Search Results (237)

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious transboundary disease that affects small ruminants and impacts livestock production and trade. This study investigated the seroprevalence and associated risk factors of PPR in sheep, goats, camels, and wild ruminants in Bahrain. A total of 1240 sheep, 1224 goats, 100 camels, and 38 wild ruminants were tested using competitive ELISA. The individual seroprevalence rates were 26% in sheep and 25.5% in goats, with flock/herd-level prevalences of 22.7% and 29.6%, respectively. No antibodies were detected in camels or wild ruminants. The highest seroprevalence was observed in the Northern governorate. The identified risk factors included geographic location, age (<12 months for goats), sex (male for goats), and health status (weak animals). At the flock/herd level, large flock size and semi-intensive farming increased the likelihood of seropositivity. In addition, a 2023–2024 surveillance campaign tested 1044 young, locally born lambs and kids across all governorates. All animals were found to be negative for PPR according to a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) and a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, confirming the absence of antibodies and active virus circulation in the population. These findings support the classification of Bahrain at Progressive Control Pathway for PPR (PCP-PPR) Level 3 status and emphasize the importance of continued surveillance and regional cooperation to mitigate the spread of diseases. Full article

Microsatellite markers were employed to determine the genetic diversity and structure of eight goat breeds kept in the Czech Republic (White Shorthaired goat, Brown Shorthaired goat, Alpine, Anglo-Nubian) and Poland (Polish White Improved, Polish Fawn Improved goat, Sandomierska, Toggenburg). Across 398 individuals analyzed using 15 microsatellite markers, a total of 191 alleles were detected, with a mean of 7.108 alleles per locus. The average of observed and expected heterozygosity, fixation index, and Shannon’s information index were 0.684 ± 0.014, 0.696 ± 0.013, 0.014 ± 0.012, and 1.476 ± 0.037, respectively. The mean of overall genetic differentiation (F_ST) was 0.110, heterozygote deficiency among populations (F_IT) was 0.125, and the inbreeding coefficient within the goat population (F_IS) was 0.018. Analysis of molecular variance showed that 10% of the total genetic variation was attributed to differences among populations, 3% among individuals within populations, 86% within individuals, and 1% was observed among regions. A phylogenetic dendrogram and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) revealed three main clusters, while STRUCTURE analysis identified two main gene pools. These findings provide critical insights for future genetic improvement, breeding program optimization, and conservation strategies for local landrace goat breeds, whose genetic resources are pivotal for maintaining livestock biodiversity. Full article

Animal growth involves changes in size with age and is associated with environmental factors. The aim was to conduct a study of a representative group of the Santandereana Creole goat breed to evaluate morphometric allometry according to sex. A sample of 23 males and 76 females, ranged 8–72 and 8–84 months of age respectively, was studied. Morphometric allometry was evaluated using 30 linear characters. A Mann–Whitney test assessed right- and left-side differences in horns (length and perimeter) and ears (length and width). A one-way PERMANOVA, using Gower distances, assessed sex differences. Principal component analysis (PCA) using a var-covar matrix identified the most discriminating traits. A one-way ANCOVA, using loadings at PC1, was performed to compare allometric trends between sexes. Differences between sexes were observed in linear traits (p = 0.0101) and indices (p = 0.0364). No differences were observed between the right and left sides in horns and ears. Differences were observed in size, with body weight, body length, thoracic perimeter, and horn length (right/left) being the most discriminating values reflecting sexual dimorphism of size. The indexes corroborated the larger size of males, especially in relation to skull width, rump length, chest depth, and body weight. Detected differences may reflect variations in the development of skeletal maturity. The indexes confirm that the Santandereana Creole goat is an animal with a tendency for meat production, with larger males and brachycephalic features due to the shape of the head. Discriminatory measures can be considered as parameters of interest for preserving the breed and establishing genetic improvement programs. Full article

