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PubMed2025

Landscape genomics analysis reveals the genetic basis underlying cashmere goats and dairy goats adaptation to frigid environments.

Understanding the genetic mechanism of cold adaptation in cashmere goats and dairy goats is very important to improve their production performance. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively analyze the genetic basis of goat adaptation to cold environments, clarify the impact of environmental factors on genome diversity, and lay the foundation for breeding goat breeds to adapt to climate change. A total of 240 dairy goats were subjected to genome resequencing, and the whole genome sequencing data of 57 individuals from 6 published breeds were incorporated. By integrating multiple approaches such as phylogenetic analysis, population structure analysis, gene flow and population history exploration, selection signal analysis, and genome-environment association analysis, an in-depth investigation was carried out. Phylogenetic analysis unraveled the genetic relationships and differentiation patterns among dairy goats and other goat breeds. Through signal analysis (θπ, FST, XP-CLR), we identified numerous candidate genes associated with cold adaptation in dairy goats (STRIP1, ALX3, HTR4, NTRK2, MRPL11, PELI3, DPP3, BBS1) and cashmere goats (MED12L, MARC2, MARC1, DSG3, C6H4orf22, CHD7, MYPN, KIAA0825, MITF). Genome-environment association (GEA) analysis confirmed the link between these genes and environmental factors. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the critical genes C6H4orf22 and STRIP1 demonstrated their significant roles in the geographical variations of cold adaptation and allele frequency differences among different breeds. This study contributes to understanding the genetic basis of cold adaptation, providing crucial theoretical support for precision breeding programs aimed at improving production performance in cold regions by leveraging adaptive alleles, thereby ensuring sustainable animal husbandry.

Environmental adaptation↗

PubMed2024

Genetic characterization and selection of litter size traits of Guizhou Black goat and Meigu goat.

The aim of this study is to explore the genetic characteristics of Guizhou Black goats and Meigu goats and their relationship to reproductive performance through population structure analysis, genetic diversity assessment, and selection signal analysis. Blood samples of 19 Guizhou Black goats and 11 Meigu goats were collected for whole-genome high-throughput sequencing. Using PCA and ADMIXTURE analyses, their population structure and genetic relationships were revealed. Further genetic diversity analysis showed that although there is significant population differentiation, the levels of genetic diversity are similar. Subsequently, these goats were categorized into high-yield and low-yield groups based on their litter sizes, with 15 goats in each group. Then, a selection signal analysis was performed using FST and π ratios for 33,563 SNP loci. The results identified six candidate genes, including KCNIP4, GFRA2, and DGKH, which are significantly associated with high litter performance. These findings enhanced our understanding of the genetic characteristics and population structure of Guizhou Black goats and Meigu goats. Moreover, they provide an important theoretical foundation and scientific basis for further breeding improvements.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

Altered ruminal microbiome tryptophan metabolism and their derived 3-indoleacetic acid inhibit ruminal inflammation in subacute ruminal acidosis goats.

