Radiological examination of the skull of Siirt-coloured mohair goat, Romanov and Hamdani sheep

The skull is a vitally important complex structure formed by the combination of many bones. Craniometric studies are performed with various imaging methods to determine morphometric characteristics in animals. One of these methods is radiography. In our study, skulls of 14 Hamdani sheep, 20 Siirt-coloured mohair goats and 20 Romanov sheep breeds were used. Skull sections were taken with a computed tomography device and saved in DICOM format. Nine separate measurements and six index calculations were made from the images. In the study, firstly, the gender difference was ignored and the similarities and differences between the species were recorded. In addition, gender differences were determined statistically, without making any distinction between species. Correlation analysis was performed to compare measurement parameters between animal species. As a result of the study, the highest skull length (SL) and cranial length (CL) values were determined in the Siirt-coloured mohair goat. It was determined that the difference between Romanov sheep and Siirt-coloured mohair goat in CL parameter was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). In addition, a statistically significant difference was observed between the Romanov sheep breed and the Hamdani sheep breed (p < 0.01). The external length of the cranium (ELC) measurement parameter was found to have a statistically significant difference in three animals (p < 0.01). According to the results of the correlation analysis, the highest correlation value was determined between cranial width (CW) and CL parameters (r = 0.920). When the species difference was ignored, and the statistical difference of the internal height of the cranium (IHC) parameter was found to be significant between female and male animals (p < 0.05). In addition, it was determined that SL, CW and internal cranium index (ICI) parameters had a significant difference depending on sex (p < 0.01). It is foreseen that the obtained data can be used in sciences such as zoo archaeology, anatomy, surgery and forensic medicine.

Simultaneously prediction of sheep and goat carcass composition and body fat depots using in vivo ultrasound measurements and live weight

The present study established multiple linear regression models using two ultrasound in vivo measurements (at lumbar and sternal regions, with different real-time ultrasonography machines and probes) and live weight, to predict simultaneously carcass composition and body fat depots of different breeds of sheep and goat. This study is important for the small ruminant industry, considering the feasibility of using the ultrasound methodology in field conditions, as well as an online system of the carcass evaluation. The multiple linear regression models were obtained by selecting the best subset of variables between using the in vivo measurements (raw variables), their second degree and interactions, evaluated in terms of prediction performance using cross-validation "K-folds" and validated by a test group. Overall, high accuracy (adj R²) was obtained from the linear relationship between predicted and experimental values of the group test for each of the nine dependent variables, with values varying between adj R² 0.88 and 0.98.

Shedding light on cashmere goat hair follicle biology: from morphology analyses to transcriptomic landascape

BACKGROUND

Cashmere goat is known for its precious undercoat. Being photoperiod-dictated, cashmere growth has been studied focusing mainly on hair follicle cycle phases (anagen, catagen and telogen). An accurate molecular knowledge of the goat hair follicle cycle, disentangling gene expression changes during phases and recognizing timing boundaries, could be useful to improve cashmere goat management and ultimately cashmere production.

RESULTS

To better describe goat's hair follicle transcriptome we applied RNA-sequencing to isolated hair follicles from five Italian cashmere goats, during the anagen and catagen phase, identifying total of 214 differentially expressed genes (DEGs): 97 were up-regulated while 117 were down-regulated in catagen with respect to anagen. Gene Ontology and pathway analysis were performed. We detected 144 significant pathways spanning from estrogen, pluripotency of stem cells, thermogenesis and fatty acid metabolism that were strongly expressed during the hair follicle phases analysed. Finally, we validated promising DEGs by RT-qPCR in the same set of samples as well as in hair follicles and entire skin biopsies of another cashmere goats cohort accounting for early anagen, anagen, early catagen, and catagen phases.

CONCLUSIONS

As in the isolated hair follicles, some target genes were homogenously modulated during the four hair follicle phases. Ceruloplasmin (CP) and Keratin 4 (K4), confirmed their clear cut expression between growing and resting phase. In fact, K4 was almost absent in catagen phases while CP was barely expressed in anagen phases. In particular, the strong expression of K4 in early anagen makes it an eligible marker to track the beginning of a new hair cycle, and therefore defining the optimum time for cashmere harvesting.

Isolation and mass spectrometry based hydroxyproline mapping of type II collagen derived from Capra hircus ear cartilage

Collagen II (COLII), the most abundant protein in vertebrates, helps maintain the structural and functional integrity of cartilage. Delivery of COLII from animal sources could improve cartilage regeneration therapies. Here we show that COLII can be purified from the Capra ear cartilage, a commonly available bio-waste product, with a high yield. MALDI-MS/MS analysis evidenced post-translational modifications of the signature triplet, Glycine-Proline-Hydroxyproline (G-P-Hyp), in alpha chain of isolated COLII (COLIIA1). Additionally, thirty-two peptides containing 59 Hyp residues and a few G-X-Y triplets with positional alterations of Hyp in COLIIA1 are also identified. Furthermore, we show that an injectable hydrogel formulation containing the isolated COLII facilitates chondrogenic differentiation towards cartilage regeneration. These findings show that COLII can be isolated from Capra ear cartilage and that positional alteration of Hyp in its structural motif, as detected by newly developed mass spectrometric method, might be an early marker of cartilage disorder.

Pre-Roman improvements to agricultural production: Evidence from livestock husbandry in late prehistoric Italy

Domestication of wild cattle, sheep, and pigs began a process of body size diminution. In most of Western Europe this process continued across prehistory and was not reversed until the Roman period. However, in Italy, an increase in livestock body size occurred during the Iron Age, earlier than the Western provinces. In order to better understand the nature and timing of this early increase in animal size, this paper presents a detailed regional study of taxonomic abundance and biometric data from zooarchaeological assemblages recovered from the Po and Venetian-Friulian Plains in northern Italy. Our results demonstrate a high level of regionality in the choice of species exploited, with husbandry systems focused on different domesticates, as well as regional differences in animal size. However, despite significant variation in species frequencies, settlement structure, and epigraphic tradition, all areas with sufficient data demonstrate similar significant changes in livestock body size. Cattle and sheep increased incrementally in size prior to the Roman conquest in all regions considered; surprisingly, pigs continued to decrease in size throughout later prehistory. The incremental pace and pan-regional character of the size change in cattle and sheep suggests an internally motivated phenomenon rather than herd replacement with a new larger population, as might follow colonisation or conquest. The divergence in size trends for bovids and suids suggests a noteworthy change in cattle and sheep herding practices during the Iron Age or final centuries of the Bronze Age, in contrast with greater continuity in pig management. Our analysis provides a thorough zooarchaeological synthesis for northern Italy and, for the first time, demonstrates that both cattle and sheep increased in size outside of Roman territory well before the conquest of this area. This study offers a basis for future chemical analyses (DNA, isotopes), which will further investigate the cause(s) of livestock size changes in northern Italy.

Shipping amphorae and shipping sheep? Livestock mobility in the north-east Iberian peninsula during the Iron Age based on strontium isotopic analyses of sheep and goat tooth enamel

Animal mobility is a common strategy to overcome scarcity of food and the related over-grazing of pastures. It is also essential to reduce the inbreeding rate of animal populations, which is known to have a negative impact on fertility and productivity. The present paper shows the geographic range of sheep provisioning in different phases of occupation at the Iron Age site of Turó de la Font de la Canya (7^th to 3^rd centuries BC). Strontium isotope ratios from 34 archaeological sheep and goat enamel, two archaeological bones and 14 modern tree leaves are presented. The isotopic results suggest that sheep and goats consumed at the site were reared locally (within a few kilometres radius) during the whole period of occupation. The paper discusses the isotopic results in light of the socio-political structure of this period, as complex, strongly territorial societies developed during the Iron Age in the north-east Iberian Peninsula.

