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PubMed1997

Immunological assay after vaccination of goats with Brucella melitensis Rev. I and Brucella abortus 45/20 vaccines at Saudi Arabia.

The living smooth Brucella melitensis Rev. I vaccine given in the normal dose (7x10(8) organism) to goats 3 to 5 months of age stimulated a marked increase in agglutinin titer. Fractionation of pools of serum by gel filtration by anion exchange chromatography, using diethylaminoethyl (DEAE -) cellulose showed that both IgM and IgG agglutinins were present from 12 to 47 days after goats were vaccinated. Only mercaptoethanol (ME)-sensitive agglutinins were detected in most goats 4 months after vaccination, but 2 of 30 goats retained ME-resistant agglutinins for the 13 1/2 - month observation period. Fractionation of serums from goats representative of these 2 types of serologic response indicated that most goats had only IgM agglutinins, whereas the 2 given goats had activity in the IgG fraction. Adult goats given Brucella abortus 42/20 adjuvant vaccine and revaccinated 5 months later developed low agglutination titers to smooth antigen, and all became test positive to the antiglobulin test. Fractionation of serum of pools taken 1 week and 8 months after revaccination indicated that antibody activity was restricted to the IgG fraction. Sera from 5 vaccinated and nonvaccinated goats which were positive by bacteriological culture examination at necropsy 31 to 47 days after goats were given conjunctival inoculation of virulent B. melitensis had antibody activity in both IgG and IgM fractions. Test positive reaction to the ME, complement-fixation (CF), and antiglobulin (AG) test were restricted to the IgG-containing fractions of serum, whereas reactions to the agglutination (STT) and the card tests appeared with either or both fractions. The effect of these findings on the choice of tests for the differentiation of vaccination response is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Polyamines in goat's colostrum and milk.

The concentration and secretion of putrescine (PTR), spermidine (SPD), and spermine (SPM) was examined in colostrum and milk of 60 dairy goats (Polish White and German Brown) during 90 days of lactation. It has been found that milk polyamine pattern is related to breed, age, offspring number, lactation period, milking time, and individual goat-to-goat variations. The mean level of PTR and SPD was significantly higher, whereas SPM level was significantly lower in German Brown than Polish White goats. These differences were maintained during whole observation period (90 days after parturition). Elder goats, bearing two and three kids, secreted colostrum with a higher concentration of PTR and a lower concentration of SPD than young goats having one kid. There was a highly significant positive relationship between the age or litter total weight and PTR concentration in colostrum of Polish White goats. In contrast to PTR, the SPD level was negatively correlated with the age or litter total weight. The daily secretion of PTR, SPD, and SPM progressively increased from the 1st to 90th day of lactation. It was dependent on the increase of milk secretion rate, which could be illustrated by the highly significant correlation between daily milk yield and secretion of SPD in milk of German Brown and Polish White goats. The concentration of SPD in milk sampled in the evening was usually higher than in that from morning milking, however, significant only in the case of German Brown goats. In general, goat's colostrum and milk are rich in polyamines, which the total concentration is the highest when compared to milk of other mammals examined so far (e.g., human, rat, sow, and cow).

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Estrus synchronization in dairy goats: use of fluorogestone acetate vaginal sponges or norgestomet ear implants.

