ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate the nutrient intake, milk production, and production costs of dairy goats fed diets containing the rations with cactus cladodes (Opuntia stricta or Nopalea cochenillifera) associated with silage (Sorghum bicolor) or Tifton hay (Cynodon spp). Twelve pluriparous Saanen and Anglo Nubiana goats (42.25 ± 5.48 kg) at eight weeks of lactation were used. Treatments lasted 60 days, consisting of four periods of 15 days, distributed in three Latin square (4×4) with four diets. The treatments represented by diets with different associated feed: SSOP (Sorghum Silage + Opuntia); THOP (Tifton hay + Opuntia); SSNO (Sorghum Silage + Nopalea); and THNO (Tifton hay + Nopalea), in addition to concentrate in all diets. There were differences (p < 0.05) for the intakes of DM, OM, with higher values observed for goats fed the diets THNO, THOP, and SSNO, and for CP, NDF and ADF were higher for THNO and SSNO diets. Similar behavior occurred for voluntary and total water intake. The milk production and feed efficiency did not differ (p > 0.05). Costs with food, milk revenue, and gross revenue were not influenced by diets (p > 0.05). The Opuntia or Nopalea cactus cladodes genotypes associated with sorghum silage or tifton hay can be used to feed dairy goats in the semiarid region. ABSTRACT intake cochenillifera Sorghum bicolor Cynodon spp. spp . spp) 42.25 4225 42 25 (42.2 548 5 48 5.4 kg 6 days 1 4×4 44 4 (4×4 Opuntia) Nopalea) Nopalea, , p 0.05 005 0 05 DM OM CP 0.05. food region 42.2 422 2 (42. 54 5. 4× (4× 0.0 00 42. (42 (4 0. (

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to determine the variation factors in the growth of Saanen offspring in a commercial dairy farm in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The sex and initial weight of the offspring were evaluated, as well as the number of lactations, type and season of delivery of the dams. The study included 164 kids born in 2019. Body weight was recorded at 20 days (P20) of age and every 15 ± 3 days until the final stage of artificial rearing (75 ± 5 days). Daily weight gain (GDP) was calculated from P20 to final (P75). Multivariate analysis of variance was used to evaluate the effect of lactation number, type and season of delivery of the dams, and initial weight of the offspring on GDP and P75. The GDP and P75 of the Heavykids (131 ± 4.42 g/day and 12.4 ± 0.3 kg) and those born in Winter (143 ± 5.22 g/day and 12.7 ± 0.3 kg) were significantly higher than the Light kids (117 ± 3.65 g/day and 10.8 ± 0.2 kg) and born in Spring (105 ± 7.32 g/day and 10.4 ± 0.4 kg). It is concluded that the selection of animals with higher initial weight and born in winter would allow the artificial breeding process to be optimized.

RESUMEN Este estudio se llevó a cabo para determinar los factores de variación en el crecimiento de crías Saanenenun tambo comercial de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Se evaluó el sexo y peso inicial de las crías, y el número de lactancia, tipo y época de parto de las madres. Se trabajó con 164 cabritos en 2019. Se registró el peso a los 20 días (P20) de edad y cada 15 ± 3 días hasta la etapa final de la crianza artificial (75 ± 5 días). Se calculó la ganancia diaria de peso (GDP) a partir del P20 y final (P75). Se utilizó el análisis de varianza multifactorial para evaluar el efecto del número de lactancia, tipo y época de parto de las madres y peso inicial de las crías sobre GDP y P75. La GDP y P75 de las crías Pesadas (131 ± 4.42 g/día y 12.4 ± 0.3 kg) y nacidas en Invierno (143 ± 5.22 g/día y 12.7 ± 0.3 kg) fue significativamente superior a las Livianas (117 ± 3.65 g/día y 10.83 ± 0.2 kg) y nacidas en Primavera (105 ± 7.32 g/día y 10.4 ± 0.4 kg). Se concluye que la selección de animales de mayor peso inicial y nacidos en invierno permitirían optimizar el proceso de crianza artificial.