A morphometric system to distinguish sheep and goat postcranial bones

Distinguishing between the bones of sheep and goat is a notorious challenge in zooarchaeology. Several methodological contributions have been published at different times and by various people to facilitate this task, largely relying on a macro-morphological approach. This is now routinely adopted by zooarchaeologists but, although it certainly has its value, has also been shown to have limitations. Morphological discriminant criteria can vary in different populations and correct identification is highly dependent upon a researcher’s experience, availability of appropriate reference collections, and many other factors that are difficult to quantify. There is therefore a need to establish a more objective system, susceptible to scrutiny. In order to fulfil such a requirement, this paper offers a comprehensive morphometric method for the identification of sheep and goat postcranial bones, using a sample of more than 150 modern skeletons as a basis, and building on previous pioneering work. The proposed method is based on measurements—some newly created, others previously published–and its use is recommended in combination with the more traditional morphological approach. Measurement ratios, used to translate morphological traits into biometrical attributes, are demonstrated to have substantial diagnostic potential, with the vast majority of specimens correctly assigned to species. The efficacy of the new method is also tested with Discriminant Analysis, which provides a successful verification of the biometrical indices, a statistical means to select the most promising measurements, and an additional line of analysis to be used in conjunction with the others.

POLYMORPHISM OF THE PROLACTIN GENE AND ITS EFFECT ON FIBER TRAITS IN GOAT

The prolactin gene (PRL) is a potential candidate gene for the goat cashmere traits in marker-assisted selection. Thus, the aim of this study was to detect PRL gene polymorphism and its association with fiber traits in 200 Raini cashmere goats native to the south-east of Iran. A 196-bp fragment encoding exon 5 within the goat PRL gene was amplified using PCR specific primers. The amplification products were subjected to the single stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. Three different SSCP banding patterns (CC, AC and AA) were observed in exon 5 of the caprine PRL gene. The pattern frequencies for CC, AC and AA were 0.39, 0.38 and 0.23 and frequencies of the A and C alleles were 0.42 and 0.58, respectively. The genotypic distributions did not deviate from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P> 0.05). The number of observed alleles, number of effective alleles, expected heterozygosity, observed heterozygosity, mean of heterozygosity, expected homozygosity, observed homozygosity, Nei's index and Shanon's index were 2.0, 1.9, 0.48, 0.38, 0.48, 0.51, 0.61, 0.48 and 0.68, respectively. Results of association between genotypes and fiber traits indicated that the CC genotype had the highest fiber length compared with the AA and AC genotypes (P < 0.05) while there was no significant association between the PRL gene genotypes and fiber diameter. These results imply that the PRL gene polymorphism can be used as a molecular marker to improve fiber production without a negative effect on fiber diameter.

Growth Pattern for Body Weight, Height at Withers and Body Length of Kalahari Red Goats

The objective of this research was to examine the growth pattern for body weight, body length and height at withers of Kalahari Red goats using non-linear models. The body size measurement data were collected from 227 Kalahari Red female goats and fit into Gompertz and Brody growth model. The results revealed that Gompertz growth model had the best goodness of fit to describe the growth of Kalahari Red goats for body weight, body length and height at withers as shown by higher coefficient of determination (97.9, 98.9 and 99.1, respectively). The correlation coefficients between A and k for body weight, body length and height at withers were negative in both models, implying that goats of larger mature size tended to have a slower growth rate in relation to their mature size. Height at withers-body weight has the highest correlation coefficient (0.96).

Latent heat loss and sweat gland histology of male goats in an equatorial semi-arid environment

The objective of this work was to quantify the heat loss by cutaneous evaporation of goats in an equatorial semi-arid environment. The latent heat loss from the body surfaces of these ten undefined breed goats was measured using a ventilated capsule in sun and shade and in the three body regions (neck, flank and hindquarters). Skin samples from these three regions were histologically analyzed to relate the quantity of sweat glands, the area of sweat glands and the epithelium thickness of each of these regions to the heat loss by cutaneous evaporation of the examined goats. The epithelium thickness that was measured varied significantly for body regions with different quantities and areas of sweat glands (P < 0.01). Among the body regions that were examined, the samples from the neck demonstrated the highest epithelium thickness (16.23 ± 0.13 μm). However, the samples of sweat glands from the flank had the biggest area (43330.51 ± 778.71 μm(2)) and quantity per square centimeter (390 ± 9 cm(-2)). After the animals were exposed to sun, the flanks lost the greatest amount of heat by cutaneous evaporation (73.03 ± 1.75 W m(-2)) and possessed the highest surface temperatures (39.47 ± 0.18°C). The histological characteristics may have influenced the heat loss by cutaneous evaporation that was observed in the flank region after the animals were exposed to sun.

First fossil evidence for the advance of replacement teeth coupled with life history evolution along an anagenetic mammalian lineage

In mammals that grow up more slowly and live longer, replacement teeth tend to appear earlier in sequence than in fast growing mammals. This trend, known as ‘Schultz's Rule’, is a useful tool for inferring life histories of fossil taxa. Deviations from this rule, however, suggest that in addition to the pace of life history, ecological factors may also drive dental ontogeny. Myotragus balearicus is an extinct insular caprine that has been proved to be an excellent test case to correlate morphological traits with life history. Here we show that Myotragus balearicus exhibits a slow signature of dental eruption sequence that is in agreement with the exceptionally slow life history of this species, thus conforming to ‘Schultz's Rule’. However, our results also show an acceleration of the absolute pace of development of the permanent incisors in relation to that of the posterior teeth. The rodent-like incisors of Myotragus balearicus erupted early not only in relative but also in absolute terms (chronological age), suggesting that feeding characteristics also plays an important role in dental ontogeny. This is in agreement with ecological hypotheses based on primates. Our study documents a decoupling of the pace of development of teeth in mammals that is triggered by different selection pressures on dental ontogeny. Moreover, we show that Myotragus kopperi from the early Pleistocene (a direct ancestor of the late Pleistocene-Holocene M. balearicus) follows the pattern of first incisor replacement known in living bovids. Hence, the advance in the eruption sequence of the first incisors occurs along the Myotragus evolutionary lineage over a period of about 2.5 Myr. To our knowledge, this is the first fossil evidence of an advance of the emergence of the permanent first incisor along an anagenetic mammalian lineage.

Reliability of quantitative echocardiography in adult sheep and goats

BACKGROUND

Echocardiography is a non-invasive method for assessment of the ovine and caprine heart. Complete reference ranges for cardiac dimensions and time indices for both species are not currently available and reliability of these measurements has not been evaluated. The objectives for this study are to report reliability, normal cardiac dimensions and time indices in a large group of adult sheep and goats.Fifty-one adult sheep and forty adult goats were recruited. Full echocardiographic examinations were performed in the standing unsedated animal. All animals underwent echocardiography four times in a 72-hour period. Echocardiography was performed three times by one author and once by another. Images were stored and measured offline. Technique and measurement repeatability and reproducibility and any differences due to animal or day were evaluated. Reference ranges (mean ± 2 standard deviations) were calculated for both species.

RESULTS

Majority of the images obtained were of good to excellent quality. Image acquisition was straightforward with 5.4% of animals demonstrating a small scanning window. Reliability was excellent for majority of dimensions and time indices. There was less variation in repeatability when compared with reproducibility and differences were greater for technique than for measurements. Dimensions that were less reliable included those for right ventricular diameter and left ventricular free wall. There were many differences in cardiac dimensions between sheep and goats.

CONCLUSIONS

This study has demonstrated that specific reference ranges are required for these two species. Repeatability and reproducibility were excellent for the majority of cardiac dimensions and time indices suggesting that this technique is reliable and valuable for examination of clinical cases over time and for longitudinal research studies.

Drainage of the maxillary sinus: a comparative anatomy study in humans and goats

OBJECTIVE

The maxillary sinuses are the most frequently infected paranasal sinuses in humans. It has been suggested that infection occurs relatively commonly in the maxillary sinuses owing to the position of their ostia high on their superomedial walls, which may be suboptimal for natural drainage. This may represent evolutionary lag, whereby the ostia remained in a quadrupedal position as bipedal humans evolved from their primate ancestors. This study examined the hypothesis that drainage of the maxillary sinus is optimal in the quadrupedal position.

DESIGN

The drainage of the human maxillary sinus and an analogous quadruped, the goat, was examined and compared in the upright, quadrupedal, and intermediate positions.

