• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.5
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• pp.727-731
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• 2009

The aim of this study was to understand the effects of skin pigmentation on physiological parameters of thermoregulation and grazing behaviour of dairy goats in a hot and humid climate. The study used 26 crossbred Saanen yearling goats (95% Saanen+5% Local Hair Breed). The animals were raised at semi-intensive private farms in Adana (36 59'N, 35 18'E). Groups were selected 2 d before the start of observations. Goats were categorized as predominantly pigmented (P) skin and unpigmented (UP) skin. All observations and measurements were collected on grassland during the grazing period of June and July 2007 (60 d). Air temperature and relative humidity were recorded at 10 min intervals by a portable data logger. The physiological data (rectal temperature, respiration and pulse rate, and skin temperatures from head and udder) were recorded twice weekly in the morning (07:00-08:00); at midday (13:00-14:00); and in the evening (18:00-19:00). Additionally, the activity of the animals was observed and classified (eating, ruminating, drinking, standing, walking, lying) for 12 h during the day twice weekly, using a portable camera system linked directly to a computer. Panting behaviour was also observed. According to the THI values, the experimental goats were subjected to stressful conditions. The pigmented goats had significantly lower rectal temperatures (39.68 vs. $29.89^{\circ}C$), pulse rate (74.08 vs. 84.10 beat/min) and respiration rate (65.65 vs. 88.23 breath/min.) compared with unpigmented goats at midday when the THI exceeded 92. The rectal, head and udder temperatures, pulse and respiration rates of the non-pigmented group exceeded $40^{\circ}C$, $37^{\circ}C$, $37.5^{\circ}C$, 84 beats/min and 78 breaths/min, respectively. Higher activity was observed among pigmented compared with unpigmented goats. Unpigmented goats grazed (4.3 vs. 5.6 h), ruminated (2.0 vs. 2.4 h), and stood (0.8 vs. 1.2 h) less, but lay down (2.2 vs. 1.8 h) more than pigmented goats. The data obtained in this experiment support the hypothesis that unpigmented goats are more adversely affected by climatic stress, likely due to their decreased activity and increased water consumption, as demonstrated by previous studies.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.30 no.12
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• pp.1711-1717
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• 2017

Objective: This experiment was studied the effects of various levels of crude glycerin (CG) in dairy goat diet on daily intake, milk yield, milk composition, some physical properties and some quality changes of goat milk after sterilization. Methods: Twelve 75% Saanen dairy goats (body weight = $49{\pm}3kg$; days in milk = $60{\pm}12d$) were randomly assigned in a completely randomized design to evaluate the effects of three experimental diets consisting of 0%, 5%, and 10% CG (dry matter basis) which were formulated to meet or exceed the nutrient requirements of goats. Experimental dairy goats were evaluated for feed and milk yield. Milk samples were analyzed for their composition, including fatty acids, casein profile, fat globule size, and color, and were sterilized to evaluate milk heat stability. Results: There were no significant differences between 0% and 5% CG treatments infeed. Increasing CG supplementation from 0% to 5% increased milk yield from $2.38{\pm}0.12$ to $2.64{\pm}0.23kg/goat/d$. In addition, milk samples from 5% CG treatment had the highest total solids, fat content and lactose content, and largest fat globule size. Increasing CG to 10% resulted in a decrease in milk fat. After sterilizing at $116^{\circ}C$, $F_0=3min$, goat milk samples from 5% CG treatment had slightly higher sediment content and comparatively higher degree of browning. Conclusion: Considering milk yield, milk fat content and quality of sterilized milk, 5% CG supplementation in a total mixed ration has a potential for implementation in dairy goats.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.9
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• pp.1293-1302
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• 2014

