AbstractInsulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) is a low molecular weight peptide produced mainly by liver cells and plays an important role in regulating postnatal growth. Recently, IGF-1 has been implicated as a marker for resistance against gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. A study was conducted to find out the sequence information of IGF-1 gene in Haemonchus contortus-resistant Malpura sheep. Total RNA was extracted from liver tissue collected from Haemonchus contortusresistant Malpura sheep and complementary DNA was synthesized. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of ovine IGF-1 gene was done using gene-specific primers. A 591 bp PCR product was amplified and characterized by nucleotide sequence for sequence variations. It showed 100% similarity with the sheep IGF-1 sequence available in the public domain. Deduced amino acid (154 residues) revealed close to goat and taurine cattle. The predicted local distance difference test (pLDDT) score of the protein was 55.78. At present, a sheep-specific antibody against protein is not available for the development of immunological assay. Thus, the present findings would be useful to generate recombinant ovine IGF-1 protein for the generation of antibodies for immunological investigation.
AbstractAn investigation was undertaken to study the effect of replacing concentrate mixture with azolla on milk yield, blood metabolites and economics of Alpine x Beetal goats. Eighteen Alpine x Beetal goats (43.00±1.37 kg body weight, 1.17±.04 kg milk yield/day) were divided into three groups of six each. Goats in the control group (T0) were fed a conventional ration, whereas in T1 and T2 groups, 25 and 50% of the concentrate mixture was replaced by fresh azolla. Azolla is a good source of protein and contains 23.20% protein. Dry matter intake was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T0 (1.840±0.08 kg) as compared to T2 (1.708±0.11 kg). Blood metabolites (blood urea nitrogen, non-esterified fatty acids), enzymes (alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase), and milk yield and composition were unaffected by substituting azolla for 25% and 50% of concentrate feed. On feeding of azolla to the T1 and T2 groups, the cost of feed/kg milk yield was decreased by 16.37 and 20.44%, respectively, in comparison to the T0. It was concluded that 25% replacement of concentrate mixture with azolla decreased the cost of milk production in Alpine x Beetal goats.
AbstractTo compare the socio-economic conditions of resource-poor farmers before and after the introduction of goat farming, a baseline survey was conducted in Nashik, Nandurbar, Pune, Ahmednagar and Hingoli districts of Maharashtra. Forty-five scheduled tribe (ST) farmers of Nashik and Nandurbar districts and 51 scheduled caste (SC) farmers of Pune, Nashik, Ahmednagar and Hingoli districts were randomly selected. Training on goat farming was imparted to the selected farmers. Thereafter, they were provided one unit of adult Osmanabadi goat (1 male + 4 female), 200 kg of goat feed, 2.0 kg of mineral mixture, feeder, waterer and tarpaulin sheet. The survey of farmers showed that the main occupation of the farmers was agriculture (48.42 ST vs. 42.73% SC) followed by daily wage in both the ST and SC-dominated talukas (26.32 vs. 20.00%). A total of 422 kids were born during four years (2020 to 2024) in herds of 54 farmers. Average daily gain of kids was 108.07 g/day in the farmers' herds. The overall daily milk yield of a doe was 451.08 ml during the study period of four years. The average annual mortality rate was 8.24% in kids and goats in the farmers' herds. A total of 54 farmers sold their goats and earned an average of Rs. 12061 per annum. Annual income of farmers increased over baseline income by 41.65%. It was inferred that the introduction of goat farming among resource-poor farmers sizably improved their income and benefitted them economically.
AbstractA study aimed to characterize molecularly a partial fragment (219 bp) of keratin-associated protein 6.1 (KAP 6.1) gene in Rambouillet sheep and explore its evolutionary relationship with other mammalian species. PCR amplification followed by sequencing confirmed gene identity with reference ovine sequences. Basic local alignment search tool results indicated high sequence similarity with Capra hircus (98.89%) and Ovis aries (96.11%, Chokla breed) and more distant homology with non-ruminant species, such as Cavia porcellus, Homo sapiens and Mus musculus. Nucleotide composition analysis revealed the guanine and cytosine-rich structure (63.11%) in Rambouillet sheep, suggesting sequence stability. Multiple sequence alignment demonstrated conserved motifs among small ruminants. Phylogenetic analysis clustered Rambouillet sheep closely with related species, supported by strong bootstrap values. Pair-wise distance estimations reflected minimal divergence from other ruminants and increasing genetic variation among unrelated taxa. Tajima's neutrality test yielded a negative D value (-2.1622), indicating possible purifying selection. These findings establish KAP 6.1 as a structurally conserved and potentially significant gene with applicability as a genetic marker for wool trait improvement in sheep.
AbstractA study was aimed to evaluate two total intravenous anaesthesia (TIVA) protocols for orthopaedic surgery in goats. Twelve goats were randomly allocated into two groups of six each to compare the effects of two anaesthetic combinations administered as continuous rate infusion (CRI). Gr I received dexmedetomidine-midazolam-propofol-lignocaine (DMPL), while Gr II received xylazine-midazolam-propofol-lignocaine (XMPL). Clinical, physiological, haemodynamic, haematological and biochemical characters were monitored. Both protocols provided rapid sedation, excellent induction and effortless endotracheal intubation. A stable surgical plane of anaesthesia was maintained for a mean duration of 105 min with complete analgesia and excellent muscle relaxation in both the groups. Predictable decreases in heart rate, respiratory rate and rectal temperature were observed, with significant (P<0.05) reduction in mean arterial pressure from 90.17±0.70 to 83.10±0.94 mmHg. Haemoglobin oxygen saturation remained stable. Transient decreases in erythrocyte indices were noted at 120 min, which normalised by 48 h. Biochemical characters remained stable. Recoveries were smooth and excitement-free. Both the DMPL and XMPL protocols are effective and safe TIVA options for maintaining anaesthesia in goats during major orthopaedic surgeries. The primary distinction was a more pronounced mean arterial pressure decrease in XMPL, suggesting that DMPL offers slightly superior cardiovascular stability.
