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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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 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 study was to evaluate the production, fat and fatty acids of milk as well as the diameter, classification and quantity of the milk fat globules (MFG) of goats consuming a diet with 15% of crude glycerin. Twelve multiparous Saanen goats weighing 40 ± 6 kg and 90 ± 5 days of lactation were used. The experimental design was completely randomized with two treatments (0 and 15% inclusion of glycerin). In this way, each milk sample is classified according to the percentage of milk fat globules that were included in these three size categories. For the variables milk production, fat, diameter, medium and large fat globules and amount of globules showed a significant effect of the inclusion of glycerin in the diet (p < 0.05). Fifteen fatty acids were found, mostly saturated. For caprylic, palmitic, and linoleic fatty acids, there was no significant influence of the inclusion of glycerin (p > 0.05). Can recommend the use of 15% double-distilled glycerin in the feeding of lactating goats increased milk production, the amount of fat, increased the size of the milk fat globule. Regarding the saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, they kept the level of 15% of glycerin.

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.

Abstract The objective of this research was to evaluate the production, milk quality, consumption and financial analysis of milk from goats consuming diets with different levels of double-distilled glycerin. Twelve multiparous Saanen goats, weighing 40 ± 6 kg and 30 ± 5 days of lactation, kept in a confinement system for 60 days were used. The goats were randomly distributed in a Latin square (4 x 4), according to the levels of double-distilled glycerin. The ingredients used were tifton hay, ground corn grain, soybean meal, vitamin/mineral supplement, urea, and double-distilled glycerin levels (0, 6, 12 and 18%) to replace corn in the diets. The milk fat of goats fed with double-distilled glycerin in the diet showed a decreasing linear regressive effect (P = 0.001). Dry matter intake showed a quadratic regressive effect (P = 0.033). Evaluating the total cost of each diet, it was observed that the level containing 0% glycerin was the diet with the lowest cost per kilogram. The use of double-distilled glycerin in the feeding of dairy goats can be recommended up to the level of 18% of corn replacement without harming milk production, however, it is necessary to verify the economic viability, considering that there will be losses in the quality of the milk produced.

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 study characterized the lactoferrin (Lf) mRNA gene in different goat breeds in the Philippines and determined its association with subclinical mastitis (SCM). The study involved collection of milk at second week of lactation (n=75) and blood samples (n=5) to obtain extracted RNA and using cDNA to amplify Lf gene through polymerase chain reaction. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences were determined and used as reference in the evaluation of phylogenetic relationship. Amplified products were utilized for RFLP analysis before determining the association of the gene with SCM. Results of the study demonstrated that Lf gene in goats registered a molecular weight of 2135. Nucleotide and amino acid sequence of Lf gene revealed high similarity (99%) in Saanen, Anglo-Nubian and Philippine native goats with that of Capra hircus (U53857) Lf gene submitted to GenBank. Phylogenetic studies showed that Lf gene of Anglo-Nubian, Saanen and Native goats clade together with Lf gene of C. hircus (U53857). Three genotypes in goats were documented using the restriction enzymes AluI and HaeIII. Based on the Statistical analysis, association (comp 5.65, p = 0.0308) has been established between the Lf genes of goats with genotype BB to SCM using HaeIII restriction enzyme.

Abstract We evaluated the influence of the substitution of soybean meal by detoxified castor cake on performance, digestibility of nutrients, nitrogen balance, hepatic and renal functions of pregnant goats fed with diets containing detoxified castor cake by alkaline solutions during the stages (first two-thirds and final third) of pregnancy. Three diets were provided: one based on soybean meal and the other two based on castor cake detoxified with whit calcium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide. Goats fed detoxified castor cake sodium hydroxide had lower consumption. Was no effect (P>0.05) of diets or stages on the digestibility of dry matter and nutrients. The goats that received the diets based on soybean meal and detoxified castor cake calcium hydroxide consumed larger amounts of nitrogen. The goats fed with diet the basis of SM had greater weight in the parturition day. The average levels of enzymes for hepatic and renal functions were within normal patterns. Of enzymes related to liver metabolism, only the gamma-glutamyl transferase increased in the final third of pregnancy. The present study demonstrated that detoxified castor by sodium hydroxide reduces the consumption of goats during gestation, but did not affect negatively the renal and hepatic parameters.

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the blood flow of the uterine artery (UA) and umbilical artery (UMB) in the physiological pregnancy of goats by means of Doppler throughout the gestational period. Twenty-five Saanen goats weighing 55 ± 10 kg and aged between 2 and 5 were evaluated weekly, from the 21st until the 143rd day of gestation, and daily from that period until parturition. Values for peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistance (RI) and pulsatility (PI) indices of the uterine and umbilical arteries were determined. The values obtained were correlated with gestational age by Spearman's test, tested for adjustment to regression models and compared with the number of fetuses by ANOVA. The umbilical cord was first visualized at 28 days. Of the variables evaluated, RIUMB and PIUMB correlated with gestational age (p<0.001; and 0.046; respectively) and RIUMB had a low negative correlation with the number of fetuses per pregnancy (p = 0.003; r- Spearman = - 0.218). PSVUMB and EDVUMB values did not correlate with gestational age (p=0.737 and 0.768, respectively), but there was a decrease in the mean values throughout pregnancy (PSVUMB= 0.07; 0.31 and EDVUMB= 0.01; 0.06) as well as the change in the flow pattern of the spectral trace. The mean values of the uterine artery dopplervelocimetric variables PSVUT, EDVUT, PIUT and RIUT did not correlate with gestational age (p= 0.324; 0.372, 0.143; 0.13; respectively). It is expected that the results obtained will contribute to a broader understanding of the hemodynamic changes resulting from pregnancy in goats.

Abstract Resynchronization protocols have been proposed as a way of shortening females’ unproductive time in the flock, with good results in cattle and sheep. In goats, initial studies have shown that a second progestogen device inserted before luteolysis and pregnancy diagnosis does not interfere with the corpus luteum lifespan or functionality. This study aimed to evaluate the follicular growth, ovulation pattern and pregnancy rate after insertion of a second and new progestogen device for resynchronizing, with or without equine Chorionic Gonadotrophin (eCG), submitted to natural mating (NM) or artificial insemination (AI) to propose a viable resynchronization protocol for dairy goats. A total of 38 multiparous Saanen goats underwent a short-term progesterone protocol [six days exposed to medroxyprogesterone acetate (MAP) intravaginal sponges + 200 IU eCG and 0.12 mg of cloprostenol sodium on the 5th day + 0.025 mg of lecirelin 34 hours after sponge withdrawal] and, on day 16th after the ovulation, received a new MAP device which was retained until day 21. At this moment females were split into four groups: GeCG+NM – 100 IU eCG with NM; GSal+NM – saline solution with NM; GeCG+AI – 100 IU eCG with AI; and GSal+AI – saline solution with AI. Ultrasound scans were performed every 12 h from sponge withdrawal (day 21) until 108 h after sponge withdrawal (day 25) for follicular dynamics evaluation, at 240 h (day 31) for assessing the presence of active corpus luteum, and on day 60 for pregnancy diagnosis. No differences were found regarding ovulation time, synchronization and follicle size. However, GeCG+NM presented a greater estrus manifestation rate (100%) and pregnancy rate (62.5%) when compared to GSal+AI. In conclusion, resynchronization protocols in dairy goats may present satisfactory results.