The aim of study was to determine the energy requirements for maintenance and growth of forty-one Saanen, intact male kids with initial body weight (BW) of $5.12{\pm}0.19$ kg. The baseline (BL) group consisted of eight kids averaging $5.46{\pm}0.18$ kg BW. An intermediate group consisted of six kids, fed for ad libitum intake, that were slaughtered when they reached an average BW of $12.9{\pm}0.29$ kg. The remaining kids (n = 27) were randomly allocated into nine slaughter groups (blocks) of three animals distributed among three amounts of dry matter intake (DMI; ad libitum and restricted to 70% or 40% of ad libitum intake). Animals in a group were slaughtered when the ad libitum-treatment kid in the group reached 20 kg BW. In a digestibility trial, 21 kids (same animals of the comparative slaughter) were housed in metabolic cages and used in a completely randomized design to evaluate the energetic value of the diet at different feed intake levels. The net energy for maintenance ($NE_m$) was $417kJ/kg^{0.75}$ of empty BW (EBW)/d, while the metabolizable energy for maintenance ($ME_m$) was $657kJ/kg^{0.75}$ of EBW/d. The efficiency of ME use for NE maintenance ($k_m$) was 0.64. Body fat content varied from 59.91 to 92.02 g/kg of EBW while body energy content varied from 6.37 to 7.76 MJ/kg of EBW, respectively, for 5 and 20 kg of EBW. The net energy for growth ($NE_g$) ranged from 7.4 to 9.0 MJ/kg of empty weight gain by day at 5 and 20 kg BW, respectively. This study indicated that the energy requirements in goats were lower than previously published requirements for growing dairy goats.

• Korean Journal of Agricultural Science
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• v.34 no.1
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• pp.61-65
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• 2007

This study was conducted to evaluate the response of CIDR-S on estrus synchronization of dairy goats and the effect of artificial insemination on conception rate. Estrus synchronization of sexually matured Saanen goats was induced with insertion of CIDR-S into vagina for 15 days and injection of 500 IU PMSG before removal of CIDR-S. Artificial insemination was conducted using liquid or frozen semen by intra-cervical insemination with synchronized does. Estrus synchronization was 90% using CIDR-S insertion for 15 days. Conception rate of inseminated does was 20% - 25%, while that of natural mated does was 100%. These results suggested that synchronization of dairy goats can be successfully induced and artificial insemination method has to be improved for the practical use in dairy goats.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.43-48
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• 2010

This study was conducted to compare the chemical composition, dry matter digestibility (DMD), dry matter intake, and utilization of nitrogen and energy of dairy goats (Saanen), when fed on imported timothy hay (IT), mixture grass hay (MG) and native grass hay (NG), respectively. The experimental trials were conducted from April, 2008 to December, 2008 at the environmental controlled barn of Chungnam National University. Twelve dairy goats (Saanen) were selected which had nearly the same body weight (24.2kg, male). The content of crude protein (CP) of MG hay was higher than that of other diets (p<0.05), but the contents of NDF, ADF, cellulose and lignin of IT and NG diet were higher than those of MG diet (p<0.05). The voluntary DM intake of dairy goats fed with herbage from MG diet (30.7/$BW_{kg}$/day) was higher than that of other diets, but no significant difference was observed between that of IT diet and NG diet (p>0.05). The DMD of MG diet (69.8%) was higher than that of NG diet (62.2%) and IT diet (60.8%) (p<0.05), but no significant difference was observed between that of IT diet and NG diet (p>0.05). In nitrogen utilization, the apparently digested N %, retained % and biological value of dairy goats fed with herbage from MG diet were higher and TG diet was lower (p<0.05). In energy utilization, digestible energy and the energy of apparently digested minus urinary losses of MG diet were higher than those of IT diet and NG diet (p<0.05), but no significant difference was found between IT diet and NG diet (p>0.05). Based on the results, the dry matter intake, DMD and utilization of nitrogen and energy of dairy goats of MG were higher than those of IT diet and NG diet (p<0.05), the DMD and biological value (%) of NG diet was higher than that of IT diet (p<0.05).