BACKGROUND: Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) is a digestive disorder that often severely jeopardizes the health and lactation performance of ruminants fed a high-energy diet. Different dairy ruminants exhibit varying degrees of inflammation accompanied by variations in the rumen microbiota when SARA occurs. Our understanding of the occurrence of SARA and varying degrees of rumen epithelial inflammation is lacking. Hence, we performed rumen metagenomic, metagenome-assembled genome and metabolomic analyses, with transcriptome and single-nucleus RNA sequence analyses, to explore the microbial mechanism of SARA occurrence and different degrees of inflammation. RESULTS: A total of 36 goats fed two diets with gradually increasing levels of rumen-degradable starch (RDS) were included in this study, and SARA goats fed 70% concentrate diets supplemented with whole corn (HGW-SARA) and SARA goats fed 70% concentrate diets supplemented with crushed corn (HGC-SARA) were identified. Moreover, 11 goats fed a control basal diet, named LGW-CON, were also included. Compared with those in the LGW-CON group, the rumen fermentation capacity was enhanced, accompanied by ruminal epithelial and systemic inflammation, in goats from HGW-SARA and HGC-SARA. Between them, HGC-SARA goats presented less inflammation. Notably, the ruminal inflammation-related pathways were increased only in the HGW-SARA group but not in the HGC-SARA group. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the β diversity of SARA goats was significantly different from that of LGW-CON goats. Ruminococcus significantly increased in both SARA groups, whereas Prevotella and Bacteroidales significantly decreased, which was accompanied by a decrease in cellulose and hemicellulose enzymes and an increase in lysozymes and lipopolysaccharide synthesis enzymes. Multi-omics analysis of the ruminal contents and tissues suggested that epithelial inflammation was caused by disturbed ruminal microbiome-induced Th17 cell differentiation and IL-17 signalling pathway activation. Comparative analyses between the HGW-SARA and HGC-SARA groups highlighted the importance of Selenomonas and Bifidobacterium, as well as bacterial tryptophan metabolism, in the production of 3-indoleacetic acid, which mitigated ruminal epithelial inflammation by modulating Th17 cells and inhibiting IL-17 signalling. Ruminal microbiota transplantation from HGW-SARA goats to healthy dairy goats and mice revealed the role of microbes in epithelial inflammation. Additionally, 3-indoleacetic acid supplementation reduced rumen inflammation and the IL-17 concentration in the serum, improved VFAs absorption, and enhanced milk production. CONCLUSIONS: This study unveiled that after SARA was induced by high-concentrate feeding, the rumen homeostasis was disrupted, and rumen fiber degradation capacity of dairy goats decreased, but the LPS synthesis capacity increased, and inflammation of the rumen epithelium was observed. However, the ruminal microbial species from the Bifidobacterium and Selenomonas genera and bacterial 3-indole acetic acid are pivotal in mitigating ruminal epithelial inflammation during SARA in dairy goats. This could potentially be attributed to the modulation of ruminal Th17 cell proportions and the inhibition of IL-17 signalling pathways. Video Abstract.

Rumen↗

PubMed2026

Prevalence of Theileria luwenshuni in goats (Capra hircus) on Tarama Island, Okinawa, Japan.

Caprine theileriosis is an economically important tick-borne disease caused by various Theileria species, particularly Theileria lestoquardi, Theileria luwenshuni, and Theileria uilenbergi, in goats (Capra hircus). Goat farming plays an economically and culturally important role on Tarama Island, Okinawa, Japan. Because goats on the island are mainly managed under an extensive grazing system, tick infestation is common. However, Theileria infections have not previously been investigated in goats on Tarama Island. To address this, archived DNA samples prepared from blood collected from 44 goats on Tarama Island were screened using a universal PCR assay targeting 18S rRNA sequences of Theileria and Babesia species. Two DNA samples were positive, and sequencing analysis of the amplicons identified T. luwenshuni. To further investigate the epidemiology of T. luwenshuni on Tarama Island, blood samples were subsequently collected from 96 goats across 19 farms. From each blood sample, a thin blood smear was prepared and genomic DNA was extracted. Microscopic examination of Diff-Quik-stained smears detected intraerythrocytic Theileria-like organisms in 35 (36.5%) goats. In addition, screening of DNA samples using a newly developed T. luwenshuni-specific PCR assay detected 77 (80.2%) positive goats, and the subsequent sequencing analysis confirmed the PCR results. Given that T. luwenshuni can cause severe disease in small ruminants, our findings highlight the importance of managing T. luwenshuni infection in goats on Tarama Island.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

Causation and epidemiological features of proliferative lip and facial lesions in Lao goats.

Past surveys and studies have identified a syndrome of lip and facial dermatitis as common in Lao goats and identified Orf virus (ORFV) as the likely cause. To more definitively determine the cause of this syndrome, a matched case-control study was implemented in 70 smallholder goat farms and a large-scale goat holding from Savannakhet province, Laos. Forty-one scab samples from goats with lip and facial dermatitis (cases) and 41 paired samples from unaffected animals (controls) were collected from 31 goat holdings over 12 months. Samples were tested using quantitative PCR assays targeting possible pathogens causing such lesions. The prevalence of PCR-positive samples in case and control goats was 100% and 95.1%, respectively, for ORFV (P = 0.15) and 19.5% and 29.3% (P = 0.3) for Dermatophilus congolensis. Pseudocowpox virus and bovine popular stomatitis virus were not detected in any samples. There was a clear difference between the log10 genome copies (GC) per µL DNA extract of ORFV in positive samples from cases (7.00 ± 0.17) and controls (2.62 ± 0.18, P < 0.0001). This was not true for D. congolensis with similar GC detected in the case and control goats. More than 4 log higher GC in affected cases identifies ORFV as the likely cause of the syndrome in Lao goats with little role for D. congolensis. Phylogenetic analysis showed no genetic variation of ORFV in the study samples and close similarity to sequences from China. The findings suggest that orf disease has a sporadic distribution, mostly occurring in goats during the first 6-months of life.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

Nutrigenomics: A tool to unlock genetic potential of Nigerian indigenous goat breeds.