Resumen La asociación entre las mediciones corporales y las mediciones de la ubre se puede utilizar para mejorar la producción de leche. El objetivo del estudio fue investigar la correlación entre los rasgos de mediciones de la ubre y la producción de leche. El estudio se realizó en el pueblo de Sikline en Mankweng, distrito de Capricorn de la provincia de Limpopo, Sudáfrica, donde se utilizó un total de 30 cabras Saanen lactantes. Se utilizó la técnica de correlación de Pearson para el análisis de los datos. Los resultados mostraron una correlación significativa (P<0.05) entre la distancia entre pezones y la producción de leche (r= 0.45) y una correlación negativa altamente significativa (P˂0.01) entre el diámetro del pezón y la producción de leche (r= -0.57). El peso corporal y la producción de leche (r= 0.54) tuvieron una correlación positiva altamente significativa (P˂0.01). El hallazgo del presente estudio implica que el peso corporal y la distancia entre pezones se puede utilizar para mejorar la producción de leche en las cabras Saanen. El hallazgo del estudio podría usarse para predecir la producción de leche de las cabras Saanen. Sin embargo, es necesario realizar más estudios sobre la relación de las mediciones corporales y de la ubre y la producción de leche utilizando un tamaño de muestra más grande.

Abstract The association between body measurements and udder measurements can be used towards the improvement of milk yield. The objective of the study was to investigate the correlation between udder measurement traits and milk yield. The study was conducted at Sikline village in Mankweng, Capricorn district of Limpopo province, South Africa where a total number of 30 lactating Saanen goats were used. Pearson’s correlation technique was used for data analysis. The results showed a significant (P<0.05) correlation between distance between teats and milk yield (r= 0.45) and a highly negative significant (P˂0.01) correlation between teat diameter and milk yield (r= -0.57). Body weight and milk yield (r= 0.54) had a highly positive significant correlation (P˂0.01). The finding of the current study implies that body weight and distance between teats can be used to improve the milk yield in Saanen goats. The finding of the study might be used to predict the milk yield of Saanen goats. However, further studies need to be conducted on relation of body and udder measurements and milk yield using higher sample size.

Abstract Background: Goat production has grown worldwide as a way to improve the quality of rural life and reduce the environmental footprint; nevertheless, there is a need to increase productivity through improved feeding strategies. The market demands healthier products with organoleptic characteristics similar to the traditional ones; thus, it is necessary to evaluate the effect of new forages for goats and its acceptance by consumers. Chemical and organoleptic composition of goat milk vary according to the diet which, in turn, affects the characteristics of cheese. Cheese texture, taste and smell are the most important sensory attributes for consumers. Objective: To evaluate the effect of substituting corn straw with sunflower hay associated with chickpea for dairy goats on yield, chemical composition and sensory acceptability of cheese, as well profitability. Methods: Twenty-eight Saanen dairy goats were randomly assigned to two treatments in a 30-day experiment on a small farm. The daily ration per goat in the MZST treatment (control treatment) consisted of alfalfa hay (200 g/goat/day) and concentrate (400 g/goat/day) plus 600 g/goat/day (50% of the ration) of corn straw. The SFCP treatment substituted corn straw with sunflower-chickpea hay; it had the same alfalfa and concentrate content, but with no corn straw and was added with 600 g/goat/day of sunflower-chickpea hay. The yield, composition and sensory evaluation of fresh cheese made with milk from each treatment were recorded, and the feeding costs and returns evaluated. Variables for the chemical composition of cheese were analyzed following a completely randomized design. Results: Significant differences were observed in cheese yield and all chemical composition variables. According to sensory evaluation, SFCP cheese had significantly higher scores for texture and odor but lower for taste and overall acceptability compared to MZST. In terms of profitability, SFCP increased feed costs by 5% but resulted in higher margins over feed costs of 12 and 24% for milk and cheese, respectively, compared to MZST. Conclusion: In spite of favorable performance and economic returns of MZST treatment (control treatment), the organoleptic characteristics of the cheese reduced its general acceptance.

