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The aim of this study was to compare the pain responses (as measured by noise and movement) during administration of local anaesthetic and during and after disbudding in goat kids. Eighty, seven- to ten-day-old, Saanen goat kids from one farm were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of four different methods of pain relief. Twenty kids had local anaesthetic (LA) applied at two sites per horn bud (LA group), 20 kids had LA applied to the two locations using a jet injector (JI group) and 20 kids were given a general anaesthetic (GA) using a combination of 0.02 mg/kg medetomidine and 2 mg/kg ketamine followed by a horn bud block applied as per the LA group (GA group). The remaining 20 kids had no treatment other than meloxicam (control group). Although responses between goat kids and at different time periods were variable, in comparison to the control group, GA eliminated the responses associated with injection of lignocaine and the responses during the period of disbudding, and provided a reduction in head scratches and shakes across multiple time periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of supplementing extruded and pelleted starter feeds on growth performance, rumen development, carcass characteristics, and sensorial meat quality of goat kids fed an all-milk protein replacer. Forty-five new-born French Alpine kids (21 males, 4.93 ± 0.58 kg; and 24 females, 4.40 ± 0.60 kg) were randomly assigned to three treatment diets, milk replacer-only (RO), milk replacer supplemented with extruded starter feed (RE), or milk replacer supplemented with pelleted starter feed (RP) in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement. After 35 days, the final weights, weight gain, body size measurements, organ weights, and hot and cold carcass weights were greater (p < 0.05) for goat kids in the RO group compared to those in the RE and RP groups. Milk replacer intake was reduced (p = 0.000) with starter supplementation, and intake of the extruded starter was higher (p = 0.001) than that of the pelleted starter. The rumen weight was greater (p = 0.019) in the RE group than in the RO group. Rumen pH was higher (p = 0.006) and acetic acid (p = 0.008) and total VFA (p = 0.012) concentrations were lower in the RO group than in the RE and RP groups. Mesenteric fat content was higher (p = 0.002) in the RO group than in the other groups. Meat odor of the RO group was preferred (p = 0.051) by the sensorial panel. Feeding an RO diet is beneficial for goat kids sold to restaurants. For replacement kids, an extruded starter feed may improve rumen development and facilitate adaptation to post-weaning dry feed consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pain assessment is essential in laboratory and farm animals. Grimace scales have been used for this purpose since 2010. The aim of the present study was to investigate how pain (due to disease presence) affects the main facial expressions of goat kids. For this purpose, 60 goat kids aged 1 to 20 days were included in the study. An experienced veterinarian graded the animals' pain based on his experience (pain 0, 1, and 2), and two photographs (frontal and lateral) were taken. The following measurements were recorded: Height and width of the palpebral fissure, mouth angle, angles of the nose in profile and front. Pain level affected the height (0.83 and 1.29 cm, pain level 0 and 2 respectively, p < 0.001) and width of the palpebral fissure (1.85 and 2.35 cm, pain level 0 and 2 respectively, p < 0.001), which increased at pain level 2. Thus, narrowing of the eye was not observed when pain level increased. The angle of the mouth increased at pain level 2 (39.2 and 41.0 degrees, pain level 0 and 2 respectively, p = 0.013), and the frontal angle of the nose decreased at pain level 2 (93.5 and 85.0 degrees, pain level 0 and 2 respectively, p = 0.009). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood parameters can provide information on the nutritional status of goat kids, which is related to both health and performance. The present study aimed to research whether feeding extruded flaxseed (FS) and pumpkin seed cake (PC), as an alternative protein source in diets, has an effect on the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of goat kids during growth. In the small-scale goat farm, 31 French Alpine goat kids aged 32 days were used for the study. The goat kids were subjected to three different feeding treatments: a mixture containing soybean meal and extruded soybeans (CON), a mixture containing 16% PC (PC-16), and a mixture containing 9% FS (FS-9). They were monitored during the suckling, weaning, and post-weaning growth periods. PC-16 and FS-9 in goat kids' diets did not result in any changes regarding average daily weight gain. The WBC count was higher in goat kids fed FS-9 and PC-16 compared to CON (9.84 and 9.54 vs. 6.61 × 109 L) diets during the weaning period. GGT activity was lowest in the serum of goat kids fed PC-16 compared to CON post-weaning (38.65 vs. 48.40 U/L). In addition, FS-19 increased GPx compared to kids fed PC-16 post-weaning (809.7 vs. 600.8 U/L). Regarding blood parameters, PC-16 and FS-9 can be used in goat kids' nutrition as alternative sources of proteins on a small-scale goat farm without compromising goat kids' growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of supplementing extruded and pelleted starter feeds on growth performance, rumen development, carcass characteristics, and sensorial meat quality of goat kids fed an all-milk protein replacer. Forty-five new-born French Alpine kids (21 males, 4.93 ± 0.58 kg; and 24 females, 4.40 ± 0.60 kg) were randomly assigned to three treatment diets, milk replacer-only (RO), milk replacer supplemented with extruded starter feed (RE), or milk replacer supplemented with pelleted starter feed (RP) in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement. After 35 days, the final weights, weight gain, body size measurements, organ weights, and hot and cold carcass weights were greater (p < 0.05) for goat kids in the RO group compared to those in the RE and RP groups. Milk replacer intake was reduced (p = 0.000) with starter supplementation, and intake of the extruded starter was higher (p = 0.001) than that of the pelleted starter. The rumen weight was greater (p = 0.019) in the RE group than in the RO group. Rumen pH was higher (p = 0.006) and acetic acid (p = 0.008) and total VFA (p = 0.012) concentrations were lower in the RO group than in the RE and RP groups. Mesenteric fat content was higher (p = 0.002) in the RO group than in the other groups. Meat odor of the RO group was preferred (p = 0.051) by the sensorial panel. Feeding an RO diet is beneficial for goat kids sold to restaurants. For replacement kids, an extruded starter feed may improve rumen development and facilitate adaptation to post-weaning dry feed consumption.

