Search

Simple Summary: Parasitic infections, especially those caused by a particular group of roundworms called gastrointestinal nematodes, are one of the most important diseases of goats worldwide. The widespread and uncontrolled use of deworming drugs (anthelmintics) makes nematodes increasingly resistant, and this phenomenon is called anthelmintic resistance. Romania has one of the highest goat populations in Europe, but little is known about how widespread and resistant gastrointestinal parasites are in this country. That is why we decided to carry out this survey—to find out how Romanian farmers fight parasites in their goats and what their opinion is on the presence of parasites and the effectiveness of deworming drugs in their herds. Our findings are disappointing. Most farmers deworm goats when they think it is necessary, not when laboratory tests show that they really need it. Moreover, they use deworming drugs too often and at too low doses. Such practices are very likely to stimulate parasites to develop anthelmintic resistance, and only intensive education programs for farmers and veterinarians can stop this process. The widespread and uncontrolled use of anthelmintic products has contributed to the emergence of anthelmintic resistance (AR). This phenomenon globally threatens the productivity and welfare of small ruminants. A questionnaire consisting of 34 questions was handed to 234 goat farmers across Romania to gain insight into control practices against internal parasites and the farmers' perception of the parasitic infections present in their herds and the efficacy of anthelmintic treatments. The majority of farmers (88.5%) admitted they had never submitted fecal samples for parasitological laboratory analysis, and 77.4% had treated the animals on their own. In general, the farmers dewormed their goats based on visual body weight estimation. Prophylactic anthelmintic treatment was practiced by more than 85% of the farmers. A traditional control approach based on treating the entire herd at fixed time intervals is widespread among Romanian goat and sheep farmers. The most commonly used anthelmintic drugs in the previous 3 years (2021–2023) were benzimidazoles (85.5%) and macrocyclic lactones (81.6%). Poor anthelmintic efficacy was suspected by 14.5% of farmers, and the minority (18.0%) considered internal parasites as a problem in their herds. Regarding the farmers' perception of the presence of parasites, there was a significant level of uncertainty. This is the first survey carried out in Romanian goat herds, and it provides up-to-date information on practices aimed at controlling internal parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing interest in goat milk in our country has required the expansion of research in this species, covering various areas such as nutrition, reproduction, exploitation conditions, milk and meat processing methods, and others. The purpose of this study is to analyze the distribution of goats included in selection works in relation to the total number of goats at national level reported by the National Institute of Statistics, with the following aspects being evidenced: the proportion of goats included in selection works, the distribution by breeds of the number of goats in the genealogical register and their average milk/lactation/breed/region production. The study is of a statistical nature and focuses exclusively on the herds in the Genealogical Register on 31.08.2023, and the results show that the South East Region stands out with an impressive herd of goats, representing 36.16% compared to the Centre Region where, in the selection work, only 2.88% goats are included. The conclusions presented provide a detailed numerical perspective and the potential of each region within the national goat milk scene. These consolidating insights are essential pillars for guiding future strategies and developments in this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of age on reproductive indices and on growth performances, carcass and meat quality of Tsigai lambs coming from young females (8 months age), in order to improve meat quality and meat sensory characteristics of lambs. 222 adult ewes and 51 young females were pursued in the breeding and calving season 2020-2021. The fecundity, prolificacy and weaning rate was 78.43%, 105% and 78.57% to young females and 94.60%, 105.24% and 91.40% to adult ewes, respectively. Thirty lambs (L1, n = 14 heads coming from young females and L2, n = 16 heads from adult ewes) were used in the experiment from birth up to end of intensive fattening of 100 days. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between the two lots with regard at final weight and average daily gain during fattening period, but significant differences (p < 0.001) were found for average daily gain from birth to the end of fattening. Significant differences (p <0.001) were also recorded between meat from the two groups with regard to juiciness and overall difference. The meat of lambs from L1 has showed improved eating qualities, resulting in a more juicy and tender meat, in which the specific lamb taste was attenuated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saanen goats, specialized in milk production, improved in terms of quantity and quality (protein and fat content), are normally milked for 270-300 days with an annual production of 650-1050 l of milk / lactation and an average protein content of 2.9% and fat content of 3.2%. This study was conducted in the first goat farm in