Miguel Mellado - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Miguel Mellado
Animal science journal = Nihon chikusan Gakkaiho, Jan 21, 2015
Adult goats (n = 32) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments (n = 8, each): (i) progeste... more Adult goats (n = 32) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments (n = 8, each): (i) progesterone (P4 ) + equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), treated with 25 mg progesterone intramuscularly (i.m.) + 250 IU eCG 24 h later; (ii) cronolone + eCG, treated with vaginal sponges - 20 mg cronolone × 7 days + 250 IU eCG at pessary removal; (ii) P4 + estradiol (E2 ), treated with 25 mg progesterone i.m. + 1 mg estradiol 24 h later; (iv) cronolone + E2 , treated with vaginal sponges - 20 mg cronolone × 7 days + 1 mg of estradiol i.m. at pessary removal. Goats were tested for estrus throughout the presence of a buck. Seven days prior and after treatment, an ovarian ultrasonographic scanning was performed to determine ovarian function and structures. An ultrasonographic pregnancy diagnosis was performed on day 30 post-service. In all groups, 100% estrus response was observed within 96 h post-treatment. While ovulation occurred in 100% of P4 + eCG and cronolone + eCG treated goats, the other...
Animal Science Journal, 2015
Ten non-lactating multiparous Pelibuey breed ewes were housed in a corral to evaluate the effects... more Ten non-lactating multiparous Pelibuey breed ewes were housed in a corral to evaluate the effects of summer thermal stress on physiologic variables, estrous behavior, ovulation and corpus luteum functionality under natural conditions of an arid region. In summer and autumn, daily estrous detection with a ram fitted with an apron and blood sample collections were performed during two natural estrous cycles. An environment of heat stress was detected in summer and thermoneutral in autumn. Rectal temperature and respiratory frequency were greater (P < 0.01) in summer than in autumn during the morning and afternoon. Season did not affect (P > 0.05) live weight, body condition, length of estrous cycle or percentage of ewes in estrous and ovulating. Compared with autumn, serum progesterone concentrations in summer decreased (P < 0.05) between days 8 and 14 of the estrous cycle. It is concluded that under outdoor conditions of arid regions, while estrous and ovulatory activities of Pelibuey ewes were not affected by summer thermal stress, the corpus luteum functionality was decreased.
Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2015
Your article is protected by copyright and all rights are held exclusively by Springer Science +B... more Your article is protected by copyright and all rights are held exclusively by Springer Science +Business Media Dordrecht. This e-offprint is for personal use only and shall not be selfarchived in electronic repositories. If you wish to self-archive your article, please use the accepted manuscript version for posting on your own website. You may further deposit the accepted manuscript version in any repository, provided it is only made publicly available 12 months after official publication or later and provided acknowledgement is given to the original source of publication and a link is inserted to the published article on Springer's website. The link must be accompanied by the following text: "The final publication is available at link.springer.com".
Analyses were made on birth weight of 2706 kids (six genetic groups) under confinement conditions... more Analyses were made on birth weight of 2706 kids (six genetic groups) under confinement conditions in the arid zone of northern Mexico, to study the effect of air temperature (mean annual temperature l 21n1 mC) during gestation on this trait. The relationship of environmental temperature at kidding and survival of kids was also studied. Birth weight was significantly negatively related to mean dry bulb air temperature during gestation (reduction of 40p3 g for 1 mC increase in mean air temperature during gestation ; r lk0n22 ; P 0n01), although temperature only explained 5 % of the variance of kid birth weight. Mean minimum temperatures ( 4 mC) 5 days after birth significantly reduced kid survival (83 % v. 89-93 % for kids born when temperatures were above 4 mC; P 0n01). Air temperatures between 30 and 41 mC during the perinatal period did not affect (P 0n05) survival rate. These results suggest that newborn kids seem to be relatively resistant to high air temperature, but are fairly susceptible to cold stress. Also, birth weight of kids from goats exposed to high air temperature during pregnancy was marginally reduced, although this was of limited economic significance.
The objective of this study was to compare serum IgG concentrations, blood metabolites indicative... more The objective of this study was to compare serum IgG concentrations, blood metabolites indicative of nutritional status, weight gain and mortality rate in goat kids fed a commercial colostral supplement containing immunoglobulins against several pathogen microorganisms, prior to the ingestion of the mother colostrum, and goat kids ingesting natural colostrum only. There was no difference in serum IgG concentrations between 27 kids fed a colostrum supplement (20 g, derived from cow lacteal secretions) prior to the kids' first meal (658+/-703 mg dl(-1)) and 21 kids ingesting maternal colostrum freely (1011+/-1140 mg dl(-1)) at 24 hours of birth. Hematocrit values, serum glucose and urea concentrations at 24 hours and 5 days of age were unaffected by treatment. Serum total proteins were 14% higher (P<0.05) in the unsuplemented group than in the supplemented group at 5 d of age. There was no significant difference between the supplemented and unsupplemented kids in daily weight gain from birth to 70 days of age (92+/-4.8 vs 102+/-5.1 g day(-1)). Mortality was 4% for kids receiving the colostrum supplement as compared with 0.0% for kids ingesting maternal colostrum only. Results suggest that, in intensively managed non-dairy goats with kiddings in summer, the supplementation of this commercial colostrum derived from cow lacteal secretions and containing antibodies against diverse pathogens organisms did not enhanced growth, survival or immunity under the farming conditions of this study.
