Research Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences

Research Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences 2017 January; 9 (1): pages 6-14

Research Article

AENSI Publsher

Reproductive and Productive Efficiency of Damascus and Baladi goats under Egyptian arid conditions 1

Abd El-Hamid, I. S., 2Ibrahim, N. H., 1Farrag, B., 1Younis, F. E. and 1Wahba, I, A.

1

Department of Animal Physiology, Desert Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Cairo, Egypt. Department of Animal and poultry production, Faculty of Agriculture, Beni Suef University, Beni -Suef, Egypt.

2

Corresponding Author: Abd El-Hamid, I. S., Department of Animal Physiology, Desert Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture, Cairo, Egypt. E-mail: [email protected] Received date: 1 May. 2017, Accepted date: 29 May. 2017, Online date: 10 June. 2017 Copyright: © 2017 Abd El-Hamid, I.S. et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

Abstract The influence of breed on reproductive efficiency and some biochemical constituents and hormonal profile through different pregnancy stages under Egyptian arid conditions was studied using 21 does with a mean weight of 40.0 ± 0.2 kg (mean ± SE) divided depended on breed into two groups. The first group Damascus (n=13), the second group locale breed Baladi (n=8). Estrus was synchronized with two PGF2α, injections given 11 days apart (−11 and 0). Estrus detection was carried out every 12 h and continued for 60 h after PGF2α treatment. Blood samples were collected at (-11, 0, 1, 2 and 3 days) before and after injections of PGF2α to determine the concentrations of serum estradiol 17- ß (E2) during synchronization period. After mating blood samples were collected on days 8, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 during pregnancy days to monitor the change in serum concentrations of progesterone (P4) and some of blood biochemical constituents. No differences were detected between Damascus and Baladi does in pregnancy, lambing rates, and litter size and gestation period. Numerical increment were detected in twins, triplets and prolificacy rates in Damascus dose compared with Baladi dose, while single rate was decreased in Damascus dose. Survival rate was significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in Damascus dose compared with Baladi dose. Marked increase in Baladi dose giving birth to female off spring (10/15, 66.67%) was observed compared to Damascus does (13/26, 50%). Overall means of serum estradiol (E2) were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.01) in Damascus dose compared with Baldi does. Serum progesterone concentrations were higher (P4) from 30 day until 90 in Damascus and then declined on days 120 and 150 (late-stage) compared with and Baladi does through-out pregnancy. Overall serum total protein concentrations were not a significantly different (P = 0.81) among Damascus does. Overall means of serum albumin, (Alb) concentrations significantly increased (P < 0.05) in Damascus compared with Baldi dose, during pregnancy period. While Overall means of serum globulin (Glob), glucose (Glu), concentrations significantly decreased in Damascus compared with Baldi does. Overall means of serum cholesterol (Cho) concentration significantly increased (P ≤ 0.01) in Baldi (81.94 ± 2.67 mg/dl) compared with Damascus does (68.17 ± 2.15 mg/dl) during pregnancy. Overall means of serum creatinine (Crea) concentration were tended to increase (P = 0.09) in Damascus (5.08 ± 0.45 mg/dl) compared with Baldi does (3.87 ± 0.56 mg/dl). Overall mean serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in the Damascus (21.68 ± 2.00 IU/L) than the Baladi does (14.44 ± 2.44 IU/L). While serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations were not different between Damascus, and Baldi does during pregnancy (7.60 ± 1.08 vs. 8.92 ± 1.30 IU/L), respectively. Weaning weight of Damascus kids significantly increased (P < 0.01) after 30 day of birth compared with Baladi kids. In conclusion, Damascus goats have a higher reproductive efficiency (twinning, and prolificacy rates) and weaning weight of kid than Baladi goats. Serum concentrations of metabolites (Alb, Glo, Glu and Cho) were significantly decreased in Damascus dose, while serum E2 and ALT concentrations were increased during pregnancy. So apparently, Damascus goats seem to adapt well to the environmental conditions (climate, diseases and nutrition) of Egyptian arid-conditions. Thus there is a potential to exploit the genetics for the productive traits of this breed to enhance milk and meat production under Egyptian arid-conditions.

