Orientador: Kleber Tomás de Resende / Banca: Renato Luis Furlan / Banca: Kênia Cardoso Bícego / Banca: Silvio Doria de Almeida Ribeiro / Banca: Juan Ramon Olalquiaga Perez / Resumo: Objetivou-se avaliar os impactos da restrição nutricional em cabritos machos castrados, fêmeas e machos não castrados da raça Saanen dos 05 aos 15 kg de peso corporal (PC). Foram utilizados 46 cabritos da raça Saanen (17 machos não castrados, 14 fêmeas e 15 machos castrados), submetidos a três diferentes níveis nutricionais (ad libitum, restrições de 25% e de 50%), sendo que os sob restrição tiveram a oferta diária de alimento baseada no consumo do ad libitum. Foram avaliados os parâmetros de desempenho, carcaça, composição corporal, perfil metabóliconutricional, hormônios tireoidianos, biometria, escore de condição corporal, morfometria óssea e densitometria mineral óssea. Todos os animais foram abatidos quando os ad libitum atingiram 15 kg de PC, realizando-se a avaliação dos componentes de carcaça (pesos de carcaça quente e de carcaça fria), dos não-componentes de carcaça (órgãos internos e depósitos de gordura) e da composição corporal. O perfil metabóliconutricional e hormônios tireoidianos foram determinados em dosagens séricas realizadas ao longo de nove semanas sucessivas. O sexo não exerceu efeito (P>0,05) sobre nenhum dos parâmetros avaliados. Os animais em aleitamento mostraram-se mais eficientes que no pós-desaleitamento. Os componentes de carcaça e de não carcaça foram afetados negativamente (P<0,05) pelas restrições, havendo redução (P<0,05) na deposição de tecido muscular e na composição corporal em gordura, assim como nos parâmetros de desempenho, biometria, escore de condição corporal, morfometria e densitometria mineral óssea. As estruturas ósseas internas foram mais afetadas que as externas, e quanto às densidades, nas epífises foram mais afetadas que na diáfise. Dos parâmetros séricos, apenas os de uréia, creatinina, colesterol e fósforo... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The objective was to assess the impact of nutritional restriction in castrated male, females and males not-castrated Saanen kid goats from 05 to 15 kg of body weight (BW). Was used 46 Saanen kid goats (17 not-castrated, 14 females and 15 castrated males), under three different nutrient levels (ad libitum, restriction of 25% and 50%), and the under restriction had the daily supply of food based on consumption of ad libitum. Was evaluated the performance parameters, carcass characteristics, body composition, nutritional-metabolic profile, thyroid hormones, biometrics, body condition score, bone morphometry and bone mineral density. All animals were slaughtered when the ad libitum reached 15 kg of BW, and where the assessment of carcass components (weight of hot and cold carcass), the non-carcass components (internal organs and fat deposits) and body composition. The nutritional-metabolic profile and thyroid hormones were determined in serum taken over nine consecutive weeks. Sex had no effect (P >0.05) on any of the parameters evaluated. Lactating animals were more efficient than the post-weaning. The components of carcass non-carcass components were negatively affected (P <0.05) by restrictions, with a decrease (P <0.05) in muscle tissue deposition and body composition in fat, the same way as parameters of performance, biometrics , body condition score, morphometry and bone mineral density. The internal bone structures were more affected than outside and on the densities in the epiphyses were more affected than in the diaphysis. Of serum parameters, only urea, creatinine, cholesterol and phosphorus were affected (P <0.05) of the restrictions. Was also negative (P <0.05) impact in concentrations of triiodothyronine hormone. Considering the results presented, can concluded that the restrictions have an impact under different parameters and with different intensities in Saanen kid goats in the early stages of growth / Doutor

Orientador: Kleber Tomas de Resende / Banca: Izabelle Auxiliadora Molina de Almeida Texeira / Banca: Jane Maria Bertocco Ezequiel / Banca: Iraides Ferreira Furusho Garcia / Banca: Antonello Cannas / Resumo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da restrição alimentar, tipo e a fase de gestação de cabras nas alterações que ocorrem no corpo materno e na dinâmica do desenvolvimento do útero gravídeo e da glândula mamária. Foram realizados dois experimentos, em que o primeiro, foi conduzido em delineamento interiamente casualizado com esquema fatorial (3x2x2), sendo três idades gestacionais (80; 110 e 140), duas raças (Saanen e Alpina) e dois tipos de gestação (simples e dupla); e o segundo experimento foi em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 3x3x2 sendo três níveis de restrição alimentar (0, 20 e 40 %), três dias de gestação (80; 110 