The ultimate aim of any estrus synchronization method is to allow artificial insemination at a predetermined time after the end of treatment. This requires a very tight synchronization of estrus which is not observed in goats after administration of the usual fluorogestone acetate (FGA)/prostaglandin (PG) F2 alpha/equine chorionic gonadotrophin (eCG) treatment. The possibility to improve the synchronization of estrus and luteinizing hormone (LH) peak with different progestagens (FGA versus norgestomet) and routes of administration (vaginal sponge versus subcutaneous ear implant) was evaluated in two experiments where goats received one of three progestagen treatments: (1) a vaginal sponge impregnated with 45 mg of FGA, (2) a half-implant of norgestomet, or (3) a whole implant containing 3 mg of norgestomet. The progestagens were left in place for 11 days and intramuscular injections of 400 or 500 IU of eCG (according to milk yield) and 50 micrograms of an analogue of PGF2 alpha (cloprostenol) were given 48 h prior to progestagen removal. In Experiment 1, 117 cycling goats were checked for the time of onset of estrus, preovulatory LH peak and ovulation rate following estrus synchronization treatment. Goats treated with half-implants came into estrus earlier than those receiving vaginal sponges (27.8 +/- 5.0 h vs. 33.0 +/- 6.6 h, respectively; P < 0.05). No effect of progestagen priming was observed on the variability of the onset of estrus. However, the interval between the time of onset of estrus and LH peak was more variable (P < 0.05) in goats treated with half-implants. In Experiment 2, 170 non-cycling goats were monitored for the time of onset of estrus, percentage of females ovulating, fertility and prolificacy after estrus induction treatment and artificial insemination with frozen-thawed semen performed 24 h after the onset of estrus. No effect of progestagen treatment was observed either on the time or the variability of onset of estrus. The percentage of goats ovulating and overall fertility rate were higher (P < 0.05) in goats receiving vaginal sponges (98.2% and 75.0%, respectively) than those treated with half-implants (81.8% and 45.5%, respectively). However, no significant difference was observed, for the same parameters, in animals receiving implants (86.3% and 58.8%, respectively). In conclusion, estrus synchronization with a norgestomet implant or half-implant did not reduce the variability in the onset of estrus and LH peak. The fertility tended to be lower in goats treated with a whole implant and was significantly decreased in goats which received a half-implant.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Fusionless scoliosis correction using a shape memory alloy staple in the anterior thoracic spine of the immature goat.

STUDY DESIGN: Experimental scoliosis was created in goats and then treated using anterior thoracic stapling. OBJECTIVE: To correct, without fusion, a progressive idiopathic-type scoliotic deformity in an immature goat model using a shape memory alloy staple. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Fusionless scoliosis treatment techniques, using minimally invasive approaches to the anterior thoracic spine, provide theoretical advantages over currently available forms of treatment. METHODS: Experimental scoliosis was created in 40 goats using a posterior asymmetric tether with convex rib resection and concave rib tethering for a period of up to 15 weeks. Twenty-seven goats with progressive deformities were used for subsequent study and randomized into 4 treatment groups: group I, anterior thoracic stapling with removal of the posterior tether; group II, removal of the posterior tether only; group III, anterior thoracic stapling with persistent posterior tethering; and group IV, persistent posterior tethering with no treatment. The treatment period lasted an additional 6 to 14 weeks. Staple backout was graded radiographically. After killing the goats, histology and disc biochemistry analyses were conducted. RESULTS: The goats in group I corrected from an initial 57 degrees of curvature to 43 degrees over the duration of the treatment period. Group II goats, which served as a control for group I, corrected from 67 degrees to 60 degrees during the treatment period. Group III goats demonstrated a modest correction from 65 degrees to 63 degrees with the stapling procedure, whereas group IV goats (controls for group III) progressed from 55 degrees to 67 degrees with a persistent posterior tether during the treatment period. The difference between the correction in group III and progression in group IV was statistically significant (P = 0.002). Complications were limited to partial staple backout in 27% of 56 staples. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study support the efficacy of an anterior thoracic staple in correcting moderately severe scoliosis and halting the progression of more malignant scoliosis without fusion in a goat model.

Alloys↗
PubMed1995

Comparative pharmacokinetics of amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combination after intravenous administration to sheep and goats.

The pharmacokinetic behaviour of an amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combination was studied after intravenous administration of single doses (20 mg/kg per kg body weight) to five sheep and six goats. The objective was to determine whether there are differences between sheep and goats in the disposition of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. The plasma concentration-time data were analysed by compartmental pharmacokinetic and non-compartmental methods. The disposition curves for both drugs were best described by a biexponential equation (two-compartment open model) in sheep and goats. The elimination half-lives of amoxicillin were 1.43 +/- 0.16 h in sheep and 1.13 +/- 0.19 h in goats, and of clavulanic acid were 1.16 +/- 0.01 h and 0.85 +/- 0.09 h in sheep and goats respectively. The apparent volumes of distribution of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid were similar in the two species. Body clearances of amoxicillin were 0.09 +/- 0.01 L/h kg in sheep and 0.11 +/- 0.01 L/h kg in goats, and of clavulanic acid were 0.07 +/- 0.01 L/h kg and 0.12 +/- 0.01 L/h kg in sheep and goats respectively. The half-lives and body clearances of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid differed significantly between sheep and goats. It was concluded that the disposition of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid administered intravenously as an amoxicillin/clavulanic acid combination to sheep and goats differed between the two ruminant species. Even though the differences in disposition kinetics of both drugs were statistically significant, the same intravenous dosing rate of this antimicrobial combination can generally be used in sheep and goats.

