammary infections with Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus uberis, Streptococcus dysgalactiae, and Escherichia coli, which are all common mastitis-producing pathogens. Recombinant production of M-SAA3 (followed by lipopolysaccharide removal to avoid lipopolysaccharide-nonspecific stimulation of the immune system) was successfully achieved. Mammary serum amyloid A3 stimulated the expression of IL-8 in a dose-dependent manner in primary mammary cultures. Although a direct killing effect on Staph. aureus by M-SAA3 was not detected, this acute phase protein was able to reduce Staph. aureus, Strep. uberis, and Strep. dysgalactiae infections by up to 50% and induced a reduction in E. coli counts of 67%. In general, the best concentration of caprine M-SAA3 for inhibiting infections was the lowest concentration tested (10 µg/mL), although higher concentrations (up to 160 µg/mL) increased its antimicrobial potential against some pathogens.

Influence of elevated protein and tannin-rich peanut skin supplementation on growth performance, blood metabolites, carcass traits and immune-related gene expression of grazing meat goats.

The aim of the present study was to define whether elevated rumen-undegradable protein (RUP) and tannin-rich peanut skin (PS) supplementation would affect animal growth performance, average daily gain (ADG), blood metabolites, carcass traits associated with lipogenic and immune-related gene expressions in meat goats grazing winter wheat (WW). Thirty-six Kiko-crossbreed male goats at approximately 6 months of age were blocked by body weight (BW; 25.6 ± 1.1 kg) and randomly assigned to one of the four treatments with two replicates based on a 2 × 2 factorial design. Diets contained PS replacing alfalfa meal (ALM), without or with RUP supplementation. Both PS and ALM were incorporated into grain mix portion of the diet and pelletized, with remaining diets fed ad libitum of WW forage for a period of 51 days. Lipogenic genes examined included SCD, ACLY, YWHAZ, PPIA and FABP4, while immune-related genes examined included ACTB (as a control gene), H3F3A, PPIA, IRF3, STAT2, HERC3 and IFIT3 antibody genes. The meat goats on PS-pellet-supplemented group with or without RUP supplementation grew 38.5% faster ADG (p < .001) when compared to control-supplemented group. When goats received PS diet, empty body weight, hot carcass, cold carcass, shoulder, hind shank, rack, loin and fat thickness were greater (p < .05) than control diet. Animals on PS-pellet had higher ACLY, YWHAZ, PPIA and FABP4 gene expression (p < .05) when compared to ALM-pellet control, with RUP by PS-pellet interactions (p < .01). Goats receiving additional RUP supplementation had increased (p < .05) STAT2 gene expression, whereas goats receiving PS-pellet supplementation showed increased STAT2 (p < .05) and a tendency to increase IRF3 (p = .07) gene expressions. In conclusion, the addition of PS-pellet or RUP supplementation has the potential to improve ADG and altered selected lipogenic and immune-related gene expressions.

Deciphering type-specific neutralizing antibodies to bluetongue virus in goats of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.

The presence of antibodies to bluetongue virus (BTV) and the viral antigen is reported recently from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a group of islands at the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. A retrospective study was conducted to investigate the presence of neutralizing antibodies to different BTV serotypes in the seroconverted goats of the Islands. Thirty six samples out of 186 serum samples tested were selected on the basis of high antibody titre as predicted in an indirect ELISA. Each of the selected serum samples was used for neutralization of six BTV serotypes (BTV-1, BTV-2, BTV-9, BTV-10, BTV-16 and BTV-23), the most commonly reported serotypes in India. Out of 36 serum samples used in the neutralization study, neutralizing antibodies could be determined in 15 samples. The neutralizing antibodies to BTV-10 were found in more number of the serum samples followed by BTV-1, BTV-2 and BTV-23 and BTV-9 and BTV-16. Many of the serum samples could neutralize more than one BTV serotypes indicating possible widespread superinfections by multiple BTV serotypes in goats in the Islands. Majority of the serum samples used in the neutralization study could not neutralize any of the six BTV serotypes commonly reported from India indicating possible circulation of other BTV serotypes yet to confirm. The present study reveals circulation of multiple BTV serotypes in Andaman and Nicobar Islands where there was no such report available earlier. The findings are laudable as the baseline information for further investigations to identify and characterize the virus and competent vectors and for implementing appropriate suitable control strategies for bluetongue in the Islands and the nearby territories.

Immunostimulatory and antioxidant effects of supplemental feeding with macroalga Sargassum spp. on goat kids.

Algae are a rich source of bioactive compounds and health properties that have been narrowly explored in goat production systems. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of feeding diets supplemented with Sargassum spp. on antioxidant status and immune parameters in goat kids. The diets were as follows: control (basal diet without alga), Sargassum spp. 2.5% (Ss2.5), and Sargassum spp. 5% (S5) fed over a 70-day period. A total of 11 body tissues, intestinal mucus, and blood serum were sampled at necropsy. Protein content, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), myeloperoxidase (MPO), lysozyme, and anti-protease activities were determined, as well as immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG). The results indicated that Sargassum spp. supplementation increased protein content in six tissues. Antioxidant activities (SOD and CAT) and immune-related (lysozyme, MPO, and anti-protease) activities were statistically higher (P < 0.05) in Sargassum spp. groups compared with control in several tissues, intestinal mucus, and serum. Imunoglobulin A levels in intestinal mucus were higher (P < 0.05) in Sargassum spp.-supplemented groups than the control group. In conclusion, diet supplementation of Sargassum spp. improves the antioxidant status and enhances the immune parameters in goats. Sargassum spp. dietary supplementation is proposed as strategy to strengthen antioxidant status and stimulate the immune system, which helps in the control of opportunistic pathogens in goats.

Comparison of the Immunogenicities and Cross-Lineage Efficacies of Live Attenuated Peste des Petits Ruminants Virus Vaccines PPRV/Nigeria/75/1 and PPRV/Sungri/96.

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a severe disease of goats and sheep that is widespread in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Several effective vaccines exist for the disease, based on attenuated strains of the virus (PPRV) that causes PPR. While the efficacy of these vaccines has been established by use in the field, the nature of the protective immune response has not been determined. In addition, while the vaccine derived from PPRV/Nigeria/75/1 (N75) is used in many countries, those developed in India have never been tested for their efficacy outside that country. We have studied the immune response in goats to vaccination with either N75 or the main Indian vaccine, which is based on isolate PPRV/India/Sungri/96 (S96). In addition, we compared the ability of these two vaccines, in parallel, to protect animals against challenge with pathogenic viruses from the four known genetic lineages of PPRV, representing viruses from different parts of Africa, as well as Asia. These studies showed that, while N75 elicited a stronger antibody response than S96, as measured by both enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and virus neutralization, S96 resulted in more pronounced cellular immune responses, as measured by virus antigen-induced proliferation and interferon gamma production. While both vaccines induced comparable numbers of PPRV-specific CD8+ T cells, S96 induced a higher number of CD4+ T cells specifically responding to virus. Despite these quantitative and qualitative differences in the immune responses following vaccination, both vaccines gave complete clinical protection against challenge with all four lineages of PPRV.IMPORTANCE Despite the widespread use of live attenuated PPRV vaccines, this is the first systematic analysis of the immune response elicited in small ruminants. These data will help in the establishment of the immunological determinants of protection, an important step in the development of new vaccines, especially DIVA vaccines using alternative vaccination vectors. This study is also the first controlled test of the ability of the two major vaccines used against virulent PPRV strains from all genetic lineages of the virus, showing conclusively the complete cross-protective ability of these vaccines.