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Simple Summary: Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially those obtained from microalgae, are an efficient and sustainable strategy to enrich ruminant products with biofunctional molecules. However, the high dietary inclusion needed to substantially affect product quality can also bring negative effects on lipid metabolism. The dietary forage-to-concentrate ratio (F:C) is also a lever to drive metabolic functions, including lipid metabolism, with the advantage of its easy manipulation. To address this hypothesis, we conducted an experiment assessing the interaction of two inclusion levels of Schizochytrium spp. (20 or 40 g/day), a microalga rich in PUFA, and two F:C ratios (60/40 or 40/60) on regulating gene networks involved in lipid metabolism in goats' tail fat. Results showed a decreasing gene expression under the effect of high microalgae levels or the high-grain diet. However, when the diet was based on forages, the negative effect of high microalgae levels on lipogenic gene expression was more attenuated. Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) have been shown to be effective in enhancing the quality of ruminant products, including meat and milk. However, under these dietary conditions, the de novo lipogenesis could be influenced, too. On the other hand, even if the forage-to-concentrate ratio (F:C) is also a key factor affecting lipid metabolism in small ruminants, there is scarce information about its interaction with dietary PUFA. This study investigates the potential of the F:C ratio as a lever to manipulate lipid metabolism in dairy goats under high dietary PUFA supplementation. For this purpose, twenty-two crossbred dairy goats [Alpine × Local (Greek) breeds] (BW = 50.6 ± 6.1 kg) at early lactation (70 ± 10 days in milk) during the age of 3–4 years old, were separated into two homogeneous subgroups (n = 11). In the first phase, each goat was fed 20 g Schizochytrium spp./day followed by either a high-forage (20 HF) or a high-grain (20 HG) diet, while in the second phase, each goat was fed 40 g Schizochytrium spp./day followed once again either a high-forage (40 HF) or a high-grain (40 HG) diet. The F:C ratio of a high-forage and high-grain diet was 60:40 and 40:60, respectively. Tail fat tissue samples were collected by biopsy on the 42nd day of each experimental phase (last day). Significant decreases (p < 0.05) in the gene expression of ACACA, CBR2, COX4I1, ELOVL5, ELOVL7, LEP, and SCD were presented in goats fed 40 g compared to those fed 20 g Schizochytrium spp., while the gene expression of ACACA, AGPAT2, AGPAT3, ELOVL5, ELOVL6, EPHX2, FASN, and SCD was decreased in high grain compared to high-forage diets. This study also indicated that with the aim to enrich goat products with PUFA by increasing their levels in the diet, lipid metabolism is negatively affected. However, a diet with higher forage inclusion can partially attenuate this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Physiological equilibrium preservation is essential for an animal's survival, and any event that may disturb this equilibrium is defined as a stressor. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of scratch brushes and stages as an environmental enrichment to reduce stress in dairy goats. Twenty-four mixed-breed goats were divided into two groups according to common physiological conditions in breeding farms: milking and dry (milk-producing and non-milk-producing, respectively). Blood was sampled ten days post-exposure to enrichment treatment or not (control). Following the enrichment, we observed a reduction in dry goats' oxidative stress products and their binding protein, transferrin. In contrast, no change in these products, along with an increase in transferrin levels, was observed in milking goats. Moreover, the anti-stress hormones, oxytocin and serotonin, levels changed differentially between the dry- and milking-goat groups. Additionally, gene expression of immune-related and antioxidant molecules in white blood cells isolated from the goats' blood presented the same pattern: down-regulation in dry or up-regulation in milking goats. In conclusion, a reliable methodology was developed for measuring husbandry stress in goats. Current environmental enrichment produced different responsiveness in goats correlated to their physiological status: beneficial effect in dry goats, detrimental effect in milking goats. Homeostasis preservation is essential for animal survival, and any event that causes a disturbance in homeostasis is defined as a stressor. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of scratch brushes and stages as an environmental enrichment to alleviate stress in dairy goats. Twenty-four mixed-breed goats were divided into two groups according to common physiological conditions in breeding farms: milking and dry (milk-producing and non-milk-producing, respectively). Ten days after exposure to environmental enrichment treatment or not (control), blood was sampled. Following the enrichment, we observed a reduction in reactive oxidative stress metabolites, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), and their binding protein (transferrin) in the dry goats, as determined by an ELISA. In contrast, no change in AGEs, along with an increase in transferrin levels, was observed in the milking goats. Moreover, oxytocin levels decreased in the dry and increased in the milking goats, while serotonin levels increased in the dry and remained unchanged in the milking goats. Additionally, gene expression of the cytokines, IL-6 and IL-1ß, and anti-oxidative proteins, lysozyme and transferrin (in peripheral blood leukocytes), as determined by qPCR, presented the same pattern: down-regulation in the dry or up-regulation in the milking goats. In conclusion, a reliable methodology was developed for measuring husbandry stress in goats and to improve dairy goats' husbandry practice. Current environmental enrichment produced different responsiveness in goats correlated to their physiological status: beneficial effect in dry goats, detrimental effect in milking goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although low-protein diets can improve the nitrogen utilization efficiency and alleviate economic pressures in ruminants, they may also negatively impact dairy performance. Rumen-protected lysine (RPL) supplementation can improve the health status and growth performance of ruminants without compromising nitrogen utilization efficiency and feed intake. In this study, a total of thirty-three multiparous dairy goats in the late-lactation period were randomly divided into three groups that were separately fed the control diet (namely the protein-adequacy group), the low-protein diet (namely the protein-deficient group), and the RPL-supplemented protein-deficient diet (namely RPL-supplementation group) for five weeks. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms regarding how low-protein diets with RPL supplementation compromise lactation phenotypes in dairy goats through cross-tissue transcriptomic analyses. Dietary protein deficiency caused an imbalance in amino acid (AA) intake, disrupted hepatic function, and impaired milk synthesis. Transcriptomic analyses further showed that RPL supplementation exhibited some beneficial effects, like mitigating abnormal lipid and energy metabolism in the liver, elevating hepatic resistance to oxidative stress, improving the mammary absorption of AAs, as well as activating mammary lipid and protein anabolism primarily through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) and janus kinase-signal transducer (JAK)—signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling, respectively. RPL supplementation of a low-protein diet contributes to maintaining late lactation in dairy goats primarily through mitigating hepatic energy disturbances and activating both lipid and protein metabolism in the mammary glands. Since RPL supplementation initiated a series of comprised events on mammary protein and lipid metabolism as well as the hepatic function and energy generation in dairy goats under protein deficiency during late lactation, these findings thus provide some insights into how RPL supplementation helps maintain milk production and health in dairy mammals especially at late lactation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of conjugated linoleic acid on the milk fat globule size and the ruminal microbiome of goats. In the present study, we found that dietary conjugated linoleic acid supplementation significantly and dose-dependently decreased the milk fat content and fat globule size in Saanen dairy goats, accompanied by an increase in the proportion of small-sized fat globules. Moreover, the dairy goats occurred in parallel with significant changes in the relative abundance of some ruminal bacterial populations. The milk fat content and fat globule size were correlated with the relative abundance of some bacteria, including members of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Notably, our study was the first to analyze the correlation between the ruminal microbiota and fat globule size. These results constitute the first evidence for explaining the mechanism underlying diet-induced fat globules from the perspective of the ruminal microbiome in dairy goats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on milk fat globule (MFG) size and the ruminal microbiome of goats. Twenty-four mid-lactation Saanen dairy goats weighing 49 ± 4.5 kg (168 ± 27 d in milk, 1.2 ± 0.1 kg milk/d, 2–3 years old) were randomly divided into four groups—a control (CON) group, which was fed a basal diet, and three CLA supplementation groups, in which 30 g CLA (low-dose group, L-CLA), 60 g CLA (medium-dose group, M-CLA), or 90 g CLA (high-dose group, H-CLA) was added to the basal diet daily. The experiment lasted for 21 days, during which time goat milk was collected for composition and MFG size analysis. On day 21 of feeding, ruminal fluid was collected from the CON and H-CLA groups for analysis of the changes in microorganismal abundance. The results showed that CLA supplementation did not affect milk production, milk protein, or lactose content in the dairy goats (p > 0.05), but significantly reduced the milk fat content (p < 