Morphostructural variability in the Pastoreña goat in different regions of the Mixteca of Mexico: A phenotypic study to establish the racial profile

In the present study, we evaluated the morphostructural variability of the Pastoreña goat (PG) in Mixteca region of Oaxaca, Mexico. This study was carried out to evaluate five qualitative ranges and thirteen morphometric characteristics of 249 animals (185 females and 64 males) from 2 to 5 years old. Descriptive statistics analysis was performed on the qualitative (QV) morphometric (MV) variables, and variance analysis and Tukey test by sex. The Pearson correlations were calculated for MV, determining the morphostructural harmonic model. The canonical discriminant analysis and analysis of principal coordinates were made for QV and principal component analysis for MV. The results of QV indicated some features in the racial profile of the PG. MV showed sexual dimorphism (p<0.05). The coefficient of variation indicated morphostructural homogeneity. The correlations in MV suggest harmonic-morphostructural and harmonic-median models for females and males, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed similarities in the sampled localities. In conclusion, the qualitative and quantitative variables demonstrated in the PG characterize as a unique goat breed in the Mixteca of Mexico and justify further conservation efforts. Highlights The Pastoreña goats have uniformity within the population of the Mixteca, Mexico. The qualitative and quantitative variables estimated in the Pastoreña Goats offer the bases for its conservation. The shepherds select the offspring of the Pastoreña goats of the white and creamy-white color.In the present study, we evaluated the morphostructural variability of the Pastoreña goat (PG) in Mixteca region of Oaxaca, Mexico. This study was carried out to evaluate five qualitative ranges and thirteen morphometric characteristics of 249 animals (185 females and 64 males) from 2 to 5 years old. Descriptive statistics analysis was performed on the qualitative (QV) morphometric (MV) variables, and variance analysis and Tukey test by sex. The Pearson correlations were calculated for MV, determining the morphostructural harmonic model. The canonical discriminant analysis and analysis of principal coordinates were made for QV and principal component analysis for MV. The results of QV indicated some features in the racial profile of the PG. MV showed sexual dimorphism (p<0.05). The coefficient of variation indicated morphostructural homogeneity. The correlations in MV suggest harmonic-morphostructural and harmonic-median models for females and males, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed similarities in the sampled localities. In conclusion, the qualitative and quantitative variables demonstrated in the PG characterize as a unique goat breed in the Mixteca of Mexico and justify further conservation efforts. Highlights The Pastoreña goats have uniformity within the population of the Mixteca, Mexico. The qualitative and quantitative variables estimated in the Pastoreña Goats offer the bases for its conservation. The shepherds select the offspring of the Pastoreña goats of the white and creamy-white color

Rescue and participatory conservation of Creole goats in the agro-silvopastoral systems of the Mountains of Guerrero, Mexico

The objective was to implement a participatory process involving rescue and conservation of Creole goats in agro-silvopastoral systems, as a development strategy for the indigenous and marginalized region of the Mountains of Guerrero (MG), Mexico. The study focused on the caprine agroecosystem, documenting aspects of goat development and identifying caprine areas in 13 municipalities, zoometrically characterizing 680 goats. One hundred and ten goat producers were interviewed for evaluating farmer perception of goat production. Fifty-seven producers were trained in holistic management, and four producers raised 300 goats in outstanding herds. Data were analyzed using social networks, principal component analysis and correspondence analysis. Two goat agroecosystems were identified: 1) agro-silvopastoralism, with crossbreeding of goat populations and, 2) traditional systems, involving grazing of Creole goats on native vegetation. We identified three types of goats: 1) Mixteco mosaic (61%), 2), Pastoreña (31.8%), and 3) Crossbreeds (7.2%), based on bicoastal diameter, chest depth, body length, thoracic perimeter, height at withers, shoulder point width and liveweight. Smallholder goat farmers in the MG preferred Creole goats for their greater productivity and better environmental adaptation. Highlights: Farmer-participatory programs to rescue and conserve the Creole goat breed. Goats agro-silvopastoral systems with low resource smallholders. Sustainable utilization of Creole goats. Goat production systems in the Mexican Mountains.The objective was to implement a participatory process involving rescue and conservation of Creole goats in agro-silvopastoral systems, as a development strategy for the indigenous and marginalized region of the Mountains of Guerrero (MG), Mexico. The study focused on the caprine agroecosystem, documenting aspects of goat development and identifying caprine areas in 13 municipalities, zoometrically characterizing 680 goats. One hundred and ten goat producers were interviewed for evaluating farmer perception of goat production. Fifty-seven producers were trained in holistic management, and four producers raised 300 goats in outstanding herds. Data were analyzed using social networks, principal component analysis and correspondence analysis. Two goat agroecosystems were identified: 1) agro-silvopastoralism, with crossbreeding of goat populations and, 2) traditional systems, involving grazing of Creole goats on native vegetation. We identified three types of goats: 1) Mixteco mosaic (61%), 2), Pastoreña (31.8%), and 3) Crossbreeds (7.2%), based on bicoastal diameter, chest depth, body length, thoracic perimeter, height at withers, shoulder point width and liveweight. Smallholder goat farmers in the MG preferred Creole goats for their greater productivity and better environmental adaptation. Highlights: Farmer-participatory programs to rescue and conserve the Creole goat breed. Goats agro-silvopastoral systems with low resource smallholders. Sustainable utilization of Creole goats. Goat production systems in the Mexican Mountains

