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]

This study aimed to determine the influence of fodder type administered in two consecutive years (2022 and 2023) to sheep mothers in the lactating period on the growth performances of suckling lambs, to improve growth rate up to weaning. The lambs from Țigaie breed - rusty variety (209 lambs born in 2022 and 219 lambs born in 2023) were used in the experiment from lambing up to weaning. The fodder administered to the ewes-mothers had provided a nutritional value of 198 g DP and 12.75 MJ NEM (net energy milk) in 2022, the fodder consisting of concentrates (grain corn 50%; grain barley 50%) and hill hay, while the fodder administered in 2023 is consisting of alfalfa semi-silage, hill hay and concentrates (50% grain corn; 50% grain barley) and had provided 198 g DP and 14.75 MJ NEM. The alfalfa semi-silage had significantly influenced (p<0.001) the growth performances of lambs in 2023 compared to those born in 2022 regarding weaning weight (19.98 kg vs. 16.82 kg), total weight gain (15.71 kg vs 12.84 kg) and average daily gain (224.44 g vs. 183.49 g). [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]

Fertility, prolificacy and weaning rate were compared for Tsigai - rusty variety (TIRU) purebreed ewes and their Suffolk (50%) × German Blackface (37.5%) x Tsigai - rusty variety (12.5%) (S x BF x TIRU) contemporaries, mated at 8 and 18 months of age. The fecundity, prolificacy and weaning rate for animals mated at 8 months of age and fed in the shelter with hay and corn-barley based concentrate was 78.43%, 105.0% and 78.57% to females from TIRU and 80.0%, 100.0% and 54.17% for animals of the S x BF x TIRU genotype, respectively. For animals of the two breeds mated at 18 months of age and grazing on pastures, the fecundity, prolificacy and weaning rate was 64.71%, 100.0% and 87.88% to females from TIRU and 73.33%, 104.55% and 78.26% for animals of the S x BF x TIRU genotype, respectively. 88.24% females from TIRU and 90.0% from S x BF x TIRU genotype, mated at 8 months, have lambed once up to age of 23-24 months, and 56.86% females from TIRU and 56.66% from the animals from S x BF x TIRU genotype have lambed twice. [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]

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]

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 aim of this study was to determine the effects of diet on growth performances, carcass and meat quality of Tsigai lambs - rusty variety fed with different diets, in order to improve meat quality and meat sensory characteristics of lambs; forty male lambs (L1 and L2, n = 20 heads/group) were used in experiment from birth up to 5 months. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found between the two lots with regard at final weight and average daily gain. The diet had a significant effect between L1 and L2 groups in terms of hot carcass weight and hot slaughter yield (p < 0.001), cold carcass weight and cold slaughter yield (p < 0.01), as well for commercial yield (p < 0.05). The juiciness and overall difference were strongly influenced by the diet administered in the present study, significant differences (p <0.001) being recorded between meat from the two groups. The diet administered to L1 influenced positively the eating qualities of lamb meat, resulting in a more juicy and tender meat, in which the specific lamb taste was attenuated. [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]