Three options for anesthetizing the skin around the horn bud of dairy goat kids were explored. Forty-five <10-day-old Saanen goat kids from were randomly split into five treatment groups (topical anesthetic cream (TA), vapocoolant spray (VS), local anesthetic applied by jet injector (JI), control – no treatment but painful stimulus applied (C), sham – no treatment and touching sites with a finger. The painful stimulus was multiple needle pricks on the skin around the horn bud. The outcome variables measured were heart rate movement, and vocalization during treatment application and administration of a painful stimulus around the horn bud. Heart rates were greater during application of a VS compared to TA.Neither the TA nor the VS appeared to have any effect on the response to the painful stimulus. Kids in the JI group had a 96% reduced odds of expressing a marked pain response in comparison to TA group and an 83% reduction in the odds of a high movement grade during a painful procedure in comparison to the combined results of the other three treatment groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some behaviours in the goat, as a biological species, are still not well understood compared to other animal species. Feeding behaviour of goats reared on artificial liquid feed until weaning is one of them. Habituation to the teat or artificial mother is very important for the survival and vigour of the young goat. This is one of the first times when a problem may occur. Knowing and controlling feeding behaviour, just then, could provide more clarity and reduce economic losses to the farm. The aim of this review is to briefly summarise some aspects of individual and group feeding behaviour of goat kids after separation from their mothers, when switching to an artificial feeding system. Due to the few available studies in this species, similar studies in lambs and calves are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is known to be capable of non-shivering thermogenesis under cold stimulation, which is related to the mortality of animals. In the previous study, we observed that goat BAT is mainly located around the kidney at birth, and changes to white adipose tissue (WAT) in the perirenal adipose tissue of goats within one month after birth. However, the regulatory factors underlying this change is remain unclear. In this study, we systematically studied the perirenal adipose tissue of goat kids in histological, cytological, and accompanying molecular level changes from 0 to 28 d after birth. Results Our study found a higher mortality rate in winter-born goat kids, with goat birthing data statistics. Then we used thermal imaging revealing high temperature in goat hips at postnatal 0 d and gradually decrease during 28 d. This is consistent with the region of perirenal BAT deposition and highlights its critical role in energy expenditure and body temperature regulation in goat kids. Additionally, we found a series of changes of BAT during the first 28 d after birth, such as whitening, larger lipid droplets, decreased mitochondrial numbers, and down-regulation of key thermogenesis-related genes (UCP1, DIO2, UCP2, CIDEA, PPARGC1a, C/EBPb, and C/EBPa). Then, we used RNA-seq found specific marker genes for goat adipose tissue and identified 12 new marker genes for BAT and 10 new marker genes for WAT of goats. Furthermore, 12 candidate genes were found to potentially regulate goat BAT thermogenesis. The mechanism of the change of this biological phenomenon does not involve a large-scale death of brown adipocytes and subsequent proliferation of white adipocytes. While apoptosis may play a limited role, it is largely not critical in this transition process. Conclusions We concluded that perirenal BAT plays a crucial role in thermoregulation in newborn goat kids, with notable species differences in the expression of adipose tissue marker genes, and we highlighted some potential marker genes for goat BAT and WAT. Additionally, the change from BAT to WAT does not involve a large-scale death of brown adipocytes and subsequent proliferation of white adipocytes.

Background: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is known to be capable of non-shivering thermogenesis under cold stimulation, which is related to the mortality of animals. In the previous study, we observed that goat BAT is mainly located around the kidney at birth, and changes to white adipose tissue (WAT) in the perirenal adipose tissue of goats within one month after birth. However, the regulatory factors underlying this change is remain unclear. In this study, we systematically studied the perirenal adipose tissue of goat kids in histological, cytological, and accompanying molecular level changes from 0 to 28 d after birth. Results: Our study found a higher mortality rate in winter-born goat kids, with goat birthing data statistics. Then we used thermal imaging revealing high temperature in goat hips at postnatal 0 d and gradually decrease during 28 d. This is consistent with the region of perirenal BAT deposition and highlights its critical role in energy expenditure and body temperature regulation in goat kids. Additionally, we found a series of changes of BAT during the first 28 d after birth, such as whitening, larger lipid droplets, decreased mitochondrial numbers, and down-regulation of key thermogenesis-related genes (UCP1, DIO2, UCP2, CIDEA, PPARGC1a, C/EBPb, and C/EBPa). Then, we used RNA-seq found specific marker genes for goat adipose tissue and identified 12 new marker genes for BAT and 10 new marker genes for WAT of goats. Furthermore, 12 candidate genes were found to potentially regulate goat BAT thermogenesis. The mechanism of the change of this biological phenomenon does not involve a large-scale death of brown adipocytes and subsequent proliferation of white adipocytes. While apoptosis may play a limited role, it is largely not critical in this transition process. Conclusions: We concluded that perirenal BAT plays a crucial role in thermoregulation in newborn goat kids, with notable species differences in the expression of adipose tissue marker genes, and we highlighted some potential marker genes for goat BAT and WAT. Additionally, the change from BAT to WAT does not involve a large-scale death of brown adipocytes and subsequent proliferation of white adipocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The process of removing horn buds (disbudding) is painful for young animals. People are increasingly concerned about the well-being of animals, so finding ways to reduce the pain and stress caused by disbudding is important. This review discusses various methods to ease pain during disbudding in goat kids, including using drugs to sedate and relieve pain, blocking nerves, and giving anti-inflammatory medications afterward. It also mentions the potential harm of certain drugs. The recommended approach is to use a combination of sedation, nerve blocking, and anti-inflammatory