e 140) e duas raças (Saanen e Alpina). Aos 80; 110 e 140 dias de gestação, as cabras foram abatidas. Após o abate, foi removida a glândula mamária e o útero gravídeo. Os componentes do útero grávido (útero vazio, placenta, placentomas, liquído placentário e fetos) foram separados e pesados. Nos fetos foram realizadas medidas biométricas e identificação do sexo. O corpo das fêmeas gestantes foi pesado separado em carcaça, orgãos, trato digestório, gordura intracavitária e sangue. Individualmente os fetos das cabras da raça Alpina foram mais pesados (P<0,05). Os pesos individuais dos fetos de gestação simples foram superiores aos de gestação gemelar, no entanto os pesos e as deposições de nutrientes nos componentes do útero gravídeo foram maiores para as cabras de gestação gemelar (P<0,05). A restrição alimentar não interferiu no desenvolvimento do útero gravídeo e da glândula mamária (P>0,05). Os pesos e as deposições de nutrientes nos fetos e no útero gravídeo aumentaram exponencialmente ao longo da gestação, porém na glândula este aumentou foi de forma linear (P<0,05). O peso dos depósitos de gorduras, da carcaça... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of nutritional management, type and stage of gestation of goats on changes that occur in the maternal body and in the dynamics of the development of gravid uterus and mammary gland. Two experiments were conducted, being the first a factorial design, with three days of gestation (80, 110 and 140), two breeds (Saanen and Alpine) and two types of pregnancy (single and double), and second experiment was in randomized blocks with factorial 3x3x2, being three nutritional levels (0, 20 and 40% restriction), three days of gestation (80, 110 and 140) and two breeds (Saanen and Alpine). At 80, 110 and 140 days of gestation, the goats were slaughtered. After slaughter, both mammary gland and pregnant uterus were removed. The components of the pregnant uterus were separated and weighed. Biometric measures and the identification of the sex were made in the fetuses. The body of the pregnant females were separated weighed into carcass, external components, digestive tract, fat intracavitary and blood. The individual weights of fetuses of Alpine goats were heavier (P<0.05). The individual weights of fetuses of simple gestation were superior to twin gestation, however, the weights and the deposition of nutrients in the pregnant uteru's components were higher for the goats of twin pregnancy (P<0.05). Nutritional restriction did not affect the growth of the gravid uterus and mammary gland (P>0.05). Weights and nutrients deposition in fetus and pregnant uteru's exponentially increased throught the gestation, but in this gland was increased linearly (P<0.05).The weight of the carcass, fat and stomach of the goats were reduced in late pregnancy (P<0.05). Goats of twin gestation should receive a higher nutrient intake than goats of single pregnancy / Doutor

No Abstract provided. Please read Chapter 5: "Conclusions and recommendations" / Dissertation (MInst Agrar (Animal Production Management))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Animal and Wildlife Sciences / unrestricted

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in four areas in the communal area of Gweru District in the Midlands Province, Zimbabwe. The study was conducted at Mkoba, Mangwande, Chiwundura and Nsukamini. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence of nematode infection in communal goats in Gweru District, and whether or not the prevalence was related to age, sex, breed or the season. The study was important as it would help in evaluating current strategies used in nematode control and designing low cost control strategies. One hundred and ninety-eight (198) communal goats made up of 49 males and 149 females ranging in age from one month to over twelve months were sampled. Of these, 100 were sampled during the wet season and the remaining 98 during the dry season. One hundred and fifteen (115) or 58% had significant egg counts per gram (epg) of faeces. Among the goats that had significant epg, 31 were males and 84 were females. All age groups were affected. The most common parasites encountered were Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Teladorsagia and Oesophagostomum. Haemonchus was the dominant species during the wet season. The proportion of goats that had a significant EPG during the wet season was significantly higher than during the dry season (X2=5.311; P≤0.05). There was no statistical significant difference in prevalence among the different age groups (X2=1.270; P≤0.05) and between males and females (X2=0.696; P≤0.05). Copyright / Dissertation (MSc (Veterinary Tropical Diseases))--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Veterinary Tropical Diseases / unrestricted