The benefits of human consumption of goat's milk are given by the presence in this milk of short-chain fatty acids (approximately 20% are short-chain fatty acids) and medium-chain fatty acids (55%), this milk being easier to digest. An important qualitative indicator of goat's milk with technological, nutritional and dietary impact is the fat content. Our data show that the percentage of milk fat increases immediately after parturition, then decreases for most of the lactation. This is due to two factors: a diluting effect, by increasing the volume of milk to the maximum level of lactation and a decreasing effect of lipid mobilization, which leads to a decrease in the plasma level of unesterified fatty acids (especially C18:0 and C18:1), with a role in lipid synthesis in the mammary gland. From the third month of lactation, the average daily amount of milking milk undergoes only slight variations. Also, the fat and protein percentage remain relatively constant during June-August. In summer there was an increase in the levels of monounsaturated, polyunsaturated fatty acids and of conjugated linoleic acids in milk, compared to spring. Our results indicate that multiparous Carpathian breed females, whose food comes mostly from grazing, produce milk during the summer with a ratio between omega-6 and omega-3 below 4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The studies were performed on milk samples collected from 178 Carpathian females belonging to a farm from southeastern Romania. The females were grazed daily, benefiting from natural pasture, specific to the Dobrogea area. Before each milking, 100 g of special granules for goat's milk were administered. After weaning (April), the goats were milked twice a day for 5 months. Milk production control was carried out monthly, after the weaning of the kids, for three consecutive months, starting with May. For this, the amount of milk milked in the morning and in the evening was weighed individually. The computation of the total individual production was calculated by applying the Fleischmann formula in the case of milking the goat after a period of lactation, when the first milking is done after the flat-rate date of the end of lactation. For primiparous, the total individual milk production was between 124.35 kg and 199.76 kg with an average of 164.93 kg/head/day. At multiparous, the average total individual milk production was 168.32Kg. Biochemical parameters (fat, protein, lactose) were analyzed by ultrasonic method in a standardized analyzer for goat's milk. At primiparous, the fat concentration reaches a maximum of 3.12 g% in July, and at multiparous 3.36g% in June. The protein concentration had values between 2.87g and 3.08g% at primiparous and between 2.90g% and 3.22g% at multiparous. The results of our analyzes recorded a maximum of 4.36% for lactose in June for primiparous and 4.58g% for multiparous. The percentage of mineral substances varies between 0.65 g% and 0.67 g% at primiparous and between 0.64 and 0.65 g% at multiparous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crossbreeding of three French meat breeds rams and one R1 German Blackface (75%) x Tsigai (25%) ram with R1 crossbreed ewes German Blackface (75%) x Tsigai (25%) was carried out to determine the ram breed effects on productivity of ewes and growth performances of the lambs. A total of 151 crossbreed ewes R1 German Blackface x Tsigai were divided into four groups for mating with 4 rams from Berrichon du Cher (BC) - group 1, Blanche du Massif Central (BMC) - group 2, Mouton Vendèen (MV) - group 3, and R1 German Blackface (BF) - group 4, resulting in total 147 lambs. Ram breed had a significant influence on growth performances of the lambs. The lambs obtained from the R1 German Blackface ram were heavier than the lambs from groups 1 and 3 (P< 0.001) at birth, 28 day and 56 day. Significant differences were recorded between group 2 and 4 with regard at weight at 28 day (P< 0.01) and 56 day (P< 0.05). Body weight at 5 months in group 1 of crossbred lambs was significantly higher than to the crossbreed lambs obtained from the group 2 (P< 0.01), 3 (P< 0.05) and 4 (P< 0.01). The number of lambs born per ewe, number of lambs weaned per ewe, and lamb survival rate at weaning were similar among the four groups, while the lambs survival rate at 5 months at the lambs obtained from ewes mated to Blanche du Massif Central ram was higher compared to the others, the differences being significant (P< 0.05) compared to the lambs obtained from ewes mated to Mouton Vendèen ram. [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]