Processes in meat oxidation and usage of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus (L.) Schleid.,) as a natural antioxidant

Objective: Lipid oxidation of meat is one of the most important factors affecting shelf life and is one of the decisive factors in the consumer's purchase decision of the product. Therefore, information related to lipid oxidation using rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus (L.) Schleid.) as a natural antioxidant is described and analyzed. Design/methodology/approach: Mechanisms of oxidation were explored and described, as well as the alternatives to stop this process and different methodologies to measure antioxidant activity and innovative alternatives that are currently being investigated. Results: Appling antioxidants is one of the most widely used methods to counteract the oxidation process in meat. Currently, using herbs and spices has gained great acceptance, as in the case of rosemary. Its usage obtained satisfactory results for inhibiting and delaying lipid oxidation. Limitations of the study/implications: Using rosemary may have some drawbacks such as incorporating a strong flavor to the meat and the effects that its active compounds may have when exposed to oxygen, heat and humidity. Therefore, it is necessary to research for alternatives that will allow better preservation and availability of its compounds. Findings/conclusions: Nanoencapsulation of rosemary may be an alternative to the drawbacks of its use, working as a protective barrier for improved performance and improving food safety. However, this innovation is just being explored and is therefore not possible to have a certainty of success when using these new technological alternatives

Calidad de la carne en corderos suplementados con tres concentraciones de zinc en una dieta energética

Objective: To evaluate the effect of three doses of Zn supplemented in the diet on the quality and concentration of Zn in meat. Design / methodology / approach: 3 doses of Zn were supplemented: a) 21 mg Zn / Kg of dry matter (DM) from diet only, b) Zn80 (diet + ZnSO4) and c) Zn400 (diet + ZnSO4). Twelve Katahdin lambs randomly distributed in three groups, weighing 29.72 ± 2.16 Kg and age 9 ± 1 months. The consumed DM was restricted for all lambs to 718.62 ± 10.84 g. Findings / Conclusion: The luminosity of the psoas major muscle was Zn21 = 36.50, Zn80 = 38.14 and Zn400 = 35.35 (quadratic effect, P <0.01). The redness of the psoas major muscle was between 18.81 to 19.72 and the intensity of the yellow color was from 3.63 to 3.82. The pH of the gracilis and psoas major muscles were 6.21 and 6.91 and there were no differences in pH, lightness and hardness. The water retention capacity of the gracilis muscle was Zn21 = 63.68%, Zn80 = 65.32% and Zn400 = 83.80% (linear effect, P <0.05). The 80 mg / kg dose of Zn improved the Zn content in meat.Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de tres dosis de Zn suplementado en la dieta sobre la calidad y concentración de Zn en la carne. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se suplementaron 3 dosis de Zn: a) 21 mg Zn/Kg de materia seca (MS) proveniente de la dieta solamente, b) Zn80 (dieta + ZnSO4) y c) Zn400 (dieta + ZnSO4). Doce corderos de raza Katahdin distribuidos aleatoriamente en tres grupos, con peso de 29.72 ± 2.16 Kg y edad de 9 ± 1 meses. La MS consumida fue restringida para todos los corderos a 718.62 ± 10.84 g. Hallazgos/conclusión: La luminosidad del músculo psoas major fue Zn21 = 36.50, Zn80 = 38.14 y Zn400 = 35.35 (efecto cuadrático, P < 0.01). El enrojecimiento del músculo psoas major fue entre 18.81 a 19.72 y la intensidad del color amarillo fue de 3.63 a 3.82. El pH de los músculos gracilis y psoas major fueron de 6.21 y 6.91 y no hubo diferencias en el pH, luminosidad y dureza. La capacidad de retención de agua del músculo gracilis fue Zn21 = 63.68 %, Zn80 = 65.32 % y Zn400 = 83.80 % (efecto lineal, P < 0.05). La dosis de 80 mg/kg de Zn mejoró el contenido de Zn en la carne

Comparison of two phenotypical methods to segregate resistant and susceptible lambs to parasitic nematodes

