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This study aimed to evaluate the thermoregulatory capacity and performance of Saanen goat kids from birth to weaning in a hot climate. Twelve newborn males and female goat kids with an initial body weight of 4.17 ± 0.81 kg were used. Physiological responses, climatic variables, and biometric traits data were collected. Univariate and multivariate analysis techniques were used. Heart rate (H R ) was high up to the 6th week of life, with a reduction from the 7th week on (P < 0.001). Rectal temperature (R T ) was lower in the first 2 weeks (P < 0.001), with an increase and stabilization occurring in the 7th and 8th weeks. Coat surface temperature (S T ) was more activated from the 5th week onwards (P < 0.001). Body weight (B W ) and withers height (W H ) were higher in later weeks of the calving phase with a linear effect (P < 0.001). The first principal component demonstrated the relationship of sensible heat dissipation × body area of the goat kids; the second component shows the relationship of meteorological data with R T , having a positive relationship between R T with R H and negative with A T , and the third component points to the association of R R and H R . Of the animals, 81.3% were correctly classified in their group of origin in discriminant canonical analysis, with emphasis on the classification of the kids in the 1st-2nd and 3rd-4th weeks (classification percentage Ʃ = 95.8%). It is concluded that (i) newborn kids activate latent mechanisms to maintain their homoeothermic during the first 2 weeks of life, and as they grow, they use sensitive heat loss processes, especially from the 5th week of life onwards and (ii) male and female goats do not show sexual dimorphism effect on body performance and body morphometric measurements up to 60 days of life., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background and Objectives: The use of dairy by-products as alternative feed sources is very important in order to reduce the costs of raising livestock. Whey powder is the cheese residual or casein, which is one of the animal proteins used in the human food chain. Whey is one of the main sources of energy, because it contains high amounts of lactose. Therefore, it is a source of energy as well as protein. Moreover, it contains number of useful minerals. Whey can be used in the diet of fattening animals due to its proper nutrient balance. Whey powder can reduce concentrate consumption without negatively affecting daily weight gain and FCR. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different levels of whey powder on growth performances traits, apparent digestibility of nutrients, carcass quality, and serum parameters in fattening male crossed Zell lambs. Materials and Methods: To perform this study, 24 mixed fattening Zell lambs were examined with a means age of 4.5 months and a means initial weight of 24±2 kg in a completely randomized design for 90 days. Experimental treatments included control group (without whey powder) and treatments containing 1.5, 3, and 4.5% whey powder based on dry matter in the diet. Chemical analysis of whey powder used included pH level of 6.8 to 5.8, protein content of 12.5%, lactose content of 64%, fat content of 1.5%, and moisture level of 4.5%. Whey powder used in the study was given to the experimental animals at different levels after mixing with the diet. The daily diet was given as a TMR to the animal twice daily (8 am and 5 pm), and the amount consumed was recorded. Live weight measurement was performed every 14 days with 12 hours of feed and water deprivation. Measurement of the apparent digestibility of nutrients in the last days of the experiment as well as the study of carcass traits and blood parameters were performed on day 90 of the experiment. Results: The growth performance results of experimental animals showed that there was a significant difference in end weight, DMI, and daily weight gain between experimental treatments (P<0.05); So that the highest final weight and daily weight gain was observed in the treatment containing 4.5% whey and the highest dry matter intake was observed in the treatment containing 3% whey. The results of apparent digestibility of nutrients showed that there was a significant difference in apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and NDF between experimental treatments (P<0.05). The highest apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude protein was observed in the treatment containing 4.5% whey and the highest apparent digestibility of NDF was observed in the treatment containing 3% whey. The results of some serum metabolites showed that there was a significant difference in the concentration of glucose, triglyceride, HDL, and BUN between experimental treatments (P<0.05). The highest glucose and HDL concentrations, as well as the lowest triglyceride concentration were observed in the treatment containing 4.5% whey powder. The lowest blood urea nitrogen concentration was observed in the treatment containing 3% whey powder. The results of quantitative traits of carcasses showed that there were significant differences in hot carcass weight, hot carcass percentage, cold carcass weight, cold carcass percentage, thigh percentage, and shoulder percentage between experimental