drugs for the best results in reducing pain. This review ends by suggesting directions for more research to further improve the well-being of young goats during the disbudding process. Pain mitigation strategies for disbudding in goat kids have gained significant attention in recent years because of growing concerns for animal welfare. Disbudding, the removal of horn buds in young goats, is a common practice to enhance safety and manage herd dynamics. However, the procedure will cause pain and distress if not managed effectively. This review covers the array of pain mitigation techniques currently available for disbudding, including the efficacy of these strategies in reducing pain and stress during the disbudding process, with specific attention to the potential toxicity associated with local anesthetics. The current best practice for disbudding on the farm suggests sedation/analgesia with an alpha-2 agonist, the placement of a two-point cornual nerve block, and then an NSAID for postoperative pain. In conclusion, this review offers recommendations for future research directions aimed at enhancing the welfare of young goats subjected to the disbudding procedure. These suggestions hold the promise of fostering significant improvements in the overall well-being of these animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Low body weight is not conducive to the growth and development of mammals in the subsequent stages of weaning. The rumen microbiota plays an important role in the growth, development, production, and health of ruminants. A comprehensive analysis was conducted using a combined 16S rRNA and metabolomics analysis method to determine the impact of the rumen microbiota and serum metabolites on goat kids before weaning weight. This study may help to provide new insights for further regulating the rumen microbiota to improve the body weight of animals. The critical role of the rumen microbiota in the growth performance of livestock is recognized, yet its significance in determining the body weight of goat kids before weaning remains less understood. To bridge this gap, our study delved into the rumen microbiota, serum metabolome, rumen fermentation, and rumen development in goat kids with contrasting body weights before weaning. We selected 10 goat kids from a cohort of 100, categorized into low body weight (LBW, 5.56 ± 0.98 kg) and high body weight (HBW, 9.51 ± 1.01 kg) groups. The study involved sampling rumen contents, tissues, and serum from these animals. Our findings showed that the HBW goat kids showed significant enrichment of VFA-producing bacteria, particularly microbiota taxa within the Prevotellaceae genera (UCG-001, UCG-003, and UCG-004) and the Prevotella genus. This enrichment correlated with elevated acetate and butyrate levels, positively influencing rumen papillae development. Additionally, it was associated with elevated serum levels of glucose, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. The serum metabonomic analysis revealed marked differences in fatty acid metabolism between the LBW and HBW groups, particularly in encompassing oleic acid and both long-chain saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Further correlational analysis underscored a significant positive association between Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 and specific lipids, such as phosphatidylcholine (PC) (22:5/18:3) and PC (20:3/20:1) (r > 0.60, p < 0.05). In summary, this study underscores the pivotal role of the rumen microbiota in goat kids' weight and its correlation with specific serum metabolites. These insights could pave the way for innovative strategies aimed at improving animal body weight through targeted modulation of the rumen microbiota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxins, particularly AFB1, are the most common feed contaminants worldwide, causing significant economic losses to the livestock sector. The current paper describes an outbreak of aflatoxicosis in a herd of 160 male young goat kids (3–4 months), of which 68 young kids succumbed over a period of 25 days after showing neurological signs of abnormal gait, progressive paralysis and head pressing. The haematobiochemical investigation showed reduced haemoglobin, leucocyte count, PCV level, increased levels of AST, ALT, glucose, BUN, creatinine and reduced level of total protein. Grossly, kids had pale mucous membranes, pale and swollen liver; right apical lobe consolidation, and petechiation of the synovial membrane of the hock joints. The microscopic changes were characterized by multifocal hemorrhages, status spongiosus/ vacuolation, vasculitis, focal to diffuse gliosis, satellitosis, and ischemic apoptotic neurons in different parts of the brain and spinal cord. These changes corresponded well with strong immunoreactivity for AFB1 in neurons, glia cells (oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, and ependymal cells) in various anatomical sites of the brain. The higher values of LPO and reduced levels of antioxidant enzymes (Catalase, SOD, GSH) with strong immunoreactivity of 8-OHdG in the brain indicating high level of oxidative stress. Further, the higher immunosignaling of caspase-3 and caspase-9 in the brain points towards the association with intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. The toxicological analysis of feed samples detected high amounts of AFB1 (0.38ppm). These findings suggest that AFB1 in younger goat kids has more of neurotoxic effect mediated through caspase dependent intrinsic pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Blood parameters can provide information on the nutritional status of goat kids, which is related to both health and performance. The present study aimed to research whether feeding extruded flaxseed (FS) and pumpkin seed cake (PC), as an alternative protein source in diets, has an effect on the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of goat kids during growth. In the small-scale goat farm, 31 French Alpine goat kids aged 32 days were used for the study. The goat kids were subjected to three different feeding treatments: a mixture containing soybean meal and extruded soybeans (CON), a mixture containing 16% PC (PC-16), and a mixture containing 9% FS (FS-9). They were monitored during the suckling, weaning, and post-weaning growth periods. PC-16 and FS-9 in goat kids’ diets did not result in any changes regarding average daily weight gain. The WBC count was higher in goat kids fed FS-9 and PC-16 compared to CON (9.84 and 9.54 vs. 6.61 × 109 L) diets during the weaning period. GGT activity was lowest in the serum of goat kids fed PC-16 compared to CON post-weaning (38.65 vs. 48.40 U/L). In addition, FS-19 increased GPx compared to kids fed PC-16 post-weaning (809.7 vs. 600.8 U/L). Regarding blood parameters, PC-16 and FS-9 can be used in goat kids’ nutrition as alternative sources of proteins on a small-scale goat farm without compromising goat kids’ growth.