Urinary bladder marsupialization has been successful in producing acceptable long-term resolution of clinical cases of obstructive urolithiasis in male goats. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the six-month outcome of urinary bladder marsupialization in male goats. The urinary bladders of six male goats free from systemic disease were marsupialized following induced urethral obstruction. Renal ultrasonography, complete blood count, and blood chemistry analysis were evaluated preoperatively (day 0), at 7 postoperative days, and at 30-day intervals until 180 postoperative days. Stomal diameter was recorded at each interval. Necropsy examination was performed on day 180 or when stomal stricture or death occurred. Stomal stricture occurred in one goat at 120 days, and another goat was found dead at 150 days. Necropsy of this goat revealed severe, suppurative cystitis. All goats developed mild urine scald dermatitis. All blood chemistry values remained within normal limits. Significant decreases in white blood cell count, serum creatinine, and stomal diameter were observed from day 0 to day 180. Except for the goat that died at 150 days, all urinary bladders were tubular in shape and the mucosa and serosa of all urinary tract organs appeared grossly normal at necropsy examination. Histologic evidence of chronic suppurative cystitis and chronic, mild, lymphoplasmacytic pyelitis was present in all goats. Culture of renal tissue yielded bacterial growth in three of six goats, and culture of a swab of the urinary bladder mucosa yielded bacterial growth in all animals. Although clinical signs of ascending urinary tract infection were not observed in goats with patent stomata, urinary bladder marsupialization may result in ascending inflammation or infection. Based upon the results of this study, urinary bladder marsupialization should be recommended with caution as the primary procedure in clinical cases. / Master of Science

This study was conducted to determine the effects of different levels of dietary tannin on the physiology of Boer goats. In particular, dietary intake, digestibility, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) histology and presence of bacteria along the GIT were measured. In addition the ability of goats to detoxify tannins by measuring liver and kidney mass; and urinary glucuronic acid concentration was investigated. Commercialized tannin was used because of wide variation of tannin levels, which can be affected by season, species, and part of the plant. Thirty adult, male goats were fed one of five diet treatments of different tannin levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) for 6 weeks following which they were kept in metabolic crates for data collection for a further 10 days. Dietary intake of feed decreased significantly as tannin levels increased between the diets. Digestibility of dry matter (DM) tended to decrease with increasing tannin levels. However, digestibility of crude proteins (CP), organic matter, neutral detergent fibre and acid neutral detergent fibre decreased Significantly with increasing tannin levels. Faecal CP increased while urinary CP decreased with increasing tannin levels. There was no tannin present in the faeces. It appears that goats cope with low levels of tannin ingestion. There appears to be a threshold above which greater tannin ingestion has detrimental effects. The linear decreased dietary intake with increased tannin level may indicate that goats limit their intake of tannin below some threshold as a defence strategy. Differences in the histopathology of the oesophagus, reticulum, rumen, abomasum and duodenum were evaluated. Animals on the control diet had more protozoa present in the GIT than the other diets. Number and types of bacteria observed in the reticulum and rumen increased with tannin level in the diet. These may be responsible for tannin-protein complex degradation. Few bacteria were observed in the abomasum. There was a loss of epithelial cells and erosion of microvilli in duodenum with increased tannin levels, which would impair absorption of nutrients. The width of the keratinized GIT epithelial layer increased and villi height decreased as tannin levels increased which could further reduce nutrient absorption. Goats in the present study did not show detoxification abilities because the liver and kidney masses, and urinary glucuronic acid concentration did not increase with increased dietary tannin levels In summary, condensed tannins as large compounds appear to be metabolized and absorbed from the GIT. However, it is not clear if they are detoxified at the epithelial mucosa interface. The main detrimental effect of tannin on goats appears to be the reduction of feed intake and increased faecal CP. / Thesis (M.Sc.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2001.