Key words: Damascus, Baladi, goats, pregnancy stages, reproductive efficiency. INTRODUCTION In Egypt goats are one of the most economically important livestock. There are about 4.3 Million goats (Ashour et al., 2015). The goats play an important and critical role for communities living in arid and semi-arid regions for production of meat, milk, skin, and fiber (Al-Sobaiyl, 2010; Castel et al., 2010), also the goat production offer a less expensive and easier in less developed countries where space and capital are limited (Hammam et al., 2008) and are managed using a variety of husbandry techniques (Boyazoglu et al., 2005), goats also possess development potential as one of their main attributes, for example the most of the dairy goat breeds found today are derived from European breeds (Gall, 1996). Nubian, French Alpine, Saanen and dairy goat breeds are the most prevalent in the United States (Harris and Springer, 1996). In the eastern Mediterranean region, the Damascus or Shami goat is well appreciated by farmers for its high reproductive and productivity performance (Guney et al., 2006; Khazaal, 2009). On the other hand, some reports suggest that the reproductive and productive efficiency of Damascus goats that were raised outside the country of origin need to enhance in reproductive efficiency and nutrition in arid or semi-arid environments (Musa and Shetaewi 2002). Weak maternal behavior of Damascus goats towards new born kids (Khazaal, 2009) in Capra hircus goats (Pascal et al., 2007), in Caw Ridge goats (Rachel et al., 2015), is considered one of highly mortality factors of new born kids (Madibela et al., 2002). The local farmers often mistakenly assume – without following proper breeding programs - that cross-breeding would simply result in a hybrid possessing advantages of both sides. To date, there is no data available yet to postulate potential variability in the level of thermal adaptation (Al-Tamimi et al., 2013).

Research Journal of Animal and Veterinary Sciences ISSN: 1819-5458

7 Citation: Abd El-Hamid, I.S., N.H., Ibrahim, B. Farrag, F.E. Younis and I.A. Wahba, 2017. Reproductive and Productive Efficiency of Damascus and Baladi Goats under Egyptian arid Conditions. Res. J. Anim. & Vet. Sci., 9(1): 6-14.

The Damascus breed is being imported at a high price (200-300 $) compared to a price of local breed Baladi goats (50-60 $) with the aim of raised under arid conditions. Few reports were published about evaluation of reproductive efficiency and productivity between local breed and Damascus breed (Shrestha and Fahmy, 2007). The present study aims to evaluate reproductive performance of Damascus goats and local breed Baladi goats and the changes of some biochemical blood constituents and hormonal profiles during synchronization and pregnancy period under the same arid conditions of Egypt. MATERIALS AND METHODS 2.1. Animals and Management: Twenty one mature female goats, average body weight of 40 ± 0.2 kg, 3-4 years old, and kept in a Ras Sudr City, South Sinai Governorate, that belongs to South Sinai, Desert Research Center (DRC) Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, Egypt. All animals were housed in closed pens throughout experimental period from (Sep, 2016 to Mar, 2017). Goats were fed a concentrate mixture according to their body weight requirements (NRC, 1985). All animals received 1 kg per day of palliated concentrate mixture that contained 65% total digestible nutrients (TDN) and 14% crude protein and given Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) hay as a roughage ration ad lib. Fresh water was presented twice daily. 2.2. Clinical Examination: Animals were examined clinically and were found to be free of any disease, physical abnormalities or reproductive disorders. 2.3. Experimental Design: Twenty one doe goats were divided depended on breed into two groups. The first group Shami or (Damascus) goat (n=13), the second group locale (Baladi) goat (n=8) to evaluation of reproductive and productive efficiency of Damascus and Baladi goats under Egyptian arid conditions. Estrus was synchronized with two PGF2α, (Estrumate, 250 µg Cloprostenol/ml, Schering-Plough Animal Health, Germany) injections given 11 days (−11 and 0) apart (Fig. 2). The does were presented to a fertile bucks that were fitted with dye markers to detect does exhibiting estrus for 60 hrs. Estrus detection was carried out every 12 h and continued for 60 h after PGF2α treatment. 2.4. Blood Collected: Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein in vacationer tubes 5 ml to determination the concentrations of serum Estradiol 17- ß (E2) and some serum constituents before and after injections of PGF2α (-11, 0, 1, 2 and 3). In addition, blood samples were collected from animals on days (8, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150) after mating. The samples were used to monitor the change in serum concentrations of progesterone (P4) and some serum constituents during the days of pregnancy. All samples were collected in the morning before access to feed. Serum was harvested after centrifugation at 3,000 rpm for 10 minutes, and then stored at -20 °C for later analysis. 2.5. Hormonal Assay: Progesterone (P4) and estradiol 17- ß (E2) were analyzed using ELISA kits (Monobind, USA) according to Abraham, (1981). The intra -and inter-assay CV's are (9.3, 9.7 % and 8.2, 95 %), respectively. The optical densities for all hormonal assays were obtained using a Stat Fax 2000 ELISA reader. 2.6. Serum Biochemical Analysis: Serum samples from goats during the experimental period were subjected to analysis using commercial kits. Concentrations of total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), glucose (Glu), cholesterol (Cho), creatinine (Cre), aspartate amino- taransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were determined using colorimetric kits (Spectrum, Egypt ), according to (Tietz, 1994; Tietz, 1990; Howanitz et al., 1984; Trinder, 1969; Bowers and Wong 1980; Reitman and Frankel, 1975), respectively. Globulin (Glo) concentration was calculated according to formula: Globulin = (Total Protein - Albumin) Howe, (1921). 2.7. Meteorological Data: Meteorological data of relative humidity (RH, %), air temperature (AT, ○C) and photoperiod, were obtained from an Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA). Temperature-Humidity Index (THI) was calculated according to the equation proposed by Amundson et al. (2006). THI = (0.8×temperature) + [(% relative humidity/100) × (temperature-14.4)] + 46.4.The mean values of these parameters are presented in (Fig. 1). THI (%)