Genetic resources of small ruminants are essential for food security in arid regions; however, basic data for each breed in Saudi Arabia remain incomplete. This study establishes a comprehensive national database through a systematic survey of 104 farms, covering 21,214 heads of livestock (sheep and goats) across the kingdom’s primary agro-ecological zones between January and October 2025. Although national census data indicate that major breeds of sheep such as Naeemi, Najdi, Arabi, and Harri or goats such as Ardi exceed the FAO’s numerical thresholds for “not at risk,” our analysis reveals a fundamental paradox of “genetic vulnerability,” defined as a high risk of inbreeding depression and genetic stagnation despite high census numbers. The results show significant regional variations in prolificacy (p < 0.05), with the southern region displaying a substantial productivity gap compared to the central and eastern regions, mainly due to reliance on traditional grazing (46.7%) and limited infrastructure. This vulnerability is driven by a high risk of systematic inbreeding, with 65.7% of breeders acquiring sires from their own herds, a situation worsened by a severe 80% shortage of high-quality breeding males in the central region. Furthermore, selection criteria heavily emphasize esthetic phenotypic traits (over 80%) rather than production indicators (less than 8%), hindering genetic progress. Correlation analysis showed that higher farmer education levels were negatively associated with reproductive challenges (r = −0.216), while high feed prices remained a near-universal obstacle (97.1%). To mitigate these risks, we recommend implementing region-specific sire exchange programs to break closed breeding loops and establishing a national performance recording system to shift selection focus from phenotypic traits to measurable productivity. This study provides a vital, evidence-based framework for transitioning toward data-driven, resilient conservation and breeding strategies. Full article

Background: Locally adapted goat populations represent important reservoirs of genetic diversity and play a crucial role in the sustainability of livestock production systems, particularly in marginal environments. However, many of these populations are currently threatened by genetic erosion caused by crossbreeding with highly specialized commercial breeds. Although previous studies have described the genetic diversity of several goat populations from South America and the Iberian Peninsula, the influence of geographic factors on the genetic structure of these populations remains insufficiently understood. In this study, we investigated the influence of geographic distance and spatial factors on the genetic diversity, population structure, and relationships among locally adapted goat populations from Brazil, Spain, and Ecuador. Methods: A total of 561 goats representing 15 populations were genotyped using a panel of 23 microsatellite markers. The dataset included six locally adapted Brazilian breeds, three Spanish breeds, one Ecuadorian population (Chusca Lojana), four exotic breeds, and one undefined genotype group. Genetic diversity parameters, population structure, genetic relationships, and spatial genetic patterns were evaluated through a combination of population genetic and spatial analyses. Results: The locally adapted populations showed considerable levels of genetic diversity, with the Spanish (H_o = 0.629; H_e = 0.685) and Ecuadorian (H_o = 0.628; H_e = 0.704) populations displaying higher diversity than the Brazilian populations (H_o = 0.583; H_e = 0.628). Significant genetic differentiation was observed among geographic groups. A strong and significant correlation between genetic and geographic distances was detected when all local populations were considered (r = 0.77; R² = 0.59; p < 0.001), as well as when only Brazilian populations were analyzed (r = 0.65; R² = 0.43; p = 0.0075). Spatial analyses further identified potential genetic barriers that may restrict gene flow among certain populations. Conclusions: These findings suggest that geographic isolation plays an important role in shaping the genetic structure of locally adapted goat populations, while historical connections among Iberian and South American populations may also contribute to the observed genetic relationships. The integration of genetic and spatial information provides valuable insights for understanding the evolutionary dynamics of these populations and supports the development of more effective strategies for the conservation and sustainable management of goat genetic resources. Full article

In 2023, a highly immunogenic live attenuated vaccine based on the Nigeria 75/1 strain was introduced in Kazakhstan to provide protection against PPR. This study presents the results of a three-year animal trial evaluating the vaccine’s efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity. The novelty of this study lies in the long-term (up to 36 months) evaluation of protective immunity in adult animals, as well as in the comparative analysis of immune responses across different age groups and the assessment of viral suppression following challenge infection. Sheep and goats of different age groups were included, including lambs and kids aged 1.5 and 3 months, as well as adult animals aged 2–3 years. The vaccine was well tolerated following a single immunization, and no clinically significant adverse effects were observed in vaccinated animals, apart from only mild transient local reactions. A strong humoral (IgG) response to PPRV antigens was detected in all groups, with the highest antibody titers observed in young animals. Seroconversion was detected in 100% of vaccinated animals by day 21 post-vaccination. Long-term protective immunity (at least 36 months) was demonstrated in adult animals, whereas in young animals early protection was confirmed at 21 days post-vaccination along with subsequent humoral immune dynamics following a single immunization with a 1.0 mL dose of the vaccine (Nigeria 75/1 strain, titer 10^3.0 TCID₅₀/mL). These findings indicate that the vaccine is well tolerated, highly immunogenic, and provides sustained protection in adult animals while inducing early immune responses in young animals. Full article