ABSTRACT This study investigated if the addition of urea (U), molasses (M) or their 1:1 (v/v) mix... more ABSTRACT This study investigated if the addition of urea (U), molasses (M) or their 1:1 (v/v) mixture during ensiling increases the nutritional value of forage from four fodder trees (Prunus persica, Leucaena esculenta, Acacia farnesiana, and Prunus domestica). Forage samples of fodder trees were collected in triplicate (three individual samples of each species) and subjected to an in vitro gas production (GP) procedure. Fermentation at 24 h (GP24), short-chain volatile fatty acids (SCFA), and microbial crude protein production (MCP), in vitro organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolizable energy (ME) and dry matter degradability (DMD) were estimated. Forage samples were incubated for 72 h in an incubator at 39°C and the volume of GP was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation using the reading pressure technique. The rumen fermentation profiles were highest for P. persica, which showed the highest (P&lt;0.0001) DMD, ME, OMD, SCFA, GP24 and MCP. On the other hand L. esculenta had the lowest (P&lt;0.0001) DMD, SCFA, MCP; P. domestica had the lowest (P&lt;0.0001) OMD. The addition of M to silage increased (P&lt;0.0001) ME and OMD, as well as GP. However, the addition of U and the mixture of U and M reduced (P&lt;0.0001) DMD, ME, OMD, SCFA, GY24 and MCP. These results show that P. persica has the highest nutritive value and L. esculenta the lowest for ruminants. Additionally, the addition of M to forage from fodder trees increases rumen GP and fermentation, which may improve nutrient utilization in ruminants.
ABSTRACT Invasion biology is an important element of global environmental change and represents o... more ABSTRACT Invasion biology is an important element of global environmental change and represents one of the main threats to biodiversity. American species were introduced to Tenerife after the Spanish conquest during the eighteenth century, as is the case for Agave americana and Opuntia dillenii. The long period of naturalization and adaptation of these species has led them to become two of the most dispersed introduced species of the archipelago. We analyzed several eradication management processes in an area intensively invaded by both O. dillenii and A. americana. Three treatments were randomly applied: mechanical removal, use of herbicide (glyphosate at 10% volume), and mechanical and herbicide applied together. Both the effectiveness of the treatments to remove the target exotic species biovolume and the impact of the eradication methods on species richness and species composition of the area were analyzed. We found that the treatments had an impact on species composition but not on species richness. Species composition was mainly affected by mechanical treatment. The effect caused by the mechanical removal of the exotic target species in species composition is minor after 4 years, and is related to a higher dominance of shrub species typical of coastal shrubland and of annual or pioneer species. The control of O. dillenii and A. americana is evident from insignificant recovery 4 years after treatment application. A mechanical and herbicide treatment together, allowed not only the immediate removal of large individuals but also the herbicidal control of smaller ones.
Animal Reproduction Science, 2014
Different neurotransmitter and neuromodulatory systems regulate synthesis and secretion of GnRH. ... more Different neurotransmitter and neuromodulatory systems regulate synthesis and secretion of GnRH. Whereas the endocrine and neural systems are activated in response to the metabolic status and the circulating levels of specific blood metabolites, glutamate receptors have been reported at hepatic level. This study evaluated the possible effect of glutamate supplementation upon changes in serum concentrations across time for total protein (TP), urea (UR) and cholesterol (CL) around the onset of puberty in goats. Prepuberal female goats (n=18) were randomly assigned to: (1) excitatory amino acids group, GLUT, n=10; 16.52±1.04kg live weight (LW), 3.4±0.12 body condition score (BCS) receiving an i.v. infusion of 7mgkg(-1) LW of l-glutamate, and (2) Control group, CONT, n=8; 16.1±1.04kg LW, 3.1±0.12 BCS. General averages for LW (23.2±0.72kg), BCS (3.37±0.10 units), serum TP (65.28±2.46mgdL(-1)), UR (23.42±0.95mgdL(-1)), CL (77.89±1.10mgdL(-1)) as well as the serum levels for TP and UR across time did not differ (P>0.05) between treatments. However, while GLUT positively affected (P<0.05) both the onset (207±9 vs. 225±12 d) and the percentage (70 vs. 25%) of females showing puberty, a treatment×time interaction effect (P<0.05) was observed in the GLUT group, with increases in serum cholesterol, coincident with the onset of puberty. Therefore, in peripuberal glutamate supplemented goats, serum cholesterol profile could act as a metabolic modulator for the establishment of puberty, denoting also a potential role of glutamate as modulator of lipid metabolism.
Animal Science Journal, 2014
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of increasing levels of extracts of Byrsonima... more This study was conducted to investigate the effects of increasing levels of extracts of Byrsonima crassifolia, Celtis pallida, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Fraxinus excelsior, Ficus trigonata, Phoradendrom brevifolium and Prunus domestica on in vitro gas production (GP) and ruminal fermentation of a high concentrate diet. Plant extracts were prepared at 1 g dry matter (DM)/8 mL of solvent mixture (methanol : ethanol : water, 1:1:8) and added at levels of 0, 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 mL/g DM of a high concentrate diet. In vitro GP was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation. Increasing addition of extracts linearly increased (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001), the GP24 , GP48 and GP72 (mL/g DM), and linearly decreased (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001), the discrete GP lag time. Moreover, increasing extract doses linearly increased (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001) the asymptotic GP and decreased (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001) the rate of GP. GP6 was not impacted by treatments and GP12 increased linearly (P = 0.01) with increasing addition of extracts. Rumen pH declined linearly (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05) with increasing doses of extracts added. As no interactions (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.05) occurred between the extracts and doses, it could be conclude that all extracts positively modified rumen fermentation at doses of 1.2 to 1.8 mL extract/g diet DM.