Amoxicillin↗
PubMed1988

Effects of intraruminal loads of saline or water followed by voluntary drinking in the dehydrated lactating goat.

In five goats water deprivation for 26 h increased plasma osmolality, total plasma protein concentration, and plasma vasopressin (AVP) concentration to higher levels during lactation compared to nonlactation. At the end of the dehydration period intraruminal loads of saline or water (corresponding to 50% of the body weight loss) were given to lactating goats. The saline load decreased the plasma protein concentration below control levels, while plasma osmolality, Na concentration and AVP did not change. After the water load the plasma protein concentration stayed elevated. Plasma osmolality, Na concentration and AVP fell, but remained significantly above control levels. Both plasma renin activity (PRA) and aldosterone (PA) concentration increased after water, but decreased after saline administration. Three hours after the fluid loads the goats were offered water to drink. AVP decreased at the sight of water. After drinking, plasma osmolality, Na and AVP continued to decrease in water loaded animals, and fell also in saline loaded goats. PRA remained elevated, and PA increased in water loaded goats, while these hormones still were depressed in saline loaded goats. Mean renal 'free water clearance' became positive after drinking in both groups. It is concluded that the water losses with the milk cause lactating goats to become dehydrated more rapidly than non-lactating goats during water deprivation. Lowering of the plasma osmolality and Na concentration are more important than restoration of the plasma volume in suppressing the high plasma AVP concentration in the dehydrated lactating goat. The water diuresis, which occurred after voluntary drinking, indicates that the goats had not been able to anticipate their water deficit accurately.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aldosterone↗
PubMed1985

Freeze fracture morphology of thyroid tight junctions in goats with different thyrotropin stimulation.

In the thyroid follicles and blood of goats with congenital hypothyroidism and goiter, abnormal iodoproteins (e.g. iodoalbumin) are found. To study the mechanism involved in the passage of these proteins between the follicles and the blood, the morphology of tight junctions in goiters and normal thyroids of goats was studied by means of freeze fracturing. The T4 and TSH levels of 16 goats were measured by RIA. Based on the TSH levels, the goats could be divided into three groups: a euthyroid group of eight goats with TSH levels between 28 and 55 mU/liter, a hypothyroid group of six goats with TSH levels higher than 199 mU/liter, and an intermediary group of two goats with TSH levels of 120 and 124 mU/liter, respectively. The euthyroid and intermediate animals had normal T4 levels (less than 49 nmol/liter), except for three newborn goats, which had T4 levels above 250 nmol/liter. The hypothyroid goats had T4 levels below 43 nmol/liter. The mean numbers of strands composing the tight junctions were negatively correlated with TSH levels. Hence, the tight junctions of the glands of hypothyroid goats are narrower and are composed of fewer strands than those of normal thyroids. This reduction in tight junction complexity may provide an explanation for the leakage of proteins into the follicles of goitrous glands.

Animals↗
PubMed1989

Comparison of the effects of administration of recombinant bovine growth hormone or N-Met insulin-like growth factor-I to lactating goats.

Five goats were injected with GH (15 mg/day), three goats received systemic infusions of insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I (43 nmol/h) and four goats received systemic infusions of physiological saline (20 ml/h) on days 4-6 of a 10-day experimental period during mid-lactation. Milk yield increased by an average of 24% in GH-treated goats by the time of the third injection. In contrast, milk yield of IGF-I-infused goats did not differ from saline-infused animals although two of three goats did show a small increase (12%) after 36 h of IGF-I infusion. With GH and IGF-I treatments plasma IGF-I concentrations increased similarly, reaching maxima of 100-130 nmol/l within 24 h. Plasma IGF-I concentration was relatively constant in saline-infused goats at about 50 nmol/l throughout the experiment. Total IGF-I bound to 50 kDa and 150 kDa binding proteins in plasma was increased by GH and IGF-I treatments but, in contrast to IGF-I, GH increased the proportion of IGF-I bound to 150 kDa binding protein. In a second experiment, four goats received systemic infusion of IGF-I (43 nmol/h) and four goats received systemic infusion of physiological saline (20 ml/h). There was no evidence that milk yield was changed during IGF-I infusion. However, when those goats which had previously received IGF-I infusions were injected with GH, milk yield increased by 30%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Exposure to constant photoperiod alters serum prolactin concentrations and behavioral response to estradiol in the ovariectomized goat.

