• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.11 no.6
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• pp.697-701
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• 1998

In order to improve silage quality and utilization of napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) by goats, the grass was ensiled with molasses (MOL) and/or defatted rice bran (DRB). Napier grass was harvested at the growing stage in July and cut into 3 cm length. The grass was mixed with 4% MOL and/or 15% DRB, ensiled 15 kg each into plastic bags and stored for 9 months. Dry matter content of the silage ensiled with MOL (MOL-silage) was 13.4%, but increased to 20% with DRB addition. The addition of MOL decreased pH value and ammonia nitrogen content, but increased lactic acid content. MOL-silage contained about 6% spoilage, but addition of DRB decreased spoilage to less than 1%. Goats were fed the silage at a level of 2.25% (DM basis) of their body weight. Goats fed DRB- or MOL/DRB-silages maintained nitrogen retention, but goats fed MOL-silage did not. The rumen fluid of goats fed DRB-silage tended to be higher in acetic acid and lower in propionic acid than those fed the other silages. Ammonia in the rumen fluids, urea nitrogen in the blood and the urinary nitrogen excretion were the lowest in goats fed MOL/DRB-silage. As the result, the ratio of retained nitrogen to nitrogen intake was the highest in goats fed MOL/DRB-silage. In conclusion, addition of DRB to napier grass increased DM of silage and decreased the volume of spoilage. The combination of MOL and DRB can improve the fermentation quality and thus enhance the utilization of the silage by goats, more than the MOL or DRB being as a single treatment.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.18 no.11
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• pp.1594-1599
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• 2005

The effects of long-term feeding of diets based on bermudagrass hay supplemented with lucerne hay cube (LH) or fermented bagasse feed (FBF) on the growth rate, feed efficiency, behaviour, gut development, carcass characteristics and meat quality of goats were investigated. Six spring-born 8-month-old male crossbred (Japanese Saanen${\times}$Tokara native goats) bucks weighing mean 21.6 kg were allotted to 2 treatment groups (3 animals each) and each animal had ad libitum access to feeds, i.e. bermudagrass hay (basal diet)+LH or FBF throughout the experiment. The FBF was produced by the solid-state fermentation of substrates containing dried sugarcane bagasse mixed with wheat bran in a ratio of 1:3 (w/w DM) with Aspergillus sojae. The live body weight, final weight and average daily gain were not different between treatments. Average basal diet intake of goats fed FBF diet was significantly higher than that fed LH diet (p<0.05), but average dry matter intake (DMI; g/day and g/$W^{0.75}$), feed conversion ratio, digestible crude protein (DCP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) intake of experimental diets were not significantly different between treatments. Goats fed on LH and FBF diets had similar eating, rumination, resting and drinking behaviours, and blood constituents except for phosphorus content. Slaughter and carcass weights, net meat percentage [(total meat/carcass weight)${\times}$100], loin ratio [(loin/total meat)${\times}$100] and rib-eye area were not different between treatments. However, goats fed FBF diet had lower dressing percentage and higher bone/muscle ratio compared with goats fed LH diet (p<0.01). Empty gut and guts fill of goats fed FBF diet were significantly greater (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively) than those fed LH diet. The weights of rumen and abomasum were also significantly heavier in goats fed FBF diet (p<0.05), but the length and density of papillae of rumen in goats were not different between treatments. Although meat composition of loin was not different in both groups, the meat of goats fed FBF diet was superior to that of LH diet in flavor, aroma and overall quality of loin (p<0.01). In conclusion, the nature of the diet consumed voluntarily did not affect subsequent growth, nutrient intake and behaviour of goats but had an influence on carcass traits and sensory evaluation of meat partly, when either of LH or FBF was fed with bermudagrass hay.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.3 no.4
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• pp.331-336
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• 1990