The biotechnologies of reproduction, that also involves the artificial insemination at goats, have been rapidly developed after the optimization of producing and preserving the semen methods and of those of synchronizing the females' estrum. In order to obtain an acceptable fertility is necessary that optimum methods of preserving the semen in refrigerated form to be developed, which can be easily and fast integrated into insemination methodologies. The aim of the study was to test a new medium of dilution which contains a diglucide trehalose as cryoprotectant substance, for the purpose of replacing (to replace) the usual glycerol that has been used until present, which was proved to have negative effects upon spermatic cell during preservation. Also the extender contains a low concentration of egg yolk of 5%, in order to eliminate a processing-centrifugation step, which leads to an additional mechanical stress with negative effects on fecundity. Our experiments demonstrated that the trehalose added in the dilution medium maintains the structural and functional stability of the plasmatic membrane of the spermatic cell during liquid conservation at 4 degrees C, similar results being obtained also in other experiments done on buck semen. At 48 hours from collection, the semen diluted in the control extender registered a motility of 64.1% while the semen diluted in the experimental extender registered a motility of 67.4%. At 48 hours from collection, the semen in the control extender registered a viability of 66.4% while the semen in the experimental extender registered a viability of 69.5%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was that to evaluate the differences regarding the milk quantity and the biochemical composition of milk between primiparous goats of Carpathian breed and F1 hybrids of Alpin x Carpathian and Saanen x Carpathian, bred and exploited in the same conditions. The F1 hybrid females of Alpine x Carpathian and Saanen x Carpathian were obtained by artificial insemination of a lot of females of Carpathian breed with seminal material provided from he-goats of Alpine and Saanen pure breed. After weaning, the goats were milked 2 times a day, for 5 months. The control of milk production was done monthly. It was individually weighed the quantity of milked milk in the morning and in the evening. Also, there were taken individual samples of milk for the qualitative analysis. The bio-chemical parameters (fat, protein, lactose) were analysed by ultrasonic method at a Lactoscan analyser standardized for milk. The results shows that the average amount of milked milk of hybrids is significantly increased (p<0.05) compared to the Carpathian breed (2031g, 2033g, vs 1145g). The proportion of fat is significantly higher (p<0.05) at both categories of half-bred besides Carpathians (3.74%, 3.84%, vs 3.69%). In conclusion, the crossbreeding of the Carpathian breed with specialized breeds for the milk production leads to an increase of the productive potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the variation of milk production, biochemical composition and milk fatty acid profile according to the lactation stage, on 60 multiparous goats of the Carpathian breed, grown in an extensive system (Dobrogea, southern Romania). The goats were milked twice a day for 8 months, (February to September). Milk yield was recorded monthly and milk samples representative of the two daily milking were analysed for: protein, fat and lactose contents. In addition, fatty acid methyl esters were quantified using a gas chromatograph. The maximum amount of milking milk was recorded at the end of April (1635.23 ± 0.048 g milk/ animal / day) and the smallest milk production was recorded in September (823.14 ± 0.191 g milk / goat / day). The biochemical composition of milk has varied considerably during lactation: in the first and last part of the lactation there was an insignificant increased concentration of its components (fat, protein, lactose, minerals). Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated acids levels increased during the summer months compared to spring months and the saturated fatty acid level decreased during the summer months. The percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids recorded the highest value in August (6.16 mean gFAME / 100g Total FAME), and the lowest value was at the beginning of lactation (4.51 mean gFAME / 100g Total FAME). The data recorded in our study show an increase in CLA (conjugated linolenic acid ) concentration by April (0.85 mean gFAME / 100g Total FAME), when it reaches a maximum, it remains at an increased value until July, followed by an insignificant decrease (0.54 mean gFAME / 100g Total FAME) towards the end of the lactation. A ratio of ω6 / ω3 fatty acids decreased in April under 4, the decrease of this ratio being significant compared to the first 2 months of lactation (p <0 ,05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rearing system, the mating season and the nutrition of primiparous Saanen goats have influence on the quantity and quality of milk. The natural mating of Saanen females at 7-9 months of age, with a normal weight of 35-38 kg, has influence on the quantitative production of milk. Given the administration of a feed ration that ensured 2.29 UFL at mating and 3.29 UFL at birth, the primiparous Saanen goats gained 51.50-56.65 kg 30 days after birth. The milk production generated within 240-270 days was 612.2 kg-778.2 kg, with a daily average production of 2.55-2.88 liters. The type of birth (simple or twins) has no influence on the milk production or its quality. The quality control of the milk obtained from the three lots emphasized that the biochemical parameters analyzed have normal values for fat (3.80 %-3.95%), slightly elevated for proteins (3.69%-3.80%), lactose (4.19%-4.25%) and casein (2.57% - 2.59), and a constant pH of 6.61-6.77. The fat-protein ratio was 1.02-1.04, lower than the normal values of 1.15-1.20. The non-protein nitrogen - g/100g (NPN/CU) from the milk had values under 0.03 in all the lots. NPN/CU is an indicator for the ruminal proteins digestion. The urea nitrogen-MUN (g/100g) displayed very high values, of 16±3.06 in lot 1, and 15.86 in lot 2 and 3. MUN is an indicator that provides information about the status of the energy and protein balance in goats, which is used to monitor feeding and to evaluate the excess nitrogen in the ration. The casein (g/100g) determined in the Saanen goat milk had the following values 2.59 (lot 