Nigerian indigenous goats represent a valuable genetic resource for meat and milk production. However, their productivity often falls below their genetic potential because of sub-optimal nutrition. Nutrigenomics offers a revolutionary approach to bridge this gap by exploring the interactions between nutrients and goat genes. This study explores how nutrigenomic tools can be used to identify gene variants associated with feed efficiency, meat quality, and milk production. Various technologies are designed to ensure the realization of genetic potential. Nutrigenomics is aimed at exploiting the noncoding section of an individual's genome, which is disregarded in traditional animal nutrient requirement assessment. Nutrigenomic technology has the potential to unlock the genetic potential of animals and essentially help to confront nutritional challenges and sub-optimal use of available feed resources, particularly in Nigerian indigenous goats, of which there is a dearth of information on their nutritional needs and requirements. This review discusses the potential of nutrigenomics to unlock the genetic potential of Nigerian indigenous goats. In addition, the review discusses the challenges and future directions of nutrigenomic research in Nigerian goats. By implementing nutrigenomic strategies, Nigerian goat production can be revolutionized, leading to increased productivity, improved product quality, and enhanced farmer livelihoods. It is hoped that this review will provide vital information to aid research into the nutrigenomics potential of unlocking the genetic potentials and reproductive performance of Nigerian indigenous goats through nutrition.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

A Pilot Study: Developing a Lactating Dairy Goat Model to Study Staphylococcus aureus Mastitis in Women.

INTRODUCTION: Lactational mastitis is common in lactating women, with Staphylococcus aureus as the most commonly isolated agent associated with infectious lactational mastitis. Currently, there are no evidence-based guidelines for antimicrobial treatment due to barriers in obtaining pharmacokinetic data from lactating women. To overcome this barrier, a suitable large animal model is needed. Goats are an ideal translational model for human mastitis due to their anatomical and physiological similarity to humans. The objective of this pilot study was to assess if goats would develop clinical mastitis following intramammary inoculation with a clinical human isolate of S. aureus with the goal of establishing an alternative in vivo model for future research. The hypothesis was that the infected mammary gland half would show similar clinical signs to women with mastitis and demonstrate a similar local immune response when compared to the control mammary gland half. METHODS: One half of the mammary gland of two healthy lactating does was inoculated with a clinical human isolate of S. aureus. The other half of the mammary gland was sham inoculated with sterile buffered saline. Physical examinations, mammary gland assessments, and sterile milk samples were collected every 12 hours post inoculation. At 96 hours post inoculation, the goats were euthanized, and the mammary glands were examined for pathological changes. RESULTS: Goats did not develop systemic signs of disease following inoculation. Focal infected mammary gland changes included warmth, swelling, redness, discoloration, and reduced milk production; the other mammary gland half remained normal throughout the study period. S. aureus was enumerated from only the infected mammary gland half. The microscopic findings of the infected half showed neutrophilic inflammation and cell necrosis consistent with acute mastitis. DISCUSSION: This pilot study demonstrated lactating does can develop clinical signs like those observed in women. Goats have the potential to be a promising animal model to study infectious lactational mastitis.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

16S rRNA and Metagenomic Datasets of Gastrointestinal Microbiota in Fetal and 7-Day-Old Goat Kids.

The perinatal period (from late gestation to the neonatal stage) in ruminants is a critical phase for fetal organ maturation, where ecological succession of gastrointestinal microbial communities significantly impacts livestock production efficiency. However, research remains insufficient regarding the distribution patterns and functional annotation of microbial communities across different gastrointestinal compartments during this period. This study characterized early microbiota dynamics in Hutianshi Goats using 16S rRNA sequencing (4 fetal goats at 90 ± 10 gestational days) and metagenomics (3 7-day-old goat kids). The fetal goat group generated 852,694 valid reads, yielding 688,277 high-quality reads after chimera removal for downstream analysis. The 7-day-old goat kids group produced 1,081,588,182 final valid reads, after data processing and assembly, 8,561,345 contigs were generated. Gene prediction identified 6,095,352 genes. Multi-database annotations (NR, KEGG, CAZy, etc.) revealed functional potential and antimicrobial resistance traits. The public release of this dataset facilitates academic understanding of microbial community dynamics and host-microbe interactions during this developmental stage, providing both theoretical foundations and data resources for ruminant developmental biology and precision breeding regulation.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Inference of Genetic Structure and the Process of Population Formation in Nepalese Native Goats Using Uniparental and Genome-Wide Markers.

