Does Small Ruminant Lentivirus Infection in Goats Predispose to Bacterial Infection of the Mammary Gland? A Preliminary Study

The aim of this study was to determine whether asymptomatic small ruminant lentivirus seropositive (SRLV-SP) goats were more susceptible to bacterial infection of the udder when lactating by comparing the presence and species of pathogenic bacteria in their milk with the values for seronegative goats (SRLV-SN). Milk samples were collected during morning milking on days 20, 40, 60, 150, and 210 of lactation for three consecutive years and subjected to bacteriological examination. Staphylococcus caprae and S. xylosus were the most frequent strains identified in both SRLV-SP and SRLV-SN goats. The prevalence of pathogenic bacteria was the highest in the 1st lactation, regardless of SRLV status. Moreover, the prevalence of pathogenic bacteria was significantly higher in SRLV-SP goats, but only those in the 5th or further lactation (p = 0.010). This suggests a relationship between long-lasting SRLV infection and susceptibility to bacterial infections of the udder

Milk Yield and Composition, Technological Properties and Homeostasis Indices at Different Lactation Stages and Parities of Two Polish Dairy Goat Breeds

The purpose of the research was to determine the effect of breed, lactation number, and lactation stage on milk efficiency and goat milk ingredients, these being indicators of milk technological parameters and homeostasis disturbances. Goat breed and number of lactation affected energy-corrected milk, value-corrected milk yield, fat corrected milk, protein, casein, lactose contents and free fatty acids. Additionally, differences in non-fat solids and urea contents were found between two Polish common dairy breeds White Improved (PWI) and Fawn Improved (PFI) goats. Moreover, parity affected milk yield, its acidity and somatic cell count (SCC). Milk yield and milk components were found to vary according to lactation stage. At the beginning of lactation, milk is richer in ingredients which have effect on cheese and yoghurt production. All the goats undergo similar changes related to the lactation stage that is at the same time and this can affect the yield and quality of the curd. In production focused on liquid milk, the age structure of the herd should be properly managed, as the goats in their third lactation or above have higher milk yields, regardless of breed. For cheese production, the PWI breed would be more suitable than PFI as the PWI goat milk contains less SCC and more components essential for milk processing, including caseins

The Expression of Selected Cytokine Genes in the Livers of Young Castrated Bucks after Supplementation with a Mixture of Dry <i>Curcuma longa</i> and <i>Rosmarinus officinalis</i> Extracts

The study aims to determine the effect of supplementation with a mixture of Curcuma longa and Rosmarinus officinalis extracts (896:19 ratio) on the expression of 15 cytokine genes in the livers of 20 castrated goat bucks. Two equal groups were created: treated and control groups. The treated group was provided a mixture (1.6 g/day/buck) for 124 days. Liver tissue samples were collected after slaughter. The gene expression was analyzed using RT-qPCR with two reference genes. Variance analysis was conducted using a model with the group fixed effect. IL-2 and IL-8 expression was below the detection level. No differences were found for IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-16, IFN-α, IFN-β, TNF-α, and CCL4 expressions, suggesting that supplementation does not activate cytokine production in the healthy hepatocytes. The treated group demonstrated lower IL-12 expression (p IL-18 and INF-γ (0.05 IFN-γ expression could be caused by the increased IL-18 expression. If a small dose of extract can induce an allergic reaction in young goat bucks, it is also possible that humans may be susceptible to an overdose of curcumin and/or turmeric extracts

Effectiveness of the Functional Movement Screen for assessment of injury risk occurrence in football players

The aim of the study was to determine whether the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test carried out among young boys practising football training identifies previous injuries. Sixty-five boys aged 12–13 years, who had regularly practised football in an academy for at least 3 years, were recruited and divided into two groups: an injured group (IG), consisting of players who had experienced at least one injury in the past (n + 25, age 12.32 ± 0.48) and a non-injured group (non-IG), a control group, made up of athletes with no injuries to the musculoskeletal system (n = 40, age 12.25 ± 0.49). Seven FMS tests were used to rate the functional fitness level as a part of the FMS tool. Significant differences between the total scores of the FMS tests (p < 0.001, r = 0.54) were documented. Higher scores in the FMS test were observed in the control group (M = 16.58, SD = 2.04) than in the study group (M = 14.20, ± SD = 1.96). The FMS test is an effective diagnostic tool to identify previous injuries among young football players

Effect of Supplementation with <i>Curcuma longa</i> and <i>Rosmarinus officinalis</i> Extract Mixture on Acute Phase Protein, Cathelicidin, Defensin and Cytolytic Protein Gene Expression in the Livers of Young Castrated Polish White Improved Bucks

Goats are an excellent animal model for research on some physiological and pathophysiological processes in humans. The search for supplements that prevent homeostasis disorders and strengthen the immune system is necessary to reduce the risk of many diseases in both humans and animals. The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of supplementation with a mixture of dried extracts of Curcuma longa and Rosmarinus officinalis on the expression of acute-phase protein (SAA, HP, CRP, LALBA, AGP, CP, FGA, FGB, and FGG), cathelicidin (BAC5, BAC7.5, BAC3.4, MAP28, MAP34, and HEPC), beta-defensin-1 (GBD1, DEFB1), and beta-defensin-2, and cytolytic protein (LIZ and LF) genes in the livers of young castrated bucks of the Polish White Improved breed. The higher expression of LF in the control group suggests that it is important for the first line of hepatic immune defense and its expression is downregulated by the mixture of turmeric and rosemary extracts; thus, the spice–herb mixture mutes its activity. The lower expression of FGB and the higher expression of BAC5 genes in the livers of healthy, young castrated bucks who were administered the supplement suggest the silencing effects of the mixture on the acute-phase response and the stimulating effect on the antimicrobial activity of the immune system