0.01) compared with the CON group. The CLA supplementation significantly decreased the D[3,2] and D[4,3] of the MFGs in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01). Moreover, dietary CLA inclusion increased the proportion of small-sized MFGs and decreased that of large-sized ones. The results of 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed that CLA-induced milk fat depression in dairy goats was accompanied by significant changes in the relative abundance of ruminal bacterial populations, most of which belonged to the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla. The relative abundance of Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Prevolellaceae_UCG-003 in Bacteroidetes and UCG-002, Succiniclasticum, and norank_f__norank_o__Clostridia_vadinBB60_group in Firmicutes was significantly higher in the CON group than in the H-CLA group. In contrast, the relative abundance of norank_f__UCG-011, norank_f_Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae, and UCG-001 in Firmicutes and norank_f__Muribaculaceae in Bacteroidetes was significantly higher in the H-CLA group than in the CON group. Correlation analysis showed that the milk fat content was negatively correlated with the relative abundance of some bacteria, including members of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Similarly, MFG size (D[3,2] and D[4,3]) was negatively correlated with several members of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, including Lachnospiraceae, norank_f__UCG-011, UCG-001, norank_f__Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group (Firmicutes), and norank_f__Muribaculaceae (Bacteroidetes), while positively correlated with the relative abundance of some members of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, including Mycoplasma, Succiniclasticum, norank_f__norank_o__Clostridia_vadinBB60_group, UCG-002 (Firmicutes), and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group (Bacteroidetes). Overall, our data indicated that CLA treatment affected milk fat content and MFG size in dairy goats, and these effects were correlated with the relative abundance of ruminal bacterial populations. These results provide the first evidence to explain the mechanism underlying diet-induced MFG from the perspective of the ruminal microbiome in dairy goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Doxycycline is a tetracycline antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in many species. Prior to the use of any antibacterial agent in veterinary medicine, pharmacokinetic studies in the target species are required to determine an optimal dosing regimen to prevent the selection of resistant bacteria and to ensure therapeutic success. To date, information on the pharmacokinetics of doxycycline in lactating goats is very scarce. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the disposition kinetics and the excretion in milk of doxycycline after intravenous and intramuscular administration in dairy goats. Volumes of distribution were found to be medium, which suggests a moderate distribution of this antibiotic in tissues. After intramuscular administration, all goats developed lameness, which resolved 24–48 h post-administration. The bioavailability of doxycycline after IM injection was relatively low. Doxycycline rapidly crossed the blood–milk barrier, but exposure to the antimicrobial and the concentrations reached in milk were lower than those obtained in plasma. Therefore, doxycycline IM could be useful for infections by highly susceptible bacteria in the mammary gland of goats. Doxycycline is a second-generation tetracycline, marketed in different species for treating infections caused by susceptible bacteria. Little information is available on the pharmacokinetics of doxycycline in lactating goats. The objective of this study was to establish the disposition kinetics of doxycycline after parenteral administration (intravenous and intramuscular) in dairy goats and its elimination in milk. A cross-over model was designed (n = 6). Doxycycline was dosed at 5 mg/kg for intravenous administration and 20 mg/kg for extravascular administrations. Noncompartmental pharmacokinetic methods were used to calculate plasma concentration–time data. The Vz value suggests a moderate distribution of this antibiotic in goats, with a value of 0.85 L/kg. A low bioavailability (F = 45.60%) of doxycycline following an intramuscular injection was observed, with all animals exhibiting signs of lameness. Doxycycline rapidly crossed the blood–milk barrier, but exposure to the antimicrobial and the concentrations reached in milk were lower than those obtained in plasma. Although PK/PD ratios may be low with the pharmacokinetic data obtained with this formulation of doxycycline, at this dose and route of administration, doxycycline after IM administration could be useful for infections by moderate or highly susceptible bacteria in the mammary gland of goats. However, it may be necessary to test different doses of doxycycline or other routes of administration to achieve better surrogate markers and to establish repeated dosing regimens and clinical efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis-causing bacteria can establish persistent infections in the mammary glands of commercially important dairy animals despite the presence of strong specific humoral and cellular immune mechanisms. We investigated the effect of vitamin D3 in the diet at a set level, but in two different forms (i.e., unencapsulated and encapsulated by complex coacervation with sulfur-saturated bovine lactoferrin-alginate using microbial transglutaminase-catalyzed crosslinking) on the immune response in late-lactating dairy goats. Dairy goats (n = 18) were randomly assigned to three experimental groups (n = 6). Dairy goats were orally administered 0.35 mg of vitamin D3/day in the unencapsulated form and 0.35 mg of vitamin D3/day in the encapsulated powder form. Another group received the basal diet. The experimental period lasted 6 weeks. The blood serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25-(OH)-D3], lactoferrin, immunoglobulin A (IgA), and interferon-gamma (INF-γ) were measured. There were major differences in these parameters between dietary groups. However, the delivery of vitamin D3 in the encapsulated powder form to dairy goats resulted in a marked increase in 25-(OH)-D3 concentration in serum, while the serum level of lactoferrin also increased. Alternatively, the serum levels of IgA and the immunomodulatory cytokine INF-γ were elevated following supplementation with the encapsulated vitamin D3. The observed effects suggest that the deliverable form of dietary vitamin D3 results in differences in the immune response in late-lactating dairy goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the near future, several areas of the world will be affected by climate change, reducing their water availability. More than 90% of goats are found in Asia and Africa, and it is believed that these animals would be more resilient to climate change. Their milk is a good source of nutrients, contributing to the food security of the poorest and rural communities. Considering that milk is mostly water, it is essential to understand how the goat mammary gland can respond at a productive, cellular, hormonal, and blood level when faced with reduced water intake scenarios, as well as analyzing prospects in terms of more sustainable goat milk production. Due to climate change, diverse territories of the planet will suffer from water restrictions. Goats are perceived as the most resilient ruminants in this scenario. So, various studies have focused on describing how a lower water intake influences milk production, especially in breeds adapted to desert environments. In water-stress situations, goats lose up to 32% of their body weight (BW), the rate of passage is reduced, and the digestibility of the feed increases. When goats consume water again, the rumen prevents hemolysis and osmotic shock from occurring. Regarding milk production, the response varies depending on the breed and the level of water restriction, maintaining the milk volume or reducing it by up to 41%. Systemically, it decreases the urinary volume and glomerular filtration rate, increasing blood osmolality and the vasopressin (ADH) concentration. Studies are scarce regarding changes in blood flow to the mammary gland, but there would be a reduction in blood flow velocity of up to 40% without changing blood pressure. New studies must be undertaken to determine which breeds or crosses are the best adapted to changing environmental conditions and to improve our understanding of the changes that occur at the morphophysiological level of the caprine mammary gland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of artificial insemination (AI) are adversely affected by changes in sperm motility and function throughout the cryopreservation procedure. The proteome alterations of frozen–thawed spermatozoa with various levels of freezability in dairy goats, however, remain largely unknown. To discover differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and their roles in dairy goat sperm with high or low freezability (HF or LF), we conducted 4D-DIA quantitative proteomics analysis, the results of which are presented in this work. Additionally, we explored the underlying processes that may lead to the variations in sperm freezing resistance. A total of 263 DEPs (Fold Change > 2.0, p-value < 0.05) were identified between the HF group and LF group in frozen–thawed dairy goat spermatozoa. In our Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, the DEPs were mostly associated with the regulation of biological processes, metabolic processes, and responses to stress and cellular component biogenesis. Our Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis also revealed that the DEPs were predominantly engaged in oxidative phosphorylation, N-Glycan biosythesis, and cysteine and methionien metabolism. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis revealed 14 potential proteins (NUDFB8, SDHC, PDIA4, HSPB1, etc.) that might influence the freezability of dairy goat sperm. These findings shed light on the processes underlying alterations in the proteome and sperm freezability, aiding further research on sperm cryopreservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Goat meat could be a sustainable source of red meat. Its farming requires minimal input, is suitable for free-range farming, and produces a healthier red meat option as it is lean. Although goat meat has advantages for meat production, it still needs to be established as a valuable part of the meat trade market. But, currently, goat meat production is less specialized; there is less intense breed selection for premium meat production, and often the animals are farmed with a multifunctional purpose, such as for their meat, fiber, and milk. The less structured goat meat industry contributes to the inconsistent quality of goat meat. This paper attempts to describe the characteristics of popular goat breeds and indigenous goats as a source of meat and the potential of various goat breeds for meat production. Additionally, this paper presents goat meat's quality and physicochemical and sensory attributes that are relevant to understanding the unique attributes of goat meat. Much work is needed for the goat meat processing industry to develop its potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Paratuberculosis is a chronic incurable bacterial infection widespread all over the world in ruminants. The disease impacts animal health and welfare and causes significant economic losses in animal productions. This survey investigated the spread of paratuberculosis in northern Italian dairy goat farming by serological testing. Contextually, a welfare and biosecurity assessment through a standardized protocol was conducted. More than half (19 out of 33, 58%) of the investigated farms were infected, with a mean intra-herd prevalence of 7.4%. Welfare assessment showed quite favorable average results, although in 24% of the farms the welfare level was poor. On the contrary, 58% of the farms showed an unsatisfactory biosecurity level. Our results provide information on the spread of paratuberculosis in dairy goat farms of northern Italy. For this relevant disease, official prevalence data in goat breeding are still scarce. Moreover, the present work highlighted the low level of biosecurity measures implemented by the farmers. Paratuberculosis is a notable infectious disease of ruminants. Goats appear to be particularly susceptible. The survey aimed to investigate the spread of paratuberculosis in Italian goat farming and evaluate whether the presence of the disease could be influenced by welfare and biosecurity deficiencies. A serological survey for paratuberculosis in 33 dairy farms in northern Italy was conducted. Contextually, animal welfare and biosecurity were assessed, using a standardized protocol of 36 welfare indicators and 15 biosecurity indicators which assigns to each farm a welfare and biosecurity score from 0 (any application) to 100% (full application). An overall result of less than 60% was considered insufficient. Nineteen farms (58%) tested positive for paratuberculosis, with a mean intra-herd seroprevalence of 7.4%. Total welfare ranged from 39.56 to 90.7% (mean 68.64%). Biosecurity scores ranged from 10.04 to 90.01% (mean 57.57%). Eight farms (24%) showed poor welfare conditions (welfare score < 60%) and 19 (58%) an unsatisfactory biosecurity condition (biosecurity score < 60%). With respect to the explorative character of the study, an indicative association between seven welfare and biosecurity indicators and paratuberculosis seropositivity was identified. The presence of paratuberculosis in northern Italy dairy goat farms was confirmed. The welfare and biosecurity assessment protocol proved to be an accurate tool, capable of identifying critical points for managing health, welfare and productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Improvements in health-promoting milk fatty acids by feeding oil mixtures have been reported in dairy cows. However, in some cases, oil addition reduces milk yield and milk fat content. It is unknown whether the inclusion of linseed oil and fish oil at a high level in goat diets increases health-promoting fatty acids in milk without affecting milk production. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of linseed oil added alone at 2.5% or in combination with tuna fish oil at 2.5% or 4.16% in goat diets on intake, milk yield, and milk fatty acid profiles. Compared with the control without oil addition, feeding linseed oil and fish oil at 4.16% markedly increased the levels of health-promoting fatty acids in milk such as c9,t11 conjugated linoleic acid, and docosahexaenoic acid but decreased milk total saturated fatty acids, atherogenicity, and thrombogenicity indices. Oil addition did not have a negative effect on intake, milk yield, and milk fat content. Thus, supplementing linseed oil and fish oil at 4.16% in the diet of lactating goats could have a positive impact on human health without any adverse effects on animal performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporating linseed oil and fish oil in the diet on intake, ruminal fermentation, milk yield, and milk fatty acid profiles in dairy goats. Four crossbred Saanen lactating goats in mid-lactation and milking 1.30 ± 0.28 g/day were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The basal diet contained concentrate and Para grass (C:F 40:60). Treatments included a basal diet without oil supplementation (Ctrl) or with 2.5% linseed oil (LO2.5), 2.5% linseed oil and fish oil (3:2, w/w, LFO2.5), and 4.16% linseed oil and fish oil (3:2, w/w, LFO4.16). Diets had no effect on intake, milk yield, milk composition, or ruminal fermentation (p > 0.05). Compared with Ctrl, lower (p < 0.05) proportions of C10:0–C14:0 in milk fat were observed with LFO4.16. Compared with the Ctrl and linseed oil added alone, feeding LFO4.16 led to a greater (p < 0.01) concentration of C18:1 t11. Compared with both the Ctrl and LO2.5 diets, milk c9,t11 CLA was 4.53 and 2.94 times greater with the LFO4.16 diet. Compared with Ctrl and LO2.5 diets (0.06% and 0.08%), goats fed LFO2.5, and LFO4.16 had greater (p < 0.001) concentrations of C22:6n-3 (0.63% and 0.87%). Overall, the combined data suggested that including 4.16% linseed oil and fish oil in the diet of dairy goats was effective in improving the concentrations of health-promoting fatty acids in milk without affecting milk production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Human–animal interactions may have a strong impact on animals' living conditions and are fundamental to improving farm animal welfare. Fourteen dairy goat farms located in the province of Potenza (Southern Italy) with flocks ranging in size from 67 to 450 lactating goats were used. The experimental protocol included three tests and observations in the milking parlour: avoidance distance in the pen, avoidance distance at the manger, approach test within 2 min and behavioural observations of stockmen and animals during milking. The percentage of goats allowed to be touched at the manger was higher than that found in the pen, and the avoidance distance at the manger was shorter than that recorded in the pen. The percentage of neutral stockman interactions was positively correlated with the percentage of goats moving when approached at a distance >1 m and was negatively correlated with the animals touched at the manger, in the pen and within 2 min. In conclusion, avoidance distance at the manger and in the pen are valid assessments for evaluating the human–animal connection in goats. Furthermore, avoidance at the manger may reliably replace the pen test. It is widely assumed that the quality of human–animal interactions may have a strong impact on animals' living conditions and is fundamental to improving farm animal welfare. This work aims to evaluate the effectiveness of methods for assessing and monitoring the welfare of lactating goats. In particular, attention was paid to the methods regarding the assessment of the human–animal relationship. The experimental protocol included three tests and observations in the milking parlour, namely: avoidance distance in the pen, avoidance distance at the manger, approach test within 2 min and behavioural observations of stockmen and animals during milking. Fourteen dairy goat farms located in the province of Potenza (Southern Italy) with flocks ranging in size from 67 to 450 lactating goats were used. All farms raised the Rossa Mediterranean goat breed. The percentage of goats that permitted themselves to be touched at the manger (mean ± SD: 12.36 ± 9.50) was higher than that found in the pen (9.67 ± 11.86) and within 2 min inside the pen (8.19 ± 13.78). The avoidance distance at the manger (0.63 ± 0.28 m) was shorter than that recorded in the pen (1.19 ± 0.58 m). Avoidance distance at the manger was positively correlated with that in the pen (Spearman correlation test (rs) = 0.607; p < 0.01), as was the percentage of goats touched at the manger and in the pen (rs = 0.647; p < 0.01). Approximately 60% of the stockman interactions observed during milking were neutral, while positive and negative interactions had similar values to each other, approximately 20%. The number of neutral stockman interactions was positively correlated with the percentage of goats moving when approached at a distance >1 m (rs = 0.799; p < 0.001) and was negatively correlated with the animals touched at the manger (rs = −0.607; p < 0.05), in the pen (rs = −0.613; p < 0.05) and within 2 min (rs = −0.669; p < 0.01). As regards the degree of association between the behaviour of the milker and the animals during the milking routine, the percentage of neutral interactions tended to be positively correlated only with the number of kicks performed by the animals (rs = 0.476; p < 0.10). It is concluded that avoidance distance at the manger and in the pen, as for other farm animals, are valid tests to evaluate the human–animal relationship in goats. In addition, avoidance distance at the manger may reliably replace the test performed in the pen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Management practices in working with farm animals should be constantly improved. As dairy goats are primarily animals with circadian rhythms, management should fit their needs to generate high milk yields by adapting to the natural behaviour of goats as ruminants. The present study indicates that