SETTING

Department of Anatomy, King's College London.

METHODS

Cadaveric human and goat maxillary sinuses were filled with saline in each position and the volume at which saline overflowed through the ostia was noted.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Volume at which spontaneous drainage occurred through ostia.

RESULTS

The volume of saline instilled before drainage was maximal in the upright position and reduced with each increase in anterior tilt, with drainage occurring most easily at 90° for both human and goat sinuses. Drainage was significantly better in the quadrupedal head position than upright in both species (p < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that human maxillary sinuses exhibit better passive drainage through their ostia when tilted anteriorly to mimic a quadrupedal head position. This may be an example of an evolutionary lag phenomenon and could be one etiologic factor in the prevalence of maxillary sinusitis in humans.

Regional differences in aorta of goat (capra hircus)

Regional differences in the aortic wall are important in explaining the physicomechanical properties and disease distribution in this artery. The goat is a suitable model for studying cardiovascular disease, but the regional features of its aorta are scarcely reported. The purpose of the study was therefore to describe the regional differences in the wall of its aorta. Sixteen healthy adult male domestic goats (capra hircus) were euthanised with intravenous sodium pentabarbitone and specimens obtained from the ascending, arch, each vertebral level of descending thoracic, and various segments of abdominal aorta. The specimens were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution and routinely processed for paraffin embedding. Seven micron thick sections were stained with Mason's Trichrome and Weigert Resorcin Fuchsin stains. Light microscopic examination revealed that the aortic wall consists of tunica intima comprising endothelium, subendothelial zone and internal elastic lamina, media, and adventitia. Endothelium comprises flat and round endotheliocytes. The population of round cells declines as the internal elastic lamina increases in prominence caudally. Tunica media in ascending, arch, and proximal thoracic aorta comprises two zones: namely a luminal elastic and adventitial musculo-elastic zone, in which muscle islands interrupt some elastic lamellae. These islands progressively diminish caudally until by the eleventh thoracic vertebra they are only patchy. Beyond this point and in the abdominal aorta they are absent and tunica media consists of regular concentric elastic lamellae. Tunica adventitia, on the other hand, increases in thickness and elastic fibre content caudally. Regional variations exist in all three layers of goat aorta. The nature of these differences suggests that they are related to haemodynamic factors. Furthermore, the variations may form the basis for regional differences in physicomechanical strength and disease distribution along the aorta.

Structural organisation of tunica intima in the aorta of the goat

The structural organisation of tunica intima in the aorta is important for its integrity, prediction, and diagnosis of atherosclerosis. The goat is a suitable model for cardiovascular studies, but the structure of its tunica intima is scarcely reported. This study, therefore, aimed to describe features of the goat aortic tunica intima by light and transmission electron microscopy. Sixteen healthy male domestic goats (capra hircus) aged between 6 and 24 months were used: 8 for light and 8 for electron microscopy. The animals were euthanised with sodium pentabarbitone 20 mg/mL and fixed with 3% phosphate buffered glutaraldehyde. For light microscopy, specimens from various regions of the aorta were routinely processed for paraffin embedding and 7 mm sections stained with Mason's trichrome. Those for transmission electron microscopy were post fixed in osmium tetroxide, embedded in Durcupan, and ultrathin sections stained with uranyl acetate and counter stained with lead citrate. Endothelium comprises round and squamous cells, linked to the subendothelial material by a simple and sometimes lamellated basement membrane. In the subendothelial zone, a heterogenous population of cells are connected with interlinked collagen and elastic fibres. Both cells and fibres are connected to the internal elastic lamina. The composite structure and interlinkages in the tunica intima permit unitary function and increase mechanical strength, thus enabling it to withstand haemodynamic stress.

Structural characteristics of goat (Capra hircus) parotid salivary glands

The structural characteristics of the parotid glands in small ruminants (goat, sheep) were observed and compared to those of a major laboratory animal, the mouse. Their parotid glands consist of the purely serous type. Ultrastructurally, the serous acini of goats and sheep were characterized by the presence of well-developed basolateral expansions of folds, which are characteristics of electrolyte- and water-transporting epithelium. Moreover in ruminants, unlike the mouse, the presence of numerous intercellular canaliculi as well as microvilli projecting into both the intercellular canaliculi and the lumina of the serous acini provided a large surface area for osmotic equilibrium and isotonic saliva secretion. Most of the secretory granules in goats and sheep contained peripherally located inclusions that showed dense reaction products for acid phosphatase. This indicates that most of the secretory granules undergo lysosomal degradation rather than secretion. An apocrine mode of secretion of some secretory granules was occasionally observed in some acini of goats and sheep but only exocytotic features were observed in mice. In the goat, the serous acini showed three morphologically different types, which might be an indication of different activity phases. Furthermore, alpha-smooth muscle actin-, and vimentin-positive myoepithelial cells were observed only around the serous acini and the intercalated ducts. From these findings, we consider that the structural characteristics of ruminant parotid glands might reflect their physiological role in the copious isotonic saliva secretion with a low protein concentration.

Anatomy of the septomarginal trabecula in goat hearts

Our aim in this study was to examine the right septomarginal trabecula of goats regarding the frequency, origin course of the septal and free component, attachment to the papillaris magnus muscle and size . The material used consisted in 32 hearts from non-pedigree goats of both sexes, preserved in 10% formalin. The right septomarginal trabecula was present in all hearts. It could also present a prominence in the form of a cord in the septum before detaching and going towards the wall or the papillary muscle. We called this a septal component and found it in 69% of all hearts studied. In the remaining specimens, the exit of the septomarginal trabecula was abrupt, without presenting a septal component. It could be attached solely to the papillaris magnus muscle or to the papillary muscle and the ventricle wall, originated in the cranial third of the septum, and was attached to the middle third of the papillary muscle or its caudal third. Its free part, from the septum to the papillaris magnus muscle, ranged in length from 1.3 cm to 2.6 cm. The mean value was 1.7 cm, and the most frequent values were 1.9 and 1.5 cm. In conclusion, in goats, the septomarginal trabecula is a constant and invariable structure.

Mono- versus biarticular muscle function in relation to speed and gait changes: in vivo analysis of the goat triceps brachii

The roles of muscles that span a single joint (monoarticular) versus those that span two (biarticular) or more joints have been suggested to differ. Monoarticular muscles are argued to perform work at a joint, whereas biarticular muscles are argued to transfer energy while resisting moments across adjacent joints. To test these predictions, in vivo patterns of muscle activation, strain, and strain rate were compared using electromyography and sonomicrometry in two major elbow extensors, the long and lateral heads of the triceps brachii of goats (Capra hircus), across a range of speed (1-5 m s(-1)) and gait. Muscle recordings were synchronized to limb kinematics using high-speed digital video imaging (250 Hz). Measurements obtained from four goats (25-45 kg) showed that the monoarticular lateral head exhibited a stretch-shortening pattern (6.8+/-0.6% stretch and -10.6+/-2.7% shortening; mean+/-s.e.m. for all speeds and gaits) after being activated, which parallels the flexion-extension pattern of the elbow. By contrast, the biarticular long head shortened through most of stance (-16.4+/-3.4%), despite elbow flexion in the first half and shoulder extension in the last half of stance. The magnitude of elbow flexion and shoulder extension increased with increasing speed (ANCOVA, P<0.05 and P<0.001), as did the magnitude and rate of active stretch of fascicles in the lateral head (P<0.001 for both). In all individuals, shortening fascicle strain rates increased with speed in the long head (P<0.001), and, in three of the four individuals, strain magnitude increased. Few independent effects of gait were found. In contrast to its expected function, the biarticular long head appears to produce positive work throughout stance, whereas the monoarticular lateral head appears to absorb work at the elbow. The biarticular anatomy of the long head may mitigate increases in muscle strain with speed in this muscle, because strain magnitude in the second phase of stance (when the shoulder extends) decreased with speed (P<0.05).

