Some hematological and biochemical parameters of different goat breeds in Sultanate of Oman "A preliminary study"

Effects of Chitosan-Based Additive on Rumen Fermentation and Microbial Community, Nutrients Digestibility and Lactation Performance in Goats

Recently, the potential of using chitosan (CHI) as a feed additive to enhance ruminal fermentation and improve animal performance has gained increasing attention in ruminant nutrition. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation with increasing doses of CHI on rumen fermentation attributes and microbial composition, digestibility and milk performance in Dhofari goats. Twenty-four lactating goats (27 ± 1.8 kg of initial live body weight) were fed a control diet comprising of Rhodes grass hay plus a concentrate feed mixture. Goats were assigned to one of three experimental treatments (n = 8 per treatment) as: (1) control diet with no supplement (CTRL), (2) control diet with 0.300 g/day CHI (CHI0.3) and (3) control diet supplemented with 0.600 g/day CHI (CHI0.6) for a 45-day experimental period. Dietary supplementation with increasing doses of CHI decreased (p < 0.05) linearly ruminal pH (p = 0.023), total short chain fatty acids concentrations (p = 0.011), acetate (p = 0.013) and butyrate (p = 0.042) proportions, acetate to propionate ratio (p < 0.001), estimated methane (CH4) production (p < 0.001), ammonia nitrogen concentrations (p = 0.003) and protozoa abundance (p = 0.003). However, the ruminal propionate proportion augmented (p = 0.002) linearly with increasing doses of CHI in the diet. Increasing doses of CHI linearly increased the abundance of the ruminal propionate-producing bacteria, while diminished acetate and CH4-producing bacteria (p < 0.05). Serum total protein (p = 0.037) and glucose (p = 0.042) levels linearly increased as CHI doses increased in the diet. However, serum UREA levels decreased linearly (p = 0.002) by 21% with increasing CHI amounts in the diet. The digestibility of organic matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fibre increased linearly with the increasing CHI doses (p < 0.05). Neither linear nor quadratic responses (p > 0.05) were observed in daily milk yield and feed efficiency by supplementing the diet with CHI. In conclusion, supplementing the diet with CHI at a dose of 0.600 g/day as a feed additive for dairy goats reduced estimated CH4 generation and improved fibre and protein digestion, with no influence on feed intake, milk yield or composition.

The influence of breed's difference on the hemogram and biochemistry profile of goats raised in Libya during winter

Background

In Libya, goats are considered as one of the most important livestock in which there are many breeds of goats such as Kurdi, Hegazi, Cyprus, Shami, and Mahali. A little hematological and biochemical information is known on these goat breeds raised in Libya.

Aim

The main purpose was to verify the effect of breed variations on the hematological and biochemical parameters of goat breeds raised in Libya.

Methods

The blood samples were collected in the winter season from 70 clinically healthy animals of different breeds for hematology and biochemical analysis.

Results

Regarding the effect of breeds on blood hematology, significantly higher number (p < 0.01) of Mid cells were found in Hegazi (3.12 ± 1.30 × 103/µl) and Cyprus (2.41 ± 1.69 × 103/µl) when compared to other goat's breeds including Kurdi (2.28 ± 0.95 × 103/µl), Shami (1.90 ± 0.84 × 103/µl), and Mahali (1.37 ± 0.88 × 103/µl). Moreover, the percentage of Mid cells was highest in Hegazi (22.34% ± 9.40%), 11.40% ± 4.34%), followed by Kurdi (17.71% ± 8.16%), Cyprus (15.84% ± 8.33%), Shami (13.38% ± 5.76%), and lowest in Mahali (11.40% ± 4.34%). There are significant differences (p < 0. 01) in hemoglobin (Hb), red blood cells (RBCs), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), red cell width distribution-coefficient of variation (RDW-CV, %), and red cell distribution width-standard deviation (RDW-SD, fl) values among all different breeds of Libyan goats. The results of biochemistry displayed significant changes among the studied goats' breeds, where the highest serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT, U/L) activity was observed in Cyprus (17.81 ± 7.95) and Shami (17.27 ± 1.15) compared with Hegazi (15.31 ± 6.13) and Mahali (14.60 ± 0.46), while Kurdi breed (11.68 ± 7.95) showed the lowest ALT activity. Moreover, significant differences (p < 0.01) in serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH, U/l), total and direct bilirubin, glucose (GLU), creatinine, lipid profile, and electrolyte levels were recorded among different breeds used in this study. On the other hand, non-significant variations (p >0. 05) are reported in aspartate aminotransferase (U/l), alkaline phosphatase (U/l), total protein (g/dl), albumin (g/dl), urea and magnesium (Mg, mg/dl) levels.