In Europe, the most valuable grasslands are semi-natural ecosystems maintained by long-term extensive human management, particularly pastoralism, and therefore do not represent climax vegetation. According to the Natura 2000 habitat interpretation manual (EUR-28), key habitats include xerothermic grasslands of Festuco-Brometalia (code 6210*) on calcareous soils and sandy grasslands of Koelerion glaucae (code 6120*) on poor substrates. Only 10–15% of their area in the EU has favorable conservation status. The main threat is secondary succession and encroachment (83.94%), caused by abandonment of traditional management (81.75%). Without mowing or grazing, dominant grasses replace rare species, followed by shrubs and trees. Other pressures include intensive agriculture (75.18%), habitat loss and fragmentation (69.34%), climate change (37.96%), invasive species (23.36%) and urbanization (14.60%). Multiple threats often co-occur, so cumulative percentages exceed 100%. The most effective conservation method is restoring or maintaining extensive grazing, particularly with local sheep and goat breeds. Grazing limits succession, increases structural diversity and promotes seed dispersal, creating a mosaic of microhabitats that enhances biodiversity. Effective protection requires landscape-scale actions, limiting urban development, and long-term support for farmers under the Common Agricultural Policy. Increasing public awareness of the ecological and cultural value of these ecosystems is also essential. Full article

Johne’s disease, caused by Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), is endemic in Saudi Arabia and contributes to substantial production losses in small-ruminant herds. This study investigated MAP infection in 388 locally raised small ruminants (151 sheep and 237 goats) using IS900 real-time PCR (qPCR) on fecal samples and indirect ELISA on serum samples. Ziehl–Neelsen (ZN) staining and pathological assessment were applied as supportive tools in necropsied cases. Overall, qPCR detected MAP DNA in 135/388 animals (34.8%), with higher positivity in goats (100/237; 42.1%) than in sheep (35/151; 23.1%). ELISA detected MAP antibodies in 120/388 animals (30.9%), including 90/237 goats (37.9%) and 30/151 sheep (19.8%). Based on clinical examination (presence/absence of clinical signs), qPCR-positive animals were categorized as subclinical (n = 15; 10 goats and 5 sheep) or clinically progressed (n = 120; 90 goats and 30 sheep). Gross and histopathological findings were assessed in a necropsied subset (n = 20; 10 subclinical and 10 clinically progressed), revealing mild focal granulomatous enteritis with scant acid-fast bacilli in subclinical cases and diffuse lepromatous-type granulomatous lesions with abundant bacilli in clinically progressed animals. Genotyping and subtyping were performed on tissue-derived DNA from six necropsied cases using DMC, IS900, and F57 targets, and IS900 sequencing confirmed the circulation of both Type C/II and Type S/I MAP strains. Collectively, these findings demonstrate widespread MAP infection among small ruminants in Saudi Arabia, with higher detection rates and more pronounced pathology in goats, and highlight the genetic heterogeneity of circulating MAP strains. Full article

Background/Objectives: Data on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in goat-derived E. coli within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region remain limited, and are largely restricted to studies conducted in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with no published reports from Qatar. This study provides the first baseline characterization of AMR and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) profiles of E. coli isolated from goats in Qatar. Methods: A total of 280 fecal samples were collected from goats across nine locations in Qatar (140 healthy and 140 diseased goats; 12 samples did not yield E. coli cultures). A selective agar medium was used to isolate E. coli, and the isolates were subsequently confirmed using the VITEK^® 2 Compact system. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed to determine resistance profiles, and PCR assays were used to detect ESBL-associated genes. Results: 268 E. coli isolates were recovered from 280 samples. AMR analysis revealed a high prevalence of tetracycline resistance among E. coli isolates (53%), consistently observed across all nine sampling locations. Ampicillin resistance was also widespread. AMR was detected in isolates from both healthy and diseased goats; however, gentamicin resistance was found exclusively in the isolates from diseased animals. Overall, 44 isolates (16%) were classified as multidrug resistant (MDR), while nine isolates (3%) demonstrated ESBL production based on cefotaxime resistance. MDR and ESBL-producing E. coli were detected across all nine locations and in both healthy and diseased animals, with MDR strains occurring more frequently than ESBL producers. PCR analysis identified ESBL-associated genes, namely, bla_CTX-M in nine isolates and bla_TEM in three isolates. Conclusions: Goats in Qatar harbor multidrug-resistant and ESBL-producing E. coli, highlighting their role as AMR reservoirs within a One Health framework. The high resistance rates to commonly used antibiotics, particularly tetracycline and ampicillin, across health statuses and geographic locations suggest potential influences of local management practices and environmental factors. The detection of ESBL genes, notably bla_CTX-M and bla_TEM, underscores the need for prudent antimicrobial use and the implementation of integrated One Health surveillance programs to mitigate potential public health risks and to support national AMR surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship efforts across the region. Full article