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Resumo Antecedentes: A produção de caprinos em todo o mundo tem crescido como forma de melhorar a qualidade de vida rural e reduzir a pegada ambiental; pero há uma necessidade de aumentar a produtividade através de estratégias de alimentação melhoradas. A crescente procura dos consumidores por produtos mais saudáveis mas com características organolépticas semelhantes aos tradicionais, tornou necessário desenvolver estratégias para satisfazer esta necessidade, pelo que é necessário avaliar o efeito de novas forrageiras nas dietas na sua aceitação pelos consumidores. A composição química e organoléptica do leite de cabra varia de acordo com a dieta, o que por sua vez afeta as características do queijo de leite de cabra. Entre os atributos sensoriais mais importantes para os consumidores estão textura, sabor e cheiro. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da substituição da palha de milho por feno de girassol associada ao grão-de-bico na alimentação de cabras leiteiras, em termos de rendimento, composição química e aceitabilidade sensorial do queijo, bem como desempenho econômico. Métodos: Vinte e oito cabras leiteiras Saanen foram distribuídas aleatoriamente em dois tratamentos em um experimento de 30 dias em uma fazenda de pequena escala. A ração diária por cabra no tratamento MZST (tratamento controle) consistia em feno de alfafa (200 g/cabra/dia) e concentrado (400 g/cabra/dia) mais 600 g/cabra/dia (50% da ração) de a palha de milho e o tratamento SFCP (tratamento substituiu o feno de girassol-grão moído) continham os mesmos teores de alfafa e concentrado, mas com 600 g/cabra/dia de feno de girassol-grão. O rendimento, a composição e a avaliação sensorial dos queijos in natura feitos com leite de cada tratamento foram registrados e os custos de alimentação e retornos avaliados. As variáveis de composição química dos queijos foram analisadas seguindo um delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Resultados: Houve diferenças significativas no rendimento do queijo e para todas as variáveis de composição química. A avaliação sensorial mostrou que o queijo SFCP teve pontuações significativamente mais altas para textura e odor, mas significativamente mais baixas para sabor e aceitabilidade geral em comparação com o MZST. Em termos econômicos, o SFCP aumentou os custos com alimentação em 5%, mas resultou em margens mais altas sobre os custos com alimentação de 12 e 24% para leite e queijo, respectivamente, em comparação com o MZST. Conclusão: Apesar do desempenho favorável e do retorno econômico com o tratamento MZST (tratamento controle), mudanças nas características organolépticas do queijo reduziram sua aceitação geral.

Abstract Background: Goat milk production has been increasing in northern Mexico; however, there is little information available about its quality. Objective: To compare goat milk quality during three seasons among creole goats in a traditional grazing system and stabled Saanen and French-Alpine goats. Methods: An experiment was performed in a completely randomized nested design with seasonality factor (fixed effects) with three levels (rain, transition, and drought) and breed factor (fixed effect with three levels (Creole, Saanen and French-Alpine)) nested within the season-of-the-year factor. Fifteen goats were randomly selected: five Creole in the extensive grazing system, five stabled Saanen, and five stabled French-Alpine. The factors assessed in milk were fat content, non-fat solids, protein, lactose, salts, density, freezing point, conductivity, and pH (using a Lactoscan® device). Results: With respect to season for all the breeds: fat, non-fat solids, protein, lactose, and salt contents were higher (p≤0.05) for goats sampled in the rainy season, followed by drought and transition seasons, respectively. The variables related to milk quality by breed and season showed that milk fat content of creole goats was greater (p≤0.05) in the drought season; salt and non-fat content (p≤0.05) in the three seasons of the year; density and protein increased (p≤0.05) in the transition and rainy seasons, while lactose was greater (p≤0.05) in drought and rainy seasons; protein was greater (p≤0.05) in transition and rainy seasons; and the freezing point was lower (p≤0.05) in the transition season. Regarding conductivity, French-Alpine milk was greater (p≤0.05) in the drought season. Conclusion: Season of the year significantly affects milk quality, with increased quality during the rainy season in creole grazing goats.