Small Ruminant Research, 2005
Composition of diets and dietary preference of goats in two physiological states: pregnancy and l... more Composition of diets and dietary preference of goats in two physiological states: pregnancy and lactation, were investigated using microhistological analysis of fecal samples. The study was conducted during the growing season in a desert rangeland in northern Mexico. Non-pregnant goat diets contained a larger (P < 0.01) proportion of shrubs (70.9. ± 38.9) when compared with pregnant does (43.1 ± 31.2). On the other hand, pregnant goats utilized more (P < 0.05) forbs (48.8 ± 18.8) than non-pregnant goats (28.4% ± 12.1). Grasses made up 8% of the pregnant does diet, but this food group was avoided by non-pregnant does. Non-lactating goat diet was dominated by shrubs (71% of the total diet) and forbs (27%), while forbs occurred in greater (P < 0.05) amounts in the lactating goat diets. The similarity index for all forage species (where 0 = no dietary overlap and 100 = identical diets) was 80 for the pregnant and non-pregnant does, and 76 for lactating and non-lactating goats. This study demonstrated that both gestation and lactation accounted for some dissimilarities in food selection of goats. Increased nutrients requirements of these animals was associated with a higher utilization of native forbs and grasses, which suggests that, under harsh range conditions, goats adjust their diet selection according to their nutritional needs.
Veterinarija ir Zootechnika
This study characterizes the goat response to the buck stimulus during the transition from anestr... more This study characterizes the goat response to the buck stimulus during the transition from anestrus to complete sexual function in mixed-breed goat herds maintained on an arid rangeland (25°N). In a first experiment, seasonal incidence of behavioural estrus was recorded by exposure of does to bucks (buck to doe ratio 1:18-1:24; n= 60-96) in February, April, May and June. Signs of estrus were observed in 89, 1, 100 and 88% of goats exposed to bucks during these months, respectively, within a mean ± SD of 5.6 ± 3.8, 8.0 ± 0.0, 9.4 ± 4.9 and 4.7 ± 3.7 days from the initiation of teasing to first standing estrus. In a second experiment, two groups of goats were joined to bucks in January, one group (n= 44) undergoing cold stress (constant drizzling and 8ºC mean daily temperature), the other without rain and mild temperatures (13.6ºC; n= 44). A lower proportion of goats under cold stress, manifested by higher (p<0.01) plasma cortisol levels, showed estrus compared with goats under mil...
Journal of Dairy Science, 2011
Records representing data from 1,500 barren Holstein cows over an 8-yr period from a large commer... more Records representing data from 1,500 barren Holstein cows over an 8-yr period from a large commercial dairy farm in northern Mexico were analyzed to determine the effects of lactation number and season and year of initiation of lactation on milk production of cows induced hormonally into lactation and treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) throughout lactation. Peak and 305-d milk yields were also assessed as predictors of total milk yield in cows induced into lactation. A significant quadratic relationship was found between 305-d milk yield and number of lactation [7,607 ± 145 and 9,548 ± 181 kg for first-and ≥6-lactation cows, respectively; mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM)] with the highest production occurring in the fifth lactation. Total milk yields of cows with ≤2 lactations were approximately 4,500 kg less than milk yields of adult cows (the overall average ± standard milk yield was 13,544 ± 5,491 kg per lactation and the average lactation length was 454 ± 154 d). Moreover, 305-d milk production was depressed in cows induced into lactation in spring (8,804 ± 153 kg; mean ± SEM) and summer (8,724 ± 163 kg) than in fall (9,079 ± 151 kg) and winter (9,085 ± 143 kg). Partial regression coefficients for 305-d milk yield and peak milk yield indicated an increment of 157 kg of milk per lactation per 1-kg increase in peak milk yield (r 2 = 0.69). Neither peak milk yield (r 2 = 0.18) nor 305-d milk yield (r 2 = 0.29) was accurate for predicting total milk yield per lactation. Year, parity, and season effects had significant influence on milk yield of cows induced into lactation and treated with rbST throughout lactation, and peak milk yield can assist in the prediction of 305-d milk yield but not total milk yield. This study also showed that hormonal induction of lactation in barren high-yielding cows is a reliable, practical, and affordable technique in countries where rbST treatment and prolonged steroid administration of dairy cows are legally permitted.
Revista Chapingo Serie Ciencias Forestales y del Ambiente, 2011
ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine whether the presence of estrogenized female... more ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine whether the presence of estrogenized females and sexually inactive males stimulates the estrous activity of anovulatory goats, and if the percentage of females estrogenized affects this response. Three groups (n = 31 each) of anovulatory females exposed to two males/group were used. The first group was exposed to six estrogenized females (G20 %), a second group was exposed to tree estrogenized females (G10 %), and the third group was exposed to six non estrogenized females (G0 %). The total percentage of goats in estrus during the study was similar between the groups G20 and G20 % ( 93 and 90 %, respectively, P>0.05), but different in the group G0 %, where any female was in estrus (P
Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2014
Agrociencia, 2008
El uso de los datos de producción de leche del día del control (PC) en las evaluaciones genéticas... more El uso de los datos de producción de leche del día del control (PC) en las evaluaciones genéticas de bovinos lecheros es relativamente reciente y puede tener ventajas para el progreso genético. Para estimar los parámetros genéticos para la PC en vacas Mambí (3/4 Holstein 1/4 Cebú), se usó la información de 6839 pesajes de leche, de 755 vacas de primer parto que parieron entre 2001 y 2004 en 55 explotaciones lecheras de Cuba. Para estimar las componentes de varianza se usó el programa REMLF90, el cual se ajustó a un modelo animal bivariado que incluyó como efectos fijos al grupo de contemporáneas (lechería -fecha del día del control), y la edad de la vaca al día del control como covariable lineal y cuadrática; y como efecto aleatorio al valor genético aditivo del animal. Las vacas se ordeñaron dos veces al día y los pesajes de leche se hicieron cada 30 d. Se incluyeron vacas con al menos cinco y hasta 10 registros de PC. La producción de leche se redujo de 7.7 a 4.9 kg entre la PC1 y la PC10. Los valores de heredabilidad más altos fueron para la PC5 (0.25) y