RH(%)

Temp( c) 50

90

40

80 30

Temp ( C)

THI (%) and RH (%)

100

70 20

60 50

10 Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jan

Fig. 1: Changes in means of ambient temperatures (AT), Relative Humidity (RH) and Temperature-Humidity index (THI) during the experimental period.

2.7. Body Weight of Kids: The weight of newly born kids was recorded after birth and after 30 d of parturition (early weaning weight). 2.6. Statistical Analysis: Data for serum biochemical and estradiol 17-β concentrations on days -11 and during synchronization period (-1, 0 and 3) after PGF2α injection. Also serum biochemical and progesterone concentrations during pregnancy (days 8, 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150) were analyzed by the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS, (2006) with breeds (Damascus and Baladi), days and breeds × days interaction included in the models. Categorical data or data expressed as percentages (Estrus detection, pregnancy and litter size rates, single rate, twining rate, triple rate and lambing rate and kid's sex ratio (F/M) were analyzed by chi-square analysis with PROC FREQ procedure and FISHER exact test in the model. Prolificacy values and gestation period were analyzed using ANOVA with PROC GLM procedure of SAS. Repeated measurements data for new born lambs’ body weights after birth and after weaning were analyzed by the PROC MIXED procedure of SAS



Fig. 2: Hormonal t protocol for doe goats synchronized for estrus with 2 × PGF2α, (-11 d to 0 d). Blood (B) samples were collected on day's −11, 0, 1, 2, 3, 8, 30, 60, 120 and 150 after mating. 3. Results: 3.1. Reproductive performance: All reproductive data are summarized in Table. 1. No differences were detected between Damascus and Baladi does in estrus detection rate, pregnancy rates (100 % 13/13 and 100 % 8/8, respectively). Similar trend was detected in litter size in Damascus goats and Baladi goats (26/26 and 15/15), respectively but single rate was decreased (P = 0.8) in Damascus does 15.38 % (2/13) compared with Baladi does 25% (2/8), while twining, triple rates were numerically increased (P = 0.8) in Damascus does (69.23 % 9/13, 15.38 % 2/13), respectively compared with Baladi does (62.50 % 5/8, 12.50 % 1/8), respectively. No significant differences in lambing rate between Damascus and Baladi does (13/13 100 % vs. 8/8 100 %) were detected. Damascus dose had prolificacy rate of (2.00 ± 0.17) that was nonsignificant increased (P = 0.6) from (1.87 ± 0.21) for the Baladi does. The survival rate was significant increased (P ≤ 0.05) in Baladi does 100 % (15/15) compared with Damascus does 80.77 (21/26). Data for born kid’s sex ratio (female/male), of the 26 kids born, Damascus dose had 13 females vs. 13 males (1:1 ratio) compared to 10 females vs. 5 males for the Baladi dose (2:1 ratio). Despite the apparent difference in the F/M sex ratios between Damascus dose and Baladi dose, the difference was not significant (P = 0.3). No significant differences were detected in gestation period (P = 0.3) between Damascus and Baladi dose (151.15 ± 1.82 vs. 154.63 ± 2.32), respectively. Table 1: Reproductive performance in of Damascus and Baladi does under Egyptian arid condition. Item