In order to evaluate the adaptability of Aardi goats to arid environment, 5 Aardi bucks were deprived of water for four days during spring and summer seasons. The rise in average maximum ambient temperature from $24.8^{\circ}C$ in spring to $35.8^{\circ}C$ in summer caused a significant rise in rectal temperature ($0.3^{\circ}C$), respiratory rate (62%), serum osmolaity (8%) and serum sodium concentration (17%). While, it resulted in a significant decline in dry matter intake (50%), urine volume (74%) and fecal water excretion (60%) compared with their values in spring, but had no significant effect on the volume of drinking water. At the end of the 4-days deprivation period during spring, respiratory rate, dry matter intake and urine volume were reduced by 18, 77 and 91% relative to their average in control goats. The corresponding reduction in summer were 58, 100 and 100%. Serum osmolaity was risen by 15% in spring deprived goats and 29% in summer deprived goats. Rectal temperature rose by a mean value of $1.3^{\circ}C$ only in goats deprived of water in summer. Percent of moisture in the feces declined from 64 in control goats, to 24% in water deprived goats during spring season. The corresponding values in summer were 25 and 6%. These responses of Aardi goats deprived of water in summer indicate that they possess a water economy mechanism enable them to tolerate infrequent drinking in hot-arid environment.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.344-350
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• 1998

Seasonal variations in the feeding behaviour of Jamunapari and Barbari goat breeds and their utilization of browse and grass nutrients was evaluated in a promising 3-tier (Leucaena leucocephala- Dichro-stachys nutan-Cenchrus ciliaris) reconstituted pasture during summer, rainy and winter season of the years 1987 and 1988. Distinct diurnal pattern of feeding was observed with both the breeds. Jamunapari goats spent significantly more time foraging during winter season (352.0 min) followed by summer (306.0 min) and least in rainy season (277.0 min). Though no significant difference was observed in the relative time spent by Barbari goats on grazing activities during summer and winter season, they spent significantly more (p < 0.05) time during rainy season as compared to other two seasons. The preference of grazing goats for certain plant species in relation to others was evident with distinct seasonal and breed variations. DM intake (g/kg $BW^{075}$) varied significantly (p < 0.05) from season to season. Among the browse. L. leucocephala was prefered over D. nutan irrespective of breed over the seasons. There was no breed difference in DM intake, or proximate composition and nutrient digestibility of ingested herbage. The available nutrient content of ingested forage was found sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of adult goats for maintenance (NRC, 1981). The reconstituted 3-tier pasture dominated by plant species like L. leucocephala and Cenchrus species appear to have great potential to sustain the nutrient requirement of goats without adverse seasonal fluctuations in pasture quality.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.241-247
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• 1995

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of internal parasites on growth rates of Thai Native (TN) and crossbred (75% TN $\times$ 25% Anglo-Nubian, AN and 50% TN $\times$ 50% AN) goats (undrenched, drenched every 3 weeks or at 9 weeks) in village environments in southern Thailand in a humid tropical climate. There was no significant (p > 0.05) difference in growth rate ($g/kg^{0.75}/d$) between the genotypes during unsupplemented grazing (0-64 days of the experimental period). However, during supplementary feeding (64-127 days) and throughout the period (0-127 days) TN goats had significantly (p < 0.01) lower growth rates compared with 75% TN $\times$ 25% AN and 50% TN $\times$ 50% AN goats. There was no (p > 0.05) significant difference in growth rates between 75% TN $\times$ 25% AN and 50% TN $\times$ 50 % AN goats. The growth rates of goats drenched every 3 weeks were significantly (p < 0.01) higher than those undrenched or drenched at 9 weeks. The results of this study also indicate that drenching alone did not result in increased weight gain except when the nutritional status was also improved. Parasitic infection affected some blood constituents, such as pack cell volume, haemoglobin, total protein and albumin. This resulted in lower growth rates for control groups and goats drenched at 9 weeks compared to those of goats drenched every 3 weeks.