Romania that initiated prolonged lactation of goats. The research was carried out on a batch of primiparous goats, maintained in an intensive exploitation system, which after the first calving were subdivided according to milk production measured for a week. Two batches of 128 goats with a production of 3-4 liters/day and 94 goats with a production of over 4 liters/day were established. By modulating the diet and the light regime, the goats were milked continuously for 690 to 742 days, monitoring the amount of milk, protein and lipid levels on a monthly basis. Along with controlled breeding programs, prolonged lactation contributes to ensuring on the domestic market a continuity in the supply of goat's milk, throughout the year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies in the field of goat breeding have shown that the most widely used and effective way to induce and synchronize estrus in the breeding season is the hormonal method with Chronogest sponges and the administration of Folligon and a prostaglandin. In the present study, we looked at the reproductive performance of a batch of 148 Alpina goats synchronized in April with Chronogest sponges maintained intravaginally for 11 days and the injection of 400 IU Folligon without prostaglandin administration. Artificial insemination with frozen semen was performed 43 +/- 2 hours after the removal of the sponges and the following reproductive aspects were established: the degree of the cervix opening at the time of artificial insemination, ultrasound diagnosis of 50 days gestation after artificial insemination with the identification of cases of pseud-gestation (4.05%), the rate of calving (56.76%) and prolificacy (310.71%). In farm conditions, specific to our country, the exclusion of prostaglandin administration decreases the risk of abortions by lysis of luteal bodies in possibly pregnant goats at the time of treatment and insemination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of ram, sex and diet on growth performances of Tsigai lambs - rusty variety from birth up to 5 months. The birth weight, weight at 28 days and weaning weight were observed on 212 lambs coming from 10 rams' groups. At 5 months age, the depth, eye muscle area of Longissimus dorsi, muscle perimeter and the backfat thickness covering this muscle at the cross of sectional area between the 12th and 13th ribs, and between 3-4 lumbar vertebrae was determined using ultrasonic measurements from 80 lambs (40 male from two lots - L1 and L2 - 20 heads/lot and 40 female - L3) fed with different diets. At this time, the weights of lambs at 5 months were also recorded. The overall men weight of lambs at 5 months was 42.23 kg at L1, 40.18 kg at L2 and 34.58 kg at L3. The weight at 5 months was found to be significantly affected by sex. The diet had no significant effect on growth performances of the lambs. The means for ultrasonic measurement was significantly affected by sex. The variation observed between lots means were significant for eye muscle depth at 3-4 lumbar vertebrae and for eye muscle area, but not significant for backfat thickness, and muscle perimeter. Regarding the phenotypic correlations between ultrasound measurements with weight at 5 months, from a total of 45 traits couples 57.78% are small correlation (0.00-0.30), 20.00% are medium to high correlations (0.31-0.60) and high correlations recorded 22.22 % (0.61-1.00). Important information on body composition of lambs can be obtained practically by ultrasonic measurements on live animals. When combined in a breeding program with lamb market weights, these measurements will provide a way to increase both meat yield and the quality of Tsigai lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the context of the development and extension of the ewe’s exploitation system and on the application of the European legislation en force regarding the conditions for reproduction and certification from genealogical registry, the main concern of the sheep breeders became the assisted breeding with rams of known origin and genetic value. Thus, the interest for artificial insemination has increased among sheep breeders who are facing a shortage of rams with known genetic value, pure breed, in the application of selection and breeding programs. By intensive use of 5 rams in the natural breeding of 195 Palas Merinos, the male exhaustion and a rate of return to estrous cycle of 53.84% were obtained. After a 5 days of stimulating feeding diet and sexual rest of the rams, the semen was collected and qualitatively analyzed. 105 ewes at the 2nd or 3rd estrous cycle were artificially inseminated. The insemination was performed during natural estrous, on the day of the detection of estrous, with diluted raw semen, with a motility of over 80%. The rate of non-returning to the estrous at 15-19 days from artificial insemination was of 84.76%. Diagnosis confirmation was made by transabdominal ultrasound at 45 - 50 days after artificial insemination and it indicated a gestation rate of 74.28%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recognition of the differences specific to each breed and those caused by the estrous season in terms of the breeding performance of the bucks, leads to the improvement of the management of individual semen samples used in the artificial insemination programs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the quality of the semen collected during non-breeding season, from 3 Carpathian bucks, 3 years of age. The semen was collected by artificial