la PC6 (0.28). La varianza residual disminuyó al incrementarse el periodo de lactancia, lo que hace necesario considerar la heterogeneidad de varianzas en los modelos de predicción del valor genético usando la PC. Las correlaciones genéticas entre las PC en las diferentes etapas variaron entre 0.15 y 0.93. El uso de la producción de leche del día del control puede ser una alternativa para la predicción del valor genético de bovinos Mambí de Cuba. Palabras clave: Bovinos Mambí, día del control, parámetros genéticos, producción de leche. INTRODUCCIÓN L a medición de la producción de leche más usada en las evaluaciones genéticas de bovinos lecheros es la producción de leche (PC) ajustada a 305 d de lactancia, realizando pesajes cada 15 d o una vez al mes. La producción de un mes se acumula ABSTRACT The use of test-day milk yield records (MY) in genetic evaluations of dairy cattle is relatively recent and can be advantageous for genetic improvement. In order to estimate the genetic parameters for MY in Mambi cows (3/4 Holstein ¼ Zebu), information from 6 839 weighings of milk from 755 first-calf cows, which gave birth between 2001 and 2005 in 55 Cuban dairy herds, was used. REMLF90 software was used to estimate variance components. The program was fit to a bivariate animal model that included the group of contemporaries (dairy-test day date) as fixed effects and cow age to test day as linear and quadratic covariable; additive genetic value of the animal was the random effect. The cows were milked twice a day and milk was weighed every 30 d. Cows with at least five and up to 10 MY records were included. Milk yield decreased 7.7 to 4.9 kg between MY1 and MY10. The heritability values (h 2 ) were higher for MY5 (0.25) and MY6 (0.28). Residual variance decreased as the lactation period lengthened, making it necessary to consider variance heterogeneity in models that predict genetic value using MY. Genetic correlations between MY in the different stages varied between 0.15 and 0.93. Use of test-day milk yield records can be an alternative for predicting genetic value of Mambi cows in Cuba.
Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2011
This study was conducted to determine whether flushing or the stimulus of estrogenized goats is n... more This study was conducted to determine whether flushing or the stimulus of estrogenized goats is necessary to achieve a high reproductive response in anestrous goats on rangeland. Does were feed-supplemented on rangeland (flushed, n=20). Other group was exposed to estrogenized does during the mating period (stimulated, n=20). A third group was both supplemented and stimulated (stimulatedflushed, n=20) and other group grazed on rangeland only (control, n=18). More goats in the stimulated and stimulatedflushed groups showed estrus during the first 5 days of joining (45% and 60%, respectively) than the control and flushed groups (11% and 5%, respectively; P<0.05). Flushing did not improve prolificacy and reduced (P<0.05) kidding rates (40% and 35% for the flushed and stimulated-flushed groups, respectively) compared to 67% and 55% for the control and stimulated groups, respectively. This experiment demonstrates potential shortcomings of use of flushing in range goats with inadequate nutrition during gestation.
Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2014
The aim of this research was to study if seropositivity for brucellosis in vaccinated cows agains... more The aim of this research was to study if seropositivity for brucellosis in vaccinated cows against this disease hampers reproductive performance and milk production in high-yielding Holstein cows. For this purpose 1,026 healthy cows and 372 cows seropositive for brucellosis were enrolled in this study. Cows positive to card test and subsequently to the rivanol test were further subjected to the radial immunodiffusion (RID) test. It was found that only 11% of the presumably infected cows by brucellosis screening tests were really infected with this disease. The reproductive performance of the group of cows with 11% Brucella-infected animals was not impaired; overall pregnancy rate did not differ between seropositive and healthy cows (30.9 vs. 29.6%). The abortion rates were similar between seropositive cows (5.3%) and seronegative animals (6.9%). Cows in the herd with 11% Brucella-infected animals produced significantly more milk than unaffected cows over a 305-day lactation (10,684 ± 1,720 vs. 10,345 ± 1,736; mean ± SD; P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05). It was concluded that in dairy herds vaccinated against brucellosis with both 19 and RB51 strains, supplemental tests such as RID need to be conducted on all reactors in order to maintain diagnostic accuracy. These results also indicate that 11% animal prevalence of brucellosis did not exert a detrimental effect on 305-day milk yield and reproductive performance in high milk-yielding Holstein cows.
Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2012
The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of treating sexually inactive bucks with... more The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of treating sexually inactive bucks with artificial long photoperiod or testosterone on the induction of estrus in anovulatory grazing goats. A total of 91 multiparous mixed-breed anestrous goats were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) joining with bucks subjected to 2.5 month of artificial long days (16 h of light/day; n=31), (2) joining with testosterone-treated bucks (n=30), and (3) joining with untreated bucks (control; n=30). There were no differences between the light-treated (100%) and testosterone-treated (93%) bucks in their ability to induce estrus in anovulatory does. On the other hand, none of the goats in contact with control bucks exhibited estrus. The interval from start of mating to estrus was shorter in goats with the light-treated bucks (37.9 ± 4.8 h) compared with does in contact with testosterone-treated bucks (58.3 ± 8.7 h). The overall pregnancy rate in goats joined with light-treated, testosterone-treated and control bucks was 84%, 77% and 0%, respectively, with no difference (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;0.05) between the first two groups. Anogenital sniffing, approaches, mounting attempts, and mounts were highest (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.01) in light-treated bucks and lowest in control bucks. It was concluded that testosterone-treated bucks and long-day-treated bucks were equally effective in synchronizing estrus in anovulatory goats and resulted in similar levels of fertility. Given that light-treated bucks are unviable in communal production systems of goats raised by resource-poor farmers, the sexual arousal of bucks with testosterone is a practical and reliable method to induce ovulation in anovulatory goats in pastoral goat systems in hot environments.
Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2010
Animal science journal = Nihon chikusan Gakkaiho, Jan 21, 2015
Adult goats (n = 32) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments (n = 8, each): (i) progeste... more Adult goats (n = 32) were randomly assigned to one of four treatments (n = 8, each): (i) progesterone (P4 ) + equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), treated with 25 mg progesterone intramuscularly (i.m.) + 250 IU eCG 24 h later; (ii) cronolone + eCG, treated with vaginal sponges - 20 mg cronolone × 7 days + 250 IU eCG at pessary removal; (ii) P4 + estradiol (E2 ), treated with 25 mg progesterone i.m. + 1 mg estradiol 24 h later; (iv) cronolone + E2 , treated with vaginal sponges - 20 mg cronolone × 7 days + 1 mg of estradiol i.m. at pessary removal. Goats were tested for estrus throughout the presence of a buck. Seven days prior and after treatment, an ovarian ultrasonographic scanning was performed to determine ovarian function and structures. An ultrasonographic pregnancy diagnosis was performed on day 30 post-service. In all groups, 100% estrus response was observed within 96 h post-treatment. While ovulation occurred in 100% of P4 + eCG and cronolone + eCG treated goats, the other...
Animal Science Journal, 2015
Ten non-lactating multiparous Pelibuey breed ewes were housed in a corral to evaluate the effects... more Ten non-lactating multiparous Pelibuey breed ewes were housed in a corral to evaluate the effects of summer thermal stress on physiologic variables, estrous behavior, ovulation and corpus luteum functionality under natural conditions of an arid region. In summer and autumn, daily estrous detection with a ram fitted with an apron and blood sample collections were performed during two natural estrous cycles. An environment of heat stress was detected in summer and thermoneutral in autumn. Rectal temperature and respiratory frequency were greater (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.01) in summer than in autumn during the morning and afternoon. Season did not affect (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.05) live weight, body condition, length of estrous cycle or percentage of ewes in estrous and ovulating. Compared with autumn, serum progesterone concentrations in summer decreased (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05) between days 8 and 14 of the estrous cycle. It is concluded that under outdoor conditions of arid regions, while estrous and ovulatory activities of Pelibuey ewes were not affected by summer thermal stress, the corpus luteum functionality was decreased.
Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2015
Your article is protected by copyright and all rights are held exclusively by Springer Science +B... more Your article is protected by copyright and all rights are held exclusively by Springer Science +Business Media Dordrecht. This e-offprint is for personal use only and shall not be selfarchived in electronic repositories. If you wish to self-archive your article, please use the accepted manuscript version for posting on your own website. You may further deposit the accepted manuscript version in any repository, provided it is only made publicly available 12 months after official publication or later and provided acknowledgement is given to the original source of publication and a link is inserted to the published article on Springer's website. The link must be accompanied by the following text: "The final publication is available at link.springer.com".
Analyses were made on birth weight of 2706 kids (six genetic groups) under confinement conditions... more Analyses were made on birth weight of 2706 kids (six genetic groups) under confinement conditions in the arid zone of northern Mexico, to study the effect of air temperature (mean annual temperature l 21n1 mC) during gestation on this trait. The relationship of environmental temperature at kidding and survival of kids was also studied. Birth weight was significantly negatively related to mean dry bulb air temperature during gestation (reduction of 40p3 g for 1 mC increase in mean air temperature during gestation ; r lk0n22 ; P 0n01), although temperature only explained 5 % of the variance of kid birth weight. Mean minimum temperatures ( 4 mC) 5 days after birth significantly reduced kid survival (83 % v. 89-93 % for kids born when temperatures were above 4 mC; P 0n01). Air temperatures between 30 and 41 mC during the perinatal period did not affect (P 0n05) survival rate. These results suggest that newborn kids seem to be relatively resistant to high air temperature, but are fairly susceptible to cold stress. Also, birth weight of kids from goats exposed to high air temperature during pregnancy was marginally reduced, although this was of limited economic significance.
The objective of this study was to compare serum IgG concentrations, blood metabolites indicative... more The objective of this study was to compare serum IgG concentrations, blood metabolites indicative of nutritional status, weight gain and mortality rate in goat kids fed a commercial colostral supplement containing immunoglobulins against several pathogen microorganisms, prior to the ingestion of the mother colostrum, and goat kids ingesting natural colostrum only. There was no difference in serum IgG concentrations between 27 kids fed a colostrum supplement (20 g, derived from cow lacteal secretions) prior to the kids' first meal (658+/-703 mg dl(-1)) and 21 kids ingesting maternal colostrum freely (1011+/-1140 mg dl(-1)) at 24 hours of birth. Hematocrit values, serum glucose and urea concentrations at 24 hours and 5 days of age were unaffected by treatment. Serum total proteins were 14% higher (P<0.05) in the unsuplemented group than in the supplemented group at 5 d of age. There was no significant difference between the supplemented and unsupplemented kids in daily weight gain from birth to 70 days of age (92+/-4.8 vs 102+/-5.1 g day(-1)). Mortality was 4% for kids receiving the colostrum supplement as compared with 0.0% for kids ingesting maternal colostrum only. Results suggest that, in intensively managed non-dairy goats with kiddings in summer, the supplementation of this commercial colostrum derived from cow lacteal secretions and containing antibodies against diverse pathogens organisms did not enhanced growth, survival or immunity under the farming conditions of this study.