treatments (P<0.05). The highest hot carcass weight, hot carcass percentage, cold carcass weight, and head percentage were observed in the treatment containing 3% whey powder, while the highest thigh percentage was observed in the treatment containing 4.5% whey powder. The results of qualitative traits of carcasses of fattening lambs showed that there was a significant difference in the level of TBARS in straight muscle 48 hours after slaughter between experimental treatments (P<0.05). The highest and lowest levels of TBARS of Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle were observed in the control treatment and the treatment containing 4.5% whey powder, respectively. Conclusion: The overall result of the present study showed that the use of whey powder, up to 4.5% of the diet in fattening lambs improved growth performance indices, apparent nutrient digestibility, and carcass quantitative and qualitative traits without any negative effects on animal performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relevance of the topic lies in the studied role of the autonomic nervous system in regulating the cardiovascular system in goats. The variability of the heart rate is a good indicator in the study of the animal's health quality and the analysis of its psychophysiological state in the farm. The purpose of the study is to establish the influence of the tone of autonomous nervous regulation on the body of goats, which is reflected in changes in the sympatho-vagal balance. Experimental studies were carried out on goats of the Zaanenska breed. A cardiograph was used to diagnose the variability of the heart rate, followed by the determination of the main indicators according to Baevsky's method, which included the determination of mode, mode amplitude, variation range, autonomic balance index, autonomic rhythm index, and stress index. Based on the results of the study, three research groups were formed: normotonics, vagotonics, and sympathotonics. Sympathotonic animals had high values of heart rate 96.80 ± 6.62, intensity of the R-R interval 35.30 ± 1.18, and low values of the value of the R-R interval 0.63 ± 0.04 (Р ≤ 0.05; Р ≤ 0.001). Vagotonic goats had the opposite features, characterized by a decrease in heart rate 58.4 ± 2.21, the intensity of the R-R interval 12.44 ± 1.11, and an increase in the value of the R-R interval 1.03 ± 0.04 (Р ≤ 0.01; Р ≤ 0.001). Normotonic animals, compared to other experimental groups, had average values. Based on the obtained results, goats, depending on the influence of the tone of the autonomic nervous system, have differences in the activity of the cardiovascular system. Due to this, their response to the stress factor will differ, which in turn will affect productivity. Determination of heart rate variability can become one of the indispensable indicators in the analysis of animal health on dairy farms. Therefore, this question is quite relevant, especially when studying the metabolic processes of the body of goats, to improve the efficiency of productivity while preserving the physiological state of the animal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Selenium is an important element in nutrition, showing great potential in the udder health of dairy goats and in the control of subclinical mastitis. However, there are few studies that evaluated the influence of selenium supplementation on subclinical mastitis in goats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of subclinical mastitis in dairy goats supplemented with organic selenium (Se yeast) in a semi-arid region. Sixteen Saanen × Toggenburg crossbred lactating goats were allocated randomly into two treatments: with and without addition of organic selenium (Se) to the concentrate. Milk samples were collected every 20 days from each udder half to determine the somatic cell count (SSC), chloride content, pH, electrical conductivity, microbiological isolation, composition, and selenium contents. The highest serum selenium concentrations in the blood of these goats occurred at 42 days of supplementation (P < 0.001). Goats which received organic selenium supplementation had higher serum selenium concentrations (P < 0.05). The milk composition variables did not differ (P > 0.05) between the tested treatments, teats, and collections. After 60 days of supplementation, a difference was observed (P < 0.05) between treatments for SSC, chloride content, and pH. Addition of organic selenium to the diet of dairy goats after 60 days of supplementation was promising in reducing the somatic cell count, consequently improving milk quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few years, air and surface water pollution with nitrogen from agro-industrial waste has become a global environmental concern. Generally, these discards have nutritional value and could be utilised inexpensively for various purposes. The study involved two different phases: 1) production of lactosylurea from agro-industrial by-products and 2) evaluation of the nutritive value of lactosylurea as a non-protein nitrogen source in the ruminant diet, including its effect on feed digestibility and ruminal parameters. The gas production test and in vitro disappearance method were used to describe the digestion kinetics of both dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP) in