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.327-332
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• 2016

The genetic relationships between different populations and breeds of exotic dairy goats in Thailand were studied using 12 microsatellite markers. Blood samples were obtained from 211 goats from Department of Livestock Development breeding and research farms: 29 Anglonubian (AN), 21 Alpine (AP), 23 Jamunapari (JAM), 50 Saanen (SN), and 88 Toggenburg (TG). Five of the 12 microsatellite markers were found to be polymorphic. A mean of 7.40 alleles per locus was found, with a range from 5 (SPS115 and ETH225) to 11 (TGLA122). We found 24, 27, 19, 32, and 24 alleles in the AN, AP, JAM, SN, and TG breeds, respectively; 37 alleles were present in all breeds. The mean number of alleles in each population ranged from 3.2 (ETH225 locus) to 7.6 (TGLA122 locus). Genetic variability within the breeds was moderate as evidenced by the mean expected heterozygosity of 0.539. The average observed heterozygosity across the 5 markers in all breeds was 0.529 with the maximum observed at the BM1818 locus (0.772) and the minimum at the ETH225 locus (0.248). The observed and expected heterozygosity for all breeds for the 5 microsatellite markers ranged from 0.419 to 0.772 and 0.227 to 0.792, respectively. On the basis of their means, the TGLA122 and BM1818 loci were the most suitable markers for distinguishing genetic diversity among the goats. The estimated average $F_{is}$ value for the breeds ranged from -0.044 (ETH225) to 0.180 (SPS115), while the estimated average $F_{st}$ value ranged from 0.021 (SPS115) to 0.104 (ETH10). These results indicated that TGLA122 and BM1818 markers are suitable to be used for aiding conservation and breeding improvement strategies of dairy.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.10
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• pp.1394-1406
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• 2015

The AT motif-binding factor (ATBF1) not only interacts with protein inhibitor of activated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) (PIAS3) to suppress STAT3 signaling regulating embryo early development and cell differentiation, but is required for early activation of the pituitary specific transcription factor 1 (Pit1) gene (also known as POU1F1) critically affecting mammalian growth and development. The goal of this study was to detect novel nucleotide variations and haplotypes structure of the ATBF1 gene, as well as to test their associations with growth-related traits in goats. Herein, a total of seven novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (SNP 1-7) within this gene were found in two well-known Chinese native goat breeds. Haplotypes structure analysis demonstrated that there were four haplotypes in Hainan black goat while seventeen haplotypes in Xinong Saanen dairy goat, and both breeds only shared one haplotype (hap1). Association testing revealed that the SNP2, SNP5, SNP6, and SNP7 loci were also found to significantly associate with growth-related traits in goats, respectively. Moreover, one diplotype in Xinong Saanen dairy goats significantly linked to growth related traits. These preliminary findings not only would extend the spectrum of genetic variations of the goat ATBF1 gene, but also would contribute to implementing marker-assisted selection in genetics and breeding in goats.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.37-49
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• 2015

During pregnancy, the maternal body undergoes significant physiological changes. The present study assessed the changes on calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) and potassium (K) metabolism in singleton and twin-pregnant dairy goats. The 42 goats used ($49.5kg{\pm}7.6$ body weight [BW]) were assigned at random to treatments that were factorially arranged to account for 2 breeds (Oberhasli and Saanen), 2 pregnancy types (singleton and twin) and 3 gestation periods (80, 110, and 140 days). Digestibility trials were performed at 80, 110, and 140 days of gestation. Mineral retention during pregnancy was determined in the maternal body, femur, uterus, mammary gland, fetus and fetal fluid. Blood samples were taken during pregnancy before and after a meal, and Ca, P, Mg, Na, K ions and alkaline phosphatase activity determined in serum. Bone mineral density was determined in the right femur. Statistical analyses were performed using the SAS MIXED procedure. Dry matter intake decreased linearly up to 140 days of gestation. Maternal BW gain, and Ca, P, and Mg retention (g/kg) decreased linearly with the advance of gestation days. Macromineral retention in maternal body (g/kg) was greater in Oberhasli than Saanen goats, and their fetuses had higher Ca, P, and Mg deposition (mg/g). Mineral retention (mg/g) increased in fetuses according to pregnancy development, with no differences between singleton and twin pregnancy. In the mammary gland, the retention of all minerals (g) increased with the days of pregnancy. In conclusion, related to Ca, P, and Mg metabolism can be divided into two stages. Up to 80 days of gestation, was characterized by the preparation of the maternal body reserves for future mineral demands. From 80 days of gestation onward, was characterized by the transfer of maternal body reserves for fetal development and colostrum production. Na and K supply was provided by adjustments in endogenous excretion and an increase in intestinal absorption. Finally, mineral metabolism was specific to each genotype and, except for Na, was not affected by the number of fetuses.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.13 no.9
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• pp.1249-1254
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• 2000