The objective of this study was to compare two segregation methods to select resistant and susceptible female Pelibuey lambs infected naturally with gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) in relation to their haematological and immunological response. For 6 months, faeces and blood samples were taken fortnightly from 40 grazing 5-month-old female lambs. The lambs were classified according to two methods using faecal egg count (FEC) as a phenotypical trait. In the first (reference) method (M3SE, n = 22), resistant (RES) lambs had FEC lower than the mean – 3 standard errors, the susceptible (SUS) lambs levels higher than + 3 standard errors(n = 10) and the intermediate (INT) lambs (n = 8) were categorised by having FECs between the two values. The second method (QUM) divided the population, using quartiles, into resistant (RES; 25%), intermediate (INT; 50%), and susceptible (SUS; 25%) lambs. The agreement between both methods was estimated using the Kappa index. The packed cell volume (PCV), total plasma protein (TPP) and peripheral eosinophils (EOS) were determined for each group. Serum was used to evaluate the IgA levels. PCV and TPP values were higher (P<0.01) in the RES lambs (31.5 ± 3.4 and 6.16 ± 0.5 g/dL by QUM, respectively, and 31.5 ± 3.9 and 6.24 ± 0.49 g/dL by M3SE, respectively) than the SUS lambs (28.1 ± 4.7 and 5.94 ± 0.5 g/d, respectively, by both methods). The EOS and IgA values increased with age. M3SE and QUM were in moderate agreement (Kappa = 0.43). We concluded that the two segregation methods allowed for the identification of the same female SUS lambs, but a greater number of animals were categorised phenotypically as resistant using the M3SE method. PCV and TPP can help to identify phenotypically resistant animals

Production and quality of meat from hair sheep grazing on Tanzania grass and supplemented with different protein levels

Objective: To evaluate the effect of a supplementary feeding (with different crude protein (CP) levels) in the yield and growth performance and meat characteristics of hair lambs grazed on Tanzania grass. Design/Methodology/Approach: A 120-d-1 experiment was conducted; it included four treatments and seven replications in a completely randomized design. Twenty-eight hair lambs (22.6 ± 1.6 kg LW) were allowed to graze on Tanzania grass (Panicum maximum) and were provided concentrate feeds (with 10, 12, 14, and 16% crude protein). The aim was to assess the effects of the latter food on growth, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. Results: Compared with the lambs fed with 10, 12, and 14% CP, the heaviest carcasses (P<0.05) were obtained from lambs fed with 16% CP. The percentage of crude protein and fat of the biceps femoris linearly increased (P<0.05) as the CP percentage increased in the concentrate feed. Meat color, water retention capacity, and cutting force were not impacted by the CP percentage of the concentrate feeds. Compared with the lambs fed with 10, 12, and 14%, the lowest palmitic acid percentage and the highest oleic acid percentage were found in the meat of lambs fed with 16% CP. Study Limitations/Implications: A high area was selected to avoid excessive rain. Findings/Conclusions: Compared with the lambs fed with 10, 12, and 14% CP, the lambs grazed on Tanzania grass and supplemented with 16% CP grew more, recorded a higher carcass yield, and their meat had a better unsaturated fatty acids ratio

Supplementation of ascorbic acid to improve fertility in dairy cattle. Review

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C: VC) is an antioxidant that participates in the regulatory processes involved in the development of ovarian structures and fertility. However, supplementation of VC to dairy cattle to improve fertility has received little attention. However, reduced fertility in dairy cattle associated with high genetic merit for milk production and heat stress, which also diminish blood VC concentrations, suggest a potentially beneficial role for VC supplementation. The objectives of this review are to contribute to the current knowledge regarding the relationship between VC and fertility and to share many experiences that support the relevance of VC supplementation to improve dairy cattle reproductive performance

Risk analysis of brucelosis in the state of Tlaxcala

Objective. To identify the risk of brucellosis in the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico. Materials and methods. A diagnosis of social type was conducted in the municipalities of Huamantla, Ixtenco and Teacalco, located in the eastern region of the state. The seroprevalence of brucellosis in goats and humans was determined. Results. 46.9% of producers know the programs of vaccination against brucellosis; 19.7% apply the vaccine and 80.3% do not apply the vaccine. Huamantla had the highest seroprevalence of animal brucellosis in 66.8%; San Jose Teacalco distributes unpasteurized cheeses to a distance of 270 km, increasing the risk of infection with brucellosis. Ixtenco recorded the highest prevalence of brucellosis in humans, with 1.51%. Conclusion. The municipalities studied present risks of infection and spread of brucellosis

Use of pulp and husk of coffee in animal feed

Coffee husk and coffee pulp are rendered as by-products after coffee beans are obtained. They might pollute water and other resources; however, they might also be used for animal feeding, reducing the cost of animal diets. Coffee by-products have been widely used for animal feeding in different animal species worldwide, mainly in countries with the highest coffee production. Therefore, it is crucial to know the results obtained when these by-products are fed to animals under different conditions. The results obtained when husk and coffee pulp are included in animal diets vary depending on the species fed with these coffee by-products and the amount offered.Objective: To review the literature related to the use of husk and pulp of coffee in the feeding of ruminant andnon-ruminant animals.Approximation: The husk and pulp of coffee are by-products that remain after cleaning the bean. These area potential source of pollution; however, they can also be used for animal feed, reducing costs for the producer.Study limitations/implications: Coffee by-products have been used in animal feed globally, especially inthose countries that are the highest producers of this bean. Therefore, it is important to know the resultsobtained there when those by-products are supplied as fed to animals in different conditions.Conclusions: The results obtained vary when these coffee by-products are included in animal diets, dependingon the species and the amount offered