【Objective】This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of Bacillus pumilus on growth performance, diarrhea, serum indexes, colonic tissue morphology, inflammatory cytokines and mucosal protein contents of goat kids.【Method】Thirty-six one-day-old male Saneng dairy goat kids with birth weight of about 3kg were randomly allocated to 4 groups with 9 replicates per group and 1 goat kid per replicate. The goat kids were fed milk replacer containing Bacillus pumilus solution 0 (CON group), 1 mL (BP1 group), 5 mL (BP5 group) and 10 mL (BP10 group) every day, respectively. The viable count of B. pumilus was 1×108 CFU/mL. The experiment lasted for 14 d.【Result】 Feeding B. pumilus had no significant effect on the final weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake and feed to gain ratio of goat kids (P > 0.05), but decreased the fecal score and diarrhea frequency (P < 0.05) . The content of aspartate aminotransferase in the serum of BP1 group was lower than that of control group (P < 0.05), and the content of diamine oxidase was lower than that of control group and BP5 group (P < 0.05) . Compared with control group, the content of D-lactic acid decreased in the other three groups (P < 0.05) . The thickness of colonic muscle layer increased in BP1 group (P < 0.05) . Compared with the control group, the contents of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in BP1 group, BP5 group and BP10 group decreased (P < 0.05) . The contents of IL-10, TGF-β, IFN-γ, PPAR-γ, MUC2, Claudin-1, Claudin-4, Occludin and ZO-1 increased (P < 0.05), and neutrophil cell infiltration in colon tissue decreased.【Conclusion】Feeding Bacillus pumilus to goat kids may reduce the frequency of diarrhea, relieve inflammatory reaction, and enhance mucosal barrier function of goat kids, but there is no significant effect on growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Disbudding is a routine husbandry procedure performed in goat kids in their first few weeks of life. Behavioural and physiological changes following the procedure suggest significant pain and distress to the goat kid, which is a welfare concern. Pain assessment is fundamental to implementation of effective pain treatment and/or management protocols. This review provides details on pain assessment methods in goat kids following different methods of disbudding. Commonly used pain assessment methods in other young farm animals were also included. Farm animals are routinely subjected to painful husbandry procedures for various purposes. Goat kids are disbudded to improve goat welfare and to ensure safety of other livestock, farm personnel, attending veterinarians and for various other production and managemental procedures. Disbudding is commonly performed on dairy goat farms, in kids under 3 weeks of age. Many scientific studies reported physiological and behavioural changes indicating pain and distress following disbudding, and this can be a significant cause of welfare compromise in goat kids. Recognition and measurement of pain is important to treat and/or manage pain and distress following painful procedures. This review focuses on pain assessment in goat kids following disbudding, using both physiological and behavioural measures. As only a limited information is available on the topic of interest, relevant studies in other young farm animals have also been discussed to compare the status quo in goat kids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium (Se) is an essential element and antioxidant that catalyzes the destruction of hydrogen peroxide formed during cellular oxidative metabolism. Doses of Se as selenomethionine (SeMe) by oral route are 0.1–0.3 mgSe/kg DM, while the dose by parenteral route with sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) is 0.1 mgSe/BW. The effects of supranutritional Se supplementation on normal kids have rarely been studied. The objective of the study was to evaluate both Se sources on growth performance, Se in tissues, histopathological findings, and meat characteristics. Forty-five kids of the Pastoreña breed with 25-day age were distributed (4.7 ± 1.13 kg) in three treatments: a) control group, C: consumption with goat milk (GM: containing 0.135 mgSe/g); b) NaSe: GM plus Na2SeO3 injectable, 0.25 mgSe/kg BW; c) SeMe: GM plus oral dosage, 0.3 mgSe as SeMe daily. Fifteen animals per treatment were slaughtered at 7, 14, and 21 days. Feed conversion improved (P < 0.05) with Se supplement (P < 0.05) at 7 and 14 days. SeMe had higher protein and fat meat content (P < 0.05). SeMe increased Se liver at 14 and 21 days. NaSe and SeMe had higher (P < 0.05) levels of Se kidney. SeMe-21d showed 42% mononuclear and periportal cell infiltration lesions. In conclusion, Se administered through milk in goat kids was insufficient to prevent nutritional muscular dystrophy. The supranutritional dose of 0.25 mg/kg as NaSe was sufficient to maintain the Se level in tissues. SeMe increased Se liver and kidney efficiently. Both Se sources improved the bioavailability of the mineral in kids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The rumen development process that includes the physical, metabolic, and microbial development from birth to postweaning stage in goat kids was reviewed. Moreover, the role of different rearing systems on rumen development was extensively elaborated, especially those related to early weaning strategies. This review emphasized strong structural and functional changes related to rumen development in newborn goats, which often occurs at weaning. The digestive system of newborn ruminant functions is similar to monogastric animals, and therefore milk flows into the abomasum instead of rumen for digestion. The rumen undergoes tremendous changes over time in terms of structure, function, and microbiome. These changes contribute to the smooth transition from the dependence on liquid diets to solid diets. Goat kids are usually separated at early ages from their dams in commercial intensive systems. The separation from dams minimizes the transfer of microbiota from dams to newborns. In this review, understanding how weaning times and methodologies could affect the normal development and growth of newborn goats may facilitate the development of new feeding strategies to control stress in further studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To prevent morbidities, mortalities and increase weight gain and growth of kids by administering oral probiotic conjugate (PC). Design/Methodology/Approach: A randomized design comparing treatments (supplemented dose), percentage of morbidity and percentage of mortality. Goats were administered weekly from birth to 56 days of age. PC of Bifidobacterium bifidum essensis, Lactococcus lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus were dosed weekly. Treatments, TC: Control, T2: 2.0 mL PC/kg body weight (BW). T3: 3 mL PC/Kg BW. T4: 4 mL PC/Kg BW. Results: Diarrhea was present in: TC-16%, T2-1%, T3 and T4-0% (TC vs. T2, T3, T4, P-0.05). Mortality percentages: TC-17%, T2, T3 and T4-0% (TC vs. T2, T3, T4, P-0.05). T2 and T3 had an increase (P-0.05) of 1.9 kg weight gain (WG) vs. TC. T3 was the best treatment at 56 d (P-0.05). Study Limitations/Implications: The doses used were defined based on other studies and experimental doses were used; the results consider that the facilities and management are optimal and in accordance with animal welfare standards. Findings/Conclusions: The most adequate dose was 1014 CFU/kg BW since it improved WG and reduced mortality. It is suggested to compare oral doses of probiotics to reduce death due to enteric diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weaning management in commercial goat farming is an imperative potential welfare issue. The future of successful dairy goat farming is mainly depending on scientific methods of rearing of and doeling for replacement stock. Accelerate the breeding cycle and improve the milk production early weaning is adopted in commercial goat farms. However, at early age kids are prone to weaning stress and being separated from their mothers and are often artificially reared with a milk substitute. But early weaning is the successful key for increase total amount of milk available for marketing milk, decrease the kid mortality, reduce labor and feed cost, and increase the early rumen development in kids. A complete milk diet in kids significantly reduces rumen development and should be avoided and stimulate solid feed intake. Early rumen development is essential for weaning goat kids and using feedstuff not utilized by non-ruminant animals. Delay weaning is costly and can be harmful to the development of a functional reticulo-rumen. Our review provides importance of body weight, age and body condition in early weaning weaned and artificially reared of goat kids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the performed field and laboratory investigations was to determine the commonest enteropathogens in neonatal and juvenile lambs and goat kids, as well as induced macro- and microscopic alterations in the different digestive system compartments. The study comprised a total of 850 newborn and juvenile lambs (600) and goat kids (250) from 9 private dairy farms (3 goat farms, 6 sheep farms). The age of animals was from 24 hours to 20 days. The following rapid antigen detection tests were used: (Rainbow calf scour 5 BIO K 306, Monoclonal Antibody anti-Coronavirus аnd Rotavirus FITC conjugated, BIOX Diagnostics, Belgium). Gross anatomy and histopathological examination of tissue samples was performed on 21 carcasses (9 goat kids and 12 lambs) from animals that died with signs of gastroenteritis. The main detected agents of intestinal infections were Cryptosporidium parvum, rotaviruses, coronaviruses and Escherichia coli.