ABSTRACT This study investigated if the addition of urea (U), molasses (M) or their 1:1 (v/v) mix... more ABSTRACT This study investigated if the addition of urea (U), molasses (M) or their 1:1 (v/v) mixture during ensiling increases the nutritional value of forage from four fodder trees (Prunus persica, Leucaena esculenta, Acacia farnesiana, and Prunus domestica). Forage samples of fodder trees were collected in triplicate (three individual samples of each species) and subjected to an in vitro gas production (GP) procedure. Fermentation at 24 h (GP24), short-chain volatile fatty acids (SCFA), and microbial crude protein production (MCP), in vitro organic matter digestibility (OMD), metabolizable energy (ME) and dry matter degradability (DMD) were estimated. Forage samples were incubated for 72 h in an incubator at 39°C and the volume of GP was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h of incubation using the reading pressure technique. The rumen fermentation profiles were highest for P. persica, which showed the highest (P&lt;0.0001) DMD, ME, OMD, SCFA, GP24 and MCP. On the other hand L. esculenta had the lowest (P&lt;0.0001) DMD, SCFA, MCP; P. domestica had the lowest (P&lt;0.0001) OMD. The addition of M to silage increased (P&lt;0.0001) ME and OMD, as well as GP. However, the addition of U and the mixture of U and M reduced (P&lt;0.0001) DMD, ME, OMD, SCFA, GY24 and MCP. These results show that P. persica has the highest nutritive value and L. esculenta the lowest for ruminants. Additionally, the addition of M to forage from fodder trees increases rumen GP and fermentation, which may improve nutrient utilization in ruminants.
ABSTRACT Invasion biology is an important element of global environmental change and represents o... more ABSTRACT Invasion biology is an important element of global environmental change and represents one of the main threats to biodiversity. American species were introduced to Tenerife after the Spanish conquest during the eighteenth century, as is the case for Agave americana and Opuntia dillenii. The long period of naturalization and adaptation of these species has led them to become two of the most dispersed introduced species of the archipelago. We analyzed several eradication management processes in an area intensively invaded by both O. dillenii and A. americana. Three treatments were randomly applied: mechanical removal, use of herbicide (glyphosate at 10% volume), and mechanical and herbicide applied together. Both the effectiveness of the treatments to remove the target exotic species biovolume and the impact of the eradication methods on species richness and species composition of the area were analyzed. We found that the treatments had an impact on species composition but not on species richness. Species composition was mainly affected by mechanical treatment. The effect caused by the mechanical removal of the exotic target species in species composition is minor after 4 years, and is related to a higher dominance of shrub species typical of coastal shrubland and of annual or pioneer species. The control of O. dillenii and A. americana is evident from insignificant recovery 4 years after treatment application. A mechanical and herbicide treatment together, allowed not only the immediate removal of large individuals but also the herbicidal control of smaller ones.
Animal Reproduction Science, 2014
Different neurotransmitter and neuromodulatory systems regulate synthesis and secretion of GnRH. ... more Different neurotransmitter and neuromodulatory systems regulate synthesis and secretion of GnRH. Whereas the endocrine and neural systems are activated in response to the metabolic status and the circulating levels of specific blood metabolites, glutamate receptors have been reported at hepatic level. This study evaluated the possible effect of glutamate supplementation upon changes in serum concentrations across time for total protein (TP), urea (UR) and cholesterol (CL) around the onset of puberty in goats. Prepuberal female goats (n=18) were randomly assigned to: (1) excitatory amino acids group, GLUT, n=10; 16.52±1.04kg live weight (LW), 3.4±0.12 body condition score (BCS) receiving an i.v. infusion of 7mgkg(-1) LW of l-glutamate, and (2) Control group, CONT, n=8; 16.1±1.04kg LW, 3.1±0.12 BCS. General averages for LW (23.2±0.72kg), BCS (3.37±0.10 units), serum TP (65.28±2.46mgdL(-1)), UR (23.42±0.95mgdL(-1)), CL (77.89±1.10mgdL(-1)) as well as the serum levels for TP and UR across time did not differ (P>0.05) between treatments. However, while GLUT positively affected (P<0.05) both the onset (207±9 vs. 225±12 d) and the percentage (70 vs. 25%) of females showing puberty, a treatment×time interaction effect (P<0.05) was observed in the GLUT group, with increases in serum cholesterol, coincident with the onset of puberty. Therefore, in peripuberal glutamate supplemented goats, serum cholesterol profile could act as a metabolic modulator for the establishment of puberty, denoting also a potential role of glutamate as modulator of lipid metabolism.
Animal Science Journal, 2014
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of increasing levels of extracts of Byrsonima... more This study was conducted to investigate the effects of increasing levels of extracts of Byrsonima crassifolia, Celtis pallida, Enterolobium cyclocarpum, Fraxinus excelsior, Ficus trigonata, Phoradendrom brevifolium and Prunus domestica on in vitro gas production (GP) and ruminal fermentation of a high concentrate diet. Plant extracts were prepared at 1 g dry matter (DM)/8 mL of solvent mixture (methanol : ethanol : water, 1:1:8) and added at levels of 0, 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8 mL/g DM of a high concentrate diet. In vitro GP was recorded at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h of incubation. Increasing addition of extracts linearly increased (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001), the GP24 , GP48 and GP72 (mL/g DM), and linearly decreased (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001), the discrete GP lag time. Moreover, increasing extract doses linearly increased (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001) the asymptotic GP and decreased (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001) the rate of GP. GP6 was not impacted by treatments and GP12 increased linearly (P = 0.01) with increasing addition of extracts. Rumen pH declined linearly (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05) with increasing doses of extracts added. As no interactions (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.05) occurred between the extracts and doses, it could be conclude that all extracts positively modified rumen fermentation at doses of 1.2 to 1.8 mL extract/g diet DM.
