Search Results (260)

Background: Environmental enrichment is a promising strategy to improve the welfare of dairy goats and sheep. However, studies in this field remain scattered, and its effects on productivity are unclear. Objectives: To evaluate the effects of environmental enrichment on behavioral, physiological, and productive parameters in dairy goats and sheep. Data sources: Scopus and Web of Science were searched for studies published from 2010 to 2025. Study eligibility criteria: Experimental or observational peer-reviewed studies comparing enriched vs. non-enriched housing in dairy goats or sheep, reporting on welfare or productivity outcomes. Methods: This review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines and the PICO framework. Two independent reviewers screened and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed with the SYRCLE tool. Results: Thirteen studies were included, mostly with goats. Physical, sensory, and social enrichments showed benefits for behavior (e.g., activity, fewer stereotypies) and stress physiology. However, results varied by social rank, enrichment type, and physiological stage. Only three studies assessed productive parameters (weight gain in kids/lambs); none evaluated milk yield or quality. Limitations: Most studies had small samples and short durations. No meta-analysis was conducted due to heterogeneity. Conclusions: Environmental enrichment can benefit the welfare of dairy goats and sheep. However, evidence on productivity is scarce. Long-term studies are needed to evaluate its cost-effectiveness and potential impacts on milk yield and reproductive performance. Full article

Livestock contributes to global warming through greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Reducing these emissions is an ongoing challenge for the small ruminant sector. Despite its significant role in national economies, limited studies on the carbon footprint (CF) of dairy small ruminants in Mediterranean countries exist. The study aimed to achieve the following: (a) estimate the GHG emissions of eleven semi-extensive sheep and goat farms in a mountainous region of southern Greece, using the Tier 1 and Tier 2 methodologies; (b) compare the outcomes of both methods; and (c) calculate farms’ CF, as a means of their environmental impact evaluation. All on-farm activities (except machinery or medicine use) related to sheep or goat production were considered to estimate GHG emissions. The results show differences between Tier 1 and Tier 2 estimates, reflecting the simplified computational approach of Tier 1. The average CF values estimated via Tier 1 for goat and sheep farms were 2.12 and 2.87 kg CO₂-eq./kg FPCM, respectively. Using Tier 2, these values increased to 2.73 and 3.99 kg CO₂-eq./kg FPCM. To mitigate environmental impact, farms could enhance productivity by improving herd management and feeding strategies. Full article

The assessment of milk coagulation properties (MCPs) is crucial for enhancing goat cheese production and quality. In this study, 501 bulk goat milk samples were collected from various farms to evaluate the MCPs. Traditionally, cheesemaking aptitude is evaluated using lactodynamographic analysis, a reliable but time-consuming laboratory method. Mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) offers a promising alternative for the large-scale prediction of goat milk’s technological traits. Reference MCP measurements were paired with mid-infrared spectra, and prediction models were developed using partial least squares regression, with accuracy evaluated through cross- and external validation. The ability of MIRS to classify milk samples by coagulation aptitude was evaluated using partial least squares discriminant analysis. Only the model for rennet coagulation time obtained sufficient accuracy to be applied for screening (R²_CrV = 0.68; R²_Ext = 0.66; RPD = 2.05). Lower performance was observed for curd-firming time (R²_CrV = 0.33; R²_Ext = 0.27; RPD = 1.42) and curd firmness (R²_CrV = 0.55; R²_Ext = 0.43; RPD = 1.35). Classification of high coagulation aptitude achieved balanced accuracy values of 0.81 (calibration) and 0.74 (validation). With further model refinement and larger calibration datasets, MIRS may become a resource for the dairy-goat sector to monitor and improve milk suitability for cheesemaking. Full article