• The Journal of Korean Society of Virology
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.217-225
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• 1997

PCR amplication using the primers for gag, pol and env genes in BLV (bovine leukemia virus) proviral DNA and syncytium assay were carried out for the Korean native goats experimentally infected with bovine leukemia virus to investigate pathogenesis of BLV in the goats, and to establish a model animal for BLV infection. The oligonucleotide primers used in PCR revealed very high specificity. The minimal amount of FLK-BLV cellular chromosomal DNA to detect the integrated BLV proviral DNA was 10 ng. The peripheral blood lymphocytes from the goat infected with BLV were examined at regular intervals by PCR amplification and syncytium assay. Pol or gag genes were detected in none of three infected goats at the 1st week post-infection (p.i.). At the 4th week p.i., one of three goats showed the amplified gag gene. Thereafter detection rates for the genes were increased, indicating that the BLV proviral genes were integrated in all of the lymphocytes from three goats, at the 16th weeks p.i., when it was evident in syncytium assay that the lymphocytes from all of three goats were infested with infective BLV. Investigating the tissues from the necropsied goats at the 8th month p.i., the amplified BLV proviral genes and infective BLV were detected in all of the peripheral lymphocytes from three infected-goats. Among various tissues examined, the amplified BLV proviral genes were observed in spleen and superficial cervical, mandibular and retropharyngeal lymph nodes, and the infective BLV, in superficial cervical and mandibular lymph nodes. It was assumed that the Korean native goat was quite susceptible to BLV infection, indicating that the goat could be a good model animal for BLV.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.43-52
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• 1988

These studies were taken experimentally to clarify the clinical and histopathological findings of listeriosis in Korean native goat(KNC). Four KNGs of 4 to 5 months of age were inoculated orally or in-travenously (IV) with Listeria monocytogenes isolated from a field case of KNG. 1. On the clinical findings, depression, anorexia and fever were observed in all inoculated goats, and nasal discharge, keratoconjunctivitis and diarrhea in 3 of 4 goats. Highest rectal temperature after in-oculation was 2.5$^{\circ}C$ higher in IV inoculated goats and 1.9$^{\circ}C$ higher in orally inoculated than normal rectal temperature observed before inoculation. Durations of clinical course after inoculation in IV and orally inoculated goats were 5 days and 8 days, respectively. 2. On the gross lesions, swelling of the lymph nodes, hemorrhage and .inflammation of the small intestine and rigor mortis were observed in 4 of 4 goats, and keratoconjunctivitis, hemorrhage and inflammation of the large intestine, swelling of the spleen, pneumonia and hydropericardium in 3 of 4 goats. Congestion of the visceral organs and ecchymosis of the sin in a fetus were observed. Keratoconjunctivitis, hemorrhage of the abomasum, swelling of the lymph node, hemorrhage and inflammation of the small intestine, swelling of the spleen, necrosis of the liver and pneumonia were observed as severe lesions. These lesions were more severe in IV inoculated goats than those in orally inoculated goats. 3. On histopathological findings, focal necrosis found throughout the livers occurred mainly on peripheral areas of hepatic lobules. These necrotic foci consisted of neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages, short rod bacteria and necretic hepatic cells. Suppurative pneumonia of the lung, hyperemia, congestion, epithelial necrosis and sloughing of the small and large intestine, swelling in periventricular regions of the central nervous system, swelling of the kidney, spleen and lymph node were observed as listerial lesions.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.389-395
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• 1992

Nutritional status of trace minerals (Se, Cu and Zn) in goats grazed on the native pasture was investigated during 2 years in Luzon Island, Republic of the Philippines. Three regions (South, Central and North) were objected to collect the samples of blood of goats and forages on the pasture. Se content of major species forages in the pasture was $24.7{\mu}g/kg$ DM, and was clearly lower than the value ($200{\mu}g/kg$ DM) required commonly for ruminant feed. The Cu and Zn contents of all forage samples ranged from 7.6 to 24.3 and 11.4 to 50.6 mg/kg DM, respectively, and these values almost exceeded the dietary level required for sheep. The blood Se levels in about 55% of goats grazed alone were under the normal range ($20{\mu}g/l$), but it in goats fed some concentrates as a supplement were almost within a normal ranges ($20-200{\mu}g/l$), though the Cu content of forages almost exceeded the dietary level required commonly. The 4-13% of plasma samples of goats without supplement showed the Zn level below the lower limit (0.6 mg/l) of normal range. The Zn deficiency was mostly improved by the addition of a small amount of concentrates. From these results, it will be necessary to study about unstable Cu status of grazed goats in Luzon Island regarding an interaction of Cu and other elements known to relate to the malabsorption of dietary Cu.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.27 no.6
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• pp.818-824
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• 2014