the four experimental treatments. Protozoan count and total volatile fatty acid concentration were utilised to evaluate ruminal parameters. The treatments were as follows: 1) basal diet + urea (BDU), 2) basal diet + lactosylurea (BDL), 3) basal diet + concentrated lactosylurea (BDCL), 4) basal diet + slow-release non-protein nitrogen (Optigen) (BDO). According to our findings, gas produced, DM, and CP disappearance were significantly higher in the BDCL and BDO experimental treatments than in the other treatments (P < 0.05). Moreover, estimated levels of metabolisable energy, digestible organic matter and short chain fatty acids were significantly higher for the same treatments (P < 0.05). The number of protozoa (2.66 x 106 organism/ml) and total volatile fatty acid concentration (30.96 mmol/l) were significantly lower in urea treatment compared to others (P < 0.05). In conclusion, lactosylurea produced from agro-industrial by-products seems to be a good alternative for urea or Optigen that additionally reduces environmental contamination by agro-industrial waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Brasileira de Saúde e Produção Animal (RBSPA) is the property of Revista Brasileira de Saude e Producao Animal (RBSPA) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This review is aimed at highlighting the role of selenium (Se) in enhancing the antioxidant status in the blood, immune response, reproductive performance, rumen fermentation, as well as feed efficiency, and weight gain in small ruminants. Selenium is supplied in small ruminant’s diet in organic form, inorganic form, or selenium nanoparticles (nano-Se). Each form of Se is metabolized differently and exhibits different levels of bioavailability with nano-Se having the highest bioavailability followed by organic Se. A sufficient supply of Se in small ruminant’s diet is important to maintain the proper functioning of the antioxidant defense system which reduces the detrimental effects of free radicals in cells thereby preventing the incidence of metabolic diseases. The ability of Se to improve the antioxidant capacity of the cells also helps to strengthen the immune response of animals and ameliorate the detrimental effects of heat stress. Selenium has also been proven to modify rumen fermentation and microbiota which translated to improved feed efficiency and enhanced weight gain. However, the activities and bioavailability of Se are limited by several factors including the rumen microbiota, the form of Se, and competition with other minerals. Further studies need to investigate the effects of Se on rumen microbiology and heat stress in small ruminants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista em Agronegócio e Meio Ambiente is the property of Revista em Agronegocio e Meio Ambiente and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This investigation aimed to identify the production and composition of crops as feed, classify the types of integrated farming in different locations, and compare dairy goats based on their morphometric characteristics. The data used were collected from July to November, 2021 in the Malang, Lumajang, and Bangkalan regencies of Indonesia, via a survey and direct observations. Descriptive, multivariate, and variance analyses were adopted using RStudio to analyze the collected data. In Malang and Lumajang, farmers adopted agroforestry, alley cropping, and cover crops as the main types of integrated farming. The integrated farming adopted by the farmers in Malang, Bangkalan, and Lumajang helped to explain the differences in forage crops. Calliandra calothyrsus, Indigofera zollingeriana, and Thitonia diversifolia are non-grasses having high levels of average production. In Lumajang, farmers provided only a few combinations with Calliandra which was the most intensively grown crop. In Malang, six crops were combined for the dairy goat feed. Pennisetum purpureum was the crop most intensely grown to feed the PE (Etawa crossbred). In Bangkalan, Pote-Arosbaya goats were fed a combination of eight crops. Moringa oleifera, Bambusa sp., Artocarpus heterophyllus, and natural grasses were the most popular feed crops. In Malang and Lumajang, the PE Singosari and Senduro goats had a high degree of similarity based on their morphometric characteristics, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the ingestive behavior of sheep confined and fed with substitution levels of soybean meal (SM) by detoxified castor cake (DCC). We adopted a completely randomized design, with four levels of substitution (0; 33; 67 and 100%) with five replicates (sheep). We estimated the percentages of total times of intake of feed, time of rumination, in 'other activities', in idle agreed and in idle sleeping, dividing the day into eight periods (5h00 to 8h00; 8h01 to 11h00; 11h01 to 14h00; 14h01 to 17h00; 17h01 to 20h00; 20h01 to 23h00; 23h01 to 2h00 and 2h01 to 5h00). No interaction was observed between levels of substitution of the SM by DCC and period of the day to go. However, the isolated effect period of the day, there is more time to go from 8h00 to 11h00. The time rumination was not influenced by the levels of substitution of the SM by DCC. As for the variable other activities, the level of 67% DCC was superior to that of 