Damascus goats

Baladi goats

Estrus detection rate % 100 (13/13) 100 (8/8) pregnancy rate % 100 (13/13) 100 (8/8) litter size % 100 (26/26) 100 (15/15) Single rate % 15.38 (2/13) 25 (2/8) Twins rate % 69.23 (9/13) 62.50 (5/8) Triples rate % 15.38 (2/13) 12.50 (1/8) Lambing rate % 100 (13/13) 100 (8/8) Prolificacy rate 2.00 ± 0.17 1.87 ± 0.21 survival rate % 80.77 (21/26) 100 (15/15) Kids sex ratio (F/M) 50 (13/26) 66.67 (10/15) Gestation period 151.15 ± 1.82 154.63 ± 2.32 a) Estrus detection rate = (no. of does detected in estrus within 60h after PGF2α injection/total no. of does in each group × 100). b) Pregnancy rate = (number of conceived does / total number of does) × 100. c) Litter size= born kids/lambed does. d) Single rate= number of dose single lambed/number of dose lamed) ×100. e) Twins rate= number of dose twining lambed/number of dose lamed) ×100. f) Triples rate= number of dose triples lambed/number of dose lamed) ×100. g) Lambing rate = (number of dose lambed/number of dose exposed to bucks) ×100. h) Prolificacy rate = (number of kids born/ number of dose lamed) ×100.

Prob 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.6 0.6 0.05 0.3 0.3

3.2. Estrus activity: No significant (P = 0.4) differences in distribution of estrus activity over a 60 hrs after second PGF2α injection were recorded between Baladi and Damascus dose. All animals were detected in estrus within the 54 hrs. In Damascus dose 46.2 % (6/13) displayed estrus in a shorter period 18 hrs (6 hrs - 24 hrs), while 53.8 % (7/13) displayed estrus over a wider period of 48 hrs (48 hrs - 54 hrs) compared with Baladi dose which displayed estrus 25 % (2/8) in same time and 75% (6/8) in a wider period of 48 hrs (48 – 54) (Fig. 3). 3.3. Reproductive hormones: Overall means of serum estradiol 17-β (E2) were significant increased (P ≤ 0.01) in Damascus dose (41.14 ± 2.11 pg/ml) compared with Baldi dose (33.10 ± 2.11 pg/ml). In Damascus dose, serum E2 concentration were increased from (36.94 ± 3.65 pg/ml) at day -1 to (45.70 ± 3.65 pg/ml) at day 3 after PGF2α , the same trend were found in Baladi dose (28.72 ± 3.65 pg/ml) at -1 day to (36.86 + 3.65 pg/ml) at day 3 after PGF2α injection (Fig. 4). Numerical increase (P = 0.65) were found in serum progesterone concentration in Damascus compared with Baladi dose through-out the pregnancy (days 8, 30, 60, 90,120 and 150). Serum progesterone concentration had increased in Damascus and Baladi dose starting from 30 day of early- stage (1.50 ± 0.71 , 1.95 ± 0.71 ng/ml) respectively until mid - stage (90 day ) (2.63 ± 0.71, 1.82 ± 0.71 ng/ml), respectively, and then serum progesterone concentration declined during the late-stage (days 120 and 150) (Fig. 5).



Fig. 3: Distribution of estrous activity over 60 h after administration of PGF2α injection in Baladi and Damascus does prior to and subsequent to mating.

Fig. 4: Changes in serum estradiol concentration (pg/ml) during 3 days after PGF2α injection in Baladi and Damascus does.