Conclusion

These results showed a significant difference between some blood parameters of goat breeds raised in Libya. This could aid veterinarians in interpreting laboratory data properly in order to improve the management and conservation of those breeds.

Effects of Hemp-Derived Cannabidiol Supplementation on Blood Variables, Carcass Characteristics, and Meat Quality of Goats

Stress experienced by animals during pre-mortem management handling significantly affects both their welfare and the quality of the meat produced. Using hemp-derived CBD may offer several benefits in alleviating this issue. In this study, we investigated the effects of hemp-derived CBD supplementation on blood variables, growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality in goats. Sixteen crossbred Boer goats were divided into four groups receiving a basal diet supplemented with 0 (control), 0.1, 0.2, or 0.3 mL CBD/30 kg body weight over 90 days. Although growth, carcass characteristics, and pH remained unaffected, CBD supplementation influenced several blood variables. Specifically, dietary CBD at 0.1-0.3 mL increased white blood cell (WBC) counts, while 0.3 mL CBD increased serum total protein, globulin, sodium, and carbon dioxide levels, potentially affecting protein metabolism and electrolyte balance. Over time, significant changes were noted in hematological profiles, kidney markers, protein profiles, and some electrolytes, indicating physiological adaptations. Regarding meat quality, supplementation with 0.2-0.3 mL of CBD linearly improved color redness and stability; moreover, CBD supplementation improved tenderness and textural properties, resulting in a softer meat texture. However, analysis using an E-nose indicated increased ammonia and organic solvent vapors in meat from the higher CBD groups. This study concluded that CBD supplementation up to 0.3 mL of CBD/30 kg body weight beneficially modulated blood biomarkers, meat color, and tenderness without adverse impacts on growth or carcass characteristics in goats.

The Effects of Fresh Hemp Leaf Supplementation (Cannabis sativa) on the Physiological and Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality in Transported Goats

Transportation stress adversely affects animal health, productivity, and meat quality. Bioactive plant compounds may alleviate transit stress in livestock. This study evaluated the effects of fresh hemp leaf supplementation on blood metabolites, performance, carcass traits, and meat quality in transported goats. Twenty male goats (15 ± 2.76 kgBW) were investigated, some were given a hemp supplement (n = 10) and the remaining goats were used as a control group (n = 10). The hemp group received 10 g/30 kg body weight of fresh leaves prior to transportation. Blood samples were analyzed before and after the 200 km journey. The goats were slaughtered after transit and the quality of the meat examined. In the controlled group, transportation increased neutrophils and electrolytes, but decreased lymphocytes and hemoglobin. In contrast in the hemp-supplemented group, the hemp maintained this animal blood parameters. Body weight and carcass yield, however, did not differ between the two groups. Hemp reduced meat redness at 1 h postmortem but had minimal effects on its pH, color, water holding capacity, tenderness, and texture after 24 h. However, hemp supplementation did alter the odor profiles between the two groups detected by electronic nose sensors. In conclusion, fresh hemp leaf supplementation maintained blood metabolites and had minor advantageous effects on meat quality in response to transportation stress in goats. Further investigation using hemp supplements shows potential to alleviate transit stress, although higher doses may be required in order to further enhance its benefits.

Comparison of Female Verzaschese and Camosciata delle Alpi Goats' Hematological Parameters in The Context of Adaptation to Local Environmental Conditions in Semi-Extensive Systems in Italy

Local livestock breeds are pivotal to ensure sustainable agriculture and represent a real genetic resource in the context of genetic variability reduction. This study aimed at broadening the knowledge about hematological values in female Verzaschese and Camosciata delle Alpi goats (an Italian local and a cosmopolitan goat breed, respectively) and investigating factors affecting them (i.e., breed, age, season). Blood samples were collected monthly from 34 Verzaschese and 37 Camosciata delle Alpi female goats kept under the same semi-extensive farming system for a whole year. The main hematological parameters were evaluated, and descriptive as well as inferential statistical analyses were performed. Reference intervals for complete blood cell count were established and several inter-breed differences were found. In particular, most of the red blood cell parameters were higher in Verzaschese than Camosciata delle Alpi (p < 0.05) suggesting a greater gastrointestinal parasites’ resilience of the local breed. The age effect (p < 0.05) was consistent with the literature while the season effect (p < 0.05) could be explained by the melatonin immunostimulant action and gastrointestinal parasitism influence. Overall, differences in blood values could be attributed to physiological changes and adaptive strategies developed through centuries highlighting the remarkable rusticity and adaptation to the environment and farming system of the local breed.