Nepal is a small, landlocked country with marked elevational variation from the Terai plains to the Himalayas. Here, four indigenous goat populations (Chyangra, Sinhal, Khari, and Terai) are raised at different elevations. This study aimed to clarify the genetic structure of these populations and how they are formed and propagated across the Himalayan region. We analyzed 136 Nepalese goats using mitochondrial (mt) DNA D-loop and sex-determining region Y (SRY) 3'-untranslated region (UTR) sequences, as well as 50 K SNP array data. The mtDNA haplogroups D (0.162) and G (0.03) were detected only in Chyangra, whereas haplogroup B was predominant in Sinhal (0.42), followed by Khari (0.260). Regarding SRY haplotypes, Y2B was detected in all populations, whereas Y1AB (0.42) was found only in Chyangra. Genome-wide SNP analysis showed that Chyangra was genetically related to Tibetan and Central Asian goats, while Terai resembled South Asian goats. Interestingly, Sinhal formed a distinct cluster, whereas Khari exhibited an admixed genetic structure. These findings suggest that Nepalese goats originate from at least three ancestral lineages and that an additional migration route may have existed through the southern Himalayas.

50K SNP↗

PubMed2026

Integrated Genome-Wide Association Studies and Selection Signature Analysis Reveal the Genetic Architecture of the Wattle Trait in Goats.

Wattles are finger-like appendages on the ventral neck of goats, serving as a distinctive morphological marker for breed identification that serves potential implications for production performance. However, their genetic basis remains incompletely characterized. Here, we integrated a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and selection signature analysis to identify candidate genes and genomic regions associated with the wattle trait in goats. Using a linear mixed model, GWAS on 463 goats (23 wattled and 440 non-wattled) identified 385 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) at a 5% false discovery rate, yielding 346 candidate genes. The most significant association signal was observed on chromosome 10 (72.61-73.48 Mb), where the lead SNP (rs636481767) is located within a region containing GJD2, GREM1, and FMN1, showing strong linkage disequilibrium (r2 > 0.6) with surrounding loci. Subsequent selection signature analysis (23 wattled and 23 non-wattled) identified 83 genomic regions harboring 119 candidate genes. The strongest signals were detected at MFSD14B on chromosome 8 (FST = 0.154, log2π-ratio = 2.611) and PDLIM7 on chromosome 7 (FST = 0.144, log2π-ratio = 0.806). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that GWAS-associated genes were involved in glycosylation and immune responses, whereas selection-signature genes were enriched in DNA repair and the Hippo, Notch, and Wnt pathways. Furthermore, cross-species PheWAS revealed that human FMN1 is associated with dermatological, skeletal, and metabolic phenotypes, while porcine FMN1 is associated with backfat thickness and loin muscle depth. Overall, this study provides molecular markers of potential value for goat breeding and pinpoints key candidate genes for future functional validation of wattle development.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Integrative Genomic and Transcriptomic Insights into High-Altitude Adaptation in Changthangi Goats.

The Changthangi goat, native to the high-altitude Ladakh Plateau in northern India, thrives in oxygen-deficient environments above 4,000 m. This study investigated the genetic basis of high-altitude adaptation in Changthangi goats by integrating comparative genomics and transcriptomics, using the tropical lowland Jamunapari goat as a comparative model. Whole-genome sequence data from 15 individuals per breed were analyzed using complementary selection sweep metrics, including nucleotide diversity, Tajima's D, iHS, CLR, XP-EHH, and FST. These analyses identified candidate genomic regions under strong selective pressure, encompassing genes involved in hypoxia sensing (HIF-1α, HIF-2α/EPAS1, EGLN1), angiogenesis (VEGFA, AGGF1, ZEB1), cardiovascular regulation (PRKCB, ESR1, RYR2), mitochondrial and energy metabolism (ACADSB, ACSS3, ACSL1), cellular stress tolerance (BCL2, ATM), and thermogenesis (UCP1, FGF21). Unlike previous caprine studies that primarily infer hypoxia adaptation from genomic signals alone, our study integrates cardiac transcriptomics to demonstrate that genomic selection in Changthangi goats is accompanied by coordinated transcriptional remodeling across interconnected physiological systems in a physiologically relevant tissue. Comparative cardiac transcriptomic profiling revealed concordant expression divergence in genes associated with oxygen transport, vascular remodeling, mitochondrial function, substrate utilization, redox balance, and genome maintenance. This integrative multi-omics framework provides a mechanistic view of caprine high-altitude adaptation and highlights the value of combining genomic selection analyses with tissue-specific transcriptional profiling to resolve complex adaptive traits.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