vagina between June and July 2019. Two methods of semen dilution, with and without seminal plasma were compared, in order to highlight the effect of seminal plasma in the refrigeration process. Tris-based extender was used, with and without egg yolk. The quality of the semen was evaluated immediately after collection by assessing the volume ejaculated, concentration, pH and motility and viability immediately after collection and also at 24 and 48 hours, after refrigeration at a temperature of 4° C. The results showed a decrease of the cytological parameters (motility, viability) by 15-20% every 24 hours of refrigeration in the semen samples from both methods. In conclusion, for insemination during non-breeding season with refrigerated semen, within 48 hours after collection, there is no need for centrifugation in order to remove the seminal plasma during semen’s preparation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The association of the biotechnology of artificial insemination with the conservation of the semen allows the use of a small number of males with which a large number of females can be inseminated. Artificial insemination gives numerous genetic and economic benefits for animal production, being the safest method to bring into the herd the superior genes, of valuable individuals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Tris-based extender containing 2% glycerol and 20% egg yolk on the motility and viability of rams' semen collected in non-breeding season and refrigerated at 4°C. During 30 days, a total of 16 ejaculates from 6 Texel rams were collected. The semen was collected by artificial vagina during May-June 2019. The main qualitative parameters: motility and viability were evaluated immediately after collection and also at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 hours. The results were statistically processed and the extender’s influence and storage time were analyzed. In conclusion, the Tris-based extender containing glycerol and egg yolk showed a satisfactory protective effect on rams' semen collected in non-breeding season and refrigerated at 4°C. Storage time (P <0.05) has significantly affected the qualitative parameters of the semen recording a 10-15% decrease of the qualitative parameters every 24 hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acceleration of genetic gain for some valuable traits represents for some local animal breeds an upmost necessity, especially when unimproved breeds are in competition with more productive ones. The progress in DNA and assisted reproduction technologies could represent a valuable tool to overcome these limitations. In many cases, valuable DNA mutations can have a low frequency, making the breeding process costly and time consuming. Therefore, artificial insemination can contribute to increase the frequency of these mutations in a population. We tested the viability of this combined approach on a Carpathian goat population. In this respect, the potential Carpathian goat males, candidates for semen collection needed for the artificial insemination experiments, were first selected from the herd book based on their known origin and phenotype. To confirm their parentage, we used a panel of 22 microsatellites markers. On the other hand we genotyped the remained candidate males for the alpha s1 casein gene, which is significantly associated with milk casein content and cheese yield. Only four males, with AA, BB and AB genotypes (positively associated with these traits) were retained for semen collection. A number of 450 Carpathian goat females were prepared for insemination using hormonal induction and synchronization of oestrus with fluorogestone acetate impregnated sponges (Chronogest sponges, with FGA 20 mg). In the 9th day after the sponges insertion, pregnant mare serum gonadotropin PMSG (Folligon) was injected in a dosage of 400 UI. The semen was collected from the selected males using an artificial vagina and was subsequentlyanalysed and processed for insemination. The goats were artificial inseminated in fixed point, 45 ± 2 hours after the sponges removal, with freshly diluted semen that was collected and diluted 2-3 h before insemination. Fecundity calculated after the end of parturition was 84.65%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Legislation enforce allows the use of food additives that have adverse effects on the human body, such as: asthma, contact hives, allergies, digestive disorders, ADHD, cancer. The toxic effect is particularly enhanced when more than one additive is associated in a food. In this context, we propose to study the effect of benzoate ± sorbate on some food colorants (E129 red allura and E133 bluish blue) from 8 fruit juice samples. Sodium benzoate was dosed by the spectrophotometric method using a standard solution Cs = 0.1 mg/mL. Evaluation of the cytotoxicity of these juice additives was followed using the BLSA (Brine shrimp lethality assay) test. For all analyzed samples, the maximum admissible value for benzoate (200mg/L) is observed to be followed. The fastest cytotoxic effects were recorded in the first 24 hours, but at low concentrations of 50 μL/mL and 100 μL/mL. Processes such as cytoplasmic accumulation of inclusion vesicles, disruption of membrane activity, as well as phenomena associated with cell division and differentiation are identified. In conclusion, although all products contain benzoate levels within acceptable limits, there is a risk of accumulation of larger quantities in the body, by