The nutrient composition of pasture, voluntary intake and digestibility of diet ingested by goats grazing on an introduced Leymus chinensis pasture were measured across spring (May), summer (July), autumn (October) and winter (March). In each season, 12 Inner Mongolian Cashmere goats (6 wethers and 6 does with an average live weight of $22.2{\pm}1.3$ kg and $19.5{\pm}0.8$ kg, respectively) were used to graze on a 2 hectares size paddock. Diet selection was observed and the plant parts selected by grazing goats and whole plant L. chinensis were sampled simultaneously. The alkane pair $C_{32}:C_{33}$ and $C_{36}$ were used to estimate intake and digestibility, respectively. The results showed that the plant parts selected by goats had higher crude protein (CP) and lower acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) than the whole plant, especially in the autumn and winter. The voluntary intake of dry matter (DM), CP, ADF, NDF, and metabolizable energy (ME) by goats was highest in summer (p<0.05). The goats ingested more CP, ME, and less ADF in spring than in autumn (p<0.05). The intakes of DM, CP, and ME were lowest in winter (p<0.05). There were significant differences in nutrient intake between wethers and does in each season, except for the ADF and ME intake per metabolic weight ($LW^{0.75}$). The nutrient digestibilities were higher in spring and summer, and decreased significantly during the autumn and winter (p<0.05). Goats, especially wethers, had a relative constant NDF digestibility across seasons, however, the apparent digestibility of CP in both wethers and does, decreased to negative values in winter. The grazing goats experienced relatively sufficient nutrients supply in spring and summer, and a severe deficiency of CP and ME in winter.

• Korean Journal of Animal Reproduction
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.161-172
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• 1991

This study was conducted to research the endocrine mechanisms of postpartum anestrus and determine if the morphology of the CL could be related to function in Korean native goats. At parturition 48 goats were assigned to a nonsuckled group and a suckled group. Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone(LH), follicle stimulating hormone(FSH), prolactin(PRL), estradiol-17$\beta$(E2) and cortisol were measured at various times after parturitionin the goats. The corpora lutea of pregnancy were examined by a light microscope on the 6th hour and the first, 3rd, 10th, 11th, and 21st days after parturition. The results were summarized as follows : Mean serum LH concentrations were lower after parturition in all treatments and increased gradually with the intervals after parturition(P<0.01). These values did not differ between groups. The levels of serum FSH were lower after parturition and tended to increase gradually between 2 and 21 days. The levels of serum FSH are not significantly different between the groups of goats. Two days after kidding mean levels of serum PRL began to fall in nonsuckling goats but increased in suckling goats. During 3 weeks serum PRL concentrations were different between nonsuckling and suckling goats(P<0.01). Three days after parturition the levels of serum E2 decreased in all treatments. From parturition to day 21 serum E2 concentrations were greater in nonsuckling than in suckling goats(P<0.01). At the sixth hour after parturition the structure of the CL was well preserved. At days 1 and 3 the blood vessels were sparcely distributed, whereas, at days 1 and 3 the blood vessels were sparcely distributed, whereas, at days 10, 11 and 21 tortuous larger vessels with thick walls were observed on the luteal tissue. At days 1, 3, 10, 11 and 21 after parturition the CL of pregnancy showed degeneration and the proportion of tissue occupied by intercelluar substances increased at days 21 postpartum. In conclusion, the present study has shown that regression of the CL of pregnancy is accelerated in the period after parturition and effectively completed within three weeks postpartum.