The effects of constant photoperiod on serum prolactin concentrations and sexual behavior of ovariectomized goats was investigated. Fourteen ovariectomized goats were divided into groups of seven goats each and placed in photoperiod-controlled rooms with either 8L:16D or 16L:8D. All goats received six estradiol (E2) treatments in a Latin square design. Following each treatment six 1-h observation periods were conducted. Blood was collected before E2 treatment and at each observation period for prolactin quantification. During the observation periods measures of attractivity, proceptivity, and receptivity were recorded. Goats exposed to 8L:16D displayed sexual behavior in response to doses of E2 lower than those required by goats exposed to 16L:8D. Prolactin concentrations were higher in goats exposed to 16L:8D than in those exposed to 8L:16D. It was concluded that photoperiod affects prolactin concentrations and behavioral sensitivity to E2 in goats. The effect of continued exposure to constant photoperiod on these variables was then investigated. The goats were held in constant photoperiod for 211 d and behavior tests as described for Exp. 1 were repeated. Scores for attractivity, proceptivity, and receptivity did not differ between the two groups after 211 d of exposure to constant photoperiod. Prolactin concentrations did not differ in this study between the two groups. It was concluded that after chronic exposure to 8L:16D ovariectomized goats become refractory to the stimulatory effects of short photoperiod.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

By-product feeds for meat goats: effects on digestibility, ruminal environment, and carcass characteristics.

Crossbred wether goats (n = 24; 50% Boer, 6 per diet) initially averaging 27.4+/-0.4 kg were fed either wheat middlings (wheat midds), soybean hulls (soyhulls), or corn gluten feed at 1% BW (as-fed) along with orchardgrass hay (10.7% CP) offered to ad-libitum consumption for 72 d followed by 5 d total fecal collection. The Control (hay) diet was supplemented with 5.7% soybean meal to bring total dietary protein to 12.5%, by-products were brought to a higher Ca:P ratio with limestone or dicalcium phosphate to make total dietary Ca:P 1.5:1, and soybean meal was added to soyhulls to bring them up to 17% CP (wheat midds = 17% and corn gluten feed = 21% CP). Total DMI (916 g/d+/-57 or 3.2%+/-0.2 BW) did not differ (P > 0.92) among treatments. Initial BW (P = 0.25), final BW (P = 0.48), and ADG (P = 0.56) did not differ for the four treatments. Carcass weight was greater (P = 0.05) for goats fed soyhulls (16.0 kg) or wheat midds (15.6 kg) as compared with goats fed the hay diet (14.5 kg), with carcass weight from goats fed corn gluten feed being intermediate (15.3 kg, SEM = 0.3 kg). Carcass grade did not differ (P = 0.80) and averaged 5.42+/-0.4. Dressing percentage tended (P = 0.12) to be lower for goats fed the hay diet (46.4%) compared with soyhull (48.3%), corn gluten feed (48.3%), or wheat midd (48.8%) diets (SEM = 0.7). Ruminal pH was highest (P < 0.01) for goats fed the hay diet (6.52) and lowest for goats fed wheat midds (6.23) with soyhull (6.41) and corn gluten feed diets (6.35) being intermediate (SEM = 0.05). Digestibility of DM (70.1+/-2.5%), OM (70.3+/-2.6%,), CP (75.5+/-2.0%), GE (68.5+/-2.7%), NDF (68.1+/-3.0%), ADF (65.4+/-3.4%), cellulose (70.1+/-2.9%), and lignin (31.1+/-8.2%) did not differ (P > 0.15). Total ruminal VFA did not differ (86.0+/-6.1 mM, P = 0.59), but acetate:propionate ratio was higher (P < 0.01) for hay (3.1) and soyhull diets (3.3) than for corn gluten feed (2.4) and wheat midd diets (2.4, SEM = 0.11). Ruminal ammonia (mg/100 mL) was lower (P < 0.01) for goats fed hay (15.4) and soyhull diets (11.6) than those fed corn gluten feed (25.2) and wheat midd diets (23.0, SEM = 1.35). Ruminal pH was lower for goats fed the byproducts, but remained above 6. Serum urea nitrogen (mg/100 mL) averaged 21.0+/-1.0 (P = 0.11) with soyhulls tending to be lowest (19.3) and corn gluten feed tending to be highest (22.8). Soyhulls, corn gluten feed, and wheat midds appear to be viable feed ingredients for meat goat diets.