Resumen Antecedentes: La producción de leche de cabra se ha venido incrementando en el norte de México,; sin embargo, existe poca información sobre su calidad. Objetivo: Comparar la calidad de la leche de cabra durante tres épocas del año para cabras criollas en pastoreo y cabras puras de dos razas diferentes bajo estabulación. Métodos: El experimento se realizó mediante un diseño anidado completamente aleatorizado, con el factor época del año (efecto fijo) con tres niveles (lluvia, transición y sequia) y el factor raza (efecto fijo) con tres niveles (Criolla, Saanen y Alpino-Francesa) anidado dentro del factor época del año. En el sistema de pastoreo extensivo se eligieron al azar cinco cabras de raza Criolla, en el sistema estabulado se eligieron al azar cinco cabras de la raza Saanen y cinco de la raza Alpino-Francesa. La variables medidas fueron: contenido de grasa, sólidos no grasos, proteína, lactosa, sales, densidad, punto de congelación, conductividad y pH (utilizando el dispositivo Lactoscan®). Resultados: Respecto a la temporada del año para las tres razas se encontró que los contenidos en leche de grasa, sólidos no grasos, proteína, lactosa y sales fueron mayores (p≤0,05) en la época de lluvias, seguido por la leche muestreada en sequía y transición. Las variables por raza y temporada del año arrojaron que la grasa fue mayor (p≤0,05) en cabras criollas en sequía, solidos no grasos fue mayor (p≤0,05) en las tres temporadas del año en cabras criollas, la densidad aumentó (p≤0,05) en cabras criollas en transición y lluvia. La proteína fue mayor (p≤0,05) en cabras criollas en transición y lluvia, mientras que la lactosa fue mayor (p≤0,05) en cabras criollas en sequía y lluvia. El menor punto de congelación (p≤0,05) se presentó en cabras criollas en transición, la conductividad fue mayor (p≤0,05) en cabras Alpina-Francesa en sequía y la concentración de sales fue mayor (p ≤0,05) en cabras criollas durante las tres temporadas. Conclusión: Existe un marcado efecto de la temporada sobre la calidad de la leche, siendo la epoca de lluvias cuando se presenta mejor calidad en cabras criollas en pastoreo.

Resumo Antecedentes: No norte do México a produção de leite de cabra aumentou; no entanto, a qualidade do leite é desconhecida. Objetivo: Comparar a qualidade do leite de cabra durante três estações do ano com cabras crioulas em sistema de pastoreio tradicional e cabras Saanen e franco-alpinas em estábulos. Métodos: O experimento foi realizado através de um delineamento completamente casualizado com o fator de sazonalidade (efeitos fixos) com três níveis (chuva, transição e seca) e fator de raça (efeito fixo com três níveis (crioulo, Saanen e franco-alpino) aninhados dentro do fator estação do ano quinze cabras foram selecionadas aleatoriamente, cinco no sistema de pastejo extensivo, cinco Saanen e cinco Franco-Alpino no sistema estábulo. Os fatores avaliados no leite foram teor de gordura, sólidos desengordurados, proteína, lactose, sais, densidade, ponto de congelamento, condutividade e pH pelo aparelho Lactoscan®. Resultados: Em relação às estações do ano, nas três raças, mostrou que os teores de gordura, sólidos desengordurados, proteínas, lactose e sal foram maiores (p≤0,05) nas cabras cujo leite foi amostrado na ocasião um de chuvas seguido por aquele amostrado nas estações de seca e transição, respectivamente. As variáveis relacionadas à qualidade do leite de cabra por raça e ano, mostraram que nas cabras crioulas o teor de gordura foi maior (p≤0,05) na estação seca; teor de sal e gordura (p≤0,05) nas três estações do ano; a densidade aumentou significativamente e o teor de proteína foi maior (p≤0,05) nas estações de transição e chuvas, enquanto o valor de lactose foi maior (p≤0,05) nas estações seca e chuvosa; o teor de proteína foi maior (p≤0,05) nas estações de transição e chuvas; e o ponto de congelamento foi menor (p≤0,05) na estação de transição. Em relação à condutividade, o leite de cabra franco-alpino apresentou valor significativamente superior (p≤0,05) na seca. Conclusão: A qualidade do leite tem um efeito significativo por estação, sendo que a estação chuvosa aumentou a qualidade do leite em cabras crioulas em pastejo.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to determine the effect of using different sources of nitrogen to supply part of degradable intake protein needs in lactating goat performance and its effect on excretion of microbial purine derivatives and blood metabolites. Thirty-two lactating Saanen goats (body weight 38.85 ± 2.14 kg and 1979 ± 0.25 g day-1 milk yield) were used in a one-way ANOVA completely randomized design. Goats were assigned to the following treatments for a 10-wk experimental period: 1) Control (canola meal as a nitrogen source); 2) Urea (0.5% urea); 3) Optigen (0.55% Optigen- Alltech. Inc., Lexington, KY) and 4) Polymer-Coated Urea (PCU- international patent number: A01K5/00, 0.7% PCU) based on dry mater intake. Non-protein nitrogen groups had a comparative effect (p > 0.05) between control and other treatments on milk composition, microbial protein synthesis and they affected on blood factors including urea, cholesterol, and ALT. Dry matter intake decreased (p > 0.05) in PCU, Optigen, Urea than Control goats. Synthesis of microbial protein in PCU goats was 22.5 g day-1 and it was greater (p > 0.05) than other treatments. Plasma cholesterol was increased in PCU and Optigen, whereas urea concentration was increased in Urea and Control goats. Milk production was higher in PCU than Urea and Control. Feed conversion ratio was improved (p > 0.05) in PCU and Optigen goats versus other treatments. This study demonstrated that polymer-coated urea can be utilized as a nitrogen source and improve goats milk performance. ABSTRACT metabolites Thirtytwo Thirty two body 3885 38 85 38.8 214 2 14 2.1 197 025 0 25 0.2 day1 day 1 day- yield oneway one way design 10wk wk 10 period canola source) 0.5% 05 5 (0.5 urea) 3 0.55% 055 55 (0.55 Alltech Inc Inc. Lexington KY 4 PolymerCoated Polymer Coated (PCU number A01K500 AK A01K5 00 A K A01K5/00 07 7 0.7 Nonprotein Non p 0.05 005 composition ALT 225 22 22. polymercoated polymer coated 388 8 38. 21 2. 19 02 0. 0.5 (0. 0.55 A01K50 A01K A01K5/0 0.0 (0 A01K5/ (