Small Ruminant Research, 2005
Composition of diets and dietary preference of goats in two physiological states: pregnancy and l... more Composition of diets and dietary preference of goats in two physiological states: pregnancy and lactation, were investigated using microhistological analysis of fecal samples. The study was conducted during the growing season in a desert rangeland in northern Mexico. Non-pregnant goat diets contained a larger (P < 0.01) proportion of shrubs (70.9. ± 38.9) when compared with pregnant does (43.1 ± 31.2). On the other hand, pregnant goats utilized more (P < 0.05) forbs (48.8 ± 18.8) than non-pregnant goats (28.4% ± 12.1). Grasses made up 8% of the pregnant does diet, but this food group was avoided by non-pregnant does. Non-lactating goat diet was dominated by shrubs (71% of the total diet) and forbs (27%), while forbs occurred in greater (P < 0.05) amounts in the lactating goat diets. The similarity index for all forage species (where 0 = no dietary overlap and 100 = identical diets) was 80 for the pregnant and non-pregnant does, and 76 for lactating and non-lactating goats. This study demonstrated that both gestation and lactation accounted for some dissimilarities in food selection of goats. Increased nutrients requirements of these animals was associated with a higher utilization of native forbs and grasses, which suggests that, under harsh range conditions, goats adjust their diet selection according to their nutritional needs.
Veterinarija ir Zootechnika
This study characterizes the goat response to the buck stimulus during the transition from anestr... more This study characterizes the goat response to the buck stimulus during the transition from anestrus to complete sexual function in mixed-breed goat herds maintained on an arid rangeland (25°N). In a first experiment, seasonal incidence of behavioural estrus was recorded by exposure of does to bucks (buck to doe ratio 1:18-1:24; n= 60-96) in February, April, May and June. Signs of estrus were observed in 89, 1, 100 and 88% of goats exposed to bucks during these months, respectively, within a mean ± SD of 5.6 ± 3.8, 8.0 ± 0.0, 9.4 ± 4.9 and 4.7 ± 3.7 days from the initiation of teasing to first standing estrus. In a second experiment, two groups of goats were joined to bucks in January, one group (n= 44) undergoing cold stress (constant drizzling and 8ºC mean daily temperature), the other without rain and mild temperatures (13.6ºC; n= 44). A lower proportion of goats under cold stress, manifested by higher (p<0.01) plasma cortisol levels, showed estrus compared with goats under mil...
Journal of Dairy Science, 2011
Records representing data from 1,500 barren Holstein cows over an 8-yr period from a large commer... more Records representing data from 1,500 barren Holstein cows over an 8-yr period from a large commercial dairy farm in northern Mexico were analyzed to determine the effects of lactation number and season and year of initiation of lactation on milk production of cows induced hormonally into lactation and treated with recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) throughout lactation. Peak and 305-d milk yields were also assessed as predictors of total milk yield in cows induced into lactation. A significant quadratic relationship was found between 305-d milk yield and number of lactation [7,607 ± 145 and 9,548 ± 181 kg for first-and ≥6-lactation cows, respectively; mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM)] with the highest production occurring in the fifth lactation. Total milk yields of cows with ≤2 lactations were approximately 4,500 kg less than milk yields of adult cows (the overall average ± standard milk yield was 13,544 ± 5,491 kg per lactation and the average lactation length was 454 ± 154 d). Moreover, 305-d milk production was depressed in cows induced into lactation in spring (8,804 ± 153 kg; mean ± SEM) and summer (8,724 ± 163 kg) than in fall (9,079 ± 151 kg) and winter (9,085 ± 143 kg). Partial regression coefficients for 305-d milk yield and peak milk yield indicated an increment of 157 kg of milk per lactation per 1-kg increase in peak milk yield (r 2 = 0.69). Neither peak milk yield (r 2 = 0.18) nor 305-d milk yield (r 2 = 0.29) was accurate for predicting total milk yield per lactation. Year, parity, and season effects had significant influence on milk yield of cows induced into lactation and treated with rbST throughout lactation, and peak milk yield can assist in the prediction of 305-d milk yield but not total milk yield. This study also showed that hormonal induction of lactation in barren high-yielding cows is a reliable, practical, and affordable technique in countries where rbST treatment and prolonged steroid administration of dairy cows are legally permitted.
Revista Chapingo Serie Ciencias Forestales y del Ambiente, 2011
ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine whether the presence of estrogenized female... more ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine whether the presence of estrogenized females and sexually inactive males stimulates the estrous activity of anovulatory goats, and if the percentage of females estrogenized affects this response. Three groups (n = 31 each) of anovulatory females exposed to two males/group were used. The first group was exposed to six estrogenized females (G20 %), a second group was exposed to tree estrogenized females (G10 %), and the third group was exposed to six non estrogenized females (G0 %). The total percentage of goats in estrus during the study was similar between the groups G20 and G20 % ( 93 and 90 %, respectively, P>0.05), but different in the group G0 %, where any female was in estrus (P
Journal of Integrative Agriculture, 2014
Agrociencia, 2008
El uso de los datos de producción de leche del día del control (PC) en las evaluaciones genéticas... more El uso de los datos de producción de leche del día del control (PC) en las evaluaciones genéticas de bovinos lecheros es relativamente reciente y puede tener ventajas para el progreso genético. Para estimar los parámetros genéticos para la PC en vacas Mambí (3/4 Holstein 1/4 Cebú), se usó la información de 6839 pesajes de leche, de 755 vacas de primer parto que parieron entre 2001 y 2004 en 55 explotaciones lecheras de Cuba. Para estimar las componentes de varianza se usó el programa REMLF90, el cual se ajustó a un modelo animal bivariado que incluyó como efectos fijos al grupo de contemporáneas (lechería -fecha del día del control), y la edad de la vaca al día del control como covariable lineal y cuadrática; y como efecto aleatorio al valor genético aditivo del animal. Las vacas se ordeñaron dos veces al día y los pesajes de leche se hicieron cada 30 d. Se incluyeron vacas con al menos cinco y hasta 10 registros de PC. La producción de leche se redujo de 7.7 a 4.9 kg entre la PC1 y la PC10. Los valores de heredabilidad más altos fueron para la PC5 (0.25) y la PC6 (0.28). La varianza