Fig. 5: Changes in serum progesterone concentration (ng/ml) at days 30, 60, 90, 120 and 150 in Damascus and Baladi does during pregnancy period. 3.4. Changes in serum biochemical parameter during pregnancy stage in Baldi and Damascus goats: Overall of serum total protein concentrations (TP) were not different (P = 0.81) among Damascus dose (7.23 ± 0.13 g/dl) and Baldi dose (7.28 ± 0.16 g/dl). While Overall means of serum total protein concentrations (TP) were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.01) in early-stage (days 30 and 60) of pregnancy (7.70 ± 0.22 and 8.08 ± 0.29 g/dl), respectively, and decreased with the advancement of pregnancy (mid and late stages) in both breeds (Table 2). Overall means of serum albumin (Alb) concentrations were significantly increased (P < 0.05) between Damascus dose (4.49 ± 0.09 g/dl) and Baldi dose, (4.08 ± 0.11 g/dl) during pregnancy. There were interactions (P < 0.01) between breed and days of pregnancy. Serum albumin (Alb) concentrations were increased (P < 0.05) in Damascus dose during late-stage 150 days (5.67 ± 0.15 g/dl) compared to Baldi dose (4.27 ± 0.23 g/dl). Changes of serum albumin (Alb) concentration were detected (P ≤ 0.01) between days throughout pregnancy. Recorded serum albumin (Alb) concentrations were highest at late-stage 150 d (4.97 ± 0.15 g/dl) compared with other pregnancy stages. Overall means of serum globulin (Glob) concentrations were a significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in Damascus dose (2.47 ± 0.14 g/dl) compared with Baldi dose, (3.20 ± 0.17 g/dl). There were no interactions between breed and days of pregnancy (P = 0.24). Serum globulin (Glob) concentrations were elevated (P < 0.01) throughout days of pregnancy. The highest value were recorded in early - stage (days 30 and 60) of pregnancy (3.69 ± 0.23, 3.75 ± 0.31 g/dl), respectively while the lower value was recorded in late-stage 150 day (2.06 ± 0.23). Overall means of serum (Glu) concentration were a significantly decreased (P ≤ 0.01) in Damascus compared with Baldi goats (73.72 ± 0.43 vs. 75.62 ± 0.53 mg/dl), respectively. There was no interaction between breeds and stages of pregnancy, also no differences (P ≤ 0.09) were detected in serum glucose (Glu) concentration between days throughout pregnancy period. Overall means of serum cholesterol (Cho) concentration were significantly increased (P ≤ 0.01) in Baldi dose (81.94 ± 2.67 mg/dl) compared with Damascus dose (68.17 ± 2.15 mg/dl). There was no interactions between breed and days of pregnancy were detected. Overall serum cholesterol concentration were affected by pregnancy stage (30, 60, 90,120 and 150). Highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) concentrations of serum cholesterol were observed in early-stage (days 30 and 60) than mid and late-stages (days 90, 120 and 150). Overall means of serum creatinine (Crea) concentration tended to increase (P = 0.09) in Damascus dose (5.08 ± 0.45 mg/dl) compared with Baldi dose (3.87 ± 0.56 mg/dl). There were no interactions between breed and days of pregnancy. Serum creatinine concentration were not affected by pregnancy stage (30, 60, 90, 120 and 150) (Table 2). Overall mean serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentrations were greater (P < 0.05) in the Damascus dose (21.68 ± 2.00 IU/L) than the Baladi dose (14.44 ± 2.44 IU/L). There were no interactions between breed and days of pregnancy (P = 0.77). There was no effect of pregnancy days (30, 60, 90,120 and 150) on serum alanine aminotransferase concentration (Table 2). No significant differences were detected between Damascus, and Baldi dose in overall serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations (7.60 ± 1.08 vs. 8.92 ± 1.30 IU/L) respectively. There were no interactions between breed and days of pregnancy. Overall serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) concentrations were not affected by different pregnancy stages (Table 2).



3.5. Body weight of kids: Overall of body weight were not affected by breed but there were interactions between breed and days. Kid's body weight born from Damascus dose were increased (P < 0.01) after 30 days of parturition (Early weaning weight) compared with kids born from Baladi dose (Table 3). Table 2: Changes in serum biochemical parameter during pregnancy period in Baldi and Damascus does under Egyptian arid condition (Mean ± SE).

Days of pregnancy

Overall

Parameters Breed

Early-stage

Mid-stage

30 Total protein ( g/dl)

Overall Albumin (g/dl)

Overall Globulin (g/dl)

Overall Glucose (mg/dl)

Overall Cholesterol (mg/dl)

Overall Creatinine (mg/dl)

Overall Aspartate aminotransferase (IU/L)

Overall Alanine aminotransferase (IU/L)