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate and correlate modifications of vaginal mucous impedance, vulvar temperature and ultrasonographic measurements (echobiometric parameters) to parturition in pregnant Saanen does. 30 does were selected for the study and submitted to an estrus synchronization protocol and natural mating. The females were evaluated daily from Day 143 of pregnancy to parturition. For the sonographic evaluations, the following structures were measured: biparietal diameter, thoracic diameter, abdominal diameter, ocular orbit, kidney length, kidney height, cardiac area, placentome length, cervical measurement and fetal heart rate; by means of two different approaches: transrectal and transabdominal, using a 7.5 MHz linear transducer. The vaginal mucous impedance was assessed using an electric estrous detector and vulvar temperature was measured using a non-contact infrared thermometer. Statistical analysis was performed using the R-project software and the significance level was set at 5% for all tests. 25 Saanen does became pregnant, resulting in 80.33% pregnancy rate. Fetal heart rate was negatively correlated to the hours to parturition (p<0,001; r-Pearson= -0,451), as well as vaginal temperature (p= 0,001; r-Pearson= -0,275), while cervical thickness was positively correlated to hours to parturition (p<0,001; r-Pearson= 0,490). The echobiometric parameters (biparietal diameter, thoracic diameter, abdominal diameter, ocular orbit, kidney length and height, cardiac area, placentome length), as well as vaginal mucous impedance did not vary throughout the timepoints of evaluation and did not correlate to the moment of parturition. It was concluded that the parameters of fetal heartbeat, vaginal temperature and cervical effacement in the last week of pregnancy provide valuable information regarding the proximity of parturition. 3 mating 14 evaluations diameter orbit height area approaches transabdominal 75 7 5 7. transducer noncontact non contact thermometer Rproject R project tests 2 8033 80 33 80.33 p<0,001 p0001 p 0 001 (p<0,001 rPearson= rPearson r Pearson= Pearson r-Pearson 0,451, 0451 0,451 , 451 -0,451) p= (p 0,001 0001 0,275, 0275 0,275 275 -0,275) 0,490. 0490 0,490 . 490 0,490) length) heartbeat 1 803 8 80.3 p<0,00 p000 00 (p<0,00 045 0,45 45 -0,451 0,00 000 027 0,27 27 -0,275 049 0,49 49 80. p<0,0 p00 (p<0,0 04 0,4 4 -0,45 0,0 02 0,2 -0,27 p<0, p0 (p<0, 0, -0,4 -0,2 p<0 (p<0 -0, p< (p< -0 -