Pica is one of the disorders with a high potential to induce numerous damages such as poisoning, impaction of gastrointestinal tract, botulism and weight loss in ruminant farms. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of intramuscular injection of cyanocobalamin-iron dextran (Cyanoferrin) on the initial parameters of haemogram and serum minerals in 20-day-old goat kids with Pica. The study was performed on 10 heads of 20-day-old mixed breed goat kids without Pica and 10 heads of 20-day-old mixed breed goat kids with Pica. The Pica unaffected group received isotonic saline treatment (one intramuscular injection, 3 ml) and the Pica affected group received Cyanoferrin treatment (one intramuscular injection, 3 ml). Before treatment and 10 days after treatment, blood samples were collected from all goat kids to determine CBC (complete blood cell count) and serum minerals. Data were analyzed using one-way repeated measures ANOVA and Post-hoc Tukey test at 95% confidence level. In goat kids with Pica, blood PCV, Hb and MCV and serum iron were significantly lower than goat kids without Pica (p

Simple Summary: The study assessed anaemia (low haemoglobin levels) due to iron deficiency in new-born lambs and goat kids. Blood samples were taken from lambs and kids under different management systems at one month of age, and those reared indoors and suckling their mothers showed lower haemoglobin levels than those on milk replacer (which is fortified with iron) or those reared outdoors, indicating iron deficiency anaemia. As a follow-up, lambs and kids from those "at-risk" settings were enrolled on a trial injecting iron into half the animals in the first one to eight days of life. Those injected animals showed higher haemoglobin levels at one month of age (i.e., not getting anaemia) than untreated ones, and there was also a trend towards higher growth rates in treated animals, especially in twin lambs. This study aimed to assess iron deficiency anaemia in new-born lambs and goat kids and was carried out in two parts: (1) Twenty blood samples were taken from one-month-old lambs and kids under different systems and were tested for haemoglobin. Three groups of lambs were compared: indoor reared on maternal milk, indoor reared on milk replacer, and outdoor reared on maternal milk. Indoor-reared kids were compared: those fed on maternal milk and fed on milk replacer. Indoor-reared kids and lambs on maternal milk showed significantly lower haemoglobin levels than those on milk replacer or reared outdoors. (2) On farms with indoor-reared lambs or goat kids on maternal milk, an intervention trial was carried out: animals were randomly assigned at 1–8 days of age to either receive 300 mg (lambs) or 150 mg iron (goat kids) as intramuscular iron dextran, and growth rates were compared after one and two months. Haemoglobin levels at one month were also compared in randomly selected animals from both groups. Treated lambs and kids showed higher haemoglobin levels at one month of age and a numerically increased growth rate that was statistically significant for twin lambs. Iron dextran improves haemoglobin levels in these animals and may lead to higher growth rates, especially in twin lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leucaena leucocephala represents a local protein source in tropical ruminant diets. However, its full exploitation is impaired by mimosine, unless it is degraded by the rumen microbial community. Recently, the ruminal bacterial communities of newborns were persistently modified through prenatal or postnatal dietary interventions. Such early-life interventions might enhance adaptation of ruminants to Leucaena leucocephala , which was investigated using a 2 × 2 factorial design trial that tested both supplementation of L. leucocephala in the late pregnancy diet of goat does, and supplementation of live yeast to their newborns. The composition of ruminal bacteria, immune status, as well as organic matter digestibility (OMD) and performance of kids were studied during and after the intervention. Ten pregnant goats were divided into two groups: the D+ and D– groups, which either received or did not receive 30 g of L. leucocephala forage meal during the last 7 ± 0.5 weeks of gestation. Twins from each goat were divided into the K+ and K– group (supplemented with or without 0.2 g/d of live yeast from day 3 until weaning at 8 weeks). Rumen samples were collected from 4-, 8-, 14-, and 20-weeks old kids to assess the bacterial community, while immune parameters (white blood cells, immunoglobulin M and G, and chitotriosidase activity) were measured in blood and saliva sampled at 4-, 8-, and 20-weeks. We found a stimulatory effect of the prenatal exposure on the post-weaning dry matter intake of the L. leucocephala supplemented diet, resulting in a higher daily gain and final body weight at 20 weeks in the D+ vs. D– group (406 vs. 370 g DM/d, 85.4 vs. 78.6 g/d, and 15.2 vs. 13.8 kg, respectively). Moreover, Ruminococcus represented a greater proportion of the rumen bacterial community of the D+ vs. D– kids (5.1 vs. 1.6%). Differences in the immune status were relatively small and not thought to be a driving factor of differences in animal performance. Furthermore, postnatal supplementation of live yeast favored maturation of the rumen bacterial community (i.e., greater abundance of Bacteroidetes, in particular Prevotella , and reduced abundance of Firmicutes) and protozoa colonization. Concomitantly, OMD was enhanced post-weaning, suggesting effects of the early-life intervention persisted and could have affected animal performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Molasses is a potential energy supplement; extensively used to improve growth performance, milk and meat characteristics in goats at relatively low concentrations of 5–40% of the diet. Few data are available concerning feeding molasses to goat kids; therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with higher concentrations of molasses on growth performance, blood metabolites and rumen fermentation indices. Twenty male Nubian goat kids (4–6 months old; 9–10 kg BW) were randomly assigned to 4 groups receiving different concentration of molasses: 0% (M-0), 30% (M-30), 40% (M-40) and 45% (M-45) for 5 weeks. Feed (DFI) and water intake (DWI) were measured daily, while the blood and rumen liquor samples were collected weekly. Results The DFI increased and feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased in all molasses-supplemented groups (P ≤ 0.05), whereas DWI increased in M-30 and decreased in M-45 (P ≤ 0.05). The final BW and average daily gain (ADG) increased (P