60

90

Late-Stage 120

150

Baladi Damascus

7.96±0.35 7.70 ± 0.27

7.85±0.42 8.31±0.42

7.03±0.35 6.39±0.28

6.85±0.38 6.64±0.26

6.97±0.35 7.10±0.27

7.28± 0.16 7.23± 0.13

Baladi Damascus

7.70±0.22AB 3.83±0.28b 4.18±0.18b

8.08±0.29A 4.38±0.28b 4.28±0.28b

6.71±0.22C 4.19±0.23b 4.12±0.19b

6.74±0.23C 3.71±0.25b 4.19±0.17b

7.04±0.22BC 4.27±0.23b 5.67±0.15a

4.08±0.11Y 4.49±0.09X

Baladi Damascus

4.01±0.15B 3.86±0.37 3.51±0.29

4.33±0.19B 3.47±0.44 4.03±0.44

4.15±0.15B 2.83±0.37 2.27±0.30

3.95±0.15B 3.13±0.41 2.44±0.27

4.97±0.15A 2.70±0.37 1.42±0.29

3.20±0.17X 2.74±0.14Y

Baladi Damascus

3.69±0.23A 76.60±1.11 75.72±0.84

3.75±0.31A 75.40±1.31 73.94±1.31

2.55±0.24BC 75.12±1.20 74.63±0.88

2.79±0.28B 75.42±1.20 73.00±0.84

2.06±0.23C 75.56±1.11 71.33±0.84

75.62±0.53X 73.72± 0.43Y

Baladi Damascus

76.16±0.69 93.16±6.39 89.58±4.76

74.67±0.92 85.03±6.39 70.33±6.39

74.87±0.74 80.49±5.84 61.55±4.31

74.21±0.73 77.99±5.84 58.85±4.13

73.44±0.69 73.05±5.40 60.55±4.13

81.94±2.67 68.17±2.15

Baladi Damascus

91.63±3.99A 4.04±1.18 7.13±0.90

77.68±4.52B 5.26±1.40 6.40±1.40

71.02±3.63BC 3.04±1.18 3.87±0.94

68.42±3.57C 3.66±1.28 4.71±0.87

66.80±3.40C 3.33 ±1.18 3.27±0.90

3.87±0.56 5.80±0.45

5.59±0.74

5.83±0.99

3.46±0.76

4.19±0.77

3.30±0.74

Baladi

6.88±2.84

13.82±3.48

5.82±2.63

11.64±2.84

6.44±2.63

8.92±1.30

Damascus

5.37±2.10

8.73±3.48

11.99±2.20

5.37±1.93

6.57±2.01

7.60±1.08

6.12±1.76

11.27±2.46

8.90±1.71

8.50±1.72

6.51±1.65

Baladi

19.33±5.18

15.52±6.95

11.47±5.18

9.77±5.60

16.14±5.18

14.44±2.44Y

Damascus

11.93±3.96

26.36±6.13

24.36±4.13

21.88±3.80

23.89±3.80

21.68±2.00X

15.63±3.26

20.94±4.33

17.91±3.31

15.83±3.38

20.01±3.26

Overall X-Y

values within the same columns with different letters differ (P < 0.05). values within the same rows with different letters differ (P < 0.01). a-b values within the same rows with different letters differ (P < 0.01). A-C

Table 3: Body weight (kg) of kids born from Damascus and Baladi goats under Egyptian arid condition (Mean ±SE). Breeds Damascus Baladi a-b

Birth weight (kg)

weaning weight (kg)

Overall

1.879 ± 0.10

2.829 ± 0.15a

2.345 ± 0.09

1.688 ± 0.13

b

2.191 ± 0.12

2.693 ± 0.21

values within the same column with different letters differ (P ≤ 0.01).

4. Discussion: In the present study estrus response of does was higher after second PGF2α injection (100 %). This finding is in agreement with previous reports in goats (Khanum et al., 2005; Rateb, 2006; Romano, 1998) as they reported that does received two intra muscular injection of PGF2α at 10 d interval exhibited higher estrus response after second injection. No differences were detected between Damascus and Baladi does in pregnancy, lambing rate, and litter size and gestation period. Agree with those results (Demirezer and Emsen, 2016; Shetaewi et al., 2001; Mousa, 1996) in goats. Similar results were found in ewes by Shetaewi, (1988).