Animal Feed↗
PubMed2006

Pharmacokinetics and mammary elimination of imidocarb in sheep and goats.

The pharmacokinetics and mammary excretion of imidocarb dipropionate, a therapeutic/prophylactic agent against a variety of tick-borne hemoparasitic diseases in domestic animals, have been investigated in sheep and goats. A commercial formulation of imidocarb di-propionate was injected i.m. at a single dose of 3 mg/kg of body weight in 7 mature lactating ewes and 8 lactating does in good health. Blood samples were collected for 48 h after administration and milk samples were collected every 12 h for 10 d. A weak cation-exchange solid-phase procedure was used to remove imidocarb from plasma. A hexane/isoamyl alcohol liquid-liquid procedure was adopted to extract the drug from the milk of sheep. The same method was used for goat milk after exposing the matrices to enzymatic digestion. The extracted samples were analyzed by HPLC. The i.m. disposition kinetics of imidocarb in the 2 species showed significant differences in the rate of elimination (0.0075 +/- 0.002 and 0.025 +/- 0.004 L/h in sheep and goats, respectively), being faster in ewes than in does. Nevertheless, a smaller area under the concentration-time curve (12.21 +/- 0.76 and 9.49 +/- 0.54 microg/mL per h in sheep and goats, respectively), a larger volume of distribution (4.18 +/- 0.44 and 7.68 +/- 0.57 L/kg in sheep and goats, respectively), and a longer mean residence time (9.07 +/- 0.77 and 14.75 +/- 2.20 h in sheep and goats, respectively) were found in goats, suggesting a more rapid and effective drug storage in tissues during the first 48 h after the injection. The concentrations of imidocarb in milk of both species were higher than in plasma. However, a fast passage through the blood-milk barrier and a high storage of imidocarb were observed in the milk of ewes, whereas the drug concentrations were not as high nor was the extent of drug penetration from blood to milk as great in the milk of goats (AUC(milk 0-48)/AUC(plasma 0-48) = 2.5 +/- 0.45 and 1.26 +/- 0.27 in sheep and goat, respectively). Despite the differences in pharmacokinetic behavior, and considering the sensitivity of pathogens to imidocarb, the same dosage regimen can be used for clinical efficacy against Babesia spp. infection in both species. In contrast, the differences in depletion of imidocarb residue in milk and the large variability in mammary drug elimination found in goats suggests that great care should be taken in defining the withdrawal time in small ruminant dairy species.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Influence of feed intake and source of dietary carbohydrate on milk yield and composition, nitrogen balance, and plasma constituents of lactating goats.

The influence of diet (synchronized or not synchronized for the degradation rate of the carbohydrate and N fractions) and amount of feed offered [2.40 +/- 0.10 or 2.00 +/- 0.10 kg of dry matter (DM)/d] on milk yield and composition, N balance, and some plasma constituents was studied using 32 multiparous dairy goats (100 +/- 16 d in milk) that were fed a mixed diet for 9 wk. Diets were 40% concentrate with rapidly degraded starch and rapidly degraded N or highly digestible fibers and slowly degraded N. Nitrogen balance was determined at wk 4 and 8. Goats that were fed greater amounts of DM had higher yields of milk, fat-corrected milk, and protein, but lower milk fat concentrations during the whole trial. Raw milk yield was higher at wk 4 and from wk 6 to 7 for goats consuming the rapidly degraded diet than for goats fed the slowly degraded diet at a high feed intake. Concentrations of milk fat tended to be greater for goats fed the rapidly degraded diet at wk 5, 7, and 8. At wk 5 and 6, an interaction between feed intake and diet was observed for milk protein concentration. Nitrogen digestibility, milk N, and N balance were increased for goats fed at high intakes. The output of N in urine and the efficiency of N use for milk output was greater, and N balance was lower, for goats fed the rapidly degraded diet. Plasma concentrations of nonesterified fatty acids, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and urea (wk 2 to 6) were lower, and insulin concentrations were transiently increased, for goats fed at high intakes. Goats fed the rapidly degraded diet compared with goats fed the slowly degraded diet had higher plasma concentrations of urea, which may indicate inefficient use of ruminal N.