Morphometric analysis of the skull of the Sahel goat breed: basic and clinical anatomy

The work reports morphometric analysis of the skulls of the Sahel breed of goat. The calculated metric data (mean +/- SD) included the condylobasal length, 16.94 +/- 1.39 cm, while the orbital circumference was 11.30 +/- 0.48 cm. The foramen magnum height and width were 1.82 +/- 0.11 cm and 1.85 +/- 0.15 cm respectively while the foramen magnum index was 89.81 +/- 8.71. Animals above one year of age had significantly higher values for orbital length including horizontal and vertical diameters, overall skull length, basal length, and neurocranium height than animals aged one year and below. The cornual process length, maximum orbital circumference and horizontal diameter obtained in this study were higher than those reported for other Nigerian goat breeds in the literature. The data for the distances from the facial tuberosity to the infraorbital canal, from the mental foramen to the lateral extent of the alveolar root of the lower incisor, as well as from the mandibular foramen to the base of the mandible and that from the mental foramen to the caudal border of the mandible, which are important clinically in the estimation of craniofacial measurements that will aid regional anaesthesia, were however similar to those reported earlier for the Red Sokoto and West African Dwarf breeds implying that a uniform craniometric estimation for associated regional nerve blocks can be attempted for these goat breeds.

Analysing the isotopic life history of the alpine ungulates Capra ibex and Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra through their horns

The horn of ungulate grazers offers a valuable isotopic record of their diet and environment. However, there have been no reports of the spatio-temporal variation of the isotopic composition of horns. We investigated patterns of carbon (delta(13)C) and nitrogen (delta(15)N) isotopic composition along and perpendicular to the horn axis in Capra ibex and Rupicapra rupicapra rupicapra to assess the effects of animal age, within-year (seasonal) and inter-annual variation, natural contamination and sampling position on horn isotope composition. Horns of male C. ibex (n = 23) and R. r. rupicapra (n = 1) were sampled longitudinally on the front (only R. r. rupicapra) and back side and on the surface and sub-surface. The sides of the R. r. rupicapra horn did not differ in delta(13)C. In both species, the horn surface had a 0.15 per thousand lower delta(13)C and a higher carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio than the sub-surface. Washing the horn with water and organic solvents removed material that caused these differences. With age, the delta(15)N of C. ibex horns increased (+0.1 per thousand year(-1)), C/N ratio increased, and (13)C discrimination relative to atmospheric CO(2) ((13)Delta) increased slightly (+0.03 per thousand year(-1)). Geostatistical analysis of one C. ibex horn revealed systematic patterns of inter-annual and seasonal (13)C changes, but (15)N changed only seasonally. The work demonstrates that isotopic signals in horns are influenced by natural contamination (delta(13)C), age effects ((13)Delta and delta(15)N), and seasonal (delta(13)C and delta(15)N) and inter-annual variation (delta(13)C). The methods presented allow us to distinguish between these effects and thus allow the use of horns as isotopic archives of the ecology of these species and their habitat.

Establishment of vascular endothelial cell lines from the aortas of wild Japanese serows (Capricornis crispus)

Endothelial cell lines were established from the aortas of wild Japanese serows (Capricornis crispus) by transfection of a simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen gene. The cloned cell lines, designed SeET (Japanese serow endothelial-SV40T) cells, express SV40T antigen and retain cobblestone-like morphology. Although von Willbrand Factor (vWF) is expressed in the cells, the expression rate and the quantity are lower than in serow primary endothelial cells. The SeET cells exhibit positive uptake of acetylated low density lipoprotein and dose-dependent cell proliferation upon exposure to vascular endothelial growth factor. These results suggest that these SeET cells have preserved endothelial phenotypes and able to function with decreased expression of vWF. The SeET cell line will be a valuable tool for in vitro studies on the physiological properties of endothelial cells and for the propagation of viruses and parasites of Japanese serows.

Accuracy of early fetal sex determination by ultrasonic assessment in goats

The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of early fetal sex determination by ultrasonic assessment of the relative location of the genital tubercle (GT) in goats at different stages of pregnancy as well as by the identification of fetal external genitalia. Pregnant animals were divided into three experimental groups (EI: n=21, EII: n=28, EIII: n=33). In EI, fetuses (n=27) were transrectally monitored daily from days 40 to 60 of pregnancy with a linear transducer (6.0 and 8.0MHz). In EII, fetuses (n=40) were examined once between days 45 and 70 of pregnancy by transrectal ultrasonography. In EIII fetuses (n=52) between days 100 and 120 of pregnancy, were submitted to a single transabdominal ultrasonography using a convex transducer (5.0 and 7.5MHz). Regardless of fetal sex diagnosis, 15/15 (EI), 13/16 (EII) and 9/14 (EIII) of single pregnancies and 10/12 (EI), 20/24 (EII) and 21/38 (EIII) of twin pregnancies were correctly identified. The accuracy of sex identification among EI (92.6%), EII (82.5%) and EIII (57.7%) was not statistically different (P>0.05). Identification of the GT in male fetuses was possible from day 45 onward. Changes in the GT position were not observed between days 53 and 60 of pregnancy. Accuracy of fetal sexing under field conditions is high in goats when ultrasound imaging is properly timed during pregnancy and when it is performed with proper equipment by experienced operators.

Lactation performance of transgenic goats expressing recombinant human butyryl-cholinesterase in the milk

The production of recombinant proteins in the milk of transgenic animals has attracted significant interest in the last decade, as a valuable alternative for the production of recombinant proteins that cannot be or are inefficiently produced using conventional systems based on microorganisms or animal cells. Several recombinant proteins of pharmaceutical and biomedical interest have been successfully expressed in high quantities (g/l) in the milk of transgenic animals. However, this productivity may be associated with a compromised mammary physiology resulting, among other things, from the extraordinary demand placed on the mammary secretory cells. In this study we evaluated the lactation performance of a herd of 50 transgenic goats expressing recombinant human butyryl-cholinesterase (rBChE) in the milk. Our findings indicate that high expression levels of rBChE (range 1-5 g/l) are produced in these animals at the expense of an impaired lactation performance. The key features characterizing these transgenic performances were the decreased milk production, the reduced milk fat content which was associated with an apparent disruption in the lipid secretory mechanism at the mammary epithelium level, and a highly increased presence of leukocytes in milk which is not associated with mammary infection. Despite of having a compromised lactation performance, the amount of rBChE produced per transgenic goat represents several orders of magnitude more than the amount of rBChE present in the blood of hundreds of human donors, the only other available source of rBChE for pharmaceutical and biodefense applications. As a result, this development constitutes another successful example in the application of transgenic animal technology.

Ontogenetic relationships between in vivo strain environment, bone histomorphometry and growth in the goat radius

Vertebrate long bone form, at both the gross and the microstructural level, is the result of many interrelated influences. One factor that is considered to have a significant effect on bone form is the mechanical environment experienced by the bone during growth. The work presented here examines the possible relationships between in vivo bone strains, bone geometry and histomorphology in the radii of three age/size groups of domestic goats. In vivo bone strain data were collected from the radii of galloping goats, and the regional cortical distribution of peak axial strain magnitudes, radial and circumferential strain gradients, and longitudinal strain rates related to regional patterns in cortical growth, porosity, remodelling and collagen fibre orientation. Although porosity and remodelling decreased and increased with age, respectively, these features showed no significant regional differences and did not correspond to regional patterns in the mechanical environment. Thicker regions of the radius's cortex were significantly related to high strain levels and higher rates of periosteal, but not endosteal, growth. However, cortical growth and strain environment were not significantly related. Collagen fibre orientation varied regionally, with a higher percentage of transverse fibres in the caudal region of the radius and primarily longitudinal fibres elsewhere, and, although consistent through growth, also did not generally correspond to regional strain patterns. Although strain magnitudes increased during ontogeny and regional strain patterns were variable over the course of a stride, mean regional strain patterns were generally consistent with growth, suggesting that regional growth patterns and histomorphology, in combination with external loads, may play some role in producing a relatively 'predictable' strain environment within the radius. It is further hypothesized that the absence of correlation between regional histomorphometric patterns and the measured strain environments is the result of the variable mechanical environment. However, the potential effects of other physiological and mechanical factors, such as skeletal metabolism and adjacent muscle insertions, that can influence the gross and microstructural morphology of the radius during ontogeny, cannot be ignored.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of goat ovaries, follicles and oocytes in view of in vitro production of embryos