Milk lipids are fundamental to the nutritional quality, functional properties, and processing behavior of dairy products. In this study, we employed an untargeted lipidomics approach based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) to systematically characterize the lipid profiles of ten milk types from eight animal species, including camel, mare, donkey, goat, buffalo, yak, Jersey, and Holstein. A total of 640 lipid species were identified, spanning triglycerides (TGs), phospholipids (PLs), sphingolipids (SPs), ceramides (Cer), wax esters (WEs), and other subclasses. A statistical analysis revealed significant differences in lipid types and abundances among the milk samples. Camel milk exhibited the highest lipid diversity, with notable enrichment in phospholipids and sphingolipids, conferring superior emulsifying properties and stability. Mare milk was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid, making it ideal for developing health-focused dairy products. Despite having the lowest total lipid content, donkey milk was enriched in cholesterol esters and PUFA, suitable for low-fat functional dairy products. Goat milk featured a balanced lipid composition with higher levels of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), promoting digestibility. Buffalo milk was characterized by high TG and wax ester (WE) levels, offering high energy density and suitability for rich dairy products. Yak milk contained higher levels of ceramides (Cer) and saturated fatty acids, reflecting adaptations to high-altitude environments. Jersey milk and Holstein milk displayed similar lipid profiles, with stable compositions suitable for versatile dairy product development. Principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical clustering, and volcano plot analyses further confirmed species-specific lipidomic signatures and revealed several potential lipid biomarkers, such as LPC (O-16:0) in Hongyuan yak milk, suggesting applications in geographical indication (GI) traceability. This study offers a comprehensive lipidomic landscape across diverse milk sources, providing molecular insights to guide the development of tailored, functional, and regionally branded dairy products. Full article

Paslahepevirus balayani (hepatitis E virus), a zoonotic pathogen transmitted primarily via the fecal–oral route, has undergone shifting transmission dynamics in China, with foodborne and zoonotic routes becoming increasingly significant. To assess the potential risk of HEV transmission through dairy products, this study investigated HEV RNA presence in raw milk from cows, sheep, and goats in Hebei Province, China. From March 2024 to April 2025, we collected 102 cow milk, 18 sheep milk, and 59 goat milk samples, analyzing them using RT-qPCR, with positive samples confirmed by RT-Nested PCR and partial ORF2 sequencing. While no HEV RNA was detected in cow milk, 3/18 (16.67%) sheep milk and 1/59 (1.69%) goat milk samples tested positive. Phylogenetic analysis of two sheep-derived and one goat-derived HEV isolate showed 99.43–100% nucleotide identity to local swine HEV strains (HEV/HB-SJZ158/CHN/2021 and HEV/HB-CD28/CHN/2021), all clustering within genotype 4d, the dominant subtype in the region. This study provided the first evidence of HEV RNA in sheep and goat milk in Hebei Province, suggesting possible cross-species transmission from pigs to ruminants. These findings highlighted the need for further research on HEV transmission risks through dairy products and emphasize the importance of monitoring zoonotic HEV strains in food safety assessments. Full article

The interconnection between biodiversity loss, food system and climate change is a complex issue with profound implications for global sustainability. Small ruminant farming is a crucial part of addressing these challenges as it contributes to environmental, social, and economic resilience. In Italy, sheep and goat farming is most common in marginal areas with a prevalence of pastoral systems and low mechanization levels. In the Apulia region of Southern Italy, autochthonous small ruminant breeds are at high risk of extinction, due to changing agricultural practices and market pressures. Autochthonous breeds represent valuable genetic resources, adapted to the local environment and capable of producing high-quality products. Apulia boasts an ancient dairy tradition, producing a variety of cheeses from small ruminants, such as Canestrato Pugliese, a Protected Designation of Origin, and four cheeses (Cacioricotta, Pecorino Foggiano, Scamorza di Pecora, and Caprino) recognized as Traditional Agri-Food Products by the Italian Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests. These products represent an essential element for biodiversity conservation, encompassing ecosystems, autochthonous breeds, microbial diversity, traditional farming practices, and production systems. This review surveys the main small ruminant native breeds of Apulia region, highlighting their historical significance, distinctive traits, and traditional productions, to help shape strategies for animal biodiversity conservation. Full article