Abstract. In this study, the effect of the diets enriched nutritionally with whey powder (WP) on the growth and development of weaned Saanen Goat kids was investigated. For the purpose, 24 kids born in March 2017 and weaned after 5 months and reared for 8 weeks in Adnan Menderes University Agricultural Faculty Research and Application Farm were used. The kids were divided into three groups according to the content of the ration. The kids whose beginning weights were recorded were distributed homogeneously to each group. These groups were labeled as the control group (CG) and the experimental groups which were formed by adding 5% (5%WP) and 10% whey powder (10%WP) to the ration by removing the same amount of feed. The following parameters of the experimental kids were controlled: live weight, body condition score (BCS), body length, chest girth, the height at the withers, and some blood serum indices (total protein, cholesterol, glucose and urea). The differences between the initial and final values of the growth performance parameters in the groups with the best improvement according to the results obtained from the experiment were found to be 2.57 kg in body weight and 6.25 cm in body length in 10%WP group and the body condition score was 0.26 points, wither height 6.06 cm, and chest girth 6.75 cm in the 5%WP group. When the groups in which the best results are observed in blood parameters are considered; in the 5% WP group, the difference between the initial and final values were found to be 4.19 mg/dL in glucose and 1.22 g/dL in total protein, while urea 41.06 mg/L and cholesterol were determined to be 58.53 mg/dL in the 10%WP group. In the light of the results obtained, it has been determined that the addition of WP in a certain amount to the ration has a positive effect on the growth and development of the kids. As a result of the study, the addition of 5%WP was recommended in the ration to be given during the kid growing period.

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the effect of detoxified castor meal on the reproductive performance, metabolic stress, milk production, and kid development in peripartum goats. The diet of the animals were with (DCM, n= 20) or without (WDCM, n= 21) detoxified castor meal during the entire gestation and until weaning, 60 days post-birth. No differences were observed in the gestation period, litter size, rate of multiple births, and mortality between the two groups. The postpartum plasma concentrations of progesterone remained below 1ng/mL in all animals, thus, confirming the absence of active corpora lutea. The thickness of sternum adipose tissue and loin area, levels of urea and cholesterol, milk production, and daily weight gain in the kids were low in the DCM group when compared to those in the WDCM group (P< 0.05). To conclude, the use of detoxified castor meal in peripartum goats resulted in lower level of performance in the kids because of reductions in the amount of milk received from their mothers during lactation. In addition, the diet containing detoxified castor meals was not efficient in recovering from the loss of stored body reserves able to initiate the recovery of the cyclic activity of the goats.

PURPOSE: Introducing a system for recording of the productive effect of energy and protein by their transformation into lamb/kids/small ruminant’s meat. METHODS: The results were obtained in experiment with a 6 male Kalofer longhaired goat kids, slaughtered immediately at weaning at 90 days of age, without a period of intense fattening after weaning (so-called “milky kids”). The kids were rearing in traditional conditions in the real production system. RESULTS: Clarc of energy distribution - CPT (net energy fodder – gross energy meat) - 0.5871 (58.71%) and Clarc of protein transformation – CPT (protein digestible in the intestine fodder – crude protein meat) - 0.1958 (19.58%) have been calculated. CONCLUSIONS: The Clarc of energy distribution and Clarc of protein transformation are indexes for objective calculation of the energy and nutrient transformation between the preliminary and secondary parts of the eco-technical chain “fodder-edible parts of lambs/kids meat”.

Leucaena leucocephala represents a local protein source in tropical ruminant diets. However, its full exploitation is impaired by mimosine, unless it is degraded by the rumen microbial community. Recently, the ruminal bacterial communities of newborns were persistently modified through prenatal or postnatal dietary interventions. Such early-life interventions might enhance adaptation of ruminants to Leucaena leucocephala, which was investigated using a 2 × 2 factorial design trial that tested both supplementation of L. leucocephala in the late pregnancy diet of goat does, and supplementation of live yeast to their newborns. The composition of ruminal bacteria, immune status, as well as organic matter digestibility (OMD) and performance of kids were studied during and after the intervention. Ten pregnant goats were divided into two groups: the D+ and D– groups, which either received or did not receive 30 g of L. leucocephala forage meal during the last 7 ± 0.5 weeks of gestation. Twins from each goat were divided into the K+ and K– group (supplemented with or without 0.2 g/d of live yeast from day 3 until weaning at 8 weeks). Rumen samples were collected from 4-, 8-, 14-, and 20-weeks old kids to assess the bacterial community, while immune parameters (white blood cells, immunoglobulin M and G, and chitotriosidase activity) were measured in blood and saliva sampled at 4-, 8-, and 20-weeks. We found a stimulatory effect of the prenatal exposure on the post-weaning dry matter intake of the L. leucocephala supplemented diet, resulting in a higher daily gain and final body weight at 20 weeks in the D+ vs. D– group (406 vs. 370 g DM/d, 85.4 vs. 78.6 g/d, and 15.2 vs. 13.8 kg, respectively). Moreover, Ruminococcus represented a greater proportion of the rumen bacterial community of the D+ vs. D– kids (5.1 vs. 1.6%). Differences in the immune status were relatively small and not thought to be a driving factor of differences in animal performance. Furthermore, postnatal supplementation of live yeast favored maturation of the rumen bacterial community (i.e., greater abundance of Bacteroidetes, in particular Prevotella, and reduced abundance of Firmicutes) and protozoa colonization. Concomitantly, OMD was enhanced post-weaning, suggesting effects of the early-life intervention persisted and could have affected animal performance.