lying behaviour follows a general circadian progression. The longest lying periods occurred at night, whilst milking times achieved the shortest lying duration. In general, the lying behaviour of dairy goats follows a circadian progression. As lying times might have an effect on the health, performance and welfare of dairy goats, housing conditions and management practices should follow circadian behavioural patterns. In the present study, a mixed horned herd of Bunte Deutsche Edelziege was used. Goats were housed in a commercial dairy goat farm in south Germany. During two lactation periods, 20 goats in each period were fitted with an accelerometer to detect lying behaviour. To analyse the accelerometer data, a mixed linear model was used. The highest frequencies of lying bouts (FLBs) occurred in the afternoon, and the lowest ones occurred during milking. Generally, the least square means ± SE of the FLB counts per goat ranged between 1.72 ± 0.07 (20:00–21:59 P.M.) and 2.87 ± 0.07 (12:00–13:59 P.M.). The longest lying bouts (LBD) occurred at night, and lying bouts remained relatively short in the afternoon between milking times. The maximum LBD was 52.20 ± 0.01 min/bout (at night, 02:00–03:59 A.M.), and the shortest duration was 14.31 ± 0.01 min/bout (during morning milking, 08:00–09:59 A.M.). The interactions of time and month had a significant impact on FLB and LBD (p < 0.0001), and so did the interactions of horn status and time (p < 0.05). Further research is necessary to analyse the lying behaviour of dairy goats in more detail to improve management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: There were not long-term studies in the literature reviewed on how machine milking parameters (pulsation rate, pulsation ratio and system vacuum) affect milk production, milk composition, animal welfare and udder health throughout the lactation of Murciano-Granadina goats. After previous experiments developed in short term by this research group, the aim of the present experiments was to test during one entire lactation duration the best combination of system vacuum and pulsation parameters using two types of milking parlours, one with low-line pipes and the other with mid-line pipes to obtain optimal values of milking duration, milk yield, animal welfare and udder health. The results confirmed that the optimal parameters to milk Murciano-Granadina goats are different in mid-line milking parlours and in low-line milking parlours. The milking parameters must be correctly programmed to achieve optimal milking efficiency and milk quality values, enhancing the animals' sanitary status and farm profitability. The conclusions of this project have established work guidelines for small ruminants' farmers and technicians to improve milk quantity, milk quality and animal welfare. Recent short-term studies on Murciano-Granadina goats have established that the optimal parameters to set up the milking machines are different according to the milk pipes height. Two groups of 52 fresh goats each were employed in 2 different experiments to confirm during an entire lactation period the best combinations of system vacuum pulsation rate and pulsator ratio in low-line and mid-line milking parlours. The experiment performed in the low-line milking parlour included one group milked with 40 KPa vacuum system level, 90 puls/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsation and a second group milked with 38 KPa vacuum system level, 90 puls/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsation ratio. The experiment carried out in mid-line included one group milked with 40 KPa vacuum system level, 90 puls/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsation ratio and a second group milked with 40 KPa vacuum system level, 120 puls/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsation ratio. Variables studied included milking efficiency, milk composition, cortisol, SCC and intramammary infections, teat-end oedema after milking and vacuum dynamics during milking. Considering the results of an entire lactation period, it was confirmed that when milking in mid-line, the combination of 40 KPa system vacuum, 90 cycles/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsator ratio showed optimal results of the above-mentioned variables. On the other hand, the use of 40 KPa in a low-line system increased the milk cortisol values (0.34 ± 0.1 vs. 0.44 ± 0.1 ng/mL) without any other advantage. Thus, the recommendation is to use a combination of 38 KPa system vacuum, 90 cycles/min pulsation rate and 60/40 pulsator ratio to enhance animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a major mastitis pathogen in dairy goats, is classified as a contagious pathogen. Although previous research has shown that extramammary body sites can be colonized with S. aureus, it is unknown whether these sites are reservoirs for intramammary infections. The aim of this research was to determine whether extramammary sites can be colonized with mastitis-associated S. aureus strains in dairy goats. Milk samples were collected from 207 primiparous goats and from 120 of these goats, extramammary site samples (hock, groin, nares, vulva and udder) were collected from a large commercial dairy goat herd in the Netherlands during four sampling visits. Extramammary site swabs and milk samples were (selectively) cultured and S. aureus isolates were spa genotyped. The prevalence of colonization of the extramammary sites at goat level was 51.7% and the prevalence of S. aureus intramammary infections was 7.2%. The nares were colonized most frequently (45%), while the groin area was colonized the least (2.5%). Six spa genotypes were identified in this herd and there was no significant difference in the distribution of spa genotypes between the milk or the extramammary sites (p = 0.141). Both in the extramammary sites and in the milk, spa genotypes t544 (82.3% and 53.3%) and t1236 (22.6% and 33.3%) were the dominant genotypes. These results show that in goats, extramammary sites, particularly the nares, are frequently colonized with mastitis-associated S. aureus strains. Extramammary sites may, thus, be a source of S. aureus intramammary infections that are not targeted by the intervention measures aimed at preventing transmission from infected udder glands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Alternative feed additives could offer nutritional strategies that help to prevent metabolic disorders in ruminants by exerting beneficial effects on the animals' metabolic and immune statuses. In particular, organic acids (OA), such as citric acid and sorbic acid, and pure botanicals (PB), such as thymol and vanillin, have been widely used in the field of animal nutrition for their positive effects on production performances and known effects on metabolic and immune statuses. Since no information is available on goats, the goal of this study was to investigate the effects of OA/PB supplementation on the metabolic status and milk parameters of dairy goats. The results showed that the metabolic status of the treated goats was not negatively affected by the OA/PB supplementation. Moreover, OA/PB increased the milk fat content and the milk coagulation index, which are favorable effects in relation to the technological properties of milk. These findings encourage further studies on OA/PB supplementation in the dairy goat diet. The microencapsulated mixture of organic acids and pure botanicals (OA/PB) has never been evaluated in goats. The aim of this study was to extend the analysis to mid–late lactating dairy goats, evaluating the effects of OA/PB supplementation on the metabolic status, milk bacteriological and composition characteristics, and milk yield. Eighty mid–late lactating Saanen goats were randomly assigned to two groups: one group was fed the basal total balanced ration (TMR) (CRT; n = 40) and the other was fed a diet that was TMR supplemented with 10 g/head of OA/PB (TRT; n = 40) for 54 days during the summer period. The temperature–humidity index (THI) was recorded hourly. On days T0, T27, and T54, the milk yield was recorded, and blood and milk samples were collected during the morning milking. A linear mixed model was used, considering the fixed effects: diet, time, and their interaction. The THI data (mean ± SD: 73.5 ± 3.83) show that the goats did not endure heat stress. The blood parameters fell within the normal range, confirming that their metabolic status was not negatively influenced by OA/PB supplementation. OA/PB increased the milk fat content (p = 0.04) and milk coagulation index (p = 0.03), which are effects that are looked on as favorable by the dairy industry in relation to cheese production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) supplementation on performance, nutrient apparent digestibilities, plasma metabolites, and milk quality in dairy goats. The active ingredients of MCE are sanguinarine and chelerythrine, which are from the medicinal plant (Willd.) R. Br. Dietary supplementation with MCE can increase performance and the apparent nutrient digestibility of fiber in dairy goats. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) supplementation on performance, nutrient apparent digestibilities, plasma metabolites, and milk quality in dairy goats. Twenty-four lactating Guanzhong dairy goats (n = 24) were randomly divided into two groups (each containing 12 goats) in a 52-day trial: the CON group was fed a basal diet; the MCE group was fed a basal diet supplemented with 400 mg/kg MCE. The results indicated that the 4% fat corrected milk yield (4% FCM); uncorrected milk yield; milk-fat concentration; content of C4:0, C18:0, and C18:1n9c fatty acids in milk; and apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) in the MCE group were significantly higher (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the lactoferrin (LTF), alpha-lactalbumin (α-La), and beta-lactoglobulin (β-Lg) of the milk and feed conversion rate (FCR) of the goats were significantly greater (p < 0.01) in the MCE group than in the CON group. In contrast, the somatic cell count (SCC) (p < 0.01), content of C14:0 fatty acids (p < 0.01) of milk, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentrations (p < 0.05) were significantly lower in the in the MCE goats. These results show that the feeding of MCE can increase the performance and apparent nutrient digestibility of fiber in dairy goats, improving the quality of goat milk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Increasing the polyunsaturated fatty acid content of ruminant milk represents a much needed step to increase the functional properties of the milk. However, boosting milk fatty acids through feeding strategies has remained a significant challenge for years; it requires new solutions to deliver unsaturated fatty acids in a much safer form for rumen microorganisms than the traditional supplemented raw oil form. The goal is to target less biohydrogenation, which results in less saturated fatty acid accumulation in the rumen and milk. In the present study, the ultrasonic nanoemulsification of corn oil was introduced as a replacement for the raw form of oil supplementation; it was used at 3% of the offered feed dry matter in a trial on dairy goats. The new form of corn oil supplementation was more effective than the raw form of corn oil in increasing milk productivity and fat percentage and preserving a more significant proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the milk of dairy goats. Conversely, the raw form of corn oil resulted in milk fat depression and lower total solid content in addition to milk with higher proportions of saturated fatty acid. Oil in water nanoemulsion represents a new and unstudied form of oil supplementation to the ruminant diet; that is why the aim was to evaluate the potential of nanoemulsified corn oil in dairy goats' diets on milk productivity and fatty acid proportion. Twenty-four lactating Zaraibi goats in early lactation were randomly allocated to the following treatments: control—a basal diet without any supplementation, CO—the control diet + corn oil supplied at 3% on a dry matter basis (DM), NCO—the control diet + nanoemulsified corn oil provided at 3% on a DM basis. A completely randomized design that lasted 30 days (25 days of adaptation + 5 days of sampling) was used with eight goats in each treatment. The control diet consisted of 50% concentrate and 50% Egyptian berseem clover. The NCO increased the milk production, fat percentage, and yield compared to the CO and the control. The proportions of oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids were higher in the NCO compared to the control and CO. The NCO had less effect on the biohydrogenation intermediates' profile than the CO; noticeably, higher proportions of unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) were associated with the NCO. In conclusion, the NCO increased milk production and decreased the transformation rate of UFA to saturated fatty acids in the biohydrogenation environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of the study were to estimate the repeatability of health and welfare traits and investigate their association with performance in three breeds of dairy goats reared under low-input farming systems in Greece. A total of 1210 goats of Eghoria (n = 418), Skopelos (n = 429), and Damascus (n = 363) breeds were assessed. Udder health, parasitic resistance, welfare, milk yield and quality, and body condition score were recorded monthly for two milking periods. Udder health records included somatic cell count (SCC) and total viable count (TVC). Based on combinations of SCC and TVC and thresholds set at >106 cells/mL and >2 × 104 cfu/mL, respectively, additional udder health phenotypes were defined. Parasitism included myiasis, tick infestation, gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) and cestode faecal egg count (FEC), and lungworm faecal larval count (FLC). Infection with each of the endoparasites was defined based on FEC/FLC. Welfare assessment parameters included the presence of ear and horn injuries, ocular and nasal discharge, body and udder abscesses, injury and lesions on the skin of different regions, diarrhoea, hernias, overgrown hooves, arthritis, lameness, and udder asymmetry. Trait repeatability and animal correlations were estimated. Significant (p < 0.05) repeatability was reported for all udder health and most welfare traits in all breeds, GIN and cestode FEC, and GIN and lungworm infection in Eghoria, and myiasis in Skopelos. Correlations of health and most of welfare traits with performance were non-significant or favourable. Overall, results demonstrate potential to improve health and welfare of the studied breeds without compromising performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted regarding four acute-phase proteins (APPs) including C-reactive protein (CRP), ceruloplasmin (CP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and haptoglobin (HP) in dairy goats during the periparturient period. The aim of this study was to detect the changes in APPs in plasma during the periparturient period of healthy dairy goats. Guanzhong dairy goats with no other symptoms (n = 15) were selected on the basis of their blood calcium (Ca) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentration. The plasma was collected once a week for ±3 weeks delivery. The concentrations of the four APPs mentioned above were determined using goat-specific ELISA kits. The results showed the CRP level in plasma decreased from 3 weeks to 1 week antepartum and increased later until 1 week postpartum and then decreased to a similar level with antepartum between 1 and 3 weeks postpartum. The content of CP showed a decline in 3 weeks before parturition and an upward trend between 1 week antepartum and 3 weeks postpartum. The SAA concentration decreased from 3 weeks antepartum to 2 weeks postpartum and rebounded later. The level of HP decreased during 3 weeks before parturition and increased until 1 week postpartum, then reached a stable value. Clear variation range and rules of APPs contribute to perinatal health monitoring of dairy goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the spread of anthelmintic resistance (AR), endoparasite monitoring consolidates its role for a more sustainable targeting of treatments. A survey on endoparasites in dairy goat farms of north-eastern Italy was conducted to test a monitoring approach based on a farm-tailored sample size. Farm management and parasites control practices were investigated in 20 farms through a questionnaire survey. Further, fecal samples were collected (November 2018--September 2019) from 264 animals from 13 farms and were analyzed individually with a modified McMaster method and subsequently pooled to perform a coproculture. Coccidia (78.4%), gastrointestinal strongyles (37.9%), Strongyloides (28.4%), Skrjabinema (18.9%), Trichuris (8.0%) and Nematodirus/Marshallagia (0.4%) were identified. Abundances were higher for coccidia and gastrointestinal strongyles. Haemonchus (71%) was the dominant gastrointestinal nematode. Pasture and age class resulted in the main risk factors at the multivariable analysis through a negative binomial regression model. Results from farm monitoring indicate that our approach can be a cost-effective decision tool to target treatments more effectively, but farmers need to be educated about the importance of parasitological testing, which is currently scarcely implemented, against the risk of AR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to develop and test a new fuzzy logic model for monitoring the udder health status (HS) of goats. The model evaluated, as input variables, the milk electrical conductivity (EC) signal, acquired on-line for each gland by a dedicated sensor, the bandwidth length and the frequency and amplitude of the first main peak of the Fourier frequency spectrum of the recorded milk EC signal. Two foremilk gland samples were collected from eight Saanen goats for six months at morning milking (lactation stages (LS): 0–60 Days In Milking (DIM); 61–120 DIM; 121–180 DIM), for a total of 5592 samples. Bacteriological analyses and somatic cell counts (SCC) were used to define the HS of the glands. With negative bacteriological analyses and SCC < 1,000,000 cells/mL, glands were classified as healthy. When bacteriological analyses were positive or showed a SCC > 1,000,000 cells/mL, glands were classified as not healthy (NH). For each EC signal, an estimated EC value was calculated and a relative deviation was obtained. Furthermore, the Fourier frequency spectrum was evaluated and bandwidth length, frequency and amplitude of the first main peak were identified. Before using these indexes as input variables of the fuzzy logic model a linear mixed-effects model was developed to evaluate the acquired data considering the HS, LS and LS × HS as explanatory variables. Results showed that performance of a fuzzy logic model, in the monitoring of mammary gland HS, could be improved by the use of EC indexes derived from the Fourier frequency spectra of gland milk EC signals recorded by on-line EC sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is a further characterization of the electrical conductivity (EC) signal of goat milk, acquired on-line by EC sensors, to identify new indexes representative of the EC variations that can be observed during milking, when considering not healthy (NH) glands. Two foremilk gland samples from 42 Saanen goats, were collected for three consecutive weeks and for three different lactation stages (LS: 0-60 Days In Milking (DIM); 61-120 DIM; 121-180 DIM), for a total amount of 1512 samples. Bacteriological analyses and somatic cells counts (SCC) were used to define the health status of the glands. With negative bacteriological analyses and SCC < 1,000,000 cells/mL, glands were classified as healthy. When bacteriological analyses were positive or showed a SCC > 1,000,000 cells/mL, glands were classified as NH. For each milk EC signal, acquired on-line and for each gland considered, the Fourier frequency spectrum of the signal was calculated and three representative frequency peaks were identified. To evaluate data acquired a MIXED procedure was used considering the HS, LS and LS x HS as explanatory variables in the statistical model.Results showed that the studied frequency peaks had a significant relationship with the gland's health status. Results also explained how the milk EC signals' pattern change in case of NH glands. In fact, it is characterized by slower fluctuations (due to the lower frequencies of the