100%. Regarding the variables idle agreed and idle sleeping, were not observed effects of substitution levels of SM by DCC. The DCC provides no changes in the behavior of the sheep, but the period of the day exerts influence on the behavioral pattern of such animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of completely replacing soybean meal (SM) with castor cake detoxified (DCC) with two alkaline products on the nitrogen balance and hepatic and renal function in goat kids. Goat kids of two breeds, Saanen and Anglo Nubian, with an initial body weight of 16.2 ± 0.67 kg, and confined during the growth phase, were used. The treatments consisted of three diets: one based on SM and the other two based on castor cake detoxified with Ca(OH)2 or NaOH. Twenty-four goats kids were distributed in a completely randomized design using a 3 x 2 factorial scheme (diet x breed) with four replicates per combination. The experimental period lasted for 270 days. Consumed nitrogen, fecal nitrogen, urinary nitrogen, retained nitrogen, and nitrogen balance were influenced (p < 0.05) by diets. There was significant effect of diets (p < 0.05) on creatinine, direct bilirubin, urea, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase blood levels, however without any negative changes involving renal or hepatic dysfunction. Inclusion of castor cake in the diet of goats kids in confinement is an attractive option, considering that goats kids use does not cause hepatic and renal alterations, suggesting that SM can be completely replaced. NaOH DCC stands in the substitution of soybean meal, because in spite of decreasing the consumption of nitrogen provides the same retention of soybean meal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to identify by microhistological technique the reference chemical components for use as indicators of the nutritive value of Caatinga plants forage grazed by sheep throughout the year. A flock of twenty mixed-race meat ewes, multiparous, in production, with an average 34.84 ± 1.75 kg live weight and 36 months of age was assigned to supplement treatment of 0, 200, 350, and 500 g concentrate/head/day for 3 years. The experiment was designed as a randomized complete design with repeated measures over time. Supplementation with concentrate did not influence chemical composition of selected forage. In contrast, season heavily influenced diet chemical composition. Canopy stratum, season, and plant botanical family of selected species affected forage chemical composition selected by ewes. The ewes selected forage with greater nutritive value during the rainy season. Based on principal component analysis of the nutritive value of the primary forage species selected, ewes preferentially grazed plants contained greater neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, crude protein (CP), C fraction of nitrogenous compounds, and carbohydrate fractions A + B1 and C compared to the average native Caatinga herbage. Rangeland botanical composition and ewe diet varied during the year, affecting forage nutrients on offer, with the best diet selected during the rainy season because of the presence of dicotyledonous herbaceous species rich in CP as well as soluble carbohydrates and nitrogenous compounds. Concentrate supplement strategies for ewes on rangelands, such as Caatinga, should be determined by herbaceous species nutritive value during the rainy season and deep-rooted perennial dicotyledons during the dry season. These include the need to monitor ewe selection of forage species and their nutritive value, which is effectively accomplished with fecal microhistological techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of organic selenium (SE) supplementation on blood constituents related to hematology and serum biochemistry of dairy goats in the productive phase. A total of 16 lactating Saanen × Toggenburg crossbred goats, aged between 2 and 3, lactating, nonpregnant, clinically healthy, and having a body weight (BW) of 40.75 ± 8.31 kg were selected for this study. Higher SE concentrations were observed on the 42 nd day of supplementation, and on the 63 rd day, the SE concentrations were similar ([Formula: see text]) to the 21 st and 42 nd days. There was no interaction for plasma constituents comparing treatment effects and days of supplementation ([Formula: see text]). SE supplementation reduced ([Formula: see text]) plasma proteins with a gradual increase in available SE. There was no difference ([Formula: see text]) for the blood count comparing the effects of treatment and days of supplementation. There was no interaction ([Formula: see text]) for serum biochemical constituents between treatments and periods, except for urea ([Formula: see text]). Animals that received SE supplementation had similar plasma urea concentrations before and after supplementation, while animals that did not receive SE in the diet had increased serum urea concentrations. The main action of selenium in metabolism occurred in the reduction of plasma proteins and urea levels, which leads us to conclude that it influenced protein metabolism. Finally, hematology, liver function, and energy metabolism are not affected by selenium supplementation in dairy goats reared in semiarid conditions., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)