Beneficial effects of coconut oil (Cocos nucifera) on hematobiochemicl and histopathological markers in CCL4-intoxicated rabbits

The study was designed to investigate the effect of Coconut Oil on the levels of some liver and hematological parameters in carbon tetrachloride intoxicated rabbits. Also the antioxidant capacity of Coconut Oil for various concentrations was assessed on the basis of percent scavenging of (DPPH) free radical. Experimental animals were divided into five groups, eight rabbits in each group. These were: group A (Normal control), group B (Toxic control), group C (Standard control), group D (Treated with Coconut Oil 50 mL/kg body weight after CCl4 intoxication), group E (Treated with Coconut Oil 200 mL/kg body weight after CCl4 intoxication). The effects observed were compared with a standard hepatoprotective drug silymarine (50 mL/kg body weight). The Coconut Oil (200 mL/kg body weight) significantly (P<0.05) reduced the elevated serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) when compared to a toxic control rabbits. The results of extract treated rabbits were similar to silymarine administered rabbits group. Treatment with Coconut Oil root and silymarine caused no significant changes in RBC, Platelets, (Hb), (MCH) concentration and (HCT) values. However, significant (P<0.05) increase was observed in the total WBC count. The present study suggested that Coconut Oil can be used as an herbal alternative (need further exploration i.e to detect its bioactive compound and its efficacy) for hepatoprotective activity.

Effects of age and sex on some hematological and biochemical parameters in Hair goats

This study was performed to determine the blood reference values of hematological and biochemical parameters in Hair goats at different ages. For this aim, clinically healthy Hair goats (n = 180, ages of six month and 1-3 years male and female) were used to collect blood samples. In whole blood, white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC)and red cell distribution width (RDW) were evaluated. The levels of, albumin, total protein, globulin, glucose, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and iron levels were investigated in sera. Age and sex had no effect on the cell structures of blood. In the either sex (male or female), age had no effect. However, sex had a significant effect on the blood cell structures except for WBC, HGB, and HCT. Albumin, protein, calcium, AST, ALT, ALP and magnesium values were not different among groups. Both the age and sex of the goats had significant effects on blood levels of glucose, phosphorus, urea, cholesterol, creatinine, GGT, CK and total bilirubin. In conclusion, this was the first study reporting the hematologic and biochemical parameters in blood of the Hair goats. The results indicated that these parameters could show variations under physiological conditions due to age and gender.

Supplementing the Diet of Dairy Goats with Dried Orange Pulp throughout Lactation: I. Effect on Milk Performance, Nutrient Utilisation, Blood Parameters and Production Economics

Simple Summary

Dried orange pulp can conveniently replace cereals in ruminant diets; however, no published reports have considered a similar substitution for the goat diet throughout lactation. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the effects of cereal replacement (40% and 80%) by dried orange pulp in the diet of Payoya breed goats during the entire lactation period (180 days) on milk yield and composition, blood metabolites and production economics. Also evaluated, in mid-lactation, were the nutrient utilisation and ruminal fermentation of the dried orange pulp diets. Milk production and gross composition did not change in goats fed diets that included dried orange pulp. A decrease in nitrogen availability and retention was observed, while an increase detected in the digestibility of cellulose likely boosted rumen microbial protein synthesis. No pathological effects of dried orange pulp supplementation were detected in blood metabolites. The partial substitution of cereals for dried orange pulp reduced costs and raised economic profits. In conclusion, the partial replacement of cereals by dried orange pulp is a profitable and healthy nutritional strategy in dairy goats that does not compromise their productivity and is suitable for the entire lactation period.