peaks) and by an irregular trend (due to the higher amplitudes of all the main frequency peaks). Therefore, these frequency peaks could be used as new indexes to improve the performances of algorithms based on multivariate models which evaluate the health status of dairy goats through the use of gland milk EC sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Tick infestation and vector-mediated transmission of pathogens thereof challenge the production and health of extensively reared farm animals, causing substantial economic losses and poor welfare. Adverse effects of tick infestation have been documented in cows and sheep. However, relevant studies in goats are scarce. To address this dearth of knowledge, we investigated the association between hard tick infestation, milk production and udder health traits of extensively reared dairy goats in Greece. Tick infestation was significantly associated with impaired udder health, but not with milk yield and quality. Evidence-based tick mitigation strategies in goats are necessary to enhance animal health status and reduce the risk of public health issues deriving from tick-borne pathogen infections. Extensively reared ruminants are seasonally exposed to ticks. Tick-related production losses and health issues have been well documented in cows and sheep but not in goats where relevant literature is scarce. The objective here was to investigate the association of hard tick infestation with milk production and udder health of dairy goats reared extensively. A cross-sectional study was carried out during May and June, in two dairy goat farms. The farms were located in Central and Northern Greece and were representative of typical extensive production systems. A total of 304 goats (n = 152 from each farm) were randomly selected. Each goat was examined for presence of hard ticks. Daily milk yield and quality characteristics were recorded. Udder health status was determined by milk somatic cell count (SCC) and total viable count (TVC). Tick infestation prevalence was 28.6%; it was associated with a significant (p < 0.001) increase in SCC and TVC (84.0% and 78.6%, respectively). The latter meant that infested goats were 3.7 times more prone to udder health problems (p < 0.001). There were not any significant effects (p > 0.05) on milk production. Overall, results suggest that control of tick infestation in extensively reared dairy goat herds is important for enhancing health and welfare status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The prohibition on the use of antibiotics in animal nutrition has resulted in the more frequent use of phytobiotics, which are natural medical preparations made from herbs. When used in the nutrition of ruminants, phytobiotic preparations affect the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and the secretion of digestive juices, and also stimulate the development of the intestinal microbiota. Their effect on the development of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), with subsequent effects on the degree of microbial homeostasis in the gastrointestinal tract, is particularly important. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of herbal supplements on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count in the faeces of lactating dairy goats. It was assumed that the specific chemical composition of herbal supplements would positively affect the digestive processes of does, and thus the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) colonies. The research was conducted on dairy goats assigned to five nutrition groups of twelve animals each. The animals in the experimental groups received a supplement made of (seven or nine) herbs at a rate of 20 g or 40 g per animal per day. A statistically significant effect of lactation stage on the intestinal Lactobacillus bacteria count was found. The highest concentration of LAB was found in the group receiving a feed supplement consisting of nine herbs at 20 g per animal per day. A probiotic strain of Lactobacillus fermentum absent from the control goats was identified in the faecal samples of goats that receiving the herbal supplement. Sixty dairy goats of the Polish white improved breed were randomly assigned to five feeding groups of twelve animals each. The animals received a supplement containing seven herbs at 20 or 40 g/animal/day (experimental groups 1 and 2) and a supplement containing nine herbs at 20 or 40 g/animal/day (experimental groups 3 and 4)m, along with pelleted concentrate feed. Group 5 (the control group) received pelleted feed without any herbal supplements. A significant effect of herbal feed additive on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count was observed (p < 0.001). The highest number density of LAB was found in the goats receiving the feed additive with nine herbs at 20 g/animal per day (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant effect of lactation stage on intestinal LAB count (p < 0.001). Regardless of the feeding group, the highest number density of LAB was found in animals at the peak of lactation. The LAB count was also affected by the interaction of diet group × lactation stage (p < 0.0001). A probiotic strain of Lactobacillus fermentum was identified in the faecal samples of goats receiving the herbal additive, but not in the controls. Genetic identification of the microorganisms isolated from the faeces of the experimental goats did not reveal the presence of harmful mould spores, although spores of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus were detected in the controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted regarding four acute-phase proteins (APPs) including C-reactive protein (CRP), ceruloplasmin (CP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and haptoglobin (HP) in dairy goats during the periparturient period. The aim of this study was to detect the changes in APPs in plasma during the periparturient period of healthy dairy goats. Guanzhong dairy goats with no other symptoms ( n = 15) were selected on the basis of their blood calcium (Ca) and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentration. The plasma was collected once a week for ±3 weeks delivery. The concentrations of the four APPs mentioned above were determined using goat-specific ELISA kits. The results showed the CRP level in plasma decreased from 3 weeks to 1 week antepartum and increased later until 1 week postpartum and then decreased to a similar level with antepartum between 1 and 3 weeks postpartum. The content of CP showed a decline in 3 weeks before parturition and an upward trend between 1 week antepartum and 3 weeks postpartum. The SAA concentration decreased from 3 weeks antepartum to 2 weeks postpartum and rebounded later. The level of HP decreased during 3 weeks before parturition and increased until 1 week postpartum, then reached a stable value. Clear variation range and rules of APPs contribute to perinatal health monitoring of dairy goats.

Simple Summary: The aim of this study was to analyze the whole blood transcriptome of lactating goats fed a dietary supplementation with 10% olive leaves, one of the main by-products deriving from the olive oil chain supply. This evaluation was effective in identifying the differential regulation of the gene coding for apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme catalytic subunit 2 (APOBEC2), which showed downregulated in goats that received the dietary supplementation. Taking into account the strong association between plasma apoB and low-density lipoprotein, an evaluation was performed of both blood and milk cholesterol. The obtained data demonstrated a significant lower concentration of circulating cholesterol and cholesterol released into the milk through the mammary gland, demonstrating positive effects of olive leaves feeding on animal welfare and potential health benefits for consumers. Agro-industrial by-products represent an important source of compounds credited with high biotechnological potential. In the last decade, considerable interest has developed toward the use of these matrices as dietary supplements in the zootechnical field, paying particular attention to the qualitative aspects associated with animal products. However, less is known about the effect of these matrices on gene expression and thus on animal metabolism. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the whole blood transcriptome of lactating goats fed a dietary supplementation with 10% olive leaves (OL), one of the main by-products deriving from the olive oil chain supply. By applying a false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05 and a Log2 Fold change (Log2Fc) lower than −0.5 or higher than +0.5, it was possible to identify the differential regulation of gene coding for the apolipoprotein B (apoB) mRNA editing enzyme catalytic subunit 2 (APOBEC2), which showed downregulation in goats that received the dietary supplementation. An evaluation of both blood and milk cholesterol was performed, taking into account the strong association between plasma apoB and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Results showed significantly lower concentrations of circulating cholesterol and cholesterol released into the milk through the mammary gland, demonstrating positive effects of OL feeding on animal welfare and potential health benefits for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Heat stress (HS) causes significant milk production losses and negatively impacts animal health. Previous research indicated that heat-stressed goats eat less and degrade their skeletal muscles to cover shortages in nutrient requirements. Propylene glycol (PG) is a glucogenic precursor and may be a remedy for energy shortage in HS situations. In the current study, dairy goats were exposed to thermoneutral (TN; 15 to 20 °C) or HS (12 h/d at 37 °C and 12 h/d at 30 °C) conditions. In each ambient temperature, goats were fed a control diet (CO) or the same diet supplemented with PG. Goats supplemented with PG gained more body weight, and experienced greater blood glucose and insulin levels compared to CO goats. However, supplementation with PG depressed feed intake and milk fat content. In conclusion, feeding propylene glycol was useful to reduce body weight losses typically observed under HS