CNOT1 is a potential YTHDF2 target that orchestrates maternal mRNA decay and zygotic genome activation during goat embryogenesis.

Timely and efficient degradation of maternal mRNA is essential for early embryonic development, which occurs from fertilization through the initiation of zygotic genome activation (ZGA). Yet, the regulatory mechanisms governing this process remain poorly characterized. In the present study, we investigated the function of CCR4-NOT transcription complex subunit 1 (CNOT1) during goat embryogenesis. We found that CNOT1 was upregulated during mammalian ZGA, and that its knockdown led to developmental arrest and a marked reduction in blastocyst formation. Moreover, CNOT1 knockdown impaired nascent RNA activity, resulting in 814 upregulated and 1014 downregulated genes, which were enriched for RNA splicing, regulation of chromosome organization, and RNA localization. RNA splicing analysis revealed differential splicing events in 2959 genes, of which 259 were downregulated following CNOT1 knockdown. Notably, CNOT1 was predicted to crosstalk with the m6A reader YTHDF2. Knockdown of YTHDF2 resulted in CNOT1 downregulation at the 8-cell stage in goats and increased transcription levels around polyadenylation sites during ZGA in mice. Together, these findings indicate that CNOT1 is a potential YTHDF2 target that orchestrates maternal mRNA decay and ZGA during goat embryogenesis. Our work provides new insight into the complex regulatory landscape underlying ZGA and may inform strategies to improve the efficiency of goat embryogenesis.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

Discovery of a novel Betacoronavirus 1, cpCoV, in goats in China: The new risk of cross-species transmission.

Betacoronavirus is a causative agent of respiratory and enteric diseases in humans and animals. Several ruminants are recognized to be intermediate hosts in the transmission of emerging coronaviruses from reservoir hosts to humans. Here, we first report a novel Betacoronavirus isolated from goats suffering from diarrhea in China, putatively named caprine coronavirus (cpCoV). Full-genome characterization and nuclear acid comparisons demonstrated that this virus is an evolutionarily distinct Betacoronavirus belonging to the subgenus Embecovirus and is a Betacoronavirus 1 species. Notably, on phylogenetic trees based on complete genomes and RdRp, S, and N genes, the cpCoVs were grouped into a clade distinct from other Betacoronavirus strains and were closely related to the HKU23- and HKU23-associated coronaviruses. CpCoV possessed a unique genome organization with a truncated NS4a protein and an elongated NS4b protein that showed no significant matches in the GenBank database. The homology of the S and NS4a-4b genes between cpCoV and Embecovirus was less than 95%. Analysis revealed possible recombination events occurred during the evolution of cpCoV and HKU23, and there are striking similarities between the two viruses in evolutionary terms. In addition, cpCoV showed a narrow cell tropism, replicating in human- and bovine-origin cells in vitro, and caused diarrhea and enteric pathologic changes in goats and calves in vivo. We have provided epidemiological, virological, evolutionary, and experimental evidence that cpCoV is a novel etiological agent for enteric disease in goats. Evidently, a spilling-over event might have occurred between ruminants, including goats, camels, cattle, and wild animals. This study highlights the importance of identifying coronavirus diversity and inter-species transmission in ruminants worldwide, broadens our understanding of the ecology of coronaviruses, and aids in the prevention of animal-to-human transmission and outbreaks.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

First Report of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, Encephalitozoon spp. and Blastocystis spp. in Hair Goats in Türkiye.