1), 2.54 (lot 2) and 2.57 (lot 3). In our research, of the total proteins, casein represented 179.9% in lot 1, 75% in lot 2 and 67.6 % in lot 3, being inversely proportional to the daily and total milk production of the lots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In goat and sheep, the glycoproteins associated to pregnancy (PAG) are little studied. Their study in these species is very important in the evaluation of prediction of early pregnancy. Even though numerous research has been done in order to investigate the physiological functions of placental proteins, the exact biofunction of the glycoproteins associated to pregnancy is still unknown. The objective of research was the study of the dynamics of PAG in goats and ewes in the first part of pregnancy(1-35 days after mating) and the determination of correlations with the reproductive status of females and to earlier the pregnancy.The experiment was realized on 49 Saanen x Carpatina goats and 72 Merinos of Palas sheep from the biostation of the Research and Development Institute for Goat and Sheep, Palas Constanta. The females in normal reproduction season were monitored for the detection of estrus and mated naturally. The blood was collected by puncture of the jugular vein on days 0, 7, 14, 25 and 35 after mating (day 0). The serum was obtained after centrifuging at 1500 x g for 15 minutes and stored at -20oC till the RIA determination. The RIA of the plasma with the purpose of detecting the concentration of proteins specific to pregnancy was realized in two experimental series in February and December 2008, at the Laboratory for Reproduction Physiology - The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Liege, Belgium. The RIA dosing was realized after the application of the method with the preincubation of the serums to test with specific serum (Atg°) and then with the marked antigen (Atg*), considering the high sensitivity of this method to detect the smallest values of PAG from day 0 to day 35 after mating. The diagnosis of the pregnancy state was based on the principle of PAG antibodies binding to the specific antigen, establishing through RIA the quantity of free antigen. Non-pregnancy involves the attachment of the antigen marked by non-specific antibodies. The preliminary results have demonstrated that the sheep PAG were had values ranging between 4.197-15.985 ng/ml and 0.01-3.39 ng/ml in nonpregnant ewes. In the pregnant goats, the PAG concentrations ranged between 16.75±3.44-27.17±2.95 ng/ml, while in the nonpregnant goats, the PAG values were 1.38±0.35 - 2.03±0.51 6 ng/ml. The purpose of the experiments was to find one accurate method for early pregnancy diagnosis in goat and sheep. The conclusion was that ovine pregnancy can be reliably diagnosed on Day 25 after AI and goat pregnancy on Day 30, by using a heterologous radioimmunoassay of PAG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The choice of an adequate manner of breeding and exploiting small ruminants which will lead to the increased reproduction efficiency and also to the increased number and quality of these animals depends on the determination of an early diagnosis of gestation. This study was carried out to determine caprine pregnancy-associated glycoprotein (cPAG) and progesterone (P4) levels in the plasma of Carpathian goats throughout gestation. The cPAG levels were determined with a heterologous RIA. The P4 levels were measured by RIA. The statistical analysis of the PAG concentration values in goats with known reproduction grouped females into 4 groups, namely: pregnant RIA-clinically pregnant (positive diagnosis), non-pregnant RIA-clinically non-pregnant (positive diagnosis), non-pregnant RIA-clinically pregnant (incorrect diagnosis) and embryonic mortality. The results obtained demonstrated that the precision of the correct diagnosis for pregnancy and non-pregnancy on days 14-35 from mating was 92.85%, while the RIA-PAG error was 7.15%. Embryonic mortality was highlighted in 8.11% of the females and occurred in the interval of 25-35 days. On days 14- 25 of pregnancy, the values of the serum progesterone were close (12.18-13.33 ng/ml), which confirms that the unique source of progesterone is the gestation corpus luteum. The results obtained led to the conclusion that the quantitative assessment of proteins associated to gestation (PAG) by the RIA technique can be used as a sure method to establish early gestation in goats. The presence of a large quantity of gestation proteins in Romanian goat breed confirms gestation on day 14 after mating in goats, while the sudden drop of PAG values on day 30 after mating confirms the occurrence of embryonic mortality. In what regards the progesterone concentration, the precision of the gestation diagnosis is at its maximum on days 14-35 of pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photoperiod is the primary environmental used to regulate reproduction on bucks. The objective of scientifically research was to observe the variations of testosterone concentration in correlation with testicular volume for a period during 2 years, at White of Banat bucks. The studies were conducted at the experimental farm of ANCC Caprirom and the biochemical determinations of testosterone concentrations were realized at the Ovidius University - Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology by ELISA method. Plasma testosterone was analyzed in blood samples collected once a week. Blood samples were collected always at the same time of the day to avoid circadian variations. The testosterone concentrations on White of Banat between January and February for the first and second year of experiment were over than basal level and in March the testosterone level decreases down to the basal level. On the end of spring, in both years of experiment, we observed a slight augmentation of the testosterone level. The testosterone concentrations were increased at the beginning of summer and after than followed by a slight decline of this concentration in July and increase in August. In September, the concentration of testosterone was highest comparative with values of the testosterone level for the entire year. In the last two months of autumn, the testosterone concentrations decreased comparative with results obtained in September. On December the testosterone level on experimentally bucks begins to increase for the first year of the study. [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]

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]