Objective: This study was conducted to estimate multi-trait genetic parameters for somatic cell score (SCS), milk yield and type traits in Nigerian Dwarf (ND) goats from the United States.Methods: Data from 1,041 ND goats in the United States with kiddings in 95 herds were used to estimate multi-trait genetic parameters for SCS, milk (MILK), fat (FAT), and protein (PROT) yields, and 14 type traits. An 18-trait mixed linear animal model for lactation mean SCS (Log2), MILK, FAT, PROT, and 14 type traits was applied. A factor analytic approach (FA1) in ASReml software was used to obtain convergence.Results: Averages for SCS were low (2.85±1.29 Log2), and were 314±110.6, 20.9±7.4, and 14±4.9 kg, respectively, for MILK, FAT, and PROT. Heritabilities for SCS, MILK, FAT, and PROT were 0.32, 0.16, 0.16, and 0.10, respectively. The highest heritabilities for type traits were for stature (0.72), teat diameter (0.49), and rump width (0.48), and the lowest estimates were for dairyness (0.003) and medial suspensory ligament (0.03). Genetic correlations of SCS with MILK, FAT, and PROT were positive but low (0.25, 0.18, and 0.23, respectively). Genetic and phenotypic correlations between MILK, FAT, and PROT were high and positive (≥0.66). Absolute values of genetic correlations involving SCS with type traits were generally low or no different from zero. Most of the phenotypic correlations involving SCS with type traits were low. No serious unfavorable genetic correlations between milk yield traits and SCS or between milk yield traits or SCS and type traits were found.Conclusion: Genetic variation exists in the ND breed for most studied traits. The development of selection programs based on these estimates may help accelerate favorable multitrait genetic changes in this breed.

In the last decade, the problems caused by the excessive use of antibiotics and the emergence of multi-resistant patterns in Gram-negative bacteria caused the generation of several alternatives and/or replacements, including endolysins and the use of silver nanomaterials (AgNPs). It has been shown that the AgNPs help overcome the bacterial lipopolysaccharide barrier and allow the endolysins to reach the cell wall; therefore, in the present investigation, conjugates of BK510 commercial endolysins (BK510Lys) with metallic nanoparticles were made, which eliminated the obstacle that represents the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. AgNPs were produced by green synthesis using Lepidium virginicum extract as a reducing agent, and diameters of 16.06 ± 4.23 nm were obtained. The endolysins BK510Lys and AgNPs were used to generate conjugates that were characterized and evaluated against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria of veterinary interest. The results indicated that using the conjugates at a concentration of 0.01 mg/mL, a 2:1 ratio, a temperature of 40 °C, and at pH 5, the inhibitory effect was greater than that of AgNPs (0.5 µg/mL) in more than 65% of the Gram-negative bacteria analyzed. Furthermore, it was determined that for both BK510Lys and the AgNP-BK510Lys conjugate, the only factor that had a significant effect on the lytic activity was their concentration. Finally, we concluded that based on the promising results obtained, future follow-up can be conducted for the formulation of highly specific alternative drugs for super-resistant Gram-negative bacteria.

Records of 3716 Nubian goats from the United States (US) were analyzed to estimate relationships between fourteen conformation traits (CT) with lactation average somatic cell score (ASCS). To analyze ASCS, a mixed model was implemented. Linear and quadratic effects of CT traits, days in milk (DIM), and kidding age in months (KA) were considered as fixed covariates, and herd-year (HY) of kidding as a random effect. Correlation coefficients between CT traits and ASCS adjusted for HY and linear and [...] ABSTRACT Records of 3716 Nubian goats from the United States (US) were analyzed to estimate relationships between fourteen conformation traits (CT) with lactation average somatic cell score (ASCS). To analyze ASCS, a mixed model was implemented. Linear and quadratic effects of CT traits, days in milk (DIM), and kidding age in months (KA) were considered as fixed covariates, and herd-year (HY) of kidding as a random effect. Correlation coefficients between CT traits and ASCS adjusted for HY and linear and