consuming products with this preservative. The combination of these preservatives with dangerous dyes increases the toxic potential, which was also confirmed by the BSLA test. Proper product labeling would inform and guide the consumer / patient to balanced consumption with fewer synthetic additives, with the option of choosing an alternative that does not harm the health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morphogenesis and cellular differentiation present a remarkable interest in studies of cellular regeneration, cellular responses to xenobiotics or the evaluation of tumorigeneses and cytotoxicity induced by substances with therapeutic potential. The study of the process of cellular differentiation and its modifications under the influence of natural extracts was made on the larvae (naupliar stages) of Artemia salina. As a result of high sensitivity and accessibility in laboratory manipulation, the larvae of Artemia are used as animal models in the aquaculture, the assessment of acute cytotoxicity and brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA). The larvae in the growth period pass through a lot of moulting processes which are associated with epithelium cell divisions and the rearrangement of these in tissues structures within a period of several hours. The assessment of cellular differentiation was followed after the exposure of freshly hatched larvae to natural extracts. The effects of the compounds were measured by determining the survival rate of larvae and microscopically observing visible changes. Natural extracts from Taraxacum officinale F.H. Wigg, Chelidonium majus L., Tragopogon dubius Scop, Usnea barbata L., Galanthus elwesii Hook. were analyzed. A cytological study performed on these biotesters indicates a significant correlation between cell differentiation and metabolism. Some potentially cytotoxic compounds induce changes in organogenesis. The results highlight shape changes of the epithelial cells, alteration at intercellular connections, rearranging and reorganizing the primordium appendices cells and altering membrane and blocking cellular differentiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photoperiod is a major environmental factor of regulation of testosterone secretion testicular volume and sperm production. The studies were conducted on the experimental farm of Caprirom and the biochemical determinations of testosterone were realized at Ovidius University-Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Constanta, Romania. The experiment started on 15/12/2010 to 26/05/2011. The bucks of the control group (n=10) remained in a open shed under natural daylength and ambient temperature throughout the experiment. Experimental groups (n=10) were placed in light-proof sheds and were exposed to alternations of 3 months of long days (LD: 16 h of light/day; lights-on: 06:00 h, lights-off: (22:00 h) and 3 months of natural photoperiod. The photoperiodic treatment started on December 15th 2010 to March 15th 2011 for experimental groups. In room, light was provided by 4 fluorescent tubes giving a light intensity of 300 lx measured laterally to the eyes of the animals. Changes in sexual activity of males were studied on the experiment in order to evaluate the efficiency of photoperiodic treatments. In light-treated groups, the photoperiodic changes by long days inhibited the testosterone secretion. Testicular volume was higher during normal days than long days although the amplitude of the variations was reduced compared to control groups. In photoperiod treated groups, testosterone secretion increased after 2 weeks of exposure to normal days and decreased within a 4 weeks after the beginning of exposure to long days. During the long day treatment (February to March), the sperm production decreased on experimental animals. After stopped the photoperiodic treatments and the bucks remained on natural photoperiod from mid-March, was observed an increase of sperm production from March to May. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethanol is a widely applied solvent used in industry, for consumption, and as a disinfectant agent. Chronic administration of ethanol to experimental animals leads to neurological disorders and organ dysfunctions concerning the alimentary tract, liver, kidneys, heart, and pancreas, accelerates atheromatous changes, and causes alcoholic damage of the foetus. The scientifically research were realized on the Laboratory of Electron Microscopy of Ovidius University and the laboratories and the biobases of Cell and Molecular Biology and Animal Physiology Disciplines on the Faculty of Natural and Agriculture Sciences during April 2009. The objective of scientifically research was to establish the hepatic tissue ultrastructure after acute intoxication with ethanol 50% on Wistar rats. The scientifically research were realized on the female Wistar rats (n=8) and the animals was separated into lot of martor animals and another with experimentally animals. At experimentally rats was administrated a 2 ml of ethanol 50% for 5 days for each animals (5g/kg bw). The slaughtered of animals was been after 6 days after ethanol administrate and was recovery hepatic tissue for histological and electron microscopy examinations. In hepatocytes from experimentally rats were observed a moderate accumulation of lipids. The hepatic tissue had an adipocitar aspect and the hyperchromic nucleus with peripheric chromatine had a central position. General analysis realized on the hepatic tissue recovery