Genetic characterization of Mozambican goats was done using microsatellites markers. The genomic DNA from 160 unrelated animals from 4 provinces was extracted and PCR-amplified with a panel of 17 microsatellite markers. PCR amplifications were visualized using 5% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis on an ABI 377 automated sequencer. The data was captured using Genescan 3.1 software and data analysis was carried out using Genotyper 2.0 to determine the fragment sizes in base pairs. The microsatellites chosen in this study amplified well in goats. Allele frequencies ranged from 0.010 to 0.99 for any specific microsatellite. Alleles unique to certain populations were observed with Pafuri goats showing the highest number (13) with allele frequencies ranging from 0.013 to 0.307. The MNA ranged from 5.59 in the Tete population to 6.94 in the Pafuri population within all individuals. The observed heterozygosity (Ho) values ranged from 53% for the Maputo population to 59% for the Pafuri population. The average observed heterozygosity estimate for all populations was 56%. The genetic distance estimates of Nei (1972) were used and ranged from 0.037 to 0.205. The greatest genetic distance was observed between the Maputo and Pafuri populations. The highest gene flow (8.36) was observed between the Tete and Maputo populations. 84.38% of populations studied were correctly assigned to their original population. The results indicate that the Pafuri and Cabo Delgado populations are the most distinct within all the Mozambican goat populations. There is sufficient genetic variation within Mozambican goat populations with distinct genetic differentiation between the Cabo Delgado and Pafuri goats and the Maputo and Pafuri goats which suggests that they are really different breeds. / Dissertation (MSc (Production Animal Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Production Animal Studies / MSc / unrestricted

Thesis (M. Agricultural Management (Animal Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022 / Modern analytical techniques such as data mining algorithms are used to create a model that accurately estimates continuous dependent variable from independent variables of a given set of data. The present study used different data mining algorithms to assess the association between body weight (BW) and morphological characteristics such as body length (BL), heart girth (HG), withers height (WH), rump height (RH), and rump length (RL) of South African non-descript indigenous goats. The research was carried out in the Lepelle-Nkumbi Local Municipality, Capricorn District in the Limpopo province of South Africa. The study used 700 non-descript indigenous goats which include 283 bucks and 417 does with age ranged from one to five years old. The morphological characteristics were taken with a tailor measuring tape and a wood ruler calibrated in centimetres (cm), while the BW was taken with a balanced animal scale calibrated in kilograms (kg). Before the goats were allowed to go for grazing, the following body measurements (BW, BL, HG, WH, RH and RL) was taken once in the morning. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, various data mining algorithms (Chi-square automatic interaction detector, Classification, and regression tree), analysis of variance and goodness of fit equations (Coefficient of determination (R2), adjusted coefficient of determination (Ajd.R2), root mean square error (RMSE), relative approximate error (RAE), standard deviation ratio (SD. ratio) and coefficient of variance (CV)). The result showed that, BW and HG had higher mean values in does than bucks, BL and WH had higher mean values in bucks than does, and RH and RL had equal mean values in bucks and does, according to descriptive statistics. Furthermore, our findings showed that the BW of does had positive significant correlation (P < 0.01) with BL (r = 0.65), and positive significant correlation (P < 0.05) with HG (r = 0.28), but non-significant correlation (P > 0.05) with WH (r = 0.21), RH (r = 0.23) and RL (r = 0.23). However, the result for bucks indicated that BW had positive significant correlation (P < 0.01) with BL (r = 0.65) but non-significant correlation with HG (r = 0.22), WH (r = 0.07), RH (r = 0.14) and RL (r = 0.12). The chi-square automatic interaction detector and classification and regression tree results indicated that BL in bucks and does had statistical significance (P < 0.01) on BW followed by age, HG, and villages where the animals were raised. Goodness of fit results indicated there was high R2 = 0.58, Adj. R2 = 0.58, and low