Background: Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) has become an increasing public health threat in China, with Yantai City representing a major endemic focus. A fine-scale, long-term epidemiological analysis integrating human case data with vector surveillance is essential for understanding local transmission dynamics. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis using 12-year (2013–2024) county-level SFTS surveillance data from Yantai City. Temporal trends were analyzed by Joinpoint regression. Concurrent field surveillance of Haemaphysalis longicornis (2019–2024) was used to quantify local SFTSV infection rates in ticks. Associations between SFTS incidence and environmental/livestock factors were evaluated using Spearman’s correlation and multivariable negative binomial regression. Results: A total of 1964 SFTS cases were reported. The annual incidence rate increased from 0.65 to 5.12 per 100,000 population, with an average annual percentage change (AAPC) of 13.56% 2013–2024, showing the most substantial rise among the elderly. Marked spatial heterogeneity was observed, with county-level mean incidence ranging from 0.30 to 5.23 per 100,000. The SFTSV infection rate in ticks surged from 0.54% in 2019 to 3.24% in 2024, and showed a strong positive correlation with human incidence both seasonally (ρ = 0.998) and across counties (ρ = 0.79), a pattern likely driven by shared environmental factors. Multivariable analysis identified grassland coverage (adjusted IRR [aIRR] = 1.21), woodland coverage (aIRR = 2.31), goat density (aIRR = 1.49), and tick infection rate (aIRR = 1.65) as independent risk factors, while urban land was protective (aIRR = 0.83). The overall case fatality rate was 8.86%, showing a declining trend, but was significantly higher in males (10.90%) than in females (7.04%), particularly among the elderly. Conclusions: SFTS incidence in Yantai increased significantly over the past decade, characterized by a heightened burden on the elderly and strong spatiotemporal clustering. Risk is independently mediated by ecological interfaces, notably woodland/grassland habitats and goat rearing. These findings delineate high-risk areas and populations, offering crucial insights for developing targeted public health strategies. Full article

The LOCAL project, ‘Biodiversity and enhancement of local sheep and goat genotypes with a predominant aptitude for milk production’, was developed in the Apulia region of Southern Italy. It adopted a multidisciplinary scientific approach to address the conservation of native sheep and goat breeds, and it aimed to engage a wide and diverse audience to contribute to the development of the territory. This work outlines some of the project’s objectives and, in particular, the activities relating to the historical documentation, census and morphological characteristics of four breeds: the Gentile di Puglia sheep and the Grigia del Subappennino Dauno, Capestrano Pugliese and Antica Murgiana goat breeds. The project’s results enabled the four breeds to be registered in the Regional Register of Animal Genetic Resources, paving the way for further initiatives aimed at implementing in situ and ex situ conservation of the breeds’ genetic heritage. Furthermore, the paper presents actions aimed at raising awareness of the importance of animal biodiversity and native populations, with a particular focus on education, tourism, and productive services. Full article

This study investigates the typology of the pastoral farming systems in the arid region of southern Tunisia, with a particular focus on the governorate of Tataouine. A field survey was conducted among 111 livestock farmers distributed across different agro-ecological zones. The typology of breeding systems was established using a Factor Analysis of Mixed Data (FAMD), which identified eleven dimensions explaining 69.74% of the total data variance. The first three dimensions accounted for 15.91%, 8.79%, and 7.67% of the variability, respectively, and were defined by herd composition, resource availability, and management strategies, including variables such as the number of goats, sheep, and camels, distance to water sources, infrastructure, reproductive practices, and workforce availability. Hierarchical clustering revealed three distinct systems: System 1, regrouping “Small Urban Farmers”, defined by small-scale operations relying on family labor, localized feed resources, and market-driven production targeting urban consumers; System 2, representing large livestock, composed of professionalized operations with improved infrastructure, hired labor, and transhumance practices to optimize resource use and productivity; and System 3, for herds with camels, characterized by extensive systems utilizing collective rangelands and camels to adapt to arid conditions and ensure ecological resilience. The results emphasize how ecological constraints, infrastructure, and spatial organization shape the diversity of these systems. This typology provides critical insights into the challenges and potential of livestock farming in arid environments and offers a foundation for designing targeted interventions to support the sustainability of pastoral systems under increasing environmental and economic pressures. Full article