This study was carried out to compare some production traits of Alpine × Hair-crossbred, Saanen × Hair-crossbred, and Hair goats in rural conditions. In the first year of the study, a total of 45 animals were used to determine the milk yield characteristics of the three genotypes. In the second year, a total of 56 does and 62 goat kids were used to determine the characteristics of the animals. The ICAR AT method was used to calculate the lactation milk yield of the goats. The average lactation lengths, the average lactation milk yields, and the daily average milk yields of Alpine × Hair-crossbred, Saanen × Hair-crossbred, and Hair goats were 242, 232, and 229 days; 182, 201, and 164 kg; and 0.754, 0.873, and 0.716 kg, respectively. The effect of genotype on lactation milk yield and daily average milk yield was statistically significant. Live weights of the kids were recorded at monthly intervals and live weights of the kids for days 30, 60, 90, and 120 were calculated by linear interpolation. The effect of genotype on the 90- and 120-day weights were similar. Measurements of udder characteristics were determined twice, at the beginning (30 d) and at the end (180 d) of the lactation period. It was determined that crossbreeding had no effect on udder characteristics except the distance between teats and udder depth. The main result of this study is that crossbreeding substantially increased milk yield in goats, even at the F1 level, under extensive conditions.

Abstract Pascalia glauca is one of the most important poisonous plants in Argentina. Although goats are known to be susceptible to P. glauca poisoning, reports about this species are scarce. This work aimed to characterize the experimental intoxication in goats with P. glauca. 12 adult Saanen goats were divided into 4 groups based on the amount of the plant given. Groups 1 to 3 ingested 4g/kg, 6g/kg and 8g/kg of dry plant respectively. The fourth group was the control group and it was offered alfalfa hay only. The poisoned animals were inspected every two hours and blood samples were collected 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours after poisoning to measure the level of liver enzymes. Clinically, groups 2 and 3 showed anorexia, depression, recumbency, myoclonus, seizures and death between 9 and 24 hours after poisoning. Pathologic findings included centrilobular necrosis with and without hemorrhages. Both groups showed elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase activity between 6 and 24 hours after P. glauca ingestion. The Control group and group 1 did not show clinical signs or hepatic enzyme elevation despite being controlled for 15 days after the poisoning. This work allowed us to collect further information about the clinical and pathological aspects of P. glauca poisoning in goats.

RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a identificação eletrônica nos membros e orelhas de cabras da raça Saanen. Cinquenta e sete cabras foram identificadas eletronicamente nas pernas (ELT) e nas orelhas (EET) desde o nascimento até o término do período de lactação. A leitura de ELT e EET foi de 96,30% e 90,55%, respectivamente, em condições estáticas ao final de 12 meses. As taxas de infecção de pé e úbere, em cabras calmas e agressivas, foram de 95,70% e 100% para ELT e EET em animais sem infecção, respectivamente. Não foi encontrado efeito significativo do método de marcação e temperamento animal. Com o resultado, a baixa rastreabilidade dos animais com marcas de orelha foi determinada por este estudo. Além disso, sugere-se que materiais de etiquetagem de menor porte seriam mais precisos quando a região do metatarso do animal fosse selecionado como área corporal para a colocação de etiquetas de identificação em cabras. A questão resultante a ser considerada é que a marcação da perna não deve afetar negativamente o bem-estar animal e a saúde dos pés e do úbere. Futuramente, o uso de etiquetas na identificação de cabras será mais difundido, pois não agride os animais e tem alta capacidade de leitura.