Numerical increment were detected in twins, triplets and prolificacy rates in Damascus does compared with Baladi does, while single rate was decreased in Damascus does.( Khazaal , 2009; El Hag et al., 2000) reported that Damascus goats were higher recorded in twin and triplet rate compared with different local goat, while single rate was decreased in Damascus goats. The survival rate was significant decreased (P ≤ 0.05) in Damascus does compared with Baladi does. This finding is in agreement with previous reports in goats (Samir et al., 2016) as they reported that the breed had effected on embryonic and fetal loss throughout different gestation stages the heights incidence of embryonic and fetal loss were recorded in Zaraiebi goats (55.10 %) than Damascus does and cross breed goats (37.04 , 24.24 %), respectively. Marked increase in Baladi does giving birth to female off spring (10/15, 66.67 %) was observed compared to Damascus does (13/26, 50 %). Similar observation was reported by (Abd El-Hamid et al., 2016; Morsy et al., 2008) in Barki ewes when fed PUFA during mating and fertilization period. Green et al. (2008) reported that offspring of the sex ratio occurred within the first 13 day of pregnancy. They also provided one favorable explanation to skewed sex ratio of the offspring due to preferential loss of female conspectuses due to increased sensitivity to elevated glucose concentrations (Gutierrez-Adan et al., 2001; Peippo et al., 2001). In the current study serum glucose concentrations (Table 1) were significantly increased in Baladi does compared to Damascus does. In the present study overall means of serum estradiol 17-β concentration (E2) were significant increased (P ≤ 0.01) in Damascus does compared with Baldi does. In Damascus does, serum estradiol concentration increased from -1d to 3d after PGF2α the same trend were found in Baladi does -1 d to 3 d after PGF2α injection. Agreement with previous reports (Kadhim et al., 2014) in Damascus does, the results was found in ewes (Abd El- Hamid et al., 2016). The increase in serum concentration of estradiol (E2) at (0, 3 d) after PGF2α injection can be attributed to the increase of cholesterol (Table 2) is the precursor of all steroids, increased available substrate may increase steroid synthesis, and increasing of number of fetus (twins, triplets) as results to increase of number of large follicles (Abayasekara and Wathes, 1999). Numerical increment in serum progesterone concentration (P4) in Damascus compared with and Baladi does through-out the pregnancy stage. Serum progesterone concentration had increased in Damascus does starting from 30 day until 90 d and then declined on day late-stage120, 150 day. Since progesterone levels greater than 1 ng/ml is reached only after fertile mating in goats (Boscos et al., 2003). In agreement with those results (Rateb, 2006) he reported that plasma progesterone P4 concentration were increased during early and mid-gestation, followed by a decrease in late gestation period, and plasma progesterone concentration were lower in does bearing single fetus than does bearing twins or triplets fetus. Overall means of serum protein concentrations (TP) were increased in 30d and 60d of pregnancy, and decreased with the advancement of pregnancy days. Agreement with previous reports (Teleb et al., 2014; Gürgöze et al., 2009; Sandab, 2004) as they reported that total protein concentration was significantly lower with advanced (Late-stage) 120 day of gestation This decrease in serum total protein may be ascribed to the fact that day the fetus synthesises all its proteins from the amino acids derived from the mother, and growth of the fetus increases exponentially reaching a maximum level, especially in muscles, during late pregnancy (Safsaf et al., 2012; Sema et al., 2009; Balikci et al., 2007). Moreover, it could attributed to the rapid extraction of immunoglobulin from plasma during late-stage of pregnancy, when colostrum formed in the mammary gland, as well as the increase needs to proteins for the fetus development (Teleb et al., 2014; Antunovic et al., 2004; Castillo et al., 1999, Kaneko, 1997). In the present study overall means of serum albumin (Alb) concentrations were a significantly increased in Damascus compared with Baldi does, during pregnancy period. There were interactions between breed and days of pregnancy. Overall serum albumin (Alb) concentrations were increased in Damascus does during late-stage 150 day compared to Baldi does throughout pregnancy days. These data are in agreement with those reported by (Manat et al., 2016; Teleb et al., 2014; Abu El-Ella and Kommonna, 2013; Antunovic et al., 2011). The increased albumin concentration in late-stage pregnancy may be attributed to increase of glomerular filtration leading to the increase of albumin values throughout late gestation (Piccione et al., 2009; Yokus et al., 2006). In the present study overall means of serum globulin (Glo) concentrations were a significant decreased in Damascus compared with Baldi does during pregnancy period. There were no interactions between breed and days of pregnancy. Overall of serum globulin (Glo) concentrations were significantly elevated (P < 0.05) throughout days of pregnancy. The highest value were recorded in