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the potential of the biomass of Guazuma ulmifolia Lam. (G. ulmifolia L.) as an alternative ingredient in feed for piglets. In addition, the microorganisms present in the flour transformed from the biomass of the fruit of G. ulmifolia L. were identified, and balanced mixture was subsequently formulated to evaluate the impact on the growth and health of the piglets. Design/Methodology/Approach: Microorganisms present in the flour of the fruit of G. ulmifolia L. were identified from obtaining axenic cultures; considering the morphological characteristics and the nucleotide sequence obtained from the amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. Subsequently, a balanced mixture was formulated with the inclusion of the alternative ingredient of G. ulmifolia L., added with Sorghum, Glycine max and shrimp waste (FMIX). The analytical constituents of the FMIX mixture were also determined and it was subsequently evaluated in a group of 15 female pigs in the initiation stage for 53 days versus commercial balanced feed. Three groups of five pigs were defined as G1 (Diet with commercial balanced feed), G2 (Diet with commercial feed mixture and 10% FMIX mixture) and G3 (Diet with commercial feed mixture and 20% FMIX mixture). Complete blood counts were also obtained at 11 weeks of age for each pig. Results: The microorganisms found in the flour of G. ulmifolia L. were mainly of the genus Bacillus, Cronobacter and Enterococcus. The bromatological analysis of G. ulmifolia L. flour resulted in a crude protein of 7.12%, crude fiber of 35.40% and a digestible organic matter of 47.81%. The analytical constituents for the FMIX mixture resulted in a crude protein of 19.98%, crude fiber of 6.41% and digestible organic matter of 55.04%. An average weight gain per group of 28.34 ±5.009 Kg was verified for group G1, for G2 of 33.05 ±8.901 Kg and 29.10 ±3.619 Kg for G3. Mainly the blood cell counts indicated the presence of high leukocytes, lymphocytes and basophils for groups G1 and G3, while for group G2 they remained within the normal range. The G1 group showed a decrease in platelets and neutrophils. A slight weight gain was observed in the G2 group, as well as leukocyte levels were controlled. Limitations on Study/Implications: The climatic conditions were important factor (autumn and winter), as well as the evaluation period of 53 days, which limits the potential generalization of the results to other conditions and in the long term. On the other hand, more studies are required to investigate the mechanisms of action by which G. ulmifolia L. biomass exerts its beneficial effects on the intestinal health of pigs. Despite these limitations, the findings of this study open new perspectives for the development of more sustainable and healthy diets for pig production by taking advantage of natural resources and promoting the use of functional ingredients. Findings/Conclusions: This study demonstrated that G ulmifolia L. biomass can be an excellent alternative as a feed ingredient for pigs, mainly due to its probiotic microorganism content. The inclusion of this biomass in the diet can optimize nutrient uptake, improve intestinal health and promote improved performance. However, further research is required to fully understand the mechanism of action of these microorganisms and to evaluate their potential in other animal species.

The objective of this study was to determine the variations in the mineral profile of the micellar and water-soluble fractions of goat milk between the first and second lactations. Twenty Saanen dairy goats in their first (n=10) or second lactation (n=10) were randomly selected for this trial. Milk samples were obtained monthly from all the animals for seven months. The concentrations of sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorous (P), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) in both the water-soluble and micellar fractions were analyzed. Na, Mg, Zn, K, and As were positively correlated with both total milk production and lactation days in the first-lactation dairy goats (r>0.9; p<0.05). For the second-lactation goats, Ca, Se, and P had negative correlation coefficients with days in lactation (r<-0.75; p<0.05). Overall, the mineral contents in the micellar and water-soluble fractions of first- and second-lactation goats varied throughout lactation. The concentrations of essential elements in the milk of goats from the first and second births did not significantly differ. The distribution of essential and toxic minerals in the micellar and aqueous fractions found in goat milk is important for identifying the fraction with the highest percentage of recorded concentration of a particular mineral, especially toxic ones. For example, the content of arsenic in goat milk was above the international standard allowed for drinking water (10 µg L^-1), which is important for monitoring the quality and safety of goat milk.