Goats are primarily raised in marginal, arid, and semi-arid production systems and exhibit a seasonal reproductive pattern. Extending their reproductive season would enhance food security and improve the economic viability of goat production. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the effects of SeVE supplementation during the anestrus season on ovarian activity in anestrous goats subjected to an estrus synchronization protocol. The response variables included estrus induction (EI), ovulatory rate (OR), corpus luteum diameter (CLD), left and right ovary diameters (LOD and ROD), embryo implantation (EMBRYO), and pregnancy rates (PREG). Adult, anestrous, crossbred dairy goats (n = 32) from northern semi-arid Mexico (i.e., Comarca Lagunera, 26° N) were randomly assigned to two homogeneous groups based on age, live weight (LW), and body condition score (BCS): (1) the supplemented group (SeVE; n = 16), received 5 mg selenium plus 350 IU vitamin E, and (2) the control group (CONT; n = 16), received physiological saline. Estrus was induced using a combination of progesterone (P4, 20 mg), equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG, 400 IU), and exposure to the male effect. While no differences (p > 0.05) were observed between the groups for LW and BCS, the variables EI, OR, EMBRYO, and PREG rates were higher (p < 0.05) in the SeVE group than the CONT group. No differences (p > 0.05) were observed between the groups for CLD, LOD, or ROD. Thus, SeVE-targeted supplementation improved reproductive outcomes without affecting ovarian structure size (i.e., a non-dimensional ovarian SeVE action), suggesting that this precision supplementation strategy certainly enhances reproductive efficiency. This was possibly related to selenium-induced increases in P4 synthesis, and the antioxidant effects on follicular development correlate with improved endometrial development, conceptus survival, embryo growth, and pregnancy maintenance. Such improvements could contribute to the sustainability of marginal production systems in the semi-arid regions of northern Mexico, supporting food security and increasing economic returns for goat producers and their families. Full article

Health and welfare are fundamental to goat production; however, their impact on milk yield in goats reared under different farming systems remains insufficiently studied. The objective was to examine the frequency of various health issues in dairy goats reared under two different farming systems and to assess their effects on daily milk yield (DMY). A total of 286 Skopelos goats from an intensive (N_A = 153) and an extensive (N_B = 133) farm, all with the same genetic background, were prospectively monitored for two consecutive lactation periods. Each goat was clinically examined for animal-based health indicators every 50 days, while individual DMY was also recorded. Morbidity frequency measures (cumulative incidence, point, and period prevalence) were calculated for each one of the studied health issues, and mixed linear regression models were developed to assess the effect of each one of the studied health issues on DMY. The results indicated that overgrown hooves were more common in intensively reared goats, while anemia and nasal discharge prevailed in extensively reared goats. Udder asymmetry, udder fibrosis, body abscesses, poor hair coat quality, and swollen lymph nodes were common in both farms, albeit more prevalent in extensively reared goats, except for udder asymmetry. Among the studied health issues, lameness (18.5%, p < 0.05), mouth lesions (14.1%, p < 0.05), udder asymmetry (6.6%, p < 0.001), and udder fibrosis (9.5%, p < 0.001), were significantly associated with reductions in DMY. These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing herd health management practices in dairy goats based on evidence and farming system requirements. Full article