conditions, but did not improve milk yield or milk composition. Heat-stressed dairy animals increase their reliance on glucose. This elevated glucose demand is partially met by increasing the conversion of glucogenic amino acids (AA) in the liver. Propylene glycol (PG) is a glucogenic precursor and was not tested in dairy goats under thermoneutral (TN) and heat stress (HS) conditions simultaneously. We hypothesize that if HS-goats are fed with PG, they would get more glucose and consequently spare more glucogenic AA for milk protein synthesis rather than gluconeogenesis. Eight multiparous dairy goats (40.8 ± 1.1 kg body weight; 84 ± 1 days in milk) were used in a replicated 4 × 4 Latin square design of 4 periods; 21 d each (14 d adaptation, 5 d for measurements, and 2 d of transition). Goats were allocated to one of 4 treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Factors were control (CO) without PG or 5% of PG, and thermoneutral (TN; 15 to 20 °C) or heat stress (HS; 12 h/d at 37 °C and 12 h/d at 30 °C) conditions. Feed intake, rectal temperature, respiratory rate, milk yield, milk composition, and blood metabolites were measured. Compared to TN, HS goats had lower (p < 0.01) feed intake (–34%), fat-corrected milk (–15%), and milk fat (–15%). Heat-stressed goats also tended (p < 0.10) to produce milk with lower protein (–11%) and lactose (–4%) contents. Propylene glycol increased blood glucose (+7%; p < 0.05), blood insulin (+37%; p < 0.10), and body weight gain (+68%; p < 0.05), but decreased feed intake (–9%; p < 0.10) and milk fat content (–23%; p < 0.01). Furthermore, blood non-esterified fatty acids (–49%) and β-hydroxybutyrate (–32%) decreased (p < 0.05) by PG. In conclusion, supplementation of heat-stressed dairy goats with propylene glycol caused milk fat depression syndrome, but reduced body weight loss that is typically observed under HS conditions. Supplementation with lower doses of PG would avoid the reduced feed intake and milk fat depression, but this should be tested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In the current study the impact of cold temperatures (CT; −3 to 6 °C) on milk production and metabolism was evaluated in dairy goats. Compared to goats in thermoneutral conditions (TN; 15 to 20 °C), CT goats produced lower amounts of milk, but their milk contained more fat and protein. Consequently, the yield of energy-corrected milk did not vary between TN and CT goats. Additionally, feed intake did not vary between treatments. The CT goats mobilized body fat reserves to spare glucose and cover the increased needs for heat production under low temperatures. In conclusion, CT goats produced lower milk yield, but their milk contained greater fat and protein compared to TN goats. Furthermore, cold temperatures induced metabolic changes that included body fat mobilization without changes in blood insulin values. Low winter temperatures in some regions have a negative impact on animal performance, behavior, and welfare. The objective of this study was to evaluate some physiological, metabolic, and lactational responses of dairy goats exposed to cold temperatures for 3 weeks. Eight Murciano-Granadina dairy goats (41.8 kg body weight, 70 days in milk, and 2.13 kg/day milk) were used from mid-January to mid-March. Goats were divided into 2 balanced groups and used in a crossover design with 2 treatments in 2 periods (21 days each, 14 days adaptation and 7 days for measurements). After the first period, goats were switched to the opposite treatment. The treatments included 2 different controlled climatic conditions with different temperature-humidity index (THI) values. The treatments were: thermoneutral conditions (TN; 15 to 20 °C, 45% humidity, THI = 58 to 65), and cold temperature (CT; −3 to 6 °C, 63% humidity, THI = 33 to 46). Goats were fed ad libitum a total mixed ration (70% forage and 30% concentrate) and water was freely available. Goats were milked at 0800 and 1700 h. Dry matter intake, water consumption, rectal temperature, and respiratory rate were recorded daily (days 15 to 21). Body weight was recorded at the start and end of each period. Milk samples for composition were collected on 2 consecutive days (days 20 and 21). Insulin, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), cholesterol, and triglycerides were measured in blood on d 21. Compared to TN goats, CT goats had similar feed intake, but lower water consumption (−22 ± 3%), respiratory rate (−5 ± 0.8 breaths/min), and rectal temperature (−0.71 ± 0.26 °C). Milk yield decreased by 13 ± 3% in CT goats, but their milk contained more fat (+13 ± 4%) and protein (+14 ± 5%), and consequently the energy-corrected milk did not vary between TN and CT goats. The CT goats lost 0.64 kg of body weight, whereas TN goats gained 2.54 kg in 21 days. Blood insulin and cholesterol levels were not affected by CT. However, values of blood glucose, NEFA, hematocrit, and hemoglobin increased or tended to increase by CT, whereas BHB and triglycerides decreased. Overall, CT goats produced less but concentrated milk compared to TN goats. Despite similar feed intake and blood insulin levels CT goats had increased blood glucose and NEFA levels. The tendency of increased blood NEFA indicates that CT goats mobilized body fat reserves to cover the extra energy needed for heat production under cold conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endometrium undergoes a series of complex changes to form a receptive endometrium (RE) that allows the embryo to be implanted. The inability to establish endometrial receptivity of livestock causes embryo implantation failure and considerable losses to animal husbandry. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of noncoding RNAs. Studies have found that miRNAs can regulate many critical physiological processes, including the establishment of RE during embryo implantation. miR-184 is highly expressed in the endometrial receptive period of dairy goats. This study aimed to explore the effect of miR-184 on endometrial epithelial cell (EEC) apoptosis and RE establishment. Stanniocalcin2 (STC2) is a direct target of miR-184, and miR-184 decreases the expression of STC2 in dairy goat EECs. miR-184 can activate EECs apoptosis through the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. Additionally, miR-184 increases the expression levels of RE marker genes, such as forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These findings indicate that miR-184 promotes the apoptosis of endometrial epithelial cells in dairy goats by downregulating STC2 via the RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway, and that it may also regulate the establishment of RE in dairy goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Feeding is the most practical way to induce changes in the milk fatty acid profile of ruminants. The use of whole oilseeds is an available resource that farmers can use for improving animal´s performance and milk quality. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine productive performance, milk composition and milk fatty acids of goats supplemented with sunflower and linseed whole seeds in grass silage-based diets. Compared to the typical use of Megalac-R®, sunflower and linseed whole seeds did not affect nutrients digestibility and milk composition but reduced palmitic acid and increased oleic acid in milk. Overall, sunflower and linseed whole seeds resulted an effective strategy for altering the fatty acid composition of goat´s milk towards a healthier profile for humans without negative effects on animal performance. The objective of this study was to determine productive performance, milk composition and milk fatty acids (FA) of goats supplemented with sunflower and linseed whole seeds in grass silage-based diets. Nine Alpine goats were grouped in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design (n = 3), that included three 21-d periods. Treatments were based on grass silage offered ad libitum and a concentrate mixture supplemented with either 40 g/d of Megalac-R® (control), 80 g/d of sunflower seed (SF), or 80 g/d of linseed (LS). Dry matter intake (1292 ± 14.0 g/d) and digestibility (g/kg) of dry matter (640 ± 32.1), organic matter (668 ± 32.4), neutral detergent fiber (628 ± 41.4) and acid detergent fiber (567 ± 60.9) was not affected by treatments (p > 0.05). Treatment did not affect milk fat yield (39.9 ± 1.24 g/d), protein content (4.5 ± 0.03 %) and protein yield (34.7 ± 1.22 g/d). Compared to control, SF and LS, decreased C16:0 (28.2 vs. 23.1 and 22.4 g/100 g), and increased total C18:1 (24.1 vs. 27.6 and 28.4 g/100 g) respectively. Overall, SF and LS resulted an effective strategy for altering the FA composition of goat´s milk towards a healthier profile for humans without deleterious effects on animal performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of the udder and the milk yield are closely related to the number and vitality of mammary epithelial cells. Many previous studies have proved that non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are widely involved in mammary gland development and the physiological activities of lactation. Our laboratory previous sequencing data revealed that miR-574-5p was differentially expressed during the colostrum and peak lactation stages, while the molecular mechanism of the regulatory effect of miR-574-5p on goat mammary epithelial cells (GMECs) is unclear. In this study, the targeting relationship was detected between miR-574-5p or ecotropic viral integration site 5-like (EVI5L) and circRNA-006258. The results declared that miR-574-5p induced the down-regulation of EVI5L expression at both the mRNA and protein levels, while circRNA-006258 relieved the inhibitory effect through adsorbing miR-574-5p. EVI5L blocked the G1 phase and promoted the S phase by activating the Rab23/ITGB1/TIAM1/Rac1-TGF-β/Smad pathway in GMECs. By increasing the protein expression of Bcl2 and reducing the protein expression of Bax, EVI5L promoted cell growth and inhibited apoptosis. The activation of the PI3K/AKT–mTOR signaling pathway promoted the production of triacylglycerol (TAG) and β-casein in GMECs. The circRNA–006258/miR-574-5p/EVI5L axis could regulate the cell growth and milk synthesis of GMECs by sponge-adsorbed miR-574-5p. These results would provide scientific