ABSTRACT: This study, evaluated the readability of electronic leg and ear tags in Saanen goats. Fifty-seven goats were identified with the electronic leg tags (ELT) and electronic ear tags (EET) from birth until the lactation period ends. Readability of ELT and EET was 96.30% and 90.55% respectively in static conditions at the end of 12 months. Foot and udder, with no infection rates for ELT and EET in calm and aggressive goats were 95.70% and 100%, respectively. No infection rates of foot and udder for ELT and EET in calm and aggressive goats were 95.70% and 100%, respectively. Tagging method and animal temperament was not statistically significant. As a result, low animal traceability with ear tags was determined by this study. Besides, it is suggested that smaller-sized tagging materials would be more accurate when the ankle was selected as a body area to place identification tags in goats. The resulting issue to be considered is that the leg tagging should not negatively affect the animal welfare and the foot and udder health. In the future, using a leg band in the identification of goats will become more widespread as it does not damage animals and has a high readability capacity.

RESUMEN Se evaluó la acción de un reconstituyente metabólico como respuesta al estro de cabras Saanen x Alpina. Se utilizaron 36 cabras multíparas y se asignaron aleatoriamente a uno de tres tratamientos: T1 (n= 12): CIDR+eCG con reconstituyente metabólico (REC); T2 (n= 12): CIDR+eCG con solución isotónica (ISO); T3 (n= 12): CIDR+eCG (TEST). Se evaluó que los datos provinieran de una población distribuida normalmente. La respuesta al estro (RE), inicio del estro (IE), retorno al estro (RET), gestación (GEST), parición (PAR) y fertilidad (FER) se analizaron mediante la prueba no paramétrica de Kruskal-Wallis; la duración del estro (DE), fecundidad (FEC) y prolificidad (PROL) mediante un análisis de varianza y se utilizó la prueba de Tukey (α= 0.05) para comparar medias entre tratamientos. El tratamiento con REC redujo (p <0.05) el IE (T1: 20.78 h, T2: 32.54 h, T3: 33.68 h), aumentó la FEC (T1: 1.42, T2: 0.92, T3: 0.92) e incrementó la PROL (T1: 2.1, T2: 1.4, T3: 1.4). El tratamiento con ISO tuvo efecto similar al tratamiento TEST (p >0.05) en las variables de estudio. El reconstituyente metabólico durante la sincronización del estro en cabras Saanen x Alpina reduce el inicio del estro e incrementa la fecundidad y la prolificidad.

ABSTRACT The action of a metabolic treatment was evaluated in response to estrus synchronization in Saanen x Alpina goats. Thirty-six multiparous goats were used and randomly assigned to one of three treatments: T1 (n= 12): CIDR+eCG with metabolic restorative (MR); T2 (n= 12): CIDR+eCG with isotonic solution (ISO); T3 (n= 12): CIDR+eCG (CONTROL). Data were tested to come from a normally distributed population. Response to estrus (RE), the onset of estrus (OE), return to estrus (RET), gestation (GEST), calving (PAR), and fertility (FER) were analyzed using the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test; estrus duration (ED), fecundity (FEC) and prolificacy (PROL) through an analysis of variance and Tukey's test (α= 0.05) to compare means between treatments. MR treatment reduced (p <0.05) OE (T1: 20.78 h, T2: 32.54 h, T3: 33.68 h), increased FEC (T1: 1.42, T2: 0.92, T3: 0.92), and increased PROL (T1: 2.1, T2: 1.4, T3: 1.4). The ISO treatment had a similar effect to the CONTROL treatment (p >0.05) in the study variables. The metabolic restorative treatment during estrus synchronization in Saanen x Alpine goats reduces the onset of estrus and increases fertility and prolificacy.

Resumen En el presente estudio se analizó la relación del grado de FAMACHA©, la condición corporal y la edad de cabras Saanen, con la producción de leche diaria en dos establecimientos lecheros de la provincia de Buenos Aires. Se evaluaron 318 cabras en el segundo tercio de lactancia. Se midió el volumen de leche diario (L) obtenido mediante ordeño mecánico dos veces al día. Las variables y cabras se categorizaron según FAMACHA© en Aceptable (n=56, grados 1 y 2), Intermedio (n=178, grado 3) y Riesgoso (n=84, grados 4 y 5); por la condición corporal se clasificaron en Flaco (n=158, ≤2,75 puntos), Bueno (n=153, 3 a 3,75 puntos) y Obeso (n=7, ≥4 puntos) y, por la edad, en Joven (n=99, <2 años), Adulto 1 (n=142, 3-4 años) y Adulto 2 (n=77, ≥5 años). El volumen de producción diaria de leche fue mayor en las cabras de las categorías Aceptable e Intermedio, Bueno y Adulto 1. Las cabras pertenecientes a las categorías Riesgoso y Flaco (n=54; 1,353 L) produjeron significativamente menos que el resto de la población (n=264; 1,753 L) mientras que las de las categorías Aceptable y Bueno produjeron 19,2 % más. Se concluyó que la producción láctea en cabras Saanen puede optimizarse implementando ajustes sanitarios y alimenticios basados en la evaluación rutinaria de FAMACHA© y de la condición corporal.