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The present study was conducted to assess the impact of temple waste flowers as feed additive on the growth of goat kids. Marigold (Calendula officinalis) flowers constituted the bulk of WFs with negligible red roses (Rosa indica L). Marigold flowers as compared to rose flowers contained high (P

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects zeranol implant on meat quality of Awassi lambs and cross-bred Khalkhali and Abadeh goat kids. Ten ram lambs (33.7 ± 0.5 kg and 4-month-old) and ten male goat kids (18.8 ± 0.7 kg and 4-month-old) were randomly assigned into two treatments (5 each treatment); C (control, 0 mg zeranol) and Z (24 mg zeranol implant) for each species. After 43 days experimental period. The animals were slaughtered, left for 24 hr post-mortem period and Biceps femoris muscle of each species were separated for measuring the proximal composition, TBARS values, cooking loss, drip loss and free fatty acids concentrations. Zeranol implants had significant (P<0.05) effect on dry matter, but did not have any effect on all other meat characteristics. However, dry mater was significantly higher for zeranol-implanted group as compared with control one. Moreover, significant effect of animal species was found for cooking loss, being highest in goat meat than ram lamb meat. Similarly, significant effect of animal species was noticed on TBARS values being highest in ram lamb meat. An obvious increase (P<0.005) in drip loss and TBARS values were observed for meat of both zeranol-implanted and non-implanted groups with storage period. It can be concluded that zeranol implant did not have any effect on meat quality for both ram lambs and male goat kids’ meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the performed field and laboratory investigations was to determine the commonest enteropathogens in neonatal and juvenile lambs and goat kids, as well as induced macro- and microscopic alterations in the different digestive system compartments. The study comprised a total of 850 newborn and juvenile lambs (600) and goat kids (250) from 9 private dairy farms (3 goat farms, 6 sheep farms). The age of animals was from 24 hours to 20 days. The following rapid antigen detection tests were used: (Rainbow calf scour 5 BIO K 306, Monoclonal Antibody anti-Coronavirus find Rotavirus FITC conjugated, BIOX Diagnostics, Belgium). Gross anatomy and histopathological examination of tissue samples was performed on 21 carcasses (9 goat kids and 12 lambs) from animals that died with signs of gastroenteritis. The main detected agents of intestinal infections were Cryptosporidium parvum, rotaviruses, coronaviruses and Escherichia coli. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the pharmacokinetics, efficacy and convulsive dose of articaine hydrochloride in goat kids. Experimental prospective study. A total of 18 (n = 6 animals per experiment) male Saanen goat kids (2–4 weeks old). The study consisted of three experiments. The first determined the pharmacokinetics of articaine following intravenous administration of articaine hydrochloride (8 mg kg–1). The second experiment investigated the anaesthetic efficacy and pharmacokinetics following cornual nerve block using 1.5% articaine hydrochloride. Anaesthesia of horn buds was evaluated using the response to pinprick test. Non-compartmental analysis was used. The final experiment determined the convulsive dose of articaine and its corresponding plasma concentration following intravenous infusion of articaine hydrochloride (4 mg kg–1 minute–1). Data are shown as mean ± standard deviation. The mean terminal half-life (t 1/2λz), mean volume of distribution at steady state (Vd ss) and mean plasma clearance (CL) of articaine following intravenous administration were 0.66 hour, 3.81 L kg–1 and 5.33 L hour–1 kg–1, respectively. After cornual nerve block, the mean maximum plasma concentration of articaine was 587 ng mL–1 at 0.22 hour and its mean t 1/2λz was 1.26 hours. Anaesthesia of horn buds was observed within 4 minutes following cornual nerve block. The mean dose required to produce convulsions was 16.24 mg kg–1 and mean convulsive plasma concentrations of articaine and articainic acid were 9905 and 1517 ng mL–1, respectively. Intravenous administration of 8 mg kg–1 of articaine hydrochloride did not cause any adverse effects. Pharmacokinetic data suggest that articaine was rapidly eliminated and cleared. Cornual nerve block using 1.5% articaine hydrochloride alleviated the response to the acute nociceptive stimulus during disbudding. Articaine hydrochloride appears to be a safe and effective local anaesthetic for disbudding in goat kids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium is one of the most important enteric diarrhoeal parasites that infect humans and animals worldwide. The current study investigated the occurrence and risk factors associated with Cryptosporidium infection in ruminants aged ≤6 months in Monze, Mumbwa, and Lusaka districts of Zambia. Faecal samples were collected from 328 calves, 190 lambs, and 245 goat kids and analysed for Cryptosporidium oocysts using modified Ziehl Neelsen staining. A closed structured questionnaire was used to obtain epidemiological characteristics and potential risk factors for Cryptosporidium infection. The overall occurrence of Cryptosporidium was 7.9% (60/763), while that in calves, lambs and goat kids was 14.5% (47/328), 5.3% (10/190), and 1.2% (3/245) respectively. Watery/pasty stool and sampling during the rainy season were independently associated with increased risk of infection. In calves, the odds of infection increased during the rainy season, while daily kraal cleaning reduced the infection risk. Lambs showed increased odds of infection with pasty/watery stool and male sex, whereas the wearing of protective clothing by handlers significantly reduced the risk. There were district variations in infection occurrence with Mumbwa district having higher prevalence. The findings of this study show that livestock in Zambia continue to be frequently infected with Cryptosporidium. Protective measures and appropriate farm cleanliness should be implemented in control of this infection. Regional and host-species-specific variations emphasize the need for targeted interventions. These findings, therefore, contribute to effective strategies for Cryptosporidium control, promoting good livestock health and management., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

This study performed to determine hematological parameters in Saanen goats’ kids from birth until 3 months of age. The whole blood specimens were collected from 20 clinically healthy goat kids (15 females and 5 males). The blood specimens were obtained at 24-48h after birth and 10 ± 2, 28 ± 2, 56 ± 2 and 84 ± 2 days. Hematological variables were determined based on reference laboratory methods. Results showed significant age related changes for most factors (p < 0.05) except for MCHC and the number of monocytes, eosinophils, and band neutrophils. There were significant differences with first sampling time for all parameters (p < 0.01) except for the number of monocytes, eosinophils and band neutrophils. The results of the present study ould be used as reference values for proper interpretation of laboratory results.