Precision Livestock Farming (PLF) applies a complex of sensor technology, algorithms, and multiple tools for individual, real-time livestock monitoring. In intensive livestock systems, PLF is now quite widespread, allowing for the optimisation of management, thanks to the early recognition of diseases and the possibility of monitoring animals’ feeding and reproductive behaviour, with an overall improvement of their welfare. Similarly, PLF systems represent an opportunity to improve the profitability and sustainability of extensive farming systems, including those of small ruminants, rationalising the use of pastures by avoiding overgrazing and controlling animals. Despite the livestock distribution in several parts of the world, the low profit and the relatively high cost of the devices cause delays in implementing PLF systems in small ruminants compared to those in dairy cows. Applying these tools to animals in extensive systems requires customisation compared to their use in intensive systems. In many cases, the unit prices of sensors for small ruminants are higher than those developed for large animals due to miniaturisation and higher production costs associated with lower production numbers. Sheep and goat farms are often in mountainous and remote areas with poor technological infrastructure and ineffective electricity, telephone, and internet services. Moreover, small ruminant farming is usually associated with advanced age in farmers, contributing to poor local initiatives and delays in PLF implementation. A targeted literature analysis was carried out to identify technologies already applied or at an advanced stage of development for the management of grazing animals, particularly sheep and goats, and their effects on nutrition, production, and animal welfare. The current technological developments include wearable, non-wearable, and network technologies. The review of the technologies involved and the main fields of application can help identify the most suitable systems for managing grazing sheep and goats and contribute to selecting more sustainable and efficient solutions in line with current environmental and welfare concerns. Full article

This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of carbonate buffer mixture (CBM) in mitigating subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) by examining its effects on rumen pH, systemic inflammation, and rumen microbiota in a dairy goat model. Using a controlled experimental design, SARA was induced through 8-week high-concentrate diet feeding (70% concentrate, 30% forage), followed by 2-day CBM treatment. Comprehensive analyses included rumen pH monitoring, serum inflammatory marker quantification (IL-1β, TNF-α) by ELISA, rumen barrier integrity assessment through tight junction proteins (TJs) ZO-1, Occludin, and Claudin-3 by western blot analysis, and 16S rRNA sequencing of rumen microbiota. The results demonstrated that CBM administration rapidly elevated depressed rumen pH within 6 h post-treatment while concurrently reducing circulating LPS levels. The analysis of rumen 16S rRNA showed that CBM significantly increased the rumen microbial diversity and abundance of SARA dairy goats. Butyric acid generation groups such as Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, NK4A214_group, and Prevotellaceae UCG-001 were selectively enriched, and corresponding functional predictions showed that the butyric acid synthesis pathway (PICRUSt2) was enhanced. These findings suggest that CBM has a multidimensional therapeutic effect by simultaneously correcting rumen acidosis, alleviating systemic inflammation, and restoring microbial balance through pH-dependent and pH-independent mechanisms, providing a scientifically validated nutritional strategy for SARA management in intensive ruminant production systems. Full article

Goat farming represents a critical component of rural livelihoods, food security, and cultural heritage in southeastern Tunisia. This study adopts a multi-stakeholder approach to analyze the goat value chain in Tataouine, incorporating focus groups, semi-structured questionnaires, and direct observations with 80 farmers, 3 veterinarians, 13 butchers, and 100 consumers. The findings reveal strong local demand, with 72% of consumers purchasing goat meat and 66% consuming milk. However, significant inefficiencies exist, particularly a misalignment between production and market requirements: while 92% of butchers prefer fattened animals, only 16% of farmers engage in fattening practices. Women constitute 49% of dairy processors, yet face persistent resource constraints. Climate pressures exacerbate these challenges, with 80% of farmers reporting water scarcity and 93.8% observing pasture degradation. Three strategic interventions emerge as pivotal for sustainable development: targeted support for feed-efficient fattening techniques, establishment of women-led dairy processing collectives, and implementation of climate-resilient water management systems. These measures address core constraints while leveraging existing strengths of the production system. The study presents a transferable framework for livestock value chain analysis in arid regions, demonstrating how integrated approaches can enhance both economic viability and adaptive capacity while preserving traditional pastoral systems. Full article

The presence of mycotoxins in cheese is a significant concern due to their potential health risks. Mycotoxins can contaminate cheese through two main routes: indirectly via contaminated animal feed, and/or directly, because of mold growth on dairy products. It has been reported that cheese may contain metabolites of aflatoxin B1 such as aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), aflatoxicol (AFL), and, its precursor, sterigmatocystin (STC). This study presents a reliable method for the simultaneous determination of AFM1, AFL, and STC in cheeses made from ovine, goat, or buffalo milk. The method was developed using single liquid extraction, clean-up by an immunoaffinity column (IAC), and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) determination. The method was subjected to initial validation according to EU regulations, which outline the required performance parameters and criteria of analytical methods for official food control. The limits of quantification (LOQs) of the method for AFM1, AFL, and STC are 2.0 ng/kg, 5.0 ng/kg, and 1.0 ng/kg, respectively. The method was applied in a study for the assessment of mycotoxin transfer from milk to cheeses and also their growth. Full article