INTRODUCTION: Blastocystis spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp. are prevalent zoonotic gastrointestinal parasites that cause severe diarrhoea and enteric diseases in humans and animals worldwide. This study investigated the molecular occurrence, genetic diversity and zoonotic potential of E. bieneusi, Blastocystis spp. and Encephalitozoon spp. in domestic hair goats in Central Anatolia. METHODS: A total of 300 faecal samples were collected from hair goats in Kayseri, Aksaray and Sivas Provinces and genomic DNA was extracted from these samples. The presence of the three pathogens was detected using PCR and nested PCR targeting the SSU rRNA for Blastocystis spp., the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) for E. bieneusi and Encephalitozoon spp., respectively. Positive PCR products were sequenced to determine the species, subtypes and genotypes of the pathogens. RESULTS: The overall prevalence rates of E. bieneusi and Blastocystis spp. were 5.3% (16/300) and 6.7% (20/300), respectively. None of the faecal samples tested was positive for Encephalitozoon spp. and no co-infections among these three pathogens were detected. The SSU rRNA sequence analysis revealed Blastocystis spp. ST10, a subtype predominantly associated with animals. Additionally, one known E. bieneusi genotype (BEB6) was identified. The BEB6 genotype falls into zoonotic Group 2 of E. bieneusi in the phylogenetic tree. CONCLUSION: Our study is the first report of Blastocystis spp. and E. bieneusi infection in hair goats in Türkiye, highlighting their potential role in zoonotic transmission within a One Health framework. Our results provide scientific data for the prevention and control of these two intestinal pathogens. Further investigations are necessary to better understand their genetic characteristics and zoonotic potential in Türkiye.

Enterocytozoon bieneusi↗

PubMed2025

Clinical and Microbiological Insights into Caseous Lymphadenitis in Sheep and Goats in Khorasan Razavi, Iran.

INTRODUCTION: Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA), a chronic bacterial disease caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis, significantly impacts small-ruminant health and productivity worldwide, causing economic losses through reduced wool and milk yields, reproductive issues, and carcass condemnation. Despite its importance, CLA prevalence and microbial dynamics remain under explored in Iran, where small ruminants are vital to rural economies. This study assessed the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and bacteriological profile of CLA in Khorasan Razavi Province, northeast Iran, to inform regional control strategies and address potential zoonotic risks. MATERIALS & METHODS: We examined 15 flocks totaling 4,733 animals (4,640 sheep, 93 goats) through clinical inspections and microbiological analysis of pus samples from affected lymph nodes. RESULTS: The results revealed a lymphadenitis prevalence of 11.59% (95% CI, 10.58%, 12.66%), with 8.62% of sheep (400/4640) and 8.60% of goats (8/93) affected, varying across flocks from 0% to 28.57%. Submandibular lymph nodes were most commonly affected (51.35%), followed by retropharyngeal (18.02%) and parotid (15.32%) nodes, with peak incidence in the 2-3-year age group (38.24%), likely linked to shearing practices. Bacteriological analysis of 102 pus samples identified C. pseudotuberculosis in 19.6% (20/102) of cases, characterized by small, dry, white colonies with β-hemolysis on Columbia blood agar. A diverse microbial profile included Actinobacillus spp. (7.8%), Trueperella pyogenes (3.9%), and novel isolates like Acinetobacter spp. and Yersinia spp. (1.0% each), with 43.14% of samples sterile, suggesting chronicity or sampling challenges. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate CLA etiology is complex, extending beyond a single pathogen and influenced by local husbandry practices. The study underscores CLA's economic burden and zoonotic potential, given rare but documented human cases. Integrated control measures-enhanced molecular diagnostics, recombinant phospholipase D (PLD) vaccine trials, and improved biosecurity-are urgently needed. Future research should prioritize genomic strain typing and environmental reservoir analysis to refine CLA management in Northeast Iran, offering insights applicable to similar agroecosystems globally.

Animals↗

PubMed2026

Partially countering the physiological effects of fentanyl with naloxone or d-cysteine ethyl ester in adult goats.