Abstract

Dried orange pulp (DOP) can be incorporated into ruminant diets, but no reports have considered this strategy during the entire lactation period in goats. Two experiments were performed using lactating Payoya goats. In experiment 1, to study the effect, over 180 days, of DOP on milk yield and composition, blood metabolites and economic values, 44 primiparous goats were allocated into three groups: control diet (concentrate plus lucerne) and DOP40 and DOP80 diets, in which DOP replaced 40% and 80%, respectively, of the cereals. Nutrient digestibility and rumen fermentation were also studied (experiment 2). The DOP diets did not affect milk yield and composition. DOP triggered lower intake and digestibility of ether extract and crude protein. Ruminal fermentation was unaffected by DOP, except for a decrease in butyrate for DOP80. The energy balance was unaltered by diet while the balance and retention of nitrogen decreased. Regarding plasma biochemistry, DOP supplementation caused changes that could indicate an improvement in hepatic function and reduced muscular damage and oxidative muscular stress. Moreover, DOP80 provided a profit increase of EUR 3.27/goat. In conclusion, the partial replacement of cereals by DOP is a profitable and healthy nutritional strategy in dairy goats and is suitable for the entire lactation period without compromising productivity.

Investigation of some trace elements and hematological and biochemical parameters in the blood of emaciated Omani goats

Background and Aim

The analysis of hematological and biochemical parameters is widely used in assessing animal health status. Limited information is available on trace element levels and their association with hematological and biochemical parameters in Omani goats suffering from emaciation. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the levels of some trace elements in emaciated Omani goats and their relationship with hematological and biochemical parameters.

Materials and Methods

Goats suffering from emaciation and muscular dystrophy (n=18) were compared with healthy goats (n=12). Venous blood samples for the hematological, biochemical, and trace element analysis were collected from the jugular vein.

Results

Emaciated goats showed significantly lower white blood cell, lymphocyte, and red blood cell counts than the healthy goats. In contrast, the percentages of monocytes and eosinophils were higher in emaciated goats than in healthy ones. In addition, emaciated goats showed higher levels of biochemical parameters alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, and total bilirubin but lower levels of albumin than the healthy goats. The results of trace element analysis revealed lower concentrations of zinc, iron, and selenium in serum from emaciated goats than in serum from healthy goats.

Conclusion

This study identified significant differences in the serum levels of some trace elements and hematological and biochemical parameters between healthy and emaciated Omani goats. The identified differences represent valuable diagnostic biomarkers for the evaluation of the health status of Omani goats.

Relationships between FAMACHA© scores and parasite incidence in sheep and goats

One of the most important activities in animal raising is parasite control. Since parasites share what animals eat on one hand, they have disease-causing effects on the other hand, they are parasites that must be fought. In fact, they can be responsible for the decrease in yield and can also cause death. Haemonchus contortus parasite from the Trichostrongylidae family is a blood parasite that causes anemia in sheep and goats. In this study, using the FAMACHA© card, which is widely used in the determination of anemia caused by Haemonchus contortus in the world, the color of the conjunctiva was scored in Akkaraman sheep and Hair goats raised in the Sızma district of Konya, and the relations between the score and the parasite type and density were determined. Accordingly, while no animals with 1 and 5 scores were observed in sheep, the numbers of animals with scores of 2, 3, and 4 were determined as 7.84%, 40.2%, and 52.96%, respectively. Parasite eggs belonging to the Trichostrongylidae family were observed in 96.07% of the sheep. On the other hand, no animal with score 1 or 2 was observed in goats. The numbers of animals with 3, 4, and 5 scores were determined as 6.12%, 54.08%, and 39.80%, respectively. Eimeria, the most common parasite species, was found in 68.18% of the goats and parasite eggs from the Trichostrongylidae family were observed in 17.05%. As a result, it was concluded that the card in question was a practical, easily available, and cheap tool in the detection of anemia by using the relationships between FAMACHA© card scoring and parasite loads.

Gastrointestinal parasite infection intensity and hematological parameters in South African communal indigenous goats in relation to anemia

Aim:

The study was conducted to determine the intensity of gastrointestinal parasite (GIP) infections and hematological parameters in South African communal indigenous goats in relation to anemia.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 288 goats were randomly sampled in areas representing four agro-ecological zones. Fecal and blood samples were collected from the rectum and jugular vein, respectively, of each animal. The number of eggs per gram (EPG) and oocysts per gram (OPG) of feces and the hematological parameters were determined using the modified McMaster technique and a BC-2800Vet® automatic hematology analyzer, respectively. Data were analyzed using the repeated measures techniques of Minitab 17, modeling the covariance structure of the observed data.