3-Hydroxybutyric Acid↗
PubMed2000

[Protective immunity induced by anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody NP30 of Schistosoma japonicum in goats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the protective immunity in goats induced by active immunization with anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibody NP30 of S. japonicum. METHODS: Goats were randomly divided into two groups. Experimental group had 12 goats. The NP30 was intramuscularly injected with a dosage of 1 000 microgram into the hind leg for three dosages continuously. The goats were challenged with cercariae eight weeks after the third immunization. Ten goats in the control group were intramuscularly injected with SP2/0 ascites and challenged with cercariae at the same time as the experimental group. All goats were killed at the twelfth week post-challenge. RESULTS: Active immunization with NP30 could produce a protection rate of 42.78% in goats. The number of eggs in liver and feces in the goats immunized with NP30 was decreased by 35.83% and 25%, respectively. The size and number of egg granulomas in the liver were lessened obviously and the weight of the goats increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Active immunization with NP30 could induce a good protection in goats against the infection with Schsitosoma cercariae.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

[Polymorphism analysis of the goat growth hormone gene in the 5' regulatory sequence].

The polymorphism of goat growth hormone gene in 5'-region in 274 goats including Lubei white goat, introducted Boer goat, pure bred Boer goat , hybrid generation 1 of LuBei white goat and Boer goat , backcross of hybrid generation 1 and Boer goat were detected by PCR-SSCP with two different pairs of primers. The result showed that in 26-239bp most of the Boer goats and hybrid generation presented as AA genotype,while most LuBei white goats presented as BB genotype. In 225-429bp all breeds presented as more CC genotype. The amplified fragments of AA,BB and CC,DD of the two fragments were cloned and sequenced . The result showed that in 26-239bp AA genotype had one substitution mutation at 60 site (C-->T), and base C losing at 211 site and DD genotype had three substitution mutations at 264 site (T-->C), 292 site (T-->A) and 372 site (C-->T) in 225-429bp. The results above-mentioned first confirmed that there were polymorphisms in 5' region of GH gene.

5' Flanking Region↗
PubMed1988

Identification and control of paratuberculosis in a large goat herd.

Mycobacterium paratuberculosis infection was detected in 2 goats in 1974 and in 5 goats in 1975; 5 of which were from a single herd. The magnitude of the subsequent epizootic in the goat herd was not recognized until 1977, when results of bacteriologic culture of fecal and tissue specimens, antibody determinations (agar-gel immuno-diffusion test), and histopathologic studies became available. By 1984, paratuberculosis had been diagnosed in 124 goats. Nearly all the goats were being used in antiserum production and had been given Freund complete adjuvant and human antigens. From 1974 to 1986, herd size varied from 100 to 300. The yearly incidence of paratuberculosis decreased from 13.2% (27 of 204 goats) in 1977 to 0% in 108 goats in 1985. The prevalence was higher in does. In goats that arrived on the farm in 1975 and before, 49 of 121 (40.5%) does developed paratuberculosis vs 41 of 120 (34.2%) wethers. In goats arriving on the farm in 1976 and after, 25 of 274 (8.5%) does and 9 of 216 (4.1%) wethers developed paratuberculosis. The average incubation period was approximately 4 years from arrival on the farm in every year except 1978, regardless of whether the goat was born on the farm or was purchased elsewhere.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Animals↗
PubMed1983

Detection of ovulation in goats by blood prostaglandins concentrations.