This study performed to determine hematological parameters in Saanen goats’ kids from birth until 3 months of age. The whole blood specimens were collected from 20 clinically healthy goat kids (15 females and 5 males). The blood specimens were obtained at 24-48h after birth and 10 ± 2, 28 ± 2, 56 ± 2 and 84 ± 2 days. Hematological variables were determined based on reference laboratory methods. Results showed significant age related changes for most factors (p < 0.05) except for MCHC and the number of monocytes, eosinophils, and band neutrophils. There were significant differences with first sampling time for all parameters (p < 0.01) except for the number of monocytes, eosinophils and band neutrophils. The results of the present study ould be used as reference values for proper interpretation of laboratory results.

This study was conducted in the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture, Ruminant Research Station, west of Baghdad. It included 447 goats born of both sexes belonging to local, Shami and their crosses. The body dimensions of kids at birth and the dam's weight and age at birth, as well as the dependence of weaning weight on the birth weight of the kids by the use of simple linear regression equations. The results presented that coefficient of regression of most studied dimensions on the traits of maternal weight at birth and weight of the kid at birth has significant effect, except the regression of the body length at birth on both the maternal weight at birth and the kids weight at birth, which was not significant, The results showed the possibility of dependence on the studied maternal characteristics and kids birth weight to predict the dimensions of the goat kids body at birth.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of supplementing the maintenance diet of Boer goat kids with Acacia cochliacantha leaves. The endpoints evaluated were Haemonchus contortus fecal egg count (FEC) and water and dry matter intake. Two experimental treatments were evaluated on ten recently weaned goat kids (16.850 ± 1.630 kg of initial live weight and three months of age) experimentally infested with H. contortus larvae (L3) (350 larvae per live weight kilogram). Treatment 1 (T1) served as the control and consisted of infested animals without diet supplementation with A. cochliacantha leaves. Treatment 2 (T2) consisted of infested animals fed diets supplemented with 5% of A. cochliacantha leaves. Animals were grouped from highest to lowest based on their FEC. The two animals groups with the highest values were randomly assigned to T1 or T2; this was repeated until completing five repetitions per treatment. The evaluated variables were: FEC (per gram of feces), water intake, and dry matter intake (DMI). The results show that goat kids fed diets with 5% of A. cochliacantha leaves have lower (P<0.05) FEC than the control. There were no significant differences in water intake and DMI (g d-1) between treatments. This study demonstrates the anthelmintic activity of diets supplemented with A. cochliacantha leaves in goat kids. Thus, this arboreal legume could represent a viable option for the comprehensive management of the nematodiasis of growing Boer goat kids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coccidiosis, caused by Eimeria species is common in 2-4 month old goats, are highly pathogenic in goat kids. The most common clinical findings are dehydration, weakness, weight loss, diarrhea and anemia. The aim of this study is to determinate of tear secretion in goats kids with coccidiosis and healthy ones by utilizing STT. A total of 20 pure hair goats kids aged between 2-4 months, among which 10 were with clinical coccidiosis (Group 1, n=10) and 10 were in the healthy conditions (Group 2, n=10), in a single farm located at Siirt, Turkey. Fecal samples were examined microscopically for concentrated flotation and the presence of oocysts. STT test was performed on both eyes of healthy and clinical coccidiosis and results were recorded. Group 1 Mean ± SD STT values for right and left eye were 5.8 ± 1.75 and 5.1 ± 1.66 mm/min and Group 2 Mean ± SD STT values for right and left eye were 13.4 ± 2.37 and 12.5 ± 2.12 mm/min, respectively. Comparison of STT values of the right eyes with left eyes did not differ significantly in both groups (P = 0.271, P = 0.235). Both eye's STT results combined to compare groups. The mean of Group 1 (5.45 ± 1.7 mm/min) was found to be significantly lower than the mean of Group 2 (12.95 ± 2.24 mm/min) as a result (P < 0.001). As a result of this study, the amount of tear secretion was determined with the STT and there was statistically significant difference between healthy and goat kids clinical coccidiosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A commercial probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium 68 (SF68) was supplemented to the first day colostrum continued with the commercial milk replacer until weaning day (35 days) in newborn goat kids to evaluate its efficacy as a probiotic on the innate immunity and blood biochemical parameters. Blood samples were collected at 2, 12, 24 h after birth, and at day 5 and 7, and thereafter at weekly intervals until the end of the experiment (day 35). Plasma protein and immunoglobulin content, leukocyte count, and leukocyte reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were analyzed. Results suggested that the count of blood leukocytes increased continuously up to day 35, especially in SF68- supplemented group. Plasma protein content peaked at 12-h of age regardless of SF68 supplementation. The abundance of plasma γ-globulins also increased to reach the top at 12-h and goat kids with the SF68 supplementation had higher levels of plasma γ-globulin and albumin. The ROS production of blood leukocytes increased continuously up to day 35, and the increase was more dramatic in goat kids fed with SF68 supplementation. The results suggested that SF68 supplementation in goat kids can benefit innate immunity of goat kids before weaning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]