Abstract The objective of the present study was to analyze the relationship of the FAMACHA© grade, body condition score (BCS) and age with the daily milk production of Saanen goats, from two dairy farms of Buenos Aires province. A total of 318 Saanen goats were evaluated in the second third of lactation. Daily milk volume (L) was measured during mechanical milking twice a day. Goats were categorized according to FAMACHA© in Acceptable (n=56, grades 1 and 2), Intermediate (n=178, grade 3) and Risky (n=84, grades 4 and 5); according to BCS in Skinny (n=158, ≤2.75 points), Good (n=153, 3 to 3.75 points) and Obese (n=7, ≥4 points); and according to age in Young (n=99, <2 years), Adult 1 (n=142, 3-4 years) and Adult 2 (n=77, ≥5 years). Daily milk production was higher in goats of the Acceptable and Intermediate, Good, and Adult 1 groups. The goats categorized Risky and Skinny (n=54; 1.353 L) produced significantly less milk than the rest of the population (n=264; 1.753 L), and those categorized Acceptable and Good produced 19.2 % more. Dairy production in Saanen goats may be optimized by sanitary and nutritional improvements based on routinary use of FAMACHA© and BCS evaluations.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacement of corn with pre-dried cassava root silage (CRS) on intake, ingestive behavior, production and composition of goat milk. Five lactating Saanen goats were used, with 42.5 ± 4.2 kg body weight and production of 2 kg milk day-1, distributed in a 5 x 5 Latin square with five treatments: 0, 28.6, 58.0, 81.6 and 100% replacement of corn with CRS in the diet dry matter. Goats were monitored for five periods of 15 days each. The intake of dry matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber decreased linearly (p <0.05) with the replacement of corn with CRS. Feeding (348.5 ± 62.1 min.) and rumination (468.8 ± 83.8 min.) times were not influenced (p >0.05) by the replacement of corn with CRS, but the ingestion and rumination efficiencies had a linear increase (p > 0.05). Milk production (2.17 ± 0.45 kg day-1), fat (3.49 ± 0.42%), protein (3.11 ± 0.13%) and lactose (4.47 ± 0,11%) of goat milk were not influenced (p >0.05) by the replacement of corn with CRS. Therefore, it is recommended the total replacement of corn with pre-dried cassava root silage in the diet for dairy goats with an average production of 2 kg day-1.

ABSTRACT. 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 The objective of this research was to evaluate the physicochemical quality of milk and cheese from goats-fed diets containing different concentrations of flaxseed oil in replacement of corn. Eight multiparous Saanen goats weighing 51.0 ± 8.0 kg and 67.0 ± 18.0 days of lactation were used. According to the concentrations of linseed oil inclusion in the diet, the goats were randomly distributed in a latin square (4 x 4), according to the concentrations of linseed oil inclusion in the diet (0, 1, 2, and 3%). Milk samples from each animal were collected twice a day, at regular times, during the three days of data collection in each period, for subsequent physicochemical and fatty acid profile analysis employing gas chromatography. The non-fat solids (P = 0.0302) and density (P = 0.0327) variables sgnificantly affected linseed oil in the goats' feed. Regressive effects (linear and quadratic) were not observed for other variables studied, except for lactose and density. Thus, 20 fatty acids have been identified in goat milk, which gives us an essential source of information about animal diet and milk quality concerning human health benefits. Furthermore, there were changes in the lipid profile of milk, decreasing saturated fatty acids and increasing unsaturated fatty acids, resulting in health-promoting effects.