This study examined the impact of extensive and intensive farming systems on the rheological behavior of rennet-induced goat milk coagulation in the indigenous Greek Skopelos goat breed. Milk samples were obtained from Skopelos dairy goats reared under extensive and intensive farming systems at two farms in Greece. Rennet-induced coagulation kinetics (at 35 °C) and curd rheological properties were assessed using dynamic rheometry. Milk from the extensive system exhibited longer rennet coagulation time (RCT) but resulted in curds with higher storage modulus (G′) and complex viscosity (η*), indicating formation of stronger coagulated structures compared to curds from the intensive system. The differences can be attributed to variations in milk composition and the structural characteristics of protein components, e.g., casein fractions, between the two systems. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the farming systems could be differentiated based on the rheological properties of the curds, specifically on structure-related parameters (loss tangent, tanδ, apparent yield stress, τ_y). Strong correlations (p < 0.01) were noted between G′max and caseins/total proteins (positive), as well as with pH (negative), in both farming systems. These findings offer valuable insights into animal farming practices and cheese production, providing evidence of the relationships between goat-rearing systems and rheological properties of rennet-coagulated milk products. Full article

Lactation is a challenging life stage for dairy animals, as they need to cope with milk production and, in most cases, simultaneous pregnancy. The dry period between two consecutive lactations can be a producer choice, based on, for instance, animal performance or a physiological requirement when animals dry off spontaneously. The goals of this research were to estimate genetic parameters and perform a genome-wide association study in Saanen goats for the capacity to skip the dry period between lactations to identify genes and QTLs underlying this trait. A total of 249 Saanen dairy goats had the length of their dry period determined over lactations, with some (n = 54) showing the capacity to skip the dry period, i.e., having a dry period of a single day. The estimated heritability for the capacity to skip the dry period was moderate (0.25, SE = 0.13). Three SNPs significantly associated with the capacity to skip dry period were identified, which are located close to the OSMR gene, reported to be associated with mammary involution, and a known QTL for cannon bone circumference. The three SNPs were also confined to a very conserved region on chromosome 20, which harbors several genes associated with milk-related traits. The OSMR gene seems to be a good candidate gene for the capacity to skip the dry period, and the genomic region where it is located appears to also be important for milk production traits. Full article

Due to their markedly distinct protein compositions and structures, goat milk and cow milk display substantially different characteristics. In this study, the quality and composition of goat milk and cow milk were studied after being refrigerated at 4 °C for 7 days, with a particular focus on protein oxidation and aggregation states. The results revealed that alongside increases in acidity, microbial colony count, and hydrolysis, there was a significant change in the protein aggregation state beginning on the second day. This change was characterized by increased turbidity, an elevated centrifugal sedimentation rate, and a right-shifted particle size distribution. After seven days of refrigeration, the centrifugal sedimentation rate of goat milk increased from 0.53% to 0.97%, whereas that of cow milk rose from 0.41% to 0.58%. The degree of aggregation was significantly greater in goat milk compared to cow milk. Additionally, both protein and lipids exhibited substantial oxidation, with the degree of oxidation more pronounced in goat milk than in cow milk. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content increased from 0.047 μg/mL to 0.241 μg/mL in goat milk and from 0.058 μg/mL to 0.178 μg/mL in cow milk. The results suggest that goat milk was more prone to oxidation, which further reduced its stability. Therefore, in the storage and transportation of dairy products before processing, it is essential not only to monitor sanitary conditions but also to effectively control protein oxidation to enhance the quality of milk processing. Full article