Eighteen mature female goats of nondescript breed were randomly assigned equally to 3 treatment groups. Group I goats served as controls, group II goats were treated (IV) with a single dose of 300 micrograms of synthetic luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH); group III goats were treated with LHRH (similar to group II) and 24 hours later were given indomethacin (10 mg/kg; IM) which dosing was repeated every 6 hours for the next 90 hours. Blood samples were collected from all animals every 6 hours until 120 hours and assayed for prostaglandin E (PGE) and PGF2 alpha. On days 7 and 8, the animals were surgically laparotomized to observe the ovarian activity. In groups I and III goats, there was no evidence of follicular development or ovulation, but in 4 of the 6 group II goats, there were ovulatory points or corpus luteum. Mean plasma PGE and PGF2 alpha concentrations in control goats did not vary significantly (P less than or equal to 0.05) during the sampling period; but in the LHRH-treated goats (group II), these concentrations peaked twice--a low peak at 24 hours and a sharp peak at 78 to 90 hours. In contrast, these concentrations in group III goats (LHRH plus indomethacin) dropped sharply in the control group (I) value after reaching the 1st peak, and then stayed at this low plateau for the remainder of the sampling period; the 2nd peak was absent. The results indicate that the ovulation could be induced by LHRH injection in anestrus goats and that ovulation is preceded by a marked increase of plasma PGE and PGF2 alpha concentrations.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Toxoplasma-induced abortion in dairy goats.

Fifteen pregnant goats serologically negative for Toxoplasma gondii were inoculated orally with 10, 100, or 1,000 infective oocysts of the GT-1 strain of T gondii. Four goats received 10 oocysts, 6 received 100 oocysts, and 5 received 1,000 oocysts. Six pregnant goats served as noninoculated controls. All inoculated goats became pyretic (40-41 C) and were dyspneic between 4 and 12 days after inoculation (DAI). Two goats inoculated in early pregnancy (68 and 70 days) with 100 oocysts had enlarged uteri; fetal membranes but no fetuses were found when they were killed 86 and 88 DAI. Three goats aborted or had a stillborn kid 9, 10, and 11 DAI. The remaining 10 goats delivered kids infected with T gondii; 8 goats had at least 1 stillborn kid, and 2 goats had infected but otherwise normal kids at birth. Placenta and tissues of fetuses and kids were inoculated into mice for determination of Toxoplasma infectivity. Toxoplasma gondii was isolated from the fetal placenta of 6 of 7 goats as early as 10 DAI and as late as 62 DAI. The organism was isolated from every fetus or kid that was born 18 DAI but not from fetuses or kids born 9, 10, and 11 DAI. Two kids were born 15 DAI; T gondii was isolated from 1 kid but not from the other, suggesting that T gondii invaded fetal tissues between 11 and 15 DAI. Of the 20 transplacentally infected kids, T gondii was isolated more frequently from the skeletal muscle, heart, lung, and brain than from other tissues.

Abortion, Veterinary↗
PubMed1981

Protective immunity against clinical toxoplasmosis in dairy goats vaccinated with Hammondia hammondi and Hammondia heydorni.

To determine the virulence of Toxoplasma gondii, twelve 2- to 3-month-old goats were inoculated orally with 1,000 to 100,000 infective oocysts of the GT-1 strain of T gondii. Four of 4 goats inoculated with 100,000 oocysts, 4 of 4 goats inoculated with 10,000 oocysts, and 2 of 4 inoculated with 1,000 oocysts died (or became moribund) of acute toxoplasmosis 7 to 26 days after inoculation. Goats vaccinated with Hammondia hammondi or H heydorni were challenge exposed with 10,000 or 100,000 oocysts (10 or 100 median lethal doses). Four of 4 goats vaccinated with H hammondi survived after challenge exposure with 10,000 T gondii oocysts, whereas only 2 of 4 goats survived challenge exposure with 100,000 T gondii oocysts. Of 4 goats vaccinated with H heydorni, 3 died or were euthanatized 13, 14, and 26 days after challenge exposure with 10,000 T gondii oocysts. Goats vaccinated with H hammondi developed low levels of Sabin-Feldman dye test antibodies (less than or equal to 1:64) to T gondii antigen, whereas H heydorni-vaccinated goats generally remained seronegative. The results indicate that goats may be a model to investigate immune protection after vaccination with H hammondi against clinical toxoplasmosis in animals.

Animals↗