Results:

Based on EPG and OPG, goats in humid zone were significantly infected (p<0.05) with strongyles, Eimeria, Moniezia, and Trichuris spp. Hematological parameters of goats in arid and humid zone were lower (p<0.05) than those in semi-arid and dry sub-humid zone. GIP infection intensities were higher (p<0.05) in young animals than in adult and suckling goats. GIP infection intensity was similar between goat sexes, while hematological parameters were higher (p<0.05) in females. Higher (p<0.05) infection intensities for strongyles (302.90 EPG) and Eimeria (216.09 EPG) were observed in winter compared to summer (strongyles: 302.90, Eimeria: 216.09 EPG). Higher (p<0.05) values for the hematological parameters were observed during summer compared to that in winter.

Conclusion:

GIP infection intensity in the winter could be associated with hypochromic and normocytic anemia which likely to affects suckling goats while in the summer could be associated with normochromic and normocytic anemia which likely to affect young goats.

Establishment of reference intervals of selected blood biochemical parameters in Shami goats

BACKGROUND

Reference intervals (RIs) of various blood biochemical parameters are used in assessing the clinical health and nutritional status of animals. Blood biochemical analyte RIs are not currently available in Shami goats.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to determine the RIs of selected blood biochemical analytes in Shami goats.

METHODS

Blood from 120 animals (females N = 70; males N = 50) was used to determine the RIs of total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), globulin, fibrinogen (FIB), urea, creatinine (CRT), AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, glucose (GLU), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and chloride (CL) using commercially available kits.

RESULTS

The RIs for selected blood biochemical analytes in Shami goats were: TP (34.9-83.5 g/L), ALB (22.3-55.1 g/L), globulin (9.9-50 g/L), FIB (2.19-5.45 g/L), urea (0.55-9.5 mmol/L), CRT (11.4-221 µmol/L), aspartate aminotransferase (7.9-299 U/L), ALT (2.3-49 U/L), ALP (7.7-950 U/L), GGT (4.5-185 U/L), GLU (1.3-6.8 mmol/L), Ca (1.65-2.6 mmol/L), Na (120-180 mmol/L), K (3.7-6.3 mmol/L), CL (91.9- 125 mmol/L), and the albumin:globulin ratio (0.45-3.9).

CONCLUSIONS

The RIs of the selected blood biochemical analytes in Shami goats were determined in this study. These results can be used in the clinical diagnosis of diseases in Shami goats and to evaluate their general health and nutritional status.

Assay to compare cell- and antibody-mediated immune responses in domestic sheep and goats

Assessment of immune fitness is valuable in many aspects of livestock management and research. Determining immune consequences of selection for increased disease resistance or inhabiting various environments or climates can lead to different management decisions. The ability to measure immune responses due to different diets, pregnancy status, or aging will increase insight about how these factors contribute to overall immune health. The main objective of these experiments was to adapt a methodology used in cattle and pigs to measure both the humoral and cell-mediated immune response in sheep and goats. The route of administration of two antigens, Candida albicans and hen egg white lysozyme, were compared in sheep to determine differences in antibody or cell-mediated immune response. Subcutaneous injection produced a larger (P < 0.001) cell-mediated response compared to intramuscular injection. Inoculation in the axillary space produced a larger (P = 0.0031) antibody response compared to neck region. Finally, methodology was confirmed in goats. Complete blood cell counts were compared and lymphocytes were highest in low cell-mediated responders while eosinophils were highest in average antibody-mediated responders. This work provides a means to measure immune fitness in sheep and goats allowing for future experiments examining environmental or genetic effects on the immune response.

Toxicity and anthelmintic efficacy of chitosan encapsulated bromelain against gastrointestinal strongyles in Small East African goats in Kenya

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The development of resistance to anthelmintic drugs has prompted research into alternative methods of controlling intestinal nematodes in ruminants. This study aimed at evaluating the in vitro and in vivo anthelmintic efficacy and toxicity of chitosan encapsulated bromelain in Small East African goats in Kenya.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult mortality assay was performed using live Haemonchus contortus worms treated with encapsulated bromelain solution ranging from 0.125 mg/ml to 2 mg/ml. Percentage mortality of worms was calculated after 24 h and the lethal concentration 50% (LC50) determined. For the in vivo study, 18 healthy male indigenous goats were divided into six groups of three goats each. The encapsulated bromelain was orally administered in increasing dosages (3-30 mg kg) once daily, for 14 days. The packed cell volume (PCV), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), urea, creatinine, and fecal egg count (FEC) were determined on a weekly basis. At the end of the study, the goats were sacrificed and gross pathology and histopathology of main organs assessed.