from experimentally animals shown more important structural aspects:hyperplasia of rough endoplasmic reticulum and hyperplasia of smooth endoplasmic reticulum, degeneration of Golgi apparatus, degeneration of mitochondria and numerous lipids accumulations into cytoplasmic matrice. The lipids accumulation was presented into membrane vesicles with different size, between 100 - 900 nm or bigger and disseminated in cell matrices. The number of mitochondria was small and had an moderate optical density and the crests are very dificult to observed. Were observed an irregular inclusions but strong osmophile not included into membranes. The origin is probable to be deed mitochondria, not degreed and not eliminate by intern lysosomes system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research objective was observation about influence of race at serum biochemical profile recovered from sheep into Laboratory of Sheep's and Goats Reproduction and Biotechnologies from ICDCOC Palas Constanta. The research experiments was realized at 3 sheep lots of Australian Merinos (experimental lot no. 1), prolifically type (experimental lot no. 2) and Merinos of Palas (experimental lot no. 3) (N=60). Blood samples were recovered from jugular vein of experimental sheep's at November 2007- January 2008 and biochemical analyses were realized with Balmed kits. For stabilized the biochemical profile was observed next sanguine parameters: total proteins (g/l), alkaline phosphatase (U/L), acid phosphatase (U/L), TGP (U/L), TGO (U/L), creatine - kinase (U/L), uric acid (mg/dl), creatine (mg/dl), urea (mg/dl), triglycerides (mg/dl), calcium (mg/dl), HDL- cholesterol (mg/dl) and LDL- cholesterol (mg/dl) with a SP 830 Plus spectrophotometer. Comparative with literature references the biochemical values from experimental sheep was increased for total proteins (experimental lot no. 1- Australian Merinos - 107,29± 1,24 g/l vs experimental lot no. 2- prolifically type - 99,69± 1,44g/l vs experimental lot no. 3- Merinos of Palas - 96,71±1,33 g/l, p<0,05). Other biochemical determinations of sheep's were included in normal limits but existent a significant variation in function of race. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photoperiod is the primary environmental used to regulate reproduction. On the basis of this knowledge, we studied the bucks maintained under ambient photoperiod and normally fed diet. The bucks groups are maintained in an intensive breeding system in closed and semi-opened shelters which respect the farm norms (space/animal 1,5-2m/goat, normal temperature conditions, 18- 30 0C in summer and 6 0C in winter, < 75% humidity). The scientifically research were realized on the Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology on the Faculty of Natural and Agriculture Sciences during January - March 2010. The objective of scientifically research was to observe the variations of testosterone concentration in correlation with testicular volume at Carpathian bucks. The means of testosterone concentration for all 10 bucks were increased in January and February (3,27±0,94 ng/ml vs 2,33± 0,64 ng/ml) and down immediately in March (1,06±1,14 ng/ml). Testicular volume was influenced by diet and photoperiod with significant interaction between these effects. Testicular volume on bucks was higher for January comparative with February (274 ±1,34 g vs 242,5±0,83 g). The monthly mean of testicular volume was lowest into early spring (March 199 ±0,45 g) comparative with winter months (January -February). However, changes in testicular volume (and therefore sperm production) appeared to be driven primarily by changes in the voluntary intake of feed and in growth, often independently of changes in gonadotrophin concentration. Enhanced nutrition is thus able to induce rapid testicular growth, but not increased testosterone production, during winter and spring when photoperiodic inhibition of the hypothalamo-pituitary-testicular axis is maximal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread and uncontrolled use of anthelmintic products has contributed to the emergence of anthelmintic resistance (AR). This phenomenon globally threatens the productivity and welfare of small ruminants. A questionnaire consisting of 34 questions was handed to 234 goat farmers across Romania to gain insight into control practices against internal parasites and the farmers' perception of the parasitic infections present in their herds and the efficacy of anthelmintic treatments. The majority of farmers (88.5%) admitted they had never submitted fecal samples for parasitological laboratory analysis, and 77.4% had treated the animals on their own. In general, the farmers dewormed their goats based on visual body weight estimation. Prophylactic anthelmintic treatment was practiced by more than 85% of the farmers. A traditional control approach based on treating the entire herd at fixed time intervals is widespread among Romanian goat and sheep farmers. The most commonly used anthelmintic drugs in the previous 3 years (2021-2023) were benzimidazoles (85.5%) and macrocyclic lactones (81.6%). Poor anthelmintic efficacy was suspected by 14.5% of farmers, and the minority (18.0%) considered internal parasites as a problem in their herds. Regarding the farmers' perception of the presence of parasites, there was a significant level of uncertainty. This is the first survey carried out in Romanian goat herds, and it provides up-to-date information on practices aimed at controlling internal parasites.