SD. Ratio = 0.65, RAE = 0.02, RMSE = 5.53) and CV = 14.49 in CHAID model and low R2 = 0.51, Adj. R2 = 0.46 and high SD. Ratio = 0.70, RAE = 0.20, RMSE = 5.95 and CV = 15.49 in CART model. Analysis of variance results indicated that age had significant difference (P < 0.01) on BW and some morphological traits including BL, HG, WH and RH. Sex only revealed significant difference (P < 0.01) in RL. It was concluded that BL alone in both sexes can be used as a selection criterion when determining body weight of goats. Both CHAID and CART suggest that BL alone can be used as a predictor of body weight in goats. Goodness of fit calculations suggest that CHAID is the best model due to its high R2, Adj. R2 and low RAE and RMSE. Findings suggest that age can be used as deciding factor for the measured traits including BW, BL, HG, WH and RH in both does and bucks. Findings suggest that sex can only be used as a deciding for RL only in the current study. / National Research Foundation (NRF)

Thesis (MSc. (Animal Production)) -- University of Limpopo, 2018 / A study was done to determine the effect of Acacia (A.) karroo, A. tortilis or A. nilotica leaf meal inclusion in a diet on methane emission and productivity of yearling male Boer goats fed a basal diet of Avena sativa hay. The first part of the study was conducted to determine and compare nutrient contents and tannin levels of A. karroo, A. tortilis and A. nilotica leaf meals and Avena sativa hay in a completely randomised design. The diets means were compared using Fisher’s least significant difference at the 5 % level of probability. The three Acacia species had higher (P<0.05) crude protein contents compared to Avena sativa hay, ranging from 12.42 to 14.49 %. No tannins were detected in Avena sativa hay. Among Acacia species, A. nilotica leaves had higher (P<0.05) total phenolic and total tannin contents than A. karroo and A. tortilis leaves, the latter being similar (P>0.05). All three Acacia species had similar (P>0.05) contents of condensed tannins, ranging from 1.49 to 1.76 %. However, only A. nilotica leaves had hydrolysable tannins of 128 mg/g. The second part of the study was conducted to determine the effect of A. karroo, A. tortilis or A. nilotica leaf meal inclusion level on diet intake and digestibility, methane emission, productivity and blood profiles of yearling male Boer goats. A total of three experiments were conducted and different goats were used in each experiment. A grand total of thirty six (twelve per experiment) yearling male Boer goats with initial mean live weights of 23 ± 2 kg (experiment 1), 23 ± 2 kg (experiment 2) and 23 ± 2 kg (experiment 3) were used in 21-day experiments. The goats were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments, each containing A. karroo, A. tortilis or A. nilotica leaf meal inclusion levels at 10, 15, 20 and 30 % with Avena sativa hay as a basal diet. Each goat was housed in well-ventilated individual metabolic pen. The diets were replicated three times. The data collected were subjected to analysis of covariance and analysis of variance in a completely randomized design using SAS. Differences were separated at 5 % level of probability. Additionally, regression equations were used to determine the relationships and responses in optimal diet intake and digestibility, methane emission, productivity and blood profiles of yearling male Boer goats to differing inclusion levels of A. karroo, A. tortilis and A. nilotica leaf meal. v Experiment 1 involved feeding different levels of A. karroo leaf meal inclusion to yearling male Boer goats fed Avena sativa hay as a basal diet. Results of methane emission before and during the experiment indicated that inclusion of A. karroo leaf meal in the diets of goats reduced (P<0.05) methane emission. Similarly, some of the blood parameters before and after experiment were affected (P<0.05) by inclusion of A. karroo leaf meal. However, A. karroo leaf meal inclusion level had no effect (P>0.05) on diet intake, methane emission, live weight changes and digestibility, except (P<0.05) for digestibility of crude fibre. Feed conversion ratio improved linearly with increased A. karroo leaf meal inclusion level. In the case of experiment 2, results of methane emission before and during the experiment indicated that inclusion of A. tortilis leaf meal in the diets of goats reduced (P<0.05) methane emission. Similarly, some of the blood parameters before and after the experiment were affected (P<0.05) by inclusion of A. tortilis leaf meal. However, variation in A. tortilis leaf meal inclusion level had comparable