A study was conducted to evaluate the replacement value of Leucaena leucocephala and Gliricidia sepium as nitrogen sources in commercial type supplements for dairy goats. Six crossbred $(Toggenburg{\times}Saanen)$ goats at late stage of lactation were allocated to three dietary treatments in a double $3{\times}3$ Latin square design. The animals were offered rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay ad libitum and supplemented with either Leucaena-based concentrate (LBC), Gliricidia-based concentrate (GBC) or commercial based concentrate (CC). Voluntary food intake, milk yield and composition and changes in live weight were measured. The total dry matter (DM) intake was higher (p<0.05) in goats fed GBC than CC (1385 vs 1331 g/d). The DM intake for LBC (1343 g/d) was similar to CC (1331 g/d). The DM intake of hay was also higher (p<0.05) in goats fed GBC (834 g/d) than those receiving LBC or CC (789, 782 g/d, respectively). Animals supplemented with GBC recorded positive (11 g/d) weight gain while the other groups lost weight (13, 19 g/d) for LBC and CC respectively, although these differences were not statistically significant (p>0.05). The composition of milk were: butterfat 58, 49 and 55 g/kg; crude protein 37.0, 35.4 and 36.1 g/kg; lactose 33, 29 and 30 g/kg; Ash 8.5, 8.5 and 7.9 g/kg and total solids 136.5, 121.9 and 129.0 g/kg, for goats fed LBC, GBC and CC respectively. There were no differences in the composition of milk due to these dietary treatments. At the end of performance trial, a digestibility trial was conducted using 6 female goats allocated to the three treatments (LBC, GBC and CC) in an incomplete randomized block design and each goat received a different supplement in each of two successive periods. There were no differences in nutrient digestibility except for DM, which was higher (p<0.05) in CC compared to the other treatments (615, 622, 720 g/kg for LBC, GBC and CC, respectively). Economic analysis showed that CC diet was more expensive (0.20 US$/kg) and had a lower margin over supplementation (0.11 US$) compared to LBC and GBC (0.13 vs 0.12 US$/kg and 01.5 vs 0.12 US$, respectively). It is concluded that the Leucaena and Gliricidia could contribute as nitrogen sources in compounded diet supplements without any detrimental effects on production in dairy goats.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.35-42
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• 2010

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary energy and protein levels on milk production in Saanen (Capra hircus) dairy goats fed the diets with the different ratio of forage and concentrate. Four lactating goats in mid lactation ($57.5{\pm}10.8\;kg$ BW) were used in a $4{\times}4$ Latin square with 21-d periods. Animals were randomly allocated to one of the four groups; 10.59 MJ ME/kg and 11.90% CP (TJ), 10.14 MJ ME/kg and 12.73% CP (T2), 9.45 MJ ME/kg and 15.19% CP (T3), 8.75 MJ ME/kg and 16.60% CP DM (T4). Also ratio of forage to concentrate was 49: 51 (Tl), 59: 41 (T2), 74: 26 (T3) and 90: 10 (T4). Intakes of forage and concentrate were linearly increased (p<0.05) with their increasing energy levels in the diets. No significant differences were found in total dry matter intake and body weight between treatments. Milk yield in T3 was the highest among treatments (p<0.05). Relative to other treatments, T4 significantly (p