Abortion is the major reproductive problem in goats faced by goat-keepers. Abortion in animals including goats is caused mainly by infectious agents. The current study was planned to assess the presence of Brucella melitensis, Chlamydophila spp., Campylobacter spp., Brucella abortus and Coxiella burnetii in the genital tracts of goats and foetal stomach contents. A total of 260 biological samples (vaginal/preputial secretions and foetal stomach contents) were randomly collected from the goats. The genomic DNA extraction from the samples was done by using the commercial kit. The detection of the targeted infectious agents in the biological samples was done by species as well as genus-specific polymerase chain reactions. Standardization of PCRs was done using gradient PCR. The PCR products were run in a 1% agarose gel to determine the gene size. Out of 260 samples, the presence of Coxiella burnetii was not detected in any sample. Brucella abortus was detected in two aborted goats. Only 10 samples out of 260 (6 vaginal swabs from the aborted goats and 4 foetal stomach contents) were found positive for Brucella melitensis. A total of 117 samples were found positive for Chlamydophila spp., whereas 84 were found positive for Campylobacter spp. A total of 63 samples were found positive for both Chlamydophila spp. and Campylobacter spp. The present study concludes that Chlamydophila and Campylobacter spp. were found as the prevalent microbial agents, which may be associated with abortion in goats in the forthcoming pregnancies in adverse conditions.
Infertility has been a concern throughout the ages and is still a significant problem in several species, including human beings and farm animals. Many research projects have focused on exploring the genetic basis of male infertility, but thus far, they have been able to explain not more than 15% of infertile cases. Therefore, much remains to be understood, and we need to involve several other approaches to fully understand the aetiology of male infertility. One such promising approach is epigenetics, which has the potential to explain the aetiology of numerous disorders partially. Epigenetics is a discipline that studies heritable changes in gene expression that do not involve altering the DNA sequence. The main epigenetic mechanisms include the well-understood phenomenon of DNA methylation, histone modifications and regulation by non-coding RNAs, a mode of regulation identified relatively recently and an area of intensive ongoing investigation. In cattle and especially dairy breeds, where bull semen is widely used for artificial insemination (AI), several selection and breeding practices may interfere with the proper establishment of the sperm epigenome. The future bull progeny's sperm epigenome may be influenced by the mother's nutrition, potentially affecting future fertility. The bull calf's postnatal diet and environment, including stress, housing conditions and temperature, affect the sperm epigenome. These epigenetic modifications have a transgenerational effect, meaning they affect the fertility of subsequent generations. It has been observed that epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs, differ between high- and low-fertility bulls. Prediction of these epigenetic biomarkers may therefore provide a new method for differentiating between high- and low-fertility bulls.
Globally goat milk ranks as the third most produced milk, following cow and buffalo milk. It is distinguished by a unique nutritional profile enriched with bioactive components that offer numerous therapeutic benefits. Its distinct protein, such as low αs1-casein as well as higher β-casein, and fat composition, like smaller fat globules and higher concentrations of medium-chain triglycerides, taurine, polyamines, oligosaccharides, bioactive peptides, essential minerals, and vitamins, contribute to enhanced digestibility and nutrient absorption. Research reports indicate that aforesaid unique features of goat milk collectively impart hypoallergenic, antioxidant, antipathogenic, immune-modulating, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative effects, supporting brain health, cardiovascular function, and gut health. Because of these properties, goat milk and components are being applied for different physiological and health-boosting potentials. Also, the bioactive constituents of goat milk are currently under investigation for their therapeutic potential and have facilitated the development of a range of specialty products. This review explores goat milk's exceptional composition, physiological functionality, and medicinal value, highlighting its expanding role in consumer health and wellness.
Background: High mortality of goat kids due to infectious and non-infectious diseases negatively impacts goat husbandry. Methods: To study the influence of genetic and nongenetic factors on preweaning mortality of goat kids, three years’ data (July, 2015 to June, 2018) of breeds maintained at Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Central Institute for Research on Goats (ICAR-CIRG) viz. Barbari, Jamunapari and Jakhrana was analyzed to find effect of breed, parity, birth weight, litter size, season of birth, sex and kid’s age on mortality. Postmortem findings as entered in the record have been considered to arrive at the cause of mortality. Result: A preweaning mortality rate of 2.59% was recorded in kids of all the three breeds studied. Mortality rate of Barbari, Jamunapari and Jakhrana kids was found to be 2.15%, 3.39% and 2.13% respectively. Kids birth weight, sex or age had no effect on mortality. Highest mortality was observed in kids born as triplet/quadruplet (4.49%) followed by that in twins (2.88%) and singlets (2.01%). Highest mortality was observed in kids born to primiparous dams (3.95%) followed by kids born to dams having =/ greater than 5th parity (3.01%) and least in 2nd to 4th parity (1.82%). Most of the kids died due to enteritis (38.3%) followed by pneumonia (28.3%), debility and anemia (11.7%) septicemia (10%) and others in remaining 11.7% cases.
Metritis, an inflammatory uterine disorder occurring within 21 days postpartum, poses significant global challenges to dairy herd management. This review comprehensively examines the incidence, diagnostic criteria, clinical manifestations, economic implications, and emerging management strategies for metritis in dairy animals. The classification of metritis, distinguishing between puerperal metritis and delayed uterine involution, is discussed alongside diagnostic approaches such as vaginal discharge scoring, cytology, and rectal temperature evaluation. Metritis incidence varies widely, ranging from 10% to 36%, with early postpartum diagnosis being critical to minimizing its impact. The economic burden of metritis is profound, with affected cows experiencing reduced milk yield, impaired reproductive performance, extended calving intervals, and increased culling rates. Despite its clinical significance, diagnosing metritis remains challenging due to inconsistent presentation of fever and subjective assessment of clinical signs. Non-invasive diagnostic techniques, such as infrared thermography (IRT), are highlighted as promising tools for early detection, offering a stress-free and practical approach to monitoring rectal temperature and systemic health. Recent advances in molecular research have uncovered genetic variants and regulatory pathways, such as cholesterol metabolism and the PI3k-Akt signalling pathway, associated with disease susceptibility and progression. These insights provide potential therapeutic targets and opportunities for precision management strategies. The present review accentuates the critical need for standardized diagnostic criteria, innovative non-invasive technologies, and integrative management approaches to address metritis effectively. Continued research and the application of cutting-edge technologies are essential to mitigate the economic and welfare impacts of metritis, ultimately improving herd health, productivity, and sustainability in the dairy industry.