residual disminuyó al incrementarse el periodo de lactancia, lo que hace necesario considerar la heterogeneidad de varianzas en los modelos de predicción del valor genético usando la PC. Las correlaciones genéticas entre las PC en las diferentes etapas variaron entre 0.15 y 0.93. El uso de la producción de leche del día del control puede ser una alternativa para la predicción del valor genético de bovinos Mambí de Cuba. Palabras clave: Bovinos Mambí, día del control, parámetros genéticos, producción de leche. INTRODUCCIÓN L a medición de la producción de leche más usada en las evaluaciones genéticas de bovinos lecheros es la producción de leche (PC) ajustada a 305 d de lactancia, realizando pesajes cada 15 d o una vez al mes. La producción de un mes se acumula ABSTRACT The use of test-day milk yield records (MY) in genetic evaluations of dairy cattle is relatively recent and can be advantageous for genetic improvement. In order to estimate the genetic parameters for MY in Mambi cows (3/4 Holstein ¼ Zebu), information from 6 839 weighings of milk from 755 first-calf cows, which gave birth between 2001 and 2005 in 55 Cuban dairy herds, was used. REMLF90 software was used to estimate variance components. The program was fit to a bivariate animal model that included the group of contemporaries (dairy-test day date) as fixed effects and cow age to test day as linear and quadratic covariable; additive genetic value of the animal was the random effect. The cows were milked twice a day and milk was weighed every 30 d. Cows with at least five and up to 10 MY records were included. Milk yield decreased 7.7 to 4.9 kg between MY1 and MY10. The heritability values (h 2 ) were higher for MY5 (0.25) and MY6 (0.28). Residual variance decreased as the lactation period lengthened, making it necessary to consider variance heterogeneity in models that predict genetic value using MY. Genetic correlations between MY in the different stages varied between 0.15 and 0.93. Use of test-day milk yield records can be an alternative for predicting genetic value of Mambi cows in Cuba.
Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2011
This study was conducted to determine whether flushing or the stimulus of estrogenized goats is n... more This study was conducted to determine whether flushing or the stimulus of estrogenized goats is necessary to achieve a high reproductive response in anestrous goats on rangeland. Does were feed-supplemented on rangeland (flushed, n=20). Other group was exposed to estrogenized does during the mating period (stimulated, n=20). A third group was both supplemented and stimulated (stimulatedflushed, n=20) and other group grazed on rangeland only (control, n=18). More goats in the stimulated and stimulatedflushed groups showed estrus during the first 5 days of joining (45% and 60%, respectively) than the control and flushed groups (11% and 5%, respectively; P<0.05). Flushing did not improve prolificacy and reduced (P<0.05) kidding rates (40% and 35% for the flushed and stimulated-flushed groups, respectively) compared to 67% and 55% for the control and stimulated groups, respectively. This experiment demonstrates potential shortcomings of use of flushing in range goats with inadequate nutrition during gestation.
Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2014
The aim of this research was to study if seropositivity for brucellosis in vaccinated cows agains... more The aim of this research was to study if seropositivity for brucellosis in vaccinated cows against this disease hampers reproductive performance and milk production in high-yielding Holstein cows. For this purpose 1,026 healthy cows and 372 cows seropositive for brucellosis were enrolled in this study. Cows positive to card test and subsequently to the rivanol test were further subjected to the radial immunodiffusion (RID) test. It was found that only 11% of the presumably infected cows by brucellosis screening tests were really infected with this disease. The reproductive performance of the group of cows with 11% Brucella-infected animals was not impaired; overall pregnancy rate did not differ between seropositive and healthy cows (30.9 vs. 29.6%). The abortion rates were similar between seropositive cows (5.3%) and seronegative animals (6.9%). Cows in the herd with 11% Brucella-infected animals produced significantly more milk than unaffected cows over a 305-day lactation (10,684 ± 1,720 vs. 10,345 ± 1,736; mean ± SD; P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05). It was concluded that in dairy herds vaccinated against brucellosis with both 19 and RB51 strains, supplemental tests such as RID need to be conducted on all reactors in order to maintain diagnostic accuracy. These results also indicate that 11% animal prevalence of brucellosis did not exert a detrimental effect on 305-day milk yield and reproductive performance in high milk-yielding Holstein cows.
Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2012
The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of treating sexually inactive bucks with... more The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of treating sexually inactive bucks with artificial long photoperiod or testosterone on the induction of estrus in anovulatory grazing goats. A total of 91 multiparous mixed-breed anestrous goats were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: (1) joining with bucks subjected to 2.5 month of artificial long days (16 h of light/day; n=31), (2) joining with testosterone-treated bucks (n=30), and (3) joining with untreated bucks (control; n=30). There were no differences between the light-treated (100%) and testosterone-treated (93%) bucks in their ability to induce estrus in anovulatory does. On the other hand, none of the goats in contact with control bucks exhibited estrus. The interval from start of mating to estrus was shorter in goats with the light-treated bucks (37.9 ± 4.8 h) compared with does in contact with testosterone-treated bucks (58.3 ± 8.7 h). The overall pregnancy rate in goats joined with light-treated, testosterone-treated and control bucks was 84%, 77% and 0%, respectively, with no difference (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;0.05) between the first two groups. Anogenital sniffing, approaches, mounting attempts, and mounts were highest (P&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.01) in light-treated bucks and lowest in control bucks. It was concluded that testosterone-treated bucks and long-day-treated bucks were equally effective in synchronizing estrus in anovulatory goats and resulted in similar levels of fertility. Given that light-treated bucks are unviable in communal production systems of goats raised by resource-poor farmers, the sexual arousal of bucks with testosterone is a practical and reliable method to induce ovulation in anovulatory goats in pastoral goat systems in hot environments.
Tropical Animal Health and Production, 2010