Goat ovaries were collected from the slaughterhouse and categorized as right, left, corpus luteum (CL)-present and -absent group and evaluated on the basis of weight (g), length (cm), width (cm), number of follicles, follicles aspirated and number and state of cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs). Comparatively higher weight [(0.66+/-0.02) vs (0.64+/-0.02) g], length [(1.17+/-0.02) vs (1.11+/-0.02) cm] and width [(0.77+/-0.02) vs (0.74+/-0.02) cm] were found in right ovaries than those of left. On the other hand significantly (P<0.05) higher weight [(0.71+/-0.03) vs (0.64+/-0.01) g] and width [(0.76+/-0.03) vs (0.75+/-0.01) cm] were found in CL-present group than those of CL-absent group of ovaries. The left ovaries contained comparatively higher number of normal COCs [(1.06+/-0.09) per ovary] than right ovaries [(1.03+/-0.10) per ovary] and the similar trend was found in total number of follicles [(4.51+/-0.25) vs (4.30+/-0.23) per ovary] and follicles aspirated [(2.55+/-0.14) vs (2.52+/-0.12) per ovary]. But the total COCs per ovary was almost similar in both ovaries [right and left: (1.85+/-0.12) and (1.85+/-0.11) per ovary, respectively]. Higher number of total COCs [(1.87+/-0.09) vs (1.76+/-0.16) per ovary], total number of follicles [(4.45+/-0.19) vs (4.16+/-0.37) per ovary], follicles aspirated [(2.55+/-0.10) vs (2.48+/-0.21) per ovary] and normal COCs [(1.12+/-0.07) vs (0.76+/-0.14) per ovary] were found in CL-absent group than those of CL-present group of ovaries.

Study of the vasculature of the caprine reproductive organs using the tissue-clearing technique, with special reference to the angioarchitecture of the utero-ovarian vessels and the adaptation of the ovarian and/or vaginal arteries to multiple pregnancies

Arteries of the reproductive tracts of nonpregnant does and does at 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, and 18 weeks of gestation were injected in situ with Microfil. The tracts were fixed, dehydrated, and rendered transparent to reveal the paths of arteries. The tortuous ovarian artery lay in close apposition to the uterine tributary of the ovarian vein, an arrangement that may serve as a local utero-ovarian pathway for the corpus luteum (CL) luteolysis at the end of nonfertile estrous cycle. During pregnancy, this arteriovenous arrangement might transfer luteotropic substances from uterus to ovary, which might serve in maternal recognition of pregnancy and fit the fact that the goat is CL-dependent throughout gestation. In some cases of triplets, the size of the uterine branch of the ovarian artery was equal to or even larger than that of its parent artery and/or the ipsilateral uterine artery, and the vaginal artery contributed a connecting branch to the uterine artery. These physiological adaptations of the ovarian and/or vaginal arteries, which have not previously been described, correlate well with the increasing nutrient demands of the growing multiple fetuses.

Analysis of size and conformation of native Creole goat breeds and crossbreds used in smallholder agrosilvopastoral systems in Puebla, Mexico

Liveweight (LW) of does and bucks of the native Creole goat breed and crosses of Creole does and Nubian bucks, aged 1.5-5 years, were recorded and body traits including: head length (HL), head width (HW), body length (BL), trunk length (TL), chest girth (CG), abdominal perimeter (AP), rump length (RL), and height at withers (HW) were measured to develop equations for predicting LW from the body measurements. Weight, sex, breed and kidding date of 354 kids were recorded at birth, and LW of the kids was measured monthly for one year to determine the effect of kidding season on growth rate. Bucks had higher (p < 0.05) body measurements than the does (HL 15.1 +/- 0.1 vs 16.6 +/- 0.2 cm; BL 97.6 +/- 0.4 vs 104.6 +/- 1.2 cm; CG 78.8 +/- 0.4 vs 79.9 +/- 1.0 cm; AP 82.4 +/- 0.5 vs 87.2 +/- 1.1 cm; HW 62.7 +/- 0.4 vs 70.1 +/- 0.8 cm). With the exception of TL, F2 does had higher (p < 0.05) body measurements and LW (28.8 +/- 1.5 vs 27.7 +/- 0.5 kg) than Creole does. The body traits of the F1 does were similar (p > 0.05) to those of Creole does with the exception of HL, BL and HR. The F2 kids were heavier (p < 0.05) at birth (3.31 +/- 0.1 vs 2.60 +/- 0.1 kg) and grew faster than the Creole kids. Male kids were heavier (p < 0.05) at birth (3.21 +/- 0.10 vs 2.73 +/- 0.13 kg), and grew faster than female kids. Season had a significant effect on birth weight. The results showed that LW of Creole goats and Creole x Nubian does could be estimated in the field using body traits. Birth weight and growth rate of kids could be improved by management practices that affect season of kidding.

The Saanen goat as an animal model for post-laryngectomy research: practical implications

A modern way of voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy includes the use of shunt valves and tracheostoma valves. Problems of fixation to the surrounding tissue are a major drawback in the use of the shunt valve, heat and moisture exchange (HME) filters and, especially, the tracheostoma valve. To solve these problems different tissue connectors were developed. The main objective was to test the feasibility of these prototypes in a new animal model. Here we discuss the results, problems and complications of the selected Saanen goat model. In this prospective laboratory study, 19 healthy adult female Saanen goats (Capra hircus) were used and observed post-surgically for 12 weeks. Selection criteria such as comparable anatomy to humans and easy handling were used for animal model development. Also a literature search using the Medline and the ISI Web of Science databases was performed. The anatomy of the Saanen goat was investigated in a separate postmortem study. Surgery consisted of a laryngotracheal separation and implantation of a tracheo-oesophageal and tracheostoma tissue connector with fibrin tissue glue. Postoperative care consisted of frequent stoma care, monitoring appetite, weight, vital signs and administration of antibiotics, analgesics and mucolytic agents. All animals survived the surgical procedure. However, postoperative care was extensive, labour intensive and was accompanied by several complications. Eleven animals died spontaneously before the end of the experiment. The tracheostoma tissue connector caused signs of local infection in all cases. There was no evidence of infection around the tracheo-oesophageal tissue connector in 18 cases. It was concluded that the use of goats in this tracheostoma model was associated with major complications and should, therefore, only be used for short-term experiments with intensive care. Additional research is needed to see if clinical application of the tissue connectors is possible in the future.

Age-dependent genetic effects on a secondary sexual trait in male Alpine ibex, Capra ibex

Secondary sexual traits, such as horns in ungulates, may be good indicators of genetic quality because they are costly to develop. Genetic effects on such traits may be revealed by examining correlations between multilocus heterozygosity (MLH) and trait value. Correlations between MLH and fitness traits, termed heterozygosity-fitness correlations (HFC), may reflect inbreeding depression or associative overdominance of neutral microsatellite loci with loci directly affecting fitness traits. We investigated HFCs for horn growth, body mass and faecal counts of nematode eggs in wild Alpine ibex (Capra ibex). We also tested if individual inbreeding coefficients (f') estimated from microsatellite data were more strongly correlated with fitness traits than MLH. MLH was more strongly associated with trait variation than f'. We found HFC for horn growth but not for body mass or faecal counts of nematode eggs. The effect of MLH on horn growth was age-specific. The slope of the correlation between MLH and yearly horn growth changed from negative to positive as males aged, in accordance with the mutation accumulation theory of the evolution of senescence. Our results suggest that the horns of ibex males are an honest signal of genetic quality.