evidence for precision animal breeding in the industry of dairy goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The high and volatile prices of conventional ingredients for animal feeding has directed the attention of ruminant nutritionists toward local alternative resources such as agroindustrial by-products and fruits wastes. The inclusion of these resources in the diet might contribute to reducing feeding costs and environmental issues associated with both livestock production and by-products and wastes accumulation might be prevented. The global production and consumption of avocado have risen sharply in recent years, partly due to the recognition of its health-promoting potential in humans. The increased consumption of avocado and its derivatives is producing great amounts of wastes and by-products that might be reutilized in ruminant feeding. Our hypothesis was that avocado wastes (a mixture of pulp and peels) could be included in multinutrient blocks for dairy goats and improve the quality of the milk fatty acid profile without negatively affecting milk yield. However, the intake of multinutrient blocks containing 14.8% avocado wastes was low probably due to avocado lipids oxidation and rancidity. No changes were observed in milk production, but feeding blocks with avocado wastes increased milk fat content with only subtle changes in the fatty acid profile of fat milk. Twelve Murciano-Granadina dairy goats were divided into two homogeneous groups, which were fed either a control diet composed of 40% alfalfa hay and 60% concentrate or a diet based on 40% alfalfa hay, 40% concentrate and 20% multinutrient blocks, including 14.8% avocado pulp and peels (APP). Total dry matter (DM) intake was similar (p = 0.709) for both diets, but APP-fed goats had lower (p = 0.024) concentrate intake and tended (p = 0.063) to have lower fat intake compared with those fed the control diet. The average intake of blocks was low (66.4 g DM/d), which was attributed to avocado lipids oxidation and rancidity. Neither milk yield (p = 0,921) nor the efficiency of energy and nitrogen use were affected (p = 0.909 and 0. 840, respectively) by the diet, but milk fat tended to be greater (p = 0.057) in the APP-fed goats compared with the animals fed the control diet. Other milk components were similar (p ≥ 0.110) for both diets, and only subtle changes in the milk fatty acid profile were observed. In summary, the intake of blocks containing avocado wastes by dairy goats was low probably due to avocado lipids oxidation causing off-flavors and reduced palatability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Small ruminant production systems are generally perceived by consumers to be associated with a high standard of welfare, notably in relation to aspects of traditional breeding. However, their performances have reached the same levels of the dairy cow sector, with similar negative externalities. We aimed to evaluate the welfare of dairy goats of 32 farms located in Northwestern Italy by the application of an on-farm assessment protocol. The farms were classified as 'intensive' or 'semi-intensive' according to the access to pasture. Overall, we observed an adequate level of animal wellbeing both in intensive and semi-intensive farming systems. This is possible thanks to the increased knowledge on goat breeding characteristics, and to the fact that veterinarians and farmers understood the importance of welfare protection to achieve a better health, although some challenges remain, such as the farmers' approach toward animals. The importance of the farmer's role is highlighted by the positive association between the milk yield and the presence of the owner on the farm. The aim of the study was to evaluate the welfare of dairy goats of 32 farms located in Northwestern Italy, applying an on-farm assessment protocol, centered on animal-, resources- and management-based measures. The farms were classified as 'intensive' or 'semi-intensive' according to access to pasture. During each on-farm visit, a checklist was compiled, based on specific scores for housing and management conditions, and animals' nutritional status, health, and behavior. Finally, the possible association between welfare measures and productive and reproductive traits was assessed. Overall, we observed an adequate level of animal wellbeing both in intensive and semi-intensive farming systems. This is possible thanks to the increased knowledge on goat breeding characteristics, and to the fact that veterinarians and farmers understood the importance of welfare protection to achieve a better health. Higher milk production was associated to some management practices (presence of the owner on the farm, high frequency of bedding change), and to seasonal breeding (which was mainly performed in the intensive farming). Moreover, it was associated to a quantity of urea in the milk comprised between 33 and 44 mg/dL. In intensive farms, the prevalence of caseous lymphadenitis was significantly higher compared to non-intensive farms. The semi-intensive breeding system positively influences the animals' behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Endogenous carnitine synthesis is reduced by heat stress, and we hypothesized that carnitine supplementation would improve lipid metabolism and performance of dairy goats when exposed to high ambient temperature. In the current study, goats were exposed to thermal-neutral (15 to 20 °C) or heat stress (28 to 35 °C) conditions. In each environmental condition, goats were supplemented or not with rumen-protected carnitine in their diets. Goats exposed to heat stress experienced high body temperatures and respiratory rates, and reduced feed intake and milk production. Carnitine supplementation was transferred efficiently to blood, but had no effect on physiological or productive parameters in goats. We conclude that extra carnitine has no beneficial effects on goats' performance and is not needed in thermal-neutral or heat stress conditions. Heat stress causes significant losses in milk production, and nutritional strategies are needed to alleviate its effects. Endogenous carnitine synthesis is also reduced by heat stress (HS). Carnitine plays a central role in fatty acid oxidation and buffers the toxic effects of acyl groups. We hypothesized that carnitine supplementation would make up for any carnitine deficiencies during HS and improve lipid metabolism. The objective was to evaluate rumen-protected L-carnitine (CAR) supplementation in dairy goats under thermo-neutral (TN) or HS conditions. Four Murciano-Granadina dairy goats were used in a four × four Latin square design. Goats were allocated to one of four treatments in a two × two factorial arrangement. Factors were 1) diet: control (CON) or supplementation with CAR (1 g/d); and 2) ambient conditions: TN (15 to 20 °C) or HS (0900 to 2100 h at 35 °C, 2100 to 0900 h at 28 °C). Blood free-, acetyl-, and total-carnitine concentrations increased almost three times by supplementation. Despite this efficient absorption, CAR had no effect on feed intake, milk production or blood metabolites in TN or HS conditions. Heat stress increased rectal temperature and respiratory rate. Additionally, HS goats experienced 26% loss in feed intake, but they tended to eat longer particle sizes. Compared to TN, heat-stressed goats lost more subcutaneous fat (difference in fat thickness measured before and after each period = −0.72 vs. +0.64 mm). In conclusion, supplemented L-carnitine was efficiently absorbed, but it had no lactational effects on performance of goats under thermo-neutral or heat stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The use of feasible indicators to evaluate animals’ emotional states in farm animals is strongly encouraged for welfare assessment. The inclusion of qualitative behaviour assessment (QBA) in on-farm protocols has been constantly increasing during the last few years; but its association with other welfare measures has been scarcely investigated so far. In the present study; we investigated whether QBA shows a meaningful coherence with other measures included in the AWIN (Animal Welfare Indicators) welfare assessment protocol for dairy goats. We confirmed that QBA can clearly discern mood (from Agitated/Alert to Content/Relaxed) and the level of activity (from Bored to Lively) in goats. Furthermore; goats with a shiny hair coat seem more relaxed and sociable than goats with a poor hair coat condition. In contrast; farms where the workload for the stockperson is high have goats that were observed as more bored and suffering; probably because farmers do not invest enough time in taking care of their animals. Even though we found only few relations between QBA and the other measures of the AWIN welfare assessment protocol; the holistic approach of QBA can be useful to integrate the assessment and give a different perspective on the complexity of animals’ emotions and overall welfare state. This research investigated whether using qualitative behaviour assessment (QBA) with a fixed list of descriptors may be related to quantitative animal- (ABM) and resource-based (RBM) measures included in the AWIN (Animal Welfare Indicators) welfare assessment prototype protocol for goats, tested in 60 farms. A principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted on QBA descriptors; then PCs were correlated to some ABMs and RBMs. Subsequently, a combined PCA merged QBA scores, ABMs and RBMs. The study confirms that QBA can identify the differences in goats’ emotions, but only few significant correlations were found with ABMs and RBMs. In addition, the combined PCA revealed that goats with a normal hair coat were scored as more relaxed and sociable. A high farm workload was related to bored and suffering goats, probably because farmers that can devote less time to animals may fail to recognise important signals from them. Goats were scored as sociable, but also alert, in response to the presence of an outdoor run, probably because when outdoors they received more stimuli than indoors and were more attentive to the surroundings. Notwithstanding these results, the holistic approach of QBA may allow to register animals’ welfare from a different perspective and be complementary to other measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]