Fentanyl is the leading contributor to opioid-involved overdose (OD) mortality in the United States. Despite the demonstrated efficacy, safety, and wide availability of naloxone (NAL), opioid-involved OD fatalities remain high. This suggests our understanding of the negative integrated physiological effects of fentanyl remains incomplete, and highlights the need to develop additional novel countermeasures. Here we tested whether the physiological and behavioral effects of intravenous fentanyl in adult female goats (n = 12) could be mitigated with NAL or the potential countermeasure d-cysteine ethyl ester (d-CYSee). As hypothesized, intravenous injections of high doses (HD) fentanyl caused immediate ventilatory suppression via reduced breathing frequency leading to hypoventilation and hypoxemia (≥10 min). HD fentanyl elicited immediate and sustained (≥90 min) increases in diaphragm, intercostal, abdominal, and laryngeal constrictor muscle activity along with an increased alveolar to arterial oxygen (A-a O2) gradient and hypertension. Intravenous NAL administered immediately following HD fentanyl mitigated most of these effects except the increased activation of respiratory pump and airway muscles. In contrast, d-CYSee administration immediately following HD fentanyl countered the initial hypoventilation but did not mitigate the increases in muscle activation and persistent hypoxemia. Neither treatment prevented acute withdrawal-like behaviors emerging >90 min after fentanyl administration. The data suggest that there are physiological effects of HD fentanyl that are NAL-insensitive, and d-CYSee can transiently normalize blood gases and counter opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD) in adult goats.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Here we determined whether any of the deleterious physiological effects of high-dose fentanyl could be countered by naloxone and/or d-cysteine ethyl ester (d-CYSee) in adult goats. Fentanyl induced hypoventilation and sustained increases in respiratory and airway muscle activity and hypoxemia. Naloxone reversed all fentanyl effects except tonic muscle activation, and d-CYSee reversed fentanyl-induced hypoventilation. These data suggest some effects of fentanyl are naloxone-insensitive and that d-CYSee may be a valuable countermeasure for OIRD.

Animals↗

PubMed2025

LncRNA Profiling and ceRNA Network Construction of Intrauterine Exosomes in Goats During Embryo Implantation.

Exosomes have been shown to play an important role in embryo implantation, but the mechanism is still unclear. This study aimed to investigate the functional roles of lncRNAs in intrauterine exosomes in goat pregnancy. We used RNA-seq to identify the lncRNA profiles of exosomes obtained from goat uterine rinsing fluid at 5, 15, and 18 days of gestation. In addition, we performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis based on differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) and lncRNAs (DELs). Functional enrichment analyses of gene modules were conducted using Gene Ontology classification (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway. A lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory network was constructed based on predictive interaction derived from miRTarBase, miRDB and RNAhybrid databases. Altogether, 831 DELs were identified. GO and KEGG analysis showed that the target genes were enriched in processes associated with embryo implantation, such as signaling receptor activity, binding and immune response. Nine functional co-expression modules were enriched in various biological processes, such as metabolic pathways, protein transport, cell cycle and VEGF signaling pathway. Additionally, 12 lncRNA-mediated ceRNA networks were constructed. Our results demonstrate that exosomal lncRNAs in uterine flushing fluid exhibit dynamic changes across gestational stages and play an important role in regulating the uterine microenvironment during embryo implantation. These findings provide a foundational basis for screening exosome-derived lncRNAs that influence embryo implantation and contribute to elucidating the mechanistic roles of lncRNAs in exosome-mediated processes during early pregnancy.

embryo implantation↗

PubMed2026

In vitro EVALUATION OF Beauveria bassiana ISOLATES AGAINST GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODES FROM GOATS.

Biological control has emerged as a promising alternative for the control of gastrointestinal nematodes in small ruminants. However, additional information is still needed on the nematicidal portencial of Beauveria bassiana and on the early interaction between fungal conidia and infective larvae. In this study, six B. bassiana isolates (LCMS19-LCMS24) were evaluated in vitro using a coproculture assay with fecal samples from naturally infected goats. Larval recovery was compared with that of an untreated control to estimate the percentage reduction in third-stage larvae (L3). The most effective isolate was subsequently examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to characterize its interaction with L3. All isolates reduced L3 recovery compared with the control, although their efficacy differed. LCMS21 showed the greatest reduction in L3 recovery and differed significantly from the other treatments. SEM revealed extensive adhesion of LCMS21 conidia to the L3 cuticle, in the anterior and median regions. However, no clear evidence of conidial germination, germ tube formation, cuticle penetration, or hyphal development was observed after 48 or 72 h. These results indicate that B. bassiana isolates differ in their in vitro activity against gastrointestinal nematodes and identify LCMS21 as the most promising isolate among those tested. The ultrastructural observations support an early fungus-larva interaction, but they do not allow the nematicidal effect to be attributed to adhesion. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms involved and to evaluate the potencial application of this isolate in integrated parasite control programs.

Beauveria bassiana↗