The Kit ligand/c-Kit receptor system in goat ovaries: gene expression and protein localization

Relatively little information is available on the local factors that regulate folliculogenesis in goats. To examine the possibility that the Kit ligand (KL) system is expressed throughout the folliculogenesis, we studied the presence and distribution of KL and its receptor, c-Kit, in goat ovaries. Ovaries of goats were collected and either fixed in paraformaldehyde for immunohistochemical localization of KL and c-Kit proteins, or used for the isolation of follicles, luteal cells, surface epithelium and medullary samples to study mRNA expression for KL and c-Kit, using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). KL protein and mRNA were found in follicles at all stages of development, i.e. primordial, primary, secondary, small and large antral follicles, as well as in corpora lutea, surface epithelium and medullary tissue. Antral follicles expressed both KL-1 and KL-2 mRNAs, while earlier staged follicles expressed KL-1 transcript only. KL protein was demonstrated in granulosa cells from the primordial follicle onward. Its mRNA could be detected in granulosa cells isolated from antral follicles and occasionally in their theca cells. c-Kit mRNA was expressed in all antral follicular compartments and at all stages of follicular development. c-Kit protein was predominantly found in oocytes from the primordial follicle stage onwards, in theca cells of antral follicles, as well as in corpora lutea, surface epithelium and medullary tissue, particularly in the wall of blood vessels, which may indicate these cells as the main sites of action of KL. It is concluded that the KL/c-Kit system, in goat ovaries, is widespread and that it may be involved in the regulation of various local processes, including folliculogenesis and luteal activity.

Animal models for implant biomaterial research in bone: a review

Development of an optimal interface between bone and orthopaedic and dental implants has taken place for many years. In order to determine whether a newly developed implant material conforms to the requirements of biocompatibility, mechanical stability and safety, it must undergo rigorous testing both in vitro and in vivo. Results from in vitro studies can be difficult to extrapolate to the in vivo situation. For this reason the use of animal models is often an essential step in the testing of orthopaedic and dental implants prior to clinical use in humans. This review discusses some of the more commonly available and frequently used animal models such as the dog, sheep, goat, pig and rabbit models for the evaluation of bone-implant interactions. Factors for consideration when choosing an animal model and implant design are discussed. Various bone specific features are discussed including the usage of the species, bone macrostructure and microstructure and bone composition and remodelling, with emphasis being placed on the similarity between the animal model and the human clinical situation. While the rabbit was the most commonly used of the species discussed in this review, it is clear that this species showed the least similarities to human bone. There were only minor differences in bone composition between the various species and humans. The pig demonstrated a good likeness with human bone however difficulties may be encountered in relation to their size and ease of handling. In this respect the dog and sheep/goat show more promise as animal models for the testing of bone implant materials. While no species fulfils all of the requirements of an ideal model, an understanding of the differences in bone architecture and remodelling between the species is likely to assist in the selection of a suitable species for a defined research question.

The cerebellar fastigial nucleus contributes to CO2-H+ ventilatory sensitivity in awake goats

The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that an intact cerebellar fastigial nucleus (CFN) is an important determinant of CO(2)-H(+) sensitivity during wakefulness. Bilateral, stainless steel microtubules were implanted into the CFN (N=9) for injection (0.5-10 microl) of the neurotoxin ibotenic acid. Two or more weeks after implantation of the microtubules, eupneic breathing and CO(2)-H(+) sensitivity did not differ significantly (P>0.10) from pre-implantation conditions. Injection of ibotenic acid (50 mM) did not significantly alter eupneic Pa(CO2) (P>0.10). The coefficient of variation of eupneic Pa(CO2) was 4.0+/-0.6 and 3.7+/-0.4% over the 2 weeks before and after the lesion, respectively. CO(2)-H(+) sensitivity expressed as inspired ventilation/Pa(CO2) decreased from 2.15+/-0.17 pre-lesion to 1.58+/-0.26 l/(min mmHg) 3-6 days post-lesion (P<0.02, -27%). There was no significant (P>0.10) recovery of sensitivity between 7 and 10 days post-lesion. The lesion also increased (P<0.05) the day-to-day variability of this index by nearly 100%. When CO(2) sensitivity was expressed as elevated inspired CO(2)/room air V (I), values at 7%, but not 3 and 5% inspired CO(2), were reduced and more variable (P<0.05) after the ibotenic acid injections. We conclude that during wakefulness, the CFN contributes relatively more to overall ventilatory drive at high relative to low levels of hypercapnia.

Predicting the energy cost of terrestrial locomotion: a test of the LiMb model in humans and quadrupeds

The energy cost of terrestrial locomotion has been linked to the muscle forces generated to support body weight and swing the limbs. The LiMb model predicts these forces, and hence locomotor cost, as a function of limb length and basic kinematic variables. Here, I test this model in humans, goats and dogs in order to assess the performance of the LiMb model in predicting locomotor cost for bipeds and quadrupeds. Model predictions were compared to observed locomotor cost, measured via oxygen consumption, during treadmill trials performed over a range of speeds for both walking and running gaits. The LiMb model explained more of the variation in locomotor cost than other predictors, including contact time, Froude number and body mass. The LiMb model also accurately predicted the magnitude of vertical ground forces. Results suggest the LiMb model reliably links locomotor anatomy to force production and locomotor cost. Further, these data support the idea that limb length may underlie the scaling of locomotor cost for terrestrial animals.

Structure and chemical organization of the accessory olfactory bulb in the goat

The structure and chemical composition of the accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) were examined in male and female goats. Sections were subjected to either Nissl staining, Klüver-Barrera staining, lectin histochemistry, or immunohistochemistry for nitric oxide synthase (NOS), neuropeptide Y (NPY), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH), and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). The goat AOB was divided into four layers: the vomeronasal nerve layer (VNL), glomerular layer (GL), mitral/tufted (M/T) cell layer (MTL), and granule cell layer (GRL). Quantitative and morphometric analyses indicated that a single AOB contained 5,000-8,000 putative M/T cells with no sex differences, whereas the AOB was slightly larger in males. Of the 21 lectins examined, 7 specifically bound to the VNL and GL, and 1 bound not only to the VNL, but also to the MTL and GRL. In either of these cases, no heterogeneity of lectin staining was observed in the rostrocaudal direction. NOS-, TH-, DBH-, and GAD-immunoreactivity (ir) were observed in the MTL and GRL, whereas NPY-ir was present only in the GRL. In the GL, periglomerular cells with GAD-ir were found in abundance, and a subset of periglomerular cells containing TH-ir was also found. Double-labeling immunohistochemistry revealed that virtually all periglomerular cells containing TH-ir were colocalized with GAD-ir.

Masticatory motor patterns in ungulates: a quantitative assessment of jaw-muscle coordination in goats, alpacas and horses

We investigated patterns of jaw-muscle coordination during rhythmic mastication in three species of ungulates displaying the marked transverse jaw movements typical of many large mammalian herbivores. In order to quantify consistent motor patterns during chewing, electromyograms were recorded from the superficial masseter, deep masseter, posterior temporalis and medial pterygoid muscles of goats, alpacas and horses. Timing differences between muscle pairs were evaluated in the context of an evolutionary model of jaw-muscle function. In this model, the closing and food reduction phases of mastication are primarily controlled by two distinct muscle groups, triplet I (balancing-side superficial masseter and medial pterygoid and working-side posterior temporalis) and triplet II (working-side superficial masseter and medial pterygoid and balancing-side posterior temporalis), and the asynchronous activity of the working- and balancing-side deep masseters. The three species differ in the extent to which the jaw muscles are coordinated as triplet I and triplet II. Alpacas, and to a lesser extent, goats, exhibit the triplet pattern whereas horses do not. In contrast, all three species show marked asynchrony of the working-side and balancing-side deep masseters, with jaw closing initiated by the working-side muscle and the balancing-side muscle firing much later during closing. However, goats differ from alpacas and horses in the timing of the balancing-side deep masseter relative to the triplet II muscles. This study highlights interspecific differences in the coordination of jaw muscles to influence transverse jaw movements and the production of bite force in herbivorous ungulates.