effect (P>0.05) on methane emission, live weight changes and digestibility, except (P<0.05) for digestibility of crude protein and acid detergent fibre. Diet intake and feed conversion ratio were affected (P<0.05) by A. tortilis leaf meal inclusion level. A positive relationship was observed between A. tortilis leaf meal inclusion level and diet intake. In experiment 3, results of methane emission before and during the experiment indicated that inclusion of A. nilotica leaf meal in the diets of goats reduced (P<0.05) methane emission. Similarly, some of the blood parameters before and the after experiment were affected (P<0.05) by inclusion of A. nilotica leaf meal. Apart from diet fat digestibility and feed conversion ratio, no statistical differences (P>0.05) were observed on diet intake, digestibility and live weight changes of goats fed A. nilotica leaf meal inclusion level. Positive relationships were observed between A. nilotica leaf meal inclusion level, diet fat digestibility and feed conversion ratio in male Boer goats. The high crude protein and low tannin contents in A. karroo, A. tortilis and A. nilotica leaves indicate that these Acacia species can be safe to use as a source of protein in animal nutrition if used sparingly. It was noted that nutrient intake, digestibility, vi feed conversion ratio and blood profiles of Boer goats in the present study were optimised at different inclusion levels for all the three Acacia species. This may imply that inclusion levels of A. karroo, A. tortilis and A. nilotica leaf meals for optimal productivity will depend on the Acacia species used and, also, on particular productivity parameters in question. Although, A. karroo, A. tortilis and A. nilotica leaf meal reduced methane emission, optimal reduction in methane emission was not determined. Further validation is required to determine Acacia inclusion levels for optimal methane production and emission by goats. / NRF (National Research Foundation), AGRISETA (Agricultural Sector and Education Training Authority) and NSFAS (National Students Financial Aid Scheme)

Small-scale goat farmers from south-western KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, identified gastrointestinal helminths, dry-season feed scarcity and poor reproductive performance as major production constraints and highlighted the paucity of information on goat health and management. The research and extension processes adopted to address these problems comprised on-station experimentation, followed by on-farm validation combined with the participatory dissemination of both study findings and relevant information on goat health care. The approach included the use of the FAMACHA© system to assess anaemia, a characteristic symptom of infection with the gastrointestinal nematode, Haemonchus contortus (Rudolphi, 1803). On-station experimentation indicated that urea-molasses block supplementation during the dry, winter season was a cost-effective option. Unfortunately, when tested on-farm, the value of such supplementation proved inconclusive, possibly due to low block consumption and further research into alternative and palatable protein supplements for goats is suggested. However, tactical anthelmintic treatment with ivermectin effectively reduced faecal egg counts and is recommended, as is concurrent symptomatic anthelmintic treatment, as determined by the FAMACHA© system, since this practice appeared to improve reproductive capacity. Investigations to better adapt the FAMACHA© system to goats is, however, recommended. A flexible training framework was developed with the collaboration of the farmers, providing them with advice on goat health and management. This ‘hands-on’ approach encompassed regular meetings geared to the farmers’ current expertise and exploited the on-farm experimentation as a training vehicle. The process nurtured local farmer ‘champions’, strengthened the extension skills of researchers and technicians and incorporated the development of a Goatkeepers’ animal health care manual. Indications are that the use of such an approach has considerable potential for the development of goat farming. Moreover this process, which is relatively novel for South Africa, is equally applicable to other similar agro-ecological zones. Access to veterinary and agricultural inputs in areas where communal grazing is practised could be vastly improved and a case is made for universities, researchers, extensionists and farmers to collaborate to encourage the long-term sustainable development of these communities. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2007.