Early-stage (30, 60 d) of pregnancy, while the lower value was recorded in late-stage (150 d). These data are in agreement with those reported by (El-Sherif and Assad, 2001; zvorc et al., 2000). The decrease in serum globulin (Glo) concentration in the late pregnancy may be attributed the accumulation of globulin in the mammary gland during late of gestation (Kaneko, 1989). In the present study overall means of serum (Glu) concentration were a significant decreased in Damascus does compared with Baldi does. There was no interaction between breeds and stages of pregnancy, also no differences were detected in serum glucose (Glu) concentration between days throughout pregnancy period. These data are in agreement with those reported by (Balikci et al., 2007; Waziri et al., 2010) in goat and (Deghnouche et al., 2013) in ewes during pregnancy period. The decrease in serum glucose (Glu) of Damascus does may be due to highly bearing number of embryo (twins and triplets) which reflect the greater demands from glucose than Baladi does for growing fetus, leading to possible reduction in insulin secretion and glucose uptake from muscle and fat (Firat and Ozpmnar, 2002; Sporleder, 1998). In the present study overall means of serum cholesterol (Cho) concentration were decreased in Damascus does compared to Baldi does. In agreement with previous reports (Al-Bulushi et al., 2017; Egbe-Nwiyi et al., 2015; Anwar et al., 2015; Bamerny, 2013 and Piccione et al., 2009) as they reported that serum cholesterol concentration were significantly decreased in goat by breeds, pregnancy stage, lactation period seasons, sex, also the decrease in serum cholesterol was observed in the sheep during pregnancy stage (Kandiel et al., 2016). Cholesterol is the precursor of the production of steroids hormone as progesterone in early and mid-stage of pregnancy (Wiltbank et al., 1990) and corticosteroids, estrogen for parturition (Arther et al., 1982). In the present study the significant decreased in cholesterol values in mid and late-stage of pregnancy may be due to the Damascus does bearing twins, triples fetus compared with Baladi does (Table 1) and thus, increased cholesterol consumption needed for cortisol synthesis (Rateb, 2006). In the present study overall means of serum creatinine (Crea) concentration were tended to increase in Damascus does compared with Baldi does. Serum creatinine concentrations were not affected by pregnancy days. Agreement with previous reports (El Nasri, 2015; Waziri et al., 2010; Piccione et al., 2009; Kamalu et al., 1988) as they reported that serum creatinine concentration were changed with breed or throughout gestation (Early, Mid and Late). In the present study overall of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was significant higher in Damascus does compared to Baladi does. These data are in agreement with those reported by (Al-Eissa and Alkahtani, 2012; Waziri et al., 2010). However overall of serum aspartate aminotransferase AST activity was not different among the two breeds. These data are in agreement with those reported by (Jana, 1991; Gürgöze et al., 2009; Waziri et al., 2010). It was reported that transaminases are important and critical enzymes in the biological processes, since they play a role in amino acids catabolism and biosynthesis. They are found mainly intramuscularly, in liver and heart muscles, and to a certain degree in skeletal muscles, kidney and red blood cells. The change in their level reflects the function of these organs, and consequently, it is considered as a specific indicator of liver dysfunction (Harper et al., 1977). Moreover, transaminase activities have been reported to increase during pregnancy, which might indicate impairment in some muscle and liver cells due to rapid gluconeogenesis associated with pregnancy (Sarma and Ray, 1985). In the present study overall of weaning weight not significant affected by breed. There were interactions between breed and days. Agreement with previous reports (El Hag et al., 2000; Khazaal, 2009) as they reported that weaning weight of kids were not affected by different weaning stages, breeds and management system. Our results showed that weaning weight of Damascus kids were significantly increased after 30 days of parturition compared with Baladi kids this increased might be attributed to many factors such as different breeds, milk production, and birth weight and growth rate and kidding rate (Bushara et al., 2017). Conclusion: In conclusion, Damascus does have improved reproductive traits including (twins, triplets and prolificacy rate and weaning weight of kids) under the arid conditions than local Baladi does. Serum concentrations of metabolites (Alb, Glo, Glu and Cho) were significantly decreased in Damascus does, while serum E2 and ALT concentrations were increased during pregnancy period. So, apparently, Damascus goats seem to adapt well to the environmental conditions (nutrition, climate, diseases) of Egyptian arid-conditions. Thus there is a potential to exploit the genetic productive traits of this breed to enhance our local breed by crossing to enhance reproductive and productive traits such as milk and meat production under Egyptian arid-conditions.



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