Endoscopic examination of the upper respiratory tract and oesophagus in small ruminants: Technique and normal appearance

The aim of this study was to describe the technique of rhinolaryngotracheobronchoscopy and oesophagoscopy in small ruminants and to report the normal endoscopic appearance of the structures of the upper respiratory tract and oesophagus. Thirty sheep and 30 goats, all clinically normal, underwent rhinolaryngotracheobronchoscopy and oesophagoscopy using a flexible endoscope (length 100 cm; diameter 4 mm). The anatomical features of the structures and the appearance of the mucosa were investigated. The degree of mucosal pigmentation varied between breeds. The appearance of the pharyngeal tonsil and the shape of the trachea in cross-section showed most individual variation. The technique was easily performed and sedation was necessary in only a few cases. No major complications were encountered. It was concluded that the procedure facilitated more accurate diagnosis and prognosis of conditions of the upper respiratory tract and oesophagus.

[Nuclear transfer of goat somatic cells transgenic for human lactoferrin]

Transgenic animal mammary gland bioreactors are being used to produce recombinant proteins with appropriate post-translational modifications, and nuclear transfer of transgenic somatic cells is a more powerful method to produce mammary gland bioreactor. Here we describe efficient gene transfer and nuclear transfer in goat somatic cells. Gene targeting vector pGBC2LF was constructed by cloning human lactoferrin (LF) gene cDNA into exon 2 of the milk goat beta-casein gene, and the endogenous start condon was replaced by that of human LF gene. Goat fetal fibroblasts were transfected with linearized pGBC2LF and 14 cell lines were positive according to PCR and Southern blot. The transgenic cells were used as donor cells of nuclear transfer, and some of reconstructed embryos could develop to blastocyst in vitro.

[Influence of maternal genetic effect on genetic parameter estimates of production traits of cashmere goat]

The derivative-free restricted maximum likelihood (DFREML) method was used to compare the differences of genetic parameter estimates of Inner Mongolian Cashmere Goats under two models, which differ in whether maternal genetic effect is taken into account. The differences between the two models were, tested by likelihood ratio test. The results show that maternal genetic effect highly affects live body weight and cashmere thickness while has no significant effect on raw cashmere weight, staple length, fibre diameter and fibre length.

Short Communication: Correlations Between Udder Morphology, Milk Yield, and Milking Ability with Different Milking Frequencies in Dairy Goats

Tinerfeñ a breed goats were assigned to 2 experimental herds and milked once (n = 28) or twice (n = 24) daily to study correlations between udder morphology, milk yield, and milking ability during the middle stage of the first lactation. Pearson correlation coefficients were significantly higher between yield and measures of udder globulousness (udder volume, r = 0.79 and r = 0.59; perimeter of insertion of the udder, r = 0.47 and r = 0.37; distance between teats, r = 0.77 and r = 0.28, for goats milked once and twice daily, respectively) than for length parameters (cistern floor distance, r = 0.40 and r = -0.29; udder depth, r = -0.20 and r = 0.20). The globulousness of the udder was correlated with easier milking ability, as shown by milk fractioning (r = 0.49 to 0.70) and milk flow measures (r = 0.32 to 0.49). The results showed that the globulousness of the udder is more important than length measurements in assessing milk yield and milking ability.

Ophthalmoscopic characteristics in sheep and goats: comparative study

The ocular fundus was examined in 40 goat eyes and 40 sheep eyes by studying ophthalmoscopic characteristics and retinograms. Similarities and differing characteristics were described. In common: tapetal colour; peripheral yellowish area surrounding the Winslow stars; unpigmented areas in the non-tapetal zone; a great amount of myelin in the optic disc; the Bergmeister's papilla and the holoangiotic retinal vascular pattern. Differences: big size of the Winslow stars in goats; myelinizated fibre over the non-tapetal zone in sheep; shape, position and myelin distribution of the optic disc; and the presence of a 'primary artery' in goats.

Evolutionary history of the genus Capra (Mammalia, Artiodactyla): discordance between mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosome phylogenies

The systematics of the genus Capra remain controversial in spite of studies conducted using morphology, mtDNA, and allozymes. Here, we assess the evolutionary history of Capra (i) using phylogenetic analysis of two nuclear genes located on the Y-chromosome and (ii) previously published and new cytochrome b sequences. For the Y-chromosome phylogeny, we sequenced segments from the amelogenin (AMELY) and zinc finger (ZFY) genes from all of the eight wild taxa and from domestic goats (Capra hircus). Phylogenetic analysis of the Y-chromosome data revealed two well-defined clades. The domestic goat (C. hircus), the bezoar (Capra aegagrus), and the markhor (C. falconeri) belong to one clade (ML bootstrap value [BP]: 98%), suggesting that domestic goats originated from one or both of these wild species. The second clade (ML BP: 92%) is comprised of all the other wild species. Horn morphology is generally concordant with the Y-chromosome phylogeny. The mtDNA data also revealed two well-defined clades. However, the species in each clade are different from those inferred from the Y-chromosome data. To explain the discordance between Y-chromosome and mtDNA phylogenies, several hypotheses are considered. We suggest that a plausible scenario involves mtDNA introgression between ancestral taxa before the relatively recent colonization of Western Europe, the Caucasus Mountains, and East Africa by Capra populations.

Anatomy of the posterolateral aspect of the goat knee

The purpose of this study was to determine the anatomy of the posterolateral aspect of the goat knee for future in vivo studies using a goat model to examine the natural history of posterolateral knee injuries. Twelve non-paired, fresh-frozen, adult goat knees were dissected to determine the anatomy of the posterolateral corner. The main posterolateral structures identified in the goat knee were the lateral collateral ligament, the popliteus muscle and tendon, popliteomeniscal fascicles, and the lateral gastrocnemius muscle. The lateral collateral ligament was extra-articular and coursed from its proximal attachment, located posterior and proximal to the lateral epicondyle, to its distal attachment on the lateral aspect of the fused proximal tibiofibula. The popliteus muscle attached to the medial edge of the posterodistal tibia, traveled anterolaterally, became intra-articular at its musculotendinous junction, and attached to the lateral femur just distal to the lateral epicondyle. Distinct popliteomeniscal fascicles attached the lateral meniscus to the popliteus muscle and tendon, and a fascial attachment from the musculotendinous junction of the popliteus muscle coursed to the lateral tibial plateau. This study provided information on the structures present in the posterolateral aspect of the goat knee and enhanced our understanding of their relationships to analogous structures in the human knee. This information is important to enable future development of potential models of the natural history of posterolateral knee injuries and also to test surgical techniques and the in vivo effects of these injuries on cruciate ligament reconstructions.

Postnatal development of the pineal gland in the goat (Capra hircus)--light and electron microscopy studies

This study was conducted to investigate structural transformations of the goat pineal gland during postnatal development. The pineals of newborn, 4-week-, 4-month-, 1-year- and 3-year-old male goats were prepared for qualitative and quantitative investigations at both light and transmission electron microscopy levels. In the first 4 months after birth, the pinealocytes developed very intensively, which was connected with enlargement of their volume as well as distinct qualitative and quantitative transformations of their cytoplasmic organelles. Parallel to these changes, the pineal parenchyma underwent deep reorganization and the mosaic pattern, characteristic for newborns, disappeared. At the same time the meshwork of blood vessels supporting the goat pineal gland developed conspicuously. From fourth months to one year of postnatal life continuation of the growth of some pinealocyte organelles and very intensive development of all components of the pineal connective tissue were observed. In the three-year-old goats some decrease in the relative volume of most cytoplasmic structures of pinealocytes as well as increase in collagen fibers in stroma were noticed. The investigations established intensive growth of the goat pineal to the age of 4 months, which included mainly some increase in the pinealocyte and their structures. The pineal gland of 4-month- and 1-year-old goats showed morphological features which are considered as symptoms of high secretory activity. The structure of the pineal gland in 3-year-old animals and the changes observed both in their pinealocytes and connective tissue in comparison with 1-year-old individuals point to some decrease in the goat pineal activity in this age.