RESULTS

Albendazole had the highest (p<0.05) anthelmintic effect on the worms. An LC50 of 0.05 mg/ml, 0.445 mg/ml, and 0.155 mg/ml was observed for albendazole, plain bromelain, and encapsulated bromelain, respectively. The PCV of treated and untreated goats did not show any significant difference (p>0.05), varied from 29.3% to 35.1%, and was within the normal range of the animal. Likewise, no significant differences (p>0.05) were observed between the AST, ALT, urea, and creatinine levels of treated and the control (non-treated) goats. No adverse clinical symptoms, toxicity of the main organs, and mortality in goats were associated with the chitosan encapsulated bromelain after administration of dose up to 30 mg/kg for 14 days. Therefore, the lethal dose 50 of encapsulated bromelain may be considered to be >30 mg/kg. On day 28 post-treatment, the encapsulated bromelain showed a higher in vivo FEC reduction (68.8%) as compared to the plain bromelain (32.4%).

CONCLUSION

Our results show that bromelain encapsulated in chitosan may be safe and effective in reducing the burden of gastrointestinal tract strongyle nematodes in goats. However, there is a need for further studies to establish the dosage of the encapsulated bromelain to be administered in a single dose for the treatment of goats against gastrointestinal strongyles. In addition, species-specific studies on the efficacy of encapsulated bromelain on strongyles are necessary to evaluate its effectiveness against the entire Strongyloididae family.

Breed-specific reference intervals of hematologic variables in Shami goats (Capra aegagrus hircus) with the possible effects of age and sex

BACKGROUND

Shami goats are an economically and sentimentally important breed of goats in the Mediterranean region. Shami goats are known for superior fecundity and productivity compared with other indigenous breeds. Shami goats also appear to be more susceptible to various infectious and production-related diseases. Therefore, the establishment of breed-specific hematologic reference intervals (RIs) is required.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to establish breed-specific RIs of some hematologic variables in Shami goats and to report the effects of age and sex on these values.

METHODS

A total of 100 Shami goats were used to determine the total red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin concentration, mean cell volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), total whitle blood cell (WBC) count, absolute values, and the percentages of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, basophils, and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios (N/L), using traditional manual laboratory methods.

RESULTS

Reference intervals of several variables in Shami goats were generated according to the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. Females were found to have significantly higher RBC, MCHC, and WBC values, while males were found to have significantly higher MCV values and lower neutrophil and lymphocyte numbers. Adult goats were found to have significantly higher RBC, PCV, MCV, MCH, WBC values, and neutrophil and lymphocyte numbers compared with juvenile goats.

CONCLUSION

Data presented here could be used as baseline information to evaluate the health status of Shami goats and assist in reaching a diagnosis for several pathologic diseases.

Variations in serum metabolites in response to season, cyclicity, and pregnancy in estrus-synchronized Damascus goats

The current study was carried out to determine the changes in serum electrolytes, liver enzymes, and hormones during breeding and non-breeding seasons in estrus-synchronized goats. Forty goats (n = 40) were synchronized by inserting the sponges intravaginally for 12 days; PMSG and PGF₂α were injected on day of sponge removal. Blood samples were collected from the goats at the time of sponges insertion (day -12), estrus day (day 0), and at 15 day after sponge withdrawal (day 15). The blood samples were analyzed for glucose, cholesterol (CHO), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T₃), thyroxine (T₄) and progesterone (P₄), calcium (Ca), phosphate (PO₄), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and chlorine (Cl) levels. Repeated measurements ANOVA of general linear model were used as statistical model. The results showed that seasons have an effect (p < 0.05) on glucose, Ca, Na, K, Cl, CHO, T₃, and T₄ levels. There was an effect (p < 0.05) of cyclicity only on P₄ level. Whereas, nonpregnant, or goats carrying singlet and twin fetuses have shown variation (p < 0.05) in glucose, Ca, and P₄ levels. Although, the correlations existed between different serum metabolites but strong correlations (p < 0.05) were observed either between Ca and Na or T₃ and T₄. In conclusion, the serum electrolytes and liver enzymes are correlated with hormones during the different seasons, pregnancy status, and fecundity. In recommendation, the results of the study could be as managemental tool to monitor the reproductive activity across seasons and to maintain pregnancy carrying twining in goat breeds.