Understanding local population density and spatial habitat use is essential for wildlife conservation in fragmented mountainous landscapes. This study examined the habitat use patterns of Capra aegagrus in the mountainous regions of Batman, Türkiye, using Kernel Density Estimation (KDE) and spatial regression modeling. Significant spatial autocorrelation (Moran’s I = 0.799, p < 0.001) justified the use of a Spatial Error Model (AIC = −254.59). Built land proportion had a strong negative effect, with a 10% increase associated with a 31% decline in KDE intensity. Elevation also showed a modest negative association with habitat use intensity, whereas slope and bare land proportion were positively associated. The southern stratum exhibited higher relative encounter intensity, and the spatial autoregressive parameter (λ = 0.92) indicated strong spatial structuring. To complement spatial habitat analysis with demographic estimates, population density was assessed using Line Transect Distance Sampling in the northern and southern sub-regions. The estimated local density was 6.47 individuals/km² (95% CI: 4.11–10.16), with overlapping confidence intervals between sub-regions. The variation in detection probability and encounter rate contributed the most to overall uncertainty. Because the surveys were restricted to accessible mountainous terrain, estimates represent local ecological density rather than province-wide abundance. Together, these results provide a spatially explicit baseline linking relative habitat use patterns with locally derived density estimates to support future monitoring and conservation planning. Full article

This study presents new phytolith data that reconstruct the vegetation patterns and environmental context of medieval sites in northeastern Romania, integrated with previously published archaeozoological evidence. Sediment samples from cultural layers at Târgu Neamț–La Damian and Neamț Fortress were analysed following standard extraction protocols and classified according to the International Code for Phytolith Nomenclature (ICPN 2.0). The newly obtained phytolith assemblages are dominated by morphotypes from the Poaceae family, with diagnostic cereal forms, indicating intensive cereal use. The presence of arboreal and non-grass phytoliths further suggests a mosaic landscape combining grass-dominated open areas, pastures, and nearby woodland. When compared with existing faunal data, characterized by a predominance of domestic species such as cattle, sheep/goat, and pig, the results support the reconstruction of a diversified agro-pastoral economy adapted to local geomorphological and climatic conditions. The integration of new phytolith and existing archaeozoological data highlights the complementary role of plant microremains in reconstructing medieval environments, providing valuable insight into agro-pastoral resources, vegetation dynamics, and human–landscape interactions in the eastern Carpathian region. This approach enhances our understanding of the ecological basis of medieval Moldavian communities and contributes to the reconstruction of Late Holocene anthropogenic landscape dynamics within a Quaternary environmental framework. Full article

Given the growing concerns over water scarcity and the state’s emphasis on livestock sector development, this study aims to evaluate the effect of variations in livestock units (camels, cattle, goats, and sheep) on domestic red meat production and food security during the period 2000–2023, using economic equations and econometric analysis. This study revealed an increase in red meat production from 159.6 thousand tons in 2000 to 297.5 thousand tons in 2023, representing an annual growth rate of 2.9%. Sheep ranked first in red meat production, accounting for 47.0%, followed by camels at 23.1%, then cows and goats at 16.3% and 13.6%, respectively, during the period 2000–2023. Livestock development will also increase the number of animal units to 12.56 million by 2030, thereby increasing local red meat production from 345.01 thousand tons in 2024 to 578.47 thousand tons in 2030. Given the daily local consumption, the production sufficiency period is expected to increase, thus reducing the period of import coverage for local consumption. Livestock development will also increase both the strategic stock and the food security coefficient for red meat by rates of 110.4% and 51.6%, respectively. Finally, this study recommends the continued development of livestock through the Agricultural Development Fund’s provision of loans for livestock breeding and fattening, in addition to expanding the import of fodder grains and the manufacture of animal feed. Full article