Iliocostalis muscles in three mammals (dolphin, goat and human): Their identification, structure and innervation

Iliocostalis (IC) muscles were studied in four dolphin embryos, three goat embryos and four Japanese adult cadavers through macroscopic dissection. The IC muscles of the dolphin were located on the lateral aspect of the trunk and displayed an intercostal arrangement. In contrast, the IC muscles in both the goat and human showed a double-layered architecture formed by a multisegmental muscle-tendon complex and were located on the lateral and medial sides of the costal angle, respectively. Generally, the nerve to the iliocostalis (NIC) in the dolphin and goat did not form a common trunk with the nerve to the longissimus on the epaxial plane, whereas in humans the NIC ran parallel to the nerve to the longissimus part of the way. The individual NIC ran caudolaterally, innervating the one lower (caudal) metameric division of the IC muscle in the dolphin and piercing the fascia of the IC muscles at a point in the next caudal intercostal level in the goat and human. In the upper thoracic part of the goat and human, the caudal shift of innervation was obscured, where the IC muscles were close to the vertebrae. The course of the NIC was closely related to that of the lateral cutaneous branch. The present study shows that the NIC is commonly destined for the one lower intercostal level among the three mammalian species, with their respective IC muscles having distinctly different structural complexity.

Morphology of caprine skin glands involved in buck odour production

The distribution and morphology of the cornual, sub-caudal, mental and preputial glands were studied macro- and microscopically in four Toggenburg and eight miniature male goats. Although the cornual and sub-caudal glands could be readily located macroscopically, the mental glands in the inter-mandibular region and the preputial glands at the preputial orifice were not visible macroscopically. On histological section, all glands were found to be composed of lobulated sebaceous tissue combining both normal and modified holocrine secretory units. Over a period of 18 months, five consecutive glandular swabs for scent tests were taken to assess the influence of age and season on buck odour production. Buck odour was most apparent in the cornual gland area, less distinct at the mental gland region, and faint or absent in the other glandular areas. Surgical removal of the cornual glands caused a decrease in buck odour and persisting scent was ascribed to smaller skin glands dispersed in the cranial body half. Complete absence of buck odour was only observed in castrated bucks.

Ultrasonic assessment of puerperal uterine involution in Balady goats

Twenty-six postpartum Balady goats (primiparous, n=13; pluriparous, n=13) were used in this study. One animal of each group was slaughtered on postpartum days 1, 2, 4, 7, 10, 13, 19 and 25; in addition, three control nulliparous goats were slaughtered, and the genital tracts collected. Progress of uterine involution was monitored by repeated ultrasonographic measurements in live animals (primiparous n=6; pluriparous n=6) and measurement of the outer circumference of the uterine horns of slaughtered animals (primiparous n=8; pluriparous n=8). A consistent and progressive decrease in ultrasonographic and outer circumference measurements was found, although faster during the first 7 days postpartum than between days 7 and 19 postpartum. Uterine involution, assessed by the upper limit of the measurements in the nulliparous goats, followed a quadratic pattern and was completed by day 19 postpartum. Ultrasonographically, two elliptical-circular echogenic areas separated by an anechoic line of the stratum vascularis were depicted. Regressing caruncles and fluid in uterine lumen were recognized during the first week postpartum. Further analysis revealed a highly positive correlation between the outer circumference and ultrasonographic measurements. In conclusion, uterine involution in Balady goats was completed by day 19 postpartum and was unrelated to parity. The close association between ultrasound findings and macroscopic involution indicated that ultrasonography can dependably be used to monitor uterine involution under field conditions and can be a suitable alternative to animal slaughter for the study of uterine involution.

Morphometry of ovarian structures by transrectal ultrasonography in Serrana goats

The accuracy of transrectal real-time ultrasonography (RTU) scanning technique to detect ovarian structures (follicles and corpus luteum) of Serrana goats was compared to the data obtained by observation of ovarian sequential slices. This slicing technique (SLI) was considered as reference method. The laparoscopy and laparotomy techniques were also used for corpora lutea identification. For this purpose the ovaries of 14 females were observed, 7-8 days after ovulation, by transrectal ultrasonography followed by laparoscopic examination. Then ovaries were removed and studied by slicing. In the sliced sections of each ovary (n=28), follicles and corpus luteum (CL) were identified and counted. CL and follicular diameters were measured using a millimetre scale. The total number of follicles, counted by RTU, was significantly lower than that observed by SLI (P <0.01). This difference was mainly due to the under estimation of <2 mm follicles category. The correlation coefficient between category data obtained by RTU and SLI methods for the number of follicles > or =3 mm was high (r2=0.95, P <0.001), which highlights the use of UTR as a potential methodology to study the follicular dynamic of goats. There were no significant differences (P >0.05) between the average number (mean +/- S.D.) of corpus luteum identified per ovary by RTU (0.71 +/- 0.75), laparoscopy (0.58 +/- 0.71), laparotomy (0.67 +/- 0.76) or SLI (0.83 +/- 0.76) methods. The accuracy for the identification of ovulation, validated by CL detection on D7-D8 by SLI (100%), was 91.7%, 87.5% and 83.3% by RTU, laparotomy and laparoscopy, respectively. The negative predictive value of RTU, laparotomy and laparoscopy to verify the absence of a CL in the ovary was 81.8%, 75.0% and 69.2%, respectively. The specificity of all three methods for the CL identification was 100%. No significant differences (P >0.05) were found in the probability to detect the exact number of CL (0, 1 or 2) counted in each ovary between the RTU (87.5%), laparotomy (83.3%) and laparoscopy (75.0%) methods when compared with the reference method. The diameter of spherical CL could be estimated with reliability (r2=0.86; P <0.001). The real-time ultrasonographic scanning proved to be a highly accurate method for detection and measurement of several categories of follicles and CL size in Serrana goats. The results of the present study show that laparoscopy and RTU are similarly reliable techniques for CL detection. However, the RTU represents a non-traumatic technique with advantages to animal welfare both in experimental and reproductive evaluation of the size of ovarian structures.

Comparative morphological study on the tongue and lingual papillae of horses (Perissodactyla) and selected ruminantia (Artiodactyla)

A common characteristic of horses, Rocky Mountain goats, and cattle is that they all have a well developed lingual prominence on the dorsal surface of the posterior area of the tongue. Foliate papillae were found in the horse studied but not in the goat or in cattle. The horse filiform papillae had a long and slender external form with a thin and slender CTC, while in the goat and cattle the external form consisted of a large thick main process and the CTC consisted of a bundle of numerous rod-shaped protrusions. The special papilla found on the lingual prominence resembled larger filiform-like papillae in the horses; however, in the goat and cattle it was a very thick and large tongue like papillae. The horses had two large vallate papillae, while the goat and cattle had 15 or more vallate papillae at the posterior area of the lingual prominence. This suggests that the fine structure of horse tongues may display a more primitive pattern than that present in goats and cattle.

Immunolocalization of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Its Receptors (TrkA and p75LNGFR) in the Reproductive Organs of Shiba Goats

The objective of this study was to determine the immunolocalization of NGF and its receptors (TrkA and p75LNGFR) in the reproductive tract of the Japanese Shiba goats. Five adult goats were used in this study and sections of ovaries, uteri and oviducts were immunostained by the avidin-biotin-peroxidase complex method (ABC). The results showed that NGF and its receptors (TrkA and p75LNGFR) were expressed in granulosa cells, theca cells, interstitial cells and lutein cells in ovaries. Immunoreactions for NGF, TrkA and p75LNGFR were also detectable in epithelial cells and muscle cells of the ampulla and isthmus of the oviduct, and in epithelial cells and uterine glands of the uterus. These results strongly suggest autocrine and paracrine regulation of reproductive function by NGF in the reproductive tract of female Shiba goats.

[Genetic structure and phylogeny status of Chaidamu goat population]

Genetic structure and character of Chaidamu goats were studied through simple random sampling. Genetic structure was analysed from five aspects, and phylogeny status was also investigated. The results indicated that: (1) the average phenotypic heterogeneity degree of coat color and morphological character were 0.3419 and 0.5207, respectively; (2) polymorphous blood albumen existed in 6 loci and the average loci heterozygosity was 0.2584; and (3) polymorphism existed in marked genes by DND-RAPD with diversity of 0.4085 approximately 0.5318. Phylogeny status was investigated through clustering by Ward's method on Chaidamu Goats and other domestic goats. All these indicated that Chaidamu Goats was a domestic goat with less intensively selected breed.