Use of bean meal (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) in goat rations for meat production

Bean meal (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) may be a viable alternative in ruminant feeding, mainly as a source of protein due to its high crude protein content. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of substitution of cottonseed cake (Gossypium hirsutum) with different levels of bean meal in goat feedlot rations on dry matter intake, digestibility, feeding behavior, performance, carcass characteristics, and hematological parameters. Twenty castrated male Repartida goats with an average initial weight of 14.7 ± 2.0 kg were allocated in a randomized block design with four treatments. The initial body weight was used to define the blocks. The treatments were different substitution levels of cottonseed cake by bean meal (0, 27.75, 64.63, and 100%) in the concentrate on a dry matter basis. The diets had a roughage:concentrate ratio of 50:50. Chopped elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) was used as roughage, while the concentrate was composed of ground corn, mineral mix, and different levels of bean meal and cottonseed cake. There were no treatment effects on dry matter intake, feed conversion, slaughter weight, carcass weight and yield, non-carcass component yield, and hematological parameters (P > 0.05). However, for both dry matter digestibility (P = 0.001) and daily weight gain (P < 0.001), there was a negative quadratic relationship between cottonseed cake and bean meal content in the diet. Bean meal can be used in goat diets to replace cottonseed cake as the only source of protein concentrate, since it did not affect the main performance characteristics.

Impact of season, age and gender on some clinical, haematological and serum parameters in Shetland ponies in east province, Saudi Arabia

The Shetland ponies, which originate from harshest environments in the world islands in the north of the Atlantic Ocean, are now most popular pony breed distributed in almost every corner of the world. Reference ranges of physiological, biochemical and haematological values, which are widely used in veterinary clinics, may differ according to season, age, sex, type of feeding, and environmental circumstances of the area. Reference ranges of haematological and biochemical values of Shetland ponies are rare. The present study was therefore undertaken to evaluate the impact of season, age and sex on some haematological and biochemical values and cortisol levels in healthy ponies in Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted between December 2016 to June 2017 on ponies in and around Al-Hasa, Saudi Arabia. Twenty-three clinically healthy ponies males and females of different ages were included for haematological and biochemical analysis in this study. For each animal, blood samples were collected in summer and winter. Four physiological, fourteen haematological, sixteen biochemical parameters as well as serum cortisol levels were analysed. Heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse and rectal temperature were increased in summer in comparison to winter. Values of heart rate proved significant at P < 0.05. The results of blood haematology and biochemistry of the ponies revealed that there was no significant variation between summer and winter in most of the haematological and biochemical parameters, while there was a slight significant difference in leucocyte counts, monocytes, MCH, MPVK⁺, platelets and AST activity. There were significant differences in serum cortisol concentration regarding season and age but not regarding gender.

Biochemical analysis of some serum trace elements in donkeys and horses in Eastern region of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Aim:

Little is known about the serum levels of trace elements in donkeys and horses in Saudi Arabia. This study aimed to investigate the levels of some trace elements in these two species in the eastern region of Saudi Arabia and to compare the obtained results with the reference values.

Materials and Methods:

Seventeen Arabian horses and twenty eight Hassawi donkeys were randomly selected for this study. All of the studied healthy animals were kept under a uniform feeding protocol without any minerals supplementations. Atomic absorption spectrometer is used to estimate the serum concentrations of selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn) in the analyzed samples.

Results:

Significant differences between horses and donkeys were observed in three of the studied elements (Se, Mn, and Cr). Statistically significant differences were found in serum Se and Cr between male and female horses. The male donkey showed higher Mn, Cu, and Zn levels than female animals.

Conclusion:

The obtained results of trace element levels in serum of Hassawi donkeys and Arabian horses in Saudi Arabia are considered as the first values to be published for these breeds. When compared to other animals, the measured amounts of Se, Mn, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn in the serum of horses and donkey are often differed, possibly because of the varying living or feeding conditions. Moreover, there were some differences in some of the trace elements concentrations related to animal’s gender and species (horses and donkeys), which will be considered in the interpretation of the laboratory data.